Melissa Lynn
18 Bandwith Karaoke rock stars vying for a spot in the semi-finals. 4 rock star judges. 1 rock band plus open bar…shaken not stirred. Good times on a Thursday night at Black Bear Saloon. Last week, Chris Michols of Darik and the Funbags, Maria Manes of Mindz-I Entertainment Group, Mike Lawson, and I had the pleasure (in most cases) of paring down that group of 18 to 5 finalists. We heckled, were impressed, and I “Paula’d”. Stand out moment for me…Band began the first notes of “Rolling in the Deep”. There was eye rolling and a catty whisper over to my friend, Maria. “OMG. Is she REALLY going to try this? Yikes.” And then Meg sang. And shut me up (and for those of you who know me…Not an easy task!) She did a fine job with a tough song. Good for her! Congrats to all five finalists…Melissa Lynn, Donna Travis, Meg Ryan Boudreau, William Randolph, and Michaele Grant. Can’t wait to judge the finals!
The Finalists Group Hug
Colin Stetson at the Wadsworth
Last week I made a statement. “Manic Productions is bringing in the HOTTEST shows to CT…hands down.” And Tuesday night validated that statement. I got to catch the brilliant pairing of Emily Wells and Colin Stetson at The Wadsworth. Stetson was just amazing. It was incredible to watch him play the bass sax and hear the amazing sounds he can produce. The pleasant surprise of the evening, however, was Emily. She sat alone on stage with a synthesizer and multiple instruments and played songs from her 3 CD’s (2 of which I now proudly own.) According to her CD, she can play 15 plus instruments. She has a sweet and vulnerable way of singing. I haven’t stopped listening to her music since. Incidentally, Colin and Emily are both super nice people. I believe that had I had a little more time with Emily, I would have completely convinced her to partake in the “Great Girrafe Caper.” She was…almost…there. Spotted enjoying the show as well…Jeff Howard, guitarist extraordinaire from The McLovins who had a brilliant set on the main stage at Gathering of the Vibes this year.
Emily Wells
“Spot”light on…
Shenanigans in Saratoga prevented me from putting this together this week. Next week…Perhaps one of my favorite ladies will be in the spotlight! =)
What’s HOT this week…
Friday Aug 26
**Jennifer Hill & Co (BONUS! Burly Q from Lily La Vamp…), Hessian Lion, Avon – 10:00 pm
**String Theorie, Firebox Restaurant, Hartford – 8:00 pm
**Gene Ween & Dve Dreiwitz with Frank Critelli, (CANCELLED) Daniel Street, Milford – 6:00 pm
**Radio Giant, Black Bear Saloon Block Party, Hartford – 9:30 pm
Saturday Aug 27
**She Eats Planets, Zen Bar, Plainville – 9:00 pm
Wednesday Aug 31
**Woodsman and Snake Oil, BAR, New Haven – 9:00 pm
Hey! You! We’re not done yet! Check out my fb page – http://www.facebook.com/lsgoriginal – and follow my antics on Twitter at @lsgoriginal. Web page forthcoming!
Peace…
lsg
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Lisa Sanchez Gonzalez aka lsg
Lover of music and the visual arts, Lisa Sanchez Gonzalez is the insanity behind lsg original photography. lsg specializes in artist and performer photography. She’s had the honor of photographing national bands such as Weezer, Snoop Dogg, A Simple Plan, Paramore, Whitesnake, Wye Oak, and The Antlers along with countless local bands and performers.
Hailing from Hartford, CT, Lisa is a life- long music connoisseur. Growing up, her mother exposed her to everything from The Stones to Simon and Garfunkel to Earth, Wind, and Fire to Loretta Lynn…and everything in between. No genre was left unexplored in her vinyl collection. She saw her first concert at 14…Rod Stewart at the (then called) Hartford Civic Center. Thirty years later, it’s still her favorite pastime.
Lisa has two kids (grown!) and a day job. Her loves of music and photography have melded into a second career. And her love of CT keeps her promoting and pushing for local artists and performers. Lisa spends the greater part of her free time seeing and shooting live bands, performers, and artists and art work…and purchasing vinyl!
Best Local Blogger, 3rd in Hyperlocal News
Hartford Courant Websters 2012
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Blogger’s note…Unfortunately, the Gene Ween show has been cancelled. And I neglected to mention that Bop Tweedie will be at Cafe 9 on Monday night! Check him out!
I like the hat! LOL
Too bad it didn’t help me win any money at the track!!!