lsg spot
by Lisa Sanchez Gonzalez

http://www.facebook.com/lsgoriginal
Twitter at @lsgoriginal

8.17.2012
HOT Rewind                                                                                     

IT’S CRAZY the show that CT.com and The Advocate have put together in celebration of the 2012 Grand Band Slam nominees and winners.  Three days of amazing music…in multiple cities…and it’s all FREE.  If you follow my madness at all, you’ll know that this is going to be one of my toughest challenges.  All I can think to myself is “How in hell can I be in two cities (30-45 minutes apart!) at the same time?”  I’m thinking it’s going to come down to Ye Ole

Coin Toss.  Thursday, September 20^th, you have your choice of Bridgeport (Two Boots) or Hartford (Black Eyed Sally’s) or both if you’ve got Marty McFly’s DeLorean.  Then, on Friday, September 21^st, its EIGHT venues in Hartford, baby!  Finally, on Saturday, September 22^nd, New Haven hosts with shows at Anna Liffey’s and Café 9.  With that said…I CHALLENGE YOU to see as many bands as possible in that three day stretch.  Bonus if you can take in bands at all 8 venues on Saturday night!  Stayed tuned here and at CT.com for more on this!  Full list of bands and venues… http://www.ct.com/entertainment/music/grand-band-slam/2012/wtxx-grand-band-slam-2012-concert-schedule-20120813,0,3485754.story

LATE BREAKING NEWS!  McLovins have been added to the lineup at Up or On The Rocks for the September 21st show!!!

“SUNDAY, IN THE PARK, I think it was the twelfth of August.”  Hmm.  That’s not quite right.  OK.  How about Sunday in Middletown at Middlesex College for the first annual Middletown Music Festival?  It was a gorgeous, sun filled day with a nice breeze.  We packed a picnic basket (complete with adult beverages), a blanket, mitts, a baseball, and Frisbee.  And it seems we all got that memo because so did most around us.  MC’d by the one and only J-Cherry from WESU 88.1, we checked out some excellent open mic along with sets by

Gigglejuice, Two Virgins, and J-Cherry and the Strawberries.  The crowd danced and hula-hooped.  Oh, and…did I forget that there were food vendors AND I managed to purchase a couple of pairs of earrings from a jewelry vendor?  Yeah.  Great day and a great job by J-Cherry in putting it together.  It was a nice way for families to share a day in the sunshine with a wonderful soundtrack.  Make a mental note to attend next year!

SATURDAY NIGHT, the place to be is at Sully’s for Doug Wimbish’s WimBash 2012.  It’s an annual event and has grown to other cities as well.  It’s a full day of music that will include some of the dudes from Living Colour…Doug, Vernon Reid, and Will Calhoun along with many others (including some special guests that you’ll kick yourself about if you aren’t there!)  It’s all for charity because Doug gives back!  Here are the details.  Be there.  Seriously!  http://www.facebook.com/events/117961028346146/

BUT IF THAT ISN’T your cup o tea…I would be remiss in not also saying that Rick Bober is having a birthday and Shag Frenzy is throwing the party.  Out on the streets at Up or On The Rocks in Hartford.  Spinning starts at 10 pm.  Get out there and shake your thang and buy Bober a drink!  My recommendation is you do BOTH!!  =)  #findbober  http://www.facebook.com/events/117877265025661/

HEY TATTOO ENTHUSIASTS (and that does include me!), I think this is a cool event you might want to look into this weekend.  Just sayin… http://tommystattooconvention.com/

AND IF YOU DIDN’T get enough music this weekend, there’s MORE on Sunday!  Radio 104’s ROCKFEST 2012 is going on at Comcast Theater (on the Scion Stage) in Hartford.  Sublime!  Rome!  Less Than Jake!  And more.

http://www.radio1041.fm/pages/pages.php?page=181

YOU KNOW we like to help out our locals here at LBR.  Here’s a kick starter you might be interested in.  New Haven’s own Jose Oyola is looking to fund his debut album “Give. Give. Give.  Take. Take. Take.”  He wants to put it out in both CD and 12” vinyl.  Check this out and see if you can help him out.  http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1109098666/jose-oyolas-first-solo-album

 

Peace!

Support LOCAL!  And, as always…
Occupy a VENUE!!

“Spot”light on… The Women of Grand Band Slam

So many great bands have been nominated for the 2012 Grand Band Slam awards.  I want to introduce you to some of the women that play integral parts in these bands.  Some are front women.  Some are players and song writers.  But all ROCK.  I know that I missed many in the list for various reasons.  I may post another feature in the coming weeks about the Women of GBS…as I receive more input.  If you want to be included ladies…HMU!  Editorial Note:  I received some lengthy responses to my questions because these ladies have a lot to say.  I did take editorial license so these are very abbreviated by yours truly…

(Drum Roll, Tish Boom!)  Introducing (in no particular order):

Band/Artist:  Kaia Pazdersky of Little Ugly
Grand Band Slam Category: Best Overall Band and Best Rock Band
Your Role?: Violinist, Vocalist

How and when was your band formed or you became a member?:

Well, I’ve been told that Little Ugly started a long time ago in the mind of Michael Day, and he began picking up musicians along the way. My connection with Little Ugly started in the Fall 2010 when I opened for them as a solo singer/songwriter at one of their shows in New Haven. When Windsor Johnson, the keyboard player at the time, decided to turn his focus back to the classical world, Michael approached me about coming over to jam. The chemistry was pretty instantaneous. I fell in love with their style of writing, and was drawn in by the passion and high energy that Little Ugly is known for.

How long have you been involved in music and what brought you to it?:

I’m pretty sure I became involved with music in the womb. My Father is a musician and my Mother grew up dancing, so the beat runs through my blood. There were always instruments around our house for me to pick up and play. I’ve tried everything from the trombone to the cello to the kazoo, but finally landed on the violin. So many of my early memories include boxes of records laying around, and playing 45s of the Beatles “Hey Jude” and “Revolution” on my Fisher Price Record Player. I don’t think music was ever a choice for me, it was and is a way of life, a gift, and one that I never take for granted.

What does being nominated for a Grand Band Slam award mean to you?:

It means a great deal to me, as it does to the rest of Little Ugly. Through the years, Little Ugly has had the privilege of having many members who have all shared their hearts and their talents. With our most recent line up (Michael, Nick, Jared, and Myself), we’ve really started to close in on a sound that we’re incredibly pumped about. These nominations spotlight all of the hard work Little Ugly has put in over the past few years, and also paves the way for the music we’ve got brewing.

Who do you give mad respect to for their musical accomplishments?:

Honestly, my band of brothers. I am constantly inspired by the commitment, hard work, passion, and drive that Michael, Nick, and Jared share with Little Ugly. The moments we spend writing, jamming, and of course, performing, are for me completely incomparable. These boys have quickly become my family and I am forever grateful to them for providing me with a space to share my creativity, my truth and my soul.

Congrats to all of the Nominees! I speak for all of Little Ugly when I say it is an honor to be among such a talented array of musicians. Also, a HUGE thank you to Lisa and LSG for always rocking out with us and taking (in the words of Michael Day) the most “dopesicle” pictures ever!  EDITOR’S NOTE:  Aw!  Shucks!

 

Band/Artist:  Angela Rhea Piccoli of 1974
Grand Band Slam Category: Best Rock Band, Best New Artist
Your Role: Keyboardist, Vocalist

How and when was your band formed or you became a member?:

In August of 2011 I was asked to be a part of the band. I was at Timothy’s house (he’s our drummer, for those who don’t know), watching Breaking Bad in his bedroom while he practiced downstairs with the 1974 gang. Mike (our lead singer/guitarist), who I was already friends with, came up from practice and asked to talk to me. Right then and there, he asked if I’d consider playing the keyboard for them. They needed a fill in due to a lost band member, and I was available, so I accepted. I guess they like me, because they kept me!

How long have you been involved in music and what brought you to it?:

FOREVER! I started taking music classes when I was still an infant. My mother would take me to a class with other infants and toddlers and music would be played or sung. From then on, I’ve always loved music. I’ve been playing the piano since I was 5 years old and singing for as long as I could talk.

What does being nominated for a Grand Band Slam award mean to you?:

Well, first of all, I get to wear a pretty dress!!! But, seriously, I’m still in shock about the whole thing. I just joined this band a year ago, even though they’ve been together for a long while. Since I’ve joined it’s been nothing but practice, practice, practice and play, play, play. And, lo and behold, it’s payed off! It feels SO amazing to be recognized for all of the hard work that this band, this wonderful group of friends, has done.

Who do you give mad respect to for their musical accomplishments?:

If we’re talking the big guys, the ones who have sold millions of records and have an entourage, I give the biggest and best props to David Bowie. He was a pioneer as a musician and as an entertainer. But if we’re talking the little guys, the unknowns, honest to goodness, I have the utmost respect for 1974′s very own Mike Forgette. Without Mike, the band wouldn’t be the same. His creativity and passion for music is contagious, and without him, our band would never have gotten this far.

 

Band/Artist:  Gabrielle Lakshmi of Fight the Fear
Grand Band Slam Category: best new band and best indie band
Your Role?: Lead vocals, synth, kaossilator.

How and when was your band formed or you became a member?:

Fight the Fear, formerly Lakshmi, formed in the summer of 2008. Jake, currently the drummer and I started writing and recording an album together. Soon after, we were joined by Alex and Andrew, and the existing lineup was formed.

How long have you been involved in music and what brought you to it?:

I began playing classical piano at age five, and had my stage debut singing colors of the wind in 4th grade. music has always been in my blood, so I believe that destiny brought me to it.

What does being nominated for a Grand Band Slam award mean to you?:

It’s an honor to be nominated. there are so many talented bands in CT, with so many different styles and elements. we’re just excited that people dig our sound.

Who do you give mad respect to for their musical accomplishments?:

I’d have to say that currently, Kimbra is someone that I look up to. She’s 21, produces her own music, has a killer live show, and still maintains her originality. Staying true to who you are is difficult in this business, so I commend her.

 

Band/Artist:  Lee-Ann Lovelace of Bad Rooster
Grand Band Slam Category: Best Blues
Your Role?: Singer/Songwriter/insanity provider/sometimes guitar

How and when was your band formed or you became a member?:

Joe Olsen(bass) wanted to compete in the CT Blue’s Society’s Blues Challenge in 2010, and he didn’t have a band to compete with. He called Paul Kramarz (guitar/vox), who in turn called me, Nick Metrow(keys/vox) and Jim Petano(drums). We arranged a few tunes to compete with, made the finals (and won the Grand Band Slam), and then we hit the ground running. We made the finals with all originals in 2011, and we’ve been gigging and writing and having a great time ever since! They are some of the best guys I’ve ever worked with!

How long have you been involved in music and what brought you to it?:

I didn’t ask for this career. It found me, cleared a path and pushed me down (or should I say up, into the light). I don’t think anyone chooses to be perpetually broke, perpetually tired, and yet perpetually full of adrenaline and emotion all at the same time. This career chooses only a certain brand of folks, and we are blessed to be able to do what we do.

My father was a polka drummer who was obsessed with music (especially jazz and big band), as well as my older brother (he’s ten years older), so it was only natural that I too became severely obsessed at a young age. My mother did a bit of singing in her youth as well, though I’ve rarely heard her sing.

What does being nominated for a Grand Band Slam award mean to you?:

Well, this year I have to be honest, I did not even vote and the band didn’t even announce the link. Dave and I were on a road trip, I’ve been putting in 60 hour weeks between work, singing and training, and I just didn’t have the energy to try to summon all my friends and family to vote. So the fact that we are even nominated means a heck of a lot more to us this year because we didn’t even campaign. THAT’S flattering. Our fans are seriously some of the coolest cats around, and it’s ONLY because of them that we are lucky enough to play out in public.

Who do you give mad respect to for their musical accomplishments?:

Oh JEEEZ. Locally? Obviously all the guys I’ve ever played with and do play with. I can’t even begin to name them all. Trish Radil never gets enough cred, and the woman is a monster singer. She can sing anything and find a harmony to any line, on the drop of a dime, in any key. Watching her perform changed the way I started performing.  Mad respect will always go out to every hard working musician in this state who gets out there week in and week out, slugging it out in struggling clubs. We are in dire times right now, and every person who comes out to a local, live show deserves just as much respect as the musicians on stage. We are all in this together. SUPPORT LOCAL MUSIC!!!

Huge thanks to all of you social media gurus for posting videos, helping the bands promote, and for generally just being the coolest people to do shots with. We owe you guys!!!

 

Band/Artist:  Ciara Picard Cohen of Heirlooms
Grand Band Slam Category:  Best Indie Rock and Best Overall Band
Your Role?:  Violin and Background Vocals

How and when was your band formed or you became a member?: 
Jesse, Thom, Justin and Neal were working on the first EP for a few
Months before I joined in March of 2010. I found them through a Craigslist posting looking for some violin to be recorded on a few of their tracks. I’m really happy it turned out to be a permanent role.

How long have you been involved in music and what brought you to it?: 

Music is an essential part of my life. I started playing violin in 4th grade. Took private lessons all throughout middle and high school, and played in orchestra and sang in choirs. In college I majored in Music Education at The Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. I currently teach Pre-K through 8th grade music in Hartford.

What does being nominated for a Grand Band Slam award mean to you?: 

It’s so exciting to be nominated for a Grand Band Slam award and to be in such fantastic company with the other nominees. We really appreciate everyone’s support!

Who do you give mad respect to for their musical accomplishments?:

There are countless artists and musicians that I admire and respect locally. I don’t get an opportunity to gush about my band mates very often, but I have so much respect for what they do. I really couldn’t be luckier; they’re all extremely talented and also the best bunch of gentlemen. My husband plays drums in another local band (Superart), and I have a ton of respect for them-all of them have ridiculous chops instrumentally and vocally. I’m also totally inspired and impressed whenever I see/listen to String Theorie. What an amazing trio! All three of those boys are amazing individually, but collectively I think they are an excellent representation of creativity and musicianship. I could go on and on…I’m really proud to be part of the music community in Hartford.

 

Band/Artist:  Audrey Sterk of You Scream I Scream
Grand Band Slam Category:  Best Indie Band
Your Role?:  Drums, back up vocals, outfit coordinator

How and when was your band formed or you became a member?: 

Floyd Kellogg and I started the first configuration of the band while riding around across country in a tour bus. At that point we were called “I’m With Stupid”. That was about 4 years ago.

How long have you been involved in music and what brought you to it?: 

I always enjoyed dancing and was involved in a choreographed dance troupe which was the way I was involved in music and beats. But it was only until we started this band did I really get into playing the drums.

What does being nominated for a Grand Band Slam award mean to you?: 

I am really so proud our our band, it is about expanding and growing and a group. Being nominated for the Grand Band Slam award is a real tribute to us and to the people that enjoy our music. WE really have a good time together and hope that shines through with our music.

Who do you give mad respect to for their musical accomplishments?: 

Wow, that is a big questions. All of the bands that are going for it in the industry. It is a tough arena and it takes a lot of passion for the art. So, cheers to all of us!!

 

Band/Artist:  Debbie Seymour of Vengeance
Grand Band Slam Category:  Best Metal Band
Your Role?:  Lead vocalist

How and when was your band formed or you became a member?:

The band has been going for more than 8 years now and I joined 4 years ago. The band is Duncan’s baby and he is the one who continues to inspire and push us to greater heights. Joining this band was the best decision I ever made!

How long have you been involved in music and what brought you to it?:

I’ve been involved with music since I could walk and talk. I started singing at an early age. I was just drawn to the sounds coming out of the radio and a good song could literally make me stop in my tracks. It’s in my blood I guess. I can’t inagine living without music in my life.

What does being nominated for a Grand Band Slam award mean to you?:

It means a LOT. It’s the culmination and confirmation of our achievements, and shows us that people really like what we do. We’ve worked hard to get here and we are humbled by the support and all the great things that keep happening to us. We’re proud to be part of the CT music scene. There’s a lot of dedicated people out there.

Who do you give mad respect to for their musical accomplishments?:

Duncan, our lead guitarist, for his never-ending enthusiasm and belief in us. He makes it all happen and I’m so honored to be part of the ride. He is the epitome of dedication and passion. Also, Ronnie James Dio, David Coverdale and Tony Iommi, for proving that it really doesn’t matter how old you are. Music crosses all boundaries and there is no limit. Whenever you feel like giving up, just look at those guys and realize that it never has to end.

 

Band/Artist:  Becky Kessler
Grand Band Slam Category:  singer songwriter
Your Role?:  singer songwriter/guitarist

How and when was your band formed or you became a member?:

um…EDITOR’S NOTE:  Right.  She’s actually NOT a band!  =)

How long have you been involved in music and what brought you to it?:

My mom played guitar and sang; my dad played piano and wrote music. I always sang… started with piano when I was 8 and then picked up guitar when I was 11. Guitar is what got me sucked in.
What does being nominated for a Grand Band Slam award mean to you?: 

Being nominated for this means so much! I was totally surprised!! I hope it leads to opportunity and a chance to be more involved with the CT music community.

Who do you give mad respect to for their musical accomplishments?: 

Right now, Floyd Kellogg of You Scream I Scream and Casa de Warrenton recording studio comes to mind. He produced and is in the process of mixing my debut CD. He also assumed the role of my band by playing 9 or10 different instruments throughout the record. He’s the most skilled and talented musician with whom I’ve ever worked.

 

Band/Artist:  Jennifer Hill of  Jennifer Hill and Co
Grand Band Slam Category:  Best singer Songwriter
Your Role?:  I guess frontwoman, lyricist, songwriter, pianist.

How and when was your band formed or you became a member?:

Hmmm….I have been playing solo with my original songs since 1998 and this particular formation of my band has been together since 2008. I always had different incarnations of my band and three of us currently in the band (except for Zak Howard) , have been together for almost 5 years. (we had a few bumps in the road that separated us for a bit…but our friendship and ability to write well together t brought us back together)

How long have you been involved in music and what brought you to it?:

I started singing when I came out of the womb…lol . I don’t think I ever really got a choice at what I wanted to do in life. Music chose me. A gift and a curse, I have been following it with passion my whole life. I was singing Janis Joplin in perfect pitch at 3 years old and planning my musical career at the same time. My candy store at age 6 was the tape section of Bradlees. Music was and is my world.

What does being nominated for a Grand Band Slam award mean to you?:

Being nominated in the GBS means to me that what I am doing is actually worth doing. That I haven’t been following a dream without of reach. I am making a difference in my state, with my original songs and it feels GREAT! It makes me feel good that all the hard work I have put in is paying off…(although not actually “paying” off lol)

Who do you give mad respect to for their musical accomplishments?:

I give mad respect to a TON of musicians…but hmmm….if i had to choose I have to pick these amazing women in no particular order. First, I would say Ani Difranco. I give props to for doing it on her own and not giving in to the record companies. Next, of course, Tori Amos with the way she commands a piano and took classical piano music to the next level , Fiona (who can still rock it even though she is obviously not all there at times)… she always gives you her soul and you cant beat the feeling in her lyrics. Bjork for the way she interprets sound and is not afraid to experiment with all kinds of instrumentation and to be an individual…and of course Madonna….for her business savvy and her way of controlling the machine of pop music at it’s peak. She was big when it was rolling in dough and SHE called the shots. She may not have had the best voice or have played an instrument, but she was a strong fierce woman who didn’t only put up and exceed almost every expectation…she got them to shut the fuck up. My saying in business decisions is always WWMD? What Would Madonna Do? That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

 

HOT local video of the week…VENGEANCE
http://www.vengeancerocks.com/

CT Metal Goddess Debbie Seymour proves you don’t need to swing a set to blow the roof off a mofo!  She can sing metal with the very best.  Watch her and see for yourself!  PS…  The dudes in the band ain’t half bad either!  *wink*

 

What’s Playing in “The Flounce”? NADA
(Music in my car CD player this week!)            

NADA is not a band in this blog today.  It’s Spanish for I got nuthin.  I seem to have run out of local band CD’s to drive around with.  Can you help me?  I’m lonely now…

Band:
Album:
Genre:
Contact:
Fave Track:

 

What’s HOT this week…

Friday August 17

* Gigglejuice, The Iron Frog, Simsbury –9:00 pm

* Crosseyed Cat opening for Lynyrd Skynyrd, Oakdale Theatre, Wallingford – 8:00 pm

* The Fresh Reggae Band, Two Boots, Bridgeport – 5:00 pm

* The Rivergods, Michael’s Dairy, New London – 6:30 pm

* ROPE, Huntington Street Café, Shelton – 7:00 pm

* British Steel w Nasty Disaster, Cherry Street Station, Wallingford – 8:00 pm

* MINA, Sunset Jacks, East Hartford – 8:00 pm

* Driven, Chicago Sam’s, Cromwell – 10:00 pm

* Karmic Justice, Dewey’s Pub, Seymour – 9:30 pm

 

Saturday August 18

* WimBash feat members of Living Colour and other special guests, Sully’s Pub, Hartford – 2:00 pm – close

* Shag Frenzy OMG Fun Night on the Streets of Hartford, In front of Up or On The Rocks, Hartford  – 10:00 pm

* BigBar Radio’s 3^rd Annual 12 Hour CT Based Music Showcase, Rampage Skatepark, Bridgeport – 1:00 pm

* Swingaholics, Byram Park, Byram – 5:00 pm

* I Love Diane, Zen Bar, Plainville – 9:00 pm

* Diamondback, Geraldine’s, West Springfield, MA – 10:00 pm

* The Dirty Gems, Anna Liffey’s, New Haven – 10:00 pm

* What Up Funk, Captain’s Cove, Black Rock – 9:00 pm

 

Sunday August 19

* City Streets Country Roads Tour Kick Off, Zen Bar, Plainville – 8:00 pm

* Redline, Wolcott Fair, Wolcott – All Day

 

Thursday August 23

* Yelp Helps Red and Black Ball , The Society Room, Hartford – 7:00 pm

PLEASE LIKE MY FACEBOOK PAGE…WORKING HARD FOR CT LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT http://www.facebook.com/lsgoriginal – and follow my antics on Twitter at @lsgoriginal.  Web page forthcoming!

Peace…
lsg