Twitter at @lsgoriginal
5.18.2013

In Memory of Grayson Minney

Columbia Fields sporting mustaches

Last Saturday, the CT music scene and countless fans, lost Grayson Minney in a tragic accident.  Grayson was cofounder and lead singer of the band, Columbia Fields.  Founded in 2002, the band grew into a highly acclaimed and popular band in Connecticut.  The band’s album, Bridging the Gap, was a staple for us by the pool a few summers ago.

Grayson was a charismatic performer with a lovely voice.  I had the pleasure of seeing him perform with Columbia Fields on many occasions and, of course, taking many photographs.

Columbia Fields performing at Daffodil Festival 2011 https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.148161825252578.34715.123226597746101&type=3

Columbia Fields performing at Sailfest 2011 https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.165067726895321.40485.123226597746101&type=3

Columbia Fields performing at Elastic Hoax CD release https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.159121770823250.38958.123226597746101&type=3

Grayson Minney

Daffodil Festival 2011

I had the opportunity…and now the privilege…of speaking with Grayson only a few months ago when I saw him out at in Hartford.  We chatted for a while about life in general and the supposed breakup of Columbia Fields.  He said the band hadn’t actually broken up.  He said that it had just become a bit difficult to coordinate schedules with members of the band starting families, etc.  I was very happy to hear this.

The last time I saw Grayson perform was at The Russian Lady when members of Columbia Fields performed a stripped-down set.  It was wonderful and I was thrilled to have been able to see them perform again.

I know that I speak for the entire LBR family when I say that we are truly saddened by the passing of this wonderfully talented man.  We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

In memory of Grayson you will be missed.

There will be a tribute show tonight at The Pub on Main in Manchester tonight.  Members of Columbia Fields, who will have special vocal guests, as well as Echo.And.Drake will be performing in celebration of Grayson’s life.  A portion of the proceeds will go to the Minney family..

For more information about  this very special event can be found here.
https://www.facebook.com/events/444415835651299/

I encourage you to listen to Columbia Fields today.
http://www.myspace.com/columbiafields

Editors Note: The video below is previously unreleased video from The Elastic Hoax’s CD Release party at Black Eyed Sally’s from June 2011. I’ve included some footage of just people having fun at one of his shows because I thinks that is how he would want to be remembered. – Mike…

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

Lisa Sanchez Gonzalez – lsg Original

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!

Scene Queen lsg on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Scenequeenlsg

lsg Original Photography on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lsgoriginal

Lisa on LBR: http://www.localbandreview.com/author/lsg/

OCCUPY A VENUE!

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE WEEK
 

The big show of the weekend will happen on Saturday night at 33 Golden Street in New London, with Dogbite (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dogbite-Band/108188045904888), the Manchurians (https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Manchurians/69051959739), and the Radiation (http://www.reverbnation.com/radiationgarage). I believe this will be the first time these three bands play a gig together, although the Manchurians and Dogbite have done many shows together over the years. Hugh Birdsall of Dogbite and Roger Reale of the Manchurians go way back, having met in the early days of the Reducers’ 33-year career as the godfathers of the New London music scene. The Reducers and Roger C. Reale even wrote and recorded a three-song EP together, 1987′s “Wake the Neighbors”. The Manchurians, who formed in 1999, released a brand new EP a couple of weeks ago called “Big Rhythm”, which should be available for purchase at the show. If it’s anywhere near as good as their previous releases, I highly recommend picking up a copy. I am looking forward to getting mine. The Radiation are a late-60s style garage/psychedelic/punk band from Bristol who will be making their first appearance in New London. According to their ReverbNation page, the band has  been together for 4 years, and they recently shared a bill with the Manchurians at Cafe Nine in New Haven. Dogbite, of course, is well known in town, having started out as a rootsy side project for Hugh Birdsall while the Reducers were still active. Dogbite released their first album, “Ruff Mix”, in 2004, and followed it up with “Joyride” in 2009. (Does that mean we are due for a new one next year? I hope so!). Most recently, they have contributed songs to both “Good Sponge Sampler Vol. 1″ and “Vol. 2″. For some reason, they always wind up being classified as “Bluegrass” in the Whalie Awards nominations, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. They are a true roots music band, drawing their influences from rockabilly, country, standards, folk, tradionals, and a big dose of rock and roll. The show starts at 10 pm according to the Facebook event (https://www.facebook.com/events/120639368137694/), with the Radiation playing first, followed by the Manchurians, and finally Dogbite closing out the night. I also saw a posting from one of the band members that listed set times as 9:00, 10:00, and 11:00. So I’d suggest just getting there at 9 pm and having a couple of beers. Cover is $5.

Down the street at Hod Rod’s Cafe in New London, the John Fries Band (www.johnfriesmusic.com) will be playing their first gig at the venue. This will be a full band show, with percussion (David Allan Rivera) and keys (Vin DeLaria and/or Matt Zeiner) added to the core trio of John Fries, Corina Malbaurn, and Mike Crivellone. The band is also playing at the Knickerbocker Cafe in Westerly on Thursday night, opening for the Bernie Worrell Orchestra, so I bet they will have some stories to share after such a big show. It’s pretty obvious that this band has great things in its future. They’ll be playing the Mystic Blues Festival in June too. As is usually the case in New London, the clubs are so close to each other, you could see portions of both this show and the one at 33 Golden without much difficulty. The Hot Rod’s show starts at 9 pm.

On Sunday, celebrate the 3^rd Annual Neighbor Day at Riverside Park in New London from 10 am to 6 pm. Musical entertainment will include Hugh Birdsall (2 pm), Chris Castle, John Fries acoustic duo w/ Corina (3 pm), Sue Mead, Bruce McDermott, Ben & Nancy Parent, I Love Diane, the Weird Beards, The Ohio-Freer Collective, The Meadows Brothers,  Noah Leviathan & Jason Wise, Pat Daddona & Mike Bailey, Patric Hengstler (Classical Guitarist), Vince Tuckwood, and Guno Leeflang. (Set times were unavailable at press time, except for the few shown.) All the additional details are here:

http://newlondonmainstreet.org/pub/gen/event/14455/fulltext/New%20London%20CT%20Event. The event is free, but please bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the local food bank.

Also on Sunday, Sandman and Mike will be doing a show at Perks & Corks in Westerly. You have probably seen Sandy “Sandman” Allen (http://sandmanmusic.net/) with the Hoolios, or perhaps with the Rivergods, but you really should check out this duo as well. Sandy is a born storyteller with a really nice voice, and he writes beautiful songs. Pick up a copy of his album “Horses to Water” at the show. You’ll be glad you did, because you are going to want to listen to those songs again. Mike Palazzolo (the Hoolios, the Rivergods) joins Sandy on bass and harmony vocals. The show starts at 8:30 pm and the guys will play until 11:30.

Here are the Manchurians at the 2011 Daffodil Festival. I know I have posted this video before, but it absolutely rocks! Not only that, it was filmed by Local Band Review, and I’m in it for a second at the end:

http://youtu.be/9W_n2pyRqXI

 CONCERT CALENDAR    
Thur 5/16/13  – The Weird Beards at Dickson’s Tavern in New London 9:30 pm $3

- Roy Dunn MacLean at Sneekers Cafe in Groton 7-10 pm NO COVER

- Lipbone Redding at the Telegraph in New London 12:00 noon

- Daphne Lee Martin, Lipbone Redding, Hannah Fair at 33 Golden Street in New London 9 pm

- John Fries at Octagon Steakhouse in Mystic 8 pm (acoustic duo w/Corina)

- Brownbird Rudy Relic, Orb Mellon, Jason Prince at Cafe Nine in New Haven 8 pm

- Happy Jawbone Family Band, Elison Jackson at Two Boots in Bridgeport NO COVER

Fri 5/17/13      – Sue Menhart Band at La Luna in Mystic 9 pm

- Tom Nolan, John Mordecal at Cafe Nine in New Haven 5-7 pm

- Paper Hill Casket Company, Castle, Milksop:Unsung, Bill Bartholemew at Cafe Nine in New Haven 9 pm

- Bernie Worell Orchestra, John Fries Band at the Knickerbocker Cafe in Westerly 8 pm

Sat 5/18/13      – Dogbite, the Manchurians, the Radiation at 33 Golden Street in New London 10 pm

- John Fries at Hot Rod’s Cafe in New London 9:30 pm

- Coliseum, California X at Cafe Nine in New Haven 9 pm

Sun 5/19/13    – Neighbor Day celebration at Riverside Park in New London with Hugh Birdsall (2 pm), Chris Castle, John Fries (acoustic duo w/ Corina) (3 pm), Sue Mead, Bruce McDermott, Ben & Nancy Parent, I Love Diane, the Weird Beards, The Ohio-Freer Collective, The Meadows Brothers,  Noah Leviathan & Jason Wise, Pat Daddona & Mike Bailey, Patric Hengstler (Classical Guitarist), Vince Tuckwood, Guno Leeflang

- Sandman and Mike at Perks & Corks in Westerly 8:30-11:30 pm

- Alkaline Trio at Toad’s Place in New Haven 7:30 pm

- Coliseum, California X, 2 Ton Bug at Cafe Nine in New Haven 8 pm

Tues 5/21/13   – John Fries at Mystic Arts Center in Mystic 6 pm (acoustic duo w/Corina)

- James McCartney, Brian Dolzani, Alyssa Graham at Cafe Nine in New Haven 7 pm SOLD OUT

Wed 5/22/13   – Jess Klein, Ada at Cafe Nine in New Haven 8 pm

Thur 5/23/13  – Sandman and friends at Sneekers Cafe in Groton 7-10 pm NO COVER

- The Hoolios at Steak Loft in Mystic 7 pm

- JEFF the Brotherhood, Hunters, Lemuria at Cafe Nine in New Haven 8 pm

- Michele Riganese, Malcolm Tent, Brute Force at Two Boots in Bridgeport NO COVER

Fri 5/24/13      – WeedEater, Snow Orphan, Bedroom Rehab Corporation, more TBA at the El ‘n’ Gee in New London 7 pm $15

- Someone You Can Xray at the Bank Street Cafe in New London 10 pm

- Sue Menhart at the Common Loon in East Lyme 9 pm

- Royal Southern Brotherhood, John Fries at the Kate in Old Saybrook 8 pm

- Broken, Tomb & Thirst, Anu at Cafe Nine in New Haven 9 pm

- Straight to VHS, the Mendition of the Quay, the Radiation at Anna Liffey’s in New Haven  8 pm

- The Slackers at the Spaceland Ballroom in Hamden 9 pm

Sat 5/25/13      – The Whalie Awards at the Hygienic Art Park in New London 6 pm

- The Morning on Fire, Milksop:Unsung, Kindred Queer at Cafe Nine in New Haven 9 pm

- Uncle Flatty at the Art Center of Tolland 7 pm $10

Sun 5/26/13    – The MacLeans, JC Hatfield, Dirt Road Radio at Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock in New London 1 pm

Anne Castellano is a New London songwriter and musician who has played in several bands over the years (the Uninformed, the Skin Walkers, and the Cavities). She has been performing as a solo artist since 2007 but is currently rehearsing with her new band Anne Castellano and the Smoke.

In 2010 she released a full-length self-produced CD entitled “What’s Been Going On” on the New London-based Cosmodemonic Telegraph label. She is a 30-year veteran of college radio, and is currently doing the Deranged Radio Show on alternate Tuesday evenings from 6-9pm at WCNI 90.9 FM in New London.

She grew up in New Fairfield, CT in a musical family, with a father who played guitar and listened to country artists such as Hank Williams and Patsy Cline, and a mother who loved Elvis Presley. Involvement in band and chorus in high school led to membership in the UCONN Marching Band and a two-week tour of Europe performing with the band in the early 1980s.

Anne moved to New London in 1987 because of the vibrant local music scene there. In 2005 she began putting together a concert calendar to get the word out about all the local band shows that were taking place in the area. She enjoys books, animals, hiking, and the beach, and sees as much live original music as her “day job” schedule permits.

Subscribe to Anne’s Weekly Concert updates via email by contacting her at morbidprincessmusic@yahoo.com

Listen to her music at http://www.reverbnation.com/annecastellano

Anne on LBR: http://www.localbandreview.com/author/anne-c/

It’s going to be another busy weekend with lots of good shows on the shoreline. The Hoolios (www.locodare.com) will be playing on Friday night at Dickson’s Pub in New London. The venue at 36 Bank Street, formerly the Commoner and before that the Bank Street Roadhouse, is under new ownership. It looks like they will be having live music on a regular basis, with a new Thursday night indie band series taking place in addition to weekend shows. Jake Carpenter will open Friday’s show, which starts at 8 pm. Look for Jake to sit in with his dad’s band for a few tunes also, as he has done at many recent Hoolios shows. Jake resembles his father Jim Carpenter in many ways, but he definitely has his own sound. He also has an amazing voice that you simply must hear. And if you still haven’t seen the Hoolios, what have you been waiting for?

Also on Friday night, Nancy Parent (http://nancyparent.wordpress.com/) will play at the Mystic Arts Cafe for their poetry series. Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Carl Dennis will be performing as well. Nancy’s band will  include Dana Takaki on violin, Rachael Aikens on backing vocals, Ben Parent on bass, and Steve Elci on percussion. For more information, call 860-912-2444 or email info@theartscafemystic.org. The Mystic Arts Center is located at 9 Water Street in Mystic. General admission is $10, with students admitted free. Doors open at 7 pm, and the show begins at 7:30.

On Saturday, Bedroom Rehab Corporation, Atrina, and Wrought Iron Hex will be at the Oasis Pub in New London. Bedroom Rehab (http://www.bedroomrehabcorp.com/) and Atrina (https://www.facebook.com/atrinamusic) played a show together at the Emerge Festival in Hartford not long ago, and they enjoyed that so much that they made a point of getting together here in New London. Wrought Iron Hex (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wrought-Iron-Hex/265003516851633), a trio from Boston, rounds out the bill. New Haven band Atrina released a highly rated new album in 2013 called “In Planetary Sugar” (listen to it here: http://obscuremerecords.bandcamp.com/album/in-planetary-sugar). Bass/drums sludge/metal combo Bedroom Rehab is also still getting great reviews for their “Red Over Red” album (http://bedroomrehabcorporation.bandcamp.com/album/red-over-red), which carries the disclaimer “There are no guitars or keyboards on this album” (just in case anyone was wondering). Cover is $5 and start time is listed as 9:30 pm.

Over at the Bank Street Cafe in New London, there is a huge four-band punk show on Saturday with Street People (https://www.facebook.com/streetpeoplemusic?fref=ts), Horns of Ormus (https://www.facebook.com/HornsOfOrmus?fref=ts), The Lost Riots (https://www.facebook.com/TheLostRiots?fref=ts), and the Defcon Five (http://www.thedefconfive.com/). The first three bands are pretty well-known to area show-goers, but make sure you check out the Defcon Five as well. They did an outstanding set at 33 Golden Street in March as part of a 6-band bill, and they made a lot of friends here in town. While at the show you might also be able to pick up a copy of the “It Came From Connecticut” compilation on Bonehead Records (http://www.boneheadstudio.com/comp2012.html), featuring 13 Connecticut punk bands, including the Lost Riots and the Defcon Five. One of my favorite recent discoveries is that Lost Riots guitarist Sean Beirne takes guitar lessons from Richard Lloyd. Yes, THAT Richard Lloyd. How cool is that? The band is cool too, playing old-school garage punk. Lead vocalist/guitarist Jeffrey Thunders is a pillar of the New Haven Scene, and he was also involved in putting out the abovementioned compilation. He also has another band called the Black Noise Scam, who seem to be on a bit of a hiatus (from their Facebook page: “Miss us? just wait a bit longer”). The show starts at 10 pm and there is a $5 cover. It will also be Lost Riots bassist Matt Mullarkey’s birthday at midnight, so who knows what might happen?

Here is Bedroom Rehab Corporation with “Gone By the Boards”:

http://youtu.be/KNC61zO-9bc

 
CONCERT CALENDAR     
 

Thur 5/9/13    – Village Jammers at Sneekers Cafe in Groton 7-10 pm NO COVER

- Moving Brooklyn, Chaser Eight at Cafe Nine in New Haven 8 pm

Fri 5/10/13      – The Hoolios, Jake Carpenter at Dickson’s Pub in New London 8 pm

- Jeff Slate at the Telegraph in New London 6 pm

- Ferocious Fucking Teeth, Snow Orphan at the Oasis Pub in New London 8 pm

- Nancy Parent at the Arts Cafe in Mystic 7 pm $10

- John Fries at La Luna in Mystic 9 pm  (acoustic duo w/Corina)

- Daphne Lee Martin and Thor Jensen at Chamard Vineyards in Clinton 5:30-8:30 pm

- 9^th Wave, more TBA at BAR in New Haven (Benefit for the Surfrider Foundation) 6-10 pm

- Sue Menhart Band at the Brooklyn Fairgrounds in Brooklyn CT (Carnival for the Cure) 8 pm

- Lady Lamb the Beekeeper, Xenia Rubinos, Double King at Cafe Nine in New Haven 9 pm

Sat 5/11/13      - Bedroom Rehab Corporation, Atrina, Wrought Iron Hex at the Oasis Pub in New London 9:30 pm

- Street People, Horns of Ormus, The Lost Riots, the Defcon Five at the Bank Street Cafe in New London 10 pm

- Stan Martin Band at Sneekers Cafe in Groton 8 pm

- John Fries at the Black Sheep in Niantic 9 pm

- The Clams at United Congregational Church Hall in Norwich 7 pm $10

- Liz & Jim Beloff, Lauren Agnelli, the Weird Beards at the Kate in Old Saybrook 8 pm (UkeConn 2013)

- Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys, Girls Guns and Glory at Cafe Nine in New Haven 9 pm

- Roomful of Blues at Black Eyed Sally’s in Hartford 8 pm

Sun 5/12/13    – Sue Mead at Captain’s Pizza in New London 5:30 pm

Mon 5/13/13   – Farewood, If Not For Dreaming at Cafe Nine in New Haven 9 pm

Wed 5/15/13   – The Joiner Inners, the Alehounds, Monster Eats Pilot, Ben Erickson at Cafe Nine in New Haven 8 pm (Benefit for the Meriden Humane Society)

- Black Francis, Reid Paley at the Spaceland Ballroom in Hamden 9 pm

Thur 5/16/13  – JC Hatfield Band at Sneekers Cafe in Groton 7-10 pm NO COVER

- Lipbone Redding at the Telegraph in New London 12:00 noon

- Daphne Lee Martin, Lipbone Redding, Hannah Fair at 33 Golden Street in New London 9 pm

- John Fries at Octagon Steakhouse in Mystic 8 pm (acoustic duo w/Corina)

- Brownbird Rudy Relic, Orb Mellon at Cafe Nine in New Haven 8 pm

Fri 5/17/13      – Sue Menhart Band at La Luna in Mystic 9 pm

- Tom Nolan, John Mordecal at Cafe Nine in New Haven 5-7 pm

- Paper Hill Casket Company, Castle, Milksop:Unsung, Bill Bartholemew at Cafe Nine in New Haven 9 pm

Sat 5/18/13      – Dogbite, the Manchurians, the Radiation at 33 Golden Street in New London

- John Fries at Hot Rod’s Cafe in New London 9:30 pm

- Coliseum, California X at Cafe Nine in New Haven 9 pm

Sun 5/19/13    – Alkaline Trio at Toad’s Place in New Haven 7:30 pm

- Coliseum, California X, 2 Ton Bug at Cafe Nine in New Haven 8 pm

Anne Castellano is a New London songwriter and musician who has played in several bands over the years (the Uninformed, the Skin Walkers, and the Cavities). She has been performing as a solo artist since 2007 but is currently rehearsing with her new band Anne Castellano and the Smoke.

In 2010 she released a full-length self-produced CD entitled “What’s Been Going On” on the New London-based Cosmodemonic Telegraph label. She is a 30-year veteran of college radio, and is currently doing the Deranged Radio Show on alternate Tuesday evenings from 6-9pm at WCNI 90.9 FM in New London.

She grew up in New Fairfield, CT in a musical family, with a father who played guitar and listened to country artists such as Hank Williams and Patsy Cline, and a mother who loved Elvis Presley. Involvement in band and chorus in high school led to membership in the UCONN Marching Band and a two-week tour of Europe performing with the band in the early 1980s.

Anne moved to New London in 1987 because of the vibrant local music scene there. In 2005 she began putting together a concert calendar to get the word out about all the local band shows that were taking place in the area. She enjoys books, animals, hiking, and the beach, and sees as much live original music as her “day job” schedule permits.

Subscribe to Anne’s Weekly Concert updates via email by contacting her at morbidprincessmusic@yahoo.com

Listen to her music at http://www.reverbnation.com/annecastellano

Anne on LBR: http://www.localbandreview.com/author/anne-c/

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

5.3.2013

HOT Rewind

Lys Guillorn

Happy May, everyone!  It’s been so lovely in CT over the last week.  It makes my heart happy.  It heralds the season of outdoor music.  Of course, to me, the official start of that season is the Meriden Daffodil Festival held last weekend.  But before I get to that…

LAST WEEK, I TOLD YOU about a cool show that was happening at Spin Cycle Café in Newington.  The challenge was simple:  Write a song about the topic “Spin Cycle”…and they did…and performed them in the name of charity.  Show proceeds went to The Iwo Jima Foundation of Newington.  The Sawtelles, Lys Guillorn, The Grimm Generation, and The Tonebanks (their first show ever!) each performed a set

The Tonebanks

of songs that included their Spin Cycle piece.  For the Sawtelles, they’ve even included their version on their new album, “MOD”, released at Daffodil Festival.  Bonus for the evening?  An unannounced performance by Dave Hogan solo and with The Grimm Generation.  There was a very nice crowd at Spin Cycle (voted best Laundromat by Hartford Advocate readers) and a good time seemed to be had by all.  Even got Tom Pizzola (CTIndie/Verbicide) to crack a smile!

Here are my pictures from that night… https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.480243748711049.1073741837.123226597746101&type=3

lsg and spiderman

MUSIC!  FOOD!  MUSIC!  BUBBLES!  MUSIC!  FRIENDS & SUNSHINE…You get it!  The 2013 edition of the Meriden Daffodil was truly…magical!  The pictures tell the story (below) but some highlights for me were:

*Note:  The acts below are bands I have never had the pleasure of seeing before.  There were so very many amazing bands that I’ve known and loved for so long, I’d have to write about every band on the bill!  Please know that I thought your sets were terrific and was really glad to see the number of folks that had the opportunity to see your work!!

First and foremost, the level of band support was incredible.  From fans.  From other musicians.  It was really great to see bands who played one day and then came back to watch and support the next or vice versa.  There were even musicians who didn’t play at all and came out to support.  It was…fab.  We have an amazing local music scene in CT.

Bubbles

CHILDREN’S PERFORMERS – There were 3 different acts this year devoted to children.  Chris Bousquet, Rob Messore, and Steve’s Songs (PBS) all captivated children and adults alike on Sunday morning.  Most memorable, however, was the scene I came upon when Steve’s Songs hit the stage.  There was a sea of children dancing and singing in front of the stage and beyond.  And when Steve asked them what they thought a bubble would look like if they were one, they twirled and danced.  He launched into a song called – you guessed it!  Bubbles! – and the most glorious thing happened.  In the field, in the bright sunshine, two bubble machines blew thousands of bubbles into the air!  And the children and their parents (along with THIS big kid!) danced among them.  It was absolutely joyful.  Brilliant move on Rob DeRosa’s part.  http://www.stevesongs.com/

Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem

RANI ARBO & DAISY MAYHEM – They were the act that I most eagerly anticipated seeing.  I had the opportunity to speak with Anand Nayak, guitarist and singer, prior to their set and told him I thought they were going to be the band to see.  He wondered about my bar setting prior to the performance.  They absolutely did not disappoint in anyway.  If you have a chance, check them out.  It’s gospel, it’s bluegrass, it’s pure amazing.  And PS…Anand did double duty when he also performed with Steve’s Songs.  http://www.raniarbo.com/

Poor Old Shine

POOR OLD SHINE – Winners of the New England Music Awards Best of CT award, they are pure sunshine to the ears.  A 5 piece Roots/Americana band from Storrs, they have the most beautiful harmonies.  Not only are they great to listen to, they are equally fun to watch with instruments like banjo, washboard, and mandolin.  I picked up a copy of their CD “Live at Infinity” (encased in hand-made origami) and was blown away.  Stay tuned for our CD review.  http://pooroldshine.com/

HOSTAGE CALM – I knew they were a punk band or as they call it Punk/Punk/Punk/Punk/Punk.  What I didn’t know was that they have a huge following and needed a line of security in front of the Bandshell Stage to perform (something I’ve never seen at Daffy)!  This was not a bad thing.  It was to keep the crowd from completely surging onto the stage.  The band came out bombastic and just kicked the shit out of the park.  They’re fans can sing their lyrics – and did so, while crowd surfing – and the band welcomed all of it.  I really enjoyed watching the interaction.  Actually, enjoyed doesn’t really do it.  I was riveted.  Yeah.  http://hostagecalm.net/

There really were so many special moments this year.  Rob DeRosa and all of the folks it takes to pull this off every year deserve a HUGE congrats for this one.  It truly was an amazing few days in the park.  I cannot wait to do it again next year!

Day One

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.479130892155668.1073741835.123226597746101&type=3

Day Two

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.479334855468605.1073741836.123226597746101&type=3

666 DAYS OF METAL RADIO, hosted by Chip McCabe, premiers on CYGNUS RADIO this Friday May 3 at 8:00 pm.  If you aren’t out and about at a venue, this should be your soundtrack!  Listen here at http://cygnusradio.com/

RE:CREATE CT is happening this Saturday.  The festivities start at 10:00 am.  Here is the schedule!  http://recreatect.com/Schedule.html

RUSTIC OVERTONES, WINNERS of the New England Music Award for “Best Live Act” will be at Sully’s in Hartford on Saturday (5/4).  Sully’s is really stepping up their game with the quality of bands and performers coming in to play.  You should take tomorrow night to go and see an award-winning band as well as what Sully’s is all about!

THERE ARE TWO EXCELLENT ALBUM’S BEING released on May 7.

The first comes from Waking Elliot, a band I’ve loved since their last release.  This time, they offer up “Weak Minded Like Me.”  I’ve heard it.  It’s awesome.  Buy it (download)!  http://www.wakingelliot.com/

The second comes from a band out of New Haven called Beijing.  I have heard this record as well and, I have to tell you, there are quite a few songs on here rock radio ready.  I have a conversation with Thom Smith I’ll be posting in the next couple of days but check them out here and buy their music as well!!  www.beijingsongs.com

IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INDIE NIGHT this week…perhaps when you weren’t looking…THIS was announced:

Indie Fest @ The Oak…July 13^th, 4pm – midnight…FREE

Charter Oak Cultural Center in Hartford …FREE.

With music from:  String Theorie, Modern Merchant, Laura Ganci and American Echoes, Jennifer Hill & Co., Farewood, Breakthrough Frequencies, 1974, and Post-Modern Panic!  For more info…Stay tuned here…

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Indie-Fest-at-The-Oak/206528459368391?fref=ts

BECAUSE SWANS RULE…Sarah E (Hells Bells Productions) has a Indiegogo campaign going on so that she can film one of her “Women of the Day” productions on-site in Georgetown.  The piece will be called “Jane, Lyd, and the Exorcist Stairs” and is part of her on-going series.  Please help if you can.  http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/women-of-the-day-ep-jane-lyd-and-the-exorcist-stairs

As always, occupy a venue and get out there and support local!!

Peace, lsg

HOT local video of the week…Out the Boxx

I’d heard of Out the Boxx previously from friends in the Hartford area.  On Wednesday, I literally met a member while sitting in traffic court, of all places!  We got to talking as we awaited our respective fates and realized what we had in common…aside from the obvious.  I told him that I would feature one of their videos today.  So, here’s to you and Damn the Man!!

What’s Playing in “The Flounce”? The Sawtelles
(Music in my car CD player this week!)
Band: The Sawtelles
Album: MOD
Genre:  Nerve Rock
Contact: https://www.facebook.com/pages/the-Sawtelles/67805492323
Fave Track:  Already Gone

What’s HOT this week…

Friday May 3

Lots….

Saturday May 4

Lots more…

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

Lisa Sanchez Gonzalez – lsg Original

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!

Scene Queen lsg on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Scenequeenlsg

lsg Original Photography on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lsgoriginal

Lisa on LBR: http://www.localbandreview.com/author/lsg/

OCCUPY A VENUE!

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE WEEK
 

On Friday night in New London, there will be a benefit for Simon John, who has been a familiar and beloved figure in the local music scene for close to 30 years. Simon, who is best known as the frontman for D.O.T., was seriously injured in a snowmobile accident and later developed pneumonia. He has put together countless benefits for charity over the years, and now that he needs some help, a show has been organized by his friends to help cover his medical expenses.  The benefit will take place at the Bank Street Cafe in New London, and there will be four bands performing: Flesh Hammer (http://www.fleshhammer.com/home.htm), the Enemies (https://www.facebook.com/thee.enemies?fref=ts), Sadplant (http://www.sadplant.com/), and Horns of Ormus (https://www.facebook.com/HornsOfOrmus). In addition to the music, there will be food and raffles. Tickets are $20 and admission is 21 and over. Start time is listed as 3 pm on the flyer and 5 pm on the Facebook event (https://www.facebook.com/events/171902852963669/). Set times have not been announced, but Horns of Ormus have said they will be playing at 9 pm.

New London is great about benefit shows, and there is another one taking place on Sunday that will be shared between two downtown venues. Sunday’s shows will be a benefit for Nate Gordinier, who recently had to have surgery after having his kneecap broken while trying to break up a fight. The first show will start at 6 pm at the El ‘n’ Gee, which is all ages. Word is that there may be a secret guest band playing at 6:15 pm, so get there early or you might be sorry. Folk Y’All (http://www.reverbnation.com/folkyall) plays from 7-7:30 pm, Anderson Family Picnic (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Anderson-Family-Picnic/129579667053644) from 7:45-8:15, and  American’t (http://www.reverbnation.com/americant) is on from 8:30-9 pm. After that, the show moves from 86 Golden Street (the El ‘n’ Gee) down the road to 33 Golden Street, which is a 21+ venue. White Bronco (http://whitebronco.bandcamp.com/) is on from 9:30-10, pm, followed by Anu from 10:15-10:45, Catholic Guilt from 11-11:30 pm, and finally DJ Frank Lo, who will spin for a dance party from 11:30-12:45. There will also be drink specials and raffles at both clubs. And all for a good cause. There is a $5 minimum donation, which can be paid at either venue, and re-entry is allowed at both venues all night.

Also on Sunday, the Hoolios (www.locodare.com) play at Sneekers Cafe in Groton for the club’s annual Cinco de Mayo party. The party starts at 4 pm and continues until 9 pm, and there is no cover. You can also enjoy some great Mexican food and a margarita (or three or four)… Sneekers will be drawing the winning ticket that evening for a dinner party for eight, including tax, tip, and two hour open bar. You can get your ticket anytime you go in for lunch or dinner before Sunday, then bring it with you to the show. The Hoolios played this last year and the place was packed. It’s sure to be a good time. Maybe you can even get Jim to tell that story about the chickens again.

Here are the Hoolios with “Sigh in the Night” at Cafe Nine:

CONCERT CALENDAR    

Thur 5/2/13    – Street People, Straight to VHS at Dickson’s Tavern in New London 10 pm $3

- The Howlin’ Brothers, the Nameless Trio at Anna Liffey’s in New Haven 8 pm

- Todd Kramer, Josh Taylor at Cafe Nine in New Haven 8 pm

- Big Charlie’s Rubber Band at Two Boots in Bridgeport 9 pm NO COVER

Fri 5/3/13        – Flesh Hammer, the Enemies, Sadplant, Horns of Ormus at the Bank Street Cafe in New London (Benefit for Simon John) $20

- Sue Menhart at the Riverwalk in Mystic 8 pm

- Zoo Front, Martin Telle, Sepiatone at Willimantic Records in Willimantic 6-9 pm NO COVER

- Ken Atkins & the Honky Tonk Kind at the Huntington Street Cafe in Shelton

- The Lost Riots, the Hulls, the Defcon Five, Dan Soto & the Duded Kings, Gene Gnomes at Two Boots in Bridgeport

Sat 5/4/13        – Pocket Vinyl at the Telegraph in New London 6 pm

- Pocket Vinyl at the Oasis Pub in New London 10:30 pm

Sun 5/5/13      – Folk Y’All, Anderson Family Picnic, American’t at the El ‘n’ Gee in New London 6 pm (Benefit for Nate Gordinier)

- White Bronco, Anu, Catholic Guilt at 33 Golden Street in New London 9 pm ((Benefit for Nate Gordinier)

- The Hoolios at Sneekers Cafe in Groton 4 pm

Tues 5/7/13     – Peter Case, Joe Flood at Cafe Nine in New Haven 8 pm

Wed 5/8/13     – The Railers at Cafe Nine in New Haven 8 pm

Thur 5/9/13    – Village Jammers at Sneekers Cafe in Groton 7-10 pm NO COVER

- Moving Brooklyn, Chaser Eight at Cafe Nine in New Haven 8 pm

Fri 5/10/13      – The Hoolios at Dickson’s Pub in New London 8 pm

- Nancy Parent at the Arts Cafe in Mystic

- John Fries at La Luna in Mystic 9 pm  (acoustic duo w/Corina)

- 9^th Wave, more TBA at BAR in New Haven (Benefit for the Surfrider Foundation) 6-10 pm

- Sue Menhart Band at the Brooklyn Fairgrounds in Brooklyn CT (Carnival for the Cure) 8 pm

- Lady Lamb the Beekeeper, Xenia Rubinos, Double King at Cafe Nine in New Haven 9 pm

Sat 5/11/13      - Bedroom Rehab Corporation, Atrina, Wrought Iron Hex at the Oasis Pub in New London 9:30 pm

- Street People, Horns of Ormus, The Lost Riots, the Defcon Five at the Bank Street Cafe in New London 10 pm

- John Fries at the Black Sheep in Niantic 9 pm

- The Clams at United Congregational Church Hall in Norwich 7 pm $10

- Liz & Jim Beloff, Lauren Agnelli, the Weird Beards at the Kate in Old Saybrook 8 pm (UkeConn 2013)

- Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys, Girls Guns and Glory at Cafe Nine in New Haven 9 pm

- Roomful of Blues at Black Eyed Sally’s in Hartford 8 pm

Sun 5/12/13    – Sue Mead at Captain’s Pizza in New London 5:30 pm

Anne Castellano is a New London songwriter and musician who has played in several bands over the years (the Uninformed, the Skin Walkers, and the Cavities). She has been performing as a solo artist since 2007 but is currently rehearsing with her new band Anne Castellano and the Smoke.

In 2010 she released a full-length self-produced CD entitled “What’s Been Going On” on the New London-based Cosmodemonic Telegraph label. She is a 30-year veteran of college radio, and is currently doing the Deranged Radio Show on alternate Tuesday evenings from 6-9pm at WCNI 90.9 FM in New London.

She grew up in New Fairfield, CT in a musical family, with a father who played guitar and listened to country artists such as Hank Williams and Patsy Cline, and a mother who loved Elvis Presley. Involvement in band and chorus in high school led to membership in the UCONN Marching Band and a two-week tour of Europe performing with the band in the early 1980s.

Anne moved to New London in 1987 because of the vibrant local music scene there. In 2005 she began putting together a concert calendar to get the word out about all the local band shows that were taking place in the area. She enjoys books, animals, hiking, and the beach, and sees as much live original music as her “day job” schedule permits.

Subscribe to Anne’s Weekly Concert updates via email by contacting her at morbidprincessmusic@yahoo.com

Listen to her music at http://www.reverbnation.com/annecastellano

Anne on LBR: http://www.localbandreview.com/author/anne-c/

This weekend there will be 36 Connecticut connected acts playing at the Daffodil Festival, which takes place on Saturday and Sunday at Hubbard Park in Meriden. The Daffodil Festival has become one of the premier music festivals in the area, and admission, shuttles, and entertainment  FREE, with three stages of music, food, rides, vendors, arts & crafts, a parade, and fireworks. The festival gets its name from the 600,001 daffodils that will be blooming in the park during the weekend. For directions and general information, go to www.daffodilfest.com. There is also a complete stage-by-stage list of musical acts with set times in the calendar section below, so scroll down to take a look and plan your day. The stages are close enough to each other that you can walk between them in a short period of time and see the maxiumum number of bands. Here are my picks for some of the artists you should try to see this weekend at Daffy.

Frank Critelli (http://www.frankcritelli.net/) will open the festival on Saturday at 10 am on the Jeff Crooms Welcome Stage. Frank is an accomplished singer/songwriter who has been playing the Daffodil Festival for 13 years, and he will be performing with a brand new band this year. He also has a new album in the works, which will be released soon. Frank plays from 10 to 10:45 am on Saturday.

The Furors are a New Haven area guitar/drums duo that has been playing music together for 35 years. It doesn’t seem possible, but I am unable to find any sort of website or social networking page for the band. In 2003, ThinManMusic released a 2 CD compilation called “Let’s Get Furious: A Tribute to the Furors”, with 38 tracks written by the Furors and performed by local bands. Check out the track and artist listing here: http://www.independisc.com/letsgetfurious.htm. (Unfortunately the CD seems to be sold out.) The band has self-released several CDs as well. They will play from 5:15-5:45 Saturday on the Welcome Stage.

Mark Mulcahy (https://www.facebook.com/MarkMulcahyHQ) returns to the Daffodil Festival this year as a featured performer. He is a veteran of the New Haven scene, as a member of the Saucers, the Stray Divides, Polaris, and Miracle Legion, and also as a solo artist. He has released a new 7″single and also has a new CD, “Dear Mark J. Mulcahy, I Love You”, coming out on June 18.  It’s his fifth solo album and his first release in eight years. His set is bound to be a highlight of the festival so don’t miss it. Mark Mulcahy plays the Welcome Stage on Saturday from 6:15-7:00 pm.

The Manchurians (https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Manchurians/69051959739) have been around since 1999, and their live performances are loud and intense.  This band combines Grammy-nominated songwriting and powerful vocals from bassist Roger Reale, tasty guitar licks from Dean Falcone, wailing harmonica from Bob Orsi, and some of the hardest-hitting drumming you’ll ever see, courtesy of Mat Reale. They play the festival on a regular basis and never fail to impress the crowd with a solid set of rhythm and blues and rock ‘n roll. They will also be releasing their brand new CD “Big Rhythm” at the Daffodil Festival. The Manchurians play the Bandshell Stage on Saturday from 4:15-5:00 pm.

Paper Hill Casket Company (http://paperhillcasketcompany.com/home.html) blends traditional bluegrass instrumentation with classical and rock influences into what the band calls “progressive Americana music”. Their songs combine dark lyrics, upbeat rhythms, and subtle punk influences. The band released a CD called “Undertow” in 2012, and they will be heading out on a national tour soon. The band plays the Welcome Stage on Sunday from 2:30-3:15 pm.

The Peacock Flounders (http://www.ronsutfin.com/PeacockFlounders.htm) , based in New Haven, are celebrating their tenth anniversary this year. Members of this quartet have played in such notable local bands as Valley of Kings, Miracle Legion, the Swaggerts, and more. They have released one album, “Hello Beautiful”, which came out in 2008. These guys play melodic guitar-driven pop/rock that has drawn comparisons to bands like Big Star and the Hoodoo Gurus. (Fun fact: the peacock flounder is an actual species of fish that is covered in flower-like bluish spots.) The band will play the Bandshell Stage on Sunday from 1:45-2:30 pm.

Here is the music video for Mark Mulcahy’s song “I Have Patience”:

http://youtu.be/STHU30lpqUY

CONCERT CALENDAR    

Thur 4/25/13  – Sandman and friends at Sneekers Cafe in Groton 7-10 pm NO COVER

- Richard Barone, the Mendition of the Quay at Cafe Nine in New Haven 8 pm

- No Triangles, Broadcast Hearts, Masters of the Obvious at Two Boots in Bridgeport 9 pm NO COVER

Fri 4/26//13     – The Proud Flesh, Hanging Hills, Johnny Mainstream at Cafe Nine in New Haven 9 pm

- The Weird Beards, Shakedown, Washboard Slim and the Blue Lights at Toad’s Place in New Haven 8:30 pm

- Javelin, Jamaican Queens at the Outer Space in Hamden 9 pm

- The Mallett Brothers Band at Up Or On The Rocks in Hartford 9 pm

Sat 4/27/13      – Daffodil Festival in Meriden

The Jeff  Crooms Welcome Stage

10:00-10:45   Frank Critelli

11:15-11:45   Hannah Fair

12:15-1:00    The Sawtelles

1:30- 2:15    Ellison Jackson

2:45- 3:30    Daphne  Lee Martin

4:00-4:45    The Guru

5:15- 5:45   The Furors

6:15- 7:00   Mark Mulcahy

7:45- 9:00   The Alternate Routes

The Food Tent Stage

10:15-11:15   Chico & friends

11:45-12:30   food

1:00-2:00      The Gonkus Brothers

2:30- 3:30    River City Slim & The Zydeco Hogs

4:00-5:00     Orchestra Afinke

5:30-6:30     Poor Old Shine

7:00-8:00     Goodnight Blue Moon

The Bandshell Stage

12:45-1:30   The Ivory Bills

2:00- 2:45    The Radiation

3:15- 4:00     1974

4:30-5:15     The Manchurians

5:45-6:30     Hostage Calm

7:15- 8:45     Last Licks

- Full Moon Jamboree at 33 Golden Street in New London 9 pm

- Hellbent and Heartbreakin at the Highliner in Westbrook 8 pm

- Sue Menhart Band at CC O’Brien’s in Pawcatuck 9:30 pm

- Deni Bonet, Milton at Cafe Nine in New Haven 9 pm

Sun 4/28/13    – Daffodil Festival in Meriden

The Jeff Crooms Welcome Stage

10:30-11:15   Christopher Bousquet

11:30-12:15   Rob Messore

1:00-2:00    SteveSongs!!   PBS Kids music star

2:30-3:15   Paper Hill casket Company

3:45-4:30-  The Mold Monkies

The Food Tent Stage

10:00-11:00   Becky Kessler

11:30-12:30   Dan Stevens Trio

1:00-2:00     Sparkplug

2:30- 3:30   Rani D’Arbo & Daisy Mayhem

4:00-5:00   Kelley & Sean

The Bandshell Stage

12:30-1:15   Breakthrough Frequencies

1:45-2:30   The Peacock Flounders

3:00-3:45   Little Ugly

4:15-5:00   691

- Titus Andronicus, the So So Glos, Chris Cappello at the Space in Hamden 7 pm

Tues 4/30/13   – Dr. Caterwaul’s Cadre of Clairvoyant Claptraps at Cafe Nine in New Haven 9 pm

Thur 5/2/13    – Street People, Straight to VHS at Dickson’s Tavern in New London 10 pm $3

- The Howlin’ Brothers, the Nameless Trio at Anna Liffey’s in New Haven 8 pm

- Todd Kramer, Josh Taylor at Cafe Nine in New Haven 8 pm

- Big Charlie’s Rubber Band at Two Boots in Bridgeport 9 pm NO COVER

Fri 5/3/13        – Flesh Hammer, the Enemies, Sadplant, Horns of Ormus, at the Bank Street Cafe in New London (Benefit for Simon John) $20

- Sue Menhart at the Riverwalk in Mystic 8 pm

- The Lost Riots, the Hulls, the Defcon Five, Dan Soto & the Duded Kings, Gene Gnomes at Two Boots in Bridgeport

Sat 5/4/13        – Pocket Vinyl at the Telegraph in New London 6 pm

- Pocket Vinyl at the Oasis Pub in New London 10:30 pm

Sun 5/5/13      – The Hoolios at Sneekers Cafe in Groton 6 pm

Anne Castellano is a New London songwriter and musician who has played in several bands over the years (the Uninformed, the Skin Walkers, and the Cavities). She has been performing as a solo artist since 2007 but is currently rehearsing with her new band Anne Castellano and the Smoke.

In 2010 she released a full-length self-produced CD entitled “What’s Been Going On” on the New London-based Cosmodemonic Telegraph label. She is a 30-year veteran of college radio, and is currently doing the Deranged Radio Show on alternate Tuesday evenings from 6-9pm at WCNI 90.9 FM in New London.

She grew up in New Fairfield, CT in a musical family, with a father who played guitar and listened to country artists such as Hank Williams and Patsy Cline, and a mother who loved Elvis Presley. Involvement in band and chorus in high school led to membership in the UCONN Marching Band and a two-week tour of Europe performing with the band in the early 1980s.

Anne moved to New London in 1987 because of the vibrant local music scene there. In 2005 she began putting together a concert calendar to get the word out about all the local band shows that were taking place in the area. She enjoys books, animals, hiking, and the beach, and sees as much live original music as her “day job” schedule permits.

Subscribe to Anne’s Weekly Concert updates via email by contacting her at morbidprincessmusic@yahoo.com

Listen to her music at http://www.reverbnation.com/annecastellano

Anne on LBR: http://www.localbandreview.com/author/anne-c/

See Hannah Fair LIVE at Meriden Daffodil Fest on Saturday April 27 at 11:15 am!

Hanna Fair

Hello My Pretties, Welcome back.  So glad you have returned to see what I think about today’s artist:  Hannah Fair.

If ever I doubted that reincarnation is real, those doubts were swept away after just a few words from the oh so talented Hannah Fair.  There is no way she hasn’t been here before.  Her music is that of an old soul, someone who has lived, lost, loved and shares her stories though song, yet Hanna Fair just graduated High School in 2012.  Amazing, simply amazing.

Recorded at Dirt Floor Studios in Chester, CT, Hannah’s album, The Open Road is a blend of Americana, pop, and folk.  She cites one of her influences as Brandi Carlisle and I most definitely hear the similarities but there is a timber to Hannah’s voice that sets her apart.  She may have pop influences, but her music is more concentrated in the American/Folk/Country genres and will definitely stand the test of time long after the pop stars are gone.

My favorite track on the album is most definitely, Fated.  The story of the undeniable, inescapable, all-consuming love that is fated to be.  Her voice is ethereal and envelops you.  Open Road which is the title track of the album is like a train rolling in.  Johnny Cash would be impressed with this young storyteller’s account of life on the open road after being left by her true love.

Poor June tugs at the heart strings of all women who have ever been scorned by a smooth talking man and left to deal with the aftermath of a love that was on fire and was quickly left to burn out alone.

I personally, enjoy Hannah when she dials back the vocals and settles in to that place in her voice where it’s pure and raw and you hear the emotion in every single word she says.  It’s that “sweet spot” (God help me,  the damned American Idol Judges put that term in my psyche and I haven’t been able to come up with a better analogy yet.. Gimme time).  Hannah Fair is just getting started and I am excited to see where she goes.

Hannah Fair’s Open Road can be purchased on iTunes, Amazon or CDBaby.

Until next time boys and girls, Remember People + The Music= The Scene. SUPPORT LIVE AND LOCAL MUSIC.    Tam

Tamyra Davis

A singer in her own right, Tamyra Davis has been performing with local bands and as a solo act for 20 years after graduating from the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts. She was chosen to perform for Hartford’s hands across America program and was approached by the Rev. Jesse Jackson backstage who proclaimed “Girl you have pipes”.

Tam has been singing since the ripe old age of 5 years old when her mother caught her doing an entire performance of the Captain and Tenille’s version of “You better shop around” in the front seat of her Cadillac. Born and raised in Southington, CT Tamyra was fortunate to grow up in a house full of music and studied voice through private lessons and master classes. Her appreciation for the “art” of music is what brought her to LBR and we are pleased to have her on board.

Tamyra lives in Berlin, CT with her boyfriend, a drummer and master vinyl collector and two dogs. She has a 16 year old son who is a blogger himself on all things sports. Tam serves on the Board of Directors for Bikers Against Animal Cruelty who help abused and neglected animals and she is happily jamming with some of her favorite bands while doing occasional reunion shows with UnCovered , the band she fronted until she decides on her next adventure.

http://tamtastical.blogspot.com/

www.bikersgainstanimalcruelty.org

Twitter at @lsgoriginal
4.19.2013

HOT Rewind

First…We love you, Boston.  We are with you.  And we understand.  Peace.

Isaac Young Quartet

NOT ONE BUT TWO, CD release shows happened on Friday night.  The first was held a J.Rene Coffee Roasters in West Hartford where the Isaac Young Quartet released their CD, Staved Eve, to an overflowing crowd.  IYQ performed 2 lively sets that included cameo appearances by Jennifer Hill and Eve Windebank  on vocals.  It was truly overwhelming to see the number of local musicians who turned out to support IYQ.  I’ve had the chance to listen to this CD (see What’s in the Flounce?) and we’ll also give you an in-depth review shortly.  Pick up his CD at
http://isaacyoungquartet.bandcamp.com/album/staved-eve

That same night, the second release came from String Theorie.  They released their CD, Live at La Paloma Sabanera, at a big show at Arch Street Tavern in Hartford.  They brought along their friends 1974 Ugly and Post-Modern Panic (in which Karl Messerschmidt played double band duty).  The bands performed 2 sets each during the evening in rotation which was fun.  In addition, Isaac Young sat in with String Theorie for a song and Jordan Critchley sat in with 1974 for a song.  The cross playing was epic!  The place was packed it was a high energy, amazing evening all around.  I have also had the opportunity to listen to the new String Theorie CD (although it wasn’t in the Flounce as it’s a download) and we’ll also be giving you a review of that one too shortly.  Buy their CD at
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/stringtheorie3

Congratulations to both Isaac Young Quartet and String Theorie for their new releases and thanks for throwing two helluva amazing release parties!

Alternate Routes Win

CT TOOK HOME BEST ROCK ACT Saturday night at the 2^nd Annual New England Music Awards.  The honor went to The Alternate Routes from Bridgeport.  In addition, Poor Old Shine from Storrs took the honor of Best Band in CT.  27 awards in all were given out including 4 Honor Awards.  In addition, the crowd were treated to performances by The Alternate Routes with Sarah Blacker (from MA), Hot Day at the Zoo, Air Traffic Controller, and Adam Ezra Group among others.  It was great to see CT folks like Jennifer Hill, Becky Kessler, Isaac Young, and Ryan Holmes from Echo and Drake in attendance.  But the highlight of the evening for me came when Adam Ezra invited all of the bands and many other musicians onto the stage for a New England All Star jam to The Band’s classic, The Weight.  It was New England goodness to be sure.

New Englad Music Awards

Check out that amazing performance here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7W9s-xlEXWg

Shout out to the ladies of ctaintsobad.com, Jenna and Jess, for being our travelling partners to the show.  We had a blast!

Congrats go out to all of the winners, as well as the CT nominees – YOU MAKE US ALL PROUD! – and to Joe Graham and the team for pulling off a wonderful evening for all of us.

This is the full list of winners.  http://nemusicawards.com/archives/2012

Adam Ezra

THIS WEEKEND IS GOING TO BE insane!  Friday night, I’ll be checking out Andrew W.K. at Arch Street Tavern in Hartford (see my interview below) and Living Colour at the Fairfield Theater Company in Fairfield (SOLD OUT!)  I really can’t wait!!!
http://www.localbandreview.com/2013/04/lsg-spotlight-on-andrew-w-k/

As always, occupy a venue and get out there and support local!!

Peace, lsg

“Spot”light on… Daffodil Festival

Daffy is next weekend.  Check out my spotlight on it!  And get out there!!
http://www.localbandreview.com/2013/04/lsg-spotlight-on-the-meriden-daffodil-festival-2013/

HOT local video of the week…Living Colour

Time trip back with me a bit.  This song was one of the highlights from the show I caught in Boston 2 weeks ago.  I’m gonna check em again in Fairfield this weekend.  I cannot wait.  So, reach back 25 years and dig this.  They STILL kick the shit out of this live.

What’s Playing in “The Flounce”? Isaac Young Quartet
(Music in my car CD player this week!)
Band: Isaac Young Quartet
Album: Staved Eve
Genre:  Jazz
Contact: http://www.isaacyoungjazz.co

What’s HOT this week…

Friday April 19

* Manic Productions presents Andrew W.K. and others, Arch Street Tavern, Hartford – 9:00 pm

* Lucky Souls presents Popa Chubby, Spaceland Ballroom, Hamden – 7:00 pm

* Peter Biederman, Trinity-on-Main, New Britain – 7:00 pm

* Ear One Productions presents Jagged Visions, Sinners, So Many Girls, Dewey’s Pub, Seymour – 7:00 pm

* Phosphorescent with Dave Hogan, Edmonton Town Hall, Newtown – 7:00 pm

* Groove Junkies, Bleachers, Bristol – 9:00 pm

* All Time High, Johnny B’s, Wolcott –9:30 pm

* DriveTime, Free Spirit Café, Vernon – 9:30 pm

* Bandwith Karaoke, La Boca, Middletown –10:30 pm

* Jimmy Hat, The Red Door, Watertown – 10:00 pm

* Diamondback, Shamrock Pub and Grill, Waterbury – 10:00 pm

Saturday April 20

* Living Colour – SOLD OUT, Fairfield Theater Company, Fairfield – 7:00 pm

* Woofstock – Multiple bands to benefit BAAC, Toad’s Place, New Haven – 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

* McLovins with Puremotion, The Hartford Room, Hartford – 10:00 pm

* Record Store Day,  The Telegraph, New London – 10:00 am – 10:00 pm

* Novus Dae, Bleachers, Bristol – 9:00 pm

* Shag Frenzy, Mission Zero, etal, Arch Street Tavern, Hartford – 9:00 pm

* Nightbitch, Knuckleheads, Wallingford – 10:00 pm

* Almost Ancient, Triple Play, Watertown – 10:00 pm

* Graylight Campfire, BRYAC Restaurant, Bridgeport – 10:00 pm

* The Savage Brothers, Mcladdens, West Hartford – 10:00 pm

* 3^rd Annual Trashion Fashion Show, Hartford City Hall, Hartford –6:00 pm

* Total Hacks, Windmill Restaurant, Stratford – 8:00 pm

* Acid MothersTemple w Tjutjuna, et al, Café 9, New Haven – 9:00 pm

* Redline, Blackstone Irish Pub, Plantsville –98:00 pm

* The Weird Beards w Rabbit Rabbit, The Oasis Pub, New London – 9:00 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

Lisa Sanchez Gonzalez – lsg Original

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!

Scene Queen lsg on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Scenequeenlsg

lsg Original Photography on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lsgoriginal

Lisa on LBR: http://www.localbandreview.com/author/lsg/

OCCUPY A VENUE!

http://www.facebook.com/lsgoriginal

Twitter at @lsgoriginal
4.19.2013

Spotlight on…Meriden Daffodil Fest 2013

Daffodil Fest

If you are a music fan in CT…and especially if you love local music…then I imagine you are just as excited about the weekend of April 27-28 as I am.  YES!  Daffodil Fest is upon us again.

Each year, I look at the line up that local music officionado, Robbie DeRosa (Host of  WESU 88.1’s “Homegrown”), puts together and I think he couldn’t possibly top it the following year.  But guess what?  He does.  Each year.  And this year is no exception.

So what’s it all about?  Why the hubbub (yeah, hubbub, Bub!)?  Well, let’s talk the basics first.  Hubbard Park is lovely in the spring all full of – you guessed it – daffodils.  It’s a great way to spend the day and/or evening with your family because there’s food and lots of rides for the kiddies.  But the real deal here is the music.  Three stages of music, in fact.  This year day one has 22 bands, um yeah, 22 and 14 bands day two.  Did I mention the fireworks on Saturday night?  And its, wait for it, FREE!  Honestly, there is absolutely no reason not to be there.

Robbie DeRosa & Gary Gone

What’s great about Daffy Fest to me is that I get to see bands I’m not familiar with or have never seen live.  And, as you know if you follow my blog, I see A LOT of bands.  And really, that’s the magic behind Robbie’s choices.  With that in mind, below I am highlighting some of the bands that I am looking forward to hearing for the first time at Daffy.  Just a little snapshot with a video.

Please get to Daffodil Fest this year.  I know for a fact how hard the team works to plan it and then to execute it – flawlessly, I might add.  For more info on logistics, the full line up, etc., check out this link.  And go Daffy this year!

http://www.daffodilfest.com/general-info/

And here’s some of what happened last year!  http://www.localbandreview.com/2012/04/lsg-original-daffodil-festival-2012-in-pictures/

First, I’m going to start with two bands who won New England Music Awards last week at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium in MA.

The Alternate Routes – Winner – Best Rock Act – NEMA, 2013

Genre: Rock/Alternative
Hails from: Bridgeport
Set time:  April 27, 7:45 pm

Poor Old Shine – Winner – Best in Connecticut – NEMA, 2013
Genre: Sing-a-long time
Hails from: Storrs
Set time: April 27, 5:30 pm

The Radiation
Genre:  Garage Punk
Hails from:  Bristol
https://www.facebook.com/RadiationGarage

Hostage Calm
Genre:  Punk/Punk/Punk/Punk/Punk
Hails from: Connecticut
Set time:  April 27, 5:45 pm

Orquesta (Orchestra) Afinke
Genre:  Latin
Hails from:  Bridgeport
Set time:  April 27, 4:00 pm

Christopher Bousquet
Genre:  Americana
Hails from:  Middletown
Set time:  April 28, 10:30 am

Dan Stevens Trio
Genre:  Blues
Hails from: Old Lyme
Set time:  April 28, 11:30 am

Rob Messore
Genre:  Folk/Guitar
Hails from:  Clinton
Set time: April 28, 11:30 am

Rani Arbo and Daisy Mayhem
Genre:  Folk/Americana
Hails from:  New England
Set time:  April 28, 2:30 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

Lisa Sanchez Gonzalez – lsg Original

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!

Scene Queen lsg on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Scenequeenlsg

lsg Original Photography on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lsgoriginal

Lisa on LBR: http://www.localbandreview.com/author/lsg/

OCCUPY A VENUE!