http://www.lipulse.com/ en info@lipulse.com Copyright 2015 2015-05-11T13:29:00+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/new-local-label-on-the-horizon-green-smile-records http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/new-local-label-on-the-horizon-green-smile-records#When:18:31:34Z Patchogue local Chris P. Cauley is a man of many faces. Formerly of rock band Goliath, he went solo a few years back and became known for his acoustic appearances around Suffolk with his little black Martin and loud, intense vocals. More recently he has been playing along with a band called the Chris P. Cauley Collective. Going the route of a “collective” was an interesting route for a man who self-produces all of his music alone in his home studio—in many cases playing every instrument, on every track, himself. But to some, both music and life is a journey rather than a destination, and Cauley is not afraid of making a sudden detour. This month he took another such detour when he announced the formation of Green Smile Records. After playing and writing with a wide variety of acts around the Island for years, Cauley says, “It’s a natural progression for me.” In addition to Cauley’s own music, which is available streaming on the label’s website, Green Smile Records will be releasing Jesse Pagano’s debut CD “Common Ground”. Also forthcoming are recordings from instrumental group The Reverend Mofo and One Arm, a side project with guitar virtuoso Sean Virag. For more information, visit greensmilerecords.com, where you can also sign up for their newsletter. Patchogue local Chris P. Cauley is a man of many faces. Formerly of rock band Goliath, he went solo a few years back and became known for his acoustic appearances around Suffolk with his little black Martin and loud, intense vocals. More recently he has been playing along with a band called the Chris P. Cauley Collective. Going the route of a “collective” was an interesting route for a man who self-produces all of his music alone in his home studio—in many cases playing every instrument, on every track, himself. But to some, both music and life is a journey rather than a destination, and Cauley is not afraid of making a sudden detour. This month he took another such detour when he announced the formation of Green Smile Records. After playing and writing with a wide variety of acts around the Island for years, Cauley says, “It’s a natural progression for me.” In addition to Cauley’s own music, which is available streaming on the label’s website, Green Smile Records will be releasing Jesse Pagano’s debut CD “Common Ground”. Also forthcoming are recordings from instrumental group The Reverend Mofo and One Arm, a side project with guitar virtuoso Sean Virag. For more information, visit greensmilerecords.com, where you can also sign up for their newsletter. Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2013-05-06T18:31:34+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/patchogue-jam-6 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/patchogue-jam-6#When:15:59:36Z Here’s what you’re doing this Friday night (you’re welcome). Patchogue Jam is an annual event put on through a collaboration of the folks who bring you Live in the Lobby at the Patchogue Theatre, and Acoustic Long Island. It is a yearly must-see event on the big stage at the Patchogue Theatre featuring Long Island’s best original music. This year’s performers… Kerry Kearney, a longtime local favorite who plays a mean slide guitar. Incidentally he is coming back strong from a major hit from Sandy… And anyone who is still out gigging constantly even though their house got bashed in by nature deserves major respect. Cassandra House, a young Patchogue-based singer/songwriter with a big voice and an alternacountry flavor. Pick up a copy of her recent debut EP “Night Owl” at the show, if you haven’t already. Butchers Blind, an Americana/alt-country band whose songs are the perfect fit for your next cross-country road trip. Iridesense, a tight and catchy pop-rock group celebrating 20 years on the scene and releasing a new album this summer. All told you don’t want to miss it. Tickets are $18 and available from the Patchogue Theatre’s website. Here’s what you’re doing this Friday night (you’re welcome). Patchogue Jam is an annual event put on through a collaboration of the folks who bring you Live in the Lobby at the Patchogue Theatre, and Acoustic Long Island. It is a yearly must-see event on the big stage at the Patchogue Theatre featuring Long Island’s best original music. This year’s performers… Kerry Kearney, a longtime local favorite who plays a mean slide guitar. Incidentally he is coming back strong from a major hit from Sandy… And anyone who is still out gigging constantly even though their house got bashed in by nature deserves major respect. Cassandra House, a young Patchogue-based singer/songwriter with a big voice and an alternacountry flavor. Pick up a copy of her recent debut EP “Night Owl” at the show, if you haven’t already. Butchers Blind, an Americana/alt-country band whose songs are the perfect fit for your next cross-country road trip. Iridesense, a tight and catchy pop-rock group celebrating 20 years on the scene and releasing a new album this summer. All told you don’t want to miss it. Tickets are $18 and available from the Patchogue Theatre’s website. Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2013-04-02T15:59:36+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/new-music-you-need-to-not-miss http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/new-music-you-need-to-not-miss#When:15:53:59Z After a casual facebook post asking “Has anyone local put any new music out in 2013?” yielded 10 responses in 10 minutes I realized that a lot of awesome songs were going unheard just because of a kind of invisibility. It’s crazy that you can hear, and get sick of, a new Taylor Swift song within the course of a week, but meanwhile the guy around the block from you can put out great independent records for years and you might not have a clue. It is that kind of gap that I am trying to bridge by covering local music. Without further ado here are 3 new releases from local artists you need to check out.  And don’t worry—more installments are coming. Pamela Betti Band: New iTunes single “Booty Call” Cost: $0.99 Where to preview it: http://www.reverbnation.com/pamelabetti Where to buy it: on iTunes Sounds like: In your face female fronted blues with dirty guitar stylings. Next Gig: March 29th at 89 North in Patchogue Jack’s Waterfall: new CD “Everybody’s Music” Cost: $13 for a physical copy signed by Jack; $9.90 on iTunes Where to preview it: http://www.reverbnation.com/jackswaterfall Where to buy it: on iTunes or the Arts Pharmacy website Sounds like: Feel good acoustic fun for the whole family. Next Gig: March 30th at the Boulton Center in Bay Shore Christ P. Cauley: new EP “Songs You’d Never Hear” Cost: streaming free on Soundcloud Where to preview it: https://soundcloud.com/chris-p-cauley/sets/songs-youd-never-hear-ep Where to buy it: Stream it on Soundcloud Sounds like: Arty folk pop with a heart. Next Gig: April 3rd at 89 North in Patchogue After a casual facebook post asking “Has anyone local put any new music out in 2013?” yielded 10 responses in 10 minutes I realized that a lot of awesome songs were going unheard just because of a kind of invisibility. It’s crazy that you can hear, and get sick of, a new Taylor Swift song within the course of a week, but meanwhile the guy around the block from you can put out great independent records for years and you might not have a clue. It is that kind of gap that I am trying to bridge by covering local music. Without further ado here are 3 new releases from local artists you need to check out.  And don’t worry—more installments are coming. Pamela Betti Band: New iTunes single “Booty Call” Cost: $0.99 Where to preview it: http://www.reverbnation.com/pamelabetti Where to buy it: on iTunes Sounds like: In your face female fronted blues with dirty guitar stylings. Next Gig: March 29th at 89 North in Patchogue Jack’s Waterfall: new CD “Everybody’s Music” Cost: $13 for a physical copy signed by Jack; $9.90 on iTunes Where to preview it: http://www.reverbnation.com/jackswaterfall Where to buy it: on iTunes or the Arts Pharmacy website Sounds like: Feel good acoustic fun for the whole family. Next Gig: March 30th at the Boulton Center in Bay Shore Christ P. Cauley: new EP “Songs You’d Never Hear” Cost: streaming free on Soundcloud Where to preview it: https://soundcloud.com/chris-p-cauley/sets/songs-youd-never-hear-ep Where to buy it: Stream it on Soundcloud Sounds like: Arty folk pop with a heart. Next Gig: April 3rd at 89 North in Patchogue Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2013-03-14T15:53:59+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-spirituality-of-the-beatles http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-spirituality-of-the-beatles#When:20:44:33Z If you attend the Congregational Church of Patchogue this Sunday (Jan 13) you are in for a different type of service than you might expect. At 7:00 pm the Church will present a unique program called “The Spirituality of the Beatles”. Miles to Dayton will be performing songs from The Beatles’ extensive catalog and Pastor Dwight Wolter will be discussing the links between music and spirituality. Wolter is known to many in the music community for his public speaking on issues that are relevant to secular and religious Long Islanders alike. He has earned a reputation for actively addressing issues such as civil rights, hunger, and racism and bullying within the community, with a compassionate and sensible approach that tends to unite rather than divide his listeners. Miles to Dayton is a band that increasingly needs no introduction. With three successful albums under their belt and recent high-profile appearances in the Great South Bay Music Festival and WFUV’s On Your Radar, Long Islanders have had to make peace with the possibility of sharing their hometown heroes with the rest of the world. The band’s music has been tight from day one, but has continued to evolve into a dynamic, heart-filling folk rock sound. This event will be the first in a series focusing on the relationship between music and spirituality. If the future events are anywhere near as promising as this one, this series is going to quickly become a community favorite. If you attend the Congregational Church of Patchogue this Sunday (Jan 13) you are in for a different type of service than you might expect. At 7:00 pm the Church will present a unique program called “The Spirituality of the Beatles”. Miles to Dayton will be performing songs from The Beatles’ extensive catalog and Pastor Dwight Wolter will be discussing the links between music and spirituality. Wolter is known to many in the music community for his public speaking on issues that are relevant to secular and religious Long Islanders alike. He has earned a reputation for actively addressing issues such as civil rights, hunger, and racism and bullying within the community, with a compassionate and sensible approach that tends to unite rather than divide his listeners. Miles to Dayton is a band that increasingly needs no introduction. With three successful albums under their belt and recent high-profile appearances in the Great South Bay Music Festival and WFUV’s On Your Radar, Long Islanders have had to make peace with the possibility of sharing their hometown heroes with the rest of the world. The band’s music has been tight from day one, but has continued to evolve into a dynamic, heart-filling folk rock sound. This event will be the first in a series focusing on the relationship between music and spirituality. If the future events are anywhere near as promising as this one, this series is going to quickly become a community favorite. Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2013-01-10T20:44:33+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-difference-is-in-the-telling-hank-stones-musical-journey http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-difference-is-in-the-telling-hank-stones-musical-journey#When:19:17:26Z One cool thing about being part of a local scene is getting to watch artists evolve from the very beginning of their musical careers. Hank Stone’s first album was called Rough Folk and came in a slimline CD case with a home-printed label. Rough though it may have been, the songs were solid and the production was clean. Over the years, the term “rough folk” has come to define Hank’s gritty, informal style of musicmaking. Hank’s new album, Until I Saw That Train, comes in considerably sleeker packaging, but not in a way that leaves the “rough folk” image behind. The performances and playing have matured, and the same solid bedrock of simple folk and blues is still at the foundation. Hank’s melodically thwacky guitar parts have evolved from accompaniments to arrangements, and Tony DeStefano’s production has further refined itself over the years as well. Standout tracks include the goofy singalong “Apprentice Cook,” which is vaguely reminiscent of Arlo Guthrie’s “Alice’s Restaurant,” and “The Telling”—a loosely formed, stream-of-consciousness piece focusing on storytelling and human affection.  Hank Stone hosts a weekly open mic at Roast Coffeehouse on Fridays, and can be seen regularly performing around the island. For more information, visit www.hankstone.net. One cool thing about being part of a local scene is getting to watch artists evolve from the very beginning of their musical careers. Hank Stone’s first album was called Rough Folk and came in a slimline CD case with a home-printed label. Rough though it may have been, the songs were solid and the production was clean. Over the years, the term “rough folk” has come to define Hank’s gritty, informal style of musicmaking. Hank’s new album, Until I Saw That Train, comes in considerably sleeker packaging, but not in a way that leaves the “rough folk” image behind. The performances and playing have matured, and the same solid bedrock of simple folk and blues is still at the foundation. Hank’s melodically thwacky guitar parts have evolved from accompaniments to arrangements, and Tony DeStefano’s production has further refined itself over the years as well. Standout tracks include the goofy singalong “Apprentice Cook,” which is vaguely reminiscent of Arlo Guthrie’s “Alice’s Restaurant,” and “The Telling”—a loosely formed, stream-of-consciousness piece focusing on storytelling and human affection.  Hank Stone hosts a weekly open mic at Roast Coffeehouse on Fridays, and can be seen regularly performing around the island. For more information, visit www.hankstone.net. Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2012-12-20T19:17:26+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/cassandra-house-in-the-house http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/cassandra-house-in-the-house#When:17:06:56Z A new voice has been shaking up the Suffolk scene this year, and she has just released her first EP.  If you make the rounds of the usual south shore music haunts, you have probably had the pleasure of hearing Cassandra House fearlessly applying her soulful voice to standards like Angel From Montgomery as well as her own poignantly honest originals. Like Bonnie Raitt or Brandi Carlile, Cassandra’s vocals make you feel something raw and real before you are even aware of the words you’re listening to. On a deeper second listen, you hear hard truths and gritty honesty that sound like they could come from a songwriter 20 years older – and they make you feel the same things more. The singer/songwriter’s debut EP, Night Owl, opens with an up country number called G’on and Go. As you listen, it takes you deeper into the psyche of a young woman who has learned bitter lessons from life and relationships, and is developing an identity around carrying on anyway.  “When is it enough to settle with love?” she asks the listener. It’s the sort of question that makes you suddenly realize you don’t know the answer, and now you might need to spend your life trying to find it. Night Owl can be found on iTunes and CD Baby, or purchased at shows. Cassandra House will next be appearing at Geekhampton‘s Christmas Party on December 15th. Updates and more information can be found at her facebook page.  A new voice has been shaking up the Suffolk scene this year, and she has just released her first EP.  If you make the rounds of the usual south shore music haunts, you have probably had the pleasure of hearing Cassandra House fearlessly applying her soulful voice to standards like Angel From Montgomery as well as her own poignantly honest originals. Like Bonnie Raitt or Brandi Carlile, Cassandra’s vocals make you feel something raw and real before you are even aware of the words you’re listening to. On a deeper second listen, you hear hard truths and gritty honesty that sound like they could come from a songwriter 20 years older – and they make you feel the same things more. The singer/songwriter’s debut EP, Night Owl, opens with an up country number called G’on and Go. As you listen, it takes you deeper into the psyche of a young woman who has learned bitter lessons from life and relationships, and is developing an identity around carrying on anyway.  “When is it enough to settle with love?” she asks the listener. It’s the sort of question that makes you suddenly realize you don’t know the answer, and now you might need to spend your life trying to find it. Night Owl can be found on iTunes and CD Baby, or purchased at shows. Cassandra House will next be appearing at Geekhampton‘s Christmas Party on December 15th. Updates and more information can be found at her facebook page.  Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2012-12-04T17:06:56+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/aftermath-music http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/aftermath-music#When:17:12:51Z If you’re reading this, chances are good you have your power back on. Most of Long Island does by now, but not all of it. After Superstorm Sandy and the nor’easter that followed a week later, Long Islanders have been struggling to get back to life as usual. For those whose homes were severely damaged or lost entirely, that process will take months. In speaking with friends, family, and complete strangers over the last few weeks, there have been two recurring themes. The first is gratitude – even people who have lost their homes or property have spoken of their gratitude for their lives and their families. The second theme is the desire to help. Throughout the region people have stepped up to donate time, money, food and supplies. Long Island musicians have donated all of these things, plus one more – their art. For the last few weeks, almost every gig on my Facebook event list has turned into a hurricane benefit to raise money for the Red Cross, Occupy Sandy, and smaller local organizations working in the relief effort.  The Homegrown Music Cafe, Bartini Bar, Mulcahy’s, and many other local venues threw together large multi-artist benefit concerts in a matter of days. Retrofest had a concert scheduled to benefit the Long Island Crisis Center, which in turn offered up the proceeds for hurricane relief instead. Local artists have chosen to donate tip and CD sale money and have used their shows to collect nonperishable food, coats and supplies. Jeremy Gilchrist, an artist who started his career performing around Suffolk County and hosting the Pisces Cafe’s late great open mic, wrote and recorded a song called Piano in the Street in a matter of days. He put it out as a free track with a request that listeners donate whatever they can to the Red Cross.  The relief effort is ongoing and the musical community continues to organize events and outreach as well. This Wednesday, Long Island artists Jen Chapin and Tara Eberle-Drouinn are among those performing at The Living Room’s benefit concert. On Thursday the 29th, 347 Pub in Smithtown will an event called Strong Island Women Play for Sandy Victims. Similar events and donation drives are taking shape as you read this. To stay informed, pick up local papers, ask your friends, go on Facebook and Twitter, and visit your local community centers. If you’re reading this, chances are good you have your power back on. Most of Long Island does by now, but not all of it. After Superstorm Sandy and the nor’easter that followed a week later, Long Islanders have been struggling to get back to life as usual. For those whose homes were severely damaged or lost entirely, that process will take months. In speaking with friends, family, and complete strangers over the last few weeks, there have been two recurring themes. The first is gratitude – even people who have lost their homes or property have spoken of their gratitude for their lives and their families. The second theme is the desire to help. Throughout the region people have stepped up to donate time, money, food and supplies. Long Island musicians have donated all of these things, plus one more – their art. For the last few weeks, almost every gig on my Facebook event list has turned into a hurricane benefit to raise money for the Red Cross, Occupy Sandy, and smaller local organizations working in the relief effort.  The Homegrown Music Cafe, Bartini Bar, Mulcahy’s, and many other local venues threw together large multi-artist benefit concerts in a matter of days. Retrofest had a concert scheduled to benefit the Long Island Crisis Center, which in turn offered up the proceeds for hurricane relief instead. Local artists have chosen to donate tip and CD sale money and have used their shows to collect nonperishable food, coats and supplies. Jeremy Gilchrist, an artist who started his career performing around Suffolk County and hosting the Pisces Cafe’s late great open mic, wrote and recorded a song called Piano in the Street in a matter of days. He put it out as a free track with a request that listeners donate whatever they can to the Red Cross.  The relief effort is ongoing and the musical community continues to organize events and outreach as well. This Wednesday, Long Island artists Jen Chapin and Tara Eberle-Drouinn are among those performing at The Living Room’s benefit concert. On Thursday the 29th, 347 Pub in Smithtown will an event called Strong Island Women Play for Sandy Victims. Similar events and donation drives are taking shape as you read this. To stay informed, pick up local papers, ask your friends, go on Facebook and Twitter, and visit your local community centers. Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2012-11-20T17:12:51+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/three-ways-to-get-your-pre-halloween-on http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/three-ways-to-get-your-pre-halloween-on#When:21:45:33Z If you don’t have plans yet, or if you have been invited to a party but you’re looking for an excuse to politely decline (I understand), here are some pre-halloween music happenings going on this Saturday. Harvest Moon Festival at 89 North If you do not want to be pressured to wear a costume but you do want to listen to Neil Young music and drink beer all night, this is the event for you. Leah Kay, the Brother Pluckers, Easy Chief, and the “Harvest Moon All Stars” will be crooning out Neil Young covers that will have you feeling sentimental and vaguely melancholy in no time. Pumpkin Palooza followed by a Halloween Party at Bobbique From 1 to 6pm, Bobbique is serving up a ton of the season’s best pumpkin craft beers, rimmed with your choice cinnamon and vanilla bean sugar, apple crumb or caramel. Stick around for the Halloween party starting at 9:30 and featuring live acoustic classic rock songs from Joseph Felicetta and his crew. Prizes for best costume and a special prize for the best couple dressed as either the Obamas or the Romneys. Halloween Party with Jackknife Stiletto at Bartini Bar This one might be more rock show than party; however there is free food and yes, they have a costume contest.  The Pink Flamingos, Walking Sideways, and all-girl rockers Jackknife Stiletto will be performing. $5 cover. If you don’t have plans yet, or if you have been invited to a party but you’re looking for an excuse to politely decline (I understand), here are some pre-halloween music happenings going on this Saturday. Harvest Moon Festival at 89 North If you do not want to be pressured to wear a costume but you do want to listen to Neil Young music and drink beer all night, this is the event for you. Leah Kay, the Brother Pluckers, Easy Chief, and the “Harvest Moon All Stars” will be crooning out Neil Young covers that will have you feeling sentimental and vaguely melancholy in no time. Pumpkin Palooza followed by a Halloween Party at Bobbique From 1 to 6pm, Bobbique is serving up a ton of the season’s best pumpkin craft beers, rimmed with your choice cinnamon and vanilla bean sugar, apple crumb or caramel. Stick around for the Halloween party starting at 9:30 and featuring live acoustic classic rock songs from Joseph Felicetta and his crew. Prizes for best costume and a special prize for the best couple dressed as either the Obamas or the Romneys. Halloween Party with Jackknife Stiletto at Bartini Bar This one might be more rock show than party; however there is free food and yes, they have a costume contest.  The Pink Flamingos, Walking Sideways, and all-girl rockers Jackknife Stiletto will be performing. $5 cover. Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2012-10-25T21:45:33+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/banding-together-against-puppy-mills http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/banding-together-against-puppy-mills#When:16:15:43Z The newest installment of the “Banding Together” series, scheduled for this Saturday, October 20th, takes on puppy mills. The “Banding Together” concerts are brought to you by Act 1 Entertainment’s Brothers and Sisters—a growing touring group made up of volunteer performers dedicated to helping those less fortunate than themselves. These multi-venue events have created a legacy of raising both money and awareness for Long Island charities across Long Island in a single night.  Like Retrofest, this series is creating lasting bonds between the Long Island music scene, local charities, and the rest of the community. This Saturday’s shows should be no different. Proceeds will go Spread across Nassau and Suffolk, there should be something close to almost everybody—or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, map out a “crawl” and catch a little bit of every show. Here is a list of venues: The Blue Parrot - Massapequa 8-1 Candy’s Magic Pub - “Country for Critters” - Shirley 8-1 O-Brien’s Ale House - Coram 8-1 Village Idiot Pub - Patchogue 5-9 Featured performers include Comfortable Rut, Shecky & The Twangtones, Vitamin D, Aaron Palmadessa, and more. There will also be raffles and speakers at each event. Entry is a $10 donation.  Proceeds will go to Save-A-Pet Long Island, and guests are encouraged to bring warm blankets and other bedding to help keep shelter dogs warm in the winter. The newest installment of the “Banding Together” series, scheduled for this Saturday, October 20th, takes on puppy mills. The “Banding Together” concerts are brought to you by Act 1 Entertainment’s Brothers and Sisters—a growing touring group made up of volunteer performers dedicated to helping those less fortunate than themselves. These multi-venue events have created a legacy of raising both money and awareness for Long Island charities across Long Island in a single night.  Like Retrofest, this series is creating lasting bonds between the Long Island music scene, local charities, and the rest of the community. This Saturday’s shows should be no different. Proceeds will go Spread across Nassau and Suffolk, there should be something close to almost everybody—or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, map out a “crawl” and catch a little bit of every show. Here is a list of venues: The Blue Parrot - Massapequa 8-1 Candy’s Magic Pub - “Country for Critters” - Shirley 8-1 O-Brien’s Ale House - Coram 8-1 Village Idiot Pub - Patchogue 5-9 Featured performers include Comfortable Rut, Shecky & The Twangtones, Vitamin D, Aaron Palmadessa, and more. There will also be raffles and speakers at each event. Entry is a $10 donation.  Proceeds will go to Save-A-Pet Long Island, and guests are encouraged to bring warm blankets and other bedding to help keep shelter dogs warm in the winter. Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2012-10-16T16:15:43+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/ghosts-of-the-psychedelta http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/ghosts-of-the-psychedelta#When:18:41:58Z The title of Kerry Kearney’s recent album, Ghosts of the Psychedelta, captures the new-old, hippie-blues, down-home groove that many Long Islanders have come to expect from the artist. The album starts by plunging into the uptempo, appropriately named “Mississippi River Stomp,” and then carries the listener through all the moods of the genre. Kearney is known best for his blues sensibilities, which are showcased in tracks like the moody and swampy “Mean Old Frisco”. Not to be boxed in, though, he shows his folk and Celtic roots in “Girl From the North Country,” and brings in a dose of straight Southern Rock with songs like “Baby Set a Date”. Tying it all together is Kearney’s unforgettable slide playing and the tight musicianship of the band. The two concerns with any great live artist recording a studio artist are that you’ll lose the energy from the stage, or that it will sound too live, and not translate well in the studio. This album falls victim to neither pitfall. Choices like opening with Kerry’s own “Mississippi River Stomp” bring the energy up right away, and there is no substitute for the in-the-pocket groove that happens only when a band has played together for years. Rather than sounding flat or canned, the album is mixed and recorded in a way that gets out of the way and lets the listener feel like she may as well be in a tavern tapping her foot to a live performance. If you want to make the call for yourself, check out a show and grab the CD to listen to on the ride home. Kerry Kearney regularly tours around the Long Island and tri state area, and the next show is this Saturday the 29th – the “Kerry Ferry” Blues & Brews Cruise in Port Jefferson harbor. If you miss that one, check out the band on dry land at Napper Tandy’s in Miller Place on October 12th. Details, tickets and tunes are available at kerrykearneyofficial.com. The title of Kerry Kearney’s recent album, Ghosts of the Psychedelta, captures the new-old, hippie-blues, down-home groove that many Long Islanders have come to expect from the artist. The album starts by plunging into the uptempo, appropriately named “Mississippi River Stomp,” and then carries the listener through all the moods of the genre. Kearney is known best for his blues sensibilities, which are showcased in tracks like the moody and swampy “Mean Old Frisco”. Not to be boxed in, though, he shows his folk and Celtic roots in “Girl From the North Country,” and brings in a dose of straight Southern Rock with songs like “Baby Set a Date”. Tying it all together is Kearney’s unforgettable slide playing and the tight musicianship of the band. The two concerns with any great live artist recording a studio artist are that you’ll lose the energy from the stage, or that it will sound too live, and not translate well in the studio. This album falls victim to neither pitfall. Choices like opening with Kerry’s own “Mississippi River Stomp” bring the energy up right away, and there is no substitute for the in-the-pocket groove that happens only when a band has played together for years. Rather than sounding flat or canned, the album is mixed and recorded in a way that gets out of the way and lets the listener feel like she may as well be in a tavern tapping her foot to a live performance. If you want to make the call for yourself, check out a show and grab the CD to listen to on the ride home. Kerry Kearney regularly tours around the Long Island and tri state area, and the next show is this Saturday the 29th – the “Kerry Ferry” Blues & Brews Cruise in Port Jefferson harbor. If you miss that one, check out the band on dry land at Napper Tandy’s in Miller Place on October 12th. Details, tickets and tunes are available at kerrykearneyofficial.com. Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2012-09-28T18:41:58+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/long-island-festivals-the-east-end-edition http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/long-island-festivals-the-east-end-edition#When:17:36:56Z There’s something of a divide between the east end and the rest of Long Island in the music scene, and it’s hard to say why. Maybe it’s some combination of east end’s charming little trait of calling the rest of us “up-Islanders,” and Nassau County’s apparent inability to conceive of civilization existing beyond the end of the LIE. Anyway, this summer I’ve been discovering a lot of really great music out on the fishtail and it’s time for you to do the same. (Unless you already live on the east end, in which case, carry on!)  This Saturday, August 25th is the East End Music Festival Fundraiser for the Clubhouse of Suffolk. It’s a festival with such a long name that after one or more glasses of Jamesport wine you may no longer be able to say it properly. But, it’s worth the verbose title, because at this festival you get to hear awesome music AND support a great Long Island organization. Clubhouse of Suffolk is a non-profit psychiatric rehabilitation and support agency located in Riverhead and Ronkonkoma. If you want to help with more than dollars, the Facebook event page lists the Clubhouse’s current needs, such as non-perishable food and gardening items.  Live performances will feature Inda Eaton, Job Potter, Mariann Megna, Nick Kerzner, Chris Hurley, John Divello Rocky Divello, Cowboy Kevin, and Ray Red. Guys, there are also pony rides. This event takes place on Harbes Farm and a variety of farmy fun is available. Since it is on the east end, there will also be wine tasting-–so in short, this may be your only chance to support a charity on Long Island by sitting on a pony, drinking wine, and listening to music. Make the right choice. There’s something of a divide between the east end and the rest of Long Island in the music scene, and it’s hard to say why. Maybe it’s some combination of east end’s charming little trait of calling the rest of us “up-Islanders,” and Nassau County’s apparent inability to conceive of civilization existing beyond the end of the LIE. Anyway, this summer I’ve been discovering a lot of really great music out on the fishtail and it’s time for you to do the same. (Unless you already live on the east end, in which case, carry on!)  This Saturday, August 25th is the East End Music Festival Fundraiser for the Clubhouse of Suffolk. It’s a festival with such a long name that after one or more glasses of Jamesport wine you may no longer be able to say it properly. But, it’s worth the verbose title, because at this festival you get to hear awesome music AND support a great Long Island organization. Clubhouse of Suffolk is a non-profit psychiatric rehabilitation and support agency located in Riverhead and Ronkonkoma. If you want to help with more than dollars, the Facebook event page lists the Clubhouse’s current needs, such as non-perishable food and gardening items.  Live performances will feature Inda Eaton, Job Potter, Mariann Megna, Nick Kerzner, Chris Hurley, John Divello Rocky Divello, Cowboy Kevin, and Ray Red. Guys, there are also pony rides. This event takes place on Harbes Farm and a variety of farmy fun is available. Since it is on the east end, there will also be wine tasting-–so in short, this may be your only chance to support a charity on Long Island by sitting on a pony, drinking wine, and listening to music. Make the right choice. Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2012-08-23T17:36:56+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/long-island-festivals-the-starts-with-g-edition-great-south-bay-and-genrecl http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/long-island-festivals-the-starts-with-g-edition-great-south-bay-and-genrecl#When:18:39:02Z If you’ve got eyes and ears you’ve already heard about the Great South Bay Music Festival. For many, long island music in the summer begins and ends with GSB. National names like moe. and Martin Sexton play on the same stage as local favorites like Miles to Dayton, Jack’s Waterfall and Kerry Kearney. An emerging artists stage and a separate kids’ music stage complete the mix for three full days of music (Friday 7/13-Sunday 7/15). Go check out the festival website to see when your favorite band is playing. ...Unless your favorite band is playing at GenreClash. GenreClash is an annual festival celebrating live original music from all corners: hip hop, jazz, experimental, folk, electronica, punk, rock (et cetera). In addition to 12 hours of music (the festival is Saturday from noon to midnight) a plethora of artists will be displaying their work and an afterparty will feature 4 DJs. GenreClash is at Ollie’s Point/Revolution. You can RSVP or get more details on Facebook. If you’re like me you might have trouble choosing between Long Island’s biggest music festival full of artists you know and love, and a big crazy “let’s all color outside the lines” artmusiclovefest like GenreClash. The good news is you don’t have to. GenreClash lasts for 12 hours (16 if you count the afterparty) and Great South Bay lasts for three days. You can go to both. Just party responsibly if you’re driving back and forth between Amityville and Patchogue, please. If you’ve got eyes and ears you’ve already heard about the Great South Bay Music Festival. For many, long island music in the summer begins and ends with GSB. National names like moe. and Martin Sexton play on the same stage as local favorites like Miles to Dayton, Jack’s Waterfall and Kerry Kearney. An emerging artists stage and a separate kids’ music stage complete the mix for three full days of music (Friday 7/13-Sunday 7/15). Go check out the festival website to see when your favorite band is playing. ...Unless your favorite band is playing at GenreClash. GenreClash is an annual festival celebrating live original music from all corners: hip hop, jazz, experimental, folk, electronica, punk, rock (et cetera). In addition to 12 hours of music (the festival is Saturday from noon to midnight) a plethora of artists will be displaying their work and an afterparty will feature 4 DJs. GenreClash is at Ollie’s Point/Revolution. You can RSVP or get more details on Facebook. If you’re like me you might have trouble choosing between Long Island’s biggest music festival full of artists you know and love, and a big crazy “let’s all color outside the lines” artmusiclovefest like GenreClash. The good news is you don’t have to. GenreClash lasts for 12 hours (16 if you count the afterparty) and Great South Bay lasts for three days. You can go to both. Just party responsibly if you’re driving back and forth between Amityville and Patchogue, please. Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2012-07-13T18:39:02+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/long-island-festivals-for-the-win-pirate-edition http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/long-island-festivals-for-the-win-pirate-edition#When:16:22:30Z Part of what makes Long Island special and unique is that it can’t resist a summer celebration, no matter how seemingly arbitrary the reason. Most people are aware of the special summer events that go on in their village, because it interferes with driving. But are you missing the fun of interfering with some other town’s driving situation on their festival day? You probably are, and I’m here to help you correct this glaring issue.  For the rest of the summer I will be blogging about little and big festivals on Long Island that you won’t want to miss. This is a music blog, and I will be focusing on festivals that support local music and local artists.  By no means do I hope to get every one covered (if you know of one you’d like me to blog about, !) Here is one to get you started: Sayville’s Pirate Festival. Yes, it’s a festival about pirates. Yes, that is the coolest thing that has ever happened on Long Island. So go. It’s this weekend (June 16-17) at the Long Island Maritime Museum. You get to dress up like a pirate (in fact, you get some kind of a gift if you come in costume) and go to a “Thieves Market” (I confess I’m not even wholly sure what that is, but it sounds awesome) and hear live pirate music. “Pirate Music” comes in the form of sea chanties, nautical tunes, and “stolen oldies” from the likes of The Brigands, John Corr, the Bawdy Buccaneers, and Strike the Bell.  Guys, I have checked these artists out and I am joyfully geeking out over each of them. Now that I have learned that there is an active pirate music scene (!!!) on Long Island I am a little ashamed and sad that I am not a part of it. Yet. Part of what makes Long Island special and unique is that it can’t resist a summer celebration, no matter how seemingly arbitrary the reason. Most people are aware of the special summer events that go on in their village, because it interferes with driving. But are you missing the fun of interfering with some other town’s driving situation on their festival day? You probably are, and I’m here to help you correct this glaring issue.  For the rest of the summer I will be blogging about little and big festivals on Long Island that you won’t want to miss. This is a music blog, and I will be focusing on festivals that support local music and local artists.  By no means do I hope to get every one covered (if you know of one you’d like me to blog about, !) Here is one to get you started: Sayville’s Pirate Festival. Yes, it’s a festival about pirates. Yes, that is the coolest thing that has ever happened on Long Island. So go. It’s this weekend (June 16-17) at the Long Island Maritime Museum. You get to dress up like a pirate (in fact, you get some kind of a gift if you come in costume) and go to a “Thieves Market” (I confess I’m not even wholly sure what that is, but it sounds awesome) and hear live pirate music. “Pirate Music” comes in the form of sea chanties, nautical tunes, and “stolen oldies” from the likes of The Brigands, John Corr, the Bawdy Buccaneers, and Strike the Bell.  Guys, I have checked these artists out and I am joyfully geeking out over each of them. Now that I have learned that there is an active pirate music scene (!!!) on Long Island I am a little ashamed and sad that I am not a part of it. Yet. Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2012-06-15T16:22:30+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/long-islands-youngest-singer-songwriter-finds-dreamland http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/long-islands-youngest-singer-songwriter-finds-dreamland#When:16:30:01Z It’s hard not to focus on LI songstress Charlie Dane’s age (13), but there can only be so many reviews to the tune of “this girl is so young and she’s singing and playing good music!” Let me say first—she is so young and she is singing and playing good music. But in defense of young precocious artists everywhere, let’s focus on her as a new artist instead of as a very clever young’un. Charlie has been playing out around Long Island for the last few years, accompanying herself on piano and guitar. Rather than being a studio-manufactured pop act, she grew as an artist as organically as many of us (slightly older) indie musicians did.  She spent time playing cover music around Long Island, accompanying herself on her guitar and keyboard, while she was finding her voice as a songwriter. Apparently she has found it, because every single song on her new record Dreamland is written or co-written by Ms. Dane. The album is a radio-friendly pop-rock release with solid vocal and instrument tracks. Charlie’s already got some legit vocal chops, and it will be interesting to hear what she sounds like as her voice deepens and matures. For more information on Charlie or to check out some tracks, head to http://www.charliedane.net. She’s got upcoming gigs and festivals on her calendar in Long Island and beyond. It’s hard not to focus on LI songstress Charlie Dane’s age (13), but there can only be so many reviews to the tune of “this girl is so young and she’s singing and playing good music!” Let me say first—she is so young and she is singing and playing good music. But in defense of young precocious artists everywhere, let’s focus on her as a new artist instead of as a very clever young’un. Charlie has been playing out around Long Island for the last few years, accompanying herself on piano and guitar. Rather than being a studio-manufactured pop act, she grew as an artist as organically as many of us (slightly older) indie musicians did.  She spent time playing cover music around Long Island, accompanying herself on her guitar and keyboard, while she was finding her voice as a songwriter. Apparently she has found it, because every single song on her new record Dreamland is written or co-written by Ms. Dane. The album is a radio-friendly pop-rock release with solid vocal and instrument tracks. Charlie’s already got some legit vocal chops, and it will be interesting to hear what she sounds like as her voice deepens and matures. For more information on Charlie or to check out some tracks, head to http://www.charliedane.net. She’s got upcoming gigs and festivals on her calendar in Long Island and beyond. Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2012-06-12T16:30:01+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/one-singer-songwriters-sweet-revenge http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/one-singer-songwriters-sweet-revenge#When:18:47:24Z Deborah Lombardi has been a strong female voice in the Long Island music scene for several years going. Her new album is called Sweet Revenge, and it captures well the singer-songwriter’s seemingly contradictory style. The artwork features the artist and her guitar, looking charming with dozens dainty yellow flowers all around. But inside, the artist sweetly croons about an aging prom king and queen turning into ugly has-beens with “watermelon waists” and “saggy-bag eyes.” That, she explains to the prom king’s jilted ex-girlfriend, is sweet revenge. Deborah’s tart sense of humor carries through the album, though she also has a serious, moody side that comes out in songs like “Ghost of You” and “Cure for Tears.” Her songwriting ranges from loose country-folk to 70s-esque pop ballads reminiscent of The Carpenters. A standout track is the soulful “Let You Go,” which takes a more stream-of-consciousness approach than the rest of the album, both musically and lyrically. It captures the essence of a woman who has been around the block once or twice, but can’t help putting her feelings on the line all the same. Deborah has been playing avidly since the release of Sweet Revenge.  You can catch her next this weekend at The Montauk Music Festival.  For more information and tour dates, visit her website at deborahlombardi.com. Deborah Lombardi has been a strong female voice in the Long Island music scene for several years going. Her new album is called Sweet Revenge, and it captures well the singer-songwriter’s seemingly contradictory style. The artwork features the artist and her guitar, looking charming with dozens dainty yellow flowers all around. But inside, the artist sweetly croons about an aging prom king and queen turning into ugly has-beens with “watermelon waists” and “saggy-bag eyes.” That, she explains to the prom king’s jilted ex-girlfriend, is sweet revenge. Deborah’s tart sense of humor carries through the album, though she also has a serious, moody side that comes out in songs like “Ghost of You” and “Cure for Tears.” Her songwriting ranges from loose country-folk to 70s-esque pop ballads reminiscent of The Carpenters. A standout track is the soulful “Let You Go,” which takes a more stream-of-consciousness approach than the rest of the album, both musically and lyrically. It captures the essence of a woman who has been around the block once or twice, but can’t help putting her feelings on the line all the same. Deborah has been playing avidly since the release of Sweet Revenge.  You can catch her next this weekend at The Montauk Music Festival.  For more information and tour dates, visit her website at deborahlombardi.com. Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2012-05-15T18:47:24+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/support-the-new-venue-that-supports-new-music http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/support-the-new-venue-that-supports-new-music#When:04:25:02Z 89 North’s First Original Music Night There’s a little buzz building in Patchogue about 89 North. Over the last several years, Patchogue has established itself as a neighborhood friendly to local music in general and original music in particular. 89 North has jumped onto the bandwagon with their new Original Music Night, taking place this Thursday. To kick off their original series, 89 North has booked Gathering Time, Deborah Lombardi Band, Josh Joffen, and Tim Porter. Here is a little background on the lineup: Gathering Time is a trio made up of Stuart Markus, Glen Roethel and Hillary Foxsong—for the past several years they have been making a big name for themselves with their tight harmonies and friendly folk sensibilities. Deborah Lombardi is a well-respected local musician and has just released an album called Sweet Revenge. Tim Porter is an acoustic act who himself recently released an album with the lyrical title “Politics in an Internet Cafe”.  And Josh Joffen made waves in the NYC folk scene before bringing his simple, evocative tunes to Long Island—and also had his song “Crazy Horse” covered by Gathering Time on their debut recording. Most people I know who enjoy live music genuinely want to support original act. However, many music venues don’t believe original music is a solid investment. If you come out to Thursday’s show, you will not only be getting an evening of great music—you’ll also be showing real support for the growing original music scene on our fair Island. 89 North’s First Original Music Night There’s a little buzz building in Patchogue about 89 North. Over the last several years, Patchogue has established itself as a neighborhood friendly to local music in general and original music in particular. 89 North has jumped onto the bandwagon with their new Original Music Night, taking place this Thursday. To kick off their original series, 89 North has booked Gathering Time, Deborah Lombardi Band, Josh Joffen, and Tim Porter. Here is a little background on the lineup: Gathering Time is a trio made up of Stuart Markus, Glen Roethel and Hillary Foxsong—for the past several years they have been making a big name for themselves with their tight harmonies and friendly folk sensibilities. Deborah Lombardi is a well-respected local musician and has just released an album called Sweet Revenge. Tim Porter is an acoustic act who himself recently released an album with the lyrical title “Politics in an Internet Cafe”.  And Josh Joffen made waves in the NYC folk scene before bringing his simple, evocative tunes to Long Island—and also had his song “Crazy Horse” covered by Gathering Time on their debut recording. Most people I know who enjoy live music genuinely want to support original act. However, many music venues don’t believe original music is a solid investment. If you come out to Thursday’s show, you will not only be getting an evening of great music—you’ll also be showing real support for the growing original music scene on our fair Island. Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2012-04-25T04:25:02+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/live-art-fusion http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/live-art-fusion#When:16:09:10Z A lot of people who dig music love art too, but for some reason it’s hard to find events that blend the two successfully. An art opening may at most have a classical pianist or a jazz guitarist in providing “atmosphere” (somewhere in a corner where she or he is not a distraction…), and it would probably be downright unsafe to hang fine art at a show with a moshpit (although Vice Versa has been known to do just that at its charitable art/music shows). Art and music under one roof: everyone likes the idea but no one is quite sure how to do it. Live Art Fusion is Rich Rivkin’s attempt to bring art onto the scene as a performance that collaborates with live music, instead of forcing either to vy for the audience’s attention. Twelve live artists “speed-paint” at these event while live jazz fusion music serves as inspiration to both them and the audience. It’s the sort of thing that would make a hoity-toity gallery owner turn away in disgust, which is probably part of why I think it’s such a good idea. Right now, Live Art Fusion is a weekly Wednesday event at 841 East Lounge in Huntington—but stay tuned, because this summer there will be a series of larger outdoor events and festivals as well. If you think 12 speed-painting artists is a lot, try 50, with plenty of easel space to join in yourself. For more info. and to keep tabs on this cool happening, check out www.LiveArtFusion.com. A lot of people who dig music love art too, but for some reason it’s hard to find events that blend the two successfully. An art opening may at most have a classical pianist or a jazz guitarist in providing “atmosphere” (somewhere in a corner where she or he is not a distraction…), and it would probably be downright unsafe to hang fine art at a show with a moshpit (although Vice Versa has been known to do just that at its charitable art/music shows). Art and music under one roof: everyone likes the idea but no one is quite sure how to do it. Live Art Fusion is Rich Rivkin’s attempt to bring art onto the scene as a performance that collaborates with live music, instead of forcing either to vy for the audience’s attention. Twelve live artists “speed-paint” at these event while live jazz fusion music serves as inspiration to both them and the audience. It’s the sort of thing that would make a hoity-toity gallery owner turn away in disgust, which is probably part of why I think it’s such a good idea. Right now, Live Art Fusion is a weekly Wednesday event at 841 East Lounge in Huntington—but stay tuned, because this summer there will be a series of larger outdoor events and festivals as well. If you think 12 speed-painting artists is a lot, try 50, with plenty of easel space to join in yourself. For more info. and to keep tabs on this cool happening, check out www.LiveArtFusion.com. Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2012-03-28T16:09:10+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/upscale-and-eerie-entertainment http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/upscale-and-eerie-entertainment#When:16:56:32Z A night of music and psychic readings? Yes, you guessed right, Jessie Haynes is involved. This Saturday, the East End troubadour will join forces with local medium Jim Fargiano to bring you an evening of music, spiritualism, and fine dining at Giorgio’s at Fox Hill. The evening begins with a posh dinner buffet feauturing live music from Ms. Haynes. After dinner, Jim Fargiano will share his spiritual insights with the audience, including Q and A and personal messages from beyond. The evening sounds suspiciously like a scene in a Victorian fantasy novel I read recently. In the novel, the heroine learns that she has some super-secret magical powers and is in the middle of a generations-old dispute between a secret magical society and some bad guys. Given that art imitates life, it seems reasonably likely that if you attend on Saturday night you may learn something similar about yourself. If not, you’ll still get a fancy meal and an interesting night, so what’s to complain, really? If you DO come away with the knowledge of mysterious powers, let me just ask you not to forget the nice blog writer who referred you to this life-changing night. Feel free to change some straw into gold for me, or something, as a thank you. Anyway, the event is this Saturday, March 3rd, and commences at 7pm. Tickets are $75 a person in advance or $90 at the door, and can be purchase via Paypal at Jim Fargiano’s website. A night of music and psychic readings? Yes, you guessed right, Jessie Haynes is involved. This Saturday, the East End troubadour will join forces with local medium Jim Fargiano to bring you an evening of music, spiritualism, and fine dining at Giorgio’s at Fox Hill. The evening begins with a posh dinner buffet feauturing live music from Ms. Haynes. After dinner, Jim Fargiano will share his spiritual insights with the audience, including Q and A and personal messages from beyond. The evening sounds suspiciously like a scene in a Victorian fantasy novel I read recently. In the novel, the heroine learns that she has some super-secret magical powers and is in the middle of a generations-old dispute between a secret magical society and some bad guys. Given that art imitates life, it seems reasonably likely that if you attend on Saturday night you may learn something similar about yourself. If not, you’ll still get a fancy meal and an interesting night, so what’s to complain, really? If you DO come away with the knowledge of mysterious powers, let me just ask you not to forget the nice blog writer who referred you to this life-changing night. Feel free to change some straw into gold for me, or something, as a thank you. Anyway, the event is this Saturday, March 3rd, and commences at 7pm. Tickets are $75 a person in advance or $90 at the door, and can be purchase via Paypal at Jim Fargiano’s website. Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2012-03-02T16:56:32+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/gathering-of-the-slides http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/gathering-of-the-slides#When:16:15:29Z Apparently the Brookhaven National Lab found out about all the live music foibles going on down the road in Patchogue and decided to get in on the action.  The BNL Music Club, which sounds like a fan club for the Barenaked Ladies, is actually an employee group at the Brookhaven National Laboratory, designed to “exchange musical ideas and encourage musical development among BNL employees, guests and visitors.” (From the Brookhaven National Lab website.)  One of the more popular events this club has sponsored is the “Gathering Of the Slides,” an annual bluesy bash that features some of the favorites from the Long Island scene. This January 22nd will be the ninth annual Gathering and will feature Kerry Kearney, who dubs his playing style as “Psychedelta,” and Dee Harris, a self-taught singer, songwriter, and player of guitars and various other instruments with strings. Tickets are available for this event at www.ticketweb.com, and are recommended as the event has sold out in the past. The show starts at 7:30 pm in the lab itself.  Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Apparently the Brookhaven National Lab found out about all the live music foibles going on down the road in Patchogue and decided to get in on the action.  The BNL Music Club, which sounds like a fan club for the Barenaked Ladies, is actually an employee group at the Brookhaven National Laboratory, designed to “exchange musical ideas and encourage musical development among BNL employees, guests and visitors.” (From the Brookhaven National Lab website.)  One of the more popular events this club has sponsored is the “Gathering Of the Slides,” an annual bluesy bash that features some of the favorites from the Long Island scene. This January 22nd will be the ninth annual Gathering and will feature Kerry Kearney, who dubs his playing style as “Psychedelta,” and Dee Harris, a self-taught singer, songwriter, and player of guitars and various other instruments with strings. Tickets are available for this event at www.ticketweb.com, and are recommended as the event has sold out in the past. The show starts at 7:30 pm in the lab itself.  Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2012-01-16T16:15:29+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/aeroplane-pageant-floating-above-genre-with-their-new-album http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/aeroplane-pageant-floating-above-genre-with-their-new-album#When:18:05:56Z My friends, I am pleased to tell you that the beautiful tradition of putting two wholly unrelated words together and making that your band name is not dead, at least not on Long Island. Aeroplane Pageant, whose name I don’t completely understand, but sure sounds cool, has recently come onto the scene with a new album called “Float Above the Yard.” The album is a cool mix of rock guitars, poppy electronic noise, and indie songwriting… but it doesn’t sound anything like The Postal Service.  It sounds more like best friends who grew up listening to Sergeant Pepper and playing with their Casio keyboards and guitars, and then made a band. It’s pretty cool. But, like many poppy indie bands, the lyrics are both darker and more sentimental than you’d expect on first listen. “We didn’t dream enough in this house,” Brian Kelly mourns cheerfully over layered vocals and a pumping beat in “Brief Confessions of a Young Bear.” Like the alt-rock band OK Go, Aeroplane Pageant has mastered the art of making poignantly dark statements inside the deceptive medium of a feel-good pop tune.  They have also captured the suburban malaise that sends so many Long Island teenagers reaching blindly for something more—but they tell that story with the maturity and perspective of a band who’s been around the block a few times. So where can you hear these guys? Well, on their website for starters—http://aeroplanepageant.com.  Their CD is available for purchase on Itunes, CD Baby, and at shows. My friends, I am pleased to tell you that the beautiful tradition of putting two wholly unrelated words together and making that your band name is not dead, at least not on Long Island. Aeroplane Pageant, whose name I don’t completely understand, but sure sounds cool, has recently come onto the scene with a new album called “Float Above the Yard.” The album is a cool mix of rock guitars, poppy electronic noise, and indie songwriting… but it doesn’t sound anything like The Postal Service.  It sounds more like best friends who grew up listening to Sergeant Pepper and playing with their Casio keyboards and guitars, and then made a band. It’s pretty cool. But, like many poppy indie bands, the lyrics are both darker and more sentimental than you’d expect on first listen. “We didn’t dream enough in this house,” Brian Kelly mourns cheerfully over layered vocals and a pumping beat in “Brief Confessions of a Young Bear.” Like the alt-rock band OK Go, Aeroplane Pageant has mastered the art of making poignantly dark statements inside the deceptive medium of a feel-good pop tune.  They have also captured the suburban malaise that sends so many Long Island teenagers reaching blindly for something more—but they tell that story with the maturity and perspective of a band who’s been around the block a few times. So where can you hear these guys? Well, on their website for starters—http://aeroplanepageant.com.  Their CD is available for purchase on Itunes, CD Baby, and at shows. Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2011-11-09T18:05:56+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/live-bands-at-brickhouse-this-saturday http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/live-bands-at-brickhouse-this-saturday#When:17:07:50Z This Saturday is the 4th edition of Don Audio Showcase Sessions at the Brickhouse Brewery in Patchogue. Brickhouse has a big stage that is home to cover bands, jams, and singer-songwriters alike. This Saturday, original bands Butcher’s Blind, Everything Grey, and the Chris P. Cauley Collective will take the stage.  These acts are complementary, but I wouldn’t necessarily call them similar. Everything Grey mixes a great classic rock sound with new songs and twins Allie and Jacquie Lee sharing the lead vocals (this leads to some pretty awesome harmonies). The band sounds both big and well-put-together, a good combination. Butcher’s Blind, a Queens band who just came out with a new CD released through Long Island’s Paradiddle Records, brings simple, elegant folk rock tunes that would be equally appropriate at Woodstock in 1969, or a hip Manhattan coffeeshop in 2012. Chris P. Cauley Collective is the big fat band sound that now belongs to Chris P. Cauley. Many may remember him for his solo/acoustic performances around the usual singer/songwriter haunts. What you might not know about him is that he’s been self-recording and self-releasing lush EPs and albums since 2007. The Collective sounds a little more like this vision fully realized in a live setting. What else do you know about this Saturday’s show?  Well, it’s a $5 cover to get in and there’s a lot of good beer on tap. Starts at 9 and ends “whenever,” as is usuallly the case with these big fun shows at Brickhouse. The Brewery is located at 67 W. Main St. This Saturday is the 4th edition of Don Audio Showcase Sessions at the Brickhouse Brewery in Patchogue. Brickhouse has a big stage that is home to cover bands, jams, and singer-songwriters alike. This Saturday, original bands Butcher’s Blind, Everything Grey, and the Chris P. Cauley Collective will take the stage.  These acts are complementary, but I wouldn’t necessarily call them similar. Everything Grey mixes a great classic rock sound with new songs and twins Allie and Jacquie Lee sharing the lead vocals (this leads to some pretty awesome harmonies). The band sounds both big and well-put-together, a good combination. Butcher’s Blind, a Queens band who just came out with a new CD released through Long Island’s Paradiddle Records, brings simple, elegant folk rock tunes that would be equally appropriate at Woodstock in 1969, or a hip Manhattan coffeeshop in 2012. Chris P. Cauley Collective is the big fat band sound that now belongs to Chris P. Cauley. Many may remember him for his solo/acoustic performances around the usual singer/songwriter haunts. What you might not know about him is that he’s been self-recording and self-releasing lush EPs and albums since 2007. The Collective sounds a little more like this vision fully realized in a live setting. What else do you know about this Saturday’s show?  Well, it’s a $5 cover to get in and there’s a lot of good beer on tap. Starts at 9 and ends “whenever,” as is usuallly the case with these big fun shows at Brickhouse. The Brewery is located at 67 W. Main St. Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2011-11-03T17:07:50+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/three-cool-acoustic-shows-this-friday http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/three-cool-acoustic-shows-this-friday#When:20:07:03Z You have no excuse not to go hear awesome acoustic music on Long Island this Friday night, because it is coming to a town near you. For real. Here is a list of three shows that are scattered across the island this Friday… Bartini’s All Acoustic Friday Bartini’s has an acoustic series showcasing acts from their weekly open mic. This week’s lineup features Pete Cacciatore (myspace.com/petecacciatore),  Adam Kleinberg, Farsighted, and more.  Bartini’s is located in Babylon at 125 N. Carll Avenue. Cathy Kreger at Canterbury’s Canterbury’s in Oyster Bay is known for its good food and good music. Cathy Kreger (cathykreger.com) is known for her fine guitar playing and songs that go right to the heart. It’s a good match if you’re on the North Shore.  Canterbury’s is located at 49 Audrey Ave in Oyster Bay. Joseph and Friends at The Grey Horse Joseph Felicetta brings a night of acoustic classic rock to the Grey Horse Tavern, a sweet little restaurant/pub in a big old converted house. My experience of the Grey Horse is that it’s about good food, good beer, and the occasional singalong. It’s located at 291 Bayport Ave in Bayport. You have no excuse not to go hear awesome acoustic music on Long Island this Friday night, because it is coming to a town near you. For real. Here is a list of three shows that are scattered across the island this Friday… Bartini’s All Acoustic Friday Bartini’s has an acoustic series showcasing acts from their weekly open mic. This week’s lineup features Pete Cacciatore (myspace.com/petecacciatore),  Adam Kleinberg, Farsighted, and more.  Bartini’s is located in Babylon at 125 N. Carll Avenue. Cathy Kreger at Canterbury’s Canterbury’s in Oyster Bay is known for its good food and good music. Cathy Kreger (cathykreger.com) is known for her fine guitar playing and songs that go right to the heart. It’s a good match if you’re on the North Shore.  Canterbury’s is located at 49 Audrey Ave in Oyster Bay. Joseph and Friends at The Grey Horse Joseph Felicetta brings a night of acoustic classic rock to the Grey Horse Tavern, a sweet little restaurant/pub in a big old converted house. My experience of the Grey Horse is that it’s about good food, good beer, and the occasional singalong. It’s located at 291 Bayport Ave in Bayport. Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2011-10-19T20:07:03+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/eternity-fallens-darkly-positive-debut-cd http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/eternity-fallens-darkly-positive-debut-cd#When:16:50:38Z If you have ever had even a passing interest in Tarot, you may know that the Death card is not, in fact, a “bad” card. It says “Death” on it. People see it and freak out. But it doesn’t represent literal death—it simply represents change. Change can be both positive and negative—in fact, it is rarely all one or the other. And sometimes the biggest factor in whether it’s a positive change or not is your attitude. Eternity Fallen’s new CD, Changes, is full of big, dark rock. There are people who associate hard rock music, and metal in particular, with negativity and even evil. I have always found this a little ironic since my favorite bands in this genre are also very loud voices for positive political change.  But there you have it: some people hear “dark” and they get nervous instead of taking an opportunity to learn from it. I know you, dear readers, are not like those people. So let me invite you to take a listen to a new band that is both heavy and extremely catchy, both dark and extremely positive. “Move forward,” the band urges in the second track. “Trust in these eyes.” Beneath the big, loud guitars and Evan Kuriga’s bone-shaking screams are an honest look at a society that would prefer to watch TV rather than shape its own destiny—and a promise of a something better if you’re willing to open your eyes and really see the world around you. The band is made up of amazing musicians that share some common beliefs about the world. Drummer Dave Dixon calls their new release “a wake-up call to a world fueled by negativity that must also be aware of its need and ability to change.” Dave is also the founder of Vice Versa, a Long Island organization dedicated to bringing about positive change through arts and music. It brings a very refreshing new perspective to Long Island’s band scene, and to Long Island in general. There are those who seem to have lost their belief in real music and in real change. Eternity Fallen is taking steps to prove those people wrong. For more info about Eternity Fallen, visit their fan page on Facebook.  Their new CD is available on iTunes, Amazon, and CDBaby. If you have ever had even a passing interest in Tarot, you may know that the Death card is not, in fact, a “bad” card. It says “Death” on it. People see it and freak out. But it doesn’t represent literal death—it simply represents change. Change can be both positive and negative—in fact, it is rarely all one or the other. And sometimes the biggest factor in whether it’s a positive change or not is your attitude. Eternity Fallen’s new CD, Changes, is full of big, dark rock. There are people who associate hard rock music, and metal in particular, with negativity and even evil. I have always found this a little ironic since my favorite bands in this genre are also very loud voices for positive political change.  But there you have it: some people hear “dark” and they get nervous instead of taking an opportunity to learn from it. I know you, dear readers, are not like those people. So let me invite you to take a listen to a new band that is both heavy and extremely catchy, both dark and extremely positive. “Move forward,” the band urges in the second track. “Trust in these eyes.” Beneath the big, loud guitars and Evan Kuriga’s bone-shaking screams are an honest look at a society that would prefer to watch TV rather than shape its own destiny—and a promise of a something better if you’re willing to open your eyes and really see the world around you. The band is made up of amazing musicians that share some common beliefs about the world. Drummer Dave Dixon calls their new release “a wake-up call to a world fueled by negativity that must also be aware of its need and ability to change.” Dave is also the founder of Vice Versa, a Long Island organization dedicated to bringing about positive change through arts and music. It brings a very refreshing new perspective to Long Island’s band scene, and to Long Island in general. There are those who seem to have lost their belief in real music and in real change. Eternity Fallen is taking steps to prove those people wrong. For more info about Eternity Fallen, visit their fan page on Facebook.  Their new CD is available on iTunes, Amazon, and CDBaby. Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2011-09-30T16:50:38+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/fame-music-boats-the-port-jefferson-american-music-festival http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/fame-music-boats-the-port-jefferson-american-music-festival#When:16:54:08Z Port Jefferson is already known as being an arty community full of music.  Now that the Long Island Music Hall of Fame is moving there (you didn’t know? Now you do), it is about to up the ante on that reputation even further.  As a means of celebrating music, and possibly also showing Patchogue that there is more than one P-town that supports the arts on this island, the town has scheduled a huge music festival for this coming weekend. The proceeds will be benefitting the LI Music Hall of Fame’s new museum.  This festival boasts three days of music, music, music, from acts large and small.  What they have in common is that they’re local.  And that’s awesome. A recurring thing for me in my “other” life (i.e., the small part of it that is not centered around music), is that I’ll talk about local music and be met with both enthusiasm and confusion.  “I love going to see live music!” the person will say.  “I wish there was anything like that around here!”  At this point, depending on my mood, I’ll either say, “But there is!” and tell them about an upcoming show, or they’ll get a lengthy lecture about how corporate culture is killing real community and this is why nobody knows about live music on their own block.  (My apologies to those of you who have received this lecture.) Anyway, this festival proves once and for all that Long Island’s music scene is huge, diverse, and exciting, because they have crammed three whole days full of Long Island music (and honestly, it’s just the tip of the iceberg).  There are 25 acts on 5 different stage, and I’m not going to list them for you (they have already been listed on The Port Jeff Music Festival website) but here are a few of my favorites: Rough Folk, Deborah Lombardi, and Sunrise Skyline. Oh, and Kerry Kearny is commandeering an entire boat (yes, really) on Saturday night for a “Blues and Brews” cruise—more information about that on his website. All told, if you set foot in Port Jefferson at any time this weekend you are guaranteed a good time. Port Jefferson is already known as being an arty community full of music.  Now that the Long Island Music Hall of Fame is moving there (you didn’t know? Now you do), it is about to up the ante on that reputation even further.  As a means of celebrating music, and possibly also showing Patchogue that there is more than one P-town that supports the arts on this island, the town has scheduled a huge music festival for this coming weekend. The proceeds will be benefitting the LI Music Hall of Fame’s new museum.  This festival boasts three days of music, music, music, from acts large and small.  What they have in common is that they’re local.  And that’s awesome. A recurring thing for me in my “other” life (i.e., the small part of it that is not centered around music), is that I’ll talk about local music and be met with both enthusiasm and confusion.  “I love going to see live music!” the person will say.  “I wish there was anything like that around here!”  At this point, depending on my mood, I’ll either say, “But there is!” and tell them about an upcoming show, or they’ll get a lengthy lecture about how corporate culture is killing real community and this is why nobody knows about live music on their own block.  (My apologies to those of you who have received this lecture.) Anyway, this festival proves once and for all that Long Island’s music scene is huge, diverse, and exciting, because they have crammed three whole days full of Long Island music (and honestly, it’s just the tip of the iceberg).  There are 25 acts on 5 different stage, and I’m not going to list them for you (they have already been listed on The Port Jeff Music Festival website) but here are a few of my favorites: Rough Folk, Deborah Lombardi, and Sunrise Skyline. Oh, and Kerry Kearny is commandeering an entire boat (yes, really) on Saturday night for a “Blues and Brews” cruise—more information about that on his website. All told, if you set foot in Port Jefferson at any time this weekend you are guaranteed a good time. Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2011-09-23T16:54:08+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/summers-not-over-yet-homegrown-music-at-the-farmers-market http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/summers-not-over-yet-homegrown-music-at-the-farmers-market#When:17:25:43Z Something a lot of people probably don’t know about me is that I’m a farmers’ market nerd.  I’m a vegetarian, I love to cook, and I love fresh produce.  In the summer, I like to steal from the gardens of friends (things don’t grow so well on my tiny Brooklyn windowsill) and, when that fails, visit farmers’ markets. Farmers’ markets are a great place to go for produce that’s better and cheaper than you’ll find in the grocery store, as well as other local products like honey, fresh flowers, and homemade jams and sauces.  This year, Sayville and Port Jefferson have upped the ante by serving up fresh local music at their markets. Sayville’s farmers’ market, located at Montauk Highway and Broadway Avenue (across from Blackbird’s) will feature one of my favorite local artists, Jay Scott, on Saturday the 27th.  The Port Jeff market is a little more mysterious about its upcoming entertainment, but it does guarantee live music every Sunday. If you’re so inclined, you can go to BOTH, and end your weekend with your ears full of music and your belly full of delicious fruits and vegetables.  Sayville’s market is weekly on Saturdays from 8 am to 2:30 pm, and Port Jefferson’s market is Sundays from 9 am to 1 pm. And don’t fall victim to the misconception that fresh food and music will fade with the summer—both of these farmers’ markets last into November. Something a lot of people probably don’t know about me is that I’m a farmers’ market nerd.  I’m a vegetarian, I love to cook, and I love fresh produce.  In the summer, I like to steal from the gardens of friends (things don’t grow so well on my tiny Brooklyn windowsill) and, when that fails, visit farmers’ markets. Farmers’ markets are a great place to go for produce that’s better and cheaper than you’ll find in the grocery store, as well as other local products like honey, fresh flowers, and homemade jams and sauces.  This year, Sayville and Port Jefferson have upped the ante by serving up fresh local music at their markets. Sayville’s farmers’ market, located at Montauk Highway and Broadway Avenue (across from Blackbird’s) will feature one of my favorite local artists, Jay Scott, on Saturday the 27th.  The Port Jeff market is a little more mysterious about its upcoming entertainment, but it does guarantee live music every Sunday. If you’re so inclined, you can go to BOTH, and end your weekend with your ears full of music and your belly full of delicious fruits and vegetables.  Sayville’s market is weekly on Saturdays from 8 am to 2:30 pm, and Port Jefferson’s market is Sundays from 9 am to 1 pm. And don’t fall victim to the misconception that fresh food and music will fade with the summer—both of these farmers’ markets last into November. Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2011-08-24T17:25:43+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/how-to-save-kittens-and-dance-to-hippie-music-at-the-same-time http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/how-to-save-kittens-and-dance-to-hippie-music-at-the-same-time#When:18:51:16Z This Thursday, Retrofest is bringing its charitable rock flavor to Bartini Bar in Babylon.  The ‘fest has become a mover and shaker for local nonprofits since its inception in 2004. At the time, it was just a way for keyboardist Allan Spielman and his friends to get the Woodstock-era music that they loved back into the live music scene.  These days, it’s a feel-good musical fundraising event with corporate sponsorship. Bobbi and the Strays, which sounds like it’s a swing group but is really an animal shelter in Freeport, is probably the perfect match for Retrofest’s fundraising efforts.  It’s a non-profit, no-kill shelter that rescues animals from the streets, as well as from abusive or neglectful situations. Thursday’s Retrofest will include the music of John Sebastian, Santana, Janis Joplin, Sly & the Family Stone, Joe Cocker, Jefferson Airplane, and more. Every penny collected goes to Bobbi and the Strays. Plus, Bartini’s owners Dave and Magge Drew will likely make a special appearance at the beginning of the night—and Magge’s wailing majesty is not to be missed. For more information or to RSVP, check out the Facebook event.  If you want to learn a little bit about the history of Retrofest, check out the article in this month’s print edition of the Long Island Pulse. This Thursday, Retrofest is bringing its charitable rock flavor to Bartini Bar in Babylon.  The ‘fest has become a mover and shaker for local nonprofits since its inception in 2004. At the time, it was just a way for keyboardist Allan Spielman and his friends to get the Woodstock-era music that they loved back into the live music scene.  These days, it’s a feel-good musical fundraising event with corporate sponsorship. Bobbi and the Strays, which sounds like it’s a swing group but is really an animal shelter in Freeport, is probably the perfect match for Retrofest’s fundraising efforts.  It’s a non-profit, no-kill shelter that rescues animals from the streets, as well as from abusive or neglectful situations. Thursday’s Retrofest will include the music of John Sebastian, Santana, Janis Joplin, Sly & the Family Stone, Joe Cocker, Jefferson Airplane, and more. Every penny collected goes to Bobbi and the Strays. Plus, Bartini’s owners Dave and Magge Drew will likely make a special appearance at the beginning of the night—and Magge’s wailing majesty is not to be missed. For more information or to RSVP, check out the Facebook event.  If you want to learn a little bit about the history of Retrofest, check out the article in this month’s print edition of the Long Island Pulse. Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2011-08-23T18:51:16+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/jake-incao-journeying-on-but-not-afraid-to-look-back http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/jake-incao-journeying-on-but-not-afraid-to-look-back#When:16:31:10Z Wearing his heart on his sleeve has been working for Jake Incao. I spoke with Jake about 6 months ago when he was just starting to focus on music in a big way after heart surgery and a brief stint in rehab.  He exuded pure excitement and gratitude to be working on his new album, The Apocalypse, and to be playing again after the life-changing events of the previous year. Jake is a very open person, which some might view as a mistake for a developing artist, but like I said—it’s working for him.  He’s been gigging nonstop with his band The Common Thieves, and recently landed an opener spot for Huey Lewis and the News at the Westbury Music Fair.  (That’s this coming Wednesday, 7/20, and tickets are still available if you want to go.) The Long Island singer/songwriter will release a single later this month called “Till the Heavens Cry” that’s both personal and innately relatable. The song’s themes of regret, introspection, and loneliness might seem at odds with its up, poppy feel—but that’s Jake all over.  Jake speaks and sings about topics that would make many of us freeze up and change the subject—but he approaches them head-on and imbues them with a sense of hope and healing. The feel-good, Train-esque acoustic production doesn’t hurt either. “Till the Heavens Cry” will be digitally released on August 2nd.  To keep up with Jake Incao, visit http://www.27productions.com/jake-incao.html and his facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/jakeincao. Wearing his heart on his sleeve has been working for Jake Incao. I spoke with Jake about 6 months ago when he was just starting to focus on music in a big way after heart surgery and a brief stint in rehab.  He exuded pure excitement and gratitude to be working on his new album, The Apocalypse, and to be playing again after the life-changing events of the previous year. Jake is a very open person, which some might view as a mistake for a developing artist, but like I said—it’s working for him.  He’s been gigging nonstop with his band The Common Thieves, and recently landed an opener spot for Huey Lewis and the News at the Westbury Music Fair.  (That’s this coming Wednesday, 7/20, and tickets are still available if you want to go.) The Long Island singer/songwriter will release a single later this month called “Till the Heavens Cry” that’s both personal and innately relatable. The song’s themes of regret, introspection, and loneliness might seem at odds with its up, poppy feel—but that’s Jake all over.  Jake speaks and sings about topics that would make many of us freeze up and change the subject—but he approaches them head-on and imbues them with a sense of hope and healing. The feel-good, Train-esque acoustic production doesn’t hurt either. “Till the Heavens Cry” will be digitally released on August 2nd.  To keep up with Jake Incao, visit http://www.27productions.com/jake-incao.html and his facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/jakeincao. Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2011-07-15T16:31:10+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/from-bedrooms-to-itunesnew-music-from-were-all-just-passing-through http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/from-bedrooms-to-itunesnew-music-from-were-all-just-passing-through#When:16:52:26Z We’re All Just Passing Through sounds a little bit west coast, in spite of their Long Islandness.  Their songwriting pairs simple melodies with thought-provoking lyrics, a la Belle and Sebastian or (dare I say it?) Dashboard Confessional. And I’ll admit, of I’m a little bit of a sucker for folkypunky acoustic music with a male and a female voice swapping the lead.  The brother-sister duo have just released their second EP, entitled Bedroom Recordings, Vol. 2.  They were kind enough to share a few tracks with me, and guitarist Travis Johnides’ characterization of the album as being “extremely upbeat and positive” is an accurate one.  Their new tunes have a little bit more of his punk mentality in them, which mixes well with the down-to-earth acoustic sound that carried over from the first EP. You can check out the EP yourself on iTunes for the equally down-to-earth price of $2.97.  Or, for a sneak preview, tune in to WUSB (90.1 FM or http://wusb.fm/ online) this Thursday, the 7th, at 7pm.  By tuning in you’ll be supporting both a local band AND a local radio station, which totally earns you extra bonus points from me. For more information on the band and their upcoming shows, “like” them at http://www.facebook.com/werealljustpassingthrough. We’re All Just Passing Through sounds a little bit west coast, in spite of their Long Islandness.  Their songwriting pairs simple melodies with thought-provoking lyrics, a la Belle and Sebastian or (dare I say it?) Dashboard Confessional. And I’ll admit, of I’m a little bit of a sucker for folkypunky acoustic music with a male and a female voice swapping the lead.  The brother-sister duo have just released their second EP, entitled Bedroom Recordings, Vol. 2.  They were kind enough to share a few tracks with me, and guitarist Travis Johnides’ characterization of the album as being “extremely upbeat and positive” is an accurate one.  Their new tunes have a little bit more of his punk mentality in them, which mixes well with the down-to-earth acoustic sound that carried over from the first EP. You can check out the EP yourself on iTunes for the equally down-to-earth price of $2.97.  Or, for a sneak preview, tune in to WUSB (90.1 FM or http://wusb.fm/ online) this Thursday, the 7th, at 7pm.  By tuning in you’ll be supporting both a local band AND a local radio station, which totally earns you extra bonus points from me. For more information on the band and their upcoming shows, “like” them at http://www.facebook.com/werealljustpassingthrough. Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2011-07-06T16:52:26+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/radio-free-long-island-community-exists-on-wusbs-airwaves http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/radio-free-long-island-community-exists-on-wusbs-airwaves#When:16:27:12Z WUSB first came on my radar through the now-defunct Long Island Music Coalition, an excellent organization that was started by Rich Hughes.  Rich had an “everyone’s invited to the table” attitude as well as a knack for getting things done within the scene. One of the things he did was feature local acts on his weekly WUSB radio show, and one of those local acts was me.  (Thanks, Rich!)  If you’re not up on this, WUSB is a real, live radio station (90.1 FM) run out of Stony Brook University, and it’s about as independent and local as it gets. Indie artists covet real radio exposure like nobody’s business. The long, windy drive through campus (I got lost twice that night) only added to the excitement for me. “I’m driving around confused on a college campus trying to find the radio station in time for my interview!” I said to myself gleefully. “The artists I listen to tell amusing stories about just this sort of thing at their shows!”  Apart from giving a singer/songwriter a thrill, community radio stations like this (which are harder and harder to find) provide a much needed connection between the independent music scene and everybody else on Long Island. My blog is called “subterranean sounds” for a reason—but most of us don’t actually want the scene to be underground. Music is made to be heard, danced to, sung along with. Indie music is not an exclusive club by any means, but like WUSB’s station headquarters (in the student union building by the stadium, by the way), it’s hard to find if you don’t already know about it. WUSB bridges that gap—just turn that dial to 90.1, and there’s the local music scene. And a wealth of other local resources, for that matter.  We are living in a time of corporate culture. People know what’s on FOX tonight better than they know what’s going on around the block tonight. People also like to crack ironic jokes about how generic our lives have become (often while sittting in a booth in a chain restaurant at the mall with similarly-dressed friends). I’m here to tell you that we don’t have to go gentle into that good night—instead, we can make a point of seeking out and creating our own culture. It does not have to cost money and it does not take a lot of work. It just takes attention and interest.  Here’s a start: listen to independent radio stations like WUSB. Don’t like what you hear? Good news: WUSB has an amazing program that gives ANYONE the opportunity to get on the air if you complete a course and learn the ropes first. Go put your own culture on the radio, just as DJ Eve and Coop Sky Blue (two pretty awesome WUSB DJs) are doing every week.  Or just tune in and revel in the knowledge that community still exists on Long Island.  For more information about WUSB and their schedule of programs, visit http://wusb.fm. WUSB first came on my radar through the now-defunct Long Island Music Coalition, an excellent organization that was started by Rich Hughes.  Rich had an “everyone’s invited to the table” attitude as well as a knack for getting things done within the scene. One of the things he did was feature local acts on his weekly WUSB radio show, and one of those local acts was me.  (Thanks, Rich!)  If you’re not up on this, WUSB is a real, live radio station (90.1 FM) run out of Stony Brook University, and it’s about as independent and local as it gets. Indie artists covet real radio exposure like nobody’s business. The long, windy drive through campus (I got lost twice that night) only added to the excitement for me. “I’m driving around confused on a college campus trying to find the radio station in time for my interview!” I said to myself gleefully. “The artists I listen to tell amusing stories about just this sort of thing at their shows!”  Apart from giving a singer/songwriter a thrill, community radio stations like this (which are harder and harder to find) provide a much needed connection between the independent music scene and everybody else on Long Island. My blog is called “subterranean sounds” for a reason—but most of us don’t actually want the scene to be underground. Music is made to be heard, danced to, sung along with. Indie music is not an exclusive club by any means, but like WUSB’s station headquarters (in the student union building by the stadium, by the way), it’s hard to find if you don’t already know about it. WUSB bridges that gap—just turn that dial to 90.1, and there’s the local music scene. And a wealth of other local resources, for that matter.  We are living in a time of corporate culture. People know what’s on FOX tonight better than they know what’s going on around the block tonight. People also like to crack ironic jokes about how generic our lives have become (often while sittting in a booth in a chain restaurant at the mall with similarly-dressed friends). I’m here to tell you that we don’t have to go gentle into that good night—instead, we can make a point of seeking out and creating our own culture. It does not have to cost money and it does not take a lot of work. It just takes attention and interest.  Here’s a start: listen to independent radio stations like WUSB. Don’t like what you hear? Good news: WUSB has an amazing program that gives ANYONE the opportunity to get on the air if you complete a course and learn the ropes first. Go put your own culture on the radio, just as DJ Eve and Coop Sky Blue (two pretty awesome WUSB DJs) are doing every week.  Or just tune in and revel in the knowledge that community still exists on Long Island.  For more information about WUSB and their schedule of programs, visit http://wusb.fm. Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2011-06-20T16:27:12+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/mazzard-effects-debut-release-flooded-with-light http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/mazzard-effects-debut-release-flooded-with-light#When:16:53:40Z Mazzard Effect is a guitartastic melodic rock duo from Nassau County. Sal Locascio and Dan Keene have both been around the block of the LI music scene, studying music seriously both in and out of school and performing in a wide range of settings of genres. With their debut album, “Flooded With Light,” they took the opportunity to flood the listener’s ears with many different guitars, in many different tunings, playing in many different meters.  But this isn’t to say the sound is busy—just big and dynamic. “Firefly” is the tune I’ve been walking around humming.  The melody and the enigmatic lyrics (“Just because I’m cold as seasons/I won’t let it show…”) are what got me.  Sal Locascio’s writing is at times complex and at times bare-bones honest, and it’s an exciting mix for the listener.  The layered vocals and guitars lend this album a haunting quality that’s difficult to place within a genre.  Mazzard Effect plays live as a duo around the island and in NYC.  An interesting juxtaposition to their serious, thoughtful sound, their live shows involve Irish brogues, tall tales, and lots of silliness.  You can try to box these guys in, but they just won’t have it.  Check out some tunes and upcoming show dates at mazzardeffect.com. Mazzard Effect is a guitartastic melodic rock duo from Nassau County. Sal Locascio and Dan Keene have both been around the block of the LI music scene, studying music seriously both in and out of school and performing in a wide range of settings of genres. With their debut album, “Flooded With Light,” they took the opportunity to flood the listener’s ears with many different guitars, in many different tunings, playing in many different meters.  But this isn’t to say the sound is busy—just big and dynamic. “Firefly” is the tune I’ve been walking around humming.  The melody and the enigmatic lyrics (“Just because I’m cold as seasons/I won’t let it show…”) are what got me.  Sal Locascio’s writing is at times complex and at times bare-bones honest, and it’s an exciting mix for the listener.  The layered vocals and guitars lend this album a haunting quality that’s difficult to place within a genre.  Mazzard Effect plays live as a duo around the island and in NYC.  An interesting juxtaposition to their serious, thoughtful sound, their live shows involve Irish brogues, tall tales, and lots of silliness.  You can try to box these guys in, but they just won’t have it.  Check out some tunes and upcoming show dates at mazzardeffect.com. Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2011-05-31T16:53:40+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/all-peace-all-night http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/all-peace-all-night#When:00:11:47Z I have often thought about whether or not a conflict actually exists between believing really strongly in peace and wanting to support veterans.  I personally think the answer is no; veterans have gone out and put their lives on the line for our country regardless of whether you believe wars should be fought in the first place.  They deserve all kinds of respect.  And possibly… songs? The folks at Bartini Bar have put together a benefit event that brings all of this together.  It’s called “All Peace All Night” and features a long list of Long Island musicians, playing indoors and outdoors, to raise awareness for peace and to raise money for Operation Proud Hearts (an organization that helps veterans and military families). This is transpiring at 2pm on Saturday the 28th (hey, that’s Memorial Day weekend…) and will go on all night.  Two stages will feature local acts like Dave and Magge Drew, Copper Rose, Vitamin D, Shaken Not Stirred, MediaCrime and many more.  For a full list of performers, and to RSVP, check out the event page on Facebook. I have often thought about whether or not a conflict actually exists between believing really strongly in peace and wanting to support veterans.  I personally think the answer is no; veterans have gone out and put their lives on the line for our country regardless of whether you believe wars should be fought in the first place.  They deserve all kinds of respect.  And possibly… songs? The folks at Bartini Bar have put together a benefit event that brings all of this together.  It’s called “All Peace All Night” and features a long list of Long Island musicians, playing indoors and outdoors, to raise awareness for peace and to raise money for Operation Proud Hearts (an organization that helps veterans and military families). This is transpiring at 2pm on Saturday the 28th (hey, that’s Memorial Day weekend…) and will go on all night.  Two stages will feature local acts like Dave and Magge Drew, Copper Rose, Vitamin D, Shaken Not Stirred, MediaCrime and many more.  For a full list of performers, and to RSVP, check out the event page on Facebook. Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2011-05-17T00:11:47+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/with-love-from-long-island-guitars-4-troops-comes-to-patchogue http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/with-love-from-long-island-guitars-4-troops-comes-to-patchogue#When:18:39:48Z It seems to be all about music and philanthropy this spring, and I for one am strongly in favor of the combination. Guitars 4 Troops was started by a small music store in Tennessee, The Guitar Gallery. The organization does exactly what it sounds like it does—sends guitars and other musical instruments to our troops deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Its mission: “To give the gift of music to our military personnel while they are away from home.” Larry Goldfarb of Suffolk Recording Studios heard about Guitars 4 Troops on the radio and decided to bring the spirit of giving to Long Island. On May 1st, from 3 - 6 pm, local musicians will come together to play music and raise money to send guitars to soldiers overseas. This is taking place at Bobbique, 70 W Main St in Patchogue. Performers that day include Kerry Kearney, Lonesome Dan and the Curmudgeons, Katie Pearlman, the F & G Blues Band featuring Edlene Hart, and Sim Urivetsky. Like its Nashville roots, this Guitars 4 Troops event will be a fine blend of bluesy-country-songwritery-americana goodness. It seems to be all about music and philanthropy this spring, and I for one am strongly in favor of the combination. Guitars 4 Troops was started by a small music store in Tennessee, The Guitar Gallery. The organization does exactly what it sounds like it does—sends guitars and other musical instruments to our troops deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Its mission: “To give the gift of music to our military personnel while they are away from home.” Larry Goldfarb of Suffolk Recording Studios heard about Guitars 4 Troops on the radio and decided to bring the spirit of giving to Long Island. On May 1st, from 3 - 6 pm, local musicians will come together to play music and raise money to send guitars to soldiers overseas. This is taking place at Bobbique, 70 W Main St in Patchogue. Performers that day include Kerry Kearney, Lonesome Dan and the Curmudgeons, Katie Pearlman, the F & G Blues Band featuring Edlene Hart, and Sim Urivetsky. Like its Nashville roots, this Guitars 4 Troops event will be a fine blend of bluesy-country-songwritery-americana goodness. Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2011-04-18T18:39:48+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/here-comes-the-patchogue-folk-festival http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/here-comes-the-patchogue-folk-festival#When:16:08:21Z I have an odd relationship with folk music.  When I was 15 or 16, it was, like Visa, everywhere I wanted to be. I stole/borrowed a bunch of vinyl records and a record player from my parents’ attic and spent a lot of my formative years listening to Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, and Jackson Browne, as well as newer folk artists like Shawn Colvin and Dar Williams.  (By the way, you should know that every single one of those artists is still putting out albums and touring.  That’s one of the awesome things about the folk scene.) When I started playing some different kinds of music, and listening to artists like Dashboard Confessional and Bandits of the Acoustic Revolution—these are acoustic artists but definitely not folk artists—I started to get a little disgruntled with stereotyping. I learned that if you’re a female musician, 95% of people are going to assume that you’re either a chick singer in a band, or a folk singer. (Clearly these people have never seen Bonnie Raitt rock a slide solo on a Strat.) I also learned that all the vastly different voices I was hearing in my local singer/songwriter scene were being labeled as big folky folksters simply because they weilded acoustic guitars.  I’m talking about artists like Maryann Leone, who is as comfortable covering Ozzy as she is covering Ani, and John-flor Sisante, who writes adorably infectious indiepop as well as dark piano ballads named things like “Dirty Violin”.  In short, I’m not down with labelling any female with a guitar, and any person with an acoustic guitar, as a “folk artist”—not because I have an issue with folk music, but because it simply isn’t accurate. I got slightly political about this and I think some people are afraid to say the word “folk” to me now. But, lest anyone has misunderstood, I will clear the air now: I pretty much think folk music is da bomb!  I love the activist roots that it is so closely linked to.  I love that in the folk circuit people are truly judged on their music and not on their age—or their looks, or their race, or who they like to sleep with.  I love the honesty that is present in folk music. So don’t think I’m not all about Patchogue’s folk festival this Saturday. I am.  Here’s the story on that, guys. You don’t get too much “big-timing” in the folk circle, which results in some amazing diverse line-ups of established artists with locals and newcomers.  The Patchogue Folk Festival is no exception.  The headliners are Peter Yarrow of Peter Paul and Mary, Susan Werner and Vance Gilbert. Earlier in the day (2 -5), many of my personal favorite local songwriters will be performing in a big free Live in the Lobby folk bash.  To name names, you will hear Mike Bonti, Chris P. Cauley, Suzanne Ernst, Alan Semerdjian, Larrin Gerard, Butcher’s Blind, Jay Scott, Dave March (of Miles to Dayton) and Gathering Time. Pretty much, it’s an amazing free show before the amazing big show.  Make a day of it.  You won’t regret it. I have an odd relationship with folk music.  When I was 15 or 16, it was, like Visa, everywhere I wanted to be. I stole/borrowed a bunch of vinyl records and a record player from my parents’ attic and spent a lot of my formative years listening to Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, and Jackson Browne, as well as newer folk artists like Shawn Colvin and Dar Williams.  (By the way, you should know that every single one of those artists is still putting out albums and touring.  That’s one of the awesome things about the folk scene.) When I started playing some different kinds of music, and listening to artists like Dashboard Confessional and Bandits of the Acoustic Revolution—these are acoustic artists but definitely not folk artists—I started to get a little disgruntled with stereotyping. I learned that if you’re a female musician, 95% of people are going to assume that you’re either a chick singer in a band, or a folk singer. (Clearly these people have never seen Bonnie Raitt rock a slide solo on a Strat.) I also learned that all the vastly different voices I was hearing in my local singer/songwriter scene were being labeled as big folky folksters simply because they weilded acoustic guitars.  I’m talking about artists like Maryann Leone, who is as comfortable covering Ozzy as she is covering Ani, and John-flor Sisante, who writes adorably infectious indiepop as well as dark piano ballads named things like “Dirty Violin”.  In short, I’m not down with labelling any female with a guitar, and any person with an acoustic guitar, as a “folk artist”—not because I have an issue with folk music, but because it simply isn’t accurate. I got slightly political about this and I think some people are afraid to say the word “folk” to me now. But, lest anyone has misunderstood, I will clear the air now: I pretty much think folk music is da bomb!  I love the activist roots that it is so closely linked to.  I love that in the folk circuit people are truly judged on their music and not on their age—or their looks, or their race, or who they like to sleep with.  I love the honesty that is present in folk music. So don’t think I’m not all about Patchogue’s folk festival this Saturday. I am.  Here’s the story on that, guys. You don’t get too much “big-timing” in the folk circle, which results in some amazing diverse line-ups of established artists with locals and newcomers.  The Patchogue Folk Festival is no exception.  The headliners are Peter Yarrow of Peter Paul and Mary, Susan Werner and Vance Gilbert. Earlier in the day (2 -5), many of my personal favorite local songwriters will be performing in a big free Live in the Lobby folk bash.  To name names, you will hear Mike Bonti, Chris P. Cauley, Suzanne Ernst, Alan Semerdjian, Larrin Gerard, Butcher’s Blind, Jay Scott, Dave March (of Miles to Dayton) and Gathering Time. Pretty much, it’s an amazing free show before the amazing big show.  Make a day of it.  You won’t regret it. Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2011-04-08T16:08:21+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/help-japan-and-support-local-music-in-one-fell-swoop http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/help-japan-and-support-local-music-in-one-fell-swoop#When:21:16:17Z Here’s the story on musicians: we usually want to help, but we’re also often broke. The great thing about being on Long Island is that music and charity often mix. Venues like The Home Grown Music Cafe (http://www.homegrownmusiccafe.com/) use their profits to feed hungry Long Islanders, and events like the RetroFest (http://www.retrofestival.org/) benefit local charities like the Long Island Crisis Center (http://www.longislandcrisiscenter.org) and the Freeport Animal Shelter (http://www.freeportanimalshelter.com/).  And when disasters strike, everyone gets out and starts playing to raise funds for those affected.  This is what I love about our scene. A musician can help even if all she’s got is a guitar and a song, and a music-lover can donate money and hear great original music at the same time.  Here are some upcoming shows benefitting the relief effort in Japan. On Thursday, April 7th, the Bay Street Theatre in Sag Harbor is presenting Just for Japan, an evening of local band music to benefit the Japan relief effort.  Featuring The Aqua Girls, Caroline Doctorow & The Steamrollers (http://www.carolinedoctorow.com/), Cassandra House (http://www.myspace.com/cassiehouse), Gene Casey & The Lone Sharks (http://www.lonesharks.com/), The Nancy Atlas Project (http://www.nancyatlas.com/), and The Who Dat Loungers (http://www.whodatloungers.com/), this evening is sure to rock.  It’s hosted by Bonnie Grice (a WLIU DJ who is really supportive of local music), and Jay Schneiderman.  Suggested donation is $40 at the door; more details on the show here: http://www.baystreet.org/Calendar/?eventID=243 On Monday, April 11th, Long Island artists Eggplant Queens (http://www.eggplantqueens.com/) and The Crusher (http://www.myspace.com/thecrushermusic) are heading to Williamsburg to join the Rock for Relief concert. Also playing is Brooklyn artist Vinyl Gypsy (http://www.reverbnation.com/vinylgypsy)—I’ve played with “the gypsy” before and she’s a unique voice you won’t want to miss.  Doors are at 7; more information on that event here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=176539265727218  On Sunday, April 17th, the BACCA Arts Center in Lindenhurst is hosting a benefit concert with some really great local performers.  Like the Babylon music scene itself, this concert has more awesome original music than you can shake a stick at. To name just a few acts: Cathy Kreger (http://www.cathykreger.com/), Kerry Kearney (http://kerrykearney.com/), Martha Trachtenberg, Hank Stone and Rough Folk (http://www.roughfolk.com/), and Tom Ryan. Tickets are $15 and all proceeds will go to benefit the Japanese Red Cross.  For the most up-to-date information and complete performer list, check out the facebook page for the event: http://www.facebook.com/pages/LI-Musicians-for-Japan-Relief/189713921069889?sk=wall Here’s the story on musicians: we usually want to help, but we’re also often broke. The great thing about being on Long Island is that music and charity often mix. Venues like The Home Grown Music Cafe (http://www.homegrownmusiccafe.com/) use their profits to feed hungry Long Islanders, and events like the RetroFest (http://www.retrofestival.org/) benefit local charities like the Long Island Crisis Center (http://www.longislandcrisiscenter.org) and the Freeport Animal Shelter (http://www.freeportanimalshelter.com/).  And when disasters strike, everyone gets out and starts playing to raise funds for those affected.  This is what I love about our scene. A musician can help even if all she’s got is a guitar and a song, and a music-lover can donate money and hear great original music at the same time.  Here are some upcoming shows benefitting the relief effort in Japan. On Thursday, April 7th, the Bay Street Theatre in Sag Harbor is presenting Just for Japan, an evening of local band music to benefit the Japan relief effort.  Featuring The Aqua Girls, Caroline Doctorow & The Steamrollers (http://www.carolinedoctorow.com/), Cassandra House (http://www.myspace.com/cassiehouse), Gene Casey & The Lone Sharks (http://www.lonesharks.com/), The Nancy Atlas Project (http://www.nancyatlas.com/), and The Who Dat Loungers (http://www.whodatloungers.com/), this evening is sure to rock.  It’s hosted by Bonnie Grice (a WLIU DJ who is really supportive of local music), and Jay Schneiderman.  Suggested donation is $40 at the door; more details on the show here: http://www.baystreet.org/Calendar/?eventID=243 On Monday, April 11th, Long Island artists Eggplant Queens (http://www.eggplantqueens.com/) and The Crusher (http://www.myspace.com/thecrushermusic) are heading to Williamsburg to join the Rock for Relief concert. Also playing is Brooklyn artist Vinyl Gypsy (http://www.reverbnation.com/vinylgypsy)—I’ve played with “the gypsy” before and she’s a unique voice you won’t want to miss.  Doors are at 7; more information on that event here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=176539265727218  On Sunday, April 17th, the BACCA Arts Center in Lindenhurst is hosting a benefit concert with some really great local performers.  Like the Babylon music scene itself, this concert has more awesome original music than you can shake a stick at. To name just a few acts: Cathy Kreger (http://www.cathykreger.com/), Kerry Kearney (http://kerrykearney.com/), Martha Trachtenberg, Hank Stone and Rough Folk (http://www.roughfolk.com/), and Tom Ryan. Tickets are $15 and all proceeds will go to benefit the Japanese Red Cross.  For the most up-to-date information and complete performer list, check out the facebook page for the event: http://www.facebook.com/pages/LI-Musicians-for-Japan-Relief/189713921069889?sk=wall Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2011-04-07T21:16:17+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/13-2-2-great-solo-artists http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/13-2-2-great-solo-artists#When:17:50:17Z When I met Cathy Kreger and Marci Geller, they were playing with Diane Garisto in a group called Lucky 13, and I had no idea what their music was like. We were at the house of Tom and Robin Romeo, founders of WhereforeArts.com. Tom & Robin have a top-notch web series called “After Dinner” which features performances and interviews of awesome local artists, filmed in their north shore home. So when I met the members of Lucky 13, it was in a spare bedroom that we were using as a dressing room. There were a lot of cliche’d girly exchanges about mascara and shirt choices, although officially I don’t think any of us identify as Girly. Later, when it was time for them to play, I remember thinking, “I really hope these guys are decent, because I like them and if I don’t like their music it will just be weird and awkward.” I had nothing to worry about. I was fairly blown away by their performance, and especially by the way these very different musicians and songwriters formed into a unique, cohesive sound. Months later, I read on facebook that their time as a band was coming to an end. I was disappointed, as I think a lot of people were, but then I clicked around some more and learned that both Cathy and Marci are now more active than ever as solo artists. So let me tell you about these two awesome LI singer-songwriters I met one time. The first thing I noticed about Cathy Kreger is how she plays guitar. She is not what I would call a flashy player—more, someone who has the true musicianship to craft an arrangement that quietly enhances the song being played. Her guitar playing complements the heart of the song and lets it shine, rather than detracting from it by being either too flourishy or too run-of-the-mill. Cathy’s songwriting is reminiscent of the timeless, to-the-heart style that Mary Chapin-Carpenter is known for, and her vocals bring a soul and depth that I associate more with Bonnie Raitt. It’s music that’s great to hear over a beer with some friends on a Saturday night, but that you’ll still want to come back to Sunday morning when you’re feeling more quiet and contemplative. Marci Geller’s music has the mix of quiet strength and fire that a lot of people associate with Tori Amos. In fact, I’m pretty sure Marci is a Tori fan herself, and you can hear that a little bit in her music.  But you can also hear moments of flashing intensity that are clearly pure Marci. Marci strikes me as a songwriter with something to say. Sometimes she declares it in a loud burst, and sometimes she states it with a calm certainty. In either case, there’s a sense that you’ll be kicking yourself later if you miss the message now. Cathy Kreger is making tracks all over the island with her guitar, and can next be seen at Thom Thom Restaurant in Wantagh on March 16th.  Marci Geller is next performing in Stony Brook on March 20th, at an event sponsored by the label she founded herself, Sonic Underground.  More information can be found at http://www.cathykreger.com/ and http://www.marcigeller.com/. When I met Cathy Kreger and Marci Geller, they were playing with Diane Garisto in a group called Lucky 13, and I had no idea what their music was like. We were at the house of Tom and Robin Romeo, founders of WhereforeArts.com. Tom & Robin have a top-notch web series called “After Dinner” which features performances and interviews of awesome local artists, filmed in their north shore home. So when I met the members of Lucky 13, it was in a spare bedroom that we were using as a dressing room. There were a lot of cliche’d girly exchanges about mascara and shirt choices, although officially I don’t think any of us identify as Girly. Later, when it was time for them to play, I remember thinking, “I really hope these guys are decent, because I like them and if I don’t like their music it will just be weird and awkward.” I had nothing to worry about. I was fairly blown away by their performance, and especially by the way these very different musicians and songwriters formed into a unique, cohesive sound. Months later, I read on facebook that their time as a band was coming to an end. I was disappointed, as I think a lot of people were, but then I clicked around some more and learned that both Cathy and Marci are now more active than ever as solo artists. So let me tell you about these two awesome LI singer-songwriters I met one time. The first thing I noticed about Cathy Kreger is how she plays guitar. She is not what I would call a flashy player—more, someone who has the true musicianship to craft an arrangement that quietly enhances the song being played. Her guitar playing complements the heart of the song and lets it shine, rather than detracting from it by being either too flourishy or too run-of-the-mill. Cathy’s songwriting is reminiscent of the timeless, to-the-heart style that Mary Chapin-Carpenter is known for, and her vocals bring a soul and depth that I associate more with Bonnie Raitt. It’s music that’s great to hear over a beer with some friends on a Saturday night, but that you’ll still want to come back to Sunday morning when you’re feeling more quiet and contemplative. Marci Geller’s music has the mix of quiet strength and fire that a lot of people associate with Tori Amos. In fact, I’m pretty sure Marci is a Tori fan herself, and you can hear that a little bit in her music.  But you can also hear moments of flashing intensity that are clearly pure Marci. Marci strikes me as a songwriter with something to say. Sometimes she declares it in a loud burst, and sometimes she states it with a calm certainty. In either case, there’s a sense that you’ll be kicking yourself later if you miss the message now. Cathy Kreger is making tracks all over the island with her guitar, and can next be seen at Thom Thom Restaurant in Wantagh on March 16th.  Marci Geller is next performing in Stony Brook on March 20th, at an event sponsored by the label she founded herself, Sonic Underground.  More information can be found at http://www.cathykreger.com/ and http://www.marcigeller.com/. Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2011-03-08T17:50:17+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/homegrown-music-cafe http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/homegrown-music-cafe#When:19:38:23Z The Homegrown Music Cafe is the type of venue musicians dream of: a big, open room with great sound and an attentive audience that comes to actually hear music. Run out of St. Gerard Majella Church in Port Jefferson Station, the Homegrown Cafe is the brainchild of Ralph Antignano, who believes in supporting both local music and his fellow human beings.  The Cafe does both, putting on top-notch shows once a month and donating the proceeds to the church outreach program, which feeds and clothes Long Island families that are in need. “The beauty of the Homegrown Cafe is twofold,” Ralph explained to me at the show I recently attended.  “We’re bringing artists into the spotlight, getting them exposure, and raising money for hungry Long Islanders at the same time.” That evening’s performance featured opening sets by Rich Broillet, Becca Hasselbrook, and Stella Betty Davie.  Rich Broillet has been referred to as “what John Lennon would sound like if he did country music”—a tall order, but after hearing his set I was hard-pressed to disagree.  Becca Hasselbrook (http://www.beccahasselbrook.com) is a singer/songwriter whose music flows seamlessly from folk to jazz to light pop. She has the same knack that Catie Curtis has for getting at the simple heart of the matter.  Stella Betty Davie is a Scottish transplant with a charming accent and charming stories to go along with her songs.  If you catch her locally, ask to hear “First Things First,” a realistic and bittersweet take on a poppy love song. The featured act was Butchers Blind, a Floral Park alt-country group that pretty much blew me away. Check these guys out at http://www.myspace.com/butchersblindmusic for some great songs and some amazing guitar playing.  Butchers Blind has a mournful pop songwriting style, slightly reminiscent of the Counting Crows, but blended with a folk-country sensibility to form a sound that is all their own. The next concert at the Homegrown Cafe is on March 12th.  It will include opening performances by singer-songwriter Christie Baker (http://www.christiebaker.net/), and Stony Brook’s a capella group The Stony Brook Vocalists (http://www.stonybrookvocalists.com/).  The feature act is Downward Dawgz (http://www.youtube.com/DownwardDawgz), a local band that mixes folk, blues, and rock influences into their original tunes.  It’s a show you won’t want to miss. For directions and more information on the Homegrown Music Cafe, check out http://www.homegrownmusiccafe.com/ The Homegrown Music Cafe is the type of venue musicians dream of: a big, open room with great sound and an attentive audience that comes to actually hear music. Run out of St. Gerard Majella Church in Port Jefferson Station, the Homegrown Cafe is the brainchild of Ralph Antignano, who believes in supporting both local music and his fellow human beings.  The Cafe does both, putting on top-notch shows once a month and donating the proceeds to the church outreach program, which feeds and clothes Long Island families that are in need. “The beauty of the Homegrown Cafe is twofold,” Ralph explained to me at the show I recently attended.  “We’re bringing artists into the spotlight, getting them exposure, and raising money for hungry Long Islanders at the same time.” That evening’s performance featured opening sets by Rich Broillet, Becca Hasselbrook, and Stella Betty Davie.  Rich Broillet has been referred to as “what John Lennon would sound like if he did country music”—a tall order, but after hearing his set I was hard-pressed to disagree.  Becca Hasselbrook (http://www.beccahasselbrook.com) is a singer/songwriter whose music flows seamlessly from folk to jazz to light pop. She has the same knack that Catie Curtis has for getting at the simple heart of the matter.  Stella Betty Davie is a Scottish transplant with a charming accent and charming stories to go along with her songs.  If you catch her locally, ask to hear “First Things First,” a realistic and bittersweet take on a poppy love song. The featured act was Butchers Blind, a Floral Park alt-country group that pretty much blew me away. Check these guys out at http://www.myspace.com/butchersblindmusic for some great songs and some amazing guitar playing.  Butchers Blind has a mournful pop songwriting style, slightly reminiscent of the Counting Crows, but blended with a folk-country sensibility to form a sound that is all their own. The next concert at the Homegrown Cafe is on March 12th.  It will include opening performances by singer-songwriter Christie Baker (http://www.christiebaker.net/), and Stony Brook’s a capella group The Stony Brook Vocalists (http://www.stonybrookvocalists.com/).  The feature act is Downward Dawgz (http://www.youtube.com/DownwardDawgz), a local band that mixes folk, blues, and rock influences into their original tunes.  It’s a show you won’t want to miss. For directions and more information on the Homegrown Music Cafe, check out http://www.homegrownmusiccafe.com/ Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2011-02-25T19:38:23+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/jake-incao-a-local-songwriters-journey-back-to-music http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/jake-incao-a-local-songwriters-journey-back-to-music#When:17:24:25Z Jake Incao is back in the game. The Long Island songwriter has always known music was his passion.  Jake grew up on Elvis, Bruce Springsteen, and Michael Jackson.  At fifteen, he got an acoustic guitar, but taking lessons didn’t seem to be for him.  He had no attention span for it, preferring to work on creating his own music instead. “Stripped down to the core,” Jake says, “I’m a singer-songwriter with an acoustic guitar.” Jake’s music has a sound that is both raw and well-crafted.  His voice and his songwriting can be gut-wrenchingly to-the-point—but like Springsteen, there’s always something uplifting in his music too.  Life got in the way of Jake pursuing his dreams last year, when he had to check into rehab for a month and undergo two heart procedures.  Now that he’s clean and healthy, Jake Incao is ready to take on the world. His current major project is a forthcoming album he’s been working on for some time, The Apocalypse.  Apart from that, he’s also found a lot of joy in collaborating with other musicians—from his band, Jake Incao and The Common Thieves, to more hip-hop-oriented folks, like Lunchbox Beats or the singer/songwriter home of 27 Productions. Jake has also recently begun writing with his friend Chris Rooney. Rooney would compose a piece of music and Jake would come in and write the lyrics and melody. “That was a new adventure for me in a sense,” Jake says. “I wasn’t writing the music, he was writing the music, and it just felt really good to focus solely on the lyrics and what I wanted to say.” Ultimately, Jake is now ready to run in any direction that music takes him.  He’s playing this Friday, February 11th, with his band The Common Thieves at the Bitter End in NYC.  He also plays solo/acoustic dates around Long Island pretty regularly.  The best ways to find out where he’s playing are to check out his website at http://www.jakeincao.com/ and to “like” his Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/jakeincao . Jake Incao is back in the game. The Long Island songwriter has always known music was his passion.  Jake grew up on Elvis, Bruce Springsteen, and Michael Jackson.  At fifteen, he got an acoustic guitar, but taking lessons didn’t seem to be for him.  He had no attention span for it, preferring to work on creating his own music instead. “Stripped down to the core,” Jake says, “I’m a singer-songwriter with an acoustic guitar.” Jake’s music has a sound that is both raw and well-crafted.  His voice and his songwriting can be gut-wrenchingly to-the-point—but like Springsteen, there’s always something uplifting in his music too.  Life got in the way of Jake pursuing his dreams last year, when he had to check into rehab for a month and undergo two heart procedures.  Now that he’s clean and healthy, Jake Incao is ready to take on the world. His current major project is a forthcoming album he’s been working on for some time, The Apocalypse.  Apart from that, he’s also found a lot of joy in collaborating with other musicians—from his band, Jake Incao and The Common Thieves, to more hip-hop-oriented folks, like Lunchbox Beats or the singer/songwriter home of 27 Productions. Jake has also recently begun writing with his friend Chris Rooney. Rooney would compose a piece of music and Jake would come in and write the lyrics and melody. “That was a new adventure for me in a sense,” Jake says. “I wasn’t writing the music, he was writing the music, and it just felt really good to focus solely on the lyrics and what I wanted to say.” Ultimately, Jake is now ready to run in any direction that music takes him.  He’s playing this Friday, February 11th, with his band The Common Thieves at the Bitter End in NYC.  He also plays solo/acoustic dates around Long Island pretty regularly.  The best ways to find out where he’s playing are to check out his website at http://www.jakeincao.com/ and to “like” his Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/jakeincao . Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2011-02-07T17:24:25+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/indie-on-the-big-stage-patchogue-jam-4 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/indie-on-the-big-stage-patchogue-jam-4#When:17:55:01Z This Saturday, 1/29/2011, local original music will take on a big stage in a big way at Patchogue Jam 4. Patchogue Jam is a yearly concert at the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts.  It’s put on by the same group of music-loving volunteers who bring us Live in the Lobby (http://patchoguetheatre.com/lobby.htm)—only this show is not in the lobby, but on the main stage of the Patchogue Theatre.  It’s fairly gigantic and decadent.  Playing on “the big stage” is no longer out of reach for smaller indie artists on the island—thanks to incredibly dedicated volunteers as well as an incredibly dedicated group of listeners, it’s now an annual event. The concert will begin at 7:30 and feature 5 acts. ·    Six Gun (http://sixgunbandny.com/), a kickin’ country/rock band that will be celebrating their 30th anniversary at Patchogue Jam 4. ·    The Corduroy Sky (http://www.facebook.com/TheCorduroySky),  a personal favorite of mine, and a purveyor of bluesy, altcountryish goodness. ·    Michael Korb (http://michaelkorbmusic.com/), a dark-but-hooky singer/songwriter who will be debuting his new album, Two of Me, at the show. ·    Joe Iadanza (http://joeiadanza.com/), a homey, folky singer/songwriter who plays a mean acoustic solo when the mood strikes him.  Both of Joe’s albums are available at his website as a “name-your-own-price” digital download, by the way. ·    Phil Minissale (http://www.myspace.com/philminissalemusic), an incredibly legit acoustic blues player who’s been touring all-the-heck-over-the-place. He’s on the road again in February, so catch him while you can. Tickets are $18 and also include free admission to the afterparty at the Brickhouse Brewery down the street.  Brickhouse (A) has a whole lot of really good beer on tap, and (B) will also have two local acts performing: Nomad Jack ( http://www.myspace.com/funkyplatypus) and Slammin’ Doris.  All told, it’s going to be another long night full of awesome music in Patchogue.  (So what else is new?) Tickets are available at http://www.PatchgueTheatre.com by ph,one at 1-877-CLICK or at the box office (71 E. Main St. in Patchogue). Six Gun Aaron from The Corduroy Sky Michael Korb Joe Iadanza Phil Minissale Photos by Walter Petrule This Saturday, 1/29/2011, local original music will take on a big stage in a big way at Patchogue Jam 4. Patchogue Jam is a yearly concert at the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts.  It’s put on by the same group of music-loving volunteers who bring us Live in the Lobby (http://patchoguetheatre.com/lobby.htm)—only this show is not in the lobby, but on the main stage of the Patchogue Theatre.  It’s fairly gigantic and decadent.  Playing on “the big stage” is no longer out of reach for smaller indie artists on the island—thanks to incredibly dedicated volunteers as well as an incredibly dedicated group of listeners, it’s now an annual event. The concert will begin at 7:30 and feature 5 acts. ·    Six Gun (http://sixgunbandny.com/), a kickin’ country/rock band that will be celebrating their 30th anniversary at Patchogue Jam 4. ·    The Corduroy Sky (http://www.facebook.com/TheCorduroySky),  a personal favorite of mine, and a purveyor of bluesy, altcountryish goodness. ·    Michael Korb (http://michaelkorbmusic.com/), a dark-but-hooky singer/songwriter who will be debuting his new album, Two of Me, at the show. ·    Joe Iadanza (http://joeiadanza.com/), a homey, folky singer/songwriter who plays a mean acoustic solo when the mood strikes him.  Both of Joe’s albums are available at his website as a “name-your-own-price” digital download, by the way. ·    Phil Minissale (http://www.myspace.com/philminissalemusic), an incredibly legit acoustic blues player who’s been touring all-the-heck-over-the-place. He’s on the road again in February, so catch him while you can. Tickets are $18 and also include free admission to the afterparty at the Brickhouse Brewery down the street.  Brickhouse (A) has a whole lot of really good beer on tap, and (B) will also have two local acts performing: Nomad Jack ( http://www.myspace.com/funkyplatypus) and Slammin’ Doris.  All told, it’s going to be another long night full of awesome music in Patchogue.  (So what else is new?) Tickets are available at http://www.PatchgueTheatre.com by ph,one at 1-877-CLICK or at the box office (71 E. Main St. in Patchogue). Six Gun Aaron from The Corduroy Sky Michael Korb Joe Iadanza Phil Minissale Photos by Walter Petrule Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2011-01-24T17:55:01+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/new-band-in-town-larrin-and-the-locomotives http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/new-band-in-town-larrin-and-the-locomotives#When:17:51:40Z If you’re at all a part of the burgeoning Patchogue music scene, you probably know of Larrin Gerard.  The singer/songwriter has been an avid supporter of local music since her teenage years, a regular face at open mics and coffeehouses.  She moved to the city for a few years to complete her degree at Hunter, and came back to the Island with a soulful country wail and a catalog of beautifully simple “tell it like it is” original songs. This past summer and fall, Larrin made a splash in the Patchogue music scene with a few awesome solo/acoustic performances at the Patchogue Theatre’s “Live in the Lobby” series.  In 2011, she’s got something new up her sleeve—the addition of a bass player, Derek Spencer Cocks, and a drummer, Chris Best, to form Larrin and the Locomotives ( http://www.reverbnation.com/larrinandthelocomotives ) The band’s debut performance is this Saturday, January 15th at Four Doors Down in Mattituk.  The show is a fundraiser for the Southold Baymen’s Association and features other musical acts like Taost ( http://www.reverbnation.com/taost ) and Joe Allegue. Tickets are $25 and include your first drink on the house.  Advance tickets are available at Four Doors Down, Hart’s Hardware in Southold, or LOMA Productions in Southold (631-566-2926). If you’re at all a part of the burgeoning Patchogue music scene, you probably know of Larrin Gerard.  The singer/songwriter has been an avid supporter of local music since her teenage years, a regular face at open mics and coffeehouses.  She moved to the city for a few years to complete her degree at Hunter, and came back to the Island with a soulful country wail and a catalog of beautifully simple “tell it like it is” original songs. This past summer and fall, Larrin made a splash in the Patchogue music scene with a few awesome solo/acoustic performances at the Patchogue Theatre’s “Live in the Lobby” series.  In 2011, she’s got something new up her sleeve—the addition of a bass player, Derek Spencer Cocks, and a drummer, Chris Best, to form Larrin and the Locomotives ( http://www.reverbnation.com/larrinandthelocomotives ) The band’s debut performance is this Saturday, January 15th at Four Doors Down in Mattituk.  The show is a fundraiser for the Southold Baymen’s Association and features other musical acts like Taost ( http://www.reverbnation.com/taost ) and Joe Allegue. Tickets are $25 and include your first drink on the house.  Advance tickets are available at Four Doors Down, Hart’s Hardware in Southold, or LOMA Productions in Southold (631-566-2926). Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2011-01-11T17:51:40+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/6-free-ways-to-support-local-music-in-the-new-year http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/6-free-ways-to-support-local-music-in-the-new-year#When:17:43:42Z 1.    Go to an open mic night (as a listener or performer).  If you hear anyone you like, sign up for their mailing list and ask if they have shows coming up.  Chances are you can turn yourself onto some great new music and probably make a friend or two in the process. 2.    Next time you go out with your friends, make it at a bar or coffeeshop that features real local musicians instead of a DJ or jukebox.  Bonus points if it’s original music (although cover bands need love too). 3.  Have a local artist you love that you wish was getting more attention? Say so on Facebook or Twitter, preferably with a link to some tunes so your friends can check them out! 4.    Hold an acoustic “Music In My Living Room” party with a local singer/songwriter. 5.  Put a local artist on a mix CD.  This one, you might want to ask permission for.  Not everyone is cool with their music being shared in this way.  But many of us would be thrilled to be included on a mix you’re making for a friend.  Spread the love. 6.  Go to shows! Says local singer/songwriter Deborah Lombardi (http://www.deborahlombardi.com/ ): “One of the best ways to be supported is to have fans show up to a gig.” Many local and original acts play shows that are totally free to the public.  Sign up for a mailing list or visit a local artist’s website to find out when they are playing.  Ask your friends if they want to come, too. Here is a starter list of local music-friendly places you can go.  Guys, this list is off the top of my head I’m sure I’m unintentionally leaving stuff out (it just goes to show what a thriving music scene we have).  PLEASE feel free to add to it in comments! Wantagh: The Cup, Mulcahy’s. Patchogue: Once and For All, Brickhouse Brewery, Live in the Lobby at the Patchogue Theatre, Bobbique. Babylon: Bartini’s. Sea Cliff: Tupelo Honey. Huntington: The Nag’s Head. St. James: Cool Beanz, Acoustic Long Island @ Deepwell’s Mansion. Blue Point: The Sage Café. Lindenhurst: The Spoon Café, The Village Lantern. Setauket: The Velvet Lounge. Riverhead: The Vail-Leavitt Music Hall. 1.    Go to an open mic night (as a listener or performer).  If you hear anyone you like, sign up for their mailing list and ask if they have shows coming up.  Chances are you can turn yourself onto some great new music and probably make a friend or two in the process. 2.    Next time you go out with your friends, make it at a bar or coffeeshop that features real local musicians instead of a DJ or jukebox.  Bonus points if it’s original music (although cover bands need love too). 3.  Have a local artist you love that you wish was getting more attention? Say so on Facebook or Twitter, preferably with a link to some tunes so your friends can check them out! 4.    Hold an acoustic “Music In My Living Room” party with a local singer/songwriter. 5.  Put a local artist on a mix CD.  This one, you might want to ask permission for.  Not everyone is cool with their music being shared in this way.  But many of us would be thrilled to be included on a mix you’re making for a friend.  Spread the love. 6.  Go to shows! Says local singer/songwriter Deborah Lombardi (http://www.deborahlombardi.com/ ): “One of the best ways to be supported is to have fans show up to a gig.” Many local and original acts play shows that are totally free to the public.  Sign up for a mailing list or visit a local artist’s website to find out when they are playing.  Ask your friends if they want to come, too. Here is a starter list of local music-friendly places you can go.  Guys, this list is off the top of my head I’m sure I’m unintentionally leaving stuff out (it just goes to show what a thriving music scene we have).  PLEASE feel free to add to it in comments! Wantagh: The Cup, Mulcahy’s. Patchogue: Once and For All, Brickhouse Brewery, Live in the Lobby at the Patchogue Theatre, Bobbique. Babylon: Bartini’s. Sea Cliff: Tupelo Honey. Huntington: The Nag’s Head. St. James: Cool Beanz, Acoustic Long Island @ Deepwell’s Mansion. Blue Point: The Sage Café. Lindenhurst: The Spoon Café, The Village Lantern. Setauket: The Velvet Lounge. Riverhead: The Vail-Leavitt Music Hall. Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2011-01-04T17:43:42+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-little-li-label-that-could-paradiddle-records http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/the-little-li-label-that-could-paradiddle-records#When:17:24:38Z Do you guys know about Paradiddle Records?  No?  Here’s why you should. Paradiddle Records is a refreshing, local, independent take on a record label.  The Huntington-based label is co-owned by Bill Herman and Tom Crawford, both of whom are out and about in the local scene constantly.  Anyone who knows these guys can see that they are music lovers, and that is what they bring to Paradiddle that makes it a little bit different, shinier, cleaner than other labels: Love of music. I have heard a few people say that, in the wake of the big major labels waning success, the future of the music business will actually be a return to the past.  Small, independent labels taking on artists because they believe in them, and entering the music business as entrepreneurs.  If that is the case, Paradiddle is already all over it.  Small, local, passionate and professional—that describes Paradiddle to a T. Paradiddle has made something of a name for themselves by releasing “unCovered” albums—local artists doing their own thing with the songs of well known artists.  The most recent such release is The Kinks UnKovered, featuring local artists like Caroline Doctorow, Iridesense, and The Corduroy Sky.  Paradiddle also releases original albums from local artists, such as Jay Scott’s Life in a Hurry, which came out this summer.  What’s to come?  Paradiddle is in the holiday spirit this season, and is working on a free “Best of 2010” download on their website.  “Best of 2010” features the songs of local, original Long Island musicians.  Also available will be a free download of a group recording of Happy Xmas (War is Over), featuring over 25 Long Island artists.  Keep an eye out for it at http://www.paradiddlerecords.com/. Do you guys know about Paradiddle Records?  No?  Here’s why you should. Paradiddle Records is a refreshing, local, independent take on a record label.  The Huntington-based label is co-owned by Bill Herman and Tom Crawford, both of whom are out and about in the local scene constantly.  Anyone who knows these guys can see that they are music lovers, and that is what they bring to Paradiddle that makes it a little bit different, shinier, cleaner than other labels: Love of music. I have heard a few people say that, in the wake of the big major labels waning success, the future of the music business will actually be a return to the past.  Small, independent labels taking on artists because they believe in them, and entering the music business as entrepreneurs.  If that is the case, Paradiddle is already all over it.  Small, local, passionate and professional—that describes Paradiddle to a T. Paradiddle has made something of a name for themselves by releasing “unCovered” albums—local artists doing their own thing with the songs of well known artists.  The most recent such release is The Kinks UnKovered, featuring local artists like Caroline Doctorow, Iridesense, and The Corduroy Sky.  Paradiddle also releases original albums from local artists, such as Jay Scott’s Life in a Hurry, which came out this summer.  What’s to come?  Paradiddle is in the holiday spirit this season, and is working on a free “Best of 2010” download on their website.  “Best of 2010” features the songs of local, original Long Island musicians.  Also available will be a free download of a group recording of Happy Xmas (War is Over), featuring over 25 Long Island artists.  Keep an eye out for it at http://www.paradiddlerecords.com/. Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2010-12-09T17:24:38+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/gathering-time http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/gathering-time#When:18:29:31Z Gathering Time is a harmony-laden folk trio whose music sounds even more awesome than their name. I recently heard them at “Joni in the Lobby,” a Joni Mitchell tribute put on by Live in the Lobby ( http://www.liveinthelobby.org ), featuring nothing but local, independent artists from Long Island.  They were the first act on a loud, crowded night, and they silenced the place. The secret’s in the harmonies.  These guys blend like cake batter.  They played “Help Me,” “Free Man In Paris,” and “Coyote” (an awesome, off-beat choice), but they pretty much rocked my socks off with “Raised on Robbery.”  The song perfectly showcased their three-part powerhouse vocals. Anyway, I’m talking about covers from an amazing original band.  What’s my problem? Their CD, Songs of Hope and Freedom, is available from CD Baby ( http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/gatheringtime ) and it’s full of the sort of original folk songs that you want to listen to on a long drive when you’re thinking about your past.  Before I ever heard these guys, I met and heard Glen Roethel and Stuart Markus separately, making the rounds of the singer/songwriter scene on Long Island. I knew the name of, but had never met or heard, Hilary Foxsong, until I saw the three of them play together one night unexpectedly.  I’m here to tell you that they’ve formed a beautiful sound that is bigger and different than the sum of its parts.  Stuart’s folk-from-the-heart style meets Hilary’s smokey, been-around-the-block-but-I-still-have-a-heart sound; which meets Glen’s my-heart-burns-with-more-light-than-your-grandmother’s-and-I-play-some-badass-solos thing; and something special and distinct from all three emerges. Anyway, they’ve been making a name for themselves in folk circles all over the place, not just on the Island.  You can next see them in Brooklyn in December 10th at the Good Coffee House—and supporting Long Island artists in the city means a lot to them, guys, trust me.  For more dates both closer and farther from home, check out http://www.gatheringtimetrio.com/ Gathering Time is a harmony-laden folk trio whose music sounds even more awesome than their name. I recently heard them at “Joni in the Lobby,” a Joni Mitchell tribute put on by Live in the Lobby ( http://www.liveinthelobby.org ), featuring nothing but local, independent artists from Long Island.  They were the first act on a loud, crowded night, and they silenced the place. The secret’s in the harmonies.  These guys blend like cake batter.  They played “Help Me,” “Free Man In Paris,” and “Coyote” (an awesome, off-beat choice), but they pretty much rocked my socks off with “Raised on Robbery.”  The song perfectly showcased their three-part powerhouse vocals. Anyway, I’m talking about covers from an amazing original band.  What’s my problem? Their CD, Songs of Hope and Freedom, is available from CD Baby ( http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/gatheringtime ) and it’s full of the sort of original folk songs that you want to listen to on a long drive when you’re thinking about your past.  Before I ever heard these guys, I met and heard Glen Roethel and Stuart Markus separately, making the rounds of the singer/songwriter scene on Long Island. I knew the name of, but had never met or heard, Hilary Foxsong, until I saw the three of them play together one night unexpectedly.  I’m here to tell you that they’ve formed a beautiful sound that is bigger and different than the sum of its parts.  Stuart’s folk-from-the-heart style meets Hilary’s smokey, been-around-the-block-but-I-still-have-a-heart sound; which meets Glen’s my-heart-burns-with-more-light-than-your-grandmother’s-and-I-play-some-badass-solos thing; and something special and distinct from all three emerges. Anyway, they’ve been making a name for themselves in folk circles all over the place, not just on the Island.  You can next see them in Brooklyn in December 10th at the Good Coffee House—and supporting Long Island artists in the city means a lot to them, guys, trust me.  For more dates both closer and farther from home, check out http://www.gatheringtimetrio.com/ Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2010-11-24T18:29:31+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/two-acoustic-venues-to-be-thankful-for http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/two-acoustic-venues-to-be-thankful-for#When:17:49:49Z Happy November, people! I’m kind of a nerd about holidays.  I make them pretty personal and try to bring the spirit of the each holiday into my life for weeks before.  Thanksgiving is no exception.  I have plenty to be thankful for this year, and I think that musicians on Long Island have plenty to be thankful for, too.  So, without further ado, here are two acoustic venues that I’m thankful for: The Cup and The Spoon. I’m pairing these together, though they’re under different ownership and in different towns, because they’ve got plenty of great things in common.  They’re cafes that are family friendly, and great places to go to hear live music if you’re under 21. They have affordable, delicious food.  And both pay their musicians, which is something almost unheard of if you’re an acoustic musician on Long Island.  Supporting musicians in this way comes back to you; every singer/songwriter I know has nice things to say about these venues and will recommend them to fellow musicians as well as family and friends. The Cup It is hard to talk about acoustic music on Long Island without bringing up The Cup.  The Cup has been an acoustic hotspot for years.  Its Wednesday open mic night has been going on for as long as I can remember, and is the place where a lot of people I know performed in front of a crowd for the first time. Outside of the open mic, the Cup has live acoustic music on weekend nights starting around 9 and continuing until one or so.  They’re located right across the street from the Wantagh train station, at 9268 Railroad Ave.  Here’s a list of who’s playing there in November: Fri 11/19: Graz ( http://www.myspace.com/dangrazianomusic ) Sat 11/20: Rupert Wates (http://www.rupertwates.com/shows.htm ) Fri 11/26: John Keebler* ( http://www.myspace.com/johnkeebler ) Fri 11/27: Jay Reilly ( http://www.myspace.com/httpwwwmyspacecomjreilly ) *Sidenote: John Keebler’s a freakin’ awesome blues player.  You’ve got to hear this dude do Little Wing. The Spoon The Spoon is a cozy café in the heart of Lindenhurst Village.  The Spoon also has a Wednesday open mic, a regular haunt of local acoustic artists.  While The Cup is a major hangout for teens and young adults, The Spoon is truly an all-ages affair.  Artists ranging from their teens to their late 70s perform at their open mic and on their weekend shows.  It’s very hard to feel out of place at The Spoon. The Spoon is as much a family café as it is a music venue, and they serve a variety of dinner and lunch items, amazing desserts, and serious coffee.  Music usually starts around 7:30 pm on weekend nights.  The Spoon is located at 125 S. Wellwood Ave. in Lindenhurst.  Here’s what’s going on Thanksgiving weekend at Spoon: Fri 11/26: Mike (Po Boy) Reinhardt and Ukelele Ed Sat 11/27: Brandon O’Brian Happy November, people! I’m kind of a nerd about holidays.  I make them pretty personal and try to bring the spirit of the each holiday into my life for weeks before.  Thanksgiving is no exception.  I have plenty to be thankful for this year, and I think that musicians on Long Island have plenty to be thankful for, too.  So, without further ado, here are two acoustic venues that I’m thankful for: The Cup and The Spoon. I’m pairing these together, though they’re under different ownership and in different towns, because they’ve got plenty of great things in common.  They’re cafes that are family friendly, and great places to go to hear live music if you’re under 21. They have affordable, delicious food.  And both pay their musicians, which is something almost unheard of if you’re an acoustic musician on Long Island.  Supporting musicians in this way comes back to you; every singer/songwriter I know has nice things to say about these venues and will recommend them to fellow musicians as well as family and friends. The Cup It is hard to talk about acoustic music on Long Island without bringing up The Cup.  The Cup has been an acoustic hotspot for years.  Its Wednesday open mic night has been going on for as long as I can remember, and is the place where a lot of people I know performed in front of a crowd for the first time. Outside of the open mic, the Cup has live acoustic music on weekend nights starting around 9 and continuing until one or so.  They’re located right across the street from the Wantagh train station, at 9268 Railroad Ave.  Here’s a list of who’s playing there in November: Fri 11/19: Graz ( http://www.myspace.com/dangrazianomusic ) Sat 11/20: Rupert Wates (http://www.rupertwates.com/shows.htm ) Fri 11/26: John Keebler* ( http://www.myspace.com/johnkeebler ) Fri 11/27: Jay Reilly ( http://www.myspace.com/httpwwwmyspacecomjreilly ) *Sidenote: John Keebler’s a freakin’ awesome blues player.  You’ve got to hear this dude do Little Wing. The Spoon The Spoon is a cozy café in the heart of Lindenhurst Village.  The Spoon also has a Wednesday open mic, a regular haunt of local acoustic artists.  While The Cup is a major hangout for teens and young adults, The Spoon is truly an all-ages affair.  Artists ranging from their teens to their late 70s perform at their open mic and on their weekend shows.  It’s very hard to feel out of place at The Spoon. The Spoon is as much a family café as it is a music venue, and they serve a variety of dinner and lunch items, amazing desserts, and serious coffee.  Music usually starts around 7:30 pm on weekend nights.  The Spoon is located at 125 S. Wellwood Ave. in Lindenhurst.  Here’s what’s going on Thanksgiving weekend at Spoon: Fri 11/26: Mike (Po Boy) Reinhardt and Ukelele Ed Sat 11/27: Brandon O’Brian Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2010-11-17T17:49:49+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/before-vampires-were-sparkly-jessie-haynes-was-awesome http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/before-vampires-were-sparkly-jessie-haynes-was-awesome#When:17:16:30Z So there is a new vampire-flavored album out on Long Island this week. But guys, I have to let you know, Jessie Haynes was being awesome and spooky before Stephenie Meyers had her whole fangirl vampire dream and built Twilight out of it. I would go so far as to say that Jessie Haynes is the sort of persona that might result if Laura Nyro and Laurell K Hamilton got together and had a kid. Both Jessie and her new album, Vampire Kiss, are many-layered. The mood of the album wafts from ethereal, to dark and intense, to calmly reflective. It sort of takes you on a journey through Jessie’s mind—but not exactly in a way that makes you feel like you’ve got her figured out. She’s a bit sneakier than that. So, OK, fancy adjectives aside, what will you actually hear on this record? The title track swoops in on you with tight, funky harmonies and rhythms that manage to bring the energy of a live performance to a studio recording. Some songs are folky and mournful. Others are simply raw. There are lots of cool, moody guitar arrangements, lots of harmonies, lots of lyrics that make you do a mental double-take. So, Jessie is playing around a lot this fall and you can catch her AND pick up the album at any number of places in the near future. She’s playing in the Patchogue Theatre lobby both this Sunday for the Autumn Arts Festival, and on November 4th for the “Joni in the Lobby” Joni Mitchell Tribute. Further east, she hosts, and performs at, Original Voices at the Vail-Leavitt Music Hall—a singer/songwriter series that features local original acts. Go to any of those places, pick up Vampire Kiss and catch a great live performance. And check out http://www.jessiehaynes.com/ for streaming music and additional tour dates. So there is a new vampire-flavored album out on Long Island this week. But guys, I have to let you know, Jessie Haynes was being awesome and spooky before Stephenie Meyers had her whole fangirl vampire dream and built Twilight out of it. I would go so far as to say that Jessie Haynes is the sort of persona that might result if Laura Nyro and Laurell K Hamilton got together and had a kid. Both Jessie and her new album, Vampire Kiss, are many-layered. The mood of the album wafts from ethereal, to dark and intense, to calmly reflective. It sort of takes you on a journey through Jessie’s mind—but not exactly in a way that makes you feel like you’ve got her figured out. She’s a bit sneakier than that. So, OK, fancy adjectives aside, what will you actually hear on this record? The title track swoops in on you with tight, funky harmonies and rhythms that manage to bring the energy of a live performance to a studio recording. Some songs are folky and mournful. Others are simply raw. There are lots of cool, moody guitar arrangements, lots of harmonies, lots of lyrics that make you do a mental double-take. So, Jessie is playing around a lot this fall and you can catch her AND pick up the album at any number of places in the near future. She’s playing in the Patchogue Theatre lobby both this Sunday for the Autumn Arts Festival, and on November 4th for the “Joni in the Lobby” Joni Mitchell Tribute. Further east, she hosts, and performs at, Original Voices at the Vail-Leavitt Music Hall—a singer/songwriter series that features local original acts. Go to any of those places, pick up Vampire Kiss and catch a great live performance. And check out http://www.jessiehaynes.com/ for streaming music and additional tour dates. Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2010-10-25T17:16:30+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/jay-scott-and-larrin-gerard-at-sage-cafe http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/jay-scott-and-larrin-gerard-at-sage-cafe#When:16:53:28Z This Saturday’s music at the Sage Café features two of my favorite Long Island songwriters, Jay Scott (http://www.jayscottlive.com) and Larrin Gerard (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Larrin-Gerard/62705488192). Jay and Larrin are not all that similar musically, but there’s some kind of synergy in the way they both write and sing.  Both take personal experience and make it big and beautiful and real.  Even though you know they’re singing about something that moved them, you can’t help but feel they’re tapping into your own heart. Jay Scott is so comfortable and open onstage that it makes you want to be that way, too.  He harkens back to the music of Woodstock, which is not so much to say that he writes hippie music—it’s more that his music shares that blend of gutteral honesty and hope.  It makes you want to dance, to love, to try.  It’s kind of like one of those inspiring emails your aunt sends you about jars of golf balls, but more awesome and less kitschy. Larrin Gerard, on the other hand, makes you want to close your eyes and listen.  Larrin has a tough-as-nails tenderness about her that country singers have been using since time immemorial to make us feel things with or without our consent.  Showing that New York and country are not mutually exclusive, Larrin follows in the footsteps of Patty Griffin and Kasey Chambers, with songs that are both simple and soaring. Anyway, leave it to both of these characters to book an acoustic show together the weekend I’m going out of town.  But YOU can go hear them in the Sage’s intimate setting this weekend, and you should.  The Sage is located at 4 Montauk Highway in Blue Point, which is right at the end of Nicholl’s Road.  The performance will be on Saturday, October 9th, starting around 9:30 pm.  This Saturday’s music at the Sage Café features two of my favorite Long Island songwriters, Jay Scott (http://www.jayscottlive.com) and Larrin Gerard (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Larrin-Gerard/62705488192). Jay and Larrin are not all that similar musically, but there’s some kind of synergy in the way they both write and sing.  Both take personal experience and make it big and beautiful and real.  Even though you know they’re singing about something that moved them, you can’t help but feel they’re tapping into your own heart. Jay Scott is so comfortable and open onstage that it makes you want to be that way, too.  He harkens back to the music of Woodstock, which is not so much to say that he writes hippie music—it’s more that his music shares that blend of gutteral honesty and hope.  It makes you want to dance, to love, to try.  It’s kind of like one of those inspiring emails your aunt sends you about jars of golf balls, but more awesome and less kitschy. Larrin Gerard, on the other hand, makes you want to close your eyes and listen.  Larrin has a tough-as-nails tenderness about her that country singers have been using since time immemorial to make us feel things with or without our consent.  Showing that New York and country are not mutually exclusive, Larrin follows in the footsteps of Patty Griffin and Kasey Chambers, with songs that are both simple and soaring. Anyway, leave it to both of these characters to book an acoustic show together the weekend I’m going out of town.  But YOU can go hear them in the Sage’s intimate setting this weekend, and you should.  The Sage is located at 4 Montauk Highway in Blue Point, which is right at the end of Nicholl’s Road.  The performance will be on Saturday, October 9th, starting around 9:30 pm.  Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2010-10-08T16:53:28+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/wine-generosity-and-other-fine-things http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/wine-generosity-and-other-fine-things#When:16:06:59Z Music?  Wine?  Music?  Wine? Music and wine? It is so!  My two favorite intoxicants are side by side this weekend at Pindar’s “Rock the Harvest” music & wine festival.  It’s from 12 - 6 this Saturday, October 2nd, unless it rains, in which case it’s Sunday, October 3rd.  It’s an all day affair (12 - 6) featuring Big Suga (http://www.bigsuga.com), Kerry Kearney Band (http://www.kerrykearney.com), Big River Ransom ( http://www.myspace.com/bigriverransom ), Jay Scott Band (http://www.jayscottlive.com), and Taost (http://www.reverbnation.com/taost). These are five bands that are very worth hearing, but I’m not going to chew your ear off talking about each individual act.  Come down and sample them yourself, as you also sample some fine Pindar wine.  (I will mention, however, that Jay Scott just released a really good EP, Life in a Hurry, which you’ll be able to pick up at the show.) I’m attending and plan to have a blast.  Details, directions, etc. at http://www.rocktheharvest.com. Also: On Friday the 1st, Long Island band Silent Generosity (http://www.silentgenerosity.com) is having their CD Release party at Mulcahy’s in Centereach.  Silent Generosity has been a part of the Long Island indie scene since its formation in 1998, and have made something of a name for themselves since.  This summer, they opened up for Creed at Jones Beach and also had a cameo performance on a Long Island edition of Extreme Home Makeover. They deserve the attention.  SG has a dark rock sound that is polished, big, and exciting.  At their shows they do a mix of originals and well-selected covers, and they sport a friendly easygoing attitude instead of the big ol’ egos some local bands get when they start to get bigger coverage. This release, Natural, will be their third, following up an EP from 2008 called Girl Was Gone and their full-length debut in 2006, Disenchanted.  They’ve released it through Paradiddle Records (http://www.paradiddlerecords.com), and the album is also available as a digital download on the Paradiddle site. The release is this Friday, October 1st at Mulcahy’s Centereach.  That’s at 1702 Middle Country Road next to McDonalds.  Doors open at 8 and the show will include a set from Silent Generosity as well as an opening band, Better Off.  It’s an 18+ show (21 to drink). Music?  Wine?  Music?  Wine? Music and wine? It is so!  My two favorite intoxicants are side by side this weekend at Pindar’s “Rock the Harvest” music & wine festival.  It’s from 12 - 6 this Saturday, October 2nd, unless it rains, in which case it’s Sunday, October 3rd.  It’s an all day affair (12 - 6) featuring Big Suga (http://www.bigsuga.com), Kerry Kearney Band (http://www.kerrykearney.com), Big River Ransom ( http://www.myspace.com/bigriverransom ), Jay Scott Band (http://www.jayscottlive.com), and Taost (http://www.reverbnation.com/taost). These are five bands that are very worth hearing, but I’m not going to chew your ear off talking about each individual act.  Come down and sample them yourself, as you also sample some fine Pindar wine.  (I will mention, however, that Jay Scott just released a really good EP, Life in a Hurry, which you’ll be able to pick up at the show.) I’m attending and plan to have a blast.  Details, directions, etc. at http://www.rocktheharvest.com. Also: On Friday the 1st, Long Island band Silent Generosity (http://www.silentgenerosity.com) is having their CD Release party at Mulcahy’s in Centereach.  Silent Generosity has been a part of the Long Island indie scene since its formation in 1998, and have made something of a name for themselves since.  This summer, they opened up for Creed at Jones Beach and also had a cameo performance on a Long Island edition of Extreme Home Makeover. They deserve the attention.  SG has a dark rock sound that is polished, big, and exciting.  At their shows they do a mix of originals and well-selected covers, and they sport a friendly easygoing attitude instead of the big ol’ egos some local bands get when they start to get bigger coverage. This release, Natural, will be their third, following up an EP from 2008 called Girl Was Gone and their full-length debut in 2006, Disenchanted.  They’ve released it through Paradiddle Records (http://www.paradiddlerecords.com), and the album is also available as a digital download on the Paradiddle site. The release is this Friday, October 1st at Mulcahy’s Centereach.  That’s at 1702 Middle Country Road next to McDonalds.  Doors open at 8 and the show will include a set from Silent Generosity as well as an opening band, Better Off.  It’s an 18+ show (21 to drink). Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2010-09-30T16:06:59+00:00 http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/bridging-the-gap http://www.lipulse.com/blog/article/bridging-the-gap#When:17:12:25Z Hi guys! Welcome to my little indie music blog world.  I’m going to be writing about the goings-on of indie Long Island.  In case some of you were unaware: indie Long Island exists. Often, when I tell someone in the non-music side of my life that I’m an original musician, their response is excited, supportive, and a little bewildered.  Excited, because it’s exciting to hear about someone you know pursuing their dreams, especially if those dreams relate to being creative or to performing.  Supportive, because most people I’ve met are all about helping someone local go after their passion.  Bewildered, because most people don’t seem to have the first idea where or how to find out about local music, let alone listen to it and support it.  Most people will even say how much they’d rather listen to an original artist than a cover band, but they don’t know where they can do that. If you’re my friend, you’ve been subjected to a lecture on this subject at least once or twice.  I consider it a responsibility of mine to try to bridge the gap between original, independent music and the people who totally want to support it.  So anyway, that’s the idea behind this blog. If you have anything that’s local and indie that you think I should be letting people know about, please give me a shout and/or post in comments! So guys, here are two easy, breezy, end-of-summer festivals going on this weekend! Locally Raised Musicians at the Southampton Arts Harvest Stage on Main St in Southampton, Saturday & Sunday From 1 - 7pm Performers on Saturday: Julie Trudden, Tallanes Peru, Johnny Ray Trio, The Bastards of BOOM (http://www.myspace.com/bastardsofboom) Performers on Sunday: Alfredo Merat (http://www.myspace.com/europajamsessions), Michael Jazz Trio (http://www.michaeljazztrio.com), Lil Cliff and the Cliffhangers (http://www.lilcliff.com/), “Harvest” Jazz All Stars More details at http://www.artsharvestsouthampton.org/artsharvestweb-music.html Amazedness Kite Fly Sunday from Noon - 4 at Smith Point Park. Live original music and a last hurrah beach day at the Beach Hut at Smith Point. Admission is $5 which gets donated to cancer research. Performers that day: yours truly (http://www.roriekelly.com), Silent Generosity (http://silentgenerosity.com/), Jay Scott Band (http://www.jayscottlive.com), Jennett Russell, and the Michael Jazz Trio (http://www.michaeljazztrio.com). For more details check out http://www.exploreli.com/events/amazedness-kite-fly-1.1410803 Big shout out to the Michael Jazz Trio: that’s right, they’re playing Southampton AND Smith Point back to back on Sunday.  If you can catch them at either venue, it will be a treat.  These guys are a family band aged 9 - 16, and their skill and discipline pretty much puts me and everyone I know to shame.  But it’s not just the “they’re so young and they’re good!” thing, it’s also that they play really GOOD jazz—the kind that makes you want to close your eyes and sway.  Which I have done every time I’ve had the opportunity to hear them live. Keep your eye on the band at http://www.michaeljazztrio.com/ becau,se they’ve got a new CD coming out on Paradiddle Records (http://www.paradiddlerecords.com/) towards the end of this month. Paradiddle Records is an all-indie, all-local record label based in Huntington.  They’re pretty awesome and very DIY and very worth supporting.   Hi guys! Welcome to my little indie music blog world.  I’m going to be writing about the goings-on of indie Long Island.  In case some of you were unaware: indie Long Island exists. Often, when I tell someone in the non-music side of my life that I’m an original musician, their response is excited, supportive, and a little bewildered.  Excited, because it’s exciting to hear about someone you know pursuing their dreams, especially if those dreams relate to being creative or to performing.  Supportive, because most people I’ve met are all about helping someone local go after their passion.  Bewildered, because most people don’t seem to have the first idea where or how to find out about local music, let alone listen to it and support it.  Most people will even say how much they’d rather listen to an original artist than a cover band, but they don’t know where they can do that. If you’re my friend, you’ve been subjected to a lecture on this subject at least once or twice.  I consider it a responsibility of mine to try to bridge the gap between original, independent music and the people who totally want to support it.  So anyway, that’s the idea behind this blog. If you have anything that’s local and indie that you think I should be letting people know about, please give me a shout and/or post in comments! So guys, here are two easy, breezy, end-of-summer festivals going on this weekend! Locally Raised Musicians at the Southampton Arts Harvest Stage on Main St in Southampton, Saturday & Sunday From 1 - 7pm Performers on Saturday: Julie Trudden, Tallanes Peru, Johnny Ray Trio, The Bastards of BOOM (http://www.myspace.com/bastardsofboom) Performers on Sunday: Alfredo Merat (http://www.myspace.com/europajamsessions), Michael Jazz Trio (http://www.michaeljazztrio.com), Lil Cliff and the Cliffhangers (http://www.lilcliff.com/), “Harvest” Jazz All Stars More details at http://www.artsharvestsouthampton.org/artsharvestweb-music.html Amazedness Kite Fly Sunday from Noon - 4 at Smith Point Park. Live original music and a last hurrah beach day at the Beach Hut at Smith Point. Admission is $5 which gets donated to cancer research. Performers that day: yours truly (http://www.roriekelly.com), Silent Generosity (http://silentgenerosity.com/), Jay Scott Band (http://www.jayscottlive.com), Jennett Russell, and the Michael Jazz Trio (http://www.michaeljazztrio.com). For more details check out http://www.exploreli.com/events/amazedness-kite-fly-1.1410803 Big shout out to the Michael Jazz Trio: that’s right, they’re playing Southampton AND Smith Point back to back on Sunday.  If you can catch them at either venue, it will be a treat.  These guys are a family band aged 9 - 16, and their skill and discipline pretty much puts me and everyone I know to shame.  But it’s not just the “they’re so young and they’re good!” thing, it’s also that they play really GOOD jazz—the kind that makes you want to close your eyes and sway.  Which I have done every time I’ve had the opportunity to hear them live. Keep your eye on the band at http://www.michaeljazztrio.com/ becau,se they’ve got a new CD coming out on Paradiddle Records (http://www.paradiddlerecords.com/) towards the end of this month. Paradiddle Records is an all-indie, all-local record label based in Huntington.  They’re pretty awesome and very DIY and very worth supporting.   Music: Subterranean Sounds, 2010-09-16T17:12:25+00:00