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September News
Geocites is closing at the end of October so this will be the last update for the site in its current form. It's been a great four years but the site will be expanding, adding new sections for experiences with technology and the Internet, conventions and going more into my personal life and reaching out to more people. It will feature a new customized theme and the best elements from artist and music websites, archives and blogs. There will be no more ads and I hope to have a new domain by then, too. Look for it all soon.
Latest Reports
JAB performed at Muggs in Doylestown, a bar I've never been in before even though I drove by it many times. They have no parking lot, I accidently pulled into the dealership next door, so I ended up parking at the bank across the street. The section of the bar the band perfomed in looked like someone's basement and there was a divider and posts seperating them from the bar so it was hard to take pictures of the whole group. It was better than before, John Neumann told me the bands used to perform in front of the front window. There were also couches there so you could sit right up in front if you wanted. They sounded great, Eric sang lead on "Gimme Some Lovin'" and they also covered "Heaven Beside You" by Alice In Chains, but Andy never played harmonica which was unusual to see a JAB show without that. Click here for more from the show.
Tuned In To Laura Cheadle (7/8)
I took another trip out just off the turnpike to Brittingham's in Lafayette Hill to attend a filming of Laura Cheadle for Channel 6's "Tuned In." A guy playing acoustic opened and we had plenty of time to watch the Phillies game. The cameraman from Channel 6 was supposed to be there at 10 but was attending the memorial for beloved sportscaster Gary Papa. While we were waiting Laura and her band played three covers but were running low by "Come Together, " she didn't even sing the second verse. Finally, the cameraman arrived around 10:20 and they could take a break. Certainly their performance for the camera was more important, and that took some extra time for lighting setup and another sound check. The first three songs were recorded as a full shot so they had to made sure they were tight and gave viewers a good variety of what Laura and the band do. Next they played two more songs which were partially recorded with a handheld camera with close-ups and included a pass by Laura's table which included her mother, her best friend, myself and another friend who lived nearby. We may end up on TV. Afterward, Laura sat down for the interview portion of her segment. Her friend and I acted like paparazzi and took pictures while she was getting ready. I'll link to it here after it airs and is posted on 6abc.com. Click here for more from the show.
A Quick Switch Works Out (6/25)
For a while I was wondering when I'd be going to John and Peter's again, but a few weeks before I had noticed that John and Peter's had scheduled Dave Devlin for a Thursday night show. The weekend before Dave confirmed that he would be back through his newsletter. So I came out for what became for a reunion show featuring the Brothers Gruff, Parker Barrow and the exciting Victor Victor Band, Daves' new band was supposed to play but they broke up a few weeks ago. Dave's fiancee Christy came out to the show for the first time since The Stand release party in 2006. I had to head over right after work so I missed the first few songs of Dave's set, the band hadn't rehearsed before this show but they are so tight it I really couldn't tell the difference. His mike went bad during the set, it took another song or two but he finally switched to the other set-up one during a break in "Bomb". Parker Barrow, who referred to themselves as a cover band for this show, had a slightly different line-up. They were a quartet with singer Nick handing off bass duties, leaving his Hofner at home, and a different drummer. Since they had a shorter set than usual they just played covers of the Beatles, Johnny Cash, Beach Boys and the Animals. The closing Victor Victor Band was the real highlight of the night. Actually a married couple, husband Jamie sings with plenty of fire and plays guitar like Jimi Hendrix (also with an upside-down Stratocaster). Wife Danelle plays drums and keyboards, sometimes at the same time, with a maracca taped to one of her drumsticks. At first glance they seem like the White Stripes, but both have equal contribution to the group. I took a few videos of Dave and the band and you can view them here and on my MySpace video channel.
Check out this video: Dave Devlin - Perfect (Live)
Michael Jackson's death last week brought to mind everything that changed when he exploded as a solo artist in the '80s. He integrated MTV and brought Hollywood directors to music video. The world premier of each of his videos were on major networks and was destination television. Everyone had to have his albums. "Thriller" is the highest-selling album in history and always will be. The title track still freaks me out today. Even when he wasn't on top of the charts he was still in the news, for better or worse. However, even after all that exposure we never really knew much about him. For many of us who grew up in the '80s and '90s, he was our King. We tried to sing like him, to dance like him. Every other solo pop artist had to follow his lead. There will never be another like him since the music and entertainment industry is so fragmented, no one can draw the crowds and get the album sales that he had. Let's enjoy his life and all the tributes to him that have been done and will be done. Maybe there will be a large concert like there was for Freddie Mercury. Even if we disagree about his actions and personal life let us agree that he was an interesting and unique person and we'll always remember him.
End Of The Road For Future 86 (6/19)
A month after my last post about the group, it turns out the ride has ended for Future 86. The band's final show was this past Saturday. The band had a bash last month in New Jersey with former members including Courtney, Armand, and Ron coming up and jamming on plenty of tunes. As they were one of the first bands I encountered on my live music journey I'll remember them fondly, as well as the fun shows at John and Peter's and hanging out at Josh's old place afterward, not to mention the fans of the band who came down from New York and New Jersey with them. The groups' disbanding closes a chapter in my life since none of the other bands I am friends play John and Peter's anymore. I had last seen the band in December but I have a link to the pictures from the reunion show here.
Birthdays and New Editions (5/23)
This was a very special night with the Pheromones. New parents Jessica and her husband Donnie were in town for the holiday and it was also a night to celebrate Adam's and Brian's birthdays which are close together. Tommy was back on bass and Seven Day Sunday, a band which are friends of Brian's, was opening. The groups traded off throughout the night, performing two sets each. Seven Day Sunday played mostly '90s covers but those were done very well and guitarist played some amazing solos. The Pheromones played two new covers, "What I Like About You" and The Killers' "All The Things I Have Done," a favorite of Linzi's. Brian wore a wireless headset so he didn't have to set up a mike for himself. After the Pheromones' first set Brian's wife Sheeva brought in cake for the birthday boys. "Hillbilly Hellbeast", usually a good song for the band, kicked off the second set but was derailed by crazy mike feedback and Brian loss of the beat. After the Pheromones' second set Brian came up and jammed with the guys from Seven Day Sunday, showing off his guitar skills. He is also a very good guitarist but worth more to the Pheromones as their drummer. Also, see the video I took of the band below, it was my first one since the summer after high school and is not too bad for a still camera. Click here for the video and more from the show.
For my next appearance at a concert I was at another venue I had not been to in a while, the Street Road Bar and Grille, this time for Stellium. Since I was last there with Dave Devlin, the bar was incorporated within the Stadium banner, started offering live music on nights other then Saturdays and put in a new stage. There were also some new games to enjoy. Stellium was listed on the show flyer third but played first, they had told their fans to not come until 10:30 so many of them missed all or part of their set. In the end, however, Stellium were very different from the other groups so it seemed better for them to be first up. They played about five songs and were probably running out of material but were given some extra time so made up a instrumental song which Lara's friend Alex came up and played drums on.
There were a variety of acts also performing but the one who stood out as Better Day. They brought plenty of friends, including one that busted quite a few moves during the show. I would have gotten up as well but for my aching knees. Loretta is friends with their singer Chris and was getting a ride with them so she stuck around for awhile. That allowed me to hang out with and talk to her at length for the first time since her solo show in 2007.
Future 86 Makes Some "Unofficial" Changes (5/12)
I recently found out that Future 86 has made major changes to their line-up: Courtney has left the group and been replaced by a new singer, Maureen. Joe (drums) and Paul (bass), who I met at the band's last show in New Hope in December, are staying on permanently; Larry is the only member left for the Pretty Suicide days. It would have been nice if these pretty big changes were announced on their website or newsletter when they happened. The concept of the band seems to be more important than the members themselves but I had a lot of crazy and good memories of founding members Courtney, Armand and fan favorite Ron over the past five years. They were the group that got me on MySpace. The band plays a lot of covers and have only written two original songs since 2005 which makes it easy for members to leave but also easy to replace them. But I know they'll still be good, when they come back to New Hope I'll still go see them and have a good time. I'm just saying, give the fans a heads-up.
Scaling the Mile High Club (4/30)
I went to see Blue Sinatra for the first time since last June. It was one of the last shows before the band went on hiatus for the summer to write and record new material for their first full album. I also came to Doc Watson's for the first time since 2006, after it was briefly closed for code volations, the original owner returned and the upstairs club had been renamed the Mile High Club. Because of a sparse crowd that basically consisted of Blue Sinatra and myself and since of their lead singers was sick the other members of the two bands who were to play before them formed a jam band and had some fun. During that set a group of girls arrived led by Steve's girlfriend and Greg's sister in-law. Even with them there wasn't much of a crowd but we were able to fill up the tiny club. The band played most of the songs from the upcoming EP We're All On Drugs and were very tight. At least, until Greg's sister-in-law leaned on the table Steve's beer was sitting on and caused it to collapse. The show was halted briefly while the floor was mopped up and Steve got a replacement beverage. I received an advanced copy of the new EP after the show. Click here for more from the show.
A Familiar Voice on the Radio (4/19)
I was able to listen to Laura Cheadle on Hometown Heroes, a radio show broadcast from Delaware. I texted in during the show and my message was read on-air, which was very exciting for me. I embedded the video her brother Nick took of the show below:
Laura Cheadle on Hometown Heroes from Nick Cheadle on Vimeo.
Stellium with Lisa Kettyle (4/17)
I finally saw Loretta Allen perform with her new group, Stellium, which was also the first time I had seen her peform at all since 2007 other than at her birthday parties. I've wanted to hear her perform with musicians that fill out and support her songs. No bass needed for this trio, her bandmates laid down a nice jam and Loretta's vocals floated above. Lisa Kettyle opened for her friend one last time, I had a feeling that she would be there. There weren't a whole lot of people there other than some of their friends but we were having a good time. Click here for more from the show.
A Double Shot Of JAB (4/10, 4/11)
I haven't written about JAB before but I thought that this was the time. They recently played two shows on consecutive nights right before Easter. First they were at the Red Stallion, their usual hangout. Unlike other recent shows they had there they took the stage after a pop song cover band and a large group of people were there to see that group. The regulars didn't care much for them but I actually enjoyed their take on some '80s and '90s tunes. I also got to meet Tara's two brothers who came out to see JAB for the first time. When JAB came up they got two full sets and were able to stretch out a bit, which is the way it should be. Former singer Jack was there and came up for a song. The next night they were at the Villa Capri, an Italian restaurant in Doylestown with Steve Bullman. Less people were there for that show but Ethan, Linzi and Tommy did come which was a surprise.Click here for more.
Lisa Kettyle, a singer/songwriter who I had met thanks to Lara Allen, will be moving to Austin in May. Recently the Red Stallion's Thursday Open Mic bid her a farewell, which also served as an unofficial going away party. Brian from The Pheromones came out and played a few Goo Goo Dolls and Matchbox Twenty covers. Fran Carroll, who is a regular, had also played at the Richies' Tuesday Open Mic.
One Last Shot for The Spectrum (3/13)
And now, a quick sports note. I won't normally post about games I go to but I attended the last Sixers game at the Spectrum in March and had a good time. A win was a nice bonus. I have a link to the MySpace blog entry I posted about it here.
Laura Cheadle Move(s) On (2/20)
Laura Cheadle was celebrating the release of her new ablum "Move On" as well as her 23rd birthday at the North Star Bar. She played most of the new album and few older requests. Click here for more from the show.
The Pheromones @ The Red Stallion (1/17)
The Pheromones supported their friends at the Downboys' last show at the Red Stallion. Brian, now the drummer for the band, spent hours before the show setting up some new speakers which really improved the vocal and drum sound. That improvement was unneeded by the opener, an acoustic act who played much too long. Due to the length of the Downboys' set the Pheromones didn't start until after 1. However, the Stallion management allowed them to play their entire scheduled set which lasted until a quarter past 2. Brian played great and the band finally came together in this new incarnation. They played a new cover, "Flagpole Sitta" by Harvey Danger. Click here for more.
The Recovery Jam (1/2)
I rang in the musical new year with another HYPE event at World Cafe Live, which was downstairs for the first time. The Recovery Jam was created for those who might have had a little too much fun ringing in the new year and were finally ready for another good time. Even though I did not arrive in time to catch Laura Cheadle's set, I still caught most of a really good show. I was able to see Brianne O'Neill, an acoustic singer/songwriter with a powerful voice. Caitline Potter was next and she played a mixture of bluesy rock and funk. Boy Wonder's set featured plenty of guests and even a string quartet for a few songs. Kelvin and Steve from the Absolute Zeros came up and jammed on a few numbers. Laura and her friends left around this time but I had a feeling more good music was to come. Phil Murphy, formerly of Outset, played an acoustic set of his own songs and some classics from the band. The Absolute Zeros were after him, influenced by classic rock and blues, and played a blistering set. I left soon after, there were two more acts (eight total!) but I needed some recovery myself from the amazing but exhausting show. Click here for YouTube videos and an interview of Laura by a station in Delaware, more pics and links to all the other bands.
Click here for links to more bands and reports.
All text and images © 2009 Jason "Catapilla" Pacenski