Shows This Week: May 14 – May 20, 2012
05/14/12: Chris Kasper – U Street Music Hall (Washington, DC)
05/16/12: Chris Kasper – The Visulite Theatre (Charlotte, NC)
05/17/12: Shannon Pelcher – The Living Room (New York, NY)
05/17/12: Chris Kasper – Lincoln Theatre (Raleigh, NC)
05/19/12: Chris Kasper – Smith’s Olde Bar (Atlanta, GA)
05/19/12: Citizens Band Radio – Bourbon Street Blues Festival (Lebanon Township, NJ)
05/19/12: Jim Boggia – Big Tree Studios (Richlandtown, PA)
05/18/12: Psalmships – PHILAMOCA (Philadelphia, PA)
05/18/12: Johnny Miles, Honey Watts – Swan Loft (Brooklyn, NY)
05/18/12: Marc Silver – Keswick Theater (Glenside, PA)
05/19/12: Johnny Miles, Honey Watts – Studio 34 (Philadelphia, PA) *Folkadelphia
05/19/12: Joshua Park – Burlap and Bean (Newtown Square, PA)
05/19/12: Carsie Blanton – Jammin Java (Washington, DC)
05/19/12: Cheers Elephant – Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA)
05/19/12: Mason Porter – Spring Blossom Fest (Kempton, PA)
05/19/12: Pawnshop Roses – MaGerks (Fort Washington, PA)
05/20/12: Mason Porter – Energy Independence Day (Modena, PA)
Sorry for the late post — hope to see you at a show.
Friday night Chris Kasper performed at World Cafe Live (downstairs) opening for ALO (Animal Liberation Orchestra). Kasper is currently on tour with ALO. His touring band consists of Daniel Bower (drums, vocals) and Will Wright (bass, vocals). But for Friday night’s show, the hometown show, there were a few special guest musicians added. Chris Kasper was also joined by Andrew Keenan (pedal steel, guitar), Jaron Olevsky (keys, accordion), and Kiley Ryan (vocals). I’ve seen plenty of Chris Kasper performances and Friday night’s set was my favorite to date. It had everything: a setlist with songs spanning the entire Flying Boy Trilogy, killer musicianship, an overwhelming beautiful vibe, and some incredible musical moments. Kasper and band even did a nice tribute to Adam Yauch (MCA) by performing the Beastie Boys’ “(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)” that had a phenomenal folk rock feel. It’s performances like this that keep me coming back show after show.
To be honest, the only thing I know about ALO is their song “Barbeque” that I first heard on WXPN several years ago. Now don’t get me wrong, I really liked that song but I never took the time to get to know any more music by ALO. So, I entered Friday’s show with an open mind and open ears. WELL, now I must confess that ALO really knows how to jam. Oh my, it was such a fun vibe during their set. After playing for about an hour ALO took a 15 minute break and would return for their second set. Sadly, I had not prepared myself for that much fun and I was far too tired to stay but I did witness one fine set by ALO. By the way, ALO, you might want to tone-down your stage backdrop because it’s so amazingly radiant that it’s mesmerizing.
ALO: Website | Facebook| Twitter
Chris Kasper: Website | Facebook | Twitter
More ALO with Chris Kasper tour dates can be found here.
More photos: here.
This past Saturday night I got to see The Doublewides (an extremely fun band) at Milkboy Philly as part of The Roddies cd release show. I always have a good time when I see The Doublewides live. Come on, what other band has such creative songwriting that would incorporate laptops & hot sauce, jetpacks, or a Philly anthem that gives props to Manayunk, Roxborough, East Falls, and Mount Airy. Plus, their momentary synchronized choreography is a real treat. But what I find most impressive about The Doublewides’ music is their musicianship which creates those face-melting jams.
Also, on the bill was The Roddies who were celebrating their cd release. Saturday night everyone got a free copy of The Roddies’ new album, Great Horned Owls, with admission. I enjoyed their performance and I’ll have to give their new album a listen.
Yes, I finally got to see Railroad Fever live! Before Saturday night I only knew Railroad Fever from their album, Things You Lost. I liked that album so much that I took the time to review it and you can read that review here. Anyway, I’m glad that Railroad Fever’s performance only made me even more of a fan of their music. Aww, I got to hear “Saint Dorothy’s Shame” – that’s my jam!
I didn’t make it to Milkboy Philly in time to catch Dan Collins or Katie Barbato’s sets for reasons out of my control – trying to find decent parking in the city.
Shows This Week: May 7 – May 13, 2012
05/07/12: Alright, Junior. – The Bowery Electric (New York, NY)
05/10/12: Alright, Junior. – Trocadero Theatre Balcony (Philadelphia, PA)
05/11/12: The Spinning Leaves – Yard’s Brewery (Philadelphia, PA)
05/11/12: Birdie Busch – The Tom Tom Fest (Charlottesville, VA)
05/11/12: Chris Kasper – World Cafe Live (Philadelphia, PA) *opening for ALO
05/11/12: Citizens Band Radio – Roxy & Dukes Music Hall (Dunellen, NJ)
50/12/12: Ben Arnold – Brownies 23 East (Ardmore, PA) *In The Pocket
05/12/12: Roomtone – The Living Room (New York, NY)
05/13/12: Alright, Junior. – Festival Pier (Philadelphia, PA) *Radio 104.5 Birthday Show
On Tour: Carsie Blanton, Chris Kasper, Former Belle, Johnny Miles, Honey Watts, Peasant, and The Spinning Leaves
If you’re a fan of small bars with a cozy, friendly atmosphere and live music then you might want to check out Dawson Street Pub. Of course, my opinion is based entirely on their live music selection. After all, that’s all I care about.
Ok, so I was at Dawson Street Pub Friday night to see Gifthorse. I haven’t seen Scott Silipigni perform live in quite some time so I wanted to see/hear what he’s been up to. Gifthorse has a roots rock (I might have heard a hint of county or bluegrass in there) sound. I think I’ve seen Gifthorse before but with a different line-up. Anyway, I enjoyed seeing Gifthorse and I’m thankful for the wonderful music they provided.
Will McCranie also performed Friday night at Dawson Street Pub. I was told that he used to play the original Blinkin Lincoln but I honestly don’t remember seeing McCranie before. Oh well, I do remember seeing Will McCranie Friday night and I enjoyed his music. He began his set solo. Then Freddie Berman joined in on drums, followed by Phil D’Agostino on bass. Then at some point all the members of Gifthorse performed with McCranie and covered “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” by The Rolling Stones (yeah, I think that was the song). Nice rendition guys!
If you ever get the opportunity I suggest you check out both Gifthorse and Will McCranie. After all, good music is good music.
Upcoming Shows:
Gifthorse
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Will McCranie
05.29.2012 – The Bitter End (New York, NY)
06.01.2012 – Joe’s Underground (Augusta, GA)
06.02.2012 – Stillwater Taproom (Augusta, GA)
06.14.2012 – Smith’s Olde Bar (Atlanta, GA)
06.16.2012 – Metro Coffeehouse & Pub (Augusta, GA)
Shows This Week: Apr 30 – May 6, 2012
Apr 30, 2012: Jim Boggia – Rockwood Music Hall (New York, NY) *with Tracy Bonham
Apr 30, 2012: Psalmships – Sanctuary at Broad St Ministry (Philadelphia, PA)
May 3, 2012: Cheers Elephant – Rock Shop (Brooklyn, NY) *with The Spinto Band
May 4, 2012: Alright, Junior. – Rebel Rock Bar (Philadelphia, PA) *Radio 104.5FM show
May 4, 2012: Carsie Blanton – Outpost in the Burbs (Montclair, NJ) *with Red Molly
May 4, 2012: Cheers Elephant – Landsdale Fest (Landsdale, PA)
May 4, 2012: Jim Boggia – Rockwood Music Hall (New York, NY)
May 4, 2012: Johnny Miles – Kennett Flash (Kennett Square, PA)
May 4, 2012: Kuf Knotz – Puck Live (Doylestown, PA)
May 4, 2012: Psalmships – Infusion (Philadelphia, PA) *with Kettle Pot Black
May 4, 2012: White Birds – Philamoca (Philadelphia, PA)
May 5, 2012: The Doublewides – Milkboy Philly (Philadelphia, PA)
May 5, 2012: Kuf Knotz – The Velvet Lounge (Washington, DC)
May 5, 2012: Shannon Pelcher – Circa (Philadelphia, PA)
May 6, 2012: Joe D’Amico – Tin Angel (Philadelphia, PA) *Dawn Hiatt CD Release
On Tour: Former Belle, Peasant
See you at a show!
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Psalmships Hymn of Lions (March 27, 2012) Track List: |
Whether it was Joshua Britton in Sweetheart Parade or Britton is his current project, Psalmships, I’ve always admired Joshua Britton’s music for its honest songwriting and his beautifully unique vocal timbre. And it’s those qualities that help make Hymn of Lions a worthwhile listening experience.
When I first listened to Hymn of Lions I thought it was a collection of sad songs that needed to be listened to with a box of tissues in hand. Then I listened to Hymn of Lions several more times and somehow my whole view of the EP changed. Hymn of Lions is not the dark, sad, and depressing EP that I had heard at first. It’s actually an EP filled with songs of acceptance, realization, and hope. And it’s all evident in the songwriting. Although the feeling of hope found in Hymn of Lions comes from the music.
The opening track, “The Stolen Song”, is a lively and toe-tapping good. Hmm, is that Joshua Britton singing on “My Whole Left Side”? Anyway, it’s still an excellent tune. The pedal steel (I think that’s the correct instrument) heard on “Tuscarora” is absolutely beautiful and extremely haunting. “Gospels” is my favorite song on Hymn of Lions because it has such an overwhelming genuine feel to it – I just love it! “Sympathy” has a nice, peaceful flow to it. Last but not least, “Cannon” has vocals by Allison Polans and Britton – their voices sound so great together.
Oh my, Hymn of Lions is too good and you should definitely check it out.
Psalmships: Website | Facebook | Bandcamp
Shows This Week: April 23 – April 29, 2012
Apr 23, 2012: Paul Keen – North Star Bar (Philadelphia, PA) *The Victorian Dining Room Series
Apr 24, 2012: Chris Kasper – The Ale House (Troy, NY)
Apr 24, 2012: Joshua Park – The Fire (Philadelphia, PA)
Apr 25, 2012: Ross Bellenoit & The Goods – The Grape Room (Philadelphia, PA)
Apr 25, 2012: Chris Kasper – One Half Lounge at Red Square (Burlington, VT)
Apr 26, 2012: Adrien Reju – Iron Horse Music Hall (Northampton, MA)
Apr 27, 2012: Cheers Elephant – The Jolly Tinker (New York, NY)
Apr 27, 2012: Chris Kasper – Rockwood Music Hall (New York, NY)
Apr 27, 2012: Illinois – North Star Bar (Philadelphia, PA)
Apr 27, 2012: Jim Boggia – Steel City Coffee House (Phoenixville, PA)
Apr 27, 2012: The Spinning Leaves, Ross Bellenoit – The Underground Arts (Philadelphia, PA)
Apr 27, 2012: Shannon Pelcher – The American Folk Art Museum (New York, NY)
Apr 28, 2012: Cheers Elephant – Flavors of the Avenue (Philadelphia, PA)
Apr 28, 2012: Alright, Junior. – The Level Room (Philadelphia, PA)
Apr 29, 2012: Jim Boggia – Bowery Electric (New York, NY)
On Tour: Former Belle, Peasant, Psalmships
It seems that lately I’ve been hanging out at the Tin Angel and that’s ok with me because it’s a decent music venue. Someone once asked me what my favorite Philly venue was to which I had no reply. Their favorite venue happened to be the Tin Angel (admittedly a possibly biased opinion because they used to work there). Well, these days I think the Tin Angel might be my favorite venue too.
So, why was I at the Tin Angel this Saturday? To see LAURA SHAY – of course! Man, there was a time when I could see a Laura Shay (or any of my favorite Philly artists) show a few times a month but times have changed so whenever I get to see my favorite artists it’s like a major event.
For this particular performance it was Laura Shay (keyboard, vocals, and acoustic guitar), Dominic Cole (electric guitar and acoustic guitar), Michael Litt (drums), Andy McGowan (bass and backing vocals) and Karen Shay (percussion). Laura usually starts her sets solo but this time it was full band. At about mid-set we were told that the set was being recorded and a recording could be purchased at the end of the show. That’s a nice feature that the Tin Angel offers. Towards the end of the set is when Laura played a few tunes solo. Then the band came back one final time to play a few more tunes. At the end, the crowed enthusiastically cheered Laura on to play an encore – so, Laura and band played one final tune.
There were many highlights and interesting moments during this show. The talk about clipping coupons, Laura explaining how her music affects her now, her very emotional playing of “Learning”, a haunting cover of “Mad World” by Gary Jules, and a great cover of Patsy Cline’s “Walkin’ After Midnight” were some of the few wonderful moments I remember from this show. Well, not that I ever for a second doubted it but this show has reminded just how talented a singer-songwriter Laura Shay is and I hope that I can attend another performance some time soon.
Laura Shay: Website | Facebook | Twitter
It was nice to see Cheers Elephant bring their lively, animated, energetic selves to today’s WXPN Free At Noon concert. Cheers Elephant’s pop rock style is far too infectious and sounded so good. Cheers Elephant closed their set with a cover of The Band’s “The Weight” as a tribute to Levon Helm. Great show, guys!
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