Categories
Fringe Shows Reviews See it or Skip it Theatre Women in Entertainment

HFF17 – see it or skip it (day 3) part 2

We continue on with reviews of our final two shows of the day.  Both shows were at the incredible Studio/Stage space.  We are so impressed with the work done there by Gregory Crafts and Jenn Scuderi Crafts.  They have crafted a wonderful performance venue that makes the Fringe even better.

TITLE OF SHOWBlamed:  An Established Fiction

VENUE:  Studio/Stage

REVIEW:  We were unprepared for the breathtaking beauty of this production, which was a true work of art.  The La Habra Theater Guild has brought serious culture to the Fringe, with an amazing collection of stories about women, dating from the beginning of man to the present.  The stories are told through spoken word, dance and visual arts presentations, and were like manna from heaven in their sheer beauty.  Not only was the ensemble amazing, but they were accompanied by a superb group of musicians, featuring Brian Johnson, Gina Romantini, Trey Everett and Wesley Chavez.  The show was wonderfully written by Callie Prendiville, with choreography by Annie Lavin and music by Wesley Chavez.  Our hats off to the incredible ensemble:  Alanna Bledman, Alissa Schoeman, Annie Lavin, Callie Prendiville, Camille Durgas, Emily Taylor, Erika Schindele, Justine Sombilon, Lillie Muir, Norma Mendoza, Renee Curtis, Rian Dixon and Zoya Martin.

RECOMMENDATION:  You should definitely See this show if you love culture and the arts, especially the sheer beauty of dance.  There are still three shows remaining on June 18 at 9 p.m., June 21 at 6 p.m. and June 22 at 6:30 p.m.

TITLE OF SHOWArt & Abolition

VENUE:  Studio/Stage

REVIEW:  Fringe shows have never strayed from being advocates for causes or a reflection of the social mores of the day, but Art & Abolition goes beyond simple advocacy to actually taking action.  First-time fringer Brittanie Richardson, with the help of the solo show master director Jessica Lynn Johnson, has created a masterpiece of storytelling that is a call to action to help stop the exploitation of child sex slaves in countries like Kenya and instead help heal these victims through the arts.  It is lovingly told and beautifully acted.  Even though the material is harsh, Richardson has a way to presenting it so that you leave encouraged instead of ashamed.  It was a stirring show and worthy of attention, and we accept the challenge to do our part to help these young girls in need.

RECOMMENDATION:  By all means, See it, but don’t treat it as entertainment.  It is truly a call to action.  The final performance is scheduled for June 18 at 4 p.m.

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews

Get it or forget it: Jeff Simmermon, James Litherland, Hayride Casualties

This time next week we’ll be back in Los Angeles for the Hollywood Fringe Festival and the LA Music Critic Awards winners showcase.  Can’t wait to be there, hear great music, witness theatrical spectacles and see old friends.  Here are three more reviews to whet your appetite for the next round of LA Music Critic Awards.  Nominations will be announced in early July.

Artist NameJeff Simmermon

Album NameAnd I am not Lying

Label:  Comedy Dynamics

Genre:  Comedy, spoken word

Track Listing:  1.  Intro; 2.  Fake Job; 3.  Doctor Guerilla; 4.  Vomit Fist; 5.  Royal Quiet Deluxe, Chicken Band vs. Reverend Al Sharpton (part 1); 6.  Royal Quiet Deluxe, Chicken Band vs. Reverend Al Sharpton (part 2); 7.  Buy a Gun; 8.  ‘Roo Shooter; 9.  Cancer Survivor; 10.  Dating After Seven Years; 11.  Subway Groceries; 12.  Brown Birds, White Lightning, by the band Royal Quiet Deluxe (Bonus) 

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  Music comedy is a new frontier for us to review, but we have been pleased so far with Scout Durwood and now Jeff Simmermon.  A former musician himself, Simmermon delivers hilarious social commentary on the music scene, and life in the United States, especially the south.  We assure you that you have never heard anything like him.    And I am not Lying is the perfect vehicle for this amazing comedian, and we look forward to hearing more from him.  The entire routine is hilarious, especially the two track story line about his band (Royal Quiet Deluxe, Chicken Band), and his encounters with the Rev. Al Sharpton.

Recommendation:  If you like to laugh, and enjoy comedy about music, then you simply must go out and Get this album when it is released tomorrow.

Artist NameJames Litherland

Album NameBack ‘n Blue

Label:  Confidential Records

Genre:  Indie Rock/Folk

Track Listing:  1.  What you Want; 2.  Back ‘n Blue; 3.  Close to Me; 4.  Miss you Blues; 5.  Unconditional Love; 6.  At Least I Didn’t Bore You; 7.  Pink Corvette; 8.  Can’t Live Without You; 9.  Naughty Boy; 10.  Freedom Road 

Publicist:  Neon Tetra

Review:  James Litherland has cemented his place in rock music history, based on his dealings with some of rock’ elite songwriters and musicians.  In addition, he is the father of James Blake, an incredible musician in his own right, and has returned with a new solo project that stands alone in its musical greatness.  From the first notes of “What you Want” through the last sounds of “Freedom Road,” Litherland delivers an incredible album that will remind you of classic rock acts like Eric Clapton and Peter Frampton.  Our favorite tracks include “What you Want,” the title track, “Unconditional Love,” “Pink Corvette,” and “Can’t Live Without You.”

Recommendation:  If you love the sound of classic rock, then this is definitely the album for you.  Rush out and Get it as soon as it is released tomorrow.

Artist NameHayride Casualties

Album NameFossil Fuel Kid

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Folk/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Antarctica; 2.  Coal Fired Train; 3.  Deepwater One; 4.  Fossil Fuel Kid; 5.  Hi Def Sex; 6.  Muryo; 7.  Offshore Wind Farm; 8.  Same Side; 9.  Storm of Light; 10.  The Catskills Aren’t for Sale 

Publicist:  Behind the Curtains Media

ReviewFossil Fuel Kid is the debut album from indie folk/rockers Hayride Casualties, and is reminiscent of many of the social and protest albums of the 60’s.  It’s like listening to Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie only with modern-day problems to discuss.  The sound is truly a flashback to those olden days, with the crystal clear voice of Daniel DeWald bringing his incredible lyrics to life.  Most powerful tracks include “Coal Fired Train,” the title track, “Hi Def Sex,” “Offshore Wind Farm,” and “Same Side.”

Recommendation:  If you like the protest music of the 60’s, but with timely content, they you should definitely Get this album.  We hae a feeling that the sentiments discussed in these songs will find their own place in today’s protest movements.