REVIEW: This show should be required viewing for all millennials and others seeking guidance on whether to follow their dream or settle for the security of a real job. The staging of the show was brilliant. Hats off to playwright John Brahan, who also performed on the drums, director Dan Schultz, who likewise took the role of the artist seeking his dream, and Shanlie Phillips as the semi-spoiled but gifted daughter of music industry parents. To sound like an artist who doesn’t have any talent takes a lot of skill, and Schultz pulled it off. But this wasn’t supposed to be a true display of their musical talents, rather a biting look at coming of age, and in that they succeeded.
RECOMMENDATION: This one is definitely worth checking out. Remaining performances are June 22 at 10 p.m. and June 29 at 8 p.m. Tickets are available on their Fringe project page.
REVIEW: Once again a brave solo artist has given us an absolute gem that is easily one of the best, if not the best, show at HFF19. All the way from Canada comes the compelling and emotionally draining story of Marla Black, and I was proud to be crying by the end of the show. I learned so much about the pack structure of wolves and sled dogs, and how it applies to every day living. This was a Ted Talk/Seminar disguised as a Fringe show, and would be a bargain at ten times the price. Don’t miss this priceless and thought-provoking show.
RECOMMENDATION: Don’t miss this show. The only remaining performance is June 22 at 5:30 p.m., so get your tickets before it sells out. Tickets are available on her Fringe project page.
For quite a few years, the Americana scene has thrived in the area around The Grand Ole Echo near Dodger Stadium. While that area still exists, Americana has found an additional home at the Highland Park Bowl, thanks to Prickly Pear Presents. The event occurs every Wednesday night through at least the end of July. We were fortunate enough to attend on May 15, which featured Nikki O’Neill, Manda Mosher and Emily Zuzik.
Zuzik and Mosher are both winners of the LA Music Critic Awards and will be featured at the next Winners Showcase on June 18 at The Mint LA. This year’s Showcase will honor Women in Entertainment and features 10 female performers. The event benefits Sweet Relief Musicians Fund. Tickets are available on the Mint’s website or through PayPal using “lamusiccritic@yahoo.com” as the payee. Tickets are available in advance for $10, and if available, at the door for $15.
The event was held in Mr. T’s Lounge at this vintage bowling alley. First up was the R&B infused Americana sound of O’Neill. She was the only act we had not heard previously, and her set was an unexpected pleasure. Her sound was diverse, with elements of Alabama and traditional R&B, skillfully delivered by her four-piece band, which included Joshua Pessar on guitar and backing vocals, Rob Fresco on bass and backing vocals, and Rich Lackowski on drums and percussion. Her last album, Love Will Lead You Home, was released in 2017, and their new album will be released shortly. O’Neill has also been a contributing writer for Guitar Player magazine and is the author of the e-book Women’s Road to Rock Guitar, published by Alfred Music. Although Pessar turned in some impressive guitar licks and Lackowski and Fresco kept a steady rhythm, the set suffered from a lack of interesting stage banter. The music itself was impressive, especially their closing song “That’s how you Lose Her,” which featured the Janis Joplin-like vocals of Halina Janusz from the Grateful Dead tribute band Jerry’s Middle Finger.
Next up was Mosher, formerly from CALICO the band. She and her husband Eric Craig, along with Dan Wistrom on pedal steel, guitar and backing vocals, Aaron Stern on bass and Jesper Kristensen on drums, put on a clinic of how to mix rock and Americana, are truly a sterling example of the influence of Tom Petty on the entire Americana scene. Mosher’s voice is so smoky and strong that is perfectly suited to Petty’s musical style, while her stage presence reminds us of a younger Emmylou Harris. The overall sound of the band is head and shoulders over their peers. Unfortunately, like O’Neill, the set suffered from the lack of banter between the songs, , leaving way too much “dead air” between songs. Once they tighten up the set with appropriate banter, we think they will be unstoppable as a premier concert destination.
Wrapping up the evening was the sterling sound of Zuzik and her amazing band, which included Wistrom, Topher Allis on drums and the incomparable Ted Russell Kamp on bass, who was taking a break from his recent touring with both Shooter Jennings and Duff McKagan. Kamp will also be producing Zuzik’s forthcoming album. Zuzik is even rockier than Mosher, but neither of them has forgotten their roots. Zuzik reminds us of a combination between Chrissie Hynde and Sheryl Crow. The band also turned in an impressive cover of The Faces’ mega hit “Stay with Me,” delivered in a style that was part James Brown and part Mick Jagger. All in all it was an impressive end to this incredible night of Americana music. Can’t wait until June 18 to see them again.
Happy tax day! Two weeks from today we’ll be in Los Angeles to begin rehearsals for my solo show, Livin’ the Dream (a journalistic journey). We open on June 7 at studio/stage in Hollywood, and will be doing five performances during the month of June. If you believe in the arts, and want to help us put on this show, please visit our fundraiser page at GoFundMe and donate. Thanks.
We are also making our final preparations for the third annual LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase on June 18 at The Mint LA. Tickets are on sale now at the venue website, as well as through PayPal. If you want to purchase tickets through PayPal, use lamusiccritic@yahoo.com as the payee and indicate how many tickets you want. The cost is just $10 per ticket. Please help us showcase these amazing indie artists and raise funds for the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.
NEW SINGLES
Our first single this week comes from LA Music Critic Award winning country trio Southern Halo, who has been featured on numerous occasions in this blog. We simply love their new single, which truly sets the stage for summer. Give it up for these three young ladies, who are bringing us the “Sunshine.”
Next up is a band from Stockholm that will put you in a party mood, even though the words are nothing to laugh about. The sound is so infectious and upbeat that you will enjoy it, even though it’s about sadness. Check out “Cryin’ (such a disgrace)” from Delsbo Beach Club.
Our third single is the title track to the new album by Field Guide. It’s called “Full Time,” and we think it demonstrates that this artist is ready for prime time. We love the accompaniment and the honesty and integrity of the lyrics. Enjoy it.
Next up is the sweet simple acoustic stylings of Hong Kong born singer-songwriter Allman Brown. This artist has a perfect radio-friendly sound and we think he is on his way to the top of the charts. Check out his single, “Lonely Hearts, Los Angeles,” and you’ll see what we mean.
Our final single this week is from the ever-impressive Jess Ribeiro, who consistently delivers quality music. This is from her recently released album LOVE HATE, and describes her love/hate relationship with “Dylan.” We’re sure you can relate.
NEW MUSIC VIDEOS
Our first video this week comes from Broadway legend Eden Espinosa (Wicked), and is an incredible video for her single “Bed for 2.” Her voice is electric and her songwriting is some of the best we have heard this year. Enjoy this one – we think she’ll be riding the top of the charts in no time.
We think our next video, “Ring Ring” will definitely get you up and ready for the dance floor. We love the sound of Nikki Paige, and were impressed that she has been a paid songwriter since the age of 11! Let us know what you think about her.
Our next video is a well-shot film for the latest from Taveeta, “Chasing Feelings.” She has an amazing voice and and hip-hop/R&B sense of style to her sound.
Our next video is the perfect segue and features R&B artist Àkin. Check out the smooth sound of “Green Light,” with just the right amount of reggae goodness to take it over the top.
We close out this week with a beautiful remake of the classic Minnie Ripperton song “Loving You.” We think T’Melle has the perfect voice for the song, and captures it perfectly.
OMG – that was the best Grammys Show we have ever witnessed. Everything that was lacking in last week’s Super Bowl was present – superstar performances, inspiring speeches and incredible music throughout. Alicia Keys was the perfect host and her “Songs I Wish I’d Written” segment brought us to tears. It was also about time that the talents of Women in Entertainment were clearly on display, showing the world what we already know. We’ve got some news for you today that is the perfect segue to that, as well as five new singles and music videos for your consideration. Here we go!
INDIE ARTISTS SHINE AT 61ST GRAMMY AWARDS SHOW
Congratulations to indie band Opium Moon on their Grammy win last night for Best New Age Album. Huge props to amazing violinist Lili Haydn and her equally amazing band for this honor.
Congratulations also to two artists we had the privilege of reviewing here on our blog. Composer and music educator John Daversa took home three Grammys for his amazing jazz album American Dreamersthat featured DACA kids and spotlighted their cause. Blues legend Buddy Guy won for Best Traditional Blues Album for The Blues is Alive and Well.
LA MUSIC CRITIC AWARD WINNERS SHOWCASE TO HONOR WOMEN IN ENTERTAINMENT
The Third AnnualLA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase is set for Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at The Mint LA. This year’s Showcase will honor the role of Women in Entertainment, and will feature a stellar line-up that includes Fanny Walked the Earth (the first all-girl group to release an album on a major label); multiple-award winning rock band The Spider Accomplice, led by VK Lynne; Rebelle Road artist The HawtThorns, led by label co-founder KP Hawthorn (former member of award-winning group CALICO the Band); blues phenom Brigitte Rios Purdy; Americana sweetheart Amilia K. Spicer; and two of our International winners, blues band Reloaded Norway and Latin singer Constanza Herrero. We expect to announce a couple more artists in the coming weeks. Tickets are now on sale for just $10 in advance or $13 day of show, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund. We hope to see you there.
BIG SKY DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL SET FOR FEBRUARY 15-24, WITH OPENING NIGHT FILM AT THE WILMA
This year the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival will celebrate its 16th opening night on Saturday, February 16 with a free screening of a film that celebrates winter culture and the pioneer who helped bring it to the big screen.
Directed by Patrick Creadon, SKI BUM: THE WARREN MILLER STORY chronicles the life and times of the legendary filmmaker who, through his annual ski films and national tours which began in the early 1950’s, was a driving force in the development and promotion of the ski industry in America and throughout the world.
The screening will begin at 6:00 p.m. at The Wilma (131 S. Higgins) with a Q&A with filmmakers and cast following the screening. We advise you to show up early to make sure you get a seat. This year’s free opening night is made possible by Bob Ward’s Sports and Outdoors.
NEW SINGLES
Our first single this week comes from Australian folk singer Short Shadows. We love his vibe and the sentiments contained in “Nothing Good Comes from Preston.” Check out those horns.
Our second single is a sweet pop song from David Alexander called “Falling.” We love the strings and the heavenly vocals and think you’ll want to hear more from this young man.
Next up is the rocking sound of Signs & Symbols, who share their latest single “Coffee for Friends.” This one will get your week off to a rocking start.
Our fourth single is from pop artist Kat Holland. We really think she’s “The One,” and think you will want to add this artist to your favorites.
Our final single this week comes from UK band Woman’s Hour and is very powerful both sonically and lyrically. Check out “Luke.” We think you’ll be searching for more of their material.
NEW MUSIC VIDEOS
Our first video this week is from Los Angeles street performer Katie Ferrera. It is a powerful and beautifully shot video that shows what it’s like to busk, as well as the raw talent of this amazing artist. Here’s “Weightless.”
Next up is “People Get Ready,” the gritty tune from another UK artist, Emma Bosworth. The song talks about mental health issues and presents them in terms we can all understand. Please give this artist your attention.
Our third video is a blues smoker from The Spear Shakers, who we introduced to you last month in our Ten Amazing Videos from December article. Here is their latest, “I Went Down Easy.”
Next up is an amazing live performance of the power ballad “There has to be More” from Eliza Spear. The song talks about transitioning to Los Angeles from North Carolina, and offers hope that there is more than just what you can see. We think you should take her advice to heart.
Our final video this week will definitely give you something to think about, as it is all about global warming and resultant changes. Check out this powerful and thought-provoking video from KLOGR for their song “Somethings in the Air.”
Welcome to our first Monday Mashup of the new year. We thank you so much for your response to our year-end articles last week, including the announcement of the LA Music Critic Award winners for the second half of 2018. Your responses pushed us over the 95,000 view mark, and set a new single-day record of 1,972 views on Friday. We love sharing these amazing indie artists with you.
LA MUSIC CRITIC AWARD WINNERS SHOWCASE
Our third annual LA Music Critic Award Winners showcase is set for Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at The Mint in Los Angeles, and it’s shaping up to be another great one. The showcase helps raise awareness and funds for the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, and this year will feature our first international winner! More details to come soon, but Save the Date!
ALICE WALLACE SET TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM
Four-time LA Music Critic Award winner Alice Wallace will release her new album on January 18, her first on Rebelle Road Records. We will be featuring her in our Get it or Forget it reviews on that date. In addition, we are bringing back our Women in Entertainment series, and she will be the next artist to be featured. Don’t miss this one.
NEW SINGLES
Our first single this year comes from LA Music Critic Award winner for best EDM/Dance Artist/Band TNEO. It is the third single from their album, Robotish, and the best one so far (IOHO). Check out “Cold Grey Day.” We guarantee this one will have you dancing into the new week.
Next is the latest from mother-daughter duo Cliffs and Caves. They have a sweet indie folk/country sound with a full orchestra sound. We really love the sound of “Goodbye for Good” and think you will too.
Our third single is a rock instrumental track from the forthcoming album by the Hedvig Mollestad Trio. This one has everything lovers of rock and metal desire, and will also appeal to acid jazz lovers as well. Check out “Bewitched, Drawfed and Defeathered.”
Our fourth single goes to the opposite end of the spectrum, with the haunting voice and lyrics of Rié Fu on her song “Mirror.” She grew up in Tokyo, signed with a major label, but decided to forego that path, relocated to the UK and decided to go indie. We think she made the right choice.
https://soundcloud.com/rie-music/06-mirror
Our final single this week is the latest from Teachers with Guns, who we introduced you to back in November. This one is called “E.T.H.” and we like it a lot. It has an amazing instrumental track to kick it off, followed by reflective lyrics sung by a voice that means business. Check it out.
NEW MUSIC VIDEOS
Our first music video this year is from LA Music Critic Award nominees The Daybreaks. It was recorded live at Pentavarit, and gives us another reason to love this Nashville-based band. Check out “Flesh it Out.”
It’s been a while since we featured anything from the amazing young artist Olivia Millerschin. Here is her cover video of Taylor Swift’s song “New Year’s Day,” which was recorded live in studio. We think we’ll be hearing lots more great music from her soon.
Although it technically came out on Christmas day, we love the latest from LA Music Critic Award winning rock band The Guess Who. Here is their latest, “In America.” We love that they are still rocking after 40 years!
Our fourth single is an amazing cover of the 1926 blues classic “John the Revelator” from LA Music Critic Award nominee Jason Robert, from his forthcoming album Death of Stone Stanley. This one will appeal to lovers of classic blues rock.
We close out this edition of Monday Mashup with the brand new video from up and coming country star Kamber Cain. We love her song “Love Story That I’ve Already Read.” We think this one is going to be a hit!
Happy Monday – we made it to the end of March, the Final Four has been established, and Easter is next Sunday. Let’s see what’s happening in the indie world this week.
UNSIGNED ONLY OFFERS PLACEMENT CHANCE
Unsigned Only is running a special two-week promotion, Sync Me Up, from March 20 to April 3, 2018. This promotion is for anyone interested in learning more about what you need to know in order to get your songs into TV & Film. Three winners will be selected and given FREE access ($1000 value each) to “The Art Of The Song Pitch, a step by step online course that shows you how to license your music successfully. For more information, or to enter your songs today, please visit: https://unsignedonly.com/
HOLLYWOOD FRINGE FESTIVAL PREPARES FOR JUNE
Just a few final deadlines for those who want to participate in this year’s Hollywood Fringe Festival:
Registration (for those who want to be included in the printed version of the guide) must be completed by April 1.
Town Hall 2: Marketing will be Tuesday, April 3rd from 8-10pm at Assistance League Playhouse.
Print Ad purchases for this year’s guide (including artwork) are due by April 15.
LA MUSIC CRITIC AWARD WINNERS SHOWCASE
The second annual LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase is now set for June 19 at The Mint, a world-famous venue in Los Angeles. Among those scheduled to appear are Rusty Young, the former lead singer for the band Poco, Cindy Alexander, ROCKET, The Khourys, Great Willow, Alexis Keegan and Lexie Rose, with a very special appearance by Shira, founder of the Shira Girl stage for the Vans Warped Tour. Watch for more details soon, but save the date. It’s gonna be a great night of music and raising money for the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.
NEW SINGLES
Let’s get this party going with the latest from Jackie Venson, a smooth jazz, reggae-infused beauty for her song “Don’t Lie to Me.” This is the perfect vehicle to get your week going.
Next up is an R&B tinged tune from Christopher Giffard. Let’s enjoy the smooth sounds of “Talk to Me.”
Our final new single today comes from Ruby Vidor, courtesy of The A&R Department. Her song is called “Ten Days,” and we dig the acoustic simplicity of it, which allows Vidor’s incredible voice to shine. Let us know what you think.
NEW MUSIC VIDEOS
First up is a Jimi Hendrix cover from LA Music Critic Award winner Diana Rein. The song, “Little Wing,” was also covered by Stevie Ray Vaughan. Let us know which version you prefer.
Next up is another artist that readers of this blog should be familiar with – the dynamic duo of Crimson Calamity. Here’s the video for the title track to their new album, Gypsy Heart. We think you’ll like it 🙂
We close out this week with a video to get your body going strong. Here is Tony Valor ft. Zuka in his video for “D’ Nah Nah (Shaky Bum Bum).”
