Month: June 2019

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Hollywood Fringe Festival Reviews See it or Skip it Theatre

HFF19 previews 2 – see it or skip it

Last night was the final night of Office Hours for HFF19.  All five of  the May sessions were held at BLACK, with the finale at Thymele Arts.  Last night was also Fringe Runway, with participants showing off their amazing costumes, followed by a round of live band karoake with the Moon Units.  It was a very interesting evening and signaled today’s start of preview performances.  Before we head out tonight for our first three “official” Fringe previews, we wanted to tell you about another show that we saw back on June 1.  The show opened in May, but will run through Fringe so it is considered part of HFF19.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Roots:  An Evening of World Premiere Shorts

VENUE:  Theatre of NOTE

REVIEW:  This show gave me an excuse to return to where it all started for me in 2010 – the Theatre of NOTE.  I fell in love with this theater and its company then and have tried to see at least one show there every year.  I had run into one of the actresses, Channing Sargent, at Office Hours on May 22, and she talked me into attending.  I am so glad I did, as these four shows were so different yet similar, and each one featured a stellar cast, although they were all directed by Lee Hannah Conrads and stage managed by Aaron Saldaña and Zachary Burch.

The first show was Deadpan by Phinneas Kiyomura, and featured truly gifted actress Jennifer Flack in the role of Winchester, a bride-to-be who gets wasted on her wedding day because she is uncertain about her future.  She was supported by Sierra Marcks as her best friend Heckler, Dan Wingard as Koch, and Brad C. Light as her fiance, Colt.  Patricia Canale also made a cameo appearance  as the parent of Colt.  This one was hysterical from start to finish, with a surprise ending that kept it fresh.

Next up was Big Ones by Lisa Sanaye Dring, and featured Sargent as one of three characters dealing with the aftermath of an earthquake.  She was supported by Tony DeCarlo and David Guerra, and all three turned in a united effort that made this a true ensemble piece.

The third show was Rand! by Bill Robens, and was the most complex and dynamic, and eerily similar to an opera, with Canale leading the charge as Peter the Great.   This was the showpiece of the four shorts, and featured Cat Chengery in the title role, with dynamic support from Alysha Brady as Natasha, DeCarlo as Vlad/Keynes, Kelby Jo McClellan as Rhodia/Hopkins and Jaxy Boyd as Anna/FDR.  Tying it all together were Boyd, Brady, Flack, Light, McClellan and Wingard as the Suitcase People, a dynamic chorus that were stunning to hear. and also contributed some hilarious transitions between the stories.

The final story, The Smell of Something to Eat by Erik Patterson, featured Chengery and Marcks as a couple that hook up only to discover some interesting truths about each other afterwards.  We won’t betray those surprises, but assure you that you will be pleasantly shocked by them.

All in all, it was a wonderful show that had what we truly encapsulated what we call “the NOTE experience.”  The entire show is about 90 minutes long with no intermission.

RECOMMENDATION:  Don’t miss this show.  Remaining shows are June 8 at 6 p.m., June 9, 15, 16 and 23 at 7 p.m. and June 22 at 8:30 p.m.  Tickets are available on their Fringe project page.

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Live Concerts Reviews

Former American Idol Casey Abrams takes us on a jazzy journey

If you aren’t familiar with Casey Abrams, then you must have been living  under a rock for the past eight years.  Abrams is  a long-time member of the Post Modern Jukebox Collective (“PMJ”) and a former American Idol finalist.  Since finishing in sixth place on Season 10, Abrams has been busy writing and recording music with Concord Music (along with PMJ and fellow American Idol contestant Haley Reinhart) and Chesky Records, the label that just released his new album, Jazz, as well as his previous one, Put a Spell on You.  Abrams had previously recorded the full-length Casey Abrams and the EP Casey Abrams and The Gingerbread Band for Concord.

The CD release show for Jazz was held at Feinstein’s at Vitello’s, one of the hip and growing music venues in the Valley.   Not only did the label treat us to a wonderful dinner, but they also gave us VIP status, which included the show plus a Q&A and meet and greet with Abrams afterwards.  Needless to say, it was one of the best show experiences we have ever had.

Abrams is one of the best and most gifted musicians we have ever had the opportunity to review.  He is also probably the best pure whistler we know of.  His face is so expressive and he has a truly natural chemistry that instantly connects him with his audience.  He was joined at various times during the evening by Tony Pulizzi, a gifted guitarist that Abrams “stole” from the Idol house band, trumpeter extraordinaire Ilya Serov, tenor and alto saxophonist and high-school friend Jacob Scesney, vocalist and amazing trombonist Aubrey Logan, PMJ founder and pianist Scott Bradlee and the ever-lovely and talented Reinhart.

There was never a dull moment throughout the 90-minute set, which flew by all too quickly.  Among the incredible songs included in the set were “I’ve got the World on a String,” “Need Your Love so Bad,” “One Note Samba,” “Hound Dog,” “You are so Beautiful,” “The Girl From Ipanema,” “Don’t you Worry ‘Bout a Thing,” “Why Don’t you do Right,” “Fly me to the Moon” (featuring vocals from Serov), and “Cry me a River” (featuring vocals from Reinhart).  They wrapped up the set with a stunning rendition of “L-O-V-E,” which involved everyone who had previously shared the stage during the night.  Every single musician turned in a Grammy winning performance, and it was a pure joy to have experienced the show.

After the show, we got the chance up with old friend Lisa Goe, who was in attendance with her friend, Katie Welch (part of the cast of I Know What You Did Last Summer:  the Unauthorized Musical, playing in June at Three of Clubs), as well as have time to chat with all of the musicians, including Abrams.  This was a night we will not soon forget and we can’t wait to have the chance to review the actual CD after Fringe is through.

Thanks to Abrams’ mom, Pam for being a great host, and to Lora from Chesky who set the whole night up.

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Ten Amazing Videos Women in Entertainment

Ten amazing videos released in May 2019

Everyone seemed to enjoy our list of singles yesterday, so we’re back today with our list of music videos, as Friday’s preview performance of Livin’ the Dream (a journalistic journey) gets closer to fruition.  We hope to see you all at one of our performances on June 7, 16, 20, 23 or 28.  Click the link for tickets and more details.

We start things out with another outstanding hard rock band with a female vocalist that could easily stand shoulder to shoulder with Amy Lee.  We are blown away by Cold Kingdom and their lead singer Elissa Pearson, as demonstrated on the truly rocking “A New Disaster.”

Next up is the latest from Nashville rocker Kristen Dinsmore aka DINZY, who is tired of people that “Lie to Yourself.”  This girl can wail and we think we just may have found the next Avril Lavigne.

Our next video is for all the OG video game nerds, as it provides a truly Atari-level retro feel and perfectly captures the mood of the song.  Here’s LUV DOT GOV with “Helsinki.”

Video number four comes from the latest but possible the best Ariana Grande-influenced pop performer, that packs a healthy dose of Janet Jackson as well.  We think she has a huge future in this business, and can’t wait to see what comes next.  Here’s Olivia O’Brien with “Just a Boy.”

Diamond Thug bring us indie pop bathed in their native South African rhythms, delivering a stunning sound that you will want to enjoy over and over again.  Here’s their video for “Tell Me.”

We kick off the second set of five videos with the latest from K-POP star J. Lee, who encourages us all to follow our “Dream.”  We love the way he weaves retro and current pop with outstanding hip-hop on this amazing tune.

Rock seems to be the language of the day and it is bursting forth from every frame of the new video by Kiss Kiss Bang.  Check out “Hearts on Fire” before it burns a hole in your screen.

Next up is a music video from Emmy-nominated actress Ginesse from daytime TV stalwart The Young and the Restless.  We guarantee this one is fresh and sweet and not at all what you would expect.  Enjoy “the inbetween.”

Video number nine has an intriguing animated look with a fun and catchy pop tune that will have you on the dance floor in nothing flat.  Check out okaywill and their song “Falling for You.”

We close out the month the way we began.  We shared their single during our first Monday Mashup, and are happy to now bring you the video for their over of the T-Rex hit “The Motivator.”  Here are two of the finest female rockers to ever perform, and we look forward to seeing what their new partnership will produce.  Here are Brie Darling and Cherie Currie.

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Ten Great Singles

Ten great singles released in May 2019

June has finally arrived, and music coverage is moving to the back burner while we participate in the 10th annual Hollywood Fringe Festival.  Other than a couple of forthcoming live concert reviews and our Ten Amazing Videos released in May 2019, we will only be covering the Fringe for the rest of the month of June.   We may have some surprises, so keep turned in.

As most of you know, we normally share five new singles every Monday as part of our Monday Mashup series, but only gives us a chance to spotlight 20-25 of the nearly 200 new singles we receive each month.   As a result, we started doing a monthly list called Ten Great Singles to give us the chance to share another 10 that we thought were worthy.  With that in mind, let’s get this train rolling.

First up is a local LA band that is on the verge of something huge in the alt-rock community.  We are simply blown away by Eleven Point Two, and think that “Don’t Wanna Spend the Night Alone” is a potential mega hit.  Check it out and let us know what you think.

Next up is the Brooklyn-based psychedelic garage rock band Las Rosas with  their latest single, “Diamond Dust.”  We think this one has all the best of the classic rock sound.

Our third single is from the young hip sound of Sweden’s Lune.  It is a fascinating pop sound that would fit well into your dance playlist.  Check out “Don’t Speak.”

Next is the seriously electronic and pop sound of Inanna with her ode to femininity, “Nerfetti XXI.”  This one will fire up all your senses.

https://soundcloud.com/inannasworld/nefertiti-xxi/s-g2C0f

We’ve the middle of our list with the quirky sound of Jade the Moon.  This one has so much going for it it truly belongs on Top 40 radio.  Check out “Awkward.”

Single number six will whisk you back to the days of Jimi Hendrix and will rock your world.  Check out “Forbidden Thing” from the incomparable Aussie rock band Wizard Rose.

Our next single is smooth and bluesy and spotlights the slick vocals of Blue by Nature‘s Karen Lawrence.  We think the title says it all, because “We Couldn’t Help but Love You.”  Thanks for this amazing track.

We follow that bluesy track with another smooth one, but this one is more R&B and soulful.  We love the sound of Rhia, and think this one should be on the playlist of every dance club in town.  Check out “Fire.,” but don’t get burned.

https://soundcloud.com/user-805830817/fire-rhia/s-M1BQi

Our ninth single invites us to take a retro-influenced trip to “Lita’s Place.”  We don’t care if it’s a one-way trip – we’re heading there now with UK’s Exiled.

We close out this edition with the rocking eletro-pop sound of Me an Di.  We can’t get enough of the smooth dance vibes of “All at Once.”  We think you’ll be hooked as well.

Oops – couldn’t finish this list without the amazing single that just dropped on May 31 by The Voice‘s Kensington Moore – we think she’s headed for the top of the charts, and leave you with “Not Ready.”  We believe she is more than ready for the spotlight!

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Live Concerts Reviews Women in Entertainment

The Americana scene is kicking at Highland Park Bowl

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.