Tag: Hollywood Fringe Festival

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Fringe Shows Hollywood Fringe Festival Reviews See it or Skip it

HFF19 preview day 3 (part 1) – see it or skip it

Had a fantastic Saturday full of fringing, music and  new fringeships.  Headed in early to get good parking at The Broadwater, and easily found parking all day at both The Lounge and Studio/Stage.  Early morning breakfast at Starbucks produced a pair of new fringeships and tickets to a couple more shows.  We’re now up to 70 shows on our schedule.  Approximately 27 of them are for our Larry Cornwall Award for Musical Excellence and the rest are just because.  Also got an amazing email from Michael Shaw Fisher stating they wanted to judge my solo show for their “O” Face Award.  That made my day.  I saw a total of six shows on Saturday, topped off by a Neverwonder concert at Molly Malone’s.  Let’s get going on the first three shows.

TITLE OF SHOW:  The Bully Problem

VENUE:  The Broadwater (Main Stage)

REVIEW:  Our first musical of HFF19 was a dream come true.  Michael Gordon Shapiro (with the help of ASCAP and Broadway’s Stephen Schwartz) has created a masterpiece of energetic singing and dancing and a timely story about overcoming obstacles and becoming who you were meant to be.  The show was produced by New Musicals, Inc. and is ready for Broadway now.  Time stood still as the entire sold-out audience was totally mesmerized by the amazing talent on stage, especially the work of James Everts as the protagonist Kevin Djykstra,  Jordan Mitchell-Love as the robot Oscar,  Josh Hillinger as the chief bully Gordo and Allie Costa as the effervescent Margaret.  The show was skillfully directed and produced by Joanna Syiek with superb musical direction from Jennifer Lin.  Hallie Mayer, Melvin Villajin Biteng, Tianna Cohen, Clint Blakeley, Jayna Sweet, Frankie Zabilka, Andrew Landecker, Socks Whitmore, Case Hunter, Malissa Marlow and Adam Foster Ballard turned in masterful supporting performances, especially Whitmore’s portrayal of bully intern and future nerd Charley.  This one is definitely one of the best musicals we have ever seen at Fringe.

RECOMMENDATION:  Don’t miss this show.  Remaining performances are June 14 at 8 p.m., June 22 at 5 p.m., June 27 at 6:30 p.m. and June 29 at 6:30 p.m.  Tickets are available on their Fringe project page.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Batter Up!  My Brain on Baseball

VENUE:  Studio/Stage

REVIEW:  Brett Moore is a Fringe rookie performer, just like me, although he is affiliated with Theatre Unleashed and has spent his share of time in the shadows.  Thanks to the amazing direction of his director Gregory Crafts and his stage manager and wife, Erin Moore, he brought this magical show to live and delivered a killer performance.  I’m a huge baseball fan anyway, so regardless I would have seen this show.  But the funny part is that it’s enjoyable whether or not you like baseball.  Think of it like the close-up magic you see by the wandering magicians at the Magic Castle.  This one is interactive and will have you cheering along, and there are prizes.  This is definitely one of the most interesting shows we have ever seen at Fringe.

RECOMMENDATION:  Don’t miss this show.  Remaining performances are June 14 at 7 p.m., June 21 at 7 p.m., June 22 at 3 p.m. and June 29 at 6:30 p.m.  Tickets are available on their Fringe project page.

TITLE OF SHOW:  The Journey of the Little Prince

VENUE:  Studio/Stage

REVIEW:  Irina Kampa is quite simply a force of nature.  If you attended any of the pre-Fringe Office Hours functions, you could not fail to notice her.  She brings that same energy to this production, wonderfully written by Victor Sotomayor, which reminds us that every adult was once a child, but only a few remember.  The Prince’s journey is a meta-physical voyage of self-discovery.  Patricia Mizen and Transe Carder provide excellent support to Kampa during her travels.   The most unique feature was the interesting lighting design, which kept most of the stage and cast in the shadows.  This allowed the words to have a more powerful impact, making them truly stand-out so the message could be delivered loud and clear.

RECOMMENDATION:  This one is definitely worth your time.  Remaining performances are June 15 at 10 p.m., June 22 at 11:30 a.m., June 25 at 9 p.m. and June 29 at 11:30 a.m.  Tickets are available on their Fringe project page.

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Fringe Shows Hollywood Fringe Festival Reviews See it or Skip it

HFF19 preview day 2 – see it or skip it

Day 2 was not as hectic as day 1, but just as enjoyable.   I worked my part-time job in the morning, then spent the afternoon writing reviews of the day 1 shows, as well as getting ready for my own preview performance last night.  One of my roommates at the Air BnB wanted to see the show, and wanted to spend some time discovering what the Fringe is.  Although he is the son of long-time Fringe reviewer Ken Worther, Angel Morales had never been to a Fringe show.  He made a great +1 for the evening, and got the chance to see what I do first-hand, including having dinner with one of my fringeships, Rasika Mathur.  Thanks for coming along.

TITLE OF SHOW: Uprooted:  A Tale of Navigating Turbulence to Find Home

VENUE:  The Lounge Theatres

REVIEW:  Solo shows have always been one of my favorite forms of Fringe expression, and I review a multitude of them each year.  I love their honesty and triumphant story, and the bravery it takes to share these sometimes dark truths with the public.  During my nine years of reviewing Fringe shows, one director keeps popping up behind my favorite shows, and that is Jessica Lynn Johnson, who not coincidentally directed this show.  Vanessa Boss revealed so much in this show which was totally relatable and filled me with more hope that I was following the correct path.  What made her show so different was her use of mythological creatures to represent the different aspects of Boss’ psyche and bring her struggles to life so that we could all cheer as she made life-changing discoveries.  Although a bit slow at first, she soon hit her stride and kept the audience mesmerized with her beautiful storytelling.  Her audience interaction skills were likewise brilliant, enabling her to break the third wall without missing a beat.  It was the perfect show to prepare me for my own preview show that occurred later that night.  Thanks for a wonderful experience.

RECOMMENDATION:  Don’t miss this show.  Remaining performances are June 23 at 12 p.m. and June 29 at 2 p.m.  Tickets are available on her Fringe project page.

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Fringe Shows Hollywood Fringe Festival Reviews See it or Skip it

HFF19 preview day 1 – see it or skip it

Last night was the first official day of previews for HFF19, and it started off with a bang.  It was so great seeing all three shows, and running into fringeships that included Michal Shaw Fisher, Alli Miller, Sara Haworth, Schoen Hodges, Rasika Mathur, Eric Blair, Thea Rivera, Tracey Paleo aka Giaonthemove, Monika Spirit Hawk and Amber Bruegel, among others.

TITLE OF SHOW:  The Duchess & the Stripper

VENUE:  The Lounge Theatres

REVIEW:  Based solely on this show, we have no doubt that HFF19 is going to be a fabulous festival and the perfect example of ten years of Fringe shows.  The premise of the show is that Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor had a late-night meeting with burlesque queen Blaze Starr at Starr’s club in Baltimore, Maryland in 1961.   The show is brilliantly written by David Bosley and directed by Fringe veteran and mentor (as well as a truly talented actor in his own right) Ezra Buzzington.  The cast was likewise perfectly set with AEA actress Blaire Chandler in the role of Wallis Simpson, Cherry Poppins queen Alli Miller as Blaze Starr and Krista Conti as Starr’s sister and assistant June Fleming.  The entire show was breathtaking, and kept us on the edge of our seat from start to finish.  It was the first time we have seen Miller in a straight drama, and she killed it, with nothing less than stellar performances by Chandler and Conti as well.  This one is definitely one of the best Fringe shows we have ever seen.

RECOMMENDATION:  Don’t miss this show.  Remaining performances are June 9 at 1 p.m., June 15 at 5:30 p.m., June 21 at 10 p.m. and June 22 at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets are available on their Fringe project page.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Guilt

VENUE:  Second Stage (Cyanide Theatre)

REVIEW:  This show was composed of two short plays with a common theme.  First up was The Holy Name of Apostasy, written by Ryan Lisman and Benjamin Schwartz and directed by Lisman.  It was a two-hander that featured Varda Appleton as Mother Dawn and Brandon Courture as her student Dylan.  The story turned the #MeToo discussion on its ear with a bold interpretation of church abuse.  The second show was Man vs. Armadillo, written and directed by Schwartz.  It was likewise a two hander about the relationship between an adult son and his aging father.  But what set this one apart from so many other Fringe shows was the intriguing percussion that provided the soundtrack during the show and transitions.  It truly set the mood for the show, and added to the story in many ways.  Both halves were equally compelling, although we did think the second half was a little wordy.  Nevertheless, it was definitely worth the time.

RECOMMENDATION:  This show is worthy of your attention, just leave your religious prejudices at the door.  Remaining shows are June 14 at 8 p.m., June 16 at 2 p.m. and June 23 at 6 p.m.  Tickets are available on their Fringe project page.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Blackboxing

VENUE:  The Complex Hollywood (Dorie Theatre)

REVIEW:  Long-time Fringe veteran Matt Richey has mounted his best show ever, a show that would sweep the Tonys if it was on Broadway.  It told the story that every stage manager has probably experienced at one time or another, and allowed said Stage Manager to say and do things they’ve always dreamed of doing.  Jim Niedzialkowski is brilliant as the stage manager, while Richey aptly represented the selfish actor that thinks he’s ready for his one-man show.  I haven’t laughed that hard at a Fringe show in years, and it was the perfect culmination of a great day of Fringe previews.  If ever there was a sure-fire hit at Fringe, then this show is it.  The original music also added depth to the show, and provided some of the best highlights of the evening.

RECOMMENDATION:  This show is a can’t miss, and you simply must make it a priority for your Fringe schedule.  Remaining performances are June 14 at 8:30 p.m., June 16 at 2:30 p.m., June 22 at 4 p.m., June 27 at 10:30 p.m. and June 29 at 6:30 p.m.  Tickets are available on their Fringe project page.

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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!

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Hollywood Fringe Festival indie music Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 21 (updated)

We’ve reached Memorial Day, and the opportunity to remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to keep us free and strong.  Never forget what they did to give us the chance to live our own lives.

It was another busy week, working for Trendsource, completing the tech and dress rehearsals for my solo show at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, Livin’ the Dream (a journalistic journey), and having the chance to see the latest masterpiece from the ladies and gentlemen of Cherry Poppins Productions.  They put on a masterful production of Clash of the Queens, which succinctly summed up the entire eight seasons of Game of Thrones, and sold out the Globe Theater in downtown LA in the process.

Speaking of my solo show, it’s hard to believe that my preview is less than two weeks away, with the entire Fringe kicking off with the Opening Party on June 12.  It’s going to be a great Fringe, and should be worthy of being the tenth year.  Please check out my show which will be at studio/stage (520 N. Western Avenue) on June 7 at 10 p.m., June 16 at 5:30 p.m., June 20 at 10 p.m., June 23 at 9 pm. and June 28 at 7 p.m.  Tickets are available on the Fringe website.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from Toronto.  If you’re going to catch something, we suggest you catch The Black Fever.  We simply love the sound of “No Work” and recommend that you listen intently to the lyrics of the song.

Our next single is a killer remix that combines Monsta X, Steve Aoki and DVBBS.  The song is called “Play it Cool” and it is mega-hot and a sure-fire way to get the gang on the dance floor.  Request it from your favorite DJ.

Our third single is an incredible song from London-based Theo Bard entitled “The Gift.”  It truly is an amazing electronic song with incredible vocals and well-crafted lyrics.  This one is a definite keeper.

Our next single combines electronica with jazz and pop and highlights the talent of the amazing KYOSi on her track, “Boo Radley.”  We think this one will become your favorite dance track.

Our final single this week is from the upcoming album Fuel the Crazy by Brazilian-born electro-pop artist Carvi.  We are totally digging on her “Vibe.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is from teen sensation Maddie Rose, who delivers a stunning video for her song “Liv Tyler.”  This one is going on repeat and we think you’ll love it.

Next up is a video shot in Los Angeles by Trapdoor Social for their song, “The Move.”  The song is amazing, as is the video.  Be part of the solution and join in “The Move.”

Next up are the powerful vocals of Dejhare on her video for “Trust my Love,” which remind us of Madonna’s True Blue album.  We think this one is stunning and look forward to seeing what she does next.

Our next video comes from New York-based band Wild Planes.  Put on your rocking shoes and enjoy their latest single “Money.”

Our final video this week is from Aly and AJ, who we last heard from when their song ‘Church” was included in our March edition of Ten Great Singles.  They’re back with a beautiful video for their song “Don’t go Changing,” which could easily be a Top 40 hit.

 

 

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Hollywood Fringe Festival Theatre

Most anticipated shows at HFF19

It’s time once again for our annual list of the shows we are most anticipating at the 10th annual Hollywood Fringe Festival.  Unlike past years, not only are we reviewing shows and screening shows for our Larry Cornwall Award for Musical Excellence, but I am also doing my first solo show.  Needless to say, this is going to be a very interesting Fringe.  Here is our list, in alphabetical order.

Come on Down (The Broadwater) – This one’s directed and written by Jeff Scot Carey, features Emily Clark, CJ Merriman AND Victor Isaac, and was part of Serial Killers at Sacred Fools – what more reasons do we need?  This one is going to be epic.

Crabbe & Goyle are Dead (Studio/Stage) – The Harry Potter legend continues at Fringe with this latest creation from Kitty Keim.  That’s reason enough to see it.

Hollywoodn’t (The Lounge) – This one tells the story of the Hollywood scene before women were allowed to speak up and say no.  It also features writer, performer and lyricist Lisa Verlo.  It’s also part of the amazing Soaring Solo community and is directed by Jessica Lynn Johnson.  Can’t wait for this one.

Klingon Tamburlaine (The Complex) – I am a huge Star Trek fan, and have always love the Klingons.  This one sounds like a sure-fire hit, and the dream show for every nerd at Fringe.

Pockets (The Broadwater) – If ever there was a “sure thing” at Fringe, it would be anything put on by Robot Teammate.  They have brought us the incredible Turbulence and Thug Tunnel and their creativity and musical abilities are among the best we’ve ever seen at Fringe.

Tattered Capes (Studio/Stage) – We think this may well be the best thing Theatre Unleashed has ever attempted.  Written by Greg Crafts and directed by Corey Lynn Howe, this show looks to take TU into uncharted territory, and we have every confidence it will be amazing.

The Duchess & the Stripper (The Lounge) – Every year we look for a historical play, and this one is our selection for HFF19.  It tells the story of the Duchess of Windsor and Blaze Starr, one of the most famous strippers of all time.  It’s also highly recommended by the Cherry Poppins crew.

The Mayor’s Debate of Tranquility, Nebraska (The Complex) – we have always been a huge fan of Jim Hanna, and his latest projects looks to be as close as we will come to an actual intelligent political discussion until next year.  We also love his marketing campaign.

Transference (The Broadwater) – This one features a pair of our favorite actresses in Esther Mira and Lisa K. Wyatt and is written and directed by the incomparable Jim Blanchette.  That adds up to an amazing time at the theater.

Wigfield (The Hudson) – Last year we almost missed out on the stunning Pamela Eberhardt show The Runaway Clone.  This year we’re jumping on the bandwagon and making her latest show required viewing.  Based on the amazing marketing campaign she has run, this one looks to be even better than last year’s Clone.

And there you have it.  We can’t wait for Fringe to begin, and already have 32 shows on our schedule, including all  of the above.  We’ll be publishing daily reviews, so keep it here for our See it or Skip it articles.

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 19

We had a wonderful weekend.  On Friday we reviewed Doctor Nympho vs. The Sex Zombies and had a fantastic after-show hang with Alli Miller and Michael Shaw Fisher.  On Saturday, we headed down to the Hotel Cafe, where we enjoyed both Willie Wisely (with our friends Dan Kalisher and Erik Kertes in his band) and Jesse Macht and his band.  We were also happy to run into our friends Eric and Eliza Roberts, and have a chance to catch up.  On Sunday we got about halfway through our tech rehearsal for my solo show, Livin’ the Dream (a journalistic journey) for the Hollywood Fringe Festival.  Preview night is June 7, with additional performances on June 16, 20, 23 and 28.  We hope to see you at one of our performances.

NEW SINGLES

We have an extra treat for you this week, as this one fell through the cracks when it was first submitted.  It’s a little bit blues, a little bit zydeco and a whole lot of fun.  Will Jacobs is an American living in Berlin who is sharing the power of the blues with Europe.  His single is a tribute to his adopted hometown of Berlin, and is called “Berlin Bounce.”  Check it out – we bet you’ll be cutting a rug in no time flat.

Our first single comes from the band that made us fall in love with “Friends.”  The Rembrandts are back and getting ready to release their new album on Blue Élan Records.  Check out “Broken Toy.”  It perfectly reminds us of why we say “I’ll be There for You.”

Next up is a truly rocking song from a British band.  Their latest if called “Lita’s Place,” and it highlights what this band does well – entertain.  Check out Exiled – we think they’re going to be around for a while.

Next up is a song that is beautiful in its simplicity, stripped down to its purest form and perfectly performed by New West.  Here’s the latest single “Those Eyes.”

Single number four is a definite keeper from Goodside that is fresh but still oddly familiar.  It’s called “I’ve Been Feeling Something Lately,” and has a smooth sweet sound that is perfect for summer.  Check it out.

https://soundcloud.com/goodside_band/ive-been-feeling-something-lately/s-t3nT1

Our final single this week is from West Coast Weekend, and their funky retro song, “Heart Attack.”  This one has the feel of a Maroon 5 smash and could be a huge hit on radio.  Give it up for the next amazing pop superstars.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

First up is the remarkable and soulful sound of Kensington Moore.  We introduced this song to you in March as part of our Ten Great Singles, but it really comes home on the music video.  This song really got to us, and we think it could be a major smash.  Check out “I Don’t Like you Anymore.”

It’s amazing how a beautiful female voice can change everything.  Take for example the music of Ignescent a driving hard-rock band with incredibly sharp edges.  Add the voice of lead singer Jennifer Benson, and the fullness of the band is brought forth, much like what Amy Lee does for Evanescence.  Check out the lyric video for “Into the Night” – it will have you banging your head in nothing flat.

Our third video is for all you lovers of 80s/90s rock bands.  The master of guitar has returned and he’s better than ever.  Slash is now joined by Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators and they’re on a mission to save rock and roll.  Check out Exhibit 1, ‘Boulevard of Broken Hearts.”  Behold, the king returns.

Next up is a band that is heading for Los Angeles, and will be playing here at the Bootleg Theater on May 19.  They pack a powerful punch and remind us of back when the Red Hot Chili Peppers were huge.  They call themselves The Unlikely Candidates, but we think they soon will be your go-to choice for great music.  Here’s their video for “Novocaine.”

Our final video this is “Cry Like a Girl,” from one of our long-time favorites, Brooke Moriber.  We introduced her to you back in October 2015, and she was a nominee for the LA Music Critic Awards for the second half of 2015.  We think she’ll become one of your favorites as well.

Categories
Reviews See it or Skip it Theatre Women in Entertainment

Cherry Poppins and Celebration Theatre deliver a gem

We have been covering the Hollywood Fringe Festival every year since it was started in 2010, with the exception of 2015.  When we returned to the Fringe in 2016, we discovered Cherry Poppins Productions, an amazing troupe of dancers that were so much more than traditional burlesque.  Every one of them could sing, act, and dance, but they were also amazing people both on and off stage.  We quickly became not only fans of their inspiring and truly entertaining shows, but also friends with most of them, including their brilliant co-founders Alli Miller and Sarah Haworth, as well as their “other halves,” Michael Shaw Fisher and Schoen Hodges.  We had been good friends with Fisher since 2012, based on his brilliant work with Orgasmico Theatre Co (Doomsday Cabaret, Exorcistic, the Werewolves of Hollywood Boulevard).  When he joined forces in 2017 with Miller, Haworth and Hodges on the award-winning Shakeslesque:  To Thine own Cherry be True, we knew that this would turn into the greatest entertainment merger of all time.

During HFF18, we witnessed the mastery of a new rock musical from Fisher called Doctor Nympho vs. the Sex Zombies, which combined the amazing burlesque of the Cherries with the brilliant songwriting chops of Fisher.  It was our most anticipated show of the Festival, and we loved reviewing it.  Imagine our joy to arrive for HFF19 and find out that they were doing the show AGAIN before the festival at Celebration Theatre.  We simply knew that we had to see it again, and see what changes had been made to stage it in a bigger and more traditional space.

Celebration moved to The Lex a few years ago, and we had not had the chance to check out their new digs.  We love what they have done with the space, and felt it the perfect location for the return of Doctor Nympho.

For the most part, this new version included the same cast as last year’s Fringe show, with a few notable differences.  Madeline Heil replaced Rebecca Reaney as Dr. Shatz and brought an entirely new sexiness to the role that only a Ginger can.  Likewise, Natalie Masini took on the role of Fisher’s assistant, Stacy, in place of Shannon Glascow, and truly nailed it.  Everjohn Feliciano joined the cast to round out the Zombettes, and was the perfect addition to originals Haworth, Lauren Avon, Amber Bracken, Meredith Lim, Reagan Osborne and Cory Robinson.  Miller reprised her role as Dr. Nympho with Fisher as her husband, and Kim Dalton and Kristyn Evelyn as their children.  Jeff Sumner was outstanding in his return as Jerry, giving the audience a Tony-worthy performance, while Hodges as Adam, Sarah Wines as Eve, and Brin Hamblin as Virus rounded out the cast, providing some of the finest dancing seen on any LA stage.  In fact, Hamblin is one virus we wouldn’t mind catching.

Of course, none of the brilliant stage work would be possible without Fisher’s amazing book, music and lyric, Haworth’s direction  or Miller and Hamblin’s choreography.  Music Director Sandy Chao Wang and Vocal Director Michael Teoli also contributed heavily to the success of the show.

Let loose and enjoy a thrilling night at the theater with the Cherries and Orgasmico.  This one is worthy of multiple viewings, and never gets old.  Don’t miss your chance to see it again or for the first time.

The show runs through May 26, with performances on May 11, 17, 18, 24 and 25 at 8 p.m. and May 12, 19 and 26 at 7 p.m. at Celebration Theatre (6760 Lexington Avenue).  Tickets are available through this link.  Come get infected.

You can also purchase the original cast recording of the soundtrack for only $10, and relive the music over and over again.

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 18

My first week back in LA was very busy, with two trips to the Renaissance Pleasure Faire, attending and reviewing Nineteen Years Later, helping with another show, and going through the first rehearsal for my Fringe solo show.  Along the way there was a night of Fringe “Office Hours,” a Fringe Town Hall, an unexpected chance to catch a rehearsal, and plenty of great conversations, not to mention a couple of days at the ASCAP EXPO, which included a special songwriters’ round with LeeAnn Womack, Stephen Bishop, Jack Tempchin and Wyclef Jean. 

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week features the powerful and soulful vocals of Elisabeth Beckwitt, and we think this one has a lot of potential.  Check out “Free Fall” – we think you’ll definitely fall for her sound.

Next up is a pair of legends who have joined forces to bring the spirit of rock and roll back to today’s music scene.  Combining Fanny Walked the Earth’s Brie Darling with The Runaways’ Cherie Currie is brilliant and they do justice to this remake of the T. Rex classic, “The Motivator.”  This one will get your week off to a great start.

We follow them up with another Blue Élan Records artist named Car Astor, and what we think is her best song to date.  The song may be called “Hush,” but we won’t keep quiet about how much we love this song.

Let’s switch gears to a more Americana and country sound of Jesse Dayton, another Blue Élan artist.  His latest, “Redneck Friend,” will have you two-stepping around the dance floor in no time flat.  Enjoy the honky-tonking sound.

We close out this week’s singles with the upbeat and empowering “For You” from rising star Katile.  We see a very strong future for this young lady, and can’t wait to see what comes next.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

We return to the beautiful country of Denmark to kick off this week’s music videos with the latest from LA Music Critic Award winning band Straw, “Perfectly Fine.”  Sally’s vocals are powerful and strong and the song hits home with its message that you don’t have to be perfect to be happy.  This family just keeps getting better and better.

Speaking of amazing family bands, here is the first original from the PaperDolls, featuring elder sibling Kendra.  It is a powerful song that will give you strength to fight each day.  Thank you Kendra for blessing us with “See What I See.”

Our third video gives us a new look at the whole “loser” mystique.  We bet you’ll never feel the same way about the word after viewing this video. Here’s “Loser” by The Scared Crows.

Video number four is guaranteed to rock your week, as Meisha and the Spanks reveal their inner child for the video of their latest single, “Motorin’.’

We close out this week with a stunning video from Wake up Hate for their song, “Love me Like a Hurricane.”  We think this one will rock you into next week.

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday Mashup 2019: vol. 17

Spent Saturday driving – took me 13 hours to get from Missoula to North Las Vegas, where I crashed for the night courtesy of Airbnb.  Got up early on Sunday morning and drove straight to Irwindale for the Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire and a day of checking out all the wonderful music and reconnecting with old friends.  It’s been six years since my last Faire, and a lot had changed.  Check out my article later this week for the rundown.

ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO

This weekend, May 2-4, is the annual convention for the amazing folks at ASCAP.  We will be representing the Blog at the event, and hope to have lots of great information to pass on.  If you are an ASCAP member, or thinking about joining, check out the link for registration information.

NEW SINGLES

First up this week is a song that will remind you of early No Doubt with a country/Americana twist.  Here is The OCN with their song, “Baby Blue,” and we simply love it.

Next up is an English alt-pop band called Peakes that we have featured previously on Indie Voice Blog.  We think that “Til we get Enough” is one of their best, and are very happy to share it with you.

Our next group combines the best of Sydney with Cologne and gives us a sound very similar to Maroon 5.  We are proud to bring you “Lovers” from KEØMA.

We switch things up a bit with our next single, which will compel you to get out on the dance floor.  The sound is electro-pop with a healthy dose of 90s new wave and comes to us from Amsterdam’s Sheila and the Kit.  Check out their dance track “Ruffhouse.”

We close out this week’s singles with a soulful and enticing R&B song from Annelise.  She tells us the story of her “Lonely Lover,” and we want to comfort her during her time of grief.  Let us know what you think of this amazing track.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video may have been released in early March, but we just discovered it.  It comes from an amazing vocalist who practices entertainment law by day and performs with her band, Riddle the Sphinx, by night, when she’s not being a mother to her three kids (including husband Sean).   Her name is Christiane Kinney, and the song is “Lullaby.”  This one will haunt you.

Back in 1992, Leonard Cohen released a masterpiece called “Democracy.”  Now indie artist Jake Clemons has released a stunning lyric video for his cover of this classic song.  Check it out and let us know what you think.

Video number three is an animated one that lovingly recreates the latest from multi-LA Music Critic Award winner Jerad Finck.  This one is for his latest single “Home,” and we think it is one of his most powerful songs yet.

Next up is an amazing indie rock tune that is all too timely.  The song talks about addition and rehab and is called “Recover // Relapse.” It comes to us from the band Falling Through April.  They just might become one of our favorites.

Our final video comes from She Made Me Do It, alt-rockers that we have featured before.  We love their latest, “Broken Morning,” and will be rocking out to this one for a while.  Enjoy it with our compliments.