Tag: LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase

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Fringe Shows Hollywood Fringe Festival LA Music Critic Awards Reviews See it or Skip it Theatre Women in Entertainment

HFF18 day 8 – see it or skip it

Monday was a busy day, with 13 reviews to write, as well as three more shows to take in.  The reviews took a while, but I still had time to make a stop at Tom’s for a world famous pastrami sandwich before heading down to Three Clubs for our first show.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Night of the Rootbeer

VENUE:  Three Clubs

REVIEW:  Believe the hype – this is complete and utter nonsense.  If you love shows that are a complete waste of time, then this one is for you.  JJ Mayes gathers his best 20 best friends for a night of rootbeer, debauchery, posing and . . . who cares!  It was massive fun to watch these gifted actors act like complete and utter fools, and consume massive amounts of rootbeer.  At least one thing was accomplished . . . we finally know the source of Michael Shaw Fisher’s depravity – it’s the rootbeer!

RECOMMENDATION:  If you have nothing better to do, then see this show, but you have to get down on your knees with Scott Golden to get an invitation.  Two more shows on June 20 at 11:30 p.m. and June 23 at 2:30 p.m.  Don’t forget to make a donation at the door so they will let you leave.

TITLE OF SHOW:  From Toilet to Tinseltown

VENUE:  The Hobgoblin Playhouse

REVIEW:  If you are a hard-core Harry Potter fan, then this is definitely NOT the show for you.  Moaning Myrtle takes us from the bathroom at Hogwarts and embarks on a journey culminating in the comedy clubs of Hollywood.  FYI, Myrtle is a potty mouth, but she’s so damn funny.  This was the perfect follow-up to the nuttiness that is Night of the Rootbeer.  We laughed ourselves silly, and thoroughly enjoyed the ride.  The Hobgoblin may be out of the way, but in this case it was definitely worth the trip (and the parking charge).

RECOMMENDATION:  This one should definitely be on your list.  For a good time, call Myrtle.  Don’t miss her final show on June 23 at 5:30 p.m.  Get your tickets here.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Blind Spots

VENUE:  Stephanie Feury Studio Theatre

REVIEW:  Finally, a true play that is s well-crafted drama.  We were beginning to suspect that there was no true culture, and then we saw Blind Spots.  Thank you Colette Freedman for creating such a moving and stirring play, and for daring to do it without a single male!  Constance Dalton-Pawie has directed a masterpiece of theater, which is one of the best shows at HFF18.  Her delightful cast (Tamara Burgess, Koni McCurdy, Lindsay McGee, Michelle Pedersen and Veronica Wylie) work well as an ensemble.  The chemistry between these players is very evident, and makes the show seem like a documentary on free speech.  It was the perfect way to end a day of Fringe craziness.  We definitely see whatever this amazing team puts together next.

RECOMMENDATION:  You don’t want to miss their final show on Friday, June 22 at 7 p.m.  This one is the one that you will remember and treasure long after Fringe is over.  Get your tickets here.

If you need a break from the Fringe, come join Indie Voice Blog as we celebrate the LA Music Critic Awards with a winner’s showcase at The Mint on Pico Boulevard.  Doors open at 6 and there will be live music and awards all night, featuring the music of Lexie Rose, Pam Taylor, Alexis Keegan, Pi Jacobs, Great Willow, The Khourys, Rusty Young of Poco, Cindy Alexander, Ted Russell Kamp of CALICO the Band, Shiragirl and ROCKET.  Tickets are only $13 at the door.  Please join us.

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Artists Worth Checking Out Hollywood Fringe Festival LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday Mashup 2018: vol. 22

It’s another week, and it will be a busy one.  We will be leaving on Sunday to head down to Los Angeles for the Hollywood Fringe Festival.  We have 51 shows on our schedule to review, including about 15 that have submitted for consideration of our Larry Cornwall Award for Musical Excellence.  We will also be  having our second annual LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase on June 19 at The Mint, where we will have some amazing winners perform in support of the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.  Tickets are available online for $10, and will be available at the door for $13.  We hope to see you there.

UNSIGNED ONLY COMPETITION ENDS JUNE 6

The final week of the Unsigned Only “Grand Slam” special promotion has kicked off, running until midnight on June 6 (CST).  All entries will also be included into the 2018 Unsigned Only Music Competition.  This is your very last time to enter, so if you want to enter more songs (or enter for the first time this year), you still have a chance to participate in this year’s competition, but you need to hurry.

Winners for the previous three weeks of the promotion, as well as the current week, will be announced along with all of the other category winners in September 2018.   Just for entering, all entrants will receive 100 free spins to Radio Airplay (regardless of whether you are an existing Radio Airplay member or a new member).  Additionally, every entrant will also be entered into the overall 2018 Unsigned Only competition and have the chance for their music to be heard by a high-profile panel of judges, as well as be eligible to share in over $150,000 in cash and prizes.

HOME RUN | May 30 – June 6 | GET PAID FOR THE WIN – Click Here For Info
Click Here To Enter Your Songs
NEW SINGLES
First up today is a long-time favorite of this blog, and one of the amazing artists signed to Blue Élan Records.  Recent winner of the LA Music Critic Award for Rising Star, here is “Honey, Honey” from the unforgettable Chelsea Williams.

Next up is “Sort Myself Out” from Becoming Bristol, fka The Exchange.  We like the sound of this band and look forward to hearing much more from them.

Single number three today is from a voice familiar to lovers of the TV shows Suits, Lucifer, Bones, Nashville and One Tree Hill.  Gareth Dunlop has a new single that we think you’ll love.  Here is “Blind to the Pain” from his forthcoming EP Many Moons Ago.

https://soundcloud.com/gareth-dunlop-official/blind-to-the-pain

Our fourth single today is from The Cravens, who we have previously reviewed and featured on this blog.  They have a “Message” for you, and we think you’ll be glad to get it.

Our final single today is “Don’t Blink” from John Santiago, frontman for Johnny & the Bootlegs, which we recently reviewed in Get it or Forget it.  Let us know what you think.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is from Lauren Balthrop‘s upcoming September album, This Time Around.  Here is the lyric video for “Down.”

Next is the very retro feel of Peter Cat with his new single “Hand Through Hair.”  Groovy, Baby.

Our third video this week is from one of the newest artists on Blue Élan Records, Red Wanting Blue.  Here is the video for their new single, “High and Dry.”

And now, for something completely different, here is a sneak preview of the new video from Runaway Symphony which will be released on June 12.  Check out this live performance of “The Fall of Man.”

Our final video this week is “All the Way” from Cherry Pools.  We think it’s the perfect segue to summer and a wonderful week.  See you soon.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Hollywood Fringe Festival LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: Vol. 21

We’re back with our final Monday Mashup for the month of May and it’s Memorial Day.  Please take a moment to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to secure and maintain the freedoms that we enjoy.  In the meantime, here’s the latest news in the indie world, as well as five new singles and music videos to get your week started.

HOLLYWOOD FRINGE FESTIVAL

The ninth annual Hollywood Fringe Festival kicks off on Thursday with a week of previews before the Opening Night Party on June 6.  Click on the link above for tickets to more than 380 shows.  We are heading down from Montana on June 10 and will be in town through the end of the Festival on June 24.  We will be reviewing around 50 shows, including 13 being considered for our Larry Cornwall Award for Musical Excellence.  Watch for our See it or Skip it reviews starting June 12.

LA MUSIC CRITIC AWARD WINNERS SHOWCASE

Don’t forget about our showcase on June 19 at The Mint, a world famous venue on West Pico Boulevard in Los Angeles.  We have 10 winners scheduled to perform, plus a special appearance by the original 90’s band Shiragirl prior to them leaving on the final Vans Warped Tour.  Tickets are available by clicking this link.  Don’t miss the chance to see the legendary Rusty Young of Poco perform.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single today comes from Kris Angelis, who has won several of those LA Music Critic Awards, among others.  She is currently working on her follow-up to the award-winning EP Heartbreak is Contagious.  Here is her latest single, “Photobooth.

https://soundcloud.com/krisangelis/photobooth/s-NbTKU

Our second single comes from Sonofa King, the son of the legendary Ben E. King, who has recorded a cover of his father’s biggest hit, “Stand by Me.”  It is part of a tribute album he made, which covers ten songs performed by his dad.  Watch for our album review shortly.

Next up is the new single, “All This Noise,” from the forthcoming EP by Dead Ceremony.  We love the vibe of this future pop hit, and can’t wait to review their EP.

Our fourth single today is so hot you’d be a “Fool” not to love it.  Check out the latest from Canadian R&B singer Sara Diamond.

Our final single is “Just in Case,” courtesy of Christina Custode, an artist we previously featured here on Monday Mashup.  She reminds us of Sara Bareilles, and we love it.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

First up is the band Pros & Icons, who are trying to upstage Taylor Swift by releasing a video cover of her song “I Did Something Bad” before she has the chance to do so.  It is a bold endeavor, and we think they nailed it.  What do  you think?

Next is Franny and Zooey, an Australian duo with heavenly harmonies.  Check out their video for “My Love.”  We want to hear this one on the radio.

Our third video comes from Swedish singer Alice Boman, with a live performance of her song “Heartbeat.”  This one will take your breath away.

Our next music video is for all the David Bowie fans.  Check out “Perfectly Imperfect,” the first video by The Sick Bags.  Let us know what you think.

Our final video this week comes from Stephen Michael Murphy, and is a lyric video for his song “Never Ever Here.”  We think it’s the perfect song to close out this edition of Monday Mashup.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Theatre Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018 – vol. 20

Welcome back to another week at Indie Voice Blog.  We hope you had a wonderful weekend and are ready for another edition of Monday Mashup.  Here’s the latest indie news.

HOLLYWOOD FRINGE FESTIVAL NEWS

Festival organizers announced a slate of community events will take place during the 9th Annual Hollywood Fringe Festival (June 7– 24; previews May 31–June 5).

This year’s event features approximately 380 shows and more than 2,000 performances.  We will be seeing around 50 of those shows, and will be providing daily updates and reviews.  In addition, we will be giving our 2nd annual Larry Cornwall Award for Musical Excellence at the Awards on June 24.

In addition, the Festival has joined with TodayTix for a special deal on tickets which includes admission to the special VIP reception preceding a full night of celebration at the Opening Night Party. For $15, VIPs can fully take advantage of all the excitement that Opening Night has to offer with special perks including:

  • Entry into the VIP Party at 5PM (general admission opens at 6:30)
  • “Fast-pass” style entry (no waiting in line)
  • A drink ticket good for any drink at the bar
  • Special photo op at the HFF Step & Repeat with the HFF staff photographer at the VIP reception
  • An official HFF button that can be used for discounts festival long
  • Exclusive access to the VIP reception including special guest speakers, live performances and more!

Go here for TodayTix Opening Night VIP Party Passes, which are limited and sold on a first-come, first-served basis.  All proceeds go directly back to the Hollywood Fringe Festival community.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single today comes from UK trio I See Rivers.  It is a harmonious explosion of incredibleness, and we think you will really love “Give Up.”

Our next single comes from Australian duo The Dreggs, whose album we recently reviewed.  Here’s their first single, “Feel Alive.”

Next up is a trio of sisters named Von Grey, with the sweet tender ballad, “Plans.”  What do you think of those luscious harmonies?

Our fourth single today comes from another talented alternative folk trio, Wildeor.  Here is the haunting song, “The Devil Makes Three.”

Our final single, “Jonah’s Whale,” comes from the amazing voice of Jon Allen, whose album we reviewed last week.  Enjoy this upbeat and funky tune, and let us know what you think about it.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

First up is an amazing acoustic artist named Em Joy.  Here is “The Feast,” and it’s a visual treat as well.

Our next video is much more rocking, and comes from Animal Confession.  We reviewed their latest album in the same review we covered The Dreggs.  Check out “Ritual,” and have a rocking week.

Our third video is compliments of Shiragirl, who will be our very special guest at the LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase on June 19 at The Mint.  Check out their latest, “Get em Hot,” and don’t miss their upcoming live performances, both at our Showcase and on the Vans Warped Tour.

Our fourth video today is from The Holy Knives, with their classic rock tune “Do You Ever Run?” from their debut album.  We expect to share many more from this amazing group.

Last but not least this week is the upbeat spitting from riVerse for their tune, “Giant.”  This one will get you dancing and give  you something to think about.

 

 

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Hollywood Fringe Festival LA Music Critic Awards Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 12

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).”