The Nancy Druids at Light Club Lamp Shop November 30, 2018

I had a great time seeing music last Friday at Light Club Lamp Shop.

I was a little slow to get out the door, but I found a quick walking pace, and entered the Lamp shop just as the band were about to start. I got settled in as the acousticish The Nancy Druids opened with Sky. Sean played acoustic guitar but John was on electric bass and Ann Mindell drove the songs with her drums. They followed with a double slice of pop heaven with Vondle Park and Sign and I was in a very happy place. Sean and Ann’s daughter Ariel joined them on cello for a very appropriate December and a cool version of By Design. The cello added a nice flow as they rocked out The Space Between. Ariel was going to leave but the audience wanted more. She played a little Bach (I think that’s what John said it was) that made the audience smile. She really left after that and the trio rocked out Salvation. They tossed in a cover of Year Of The Cat, and while Sean’s voice was a little different from Al’s, his inflections were almost exact. It was beautiful and amazing. After that, Sean put down the acoustic and picked up an electric guitar. I was in a happy place as they rocked out Just Another Day. They still played a little quieter than usual but by the time they got into the middle of I Can’t Remember Who You Were they were close to full speed. They followed with a cool version of Bitter Days then ramped up to full speed for a blistering Halo. Oh, that did my heart a world of good.

After the show I hung out and chatted with Molly King and Loren for a bit, then took the lovely walk home. I was able to get a little rest before Saturday’s 8-6:30 shift that began my work week. It’s going to be a rough two weeks, but after that, I should be back in the swing of things.

Duck Duck Goose, Acoustic Purple, Seth Yacovone at Nectar’s & Benjamin Lazar Davis and Arc Iris at ArtsRiot November 10, 2018

I had a great time seeing music a few Saturday’s ago. A couple of weeks before the show I was contacted out of the blue by Ovi Horta who said he worked with Arc Iris and they appreciated that I play their music a lot and asked if I would like to interview the band to promote their upcoming Burlington show. I said sure, I’d love to, then contacted Tony Gallucci from WBKM and said, hey, it is it possible to do this? We worked out the details and I set up the call and spoke with Zach and played the interview on the November 8th radio show. I was very excited to go see their show on Saturday. I looked around at the other listings and on that same day, what are the odds, was the WBKM birthday party. Sigh.

I worked a 9-5:30 shift then had a little time to chill at home. I headed downtown around 6:30 and was in and settled at Nectar’s as Duck Duck Goose kicked off our birthday party. The trio featuring Julia Beerworth, Josh Glass and Aaron Flinn opened with a cool cover of One More Cup Of Coffee and we were off. Each of the three is a talented performer and songwriter and listening to them enhance each others music was beautiful. Julia sang a song called Trouble for her 2 year old. Josh sang a cool version of New York My Lovely. Aaron sang about So Much Love. Julia lead the voices on The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down then the band pulled out a kind of epic version of Josh’s song What’s In California? I think it was a that point when I began to understand how powerful they can become as a trio. There was some magic that has yet to be fully tapped, but they are well on their way. As the show went on Aaron sang the fun Miss Ready Blossom then Julia regaled us with the gorgeous song about the old Oak Tree. Josh sang a song about having nothing to do except love everything about you and Aaron closed the night with Raise Your Hands. He tossed in some guitar pyrotechnics to keep things fun. I loved every moment of their show.

I hung out and chatted with Tony for a bit then it was time for Acoustic Purple. With Craig Mitchell on vocals and Matthew Bryan Hagen on acoustic guitar, the played a bunch of Prince songs. Mitchell is a legend in this town and his voice comes amazingly close to the legendary performer. They opened with a song about pop life and followed with a down home bluesy Let’s Go Crazy. They sang about how money didn’t matter yesterday and about being irresistible. They sang about contemplating the universe then played one that even a casual Prince fan, such as myself, would know. Nothing Compares 2 U was very cool. They played another cool song then Tony’s wife Ann-Marie joined them on backing vocals for Sweet Thing. She has a really nice voice and it was a treat to hear her. They returned to the duo state for a song about cream then one about things I’ve never done before. They sang one about nipples then closed with Purple Rain. Even acoustic, it was wonderful.

Acoustic Purple with Anne-Marie photo by Tim Lewis

Shortly after the last note, I zipped out the door and headed to ArtsRiot. I got in and listened as Benjamin Lazar Davis played some songs. I only caught four but really enjoyed them. His music had a kind strength that caught me. One song was about brotherly love and one was about Irene. He closed with a song about how somebody’s speaking for me. I’d love to catch a full set by him sometime.

Arc Iris about to begin photo by Tim Lewis

The set break was short then Arc Iris took the stage in dramatic fashion. They opened with Kaleidoscope and followed with If You Can See. Everyone’s Counting On Her was cool and that’s pretty much where my notes fall apart. I just got lost in the spell they weave. Jocie’s voice, guitar and keys fell into gorgeous flowing music. Zach’s keys were lush and graceful. Ray Belli is a stunning drummer and watching him play was captivating. The whole show was great but the song Icons Of Ego stood out and got stuck in my head for several weeks. I loved every moment of that show.

When it was over, I headed back to Nectar’s as Seth Yacovone and his band played homage to Rust Never Sleeps. I got settled and the band played Powederfinger and Cortez the Killer and Like A Hurricane. They played Hey Hey My My and Cinnamon Girl and a few others. Seth is an amazing guitar player and the band were equally fantastic.

Seth Yacovone and his band of the evening photo by Tim Lewis

Barbacoa, Pick Shredder & Stick Shredder and Junktiques band at Junktiques collective, Milton Busker And The Grim Work at Light Club Lamp Shop and Jesse Taylor Band at Radio Bean November 17, 2018

I had a great time seeing music a couple of Saturdays ago. I had one show in mind and saw a couple that lined up nicely with it. I got out of work and had a little time to settle, then took the short walk over to Junktiques Collective. They are an antiques store who have a party every year to celebrate their birthday. They promised lots of music, so I had to stop in.

The normally cluttered store was mostly empty, except for a myriad of collectables on the wall shelves and ceiling. A group of players were in a circle jamming out some polka music I think they were calling themselves the Junktiques band but they were definitely there to celebrate Brechtoberfest. They sang a song called the giveaway song and said that the band was all about diversity. They played a lot of music that I did not go but seemed like it was from a time long ago. They played with styles a little, and overall had an eastern European Gypsy Mariachi vibe. Phin joined in the fun by juggling for a while. It was a fun set.

Soon after Jason sat at the drums and his son plugged in his guitar. I think they called themselves Pick Shredder and Stick Shredder, They rocked out a couple of surf rock instrumentals that were quite fun. It looks like the next generation of musicians is on its way.

Pick Shredder and Stick Shreeder photo by Tim Lewis

Since it was his party, Phin took center stage and recited the poem The Devil And Billy Markham. A guitar player thew in a few quiet licks and the whole presentation was fun.

Soon after that, my watch said it was time to go and I took the shorter than usual walk down to Light Club Lamp Shop. I got in and settled and Milton Busker And The Grim Work began their album release show. With a lush acoustic rock sound they find notes that just bring you up into a happy place. I settled into the show with a smile. They opened with The Basement Song then rocked out Glad To See You Go. They shone beauty into the room with That Person Aside You then spoke about the result of working too much on Baby Let My Money Keep You Warm. The next song was a bit of a Lost Cause then they sang about Jesus In Chains. They sang about letting you down then added some extra weight with 16 Tons Of Gold and Gravity. They bopped their way through Let’s then let loose the gorgeous new song about stars. They sang don’t let me down then ripped out a super-fast Eleanor Rigby. They sang about the Devil’s Hand then played a cool cover I did not know. Ordinary Day started and ended as Milton solo, but the band ripped up the late middle section. They played a song for the internet, then told us about all of the things they have done. We clapped as they stomped and sang there is nothing we can’t do. That was going to end the show but the large audience demanded another. They sang a cool song about dark matter and called it a night.

Milton Busker and the Grim Work photo by Tim Lewis

I headed out quick and took the long walk over to Radio Bean. Jesse Taylor was on and rocking with her band. They had a slow bluesy inviting pop sound. I caught four songs and really enjoyed them. The last was a rocker called Hey You that is pretty cool. I’ll have to check the band out again soon.

I had to work in the morning so I headed towards home, but had to take one more musical chance. I wandered back to Junktiques and made my way into the packed room. Barbacoa were on and rocking hard. Everyone was dancing and having a great time. Phin even danced on his counter. The band were in middle of the instrumental jam that fell into Secret Agent Man and their dark surf sound was wonderful. They finished up then dove into Love Potion #9. They mixed up their trademark instrumentals with originals with words such as the fun version of Dragonfly. They tossed in classics like Stepping Stone, Country Roads, and I Wanna Be Sedated. Everyone was having a great time and it was a fantastic rock and roll vibe. I caught about 10 songs before they called it a night.

I headed out quickly and took the short walk home. It was another incredible night of music in our town.

Humble Hero at The Double E November 23, 2018

I had a great time seeing music Friday night at The Double E… I wandered into the almost full show room around 6:30 and a few minutes later the room filled and Humble Hero began to play. I had seen a couple of acoustic shows in that room and hoped the band would just rock out. David Francis played an acoustic guitar instead of an electric but Jerry’s bass playing rocked and Mike’s drumming was strong and I was in a happy place. They opened with a cowpunk vibe as they asked where is law and order in a song called Fortress. I loved the sound and the way they put the song together and was smiling from the first note. They sang a song about sanctity called Chaos Theory then Jerry sang a song about reconnecting. I think it was called Siren. Dave returned to vocals for a cover of a cover of Dylan’s Senor. A song about being sorry senorita followed then they sang about being by my side. Jerry sang a song about getting the hang of this then Dave lead the band as they rocked out a song called Celebrate. They closed set one with their signature song that some DJ keeps playing. L Ron Hubbard is such a fun song.

During the set break I chatted with cool people like Eric Koval and Hunter Phelps then ducked back in the room when I heard the music play. Dave began the second set solo and the band joined him at the very end of the song about lying in bed like Bryan Wilson would. The band rocked out a song about Claudine which featured some fun lyrics. They pulled out a cover of Radio Nowhere then mixed things up a little. Dave moved to bass and Jerry took the guitar and sang about excusing me my dear if I disappear. They went back to the normal lineup for Gotta Get Away which featured the fun lyric “hello 2am it’s me again.” The room was full of parents and kids and the little ones from the back row requested Where Is My Mind. The band obliged and played a sweet version of the Pixies song. They closed set two with a trio of songs they refer to as the drinking trilogy. The first was a song about drinking a box of wine called The Ocean Song. The line about how my life doesn’t come pre-assembled jumped out. They followed with The Dude At The Bar and closed with an Irish drinking song called The Beer Song. Everybody’s Favorite Irish Drinking Songs Band should really add that one to their roster.

I hung out for the break then settled back in as Dave opened set three solo. He told stories all night long about growing up in Ireland and is an endearing front man. He sang a song about how in the ’60’s a lot of Irish people went to England for work in the building trades and about how many never made it home. The band returned for a fun indie rocker about dear your majesty. A song about unemployment in Ireland called We Govern The Breeze was brilliant then they played a pretty song about a birds eye view. They sang about trust issues on CIA then sang about how people in power have abused people’s trust in Can’t Take Away. A fun indie rocker called Playground got the audience clapping along. I think it was in F sharp minor. They closed the night with a song about a Television Show but the audience wanted more. They encored with a strong quirky rocker called Hollywood that got the kids dancing.

Danny & The Parts and The Leatherbound Books at Sidebar November 24, 2018

I had a great time seeing music Saturday night at SideBar… I arrived a few minutes late but the opening band was putting the final touch on their soundcheck so I hung out and settled in.

After a few minutes, The Leatherbound Books took the stage and played some beautiful songs. They played as a duo with Jackie Buttolph on bass and Eric Daniels on acoustic guitar. Both sang separately at times and sounded lovely when they sang together. They began in an all nonsensical way then invited us to look back and see that these were the days. They wondered if you would ever know my name then sang a breakup song for political affiliations. I guess we should have seen it coming. They sang about sinking like a stone while wandering the street then advised us to Save It For Later. They closed the set with Eric putting some distorted fuzz on the guitar while they played a Buzzcodks song I did not know, but really enjoyed. They play very well together and have an endearing sound. I’m so glad I was there.

After a short break, Danny LeFrancois took the stage. With an electric guitar, he opened with a hard to spot take on Tom Petty’s Don’t Do Me Like That which was really sweet. Eric joined him on bass, Jackie joined him on backing vocals and Brennan sat at the drum kit. With the full band assembled Danny & The Parts sang about how all my dreams float away. They followed with a high energy country rocker about how I don’t want to care anymore. Danny switched to acoustic guitar and the band suggested that maybe there’s a war against you. They pulled out a cover to prove that they are Tougher Than The Rest then sang about how you don’t ever listen to me darling. They played a cheery song about how now that we’re alone I’ve got a feeling that you wanna get home then returned to the boss for I’m On Fire. They got a little shoegazey for a song about this old place and a little bluesy for one about daddy. They seemed happy for the day then switched it up a little and had Eric sing Memphis. Jackie sang a cool song with a huge sound then Danny sang one about how I’ve been down that road. The band left and Danny played a couple of songs solo. One was about it taking so long and the other was about staying alive when you’re gone. The band returned and they rocked out a song about how they don’t really want to come down. They whole show was filled with comforting songs that rocked out now and then. Danny has a great sense of how to write a catchy song, and I’m so glad I was there to hear it.

I said a couple of quick goodbyes and took the long walk home. What a beautiful night.

Steve Harris and British Lion with Coney Hatch at Théâtre Corona in Montreal November 5, 2018

I had a great time seeing music a week ago Monday at Théâtre Corona in Montreal…

The Theater is old, intimate and has a lovely character. There were no seats and the balcony was closed. As people arrived it became clear that it would not be jam packed but there was a good crowd. After a bit Coney Hatch hit the stage. They came out and rocked hard and had fun. They told stories of opening the show for Iron Maiden in 1983 at the Montreal Forum, which was my third rock show ever. Apparently, Steve Harris called them to ask them to open for the Canadian leg of the tour. Hatch sang songs for the ladies and for the guys and tossed in a cover of Angel City’s Marsailles that brought back some pleasant memories. In Fallen Angel they said the riff reminded them of something and slid into a little Radar Love before going back and finishing Angel. They pleased the crowd with a string of familiar songs at the end. Hey Operator and Devil’s Deck were cool but I think everyone was most excited for Monkey Bars which closed the set. It was a fun show.

The set break was the usual 30 minutes then Steve Harris British Lion hit the stage. With a strong singer, a killer drummer, twin ripping guitars and Steve on bass, the band played fast and furious. I had not checked out the album so I just listened and rocked out. The first two seemed to fly by at blistering speed. They lightened up a tiny amount when the singer added a little acoustic guitar on a few songs but most of the set was at Maiden speed. They sang about last chances and being bible black and riding the spitfire. They sang of God and Lucifer and how it’s us against the world. I’m pretty comfortable listening to bands play songs I don’t know so I got into the flow and loved every rocking moment. Seeing Steve from 20 feet away was great. He never sings into the microphone but always sings the words and it was nice to be close enough to see it. They played a brand new song for us that was cool then closed the set with a mini epic called Judas. They said that would have closed the set, but did not want to do the leave and come back thing. They stayed on stage and rocked out two more at a stunning pace. What a great show. They shook hands with the front row, tossed out some guitar picks, took a bow and said goodnight.

The Radio Bean Birthday party with many bands November 3, 2018

I had a great time seeing music Saturday at Radio Bean and Light Club Lamp Shop. Every year, at this time, The Bean throws a birthday party and celebrates with music all day and night. This year they turned 18 and had 102 scheduled acts. I got going nice and early and arrived a little after 8am. I chatted with Molly King and Loren for a bit then Danny LeFrancois took the stage. Apparently, his band The Parts slept in, so he played the show solo. He began playing acoustic guitar and built a loop. He added a bit of voice and let it go as he moved back to the drum kit and rocked for a bit. He returned to guitar and vocals for a cover of a Petty song that was subtle and cool. He played a couple of sweet original songs that made me smile, then said thank you good morning.

Up next Loren grabbed his bass and headed to the stage. He was joined by Ted Looby on guitar and the mighty The Steph Pappas Experience began to rock. Steph has a strong voice and is a great guitar player too. Several audience members joined in on percussion as she sang about cowyboys and waterboys. She wrapped the three song set with one about going out on the highway. She’s so cool.

I slid into the Bean and caught a couple of songs by Miriam Bernardo and Seth Eames. He had a nice voice and played acoustic guitar. Miriam has an incredibly soulful voice and it’s always a treat to hear her sing. They sang a duet on a song about going away to the promised land then she regaled us with a song about how surely you were meant to be mine. It was wonderful.

I stayed at the Bean as Joe Adler and his huge band scrunched themselves onto the stage. Joe’s deep voice lead the way as they rocked out a song about going down the road. They followed with Tom Waits’ Bella Ciao then let it slowly slip into Come Together. The audience had fun singing along. It was a great set.

I peeked into the Lamp shop and someone was setting up so I hustled back to the Bean and soon it was time for Caroline Marie to take the stage. She played keys and laid her sultry voice on us as Adam Frehm added some sweet electric guitar. Her long flowy gentle smokey rock sounded great. The first song had a nice trance vibe as did her second, Disco Shaman, through that was a little more uptempo. Both sounded great and I was in a happy place for every moment.

I timed it perfectly as Ryan Ober and The Romans began to play. They oozed talent and played a couple of really cool rock songs. They played an older cover that I did not know from 1951, and had the crowd rocking. Bob Wagner sat in on the last song and it sounded like an old blues rock song. Towards the end Ryan and Bob had twin ripping guitar leads going and it was a wonder to behold.

I popped back to the Bean and Brett Hughes and the Honky Tonk band were on. They played a song about a lawyer then a sweet one about hearing a whistle blowing last night. The last song had a ’50’s noir surf rock feel as they sang I’m coming home. Lowell Thompson ripped out a sweet lead that kept me smiling.

I popped back to the Lamp Shop and Francesca Blanchard was about to start. She sang a song about an ex-girlfriend that was pretty amusing. She played a delightful new song about how the world is turning slightly off kilter. She closed with a gorgeous cover of Dylan’s Make You Feel My Love. I love her music so much.

I meant to head back to the Bean to catch Kim Jordan but they said it was at capacity so I ducked back into the Lamp Shop. Ivamae got up to play and the room became pin drop silent, as usual. With a strong voice and a quiet electric guitar she emits a ton or power and melted me from the first note. Her second song was a cool one called Honey Bee and she wrapped up the enchanting set with one that ended tell me what you might be.

It was getting close to a crucial time so I ducked back to the Bean and was able to get in. I got settled as SWALE took the stage. They opened with Eric Olsen singing a powerhouse version of Eighteen. I love that Alice Cooper song and they did a great version of it. Up next was a brand new song called Shrug It Out that was cool. I think it was about how we can see everyone you’ve ever been. They closed with a cover that I did not know but loved. It was a dark heavy rocker and Amanda Gustafson let loose her powerhouse voice. It was an amazing set.

I think Brett and Kat were going on in the Lamp Shop but it looked crowded so I stayed at the Bean to catch Yes Darling. They were a duo with Ryan Montbleau singing and playing guitar and Haley Jane unleashing her powerful voice on us. They had a whole act of a bickering couple that was quite amusing. They played songs about kissing your lips then punching you in the face and how you would be cool if you reached your potential. It’s hard to describe how good it was, but everyone in the room had a smile.

I hung out at the Bean as Anal Knievel took the stage. You can guess what he began talking about.

I ducked over to the Lamp Shop as Paper Castles began to play. Their relaxed off kilter flowing pop music was a beautiful place get lost in. The music was airy and joyous and I loved going with the flow. They ended the three song set with one about how I’m all right and kept me smiling.

I headed back to the Bean and Osage Orange were on and playing a song about a medicine girl. They had a cool low fi indie sound that kept me in a happy place. They did a nice version of Buddy Holly’s Everyday then closed with a song about seeing my ghost in the darkness. They are so cool.

Up next, the mighty Miku Daza took the stage. Their sax player was missing but the power trio charged ahead at full rock throttle. They sang about not needing you and how you don’t make it easy so I’m gonna make it hard. They played a powerhouse version of Flaca Daza, and late in the song Sugar the clown made an appearance. She stood on the bar at the back and dove into the arms of the audience. She was carried to the front then danced madly on and off the stage. The band let Flaca transition into Panic and we danced hard. Before the last song the band removed their shirts. Don’t worry, Miku had a bra and the guys had tape over their nipples so no one had to be shocked. The band ripped up a killer version of the song about the tree I’m climbing and called it a night. Wow.

Up next, Jeremy Rayburn got up to speak. He was very glad that the eighteen year old Radio Bean would not be drafted, and said other nice things about the wonderful place.

As he spoke, the band set up behind him. When ready, Cave Bees hit us hard and heavy with Juliet. They followed with another cool new song called Happy Man. It had a ripping bass line and Creston let loose a killer lead guitar break. They followed with another brand new one called Future Now that was really good too. They kept the pace at full speed for Golden Goose and closed the set by rocking the Queen City tonight. It’s always a great time when they play.

Dre followed with a story about meeting someone at the Bean and going on an adventure. It was fun, and she used it to describe how many people have met at the Bean and gone on to create wonderful stories. She did a nice job capturing the magical community that inhabits the Bean.

As she left the stage Nico Suave and the Bodacious Supreme began to play. They opened hard and heavy with Over The Hills And Far Away. Nicole’s powerhouse voiced filled the room. They stayed with Zeppelin for the whole set and ripped up Heartbreaker. I thought they might let it go into Living Loving Maid but they took a turn and dropped it into Communication Breakdown. It was glorious.

A trio who identified as robots and binary followed. The Tsunamibots taught us to surf and rocked us hard. They sang of the surfing craze in the robotic age and murder robots on holiday. They wrapped the set with a song about a young robot trying to catch its first wave, then sang CO2 You Later. I love them so much.

Up next, The Eames Brothers Band band took the stage and turned the night a little bluesy. The first one had slow smokey sound and was about missing you in the night. They took us back to the days of old and locked into a long cool relaxed blues jam. They sang a song about how it’s been a long time coming up to this day, then closed with a fun funky song. They are immensely talented.

The stage emptied then filled with Kat Wright and her amazing band. It was late at this point and I was tired but basked in the gorgeous glowing music that they treated us to. Kat’s voice was right on and the band were super tight, even if the horn players had to be on the other side of the sound desk. Bob Wagnerr played a sweet lead on guitar during the second song and the whole room swayed for their entire set. They closed with a super cool version of The River. I don’t see them nearly as often as I would like, so I’m really glad I stuck around.

Lee Anderson came up to speak and told a couple of stories about this wonderful place he has created. A cake appeared and we all sang Happy Birthday.

At this point I needed a grand piano to prop up my mortal remains, but I had to hang out. Julia Caesar opened the set with a brand new song about singing, for it’s the thing that they do. They followed with a familiar song about how it was winter when she chose to blur the lines. Megan Wild Rice had a ripping guitar lead break on Nosedive, then they closed with another brand new one. I think it was about Mars changing direction. They are always amazing.

I was exhausted but loved the next band too, so I had to stay for one more set. Preece came on as a trio with Jer Coons playing bass. Their blistering fast loud indie rock was full of joy. They opened with Waste Of Time then followed with Girl In My Bed. I missed the names of the last three but rocked hard to all of them. Preece are truly amazing.

There was at least one more band, but I just had nothing left. I ducked out and took the short walk home. The Radio Bean birthday party is a great opportunity to check out music and I’m so glad that I did.

November 2018