Listening Room Blog

The Listening Room was busy over the weekend scouting out new local music, and we hit the jackpot Sunday at the Ossining Eagles Hall.

Credit local punk rockers Fools On Sunday with putting on a five-band gig at the out-of-the-way venue, providing a cool forum for up-and-coming bands from the Lower Hudson Valley.

If you’ve been reading you’ll recall that we told you about Fools On Sunday in January. The band features 13-year-old drummer/singer Evan Seligman, aka “Johnny Lightning,” and is rounded out by his bassist father, Marc Seligman, and multi-talented veteran guitarist Stuart “Long Johns” Lederer.

Fools hosted the Eagles Hall show and invited some pretty impressive local acts. On the roster, in order of appearance, were Screaming Bastards, Forever Her Nightmare, Big Sister and The Jukebox Romantics, closing out with Fools On Sunday.

It’s hard to dismiss any of the first four bands, but The Listening Room walked away impressed with two in particular.

The Jukebox Romantics could be on the verge of something big. The band has an impressive CD out and just filmed three videos in the Big Apple over the weekend. Fronted by singer Chris Schultz, Jukebox features bassist Michael “Bread” Malarky Stratton and is rounded out by three local musicians — drummer Joe Jacobs from White Plains, and guitar players Seth Delton of Tarrytown and Michael Terry from Dobbs Ferry. Creative songwriting, talented performers and lively stage presence. Keep an eye out for these guys.

Big Sister, based in White Plains, should also have a shot at success in the business. The band features Andy Porta on drums, Seth Nicholson on bass, Rob Peralta on guitar and singer/guitarist Lauren West, who does an impressive job fronting the band. Think of No Doubt with a harder edge. Thumbs up on them.

As for Fools On Sunday, we’re already big fans. The band’s young drummer, who is credited with writing their original material as well, can really play, and has obvious musicial chemistry with his father and rhythm section partner.

And Lederer is simply a top-notch guitarist. As a unit the band has good original material and has fun with their covers, including Skynyrd’s “Free Bird” and The Beatles’ “I Want To Hold Your Hand.”

Our recommendation? You can’t go wrong with any of these bands.

Also, keep on eye on shows at the Eagles Hall. It’s a funky little venue that puts on more shows that most realize, with a penchant for zydeco and Cajun.

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