There are so many really cool layers to this project, including an illustrated storybook by Chris Hingel and live projections of the artwork.

As you may have seen, we here at The Listening Room have been following the progression of this saga, posting pieces of the story over the past few weeks. Be sure to read on to see what’s happening next in this fantastical world Mr. Feldman has so artfully crafted for us. (Here’s the past posts if you need to catch up.)

But hold up! Before you start reading, you should also know that Feldman is trying to raise some money to support the printing of the hardcover storybooks. You can purchase tickets and pledge money towards to the books by visiting this Website.

Feldman says the style of music is influenced by classic rock, jam, jazz, progressive, Latin, world music, and much more. If you’ve ever heard Mercury Landing, then you know the boy’s not afraid to mix up styles!

The Green Emerald performance will take place at 8 p.m Dec. 4th and 5th at the Bowery Poetry Club, located at 308 Bowery in Manhattan.

THE GREEN EMERALD BAND consists of 7 all-star members involved in New York’s vibrant music scene:

Corey J. Feldman (Guitar/Vocals) – www.mercurylanding.com
Kat Rees – (Vocals) – www.myspace.com/katreesmusic
Dan Griffith (Guitar) – www.myspace.com/stiltsmusic
Matt Robbins (Keyboards) – www.myspace.com/mattrobbinsjazz
Nick Hundley (Bass Guitar) – www.myspace.com/linfinity – www.myspace.com/shilparay
John Adamski – (Drums) – www.juliusc.com
Devon Caesar (Narrator)

VII – “Prophets for Profit (Santa Fe)”

SPOKEN
The King had his prophets,
Who praised what he dreamed.
Their interpretation,
Was not what it seemed.
His dark and evil eyes,
Inspired such great fear,
They only said the words that,
King Hania liked to hear.

SONG V1
Your watery eyes are dripping numbers for the lottery.
The pottery that’s lumbering and slumbering,
It’s not her call, there’s nothing on the wall,
But a picture, and a flyer, and a fire alarm,
And a camera on an arm,
The table’s made of silt, yeah that fine weathered clay,
It may just harden Santa Fe.

V2
I sit here, I ponder, I write, and I stare.
I don’t even know, if I’m yet aware,
Of what, how, or who, is making me see,
The third person view like I’m on TV.

CHORUS
In a room between the King and the outside wind,
The music of the spheres is slightly thinned,
But thick enough to cut a slice away – Santa Fe.

V3
Prophets for profit, our thoughts equal gold.
We give the King his favorite words even as we’re told,
The sire’s desires to rule the world.
The prophets will get it right, in the end it’s they who fold.

CHORUS

Outro
(this part represents the King’s desire to take over specific places in the world)
Santa Fe, San Diego, San Francisco, Acapulco, Kansas City, Tallahassee, New York City, Santa Fe.

VIII – “Shapes on Drapes”

SPOKEN
These be the thoughts,
Of a princess so wise.
Her dreams would bring color,
To her dreary eyes.
The images her mind had forged,
Would make her see the light,
Reflected as both blue and red,
The goal had come in sight.

SONG
A girl walks in a room.
She stares at the drapes.
All she can decipher,
Are lots of different shapes.
The circles and the squares,
Each one caught her eye,
But something there was missing,
She thought that she could try,

To feel a fourth dimension,
A reflection in time.
In order to discover it,
There must be a crime,
To steal or covet anything,
To harm someone or kill,
To figure out the question true,
A prophecy fulfilled.

CHORUS
Circles, squares, and shapes galore,
But something made her want much more,
She sensed that something was in store,
It boiled to her very core.

V2
The girl looked at the drapes again,
The circles slightly glowing.
The squares were growing larger now,
She knew where this was going.
She reached out to the curtain,
Now emotions like a flood,
Squares and circles colored red,
Were painted by her blood.

She cringed a moment, thoughts had froze,
Did not know what to do.
Her finger had a diamond ring,
Which now was turning blue,
But bleeding underneath she ripped,
The ring right from her hand,
She jabbed her fist right through the window’s
Glass, which turned to sand.

CHORUS
Circles squares and shapes galore,
But something made her want much more,
She sensed that something was in store,
It boiled to her very core.

IX – “The King’s Jewel”

SPOKEN
Buried deep beneath,
A canyon cut so high,
King Hania found the Emerald.
This was not a lie.
And the Legend of Lord Artus,
Through many years was taught.
Passed down to the present,
It rang true with every thought.
The King had used the Emerald for its,
Power all to gain.
He didn’t know the question.
So the answer he would feign.
And very few would even dare,
To cross King Hania’s path,
For if you were to test him,
You would feel his wrath.

SONG

They all stared at their TV screens,
The King held up the jewel.
The Emerald was glimmering,
But they knew his intent was cruel.
He glared into the camera lens.
He didn’t even twitch.
He asked the jewel his question,
“Will our nation soon be rich?”

CHORUS (In the King’s mind)
It’s all so well timed in my head
Did you hear that thing I said?
It’s all so well timed in my head.
Instead of being something I didn’t see ahead.
It’s all so well timed in my head
Did you hear that thing I said?
It’s all in my head.

VERSE 2
Though the people heard the answer, “Yes!”
The truth was still concealed.
Many knew his claim was false,
And soon it’d be revealed.
Now he saw the wish in hand,
But he couldn’t speak the phrase.
The thing his mind just could not grasp,
It ended in a blaze.

CHORUS

BRIDGE
On the deserted plateaus of the higher southwest,
The bloodiest battle would determine who’s best.
For 48 hours not a soldier would rest,
Until the King would win or new royalty be blessed.
Battalions of the King were frightened to win or lose,
They knew they’d lost direction of which path they’d like to choose.
It was chosen for them, and they knew this to be true.
Their fate had left them empty, and there was nothing they could do.

V3
Covet all the mountains, the hills, and plateaus,
The ruins, canals, and lagoons.
Desire the poetry, the stories, and prose,
And all of the jewels of the moon, so he would,
Take all he pleases because he’s the King,
And his subjects would follow along.
“You’ll fight for your country, and you’ll bring,
Havoc to those who do wrong.”
But he didn’t have the question, and ignored the blank stare
He received from his stone, but he was still aware,
That his wish to rule the world could only come true
If he did without seeing… red… green… or blue.

A special Halloween concert will be taking place from 7-9 p.m. Oct. 29 at Kenny’s Castaways in New York City to benefit Farm Sanctuary, an organization devoted to ending cruelty to farm animals.

On the bill are the musical acts HERE, Athena Reich, and Debra from Devi. Farm Sanctuary President and Co-founder Gene Baur will also be on hand throughout the night.

The show is 21+ and costs $10. Kenny’s is located at 157 Bleecker St., between Sullivan and Thompson Streets.

As you could imagine, a lot of CDs grace my desk here at LoHud. And most of them are very good—the caliber of local musicians here in the Lower Hudson Valley really is astounding.

But there is something about Justin’s music that really strikes a chord.

Before his death, Justin had recorded six original songs under the name of his band, The Ivoryton Piano Factory. He planned to release his first album, “Permagrin,” but passed away before he could see it through.

His father, however, started the Justin Veatch Fund and committed to finish his son’s dream CD.

The result — “Permagrin: The Music of Justin Veatch by The Ivoryton Piano Factory and Friends” — is now available, with all proceeds going to support music scholarships for college-bound students pursuing a music education. The fund awarded its first scholarship in June.

There is undoubtedly a certain melancholy to Justin’s songs, which were salvaged from his home studio. The lyrics are powerful and mature: “Hey mom and dad, come look at this photograph. Even though it’s black and white there was so much color in our eyes.” (How could a parent hear that and not just melt inside?)

In addition to Justin’s own recordings, numerous other artists have contributed to the CD by covering his songs. There are 14 tracks in all on the disk.

Personally, I enjoy the originals best. Justin felt a strong connection to his music, and that comes across quite clearly in each of the songs. May he rest in peace…

Listen to some of the tracks on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/theivorytonpianofactory

Corey J. Feldman, founder of the NYC-based band Mercury Landing, is in the process of creating a rock opera. Kindly, he has agreed to share a new piece of it each week with us here in the Listening Room.

“The Green Emerald,” as the opera has been named, is almost three years in the making. An illustrated storybook will also accompany the performance of the opera, which will take place at 8 p.m Dec. 4th and 5th at the Bowery Poetry Club, located at 308 Bowery in Manhattan.

Below we have the sixth installment, entitled “Wonder in Aliceland.” Click here for all previous entries. Enjoy!

VI – “Wonder in Aliceland”

These be the thoughts,
The shaded dreams he’d find,
Buried deep within,
King Hania’s inner mind.
He believed he was an idol,
For children all around,
As his face was seen on TV,
But the truth would soon be found.

SONG (starts with a chorus)

*Fly your dreams away from here,
Into a crystal sparkling sphere,
Of colored cubes a Rubik’s fable,
A fairy tale for kids on cable.

V1
Catch me with your camera,
Confront me with your lies,
I’ll give you something good to think on,
Which your thoughts will rise.
Images in front of me,
A box of colors I can’t see.
They say my blood is made of steel,
Of mercury I cannot feel.

*Fly your dreams away from here,
Into a crystal sparkling sphere,
Of colored cubes a Rubik’s fable,
A fairy tale for kids on cable.

Seek me with your spotlight,
Approach me with your blade.
Sense of something iridescent,
That the blacksmith made.
First impression lost in sand,
Then filtered through my holy hand,
To see myself in my reflection,
Sand is glass in introspection.

*Fly your dreams away from here,
Into a crystal sparkling sphere,
Of colored cubes a Rubik’s fable,
A fairy tale for kids on cable.

Corey J. Feldman, founder of the NYC-based band Mercury Landing, is in the process of creating a rock opera. Kindly, he has agreed to share a new piece of it each week with us here in the Listening Room.

“The Green Emerald,” as the opera has been named, is almost three years in the making. An illustrated storybook will also accompany the performance of the opera, which will take place at 8 p.m Dec. 4th and 5th at the Bowery Poetry Club, located at 308 Bowery in Manhattan.

Below we have the fifth installment, entitled “Hania and Aiyana.” Click here for all previous entries. Enjoy!

V– “Hania and Aiyana”

He rules Santa Fe,

*****

For thousands of years the stone stayed unturned,

But throughout the ages the beings, they yearned.

Even unknowing of its powerful force,

Their souls longed for some sense of pride to endorse.

But the King was a wall of terror and fear,

His face on the TV’s, his eyes they would peer,

Into the souls of his people divine,

He’d look to his prophets to show him a sign.

*The people would nod and politely agree,

To appease their sworn leader who’d signed some decree,

But all they could need can be found in the mind,

Without a true leader their thoughts were all blind.

And so came the savior, our Master of Zen.

She fought in two wars, her weapon a pen.

Though many had died from her sword and her gun,

Her writing inspired all except one.

The King of Santa Fe though his word was the law.

His absolute power was an absolute flaw,

This ruthless leader was met with respect,

But so many wished for someone else to elect.

*The people would nod and politely agree,
To appease their sworn leader who’d signed some decree,
But all they could need can be found in the mind,
Without a true leader their thoughts were all blind.

Aiyana sent her letters to battalions abroad,

And she’d covertly mention that the King was a fraud,

Cause everyone knew this fact to be true.

He’d get on TV telling all the people what to do, saying,

“Just because it’s blood doesn’t mean you show you’re weak,

Even if the situation seems it’s never been so bleak.

Say less than you should and you’ll find all that you seek,

Cause then you will have done it, and your life is at its peak.”

*The people would nod and politely agree,

To appease their sworn leader who’d signed some decree,

But all they could need can be found in the mind.

There’s one to look deep, and she’d surely find,

The key to unlocking the truth of the world.

She’d see through the fear the King plainly unfurled.
Aiyana, the warrior, her skills surpassed by none.

As a Master of Zen, she was the chosen one.

Corey J. Feldman, founder of the NYC-based band Mercury Landing, is in the process of creating a rock opera. Kindly, he has agreed to share a new piece of it each week with us here in the Listening Room.

“The Green Emerald,” as the opera has been named, is almost three years in the making. An illustrated storybook will also accompany the performance of the opera, which will take place at 8 p.m Dec. 4th and 5th at the Bowery Poetry Club, located at 308 Bowery in Manhattan.

Below we have the fourth installment, entitled “Ask the Wrong Question.” Click here for all previous entries. Enjoy!

IV – “Ask the Wrong Question”

With the trust of his people,

How it would stay.

*****

Throughout his whole life Lord Artus had hoped,

For a wish from the stone.  It was never received.

He tricked own kind to believe his little lie,

That the earth had the color, they just had to believe.

They left all their homes near a far away star,

To spray paint their eyes without leaving a scar.

They never suspected the Lord to betray,

Their race to a place where they shouldn’t stay.

One would save or strand them all,

And their hopes to see hues with their own eyes.

Many a millennia would pass on by as they,

Waited and yearned amidst their own cries.

Some of his friends found it hard to believe,

Lord Artus’ words were a spark to ignite,

An exodus from their home to earth,

For many whose color had just come to light.

This handful of people the Lord called his friends,

Left and went home without making amends.

They knew that his plan was all just a ruse,

For power on Earth, his power to choose,

A path for his people astray from their homes,

From their old gray star, where his friends sat alone.

They knew that Lord Artus would spend all his days,

Extracting a wish from the lyrical jewel,

But he’d never get it deceiving his race.

They’d turn on him, the ignorant fool.

*Ask the wrong question, repeat the wrong phrase.

The query is simple, look you in the face.

Get the wrong answer, or say the wrong word.

Solutions are simple, it’s something you’ve heard.

Greed will create more than 5000 years,

Of hopeful and hopeless spirits in flux,

As each and every man will face all his fears.

The stone laid unturned, and it would be the crux,

Of all human kind to find their own answer,

But first they would have to seek out the stone,

Which Artus would bury away from his people,

And for 5000 years it would sit there alone.

Lord Artus could not merely understand,

The joke that the stone was playing on him,

And so he died such a greedy man.

He buried the emerald, a choice on a whim.

He sentenced his brothers and sisters to Earth,

A prison where they would spend all of their days,

Forcing each man to judge his own worth without,

Knowing the colorless truth of their age.

*Ask the wrong question, repeat the wrong phrase.
The query is simple, look you in the face.
Get the wrong answer, or say the wrong word.
Solutions are simple, it’s something you’ve heard.

Corey J. Feldman, founder of the NYC-based band Mercury Landing, is in the process of creating a rock opera. Kindly, he has agreed to share a new piece of it each week with us here in the Listening Room.

“The Green Emerald,” as the opera has been named, is almost three years in the making. An illustrated storybook will also accompany the performance of the opera, which will take place at 8 p.m Dec. 4th and 5th at the Bowery Poetry Club, located at 308 Bowery in Manhattan.

Below we have the third installment, entitled “Colors from the Shades.” Click here for all previous entries. Enjoy!

III – “Colors from the Shades”

The ancient humans,

Reveals red, green, and blue.

*****

Lord Artus, an ancient man,

Brought his vessel from afar,

To the moon of the planet Earth,

Cast third from a tiny star.

Lord Artus truly believed his eyes,

Could see color without the Green,

Emerald’s power, but no one else,

Believed those colors could be seen.

*Lord Artus said:

“Don’t you see the brown in all this gray that seems to fade.

If we stay here long enough, we’ll see the colors from the shades.”

Lord Artus had voyaged for many years,

To bring his people a rainbow of joy.

From the stark and gray moon, and facing his fears,

His outward ideas were suddenly coy.

Digging through dust for days on end,

Lord Artus did find his precious rock,

Then stood before each of his friends,

And wished for color, the secret still locked.

*Lord Artus said:

“Don’t you see the brown in all this gray that seems to fade.

If we stay here long enough, we’ll see the colors from the shades.”

“I see what you are saying,” they told him, “Maybe we should stay.
That gray could be a little brown, and maybe red some day.”

Lord Artus stood tall and tried to convince,

His people that their wish had surely come true.

The emerald had color to splash on their eyes,

And earth was its answer – red, green, and blue,

And earth was its answer – red, green, and blue,

And earth was its answer – red, green, and blue,

And earth was its answer – red, green, and blue,

And earth was its answer – red, green, and blue.

*Lord Artus said:

“Don’t you see the brown in all this gray that seems to fade.

If we stay here long enough, we’ll see the colors from the shades.”

“I see what you are saying,” they told him, “Maybe we should stay.
That gray could be a little brown, and maybe red some day.”

A year ago this week music lost one of its great talents, Pink Floyd’s Richard Wright.

Like George Harrison, John Paul Jones, and Phil Lesh, Rick Wright is the unsung hero of his band. Because of this, one of rock’s greatest keyboardists, songwriters, and singers is not credited often enough for…being one of rock’s greatest keyboardists, songwriters, and singers.

The first person you will hear singing on Pink Floyd’s first song on their debut album is none other than Rick. The beautiful harmony you hear on Floyd’s masterpiece “Echoes” is Rick singing along with Dave Gilmour.  The closing moments of “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” are written by Rick, and he manages to take you somewhere you’ve never been before with his unique synthesizer notes.

Perhaps most importantly, half the songs written on The Dark Side of the Moon, one of the top-selling albums of all time, were co-written by Mr. Wright.  He may only sing lead vocals on one song and have limited solos, but the ambiance and feel of the album is his doing more than anyone else.  While Roger Waters provided brilliant and timeless lyrics, Rick gave them life and sound.

After the “Wish You Were Here album,” Rick’s songwriting with the band dwindled to nothing, and he released a solo album in 1978.  He would not contribute a song or a lead vocal until 1994’s “Division Bell,” where he co-wrote five out of the eleven tracks.  ”Wearing the Inside Out” featured him singing lead vocals on a Floyd album for the first time in 21 years.  It is one of the album’s best songs.

In 1996, he released another solo album called “Broken China.”  I urge anyone who is a fan of Pink Floyd to purchase this album.

After performing on two of the tracks on Dave Gilmour’s 2006 solo album On An Island, Rick joined Gilmour for the tour.  Although the ticket had Gilmour’s name, for all intents and purposes you were hearing half of Floyd, and Rick was the frontman on various songs.  At the show I attended at Radio City Music Hall, he received a tremendously loud and enduring applause after his name was announced. I read that he received this ovation at all the shows.

It is an awful feeling knowing Pink Floyd will never again perform as a whole due to Rick losing his battle with cancer.  We are lucky they reunited briefly in 2005 for the Live 8 show in London.  We are even luckier that we don’t live in the time of Mozart or Beethoven where their music could not be recorded, and Rick Wright’s music can never die.

Below are some interesting lesser-known Floyd songs that Rick had a hand it composing – enjoy.

Remember a Day
Paintbox
Summer ‘68
Burning Bridges
Pan Am Shuffle
Marooned

Corey J. Feldman, founder of the NYC-based band Mercury Landing, is in the process of creating a rock opera. Kindly, he has agreed to share a new piece of it each week with us here in the Listening Room.

“The Green Emerald,” as the opera has been named, is almost three years in the making. An illustrated storybook will also accompany the performance of the opera, which will take place at 8 p.m Dec. 4th and 5th at the Bowery Poetry Club, located at 308 Bowery in Manhattan.

Below we have the second installment, entitled “The Green Emerald.” Click here for all previous entries. Enjoy!

(Note: Italics are spoken word intros; one asterisk designates the chorus.)

II – “The Green Emerald”

It was 5000 years,

Before the evil King.

When an ancient race of humans,

Had another song to sing.

Their eyes were robbed of color.

Their souls were full of pride.

They searched out the Green Emerald.

Heads high with every stride,

On the path to a small moon,

Of a planet known as Earth.

It’s where the stone had rested,

Soon after its birth but,

To ask the right question,

Is a task of the wise,

For it’s only true wisdom that brings,

Hues to sullen eyes.

*****

They were a long way from home,

Without a color to be seen.

Stranded all alone they’d find,

A stone they saw as green.

*These travelers of stars so gray,

Colorblind they’d live for love.

But found no help in their drained shade,

They needed color from above, above, above.

They found the jewel not far from Earth,

Shining and glowing under dust.

So thick with gray before its birth,

It didn’t know whom it could trust.

Alive and dead the stone would choose,

The path of the righteous, yet ignorant fools.

Unless some power found the stone,

And knew its secret to the throne.

*These travelers of stars so gray,

Colorblind they’d live for love.

But found no help in their drained shade,

They needed color from above, above, above.

They found the jewel not far from Earth,

Shining and glowing under dust.

So thick with gray before its birth,

It didn’t know whom it could trust.

The dawn and dusk of time were etched.

Into this stone, through space it stretched.

Ask the right question just one time and,

Splash all those colors into your minds.

So goes the legend of the jewel,

That many have seeked, all but one a fool.

A princess born to an evil man,

A ruthless king with a sinister plan.

*These travelers of stars so gray,

Colorblind they’d live for love.

But found no help in their drained shade,

They needed color from above, above, above.

They found the jewel not far from Earth,

Shining and glowing under dust.

So thick with gray before its birth,

It didn’t know whom it could trust.

“The Green Emerald,” as the opera has been named, is almost three years in the making, and we here on the blog will be getting a weekly glimpse into each of the 13 songs in the project.

An illustrated storybook is also in the making to accompany the performance of the opera, which will take place at 8 p.m Dec. 4th and 5th at the Bowery Poetry Club, located at 308 Bowery in Manhattan.

We kick things off this week with song one, “The Prologue.” As you will see, it’s already shaping up to be quite the tale! So away we go…

I – “The Prologue”

Here is the Green Emerald,

Its journey like a maze.

Timeless in its essence,

Inscribed it spoke this phrase:

“Created by the Universe:

Just wish upon this stone.

You must ask the question true,

Its power stands alone.”

The Legend of the Emerald,

Was known through all the Earth.

The rumors said that it contained,

The truth of humans’ birth.

Though traveled far and wide it did,

The stone fell in the hands of an,

Evil King whose many thoughts,

Conspired evil plans.

Ephemeral, we’re fading fast.

The Emerald was found to last,

Above the King and his whole clan,

The stone had always known his plan.

All his life he worked but all for naught,

The knighted fighters he had taught,

The zen of martial arts, but they’d quit,

Or rebel against his lack of wit.

****

“They will bow to me.

Soon they will see,

The error of their ways.

They will know my gaze.

They will fear my reign!

They will know my name!

They will think that they are free.

I will fulfill the prophecy.

The prophets foretold of my strength,

Enduring a timeless spacious length.

They will fear my reign!

They will know my name!”

****

Power now was all to see,

The cost in lives was far from free.

The Emerald could see the past,

The vision there would never last.

(Photo courtesy of Richard Drew/AP.)

The New York Times reports that Paul died of complications from pneumonia at White Plains Hospital.

A pioneer of musical invention, Paul developed an electric guitar that gave rise to the next generation of rock and roll. Pete Townsend of The Who, Steve Howe of Yes and Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin are among those who made the Les Paul guitar their signature instrument.

Paul also introduced multi-track recording, which enabled artists to record different tracks at different times and then mix them into a finished recording.

Now don’t get me wrong. I don’t do this often. It’s just that I recently returned from a nice little vacation that included some historic musical experiences and I’m still riding high on the thrill of it all.

I started off strong with AC/DC at the Meadowlands in New Jersey. The concert took place on Friday, Aug. 31, which if you think back was a day of thunderous storms. Armed with a poncho and waterproof hiking boots, however, I saw this as only adding to the excitement of what was quite possibly AC/DC’s final show.

I took the day off so we could get there nice and early, and after blasting tunes while drinking cheap beers and Jack Daniels in the pouring rain, we were ready to rock out to one of the most insanely energetic bands to ever command the stage.

Seriously, these guys give it all they’ve got every time. And the fans give it right back. That’s part of the magic of an AC/DC show — the raw energy that’s exchanged at every turn. For an awesome review of the show that I can’t even attempt to top, check out Errol’s Weekly Music Update. I definitely consider myself lucky to have been part of the experience that night. Thank you — as always — Brian, Angus, Malcolm, Cliff and Phil.

After a stop at Burger King on the way home (it was gluttonous and glorious), we didn’t end up getting home until around 3 a.m. And I had to be up at 4:30 a.m. to make it to the airport for a flight to Colorado. I don’t know how, but after a quick nap I was up and at ‘em. After all, I was on my way to see Phish at Red Rocks with one of my best friends in the world. What could be better??

Drove down to LaGuardia Airport, no problem. Parked, no problem. Went to check in, problem. Big problem.

The gate was closed, and no one was saying why. I was told to move to the other side of the terminal, and so I did. When I got there, I was told to move to the other side of the terminal, and so I did. Repeat. Repeat again. It was like a pinball game, with all the travelers as balls. To tell you the truth, I was too tired to even care. I just wanted to sleep. I grabbed a turkey sandwich (even though it was only 6 a.m.) and became part of the herd.

Turns out there was a bomb scare and they closed the airport. Great. Wonderful. We all were shepherded like cattle outside, not really knowing what was going on. I actually ran into an old college friend, though, which was awesome, so I was cool. Here we are:

After sitting in the street for a while and catching up, we decided to go to my car, which was nearby, for a nap. Zzzzz. Ah, that was nice. Woke up like an hour later to a text message from my friend in San Fran (who I would be meeting in Colorado) saying the airport was open again. Sweet.

It was obviously a mess inside and lots of flights were being canceled, including several to Denver, which was where I was heading. My flight, thankfully, was still on. Originally scheduled for 7:30 a.m., we didn’t take off until close to 2 p.m., but at least I was airborne.

After landing in Denver, I met up with my friend Jamie (of previous LoHud blog fame) and we headed in our sporty rental car to the Holiday Inn. The original game plan had been to hit up Red Rocks Saturday night to try to score tickets in the lot, but at this point it was too late and I was too exhausted. So we opted to just grab a good meal in Denver (which turned out to be REALLY good) and then head over to Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom to see Conspirator with Break Science opening. Aside from the fact that these acts were raging (which I’ll get to), it turns out this was a smart move. The next day in the Phish lot we heard people were asking for between $300 and $500 per ticket. Really, people?? Come on. Face value was $60.

Anyways, I literally jumped on my friend when she told me Break Science was opening that night because I had just met and interviewed drummer Adam Deitch a few days earlier in Katonah.

We were literally among the first three people to enter the venue, which immediately reminded my of the Wetlands Preserve in New York City — at least in terms of overall vibe. Layout wise the two places couldn’t be more different, but between the psychedelic bathroom murals, old wooden floor, and heady atmosphere, I immediately felt like I was back home at the shut-down Tribeca Mecca.

Sure I was exhausted by this point, but the second the music started I came back to life. Break Science is just Deitch on drums and Borahm Lee mixing beats on keys and laptop, but the sound is heavy and extremely danceable. The crowd was still sparse when they started, but people were throwing down hard, myself and Jamie included.

Once the Phish show let out and all the heads miraculously made it safely to Cervantes, the party kicked into hyper-gear with Conspirator laying it down. Conspirator features the Disco Biscuits’ Aron Magner and Marc Brownstein, plus Lane Shaw of Pnuma on drums and David Murphy from STS9 joined in, too. I have no idea what those guys are doing behind those laptops, but it sent the place into a tailspin. The club was packed and everyone was raging tribal style. We left at about 2:30 a.m. or so and there was no sign that things were slowing down at all.

Let me just say I don’t know the last time I was so happy to go to bed. Slept like a baby, waking up refreshed and ready for Phish!

After sipping some Fat Tire poolside in the early afternoon, Jamie and I trekked up to Red Rocks to party a bit in the lot. (What’s Phish tour without hitting up the lot scene, right?) Of course we met some amazing people — the spirit of broseph ran strong — and I even ate my first bite of chocolate covered bacon. Yes, you heard me right. Think about it for a minute. The salty-sweet-savory goodness was remarkable, even if at first a bit confounding…

This was the final show of a four-night run for the band, and people who had seen other shows were raving about the performances. We were psyched, to put it mildly. The venue is nothing short of spectacular, with big red rock formations all around the natural amphitheater. Seating is general admission, and we picked a spot dead center for the first set.

Couldn’t have been happier to hear them open with “Roses Are Free,” a Ween cover that was one of the first songs that attracted me to Phish back in high school. (I admit I was originally a huge hater of all things hippie, and therefore Phish, at that time. Smashing Pumpkins, Alice in Chains and The Doors were more my speed back then…) Anyways, tons of amazing memories instantly flushed my mind as the first words were sang and I had a serious case of perma-grin for the rest of the night.

Personally was quite overjoyed to hear many of the songs played that night, though if you look at the set lists for all four shows you will see you pretty much couldn’t go wrong in terms of song selection. That’s the thing with Phish. Jamie and I would look at the set lists from the earlier shows, ooh and ahh over what songs they had played and how we WISHED we could have been there to hear them, but then start thinking about all the other great tunes in the band’s repertoire that were still in store and get just as excited. Gotta love a band that can do that.

Oh yeah! Almost forgot to mention that Bill Kreutzmann of the Grateful Dead joined the band during much of the second set. As awesome as this may appear on paper, it was actually a bit controversial among fans. I enjoyed it, as did the people around me, but some of my friends have gone so far as to say “Bill Kreutzmann ruined my night.” The general consensus among my friends is that they prefer their Phish without guests. I can certainly appreciate that. And at times agree. But I enjoyed the appearance.

Once the show was out, people generally shuffled down the trail and into the parking lots without any problems. Police were out and about in their cars, being pretty funny as they moved the crowd along. “Come on, people,” one cop said through his speaker as lights flashed. “The flee market is shut down. We’ve been here four nights, we’re tired, and we want to go home.” I chuckled. Much sympathy goes out to anyone who has to maintain some semblance of order when the circus comes to town!

Next morning, what could be more perfect than a tour of the Coors Brewing Company? Um, nothing?

Tasty — and free — samples of Blue Moon, Killians, Coors Light and Molson tapped off the trip. Awesome.

Flying home was uneventful (thank God) but I was bummed to be back. I’ve wanted to move to Colorado for years (basically to be a ski/snowboard bum…) and this trip just confirmed that desire. Hopefully we won’t have to wait another 13 years for Phish to get back to Red Rocks. (We were well behaved this time, weren’t we??) If it happens again, don’t be the only one left on the block. Come on, sing it with me now: Come hide with the herd; and float with the flock! (Cheesy, sorry, but I just love that song!)

But anyways, the fact remains that what happened last night in the basement of the renovated library was nothing short of magical. Yep, I’m going to go that far. Magical. I warned you guys to get out and see it, didn’t I? Don’t blame me if you let the rain keep you away!

Sure the library basement isn’t intrinsically as appealing as the sculpture garden of the Katonah Museum of Art, where the concert would have taken place if it weren’t for the rain, but still, the interconnected vibe that more than 200 people created in such a close space lent something special to the music.

And don’t just take my word for it.

Nigel Hall, keys and vocals, at one point took the time to comment on the positive energy he felt flowing between the crowd and the band. He said something to the effect that it was awesome playing to a crowd that was actually listening, and not just smoking, drinking, and talking over the notes. Amen to that, right?!

“The whole vibe here was really nice,” he said afterward. “I actually get more nervous playing to a small crowd like this. More nervous than even playing a place like Tiger Stadium.” (He recently played with Robert Randolph and the Family Band there, opening for Lynyrd Skynyrd. Not too shabby!)

Bringing the funk along with Hall were Adam Deitch on drums, Chris Loftlin on bass, and Adam “Shmeeans” Smirnoff on guitar. John Scofield, guitar legend and fellow Katonah resident who organizes the Shades of Jazz series, also joined the jam, sending the audience of friends and neighbors into an uproar.

Unfortunately Soulive guitarist Eric Krasno wasn’t able to make the performance as scheduled, since he unexpectedly got stuck in Pittsburgh. That was definitely too bad, because having seen Krasno for years now, I am more than confident that the crowd would have been blown away by his sweet jazz stylins. (Maybe we can take a rain check on that appearance, Eric? Katonah would love to have you! Have your people call my people. Oh wait… I don’t have people… Maybe call Sco? He’s got mad people!)

With Krasno, the group is known as Chapter 2. Without him, they improvized and adopted the name Chapter 11. Pretty befitting of the times, huh? The moniker got an honest chuckle out of the crowd.

“I will go anywhere on the face of God’s green Earth to play with these guys,” said Loftlin, who also serves as musical director for Brian McKnight and Wayne Brady. “These are my brothers. I grew up playing with these guys and they’re rock stars now.”

Despite being swarmed by a bunch of eager — and comparatively younger — fans after the show, Deitch laughed when I asked how it felt to be a rock star. He said it takes a lot of hard work to get to the point where you’re making music people respect, and for him, that work entails digging through piles and piles of vinyl funk records. Most of the influences come from the 60s and 70s, and Deitch said he’s studied artists like The Meters, Tower of Power, Cold Blood, and Herbie Hancock until he felt he could truly embody the spirit of the music.

“It’s playing along with the records not just once and saying ‘OK, I know that,’ but coming back to it, maybe even years later,” said Deitch, who has risen to prominence with the band Lettuce. “To the kids that missed the funk in the 70s, we’re trying to have them catch that funk like it’s new music, not just ‘that old stuff.’”

If you missed out last night, fear not. Scofield has another session planned for Aug. 12, this time with pianist Dena DeRose’s trio.

Proceeds from the events benefit the Katonah Museum of Art. Admission is $10 for members, $20 for non-members. Adding to the awesomeness? Captain Lawrence beer (straight from Pleasantville!) and wine flow freely for patrons. If it doesn’t rain, plan on picnicing in the museum’s sculpture garden during the concert.

“For some reason things like this can happen up here,” Scofield said of the Shades of Jazz series. “You just have to know who to ask and ask them. There’s an audience for it and that’s why it happens. I hope it just grows and grows.”

Me, too!

This is a performance not to be missed. I promise, if you dig funky jazz fusion (or even if you don’t think you do) be sure to make it to the Katonah Museum of Art’s Sculpture Garden by 6:30 p.m. tomorrow.

Curated by legendary guitarist John Scofield, this is the second show in the Shades of Jazz concert series.

The featured artist tomorrow is a band named Lettuce, which is a funk-jazz ensemble featuring drummer Adam Deitch; saxophonist Sam Kininger; guitarist Eric Krasno and keyboardist Neal Evans, both of the band Soulive; and other all-star musicians.

The band will get a 90-minute set and then Scofield will join them for a jam session at the end.

Tickets are $10 for members and $20 for non-members. Complimentary wine and beer are provided, and attendees traditionally bring picnic dinners, lawn chairs and blankets. Sounds just about perfect, huh?

The third and final performance of the Shades of Jazz series is August 12, with pianist Dena DeRose.

The Katonah Museum of Art is located at 134 Jay Street/Route 22 in Katonah. For more information call 914-232-9555.

For more information go to www.RyePlayland.org or call (914) 813-7010.

In a YouTube announcement, Yauch apologizes for having to cancel the band’s tour and postpone the release of a new album, Hot Sauce Committee Part I. (Please, man! Don’t worry about stuff like that — just get better!)

The “good news,” as he puts it, is that the cancer has not spread anywhere else in his body. Also, the tumor does not affect his voice — “That’s convenient,” he says.

He expects to undergo surgery next week and then some radiation. He says this particular cancer is thought to be easier than others to get rid of completely.  Very, very good news.

“We’ll be back doing this soon, so that’s what’s up,” he says.

The Beastie Boys had been scheduled to headline a night of the All Points West festival at Liberty State Park. No replacement has yet been named.

“Please give us a day or so to sort out alternative plans,” the organizers wrote today on their Web site.

Let’s face it – one of the appealing aspects of music is it’s uncanny ability to tap into the cerebral inner workings of our minds and churn our emotional butter. You break up with your significant other and despondently listen to “Total Eclipse of the Heart” twenty times in a row.   Conversely, you  just realized that things are going well with your new flame and you are compelled to play “Walking on Sunshine.”  It’s the same reason why you frequently hear “Amazing Grace” at funerals.   Music’s gift, at times, is the sparking of the intellectual fire to facilitate soul searching.  All of this selective logical reasoning is good, but what about when you don’t want to have to dig deeper, search, or even think at all.  Certainly there has to be an aural counterpoint to Pink Floyd or Radiohead that doesn’t carry the same negative connotations that let’s say, Ace of Base does.  Enter Hercules and Love Affair.

Hercules and Love Affair is the brainchild of Brooklyn-based DJ Andy Butler, who along with a  rotating cast of musicians and vocalists merge the thumping bass lines of deep disco with the computer-generated simplicity of Kraftwerk.  Repetitive loops and catchy horns cultivate not only the uncontrollable, and very enjoyable head nod, but simultaneously seem to force the listener into what can only be described as the “spine shift,” a horizontal shimmy, if you will.  Add to this mixture airy, yet shockingly incandescent vocal melodies, which seem to dance along with the music, and you get down to the main vibe of this band – Saturday night dance party on a holiday weekend.

Their self-titled debut album, released in March 2008 on the DFA record label, oozes groove.  Whereas many electronic albums bombard listeners with brain-tickling sounds and overpowering synthesized bleeps, Hercules and Love Affair gently massage the auditory cortex  to create an almost reflex –like primal boogie.  The genius lies in the fact that the music does the talking with the vocals becoming just another instrument, not something to be dissected.  While songs like “Blind,” which won Pitchfork Magazine’s Best Song of 2008 award, and “Athene” enrapt listeners with their late 70’s disco authenticity, “Easy” will capture attention with it’s dark, minimal psychedelia.

Hercules and Love Affair released “Sidetracked: Hercules and Love Affair,” a compilation CD which kicked off Renaissance records’ new mix series on July 13. The band is currently playing shows in Europe, as well as recording tracks for their new studio album before performing at Lollapalooza in August.  Andy Butler will be performing a DJ set at the Electric Zoo Electronic Music Festival, along with label-mates James Murphy (LCD Soundsystem) and Hot Chip, scheduled for September 5 and 6 at New York’s Randall’s Island Park.

Check out more at www.herculesandloveaffair.com

The following is the first post in a new Listening Room series written by contributing writer Adam Ogushwitz. Follow Adam on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ogushwitz

Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio will be teaming up with the New York Philharmonic for a night of what’s sure to be some fantastic music at Carnegie Hall on September 12 at 8 p.m.

Conducted by Asher Fisch, the evening will include orchestrations of classic Anastasio songs and feature the New York premiere of Time Turns Elastic, which blends classical music with rock-blues guitar.

“Initially,” says Mr. Anastasio, “I thought it would be a Phish song, but after I sent a demo of it to Don (Hart), it just grew organically into an orchestral piece.”

“I grew up loving Ravel and Eric Clapton equally,” Mr. Anastasio continues, “so I kept saying to Don, ‘why can’t we have a piece of music that’s half Ravel and half Cream’s Disraeli Gears?’”

The concert will benefit the Kristine Anastasio Manning Memorial Fund and the New York Philharmonic.

Time Turns Elastic was premiered in September 2008 with Orchestra Nashville, conducted by Paul Gambill, at the Ryman Auditorium. Rolling Stone reviewed that performance, saying “it came off sounding more like the theme song to a Disney film on ‘shrooms. It was ambitious, strange and wholly entertaining.”

The project was recently performed in front of a sold-out crowd with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Marin Alsop. In May 2009 it was released on Rubber Jungle Records, Mr. Anastasio’s independent label.

Ticket information:

Single tickets for An Evening with Trey Anastasio and the New York Philharmonic are $50 to $225. Tickets go on sale on Tuesday, July 14, at 9:00 a.m. at carnegiehall.org or by calling CarnegieCharge at (212) 247-7800, Monday–Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to
6:00 p.m. (July 1 to August 30), and beginning August 31, daily from 8:00 a.m. to
8:00 p.m. Tickets may also be purchased at the Carnegie Hall Box Office, 57th Street at Seventh Avenue. The Box Office is open Monday–Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (July 1 to August 30), and beginning August 31, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday–Saturday, and 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays.

(Photo credit: Associated Press/Jim Cooper)

The bands, consisting of young people 15 to 20 years of age, were selected as the cream of the crop out of more than 20 entries. Judging will be done by a panel of music experts that will include individuals from the local and professional music industry. The winning band will receive a grand prize trophy, six hours of free recording time courtesy of Acme Recording Studios, Inc., a professional recording studio, and a $200 gift certificate from Sam Ash Music.

Winners will be invited back to perform at the county’s winter Battle of the Bands at the Westchester County Center in January, 2010.

This year’s contenders are:
•    The Endpiece (Hawthorne, NY)
•    The Rochambros (New Rochelle, NY)
•    Bleed the Fifth (White Plains, NY)
•    Romance and Ruin (Valhalla, NY)
•    Side Project (Vista, NY)
•    Mori and the Contraband (Rye Brook, NY)
The “Battle of the Bands” is sponsored by the Westchester County Parks, Friends of Westchester County Parks, radio station 107.1 The Peak, Acme Recording Studios, Inc., Sam Ash Music in White Plains, In-Tune Rehearsal Studios in Ardsley, and Playland Park in Rye.
The concert is free with your paid Playland admission; parking is $4 on Tuesday.

Rain date is Thursday, July 23.

For more information on admission fees, call Playland at (914) 813-7010 or log on to www.ryeplayland.org.

Playland Park in Rye can be reached via the New England Thruway (I-95), Playland Parkway exit 19.  Follow this directly into Playland. The park is accessible to the disabled.

For Bee-Line bus routes to Playland, visit www.westchestergov.com/beelinebus or call (914) 813-7777.  For special Metro-North packages to Playland, call (800) METRO-INFO.

When Al Gore invented the internet, he probably had no idea what it would do for music.  With the onset of social networking sites and YouTube, Twitter and yes, even blogs, it has become increasingly easy to create the illusion of talent – a “buzz” as it is called.  Because of this bombardment of new bands and mediocre music, it is becoming harder to weed out the good from the bad, the strikes from the gutters, the Barry Whites from the Barry Manilows, if you will. (No Offense to Barry Manilow fans.)  To help fans of great music avoid wasting precious hard drive space on their computers and iPods, I will attempt to weed through the never-ending piles of auditory carbon to bring you sonic diamonds.

Phoenix, the French love-spawn of a hazy, passion field ménage à trois between Air, The Strokes, and Depeche Mode encompasses simply the best aspects of a modern day indie/electro rock band.  Smooth, sweeping landscapes are created and seamlessly blended with groove-based guitar riffs and hard rocking danceable drumbeats to create a truly indelible, polished sound which at times transcends the genre itself.

Phoenix was formed in the late 90’s after guitar player, Laurent Brancowitz left his band Darlin’, comprised of himself, Thomas Bangalter, and Guy-Manuel de Homen-Christo.  While Bangalter and de Homen-Christo donned robot costumes and became French house sensations Daft Punk, Brancowitz and Phoenix released their first album, “United” in 2000. Subsequent albums include,  “Alphabetical” (2004), “Live! Thirty Days Ago” (2005), and “It’s Never Been Like That” (2006).  While Phoenix has garnered a buzz through their decade long career, a thorough listening of their newest offering will prove why they are at the top of their game.

Their latest album, “Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix,” combines indie-pop sensibilities carefully camouflaged between disco and garage rock nuances.  Clever songwriters, Phoenix intermingles nonsensical phrases to create a stream-of- consciousness soup, which somehow makes sense to the first time and repeat listener.  Encompassing the full spectrum of emotions, Phoenix has the ability to make you laugh and make you cry, often within the same 4-minute song.  In a world where too many indie rock bands try too hard to say too little, Phoenix’s vocals, and boisterous sound, come across as modest and genuinely unpretentious.  This is a cohesive album which can be listened to from start to finish, from the opening “Lisztomania,’ with it’s head-nodding drum and guitar noodling, to “Armistice,” the final tune, which keeps an upbeat approach to what is a very somber song.
If you haven’t heard these guys yet, now is the time.  They are currently gaining major international acclaim from their latest album, which was released May 26 and are currently in the middle of a sold out US tour and then it’s back across the pond for 2 months before returning in September to play at Central Park’s SummerStage for two shows on Sept. 25th & 26th.

Check out more at www.wearephoenix.com

The following is the first post in a new Listening Room series written by contributing writer Adam Ogushwitz.

Yet layer by layer, he creates rhythms that morph into one seemingly unthinkable groove, spreading an uplifting vibe that has amassed the Virginia native a loyal following from coast to coast.

Coming for the first time to the Tarrytown Music Hall on Saturday, Williams is intent on turning the place into one big dance party by the time the night’s through.

“It’s totally exciting playing at a new venue,” Williams said. “Some of the songs I’ve been playing for years and the old fans want to hear them, but the new folks are getting them for the first time and so that gives me a little something extra. Just knowing they’re hearing it for the first time and seeing their reaction, it’s always a joy.”

The show in Tarrytown comes amid a high-profile national tour, which includes stops at the Rothbury Festival in Michigan, the All Good Music Festival in West Virginia, and the Gathering of the Vibes in Bridgeport, Conn.

He also will be teaming up with Dark Star Orchestra during the tour for several dates throughout New York, including Governor’s Island on July 11 and the Saranac Brewery on July 17.

“They’ve become good friends of mine,” Williams said of Dark Star Orchestra. “I have a huge amount of respect for what they’re doing.”

Chatting by phone earlier this week, Williams also offered up respect for the bands String Cheese Incident and Phish, both of which he is happy to see performing together again — even if SCI has so far only been talking about pulling it together for one performance.

“Reading about things that went down (with Phish’s breakup), I can totally relate to Trey (Anastasio) and how he wanted to get away from that monster that was Phish Tour,” Williams said. “I saw a lot of shows and I had a great time with it, so as a fan I’m elated that they’re playing music again.”

One of the most prolific songwriters on the scene in his own right — with his 14th album to be released this summer — Williams is intent on getting more of his music out to fans, utilizing a new online feature called “The Once A Week Freek.”

Available at www.kellerwilliams.net, “The Once A Week Freek” gives listeners the opportunity to download a new song each week at a cost of 99 cents. To start things off, Williams is offering a track a week from his latest album, “ODD,” in the order that the tunes appear on the disc. The album’s official release date is Aug. 12.

Once all the new tracks are out, Williams will begin selecting a mix of material from never-before-heard original studio recordings, live gems, and even songs recorded as recently as the night before’s show.

“That is when the fun will start,” he said of being able to dig through his collection. “I have a constant flow of stuff coming out musically, both live and in the studio.”

Williams plans to keep this up for at least the rest of the year, reluctantly embracing the idea that the future belongs to those who go digital.

“I think the future — as much as I hate to admit it — is in digital,” he said. “The way it makes me feel better is that if its digital, it could be immortal.”

Immortality surely is a tall order, so for now Williams is just happy to be living a life of music.

These days he is especially inspired by “intricate drummers that go in different places,” particularly mentioning the Nigerian pioneer of afrobeat music Fela Kuti and the contemporary Ethiopian singer Ejigayehu Shibabaw, better known as Gigi.

He also admits he’s been “somewhat obsessed” with his fretless bass.

“I’ve been toying around with being a bass player, maybe in a three-piece with a crazy jazz drummer or a pedal steel,” he said. “I’m grateful to have a job like this where it’s really fun for me to dig into different projects.”

Upcoming Tour:

June 26 Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center Great Barrington MA
June 27 Tarrytown Music Hall Tarrytown NY
July 2 ROTHBURY Rothbury MI
July 5 Nelson Ledges Quarry Park Garrettsville OH
July 9 All Good Music Festival Masontown WV
July 11 Governor’s Island New York NY w/ Dark Star Orchestra
July 16 Artpark Lewiston NY w/ Dark Star Orchestra
July 17 Saranac Brewery Saranac NY w/ Dark Star Orchestra
July 18 Vasa Park Mt. Olive NJ w/ Dark Star Orchestra
July 24 Gathering of the Vibes Bridgeport CT Keller Williams and The MD’S
August 1 Celebrate Virginia Fredericksburg VA
August 6 Bottle and Cork Dewey Beach DE
August 12 Spud Drive In Driggs, ID w/ Dark Star Orchestra
August 14 Festival @ Sandpoint at Memorial Field Sandpoint ID
August 15 Frontier Ranch (Shamy Bash) Frontier Ranch Music Center Pataskala, OH
August 21-22 Mishawaka Bellevue CO
August 29 Music on the Mountaintop ~ The Old Fairgrounds Boone NC
September 7 Bumbershoot Festival Mural Amphitheatre Seattle WA
October 8 Sherman Theater Stroudsburg PA
October 17 Park West Chicago IL
October 23 Englert Theatre Iowa City IA

Cablevision channel 56. Time Warner channel 132. Comcast channel 148. Here’s the Fuse homepage.

Derek James and Daria Musk performing. Proceeds go toward supporting Big Brothers, Big Sisters.

Click here to purchase tickets for only $5.

The Captain Lawrence Brewing Company (yep, best beer in town!) is also in on the action, with discounts all night.

Good cause, good time. Be sure to say hi to Chris Bro, host of the show NEXT and mastermind of this awesome concert series.

Big Head Todd and the Monsters is a four-man band out of Boulder that is perhaps best known for its platinum-selling album Sister Sweetly, which featured three hit singles on the Billboard Charts (Broken Hearted Savior, Bittersweet and Circle).  A fixture in the music scene of the Rocky Mountain States, the group has enjoyed critical success for nearly two decades and routinely delivers powerful live performances.

“We’re very excited to bring such a forceful and unique sounding rock band to Westchester this summer,” said Sol Skolnick, co-executive producer for the Pleasantville Music Festival.  “This is a group that’s posted four top-ten singles.  Big Head’s a very talented band and they’ll help make our fifth anniversary very special.”

The 2009 Pleasantville Music Festival will also feature Davy Knowles and Back Door Slam, a band led by a guitar wunder-kind who has been exchanging licks with the likes of the Allman Brothers, Mark Knopfler and Peter Frampton.   The Dream Jam Band, winner of four Children’s Music Web Awards for 2008, have also been confirmed.

“Each year we set out to bring talented performers to Pleasantville and to find acts that please all audiences, young and old,” said Rich Sarfaty, co- executive producer of the Festival. “As we assemble the 2009 performer line-up, I am pleased to see that, once again, the Festival will be a first rate cultural event that’s well suited to families.”

The Pleasantville Music Festival is presented by 107.1 FM, (WXPK) The Peak, the popular Westchester-based radio station that has acted as Festival presenter for 3 years. Dedicated to hosting original music with an emphasis on regional performers, the Festival supports a charitable partner each year.   Over the years, the Pleasantville Music Festival has featured such performers as World Party, Roger McGuinn, Joan Osbourne, Dar Williams, the Damnwells, Graham Parker, Jonatha Brooke and Shawn Mullins.

This year’s Pleasantville Music Festival will run from 11:00AM to 8PM on Saturday, July 11, 2009. Those interested in being an event sponsor, performer or vendor are welcome to contact Sol Skolnick or Rich Sarfaty at pleasantmusic@optonline.net.   Additional information is available at www.pleasantvillemusicfestival.com.

(Press release courtesy of Shea Communications.)

May 4, 2009 – New York, NY – Relix Media Group, LLC announced today that it has acquired Relix magazine, Relix.com, and Jambands.com from previous owner Zenbu Media. Relix Media Group is a newly formed team of private investors led by music and film entrepreneur Peter Shapiro and former Zenbu Media employees. Shapiro will become Publisher of the iconic music title and longtime Editor-in-Chief Josh Baron will remain in place and be appointed to the management team.

In addition to Shapiro and Baron, Relix Media Group’s executive management team will include Associate Publisher, Senior Vice President, Rachel Seiden; Executive Editor, Senior Vice President of Digital, Dean Budnick; Executive Editor, Vice President of Relix Media Group, Mike Greenhaus; Chief Financial Officer, Dale Hirschman; and Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Cole Boyle. All members of Relix Media Group’s new team are veterans of the magazine.

“We look at the change of ownership as chapter three in the Relix story,” says Baron.“ “Ironically, at a difficult time in the magazine industry, Relix is stronger than it has ever been on both the editorial and business sides. We’re confident that the new team in place, along with Peter’s diverse background as a club owner of The Wetlands and now Brooklyn Bowl, plus his involvement in films like U23D, will help strategically grow the company.”

“Live music isn’t going anywhere,” adds Shapiro. “Relix’s core is live music and we will document and embrace that every step of the way.  We will use the respected Relix brand as an anchor, and expand from there.  With this new, yet familiar, team in-place we feel strongly that we have a strong and vibrant magazine on all levels and we’re all very excited about the opportunity to build on Relix’s venerable 35-year history.

“Personally, I am thrilled to continue the forward-thinking leadership that Steve Bernstein brought to the magazine since he became publisher in 2000. We will also, of course, respect the iconic legacy and tradition created by Relix’s founders Les Kippel and Toni Brown over three decades ago. They have all dedicated themselves to Relix and made it what it is today, and I plan on bringing that same passion as publisher.”

Founded in 1974 as a hand-stapled newsletter for Grateful Dead fans and tape traders, Relix magazine has evolved over the last 35-years into the leading source for fans of live music. These days the brand, which also includes, Relix.com and Jambands.com, offers readers rare insight and exclusive coverage on some of the world’s leading artists. Recent features include profiles on The Allman Brothers Band, The Clash, Neil Young, Black Crowes, Mars Volta, Beastie Boys, Miles Davis, Conor Oberst and Ryan Adams and many others. As noted industry critic Bob Lefestz noted earlier this year, Relix is “more Rolling Stone than Rolling Stone.”

Relix will relaunch under the direction of new ownership with the June issue, while the newly branded web properties will go online within the coming months. The magazine, which will hit newsstands on May 19, will profile Phish in their first cover story since announcing reunion plans last year.

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This year’s artist lineup features a wide array of incredible musicians, including:

STS9, The Word feat. John Medeski, North Mississippi Allstars & Robert Randolph, Zappa plays Zappa, Galactic, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Maceo Parker, Dark Star Orchestra, JJ Grey & Mofro, Railroad Earth, Steve Kimock’s Crazy Engine, Lotus, Fantastic 4 feat. Robert Walter, Adam Deitch, Eric Krasno & Cheme Gastelum, Toubab Krewe, Eric Krasno & Chapter 2, The Motet plays the Talking Heads, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Hot Buttered, Rum, John Brown’s Body, Kyle Hollingsworth Band, Mike Dillon’s Go Go Jungle, The Mother Hips, Break Science feat. Adam Deitch, Dragon Smoke feat. Robert Mercurio, Ivan Neville, Stanton Moore & Eric Lindell, Johnny Sketch & The Dirty Notes, George Porter’s Super Jam, DJ Logic, Pretty Lights, and special guests Col Bruce Hampton, Skerik, and Will Bernard.

Visit www.jamcruise.com for more info.

Jam Cruise is presented by Cloud 9 Adventures: a partnership between Mark Brown, Josh Moore & Roger Naber.

Alan Semerdijian will be opening at 9 p.m. with headliner Neil Nathan going on at around 10 p.m. Here’s what our friends over at 107.1 The Peak had to say about Nathan:

Great singer songwriter and great guy. His cover of ELO’s “Do Ya” was featured on the Showtime series Californication, and on the Season 2 Soundtrack.

“Music is my life and I want to rock face every day of my life,” is exactly how he put it.

BubbleShare: Share photos – Easy Photo Sharing

The weather couldn’t have been more perfect for this event, and upwards of 100 students seized on the opportunity to lay out in the grass while soaking up some sun and some tunes.

Delta Stock 2009 featured the musical talents of Wounded Buffalo Theory, Basso (formerly Blacklite), DJ Robonitronicus, and FiKus (yes, that ‘K’ is supposed to be capitalized, “just because it’s always been that way”).

“Delta Stock, it’s all about the music. That’s the key here,” said Basso, 23, a student at Concordia. “It’s all about the music and most people don’t know shit about music, so I put it in their face.”

This is a man who’s passionate about beats, there’s no doubt about it.

We here in the Listening Room first wrote about Basso when he went by the performance name Blacklite, but he’s matured since then and hence so has his alter ego.

Actually, I should specify that our very own contributor Jay Cowit wrote that entry about Basso, and Cowit’s band, Wounded Buffalo Theory, took over the stage at Delta Stock for a face-melting set.

You can definitely hear a wide range of influences (such as Pink Floyd, Tool, Rush, The Disco Biscuits, My Morning Jacket, etc. ) in WBT’s music, but what I love most about these guys is that they really take a creative approach to songwriting. Their tunes are interesting and unpredictable, and I feel as though they thrive on the unexpected. Definitely keeps me coming back for more, that’s for sure.

I’ve been seeing these guys through some ups and downs since the band formed in 2002. Jay Cowit on drums/vocals and Rob Malko on bass/vocals have been mainstays throughout the history of the band. But now that guitar prodigy Lucas Shine has joined the mix and John Blanton is back on keys/guitar/vocals, the group has only been pushing onwards and upwards, musically. I hope they hold on to this lineup, because it’s just about perfect in my book and just keeps getting better.

This was the first time I had the pleasure of seeing FiKus, and I really enjoyed their set. Percussionist singing up front was instantly interesting, but the band as a whole set down some solid grooves. Definitely nice to see and hear a trombone on stage, which was played by the keyboardist. It seemed like these guys were really comfortable jamming together, laying down some rhythmic tunes with a good “electronic” kind of beat. I look forward to watching them grow over the years, since the guitarist told me they just recently got back together after a bit of a hiatus and will be releasing an EP in May.

It was a hot and sweaty day, not exactly ideal for glam shots. But alas, they’re a hunky bunch nonetheless! I hope you had a chance to check out the slideshow. The first band is FiKus, the second Wounded Buffalo Theory. (Is Lucas the king of “guitar face?” Perhaps. But the kid does shred, so he gets a pass.)

Tickets are on sale today for the third installment of the music festival and Caribbean getaway known as “Caribbean Holidaze,” in Runaway Bay, Jamaica. The party will go down Dec. 10 to 14. All-inclusive packages range from $945 to $1,895.

Here’s all the details, courtesy of Madison House Publicity:

The four-night all-inclusive vacation features the music of The Disco Biscuits & Umphrey’s McGee with special guest performances from favorites like The New Deal, Perpetual Groove, Lipp Service “Eliot Lipp & Members of Pnuma”, Yacht Rock, Omega Moos, and Michael G from Easy Star.  In addition, fans can look forward to solo performances from ALO’s Dan “Lebo” Lebowitz and Perpetual Groove frontman Brock Butler.

Held at two of Jamaica’s most exclusive resorts – Hedonism III and Breezes Runaway Bay – Caribbean Holidaze offers fans a super-inclusive getaway and music experience.  All you can eat, drink, and just about everything you can do is included in every package, in addition to four days of unforgettable oceanfront concerts.  Fans can choose the wild atmosphere at Hedonism or the more laid-back island vibe at Breezes; both resorts offer incredible amenities, activities and much more.

Whether staying at Hedonism III or Breezes, the all-inclusive resorts offer rooms and suites for all tastes; prices range from $945 – $1895. Visit www.caribbeanholidaze.com for more information.

Event details are as follows:

Caribbean Holidaze
December 10-14, 2009
Breezes Runaway Bay & Hedonism III
Runaway Bay, Jamaica
Featuring Umphrey’s McGee, The Disco Biscuits, The New Deal, Perpetual Groove, Lipp Service “Eliot Lipp & Members of Pnuma”, Yacht Rock, Omega Moos, Michael G from Easy Star, Dan “Lebo” Lebowitz and Brock Butler solo.

Tickets on sale now at www.caribbeanholidaze.com.

Caribbean Holidaze is presented by Cloud 9 Adventures www.cloud9adventures.com

(Photo credits: Margaret Hiden/Madison House Publicity.)

“I think it went pretty well,” said keyboardist Joel Cummins the following night. “People were happy with it.”

I was there for night two of the NYC run. Luckily I got to catch up with Cummins before the show to talk shop, starting off by asking him about how it felt to start playing songs from “Mantis” after giving the tracks so much attention in the studio. As you may know, the band didn’t play any of the tracks live until the album was released in January, which is very rare in the “jam” scene.

“We’ve been holding on to the music for so long,” Cummins said, that “the first time we actually got to play this stuff was so fun.”

He said “1348” is a song that rocked right off the bat, setting a nice live groove. “Red Tape,” on the other hand, has been a bit more challenging to play live, though Cummins said the song’s been getting better in the last couple of months, with lots of improve being mixed in.

And what does it feel like on stage when that magical improv moment happens?

“I’d say a mix of complete excitement and also relief,” Cummins said with a laugh. “It’s like wow, this one didn’t suck and that’s good.”

Great quote, right?! I love that.

I also talked to Cummins about the band’s communication on stage, which relies on a mix of hand signals and verbal chatter through tiny ear pieces. Coolest thing, in my opinion, is that the lighting designer (we’ll get to him in a minute!) is also hooked in to this chatter, so that the whole production comes off in perfect sync.

OK, so as for those lights.

Big props to the band’s new lighting designer, Jeff Waful, who just joined the band earlier this year. He really puts on such an impressive visual show. Formerly with the band moe. (sorry moe.rons, doesn’t look like you’re getting him back any time soon!), Waful had this to say about working with the boys from Chicago:

“When I first began working with Umphrey’s, I was immediately struck by their passion for music,” he said in a press release on the band’s site. “I was quite aware of their on-stage antics, but it was the late-night listening sessions and subsequent geeky discussions that truly captured my heart. This band shows a dedication and work ethic that is infectious.”

Check out more photos from the night on the Listening Room Facebook page. (And remember to become a fan while you’re there!)

I very highly recommend that you check out Umphrey’s McGee when they play the Central Park SummerStage on July 9 or the Mountain Jam at Hunter Mountain the weekend of May 29-31. Check out their Web site for more tour dates near you.

Hungry for more? Here’s our Umphrey’s coverage, including a post around the time of the “Mantis” album release, when I spoke with guitarist/songwriter Brendan Bayliss.

“We want the Umph! Gotta have that Umph!”

Like the Disco Biscuits and Tea Leaf Green? Check out some of my other concert video coverage.

As soon as they start strumming that guitar, banging that conga, and shaking that tambourine, they go from ripping on one another to creating some good old heartfelt Americana music.

But funny thing is, they don’t even really listen to Americana, per se. It’s just that they grew up listening to a much more eclectic radio, where artists like Dionne Warwick, Deep Purple, and John Denver shared radio time, hence contributing to their country-rock sound, they say.

Traveling the country has also added to the flavor of their music.

The band — which includes brothers Chris and Marc Douglas Berardo plus Paulie Triff, who are featured in the video — has literally crossed the country multiple times over, finding that some cities, such as Austin, naturally “get” their music more than others.

Keep in mind when watching the video that these guys usually play with a full band, which sometimes even includes a glockenspiel!

Like what you hear? You can check them out in the area pretty soon:

May 3: The Rodeo Bar, NYC

May 16: Harbor Fest, Mamaroneck

June 13: The Rye Roadhouse, Rye

I hope you enjoy the performance as much as I did. These are some good guys right here.

(Photo courtesy of Associated Press/Stephen Chernin)

The tour begins June 8 and ends July 2. New Zealand singer-songwriter Liam Finn will open these shows. He’s the same lucky duck who got to open for Vedder during the 2008 solo tour.

General public tickets for most dates go on sale April 18, with the exception of the Baltimore dates, which go on sale April 17. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. (You know that’s gotta eat Eddie up. It eats me up.)

Eddie Vedder 2009 U.S. Tour Dates:

06.08 Albany, NY / Palace Theatre
06.11 Philadelphia, PA / Tower Theatre
06.12 Philadelphia, PA / Tower Theatre
06.14 Baltimore, MD / Lyric Opera House
06.15 Baltimore, MD / Lyric Opera House
06.18 Nashville, TN / Ryman Auditorium
06.20 Memphis, TN / Orpheum Theatre
06.23 Atlanta, GA / Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
06.29 Maui, HI / Castle Theater
07.01 Honolulu, HI / Hawaii Theatre
07.02 Honolulu, HI / Hawaii Theatre

Are you a member of the Ten Club? You get a special pre-sale. It’s already started and ends tomorrow, April 10. Check out www.pearljam.com to purchase tickets.

The band Blue Mozart is playing two gigs this weekend, at Ruben’s Mexian Cafe in Peekskill on Friday and Garfield’s Bar in Thornwood on Saturday.

These guys will bring you some good, bluesy rock ‘n roll — from Muddy Waters and the Rolling Stones to ZZ Top and Led Zeppelin.

I don’t know about you guys, but this gets me aching for the weekend! Hurry up, Friday!!

Check him out Friday at the Bayou in Mount Vernon, 580 Gramatan Ave; and Saturday at 12 Grapes in Peekskill, 12 North Division St. Both spots are pretty awesome, so I’m sure it’ll be a good time.

Hartwell and his band have been together since they were only teens growing up in Westchester County. In addition to this regular crew, the new album also features some impressive names. Slide-guitar legend Sonny Landreth, for instance, is featured on the opening track. Know the band Morphine? Well, the smoldering baritone sax of Dana Colley is featured on two tracks. And last but not least, Cindy Cashdollar, the lap steel player from the touring bands of Bob Dylan, Van Morrison and Ryan Adams, contributes her magic to two songs as well.

“It was a great experience to be able to play all this music with such world-class talent. I feel incredibly lucky to not only have my band-mates sticking with me, but also to be joined on this recording by such amazing guests,” says Hartwell. “And it’s really important to me to have these parties at these places — both the Bayou and 12 Grapes have been incredibly supportive of me and my music, and this is my home. It’s been a rough time for everyone, but I think it’s really inspiring that we’re still finding ways to make music and support each other!”

The new album will be available for the first time at the CD release parties. The collection of songs on “Hate To See You Go” range from raw and intimate solo readings to wild full-band excursions. Hartwell says the music will “take you all over the stylistic map” — from funk to rock to blues and beyond.

The Geoff Hartwell Band, which also includes drummer J.J. Clarke, bass player Rich Kelly, and keyboard player Chris Burke, will perform two sets of live music at each party comprised of material from the new CD and their previous album “Perfect Stranger.”

With three Grammy Awards and more than 35 years under their belts, it’s no surprise the upcoming show is so highly anticipated. The stop at the Emelin is just one in a busy national tour for the band, which has them literally crisscrossing the United States.

Taking some time to share his art with us in the Listening Room recently, Papa Asante — who is better known by his performance name, ShowTime — talked to us about how he first started hawking his recordings out of his backpack in school, and now does all of his own recording and mastering from his home studio.

“This is what we do,” he says. “We’re young, we’re doing everything in-house.”

“I don’t think people really know how much goes into it,” he adds.

As for influences, he says he turns to anyone who has a passion for what he or she does.

“It’s not even necessarily how talented you are,” he says. “If you’re really into it and you take it seriously, that’s what motivates me.”

He was joined in the studio by members of the group H.I.A., Jessica Michelle Martin and Desmond Gerard.

H.I.A. has come to stand for many things over the years. Hungry Industry Attackers, Hustlers Institute of America, and Hip-Hop Is Alive are just a few. Enjoy the performance!

Click here to download Papa Asante’s latest CD—for free!

My thoughts on Billy Corgan looking for a drummer to replace Jimmy Chamberlin, hence, are a bit conflicted. I would love to see Billy continue to tour and continue to play the music of the Smashing Pumpkins, which I had the privilege to be a part of in NYC a few months back (that’s where this pic is from). But I’m sorry, I don’t think it’s right to bill this band as the Smashing Pumpkins, because it clearly will be a very different group. It was pushing it to call the band the Pumpkins even while Jimmy was in it, ya know?

What do you guys think about this move of holding auditions? I’m hearing opinions all over the map on this one. Either way, here’s my big chance to finally join the band!!

Billy Corgan is currently searching for talented musicians to join him. If you have an exceptional drumming ability and a desire to be part of a massive creative and progressive musical project with a rich 20-year history, then continue reading below.

The Smashing Pumpkins are continuing to make music after the departure of original member Jimmy Chamberlin. When Jimmy originally auditioned for The Smashing Pumpkins, he was playing in a locally touring jazz band that was playing weddings and street fairs. It just goes to show that you never know where the next big talent will come from.

The Smashing Pumpkins are taking submissions for recording and touring drummers. There may be multiple positions open for this call for entries.

What to submit:

• Resume – include a list of bands, shows, awards, education
• Photograph / headshot
• Any music / audio you have showcasing your talents. Links to digital files are encouraged.

• Video links are also encouraged

  To submit your information, send an email with resume and links attached to pumpkinsdrummer@gmail.com.

  Auditions will be held Friday, April 10 in Los Angeles for drummers who are looking to play with The Smashing Pumpkins.

Tickets go on sale this Friday, April 3.

(Photo copyright Gannett Suburban Newspapers/Ryan Murphy)

The ALL POINTS WEST MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL LINE-UP (as of 3/30) is as follows:

Friday, July 31: Beastie Boys, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Vampire Weekend, The National, Fleet Foxes, MSTRKRFT, Q-Tip, The Pharcyde, Organized Konfusion, The Knux, Ra Ra Riot, Seasick Steve, Telepathe, Shearwater, Heartless Bastards, Flying Lotus, College Humor Live, Arj Barker, Eugene Mirman and Bo Burnham.

Saturday, August 1: Tool, My Bloody Valentine, Gogol Bordello, Arctic Monkeys, Neko Case, The Ting Tings, Yelle, Crystal Castles, St. Vincent, Tokyo Police Club, The Cool Kids, Kool Keith, Cage the Elephant, Chairlift, White Rabbits, Electric Touch, The Postelles, Black Gold, College Humor Live, Tim & Eric, Judah Friedlander and Jim Jeffries.

Sunday, August 2: Coldplay, Echo & The Bunnymen, MGMT, The Black Keys, Elbow, Silversun Pickups, Mogwai, We Are Scientists, Ghostland Observatory, The Gaslight Anthem, Etienne De Crecy, Lykke Li, Akron/Family, Steel Train, Kitty, Daisy & Lewis, College Humor Live, Janeane Garofalo, Michael Showalter and Todd Barry.

I went to the festival last year, attracted primarily by Radiohead. They were amazing, as always, and my friend and I basically camped out the entire day at the main stage to ensure a good spot — which we got. We were about 50 meters or so from the stage. So awesome.

Getting to the festival wasn’t too bad, but we were sure to catch an early ferry. Getting home was another story. We waited in line for quite a while to catch a ferry back to Manhattan. I hope they’ve worked on a better exit strategy.

Also annoying was the fact that we couldn’t buy beers and bring them back to the stage with us. If you wanted to drink, you had to do it in the beer tents. On a hot summer day, this was rough.

Of course the music was pretty good — we also got to see Animal Collective, Chromeo, and Kings of Leon, among others — but when you’re planning out your summer festivals, it’s good to know what you’re getting yourself into.

Personally I’d love to see Tool this year, but I think the third day offers the best overall lineup with Coldplay, MGMT, and the Black Keys. Also have heard good things about the Silversun Pickups and We Are Scientists, but can’t vouch for them until I give a good listen. I wish they would have condensed all the best bands into one day, because I’d also love to see MSTRKRFT, Gogol Bordello, and the Beasties, who put on a hell of a fun show.

Read on for the official press release.

HEADLINES
ALL POINTS WEST MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL RETURNS TO LIBERTY STATE PARK FRIDAY, JULY 31, SATURDAY, AUGUST 1 AND SUNDAY, AUGUST 2
SECOND ANNUAL FESTIVAL TO FEATURE COLDPLAY, BEASTIE BOYS, TOOL AND MORE THAN 65 ARTISTS

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, APRIL 3

The second annual ALL POINTS WEST MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL returns to Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey Friday, July 31, Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2 with Beastie Boys, Tool and Coldplay set to headline the three-day, multi-stage music and arts festival. ALL POINTS WEST will also feature performances from Echo & The Bunnymen, My Bloody Valentine, Vampire Weekend, MGMT, MSTRKRFT, Gogol Bordello, The Black Keys, Fleet Foxes, Neko Case, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Arctic Monkeys and more than 65 artists appearing throughout the 80-acre historic location that has panoramic views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Manhattan skyline. This year, the Queen of the Valley stage has been changed to a Coachella-like tent creating an environment that will showcase comedy, DJs, electronic acts and bands.

The ALL POINTS WEST MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL LINE-UP (as of 3/30) is as follows:

Friday, July 31: Beastie Boys, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Vampire Weekend, The National, Fleet Foxes, MSTRKRFT, Q-Tip, The Pharcyde, Organized Konfusion, The Knux, Ra Ra Riot, Seasick Steve, Telepathe, Shearwater, Heartless Bastards, Flying Lotus, College Humor Live, Arj Barker, Eugene Mirman and Bo Burnham.

Saturday, August 1: Tool, My Bloody Valentine, Gogol Bordello, Arctic Monkeys, Neko Case, The Ting Tings, Yelle, Crystal Castles, St. Vincent, Tokyo Police Club, The Cool Kids, Kool Keith, Cage the Elephant, Chairlift, White Rabbits, Electric Touch, The Postelles, Black Gold, College Humor Live, Tim & Eric, Judah Friedlander and Jim Jeffries.

Sunday, August 2: Coldplay, Echo & The Bunnymen, MGMT, The Black Keys, Elbow, Silversun Pickups, Mogwai, We Are Scientists, Ghostland Observatory, The Gaslight Anthem, Etienne De Crecy, Lykke Li, Akron/Family, Steel Train, Kitty, Daisy & Lewis, College Humor Live, Janeane Garofalo, Michael Showalter and Todd Barry.

Following last year’s inaugural event, festival producers began work immediately on resolving concerns expressed by fans in attendance. They have worked closely with their partners at NJ Transit to improve light-rail service and capacity. As an added value for 2009, festival goers who choose to travel to the site utilizing the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail line can ride for free throughout the weekend with their ALL POINTS WEST festival ticket. Additionally, based on the popularity of the ferry as a mode of transportation from lower Manhattan to Liberty State Park, the frequency and size of the ferryboats will increase at a reduced price for festival attendees. Additional details with the ferry schedule and cost is available at the festival’s website. The producers have also worked with their partners at Liberty State Park to improve the fan experience in the beer gardens. This year’s areas will be larger, have shorter lines, and feature shade tents, views of the stages and food concessions. Full details on the beer gardens can be found at www.apwfestival.com.

Tickets for ALL POINTS WEST go on sale Friday, April 3 at 12 Noon (ET) via www.ticketmaster.com only. Single day tix are $89 and three day passes are $199 for a limited time. The same layaway plan that Goldenvoice successfully implemented with a variety of their festivals this year will also be available for APW. Festival-goers now have the option to purchase 3-day festival tickets and 3-day parking passes on a payment plan. Layaway options (available online ONLY through May 29) are as follows: the 50% down payment option allows purchasers to pay a 50% deposit of the total order now, with the remaining 50% automatically deducted July 3; a multiple payment plan whereby purchasers initially pay 10% of the total order, with the remaining amounts automatically deducted in equal payments on May 4, June 3 and July 3. A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit “Friends of Liberty State Park.” The Friends of Liberty State Park is an open space advocacy volunteer organization dedicated to the park’s future as a free, green and non-commercial, urban waterfront oasis.

ALL POINTS WEST is produced by Goldenvoice/AEG Live and Liberty Event in association with the HighLine Ballroom. For up-to-the-minute information on the ALL POINTS WEST MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL, visit www.apwfestival.com.

Best part? You can win free tickets to one of these shows by signing up at cloud.dead.net.

Winners will be randomly selected and then notified via email. Some restrictions apply, so read the fine print.

This sweepstakes began at 3 p.m. today and ends at 7:59:59 p.m. tonight. In other words — get on it!!! And good luck!!!

All passes already purchased will be honored at the new venue, of course. But tickets to this show are only available as a combo deal through BiscoTix at www.DiscoBiscuits.com. Get ‘em while they’re hot, folks.

Ticketmaster will release the remaining May 30 Red Rocks tickets on Saturday.

Read on for the band’s official press release.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Disco Biscuits will make their first headlining appearance at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre on May 30, 2009 for an event that is being billed as Bisco Inferno. This is the first time Red Rocks will host the reincarnation of the band’s epic “Bisco Inferno” series of Colorado concerts, which will also feature a May 29 performance at Denver’s Ogden Theatre. Tickets to the Ogden Theatre are only available as part of a limited quantity 2-day Bisco Inferno pass from BiscoTix. 2-day passes for Bisco Inferno, and May 30 Red Rocks tickets, are on sale through BiscoTix (www.DiscoBiscuits.com) on Friday, March, 20th at 10am MDT. Ticketmaster will release the remaining May 30 tickets on Saturday, March 28th at 10am MDT.

The news comes after one of the band’s most successful tours to date, a tour that saw The Disco Biscuits sell out almost every show following a four month break from touring. The Bisco Inferno dates will serve as the kickoff for the band’s summer touring season. With a new album on the way and a powerhouse touring machine, fans will certainly be able to catch the band in a location near them this season.

Supporting The Disco Biscuits at Red Rocks will be a myriad of dynamic acts including DJ Z-Trip, Lotus, RJD2, The New Deal, and the DJ collective Orchard Lounge. Orchard Lounge will also join The Disco Biscuits at Denver’s Ogden Theatre to kick off Bisco Inferno on May 29. The May 30 Red Rocks engagement will also feature an additional main supporting act, to be announced.

Consider it Dan (www.consideritdan.com) will be offering Bisco Inferno VIP packages, including VIP tickets for both shows, shuttle transportation, hotel accommodations, and much more. VIP packages will go on-sale Wednesday, March 18th at 10am MDT at www.consideritdan.com.

In addition to Bisco Inferno and many other dates, fans will also be able to check out the band at their annual 3-day music and arts festival, Camp Bisco, July 16-18, 2009. The eighth installment of one of the country’s longest running electronic/rock music festivals will be held at Indian Lookout Country Club, 20 minutes outside of Albany, for the third consecutive year and will feature three full nights of The Disco Biscuits along with some of the most exciting acts in the world. Tickets and more information are available at: www.campbisco.net.

Of course news of this seeming miracle spread like wildfire across the Internet and via text messages, and fans jumped on the chance to see one of the band’s most highly-anticipated runs of the summer. Phish has not played Red Rocks since 1996.

Unfortunately (or fortunately, if you weren’t quick enough to act on this), it turns out all Red Rocks purchases have since been cancelled.

You can, of course, still jump into the lottery or try your luck on Ticketmaster March 26.

Dave Pecoraro, a 29-year-old fan from East Haven, Conn., learned about the tickets being on sale through a text message that urged him to “go go go” and get tickets while he still could. So he sprinted upstairs to his computer — even though “Lost” was just about to start! — and logged on to Ticketmaster.

The site was loading a little slow, which put his nerves a little on edge, but he was able to get through and purchase tickets. An order confirmation sealed the deal.

Or so he thought.

This morning he started hearing that the tickets were being cancelled, and so the first thing he did was check his e-mail. Nothing from Ticketmaster. Next he checked his Ticketmaster order history and saw that the order had, in fact, been nixed.

“I was trying not to get my hopes up last night, but I figured it was too good to be true,” he said. “It’s just another brick in the wall, as they say.”

Check out all of Dave’s amazing videos from Hampton. He’s got a bunch. About 30 by the time he’s done uploading them all!!!

This is the only SCI appearance scheduled for 2009. The band parted ways in 2007, and while all of the band members were present at the Rothbury festival last year with their side projects, the rumored SCI set never came to be. This year should be something special! I hope I’m able to make the trip.

Here’s the full list of artists, which is just as impressive as it was last year. Tickets go on sale March 20.
The Dead
Bob Dylan and His Band
The String Cheese Incident
Willie Nelson & Family
The Black Crowes
Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley & Nas
STS9
G. Love & Special Sauce
Gov’t Mule
Broken Social Scene
Yonder Mountain String Band
The Disco Biscuits
Les Claypool
Cold War Kids
John Butler
Chromeo
Ani DiFranco
Matisyahu
Guster
Girl Talk
Femi Kuti & The Positive Force
MSTRKRFT
Martin Sexton
Flogging Molly
Railroad Earth
The Hold Steady
Toots & The Maytals
Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mountain Boys
Brett Dennen
Zappa Plays Zappa
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
Shpongle DJ Set
Son Volt
Jackie Greene
Soulive
Man Man
Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band w/ Tony Rice
EOTO
King Sunny Adé & His African Beats
Lotus
Kid Cudi
STS9 Live PA
The Glitch Mob
Davy Knowles and Back Door Slam
Pretty Lights
Moseley, Law, Sipe & Droll
Rebelution
Quannum All Stars ft. Lyrics Born, The Mighty Underdogs, Gift of Gab & Lifesavas
Toubab Krewe
Sam Roberts Band
Hill Country Revue
Kyle Hollingsworth Band
Lipp Service
2020 Soundsystem
Break Science ft. Adam Deitch
The Hard Lessons
The Low Anthem
Underground Orchestra
Future Rock
The Macpodz
Steppin’ In It
Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad
Chris Pierce
Rachel Goodrich
The Ragbirds
Four Finger Five

Additional acts to be announced in the coming months.

Here’s their official 2009 spring tour dates, just released by Madison House Publicity:

Friday, April 10th and Saturday, April 11th 9:00 PM Doors 8:00 PM
Bowery Ballroom
With BLVD
6 Delancey Street, New York
Tickets $22.00, $40.00 for 2 Day Pass / Ages 18+ Welcome
For more information please contact 212-533-2111 or visit www.boweryballroom.com

Lotus hits the road this winter for a run of shows in the country’s southeastern states.  The tour comes on the heels of a huge year for Lotus, one that offered widespread exposure for their new album Hammerstrike and massive growth for the band.

The band’s 2008 successes, including a coveted cover story in Pollstar Magazine and sold out shows from coast to coast, haven’t distracted these humble musicians with Mennonite roots. As their relentless tour schedule proves, Lotus is ready to work. Their winter tour dates are as follows:

March 24           Toad’s Place                             New Haven, CT
March 25           Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel             Providence, RI
March 26           Port City Music Hall                   Portland, ME
March 27           Higher Ground                           Burlington, VT
March 28           Higher Ground                           Burlington, VT
March 31           Vogue Theatre                           Indianapolis, IN
April 1               The Crofoot                                Pontiac, MI
April 2               The Canopy Club                       Urbana, IL
April 3               Majestic Theatre                        Madison, WI
April 4               Vic Theatre                                Chicago, IL
April 5               The Intersection                         Grand Rapids, MI
April 7               Tralf Music Hall                          Buffalo, NY
April 8               The Westcott Theater                 Syracuse, NY
April 9               The Chameleon                          Lancaster, PA
April 10             Bowery Ballroom                        New York, NY
April 11             Bowery Ballroom                        New York, NY

For more information and updates visit www.lotusvibes.com.

yes it’s true. Amy Winehouse canceled. We’re really bummed.

The most important thing at this point is to MAKE SURE YOU DOWNLOAD THE SHOWS FOR FREE WHILE YOU STILL CAN via LivePhish.com.

Personally, I found myself spending a good chunk of time reading people’s Twitter updates over the weekend, and made a good number of friends doing so. For those who aren’t familiar with Twitter, it’s essentially a broadcast site where users send out 140 character updates, and can do so through a mobile phone. Some users were very frequent updaters, and you could follow their activity on almost a minute by minute basis. It was a pretty spectacular show of what this new technology can do.

As for the set lists, read on for the complete list as posted on Phish.com. Talk about impressive: 84 songs (one debut), and not a single repeat!  I mean really, who else does stuff like this?!

Read some amazing reviews from each night on melophobe.com, written by Seth Wolfman.

March 6

Set One:

• Fluffhead


• Divided Sky


• Chalk Dust Torture


• Sample In A Jar


• Stash


• I Didn’t Know


• Oh Kee Pah Ceremony >


• Suzy Greenberg


• Farmhouse


• NICU


• Horn


• Rift


• Train Song


• Water In The Sky


• Squirming Coil


• David Bowie

• Backwards Down The Number LIne


• Tweezer


• Taste


• Possum


• Theme From The Bottom


• First Tube


• Harry Hood


• Waste


• You Enjoy Myself*

• Grind**


• Bouncing Around The Room


• Loving Cup

SOUNDCHECK: The Squirming Coil, Funky Bitch

• Started and stopped, and restarted

• Acapella

  March 7

  Set One:
  

  
  
  • Back On The Train
  
  
  • Runaway Jim
  
  
  • Brian & Robert
  
  
  • Split Open and Melt
  
  
  • Heavy Things
  
  
  • Punch You In The Eye
  
  
  • Gumbo
  
  
  • Reba
  
  
  • Mexican Cousin
  
  
  • It’s Ice
  
  
  • Halley’s Comet
  
  
  • Beauty of a Broken Heart*
  
  
  • Guelah Papyrus
  
  
  • Lawn Boy
  
  
  • Run Like An Antelope
  
  
  
  Set Two:
  
  
  
  • Rock & Roll
  
  
  • Limb by Limb
  
  
  • Story of the Ghost
  
  
  • Piper
  
  
  • Birds of a Feather
  
  
  • Wolfman’s Brother
  
  
  • Prince Caspian
  
  
  • Mike’s Song >
  
  
  • I Am Hydrogen >
  
  
  • Weekapaug Groove
  
  
  • Character Zero
  
  
  
  Encore:
  
  
  
  • A Day In The Life
  
  
  
  Notes:

  SOUNDCHECK: It’s Ice, Heavy Things

  • First time played

    March 8

    Set One:
    

    
    
    • Sanity
    
    
    • Wilson
    
    
    • Foam
    
    
    • Bathtub Gin
    
    
    • Undermind
    
    
    • AC/DC Bag
    
    
    • My Friend, My Friend
    
    
    • Scent of a Mule
    
    
    • All Of These Dreams
    
    
    • Maze
    
    
    • She Thinks I Still Care*
    
    
    • Army of One
    
    
    • Tube
    
    
    • Cars Trucks Buses
    
    
    • Free
    
    
    • Frankenstein**
    
    
    
    Set Two:
    
    
    
    • Down With Disease^
    
    
    • Seven Below
    
    
    • The Horse >
    
    
    • Silent In The Morning
    
    
    • Twist
    
    
    • 2001
    
    
    • Moma Dance
    
    
    • While My Guitar Gently Weeps
    
    
    • Wading In The Velvet Sea
    
    
    • Slave To The Traffic Light
    
    
    
    Encore:
    
    
    
    • Contact
    
    
    • Bug
    
    
    • Tweezer Reprise
    
    
    
    Notes:

  • George Jones original, sung by Mike
  • with Page on Keytar

Seriously folks, check out this lighting rig. 

Here’s the set list as posted live on Phish.com: 

Set One: 

Fluffhead
Divided Sky
Chalk Dust Torture
Sample In A Jar
Stash
I Didn’t Know
Oh Kee Pah Ceremony >
Suzy Greenberg
Farmhouse
NICU
Horn
Rift
Train Song
Water In The Sky
Squirming Coil
David Bowie

Set Two: 

Backwards Down The Number LIne
Tweezer
Taste
Possum
Theme From The Bottom
First Tube
Harry Hood
Waste
You Enjoy Myself*

Encore

Grind**
Bouncing Around The Room
Loving Cup

Notes: 

* Started and stopped, and restarted.

• Acapella

“For Phish fans, this is the Super Bowl,” says my friend and music blogger Seth Wolfman, who is down in Hampton, Virginia. “This is it.”

(Photo courtesy of AP Photo/Stephen Chernin.)

As a show of appreciation, Phish will release free recordings of all three shows via LivePhish.com. The downloads will be available the mornings after the shows, but only for a limited time, so be sure to get ‘em while you can.

“We really wanted to show our gratitude to all the Phish fans for their support and the overwhelming response they’ve had to these shows,” says Trey Anastasio, on the site. “It’s going to be an amazing celebration and we only wish everybody could be there.”

Down in Virginia, I’m told it’s pretty obvious the circus has come to town. Hotels surrounding the Hampton Coliseum have been booked solid for months. The local Starr Hill Brewery has made up special bar advertisements welcoming Phish fans. And even the local little league team is getting in on the merchandising.

Has Phish done more in the way of a stimulus package than the federal government? I’m waiting for a call back from the local mayor for a comment on that one, but my guess is that the money flowing into Hampton right now can’t hurt.

On the music front, of course the big question is what the band will open the show with tonight. And really, it’s anyone’s guess.

“One thing about Phish has always been their unpredictability,” Wolfman says. “Even the front runners have little chance of actually being successful.”

In conversations with friends and fans over the past few months, the thinking has been that Phish will open with a classic original. Songs tossed out there have been “Chalkdust Torture,” “Down With Disease,” “Punch You In The Eye,” and “Golgi Apparatus.”

“The perfect song would be ‘Down With Disease,’” Wolfman says. “It’s the clear favorite.”

His argument for this prediction rests in the way the song builds. It they start with an ambient introduction, it would give the band time to find their groove and the crowd time to yell and shout. Then when Mike Gordon lays down the song’s driving bass line, the place would go nuts. Even the lyrics seem to fit the mood — “Waiting for the time when I can finally say. That this has all been wonderful but now I’m on my way. But when I think its time to leave it all behind. I try to find a way but there’s nothing I can say to make it stop.”

“The way the song is built, it’s built for this moment,” Wolfman says. “It’s an absolute Phish classic.”

I think it pretty much goes without saying that this weekend is going to be epic. In an interview with the New York Times, it seems the band is in a great place, musically, and is ready to deliver what fans have been craving. I guess we’ll see after tonight…

Check out melophobe for reviews of each show written by none other than Mr. Wolfman, one of the most animated and insightful writers I know. Also, follow phishhampton on twitter for updates allll weekend long, basically minute by minute.

But while playing music to his college mates in local watering halls, TJay realized he had another great talent that he loved just as much if not more than baseball — songwriting. (Check out some of his tracks via MySpace.)

People increasingly started coming out to shows. He wrote more songs, recorded an album, and started handing it out to people for free.

Then something radical happened. People actually started paying for the CD! (Five whole bucks!) TJay started thinking he could actually make this music thing into a career.

And now he is.

Quitting his full-time job in investments to focus on his music, TJay is working on a new album, which is expected to be released in May. A big CD release party is also in the works, and initial talks are pointing to The Chance in Poughkeepsie. We’ll keep you posted.

Aside from his insatiable appetite for the guitar — he says he could play all day and not get bored — one of the main motivating factors fueling TJay along his musical journey is the feeling of connecting with his audience.

“It’s a really cool feeling as an independent artist — being somewhat big but definitely not huge — when you’re in a club and you’re playing your own song and there’s one or two people singing along,” he said in an interview before the filming of the Listening Room. “Or even a person tapping their glass as they watch the football game. You’re connecting with them and that’s what it’s about.”

Download TJay’s tracks for free via our iTunes podcast.

Here are some upcoming dates to check the man out in action:

• March 4: Lucy’s Lounge, Pleasantville

• March 6: Vintage, White Plains

• March 8: The Bitter End, NYC

• March 12: Rosy Tomorrow’s, Danbury

tjaypretend.mp3

Download loads of free tracks from The Listening Room studio through our  iTunes podcast! Hope you enjoy!

tjayputyoudown.mp3

Download loads of free tracks from The Listening Room studio through our  iTunes podcast! Hope you enjoy!

tjaygrady.mp3

Download loads of free tracks from The Listening Room studio through our  iTunes podcast! Hope you enjoy!

Up next? A national tour taking the guys from their hometown of New York City to venues in cities such as Chicago, Cincinnati and Philly. Be sure to check out the full list of dates. They kick it all off Saturday with a FREE show at Groove, located at 125 Macdougal St., N.Y.

I most recently saw Mercury Landing opening for Tea Leaf Green at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, which is quite an impressive gig for any band to land these days.

The guys have no problem bringing in a crowd of their own, with loyal fans dancing up front and singing along. But in typical fashion, Mercury Landing quickly won over plenty of first-time listeners, who gelled quite easily with the band’s funky rock-and-roll style.

Throw in a touch of reggae, jazz, pop, and progressive rock, and you’ll begin to get a feel for what Mercury Landing is about. They’re out to have a good time, but they practice hard and play tight. They are constantly aiming to improve their material, mastering the art of the “one set” gig. And they set their sights high.

Over the next few years, they’re eying world tours and even a rock opera!

I recently tracked down guitarist Corey J. Feldman — whom I first met in a Chinese philosophy class at NYU! — and pitched him a few questions in anticipation of the tour. Here’s what he had to say.

Best of luck on tour, guys!

LR: Tell us about the early days of Mercury Landing. I know you guys were at NYU when the band started coming together, originally under the name Dr. UHall. How did you get to the current configuration?

CJF: Three of us were NYU kids, graduated 2005.  Our drummer, Nate Rosler, was a craigslist find.  Dr. UHall was just me (guitarist Corey J.) and bassist Dan Haller as a duo at first.  The band eventually evolved into Mercury Landing really as we added keyboards.  We’ve played with a lot of musicians (mostly guitarists) over the years, beginning as a 2 guitar band.  Ultimately, our keys player, Rich Brownstein, also responded to a craigslist ad.  It turns out we’d known each other from freshmen year at NYU, and he joined the band the October after we graduated.  That’s when Dr. UHall became Mercury Landing.  The band shifted through a few lead guitar guys (a few of them highly trained jazz players) before we decided to go it as a 4-piece, which only happened about 6 months ago.

LR: How has your sound evolved over the years?

CJF: The sound is shaped by the musicians in it, and we’ve had a few over the last few years.  Our tastes have changed, our style of writing has progressed, and our musical proficiency has gotten better.  Hopefully this means we’re writing better songs and executing them better.  Our album represents a fair cross section of our musical styles as musicians, even though it’s a year old.  Now we spend a lot of time hashing through our current material to make sure our “one-set” show is really powerful.  Doing an opening gig means nailing all of your A+ material.  I think our sound has evolved once already into what Mercury Landing is, and we’re in the first stages of our next evolution.  I think of what we are as a funk-infused rock band with a dose of those jam roots.  This next stage of our evolution, for me, involves a rock opera.

LR: You guys have rocked out with some pretty big jam bands. What are some personal highlights?

CJF: The most recent Tea Leaf Green show was a lot of fun for us.  They are always really cool, and I learned that Josh Clarke is quite the artist.  I think playing with the Breakfast a few times has been amazing.  Tim Palmieri is one of my favorite guitarists out there.  Personally, I’m a fan of the Pnuma Trio.  Their dance music is infectious.  Also, Dan and I (as Dr. UHall) were afforded the opportunity back in 2005 of opening for RAQ, which was a hell of a show as well.  I became a fan of that band upon their opening cover of Van Halen’s “Jump.”

LR: Mercury Landing has taken off in New York City, which is no easy feat considering the amount of competition on any given night. What is it about the Mercury Landing experience that keeps people coming back?

CJF: I like to think that most of it is the quality of our songs, and the intensity of our performance.  We also have a lot of great friends and family who really love our band and always come out to support.  It’s true we’ve built a following in this town, and I think a lot of the credit should go to the people who bring the energy to us while we’re on stage.

We spend a lot of time making each song perfect, and even to this day, we change little things here and there on our oldest tunes.  Also, our set encompasses at least one thing that each person really loves.  Maybe it’s the latin-world beat thing we did, that reggae breakdown we jammed out, or the catchy chorus we sang.  One way or another, we’re going to do something that will tickle your fancy.  And we give it our all on stage.  Hopefully when we give it our all, the audience gives back too.

LR: You guys are about to embark on a national tour. How did it all come together and how are you gearing up for the trip?

CJF: It took a lot of phone calls, emails, and knowing a few people.  We’re calling in lots of favors, asking our friends’ parents to crash at their houses, and buying a hitch for a car.  I think that our personal connections really filled in the gaps on this tour.  More than half our shows were booked through people we knew.  We’re just trying to stay on rehearsal schedule, and focus on the music.  This way, when the day to embark into the south and midwest arrives, we’ll be ready.

LR: Where would you like to see Mercury Landing in the next, say, five years?

CJF: I see us playing all over the world, festivals, Europe, Japan, you name it.  Our songs are special, and they can be shared with anyone who’ll listen.  Music is a very special thing, and I think in 5 years, a lot of people will have listened to Mercury Landing.

“Since our first Festival in 2005, this event has drawn thousands of music lovers to Pleasantville and advanced the village’s reputation as a cultural center,” said Rich Sarfaty, co-executive producer for the Pleasantville Music Festival.  “Each year the Festival also brings the community together in a genuine display of volunteerism.”

The 2008 Pleasantville Music Festival presented Joan Osborne, Graham Parker, Backdoor Slam, de Sol and other performers on three stages, treating the record audience to a memorable afternoon of live music.

The 2009 Pleasantville Music Festival will be presented by 107.1 FM, (WXPK) The Peak, the popular Westchester-based radio station that has acted as Festival presenter for 3 years. Dedicated to hosting original music with an emphasis on regional performers, the Festival supports a charitable partner each year.

“We have worked hard to bring talented performers to our village and it’s a thrill to see fans and sponsors react so positively each year,” said Sol Skolnick, co- executive producer of the Festival and longtime Pleasantville resident.  “While the event celebrates the cultural characteristics of our town, it also highlights the various eateries and retailers that make Pleasantville such a terrific and unique place.”

Since it’s inception, the Pleasantville Music Festival has featured such performers as World Party, Roger McGuinn, Dar Williams, the Damnwells, Graham Parker, Jonatha Brooke and Shawn Mullins.

A family-friendly event, the Festival always has acts aimed at kids.  Last year, these included Annie & the Natural Wonder Band and Fireflies. The Festival also offers a variety of activities for children in the Kids’ Fun Area, which was expanded in 2008, and features a large picnic section with eclectic food offerings and beverages.

“One of our most popular areas, Mac Arthur’s Beer & Wine Garden which includes three bands playing in rotation, will be expanded again this year due its growing popularity” said Skolnick.

This year’s Pleasantville Music Festival will run from 11:00AM to 8PM on Saturday, July 11, 2009. Those interested in being and event sponsor, performer or vendor are welcome to contact Sol Skolnick or Rich Sarfaty at pleasantmusic@optonline.net.   Additional information is available at www.pleasantvillemusicfestival.com.

peteyhoplittlejohnny.mp3

peteyhopskyisfallingdown.mp3

peteyhopwhatssowrong.mp3

kurtbaloghgregsong.mp3

kurtbaloghoneweek.mp3

kurtbaloghsameplace.mp3

Here’s what Reznor had to say:

Towards the beginning of my career in Nine Inch Nails, our biggest break came in the form of an invitation to perform a series of shows with Jane’s Addiction. These performances essentially created and defined the term “alternative” rock in the US, created an ongoing festival franchise that is still thriving (Lollapalooza), set the stage for Nirvana to shift popular taste a few months later, and were really fucking FUN to play and attend – truly the best times I’ve had. The shows were epic. So epic, they propelled NIN to the “next level” (whatever that means), but caused Jane’s to implode. The band broke up at the end of that tour.Fast forward to the present. Corporate rock STILL sucks. A friend tells me they saw the original Jane’s lineup play a tiny show in LA that was unbelievable. I break out my Jane’s records and am amazed by how vital they sound. These guys were the real deal and in this current climate mostly dominated by poseurs and pussies it was refreshing to hear something that sounded dangerous, volatile, beautiful and SINCERE.Emails were sent, phone calls were made, dinner was arranged, ideas were discussed and the next thing I know we’re in the studio experimenting. We laugh, we get to know each other, we cry, we yell, we almost quit, we record LOTS of guitar solos, we discuss, we actually begin to all communicate, we yell some more, we become FRIENDS, we laugh again and we do some great things. I get to see first hand why they broke up all those years ago but I also get the chance to see four distinct personalities that become an INCREDIBLE band when they’re in the same room.In NIN world, 2009 marks the 20th anniversary of our first releases. I’ve been thinking for some time now it’s time to make NIN disappear for a while. Last year’s “Lights in the Sky” tour was something I’m quite proud of and seems like the culmination of what I could pull off in terms of an elaborate production. It was also quite difficult to pull off technically and physically night after night and left us all a bit dazed. After some thought, we decided to book a last run of shows across the globe this year. The approach to these shows is quite different from last year – much more raw, spontaneous and less scripted. Fun for us and a different way for you to see us and wave goodbye. I reached out to Jane’s to see if they’d want to join us across the US and we all felt it could be a great thing. Will it work? Will it resonate in the marketplace? Who knows. Is there big record label marketing dollars to convince you to attend? Nope.Does it feel right to us and does it seem like it will be fun for us and you? Yes it does.Look for tour dates soon and I hope to see you out there.Trent

The Jane’s Addiction 1997 Halloween run at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City was without a doubt one of the top three — dare I even say the TOP? — concert I have ever witnessed. It was absolute madness. Two main stages, one in the front of the venue, one in the back. Then there were two side towers where the band played for a bit in between, surrounding by topless women dancing around them. As the guys went from the middle tower to the back, I happened to be just in the right spot to offer some hugs and get some sweat on me. Delicious.

MTV had broadcast the concert, which of course I recorded on VHS and then watched religiously for months afterwards. And when I say “religiously,” I am not exaggerating. Especially when it came to the “Three Days” they played on Halloween night. It was that epic, as I’m sure you could imagine coming from Jane’s Addiction on Halloween in New York f’ing City!! Man, good times…

Reznor said to stay tuned for more info, which of course I will. I hope they play a general admission venue when they hit New York, because I really can’t imagine seeing Jane’s Addiction from a seat. This is an act you need to be standing to see, exchanging energies with the fans around you and the band mates on stage.

Things get flowing with a humming in his head, which morphs into a melody to fit the music he and his band mates have begun to craft. Slowly words travel along the waves of this melody, striving to ultimately encapsulate emotions in ways fresh, insightful, and — quite frankly — singable.

How those words ultimately are interpreted, however, he leaves up to the listener. He wants everyone to connect with the songs in his or her own way, thereby feeling as though they are an integral part of the musical experience, which in many ways they are.

So while Bayliss admits a certain lyrical theme ultimately emerged on the “Mantis” album, he’s reluctant to offer many insights. But he does share his favorite lyric: “Turmoil stands like old rubber bands unbreaking,” off the album’s title track. He says it’s his favorite partially because of its meaning and partially because it rolls off the tongue nicely.

You ready for some irony?

Rolling Stone hit upon this exact same lyric in its review, but not in a positive light:

Singer Brendan Bayliss’ lyrics sometimes veer into New Age hooey (“Turmoil stands like old rubber bands unbreaking”).

“I don’t even know what hooey is.”

Hooey, slang. Silly talk or writing; nonsense

Mantis is definitely our most important record lyrically, too. Our last big record, Safety in Numbers, is about dealing with loss and death. So there may be some continuity with that. The last album had a lot of very personal moments. I guess this is sort of the next step. At first you focus on events that shape one’s life and then you focus on how these events shape the greater world. There’s kind of this existentialist theme where we put out some of those bigger questions and mysteries about the world or life.

Instrumentally, I find the album is also quite serious, with the band making a concerted effort to keep the songs as tight as possible, according to Bayliss. The title track, for instance, at one point was about 17 minutes long, but it comes in on the album at just under 12 minutes. The goal was to keep the final product at about an hour long, Bayliss said. It finishes at 54 minutes.

In that 54 minutes are songs that are surprisingly accessible, despite the band’s reputation for carrying on the torch of the progressive-rock movement. That, of course, doesn’t mean this album isn’t full of intriguing arrangements, because it certainly is. It just isn’t as complicated as anyone who’s listened to this band before knows they can get. And Bayliss said this was absolutely intentional — it wasn’t about being complicated just for the sake of being complicated, is how he put it.

Could that be why some tracks are actually getting radio play? Beats me. But Umphrey’s McGee did cut songs specifically to be more radio friendly. Funny thing is that Bayliss really couldn’t have cared less about the radio play, saying reaching fans that way has never really “been a reality” for the band.

What is a reality for the band right now is touring. And plenty of it. The band has dates scheduled across the country throughout the next few months, including shows April 10th and 11th in New York City the Nokia Theatre in Times Square.

As you probably already know, the tracks on “Mantis” had not been played live before the album’s release. This is such a rarity in the jam scene, that you can’t help but be excited to hear the tunes live for the first time. (Well, at least I know I am!) Of course you can listen to the shows via download if the band’s not hitting your city…

So what’s it like to play these songs live for the first time?

“I definitely have a bit of the schoolyard butterflies,” Bayliss said, after only playing the Colorado show and debuting some of the new songs.

For now, he said, he must focus on the physical act of playing; making sure he hits the right notes and sings the right lyrics. Then from there, who knows where these songs could go….

(Interview with Brendan Bayliss conducted Jan. 28.)

His roots are in classic rock, growing up with the sounds of the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and Leonard Skynard blasting in his ears, among many others. But his parents were into Big Band, so the swinging jazz sounds of the early 1930s and 40s also found their way into his head. From there, he branched out into everything from the Delta Blues on up through danceable funk. Muddy Waters, Hank Williams (both senior and junior), Duke Ellington, P-Funk, and The Meters. These are just a few of the artists that have filtered into the life and music of Petey Hop.

“I think the more disparate influences you have, the more unique your style is,” said Hopkinson, 40, of Patterson. “I think if you listen to one type of genre of music, you’re going to be a copycat. You’re just going to sound like what your direct influences are. But if you have a wide, diverse background, then you’re going to be unique, because that’s just the way it happens. It all filters through you.”

As our latest Listening Room performer, Petey Hop came into the studio and shared three of his original compositions: “What’s So Wrong About Love,” “The Sky is Falling Down,” and “Little Johnny.”

The performance builds over the course of the three songs, starting with a catchy opener and concluding with a finger-picking composition taking us through the tragic life Little Johnny, which is lyrically quite heavy.

Throughout, it’s clear Petey Hop is comfortable performing in front of an audience — and even a bunch of video cameras. He’s a graduate of the Musicians Institute, a performance trade school for music in Hollywood, Calif., and is constantly gigging in and around the Lower Hudson Valley.

Maybe you know Petey Hop as the man who started the Monday night open mic sessions at Lucy’s in Pleasantville?

“I just felt there was a void for that,” he said about getting the jam session going. “I was amazed at the amount of talent that walked in that I didn’t know… It was like if you build it, they will come.”

Looking ahead, Petey Hop credits Bob Dylan with the words that encourage him to keep pushing himself in new musical directions: If you’re always in the state of becoming and you don’t feel like you’ve gotten somewhere, then you’re OK.

“I always feel like my best days are ahead,” he said. “I haven’t written my best songs yet, I haven’t played my best music yet.”

Looking forward to what’s still to come!

Here’s the big moment:

Something I thought was worth mentioning (considering I know some people out there don’t want their kids playing this game because they feel it will take away from their kids playing the real instruments…) is that the kid said playing Guitar Hero has made it easier for him to play complicated sequences on an actual guitar, according to the full story in the New York Times today.

If you’re a Guitar Hero fanatic, check out this kid’s YouTube Channel. It’s pretty amazing.

The Tibet House Benefit Concert at Carnegie Hall last night was off the hook!

Patti Smith stole the show, doing a rendition of “I’ll Be There” by the Four Tops, and later chanted “Power to the People,” with the entire lineup.Smith also read some poetry on Tibetan culture accompanied by her daughter, Jesse Smith on piano.

The evening started with chanting by monks from the Drepung Monastery in Tibet that was followed up with some booming brass playing by the dozen-strong Antibalas group.

Other highlights included an elegant collaboration between the Columbia U quad Vampire Weekend and a string quartet doing Vampire’s “M79;” African singer Angelique Kidjo did a playful and raucous rendition of the Stones “Gimme Shelter.”

One of my favorite performers of the night was Techung, a Tibetan who was born and raised in the exiled community of Dharmasala, India. His lute playing was mesmerizing and his voice could melt butter.

After the concert, my niece and I found our way to the after-party at the Roseland Ballroom. We dined on arugula salad and chicken with couscous and rubbed shoulders with the likes of REM’s Michael Stipes and it model Agyness Deyn.

My niece, who is 16, and who worships Vampire Weekend, wanted me to ask Vampire band-leader Ezra, who “Johanna” is from their song “A-Punk.” I chickened out in the end and only waved a cheery hello his way. Not enough cocktails in me, I told her. It was after all a school night.

Totally by coincidence, I had checked out the Rosewood Thieves recently after reading about them in Relix Magazine and I was instantly attracted to their sound. It’s quite retro, sounding very much like that of The Beatles, but with a nice country-rock foundation. It’s also quite hip, sort of befitting of the band’s Brooklyn address. Check these guys out locally while you can, before they head out on a tour that includes dates in far away lands such as Pennsylvania, Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee and Ohio.

The NEXT Charity Concert Series is the brainchild of Chris Bro of 107.1 The Peak. Tickets are cheap — selling online now for only 5 bucks — and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Think good music for a good cause can’t possibly get any better?

Well, I’m happy to inform you that Captain Lawrence Brewing Company will be selling pints at $3 a pop to help encourage the cause. Scott Vaccaro, the brewer, will also be collecting donations at his free Friday night tastings.

ROCK ON!

Funny thing, though, is that Phish actually doesn’t get top billing for the festival, despite all the buzz surrounding the reunited band. Who — you’re likely and logically asking yourself — could possibly be a bigger deal than Phish these days? Especially in the Bonnaroo scene?

Apparently Bruuuuuuuuuuuuce Springsteen and the E Street Band.

Fine, maybe he is a bigger deal in some respects. I mean, he did just play the Super Bowl… But when it comes right down to it, who do you think is going to end up selling more tickets for the people over at Superfly Productions and A.C. Entertainment, co-producers of Bonnaroo? Wouldn’t you assume Phish is the bigger draw considering the demographics of the crowd? I wonder how Bruce won the top spot?

Whatever. It obviously doesn’t matter. I just thought it was interesting.

The big news is the lineup:

The Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival 2009 Lineup:

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
Phish (2 Shows)
Beastie Boys
Nine Inch Nails
David Byrne
Wilco
Al Green
Snoop Dogg
Elvis Costello Solo
Erykah Badu
Paul Oakenfold
Ben Harper and Relentless7
The Mars Volta
TV on the Radio
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Gov’t Mule
Andrew Bird
Band Of Horses
Merle Haggard
MGMT
moe.
The Decemberists
Girl Talk
Bon Iver
Bela Fleck & Toumani Diabate
Rodrigo y Gabriela
Galactic
The Del McCoury Band
of Montreal
Allen Toussaint
Coheed and Cambria
Booker T & the DBTs
David Grisman Quintet
Lucinda Williams
Animal Collective
Gomez
Neko Case
Down
Jenny Lewis
Santogold
Robert Earl Keen
Citizen Cope
Femi Kuti and the Positive Force
The Ting Tings
Robyn Hitchcock & The Venus 3
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
Kaki King
Grizzly Bear
King Sunny Adé
Okkervil River
St. Vincent
Zac Brown Band
Raphael Saadiq
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
Crystal Castles
Tift Merritt
Brett Dennen
Mike Farris and the Roseland Rhythm Revue
Toubab Krewe
People Under the Stairs
Alejandro Escovedo
Vieux Farka Touré
Elvis Perkins In Dearland
Cherryholmes
Yeasayer
Todd Snider
Chairlift
Portugal. The Man.
The SteelDrivers
Midnite
The Knux
The Low Anthem
Delta Spirit
A.A. Bondy
The Lovell Sisters
Alberta Cross

MORE ARTISTS TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!

The lineup had included acts such as Modest Mouse, Gene Ween Band, Death Cab For Cutie, Snoop Dogg, Ryan Adams and the Cardinals, Matisyahu, Umphrey’s McGee, the Disco Biscuits, Girl Talk, and many more awesome performers.

Here’s the official release:

Feb 3, 2009

The 2009 Langerado Music Festival has been cancelled due to sluggish ticket sales.

Langerado’s independent local promoters, faced with a very tough decision in a dismal economy, cancelled the 2009 event only after every possible option was exhausted.

As Langerado Co-Promoter Ethan Schwartz explains, “Langerado has always put the fan experience first.  Unfortunately, during these difficult economic times, and facing a first year in a new venue, it’s become apparent that we cannot execute a production that lives up to the high standards of our past events. Putting Langerado on hold was the toughest decision we have ever had to make.  We are very grateful for the support of the greater-Miami community and the music community during this difficult time.”

All tickets purchased will be refunded.  Please look for ticket refunds to be processed in the next 5-7 business days.   Each order will be refunded to the credit card in full, minus the included order processing fees.  Shipping fees will also be credited for those orders that did not select the free shipping promotion.  For information on ticket refunds please contact Music Today www.musictoday.com

Chatting before the show at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn last week, Josh Clark, Scott Rager and Reed Mathis took me through their world for a bit, leaving me confident there’s still many exciting things to come from this band. (Trevor Garrod, meanwhile, was sleeping one off from the night before. So rock star! I dared not wake him up, for the sake of the show to come!)

While TLG has become one of the darlings of the “jam band” scene these days, the guys aren’t at all out to wow their crowds with virtuosic heroics. Instead of experimental tangents, they prefer to play as a more cohesive unit.  Sure they craft songs with plenty of room for fresh licks and clever lines, of which each band member takes full advantage of. But, they say, they always know where they want to end up.

And knowing where you want to end up has a lot to do with knowing where you want to start, which comes down to the set lists. Sometimes the guys just toss out songs in the van, one by one, building up the night’s repertoire. Other times they take turns writing the set for the night’s show, thinking of interesting transitions or unexpected turns. Either way, they say, it helps to all be on the same page. 

Mathis can especially attest to this. As a former member of the Jacob Fred Jazz Oddessy, he was used to playing night after night with no set list at all—which he said became a nightmare.

“Some people think a set list is ‘The Man’ trying to keep them down,” Mathis set. “When really, it’s a nice pair of shoes on a gravel road.”

That’s gotta be one of my favorite quotes of all time, without a doubt! 

I asked whether playing a tighter show has helped to propel the band to the level of success it is currently enjoying, and they said probably not. What has helped the band get to where they are is flat out hard work. 

“You gotta get off your ass and work,” Clark put it bluntly. Amen to that!

And work they do, playing shows across the country throughout the year, including the summer festival circuit. Lucky for all you Midwesterners, the band recently announced a string of March dates. Be sure to hit them up!

Setlist 1.23.09 

Set 1: Make A Connection > Devils Pay > Hot Dog > Kali-Yuga > Stormcloud, Let Us Go > Stick to the Shallows, Jezebel, Red Ribbons, Arise

Set 2: I’ve Been Seeking, California > Dragonfly, 7th story > Franz Hanzerbeak, Hangin From a Tree, Morning Sun, Innocent, Everybody’s Got Something To Hide Except For Me and My Monkey > Sex In The ’70s

Encore: Pretty Jane, Garden (Part III)

P.S. I have a bunch of extra video footage from both the concert and the interview, and I’d be happy to post it if the demand is there.

I’m talking about Slipknot here. The band will be giving a rare live interview this Friday night at 7:30 p.m. on WVOX’s “Metal Mayhem.” Host Matt O’Shaughnessy will talk to the guys about their upcoming headlining show at Madison Square Garden and the success of their latest album, “All Hope is Gone.”

Check it out on 1460 AM or tune in online at WVOX.com

I’ve heard members of Slipknot chime in on debates about heavy metal and it’s always been insightful. Scary, yes. But interesting nonetheless, talking about things like how there’s not much to do in Iowa (where they’re from) and how it’s easy to become obsessed with death and darkness.

I certainly like my share of darker music, starting with Black Sabbath and progressing up through Alice in Chains and Tool. But I never got into Slipknot much. (OK, at all… I swear I blame the masks.)

(Thanks to AJ Keirans for the Twitter tip!)

“Fluffhead”

“Bathtub Gin”

“Punch You in the Eye”

“Sample in a Jar”

“Flatbed Jam”

With one final “Salute!” to his crew, trumpeter Willie Waldman set out to bring the funk to The Field last Friday in Bridgeport, Conn., and considering who stood up next to him on stage, it’s not too tough to imagine just how funky things got!

moe.’s Vinnie Amico and The Breakfast’s Adrian Tramontano traded off on drums and percussion, creating a powerhouse foundation along with Greg Koerner, of the band Gent Treadly, on bass. These guys are so damn good on their own, it would have been just fine by me to have a drum and bass night.

Tramontano’s style is fast and aggressive — think John Bonham reincarnated. Amico knows how to ride the grooves and seems to have an innate ability to make everything gel. Koerner is insanely versatile and is so on point. Together it just worked. 

“Jamming with Vinnie teaches me to relax and get in the groove,” Tramontano said after the gig. “Less is better than more, sometimes; the pocket is better than the kick.”

Now imagine adding Waldman on trumpet, Rob Somerville and Cyrus Madan of Deep Banana Blackout on saxophone and keys, respectively, and Brian Jordan of Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe. Hot damn! What a mix!

This was the first time Madan had ever joined the WW jam session, but his solos stood out in my book.

“It just keeps our creative chops together,” he said after the gig. “There’s no set, it’s all free improvisation. It’s complete creative expression; ego-less expression.”

Jordan balanced things out with a bit of a mellow tinge, placing cool jazz solos amidst the funky grooves. Even his disposition was cool, with his long dreads and gentle aura radiating from stage right.

“You just don’t know what to expect, and then the music happens,” he said.

Special guests included Darian Cunning on guitar and The Brew bassist Joe Plante. These guys both are people to keep an eye out for, no doubt, and I’m sure they will make their way into the LR blog again soon. (Hint, hint…)

Cunning’s more bluesy edge added a great deal to the jam, right in the gut. Energy level noticeably went up a few notches with him on stage.

“I was really amped,” he said about joining the jam.

A limited number of tickets are available now through Phish’s ticketing system at phish.portals.musictoday.com. Cost is $49.50. Offer ends Sunday, Jan. 25 at 11:59 a.m.

Public sale of the Phish summer tour begins 10 a.m. EST Friday January 30.

Obviously that new date puts them oh so close to the Bonnaro music festival starting up the very next day…

And while that guitar typically is plugged in and amped up as part of a heavy metal band, he can also tone it down and speak just as powerfully through his solo acoustic performances.

“I grew up and metal was the first thing that got me to pick up the guitar,” he says. “But I always had this other side that likes writing songs and singing about relationships. I get teased by the guys in the band all the time.”

I gotta say, I’m absolutely thrilled Balogh is the man kicking off the 2009 season of the Listening Room concert series!

He’s got a great ear for songwriting, he shows off just enough of his guitar chops to keep people interested but not overwhelmed, and he isn’t afraid to be silly and get a laugh.

You’ll without a doubt hear his influences coming through — including Jimi Hendrix, Bradley Nowell of Sublime, and Trey Anastasio of Phish. (I’m sure you can tell just by those names that I would dig this guy!)

Be sure to listen through to “The Greg Song.” The lyrics are without a doubt some of the best to ever make their way through the Listening Room.

“I know a guy, who’s really cool, and his name is Greg,” Balogh sings. “If he was a color, that color would be love, G-R-E-G. That’s the way, I spell love, to you it might spell Greg.”

Really?! Thank God you can’t hear me laughing on the video!

“I promised too many people I would play it today, so I sort of have to,” he said during the filming.

I hope you all enjoy the performance! On a side note, I think my new hair cut (I went for the “side bangs” this time…) makes me look like a chipmunk. Lol. Oh well!

Remember to become a fan of the Listening Room on Facebook. The page is updated daily — Scratch that! It’s updated SEVERAL times daily! — with the latest music news, photos and videos from around the Interweb.

For Immediate Release

THE DISCO BISCUITS ANNOUNCE DATES FOR CAMP BISCO VIII
3-DAY MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL
IN MARIAVILLE, NEW YORK JULY 16-18, 2009

Featuring 3 Nights of The Disco Biscuits

$115 Pre-sale 3-Day Passes

Tickets On Sale Thursday, January 29, 2009 at 10a.m.

Atlanta, Georgia (January 21, 2009) – The Disco Biscuits will continue the tradition of bringing cutting edge acts to Mariaville, New York, when Camp Bisco VIII, the eighth annual three-day music and arts festival, returns this July 16-18, 2009. As hosts of Camp Bisco, one of the country’s largest and longest running electronic/rock music festivals, the Disco Biscuits have continued to bring a myriad of talent to the scene in recent years, including: Snoop Dogg, Thievery Corporation, DJ Shadow, MSTRKRFT, The Roots, Infected Mushroom, STS9 (Sound Tribe Sector 9), Shpongle, Younger Brother, Bassnectar, and !!!. This 2009 lineup will include three full nights of the Disco Biscuits with the full performer lineup to be announced in coming weeks.

Camp Bisco VIII will once again be held at the picturesque Indian Lookout Country Club in Mariaville, New York.  The venue is located approximately 20 minutes travel time from Albany, New York, and sits on 200 acres of rolling, grass fields. The grounds come equipped with full bathrooms; which include flush toilets and showers, as well as 24/7 bathroom attendants. Festival goers will have access to a full bar on site and a general store, which sells almost every necessity for a comfortable and care free experience, including alcohol.

Early bird tickets go on sale Thursday, January 29TH at 10am, for a limited time only and begin at $115.  Tickets are available online at both www.campbisco.net and 1-800-594-TIXX. VIP packages are available for an additional $225 per ticket purchase.

15 cents of every ticket sold will be donated to Trees For The Future, an organization that has been the steward of planting trees throughout the world since the early 1970s in an effort to remedy the effects of illegal logging and unsustainable land management systems on the world’s developing communities.  Once again, Camp Bisco will be working with Headcount, a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization devoted to voter registration and participation in democracy. BE-Green ticket upgrades will also be sold for an additional $2.50. Funds raised by the BE-Green upgrades will be used to offset carbon emissions through the use of renewable energy sources.

Camp Bisco VIII is promoted by MCP Presents and hosted by The Disco Biscuits. Greening partners include Green Mountain Energy Company – the nation’s leading provider of cleaner electricity and carbon offset products.

Visit www.campbisco.net  for the most up to date information.

No, at that time, which no matter what happens during the course of Barack Obama’s presidency will always be considered a turning point for the United States, our ears — and yes I will go so far into the realm of cheese as to say our hearts — were filled by the sweet serenade of “Air and Simple Gifts,” composed by John Williams.

You know the original lyrics: ‘Tis the gift to be simple, ‘tis the gift to be free, ‘tis the gift to come down where you ought to be…

I couldn’t help but be moved by the enormity of the situation. The free transition of power, ushered gracefully through by the masterful playing of Yo-Yo Ma on cello, Itzhak Perlman on violin, Gabriela Montero on piano and Anthony McGill on clarinet.

Music certainly has a magical power over me, so perhaps I was more moved at this particular moment than others. Yet still, I swear I felt the same sense of awe radiating from those watching alongside me, whose faces conveyed more than words ever could.

UPDATE: It was a fraud!! 

I really drilled him, let me tell you. From questions about his hottie wife to his favorite recipe to what kind of gum he chews to blow such big bubbles, I’m afraid I might gain a reputation for being a really tough interviewer.

In all seriousness, though, we did chat about more meaningful things such as what Phish’s reunion might mean to the jam scene, how he sees his role in moe.’s songwriting process, and what we can expect from the band after a few months “vacation.” I learned the hard way not to call it the “h” word….

Sipping a Dog Fish Head and sporting his Saranac Brewery hat, Amico said he is looking forward to getting back on the road with his band — and revealed that more tour dates are soon to be announced!

Here’s what he had to say, in his own words.

Of course two Italians start the interview talking about food

vinnierecipe.mp3

A nod to the past and you’d better look out, Emeril

vinniefatherfoodnet.mp3

It’s not a hiatus, it’s a vacation

vinniehiatus.mp3

You’re not a loser, Vinnie. But yeah, time to get back out on the road!

vinnietour.mp3

Whatever happens — good or bad — is what it’s going to be

vinniediffdirection.mp3

What would you say ya do here? (Sorry, just couldn’t resist.)

vinniesong.mp3

Phish’s reunion ultimately will be good for all jam bands, he says

vinniephisheconomy.mp3

Don’t blame me…

vinniequickies.mp3

It’s a great show, and now there’s something even better coming our way: The NEXT Charity Concert Series.

Concerts will be held every first Friday of the month at the Rack ‘n’ Roll Cafe in Stamford, Conn. Tickets are cheap — selling online now for only 5 bucks — and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Good music and a good cause? Win, win in my book.

The first concert is going down this Friday — (Wow! That’s already tomorrow! Nice!) — and will feature the bands Ten Feet Deep at 9 p.m. and Jukebox the Ghost at 10 p.m. Purchase and print out advanced tickets here.

Chris Bro (his voice is just as awesome as his name, by the way, making for the perfect radio host if you ask me…) really digs these two bands, and so I’m excited to check them out.

Here’s a little chat he and I had about the bands, the concert series, what’s still to come, and why he’s trying to confuse people by NOT throwing the first concert on the first of the month, like all others will be from here on out.

chrisbro.mp3

But wait, folks. It only gets better.

On the third Friday of every month, the Red Lotus Productions Indy Rock Charity Series will take over the same venue for another night of fresh new music. Red Lotus Productions is a non-profit organization with the mission to basically rock people’s worlds and promote events at no cost to the benefiting charity.

The Red Lotus show will go down next Friday, Jan. 23. On the bill so far is Urban Fetch, a band we know here well.

Thanks for helping to build up a hip music scene close to home, guys. My car isn’t the only thing getting worn out from all the trips to the city…

Well the list is in, and as would be expected, it’s causing a bit of a stir.

1. Allman Brothers Band
2. The Grateful Dead
3. Phish
4. Umphrey’s McGee
5. moe.
6. Widespread Panic
7. Led Zeppelin
8. My Morning Jacket
9. Dave Matthews Band
10  Gov’t Mule
11. Jimi Hendrix
12. String Cheese Incident
13. Santana
14. Disco Biscuits
15. STS9

As awesome as the Allman Brothers certainly are, I find it very surprising that they beat out the Grateful Dead, who arguably influenced more people in the modern “jam” scene than any other band. Still, you can’t say the Allman Brothers aren’t deserving of such an honor. These guys without a doubt epitomize the spirit of the jam.

Then there’s Phish, Umphrey’s, moe., and Panic. Right on. Anyone reading this blog lately knows we’re fans of these bands.

But Zeppelin? My Morning Jacket? Dave Matthews Band? Jimi Hendrix? Really? I’m a big fan of each of these bands, and certainly each is capable of some monster live shows, but I wouldn’t really classify them as “jam bands.” Having either listened to or attended many shows of all these guys, I feel it’s more that they throw in extended jams in a few select songs during a set, as opposed to shaping their sets around the jam. In other words, the songs still primarily drive the shows, not the jams.

In my mind, however, a “jam band” does just the opposite — it sees the jam as driving the show, not necessarily the song.

Does this make sense?

Readers have also been sounding off on whether the Disco Biscuits and Sound Tribe (STS9) should be on this list, and I say hells yeah, absolutely! Sure they’re more electronic than the other bands on the list, but it’s undeniable that their live shows are grounded in improvisational jamming.

Jon Gutwillig, guitarist for tDB, recently talked to me about the spirit of jamming and improv at live shows, saying the goal is to transcend the physical act of playing. Check out the unedited interview. It’s pretty funny.

One of the best parts of a “jam band” show, in my opinion, is when the band collectively takes the music so far from the original song that you completely lose track of what song they’re actually in. I always crack up when the band then ends up wrapping back around to the song — sometimes after mixing in other songs in between — and am grateful for being able to lose myself in the music.

In the end, lists are never perfect. But still, I’d gladly listen to any of the bands in the RollingStone.com list. Come to think of it… I’m in the mood for a little moe., considering I’m going to see Vinnie Amico (drummer) play this weekend with the Willie Waldman Project in Bridgeport, Conn.

Long live the jam!

Phish has confirmed additional summer tour dates, the first since splitting in 2004, according to Billboard.com.

The tour will kick off June 4-5 at Jones Beach in Wantagh, N.Y. Tickets go on sale Jan. 30-31.

Additional shows include:

June 6: Comcasts Center outside Boston

June 7: Susquehanna Bank Center in Camden, N.J.

June 9: Civic Center in Asheville, N.C.

June 16: Fox Theatre in St. Louis

June 18: Post-Gazette Pavillion in Burgettstown, Pa.

June 19: Verizon Wireless Center in Noblesville, Ind.

June 20-21: Alpine Valley in East Troy, Wis.

Of course everyone’s buzzing about Phish headlining the Bonnaroo festival June 11-14 in Manchester, Tenn., and you’ll notice those dates are still open for the band according to the announcement above.

The Bonnaroo lineup will be announced Feb. 3. What do you think?

He and his brother, Michael, couldn’t have been nicer and I thank the crew over at 107.1 The Peak for inviting me in to do this video. I hope you enjoy. Check out the new Listening Room Facebook page for photos from the concert, plus the latest music news from around the Web.

The Peak will be broadcasting the performance Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. and Jan. 17 at 8 a.m.

Be sure to tune in, since Pete Denenberg over at Acme is a wizard behind the board and mastered the tracks to sound infinitely better than my handheld video camera recorded. UPDATE: I got my hands on the mastered tracks and redid the video! The improved version is posted below.

Acme boasts credits on the Spin Doctors’ “Pocket Full of Kryptonite” and Deep Purple’s “Machine Head/25th Anniversary re-issue” among many other big recordings, so you know the Peak Performances are going to sound good!

Oh, and please subscribe to the Listening Room Live YouTube channel so you can keep up to date with our latest videos!

baconbrothers.mov

Links:

Bacon Brothers Website

Bacon Brothers YouTube

Listening Room Facebook Page

The Peak Radio Station

It is an interesting time for both music lovers and the music industry. This year proved to me yet again that bands from the 1990’s and earlier are still carrying the mantle of rock and roll — and will continue to carry it.

To see so many reunited bands including the Stone Temple Pilots, the Verve, the Breeders, the Police, and the Smashing Pumpkins in addition to legends like Pearl Jam, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Neil Young, Radiohead, Ani DiFranco, and AC/DC in 2008 was truly remarkable.

This is not to say there are no post-1990’s bands I enjoy, but few of them are heavy hitters on the concert circuit.  The Eagles followed Madonna and Celine Dion as the highest grossing acts of 2008 – not exactly a group of spring chickens.

I did see a number of smaller shows with talented artists like Mancino, CSS, Geoff Hartwell, Holler Wild Rose, and Erin McKeown, but the reality of the music industry today is that as a music lover you need to do a little more homework to find a great artist.

Gone are the days when you could listen to terrestrial radio, or watch MTV’s Alternative Nation and 120 Minutes to hear new and exciting music – terrestrial music is now filled with commercials and overplayed songs, and MTV sold its soul a long time ago to promote pop music puppets and teen reality shows.  The modern age of great music hunting involves MySpace band pages, commercial-free satellite radio, Internet radio, and the easy swapping of MP3 files.

Coldplay seems to be the anomaly of this post 1990’s trend.  Although technically they did release some songs before 2000, so far they are the rock band of the 2000’s, selling millions of albums and racking up an impressive catalog in a short amount of time.  But most people reading this blog could name several bands from the 1990’s who did the same thing (if you really don’t know just look to the first paragraph).

Despite all of this, I take comfort in knowing in 2008 I saw so many bands touring from a time before Britney Spears – unfortunately my grandchildren will never see Angus Young running half naked nor will they hear the soothing voice of Don Henley.  I take even greater comfort knowing some of music’s finest artists will rock again in 2009 and beyond.

Here are my 2008 Concert Highlights:

• Ace Frehley joining Pearl Jam on stage to perform Kiss’s Black Diamond
• The Smashing Pumpkins whip out a blazing version of Bodies
• Neil Young plays three songs from 1969’s Everyone Knows This Is Nowhere, including a killer full-length version of Cowgirl in the Sand
• Radiohead playing a perfect version of Climbing Up the Walls to a crowd of thousands at Liberty State Park
• Beck and his drummer, Matt Sherod, carrying the band through a heavenly cosmic version of Chemtrails• •
• Mike McCready’s solo during Pearl’s Jam’s modernized version of the now 17 year-old Garden
• The passion of the crowd at All Points West for the up and coming band CSS
• Oasis performing Slide Away
• Joe Walsh running around the stage at Madison Square Garden with a camera helmet
• Scott Weiland hitting every note with a reunited Stone Temple Pilots at Jones Beach
• Tori Amos playing a plethora of new songs to a crowd at the WaMu Theater that actually wanted to hear them
• Steve Winwood joining Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers on stage for Can’t Find My Way Home at Madison Square Garden

Our pals over at JamBase.com (well, I’ve never actually met anyone that works there, but they’ve got to be cool people, no?) each year compile a “Best of List” that features the favorite albums and live shows from the staff, select artists, contributors and friends.

Some artists offering their favorite suggestions this year include Jim James of My Morning Jacket, Dave Schools of Widespread Panic, Al Schnier of moe., Keller Williams, and many, many more.

I think I’m just going to start at the top and work my way down. Looks like 2009 is going to be a good one!

Jon, you inspired me to drink Dunkin’ Donuts coffee the ENTIRE time I was editing. I passed on the gluttonous doughnut and ice cream combo, though, as tempting as that did sound! (Watch the whole video and you’ll understand what I’m talking about….)

He recently told JamBase that he is selling out shows all over the country, which is no small feat in today’s strapped economy. His annual Festival of Light run, which goes from Dec. 21 to 30, has featured artists including Crystal Method, U-Melt, The Leevees and Assembly of Dust, among others. (Get a $5 discount when purchasing tickets to the upcoming shows in New York by entering the password “Light”)

If you haven’t heard of Matisyahu, you’re in for a surprise. He is a Hasidic Jew who broke out on the scene in 2004, delivering religious ryhmes and reggae rhythms in a unquie hip-hop fashion. Needless to say, his background alone is enough for curious music fans to at least give a listen. But years later, it’s his innovative style that keeps them coming back — and with friends.

Not intimidated by the size of the crowd, the band opened up their songs to some rhythmic jams, throwing in a bit of country twang to the rock-n-roll drive.

I missed two songs (including “Cobwebs, the opener), walking in to one of my favorites, “Everybody Knows.” It’s got this catchy although a bit melancholy guitar riff, with Adams singing “You and I together, and only one of us in love.” Gets me every time.

Next came a heavy “Fix It” followed by very jammy “Off Broadway.” Both awesome. Later on in the set, the crowd welcomed the tune “Come Pick Me Up,” singing along to the chorus. “Magick” closed out the set, with some soaring guitar, pounding drums and energetic singing. “So turn the radio on! So turn the radio up! So turn the radio up loud and get down!” (Man I hope to be getting down at the Wellmont!)

The full set list is posted on the Ryan Adams archive forum board.

Here’s a recent Cardinals show that was posted on my much-beloved archive.org and sounds good. Click here to see the track listing of this show.

The band is giving away a free EP of never-before-released material spanning holiday shows from the past few years.

Click here for the free download.

If you don’t already have an account with umlive.net — which is where you can download scores of UM shows — all you have to do is provide an e-mail address and password to sign up.

Happy Listening.

Warner Music, home to artists including the Red Hot Chili Peppers and rapper T.I., was in 2006 the first major media company to negotiate a deal with YouTube. In exchange for the use of their music videos and songs, the company and others who signed deals are paid a share of revenue generated by ads displayed alongside their content.

Here’s the Warner Music Group channel on YouTube if you want to search around for videos while you still can!

Caterpillar_edit_new_2.mp3

Here’s how to get to where you want to go once the Nokia show lets out, safely using public transportation. Please post a comment about any other late-night shows that are not listed below so we can help spread the word. Have fun! Be safe!

Dec. 26

• OTT WITH MARC BROWNSTEIN @ Highline Ballroom, located at 431 W. 16th St. between 9th and 10th Aves. Walk to Times Square, 42nd Street Station. Take the 1 Train towards the South Ferry Station. Get off at 18th Street. Walk south to 16th Street, then turn right and the venue will be on your right. Estimated time about 25 minutes.

Dec. 27

• DUB WAR NYC @ Love, located at 179 MacDougal Street at 8th Street. Walk to Times Square, 42nd Street Station. Take the 1 Train towards South Ferry Station. Get off at Christopher Street. Head east on Christopher Street towards Grove Street/Waverly Park. Turn right at Waverly Place. Turn left at MacDougal Street. Estimated time about 15 minutes. (While you’re on MacDougal, be sure to get a falafel! While Mamoun’s is a little cheaper and more famous, I like Ali Baba’s falafel’s the best. They’re a little bigger and juicier. YUM!)

• WOUNDED BUFFALO THEORY, THE HIPPOCAMPUS, DJ ROBONITRONICUS AND BLACKLITE @ The Underscore, located at 1733 1st Ave. at 89th St. Walk to Times Square, 42nd Street Station. Take the S Train to Grand Central Station. Transfer to the 4 Train. Get off at 86th Street Station. Walk south until you hit 1st Ave. Turn left and destination will be on the left. Estimated time about 25 minutes.

Dec. 28

• THE EGG @ Highligh Ballroom, located at 431 W. 16th St. between 9th and 10th Aves. Walk to Times Square, 42nd Street Station. Take the 1 Train towards the South Ferry Station. Get off at 18th Street. Walk south to 16th Street, then turn right and the venue will be on your right. Estimated time about 20 minutes.

Dec. 30

• LIPP SERVICE & PNUMA PA @ Highline Ballroom, located at 431 W. 16th St. between 9th and 10th Aves. Walk to Times Square, 42nd Street Station. Take the 1 Train towards the South Ferry Station. Get off at 18th Street. Walk south to 16th Street, then turn right and the venue will be on your right. Estimated time about 20 minutes.

• THE BREAKFAST @ Ace of Clubs, located at 9 Great Jones St. Walk to Times Square, 42nd Street Station. Take the R Train twoards 95th Street/Bay Ridge Station. Get off at 8th Street/New York University Station. Walk south on Broadway towards Astor Place. Turn Left on Great Jones and venue will be on the right. Estimated time about 16 minutes.

Dec. 31

• Benevento/Russo Duo @ B.B. King Blues Club, located at 237 W. 42nd Street. Head south on 42nd Street. Turn right on 42nd street. Wow, that was easy! 

• ADAM DEITCH NEW YEAR’S EVE FUNK CELEBRATION FEATURING LOUIS CATO @ THE BLUE NOTE, located at 131 W. 3rd St. Walk to Times Square, 42nd Street Station. Take Q Train towards Coney Island. Get off at 34th Street/Herald Square Station and transfer to the V Train towards 2nd Avenue. Get off at the W. 4th Station. Head south on 6th Avenue/Avenue of the Americas. Turn left at W. 3rd Street and the Blue Note is on your left. Estimated time about 15 minutes.

Patients, parents, nurses and doctors got up early and rocked out during the four-hour party, which started at 6 a.m. and featured performances by Mayer, Thomas, Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson.

“Everybody loves getting up early for this,’’ said Connie Cornell, the hospital’s director of public relations. “It’s our largest fund raiser of the year, but first and foremost it’s a celebration for the kids and their families and for the people who support the hospital.’’

WPLJ’s Scott & Todd, who have hosted the extravaganza each of its 17 years, broadcast live from Blythedale, urging listeners to make donations or bid on rock and sports memorabilia during an online auction.

About 400 people turned out for the invitation-only concert, which hospital officials said raises about $250,000 a year.

(Report courtesy of The Journal News staff writer Rich Liebson. Photo courtesy Ricky Flores/LoHud.com.)

Of course YouTubers have already posted comparisons of the tunes, debating the similarities and picking sides.

The lawsuit seeks a jury trial, damages and any profits Coldplay gained from the song. Surely there’s some big bucks at stake here, since the album has been among the year’s biggest hits and was promoted heavily through an Apple iTunes campaign. (Hey Chris Martin, no matter what happens here, you were still sexy as all hell in the iTunes video! Can’t take that away from you! Right, ladies?!)

On Wednesday, “Viva la Vida” earned Coldplay Grammy Award nominations for song of the year and record of the year.

This isn’t the first time Coldplay has had to fend off allegations that it ripped off material for “Viva la Vida.”

Creaky Boards, an indie band from Brooklyn, earlier this year claimed Coldplay pinched the melody from their track called — seriously — “The Songs I Didn’t Write.” Here’s a YouTube clip of that comparison, where songwriter Andrew Hoepfner says he wrote the song more than a year before the Coldplay release.

I’m feeling dizzy.

There’s certainly similarities between the songs, especially with the Cold Play and Satriani tunes. In my opinion, the best track of them all is the Coldplay/Satriani overdub. Can I get that in an mp3, please?

(Photo courtesy of the Associated Press.)

I did not know this, but according to Wikipedia, Lennon’s body was cremated two days after his death at Ferncliff Cemetery in Hartsdale. The whereabouts of his ashes are not definitively known.

People will be making the trek down to Strawberry Fields today to pay their respects, bringing a flower or two to lay down at the memorial site. I will be remembering the man today by thinking about peace, hoping to embody his message of love wherever I may be…

(Photo courtesy of Jennifer Szymaszek/AP.)

So I know I’m a little slow with this one, since it’s been around for a while, but Pandora Radio is a cool online jukebox type of thing where you put in the name of a band or a song that you like and then it generates play lists of other music it thinks you would enjoy.

I’ve been toying around with it for the past two days and it’s done a great job of pulling music that’s right up my alley, whether from bands I already know or from bands that I now realize I need to know.

My play list right now is quite simple, consisting only of the Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead and The Flaming Lips. But from those three bands, I’ve heard great live recordings from Pearl Jam, some cool new tracks from Spoon and everything from the Raconteurs to Audioslave to The Arcade Fire. There’s also been a bunch of bands I had never heard of before, but there’s a cool feature where you can learn more about the bands that pop up, from bios to discographies to similar artists.

Pandora Radio is also now doing a video series! Here’s a little Hot Buttered Rum, for all you San Fran folks and bluegrass lovers. It’s a warm reprieve from some of the colder music I’m talking about in this post!

So anyways, it turns out I apparently kinda like the band Interpol. A friend about a year or so ago had said I should give them a listen, and I’ve honestly been meaning to, but it’s just one of those bands I never really got around to exploring. A few times I’d be here working with Pandora playing from my headphones and a song would catch my ear and lo and behold it would be by Interpol. I gotta say, however, when I went to their MySpace page today for a better listen, I came away thinking they’re a band I only like in small doses. You know, if they were to come up on my shuffle I’d be psyched, but it’s not like they’re going to be my next obsession, I don’t think…

Speaking of catching my ear! The band Doves have a cool tune playing right now! They’re a power-trio from Manchester, England. Very Radioheadish. Me likey!

And yes, add this to the list of reasons why I NEED an iPhone: You can get Pandora Radio on an iPhone. Santa, if you’re out there, I know I haven’t been the best this year, but you know I don’t ever ask for much… Or Mr. Steve Jobs, my mailing address is: Diana Costello, 1 Gannett Drive, White Plains, N.Y., 10604.

I was bummed to miss the actual track that was played (it was probably “Cemetery Walk”), but I tuned in right as Jimmy Fink was saying something to the effect of, “Interesting, right? Complex and interesting. That’s the band Umphrey’s McGee.” The air time was thanks to The Peak’s New Releases Wednesdays, which ROCK!

Please — for the love of music — if you don’t know the band Umphrey’s McGee, check them out IMMEDIATELY! The band is a progressive-rock fueled jam machine that will all but certainly impress you. With this band, I’m confident saying that.

The band’s forthcoming album — “Mantis” — isn’t due out until January 20, inauguration day. While the band is constantly putting out live recordings via discs and podcasts, this will be their first studio album since 2006’s “Safety in Numbers.” Can’t wait to give it a good listen!

Unlike some (um, maybe most?) other bands in the jam scene, Umphrey’s apparently is going after some radio play by trimming a few songs and sending them out to stations. Like I said, I’m thrilled about hearing this stuff on the radio. But I’m sure there are plenty of fans out there that would disagree, preferring to keep the band’s long jams in tact and not “compromising” the music.

Here’s a little something from the band about this, according to their Web site.

PRESS RELEASES—Tue, Dec 2nd, 2008
We trimmed a few songs for potential radio play and those tracks are finally starting to pop up at stations across the country. We figure that it might be driving some of of our fans nuts that a DJ who has never heard of Umphrey’s has a sampler while the die-hards wait in anticipation. So we have decided that to share another album track with you, although this version is missing a few significant parts that you will hear later on the uncut Cemetery Walk.

Man, I’m SO in the mood for some live Umphrey’s right now! When are they playing around here next?.... Ugh! Not until April 10th and 11th at the Nokia in New York City. Well, at least we have something to look forward to! And get those tickets early, folks. I’ve been sold out of UM Nokia shows before, going down there hoping for a miracle, only to have to turn around and go right back home.

Last night’s opening gala at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Annex in Soho featured circus food, rockin’ hair makeovers and music stars’ paraphernalia enshrined behind glass.

The party was the official launch for the Cleveland-based museum’s new outlet at 76 Mercer St. in New York City, which had a “soft” opening on Nov. 24.

Like the Cleveland headquarters, the Annex fetishizes articles salvaged from celebrity attics for the ogling public, and it’s a music nerd’s nirvana where visitors can scrutinize precious relics like Michael Jackson’s jacket from the “Thriller” years.

The Annex’s opening special exhibition honors The Clash and it assembles posters, records and other materials associated with the group.

Special headphones distributed at Annex’s entrance allow visitors to hear recorded narratives about the displays when visitors draw near.

You’d have to be a rock scrooge not to like the Annex, but there is an element of unpalatable cheese.

The entrance gallery featuring metal sheets emblazoned with rockers’ autographs is a way-less glamorous take on the footprints at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.

The Annex’s theater screens a video collage of great moments in music concerts combined with text quoting artists discussing their music or their influences.

A Bob Dylan quote quickly flashed across the screen: “The words are just as important as the music.” Funny thing is, none of the text flashing across the screen contained any lyrics for the songs playing with the video.

As in many museums, there’s also an antiseptic flavor to the Annex, especially with the CBGB’s installation that attempts to recreate the scene inside the legendary dive.

Those rockers privileged enough to have visited CBGB’s might recall that club’s faint — yet unmistakable — bouquet of stale beer, urine and vomit. There’s not so much as a spent cigarette butt on the floor of the Annex’s CBGB’s installation, but give them credit for trying.

My friend suggested that the Annex contact trashy film director John Waters to create a special Odorama strip like he did for the movie “Polyester.” That way you could scratch n’ sniff CBGB’s scent when you pass by the display.

Despite the Annex’s cheesy moments, there are fabulous items in the house, like Bruce Springsteen’s 1957 Chevy and Elvis Presley’s motorcycle jacket.

Upstairs at the party, music industry types guzzled free booze as a DJ spun rock classics, including The Clash’s “Straight to Hell.” Sipping our cocktails, my friend and I speculated on the DJ’s hipness quotient. We were wondering if he would mix “Straight to Hell” with M.I.A.’s “Paper Airplanes,” which samples The Clash song and perfectly illustrates the punk group’s influence on the 21st-century world music rapper.

That’s what a curator would do, right?

No chance; he followed with The Ramones.

Admission prices to the Annex vary; a regular adult ticket costs $26. For all the details log on to www.rockannex.com

Tribes Hill is a nonprofit cooperative of singer-songwriters from the greater Hudson Valley, and some of you may know a few of the artists from our Listening Room concert series.

Concert highlights include performances by Fred Gillen Jr., Matt Turk, The YaYas, Andy Craig, Joe Iadanza, James Durst, David Goldman, Susan Kane, Judy Kass, Steve Kirkman, Kelly Flint, Lara Herscovitch, Eddie Denise and more.

The show will also feature a new war protest song called “Soldiers Come Home,” written by Montrose musician and Tribes Hill newcomer Joe Duraes.

Above is a YouTube video of the new tune, which was shot at different locations in Westchester County, including Rye Playland, Rye Marshlands Conservancy, and George’s Island Park in Montrose.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at www.tarrytownmusichall.org or at the Tarrytown Music Hall box office, which is located at 13 Main St, Tarrytown, N.Y. 10591.