Early Songbird Presents Show at Amnesia on Saturday, October 6, 2012 – Fat Opie CD Release

Posted on September 13, 2012 by Momo

 

 

Amnesia Music Hall  853 Valencia Street

5:30 -9 pm – $8-10 Cover

Fat Opie   

 

 

 

 

 

 

“We are pleased to announce the record release party for our fifth CD “Victoryville”. This will be a high energy, full electric band performance. Joining us onstage will be Tom Rhodes (guitar), Alex Jimenez (guitar) and Reem Regina Tatar (vocals). Also performing are KOFY BROWN (7:00PM) and MANA MADDY (6:00PM)” – Fat Opie

Scott Mickelson – vocals, guitar, banjo
Robin Hildebrant – bass, background vocals, Moog
Dave Tavel – drums, percussion

Lead by singer/songwriter Scott Mickelson, Bay Area band FAT OPIE continues to reinvent what can be termed “Americana”. From the modern, electrified dynamics of their third release Airstream to the all acoustic, live-performance record Otis, FAT OPIE continues to paint both musical and lyrical portraits of contemporary life as an American.

Successes include their song Bullets in My Briefcase winning a national band search sponsored by 7UP/SONICNET(MTV). This included a prize of $15,000. The song Mouth Like a Trucker was featured in the motion picture ALONG THE WAY.

The music stopped for several years when singer/songwriter Scott Mickelson became seriously ill. During that time bassist Robin Hildebrant began building his own recording studio. Inspired by the new possibilities, Mickelson started writing their strongest material to date. The first new single released New Orleans, led to an international distribution deal and a re-release of their growing catalogue.

Both FAT OPIE and Scott Mickelson solo perform regularly. Their fifth full-length cd Victoryville comes out in 2012 and is already being called their best work yet.

MEDIA QUOTES

“It’s American folk-Rock with a post punk edge, rustic but scarred.” – Alternative Press Magazine

“Fat Opie’s music is so catchy and tight, it’s surprising the band is still playing venues as small as this one.” – San Francisco Weekly

“When punks do folk music: Fat Opie is Scott Mickelson, Robin Hildebrant, and Dave Tavel, and punk-folk, if that’s even possible, is how they sound. And by that I mean not just a punk band that went unplugged, but one that actually forged the gap into front-porch Americana and retained attitude.” – San Diego Reader

“While Fat Opie’s sweet-sounding American folk-rock hits are undeniably catchy, it’s the profound messages within them that have struck a chord with the band’s loyal followers. Like a modern day Woody Guthrie, Mickelson tackles America’s polarizing views of illegal immigration in “Crying in Spanish,” discusses living with depression in “Monster In The Room,” and even sings from the perspective of a window washer working in New York City after 9/11 in “Nicorette.” – Good Times Weekly (Santa Cruz)

“Fat Opie completes this trio of national-quality acts with a set of tunes that is more overtly rock even if they make use of banjos and mandolin. They successfully translate a modern sensibility.” – Willamette Weekly (Portland)

Hipsters, Freaks, Fags & Homeboys by Fat Opie. Rating: 5

This album entwines precision percussion, searing guitar, playful mandolin and banjo, meaty bass and soothsayer lyrics into a story of life. Could be anyone’s life. Probably is yours. Fat Opie followed up with an even more masterful endeavor – “Airstream”.
– www.woodstock.com

“Fat Opie is a punchy testament to good songwriting, solid and varied sonic textures and the importance of a record standing as a whole body of work.” – San Francisco Soundcheck

“Tight, catchy and tangy with twangy.” – Tucson Weekly

DISCOGRAPHY

Victoryville
Said + Done (single)
New Orleans (single)
Otis
Airstream
Hipsters, Freaks, Fags & Homeboys
Biscuits
A&R Unlimited’s Special Edition CD
Hurricane Healing Vol. 70
Hurricane Healing Vol. 67

Video: http://youtu.be/d5LS4UmvXlo

 

The Kofy Brown Band  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kofy and her band the KBB are well known for their electrifying stage show which is full of priceless vitality. The music is a gratifying mix of cool soul, eclectic funk and moving lyrics.

Some of Kofy Brown’s credit include a nomination for best R&B album of the year, California Music Awards; MTV Commercial Promo “SNITCH”, songs on numerous independent films, Gypsy Boys, The Real Thing and the Showtime documentary Butch Mystique and the PBS documentary, “Breaking the Glass” to name a few. Kofy Brown has been written up in several national and international magazines including the Vibe Magazine, Oor Magazine (Netherlands), URB, and USA Today, as one of today’s emerging artist. She has also been featured at the prestigious North Sea Jazz Festival, Liberation Festival, Blue Balls Festival, and many other European and US festivals.

Her focus is derived from the fact that she is a self taught musician who learned her craft from playing in a family band throughout her childhood. A commanding stage performer, Kofy is an authentic talent who sings, produces and writes all of her own material. She also plays keyboards, guitar, bass and drums. Kofy’s voice is velvety and deep with an undercurrent of staccato urgency. It mesmerizes her audiences while simultaneously sending her message loud and clear. “I want people to feel good when they hear us play, or at least feel something…..music to me is about how it makes you emote as a person, that’s where I’m coming from as a performer and songwriter”

Kofy Brown is one of those rare artists with universal appeal. With heartfelt songs and an electrifying stage show, Kofy Brown has seduced audiences around the world with her unifying message of peace, purpose, hope and love. Kofy Brown- Love Warrior forever!

Instrumentation
Kofy Brown featrued vocalist
Sean Leahy- Guitar
Bryan Dean- Bass
Tony Providence- Drums

Discography
Soul Rock- Full Length CD 2008
Stompin At The Paard- Live from the Netherlands- Full Length CD 2007
The Mecca Session- Live in SF- Full Length CD 2006
Love Warrior- Full Length CD 2004-2005
Area 32- Full Length CD 2001
Red- 12″ 2002
Lost & Looking- 12″ 2001
Skinny & Tight- Full Length CD 1999
Hungry- Full Length CD 1997
Live & Delicious- Full Length CD 1995
Can U Hear Me- 12″ 1996

Video: http://www.sonicbids.com/2/EPK/?epk_id=23432#video

 

Mana Maddy   

Multi-instrumentalist and songstress Madeline Streicek (“Mana Maddy”) was born in Quesnel, BC and has been an Oakland, CA local since 2006. Raised on a healthy diet of Maria Callas, Joni Mitchell and Bach suites, these roots show up in her songs as shades of classical, jazz and folk over a doo-wop canvas. Mana Maddy sings and plays piano or ukulele, backed by Mateo Lugo on electric guitar, Oscar Westesson on upright bass, Chris Lauf on drums and a rotating cast of backup vocalists.

“There’s a big Caribbean voice inside that tiny white Canadian.”
~Dennis Cook, JamBase.com

Video: http://youtu.be/eKToygzYy0E

Posted in Americana, Blues, R & B, songbird festival presents, Songbird Presents, Songbird Winter Festival | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Songbird Presents Late Show at Amnesia, Saturday, October 6, 2012 – The Disposition Release Party

Posted on September 13, 2012 by Momo


 Amnesia Music Hall  853 Valencia Street – Doors at 915  pm – Close

$8-10 Cover

 

izzy*wise dj set  

 

San Francisco based izzy*wise aka Isaac Weiser first started performing music in his Dad’s Klezmer band as a teenager. As the multi instrumentalist began learning new instruments and collecting records, so came the influx of different styles and cultures of music. Having played in many bands performing reggae, afrobeat, funk, rock, hip hop, klezmer, drum n bass, and latin styles this versatile performer began producing his own music and djing in 2007. Combining his knowledge of multiple instruments, sound reinforcement, and his love of mixing music from different cultures, we now have the electro world dub mashup that is izzy*wise’s music.

A member of the legendary Afrolicious party crew, izzy*wise plays and collaborates with many different musicians and groups,  and is tending a growing discography including 11 vinyl releases. He has performed internationally in Spain, Nicaragua, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, United States, and Canada. Some notable groups are: LoCura, Afrolicious, MC Rai, Lucky Brown and the Funk Revolution, Pleasuremaker Band, Ocote Soul Sounds, Makru, Mophono Halftone Society, Sureshot Symphony, J Boogie, Nickodemus, and DJ Smash.

He has also had the pleasure of opening for many heroes and talents including: Novalima, Culture, Arrested Development, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Ocote Soul Sounds, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and many more!!

The Disposition

 

 

 

 

 

 In Fall of 2007, Timothy Vickers, Lynn Gentry, Dylan Swift and Reuben Anziani meet in a hallway of San Francisco State’s Creative Arts Building while waiting to audition for a Guitar Ensemble. The next semester Vickers and Gentry begin collaborating after ditching Guitar Ensemble to build bikes. The early collaborations use songs Gentry largely tested at Hotel Utah’s Open Mic. The band would be called The Lynn Gentry Disposition, a folk rock band, its early arrangements would include Gentry on Guitar and Vocals, Swift or Anziani on guitar, and Vickers on Bass.

At SFSU in 2009, Timothy Vickers, Lynn Gentry, and Dylan Swift meet Lemme Adams in the Creative World Ensemble. Tim & Lemme’s early collaborations would lead to LATV, an Experimental Electronic Group, which features Rob Mills on Drums. At the same time The Lynn Gentry Disposition features an arrangement of Lynn, Tim, Alex Ferrari on Guitar, Lemme on Accordian and Andre Poulin on Drums and Robert Pera on Saxophone. During this time, Gentry and Ferrari meet producer Charles Gonzalez, at Cafe Revolution, before tragedy is struck at Gentry, Anziani and Ferrari’s Sunset home.

It is this time that Lynn Gentry leaves to Oregon, where he meets poet Jacqueline Suskin at Oregon Country Fair. Upon his return he borrows an Olivetti Typewriter from friend Matthias to write poetry on demand at the corner of Haight & Ashbury and begins writing songs for Requiem for the Living (debut album to be released in July).

In late winter of 2010, Dylan returns as The Lynn Gentry Disposition start early recordings of what would later go on RFTL, with Charles Gonzalez at Mission Bells and Radical Sound. In the studio the band would gain a better understanding of their sound and create what they call Electric Freak Folk. Though the sessions only produce three tracks for the debut, it would lead to Timothy Vickers collaborating with Gonzalez to engineer on the recordings of bands like Jugtown Pirates, The Blank Tapes and Lemme Adams.
In January 2011, The Lynn Gentry Disposition would see it’s height and ultimate end playing before an audience at The HUGEwhisper, an underground Art & Music Festival founded by Matt Welde(Family Folk Explosion) and Lynn Gentry. With the former band fizzling out Gentry begins a residency at Kaleidoscope. Toward the end of the residency Vickers and Gentry begin playing with Jay Lee on Guitar. After three months gigging The Disposition go into the studio to continue Requiem for the Living, with Rob Mills on Drums. Now comprised of Lynn Gentry on Guitar and Vocals, Jay Lee on Guitar, Timothy Vickers on Bass, Lemme Adams on Accorgan and Brent Hutchinson on drums. The Disposition continue to establish themselves amongst San Francisco best playing what they call Electric Freak Folk. The lucky ones have seen them at Yoshi’s, Brick and Mortar, The Phoenix, Hotel Utah, Blue Lagoon, The Stork Club, Vitus, The Makeout Room, Amnesia, Viracocha, Cafe Revolution, and Walk Like An Egyptian, but the wise will see them in the future.

Instrumentation

Lynn Gentry – Guitar & Vocal
Timothy Vickers – Bass
Lemme Adams – hammond organ, Nord, Accordion., accorgan
Jay Lee – Lead Guitar
Brent Hutchinson – “Drums”

Conspiracy of  Venus

 

 

 

 

 Conspiracy of Venus is a women’s community a cappella group based in SF. CoV sings original arrangements of contemporary music.  Under the artistic direction of Joyce Todd McBride, the 40 women of CoV interpret her daring and inventive arrangements of songs ranging from the classic (Joni Mitchell’s Big Yellow Taxi) to the cutting edge (Bjork’s Possibly Maybe) with dazzling technical verve and tons of personality. The group’s repertoire also includes works by Bill Withers, Rufus Wainwright, Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen, and Roger Miller.     

 Conspiracy of Venus has played to sold out crowds at many San Francisco venues, including The Great American Music Hall, The Palace of Fine Arts, The Independent, The Swedish American Hall, The Rickshaw Stop, The Make-Out Room, and others, sharing bills with John Vanderslice, The Mountain Goats, The Mother Hips, Blame Sally, Emily Jane White, and Rupa and the April Fishes, to name a few.

 The choir is active in community service. We have performed at Dublin State Correctional Facility and played benefits for the Awamaki Peruvian Women’s Weaving Collective, The Gulabi Gang, The Ursa Freedom Project, In Search of Good Food, and the Fairmount Elementary FestiVal. Wherever the group performs, Conspiracy of Venus is hailed by audiences as a groundbreaking musical experience.

Wildhawk

Wildhawk is the brainchild of San Francisco-based musician Matthew Welde. Exploring the realms of psychedelic soundscape, and propelled by adventurous songwriting, the group intends to guide the listener through a storytelling trance. Welde is the songwriting force behind the band. A lover of abstract findings in the natural world and a guiding light in the ‘strange, imagined future’, this troubadour sings with wings; shedding a new shine on ancient and impossible stories. He is joined by warriors of the primordial cosmos: Connor Hill(guitar), T-Rexx(bass), Danny DeMento(drums), and Joe Miller(drums). Wildhawk is currently working on its first, full-length studio record due out in September. Catch the bird as it touches down throughout the Bay Area this summer before taking off on a West Coast tour in the fall

Posted in Americana, Blues, Conspiracy of Venus, events, Indie, izzy*wise, R & B, Rock and Roll, songbird festival presents, The Disposition, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Thursday, August 16, 2012 – Early Show at Amnesia – An Evening of Soft Shoe and Such

Posted on August 1, 2012 by Momo

Amnesia Music Hall 853 Valencia Street – Doors at 6:30  pm show at 7 pm

Sliding Scale $8 – $10 – Support local artist’s by paying what you can

 10 pm – H.U.M.A.N.W.I.NE

9:00 pm – The Sansa and Shiri Show

7:45 pm – Eliza Rickman

7:30– pm Reading by Linda Robertson

7:00 pm- Jessica Pony Hunt  

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

7:00 pm- Jessica Pony Hunt  

Jessie Pony Hunt is a writer and performer from Oakland by-way-of Chicago. Her guitar playing is reminiscent of delta blues with a tin pan alley flare. Her distinct, almost ghostly voice, coupled with her personal and intimate song writing, is both vulnerable and confident and cuts straight to the heart.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

7:30– pm Reading by Linda Robertson

 Linda Robertson sings songs of melodious, malodorous melodrama for your delight!Accordion dreams before the Bay Bridge – yes they actually stopped traffic to take this! By Scott Montgomery
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7:45 pm – Eliza Rickman

 

There is always a hint of menace and reservoirs of force haunting the corners of Eliza Rickman’s voice, whatever register it occupies. Her presence on stage—whether she wears flowers in her hair, or stuffed birds; whether she plays a toy piano or a grand piano—is an enveloping, soft darkness, impossible to ignore. It is quite a surprise that Rickman didn’t even realize she could sing until after she earned a degree in orchestration from Azusa Pacific University, because her voice is the most enthralling and salient feature of any on the tracks from her new album ‘O, You Sinners’. And this is saying something, considering her deftness as a pianist and her subtlety as a composer. Like Kate Bush’s work, or like PJ Harvey’s album ‘White Chalk’, the arrangements on ‘O, You Sinners…’ are edged with dissonance. Like Andrew Bird, she favors pizzicato strings over junkyard percussion and complex lyrical melodies. Indeed, Rickman’s co-producer Mark Greenberg is a frequent contributor to Bird’s albums (as well as to Wilco’s ‘The Whole Love’ and to the Grammy Award-winning Mavis Staples’s album ‘You Are Not Alone’).

Religious themes pervade Rickman’s work—her album is, after all, titled ‘O, You Sinners’. She is the daughter of a pastor, and started playing piano in church at the age of 13. But like one of her great influences- Nick Cave- her writing belies ambivalence about religion. Good and evil; love, both God’s love and carnal love; sinners and saints; desire and repentance, all find a place in Rickman’s songs. They lurk behind the scrim- whatever stage she sets. The coin of her realm is stamped with the will of God, and whether you are a doubter or a believer you must deal in her currency if you want her to ferry you ashore. “O, you sinners” she sings, “hear me.” And how could we not listen?

 

On at 745 PM</p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <p>There is always a hint of menace and reservoirs of force haunting the corners of Eliza Rickman’s voice, whatever register it occupies. Her presence on stage—whether she wears flowers in her hair, or stuffed birds; whether she plays a toy piano or a grand piano—is an enveloping, soft darkness, impossible to ignore. It is quite a surprise that Rickman didn’t even realize she could sing until after she earned a degree in orchestration from Azusa Pacific University, because her voice is the most enthralling and salient feature of any on the tracks from her new album 'O, You Sinners'. And this is saying something, considering her deftness as a pianist and her subtlety as a composer. Like Kate Bush's work, or like PJ Harvey’s album 'White Chalk', the arrangements on 'O, You Sinners' are edged with dissonance. Like Andrew Bird, she favors pizzicato strings over junkyard percussion and complex lyrical melodies. Indeed, Rickman’s co-producer Mark Greenberg is a frequent contributor to Bird’s albums (as well as to Wilco’s 'The Whole Love' and to the Grammy Award-winning Mavis Staples’s album 'You Are Not Alone').</p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <p>Religious themes pervade Rickman’s work—her album is, after all, titled 'O, You Sinners'. She is the daughter of a pastor, and started playing piano in church at the age of 13. But like one of her great influences- Nick Cave- her writing belies ambivalence about religion. Good and evil; love, both God’s love and carnal love; sinners and saints; desire and repentance, all find a place in Rickman’s songs. They lurk behind the scrim- whatever stage she sets. The coin of her realm is stamped with the will of God, and whether you are a doubter or a believer you must deal in her currency if you want her to ferry you ashore. “O, you sinners” she sings, “hear me.” And how could we not listen?
 

9:00 pm – The Sansa and Shiri Show

The Sansa & Shiri show is a romantic, fast-paced medley of German cabaret, 1940’s harmonies, skits, jokes, tap dancing and more!

You’ll laugh and fall in love with these two adorable sailor girls as they take you on a wild journey across the sea “through treasured isles and distant lands”, and the never-ending depths of the imagination.
…
Their powerful voices beckon you, as they sing 1940’s inspired harmonies, sea shanties, love songs, and catchy tunes. Their musicianship is shockingly skillful, coming from a pair of rhine…stone be-decked, glamorous sailor pin-up girls.Their skits and jokes are perplexing yet hilarious, and to top it all off they even tap dance together while singing vintage harmonies.

Their show is a truly romantic, fast-paced medley of german cabaret, 1940’s harmonies, skits, jokes, tap dancing and more!
Hailing from a secret artist enclave by the sea in Oakland, California, Sansa and Shiri spend the fall and winter months brainstorming their magic into the beautiful art piece that is The Sansa and Shiri Show. They are both singer/song writers and write originals for The Sansa and Shiri Show, as well as perform obscure covers from the 1920’s to the 40’s. They tour the United States and Europe usually in the spring and summer, and hope to find themselves performing their magic in even further outer reaches of the planet.
They have been in productions with members of The Yard Dogs Road Show, Beats Antique, Zoe Jakes, and the Indigo.

There’s never a dull moment in the Sansa and Shiri Show. You can hardly blink an eye and not miss something that will tickle your funny bone and make you laugh down deep in your belly. Sansa also has been working with world class burlesque dancers across the country, and recently they added “synchronized swimming” burlesque choreographed numbers to canned music you would least expect from acoustic instrument enthusiasts.
Both girls have vaudeville in their blood. Literally, they are lucky descendants of theater people from the 1800’s to the present and most interested in keeping their inherited dream alive.

Really, you just have to see the show to believe it.

“The blonde bombshell with the accordion” – High Times Magazine. Sansa has toured the country with The Yard Dogs Road Show, a circus-inspired vaudeville show, for the last ten years. She’s known as a prolific accordion player, singer, tap dancer, song writer, choreographer, costume designer, samba dancer, and all-around vaudevillian.

Shiri Goldsmith is a multi-instrumentalist to say the least, switching between the trombone, ukulele, accordion, kazoo, and even the maracas. She has astounded audiences with her charm, singing, and overall musicianship for a decade.

 
 
 

10 pm – H.U.M.A.N.W.I.NE

The award winning Muzik of HUMANWINE is a collabortaive effort with Holly Brewer and M@ (Mat) McNiss at the center as the writers and composers.
…
While some songs are set in a modern or near future setting singing the praises of the local farmer, teacher, janitor, Mother, Father, cobbler and the community who gather skills to combat a non renewable lifestyle while other songs blatantly call attention to ‘Vinland’, a land filled with a mindless cog populace, the terrible Not-Me, YerYerOwns, Abrogated Munificents, Enjoyeurs, Hordes and a whole assortment of various shaped and sized creatures including ogres, beetles and missing seafarers.

 

 
 

Posted in Accordion, Amnesia, Eliza Rickman, events, H.U.M.A.N.E.W.I.N.E, Indie, jESSICA pONY h UNT, songbird festival presents, Songbird Presents, tHE sANSA AND sHIRI SHOW, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Thursday, July 26, 2012 – Allison Lovejoy CD Release Party an Evening of Cabaret/Soul/Jazz

Posted on June 28, 2012 by Momo

Amnesia Music Hall 853 Valencia Street – Doors at 7:30  pm show at 8 pm

Sliding Scale $8 – $10 – Support local artist’s by paying what you can

 

The Slippery Slope

 

 

 

 

 

Members: Marina C, April D, Joshua F, Scott B, Jen S, Paul M, Paul S, Kevin B & Kendon S.

Sounds Like: April March, Sergio Mendes & Brasil 66, Stereolab, Stew & The Negro Problem, PJ Harvey

Bio: Started out in Oakland back in 2007 with the idea of playing a blend of psychedelic cabaret. Lots of changes but still at the hub is Kendon Smiths compositions. We are now with a brass and woodwinds section, which has shifted our more recent songs into the funk realm. Come check us out.

 

Allison Lovejoy

celebrating Allison Lovejoy’s new CD of original music: Cabaret Nouveau
Lovejoy’s sultry music fuses theater, jazz, blues and cabaret..
“smart, mischievous fun”…Pacifica Review

COMPOSER and CABARET ARTIST:

“Smart, mischievous fun”

CABARET NOUVEAU:

Stories about characters, both real and fictional, have always had great appeal to me.

After reading a magazine article about a murderess in my neighborhood, I was inspired to set her story to music. “Foxglove” was the title and the name of the poison. Since then, over 30 additional songs have been added to the roster.

With my first solo release in 2011, I am looking forward to releasing more songs, revealing more stories..including some of my own.

My cabaret takes its influence from theater, classical music, vaudeville, rock, jazz, blues and tango.

“Cabaret Nouveau” blends dark cabaret, sassy lyrics, hot piano stylings, great grooves and crafty songwriting.  Echoes of Nina Simone, George Gershwin, Kurt Weill, and Elton John are heard in the music and lyrics, as well as a connection to members of the “Dark Cabaret” movement such as The Dresden Dolls, Jill Tracy,  Antony and the Johnsons and The Tiger Lilies.

She was winner of the “Best Modern Cabaret Artist” Competition in 2010.

Lovejoy has been performed both solo and with her band at venues such as Cafe duNord, the Great American Music Hall, the Regency Ballroom, Amnesia, as well as clubs and concert halls in France and Switzerland.

She has been a feature artist at the Edwardian Ball, Cabaret Verdalet, Little Minsky’s Burlesque and the Shadow Puppet Theater.

MUSICAL THEATER:

“The Seven Deadly Pleasures”, a cabaret-rock musical, is a collaboration between Allison Lovejoy, Geoff Ball and unseen forces. It focuses on the universal conflict between good and evil and the “new sins” of modern times.

Its successful premiere as a showcase in 2008 highlighted a stellar cast, including Diana Mangano, Mr. Lucky, Robin Lovejoy and Paul Nathan. We are thrilled to be presenting the show again in San Francisco in the 2011-2012 season.

“Trouble in Trollville”, premiered in 2009, is a Cabaret Musical for children which was composed for members of Young Performers’ Theater in San Francisco.

As musical director, producer and composer, I wanted to created a show that was meaningful and fun for children that includes varied and appealing musical styles.

Miss Lovejoy is collaborating on a musical about “Wild Women in San Francisco” with members of the New Performance Group, from which selections will be showcased in November 2011.

COLLABORATIONS:

Allison played accordion on recent recordings by bassist Stu Hamm and the Lee Vilensky Trio.

As keyboardist for the Graves Brothers Deluxe, she has toured in Japan, USA and Europe.

She has worked as composer, arranger, keyboardist, and vocalist on a variety of projects, including opera, musical theater, jazz, blues, hip-hop, and rock. As a member of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra in 2003, she played at venues such as the Beacon Theatre in New York and the Flint Center in Boston, also appearing on US and Canadian television.

FILM MUSIC:

Both original music and classical recordings by Lovejoy have been featured in these:

Dogmatique  2011   Distiller Films

It’ll be better tomorrow 2006 Dean/Schifrin

The Waves 2004 Braha (featured at Cannes Film Festival)

No Regrets 2003 Triplefinger Productions

with  Stoo Odom, Marco Villalobos and Willie the Mailman

 The Patsychords

The Patsychords are not just a Patsy Cline tribute band. We run the gamut from her greatest hits and obscure gems to other classic country songs. Margaret Belton’s love of Patsy began at a young age. She only receently decided to take her corn-fed hometown flavor to the stage. She hand-picked her players from notable local San Francisco bands. The Patsychords emulate the lonesome, velvet tones of Ms. Patsy while adding their own personal touch of sass and grit..

The Patsychords are vocalist Margaret Belton. She would make Patsy proud with her vocal stylings. Guitarist Sunny Haire, plays a distinctly rhythmic, yet melodic guitar. Chock full of reverby goodness. Sunny has been in many bands, most notably, The Bedlam Rovers, Waycross, Knife and Fork and Enorchestra. Roxane Chicoine is an upright bassist who brings a vintage meets rockabilly flavor. She slapped the doghouse bass in Mighty Slim Pickens and The Rev Tones. Jai Bird Carrell is an alt-country drummer hailing from Austin. She holds down the country and rock rhythms.

 

Posted in Amnesia, Jazz, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mark Growden & the Mockingbirds CD Release Concert – Saturday, June 23rd, 2012 – Berkeley

Posted on May 29, 2012 by Momo

Mark Growden & the Mockingbirds CD Release Concert – Saturday, June 23rd, 2012
Show at 8pm – Sliding Scale $10-$15

The Subterranean ArtHouse
2179 Bancroft Way
Berkeley, CA 94704

MARK GROWDEN

Mark Growden is a singer, writer, multi-instrumentalist, composer, record producer, visual artist, and the artistic director of the Marigny Opera House in New Orleans, LA. Growden has released several critically acclaimed albums, including Saint Judas, which was awarded “2010 Rekkid of the Year” by music blog Stash Dauber and ranked in the 2010 Village Voice Critics Poll. Growden has toured the the US extensively, performing at venues such as the The Fillmore, Cowell Theater, and Great American Music Hall in San Francisco; Snug Harbor in New Orleans; and The Knitting Factory and Tonic in New York. Mark has composed original musical scores for a number of Dance and Theater companies, including Joe Goode Performance Group and Alonzo King’s Lines Contemporary Ballet, with whom he and his collaborators won the Isadora Duncan Award for Best Original Score for a New Dance Piece. He has scored several films, including Blood Tea and Red String, which won Best Animation at both the San Francisco Independent Film Festival and the Fantasia Film Festival in Montreal.

 THE MOCKINGBIRDS

Paul McNees (aka The Mockingbirds) is a musician, teacher, writer, and is pursuing a Phd exploring the deep roots of human music making from the level of metaphysics and philosophy. The MockinSendgbirds is a labor of love that gives expression to Paul’s dedication to music and his love of the alchemy of collaborative participation.

Paul has been involved in the Bay Area music scene since the early 90’s. As a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, he has added his talents to several bands and projects over the years: Bass Line Dada, Hoarhound (with Ari Fellows Mannion of Loretta Lynch), The Handshakes, Ramona the Pest, and Conception Vessel One. His first cd “Songs and Other Delusions” was performed almost completely solo. This time out, Paul is proud to be collaborating with an old friend and colleague – Mark Growden. The new Mockingbirds album “Lacuna” was inspired as a tribute to Paul’s father whom he lost in May of 2011. His songs have lost their sardonic edge and move toward the tender and transcendent. Paul will be joined by a cast of brilliant musicians: Lisa Mezzacappa – stand up bass, Alex Kelly – cello, Dan Cantrell – accordion, Clay Koweek – guitar and mandolin, and Mark Growden – baritone sax, banjo, and vocals. The album will be recorded during the second week of January and released in the early spring.

The Mockingbirds personnel:
Paul McNees – voice, guitar, banjo - http://hearitlocal.com/#!/sf/as_artists?detailID=7282
Mark Growden – voice, banjo, bari sax - www.markgrodwden.org
Dan Cantrell – accordion - www.bellowhead.com/
Alex Kelly – cello – alexkelly.com
Jameson Clay Koweek – acoustic guitar
Lisa Mezzacappa – upright bass - http://franconeroska.com/Lisa-Mezzacappa

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Early Show at Amnesia Music Hall – Saturday, June 30th, 2012

Posted on May 29, 2012 by Momo

Early Show at Amnesia Music Hall – Saturday, June 30th, 2012
Show at 6pm – Sliding Scale $8-$10

The Northerlies

 

 

 

 

 

The Northerlies are a San Francisco-based pop music-making team who enjoy robots, faraway places, old stories, animals, nice people and love. Come on out and see us sometime!

Becky Uline – vocals, guitar, piano
Whitney Bekolay – keys, vocals & other fun
Tom Edler – upright bass
Ayal Nistor – drums
Brian Anderson – electric guitar
Dena Solomon – harmonies, melodica, robots,etc

Raven Marcus

 

 

 

 

 

A rock n roll puzzle with bluegrass inspiration and san francsico style
Dancing Encouraged.

Natalia Miner [Montana Rose] – vox, mandolin
Rob Johnson – drums, harmonica, washboard
Bronwyn Dexter – bass guitar

Slow Motion Cowboys

The Slow Motion Cowboys have been playing up and down the west coast since 2002. Combining original songwriting with traditional arrangements and harmonies, the band strives to create honest, heartbreaking songs performed with the intensity and skill acquired from years of touring around the country. Part city, part country, part band of brothers with their own way of doing things.

Pete Fields: Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Baritone Ukulele. Daniel Massie: Dobro, Lap Steel, Vocals, Harmonica. Tom Edler: Upright Bass. Anton Patzner: fiddle, Miles Nowlin:Vocals, Mandolin, Guitar. Steve Kerwin, Drums

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Late show at Amnesia Music Hall – Saturday, June 30th, 2012 – Billy Cramer and Share the Land 7” RELEASE PARTY

Posted on May 29, 2012 by Momo

Late show at Amnesia Music Hall – Saturday, June 30th, 2012
Billy Cramer and Share the Land 7” RELEASE PARTY

Doors at 9pm
Sliding Scale $8-$10

Featuring live performances by

Major Powers and the Lo-Fi Symphony

 

 

 

 

 

Nicholas Jarvis Powers, self-taught pianist and songwriter, has been rolling around in the gutters of Contra Costa County since he was a little kid. Dylan and Kevin Gautschi are French brothers and are the sons of Pamela Wood, bass player for Bay Area rock legends Leila & The Snakes. Major Powers & The Lo-Fi Symphony play Adventure Rockâ„¢. They look forward to seeing you at a show.

Billy Cramer and Share the Land
7″ RELEASE PARTY!

Billy Cramer: guitar, vocals
Dave Leonard: drums, vocals
Cindy Giuliani: bass, vocals
Jen Hale: keys, vocals

Prairiedog
Debut LP RELEASE PARTY!

Sarah Bethe Nelson, Anna Wren Woodrum, Rusty Miller, James Finch, Jr. and Jamin Barton.

 

Show Extras

 

Dave Leonard of Dartajax, a one man, multi genre music project, has his nimble talents in many pies. He plays numerous instruments, records on old school equipment and is also the drummer for the rock steady sensation the Titan Ups. He has handled drumming duties for the likes of The Sermon, Pat Johnson and Penelope Houston.

He’s talented, soft spoken and his beer is nice and cold.

www.myspace.com/dartajaxmusic

Over the last year I have had the opportunity to get to know Dave Leonard and after being gifted several of his cd’s I decided it would be cool to document some of his story in a series that I have called Bird Branch Interviews. Dave interview. http://soundcloud.com/momos-cheeskos/songbird-series-bird-branch


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Songbird Presents – Early Show at Amnesia Music Hall– Thursday, May 17, 2012

Posted on May 10, 2012 by Momo

Early Show at Amnesia Music Hall 853 Valencia Street – Doors at 5:30 pm show starts at 6 pm

Sliding Scale $8 – $10

 

 

Dana Buoy

“Akron/Family drummer seeks inner Brian Wilson via breathy, dreamy odes to well-oiled, sunbaked sensuality” – SPIN

“This is your soundtrack for summer.” – CMJ

“the songs seem bathed in sunlight, with a summery warmth fueling their exuberance.” – David Garland, WNYC

“the genuinely happy work of a charmed life” – The Fader

Dana Buoy‘s regular gig is playing percussion for Akron/Family, the indie rock band steeped in rootsy Americana and folk, injected with a heavy dose of electronic psychedelia. On his debut solo release Summer Bodies, Buoy aims for a more tropical musical climate. There are touches of vaguely Caribbean rhythms working their way throughout much of the album, with thick synthesized beats mimicking bass-heavy reggaeton grooves, as on the opening track, “Anatomy of Now”.

 

Buoy (née Dana Janssen) clearly brought over a handful of Akron/Family tricks. His vocals are often heavily drowned in effects, noise and electronics slither around acoustic instruments, and the focus is always on songcraft, not soundscapes or self-consciously composed music. “Delicate Suitor” is a study in gradually building a track, one note, one instrument at a time, all behind a repetitive vocal melody. With synthesizer chords droning in the background, the song climaxes with a frenzy of crystalline keyboard patterns and, eventually, a house beat.

Despite all this, Buoy never seems to fully achieve what makes his music with Akron/Family so enthralling. These songs lack the homely honesty of “I’ll Be on the Water” from their self-titled 2005 album, or the wild freakouts of “Ed Is a Portal” or “I’ve Got Some Friends” from 2007′s Love is Simple. Instead, he opts for a poppy, feel-good sound that he dubs “Tropicore.” He nails it on a few tracks, like the countrified guitar licks of “Hand Over Hand”. It’s jammy rock, full of good vibes from a steady and smooth bass and tambourine beat. Equally enjoyable is the slow jam “Futures Past”, where Buoy’s normally thin vocals shine over live drums and unexpected harmonic progressions.

Summer Bodies was composed, in large part, using synthesizers, laptops, and iPad apps; yet the best songs, the ones where Buoy’s musicianship really stands out, are those that rely less on electronics, and lean instead on guitars, drums (real ones), and analog synths. It’s that simple grounding in classic song structures and well-played instruments that’s kept his music so fascinating through all his past endeavors.

Essential Tracks: “Delicate Suitor”, “Hand Over Hand”, and “Futures Past

 

Pitchfork “Call To Be” Premiere:

http://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/13139-call-to-be/

Fader “So Lucky” Premiere:

http://www.thefader.com/2012/04/17/dana-buoy-so-lucky-mp3/

WNYC Spinning on Air Session:

http://www.wnyc.org/shows/spinning/2012/apr/29/

Joseph Childress

Songwriter Joseph Childress started writing and playing music in the mountains of Teller County, Colorado when he was 14 years old. Five years later – inspired by Woody Guthrie’s autobiography Bound For Glory – he strapped his guitar, “Mama”, to his back and hopped a freight train to see the country. Dubbed a “perennial vagabond” by the San Francisco Bay Guardian, Joseph traveled and toured for two years, hopping trains and living out of a car. His wanderings were punctuated only so he could play music, work ranch on the plains of Niobrara County, Wyoming, and rest his head in San Francisco, where he eventually settled down. All the while, his heavily circulated self-released CDr, known to fans as “the Rebirths”, was inspiring devoted listeners in all corners of the country.Joseph’s music draws inspiration from the mountains in which he was raised, the ranch on which he worked, his friends, family, and loves. Compared to songwriters Jason Molina, Jackson C. Frank, Devendra Banhart, and Bob Dylan (his biggest influence), his emotionally charged voice carries stories of love & travels over guitar playing that ranges from delicate finger-style to furious strumming. He has played shows across the United States with numerous acts including Joanna Newsom, Devendra Banhart, Richard Buckner, Vetiver, Lavender Diamond, The Cairo Gang, Entrance, David Dondero, Kind Of Like Spitting, and many more… and has toured with lovely acts Bad Weather California, Elisa Randazzo & Aaron Robinson, Mariee Sioux, and Messes.”There’s something to be said about a solo folk performer who can command more attention with his voice and acoustic guitar than a full band. Watching Joseph Childress solo folk performance the other night was the single most captivating folk performance I have witnessed since I first saw Devendra Banhart live 4 years ago. The comparison is only in emotion and sincerity, something Childress is far from short on. Joseph Childress fleshes out his music and meaning in his songs with his vocals better than any myriad of instruments or backing musicians ever could. The type of voice that rattles your bones when you’re sitting two rows back, where you can’t wipe that smile off your face as you think how long you’ve waited to hear an artist that truly inspires you to pay attention to nothing else but their performance.”- Naturalismo / Knowphase”Thumps, creaks, giggles, clicks — these are the first sounds you hear when listening to a recording by Joseph Childress. The California-born, Colorado-bred songwriter doesn’t make CDs, per se, but rather lo-fi snapshots taken during his many travels across the continent. Perpetually on the move, Childress packs his lush acoustic lullabies with the wizardry of Devendra Banhart and the earthy innocence of Vashti Bunyan, as heard on his widely circulated demo, dubbed The Rebirths by his fans – if “fans” is an accurate word. Intimate, otherworldly and hypnotically engaging, Childress makes friends, not followers, with his music.”- Westword Magazine

 

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Early Show at Amnesia – Soul vs. Twang – Thursday, May 24, 2012

Posted on April 26, 2012 by Momo

 

Songbird presents:

Early Show at Amnesia Music Hall 853 Valencia Street

Doors at 6:30 pm show starts at 7 pm

Sliding Scale $10 – $15

 

 

The Ardent Sons

The brain child of Tony Sales and Mike Wolf (both of Misisipi Mike and the Midnight Gamblers), The Ardent Sons began as a shared love of 60’s RnB and Soul by the likes of Joe Tex, Sam and Dave, The Staple Singers and Little Richard. Sales and Wolf recruited Kevin White (Chuck Prophet), and Dave Flores (Midnight Gamblers), and together they found a sound as much rooted in the grind of the MC5 as in the voodoo of Dr. John, a line that connects the legacy of Stax and Muscle Shoals to the blue eyed RnB of the Small Faces and The Box Tops, with that extra touch that only Prince could provide. Its a fresh sound for fresh people. So, get ready.

 

Wheeler Brothers

 Their sound has been compared to the Avett Brothers, Band of Horses, and Mumford and Sons, and Wheeler says they “have learned a lot from other bands, and we admire bands like Old Crow Medicine Show, Edward Sharp, Radio Head and Arcade Fire.”

 Their artful lyrics resemble fables with veiled but relevant subjects.

“Ghost in the Valley” is woven with instrumental threads of glockenspiel, melodica and accordion, and was inspired by Texas border issues.

“Long Hard Road” is what it implies – the story of a man empty without religion or family and only grainy back roads. “Sleep When I’m Dead” is an easy boot-stomping swing about colorful weekends. And “Portraits,” their title track, lights their fresh motive of simplicity and honesty, as dusty as that truth may be:  -  Southern Pine Pilot

Formed in Austin, Texas, Wheeler Brothers have quickly emerged as one of Austin’s most exciting up-and-coming bands. The five-piece independent folk-rock act combines the indie vibe of Austin with the twang of Texas folk. Brothers Nolan, Tyler and Patick met Danny Matthews at LSU where they spent much of their time picking guitars and swapping stories in the bar rooms of Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Once back in Austin their magnetic sound was completed by the addition of lifelong friend and singer/songwriter A.J. Molyneaux. Each member brings his own ideas and sounds to the group, with styles blending indie rock, blues and folk.

Wheeler Brothers have been selling out major venues and climbing the charts of radio stations in “The live music capital of the world,” Austin, TX. Their first LP is slated for release prior to their Summer 2011 tour

YARN

Since their start in 2007, Yarn’s original Americana sound has developed into music that seekers of the unique see as the soundtrack to their lives. Yarn’s first four albums were recognized by the AMA’s and R&R radio charts, spending time in the top 5 at their highest point. Yarn has become one of the hardest-working and harder-touring bands for this generation’s digital natives and new music folllowers.

 2012 brings this grammy-nominated roots band into the music revolution, inspired by today’s music devotee’s hunger for artists to believe in and follow, they are giving it to the fans everyday in everyway possible. Yarn’s devotion to their fans is realized in online and social sharing of their music, whether it’s daily video posts, premiering fresh songs on local radio, or performing live in small town venues across the country. They are bringing songs to American music lovers, and the music lovers are responding.

 Yarn’s devoted followers, affectionately called the “Yarmy”, answered the band’s request for aid when they funded their new record through Kickstarter. Raising in excess of $5000 of the $15,000 needed, the “Yarmy” proved their allegiance to Yarn and their music being heard in 2012.

 The fans have spoken, and on March 20th, Yarn releases their new album, Almost Home, produced by the multi-Grammy winning, Bil VornDick, who has worked with Alison Krauss, Ralph Stanley, Bob Dylan and many others. VornDick came across a Yarn performance at “Music City Roots”, Nashville’s progessive live music show that showcases some of the best of the Americana music scene. Although they didn’t come together that night, VornDick and his wife heard Yarn on a Virginia radio live remote a few days later as they were traveling. VornDick decided it must be a sign and the rest is Yarn history.

 Yarn’s mojo continues to provide as they will be making their first appearance at SXSW in the New Frontier Showcase, and traveling in the “On the Fly” RV, courtesy of their 2012 sponsorship with Firefly Vodka. “It seems every good connection leads to another,” says Christiana, “our fan following has really put us in a place to get noticed and we want to repay them for the huge faith in us.”  Yarn’s good karma keeps building, being in the right place at the right time. They were recently featured on CNN’s Out Front, during a cover story on Firefly Distilleries. The band just happened to be in town  and their music made a believer out of CNN host, Erin Burnett, who, (as she sings along with the band), proclaims, “They are playing good music and living the American dream. We think Yarn is going to make it big!”

 Yarn is led by singer/songwriter and cult-master, Blake Christiana, who carries the torch for the fan-following that will transport Yarn into the promised land. “Our fans are like family. We are so grateful to people that love music and will help support us in creating it. It’s just remarkable,” Christiana says. “That’s half of my love of the road; we’ve got what feels like family in tons of cities across America.”

 Yarn’s devoted “family” has them following in the fine tradition of The Grateful Dead and Widespread Panic, whose fans will go to any length to see them live, and this year Yarn’s fans will see them plenty. Their rigorous tour schedule has them out on the road for more than 150 dates per year since 2007 and they are not slowing down.

 For Yarn, discussion of life on the road goes right back to the audience and the fan’s benevolence. “They want us to survive and to keep creating music, so they will bring us into their homes, let us sleep in their beds, cook for us…the level of generosity is unbelievable,” says Christiana. The Yarn sextet doesn’t hold back when it comes to rewarding their followers for their loyalty. “We are so exposed to our fans…we don’t sit on the bus or hide in the green room, we are hanging out, drinking beer with them, going out after the show…if anyone wants to get to know us on a more personal level, it’s very easy,” admits Christiana. They also make sure that all their live shows are recorded and online for fans freely. “We have been doing that for a few years, and the fans love it,” says Christiana, “whatever it takes, we want to do for anybody that comes out to our shows.”

 Is there a mark of success for Yarn?  Christiana states it well, “To live comfortably and make music for our fans. I just want to be able to do what I love and eat…so maybe I’m already there,” he laughs, “we want to make good music and hopefully that makes someone else’s life better.” 

 Stay tuned, 2012 looks like Yarn may unravel the American dream.

 

 

 

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Songbird Presents Power of Song Series at Brava Theater – April 28th and 29th

Posted on April 19, 2012 by Momo

 

Mission District – 2781 24th Street
@ York Street San Francisco, CA

Sliding Scale – $15 – $20

Advance tickets sales: http://tinyurl.com/85f8uqu

Early Show – Saturday – April 28th – 5-8 pm
Alex Kelly Solos CD Release Friends and family CD release for the all ages

WOVEN LIVE INSTALLATION by Kate Gibson
Saturday – April 28th – 7 – 10 PM

 

Later Show 9 – 11 pm – Saturday – 4/28
Janam and Broken Shadows Family Band

Later Show 9 – 11 pm – Sunday – 4/29
Sonya Cotton and Conspiracy of Venus

 

 

 

 

 

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