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Friday, May 31, 2013 CRAIG BICKHARDT
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CONCERT - $20 Online/$25 Door, 8:00 pm
PHYSICAL OR PRINTED TICKETS ARE NOT USED. When you purchase reservations, your name is placed on the show guest list.
When Craig Bickhardt steps onto a concert stage, he comes equipped with his trusty acoustic guitar. A side musician or two will frequently join him. He’s also accompanied by something invisible, yet ever-present: the stories of a lifetime, vividly translated into words and melody.
From the boisterous club scene of Philadelphia to the country-rock milieu of Los Angeles to the picking parlors of Nashville, Craig has immersed himself in the sights and sounds of American music. His music reflects a life lived as a rock band lead singer, a solo troubadour, a dedicated songwriter, a husband and father. Dreams, heartaches and hard-earned lessons have fed his creativity. There is no other way he could’ve written the eloquent, often bittersweet songs that have become his trademark.
"I start a lot of songs because I feel conflicted,” he explains. “I may begin from a point of darkness, but I usually end up writing towards the light because, for me, hope is the thing worth singing about. The characters in the stories I sing aren’t heroic; they’re very ordinary. But they’re reaching for something beyond themselves, and I find nobility in that."
Lizanne Knott is a beautiful talent. Soft spoken words, intelligent poetic lyrics and a voice that defies any age. A class act all the way around and beloved by her friends and fans alike. A rare artist." Tina Shafer - Artistic Director - New York Songwriter's Circle
"Absolutely gorgeous music. We've rarely had as big a reaction to any artist in recent years that we've had for Lizanne Knott"
Bob Harris, London BBC2
A long standing member of the Philadelphia music scene and managing partner of Grammy Award Winning MorningStar Studios, Lizanne Knott has been captivating audiences throughout the US and garnering accolades from radio listeners and peers around the globe. She has performed at some of the most prestigious listening
Skip Denenberg is an all around singer/songwriter, terrific guitarist, Phillies fan, actor, recording engineer, and siedman for some international artists of considerable note (like Willie Nelson). He is well known on the Philadelphia music scene, and is a devoted husband and father of two.
http://www.myspace.com/skipdenenberg
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The 1st Wednesday of Every Month 7 - 10pm BLUES JAM with the PHILLY BLUES KINGS
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An opportunity for players and lovers of the Blues to get together to celebrate the USA's original musical art-form. Hosted By WXPN's Jonny Meister and Jamey Reilly.
We open our doors the first Wednesdays of every month from 7pm to 10 pm free of charge to invite both players and lovers to join for a few hours in an intimate concert-like environment to enjoy the spontaneous expression of the USA's original musical art-form. The Blues Jam is hosted by Jamey Reilly and WXPN's Jonny Meister, host of "Blues and Beyond" and the "Blues Show."
Guest players should plan to do 1 or 2 songs. Blues music only! There will be a sign-up sheet by the door for your name and instrument. The Philly blues kings will play the first and third 45 minute sets, and guest players will play for the second hour and a half set.
The PHILLY BLUES KINGS features:
Georgie "The Blacksmith" Bonds" - vocals and guitar
David "Long Otis" Reiter - 7 string lead guitar and vocals
Jamey Reilly - 5 string fretless bass
Gary Hyde - harmonica
David Madora - drums
www.phillyblueskings.com
http://youtu.be/eiinXu9Yo_I
We make it easy for players by supplying a full sound system, drum kit, keyboard, and several amplifiers. All you need to bring is your favorite instrument. All levels of proficiency are welcome... from seasoned professional players to amateurs with a story to tell. Solo and acoustic artists are accommodated as well.
The Blues found its voice in the deep south from the Mississippi Delta to Memphis Tennessee during the times of African-American slavery, when field workers would holler and moan to break the heat and monotony of cruel work under the hot sun... often communicating spiritual sentiments, social commentary, personal tragedy or news of escape in the underground railway.
From these early traditions of one man with a guitar, steeped in the rhythms of Africa, came influences from places as diverse as the Celtic Isles, France and the Carribean which blended to create a style of music that developed regional inflections which came to be known as "Folk, Country, Delta, Texas, Memphis, Barrel House, Chicago, East Coast, Electric, Piedmont, Jump, Swamp, Boogie, etc.". From the raw and earthy power of the Blues emerged the genres of Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, and Rock 'n' Roll. Having come full-circle, the Blues has finally earned worldwide respect, with broad appeal to audiences and players of all races and social statures.
Many of the founders and popularizers of Blues music are still with us or recently passed. Greats like BB King, Son House, John Lee Hooker, Jimmy Rodgers, Robert Johnson, Bessie Smith, Big Bill Broonzy, Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Willie Dixon, Blind Lemon Jefferson, JB Lenoir, and so many more old-timers. Modern adherents of the tradition have carried the Blues into the present day and given it new sounds... including Paul Butterfield, John Mayall, Bonnie Raitt, Bobby "Blue" Bland, Susan Tedeschi, Shemika Copeland, Joe Bonamassa, Samuel James, Keb Mo, Magic Slim, Deb Callahan, Don Evans, Danielle Miraglia and Rory Block, among many others. Echoes of the Blues can be heard in almost all popular music today.
Our listening room holds 60 guests comfortably, and we welcome aficionados to come, kick back and enjoy an evening of good music and good company. BYO snacks and drinks are welcome.
Come and enjoy!
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Saturday, June 8, 2013 THE ILLUMINATION BAND
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CONCERT - $16 Online/$20 Door, 8:00 pm
PHYSICAL OR PRINTED TICKETS ARE NOT USED. When you purchase reservations, your name is placed on the show guest list.
American Roots with a mystical bent ...
The Illumination Band creates a unique musical experience inspired by the soul-longing verse of 13th century Persian poet Rumi. With soaring vocal harmonies, lilting old-time melodies, and hard-driving blues giving way to moments of mystical longing, The Illumination Band blurs the lines between musical genres as seamlessly as it crosses cultural boundaries. Grounded in American bluegrass, gospel and country, Illumination Band concerts cover a lot of emotional territory, but always return to the heart's yearning for transcendence. The Band has performed concerts across the country since 1999, and in it's latest form blends acoustic and electric instruments into delicate roots-rock arrangements for the new age.
"I'm so impressed with The Illumination Band. They gave a terrific performance to a full house and a wildly enthusiastic audience. Truly a band made up of veteran blues musicians and a very talented Kabir Green."
~ Michaela Majoun, Radio Host, WXPN
"Powerful, earthy, soulful, groove-filled music. The musicianship is amazing, and Kabir's vocals are something very special. The temptation is to niche this band to a spiritual audience, but it clearly has a much wider appeal. It's just great music. How can I help spread the word?"
~ Dena Marchiony, Founder – Philadelphia Songwriters Project
"Down-home and transcendent. A true taste of the friendship!"
~ Coleman Barks
For more information please visit www.illuminationband.com
Members:
Kabir Green – Acoustic guitar, mandolin, lead vocals
During his time at Haverford College, Kabir joined everything musical from Renaissance choral groups to the house funk band. As former leader and arranger of the a cappela group the S Chords, Kabir brings a unique musicality to his arrangements of The Illumination Band's signature harmonies, as well as an open spirit to his lead vocals.
Jeff Sheard – Drums and percussion, vocals
Jeff grew up and studied music in Toronto Canada before moving to the United States in 1994. He studied theory, harmony and piano in Toronto as well as drum set with renowned instructor Jim Blackley, before moving to Philadelphia to study with Sufi master Bawa Muhaiyaddeen. Jeff has played with many of Canada's top blues, jazz and country artists, and with The Illumination Band, he plays an antique drum set that he restored himself. He combines drum set and hand drum styles and his lead vocals and harmonizing are at the heart of the Illumination sound.
Bill Zinno – Acoustic and electric bass, vocals
Bill has been a fixture of the Philadelphia music scene for many years. He has performed with many jazz greats including Philly Joe Jones, Herb Ellis, Charlie Bird and George Coleman and is also a member of the Delaware Symphony Orchestra. Bill has a love for and collection of fine acoustic guitars, and also provides harmony vocals for The Illumination Band.
Steve Zinno – Acoustic and electric guitars, pedal steel, slide guitar, mandolin, vocals
Steve is a talented multi-instrumentalist who began his self-taught musical life playing folk music and later evolved into rock, pop, jazz and blues. He is a seasoned veteran who brings a wealth of professional experience and a broad palette of musical colors to the Illumination Band. Not only a gifted musician, Steve also builds some of the instruments and amplifiers he uses with the band.
Dale Melton - Keyboards, vocals
Dale's unique organ style with Garth Hudson, Matthew Fisher and Booker T influences is an unmistakable sound. He was a fixture on the Philadelphia music circuit in the 70's as one half of the Melton Brothers Band. Today his music can be heard in venues like the Kennett Flash and World Cafe Live at The Queen with his brother Dennis as well as on national stages with Lili Anel with whom he is currently recording and producing an album at his own studio, The Sandbox at Buck Hollow Barn.
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Saturday, June 22, 2013 KEN NAVARROOver the past 21 years, Ken Navarro has performed in every major US city and had numerous Top 5 hits at national radio. His music is distributed throughout the world from Japan to Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Britain, Australia, Chile, Brazil, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, the Netherlands and even in China.
Note: Our kitchen is closed for this performance. BYO is welcome. |
CONCERT - $25 Online/$30 Door, 8:00 pm
PHYSICAL OR PRINTED TICKETS ARE NOT USED. When you purchase reservations, your name is placed on the show guest list.
Ken Navarro's 2010 release "Dreaming of Trains" was pre-nominated for the 2011 Grammy awards in 2 categories and his 2008 album The Grace of Summer Light was named the #1 contemporary jazz album of the year at Jazz Times. His impressive discography of 20 top charting albums showcase his appeal to a wide range of listeners with inspiring compositions and superb guitar performances.
Navarro's latest CD The Test Of Time is his 20th release and marks a landmark in Ken's musical direction. It is Solo Guitar like you never imagined it. In each of the 12 songs that make up The Test of Time, Navarro delivers a genuine, flawless performance, where all of the melodies, bass lines, harmonies and even percussion are masterfully played simultaneously on just one guitar without any overdubbing. Some of the contemporary classics included are The Police's Message In A Bottle, John Lennon's Imagine, Glen Campbell's Wichita Lineman, Pat Metheny's Letter From Home and Santana's Europa. This new release is a huge milestone and leap forward in Navarro's career. The performances are magical in many ways and will be appreciated by a wide audience. Navarro's mastery of the many different styles is breathtaking. He has infused himself in each style of solo guitar playing so that it transcends the song and style and becomes an original Ken Navarro masterpiece.
Ken's contribution to Contemporary and Mainstream Jazz goes beyond his personal artistry. Ken has produced successful albums for Narada/EMI recording artist Eric Darius as well as saxophonist Randy Villars and pianist Jay Rowe to name a few. As founder of Positive Music Records, Ken is responsible for launching and furthering the recording careers of saxophonist Brandon Fields, guitarists Grant Geissman, Thom Rotella and Pat Kelley, and keyboardists Gregg Karukas, Jay Rowe and Marcus Johnson. Ken's vision of a musician's record label has enhanced the genre with over 35 new artists and seventy releases.
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Saturday, June 29, 2013 BUSKIN & BATTEAU"The best act ever, anytime, anywhere in the entire universe." "Acoustic heaven" "...Versatile, sophisticated...by turns acerbic, funny and plaintive. Buskin and Batteau are breathing new life into the genre of the folk-pop singer/songwriter." |
CONCERT - $20 Online/$25 Door, 8:00 pm
Buskin & Batteau began in earnest when folk legend Tom Rush, in a truly titanic misjudgment, invited David Buskin and Robin Batteau to be his backup band -- with David on piano, guitar and vocals -- Robin on vocals, violin, guitar and mandolin -- and the Mighty Mighty Marshal Rosenberg on percussion. Chaos reigned. Hotel rules were tightened across America. And then suddenly, without warning, B&B went out on their own. Why, Tom, why?
They'd made records: two solo records for David on Epic ("David Buskin" and "He Used to Treat Her"), three duo and group records for Robin on Columbia ("Appaloosa," "Compton & Batteau in California," and "Batteaux"), and two records as key members of the band Pierce Arrow for Columbia. But once B&B got going, things started to snowball:
- Cool reviews and features in Time, People and Musician Magazine -- the Times, the News, and the Post in New York -- the Post and the Times in Washington -- and the Globe, the Herald, and the Phoenix in Boston
- Concerts from Carnegie Hall to McCabe's Guitar Shop in Santa Monica -- with stops along the way at Passim in Cambridge, the Tin Angel in Philadelphia, the Bottom Line in New York, the Birchmere in D.C. and headlining the Newport Folk Festival!
- Playing live on radio for legendary folk DJs Pete Fornatale, Dick Pleasants, John Platt, Gene Shay and Dick Cerri
- Jingles: Clio-winners "Heartbeat of America" for Chevrolet from Robin -- "We're NBC, Just Watch Us Now" for David
- Emmy and Grammy-winning charity records and books and TV shows with Marlo Thomas and Chris Cerf and friends ("Free to Be a Family" and "Thanks and Giving")
- Co-writing most of Judy Collins' "Fires of Eden" record with Judy
- An Oscar nomination for "On Tip-Toe," the documentary short film about Ladysmith Black Mambazo whose centerpiece was Robin's "Stupid Song" (actual title--really)
- Songs recorded by Anne Murray, Oak Ridge Boys (both gold records), Bette Midler, Astrud Gilberto, Peter, Paul & Mary, Johnny Mathis and Melanie. Aretha Franklin, Mel Torme, Take 6, Richie Havens, Elton John, Whitney Houston, Paula Abdul sang their "short songs."
- Robin co-produced Christine Lavin's "Beau Woes" record and tried valiantly but vainly to save the world by co-writing (with Congressman Bob Carr) and lobbying for a World Hunger bill. He has on occasion jammed with Bruce Springsteen, YoYo Ma, Bonnie Raitt, Benny Goodman and James Taylor (not all at once).
- David has written a new musical with jingle great Jake Holmes and coached middle-school girls' basketball.
http://www.buskinandbatteau.com
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Sunday, October 6, 2013 Intimate Solo Concert with
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CONCERT - $20 Online/$25 Door, 7:30 pm (Doors Open 7:00 pm)
PHYSICAL OR PRINTED TICKETS ARE NOT USED. When you purchase reservations, your name is placed on the show guest list.
David Newman is a sacred singer songwriter and mantra musician who travels extensively sharing his unique blend of folk, chant and mystical music. Rooted in the ancient tradition of sound as healing, David's music embodies a devotional mysticism, distinctive musicality, and poetic intimacy. His concerts evoke deep peace and are joyous, uplifting and at times exploding with energy.
His recordings incorporate a wide range of musical and lyrical elements and explore a vast palette of stylistic influences from around the world. David's CDs include: Lotus Feet, Soul Freedom, Leap of Grace, Into the Bliss, Love Peace Chant, To Be Home, Stars, and ReBliss.
David tours throughout the world and has been featured on NPR, in The Washington Post and Yoga Journal, among others.
A special Chinese dinner will be available for $8 during the show prepared by chef Suyun. The vegetarian menu will consist of mixed vegetable fried jasmine rice, Madras (mildly) curried potatoes, sesame-ginger cucumber salad and sweet banana spring rolls. Complimentary chips, soft drinks, hot teas and brewed coffee will be available. No reservations needed.
http://www.davidnewmanmusic.com
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