Tag Archives: acoustic

Musikfest Five-Point Preview: Day 6

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As part of our partnership with DustinSchoof.com, we’ve decided to make today a Schoof Schpecial here at Lehigh Valley Underground. Dustin will be at the festival today, and we want to encourage you visit his site later on for the latest from Musikfest. Of course, we’ll be back to recap his findings and link you to them later.

So, that’s where he’ll be. But specifically, where should you be? Well, we have a few suggestions for you to try…

Musikfest Five-Point Preview
Day 6 – Aug. 10, 2016

Quimby Mountain Band | 5 p.m.
Stage: Red Stag Pub Liederplatz (North)
Description: The popular Jersey roots rockers cross the state line to jam at ‘Fest.

The Moondogs | 5 p.m.
Stage: Volksplatz (North)
Description: Expect an excellent mix of classic covers, contemporary tunes, and originals when the Moondogs howl.

Billy Bauer Band | 7 p.m.
Stage: Red Stag Pub Liederplatz (North)
Description: Keep jammin’ on the North Side with one of Bethlehem’s own.

Dina Hall | 8 p.m.
Stage: Martin Guitar Lyrikplatz at Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas (South)
Description: Join the Lehigh Valley folk legend for an intimate set.

Here Come the Mummies | 9:30 p.m.
Stage: Air Products Americaplatz (South)
Description: You came to South Side, so why not stay there for some fun all the way from Egypt?

There’s more where that came from! Check in with DustinSchoof.com every morning throughout Musikfest for a full free stage lineup!

Blues and Acoustic Tunes for Sunday Afternoon

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After a raucous first Saturday night of Musikfest — one during which Facebook Live just wouldn’t work, probably due to the mass of people using bandwidth in such a small area — we hit the scene this afternoon for a couple of early shows before coming back to prepare for tonight’s Lehigh Valley Music Awards Rock Showcase, sponsored by Lehigh Valley Underground.

We arrived to Plaza Tropical in time for Miller and the Other Sinners, a blues/soul outfit from Buffalo, New York. Fronted by David Michael Miller, the Sinners played a noteworthy set full of blazing instrumental solos and extended jams — and, as luck would have it, Facebook Live was back up and running, if you want an example.

After the Sinners finished up at Plaza Tropical, we started to head back, but not before stopping at Red Stag Pub Liederplatz at the Sun Inn Courtyard to catch the end of a set from Reading-based folk band, Grexin’. The band was playing an unplugged set as part of the stage’s Acoustic Roadshow, and their crisp vocal harmonies and down-home rhythms made for a pleasant listen.

We’ll head out a bit later, of course, for the LVMAs Rock Showcase, featuring Another Day Dawns, Doubting Thoma$, The Cherrybombs, and Social Call. The fun starts at 8. See you there!

 

VIDEO: Not For Coltrane’s Monday Night Party at The Funhouse

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We’re lucky enough to live in an area where A) live music happens seven nights a week and B) the vast majority of the time, the performers are high-quality.

Such was the case Monday night at The Funhouse, where Not For Coltrane (Michael Duck) performed a blend of covers and originals. It was just him and an acoustic guitar, and it made for a Monday night full of good songs, stories, and a dash of humor.

I took a break from photos and opted to take some video instead. Enjoy part of the performance!

Can’t-Miss Shows of the Week: Jul. 11-17

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We’re a bit late with our typical early-week preview. I guess that’s what happens when you’re out on the scene all day Sunday and have hundreds – literally, hundreds – of photos to sort through from Easton Heritage Day.

To make up for the tardiness, we present you with even more options as part of this week’s…

Can’t-Miss Shows of the Week!

Tues., Jul. 12 | 6 p.m.
The Groove Merchants
Venue: Hamilton Kitchen & Bar, 645 W. Hamilton St., Allentown
Admission: FREE
Description: Listen to some funky, bluesy rhythms to celebrate Hamilton Kitchen’s second birthday.

Tues., Jul. 12 | 7 p.m.
Bryan Tuk Complex
Venue: Hook, 22 N. 6th St., Allentown
Admission: FREE
Description: Jazz drummer Bryan Tuk and his trio perform at Network Magazine’s release after-party

Jul. 15-17
Double Decker/Square of Opposition Anniversary Fest
Venues: St. Bernard’s, 331-333 Brodhead Ave., Bethlehem (Fri); Merchants Square Mall, 1901 S. 12th St., Allentown (Sat/Sun.)
Admission: $8-$50
Description: Celebrate 20 years of Double Decker and 15 years of Square of Opposition Records, all weekend long.

Sat., Jul. 16 | 4 p.m.
Julius’ Birthday Bash at Ranger Lake
Venue: Coplay, PA
Admission: FREE
Description: Celebrate the birth of one of the Valley’s premier rockers with his first gig at Ranger Lake.

Sat., Jul. 16 | 7 p.m.
Roi & the Secret People w/ Special Guest Carter Lansing
Venue: Tally Ho, 205 W. 4th St., Bethlehem
Admission: $5
Description: The Easton rockers perform as part of the WSCI Radio Summer Concert Series.

Easton Heritage Day #2: So. Much. Music.

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The past few hours have been a wild time, as I’ve raced from one side of Easton’s Centre Square to the other to capture all of the great music happening downtown (with the occasional refreshment or restroom break in between).

I’ve come a long way, and by no means am I finished yet. Heritage Day is in the process of proceeding down to the riverfront for tonight’s shows and fireworks. Of course, you can be sure that I’ll be sticking around until things are finished going boom.

In the meantime, here’s what’s captured of the great performers I’ve seen so far, in order of appearance. I’ll be back with more after the conclusion of Heritage Day.

Dan DeChellis Trio (Jazz)

Swing Time Dolls (Vintage 1940s Pop)

Copper Fields (Acoustic Rock/Bluegrass)

The Jolly Tars (Traditional Irish Folk)

Roi & the Secret People (Rock)

PHOTOS: Whiskey Hollow Debuts at Club Gravity

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Friday night was a bonus night of music at Chicago Restaurant’s Club Gravity. After a Thursday night that saw Musos return to The Originals Music Series, the Fyre & Ice Show kicked off July with a special treat — the debut of country party band Whiskey Hollow.

The evening was started by blues duo Crossroads Duo, who brought their mix of tight covers and originals to the Club Gravity stage. The pair sounded as good as ever, and served as a great warmup for the party to come.

After a brief changeover, it was time for Whiskey Hollow to take the stage for the first time. The country five-piece kicked things up a notch with its big sound and engaging stage presence.

PHOTOS: Acoustic Bite Trio at Pearly Baker’s

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And so, we complete the trifecta from Saturday night!

After I had my socks thoroughly rocked by Acoustic Kitty Project and Roi & the Secret People at Rivals, and after Lisa had a great time capturing the Allentown Freak Out Fringe Festival, I popped over to Pearly Baker’s, where Acoustic Bite Trio was set to play some”acoustified” favorites.

I was only able to stay for a little while (unfortunately, I had to wake up before 7 a.m. on Sunday), but while I was there, the trio featuring Shawn Cav (bass), Scott Harrington (guitar), and Dave Deubler (drums) ran through a jukebox-worth of hits, both classic and contemporary. It was a nice cap to a fantastic evening of live music.

And, of course, I got a few shots while I was there. They’re below!

Can’t-Miss Shows of the Week: June 27-July 3

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Summer is in full swing, and we are coming up on a holiday weekend. While you will surely have an opportunity to enjoy grilled burgers, ice cold beverages, and maybe even a trip to the shore this weekend, there is, as always, plenty of live music to enjoy right in your backyard. Exercise your independence as you travel across our section of this great land for some…

Can’t-Miss Shows of the Week!

Tues.., June 28 | 9 p.m.
Raven Lounge Open Mic featuring Marc Ambrosia
Venue: Raven Lounge, 1718 Sansom St., Philadelphia
Admission: FREE, 21+
Description: Feel like making a mid-week trip to Philly? Be sure to check out Marc Ambrosia, who will surely be performing tracks off of his album, “Footprints.”

Wed., June 29 | 10 p.m.
The Moondogs at The Funhouse
Venue: 5 E. 4th St, Bethlehem
Admission: FREE
Description: The Moondogs howl for a Wednesday night party at the stalwart South Bethlehem venue.

Thurs., June 30 | 7 p.m.
Musos at The Originals Music Series
Venue: Chicago Restaurant, 1179 Airport Rd., Allentown
Admission: FREE
Description: Musos returns to rock the stage at Chicago.

Fri., July 1 | 8 p.m.
Whiskey Hollow Debuts (w/ special guest Crossroads Duo)
Venue: Chicago Restaurant, 1179 Airport Rd., Allentown
Admission: FREE before 10 p.m.
Description: Start July with the debut of the Valley’s newest country band.

PHOTOS: Colm Keegan and Laura Durrant at the PPL Public Media Center at PBS39

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Working at PBS39 is certainly an enjoyable gig, and nights like this highlight the experience.

Colm Keegan and Laura Durrant, perhaps best known for their work touring with international sensation Celtic Thunder, came to the PPL Public Media Center at PBS39 on Wednesday night for an intimate benefit performance for the public media station. The duo, engaged to be married next month, played folky originals and Celtic traditionals to the delight of the audience for two hours.

Colm and Laura are no strangers to the Lehigh Valley. Not only did they make a similar tour stop at PBS39 last year, but Colm’s grandparents lived in Bethlehem for a short while. The singer-songwriter noted to those in attendance that Christmas City is an important stop for him on every East Coast tour.

It was a pleasure seeing Colm and Laura again — and meeting Colm’s brother Mark, who handled merch duties and joined the pair onstage for their finale. I hope that we’ll cross paths again soon!

Photos are property of PBS39; thus, the absence of the LVU watermark. By nature of what I do, I just thought I’d share them with you all here, as well.

PHOTOS: Soul Folks and Not For Coltrane at Godfrey Daniels

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Fact: The first time I set foot into the City of Bethlehem was as a Moravian College freshman in 2006.

Fact: Last night was the first time in those ten years where I had attended a show at Godfrey Daniels.

I am not proud that it took me so long to visit a venue that has been a mainstay in our music community for 40 years. Rather, I point this out to say that Soul Folks and Not For Coltrane definitely made it worth the wait.

When you visit Godfrey Daniels, there is a very pronounced focus on the music. It is a listening room, where the entire audience is there to engage with the musicians. Likewise, the musicians engage back by means of storytelling and supreme musical talent.

Highlighted by originals, covers, special appearances, and a rousing, unexpected folk finale of Snoop Dogg’s “Gin & Juice,” Soul Folks and Not For Coltrane combined their powers to make Saturday night a memorable experience. It certainly won’t be another ten years before I’m back at Godfrey Daniels.

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