On Friday, June 23 at Chicago Restaurant and Club Gravity, the Third Annual Lehigh Valley Musicians Social took place. My colleague Pitbull and I were filled with anticipation and excitement for the night’s events. As always, when you plan a party (because yes, this was a party), there is always a bit of nervousness, hoping that everything goes as planned without any hiccups.
Friday night at Chicago Restaurant and Club Gravity was a banner night for the Lehigh Valley music scene, as The Fyre and Ice Show booked a stellar rock and roll lineup to serve as the centerpiece of its Third Annual Lehigh Valley Musicians Social.
Almost two years ago, I was sitting in my seat at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas at SteelStacks in Bethlehem, waiting to see a band that had very quickly grown on me after first seeing them perform in 2007. They were celebrating their 15th anniversary together as a band, as well as their new album, titled “6.”
Not many bands in the Lehigh Valley can hold that title of longevity, especially when they are still writing new music, and still playing shows.
The Originals Music Series has announced that its Third Annual Lehigh Valley Musicians Social will take place at Chicago Restaurant’s Club Gravity on Friday, June 23.
Last Saturday was a beautiful day for an All-American good time. That’s what Slatington Volunteer Fire Company provided its town’s residents with the fourth annual Slatington Bike Night.
This “night” actually began at noon, and featured food, beer, vendors, bikes, cars and, of course, music. Our friends at The Fyre & Ice Show put the day’s entertainment together, with five local bands rocking a blend of covers and originals throughout the day. First up was Wicked Beaver, who featured a setlist of familiar classic rock hits to get things warmed up.
Next, Bethlehem-based Eighteenth Hour came to the stage, switching things up and turning heads with their well-crafted rock originals.
By the time Eighteenth Hour concluded, it was the middle of an laid-back weekend afternoon. Our musical lineup had just the thing for such a relaxing atmosphere: father-daughter duo AVYLON, who came through with some new originals and a jukebox of covers.
Crowds had begun to gather in larger numbers as AVYLON’s set went on. While this was, no doubt, because of the duo’s acoustic stylings, it was also due to the fact that the ever-popular CA/CD — an AC/DC tribute band, as you might guess — was up next. The band’s renditions of songs like “Thunderstruck” and “Dirty Deeds” were on-point, as was its onstage presence throughout the set.
Finally, as night has begun to creep its way into Slatington Bike Night, those who stuck around were in for a real treat, as Long Island-based REVEL 9 had made their way to the Valley for the occasion. It was my first time seeing the hard rockers — unbelievable, considering their song, “All I’ve Become,” has been my podcast’s theme song for two years — and they did not disappoint! With blazing guitars, REVEL 9 presented songs off of its two albums, “The Razorblade Diaries” and “The Reality Crush,” as well as unreleased tracks and a couple of well-timed covers. Frontman DJ Pearlman even stuck around afterwards to give CDs to the kids who had stayed to rock out, ensuring a love of music in the next generation.
With the day in the books, there was a good feeling in the air. It was one of gratitude, and of a unity through music. Thanks to The Fyre & Ice Show for including us, and for putting the day’s great lineup together.