When The Dustbowl Revival brings their rootsy, soulful brand of Americana to the Fowler Blast Furance Room at SteelStacks on February 11, they’ll likely prove why they were voted the Best Live Band in Los Angeles by LA Weekly.
The Quinn Spinn begins its 2017 a week early — and, when you have a guest like local legend Steve Brosky, it isn’t hard to imagine why! Steve joined us to talk music, the scene, and play a couple tracks from his new album, “Still,” live and in-studio!
After enjoying some great acoustic tunes and the glorious smells of craft beer and artisan pizza (that I swear I’ll treat myself to, one of these months) at Scratch, it was time to head to Catasauqua’s Unicorn Theatre. That’s where Shawn Cav Ensemble was beginning their crowdfunding performance in support of their upcoming second album.
Artist: Jon Smith’s Voyages
Album: Indeed (LISTEN)
Released: Nov. 2, 2016
Genre: Pop Rock
At first, you may think – from the full sound and intricate, plentiful instrumentation of “Indeed” – that Jon Smith’s Voyages is comprised of a small orchestra. No one man could produce the variety of sounds from the number of instruments (19, including vocals) featured here.
We’re here to tell you how wrong you are.
On Tuesday, jump blues band The Slicked Up 9’s performed at the well-known Sellersville Theatre in an opening slot for modern swing/ska legends, The Cherry Poppin’ Daddies.
Still in need of plans to ring in 2017? Allentown’s Hamilton District wants you to join its New Year’s Eve festivities – a proposition made even more tempting by the musical options available that night.
First, the City of Allentown will be hosting its official New Year’s Eve celebration at the corner of 7th and Hamilton Streets. Beginning at 10 p.m., the evening’s festivities include a fireworks display and an always-entertaining performance by Charlie Brown’s Notorious Groove.
Speaking of Groove, plenty of downtown restaurants will also be hosting New Year’s Eve festivities, such The Hamilton Kitchen, which will play host to The Groove Merchants beginning at 9 p.m. The five-piece from Kutztown will be playing tunes from its new album, “Take It” (which was included in LVU Founder Gerard Longo’s Best of 2016 picks), in addition to covers and other originals. It’s a Can’t-Miss Show of the Week for a reason!
The fun doesn’t stop there. Another LVU favorite, Copper Fields, will be right down the street at Bell Hall at the same time to deliver their unique brand of Americana. The trio has played all over the Valley in 2016, and has gained a reputation for their great musicianship and enjoyable tunes.
If jazz is more your speed, Allentown has something for you on New Year’s Eve, as well. Our friends at Sugar Hill Jazz House will welcome Nancy Coletti, who will provide smooth sounds to add to the evening’s ambiance beginning at 9 p.m.
There, now you have plans for New Year’s Eve! For information on these events and many more, visit The Hamilton District Main Street Program online.
We hope you all had (or are having) a wonderful holiday! We took a couple days off ourselves, and now have the opportunity and feel refreshed as we ramp up for 2016’s final week.
Let’s close out the year in style with one last batch of…
Artist: The Groove Merchants
Album: Take It (LISTEN)
Released: Aug. 9, 2016
Genre: Blues/Funk/Rock
Need New Year’s Eve plans? Ring in 2017 with The Groove Merchants at The Hamilton Kitchen beginning at 9 p.m. Details here.
The Groove Merchants have gained a reputation for their big sound, funky rhythms, and stellar musicianship. They deliver on all of those points on their recent full-length effort, “Take It.”
We’re a bit heavy on events during the week, while not offering much this weekend. That’s because Christmas is Sunday, and people (including us) will be traveling and wanting to(?) spend time with their families this weekend.
Still, you can hit your scene on weeknights with these fine…
Wed., Dec. 21 | 7:30 p.m.
December Improv Comedy Jam
Venue: Godfrey Daniels, 7 E. 4th St., Bethlehem
Admission: FREE
Description: Step out of your shell and test your improv comedy chops with The Flighty Ducks and some of your neighbors.
Thurs., Dec. 22 | 8 p.m.
Chris Cummings Standards Trio
Venue: Porters’ Pub, 700 Northampton St., Easton
Admission: FREE
Description: Settle into your holiday weekend by enjoying Porters’ monthly jazz residency series.
Fri., Dec. 23 | 7 p.m.
Festivus with McGarnagle, Chelsea Smarr, and Nocht the Only Ghouls
Venue: Coffee House Without Limits, 707 N. 4th St., Allentown
Admission: $5 donation to The Human Fund
Description: Local anti-folk heroes McGarnagle lead the way for Friday’s holiday festivities.
While Shawn Cav Ensemble makes preparations to take their game to the next level with a new record in 2017, the jazz fusion quartet used one of 2016’s final Saturday evenings to show why the new project is one worthy of your support (which you can offer here).