After Winter Storm Stella ripped through our region Monday night into Tuesday, it doesn’t feel much like spring right now. However, American Spirits Roadhouse (1090 NJ-173, Asbury, NJ) is determined to change that by next Saturday.
Although we’re certain that you’ll want to catch the entirety of the First Annual Lehigh Valley Underground Winter Jamboree next Friday at American Spirits Roadhouse, you might have a favorite act in the bunch. You may also be wondering when your favorite act is set to take the stage that night, to ensure that you don’t miss their set.
On Saturday night, we embarked to the other side of the Delaware to visit our good friends at American Spirits Roadhouse. There, local blues musician Dana Gaynor was hosting night two of her winter Jamageddon festival.
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.
We’ve made it to the end of another year, which means it’s time for the latest installment of a grand tradition: The Quinn Spinn ChristmaHanuKwanzaDan Spectacular, sponsored by The Valley Ledger! We have holiday tunes from far and wide, some new and from the vault. Plus, we have seasonal Stupid News and Somethin’ Good to stuff your stocking.
Roi and the Secret People have had a big 2016, marked by high-energy performances throughout the Lehigh Valley. Saturday night at The Funhouse in South Bethlehem was no exception, as the Easton-based quintet ended its year on a positive, once again proving why they are one of the region’s most exciting rock acts.
First, let me start by saying that this category, like all of them, could have gone a number of ways. For example, I could have chosen a song with the grit of Roi & the Secret People’s “Hungry.” Just as tempting was the prospect of choosing VoirVoir’s youthful anthem, “I Wanna,” or virtually any track from Rofo Audio. In the end, however, I went a bit south to Philly, where The Wayside Shakeup released their single, “Stay Up,” earlier this year.
This episode of The Quinn Spinn, sponsored by The Valley Ledger, features some new tunes among some older favorites as we say goodbye to November and hello to a holiday season.
Also, learn what one young man did to celebrate his Bar Mitzvah, and why pizza is not an acceptable form of ID.
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…
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!
Artist: Greg in Good Company
Album: Self-titled EP (BUY NOW)
Released: Spring 2016
Genre: Rock/Alternative
Greg Gilman is a Lehigh Valley native. He graduated from Southern Lehigh High School in 2005, attended Temple University and then, as the story goes, moved out to LA to follow dreams that included screenwriting and, of course, music.
His band’s name, Greg in Good Company, seems to be fitting. Gilman certainly has surrounded himself with a tight group of talented musicians who, simply put, make good music. The band’s self-titled EP reflects that.
Listeners will be taken in right away by Gilman’s infectious baritone on the EP’s lead track, the mid-tempo roots rocker “2 AM.” From there, things get funky with “Get Laid,” a refreshingly, if not brutally honest take on the dating scene, and “Save Me,” whose lyrics are, at first, surprisingly dark, given its bright instrumental grooves.
We then head into the land of balladry with “That Girl’s a Star,” a tender look at aspirations that are sometimes just beyond reach, and appear to be staying there if the beginning of album closer “Good God, Grace” is any indication. The end track then picks up from its tender piano beginnings, however, resulting in an up-tempo Americana tune with bluegrass sensibilities and crisp vocal harmonies.
All in all, Gilman and his band have put together a catchy, enjoyable listen that will become a quick favorite for most rock fans.
Track listing:
2 AM
Get Laid
Save Me
That Girl’s a Star
Good God, Grace