Tag Archives: VoirVoir

LVU Super Saturday: Going Hardcore with Tape Swap Radio

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Last night, I concluded Super Saturday by heading over to Bethlehem’s historic Ice House for the final concert of the summer in Tape Swap Radio’s IceHouse Tonight series. The night featured four hardcore bands — Swimmers Lungs, Manbeast, Tile, and Couch Slut — making for, frankly, the heaviest night of music I’ve ever experienced.

Last night’s show, as well as all of Tape Swap Radio’s efforts, was completely DIY and took a village to make a reality. The series was started by local residents Matt Molchany (whom you might know as the frontman of indie rock band Voirvoir) and Shamus McGroggan. The pair, as well as a host of local musicians and music supporters, make it their mission to showcase a different genre at each Tape Swap Radio show.

I also found it interesting to learn that Tape Swap Radio does more than produce live events. Tape Swap is also a music and video series that exclusively features DIY and independent bands. The show airs every other Friday at 11 p.m. on 88.1 WDIY FM, the Lehigh Valley’s NPR station.

On behalf of Lehigh Valley Underground, I want to send congratulations to Tape Swap Radio for a job well done on last night’s show, and a sincere “Thank You” for their efforts in making our music scene that much more vibrant. You can learn more about Tape Swap Radio online and on Facebook.

Soul, Groove and Youthful Exuberance Highlight Tuesday Night Musikfest Action

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Tuesday night started a bit early for me than Monday’s adventure did. For one thing, I am (mostly) recovered from the Lehigh Valley Music Awards Rock Showcase, so it was easy for me to get moving.

It was even easier for the Festplatz crowd to get moving around 5:30 p.m. That’s when the Sensational Soul Cruisers took the stage. The vocal quartet — with one of the tightest backing bands you’ll ever hear — played more than an hour’s worth of Motown, soul, and R&B hits that kept the dance floor way more packed than you’d expect on a Tuesday afternoon.

There was still plenty of soul to be had a Musikfest after the Soul Cruisers wrapped up. For one thing, The Groove Merchants were getting ready to begin their second set of the day on the Provident Bank Main Street stage in celebration of their new album, “Take It.”

I swear, the Groove Merchants’ blend of funk, jazz, blues, and rock keeps getting better every time I see them. Frontman Tye Vallone excelled at his job, keeping the crowd engaged with his charisma and ability on multiple instruments, while solos from guitarist Luke Ferracone and trumpeter Dylan Hinnershitz wowed those who had gathered around for the band’s set.

As dusk came over Main Street and The Groove Merchants packed their instruments and merch table, it was time for a change of pace courtesy of Bethlehem indie rockers, Voirvoir. The five-piece packed the front of the stage with fans and supporters, injecting even more youthful energy into the night with anthems like opening song, “I Wanna.”

Musikfest Five-Point Preview: Day 5

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Tuesday’s lineup is particularly exciting to me. The official halfway point of Musikfest 2016 is marked by artists I’ve personally had the privilege of covering, as well as those I’ve seen, but who might be new to the Lehigh Valley Underground audience.

Come along with me, and I’ll make sure you know who’s who before the day is through.

Musikfest Five-Point Preview
Day 5 – Aug. 9, 2016

Joyous | 12 p.m.
Stage: Wells Fargo Festplatz (North)
Description: Sneak out for lunch (or just take the day off) to hear some classic soul and R&B.

Seamus Kennedy | 5 p.m.
Stage: Red Stag Pub Liederplatz (North)
Description: The popular Celtic folk artist returns to Bethlehem once more.

The Groove Merchants | 7 p.m.
Stage: Provident Bank Main Street (North)
Description: Funk, soul, blues, and jazz collide for the second time today (the band also plays in the same spot at 5 p.m.).

Voirvoir | 8:30 p.m.
Stage: Provident Bank Main Street (North)
Description: There Are No Good Goodbyes, so say hello once more to the local indie rock masters.

Scythian | 9 p.m.
Stage: Air Products Americaplatz (South)
Description: One of the ‘Fest’s most popular returning performers brings their unique, thrilling brand of rock.

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

The Quinn Spinn: Musikfest 2016 Preview Edition

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Musikfest starts this weekend, and we’re popping in on our summer break to preview the action! Joining us is Ricardo Flores, President of the Greater Lehigh Valley Music Association, who talks to us about the organization’s mission, values, and the Lehigh Valley Music Awards Rock Showcase, sponsored by Lehigh Valley Underground, happening Sunday, Aug. 7 from 8-11 p.m. at Musikfest’s Plaza Tropical stage.

Plus, we play music from artists who you’ll hear at the festival!

Track listing:
The Groove Merchants – John the Savage
Alex Radus – We Can’t Play Like Django
This Way to the Egress – Earworm
Doubting Thoma$ – Slate Clean
Voirvoir – I Wanna
Scott Marshall – Hope on the Cross

Can’t-Miss Shows of the Week: July 25-31

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Not For Coltrane is the tip of the iceberg this week.

You might expect the week before the start of our nation’s largest free outdoor music festival to be the calm before the storm. That is not the case.

What a stacked lineup we have for you with this week’s…

Can’t-Miss Shows of the Week!

Mon., Jul. 25 | 10 p.m.
Not For Coltrane
Venue: The Funhouse, 5 E. 4th St., Bethlehem
Admission: FREE
Description: Michael Duck performs originals, covers, and surprises to start the week.

Tues., Jul. 26 | 6 p.m.
Burn Halo, Malicious Intent & Husk
Venue: The Gin Mill & Grille, 1750 Main St., Northampton
Admission: $10 advance/$12 door
Description: A triple threat of hard rock highlights your Tuesday night.

Thurs., Jul. 28 | 7 p.m.
September Silence and Deprived at The Originals Music Series
Venue: Chicago Restaurant, 1179 Airport Rd., Allentown
Admission: FREE
Description: The Originals returns to Chicago with another great night of rock.

Fri., Jul. 29 | 10 p.m.
VoirVoir with Jonathan Monument
Venue: The Funhouse, 5 E. 4th St., Bethlehem
Admission: $4
Description: Switch things up midweek with a double dose of indie rock.

Sat., Jul. 30 | 7 p.m.
Trapped in Static at the WSCI Radio Summer Concert Series
Venue: Tally Ho Tavern, 205 W. 4th St., Bethlehem
Admission: $5
Description: The New Yorkers add more interstate flavor to South Bethlehem.

Sat., Jul. 30 | 7 p.m.
Shawn Cav Ensemble Record Release Show
Venue: The California Drum Shop, 343 Rauch St., Bethlehem
Admission: FREE
Description: Shawn Cav and his eponymous group will be celebrating the release of “Glass Houses.

VoirVoir Releases DIY Video for ‘I Wanna’

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Bethlehem’s own VoirVoir is celebrating the release of its album, “There Are No Good Goodbyes,” with an official, DIY video for its lead track, “I Wanna.”

The video features surrogate footage of the “Rock-afire Explosion” band from the vintage Showbiz Pizza restaurant chain. The high-energy, anthemic track is itself an indie rock explosion, restless in nature as vocalist/guitarist Matt Molchany sings about busting loose and reaching beyond the status quo.

Stream the album in its entirety — and read a killer review — by visiting WXPN’s The Key, and check out the video for “I Wanna” below.

Can’t-Miss Shows of the Week: June 6-12

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Decisions, decisions…

There are a lot of great shows in the Lehigh Valley (and a bit beyond) this week. While we can’t possibly go wrong no matter what we choose, it has left us with some tough choices as we figure out our own schedule for Thursday and Friday. So, you get to share our (good) problem of having multiple excellent entertainment options. We present you with the…

Can’t-Miss Shows of the Week!

Thurs., June 9 | 7 p.m.
Acoustic singer-songwriter night at The Originals Music Series
Venue: Chicago Restaurant, 1179 Airport Road, Allentown
Admission: FREE
Description: Crossroads Duo and Adam Jacob highlight this stripped-down night at the weekly showcase.

Thurs., June 9 | 9 p.m.
A Night of Improvisation with The Now
Venue: Rivals Sports Bar, 5 Lehns Ct., Easton
Admission: FREE
Description: The Lehigh Valley’s improvised music group receives support from live dancers and a video display for an intriguing evening of performance art.

Fri., June 10 | 7 p.m.
Slingshot Dakota Hometown Album Release Show (w/ Summer Scouts and VoirVoir)
Venue: ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem
Admission: $10 advance; $12 door
Description: The nationally-known, Lehigh Valley-raised duo returns home to celebrate the release of its new album, “Break.”

Fri., June 10 | 8 p.m.
Lauren Marsh (w/ Giada J. and Lullanas)
Venue: Hard Rock Café, 1113-31 Market St., Philadelphia
Admission: $10 advance; $12 door
Description: The Jersey native with Lehigh Valley ties will perform tracks from her red-hot indie pop EP, “Veracity.”

Can’t-Miss Shows of the Week: Apr. 25-May 1

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Guess what?

As April gives way to May this week, we can look forward to the return of this popular video meme. In any other week, that would have been enough, but we’re excited for a different reason: Allentown JazzFest!

We’re stoked to be an official media partner of this year’s festival, and you can be sure that we’ll be there quite a bit this week and next. In addition, there’s plenty more music where that came from!

Let that be your preface as we present the…

Can’t-Miss Shows of the Week!

Thurs., Apr. 28 | 7 p.m.
The Originals Music Series
Venue: Chicago Restaurant, 1179 Airport Road, Allentown
Admission: FREE
Description: Rofo Audio and Infinite Lives are the bands chosen to rock the stage at Chicago Restaurant’s Club Gravity this week.

Fri., Apr. 29 | 8 p.m.
Al Chez & The Brothers of Funk (AJF2016)
Venue: The Renaissance Ballroom, Allentown
Admission: $30 general admission, $60 VIP
Description: World-class trumpeter Al Chez brings his big band’s high-energy show to the opening night of Allentown JazzFest

Sat., Apr. 30 | 8 p.m.
JoJo Mayer/Nerve (AJF2016)
Venue: HALO, 22 N. 6th St., Allentown
Admission: $35
Description: Nerve helps open HALO after its brand of electronic, dance-infused jazz proved to be one of the big hits of last year’s Allentown JazzFest.

Sun., May 1 | 6 p.m.
WMUH Allentown and Alternative Gallery present: Gather in the Gallery
Venue: 707 N 4th St, Ste 103, Allentown
Admission: FREE
Description: Pete Hill, VoirVoir, CRUISR, and Cheerleader highlight this Sunday show for all ages.

Sun., May 1 | 7 p.m.
Scott Tixier (AJF2016)
Venue: 187 Rue Principale, 187 Main St., Emmaus
Admission: $25
Description: Scott Tixier, an award-winning French jazz violinist and a recording artist, makes his Allentown JazzFest debut.

Review: VoirVoir – There Are No Good Goodbyes

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Artist: VoirVoir
Album: There Are No Good Goodbyes
Genre: Indie rock
Label: Fleeting Youth Records

Bethlehem’s own VoirVoir has had quite a year. Not only did the indie rockers open for genre kings The Flaming Lips at Musikfest, but they recently took a trip down Austin, TX, performing at the world-famous SXSW in March.

Surely, they’ll keep the gained momentum going when their album, “There Are No Good Goodbyes,” is re-released this year on Fleeting Youth Records. The ten-track offering provides rich soundscapes and fresh ideas, giving listeners a taste of the band as never heard before.

The album features plenty of high-energy moments like album opener, “I Wanna,” a youthful track fit to begin the soundtrack for a devil-may-care night drive. Meanwhile, the heavier, rock-driven “Let’s Not” kicks things into high gear, with brief spells from its nicely-contrasting, dreamy chorus.

“There Are No Good Goodbyes” features plenty more atmospheric moments. The title track, in particular, carries a moody, dark ambiance, while “His Last Sound” is enriched by beautiful vocal harmonies and standout guitar work.

Produced to bring out a full, ambient sound, “There Are No Good Goodbyes” sends VoirVoir heading in an exciting direction – one that causes the ears to stay engaged and the mind enlightened.

PHOTOS: Handheld, VoirVoir and Sing, Bird of Prey at Warhouse Collective

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Last week, we were introduced to Warhouse Collective, an incredible new DIY music venue created by five friends in an abandoned Phillipsburg warehouse. We spoke of the Collective’s impressive dedication to their music scene, and we predict that the venue will be a great indie music destination for years to come.

As it turns out, they put on a heck of a show, as they did when Handheld, VoirVoir and Sing, Bird of Prey made their first appearances at the upstart venue. We got some shots of the show for you to check out, as well.

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