Category: Concert Connection

Concert Review: Spyderpop Showcase ’19

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The Bowery Electric in NYC was host to Spyderpop Records on Friday, Sept. 13, 2019. An array of talented artists came together for an excellent night of amazing live music. The evening started with girl band Slyboots as they introduced a new lead singer, Tiffany Lyons. Tiffany has a powerful voice and what followed was a selection of soulful pop, rock, and even a Stevie Nicks cover! This was followed by long-time favorite Lannie Flowers as he played selections off his new upcoming LP Home looking to hit the shelves in November.

This was followed by Danny Wilkerson (Pengwins) and songs from his self-titled LP which ranked #8 from my top power pop albums of 2018. The band really stepped up here, filling the room with layers of sound, and then for the finale, we had one of the most talented power pop artists ever, Bill Lloyd take the stage. Bill played from his LP, Playing The Long Game #6 ranked in my 2018 albums list. Plenty of guest musicians were in the audience and at the end of the night all the performers took to the stage with a rousing version of Elvis Costello’s “(What’s So Funny ’Bout) Peace, Love & Understanding.” Suprise guest Paul Collins joined the gang on stage at the end. See our Facebook post for a full photo gallery!

Support Your Local Power Pop Artist: Richard X. Heyman and Glen Burtnik

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Richard X Heyman

Richard X. Heyman “Pop Circles”

The 13th album by acclaimed melodic pop singer/songwriter Richard X. Heyman is his love letter to the Baby Boom generation. You get to be a part of it by pledging money to help this album come to fruition. Cool rewards; badges, lyric sheets, autographed CDs, fridge magnets! Please check it out here:
Visit Richard’s Kickstarter page

Glen Burtnik

Glen Burtnik’s Summer of Love

“Relive the Memories, Share the Spirit and Celebrate the Songs of the Woodstock Generation, The Music That Changed the World.”

Glen Burtnik’s Summer of Love Concert series celebrates the 50th anniversary of the iconic 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Festival. I’ve been a huge Burtnik fan for a long time (The Orchestra, The Weeklings, Styx) and now he’s running a huge music festival that focuses on the iconic rock music from the period of time generally between the 1967 and 1969.  Shows run from July through August in selected cities. Visit www.summerofloveconcert.com to learn more.

Concert Connection: Blake Morgan

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Native New Yorker Blake Morgan is a recording artist, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, and the founder and owner of ECR Music Group. His music advocacy has taken him to Capitol Hill numerous times where, as the founder of the #IRespectMusic movement, he continues to fight for music makers’ rights in the digital age. As a musician, his album Diamonds In The Dark is a prime example of his soulful inspired songwriting.

Blake Morgan continued his ongoing residency at Rockwood Music Hall’s Stage 3 in NYC. I saw the show with his special guest Tracy Bonham. Morgan will embark on a major tour of The United Kingdom, this time running through Brighton, Manchester, London, Birmingham, and Bristol. Blake will be joined by acclaimed singer-songwriter Julia Haltigan, who will be opening up for him on this run. He is expected to return to Rockwood on Jan. 17, 2018 with special guest Michael Leonhart.

Check him out on these dates:

12/3/17 – BRIGHTON – The Hope and Ruin (RSVP: HERE)
12/4/17 – MANCHESTER – Gulliver’s (RSVP: HERE)
12/5/17 – LONDON – The Macbeth (RSVP: HERE)
12/6/17 – BIRMINGHAM – Sunflower Lounge (RSVP: HERE)
12/8/17 – BRISTOL – The Louisiana (RSVP: HERE)

Freebie Friday: The Tomboys, J Eastman, Wazonek, Scott Brookman

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The Tomboys are back with Session Two, another blast from the past. The Florida band has released more music from its ’80s vault. Best of all this is a FREE download, check out the video “You’re The One.”

Minneapolis, MN band  J Eastman and The Drunk Uncles are heavily influenced by The Replacements, Wilco and REM. With a solid guitar lead and Eastman’s distinctive vocal, check out “On Your Dime” a pretty anachronistic expression. They have a full-length LP too called No Capo Required from 2016 that’s just awesome. “Drink To Myself” is the lost hit Southern Culture On the Skids never had. Oh yeah, it’s all FREE downloads.

Vancouver multi-instrumentalist and producer Adam Wazonek delivers an easy going gem here. Like America, The Eagles or other ’70s styled bands, it has clean melodies and simple arrangements that are just a delight. Check out “Christine” and the very Steely Dan-ish “Easy Love.” The wah-wah strings on “I’d Like To Know” is just pure Seals & Crofts. Actually, it’s tough to find a note of filler here. Highly Recommended and a FREE download.

Scott Brookman returns with a sequel to his successful LP Smellicopter. Another master of melody with subtle and sparse instrumentation, “Consideration” is influenced by Something/Anything era Todd Rundgren and the fun “Three Doors Down” has a very 10cc-like composition. This EP isn’t free, but for a mere $5.00 it’s worth getting.

FYI: INTERNATIONAL POP OVERTHROW NYC IS HERE!

Dave Bash welcomes an assortment of wonderful artists out to Bar Matchless in Brooklyn. It started Thursday and goes on all weekend. We will be reviewing the new IPO compilation next week!

Compilation Fridays: More bands! More music!

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Power Popaholic Fest is coming on June 16, 17 (next week) at Bar Matchless in Brooklyn, NY. Each year we have a soundtrack made with songs by some performers and like-minded artists. Your purchase helps fund the continuation of this long-running music festival dedicated to power pop artists. This year’s soundtrack features Somerdale, The Successful Failures, Lisa Mychols, Lannie Flowers, Cirrone, The Brittanicas, Jose Estragos and The Pop-Coop. Note: Limited time! Some tracks will only be available during the month of June.

Another compilation that we promote regularly is the Coop Communique, championed by artist/writer Dw Dunphy. This is the third and most impressive volume yet. With an array of favorites including Josh Fix (!!), The Ravines, Greek Theatre, Son of Skooshny, Brandon Schott, Andy Klingensmith, Vegas With Randolph and much more. Best of all its a FREE download!  Between Dunphy and Ice Cream Man, you can fill up the old music player on my phone really fast!