GALLERY: H.E.R. Hip Hop Showcase - 04.09.10

About a month ago, I attended the First Annual H.E.R. Hip Hop Showcase in Athens, GA.

Pardon my language, but this event kicked ass. A LOT of energy from both the crowd and the performers flowed continuously through the night. Especially for a show that included 7 (SEVEN!) scheduled performances and a show that kept the New Earth Music Hall bumping from 9pm until past 2 am! A couple hours prior to the show, a panel discussion and mixer were also held at the same location.

The showcase featured the following artists, listed in order of performance. Click on each name to find out more on each artist.

WildKard

Fresh

Stanza

Donnis

WrittenHouse

Kidz In The Hall

Dead Prez

I gotta admit that before attending, I hadn't heard of any of these performers. And I'm kinda picky with the hip-hop I like to listen too. With few exceptions, in the likes of Nappy Roots and Blackalicious, I haven't found hip-hop of recent years to be as good as it was for me in my day. But after this showcase, I realize it is out there... just waiting to be discovered.

Click on image below for gallery.

ON THE ROAD: John Brodeur

John is hitting the road for two weeks of shows in the southeast (and elsewhere). Many shows are free and/or cheap - please come out and support if you are nearby!

April 11, 7 PM - Alley Katz - Richmond, Va.

April 12, 7 PM - Darjeeling Cafe - Staunton, Va.

April 13, 9 PM - Slim's Downtown Distillery - Raleigh, NC

April 14, 11 PM - The Tipsy Gypsy - Greenville, SC

April 15, 9 PM - Crazy J's Basement, Myrtle Beach, SC

April 16, 8 PM - Zakk's Coffeehouse, Murfreesboro, NC

April 17, 8 PM - The Salvador Deli, Charlotte, NC

April 18 - Root Bar, Asheville, NC

April 19, 10 PM - The Acoustic Coffeehouse, Johnson City, Tn.

April 20 - TBA (Charleston, WV)

April 21, 8 PM - Howler's Coyote Cafe, Pittsburgh, Pa.

April 22, 7:30 PM - Milkboy Cofe, Bryn Mawr, Pa.

April 24, 7 PM - The Giving Tree Yoga Studio, Astoria, NY

More details for these shows can be found at http://www.reverbnation.com/johnbrodeur.

Bummer that GA didn't make the list this time, round. Those of you in VA, NC, SC, TN, WV, PA and NY.... take advantage of the great opportunity to hear some awesome music and see the talented John Brodeur LIVE!!! And know that I am jealous, 'cause I can't be there.

www.johnbrodeur.com

VIDEO: Tom Goss - Who We Are

Beautiful and meaningful song called "Who We Are", performed by singer/songwriter, Tom Goss. Performance is from the Human Rights Campaign sponsored rally to Repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell, in Freedom Plaza in Washington, DC. (March 18, 2010)



While I didn't film this video myself, I was in attendance with my friend, Tyler, when I heard the song for the first time. The message itself, is moving. Tom Goss is an artist to definitely check out and discover.

Thanks to Metro Weekly for putting together this video footage of Tom's peformance.

www.tomgossmusic.net

LISTEN: Vitamin-D - Bridge

Before a single word is even said, the album's first song, Keeper, starts with repetitive typewriter sounds. The first four strokes, like the sound of someone knocking on your door. Almost as if to say, here we are...open up and invite us in...we've got stories to share with you.

So you open up, let them inside, and suddenly you are in this magical place. With sweet melodies and a variety of instruments enchanting you...delighting you. (Who knew the sound of a typewriter could be such an innovative addition to music!)



After first hearing this song, I found myself intrigued to know more about the artists. The more of their album I listened to, the easier it was to confirm that Vitamin-D is definitely a "keeper" in my collection.

Dennis Cronin's vocals are emotional, yet simple and subtle. Contrasting perfectly with the multitude of instruments. They tell the stories of the songs, without sounding like an overblown theatrical production. The music is delightfully rich and colorful.


I love to listen to this album in the evenings, especially when I've had a rather harping day, and just escape. With my eyes closed, I can let myself get lost in their music. Each song is like discovering a new place in the dreamworld they've helped me to create.

Interesting that the album is called, Bridge, and four songs use that in the titles. Since the purpose of a bridge is to provide a connection, from one point to another, it's definitely fitting here. The songs of Bridge, alone, are wonderful. But, whether interchanged or in order, there is another layer of enrichment to experience when listened to collectively.

Alas, I will select only 3 to list as the best tracks from Bridge (2009).
Best tracks

• Keeper
• Upstaged
• Good Fit
  

Look forward to catching a show some time. I would love to see them perform live, and experience yet another dimension to their music.

www.vitamindmusic.com

On Facebook

On MySpace

On Last.fm

On iTunes

ON THE ROAD: John Brodeur - Upcoming Shows

One of my new favorites! John Brodeur has a handful of upcoming shows in PA, NY, VA & TX starting this weekend. Lucky. I'm in GA, and he hasn't scheduled anything out this way yet. *sigh* Well, for those of you more fortunate music lovers, here's the latest show dates. Go, then tell me all about it and make me more anxious for him to do a show in Atlanta or Athens.

February 27
Milkboy Acoustic Cafe - Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
7:00 PM
FREE
w/ Cliff Hills

March 5
Tess' Lark Tavern - Albany, NY 12210
9:00 PM
$5 (must be 21 to get in)
VIDEO RELEASE PARTY, w/Ben Karis-Nix

March 6
Pianos - New York, NY 10002
8:00 PM
$5 (must be 21 to get in)
VIDEO RELEASE PARTY, w/Ben Karis-Nix

March 12
Fontana's - New York, NY 10002
9:00 PM
$10 (must be 21 to get in)
ONLY FULL-BAND ROCK & ROLL SHOW OF THE SPRING!

March 18
Blu - Austin, TX 78701
11:00 PM
FREE (must be 21 to get in)
FULL BAND SHOW

March 20
Cafe Caffeine - Austin, TX 78704
FREE
Solo Gig

March 29
Galaxy Hut - Arlington, VA 22201
9:00 PM
$5 (must be 21 to get in)
w/ Flo Anito

April 24
The Giving Tree Yoga Studio - Astoria, NY 11105
$45
Intimate all-acoustic show. With Leo Blais.

LIST: 10 Songs To Listen To - 02.23.10

Click on song titles to hear samples.

Love 'em like I do? Add them to your music collection.

10 Songs To Listen To (listed in no particular order)

John Brodeur - Make A Change
Sara Haze - Melt Into You
Mass Solo Revolt - Let's Pretend
Jeff Krantz - Roses On The Wall
The Orkids - Rain on Me
Lisa Jaeggi - All Over Now
The Goodfight - If We Were Stronger
The Blue Seeds - Lost and Delirious
Bat For Lashes - What's A Girl To Do?
Adriana Calcanotto - Fico Assim Sem Você
(Note - You can only get this on the UK iTunes Store. Not yet available in US Store.)

MARK IT: Rock it Out! Benefit Concert for Girls' Rock 02/17

Mark your calendars, 'cause a week from today is a show you won't want to miss!

I love heading out to Athens, especially for the music scene. Live shows are even better when the proceeds from the show go towards a great cause, like Athens' very own, Girls' Rock. This an organization that builds confidence and encourages creativity of female youth by empowering them through music during a week of summer camp. How awesome is that? For more about the organization visit: www.girlsrockathens.org.

Rock it Out! Benefit Concert for Girls' Rock

featuring Allison Weiss, The Orkids, Creepy, and Incendiaries
Wednesday, Feb. 17
Doors open a 9 p.m., and the show starts at 9:30 p.m.
40 Watt - 285 W. Washington Street Athens, GA
$5 in advance and $7 day of the show

“All of the proceeds will go towards scholarships for girls who are unable to attend the 2010 summer camp unless they receive financial aid,” said Calley Payne, Girls’ Rock executive director. “The money will fund a girl’s attendance including food, supplies, insurance and instruction.”

So, you not only get to see talented artists performing, but you get to help out a great cause too. And that...ROCKS! See you there!

For event information or to buy tickets, call 706-542-6840, or visit the Web site at http://www.grady.uga.edu/ambassador.