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November 29, 2006
Support for the local scene
REDLANDS — A necessary part of the local music community is support. Such support was shown Saturday, Nov. 25, when the music community came together at the Vault for a live performance that incorporated several local musicians.
Local guitarist Spiro Nicolopoulos performed an acoustic and electric set Saturday night on the patio of the Vault, surrounded by community members and other local musicians.
In his acoustic set, Nicolopoulos performed music from his recent folk blues CD, “Brand New Old Glory.�
According to Nicolopoulos, the album’s lyrics are not “overtly political,� but carry a definite message.
At the show Nicolopoulos performed songs off of “Brand New Old Glory� with the accompaniment of local harmonica player, Curry Harter, and long-time musical partner, guitarist Matt McNight, formerly of Chicago.
The three musicians played musical chairs during the set, rotating in Redlands native, guitarist Micah Henry.
“That’s what we do.� Patrick said. “We help each other out.�
The performance was seamless and greatly appreciated by local musicians Matt Coleman of Hobo Jazz and Phil Mielke of All Marbles who socialized in the audience while enjoying the show. And Chad Patrick of Anderson Hall photographed the show for his friends.
Nicolopoulos’ new band (which currently waits to be named) played the second half of the show with Henry and drummer Jason Seccuro.
“I thought it was a great first show,� Nicolopoulos said. “I was happy to see that people were there supporting.�
The band performed all of their own original music which Nicolopoulos said each member had a part in composing.
“Everyone chipped in for the new material,� he said.
Nicolopoulos originally hoped to play with eight other musicians, but was very happy with the four who he was able to perform with.
Harter really brought out the blues in Nicolopoulos’ music with his strong harmonica stylings and McNight provided a necessary foundation with his guitar. And Henry, Seccuro and Nicolopoulos just plain rocked.
Though Nicolopoulos is currently in the process of moving to Venice Beach he said that the music community is a kind of traveling community. For Nicolopoulos, his home is a place where he keeps his things, but his music always travels.
On the road, musicians maintain that feeling of community through trade and communication, supporting each other and accompanying each other when possible.
But no matter where Nicolopoulos lives he knows that he will always return to Redlands if only for a short while.
“I love Redlands too much,� he said.
Posted by Darcie Flansburg at November 29, 2006 10:41 AM