Redlands' Music Scene Blog

Waiting for Decay wins the CHC Battle of the Bands

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 13:26:55 -0800

The Crafton Hills College Battle of the Bands went off without a hitch.
The show featured four performers (three bands and a solo artist) at the Performing Arts Center on campus Saturday, Feb. 2.
Solo artist Jack Price opened the event playing various instruments including the use of a looper. Price did not compete in the battle, but easily could have. The small crowd at the start of the show clapped and hollered, commenting to each other about the musician's talents.
Alternative rock band Waiting for Decay opened the battle followed by rock bands Crost and Hangar 45.
CHC Associated Students, along with radio station X103.9, presented the much anticipated rock concert.
X103.9's Steve and Adam were the MCs as well as two of the five judges. The others were yours truly, and CHC professors Tom Bryant and Steve Hellerman.
After all of the bands performed their 45-minute sets the winner was quickly announced. But it was close.
Waiting for Decay won the battle, taking home a $500 gift card to Guitar Center and an opportunity to be showcased in the "Local Band Spotlight" on X103.9.
“It was an amazing night,” said CHC student Brittany Marano-Haraughty. “The bands rocked out at the PAC. The stage performance by ‘Hangar45’ and the crowd participation were great. ‘Waiting for Decay’ was also amazing, and I’m glad they won.”
As a rule of eligibility to perform in the concert, each band was required to have at least one member who is a current CHC student or alumni. Two of the three bands had multiple CHC alumni.
Each band was worthy, but it was the song “Savannah” that won the judges over for the band “Waiting for Decay.”
“Waiting for Decay” lead singer DeWayne Clifton tore off his shoes and socks on stage and belted out the rock ballad, “Savannah.” The song was written by Clifton and fellow band members, Dace Pearson, Aaron Bright, James Cottrell, and Mike Zepol. It is a song written about Clifton’s niece who passed away at the young age of two years.
“Her name was Savannah Rose,” said Clifton. “The lyrics include, I have to watch you go where I can’t follow.”
“A concert for ten bucks,” said patron Rick Johnson. “Crafton did a pretty good job. I would definitely come back again.”
“It was fantastic,” said CHC Director of Student Life Ericka Paddock, who is an advisor to the AS government. “We had a great time. We look forward to doing it again.”
The concert was made possible by the CHC AS, who tirelessly worked for over six months on the show. Everything, from the programs to the unique staff t-shirts, were designed by the Associated Students.
“I’ve done event management before at large venues, and the level of professionalism exhibited by our students rivals anything I’ve seen,” Paddock said.
“We did a lot of work and the bands were amazing,” said AS Social Co-chair Breanne Gonzalez
Recent awards for Waiting for Decay include the Best Alternative Rock Band 2007-Inland Empire Music Awards, and Rock City’s Inland Empire Band of the Year for 2005, 2006, and 2007.

2008 Inland Empire Music Award nominees

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 16:20:37 -0800

The Inland Empire Music Awards nominees are out! And congratulations are deserved all around. I am so proud and happy to see Redlands well represented by this list, and I look forward to seeing some of you at the award show on Jan. 31 in Riverside. Look for a full story on the event, including an interview with founder and producer Martin Brown, in the Jan. 24, edition of the Daily Facts' Arts and Entertainment section.

Best Song

Worldfast
Big Papa and the TCB
Top Shelf
Pamela G
Crystal Mckee

Best Out of County

Evren Ozan
A Third Wish Granted
Domino Saints
Connie Rae
Allan J Comeau

Best International

Broomfiller
Volodja Balzalorsky
H R King
Buck Brothers
Eha

Best Male

Lonely Boy
Curt Phillips
Jonathan Blake
Andrew Sanchez
Matt Buchan

Best Female

Melissa K
Pamela G
Apryle Dalamacio
Dennise Neill
Malea Mcguinness

Best Rock

In Silence
Antonio Pontarelli
Souljourners
ABOFA
Lucious Guardian

Best Hard Rock

Shoppy
Worldfast
Conspiracy of Thought
The Warned
Sundial Project

Best Classic Rock

Neverwonder
Waiting for Decay
The Generation
Torrent
Dog Faced Gods

Best Pop Rock

Mark Rudd
Crystal McKee
Soul of the River
Alyssa
Michelle Clark

Best Punk

Buddha Bomb
Mad Marionettes
Jahmbi
Desperation Squad
Blah Blah Blah

Best Indie

The Trade
Vox Noctis
The Next
A Living Daylight
Wckr Spgt

Best Alternative

Trash Daddy
Top Shelf
Joe Kidd
Bullet to Eden
Avid Rogue

Best High School

15 North
Fellguard
Dwale
Icebreakers
17 Minus

Best Electronic

Dead Amps
Shua
Robbie Reverb
Aime
Black Noise

Best Blues

Renny Jones
Big Papa and the TCB
Buck Wildstar
Pamela G
Love’s Labors Found

Best Instrumental

The Deluge
Love’s Labor Found
Hip Pocket
Dwale
Robbie Reverb

Best Jazz

Gary Tole
Groove Session
Hip Pocket
David Cross
Trump It

Best Urban

Penuckle
Saidah
Diamonds n the ruff
Dubbs
Master Jason

Best Hip Hop

Short Dawg
Epic
The Outskertz
Enstinctz
Trifecta

Best R and B

Saidah
Roro
Coyote
Mr Cas
Renny Jones

Best Live Band

Dwale
Big Papa and the TCB
Groove Session
Top Shelf
Fellguard

How to Be a Rock Star

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 09:43:52 -0800

The online version of the “...for dummies” series is the strangely serious wikiHow. I recently came across a few elements on this site for those of you who may want to get into the “scene” but don't know how.

How to start a Rock Band
“You don't have to study music for years to start a rockin' band, and you don't have to spend a fortune on gear. It's a great way to have some fun with friends, plus it exercises your creativity and your brain cells too. Learn three or four basic chords and, voilà! -- you can play nearly anything. To start off, you'll need some basic equipment and a place to play.”
The steps for starting a band include learning some chords, getting some equipment, recruiting band mates, and making a song list.
My favorite tip for this How-to is “Remember, not everyone can be the lead guitarist. But it's important for everyone to be heard.”
Other handy tips include raising your amps off the floor so that the bass transfrequencies won't bother the neighbors, discuss trouble spots in songs instead of ignoring them, and watch the other band mates while you play.
My favorite tip is the band name tip.
“Math and science terms usually make good names - Planck's Constant, The Fibonacci Sequence, etc. Also names that don't really make sense are cool too-Infernal snow, Anti INFO, Partial Eclipse, Diving for Betty. Some sayings are cool-Lame suggestion, No Soliciting, Anti Parking. Or just look around and look for inspiration like "Legal Notepad" or "1960 Exercise Bike." If in doubt, just find the nearest book, go to page 56, second paragraph, line 3, words 5, 6, and 7. That will be your band name. Another method is to go to an online encyclopedia and search a random article and scroll through, at any time in the article stop close your eyes and point at a word select a few words around it, less than 5 words total and that can be a good name. Also, words that aren't spelled right sometimes look good depending on which words they are.”
The site also offers advice on “How to Work for a Rock Band,” “How to Write a Guitar Solo,” and “How to Become a Rock Star.”
If anything these How-tos are just downright funny. Yet, they offer some sound advice. I didn't even think about how the bassist and drummer should “hang out” a lot because their instruments work so closely together. Nor did I think that music stores offered “start up” kits.
Granted, profiles on wikipedia and wikiHow are created by anyone with access to the internet, but they do offer some insight. With these 10 steps and added tips you could be in a band! But lets not forget, nothing comes without hard work. So even though wikiHow may have it all figured out for you, you still have to do it. And when you have, give me a call.

2008 IEMAs taking submissions

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 10:53:50 -0800

So the fourth annual Inland Empire Music Awards (IEMAs) are taking submissions. Yours truly is judging again this year and I would like to see more than two Redlands bands submit some of their stuff.
Submissions cost a mere $25, which is all you have to lose.
Below I have posted the latest news about the event, complete with instructions on how to submit your music.
So submit, submit, submit!!!
I will do my part by keeping you up to date and well informed.

*****

The Inland Empire will roll out the red carpet for the fourth annual Inland Empire Music Awards (aka the IEMAs) in Riverside in January.
Inland Empire Weekly will present the event at the Riverside Auditorium (the date is still to be announced). A portion of the proceeds generated by this evening's event will benefit Right to Rock, a non-profit organization that supports school music programs.
The IEMAs is an organization whose ongoing efforts include providing exposure for local musicians and producing events that showcase the musical diversity found county wide.
“I am very proud to see the awards show in its fourth season,” said Martin Brown, IEMA founder and producer. “It goes to show that the public is still interested in being entertained with good music when they go out to dinner or to a neighborhood venue. The idea behind the IEMA's is really to bring the community together for one night and show them that the I.E. has a diverse scene.”
Brown started the IEMAs in 2003 with the first show taking place at the Key Club in Morongo. From there, the show grew to play for “sold out” audiences and today Brown heads award shows in other territories such as the Orange County Music Awards, Southern California Music Awards and even Canadian Music Awards.
Over 30 categories will be awarded at the event – from “Best Pop Rock” to “Best Jazz.”
“Each year we try to make the show a little bit more interesting so that people go out and tell their neighbors about it — this show is a community effort which I am excited to see growing with more support,” Brown said.
Like last year, the 2008 IEMA will feature performances by the top bands and acoustic artists who call the Inland Empire home. Included in the night's line-up will be some of last year's winners.
A number of nominees and winners from past IEMA awards shows have since been signed by a variety of record labels.
More than 500 submissions were received by the IEMA organization for the 2007 competition. Judges included representatives from across the entertainment industry – from music writers to radio DJs and record company executives – who carefully evaluated each of the submissions to determine the winners.
Sponsors of the 2008 Inland Empire Music Awards include: IE Weekly, Guitar Center, Riverside Auditorium, LateNight Digital

To submit:

Submission fee is $25

Interested bands and solo artists need to send us one package containing all four of the following items:

1.) A CD with at least two songs
If you send a full-length CD, please indicate which two tracks best represent your music.

2.) A bio/information sheet. Please include your name/band name and names of all members, the instruments you play, mailing address, two telephone numbers, email address, any website address you may have , and the year you started performing or what year the band was formed. Also include a brief written description of your music.

3.) A clear photo of your band. Live shots are fine as long as all members are distinguishable.

4.) A check for entry fee of $25.00 payable to IEMA.
The entrance fee per band or artist is only $25, regardless of how many categories for which you wish to submit. Again, musicians may choose to be judged in as many categories as they wish for no additional cost.

IEMA 2008 Deadlines:

Submission deadline for the Inland Empire Music Awards is midnight Dec 15. Live showcase entry deadline is Nov 20 or as soon as all slots are filled.

Send to:

IEMA
2175 Sampson Ave.
Suite 118
Corona, CA 92879

Categories include:

Best Male

Best Female

Best R & B

Best Pop Rock

Best Folk

Best Live Electric

Best Song

Best Blues

Best World

Best Out of Area

Best Hip Hop

Best Urban

Best High School Band

Best Metal

Best Indie Rock

Best Classic Rock

Best International

Best Country

Best Alternative

Best Jazz

Best Punk

Best Hard Rock

Best Rock

Best Instrumental

Sweet shows coming up

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 14:50:52 -0800

Filling in the local music scene calendar each week I get to view all kinds of concerts that I know I won't have time to see. So this time, I enlist you, the readers, to do it for me.
Coming up at the Glass House in Pomona in the next month are all kinds of awesome bands that I have only had the priveledge of listening to on Myspace with a couple exceptions.
Omaha-based indie-rock-punk band Cursive (or Kursifix) performs tonight with Awake and Alert. According to the Alternative Press Cursive has not only redefined, but transcended their sound with their lastest CD “Happy Hollow.” Check out tunes from their latest CD and previous albums at www.myspace.com/cursive.
Northern California band The Velvet-Teen is on tour with Say Hi to Your Mom and the A-Sides, and will be performing at the Glass House Friday, after performing at the Troubadour in West Hollywood.(www.myspace.com/thevelvetteen).
Experimental rock band Minus the Bear performs at the Glass House on Nov. 4. The band was recently MTV's Band of the Week, which to me means nothing other than that the band has obtained commercial value. But I appreciate when good bands are recognized by the greater populace. (www.myspace.com/minusthebear).
I will be trying my best to make it to the Glass House on Nov. 9 or 10 to see Circa Survive. I had the opportunity to see these guys in concert at the Catalyst in Santa Cruz, Calif., and also at the Coachella Music Festival. They have awesome stage presence and really energizing music.
I have only bought their first CD “Juturna,” but they performed some of their new songs off of “On Letting Go” at Coachella and it was just as rockin'. (www.myspace.com/circasurvive).
The following day at the Glass House is Of Montreal who also performed at Coachella this last year. The pop band may be called Of Montreal, but they are definitley of The United States and though they say they are a pop band, they have a distinctly electronic sound and like to dress in space suits.
Other highlights at the Glass House's alternative space is New Found Glory on Nov. 20 and 21, the Aquabats on Nov. 30, and Team Sleep on Dec. 14.
I am highlighting the Glass House for you because it is one of the few venues in the Inland Empire where you can find the kind of alternative bands that are featured at the sweet spots in West Hollywood like the Troubadour and the Roxy.
Before investing time in the local music scene I was spending a good amount of time in West Hollywood at these spots, until I discovered the Glass House.
I still prefer the coffee house setting or the acoustic set at the local bar, but every once in a while I will travel out to Pomona for a night of alt. rock and dancing.
In order to determine if a band is worth their merit, you have to see them live. But these next two months look to be fairly hectic for me, so hey, if you have a chance check out some of these musicians and let me know what you think.

Please hold - all sponsors are currently busy

Thu, 20 Sep 2007 09:55:10 -0800

Behind music there is passion, there is rage, love, sadness. But behind music there is often little money.
This is true with any art form.
We artists spend our money on guitars, guitar strings, paint brushes, costumes, make-up, tattoos... Leaving little funds for logistics.
The Redlands Music Festival had a great deal of support, but not financially. Everyone wanted to see it happen, but like most failed art shows, theater productions or concerts, the festival could not stand without funds.
People were disappointed. I was disappointed. I wanted to make it happen, so I told people it was on hold. And it is. The festival will happen. Someday.
For now I am planning on downsizing the show. Perhaps making it a fundraiser at the Vault or another smaller location that has all of the necessary accouterments that we would have had to provide at the university.
All of the bands involved wait for the next step, offering venues and other services. This is what I love about art. It is a truly collaborative experience in all forms. And when it is not, it does not go over well, or sometimes, at all. Our musicians in Redlands have a great sense of musicianship and when the festival does happen, it will be a great cohesive
If anything a new venue may emerge for the local music scene. The University of Redlands is hoping to create a venue much like University of California, Riverside’s “Barn,” or even something like the Wire in Upland that offers music every night of the weekend.
I will work to get these local musicians on stage either immediately or in the future. Either way the local music scene continues to expand and we as a city must acknowledge what is right before us. Our youth, reaching out, in song.

Support the Redlands Music Festival!

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 14:22:15 -0800

The Redlands Daily Facts, Sbsun.com, and the University of Redlands are proud to present the first Redlands Music Festival, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, on Pepper’s Lawn at the university.
The festival will celebrate the many talented local bands and musicians that have been featured in the Daily Facts Local Music Scene coverage. Eight Redlands bands and musicians will perform throughout the day including local favorite, blues guitarist Spiro Nicolopolous and classic rock band All Marbles, both of Redlands.
Awards will be announced throughout the day for artists who have been acknowledged as “Most Unique Jazz/Blues Band,” “Most Engaging Live Performers,” “Most Rockin’ Cover Band,” “Most Interesting Individual Performer,” and “Most Amazing Group Effort.” Winners will be voted on by the public, through the Daily Facts, starting in September.
We offer local businesses the opportunity of hosting booths of information and merchandise and also ask local food vendors to donate food for the bands as well as food to sell at the festival.
In future years we hope to expand the festival over a weekend to include more bands, local vendors and other artists. But, in order for us to create the first music festival, we need your help.
Sponsors will receive such benefits as air time at the show, and advertising in the Daily Facts.
And any contribution to the festival is greatly appreciated.
We hope you will be a part of our festival. It is not only a celebration of local music in Redlands, but also a tribute to Redlands and its many offerings.

Summer Jazz Festivals

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 09:47:02 -0800

The first ever Inland Empire Jazz Festival will be held Aug. 24, 25 and 26 at Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park in Ontario, hosted by Brian Culbertson, Steve Cole and Vivica A. Fox.
The festival will feature some of the more talented performers in the industry, honoring several icons of jazz with special presentations and the celebration of American Jazz.
The festival will also support Operation REAPP, a nonprofit organization, striving to provide educational support to underpriviledged and at-risk youth. The program was founded by Queen McGlone to help children grades kindergarten through12 grade.
Claiming to be more than just a jazz festival, the event “defines education, cultural awareness, economic development, charity and community as it strives to unify all entities” of the Inland Empire.
The festival line-up includes Brian Culbertson, L.A. Mamba Combo, Steve Cole, Marcus Coleman, A. Ray Fuller, Michael Ward, Paul Jackson Jr., and Jackiem Joyner.
Local teen Jazz Band the Zanja 8 will also be performing at the event on Aug. 24.
During that same weekend in Idyllwild is the Idyllwild Jazz in the Pines, summer jazz festival on the Idyllwild Arts Academy campus.
Festival performers include Peter White, Charles McPherson, John and Mike Bolivar Quintet, Ruby and the Redhots, Rick Braun, Harold Mason and Yve Evans, among many others.
Information: www.idyllwildjazz.com or www.inlandempirejazzfestival.com

Adventures on the IE Coffee Radio Show

Thu, 24 May 2007 15:39:35 -0800

Saturday morning I woke up earlier than normal to appear on the Inland Empire Coffee Radio Show with hosts Cliff and Ralph at 9 a.m.
For those of you who have not listened in, the show spends a half hour on coffee talk and another half hour on local music coverage.
Ralph, the host of the music portion, asked me to come on the show and talk about my column in the Facts and the Local Music Scene.
As my first radio experience I was not quite comfortable with random chatter until I got to talk about music.
I gave Ralph three tracks from three different bands to play on the show, all of which received strong and positive feedback from listeners who were chatting online about the “good jams.”
First I played Waiting for Decay’s “Enemies,” then Shoppy’s “Sua” and “Pianos” by Phoenix and the Turtle.
The station owner, Fred, called in at one point asking if I happened to be affiliated with any other radio stations. I quickly let him know this was my radio debut and he quickly offered me my own show. Crazy.
Well, public radio costs money, but Ralph is stoked and is sending a letter to Fred to see if he and I could get a deal.
Whatever the case may be, Cliff and Ralph want to me to appear of the IE Coffee show once a month. I will be appearing next month on June 9.
The show is streamed live online. So if you haven’t heard me say enough about music, check out it out.
www.myspace.com/iecoffeeradioshow

Saturation Art and Music Festival

Thu, 17 May 2007 14:52:57 -0800

If you haven’t been to downtown Riverside recently, go check out the sixth annual Saturation Art and Music Festival. The event hosts hundreds of artists, bands, performers, dancers, poets, DJs, art and craft vendors, workshoppers, bike gangs and other “strangeness” at several venues through Sunday, May 20.
Many of the performers are local, some coming from as far as Portland and San Diego.
Many of the events are free or at least fairly cheap so that anyone and everyone can attend.
“We choose to keep most of the events free and all ages so that the kids who couldn’t normally afford to go to a whole bunch of shows out of town can see the possibilities in their own backyard,” said event coordinator Alaska Whelan. “We are helping to foster an inclusive cultural community in Riverside.”
Well, I’m all for it and I only wish that I could attend more of the events. So I am enlisting all of you to enjoy what I cannot.
Tonight, Thursday, May 17, at midnight, eight bands are performing with mixed media projections split between the Life Arts Building and Division 9 South. The bands include Brother Mitya, Baby Dinosaur, Mosaic Palm, old mexico, Sleeping Me, Vernon Falls Off a Building, Voice on Tape and Fathom.
Friday at 8 p.m. at Back to the Grind is The Art Opening featuring 20 visual and multimedia artists’ work in illustration, textiles, installation, photography and design.
After The Art Opening the Grind’s basement will turn into an open bar with DJs on both levels.
On Saturday Der Irregular Bike Society presents a traveling DJ party. Vendors and sellers of art and music will also be present downtown for the event. Vendors include Nightpass Records, KUCR, Totally Mag!, and Folktale records.
Art and culture workshops will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. and music begins at 6 p.m. featuring Bizzart, Perrla, El Oct, Mad Marionettes, Francisco the Man, The Panties, The Sea Beasts, Scandells, Jeprocket and Walter oftha Woodz and diamondcutter.
And Sunday features Mika Miko, Redcellone, The New Motherf*ckers, Fights in the Orange Groves, Mystery Hangup, Polite, John Thill, Abe Vigoda, The Gaza Express and Rogue State.
This brief explanation does not even include all of the events taking place through Sunday. So get out there and get saturated.
Information: www.myspace.com/saturationfest

Joshua Tree Music Festival rocks out May 18 through May 20

Thu, 10 May 2007 11:28:09 -0800

As the weather continues to warm, outdoor festivals become more prevalent. And though Coachella is now in the rearview mirror, the Joshua Music Festival is on its way.
The festival will take place May 18 through May 20, featuring bands from all over the world including Los Amigos Invisibles from Venezuela and The New Deal from Canada.
What is great about recent music festivals is their “green” agenda.
Like Coachella, the Joshua Tree Music Festival encourages carpooling to the site, recycling the biodegradable products at the event and even uses biodiesel for the generators, donated by TurkeyTown Biodiesel.
The festival also includes a Kidsville which offers daily parades, stargazing, arts and crafts, face painting, juggling, a playground, bubbles and puppets.
Coachella could have used a Kidsville. I watched parents pushing strollers through crowds of patrons who were passing joints and dancing crazily. Not the best environment for children.
If you bring 10 non-perishable food items to donate to the Conscious Alliance Food Drive you receive a Joshua Tree Music Festival limited edition poster.
Coachella offered a free water bottle when you recycle 10. The only thing they didn’t mention was that you had to buy the water inside the event and could not bring in outside bottles for recycling.
Unfortunately, I will not be able to make it to this year’s Joshua Tree Music Festival and I encourage readers to write in with their experiences for those of us who are missing out.
On the upside, the Joshua Tree Roots Music Festival will be taking place Oct. 20 and 21. So if you couldn’t make it out next weekend, get a jump start on the October festival.

Joshua Tree Music Festival May line up:

Los Amigos Invisibles
Garaj Mahal
The New Deal, fea. Dave Murphy of STS9
Rhythm Council
Heavyweight Dub Champion
Ganga Giri
Be Good Tanyas
Prezident Brown
Pnuma Trio
Brett Dennen
Hunkamama
Meltone
Trampled by Turtles
Po’ Girl
Axis Brothers, fea. Wally Ingram
Goddess Alchemy Project
Kokolo Afrobeat Orchestra
Omar Torrez
Blvd, with Souleye
Vegitation
Maneja Beto
Scott Huchabay
Mojow and the Vibration Army
Solid Ray Woods and the Raw Soul Revue

Local Music Calendar: May 10 — 17

The Vault: 14 E. Vine St., Redlands
9:30 p.m. Saturday, May 12 — Hobo Jazz

The Performance Loft: 345 N. Fifth St., Redlands
7:15 p.m. Wednesday, May 16 — Buffalo Blues Band

Market Night: State Street, Redlands
Tonight — Broken Arrow, Crystal Marie, and Sounds Divine

Farm Artisan Foods: 22 E. State St., Redlands
6 p.m. Friday, May 11 — James Nation Trio

Angel’s Road House: 32464 Dunlap Blvd., Yucaipa
10 p.m. Saturday, May 12 — Kisses

The Vibe: 1805 University Ave., Riverside
8 p.m. Friday, May 11 — Charley Horse, Mad Marge and the Stonecutters, the sleeping Sea King and the Hellions

Lake Alice: 3630 1/2 University Ave., Riverside
8:30 p.m. Friday, May 11 — Under Cover ($6)
8:30 p.m. Saturday, May 12 — Under Cover ($6)

The Press: 129 Harvard Ave., Claremont
9 p.m. Tonight — Ryan Seward and DJ 33 66 North
10 p.m. Friday, May 11 — DJ Jordanian
10 p.m. Saturday, May 12 — DJ Jordanian
10 p.m. Sunday, May 13 — DJ Jordanian

The Wire: 247 N. Second Ave., Upland
7 p.m. Friday, May 11 — Capulet, A Hearts Affair, Unarmed, and Chiasmata
7 p.m. Saturday, May 12 — Science Fiction Theatre, 200 West, Late Night Avenue, AXIS and donny
7 p.m. Wednesday, May 16 — IN:AVIATE, Day Two, and The Ready Aim Fire!

Next Week: Buffalofest

Redlands Music Festival anyone?

Wed, 02 May 2007 15:00:44 -0800

So, I finally had the pleasure of dirtying my toes and sweating through my clothes at the Coachella Art and Music Festival.
Driving there with another colleague and a few friends, we were grateful to find that press passes made things much easier. After hours of bumper to bumper traffic, walking through the long parking lots of hay and getting through the gate, had we not had press passes I don’t know if I would have made it.
At first I said it wouldn’t have been worth it without our press passes, but that was before I experienced Perry Ferrell’s new project Satellite Party as we entered through the VIP area.
And that was just the beginning.
I spent the day dancing to Stephen Marley, talking to artists and activists who had booths and exhibitions of information and art, and later being overwhelmed by the medling of lights and sounds that filled the Empire Polo Fields in the darkness of Indio.
The many smiling faces and the incredible jams being performed throughout the weekend made me think about the Local Music Scene.
Many of the bands at Coachella got lucky somewhere along the line, enabling them to play at venues such as this. But many of them started at coffee shops and bars and even their parents garages.
I have been toying with the idea of creating a Local Music Scene Festival for some time. It would be located at the University of Redlands Greek Theater or in Prospect Park; a two-day music festival hosted by the Redlands Daily Facts and Sun newspapers, featuring artists that have been profiled in each paper’s local music sections.
I would also like to invite local vendors to provide food and drinks and to also have a merchandise area with band t-shirts and CDs.
This idea is in the preliminary stages, but I am going to make it happen. It is time that Redlands bands have a festival to celebrate their work.
As I was watching bands like Circa Survive, The Jesus and Mary Chain and Amy Winehouse, I can’t help but compare their talents to my local favorites. A local music festival in Redlands would be just as entertaining without a long drive and a sticky atmosphere.
Keep looking for updates. Together we can make it happen.

Where are you, Lori Larson?

Fri, 16 Mar 2007 13:36:58 -0800

As I meet and mingle with musicians in the local area, I find all kinds of music lovers and passionate souls. Some just enjoy playing, some have been playing since childhood, some want to make a career out of it and some just have to play.
A cancer survivor, Lori Larson found that music was a kind of salvation. Therapy.
Growing up in the 60s and 70s, Lori began playing guitar along with the rest of her generation. But because her husband could not stand amatuer music, Lori stopped playing her music.
She put her guitar away, stopped writing music and used her spoons for soup and ice cream.
When her only child, a daughter, a Jehoevah’s Witness, left for college, the difference between Lori and her husband became more apparent.
After several surgeries and some time to recooperate from cancer, Lori took up music again. She attended ukelele circles and blue grass groups. She sang her songs at open mic-night every Wednesday at the Vault. And she could feel herself coming alive again.
She began do to other art pieces, hoping to eventually sell her work at an exhibition.
The last time I saw Lori she had just recorded her first demo, which I had the priveledge of obtaining a copy. She had hopes of making a full-length CD at a local studio, possibly with Kelly McGuire or All Marbles.
I have not seen her in quite some time. Perhaps it is because I have not been at open mic-night in awhile or maybe she has moved on; closer to her daughter, perhaps.
Just the other day I stumbled upon Lori’s Demo. I put it in my car stereo and actually cried when I heard the first track. It was my favorite song of hers. It is a song she began writing when she was 19 years old and then finished in her late forties when she returned to music.
The song expresses the insecurities of relationships and trying to do what is right instead of following your heart. Lori has a very folksy Ani Difranco style and a wide vocal range. Variation in guitar stylings and voice are signiture in her music.
In honor of her hopeful success I am posting Lori’s song on the Redlands Daily Facts Local Music Scene page (www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/music). I also hope to hear from her some day soon with news of a full-length CD and performance dates.

Blood, sweat and new guitar strings

Wed, 17 Jan 2007 10:42:16 -0800

As I was listening to the many tunes of the Inland Empire, to judge who would be awarded at this year’s Inland Empire Music Awards, I only recognized one band. A great band indeed, I was happy that Redlands band All Marbles submitted their work, but sad that of all the many bands I have come across during my time as the Facts’ music liaison, that only one band would take the time to mail in a couple of songs.
Now, I’m not chastising anyone, I’m just a bit disappointed. The artists that submitted their work to be judged were all phenomenal musicians, but many of the Redlands, Riverside, Yucaipa, Mentone and other bands in the area could rival the work of those who continue to win awards, just by sending in a few tunes for submission.
Maybe awards are not necessary for east valley bands, an accessory that may not seem all too important. But I stress the easy submission process and the greatness of the bands I have met because award shows are another form of exposure.
I know bands in Redlands that should be performing at the IEMAs, that should be competing in the Live Performance category and should be interviewed by arts journalists throughout the Inland Empire.
On the one hand, there are bands that I have followed, that I wish I could have seen when they were not nearly as recognized. To see Ani Difranco in a coffee shop rather than a convention center would be ideal, but as a fan I have to think of the success of the band.
No, I don’t like it when everyone and their mother is singing along to Death Cab for Cutie songs when they have no idea who the band is or what they are about. But I still support Death Cab because they are now able to make a living doing what they love.
I could only hope for the same with the many bands of the Inland Empire. Bands that have “made it�? are one in a dozen. But all a band needs is an edge, some stamina, talent (of course), and a few awards for their music wouldn’t hurt.
For those of you who will continue to play at local coffee shops and bars, you have my full support, I will be there, camera in hand. And for those of you who are more inclined to the life of a traveling musician, I only hope that I can still afford to go to your concerts, but I will still be there if I can.

Local bands compete for Best Live Performance award

Tue, 09 Jan 2007 10:07:57 -0800

Bands competing for the Best Live Performance for this year’s Inland Empire Music Awards performed Saturday, Jan. 6, at the Vibe Bar and Grill on University Avenue in Riverside.
The set list included Inland Empire bands Souljourners, Groove Session, Veer Chasm, Soul of the River, Top Shelf, Wayside Loop, Casket Salesmen and The Dialectics. Each band was given 30 minutes to perform, creating an eclectic set of music all afternoon.
As the first band, Souljourners of Temecula livened up the bar around 1 p.m. with music that was well influenced by some of rock and roll’s greatest names.
Lead singer and guitarist Michael Couts brought an Eddie Vetter quality to his vocals, singing along with the sounds of David Brockenborough on bass, Chandler Taylor on drums, and Paul Ellingson on keyboard.
What was even more impressive about this band is that they are still in high school but did not emit the amateur quality that is inherent in many young bands.
Souljourners won the Best High School Band at last year’s IEMAs and are nominated for the award again this year.
Ontario-based band Groove Session brought a funky, instrumental vibe to the bar Saturday, playing some original tunes as well as throwing in an impressive Herbie Hancock cover.
Drummer Manny Sanchez was the only musician to speak on stage during Groove Session’s performance, allowing Daniel Delgado’s trumpet to sing the vocals. Bassist Ronnie Sanchez and guitarist Greg Lesondak helped the continual Groove Session to flow for the entire half hour.
Though improvisation was prevalent during the band’s live jam, Groove Session’s material was very tight. Rhythm changes and sound variation prevailed throughout the performance.
The band has been nominated for an award for Best Jazz.
Judging for the competition was based on musicianship, song variety, audience interaction and crowd response. Riverside band Veer Chasm definitely lacked the latter.
In a live performance setting the audience is a key component and Veer Chasm obviously forgot to tell their friends about the gig.
Band members Joel Dalangin on guitar and vocals, Zxsa on bass and Russ Simms on drums were obviously capable musicians, but needed some audience interaction. The band also had little song variety, which made the entire performance quite monotone.
Veer Chasm has been nominated for an award for Best Alternative.
Family and friends of the band Soul of the River came out to support the band, singing along and cheering.
Guitarist Brett Dawson, bassist Steve Hansen and drummer Rene Felix showed their musical influences from such bands as Sublime, Cake and Jack Johnson.
The band had a garage band feel that brought diversity to the competition.
Reggae band Top Shelf covered the stage with performance quality and fun instruments.
The band includes lead singer and guitarist Nathan Short, bassist Bryan Moore, drummer James Morier and a saxophonist named Monk.
Though the band’s sound echoed the usual reggae beat, they appeared to have fun with their tunes and even more fun with the audience.
Top Shelf has been nominated for an award for Best Alternative.
Hemet-based band Wayside Loop had the audience moving and head banging to their hard-core rock sound.
Band members Christopher Pendergrass on vocals and percussion, guitarist Nick Cherry, bassist Tony Mora and drummer Garrett Spates presented a tight performance that would entice even the non-hard rock fan.
Pendergrass had a very engaging presence that seemed to invite audience members to get closer, get loose and get dancing.
Last year the band was nominated for Best Hard Rock and Best Live Performance at the IEMAs. This year Wayside Loop has been nominated for an award for Best Hard Rock.
Frontman Phil Pirrone of Corona-based band Casket Salesmen put long hair back in style as he thrashed his long brown locks to music strongly influenced by Pink Floyd, Queens of the Stoneage and My Morning Jacket.
Pirrone was joined by band members Nathan Lindeman on guitar, JJ Gumiran on bass, Ryan Knights on drums and Anthony Alagna on keyboard, who are also members of bands Auditory Aphasia and Mythmaker.
Pirrone’s stage presence and performance quality was well carried by the sounds of his peers, but in terms of song variety, many of the Casket Salesmen tunes were fairly monotonous.
Casket Salesmen has been nominated for an award for Best Song for their tune “I’ll Buy That for a Dollar,�? as well as Best Indie Rock.
The Dialectic’s frontman Nolan Yard brought a similar passion to his vocals as Pirrone, carrying the beats of band members John Paul Trotter on guitar, Sean Hernandez on guitar, Nick Maury on bass and Victor Pintado on drums.
Yard brought a Maroon 5 quality to the bands sound, belting out his lyrics with great verve.
The band recently won the Los Angeles County Fair College Battle of the Bands.
The Dialectics have been nominated for an award for Best Song for their tune “Consolation�? and also Best Rock.
As a judge for the Inland Empire Music Awards, I cannot say who was favored, but I can say that the competition was stiff.
Of the eight bands that competed Saturday, five were chosen as nominees and one will win the Best Live Performance award.
According to founder and producer of the Inland Empire Music Awards, the nominees for Best Live Performance are — Wayside Loop, Groove Session, Soul of the River, Souljourners and Top Shelf.
The winner will be announced at the award show Friday, Jan. 26, at the Keyclub Morongo, 49500 Seminole Dr., Cabazon.
For tickets to the show contact Founder/Producer Martin Brown at inlandempirema@aol.com.
Information: www.ieweekly.com/iemusicawards.htm