{"id":12577,"date":"2016-02-12T09:42:32","date_gmt":"2016-02-12T14:42:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/?p=12577"},"modified":"2016-02-12T09:50:49","modified_gmt":"2016-02-12T14:50:49","slug":"on-stage-rain-brings-back-spirit-of-fab-four","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/?p=12577","title":{"rendered":"On Stage: ‘Rain’ brings back spirit of Fab Four"},"content":{"rendered":"

Also: red-hot music to keep you warm this frosty weekend<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

By Denny Dyroff<\/strong>,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Staff Writer, The Times<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Rain\"<\/a>

\u201cRAIN — A Tribute to the Beatles,\u201d returns to Philadelphia for a six-show run this weekend at the Merriam Theater.<\/p><\/div>\n

Year after year, there is a parade of new tribute bands on the entertainment scene offering their interpretations of music by bands from the past such as Pink Floyd or the Grateful Dead and, at times, even current acts such as Bruce Springsteen or U2.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tribute bands and rock singer impersonators are everywhere and they come in all shapes and sizes. Their most favorite targets are Elvis Presley and the Beatles. Some are worth listening to. Some are pretty bogus. Some range from downright laughable to pitiful.<\/span><\/p>\n

But, there are a few that take their mission a lot more seriously than others — especially one particular Beatles tribute band.<\/span><\/p>\n

On February 7, 1964, the Beatles stepped off a plane from England and put their feet on American soil for the first time. It was a truly historic moment in the history of rock music.<\/span><\/p>\n

On February 7, 2004, exactly 40 years later to the minute, \u201cRAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles\u201d walked off the Concorde in Seattle to a group of over 7,000 screaming fans, and performed live all of the songs the Beatles played on their three consecutive Ed Sullivan appearances in 1964.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obviously, RAIN is the real deal.<\/span><\/p>\n

The group\u2019s award-winning live Beatles show \u201cRAIN — A Tribute to the Beatles,\u201d formerly known as \u201cThe Beatles Experience,\u201d features performances by the look-a-like, sound-a-like band that has been paying homage to the Beatles for more than 40 years.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRAIN — A Tribute to the Beatles,\u201d which has always played to packed houses in the area, is returning to Philadelphia for a six-show run from February 11-14 at the Merriam Theater \u00a0(250 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, 215-893-1999 as part of the Kimmel Center\u2019s Broadway Philadelphia series.<\/span><\/p>\n

RAIN performs the full range of The Beatles\u2019 discography live onstage, including the most complex and challenging songs that The Beatles themselves recorded in the studio but never performed for an audience.<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, there are updated sets that include brand new LED, High-Definition screens and multimedia content, as well as new Beatles songs not previously performed by RAIN.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTech-wise, we keep improving,\u201d said Joe Bithorn, during a recent phone interview from his home in San Francisco. \u201cOur lighting has been amazingly great. With the video walls, we can project anything up there. Sound-wise, a couple little tricks are happening.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Bithorn performs the role of George Harrison. The group also features Steve Landes (John Lennon), Joey Curatolo (Paul McCartney), Joe Bithorn (George Harrison), Ralph Castelli (Ringo Starr), Mark Beyer (keyboards), Jim Irizarry (John Lennon), Paul Curatolo (Paul McCartney), Aaron Chiazza (Ringo Starr), Chris Smallwood (keyboards, percussion) and Mark Lewis (bandleader\/manager).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere is one cast and there are alternate guys,\u201d said Bithorn. \u201cYou have to keep yourself ready for life.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been with RAIN since 1983. I played with \u2018Beatlemania\u2019 for two years. I had heard about RAIN. We understood that they did things pretty cool musically — for example playing \u2018I Am the Walrus.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey came through the L.A. area when we were there. I met some of the guys from RAIN at a party and they said they were looking for a George. Later, I made some contacts, joined the band and drove back out west from Long Island.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Together longer than the Beatles, RAIN has mastered every song, gesture and nuance of the legendary foursome and is able to create a totally live, note-for-note performance — from the early hits such as \u201cI Want To Hold Your Hand\u201d and \u201cHard Day\u2019s Night\u201d to later classics such as \u201cSgt. Pepper\u2019s Lonely Hearts Club Band\u201d and \u201cHey Jude.<\/span><\/p>\n

Right from the start, Lewis was the mastermind behind the group.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRAIN started in the 1970s as an original band,\u201d said Lewis. \u201cI joined that band. When we started being a Beatles tribute group, I took over the band and pushed it up a level or two with costumes and sets.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe music has always been the primary factor. I think the guys we have do a great job of looking like the Beatles and, especially, sounding like the Beatles. We\u2019ve changed a certain amount of songs in the set list around. There are certain ones people expect to hear. We also perform songs that weren\u2019t Top 10 hits.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Bithorn summed up RAIN\u2019s enduring popularity when he said, \u201cBeatles music brings you back to a different era and, at the same time, still is fresh.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for \u201cRAIN — A Tribute to the Beatles\u201d — https:\/\/youtu.be\/v6bKPZDvSFA<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Show time is 8 p.m. on February 11 and 12, 2 and 8 p.m. on February 13 and 1 and 6:30 p.m. on February 14. Ticket prices start at $30.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"mindy-rhodes-and-white-spike\"<\/a>

Mindy Rhodes<\/p><\/div>\n

Mindy Rhodes is an artist — an artist who has found her niche both in the arts and in life.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rhodes is a actually a multi-tiered artist — a veteran singer-pianist-songwriter and a top-flight floral artist. She is also a woman enjoying life in a country home — sharing that life with her man, her horse, four cats, two miniature donkeys and a rabbit.<\/span><\/p>\n

Over the years, Rhodes has built a legion of local — and loyal — fans who have heard her perform at a variety of venues around the Brandywine Valley. One of her favorite venues is the General Warren Inne (Old Lancaster Highway, Malvern, 610-296-3637, www.generalwarren.com<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

On February 11, Rhodes will return to the General Warren Inne — a venue where she has maintained a residency for many years.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI love performing at the General Warren Inne,\u201d said Rhodes, during a phone interview last week. \u201cIt\u2019s a great place to play and the people there are wonderful.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rhodes performs at times as a solo artist and at times as a duo with different local musicians — Alex Wadolny (guitar, bass), Bill Schilling (bass, keyboards) or Rich Budesa (keyboards).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor this show at the General Warren Inne, I\u2019m playing as a duo with Bill Schilling,\u201d said Rhodes, a graduate of Westtown School. \u201cI still play some originals with a duo. It\u2019s been fun. Playing with someone else opens me up. It allows me to concentrate more on my singing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rhodes is a versatile performer whose music transcends genres. She plays in nightclubs in New York as a jazz vocalist with a backing band and at smaller venues with her solo cabaret show. She performs standards, originals and various covers while spicing up the show with between-the-songs dialogue.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t even count the number of original songs I have — 30-40 or more,\u201d said Rhodes. \u201cAnd, my repertoire of standards and cover tunes is close to 100. I\u2019ve been working on a Karen Carpenter song. She was such a great singer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn my live shows, I do jazz, standards, American classics and originals. I\u2019ll also take a jazz standard and turn it into a sultry blues song. I try to keep it fresh and different from show to show. I have a lot of regulars at the General Warren Inne and I\u2019ll play their favorites and requests.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She has released two full-length CDs and is looking toward to more recording later this year.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy heart is definitely in songwriting,\u201d said Rhodes. \u201cWhen I\u2019m playing and singing, I try to crawl inside the song. It has to be something that means something to me. When I write songs, I look to give myself comfort and to give comfort to the listeners.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The list of songs that Rhodes has already recorded reflects this philosophy. She has cut emotionally-charged standards such as \u201cWill You Still Love Me Tomorrow\u201d and \u201cSomewhere Over the Rainbow\u201d along with heartfelt originals such as \u201cIt\u2019s All Right Tonight\u201d, \u201cShort Fuse\u201d and \u201cPromise\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rhodes\u2019 creative realm includes painting and floral arranging as well as music. Samples of her work can be seen at her website \u2013 www.whisperingwindstudio.com<\/span><\/a>. She will be performing at the General Warren Inne from 6-10 p.m. on February 11 and again on March 10.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Lorber_KM97\"<\/a>

Jeff Lorber<\/p><\/div>\n

Jeff Lorber, who will perform February 11 at South (600 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, 215-600-0220, http:\/\/www.southrestaurant.net\/jazz.php<\/span><\/a>), is an internationally-acclaimed jazz musician who grew up in the Philadelphia area.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cheltenham High in Montgomery County is known for its sports with alumni such as Hall of Fame baseball player Reggie Jackson and a trophy case filled with state championship trophies in sports such as track and field and girls\u2019 basketball.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other notable alumni are Israel\u2019s Prime Minister Benjamin \u201cBibi\u201d Netenyahu and Dr. Michael S. Bown, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in Medicine in 1985.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cheltenham also produced a number of the best jazz musicians in the world, including the Grammy Award-winning Brecker Brothers — Michael and Randy — and Jeff Lorber.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was lucky to grow up in a family where they really appreciated music,\u201d said Lorber, during a phone interview last week from his home in Los Angeles. \u201cI was exposed to jazz when I was pretty young. I remember when I was growing up in Philly I had an aunt who lived in West Philly and my cousin would go hear John Coltrane play.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy greatest memory when I was 12 or 13, my family took me to the Academy of Music for a concert featuring the Jimmy Smith Trio with George Benson, the Dave Brubeck Quartet and Lou Rawls.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut, I was more into rock when I was a teenager. I remember going to the Spectrum to hear concerts by acts like Frank Zappa and Jeff Beck with Rod Stewart. I didn\u2019t really get into jazz until I went to Berklee College of Music.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

His first group — The Jeff Lorber Fusion — released its self-titled debut album in 1977 on Inner City Records.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe made two records for Inner City and six albums for Arista,\u201d said Lorber, a Grammy-nominated keyboardist\/composer\/producer.<\/span><\/p>\n

The final album by the Jeff Lorber Fusion was \u201cGalaxian\u201d in 1981 and then the group disbanded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt had run its course,\u201d said Lorber. \u201cI was changing styles.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Lorber continued on with his solo career and then brought the Jeff Lorber Fusion back to life a few years ago.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEven after the first Jeff Lorber Fusion broke up, it was still called Jeff Lorber Fusion whenever we toured Europe,\u201d said Lorber. \u201cWhen we were making the \u2018Now Is the Time\u2019 album in 2010, I decided to use the name again. The name conjures ambitiousness. It\u2019s a statement that we\u2019re trying to take things farther than smooth jazz.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI feel like music should be compelling and exciting and challenging. I\u2019m a student of be-bop and the history of jazz. I love jazz and my music is an outgrowth of it. I\u2019m always listening to everything that\u2019s going on\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Jeff Lorber Fusion released \u201cNow Is the Time\u201d in 2010 and \u201cHacienda\u201d in 2013 on Heads Up Records\/Concord Records. The band followed with its latest album \u201cStep It Up\u201d in 2015 on the same label.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStep It Up\u201d is the fourth consecutive collaboration between Grammy- winning bassist\/composer\/ producer\u00a0Jimmy Haslip\u00a0and Lorber since the two virtuosos reactivated Jeff Lorber Fusion five years ago. \u201cStep It Up\u201d\u00a0features 11 new Lorber compositions, several co-written with Haslip.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe new album has more of a \u201970s vibe — a lot of modal songs that allow more freedom to explore,\u201d said Lorber. \u201cWe were listening to Weather Report albums — and old Joe Henderson records. We recorded it at my own studio here in L.A. and then mixed it at Electric Lady in New York. We had some great guests on the album.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for Jeff Lorber — https:\/\/youtu.be\/dILC2aLKc9A<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Show times at South are 7 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $35. Other upcoming shows at South are Lori Fulton & The Love and Lori Quartet from February 12-14, South\u2019s Jazz Jam Session on February 16 and Gillian Margot on February 17.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"ana<\/a>

Ana Popovic<\/p><\/div>\n

Traditionally, blues musicians and blues music in general have been linked to various rivers — especially the Mississippi River (Delta blues), the Chicago River (Chicago blues) and, from the late 1960s on, the Thames River (British blues).<\/span><\/p>\n

Ana Popovic, who has built an international reputation as a stellar blues guitarist, hails from a totally different river area. She was born and raised in Beograd (Belgrade), the Serbian capital that is located at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Popovic, who has released 10 albums since 1998, will headline a show on February 11 at the Sellersville Theater (24 West Temple Avenue, Sellersville, 215-257-5808,\u00a0www.st94.com<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

After leaving Serbia, Popovic settled alongside another river — The Amstel in Amsterdam. Her next relocation brought her to the banks of the Mississippi River in Memphis. Her most recent albums are \u201cBlue Room,\u201d which was released in 2015 and \u201cCan You Stand the Heat,\u201d which came out in 2013.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t be playing any songs from \u2018Blue Room\u2019,\u201d said Popovic, during a phone interview Tuesday from her home in Memphis, \u201cThat was an album I made with my father Milton and the only time I\u2019ll play those songs is when I\u2019m performing with him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Serbia was part of Yugoslavia when Popovic was growing up and Communist-controlled Eastern Europe was hardly a place where blues music flourished. But, Popovic didn’t have to go far to hear blues music — it was all around her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI grew up with blues music,\u2019 said Popovic. \u201cI had listened to blues music since I was little in my house because my dad was a blues musician. He’d hold jam sessions in our house every week.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlso, he was playing blues records all the time — albums by artists such as Robert Johnson, Son House, Elmore James, Albert Collins and Bukka White. We also listened to jazz and funk albums too. When I heard Ronnie Earl and T-Bone Walker, I liked the jazz element too.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was 15 when I started playing guitar but I had been involved with the blues for a long time before that. When my dad had his jam sessions, I would be in there singing along with the band. I formed my first band and started performing on my own when I was 18.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI studied graphic design in Beograd and then started studying jazz at the Conservatory of Music in Amsterdam in 1999. I decided to study jazz so I could create my own style that combined blues and jazz. I wanted to go out and play with people other than those who were totally into blues.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn’t want to just stay in the same place musically. I wanted to get out and not be afraid to swim in a new style. I love to play a variety of styles with respect to each other — rock, jazz, funk and blues. I like to look at the guitar as a sound instrument more than just a solo instrument. I like to be different in every song. I love writing about the things that I see and the things that I feel.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When it came time to make a new album, Popovic had music ready to record in a variety of genres — blues, funk and jazz. So, she made an album of each — a triple album called \u201cTrilogy\u201d that will be released in may.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt has more than 25 songs on three CDs — three CDs for the price of one,\u201d said Popovic. \u201cThere are three different sounds — blues, funk and jazz — with three different producers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe inspiration for it came when my fans would tell me about compilations they made of my songs from different albums. My new album is a celebration of musicianship. I was able to feature musicians whose strength was in each genre.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTrilogy\u201d was produced by Grammy Award winner Warren Riker (Lauryn Hill, Carlos Santana), Grammy Award winner Tom Hambridge (Buddy Guy, Susan Tedeschi) and Delfeayo Marsalis, one of the top trombonists, composers and producers in jazz today.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some of the standout musicians who made guest appearances on the ambitious project were Joe Bonamassa, Robert Randolph, Bernard Purdie (The Purdie Shuffle), Cody Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars), rapper Al Capone and many others.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was in Nashville to do the blues,\u201d said Popovic. \u201cThere was a whole different crew in New Orleans for the final funk part — including Ivan Neville and George Porter, Jr. The funk was done pretty much in New Orleans and Memphis. The jazz was done in New Orleans except for some parts that were done in New York with drummer Bernard Purdie. For the blues album, I used my band musicians along with players such as Joe Bonamassa and Robert Randolph. I love to surround myself with a lot of great musicians. I spent a lot of time on this album.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for Ana Popovic\u00a0 — https:\/\/youtu.be\/cKEQUwkcNBk<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The show at Sellersville will start at 8 p.m. Tickets are $29.50 and $45.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other shows at the Sellersville Theater over the next week are Marc Cohn (February 12), Crack the Sky (February 13), Noam Pikelny (February 14), Michael Monroe (February 16) and John \u201cPapa\u201d Gros Band (February 17).<\/span><\/p>\n

\"nils<\/a>

Nils Lofgren<\/p><\/div>\n

One of rock music\u2019s all-time great guitarists — a musician who recently released a 10-CD career retrospective — will be playing in Philadelphia on February 12 at the Wells Fargo Center (Broad Street below Pattison Avenue, Philadelphia, 800-298-4200, www.wellsfargocenter.com<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/p>\n

But, that guitarist — Nils Lofgren — will not be performing any of the songs from his \u201cFace the Music\u201d box set.<\/span><\/p>\n

Instead, he will be filling his role as guitarist for Bruce Springsteen\u2019s E Street Band — a role he has been filling for the last 32 years. The call to do \u201cThe River Tour\u201d interrupted Lofgren\u2019s own tour supporting his \u201cFace the Music\u201d release.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m still waiting for the final E Street Band schedule,\u201d said Lofgren, during a phone interview Tuesday afternoon from his hotel room in Manhattan. \u201cI have to make up for 28 club dates of my own that got cancelled. When something like the E Street tour happens, you have to jump on it. I want to keep my seat on the bus.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was in England and was ready to tour Europe and the states. There was also a plan to play Saturday Night Live. Then, this tour got added. Hopefully, people will forgive me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Lofgren\u2019s resume includes his start with his own band Grin back in 1971. Over the years, he has played with a myriad of rock legends including Neil Young, Lou Reed, Ringo Starr and, of course, Springsteen. He also has released more than 20 albums as a solo artist.<\/span><\/p>\n

Much of the best of his music is captured on \u201cFace the Music,\u201d a nine-CD\/one-DVD retrospective covering near five-decade career that was released on Fantasy Records\/Concord Music.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was approached by Fantasy\/Concord and they said they wanted to do this retrospective and I agreed,\u201d said Lofgren. \u201cIn the past, I had troubles when I tried to get some of my masters back from different record companies.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere were 170-180 songs and the people at Fantasy went and got the rights to every single one. It took two years of hard work to put the set together. It was shocking to me to be able to do that with 50 years of no hit records.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI put the running order together. That took a lot of work. My goal was to put together something that flowed. Collectively, it was a very beautiful journey. It was kind of amazing to get everything together in one place with all this to listen to. I don\u2019t regularly go back and listen much to my older music. It was an inspirational situation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Lofgren went on the road to tour in support of the \u201cFace the Music\u201d box set and one result of the tour was the album \u201cUK2015 Face the Music Live.\u201d The album concept and design came from his wife Amy, who felt these were the best shows she\u2019d seen him do, and insisted the last half of the tour be recorded for an album.\u00a0The resulting fifteen tracks span Lofgren\u2019s long, memorable career.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe one thing that I love the most — and have done the most — is touring,\u201d said Lofgren. \u201cI have a good idea of what will work. The energy of the audience influences my improv on guitar. That influx of energy from the audience — I always know that I\u2019ll feel it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for Nils Lofgren — https:\/\/youtu.be\/coNqbqnH3AM<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The show at the Wells Fargo Center will get underway at 7:30 p.m.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re not familiar with this history of Bob Dylan and the music scene in Woodstock, New York, this might sound a bit confusing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"the-weight\"<\/a>

The Weight<\/p><\/div>\n

The Weight is a band. \u201cThe Weight\u201d is a song by The Band. The Weight is a band named after The Band\u2019s song \u201cThe Weight.\u201d The Weight is a band put together to keep alive the music of The Band.<\/span><\/p>\n

On February 12, The Weight will visit the area for a show at the Ardmore Music Hall (23 East Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore, 610-649-8389,\u00a0www.ardmoremusic.com<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

The Band was a Canadian-American rock group featuring Rick Danko, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, Richard Manuel and Robbie Robertson. In 1965, Dylan hired them as his touring band when expanded for a solo folk artist to a folk-rock musician with a group behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

After awhile, Roberston left to pursue a solo career and then later Manuel died. The remaining three members continued to tour and record albums with a succession of musicians filling the departed members\u2019 roles. The final line-up included Richard Bell, Randy Ciarlante and Jim Weider.<\/span><\/p>\n

Danko died of heart failure in 1999, after which the group broke up for good. Helm was diagnosed with throat cancer in 1998 and continued to perform until cancer won the battle in 2012.<\/span><\/p>\n

A passing wish of Helm was for the music and spirit of The Band to live on. The Weight was formed to do just that. The Weight came into existence to bring a live performance to fans of The Band — but not as a tribute band.<\/span><\/p>\n

All of the members of The Weight (Jim Weider, Randy Ciarlante, Brian Mitchell, Marty Grebb, and Albert Rogers) were either actual members in The Band, or are directly and deeply connected to the legacy of The Band.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Band just might have been one of the tightest musical groups ever and replicating the music of The Band is no easy task. The Weight, a five-piece ensemble featuring Weider and Ciarlante from The Band, Brian Mitchell of the Levon Helm Band and Marty Grebb, who worked with Rick Danko and Richard Manuel of The Band, has proven equal to the task.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTwo-and-a-half years ago, after we lost Levon, Randy and I put The Weight together with a couple other musicians,\u201d said Weider, during a phone interview last week from his home in Woodstock. \u201cWe did songs of The Band and the shows sold out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen, we got Marty Grebb. We did a few shows and it really started to take off. We added Brian Mitchell and Byron Isaacs. Now, Byron has left the group and we pulled in a new bass player — Albert Rogers. He had played in my band — the Jim Weider Band — in the \u201990s.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve been going out in spurts — three shows and then come back. It\u2019s on and off. We\u2019ve done shows in Florida, California, Tahoe — and New Years\u2019 Eve in San Francisco. But, we don\u2019t want to go out for weeks at a time. We do nice rooms on three or four-day tours — five days at the most.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The members all have other projects but it is the music of The Band that binds them together.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI started playing with Levon in the early \u201980s in the Levon Helm Band,\u201d said Weider. \u201cRandy was in the band too. In 1985, when Richard and Garth moved to Woodstock, we toured with Crosby, Stills and Nash. We went out as The Band. That really changed my life.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWith The Weight, we do everybody\u2019s favorites such as \u2018Up on Cripple Creek,\u2019 \u2018The Rumor\u2019 and \u2018Look Out Cleveland.\u2019 We do stuff from the early records and tunes I never did with The Band. We try to change up the set list all the time to keep it fresh.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re getting a real mixture in our audiences. Of course, there are a lot of older folks who want to hear the songs they know. But, we\u2019re also getting kids who have started listening to the Band\u2019s music. This music is such a strong part of American music.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for The Weight — https:\/\/youtu.be\/mN99msqH__M<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The show in Ardmore will start at 8 p.m. Tickets are $22 in advance and $28 day of show.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other upcoming shows at the Ardmore Music Hall are Splintered Sunlight (February 13), Jackie Greene and Hollis Brown (February 14) and Bill Frisell on February 16.<\/span><\/p>\n

On February 12, Bruce Springsteen will be performing at the Wells Fargo Center. On February 13, his namesake will be part of a different show when the World Caf\u00e9 Live at the Queen (500 North Market Street, Wilmington, 302- 994-1400,\u00a0www.queen.worldcafelive.com<\/span><\/a>) presents Jason Didner and the Jungle Gym Jam.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jason Didner and the Jungle Gym Jam take their native New Jersey surroundings seriously. So much so that they named their dinosaur puppet \u201cBruce\u201d and sing original songs that profess their love for family vacations on the Jersey Shore. They will bring that Jersey rock sound paired with kid-friendly lyrics to the Queen on Saturday and to the Sellersville Theater on February 20.<\/span><\/p>\n

At a Jungle Gym Jam show, interactivity is key. Special moments in the show that elicit audience participation include freeze dancing, jumping (pretending you\u2019re jumping on the bed), playing peek-a-boo with a giant Moon cut-out (ideal for the younger kids), learning the differences between sea lions and seals (while dancing and pointing to the one specific facial feature that\u2019s different between the two creatures), and correcting Jason\u2019s silly \u201cmistakes\u201d in between songs.<\/span><\/p>\n

The energetic music is a tight match to the interactive content and warm, intelligent lyrics. Didner\u2019s music has been described as \u201cBruce Springsteen for kids\u201d and \u201cElvis Costello in a particularly good mood.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Jason and Amy Didner are the couple that created the Jungle Gym Jam out of the inspiration they got from parenting their now-4-year-old daughter. They co-write all their lyrics, often as a way of recapturing special family memories and making them universal.<\/span><\/p>\n

They perform with a full rock band in situations of larger audience and wider age ranges like at the Bronx Zoo or Jones Beach Band Shell. They play as an acoustic duo in more intimate settings and a younger audience, at libraries, museums, pre-schools and birthday parties.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen my daughter got to be a year-and-a-half old, her curiosity about the world around her got my attention,\u201d said Jason Didner, during a recent phone interview from his home in Montclair, New Jersey.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAmy and I found ourselves writing songs. It led us down this rabbit hole of seeing things all new ways. Now that our daughter Holly is almost five, our songwriting has grown with her. She\u2019s become a big part of the music.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe started writing songs more than three years ago. Having a band with other musicians will be three years in March. We probably do 40-50 shows a year.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The appeal is simple and the approach is direct.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to Didner, the heart of their music-making is pure rock-n-roll while their lyrics strive to entertain through humor and good storytelling. The lyrics also sneak in some learning while the young audience is busy having fun. Puppets and skits play a large role in their live show — providing visual variety and engaging the kids\u2019 sense of wonder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe came out with our first CD two years ago,\u201d said Didner. \u201cThe follow-up CD will be out in May. We\u2019ve already released three songs from the upcoming CD. We\u2019re up around 80 videos on YouTube. It\u2019s a mix of live videos in our home studio. Some are acted out and some are animated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe lyrics are geared to learning and discovery. In our live shows, we\u2019ve entertained all the way up to tweens and teens. When we have a full band, we can rock out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for Jungle Gym Jam — https:\/\/youtu.be\/ZFz_OmiMOCg<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The show at the Queen on February 13 will start at 11 a.m. with tickets priced at $10.<\/span><\/p>\n

The show in Sellersville on February 20 will begin at 1 p.m. with tickets listed at $10.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other shows at the Queen over the next week are SuiteFranchon presents \u201cA Tribute to Whitney Houston\u201d (February 12), Clint Coley (February 13) and Wilmo Wednesdays on February 17.<\/span><\/p>\n

No matter how cold it gets on Saturday night, it\u2019s guaranteed to be a hot night inside at Boot and Saddle (1131 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, 215-639-4528, www.bootandsaddlephilly.com<\/span><\/a>). That\u2019s because the headline act on February 13 is Dressy Bessy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ever since its formation in 1996, Dressy Bessy has been one of the top music acts to come out of Denver, Colorado — joining a list that includes Lothar & The Hand People, Zephyr, Flobots, Kip Winger, Jill Sobule and The Lumineers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dressy Bessy is now on the road in support of its Yep Roc Records label debut \u201cKingsized.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Recorded in their home studio, the 13-track set features Tammy Ealom (vocals\/guitar), John Hill (guitar), Craig Gilbert (drums), and Jeff Fuller (bass). It marks the band\u2019s first studio album in seven years.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe started working on \u2018Kingsized\u2019 about two years ago,\u201d said Ealom, during a phone nterview last week from her home in Denver. \u201cWe finally decided to go with Yep Roc. The album was just about finished when we approached them. John and I have a pretty nice studio in our house and we recorded it there.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI do the songwriting. The songs all came in a chunk — except for two of them. When the songs started to come, they just kept coming. When the muse arrives, I start writing. Something inside me has to come out and tell me to do it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI write mostly on guitar. It usually starts with chords and riffs and some sort of catch line. Usually, it all comes at the same time. The main thing is being in the mood. John\u2019s parts come last. He gets inspired when he hears the bass and the melody.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Formed in 1996, Dressy Bessy have released numerous singles, had tracks featured on various compilations and recorded six studio albums, including \u201cPink Hearts, Yellow Moons\u201d (1999), \u201cCalifornia EP\u201d (2000), \u201cSoundGoRound\u201d (2002), \u201cDressy Bessy\u201d (2003), \u201cElectrified\u201d (2005), and \u201cHoller and Stomp\u201d (2008).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI met John back in 1995,\u201d said Ealom. \u201cI was in a band called the Minders. I quit that band and wanted to form my own band. That band was Dressy Bessy. Ironically, we\u2019re still together after 20 years — as a band and as a couple.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a great band. We actually all really like each other. The only new member is bassist Jeff Fuller, who joined three months ago and he\u2019s a perfect fit. He\u2019s a great musician and he played his ass off to learn 40 songs to get ready for the tour.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re really stoked for this tour. We\u2019re playing most of the songs from \u2018Kingsized\u2019 and another 10 from past albums — all the way back to \u2018Pink Hearts, Yellow Moons.\u2019 I\u2019m not surprised that we\u2019re still together after 20 years because it\u2019s what we do. It\u2019s cool to look back at all the good music we\u2019ve put out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for Dressy Bessy — https:\/\/youtu.be\/pdx-KI1MjT8<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The show at Boot & Saddle will start at 8:30 p.m. with opening acts Old Monk, The Not Fur Longs. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another show interesting show at Boot & Saddle will take place on February 17 when Freakwater headline a show at the venue.<\/span><\/p>\n

Freakwater <\/b>is an alternative country band that had its start in Louisville, Kentucky. In 1989, Janet Beveridge Bean and Catherine Irwin founded the band, and they have been supported by bassist David Wayne Gay since the early days.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve been playing together since we were little tots,\u201d said Bean, during a phone interview last week.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd, we both got kicked out of the same school,\u201d said Irwin.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bean said, \u201cIn the early days, we go to Catherine\u2019s apartment and sing songs together. There was a punk rock venue that had an open mic night and we did that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen, we made a four-track recording,\u201d said Irwin. \u201cEventually, we made up a name. Then, we went into the studio for our first record. That\u2019s where we met Dave Gay. He\u2019s been our third member ever since.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The band\u2019s self-title debut album came out on Amoeba Records in 1989.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWith the whole punk rock thing, people didn\u2019t know how to play their instruments and just tried to sound like that,\u201d said Irwin. \u201cWith us, I\u2019d write songs that I felt were regular country songs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Bean said. \u201cWhen we were starting out, we were just playing covers of country artist like Tammy Wynette and George Jones. Then, we decided to write our own songs so people couldn\u2019t figure out if we were screwing up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe always had connections that allowed us to get our own music out there. We just played — went out there and did it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Irwin said, \u201cWe came from a punk rock background but we didn\u2019t really just play punk rock. We just played our music and hoped that people would like it. Now, 30 years have gone by. I didn\u2019t expect to be still alive after 30 years let alone still making music with Freakwater.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

But, Freakwater is still alive and well in 2016 — and touring the states in support of a new album. The ladies released \u201cScheherazade\u201d on Bloodshot Records on February 5.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis new record we made is really good,\u201d said Bean. \u201cWe recorded it at La La Land Studio in Louisville. It\u2019s got a laid-back vibe. We recorded it analog. We did the last one digital and it was a disaster because the hard drive got corrupted.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for Freakwater — https:\/\/youtu.be\/2gmAn4FRDoE<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The show at Boot & Saddle will start at 8:30 p.m. with opening act Jaye Jayle. Tickets are $15.<\/span><\/p>\n

The term \u201cworld music\u201d is used in descriptions of a lot of different musical acts but rarely is it as appropriate as when referring to the New York-based band Matuto. On February 14, Matuto will make a return visit to the area for a show at Calvary Church (801 South 48th Street, Philadelphia, www.crossroadsconcerts.org<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

Clay Ross and Rob Curto officially started the band in February 2009.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mixing influences of steamy Brazil with backwoods America appears to be highly unlikely combination but it was a combination that worked when Matuto was in its formative stages.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to Ross, Matuto started by playing Appalachian and bluegrass mixed together with Brazilian music. The project started very organically. Since then, the band has since toured the world numerous times and expanded its scope of international musical influences.<\/span><\/p>\n

Matuto, which is a Brazilian slang reference for country bumpkin, has widespread roots. Percussionist Ze Mauricio is a native of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil and is a master in a number of rhythmic Brazilian music styles. Guitarist\/vocalist Ross is a Southern boy with \u201ctwang\u201d in his DNA.<\/span><\/p>\n

Accordionist\/composer Rob Curto hails from New York and has made music in a variety of genres. Curto is widely regarded as forr\u00f3\u2019s foremost ambassador in the States. Forr\u00f3 is the name of a dance style from northern Brazil and the music that accompanies it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe tour mostly as a four-piece,\u201d said Curto, during a phone interview last week from his home in New York. \u201cWe\u2019ve had a pretty busy tour schedule. We were out west last summer and we also did a tour of the Pacific Northwest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis year, we\u2019re going on a tour that is sponsored by the U.S. State Department — a tour that will take us to China, Cambodia and Thailand. We\u2019ve done tours for the State Department in the past.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe did a five-country State Department tour in 2013 in Africa — Maputo, Mozambique; Accra, Ghana; Yaounde and Douala, Cameroon; Dakar, Senegal; and Abidjan, Cote d\u2019Ivoire. We also did a tour that went to Malta, Kuwait, Oman and Spain.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The African tour resulted in a Matuto album on Motema Music called \u201cAfrica Suite\u201d with a track featuring each of the five countries.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen we were in Africa, we collaborated and performed with local musicians,\u201d said Curto. \u201cIn our music, we mix styles from Brasil and roots USA. All that music has African roots so to play in Africa was particularly meaningful. In Ghana, we listened to a lot of High-Life music with its clave pattern.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight now, we\u2019re just putting together material for our next album. We\u2019re in pre-production. We try things out in sound check and let things develop on the road. We\u2019ve been thinking about using keyboards on the next record.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for Matuto — https:\/\/youtu.be\/HvT0OInkkfE<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The show at Calvary Church will actually feature two performances. There will be a free children\u2019s concert at 6 p.m. and a full-scale Matuto concert at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $10-$30.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chuck Ragan is a rocker\/singer\/songwriter\/guitarist who has numerous avenues for his music. He performs as solo artist, occasionally is the organizer of his multi-artist Revival Tour, is a founding member of the Florida band Hot Water Music and, now, is recording and performing with his latest band The Camaraderie.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ragan and the Camaraderie recently released an album titled \u201cThe Winter Haul Live.\u201d The band has also been hitting the road to do shows in support of the album. One of those shows will be on February 15 at Union Transfer (1026 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, 215-232-2100, www.utphilly.com<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

It is no co-incidence that Ragan first talked about camaraderie when he brought one of his Revival Tour shows to the Troc in Philly in 2012. The tour featured <\/span>Chuck Ragan, Dan Andriano (who played in Alkaline Trio and The Emergency Room), Tommy Gabel (who is a member of the band Against Me!), <\/span>Dave Hause (from the band The Loved Ones)<\/span> and longtime Lucero collaborator Cory Branan.<\/span><\/p>\n

At the time, Ragan said, \u201cThe most special thing about this tour is the camaraderie it\u2019s all built on — going into an entire tour with the mindset of all ending up onstage together. It\u2019s real loose. Having a good time is an important aspect. Everyone is there in the same spirit and same mind frame.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, Ragan has a band called Camaraderie — a group that features <\/span>Jon Gaunt on fiddle, Joe Ginsberg on bass, Todd Beene on pedal steel guitar, David Hidalgo, Jr. on drums and Ragan on guitar and vocals.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy last studio album was \u2018Till Midnight\u2019 in 2014 and my last live album was \u2018The Winter Haul Live,\u2019 which came out last month,\u201d said Ragan, during a phone interview Monday morning from his home in Grass Valley, California.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ragan also has a special project that is ready to take his music into a new realm — a videogame soundtrack \u201cThe Flame In The Flood,\u201d which was just released on February 4th via Ten Four Records.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ragan and the Camaraderie recorded \u201cThe Flame In The Flood\u201d last year at Basecamp in Grass Valley with Beene and Ragan as the producers. All the songs were written by Ragan excerpt for three he co-write and one that was written by Gaunt.<\/span><\/p>\n

The vibe of the game is summed up in the lyrics of the title track — \u201cIn the backwaters beyond fables and years, there\u2019s freedom in moving on.
\nThere\u2019s a silence that may be heard loud and clear in a simple, wild and natural cadence.
\nKeep my eyes open.\u00a0 Keep my ears sharpened.
\nThere\u2019s nothing to fear but fear itself in desperation.
\nChasing horizons and the flame in the flood.
\nThrough the briars and the brambles of our tears, there\u2019s no failure in true survival.
\nAll the trials and tales of old that cut us near will help keep our head above the water.<\/span><\/p>\n

Keep my eyes open.\u00a0 Keep my ears sharpened.
\nThere\u2019s nothing to fear but fear itself in desperation.
\nChasing horizons and the flame in the flood.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cThe Flame in the Flood\u201d is a project from Scott Sinclair the Art Director of BioShock, and a team of veterans of the BioShock, Halo, Guitar Hero and Rock Band series.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cScott Sinclair is a friend of mine,\u201d said Ragan. \u201cHe approached me with the concept that I fell in love with — music for a videogame — writing songs about drifting down a river.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ragan is an outdoorsman and a top-flight fisherman who takes fishing expeditions out on his boats in the High Sierra area of northern California. He loves nature and spends as much time as possible enjoying it.<\/span><\/p>\n

The recent phone interview took place at 9:30 a.m., which is pretty early in the day for a rock musician to be coherent. Impressively, Ragan was at his home in California where it was 6:30 a.m.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a 4:00-4:30 a.m. kind of guy,\u201d said Ragan. \u201cIf I\u2019m not rigging up and getting ready to get out on the water by 6:00 a.m., I\u2019m working on things around the house. It\u2019s my favorite time of day. I\u2019m also a fly fishing guide and I have two boats — a drift boat and a bass boat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, it was great to be writing downs about going down the river and songs about survival. When I was writing the songs, I camped on the river and put together lyrics and the foundation for the music.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When asked if he were forced to give up either fishing or music, which would it be, Ragan said, \u201cThat\u2019s a really hard question. I don\u2019t think I can give you an answer to that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Fortunately for Ragan, his fans and his fishing clients, it\u2019s a choice he probably will never have to make.<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for \u201cThe Flame in the Flood\u201d — https:\/\/youtu.be\/kNm0u_XxHJ4<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The show at Union Transfer, which also features Cory Branan and Song Dogs, will start at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $15.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lee DeWyze released his debut album \u201cSo I\u2019m Told\u201d in 2007 and followed with four more full-length albums through 2013. Now, after a few years between discs, DeWyze will release his new album \u201cOil & Water\u201d on February 12.<\/span><\/p>\n

While all his previous albums were released the traditional way by record labels, the new one was done featuring a PledgeMusic campaign. DeWyze will perform songs from the new album in a show at the World Caf\u00e9 Live (3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, 215-222-1400, philly.worldcafelive.com<\/span><\/a>) on February 16.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe went to Pledge because we wanted to connect with the fans,\u201d said DeWyze, during a phone interview last week from his home in Los Angeles. \u201cWe offered things like signed guitars and lyric sheets. It was all for the fans. We weren\u2019t aiming for a monetary goal.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

DeWyze built a legion of fans through his performances on the \u201cAmerican Idol\u201d TV show. He was the overall winner in the ninth season of the show. Television also helped him gain exposure when his song \u201cBlackbird Song\u201d was used in the TV series \u201cThe Walking Dead.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll always appreciate \u2018America Idol\u2019 but it\u2019s not what I hang my hat on,\u201d said DeWyze. \u201cI recorded \u2018Oil & Water\u2019 in my own studio in North Hollywood. I did all the recording myself. I produced it and worked with an engineer. I specifically set out to make the record on my own.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOn \u2018Frames,\u2019 my last album, I produced it but also had a co-producer. The new one was the first one I did solely on my own in my own studio. I had a drummer come out but I did all the keys, vocals, harmonies and bass myself. With the production, it was really a collaborative effort between me and my engineer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

DeWyze took his time making \u201cOil & Water.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt took about a year-and-a-half,\u201d said DeWyze. \u201cI started writing and wrote about 25 songs. I recorded a bunch of them and then whittled it down. I\u2019m all about the lyrics. My favorite records from the 60s and 70s are all about lyrics — artists like Cat Stevens and Paul Simon.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I\u2019m writing a song, it comes with the lyrics first. Sometimes, I\u2019ll write lyrics as a poem. It\u2019s usually an experience of something that has happened and I\u2019ll write about it — maybe a topic like being on the road and having to leave my wife at home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The \u201cOil & Water\u201d CD will be released on Shanachie Records.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe people from Shanachie heard the music and said they wanted to release the album,\u201d said DeWyze. \u201cI\u2019m happy with their passion for my music. And, they allowed me to do what I wanted to do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for Lee DeWyze — https:\/\/youtu.be\/SNlE9yqsraw<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The show at the World Caf\u00e9 Live, which also features Wakey Wakey and Shayna Leigh, will start at 8 p.m. Tickets are priced at $17.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even though Mardi Gras was a few days ago, the Mardi Gras spirit will come alive again on February 17 when the Soul Rebels headline a show at the Theatre of the Living Arts (334 South Street, Philadelphia, 215-222-1011, http:\/\/www.lnphilly.com<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

The Soul Rebels are a New Orleans-based brass ensemble with a sound that features elements of soul, jazz, funk, hip-hop, rock and pop music within a contemporary brass band framework.<\/span><\/p>\n

The eight-piece group features Lumar LeBlanc – Snare Drum; Derrick \u201cOops\u201d Moss –\u00a0 Bass Drum and Percussion; Edward Lee – Sousaphone; Marcus \u201cRed\u201d Hubbard – Trumpet; Julian Gosin – Trumpet; Paul Robertson – Trombone; Corey Peyton – Trombone; and Erion Williams – Tenor Saxophone.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Soul Rebels started with an idea — to expand upon the pop music they loved on the radio and the New Orleans brass tradition they grew up on. They took that tradition and blended the elements together.<\/span><\/p>\n

Right from the start, the Soul Rebels built their reputation around an eclectic live show that harnesses the power of horns and drums in the party-like atmosphere of a dance club. When not touring, The Soul Rebels\u2019 weekly show at Le Bon Temps Roul\u00e9 is known to erupt with the kind of contagious, shout-along musical mayhem that The Rebels bring with them wherever they perform.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe band started in 1991 as an offshoot of the Young Olympians,\u201d said Julian Goslin, during a phone interview last week from his home in New Orleans.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cLumar and Derrick were the \u2018young kids\u2019 at the time. They were into funk, hip-hop and R&B. In order to complement the other styles of music, they had to start a new band. That\u2019s what started the train rolling.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

From 1999-2011, the Soul Rebels released six albums — the most recent of which was \u201cUnlock Your Mind,\u201d which came out on Rounder Records in 2011. In 2013, the band released a mix tape titled \u201cPower=Power.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been in the band full-time for six years,\u201d said Goslin. \u201cLumar and Derrick are the only originals left. I\u2019ve played with pretty much every brass band here in New Orleans but Soul Rebels is the main one.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe kind of have our own niche. I think we\u2019re a little different. We try to step out of the box. When we\u2019re not on tour, we play every Thursday night at Le Bon Temps Roul\u00e9 on Magazine Street and those shows are always great.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Soul Rebels know how to get a crowd moving — and how to keep them happy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe mix up songs from all our albums,\u201d said Goslin. \u201cThe residency is our home base so we do a lot of experimenting. Maybe the sousaphone comes in with the bass line or the horns come in with a melody — as long as you have the beat going. We do a lot of New Orleans covers — and contemporary covers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight after Mardi Gras, we have an East Coast tour including six or seven dates featuring Talib Kweli. Last year, we played shows in Shanghai and this year we\u2019re going over to Beijing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re already getting ready for a new album right now. We\u2019re just waiting to have the time to settle down and get back in the studio.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for the Soul Rebels — https:\/\/youtu.be\/QT-W0H3o9nE<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The show at the TLA will start at 8 p.m. General admission tickets are $20.<\/span><\/p>\n

In celebration of Valentine\u2019s Day, Harrah\u2019s Philadelphia (777 Harrah\u2019s Boulevard, Chester, 484-490-1800, \/www.caesars.com\/harrahs-philly<\/span><\/a>) is throwing a lively 80s dance party at its newest venue The Block Entertainment Center on Saturday, February 13. The casino is showing its love for all things 80s as it hosts a special \u201ciHeart The 80s\u201d show featuring Debbie Gibson, Rob Base and Pretty Poison.<\/span><\/p>\n

The \u201ciHeart the 80s\u201d concert will feature three of the decade\u2019s hottest artists. In addition to the memory-stirring performances, guests will also be treated to an 80s Video DJ, dancers, celebrity impersonators from the Drag Queen Mafia. Those attending the dance party will have the opportunity to win an all-expense-paid trip for two to the \u201ciHeart the 80s\u201d concert at The Forum in Los Angeles with backstage passes to meet all the favorite childhood stars on February 20, 2016. Additional prizes and giveaways will be provided throughout the night courtesy of iHeart Radio.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gibson is best known for her break-out debut single \u201cOnly In My Dreams,\u201d which reached Number 4 on the Hot 100 chart. Four singles from Gibson\u2019s debut album reached the Top 5 of the Hot 100 chart — \u201cOnly in My Dreams,\u201d \u201cShake Your Love,\u201d \u201cOut Of The Blue\u201d and \u201cFoolish Beat.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Base is best known for his work with the late great DJ-EZ Rock. Philadelphia-based Pretty Poison, which is fronted by Jade Starling, earned a spot on the top 10 U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 1987 for \u201cCatch Me I\u2019m Falling\u201d thanks to heavy MTV rotation and after being featured in the film \u201cHiding Out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

All attendees must be 21 to enter. Tickets start at $25.00 for general admission and front stage standing room only, Group and VIP bottle service packages with reserved seating are available on a limited basis.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Flash (102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square, 484-732-8295,\u00a0http:\/\/www.kennettflash.org<\/span><\/a>) will host Better than Bacon on February 11, Jeffrey Gaines with Cliff Hills on February 12 and \u201cHello, I Must Be Going! – A Tribute to Phil Collins\u201d on February 13.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Steel City Coffee House (203 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, 610-933-4043, www.steelcitycoffeehouse.com<\/i><\/span><\/a>) will present Matt Spitko and Ryan Tennis on February 12, Bruda and Former Fools on February 13 and Jeffrey Gaines\u2019 Valentine\u2019s Show with Greg Sover on February 14.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chaplin\u2019s (66 North Main Street, Spring City, 610-792-4110,\u00a0http:\/\/chaplinslive.com<\/span><\/a>) will host What’\u2019s Next and The Odyssey on February 12 and Chestnut Grove and The Phibs on February 13.<\/span><\/p>\n

Doc Watson\u2019s Public House (150 North Pottstown Pike, Exton, 610-524-2424, docwatsonspublichouse.com<\/span><\/a>) will feature Fooling Aperil on February 12 and Green M<\/span><\/p>\n

Machine on February 13.<\/span><\/p>\n

Burlap & Bean Coffeehouse (204 South Newtown Street Road, Newtown Square, 484-427-4547,\u00a0www.burlapandbean.com<\/span><\/a>) will present Devon Sproule and The Sea The Sea on February 12 and Craig Bickhardt and Michael Ronstadt with Lizanne Knott on February 13.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Also: red-hot music to keep you warm this frosty weekend By Denny Dyroff,\u00a0Staff Writer, The Times Year after year, there is a parade of new tribute bands on the entertainment scene offering their interpretations of music by bands from the past such as Pink Floyd or the Grateful Dead and, at times, even current acts […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":12571,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[91,3],"tags":[4737,4735,3589,4736],"class_list":["post-12577","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-arts-entertainment","category-featured","tag-ana-popovic","tag-nils-lofgrin","tag-rain","tag-the-weight"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12577","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=12577"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12577\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12578,"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12577\/revisions\/12578"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/12571"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12577"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12577"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12577"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}