Tropidelic & Ballyhoo!
A musical lighthouse, shining a resilient light for everyone that has had to pull themselves up by their bootstraps, Tropidelic has arrived on the national stage. Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, a city rich in character and music history, this six-piece performance powerhouse carves their own path with an independent mentality. Front man Roads, explores feelings more than sounds, seeing where the emotional travel can take him, while valuing being comfortable and honest. There is a sense of seeing where the music can go on their 2024 new album. As an everyman-band making music to overcome life’s obstacles, the “goals” that Tropidelic made when starting the band have all been surpassed. Roads says of the band’s future, “I’m nose to the grindstone. It’s going great and I am going to keep going.” The past year has included a first pitch at a Cleveland Guardians game followed by a live performance for the entire stadium; an adopted highway in their hometown; producing two of their own festivals (Sunny Days and Everwild Music Festival); tens of millions of streams of Tropidelic’s music; appearances at major US festivals such as Beach Life and Tortuga; tours with The Dirty Heads, Lupe Fiasco, 311, and Michael Franti; and their first performance at Red Rocks Amphitheater. __ Through 25 years and eight independent albums, the last four on their own Right Coast Records, Ballyhoo! have earned the exclamation point which marks their name. Starting in the basement of their mom’s Aberdeen, MD, home, rocking out on guitar and drums respectively, practicing every day, brothers Howi and Donald Spangler formed the proto-punk band in the mold of Green Day and Nirvana, with an eye towards the emerging ska genre led by Goldfinger, Sublime, 311 and No Doubt. The group’s eighth and most recent studio album, the breezy, ska-fueled, hook-filled Message to the World, on their own Right Coast Records, finds the self-declared “beach-rockers,” having grown up in public, accepting the responsibilities of adulthood while still hanging on to their dreams of world domination. Stylistically, their music ranges from the hard-edged punk of 2018’s Detonate, which captured the feelings of anger and depression from dealing with personal loss and the exhaustion generated by over a decade on the road to the island reggae beats of the follow-up, Message to the World. “Whatever you want to achieve, just focus on that and work towards it,” explains Howi about the Ballyhoo! ethos. “Don’t worry about followers, views, or even money. Just keep making good stuff. One day it may be possible to finally quit that day job and live your dream full time.”Ballyhoo! is still doing just that, purveying good vibes, positivity and fun live shows meant to take you away from real life. __ For his entire life Joey Harkum has been strumming a guitar and after a decade of touring as the lead singer and songwriter of Baltimore-based band Pasadena, he released his debut solo album, Love and Labor, to critical acclaim in 2016. Along with a relentless touring schedule Joey has most recently been working on his 4th studio album The Art of Revenge which released March 1st 2024. Known for his deep and poignant lyrics telling stories of joy, love, loss and sadness, Joey brings the human experience to life through his relentless tour schedule that culminated in the release of Live at Buffalo Iron Works in 2018. 2020 brought new challenges but Joey responded with writing and recording new music and released his album Storyboard in March of 2021. Immediately following the release of Storyboard, he started work on his follow up album Salt and Tar which was released in spring 2022. Catch him on tour now or online at joeyharkummusic.com
Sam Blasucci & Julia Zivic
Sam Blasucci is best known as one half of Mapache, a Southern California roots-rock duo just as instantly recognizable for their elegant, intertwined guitar parts as they are for their devoted, Nudie-Suit wearing fanbase. But when Blasucci was writing the songs that would become his debut solo record, Off My Stars, he found himself less focused on the guitar and more gravitated toward a different instrument: piano. The mother of Clay Finch, his Mapache bandmate, was getting rid of one, and so Blasucci took the piano, carefully transporting it to his home in Ojai, California, with the help of a few strong friends, including Farmer Dave Scher of Beachwood Sparks (and a Mapache collaborator). “Farmer Dave wasn’t even wearing shoes,” Blasucci remembers, laughing. Once the piano was safely in there, he became deeply attached, playing on it multiple hours a day: “It’s changed the way I think about music, having all the keys laid out in front of me,” he explains. “Having that sort of changed everything.” Also inspired by his recent time riding out the pandemic in New Orleans, where the clubs may have closed but the music never stopped, Blasucci used that piano to start writing one of the most inspired batches of songs of his career thus far. New gems like “Turn Yourself Around” and “Sha La La” were developing with a Southern swing and classic songbook sparkle, and when assessing the growing stack of music he was working on, Blasucci realized that there was something about these tunes that wasn’t quite suited for a Mapache record. Infused with an honest, personal perspective about settling into adult life—about developing as a person and a partner and a family member—these songs were straight from the heart, a clear window, recently Windexed, into the life of one of the most talented members of the L.A.-area underground rock scene. __ Julia Zivic’s music walks a tightrope between tenderness, and power, effortlessly captivating audiences with her ability to navigate intricate emotional landscapes with ease. Julia Zivic’s latest album Good Cry (2022) is sonic storytelling, touching on subjects that journey through the spectrum of death, love and gratitude.Julia lends her songwriting and live performance to esteemed projects like Carrtoons, Rae Kahlil, Joey Dosik, Joanna Teters, Pale Jay, Yoh, Marigold, Ghost Funk Orchestra and more. Recently, Julia garnered further recognition on NPR Tiny Desk, lending her vocals, songwriting and performance to collaborator Ben Carr’s performance under the project Carrtoons. When she’s not on tour with one of her many collaborators, Julia is home in the Hudson Valley as the Director of Music and team member for Beacon Open Studios, a yearly cultural event showcasing the power and importance of the local art scene in The Hudson Valley. She’s also a music and events curator at The Yard in Beacon, NY. Julia, a self-proclaimed homebody, enjoys immersing herself in community when she’s not performing elsewhere.
Taylor Fest
Liverpool Legends: Beatles Experience!
Liverpool Legends are four incredibly talented musicians/actors put together by Louise Harrison, sister of the late George Harrison, to honor her brother’s legacy, and re-create the band that changed the world forever. Experience the complete history of The Beatles, starting with the early mop-top hits, such as I Want To Hold Your Hand, She Loves You, and Twist and Shout. You’ll then take a Magical Mystery Tour down Penny Lane, through the psychedelic era of Sgt. Pepper. And in The End, Come Together and sing and dance to classics like Get Back, Here Comes the Sun, and Hey Jude. This unique one of a kind Beatles show is narrated by Louise Harrison. Liverpool Legends have toured the world, with sold out performances in the US, Europe, Mexico, Canada, Israel, Ukraine, India and South America. They have performed in prestigious venues such as The Cavern Club in Liverpool, Carnegie Hall, and The Rose Bowl. They’ve also recorded at the world famous Abbey Road Studios in London, and received a Grammy nomination for their work on “Fab Fan Memories – A Beatles Bond.” Liverpool Legends have headlined their own show in Branson, Missouri since 2005. They have been awarded Best Band, Best Show, Best Tribute Show, and received the Visitor’s Choice Award for Entertainer of the Year.
Infinite Cathedral
Josh Teed
Virginia Man
Virginia Man is an emotional folk-and-roll band comprised of Kristian Lietzan (singer/songwriter), Stephen Amoruso (bass/vocals), and Jamaal Farrow (drummer). With poetic lyrics bellowing over the sounds of middle Appalachia, these gentlemen champion the sound of Virginia: a strange suspension between the cardinal directions, musical genres, and the changing of seasons. The live show has become a favorite amongst members and audiences alike, like a sonic rollercoaster, akin to the plot of a great American classic, with gripping performances and storytelling, and celebratory beverages to follow.
Jeremy Mercy and the Rapture Orphans
December 27, 2024, marks the release of Heavyweight, the first album by Omaha Americana band Jeremy Mercy and the Rapture Orphans. Recorded variously at Omaha’s ARC, Make Believe Studios, and the Omaha Conservatory of music, all tracks were produced and mixed by Ian Aeillo and mastered by Doug VanSloun. Mercy’s work with the Rapture Orphans has marked a departure from his earlier project Travelling Mercies (2009 -2019) in scope and sound. “My work with the new band on Heavyweight has been less focused on character sketches amidst a stylistic free-for-all. This is more about dealing honestly with my inner life and expressing it through a more coherent sound,” says Mercy. “The title Heavyweight absolutely evokes some macho, tough-guy bullshit, but is really about struggling with the weight of my own heart. The two of us have been going at it for years. It’s definitely the most I’ve shown of myself emotionally in my writing and performance.” The Heavyweight cast features an Omaha music scene dream team: GeorgeAnne Prescott on banjo and lap steel, Danny Burns on bass, Lee Gambrel on drums, and Kate Williams on accordion and keys (Clayton Goliath Pace now serves as the group’s bass player). The album also features the work of Nate Fowler, Scott Johnson, and Eric Elworth. Oliver Bates Craven of the Stray Birds and Sierra Ferrell’s band also makes an unforgettable appearance with his fiddle solo on “The Contender.” — Scott Severin redefines eclectic. Born “sometime during the Kennedy administration,” this songwriter/performance artist has been a folkie, punk rocker, actor and street performer. He incorporates musical styles from Folk, Punk, Country & Western and Americana, as well as traditional Rock & Roll. A native New Yorker, he relocated to Nebraska about two decades ago. Produced by legendary musician Steve Burgh, his debut album “Unknown Rider” was released in 2004, followed by “Birdhouse Obbligato”, recorded in Nebraska in 2010 with noted keyboardist Joe Delia. In 2022, Scott and his partner, Stateleigh Holmes, contributed their cover of Eric Andersen’s song “Woman, She Was Gentle” to a three CD Tribute of Eric’s songs “Tribute To A Songpoet”. — Stateleigh Homes began her music career playing solo at the historic Caffe Lena in 1975. Her two-woman duo, Mechanical Servants, had an NME-charting EP in the UK and an indy hit in Japan in 1980. Stateleigh then moved to London where she worked with Barry Adamson, Dave Formula and John Davidson of the iconic British band, Magazine. While still living in the UK, Stateleigh recorded an EP for Bomp Records in LA that was produced by Earl Mankey, an original member of Sparks. Stateleigh also sang on and toured in support of Howard Devoto’s solo album, Jerky Versions Of The Dream. Miss Holmes has written and collaborated on recordings with Jerry Dammers of The Specials as well. Stateleigh has worked with the legendary producers Pete Anderson, Richard Gottehrer, Adrian Sherwood and Earle Mankey. Upon returning to the US, Stateleigh played with storied NYC rock band, Big Iron, before decamping to Nashville. Somewhere in there, our Miss Holmes decided she’d like a normal life but now she’s back and bringing all this and more to you! xxooxxx
Hangover Ball
Paul Cauthen
Paul Cauthen is a true force of nature. His ability to captivate audiences with his soulful sound and larger-than-life personality has become lore amongst those that have witnessed it. Also doesn’t hurt to have a generational set of pipes to top it all off. Hailing from East Texas, Cauthen embodies the spirit of the Lone Star State, earning a reputation for doing things his own way. Born into a family of preachers, Cauthen’s upbringing heavily influences his deep-rooted connection to music. With a voice that resonates with raw emotion, he aims to transport listeners, inviting them on a journey through love, heartbreak, and the pursuit of personal freedom. Cauthen’s journey has been one of resilience, perseverance and sheer independence. Turning down major label deals at various points in his career, Cauthen has valued forging his own path and betting on himself over all else. With multiple releases this year including the genre bending Hometeam and raucous Wild Man, Cauthen has continued to explore new sonic territory fearlessly, while unapologetically defying expectations and creating music that resists categorization. As he embarks on the This Road I’m On Tour, his biggest headline tour to date, Cauthen brings his long time live band, the Hot Grease Fire, and a collection of hits and new tracks begging to be played for his hungry audiences. He also brings his trademark dance moves, so make sure you’re ready to get down if you come to a Paul Cauthen show.