Last night's
Spectacular
at Annabell's Bar &Lounge
Want to sample some of what went on last night, check out travlingyoyo on Instagram for 15 second videos of most of the performances or search the #akronmusicscene tag.
John Aylward took hundreds of shots. He will post some here: http://www.jraylward.com/#2
Check out the pictures and longer videos below.
The Akron Music Scene
by Connie Williams
Check out the pictures and longer videos below.
The Akron Music Scene
by Connie Williams
I love where I live. I love that I can be out of town a couple of days and return to a place filled with so many opportunities to experience the arts every day. Akron offers that, and last night was no exception. I got out of my car, unpacked my suitcase, hopped into my buddy Yoly’s car, and headed over to Annabell’s to experience #AkronMusicScene firsthand.
Produced by Steve Menser and Brian Poole, #AkronMusicScene happens on the first Wednesday of every month from 8:00pm – 2:00am. There are three stages: the patio, the acoustic stage, and the downstairs band stage. Performers typically get an hour each, and the show is free of charge for anyone 21 and older. Sorry kids, but if you are younger than that you do have to pay to get in. Last night Sassy Dog served up hotdogs, and and Neighbors Apparel offered their locally made cool stuff.
Planning a multi-stage music event on a Wednesday night in the middle of a holiday week is a risk, but last night the people came to hear some great local music.
The acoustic stage featured Morgan Phelps from the band Coconspirator. Tonight he was playing solo. The unique sound of his touch guitar was both hypnotic and trippy.
He was followed by Akron comedian, and my favorite badass, Sarah Jones Saddleton. Saddleton is a bundle of uncensored hilarity who managed to bring out the laughs in a room full of people who were not there to hear comedy. It was no small feat.
The wonderful My Buddy Josh’s Band followed after with a mash up of music and comedy that I can’t wait to hear again.
The largest, most enthusiastic audience was there to see and hear what was happening on the band stage below. Broken Mugs started off the lineup with enthusiasm. I had seen them once before, at the Electric Pressure Cooker Open Mic Cabaret, where their set was limited to ten minutes. Getting to see them for a full hour was a treat. Their spoken word rocks, literally.
Copali followed with music that was, for me, some of the best of the night. When you put steel drums and a saxophone in your band, you will definitely get my attention. To hold that attention you have to bring the musical chops, and this band did. They also brought the fun. Worth mentioning is clarinet player, Willow DiGiacomo, who played like a rock star and managed to make the clarinet look cool.
The last act I was able to catch down there was The Scenic Route, fronted by Rachel Crozier and Jenn Ryan. Their pop/rock sound is feisty and fun, and their attitude is reminiscent of 80’s rocker chicks like Pat Benatar.
I missed catching the other band stage acts, The Hundred Hand Band, John Patrick Halling, and Jason Scott, and Brendan Kenney and Jimmy the Weed on the acoustic stage.The performances scheduled for the patio were a no show, and the show ran well past midnight.
Since Sassy Dog was stationed beside the patio, the open space provided a place for people to grab a hot dog or some fresh air outside and get a break from the crowded venue.
If the goal of #AkronMusicScene was to give Akron musicians a chance to expose Akron music lovers to their art, the evening was a success. I heard some musicians for the first time, and I will certainly be watching (listening) to see what comes next for these talented artists.
A shout-out to
My Buddy Josh's Band
Loved it, but I don't have your picture. If you have one can I borrow it for this spot? I promise not to fold it. Or a video. A video would be great. Do you have one of the Rubber Band song? I loved your rendition of the Rubber Band song
Jimmy the Weed
for being such a good sport, and simply for always being the best guy in the room. and for playing a mean bass Love ya Jimmy!
Brendan Kenny
and his beautiful guitar
and his beautiful guitar
John P. Halling
In case no one has told you, your Songs of Walmart are epic!
In case no one has told you, your Songs of Walmart are epic!
Broken Mugs
Band Stage
Morgan Phelps
Acoustic Stage
The Hundred Hand Band
Band Stage
Copali
Band Stage
The Scenic Route
Band Stage
Sarah J. Saddleton
Stand Up Comedian
Acoustic Stage
What would #akronmusicscene be without the sound man?
The Audience
Most Honorable Guests
Our Hosts
Steve Menser Bryan W. Poole
Reputable establishment willing to showcase Akron's Best.
All in all this was a great experience, both for bands who had to act as their own masters of ceremonies, and the audience. It's hard to stand around while there is nothing going on on the stage. People are so used to being entertained non-stop that even a small pause in the music was enough to break the connection. Those people who stuck with it were greatly rewarded.
I thoroughly enjoyed all the acts I was able to catch and will definitely go back for the next show on on the first Wednesday of August.
---Yoly---
That's all she wrote folks!
No comments:
Post a Comment