SUPPORT Ethan Lipton & His Orchestra!

Hey!
One of my friends, and bands that I've reviewed below in my blog- is attempting an exciting new project that you have the chance to support!
They are busy getting their second studio album produced, and are reaching out to all fans, friends and music appreciators, to get in on the action!
Anyone who gets involved in this creative process gets credited as a micro-producer on their new album and as there are a variety of pledge options, you can not only help in the fundraising process, but also walk away with a copy of their new CD- let alone other goodies!
A minimum pledge of $15.00 will get you a micro-producer credit and a CD and more generous support gets you a whole lot more!
If you are already familiar with this band's incredible music, then you know what a great opportunity this is to be directly involved in supporting the arts, and the creative process, (not to mention Ethan and his amazing orchestra :)
and if you are not- then you are in for even more of a treat!
Note, that their projected fundraising goal of $12,000 has to be reached in order for them to get the full backing to get the album made... and they are 70% of the way there and have three days to come up with the remainding 30%! I know they can do this, please show them that you know they can too!!! Check out the direct link for more information on how you can get involved, and thanks very much as usual - for your SUPPORT OF THE ARTS!!!!!!!
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ethanliptonandhiso/a-new-album-from-ethan-lipton-and-his-orchestra

Moonlight Madness on Governor's Island, NYC

Nothin like hearin a live reggae band, especially one as tight as Cannibus Cup Band who layed it down the whole night through!
Along with CCB, there were a handful of featured artists also making their tributes to Bob Marley set on the 'beach' of Governor's Island- (where WTB usually is in full swing during the summer months.)
A full moon shining overhead set the tone for a pretty earthy and tribal vibration and with fireworks at some point over the water, it was a pretty amazing venue to hear & see some good old fashioned live music...
Irie, reggae fest music and vibes were pretty contagious as the crowds were delighted all night long and the music just kept going and going and going! Good times! Here are some glimpses of the show that night with more from the Headline act: Badfish to come!
Enjoy!

Les Nubians

When I want OUT,
I go to AFRICA :)
When I need to GET AWAY,
I like Africa.

An entire afternoon of African artists, good vibes, great music and plenty of fun...
Not to mention SUMMER HEAT-
made for a great, outdoor live show.

The sisters of Les Nubians, their first show in NYC after nine years-
they had a lot to say about the way the world is turning,
love, shakin it out, and looking to the future.

Direct from France, though from Cameroon, it was great to see and hear them giving it all after being busy raising children, and getting ready for their new album to drop.

NYC's Central Summerstage Concert Series, has yet to disappoint and continues to be a cool perk! (and park, obviously! :)

Here's some of the summer fun!
Enjoy, peace, love and light!

Ethan Lipton & His Orchestra- Fun, Sardonic, Classy & Sweet...

Another treat, to catch old friend/colleague Ethan Lipton- doing his own special thing with: Ethan Lipton + His Orchestra.
Catching him at one of my favorite venues in NYC, was just icing.

I've known Ethan primarily as a writer- so to see his live act, I couldn't have been happier about his evolution into singer/songwriter/full range artist.

Ethan Lipton & His Orchestra, made up of a three man band plus Ethan on lead vocals- was a sublime entry into a witty world of mundane...
Simply stated, twisted with sardonic humor and a melancholic note of truths-
His songs spoke of love, loss, and the epic or not so epic struggles of everyday life. His lyrics captured angst, resolution or none whatsoever, in a way that left you captivated by the simplicity of what is, or can be- without any other reason to smile, except for the fact, that Ethan himself, and his songs, know how to make you do that.
Smile.
At the end of the day, the maturity of the music, the range delivered in the playful musicality of his songs, and the wit, sophistication and simplicity of his lyrics, leave you feeling that Ethan Lipton & His Orchestra, are a band of finely tuned instruments in and of themselves.... Reminiscent of early cabaret and jazz lounge styles- with twists, smiles and laughter along the way,
Ethan Lipton and his Orchestra= Joy.
Here are some live shots from the show :)

Peace- and congrats Ethan!

Tuba Skinny And His Tiny Men

kiowa
lulu
todd
erika

Seriously, one of the best things that has happened since arriving to NYC has been running into this band! After barely catching their incredulous sound, in passing, (popping out of the L- on my way to dinner,) I was literally stupefied to run into them again the very next day at Washington Square. It was a providential moment for me, possibly the first since being in NY.

I was very happy to indulge in a full set as they busked in Washington Square, and even happier to find out afterwards, that they would be playing again at DBA in Williamsburg the next afternoon.
Believe me I returned for more.
If you heard them, you would too!

This is an incredibly tight band of horns and strings, full of New Orleans swagger and with a truly bohemian blues/jazz vibe...
However, its the vocalist who brandishes the greatest instrument of all.... a booming, monumentally angelic and mesmerizingly unique voice that will literally knock your socks off! (And if you aren't wearing socks, her voice can and will knock you from one side of the park to the other!)
I've never come across such amazing and pure talent, (the likes of which, just captivate you from the onset-) and have never thoroughly enjoyed weeping and wallowing away in such sultry sounds, and songs of love, loss and heartache (the blues anyone?) done in true New Orleans gypsy style Jazz. My hope is that you'll have a chance to get your socks blown off and the wind knocked out of you too! Your best chances? Catch em somewhere while they're still in NY! These are the kind of musicians true artists and music lovers can appreciate!

Here are some pics of them live, and to see more shots visit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sharone/sets/72157618187572447/show/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sharone/sets/72157618420670327/show/

Red Baraat Festival

It was great to catch up with one of my first talented, musical contacts here in NYC that I met when living out here a few years back. Sonny Singh is a bright & gifted light and musician who plays a mean horn, and dhol to boot. It was cool indeed to catch up with him and his new band Red Baraat Festival down in the East Village. The band was alive and festive with their amazing sound and though it was a rather small and cramped venue, everyone seemed to be enjoying the lively spirits and music pumping undeniable energy through the crowd. Here are a few shots from the show.

Jason Diaz & The Original Series/Hotel Cafe.

I've been tracking and shooting this band for awhile now, and honestly, Jason Diaz & The Original Series, were sounding better and tighter than ever at tonight's Hotel Cafe show.

It's amazing to see how they continue to grow together as musicians, and the MUSIC, is seriously, just getting better and better.

Jason and crew played to a full crowd, all of whom I'm sure, were just as impressed and inspired by his amazing vocals, songwriting and guitar playing (all three!) and pumped by the style and sounds of this up and coming talent.

Jason's set included a variety of new songs, (this boy is always writin and producin new shit!) mixed in with his tried and true hits, and amazing covers.

Keep your eyes and ears peeled on this band....they are undoubtedly going places and ones to watch!

To view more live pics from the show: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sharone/sets/72157615872956210/show/

Ken Oak Band

Live from Dakota Lounge in Santa Monica, CA- Ken Oak and Ed Gorski of the Ken Oak Band played a sultry yet upbeat set- blending a unique combination of melodic passion, soulful storytelling and poetic sincerity.  Both Ed's guitar and Ken's cello vibrated emotion, while their smooth vocals made for a tight delivery of great music rich in depth, mood and dreaminess! Check out some of my live pics from the show....

For more live pics from the show:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/sharone/sets/72157613404220876/show/

Elaine Faye/The Dakota Lounge

Catching this young, soulful singer/songwriter was a treat-

Simple, honest, and heartfelt, her music and lyrics spoke of love, loss and the sadness at times, of the human heart.

Thanks to Elaine for her sweet soul and folksy vibe- Here are some live pics from the show.

(For more pics visit:)

 http://www.flickr.com/photos/sharone/sets/72157613485562908/show/

Spaceland- Jason Diaz And The Original Series.

Ahhh! Finally! Some SPACE!

Jason Diaz & The Original Series played to a packed crowd in a great, space filled venue... the likes of which this band definitely deserves! The entire crew was at it again, and they were all completely ON FIRE! It was definitely one of the best sets I have seen him play to date. The crowd seemed blown away into hyper space as well- Good vibes! The only downside... some very tricky lighting at this venue, but alas... you can see for yourself, they came out alright! :)

Enjoy!

*for more pics from the show visit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sharone/sets/72157612310695606/show/