It’s been a long time since I saw and chatted with Mike Viola. But I attended a show in Roslyn, NY, and was lucky enough to say hello. Not an interview, and the sound is terrible, more of a “meet-and-greet,” and he’s got a new album follow-up to last year’s Paul McCarthy. I filmed one of the new songs, an acoustic ballad titled “She’s A Blur.” He mentioned on the next tour he would have a full rock band. I can’t wait!
Category: Concert Connection
Concert Review: Collective Soul at The Paramount
Since making its debut in 1994, Collective Soul has consistently released very good music, including their latest, Vibrating. Their lineup has remained Ed & Dean Rolland, and bassist Will Turpin and they have maintained their standard of excellence while producing well-received post-grunge rock for a devoted audience. Nearly three decades after their founding, they continue to strive to create music with strong melodies and hooks. In contrast to last year’s concert supporting Vibrating, this concert was a “greatest hits” celebration. And they have plenty of fan-favorites, including honoring fellow Georgian band R.E.M. with a cover of “The One I Love.”
See concert footage on our Instagram Page. Check out the band’s next appearance.
A great moment onstage was when they introduced a fan to join them onstage.
IPO returns to NYC
It’s been a long time, but it was great to get out and see live music again. The International Pop Overthrow festival returned to New York City this past weekend at Arlene’s Grocery. A lot of familiar faces were there over the weekend; Slybooks, The John Sally Ride, Wendy Ip, Bubble, Eytan Mirsky, Meyerman, The Anderson Council, and The Grip Weeds. The crowd was really into it this year, and as always David Bash was an excellent master of ceremonies. David continues to globe-trot with his festival, heading to Boston next week. If he comes to your town don’t miss it!
Concert Review: Spyderpop Showcase ’19
The Bowery Electric in NYC was host to Spyderpop Records on Friday, Sept. 13, 2019. An array of talented artists came together for an excellent night of amazing live music. The evening started with girl band Slyboots as they introduced a new lead singer, Tiffany Lyons. Tiffany has a powerful voice and what followed was a selection of soulful pop, rock, and even a Stevie Nicks cover! This was followed by long-time favorite Lannie Flowers as he played selections off his new upcoming LP Home looking to hit the shelves in November.
This was followed by Danny Wilkerson (Pengwins) and songs from his self-titled LP which ranked #8 from my top power pop albums of 2018. The band really stepped up here, filling the room with layers of sound, and then for the finale, we had one of the most talented power pop artists ever, Bill Lloyd take the stage. Bill played from his LP, Playing The Long Game #6 ranked in my 2018 albums list. Plenty of guest musicians were in the audience and at the end of the night all the performers took to the stage with a rousing version of Elvis Costello’s “(What’s So Funny ’Bout) Peace, Love & Understanding.” Suprise guest Paul Collins joined the gang on stage at the end. See our Facebook post for a full photo gallery!
Support Your Local Power Pop Artist: Richard X. Heyman and Glen Burtnik
Richard X. Heyman “Pop Circles”
The 13th album by acclaimed melodic pop singer/songwriter Richard X. Heyman is his love letter to the Baby Boom generation. You get to be a part of it by pledging money to help this album come to fruition. Cool rewards; badges, lyric sheets, autographed CDs, fridge magnets! Please check it out here:
Visit Richard’s Kickstarter page
Glen Burtnik’s Summer of Love
“Relive the Memories, Share the Spirit and Celebrate the Songs of the Woodstock Generation, The Music That Changed the World.”
Glen Burtnik’s Summer of Love Concert series celebrates the 50th anniversary of the iconic 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Festival. I’ve been a huge Burtnik fan for a long time (The Orchestra, The Weeklings, Styx) and now he’s running a huge music festival that focuses on the iconic rock music from the period of time generally between the 1967 and 1969. Shows run from July through August in selected cities. Visit www.summerofloveconcert.com to learn more.