Monday Motivation

Squat Like A Boss!
Bruce Springsteen 

In the midst of all this Pride Month hoopla one thing still remains and is constant. I am currently working on shedding my Pandemic Pounds and it's a process. Thus I seek inspiration, like everyone else, from time to time. 

Today's Monday Motivation comes in the form of 71 year old, "Yes" you read that correctly, 71 year old Bruce Springsteen!

Seriously how does he rock a better body and even look more handsome then he did in say his 40's? I ask you, OK, yeah I was actually joking about asking you "As If" you know the answer.

Well I know how he keeps that body at least judging by the deep squat he is doing, and I am sure he has a healthy well balanced diet to accompany it.

Therein lies the rub with Moi, it ain't the exercise part that is the issue at present it's getting myself back to eating well, everyday of the week (that's what I have to do for a few weeks out of the gate, after those few weeks then, and only then can I add a cheat day.) 

As I embark on this week, I am off to a good start wish me well. With Bruce as my inspiration Monday Motivation is indeed Born in the USA.

Shred it like "The Boss!"

Bruce on IG -

https://www.instagram.com/springsteen/?hl=en

Who Do You Think I Am?

 

Clarence Clemons: Who Do I Think I Am?

coming to Blu-ray / DVD and VOD on August 13th

New documentary about "The Big Man" Clarence Clemons of E Street Band fame features interviews with Bruce Springsteen, Nils Lofgren, Narada Michael Walden and more

From Virgil Films & Entertainment comes Clarence Clemons: Who Do I Think I Am? - an intimate portrait of one of the most famous saxophone players in the world. After a theatrical run in select cities in July, the film will be released on August 13th as a Blu-ray / DVD package (MVD Entertainment Group) as well as Digital HD (Virgil Films). A TV or SVOD release is planned for first quarter of 2020.

After Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band's marathon "Rising Tour" came to an end in 2003, saxophonist Clarence Clemons felt like he needed a break. Though the world knew him as The Big Man and a lifetime member of the E Street Band, there was also a deeply spiritual side to Clemons. So he packed up his saxophone and journeyed to China, where he could be more or less a nameless traveler in a foreign land. Following him was director, friend and photographer Nick Mead, who documented Clarence's transcendent awakening overseas. Once Clarence had returned to the States, Mead decided to keep the cameras rolling, which is when tragedy struck: while in Florida, Clarence suffered a stroke and passed away.

With the help of producer Joe Amodei, the film became more than just a document of Clarence's spiritual journey - it became a biography for his life and a love letter and farewell from those that knew him best.

"It was an honor and a privilege to work with Nick Mead on this project. Clarence was a true Big Man! His spirituality rose to the top of every interview we conducted." says producer Joe Amodei.

Featuring interviews with President Bill Clinton, Joe Walsh, Nils Lofgren, Jake Clemons, and former band mates, friends, and close family members, Who Do I Think I Am? highlights Clarence's life as musician and member of the E Street band while also presenting another side of the man not many knew when he was away from bright stage lights. It's an intimate portrait of Clarence's quest for enlightenment and meaning in what would sadly be the final years of his life.

The film was one of the spotlight premieres at the recent Asbury Park Music and Film Festival in April and will show in June at the NJ International Film Festival as well as the Woods Hole Film Festival in Cape Cod this summer.

What Becomes A Punk Legend Most...

Max's Kansas City: 1976 & Beyond  coming to CD ad Vinyl on May 5th via Jungle Records   The original Max's Kansas City 1976 pioneering punk club album,  extended with an extra 30 tracks and historical notes Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore

Max's Kansas City is the legendary New York City nightclub that became the focal point for the city's hip artistic community from the late 60's until the early 80's. In its initial period, it was famously often populated by Andy Warhol's Factory crowd, and played host to new artists such as the Velvet Underground, New York Dolls, the Stooges, Bruce Springsteen and countless others. It became a base for jet-setters, glam rockers and celebs, until the scene faded and it shut its doors at the end of 1974. Reopened in 1975 under new management, Peter Crowley was hired as music director. The new young bands he booked helped spawn, in tandem with CBGBs, the New York City punk scene. In 1976 Peter compiled a studio album of acts associated with the club, Max's Kansas City 1976, to help promote the club. It featured the first released recordings of Suicide, The Fast and Warhol-era veteran Wayne County, whose title-track gave a roll-call of many of the famous acts who'd regularly performed there.  Now the original album is reissued as Max's Kansas City 1976 & Beyond, greatly extended to 40 tracks on a double-CD and a selection of 25 tracks on a double-LP. As well as the aforementioned Suicide, Fast and Wayne County, the new extended album features the New York Dolls, the Stillettos, the Offs, the Senders, Philip Rambow, VON LMO, Iggy Pop, Knots, Roland Alphonso, Cherry Vanilla, Nico, Joy Ryder, Johnny Thunders & the Heartbreakers and Sid Vicious amongst many others. It includes many previously unreleased tracks and rarities. Compiled by Peter Crowley, who also contributes notes detailing the history of the album. Writer, musician and Max's scenester Jimi LaLumia provides historical overview sleeve-notes along with biographies of the artists in a 20-page booklet. Jimi LaLumia writes: "Max's Kansas City 1976 as an expanded edition two record vinyl and double CD collection, celebrates the historic first compilation of recordings by bands that were making big noise in New York City, and, thanks to a hyper active UK music press, around the world in a pre internet, truly underground manner. Melody Maker, a British music weekly, was especially keen on the post Velvet Underground / New York Dolls / Alice Cooper / Iggy & The Stooges scene that was inspiring the most unusual creatures to want to be in bands. The Max's album was my go to album for months; finally, tracks from Wayne County, Cherry Vanilla, and The Fast... Not to mention Suicide and Pere Ubu. I got introduced to Harry Toledo and the John Collins band: I won't go into all the details here, because I wrote extensive detailed liner notes for the Jungle Records UK re issue coming in May, with additional notes from Peter Crowley, which are worth the price of the album, not to mention all the added extra tracks, so I'll simply say that if you think you know everything about the late 70's downtown scene, some additional reading material and bonus tracks are headed your way."

This item can be pre-ordered via MVD Shop or on Amazon

Go "Barenaked"!

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Dive into the Barenaked Ladies pond!

Barenaked Ladies have announced a very special collaboration with the legendary “Kings of A cappella” titled, Ladies And Gentlemen: Barenaked Ladies And The Persuasions to be released April 14, 2017. Produced by Gavin Brown, the album features 14 tracks re-imagined BNL’s award-winning catalogue and the classic ‘Good Times’. BNL recorded the album live off the floor with The Persuasions last Fall at Noble Street Studios in Toronto.

Ladies And Gentlemen: Barenaked Ladies And The Persuasions is available to pre-order on iTunes on March 10. Album and bundles featuring exclusive merchandise of Barenaked Ladies and The Persuasions will also be available worldwide through PledgeMusic. Each pre-order includes four instant-grat downloads of “The Old Apartment”, “Odds Are”, “Keepin’ It Real”, and “Don’t Shuffle Me Back”.

The video streaming app Sessions X filmed the entire session and will feature full-length performances, interviews, and behind the scenes moments. Sessions X will launch their BNL content on Wednesday, March 22.

WATCH + SHARE SESSIONS X TEASER TRAILER HERE

The seed for Ladies and Gentlemen: Barenaked Ladies & The Persuasions was planted when Kevin Hearn befriended The Persuasions at Lou Reed’s memorial held at the legendary Apollo Theatre in 2013. The friendship led to an invitation for The Persuasions to perform with BNL at Central Park Summerstage during the Barenaked Ladies 2016 Last Summer On Earth tour. Both bands had such a fun time, they all agreed to “do more” together. Before hitting the studio together, and after running through about 25 songs from the BNL catalogue, both BNL and the Persuasions’s excitement grew and the songs were narrowed down to the final 15 tracks featured on the LP.

Can We Persuade You To Get "Barenaked"?
Barenake Ladies & The Persuasions
Photo: Matt Barnes

Although The Persuasions enjoy a long, storied career, the group has admittedly never recorded an album in a room live, with the band performing the songs. Says Dave Revels, lead vocalist for The Persuasions “…with Barenaked Ladies, [their] music is passionate so I guess that’s why we identify with it…because we can feel passion so I think that’s why it was a natural union.” Says BNL drummer Tyler Stewart, “To actually play with these guys who are veterans of music making for so long… everything that comes out of their mouths is dripping with soul and you can’t help but absorb some of that when you’re in the room.” 

Considering the once-in-a-lifetime feel of a musical project between two groups who have collectively released 40 albums across their careers, Sessions X, which is an online subscription music series that features intimate performances straight from the stage or studio, was an opportunity to document the recording session, all of which was recorded over two days in October, 2016 in Toronto. Tyler Stewart described the collaboration as “Top three most fun things I’ve done” in his twenty six years of performing. Dave Revels, lead singer for The Persuasions described the collaboration as a “beautiful chemical reaction”.

Founded in 1962, The Persuasions first came together on the street corners of Brooklyn with a musical inventory deep rooted in gospel, with a major measure of soul, and a dose of pop. Featuring original members Jimmy Hayes and Jayotis Washington, along with Raymond Sanders and Dave Revels, their eclectic repertoire has drawn from country to blues to gospel to rock to jazz. The group has released 26 albums, performed in concert halls worldwide, and shared stages with such seminal artists as Lou Reed, Ray Charles, Bruce Springsteen, Richard Pryor and Frank Zappa.

Currently, Barenaked Ladies are putting the finishing touches on their 16^th studio album, Fake Nudes, expected to be released later this Fall. More information will be announced in the coming weeks.

  

Catch the Barenaked Ladies and The Persuasions (select dates only) on tour this spring.

4/21/17	Albany, NY	The Egg w/The Persuasions
4/22/17	Valley Forge, PA	Valley Forge Casino
4/25/17	Huntington, NY	Paramount Theatre w/The Persuasions
4/27/17	Ridgefield, CT	Ridgefield Playhouse
4/28/17	Englewood, NJ	Bergen PAC w/The Persuasions
4/29/17	Burlington, VT	Flynn Theatre
4/30/17	Ithaca, NY	State Theatre
5/2/17	Rocky Mount, VA	Harvester Center
5/4/17	Catoosa, OK	The Joint at the Hard Rock
5/5/17	Tunica, MS	Bluesville at Horseshoe Casino
5/10/17	Des Moines, IA	Hoyt Sherman Palace
5/12/17	Deadwood, SD	Deadwood Mountain Grand
5/13/17	Colorado Springs, CO	Pikes Peak Center
5/15/17	St.Louis, MO	Peabody Opera House
5/16/17	Waukegan, IL	Genesee Theater

http://barenakedladies.com/ | https://www.facebook.com/barenakedladies

https://twitter.com/barenakedladies | https://instagram.com/barenakedladiesmusic/

Memories: All Things Must Pass

My first job in Los Angeles was at the famed Tower Records on the Sunset Strip. I met so many celebrities there most notably the late great David Bowie. I also made a few friends along the way, hey Tammy Laub!

Established in 1960, Tower Records was once a retail powerhouse with 200 stores, in 30 countries, on five continents. From humble beginnings in a small-town drugstore, Tower Records eventually became the heart and soul of the music world, and a powerful force in the music industry. In 1999, Tower Records made an astounding $1 billion. In 2006, the company filed for bankruptcy. What went wrong? Everyone thinks they know what killed Tower Records: The Internet. But that's not the story.

Directed by Colin Hanks, and featuring music icons like Dave Grohl, Elton John and Bruce Springsteen, All Things Must Pass is a feature documentary film examining this iconic company's explosive trajectory, tragic demise, and legacy forged by its rebellious founder Russ Solomon. For seven years, Hanks took on the documentary that lamented and celebrated the Sacramento-based record store that grew from his hometown into an American retail powerhouse.

"I remember buying 'Blood Sugar Sex Magik' by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. It was the informative record for me on my musical path, which I bought at Tower Records," he said.

Variety validated the efforts of Hanks saying the film was "soundly constructed, briskly paced and, in the end, affectingly wistful." 

The DVD can be ordered now at the MVD Shop 

Bruce Springsteen Is Boss

Taking A Stand
Bruce Srpingsteen

Bruce Springsteen used to be called "The Boss," at the height of his career. Well he may no longer be "The Boss" but he still is "Boss" meaning, an excellent and outstanding person. 

He is so "Boss" he cancelled his plans to play his scheduled gigs in Greensboro, North Carolina days ahead of time. Here is the reason he gave:

"As you, my fans, know I'm scheduled to play in Greensboro, North Carolina this Sunday. As we also know, North Carolina has just passed HB2, which the media are referring to as the ‘bathroom' law. HB2—known officially as the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act—dictates which bathrooms transgender people are permitted to use. Just as important, the law also attacks the rights of LGBT citizens to sue when their human rights are violated in the workplace. No other group of North Carolinians faces such a burden."

Expanding on his initial statement he also said:  

"It's an attempt by people who cannot stand the progress our country has made in recognizing the human rights of all of our citizens to overturn that progress. Right now, there are many groups, businesses, and individuals in North Carolina working to oppose and overcome these negative developments. Taking all of this into account, I feel that this is a time for me and the band to show solidarity for those freedom fighters."

Not only did I grow up with Bruce's music, my sister Sue Waters is a huge Springsteen fan, and rightfully so. 

Born In the USA!!!

Stand Up With Bruce at: 
brucespringsteen.net/

Break Out Your "Boogie Shoes" It's 2016!

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SIRIUSXM PRESENTS "KC AND THE SUNSHINE BAND -- LIVE IN CONCERT" ON NEW YEAR'S EVE

Satellite Radio Network to Broadcast LIVE From Lincoln, California on SiriusXM's 70's on 7 (Channel 7)

"KC and The Sunshine Band's songs are more than just hits. They have become iconic songs that represent an era. They're just as well known to teens of today as teens of the mid-70s." 

-- Goldmine Magazine.
 

One of the many ways of getting down for NYE 2016!!!

KC and The Sunshine Band’s music has served as the ultimate soundtrack for parties around the world since they boogied onto the music scene over 40 years ago with electric mega-hits like “Shake, Shake, Shake (Shake Your Booty),” “That’s The Way I Like It,” and “Boogie Shoes,” lighting up dance floors. To amp up New Year’s Eve celebrations and ring in 2016, satellite radio network SiriusXM will broadcast the multi-platinum selling and GRAMMY-winning band’s full concert, LIVE from the Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, California on its 70’s on 7 channel as part of an exclusive LIVE concert series. The show will begin at 1:30 a.m. on the East Coast on Friday, January 1. The 90-minute concert broadcast of KC and The Sunshine Band will feature the band’s scheduled set list of classic hits as well as new music from their latest album, Feeling You! The 60s, which hit stores in Spring 2015. With 15 band members, choreography, multiple brass instruments, elaborate stage lighting and various special effects, a KC and The Sunshine Band show is not just a concert – it’s a production meant to get listeners up on their feet and moving to every funky groove. Having been one of the most progressive bands of the 70s, KC and The Sunshine Band celebrate over 100 million albums sold, nine GRAMMY nominations, three GRAMMY Awards, and has been credited with changing the sound of pop music. Harry Wayne "KC" Casey Photo: Larry Marano Fronted by Miami-born Founder of the Dance Revolution, Harry Wayne “KC” Casey, the band’s music still remains popular today, appearing in over 200 movies, films and commercials and on party playlists around the world. KC and The Sunshine Band joins SiriusXM’s New Year’s Eve LIVE concert series line-up of A-list artists like Willie Nelson, Greg Allman, Jimmy Buffett, Widespread Panic, among others. The network’s holiday programming will also include its year-end countdown specials across fourteen music channels, classic New Year’s Eve concert broadcasts like Bruce Springsteen at the Tower Theater in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania in 1975 on E Street Radio and Elvis Presley at the Civic Center Arena in Pittsburgh in 1976s on Elvis Radio, and much more. KC and The Sunshine Band – LIVE in Concert on SiriusXM will be rebroadcasted on Jan. 1 at Noon and 6 p.m. ET, Jan. 2 at 9 p.m. ET and available On Demand. For more information and full broadcast listings, visit www.siriusxm.com. For more information on KC and The Sunshine Band, please visit www.heykcsb.com. # # #

"Light Of Day" Turns "Sweet 16" Today

LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2016 SEASON OFFICIALLY STARTS TODAY

WITH SIRIUS/E STREET RADIO SPECIAL, AND CANADA TOUR KICKOFF

WILLIE NILE, JOE D’URSO TO GUEST DJ ON SIRIUS FOR ENTIRE HOUR

AS 16^th SEASON OF GLOBAL BATTLE VS. PARKINSON’S DISEASE

‘THROUGH THE AWESOME POWER OF MUSIC’ BEGINS

The Light of Day turns "Sweet 16" today, join them in the battle against Parkinson's. 

LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2016 season officially kicks off today with a special one-hour block of programming on Sirius XM’s E Street Radio (Channel 20), and further north, the launch of Light of Day Canada. It’s the start of this year’s campaign to raise money and awareness for Parkinson’s disease and related neuro-degenerative diseases through “the awesome power of music.”

Willie Nile and Joe D’Urso, both of whom have been performing at LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST since its launch 16 years ago, will be guest DJs today at 4 p.m. for the full hour on E Street Radio. They’ll be playing songs from artists playing this fall in Canada and Europe – including themselves – as well as those scheduled to participate in LIGHT OF WINTERFEST 2016, such as Ed Manion, The Hooters, Joe Grushecky, JesseMalin, Jake Clemons, and Bruce Springsteen. Springsteen is a long-time supporter of the Light of Day Foundation, most visible through his annual WinterFest performances 11 of the last 15 years.

LIGHT OF DAY ON E STREET RADIO premieres TODAY (Friday 11/6) at 4 pm ET. Rebroadcasts are scheduled for Saturday 11/7 at 12am ET; Saturday 11/7 at 8am ET; Monday 11/9 at 4pm ET; Tuesday 11/10 at 12am ET, and Tuesday 11/10 at 8am ET.

Meantime, LIGHT OF DAY CANADA gets started today with a five-show, four-day schedule, and artists including Blue Rodeo, Miss Emily with Rob Baker and Gord Sinclair of The Tragically Hip, Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers with Eddie Manionof the E Street Horns, Joe D'Urso and Stone Caravan, Jason Heath & The Greedy Souls and Bobby Mahoney.

Light of Day Canada Schedule 2015/2016

November 6 - St. Catherine, Ontario, Canada

November 7 - Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada (day)

November 7 – Toronto, Canada

November 8 - Toronto, Canada

November 14 - Kingston, Canada

Just Around The Corner...
Photo: Jeff Ross

In other Light of Day WinterFest 2016 news …

·        Expect several show announcements throughout November, as Light of Day adds more diversity and performance options than ever before, making 2016 the biggestWinterFest ever.

·        Up next and new this year is Light of Day Westchester, being held Nov. 15 at theEmelin Theatre in Mamaroneck, NY. It’s an evening of rock ‘n’ roll that includes many popular regional performers from Westchester and Rockland counties and is hosted by Board Vice President Joe D’Urso and his band, Stone Caravan, and Larchmont favorites Sway.

·        Also this month is the launch of Light of Day’s10^th anniversary European tour — an 18-day, 16-show holiday run in 10 countries (Nov. 27-Dec. 14), including five shows throughout Italy. Artists on board include Vini "Mad Dog" Lopez, Rob Dye, and EricBazilian (The Hooters). Stay tuned for further details!

Tickets for all LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2016 events, with the exception of Bob’s Birthday Bash, are on sale NOW for the Asbury Park portion of LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2016, where the bulk of the action will occur, being held Jan. 8-18, 2016 at such fabled rock venues as the Paramount Theater, the Stone Pony, and the Wonder Bar, among others. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com), Ticketmaster charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000, and all Ticketmaster outlets. A wide variety of combination ticket packages – as well as single tickets to each show – will be available.

Concert goers can purchase tickets for individual shows, on an a la carte basis. Tickets range from Free to $45. There will be approximately 50 events just in Asbury Park alone. Beyond Asbury Park, shows will be held in New York City (Jan. 13 @ The Cutting Room), North Jersey (Jan. 9 in Montclair), and, for the first time, Philadelphia (Jan. 8 @ World Café Live). They are the culmination of a worldwide series of shows that began as a one-day event in Asbury Park and grew to 10-day festival in the New Jersey/New York/Philadelphia metropolitan area.

Ticket prices DO NOT include any fees and/or service/convenience charges.

Admission to all Light of Day Asbury Park events is subject to capacity restrictions at their respective venues.

Individual event ticket prices:

Friday, JAN 8

LOD “Philadelphia,” The World Cafe, Upstairs, Philadelphia, Pa., Fri,. Jan. 8, 7pm, $TBA

Saturday, JAN 9

LOD “NORTH JERSEY” Outpost in the Burbs, Montclair, NJ, Sat, Jan. 10, 7pm, $TBA

Sunday, JAN 10

LOD "COVER ME: BEST OF THE JERSEY BAR BANDS", Stone Pony, Sun, Jan. 11, All Ages, 1pm, $20adv/$25dos

Monday, JAN 11

LOD “HAPPY MONDAYS”, Wonder Bar, Mon., 21+, $TBA

Tuesday, Jan 12

LOD’s “LAUGHSTOCK”, The Stress Factory, New Brunswick, NJ; NY Comedy Club, NY, NY, Tues., $TBA

Wednesday, JAN 13

LOD "NYC", The Cutting Room, Weds., Jan 14, 18+, 7pm, $75 VIP Reserved Seating, $45 GA Reserved Seating, $25 GA Standing

Thursday, JAN 14

LOD "FIRST NOTE", The Saint, Thurs.,18+, 6:30pm, $8adv/$12dos

LOD "SANDY MACK's WONDER JAM", Wonder Bar, Thurs.,21+, 7pm, $10

LOD “SWEET LITTLE’ SIXTEEN KICK OFF", House Of Independents, Thurs.,18+, 7pm, $20adv/$25dos (All performers have to do a Chuck Berry tune!)

LOD “MONMOUTH UNIVERSITY’S BLUE HAWK RECORDS PRESENTS”, Langosta Lounge, Thurs., All-Ages, 7pm, FREE ADMISSION

Friday, JAN 15

LOD "ASBURY ANGELS INDUCTION", Stone Pony, Fri., All Ages, 6:30pm, $25adv/$30dos

LOD “REMEMBER JONES: THE BACK TO BLACK/AMY WINEHOUSE", House Of Independents, Fri.,18+, 7pm, $20adv/$25dos

LOD "ROCK HEAVY", The Saint, Fri,18+, 8pm, $8adv/$12dos

LOD "OPEN MIC", Wonder Bar, Fri., 21+, 6pm, $12

LOD “NEIL BERG’S 100 YEARS OF BROADWAY", McLoone’s Supper Club, Fri., All Ages, Doors/Dinner 6pm/ Show 8pm, $TBA

LOD "LATE NIGHT FRIDAY" Langosta Lounge, l, Friday, 21+, 9pm, FREE ADMISSION

LOD "TBA” Paramount Theater, Fri., All Ages, 8pm, $TBA

Saturday, JAN 16

LOD "BOB'S BIRTHDAY BASH," Paramount Theater, Sat, All Ages, 6pm, SOLD OUT.

LOD "ROCK",The Saint, Sat., 18+, 7:30pm, $8adv/ $12dos

LOD "ED MANION", McLoone’s Supper Club, Sat., All Ages, Noon, $15

LOD “TBA”,McLoone’s Supper Club, Sat. 1/17, 18+, 7pm, $TBA

LOD "LATE NIGHT SATURDAY", Langosta Lounge, Sat., Jan. 17, 21+, 10pm, FREE ADMISSION

LOD "TBA", House Of Independents, Sat., 18+, 8pm, $TBA

LOD "ASBURY BLUES", Wonder Bar, Sat., All Ages, Noon, $12/$15

LOD "SURFER’S GARAGE", Wonder Bar, Sat., 21+, 7pm, $12/$15

LOD “DOWNTOWN – ASBURY UNDERGROUND," curated by Pat Schiavino and Asbury Underground. Noon – 7PM Over 20 venues! FREE ADMISSION

Sunday, JAN 17

LOD "SONGWRITERS BY THE SEA BOARDWALK CRAWL", Watermark, Sun., All Ages, Noon, $15

LOD "SONGWRITERS BY THE SEA BOARDWALK CRAWL", Langosta Lounge, Sun., All Ages, 3pm, $15

LOD "SONGWRITERS BY THE SEA BOARDWALK CRAWL", McLoone’s Supper Club, Sun., All Ages, 6pm, $20

LOD "KID'S ROCK", Stone Pony, Sun., All Ages, Noon, $15

LOD "MUSICIANS ON A MISSION", The Saint, Sun., 18+, Noon, $10

LOD "LAST NOTE", The Saint, Sun., 18+, 7:30pm, $8adv/$12dos

Monday, JAN 18

LOD "GOODBYE BRUNCH," Toast, Mon., All Ages, 10:30a-1:30p.

"Hip & Accessible" Far In The Maples

Far in the Maples
Regina Conroy & Reshy P.

Turning the celebrated, swingin’ sound of the Jersey Shore inside out, “poetic pop” duo Far In The Maples is poised to cast a new seaside musical legacy built upon the nuances of internal emotion with unexpected soundscapes, unforgettable melodies and the sweetly understated vocals. 

They recently released their album Skywork that showcases song-oriented music that’s both honest and contemporary with a classic timelessness, from an infectious new band driven by songbird Regina Conroy and multi-instrumentalist Reshy P.

Regina Conroy is here to tell us all about it, take it away Regina!

MS: Hey Regina nice to meet you, your musical style is so sophisticated. How did coming from the Jersey Shore influence it?

RC: Living at the Jersey Shore? I grew up around music all the time with my family. my Dad was a musician and so was my older brother. So when I was younger my Dad and my brother would play shows, or we would go to concerts, there was always stuff happening on the boardwalk, all these local shows that I would get to go to. I've loved to sing since I was five years old, anything that was playing in our kitchen when my Dad would turn on the radio...of course growing up on the Jersey Shore people are like: "Ohhhhh, you know Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi?" It's like, yes of course I've seen them both at stores and places like that. Maybe their music influenced me subconsciously, but I'm not a die hard fan because they live twenty minutes away from me. (laughs)

MS: To me your music, lyrically has a Bob Dylan vibe.

RC: My Mom is obsessed with Bob Dylan we always had his CD's in the car, I love him. Writing poetry is a passion of mine, I took a poetry class as an after school type thing. My poetry instructor told my Mom at the time: "Wow, she's really good for her age." 

MS: How old were you?

RC: I was eight when I started writing poetry. As I got older I used my poetry as a means to write lyrics. When I was fifteen I got my first guitar so I started teaching myself and molding all of the scales together and started writing music. 

MS: You really started from a young age.

RC: Definitely, I really did a lot of self teaching. I listened to all different types of music, would read the lyric books that came with all of the CD's. My influence was anything I could get my hands on. Some people go to school to learn to perform music or how to play it...for me it was just having it all around me all those years and picking up on all of the different influences. 

MS: You and your band mate Reshy P. really know how to blend them well.

RC: It interesting, we both have different musical influences but we are able to find that balance of a little bit of mine, a little bit of his and make it into our own. 

MS: The fact that you guys do pop music, yet are still artistic is great, a lot of people have lost a sense of that.

RC: I know, I know, it's hard to put a name on it, boil it down when people ask us: "Who do you think you guys sound like?" I don't know.There's lots of pop on the radio, but most of it is repetitive and one line. It's very dance kind of stuff, ours is a little more poetic. It's still pop, but there is a lot to be said and thought about in it.

Regina & Reshy

MS: So do you always write the lyrics and Reshy always writes it to music?

RC: For the most part. We started writing together in November of 2013. Basically the first time that we met I brought everything I had as far as things that I was working on lyrically and musically, and some were just lyrics. So we kind of worked from some of my little pieces that I had worked on before meeting Reshy and brought them to music. Basically I bring the lyrics and we work on them together but mostly it's ninety percent my words.

MS: What inspires your poetry?

RC: To inspire myself I put myself in a different place. Go somewhere, tap into how I feel in the moment. Most of it has been putting myself outside my comfort zone for inspiration. Much of what I write about is relationships. But I think the focus of that is writing about the journey of finding yourself. It's very reflective and very personal. 

MS: You guys took the band name Far in the Maples from a Robert Frost poem. What is it you like about his work?

RC: I really haven't read a ton of poetry myself. I just kind of read stuff here and there, or people will show me something, and I'll say: "Hey I really like this!" Reshy actually showed me that poem and it stuck with us. The visualization of far in the maples...it's a beautiful poem. I'm not particularly a Robert Frost fan, but I'm not, not a fan either. (laughs) 

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