Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Nicky C and the RSB, "Much Obliged" Album Review

Band: Nicky C and the RSB
Album: Much Obliged
Release Date: 8/2/2014 

Nick Collins: Lead Vocals and Bass
Josh Stansfield: Guitar and Backing Vocals
Justin Ehrlich: Drums


Track Listing:
1. Believe
2. Pelvis of Elvis
3. 4th Of July
5. Swing High (Ft. Austin Litz on Saxophone)
6. Fishies
8. A Good Heart
9. Much Obliged



            Right off the bat Nicky C and the RSB set down the album's theme and drew me in.  The first song “Believe” begins with a bittersweet tone and  explores melancholy of love lost.  The song builds to an uplifting balance with the hopes of overcoming suffering and moving on with confidence.  These themes are revisited and investigated throughout the album.

            From its forthright beginning, the album goes through quite a few stylistic choices. At times it sounds like the band’s playing honky-tonk bar music, others jam-band style noodling, reaching the edges of punk and certainly "contemporary alternative".  It’s an impressive range, and all reflecting the overall journey of the lyrical narrative, with the message and energy of the music in sync.

            "Much Obliged" covers a lot of ground musically, but it also tells a solid story.  Embedded in their catchy refrains and screaming guitar leads are little gems of the band’s philosophy.   I feel a little like I know the musicians now, from this tale of the singer finding his way out of one relationship and lining up for another.

            The band is clearly not afraid to throw down how they feel.  Many of the songs have a message of being true to one's self and finding beauty without compromise.  The idea is thrown around that being in a band is a good way to find a woman, but perhaps not the one you’re really looking for. It seems to me that by the end of the album the singer comes to terms with the idea that the magic of music is amplified if the song, and the motivation, line up with  pure intentions from the players. 
          
            In the title song, “Much Obliged,” the band starts out with a strong wild west sounding rhythm then morphs into jammy set of solos.  The words of the song seem to be a “thanks” to all that have taken this musical journey with them.  This device made me think of the early Rolling Stones and Beatles in how the band is working within the framework of a love story to connect with their audience.  These guys aren’t really trying to hold hands; they are a lot more direct about it. So, thanks guys for sharing this slice of your hearts and experience with us!  All I can really say is “Good luck, and keep going!"

-Sethro



Do not miss the Dual Album Release Party THIS Saturday (August 2nd) at Jammin Java with Nicky C and the RSB and Moogatu, presented by Heady Entertainment! And of course, don't miss Nicky C's set at #pinkmoon6!!!



Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Heady Entertainment Show Preview: Moogatu and Nicky C and the RSB Dual Album Release Party 8.2.14

Moogatu w/ Ron Holloway and 



#PinkMoon6 bands Moogatu and Nicky C and the RSB will each be celebrating the release of their debut albums, Meat and Much Obliged, with a Dual Album Release Party, Saturday August 2nd at 10 p.m., at Jammin Java, 227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180.   Special Guest appearance by Washington D.C. local and saxophone legend, Ron Holloway.

Fans, music lovers, artists, musicians, media and industry professionals are welcome.

Tickets are available online for $10 through Jammin Java's website - CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Hard copy tickets are also available through either band or through your local Heady Entertainment agent.

We'll be featuring album reviews of both "Meat" and "Much Obliged" later this week and next!! Stay tuned!!







Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Masquerade! Paper Faces on Parade! Happy Birthday Mel-Rod!


           A few months ago my dear friend, Melissa Penrod, asked me if she could have some music and friends up on the mountain for her 30th birthday in July.  I’m always thrilled to have any kind of celebration up here, especially when it involves friends!  The wheel went into spin and a galaxy of old friends and good people organized this very special get down! It was everything I’d hoped for. I was very happy to see so many of the people that I’ve known in the region come out for a good old fashioned farm party- just like we used to have when I first moved down here full time, from New York.
            
Mel Rod came early to set up the Shangri-la Village as the VIP and hospitality center of the party.  As the guest began to arrive Saturday, the party began to resemble more of a festival.  Soon there was pizza being served by the Meatball Mafia by the Farmhouse Stage and production was nearing completion. Sound and lights were provided by Tony Espelage, who helped us run production at Pink Moon 2!  Music started well before evening.  Being in the dead center of a very busy season, I hadn’t fully realized what was about to unfold.

            Music began with old friends Adam Beason playing guitar and Amanda Glover fiddling along for a staggeringly appropriate old timey set.  Then SHAPOW, a band with a number of our old friends from “Hi Street” that totally lived up to its name.  After SHAPOW, the event really began to take form.  People had comfortably filled in the fields around the Farmhouse Stage as well as the Shangri-la Village. 

 Playing to a beautiful summer sunset, the KIND ushered in a magical evening.  Covering a number of Grateful Dead staples including “Jack Straw”, and “I Know You Rider” (fun fact: the KIND is the ONLY band allowed to play "I Know You Rider" at Pinky's Farm). By overwhelming audience demand, the band played two encores, with Wendy Godley ending their set solo with a really nice “Mountains of the Moon”.  I can only hope we get such a powerful and appreciated set again when the KIND plays the farm again for Pink Moon 6 in September.
           
As the night continued, we got a great show from our old friends Half Moon.  As appropriate as the guitar and fiddle were as openers, Half Moon delivered the perfect mix of reggae, folk, and party music to move the night in the right direction.  People danced around the fire, spun their hoops, and carried on as Electric Soul Pandemic (ESP) took the stage and melted the dancing party people.  Again, I only hope to get such a performance from this band for Pink Moon in a couple of months.




The night wrapped up with a great deal of laughing.  It was an evening of reunions, trading stories, catching up, seeing great music, and foremost a celebration of our dear friend’s landmark birthday.  Well, Happy Birthday Mel-Rod!  I hope that throw down was everything you hoped it would be!  Keep your chin up, even if it is all down hill from here, at least life gets a little more straight forward once you’ve cleared your twenties.  Birthday wishes for many many more!

-Sethro




Friday, July 11, 2014

Pinky's Farm Independence Day Party Review July 5, 2014




  The event started like almost every other work weekend we've had up here.  Friends began to trickle in Friday evening, bringing with them a buzz of excitement for the coming activities.  We've had a very busy season, throwing down festival puppet shows and promoting like it's our job... fortunately it is.  This weekend, though, was very different than the regular weekend grind.  I definitely enjoy our routine of late, but it can get very exhausting.  There is also a certain paradox about having our busy season fall in the productive and growing season on the farm.  Most summers we're scrambling about this time to make the farm presentable for the upcoming crescendo of Pink Moon.  This year seems to be going smoother than most on that front.  Our touring show has ironed itself out quite a bit as well, but the work weekends have really sculpted this place into a welcoming venue for Pink Moon as well as a number of other noteworthy events (including Masquerade tomorrow, and The Get Down in August).  Not the least of which was this Fourth of July work weekend.


   People milled about all Saturday.  Mitch Kordella, from Toxic Moxie, grabbed a crew of people and streamlined the electric to the Shangri-la village and revitalized the arrangement that had been in disrepair for decades.  Our goat "Walter Dwight" (aka Heisengoat) made regular appearances all weekend.  Eating many thing he shouldn't and going pretty much wherever he wanted; Walter was one of the team, playing with dogs and being weird, yet friendly with everyone around. 


Anyway, seeing the lights on in Grandpa's little buildings brought a tear to my eye. Thank you so much Mitch, for bringing the light to Shangri La!  Other highlights of the Work Weekend included path clearing, a crazy amount of mowing and weed whacking, harvesting and installing ancient split rails along the house fence, sign painting, goat wrangling, and general cleanup.  It was really productive and really touching to me to see all of this gets done.   If I were to dedicate my undivided attention to all of these projects, it would be  months of work.  There's no way Jess and I could possibly keep up with all the needs of the farm, so it is very touching to have our wonderful community come together and take ownership of the hallowed ground that we share here. 
   Then came the evening.  Before it got dark we grilled a pile of hamburgers and hotdogs, shared watermelon and beers, and generally had a good time recovering from the day and getting revved up for the evenings bangin' lineup of musical talent.  The atmosphere was electric as Brian Moss (assisted by Christian Kenney) set up projection screens on the back of the stage and around the venue.  Loco Pickle Productions set up an elaborate lighting rig and got all of the sound in order.  The music started with an unplanned solo acoustic performance by Reed Yearwood.  His set was strong and set a good vibe for the rest of the evening.  As the sun began to set we were serenaded with great sets from Mixing Numbers WithSound (from Bedford, PA) and Interstellar Soul (from MD). Everyone was put back at the talent presented from each act.  
 In between the sets, I made my way to the highest peak near the venue.  My plan was to bring a small group up to the best sunset lookout near the venue. As we made our way up the hill we were surprised to see a very colorful camp already established in the spot.  They were playing and singing with guitar, mandolin, saxophone, hand drum, and harmonies.  There was even some free-styling (by Ricky Nappi) that carried the groove and everyone got down singing along and chuckling to themselves about how wonderful the scene was and how gloriously the sunset exploded for us. It was truly magical!

Now that it was getting dark, the light and video elements on the stage really brought out the "wow" factor in each of the performances.  While our audience built, liquid light art moved along the tree line and behind the stage.  A number of artists rotated through the evening making for cool new moods guiding the eager onlookers as they danced the night away.  Galaxy Dynamite! had another stellar show that peaked with an Independence Day firework display which really made the evening pop (literally and figuratively).  Next up was Invisible Landscapes, which kept the vibe high even as the temperature dropped, and many retreated to the heart-shaped fire circle near the stage.

  Toxic Moxie was the next band to play.  Having already helped us tremendously with preparing the venue and with Radio Rubber Room doing a wonderful job of video documenting the event, we were treated to a phenomenal show.  Everyone was excited to hear the band as they recently were added to the Pink Moon lineup. Their show was nothing short of tremendous.  Playful and raw, the band bounced with glow-sticks seemingly floating on clouds as the fog machine consumed them fully. As the smoke cleared the band could be seen bouncing around and having an incredible time!  I know I was! Their stage presence was unbelievable, and their style (which is admittedly different from what we usually book) was mind blowing!!



   Finally, nearing sunrise, The Southern Belles took the stage.  Strong set is an understatement.  Pink Floyd covers from Live at Pompeii (Animals and Dark Side of the Moon), made me feel like the aliens were about to land.  The set continued with a great slew of originals and Hendrix's "Manic Depression", making my heart soar and squeezing every last ounce of energy dancing the very last of the night away.

  After the music stopped I had the pleasure of catching a little impromptu after party with the Galaxy Dynamite! guys.  After a special nightcap or two I decided I couldn't keep up with these young guys anymore... 7am and time for bed.  It was a fantastic event, full of excitement and unexpected surprises.  We accomplished a lot in the work weekend, and had a throw down that was worthy of Rock Camp's celebration of Independence Day.  With the help of our work weekend volunteers, Pinky's Farm looks AMAZING for Masquerade tomorrow!   



Looking forward to seeing a bunch of you again this weekend!  And I must take just one last second to thank everyone who threw down and brought the love for our one-of-a-kind Independence Day Rager!

-Sethro



Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Masquerade on Pinky's Farm (July 12th) Preview

Rock Camp Productions is thrilled to be hosting Mel Rod's Masquerade Birthday Party on Pinky's Farm this weekend with the legendary Puff T. Magic-Dragon, Siddhartha Glo, and our Dancing Bears! We will also have Puff T. hat pins and patches available for sale, designed by Crazyredbeard!

Here's some more information from the Masquerade Official Event Page:

Masquerade Party for Mel Rod's Birthday at Pinky's Farm, home of the Pink Moon Festival! Come one come all to this FREE event and let's get weird! Primitive camping on site, please bring anything you will need for the one day/night event. Donations will be *gratefully* accepted at the gate to help offset costs of the event. Invite your friends!



Musical Guests (** denotes Pink Moon 6 act):

Adam and Amanda

SHAPOW

the KIND**

Half Moon

Electric Soul Pandemic**

Dj RahBee**


Pinky's Farm Rules:
-NO ATVS or unauthorized motorized vehicles. NO EXCEPTIONS!! (Pinky died in an ATV accident, please be respectful)
-No Camping on Graveyard Hill (per request of the land owners and family)
-Absolutely NO UNLEASHED pets. NO exceptions. (1 warning, then you will be asked to leave the festival grounds).
-Curb your pets
-No unauthorized vending.
-No illegal substances or paraphernalia 
-NO GLASS.
-NO GAS.
-NO BATH SALTS.
-Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.
-No unauthorized open flames. No fireworks. No exceptions.
-No Violence/Weapons
-Be safe and respectful of the land and others at all times. 
-Have fun!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

PLEASE CHECK OUT THIS MAP OF PINKY'S FARM!!

https://mapsengine.google.com/map/viewer?mid=zdC2XoW-x3Gw.kDBgIlPzmSvs

**PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE GPS TO GET ALL THE WAY TO PINKY'S FARM!! USE THE MAP ABOVE!!**



Good luck!! 

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Pasture Palooza Music & Arts Festival Preview (July 10-13th)



Rock Camp Productions is thrilled to be heading to Berryville, VA for Pasture Palooza Music & Arts Festival this weekend with the legendary Puff T. Magic-Dragon and our Dancing Bears! We will also have Puff T. hat pins and patches available for sale, designed by Crazyredbeard!

Here's some more information from the Pasture Palooza Official Event Page:

$40 3-Day/$50 4-Day
www.showclix.com/event/pasturepalooza
18 and up only!

The Lot Presents
Pasture Palooza Music and Arts Festival 
July 10-13, 2014
Berryville, VA



Line-Up (**denotes a Pink Moon6 act):
Toubab Krewe
Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad
Hackensaw Boys
Ultraviolet Hippopotamus
Tauk**
People's Blues of Richmond**
Mama's Love
Arpetrio**
Aqueous
Former Champions**
Moogatu**
Aliver Hall**
Galaxy Dynamite!**
The Southern Belles RVA**
Matt Jones and the Bobs**
The Green Boys
Stomp Status**
Riley Kerns & the Reckless
Major And The Monbacks
Celtic Panda**
Boogieburg
Threesound**
KO & Company
The Good Funk**
More to be announced... Stay tuned!

Featured Artists:
Bryan Bailey: Cloudybutclear: Art by Bryan Bailey**
Daniel Rioux: Chillin' Times
Ashton Hill: Kettle Head Art**
Accepting applicants! Please contact us.

Merchandise Vendors:
Happiness OVER Everything**
Glass Flo Art**
The Average Booduh**
Jada Bean Art
Geo-Dudes
Lamour's
Peace Post Camping Store
Regenesis Designs
Spinspiration
Easy Wind Family Creations**
SS Vape
Lunaguila Creations
Charm City Charms
2 of 15 remaining. Contact us for a vending slot...

Food Vendors:
Coming soon...

Beverage Vendors:
Norton's Italian Ice**
The Loving Cup

Contact: pasturepalooza@gmail.com

Pasture Palooza Music & Arts Festival is an annual weekend festival and camp out held in beautiful Berryville, Virginia. Our fifth year is going to be bigger and better than ever before. Come out for a weekend of live music, art, camping, eating, and good times. The main focus of our efforts is to make sure each and every visitor has a wonderful and unforgettable experience. Come out for a weekend; we promise you'll have the time of your life!

Spread the word about the one and only Pasture Palooza!!! The dedicated fans are the backbone of any homegrown festival.



<<<Basic Info>>>
18+ unless accompanied by a parent
Kids 12 and under get in free
Camping all weekend long
Food and craft vendors on site
"The No List"
- No dogs
- No glass
- No ATVs/dirt bikes
- No fires
- No fireworks
- No illegal substances
- No underage drinking
- No weapons
- No unauthorized vending
- No RVs

Gates open Thursday, July 10th at 12PM
Three stages with no overlapping sets

Can't wait to see everyone out there!

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