Off The Record with Jeff Hahne

Deirdre Kroener-Grown Up Avenger Stuff

The 3rd Wednesday of every month Charlotte’s Creative Loafing music editor, Jeff Hahne, hosts an Off The Record session at the Evening Muse with one or two local artists.  The sessions are entertaining, informal, and feature a little inquisitive prodding interspersed among the several acoustic songs in this intimate setting.

During last night’s “Off The Record” Local Traumatic were in a chatty mood while Grown Up Avenger Stuff struggled to comprehend how anyone could answer the questions around the creative process used by an artist – it’s either about how love should be, or it isn’t.

The conversations were polar – as were the musical styles.

Continue reading here for the rest of the story and photos..

Cheers,

Monty

Mando Saenz and Kim Richey - Oct 2nd 2010

Mando Saenz and Kim Richey are doing a fall tour together and Charlotte was lucky enough to be one of the stops.  Mando opened the early show with an acoustic set consisting of old and new tunes.  He was joined by Kim for a couple of songs as well. 

Images of Mando's performance here.

After a very short break Kim took the stage along with Dan Mitchell on keyboards and Neilson Hubbard on percussions and bass. Kim's newest album "Wreck Your Wheels" was featured along with several of her more recognizable songs, including Circus Song, Chinese Boxes and Straight As The Crow Flies.

Images of Kim's performance here.

A truly memorable night of music at the Evening Muse with a two-time Grammy nominee taking the stage.


Cheers,

Monty

Recap - September 2010 Tosco House Party @ the Evening Muse

This months Tosco House Party held at the Evening Muse continues to reflect the fun atmosphere that has become a tradition. Promptly at 8 the musicians as well as others in attendance formed a circle so the sing-a-long could commence. It's a great way to break the ice as well as to warm up a bit before the performances begin. Tonight's warm-up songs included:

"Takin' it Easy" - Doobie Brothers; Introductions of the folks in the room; "Revolution" - Beatles; "Treat Your Children" - CSNY; "Southern Cross" - CSNY; "Ring Of Fire" - J. Cash; "Folsom Prison" - J. Cash; "Ain't That America" - John Cougar; "American Pie" - Don McLean; "The Boxer" - Simon and Garfunkel; "Rocky Top"- Nitty Gritty Dirt Band; "Country Roads" - John Denver.

A seldom discussed but very important benefit of these Music Party's results from the $2 cover that everyone in attendance must pay. The $2 goes into a traveling musicians fund which helps musicians who play at the Evening Muse on a slow night by perhaps providing gas money to get them to their next gig. It helps and all goes to traveling musicians! As usual with John - it's all about the musicians.

Sara Scott accompanied by band-mate and sister Katie Scott performed a wonderful new song which is part of a batch of new material she's been writing to include on her new album scheduled for release next spring. Sarah will be at the Muse this Friday night at 8 PM as she leads off the Gallery Crawl performances. Catch her hour long set and pick up a copy of some acoustic work she'll be handing out!

Bryan Cahall is from Greensboro - He shared a Storytelling song which was rich with very creative lyrics of meaning within meaning and delivered it with heart and an upbeat tempo. Titled "Battleground USA" it's about finding habitable spaces. While its aweful hard to pick a favorite song when choosing from the talented performers attending a Tosco House Party, this was an easy choice. This song stood out!!

Brett Greer - A very nice country tune written for Brett by his father. Brett plays a really nice guitar and has a voice that is well suited to ballads and country songs. His was a different sound that was very welcomed at the House Party.

Read on here for the rest of the story and photos...

Cheers,

Monty

Last November rocked NoDa Saturday night

Within 100 yards of each other there was some really smokin' rock'n roll going on. Over at the Neighborhood Theatre the ThermaTones were celebrating Odell Stamey's 75th birthday with a two set concert and Last November showed off some really good new material at the Evening Muse's late show.

Over at the Evening Muse Luke Pilgram, Tyler Ayers & Taylor Woodruff of the Atlanta based group Last November shared some truly fantastic new material they have been working on. Traditionally leaning towards a harder rock vibe, the guys brought out a softer side of themselves with articulate vocals in a progressive country flare. Mind you - it's not your dads country music and progressive might not be a strong enough hint of the rock and roll nature that is Last November, but the lyrics weren't simply a string of words that made good prose. The lyrics told a story - made sense - and provided a connection with the young audience in attendance. Good to see these guys stretching themselves! They're headed to Wisconsin next to perform at the Taste of Madison Festival. Check out their MySpace page to hear their music and look for performance dates near you!

Read on for the rest of the story and images..

Cheers,

Monty

Stereofidelics continue rocking Charlotte with a great live set and a new CD

After my traditional summer vacation and resulting hiatus from Charlotte's music scene, my choice for first show to see as the new school year sets in was Stereofidelics performing at the Evening Muse Friday night. Chris Padgett and Melissa McGinley have added several songs to their set since releasing their newest CD titled "You Are Having A Wonderful Time". The group released this new CD 18 months after their debut CD titled "Only Sleeping" - an equally impressive work.

Like their debut CD, "You Are Having A Wonderful Time" was written, performed and produced by the Stereofidelics. This live-in-studio recording reflects the intense energy and instrumental talent possessed by both Chris and Melissa. The energetic musical style and individuality of each song which sets them apart from other bands was on display at the Evening Muse last night as well. Each song is unique and fresh with intense complexity that dazzles the ear!

Read on here for the rest of the story.....

Cheers,

Monty

Fully Alive - The Maddie Shuler CD release at the Evening Muse - March 21, 2010

On the backside of the "Fully Alive" CD case is a quote from the internationally recognized percussionist Jim Brock, who is also the producer of the CD, which reads: "Maddie has this raw spirit in her music that hasn't had time to be jaded or molded. The spirit of this 14 year old is what all music should possess, no matter the genre".

This raw spirit was on full display Sunday evening at Maddie Shuler’s "Fully Alive" CD release party - truly a celebration of her music and the accomplishment of putting her writing to a medium which can be shared with all whom choose to listen. A standing room only audience gathered at the Evening Muse to witness Maddie perform a set consisting of the entire CD, supported by a full band consisting of Robert Austell (keyboards), Dustin Hofsess (lead guitar), Stacey Leazer (bass), and Jim Brock (percussions).

Read on here for the rest of the story, set list and photos..

Cheers,

Monty

Charlotte Parrot and Not A Sparrow performed the early show at the Evening Muse March 20th, 2010

17 Year old local high school student Charlotte Parrot opened for the group Not A Sparrow at the Evening Muse Saturday night, performing a hour long set covering 10 of her original songs as well as one cover. The Evening Muse was almost at capacity as fully half the audience comprised of peers and family of Charlotte's as they came to support and hear her in one of her largest and best performances of the year. Charlotte Parrot is becoming a recognized acoustic singer-songwriter who's songs resonate with a pop sound and writing telling the stories from the innocent paradigm of a well loved and nutured teenager.

The featured artists for the early show Saturday night were the three piece group named "Not A Sparrow". They are made up of Philip Hamrick (Vocals, guitar, humor, & keyboards), Rachel Hamrick (vocals), and Christina Swinger (violin). This trio produces beautiful musical melodies and vocal harmony in songs of love and life which are very pleasing to the ear.

Not A Sparrow has recently released a self-titled CD featuring 8 new songs of faith, forgiveness and even narcolepsy. Choosing to record the entire project in the Hamrick's home in the countryside 30 miles north of Charlotte, North Carolina, the band has produced an organic new sound that mixes pop with folk and bluegrass with classical. You can hear many of the songs on their MySpace page here.

Read on here for the rest of the story, photo's and set lists..

Cheers,

Monty

Paul Atkinson & Friends @ the Evening Muse

Since Sept 2009 local singer-songwriter Paul Atkinson has been hosting a songwriters "show" at the Evening Muse on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. The format is simple - a special guest does an opening set followed by a set from Paul. It gives each an opportunity to test out new material and/or reminisce through an old favorite.

For audience members the show has additional depth. Not only do we get to enjoy the music of some very talented local artists, but we also get to expand our friendships through the fellowship that comes from an evening of music within an intimate setting like the Evening Muse. It's also time friendly as the show starts at 8PM and is completed by 10PM. Home in time to watch the news and get plenty of sleep for the business day that follows!

Last night was just like that. Simply fun - pure and honest - as well as a time to meet new friends and spend time with old ones whom you don't see on a regular basis. Nothing like face to face interaction over a cold beer while great music is in the air. Songwriter Julia Dixon and son Chad Dixon were in attendance along with a few of Paul's friends and family. It's warm, it's relaxing, it's informal - it's fun!

Paul's special guest tonight was none other than Jeff Luckadoo - a local singer-songwriter who most recently was recognized as the Best Country Music artist by the Charlotte Music Awards organization in Nov '09. Jeff shared some older tunes as well as newer material. Through his set there were times when you wanted to cry, times when you wanted to revenge a wrong, and other times when the cold beer in your hand was all you needed.

Read on here for the rest of the story and photographs of the performances..

Cheers,

Monty

TMP alternative held at the Evening Muse Sat evening - Jan 30th 2010

Saturday nights Tosco Music Party (TMP) was canceled by its CPCC host due to very inclement Charlotte weather and Icy roads in the area. Taking advantage of what seemed a poor situation, several of the artists who had traveled to town and were scheduled to perform at the TMP got together with other folks close to the TMP event and came up with a win-win solution. They put on an alternate show at the Evening Muse!

Reed Waddle, Caleb Hawley, Miss Tess and the Bon Ton Parade, and Rebecca Loebe comprised the line-up for the revised early show.

Read on for the rest of the story and photos..

Cheers,

Monty

Saturday Night Special - Sarah Borges with Eilen Jewell

It was a festive evening in NoDa this Saturday night. Breaking Laces were still in town and playing the “Cash Van” game around NoDa. April Verch was entertaining a fairly full Evening Muse venue with her Folksy Bluegrass.

The late show partiers were beginning to arrive for the Boston based rock groups Sarah Borges & the Broken Singles and Eilen Jewell performances at the Evening Muse.

Behind the Dog Bar, all it took was 90 seconds and a couple of Charlottes low-life’s with a snub-nosed 38 pistol to put a damper on what had here-to-fore been a perfect evening. Fortunately noone was hurt and the bad guys left the scene in a hurry with a few more dollars than they had arrived with and the Charlotte police on the look out for them.

Read on here for the rest of the story and photos from the show.

Cheers,

Monty

November Tosco House Party was a blast!!

The first Wednesday of every month beginning at 8PM the Tosco House Party is hosted by John Tosco at the Evening Muse. Most of the time the term "open mic" suggests a less than stellar night of music. If you've been to a Tosco House Party, you know that the room will be filled with people waiting to see what surprises lay ahead in the next two hours. There's always a few outstanding performances, occasionally a very unique display of musicianship, and usually at least one WOW factor artist sneaks up on us at the show. The best part is the anticipation because you usually don't know who is going to do what.

Link to the rest of the story, the line-up and photos from the night..

Cheers,

Monty

Girls Guns & Glory - 02/10/09

WOW!! These guys are for REAL! Girls Guns & Glory may sound like the title of a Billy-The-Kid western remake, but its the nombre of a Boston band that rocks Americana style with the lyrics of a Roy Orbison and the sound of progressive country.

The groups lead singer and primary lyricist, Ward Hayden, has written some witty tunes that tell life's stories with smooth eloquent vocals - has hints of the Roy Orbison sound too! Colt Thompson shreds the lead guitar with crystal clarity providing exceptional rock'n sound when called upon and can also bring tears from his instrument when the country tunes call for a love song melody. The group is completed by bassist Bruce "IV" Beagley and John Graham on drums.

These guys are solid in their timing, experienced in entertaining the audience and full of confidence in their musical capabilities. They should be too. They've just released their fourth album - Inverted Valentine - which has reached No. 8 on the national AMA Chart and No. 2 on the Roots Music Report!!

Another charming aspect of these guys is the time they spent with the folks that came out to see them on this Tuesday night. They spent at least 45 minutes after the set just talking and having a beer with the 30 or so folks who hung around after the show. I hope everyone who wanted a CD was able to get one. I and the people around me all purchased one of each of the three they had with them. This was an easy decision after listening to them for the 100 minute set they performed.

Normally the Evening Muse is closed on Tuesday but I'm sure glad Lea and Joe booked these young lads in on this night. Wouldn't surprise me at all to see this band break out in 2009 - might be the last time I get to see them in a listening room from 10 feet away!

Here's a link to some photos from the great fun!!

Link to Girls, Guns & Glory MySpace page where you can hear a few tracks as well!

Cheers,

Monty

p.s. A special set of props to Laurie & Don for the heads up on this show!

Amy Speace & The Tearjerks

Thursday night I was once again able to enjoy the uplifting ballads and soft americana rock of Amy Speace and The Tearjerks.

The pure pleasure of listening to her in such a fine listening room environment as The Evening Muse kept all senses on overdrive! You feel personally attached as Amy shares stories ranging from her favorite beer to attempts at being creative in upstate New York shacks - sorry, Cabins. Amy has a lot of stories to tell..

With Manhattan as her front yard and Newark as her backyard, this city girl from a place just south of Fort Lee, NJ on the Hudson river creates her sound from what she hears in her head and what she experiences around her.

Amy's Americana/Folk/Indie sound is highlighted on her 2006 CD titled "Songs From Bright Street" and continues on her next CD "The Killer In Me", due out this spring.

Currently on tour, Amy will spend the next month or so in Tennessee and North Carolina before heading back north for the spring season. Keep an eye out for this singer-songwriter in the hopes she comes to a venue near you. You can preview her music on her MySpace page.

Here's a link to a few photos from Amy's performance.

Doug & Telisha Williams opened for Amy. Go here to view photos from their set.

Cheers,

Monty

Tosco House Party - Feb 2009

Providing a safe environment where musicians are encouraged to reach within themselves to explore their talents, given an opportunity to try new material on a live audience, afforded a platform to introduce themselves to a new city, or simply a box to stand on from which to showcase their individuality - all of this is embedded in the formula that is known as the Tosco House Party. It's been said over and over that you never know what you'll see the first Wednesday of each month as John Tosco welcomes these folks into his "living room" and this month was no exception.

Several folks joined the party for the first time. South Africa native Justin Taylor is an impressive singer/songwriter whom we were fortunate enough to hear sing a couple of different tunes. Carey Marshall also joined us for the first time at a THP night. Carey sang a beautiful ballad while caressing the ivories of the piano. Since she is newly relocated to Charlotte I hope we get to see her again real soon. And a first for me was seeing the extremely talented Ben Hernandez just tear it up on a harmonica while serenading us with his powerful voice.

Of course another benefit of the THP is being able to watch the young budding musicians of Charlotte continue to gain confidence and explore their talents. I continue to be impressed with the songwriting of Charlotte Parrot, a local high school sophomore. Isaac Strap of the band Moses Cherry reached way down deep to entertain us with a great rendition of a 1920's era blues tune - I didn't catch the name, but perhaps he can post a comment here to share it with us?? :-)

Another cool night at the Tosco House Party - its really comfortable in John's "living room" at the Evening Muse. First Wednesday of each month - hope to see you there.

Photos from the show can be seen here.

Cheers,

Monty

Mel Washington w/John Krueger

John Krueger was first up at the Early show Thursday night. John is a solo artist out of Augusta, GA and has been touring in promotion of his newest work entitled Rock & Rhyme. It's a digital album which can be picked up here - for free. I applaud the emergence of another new artist, making his way and putting it out there for our enjoyment. Cheers John.. Go here to see a few images of John's set..








Second up this evening was Charleston, SC singer/songwriter Mel Washington. Mel is a dynamic singer with a strong, raspy, and at times mellow voice capable of pounding out his melodies in ways that grab your attention. Several of his songs caught my attention - Oh Jessie and Lions Roar are two examples. Check Mel out on his Myspace page.

Link to photos of Mel's performance.

Cheers,





Monty

Panthers Fail; gogoPilot Prevails

Panther fans had high hopes for this past weekend and the excitement level was at a fever pitch as the Panthers started their game against the Cardinals. After a great start, the downhill slide was nothing short of slow agonizing torture as our QB fumbled and bumbled the past 5 months of our lives as the post season ended as quickly as it began in our very first game. Jake Delhomme is not very popular with the fans we were with at the Sanctuary bar in NoDa.

In a valiant attempt to recover our dignity if not our Charlotte pride, Jeff Williams and the remaining gogoPilot band members put on a free show at The Evening Muse. With the occasional defiant Panther cheer met with a tirade of verbal abuse and disgust, the gogoPilot team rocked on through the night and led us toward a brighter future - or a new day whichever comes first.....

For me it was a new day which will lead to another day and so on and so forth. Such is the life of a sports fan. There's always another day, another season.

Thanks to the members of gogoPilot for jammin' when the chips were down.

Here's a link to a few photos of the show.

Cheers,

Monty

Sam Thacker Band

I'll say it right up front - This is one damned fine rock band! Four guys - one sound - sweet transitions.

The lead guitarist is Michael Westbrook who in an effortless style coaxes sweet music from his instrument of choice. I'll bet he's Jonesin' bad when he's not playing. Jonathan McAdow keeps time and sets the tempo on the Drums. Mike Reddick is the beat. I was going to say he plays Bass, but it's more accurate to describe him as being the bass. When the song calls for a thump, Mike produces a thump that would raise excitement in a school girl.. (I mean that in a good way you pervs!! lol)

Lastly, I was introduced on this night to a very fine lead singer who has the entire package. A great sounding powerful voice with significant range, excellent timing, and the projection of energy that people look for in today's rock musicians.

I'm telling ya'll - this band is everything you want to hear if you like hard driving rock you can listen to and understand the words. Ballads that will cause you to loose your thoughts in the song. A beat that will have you bobbin', weavin' and tapping your foot. Go out to their Myspace page and listen to what they have posted. I'll also tell you they sound even better in person. Sam's voice is something you need to hear live to truly appreciate. I put their CD in my Rockford Fosgate system and it sounded sweet - but live is, well live...

I've posted some photos of the performance. CLICK HERE. I think you can see the intensity in Sam's singing within the photos - as well as his sincerity in the ballads. "Picture worth a thousand words" is apparent in this case.

An outstanding show!

Cheers,

Monty

Adam Middleton

Thursday night I expected that Adam was going to sit in with Already Not Yet for the late show, but to my pleasant surprise Adam did a solo acoustic set instead. I had not seen Adam just grab a guitar and perform before - especially not sitting on a stool!! Of course the stool bit didn't last very long, but I got a couple of images as proof that it did in fact happen!

Adam performed several songs from The Stellas CD, including one of my favorites "Cry Baby Cry" as well as some older selections. Not an easy thing to perform hard rockin songs with just an acoustic guitar and a microphone, but Adam did a bang up job.

It was good to have one of the local "good-guys" stand up in the raw and put his heart out there for a fairly full house at the Muse to listen to. Thanks for that Adam..

Adam and The Stellas will be performing at The Evening Muse in February - check it out!

Here's a link to a few photos I took while Adam performed. Enjoy..

Cheers,

Monty

Hot House Hefftones

Happy New Year everyone! Well the holidays have now come and gone, another year put to bed, with a new year in its beginnings. I wonder what this year holds for us.....

Saturday night was a little exciting for me. I brought my new book "Musicians Of The Evening Muse" with me to the Muse and sought my first feedback. I must admit that I was pretty happy with the comments. In fact I was happy to get comments, period. A few people whom I didn't know stopped me to comment on the book - positively even.. :-) very cool.....

In addition to this, The Hot House Hefftones were performing Saturday night. Their unique Jazz sound and resulting cheerful atmosphere made it a special evening for me. I even managed to get a couple of good photos of Molly Brown and I learned that the Tuba runs on beer!!

Here's a link to some of the photos of the show.

Cheers,

Monty

Musicians of The Evening Muse - 2008

With the Holidays rapidly approaching and everyone running out of time to do the things they want to do, I thought I better take the time to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays - whichever is appropriate for you!! I truly hope 2008 has been as great a year for you as it has been for us.

I have a surprise announcement for ya:

I have the rest of this week to wrap up a project I have been working on during the year. I had wanted to be finished before leaving on vacation for Christmas week - and with one final picture which I will take on Wednesday night - it looks like I'll meet the goal. What project you ask?? :-)

I have been working on a coffee table photo book - which did not start out as exclusively Evening Muse - but has ended up as just that. After photographing 57 shows at the Muse during 2008, I have produced a 160 page photo book with the images of The Evening Muse musicians along with some of my thoughts throughout the year. With luck, I'll upload the 8GB of data to the publisher Thursday night with book previews and orders being available beginning Friday.

It's been a lot of fun putting it together - I hope all of you enjoy it as well..

I'll post another entry Thursday night with the links, etc. assuming I finish!

Cheers & Best wishes for a wonderful New Year!!

Monty