Tag Archives: MA

52 Shows: SHOW #6 – …And the Sky Was Red, Jay Sullivan, PAS Musique at Mobius

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MobiusShow number six was Sunday, February 22 at a venue I had heard of prior to my receiving an invitation to this show – a place called Mobius. The facts that (A) There was a venue I hadn’t heard of in town after playing here for nearly a decade and (B) It was walking distance from my house, (Norfolk Street, a block from Central Square) were mind-blowing to me.

Surely, it must be new, right? NOPE. Mobius has apparently been around since 1977, though it has changed locations a couple of times. It’s not exactly a venue, so much as it is a presentation center. It is, by its own mission statement (http://www.mobius.org/content/about-mobius), “a non-profit, artist-run organization, whose mission is to generate, shape and test experimental art.”

Finding the building was oddly challenging. It is extremely modest and the only non-residential structure on the block. Thankfully, my friend Jonah (cellist of The Steve Walther Orchestra, among other acts) caught me wandering around like a fool outside and guided me in. The room is extremely small – I was told it was previously an office for a small realty firm.

MobiusThe were three rows of seats with an aisle down the middle, with three seats on each side of the aisle. On the right hand side as you enter is the ticket desk and the donation bin, on the left is the standing-room-only space, giving the room of capacity of just under 20 people. As I entered, I was asked if I’d match the suggested donation of ten dollars and assured that, could I not afford it, I would be happily welcomed notwithstanding. Cool. I paid it.

I arrived at 7:55pm for an 8pm start time and the show was off and running by 8:11. Each of the three performances were not ‘sets’, like I was used to. They were performances. The three acts (…And the Sky Was Red, Jay Sullivan and PAS Musique) all featured instruments I’d never seen before or, more accurately, devicees I’ve never seen used as instruments before. There were modular analog synthesizers, distressed vinyl turntables, carnival trumpets and loop pedals…and that was just the stuff that I recognized.

There were 17 people in the room when the show started and 15 when it ended. During that time, the audience was intensely focused on what was going on on-stage – amazing considering a great deal of what was happening was like watching electricians work. Wires were re-routed, loops were set, knobs were twisted…not your typical show to be sure. But it was fascinatingly new. The crowd was VERY into it. The dynamics of the show shifted so intensely that the songs fluctuated down to a barely-audible hum, but the crowd stayed silent. The music and crowd became so quiet at one point that I could hear the crinkle of nylon from the natural breathing cadence of a patron wearing a windbreaker. I don’t think I could enjoy this type of show all of the time, but goddamn if it wasn’t cool on this night.

MobiusWorth noting, there was no food or beverage being served, but they had no problem with me bringing in a coffee. I asked if I had thought to bring a flask if they would have cared – they indicated that they would not have cared at all.

Before the final act of the night, the door attendant gave a brief and well-received soliloquy about Mobius‘ purpose and mission statement. The show halted at 10, which was probably about as long as the audience could have tolerated, but it was fascinating nonetheless.

So, experimental art at Mobius – a great find if you want something new and you want to see something you have not seen before. If you want to dance, or “rock out” – maybe not your thing. But I’m extremely glad I went and I will go again for sure.

– Mick Greenwood

Mick Greenwood On The Closing Of Radio

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radioSo, after waiting until the right time, I’m gonna throw my two cents in, now that it seems the news has officially broken about Radio. I read Richard Bouchard‘s detailed perspective and have nothing new to offer – I think he was every bit as accurate as he was fair. I was in one of the bands that Ashley turned away because we weren’t her style. Aimee learned of this and went out of her way to make the room accessible to me and the bands I was a part of – something I always appreciated.

When I started The Interrobang, Aimee immediately offered her support, giving us the last Saturday of every month to work with and grow our presence in a safe and friendly environment. During that time, I got to know the regulars and the staff pretty well – I saw people I liked (Kyle, Jobian, Richard) come and go with varying levels of bitterness. I also saw a show I had put months of work into get double-booked – but when I came in to ask what had happened, I got met with tears of confusion and contrition. Aimee, to Richard’s point, entered this endeavor with a perspective of wanting to please everyone. And while that may have made business a challenge, it’s a perspective that I wish more of our so-called “pillars” of this community had.

In a town populated with shitty fucking asshole promoters who obsess over checkmarks, Aimee was the one who would (again, to Richard’s point) waive the fee to get bands paid. In a town where certain people get off on the “It’s MY club and YOU aren’t in it” attitude, Aimee took the opposite approach (firing Ashley was an early, but powerful example of that). I had more than a few happy nights catching/playing shows there, staying till after 2am when the ashtrays came out from under the bar where the drinks were free and the conversation even freer. It was in these conversations where I’d come to realize that she loved the idea of her club being not a manipulator of what the scene could be – but a true meritocracy – a place where everyone got a chance and those that played well (not necessarily drew well) would come back. What a novel concept.

RadioI can’t (and won’t) defend the errors in execution against these concepts. However, I will say that that I have fairly detailed knowledge of Aimee’s business partners and am resolutely confident that, had she had even one hold their own, the club would be open today. The employees I saw come and go have their gripes, and they are more than entitled to them. I just know that some of what made those gripes exist was her refusal to make the IMMENSE behind-the-scenes problems become visible. Ultimately, this strategy failed as, today, the world learned what a a few of us already knew – Radio won’t open again.

Today Aimee struggles to speak, the stress of this caused her to suffer a stroke and ruined her business and credit. No matter what you feel about how she ran her business, the ideal on which she entered it in the first place was irrefutably solid. To see the consequences of such a beautiful idea and beautiful ideals be so dire is so incredibly sad.

I think that the closing of Radio is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on what we can do to Save our Scene.

Artists – STOP working with parasite promoters. I’m so fucking tempted to name names, but I don’t have to – you know who they are. WORK WITH EACH OTHER. And, for fuck’s sake – BE HONEST. You don’t have to draw…just don’t lie if you can’t. There’s room on every bill for a band that needs to grow if you’re doing it right.

Tastemakers/Journalists – STOP being so fucking cynical and self-righteous and let the scene shape itself. Your job isn’t to MAKE it, your job is to FACILITATE it. You can do so much good but you can suffocate growth more easily than I think you realize.

I don’t mean to steal my boss, Steve Katsos‘, schtick – but you CAN begin again, Boston. Let’s be better. Let’s work together. Let’s stop trying to make Boston INTO something and start maximizing what it is.

We CAN be better. So let’s fucking be better.

– Mick Greenwood

The Midday Social

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The Midday Social

We’re excited to bring you the next Midday Social New England musician networking event! RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/events/519007461539822/

When: Thursday, February 27, 2014
Where: Platforms Nightclub | 165 Poe Street Providence, RI | 7:00 PM
This is a FREE event open to ALL genres.

Description:

Starts promptly at 7:00 PM | FREE | All Ages – All Genres!

The Midday Social is one of New England’s fastest growing music related networking events. These events have hundreds of attendees and representatives from the areas best radio stations, venues, magazines & publications, promoters, etc. including 94 HJY, 100.7 WZLX, 90.7 WXIN, 91.5 WMFO, 88.3 WQRI FM, 990WBOB, 95.5 WBRU, Unregular Radio, Limelight Magazine, Providence Phoenix, Motif Magazine, 13 Folds Magazine, Go Local Prov, Rock Karma Promotions, WARL 1320, The Steve Katsos Show, General Assembly, Firehouse 13/Fete, and many more.

This is an opportunity for musicians and industry professionals to make new connections and strengthen old ones. Bands/artists are encouraged to bring press kits and CDs. This event is open to ALL genres across New England.

ANNOUNCEMENT: 13 Folds Magazine will be releasing Volume 2 Issue 1 at this event!
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IMPORTANT INFO:
If your a musician or band that wants your music played over the house system during the event you need to hand in a CD to the DJ by 8:00 PM the latest. We cannot accept submissions after that time.

The event will start promptly at 7:00. Industry reps are encouraged to be there earlier in order to set up their tables.

Food: TBA
Drinks: Full bar with 4 dollar Narragansett Tallboys.
http://www.facebook.com/narragansettbeer

OTHER INFO:

Throughout the night we play a mix of music by bands in attendance and have a few acoustic performances. Closing out the night we have two live acts performing.

There will also be gear set up in the back room for folks who’d like to perform or just jam. The back room is open to anyone who would like to rock out!

Also, The Studio Cellar will be set up to do record a their upcoming Podcast and interview bands/artists.

YOUR INDUSTRY PANEL:

The panel will be moderated by John Laurenti of Boston’s Classic Rock, 100.7 WZLX.

Speakers:

Joe Graham – The New England Music Awards (Awards Show)

The goal of NEMA is to celebrate and recognize some of the areas best musical achievements. Every year NEMA will nominate over 100 artists and/or bands spanning a number of categories and genres of popular music in New England, including the coveted individual state awards which will select one band/act from each of the six states as its Best In State.

Chris Conti – Providence Phoenix (Publication)

Chris is The Providence Phoenix’s music journalist. In addition to his work for the Phoenix, Chris is very active in the local music community. He also often serves as a judge for 95.5 WBRU’s annual Rock Hunt.

Ashley Ann Goldberg – 90.7 WXIN & AAG Booking (College Radio)

Ashley is a DJ on Rhode Island College’s radio station, 90.7 WXIN. She also handles booking for the station and books events and shows on campus through her company AAG Booking.

INDUSTRY REPS:

COMMERCIAL/COLLEGE/INTERNET RADIO, PODCASTS & TV

100.7 WZLX – John Laurenti (Boston Commercial Radio)
http://www.facebook.com/1007wzlx

94 HJY – Steve Scarpetti (Commercial Radio) – Host of The Metal Zone & SoundCheck
http://www.facebook.com/94HJY
http://www.facebook.com/pages/94-HJY/173652036018247
http://www.facebook.com/scarpetti94hjy
http://www.facebook.com/TheMetalZone
http://www.facebook.com/SoundCheck94

95.5 WBRU – Brian Manfredi (Providence Commercial Radio)
http://www.facebook.com/95.5.WBRU

990WBOB.com – Pal & Crew (Internet Radio)
http://www.facebook.com/990wbob

90.7 WXIN FM – Nate Grist (Rhode Island College Radio)
http://www.facebook.com/RICRadioWXIN

Citywide Blackout – Max Bowen (Internet Radio)
http://www.facebook.com/CityWideBlackOut

The Dweezil Show – Phil Fleming (Radio)
http://www.facebook.com/dweezilshow

91.5 WMFO FM – Phil Fleming (MA College Radio)
http://www.facebook.com/WMFOMedford

The Steve Katsos Show – Mick Greenwood (TV Show)
http://www.facebook.com/stevekatsosshow

Dig Boston Radio – Max Bowen (Internet Radio)
http://www.facebook.com/DigRadioBoston

The Studio Cellar – Jim Shultz & Tom Ribeiro (Podcast)
http://www.facebook.com/TheStudioCellar

Sully’s Cafe – Daniel Sullivan (Podcast)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sullys-Cafe/124834113825

1320 WARL AM / The Tony Jones Show – Tony Jones (AM Radio)
http://www.facebook.com/1320WARL
http://www.facebook.com/tonyjonesshow

RI FREE Radio – Tony Jones (Internet Radio)
http://rifreeradio.org/
http://tunein.com/get-tunein/
http://tunein.com/radio/RI-Free-Radio-s213056/

The Franchise with Ferro – Joe Ferro (Internet Radio)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Franchise-with-Ferro/113661565349567

MAGAZINES/BLOGS/MUSIC JOURNALIST

GoLocalProv – Rob Duguay (Publication)
http://www.facebook.com/GoLocalProv

Motif Magazine – Marc Clarkin (Publication)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Motif-Magazine/132300650182666

Providence Phoenix – Chris Conti (Publication)
http://www.facebook.com/ProvidencePhoenix

Adam Parshall – Freelance Journalist

13 Folds Magazine – Dave Sorgman (Publication)
http://www.facebook.com/13FoldsMagazine

PROMOTERS/VENUES/TALENT BUYERS

DUSK – Rick Sunderland (RI Venue)
http://www.facebook.com/DuskProvidence

Manchester 65 – Jay Palmeri (RI Venue)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Manchester-65/255123324628302

The Parlour – Greg Rourke (RI Venue)
http://www.facebook.com/ParlourRI

The Red Room – Arianna Soto (Boston Venue)
http://www.facebook.com/redroom.cafe939

The Spot Underground – Nick Cardi & Tim Davis (Talent Buyers/Venue)
http://www.facebook.com/thespotunderground

182 Productions – Mitch Candiano (Promoter)
Books Gemstones & Blue-Shamrock (Lowell, MA), and others)
http://www.facebook.com/182productions
http://www.facebook.com/GemstonesBlueShamrock

Simons 677 – Simon Sarkisian (RI Venue)
http://www.facebook.com/Simons677

Justin Sane – (Promoter)
Books Simons (Providence, RI), Fete, and others
http://www.facebook.com/Simons677
http://www.facebook.com/fetemusic

OTW Live – James Mclaughlin (Promoter)
http://www.facebook.com/OtwLiveMA

Ghost Town Entrainment – Matt Melia & Jarred Difazio (Promoter)
http://www.facebook.com/GhostTownEntertainment13

Fusion Bar & Nightclub – James McLaughlin (MA Venue)
http://www.facebook.com/FusionFoxboro

Firehouse 13 – Kristen Kohler (RI Venue)
http://www.facebook.com/FHXIII

Fete – Kristen Kohler (RI Venue)
http://www.facebook.com/fetemusic

Handsome Factory Entertainment – Martin Newell (Promoter)
http://www.facebook.com/HandsomeFactory

Presidents Rock Club – Martin Newell (Venue – Quincy MA)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Presidents-Rock-Club/318841611477619

The Sad Cafe – Eric (NH Venue)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Sad-Cafe/248375354765

Rambudikon Booking & Productions – Mike Carp (Promoter)
http://www.facebook.com/rambudikonpromotions

Full Scene Ahead (Promoter)
http://www.facebook.com/FullSceneAhead

BB Entertainment – Nina McCarthy (RI Promoter)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/BB-Entertainment/418216788268364

P.E. Entertainment – Psycho Eddie (Promoter)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/PE_Entertainment/1400186886905061

Ashley Goldberg – Booking for Rhode Island College shows
http://www.facebook.com/ashley.ann.100

Fat Cats Events & Marketing – Christopher Coderre (Promoters)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fat-Cats-Events-Marketing/422441717815820

Degenerate Booking – Lauren Peter Theroux (Promoter)

Platforms Nightclub – Davey Moore (Venue)
http://www.facebook.com/platfoms

Mardi Gras MulitClub – Davey Moore (RI Venue)
http://www.facebook.com/mardigras.multiclub

SERVICES/OTHER

Do617 – Adam Parshall (Web Service)
http://www.facebook.com/Do617

ArtistBomb – Mitch Candiano (Web Service)
http://www.facebook.com/ArtistBomb

Full Stream – KC Hoye (Multi-Media)
http://www.facebook.com/FullSceneAhead

Get Punched Clothing – Matt Beauchemin (Apparel)
http://www.facebook.com/GetPunchedClothing

Honor Roll Management – Marcus Ohanesian (Artist Development)
http://www.facebook.com/honorroll

Perfect Evolution – Marcus Ohanesian (WebDesign)
http://www.facebook.com/perfectevolution

EVO Audio Group – Brian Poillucci (Recording Studio)
http://www.facebook.com/evoaudiostudio

Turbulent Studios – Jim Shultz (Recording Studio)
http://www.facebook.com/turbulentstudios

Providence Night Out – George Nasser (Online Site)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Providence-Night-Out/169939416368623

Nate Grist – Photographer
http://www.facebook.com/nate.grist

Midday Records – Davey & Mark (Label/Promoter)
http://www.facebook.com/MiddayRecords

Tony Timpano – Entertainment Attorney
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Law-Office-of-A-B-Timpano-II/137036846360629

24 Hour Music Project – Kimberly Ann
http://www.facebook.com/groups/264854810281228/

Tim Batty – (Artist)
http://www.facebook.com/groups/179399732147528/

RAFFLES:
If you would like to raffle off artwork, photography, Band swag, such as T-shirts & CDs, please find the raffle table. This is a 50/50 raffle where the artist will receive half of the proceeds and half helps cover costs of the event.

Raffles:

Get Punched Clothing (Bundle)

MORE TBA

STAFF:

Organizers: Davey Moore & Mark Charron of Midday Records/Satellites Fall
Sound: David Begin of Satellites Fall
Door: Kait Clavette
Raffle Station: Nina McCarthy of BB Entertainment
Extra Hands: Bryan Yebba & Ken Parker of Satellites Fall, Pat Keister of PALS

The first Midday Social was a smashing success!

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The Midday Social The first Midday Social, a music related networking event, was held at Platforms Nightclub in Providence, RI on Thursday March 14, 2013. We are proud to announce it was a HUGE success. We’d like to thank Scarpetti from 94 HJY, Pal from 990wbob.com, and Brian Poillucci of Evo Audio Group for speaking at the event. We’d also like to thank the mighty Chris Masson for his talents and for performing.

The place was packed and we had folks from all across New England in attendance. We had musicians of all genres. We had commercial, college, and Internet radio stations and personalities, music journalists and bloggers, promoters and talent buyers photographers, graphic designers, entertainment attorneys and artist managers, indie record labels, recording studios, and many more!

We are already planning our next event. We have many new ideas on how to make the next one bigger and better! We’d like to have more radio personalities, record labels, entertainment attorneys, and even festival coordinators, etc… If you are anyway related to the music industry please email [email protected] to learn how to get involved.

Some updates and changes we are working on for the next event include having color coordinated name badges that look like backstage passes. The system will be simple. For example, we may have a blue pass indicate a radio personality, red a promoter, green a journalist, yellow a musician/band, etc… This will make it easier for folks to network. For example, if you’re an artist looking to put your CD in the hands of radio stations you’ll simply look across the crowd to see all the blue backstage passes.

We’ll also have a segment where we’ll allow folks to get on the mic with the following format: “Hi, my name is____. I’m with ____. And I’m looking to meet ____. Come talk to me.”

We’re going to open up the back of the venue and put more tables to allow you folks (bands included) to set up merch and swag. Promoters can even set up a table with their calendars and book bands right on the spot.

We’ll have food at the next event. Possibly a cookout style hamburger and hotdog set up. We’ll have a food bracelet you’ll be able to purchase for a small price and eat as much as you’d like for the night.

We’ll also have a separate raffle section. You’ll will be able to enter into specific, individuals raffles. The raffles will be 50/50. 50 percent will go to help support the artist who donated the item and 50 percent will go to help cover costs of the event.

And we’ll have Narragansett beer this time along with other drink specials.

These are just some of the ideas we have to improve the event. We’ll continue to play music over the house system from the artists in attendance (Though, we’ll have a dedicated DJ for this.) And we’ll have more talented acoustic musicians performing. And, of course, this will remain a FREE event.

Be sure to like our facebook pages for future updates. The Midday Social and Midday Records.