Wharton Spring Concert Series. Hugh Force Canal Park. Wharton, NJ. July 19, 2015.
This was technically the “Spring” concert series. But after the first date was cancelled due to rain, the reschedule date wound up on the hottest day of the year so far! I sweated through my shirt entirely, but nonetheless had a blast playing outdoors in a beautiful setting for a super attentive crowd.
We are playing a wedding this weekend and then our next show is on Wednesday, August 19th in Cape May, NJ at the historic Chalfonte Hotel.
Christina Alessi and the Toll Collectors at Finnegan’s in Hoboken, NJ. July 11, 2015.
Three sets of pure fun. Covers, originals, and a great crowd. Who knew the Brandi Carlile tune would be the most popular?
Leading up to this show, we had an epic, A/C-less rehearsal. Which resulted in the following elevator photo op. The band that sweats together, takes elevator selfies together.
First, a solo acoustic show at Bowery Electric. Sunday, March 15th. This place had a great vibe and an even better sound system and sound guy.
Performing at Bowery Electric. 3/15/15
Setlist. Bowery Electric. 3/15/15
Pete’s Candy Store
Second, a duo performance with singer/songwriter Shayfer James at the picturesque Pete’s Candy Store in Brooklyn, NY.
Pete’s Candy Store with Shayfer James. 3/18/15.
My view from behind the kit. Pete’s Candy Store. 3/18/15.
Setlist. Pete’s Candy Store. 3/18/15.
Northern Soul
Third, I played with Christina Alessi and the Toll Collectors at Northern Soul in Hoboken, NJ. It’s always a blast to play with these guys. This was such a great show!
Christina and the Toll Collectors. Northern Soul. 3/19/15.
Jonathan Andrew and I rocking out. Northern Soul. 3/19/15.
Christina and the Toll Collectors. Setlist. 3/19/15.
Espresso Joe’s Guitar Pull
I finished up the week with a unique show on Saturday, March 21st – A Guitar Pull sponsored by blowupradio.com. I had a fantastic time getting to meet and share the stage with David Bronson and Mike Regrets.
We took turns playing songs, talking about writing, recording, and everything in between. I always enjoy playing at Espresso Joe’s. Not only because they hosted my photography for a month back in November, but because the audience is top notch. They sit, listen, and pay attention to the show for the entire duration. It’s such a joy to see places like this still exist and I’m always so happy to play there.
I’m excited to be joining fellow acoustic musicians David Bronson and Mike Regrets for a Guitar Pull.
What’s a guitar pull, you ask? Sponsored by blowupradio.com, the evening will feel more like sitting around a campfire and listening to old friends sharing songs. Usually the songs are accompanied by stories, or conversations about the creative process. It’s a collaborative show format that I know you’ll enjoy watching.
Really excited for this one. Mark your calendars.
Saturday, March 21st Solo Acoustic Guitar Pull
Espresso Joe’s
50 West Front Street, Keyport, NJ
7pm
FREE
I’m really looking forward to playing with Christina Alessi and the Toll Collectors again. We played a show back in December at Tierney’s in Montclair, NJ and had a ton of fun. Can’t wait to play another one!
Thursday, March 19th Christina Alessi and the Toll Collectors
Northern Soul
577 First Street, Hoboken, NJ
10pm
FREE
I had a blast playing with Christina Alessi and the Toll Collectors last Friday night at Tierney’s Tavern in Montclair, NJ – 12/12/14. It was so great to play in a band with such excellent musicians.
Here was the line up:
Christina Alessi: voice and acoustic guitar
Jon Andrew: Bass
Josh Bicknell: Drums
Ty Tuschen: Guitar
Mari Hubley: Mandolin/ Vox
Sean-David Cunningham: Epic Violin
Here was the setlist:
Watch a cover of Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me”
In case the embed doesn’t work above, here’s the link: http://youtu.be/PetxyoxW2Kk
Watch a cover of “Wagon Wheel” (which actually has a pretty interesting origin story):
In case the embed doesn’t work above, here’s the link: http://youtu.be/MwjWWagcN8U
We hope to do it all over again sometime soon. Stay tuned!
I had a great time with double-breasted playing at the Chalfonte hotel in beautiful, historic Cape May, NJ.
The Chalfonte is always great about putting up signs and advertising the performance.
We had a great turnout and an attentive audience.
Here was the view from behind the drums (pre-show).
Here was the setlist.
And here we are after the show in the King Edward Bar!
Bonus: You can watch a clip of our cover of A Great Big World’s “Say Something.” I’ve embedded it below, but in case you can’t see it, you can also watch it on Facebook here.
Sure, it’s last minute. But sometimes last-minute gigs can be the most fun and spontaneous. If you’re around on Saturday, I hope you stop by. I’m going to try out at least one new original song and also a new cover.
Saturday, August 16th solo acoustic Northern Soul
557 First Street
Hoboken, NJ
8pm
FREE
On Sunday, July 13th, I’ll play with double-breasted at the Music Den’s 30th Anniversary celebration.
The Music Den has had quite an influence on my musical upbringing. One of the owners was actually my first elementary music teacher. I remember when he left the teaching position to devote himself to the Music Den store full time. Later, as I pieced together my first drum set, I bought many pieces from the Music Den. I bought my first electric guitar there. Most importantly, I took my first lessons on drum set there, studying with John Hvasta. He taught me so many skills that I still apply to my playing today.
It’s hard to believe that the store has been open for 30 years, but I’m happy to help them celebrate and perform a set with double-breasted.
Of course, the celebration is open to the public… I hope to see you there!
