March 25 in Jam Band History

Sunday Brunch Concert: Today in Jam Band History
Of A Revolution; Ladanday; Aragon Ballroom, Chicago, IL (3/25/05)
Tea Leaf Green; Franz Hanzerbeak; Town Ballroom, Buffalo, NY (3/25/06)
Hot Buttered Rum String Band; Fox > Cluck Old Hen > Spider > Fox; The Mystic Theater, Petaluma, CA (3/25/05)

Hot Buttered Rum String Band; New Speedway Boogie; The Mystic Theater, Petaluma, CA (3/25/05)

Grateful Dead; Eyes of the World; Knickerbocker Arena, Albany, NY (3/25/90)

Grateful Dead; Samson and Delilah; Knickerbocker Arena, Albany, NY (3/25/90)

[2:00 p.m.]

Technorati tags: WPKN, playlist, Morning Maniac Music, radio

New Location & Time for Avi Wisnia Concert

Avi Wisnia's performance, originally scheduled for the March 4th Sunday Brunch Concert, has been moved to a new location and time this Sunday.

March 4th – Avi Wisnia *NEW LOCATION AND TIME*
5:00 p.m.
The Outer Space , 295 Treadwell Street, Hamden, CT (21+)
Admission is free, but there will be a free-will offering to support the artists.
This show will not be broadcast. Avi's set will be followed at 6:00 by the venue's weekly jazz series featuring the Colin Wade Group.

Singer/Songwriter Avi Wisnia presents an eclectic mix of refreshingly original songs, finding inspiration in classic Brazilian bossa nova, acoustic American folk, 1950’s west-coast jazz, and contemporary pop. A wordsmith as well as a composer and performer, Avi’s clever lyrics give a knowing nod to those that came before, while his smooth vocals and deft piano skills assure you that this is truly something new.

New Sunday Brunch Concert dates announced!

I'm pleased to announce two dates in March, including a return to the Kasbah in New Haven.

March 4th – Avi Wisnia

Singer/Songwriter Avi Wisnia presents an eclectic mix of refreshingly original songs, finding inspiration in classic Brazilian bossa nova, acoustic American folk, 1950’s west-coast jazz, and contemporary pop. A wordsmith as well as a composer and performer, Avi’s clever lyrics give a knowing nod to those that came before, while his smooth vocals and deft piano skills assure you that this is truly something new.

This will be an intimate "living room" performance in the cozy confines of the Kasbah Garden Cafe, 105 Howe Street in New Haven. The music begins at 1 p.m. SHARP! Admission is free. We will pass the hat for a free-will offering. Come early, order a snack, and enjoy the music. For directions, call 203-777-5053.

March 18th – Ravalias
Long Island trio Ravalias will make the trip across the pond to grace our studios on Sunday, March 18th at 1:00 p.m. Ravalias is Hannah Sumner - voice, Colin Kasprowicz - bass, and Ryan Broderick - drumkit. This is Colin's third ferry ride to the WPKN studio, and the third band he's played with. This will be a shakedown cruise for our new performance space. Please join us in our studio. For directions, call 203-331-9756.

December 25th in Jam Band History

Radio Golden™ Sunday Brunch Concert™: Today in Jam Band History

Believe it or not, there have been concerts on Christmas Day. Not a lot, mind  you, but there have been a few. For some artists, like The Malah and Matisyahu, it's an annual tradition. Enjoy!

My Morning Jacket; Santa Claus is Back in Town; WFPK 91.1 Louisville, KY (12/25/2001)

My Morning Jacket; X-mas Curtain (all jazzed up); WFPK 91.1 Louisville, KY (12/25/2001)

The Malah; Rays of Shade; Portofinos, Greenville, SC (12/25/2005)

Matisyahu; Candle; 9:30 Club, Washington, DC (12/25/2005)

Matisyahu; Aish Tamid; 9:30 Club, Washington, DC (12/25/2005)

Matisyahu; Aish pt. 2; 9:30 Club, Washington, DC (12/25/2005)

Strange Shape; Strange Dub Jam; Jazztomate, Bremgarten, Switzerland (12/25/2010)

Technorati tags: WPKN, playlist, Morning Maniac Music, radio

Michela Musolino and Vincenzo Castellana perform "Sempri amMari - Traditional Sicilian Songs to the Sea"

When: Sunday, October 30, 1:00 PM
Where: WPKN "Studio 207," 244 University Avenue, Bridgeport, CT
On the air at 89.5 FM and online at wpkn.org

The rich musical tradition of Sicily includes many songs that speak of the sea, sing its praises or belong to those whose work connects them to the water.  Musicians Michela Musolino and Vincenzo Castellana join together to pay tribute to Sicily’s sea. Musolino, a vocalist known for her performances of Sicilian Roots Music, and Castellana, a noted percussionist of the Sicilian drumming tradition, have created a work of song, percussion and recitations which illustrate the intimate connection of Sicily, her history and her culture to the sea which surrounds it. They will be joined by special guests:  bassist Vito Galante and oud player Thom Chess.

Castellana has collaborated with Maestro Ennio Morricone, and Musolino has recently performed with Sicilian  singer/songwriter Pippo Pollina at his US debut.

The program will take place on the second floor of the University Of Bridgeport student center in Room 207. The public is invited to join us in our "living room" broadcast location across the hall from the WPKN studios for this hour long performance.

Double-header on the Sunday Brunch Concert

11:00 a.m. Inuk "Polar Popstar" Elisapie will join us for a live set in our FM studio.
1:00 p.m. Commercial Interruption plays live in Studio 207.

Technorati tags: WPKN, playlist, Morning Maniac Music, radio

Connecticut Playmakers LIVE on June 5th

Sunday, June 5th, 1:00 p.m.
Connecticut Playmakers has spent the last 60 years bringing the “Best of Broadway” to the greater Greenwich community and southwest Connecticut. Their performance will feature highlights from their most recent production, "A Day, A Night, and Cole Porter."  Special guest hosted Harry Minot.

The concert takes place in WPKN's "Studio 207." Admission is free. Arrive early and join our studio audience.

Technorati tags: WPKN, playlist, Morning Maniac Music, radio

Harry Minot to host a program of Cole Porter

The June 5th Sunday Brunch Concert presents "A Day...A Night...and Cole Porter" featuring the Connecticut Playmakers with Musical Direction from Chris Coogan and his jazz orchestra. Michele Grace and a talented ensemble of singers and musicians performing Music and vignettes featuring the music of Cole Porter. Hosted by Harry Minot.

The program begins at 1:00 PM on Sunday, June 5th in the WPKN Studio. There is no charge for admission. Arrive early. For reservations and directions, call 203-331-9756.

Facebook RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=211991025483550

Technorati tags: WPKN, playlist, Morning Maniac Music, radio

Wednesday Little Feat

7/19/73 Ebbet's Field, Denver, CO



Hamburger Midnight
Got No Shadow
On Your Way Down
Walkin' all Night
Two Trains
Willin'
Cold, Cold, Cold
Dixie Chicken
Tripe Face Boogie
Fat Man In The Bathtub

Tuning/Intro
A Apolitical Blues
Two Trains
Got No Shadow
The Fan
Texas Rose Cafe
Snakes On Everything
Cat Fever
Walkin' All Night
Sailin' Shoes
Dixie Chicken
Tripe Face Boogie

Technorati tags: Little Feat

Well, that didn't go quite as planned

I woke up on Sunday morning with incredible pain. It turned out to be kidney stones, but not knowing what was going on I called 911 and went to the hospital in an ambulance. Sunday was, to say the least, not very pleasant, and I missed the Epic Pledge Drive Brunch Concert. I even missed Harry Minot coming in to answer phones.

Thanks to Cliff Furnald for hosting, Dave Schwartz and Don Duffy for tech support, and Rod Richardson for fundraising help. Here are links to the audio:

Frank Viele & the Manhattan Project
The Kind Buds
Interview with Kung Fu

Technorati tags: WPKN, playlist, Morning Maniac Music, radio

On the next program...

11:00 a.m. – Interview with Richard Bob Greene from the capella humor and jazz quartet The Bobs.

1:00 p.m. – The Sunday Brunch Concert
Harmony on the Sound Chorus
Harmony on the Sound is an organization of women from all walks of life, different age groups and represent 33 different towns in CT dedicated to singing. They are a dynamic group of women who sing quartet music from across the spectrum – jazz, pop, new songs and old songs, songs from Broadway, love songs, the blues and swing. Their repertoire offers a variety of melodies with expression and musical style to capture everyone's love of harmony.

Upcoming shows on the Sunday Brunch Concert

Technorati tags: WPKN, playlist, Morning Maniac Music, radio

Community Choral Music LIVE on WPKN Today!

When we hear the term "children's choir" we often think back to those cute elementary school concerts. But the kids in this group are ages 12 - 17 and they sing with power and style. Please join our live audience for today's broadcast!

1:00 p.m. on the Sunday Brunch Concert:
Fairfield County Children's Choir
Unitarian Universalist Church
96 Chapel Street, Stratford
Admission is free.

In a related program note, I took the morning off to do Little League stuff with my son. Rod Richardson will be filling in.

Technorati tags: WPKN, playlist, Morning Maniac Music, radio

Brian Dolazni on the Sunday Brunch Concert

Sunday, April 18, 1:00 p.m.
Live in our studio and on the air!

"There is something insistent in Dolzani's music that won me over" - TIRBD blog

[Brian] exudes the melodic charm and trebly vocal hitches of Jules Shear and the heartbreaking warmth and intriguing lyrical turns of Freedy Johnston" - Cincinnati City Beat

Brian Dolzani is an engaging and energetic singer/songwriter, drawing comparisons to artists such as Dave Matthews, Neil Young, and Freedy Johnston. He is supporting his 5th CD release, the self-titled 'Brian Dolzani'. Brian tours across New England and beyond, pulling audiences into his introspective, emotive and deeply imagistic songwriting. Tune in to hear songs from his latest release, as well as some brand new songs from his ever-evolving songwriting catalog. Not to be missed.

This show takes place in the friendly confines of our FM studio. Space is limited. Please call 203-331-9756 for reservations.

For more information about the Sunday Brunch Concert series, visit radiogolden.com. 

Technorati tags: WPKN, Sunday Brunch Concert, radio

King For A Day in the studio

Three Kings joined me for brunch yesterday. We had a good ol' time with live music and some tracks from their newest CD.




Left to right: Benj LeFevre, Dan Labich, Randy Funke.

Technorati tags: WPKN, playlist, Morning Maniac Music, radio

John Kadlecik sits in with Reckoning

Reckoning's Mike Katzman, left, and John Kadlecik

Erstwhile Dark Star Orchestra guitarist John Kadlecik was called up to the majors and is touring with Furthur, Bob Weir and Phil Lesh's latest band. After last night's show, the faithful converged at Sullivan Hall for an after party with Reckoning. The Long Island stalwarts were surprised when John K. showed up and sat in for some tunes.

Technorati tags: Furthur, Reckoning, Morning Maniac Music, Sullivan Hall

Glenn Roth live on the Sunday Brunch Concert

Influenced both by talented fingerstyle artists such as Tommy Emmanuel, Michael Hedges, and Preston Reid and the bombast and melodicism of bands like Tool and 311, Glenn has developed a style of solo acoustic guitar playing that’s uniquely his own: aggressive, emotional, vibrant, melodic, in turn and often within the same song. Anyone who has marveled at Glenn’s brilliant acoustic interpretation of Iron Maiden’s Run to the Hills, a YouTube hit and a tribute to those early days of air-guitar, can attest to Glenn’s imaginative and virtuosic guitar playing.

Join us in the intimate setting of our broadcast studio for what promises to be a wonderful set of music.

Space is limited. For reservations & directions, call 203-331-9756.

Sarah Blacker live in our studio this Sunday Brunch Concert

Sarah Blacker will make you dance a jig in the street, while she stomps, claps, and cheers you on! She’ll get a kick out of the way the music moves you, and will be equally as moved. She’ll even make your toughest bassist cry with the amount of passion she pours into each musical note she produces. She’ll treat you like an old friend before a show and stop you dead in your tracks once she starts to sing.

Join us in the intimate setting of our broadcast studio for what promises to be a wonderful set of music.

Space is limited. For reservations & directions, call 203-331-9756.

Technorati tags: WPKN, live music, Sarah Blacker, radio

Concert for Haiti

Saturday, Jan. 30th, 7:30 p.m.
FTC on Stage One
70 Sanford St., Fairfield, CT

Technorati tags: Haiti, benefit

Tomorrow on Morning Maniac Music

Dec. 6th WPKN Benefit with ZOoT PLANeT

11:30 a.m. Matthew DeTroy will join us in the studio.
7:30 p.m. Concert at FTC on Stage One, 70 Sanford Street, Fairfield, CT.

Blast away with this crew of seasoned local musicians as they make their debut on Stage One. Delivering sultry and snappy swing era classics diced with jazz and blues, ZOoT PLANeT will teleport you to a time and place where the roots of great music blends with the sensibility of sound in the millennium. Whether you're a rug cutter or a seat tapper, you're in for a treat that's out of this world! The ZOoT crew is - Matthew DeTroy (keys), Carol Piro (vocals), Bruce Couillard (sax/vocals), Hans Broecking (drums), Tim DeHuff (guitar), Rich Zurkowski (bass). In support of live, local radio ZOoT pLAnEt shares proceeds with WPKN.

Dec. 6th Typhanie Monique & Neal Alger

1:00 p.m. Typhanie Monique & Neal Alger will join us for an hour of music and conversation.

While many musical units are formed with a specific agenda, the jazz duo of Typhanie Monique, vocals, and Neal Alger, guitar, came about mostly by chance.  With a background that contains R&B icons Tina Turner and Lionel Richie from her mother's listening habits, Typhanie came to discover jazz in her teenage years.  After studying jazz vocal technique in college, Monique moved to Chicago and formed a successful funk/acid-jazz group Peking Turtle and performed at many venues in the midwest.  Neal too eventually embraced jazz by his late teens but came into it from a different angle; Neal grew up listening and performing hard rock/progressive rock.  Chicago became home for Alger after college as well, and he freelanced with local jazz luminaries and fronted his own trio.

In the holiday spirit of an inclusive 'musical family', YULETIDE GROOVE, the newest project from Alger and Monique, features many special guests including rising Hammond B3 organ star Tony Monaco.  Monaco brings an infectious beat, a rock-solid swing, and warm vocals to the chestnut "Baby It's Cold Outside" while Monique revels in Monaco's vitality, turning in an inspired vocal performance.  A horn trio of trumpet, sax, and trombone brings a lush but not overly sentimental flavor to Vince Guaraldi's "Christmastime is Here" and the classic "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree".  The sultry sexiness of "Santa Baby" is beautifully enhanced by a cha-cha arrangement which features the contagious musical exuberance of latinos pianist Darwin Noguera and trumpeter Victor Garcia.
Technorati tags: WPKN, playlist, Morning Maniac Music, radio

Sunday Brunch Concerts

Come down and be part of our live studio audience!

Sunday, June 7th, 12:00 noon
WPKN Studio 207, Bridgeport
The Juicy Grapes

Sunday, June 21st, 1:00 p.m.
Kasbah Garden Cafe, 105 Howe Street, New Haven
The Harris Brothers Balkan Band

Admission is free, and everyone is welcome. For reservations and directions, call 203-331-9756.

Technorati tags: WPKN, radio