Latin Jazz and Schoolhouse Rock at the Deer Head Inn

The Deer Head Inn, the home of jazz in the Poconos, will be featuring some great talents this weekend.
On Saturday, May 2, Marco Marcinko and his latin jazz quintet will be gracing the small stage with their presence. Marcinko remains one of the region's best drummers, and plays in bands with genres like latin jazz to rock to pop to afro funk. And he looks cool while he's doing it. (His eyes are always protected by a faded orange set of glasses, making him ready for "cool jazz drummer mode" anytime. That show will start at 7:30 pm and the cost is $12 at the beginning/$6 after 9:30 p.m.
On Sunday, The Bobettes will be joining the cast of Deer Head musicians. The Bobettes are mainly known for their work with legendary Schoolhouse Rock composer Bob Dorough. You might recognize them on such songs as "Conjunction Junction." The group is comprised of three beautiful women --- Nancy Reed, Vicki Doney, and Val Hawk. That show will be running from 5 to 8 p.m. and the cost is $5.
Might I add, the Deer Head Inn is a real neat place to go see live music. It's small, so the setting between the crowd and the entertainers is very intimate. Also, the stage is set up so that you can see from every table in the restaurant. The Deer Head is rustic, and has been the Poconos only jazz club since the 1950s.
Afro-latin-schoolhouse-rockin'-funk-a-jazz-a-licious!

Ain't No Time to Hate, Barely Time to Wait...for Dark Star Orchestra

Casey jones, you better watch your speed...when you head down to the Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg to see DARK STAR ORCHESTRA! I'm so excited to see this band in June. They are one of my favorite bands that come around the ESU area because they cover Grateful Dead songs, which are some of the best songs ever created (if I have anything to say about it).
But, like many fans of the Grateful Dead, I've decided to do some experimentation as of late. Instead of writing to you about the band, I'd rather speak directly to you. Let's get to know each other. Come listen to my plugged in podcast about the event here.
Keep on keepin' on.

It's Knapp Time, Kids

Ok, so this preview is going to be a little biased. Well, very biased actually. The performer I want you to check out this week happens to be a good friend of mine. (There's your disclaimer, right off the bat).
Siamsa Irish Pub's very own John Knapp will be playing an acoustic session on the second floor of the restaurant this Saturday night. John has spent many years reflecting on his sound and always remains in a state of experimentation. To sound utterly cliche for one second, if I had a penny for every kind of sound John experimented with, I'd be rich.
Also, John has also just recently purchased his very own synthesizer, which has been leading him in many different directions. I hope he brings it with him on Saturday. That could get interesting...
I'm glad John is finally getting the chance to spread his music around a little. He's got a lot of talent, but hasn't played many places yet. This is a chance for him to bust out!
On a side note, not only is John Knapp a talented musician, but he is also a very gifted writer. His poetry is a bit abstract, and makes you use your mind when you read it. Check it out here.

A Pet Festivas for the Rest of Us

Well, today's post is geared towards the local music and animal lover in each and every one of us. I know, kind of a weird combination, huh? But if you put these two things together, you get Pet Festivas, a fundraiser for Camp Papillon, which will take place at Sarah Street Grill on April 14 (starting at 11:30 am).
A little background info --- The Monroe County SPCA recently closed down, leaving countless local animals homeless. Enter Camp Papillon. They took in a large amount of those animals, giving them a chance for survival. Now, the organization has an overabundance of animals and is desperately in need of foster homes, permanent homes, and are also trying to raise money to build their own shelter facility in Stroudsburg.
Here comes Sarah Street Grill --- Every year they have a fundraiser to celebrate their anniversary. This year, they have chosen Camp Papillon. Since this year marks their 14th year in business, they will be donating 14% of all their profits from April 14 to the organization. But they're not just serving food...
Enter local music. Sarah Street Grill will be hosting ten...count 'em...ten bands next Tuesday. Here's the rundown: Regina Sayles and Spencer Reed, Christian Porter, Chris Cuzme, the Pocono Duo, Bill Ruth, Tom Graham, Ansel Matthews, Johnny Rydell, Brian and Nadine from Swampadelica, and Bobby Syvarth. The music will start at 5 pm and continue until 2 am. And best of all...it's FREE!
Besides all that great music, the restaurant will also have a benefit pool tournament, raffles, and 50/50. They are also urging patrons to pick up a Pet Festivas t-shirt or donate pet supplies and money directly to Camp Papillon through the ESU Community Service Student Outreach booth.
If you were wondering, yes, there will be adoptable dogs there starting at 3pm.
You can listen to some great music, adopt a pooch, play some pool, and eat a good meal all in one day. Not bad for a Tuesday afternoon.

When I'm Next To George, I Feel Lucky

Last Friday, I got to see one of my very FAVORITE performers in Stroudsburg. Who could possess such utter groovaliciousness to impress me that much? Why, the king of the reggae vibe at Front Row, of course --- George Wesley.
Wesley made his round to Front Row, making that the umpteenth time he has played there. He usually comes around about once a month to soothe bar-goers with sweet island sounds and warm, friendly vibes.
One of the cool things about George Wesley and his band are the all encompassing, strangely unique sounds that are incorporated into the music. Wesley has a synthesizer onstage, which he hooks up to his guitar, and then he is able to take on the sound of any kind of instrument right from the guitar. You might think you're seeing him play a guitar, but the sound coming out of the instrument is steel drums!
Wesley has help from his band, which includes his beautiful fiance Annette, who takes charge of the percussion by playing different kinds of instruments, like the bongos and even a small gong.
Most of Wesley's songs are originals, but some are covers. On Friday, he played a stellar cover of Eddy Grant's "Electric Avenue." However, I must admit that my favorite songs are his originals, like "When I'm Next to You, I Feel Lucky." His lyrics boast love and friendship while the music relaxes your body with its reggae beat. I always find myself dancing the night away whenever I go see Wesley play!
To read a full, five star review of George Wesley's newest album, "Hold On," click here.
If you want to check George Wesley out, and I strongly suggest that you do, you can view his myspace page or go directly to his website.
One last hook --- Wesley's dreads are incredible. Come on...at least go to check out his hair!

Jam On with Umphrey's McGee

Jam band fans, this post is officially dedicated to you and you alone. Hold on to your butts! Umphrey's McGee is coming to Penn's Peak on April 3! You better get ready to dance your hippie heart out.
Umphrey's McGee has been rising steadily over the past few years and now have a pretty substantial fan base comprised of not only hippies, of course, but also metalheads, rockers, and jammers. Surprising, huh? It's all thanks to the eclectic blend that makes up their music. It's filled with reggae beats, long hippie jams, and the occasional EXTREME double bass that screams metal.
The group played the Sherman Theater about a year ago and sold out the venue (pictured above). Fans traveled from all across the country to see Umphrey's and weren't let down in the slightest bit. Their show was a mixture of original jams, recorded songs, and a few covers. The song that really blew me away was their cover of the Allman Brothers Band "Jessica," which, I have to say, they played better than the Allman Brothers do now if you see them live. (Perhaps because the Allmans are old and tired by now, but hey...I still give props. They're still amazing.)
To get back on track, you should go see Umphrey's if you want to check out one incredible show. You won't only be blown away by the music these guys create, but you'll also get carried away in the psychedelic light show that accompanies it. (Note: I am in no way, shape, or form suggesting that you take drugs before you go to this show.)
Eh hem...tickets are $21 in advance and $26 the day of the show. Penn's Peak is a beautiful venue and a wonderful place to spend an evening. Check out all of the info on the event page.

Ah, Sophistication and Virtuosity

This weekend (Sunday, the 22nd to be precise) the Montclair Chamber Ensemble will be performing in ESU's Fine and Performing Arts building at 3 p.m. The concert will feature a tribute to founding member Oscar Ravina and many musicians who play in the New York Philharmonic will be joining the group.
To give you a little background on this Ravina fellow, I did some research. It turns out that Oscar was a music professor at Montclair State University and also taught a few classes at the prestigious Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. Not only did he enjoy teaching, but he also played in several groups, including the New York Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble and, of course, the Oscar Ravina String Quartet, in which he played violin.
In the press release for the event this weekend, song titles like "Mozart's Overture to the Marriage of Figaro" and "Horn Concerto No. 2 in E flat Major" are listed. I can only imagine that these tunes will be played not without effort, but with great virtuosity and sophistication. When I think about classical music, these are the first two words that come to mind. For me, the genre is good for about the first twenty minutes, and then I fall asleep.
But hey, to each his own, right?
If you're interested in seeing the group perform, make sure you get to the Cecilia S. Cohen Recital Hall by 3 p.m. sharp. It is very uncouth to arrive at a classical concert late.
Also, you might want to know, classy music doesn't come without a price. ESU students get the better deal with a $5 ticket charge. General admission for everyone else is $20. You might want to take advantage of this one!
Now go. Get your classical music on.

Who Knows?

For ESU students out there...how many of you have been to the bookstore and seen the dude with the bald head and glasses sitting in that little office in the back of the store? Well, his name is Chuck Kagel, who, when he's not dutifully working at the University Store, is playing bass guitar with his band Who Knows.
The cool thing about the band is that most of the members can play more than one instrument and sing. Not all at the same time, of course. Let's not get ahead of ourselves.
Who Knows has a large repertoire of songs to pick from. They might play a little Paul Simon, then some Queen, and then maybe even move into a little Elvis. Even though they only play covers, it's interesting to see that they always find room to add their own creative spin on the songs. Sometimes they add long solos or even other, more obscure instruments.
The main goal of this band is just to have fun! One of the very first times I saw these guys, the violinist, Dale Barth, was down in the audience, standing on top of a chair, playing right to his fans...all while wearing a shirt that said "HOT AS BALLS." Indeed. (Read the full review of that show here.)
The band is playing a benefit for the ESU Tourism Club tomorrow night at Siamsa Irish Pub from 10-2. Word on the street is that there might be some leprechauns and Irish dancers hanging around the Pub, too.

Have You Seen the Elusive Delgado?

This week I'd like to introduce you to someone who is a little less known in Stroudsburg. Meet Rick Delgado, singer, songwriter, and aficionado to the local bars and open mic nights.
His music, which I would place in the same category as John Mayer and Dashboard Confessional, is nothing to take lightly. It speaks of the troubles of love, experiencing things for the first time, and delves deep into many multi-layered emotions people go through and come into contact with.
Delgado has a very soulful voice, which he always manages to croon the ladies with. Besides the support he has received from those friends, he has also slowly been making a name for himself among Stroudsburg locals.
Although he is somewhat elusive, you can usually find him working it at Sarah Street Grill on Wednesday nights and at Starbucks on Main Street on Sunday nights. Delgado has current plans for a recording that will hopefully be available for fans in the near future. Until then, you can check out his music online. Click here.

Pink Floyd Performs in Stroudsburg! (Sort of...)

Pink Floyd fans will be psyched this weekend when they go see "Rock 'n' Art" at the Sherman Theater. The venue's website has listed the event as "an interactive, multimedia experience." Local artists Bill Kelley and Chris Francz will be presenting their work, which will be accompanied by Pink Floyd's The Wall.
Although no showing of The Wall could ever be the same as seeing the boys -- David Gilmour, Richard Wright, Syd Barrett, Nick Mason, and Roger Waters -- this show aims to bring just a little piece of their glory to Stroudsburg.
For a taste of the acid trip that is The Wall, check out a small snippet of "Comfortably Numb" from the actual movie.
Because of the band's inability to get along, the remaining members of Pink Floyd have stated that they will not be reuniting for a tour after rumors surfaced that it would happen. However, David Gilmour and Roger Waters still tour by themselves.
Come on, guys. Kiss and make up...for your fans. While I'm happy with the idea of seeing Rock 'n' Art, I would much rather see the band!