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.