Back To The Street

Loretta Allen (left) with StelliumFor my next appearance at a concert I was at another venue I had not been to in a while, the Street Road Bar and Grille, this time for Stellium. Since I was last there with Dave Devlin, the bar was incorporated within the Stadium banner, started offering live music on nights other then Saturdays and put in a new stage. There were also some new games to enjoy. Stellium was listed on the show flyer third but played first, they had told their fans to not come until 10:30 so many of them missed all or part of their set. In the end, however, Stellium were very different from the other groups so it seemed better for them to be first up. They played about five songs and were probably running out of material but were given some extra time so made up a instrumental song which Lara's friend Alex came up and played drums on.

There were a variety of acts also performing but the one who stood out as Better Day. They brought plenty of friends, including one that busted quite a few moves during the show. I would have gotten up as well but for my aching knees. Loretta is friends with their singer Chris and was getting a ride with them so she stuck around for awhile. That allowed me to hang out with and talk to her at length for the first time since her solo show in 2007.

Scaling the Mile High Club

Blue SinatraI went to see Blue Sinatra for the first time since last June. It was one of the last shows before the band went on hiatus for the summer to write and record new material for their first full album. I also came to Doc Watson's for the first time since 2006, after it was briefly closed for code volations, the original owner returned and the upstairs club had been renamed the Mile High Club. Because of a sparse crowd that basically consisted of Blue Sinatra and myself and since of their lead singers was sick the other members of the two bands who were to play before them formed a jam band and had some fun. During that set a group of girls arrived led by Steve's girlfriend and Greg's sister in-law. Even with them there wasn't much of a crowd but we were able to fill up the tiny club. The band played most of the songs from the upcoming EP We're All On Drugs and were very tight. At least, until Greg's sister-in-law leaned on the table Steve's beer was sitting on and caused it to collapse. The show was halted briefly while the floor was mopped up and Steve got a replacement beverage. I received an advanced copy of the new EP after the show.

A Familiar Voice on the Radio

I was able to listen to Laura Cheadle this past Sunday on Hometown Heroes, a radio show broadcast from Delaware. I texted in during the show and my message was read on-air, which was very exciting for me. I embedded the video her brother Nick took of the show below:

Laura Cheadle on Hometown Heroes from Nick Cheadle on Vimeo.

Stellium with Lisa Kettyle

Lara and StelliumI finally saw Loretta Allen perform with her new group, Stellium, which was also the first time I had seen her peform at all other than her birthday parties since 2007. I've wanted to hear her perform with a band that fills out and supports her songs. No bass needed for this trio, her bandmates laid down a nice jam and Loretta's vocals floated above. Lisa Kettyle opened for her friend one last time, I had a feeling that she would be there. There weren't a whole lot of people there other than their friends but we were having a good time.

Lisa Kettyle

A Double Shot Of JAB

With Eric at the Villa Capri. Don't worry, the "David" statue behind them is not anatomically correct.I haven't written about JAB before but I thought that this was the time. They recently played two shows on consecutive nights right before Easter. First they were at the Red Stallion, their usual hangout. Unlike other recent shows they had there they took the stage after a pop song cover band and a large group of people were there to see that group. The regulars didn't care much for them but I actually enjoyed their take on some '80s and '90s tunes. I also got to meet Tara's two brothers who came out to see JAB for the first time. When JAB came up they got two full sets and were able to stretch out a bit, which is the way it should be. Former singer Jack was there and came up for a song. The next night they were at the Villa Capri, an Italian restaurant in Doylestown with Steve Bullman. Less people were there for that show but Ethan, Linzi and Tommy did come which was a surprise.

Here are some pics from the Red Stallion Show:

With Jack onstage: