A Winning Team

This past Friday I was back at the Tin Angel to see my friend Loretta Allen's new collaboration with singer-songwriter Stephen Rose of the band Bong Hits For Jesus. She sang backup on a few of his songs, played two of her songs with Steve on backing vocals and percussion and then they performed a new duet which they wrote together. They had a five song EP with the latter song and previously recorded songs available for an "official" donation of $5 or however much you wanted to donate. Not bad for a few months worth of work. The night kicked into high gear with the folk, rock and bluegrass of Miz and then the three-guitar power rock of Lost In Company.

Stephen Rose's Reverbnation profile

Lost In Company's Reverbnation profile

Mike Miz's Reverbnation profile

Following the Groove Train

I made it out to Cazz's in Levittown to see my friend Loretta Allen playing with the Groove Train Riders. She played a full-hour set while GTR played the rest of the night. With the close-in view and televisions at eye level at Cazz's it was much easier to also enjoy the  marathon 20-inning Mets-Cardinals game and the Rockies' no-hitter. Loretta showed her full singing ability performing lead vocals with the Riders on covers including "Son Of A Preacherman" and "Jackson." A guest guitarist also sat in on a cover of "Smooth" and a handful of other songs.

A Musical Ladies' Night

Loretta Allen at John & Peter'sSince I was off from work the Friday before Thanksgiving I was able to see two of my lady musician friends perform in one night - over forty miles apart. My journey started with Laura Cheadle at the Burlap And Bean in Newtown Square. I then drove across two counties to New Hope to see Lorretta Allen at a Soir du Femme show playing with other female fronted acts. Lorretta played most of her solo work and covers including "Hide And Seek" by Imogen Heap. I hadn't been to John And Peter's since July and was suprised to run into my friend Heather there as well. Every time I go there I seem to see someone I wasn't expecting. After the show Loretta had copies of her new EP New American for sale and which the other members of Stellium backed her on.