RomBox.com

Blacksburg, VA — I guess you could say I was surprised by Maroon 5’s performance last night (11/10/09). At the same time, it was more or less what I expected. Never before have my feelings towards a band changed so many times in one concert. I went to the show with an open mind, ready to get past the female obsessive boy-band stereotype… if they could prove themselves. This was especially true because my father had seen them at Live 8 a few years ago and said they were actually pretty good.

Their first songs were pure bad-assness. The lead singer, Adam Levine, had tattoos on his arms and was making sexually crude jokes most of the time. They topped off the middle of their set with a two minute long epic drum solo. While the drummer, Ryan Dusick, wailed away the band took a knee and watched as he left the audience in awe. I’ve seen my fair share of awesome drum solos done by great drummers (ex: Travis Barker and Mike Portnoy) and this was on par with their work. While he didn’t lift off the stage in a godlike manor, or have a multi-kit drum set, he did an impressive job.

Unfortunately, the solo left Dursick tired. So, while he was backstage recuperating, the band did some of their songs acoustically. Admittedly, I’m not the biggest fan of acoustical guitar songs. Regardless, this is the scheduled intermission in their set, a point made obvious when they started to cover Alisha Keys’ Beautiful. My ears bled for the duration of the song and left me distracted for the remainder of the acoustical songs.

Fortunately, they were able to redeem themselves. Following the acoustical portion of the show, Levine brought up a female audience member to give her his stool (stage prop). When she sat down on the stool, he proceeded to offer her a lap dance. The crowd was roaring with laughter. After singing to her, he gave her a kiss on the cheek which drew an, “Aww,” from the audience.

There were probably two or three girls for every boy which actually surprised me. I thought there would be way less guys at the show. That didn’t stop the girls from creating an ear shattering wail when they were begging for an encore. My ears received more damage in those three minutes between the original set and the encore than they have from all the concerts I’ve ever been to. Considering how often I’ve been standing in front of the speakers at those concerts, that is an impressive feet. I actually had to cover my ears it was so intolerable.

Of course, the band came back out. What I found unusual was that they only performed one song. Granted it was a long and impressive song. The outro sequence was intense and left a great last impression on me.
For a guy looking for rocking songs I’d have to recommend another band, as a general statement. My recommendation would be to download select songs (particularly not the Alisha Keys cover.) The live versions of the song have more solos and are all around more focused on the rock aspect of music where the album version’s will focus more on the romantic hip-hop aspect.

Maroon 5 Setlist And Pictures

Philadelphia, PA — One of the largest concert venues, The Spectrum, is slated for demolition. Before it goes, there have been a few final concerts to celebrate its history (including Bruce Springsteen and Pearl Jam.)

Friday, October, 23, was the “Last Call” concert featuring Philadelphia bands, Daryl Hall and John Oates with special guests the Hooters and Todd Rundgren.

Tickets were available starting at $4.00.

Morrisville, Pa — As the name suggests, The Stir Fry Music Revival served up a heaping portion of good times and music with “a little bit of this and a little bit of that.” Whether it was some bluegrass and funky folk or rock mixed with reggae and roots, the bands were cooking.

A festival can offer a unique opportunity. For a regular show, the band comes in, does their thing, packs and goes home; however, a festival allows bands to interact with each other. There were many of these amazing interchanges at Stir Fry. One of them occurred as soon as the first band finished their set. DotMan was on the main stage MC-ing between bands. Tin Bird Choir was setting up for their set on the second stage. DotMan started singing what appeared to be an impromptu song, “The Stir Fry Blues”. The lead singer from Tin Bird Choir turned her soundcheck into a harmonizing session with DotMan. Not only were two great musicians having a cosmic collision, it was also made available for an audience to experience.

Another example of what can be found in a Stir Fry mix is “Josh The Bassist”.
Q: How often does a musician get to play three sets with three different bands for the same audience?
A; Only at an event like Stir Fry.
For the Friday evening crowd, Josh played bass with Tin Bird Choir, Manatawny Creek Ramblers and Frog Holler. When he was finished, I caught up with him to shake his hand, “That must be tough. Most people can not make it through one show. You did it with not just one or two, but you did it with three different bands. And, with Manatawny Creek Ramblers, you played a stand-up bass!” Josh replied, “Thank you. I suppose that is unusual to be able to play that long with diverse bands. And, yes, you are right. The hardest part was carrying the stand-up bass through the parking lot.”

There are so many simultaneous things going on at a festival. It is difficult to take them all in, yet that special Stir Fry ingredient could be found throughout. If you were performing and looked out, you could see your idols in the audience. J.R., keyboardist for Wide Eyed Mother Brothers was performing when he spotted someone in the audience. He stopped and pointed out to the crowd, “Do you see this guy? This guy right here? He taught me everything I know about playing keyboards.”

These kinds of cosmic collisions happened all weekend long. You might have witnessed Si Senorita in the audience being “wowed” by DotMan’s harmonica playing, spotted Steal The Breeze in the audience dancing to Si Senorita or heard the Dirty White Boys playing unplugged in the campground at Bob’s Country Bunker. It did not matter exactly where at the festival you were. You were bound to enjoy an experience like these. All that mattered — you were there.

It is too bad every day can not be stir-fried, at least we can look forward to next year.

Photos, Videos, Reviews and Interviews

Stir Fry Photo Gallery

The Stir Fry Music Revival will take place August 28 and 29 at Snipes Farm in Morrisville, PA. (890 West Bridge Street)

The line up of bands includes:
Brothers Past
Frog Holler
Turbine
Splintered Sunlight
The Hustle
Si Senorita
The Coyotes
Psychedelphia
Old Blotter
Manatawny Creek Ramblers
Steal The Breeze
Dr. Fish & Friends
Tin Bird Choir
Newtown Creek
Dirty White Boys
Pete Kranz & the Wide-Eyed Mother Brothers
Members Of Sage
American Babies featuring Scott Metzger, Kevin Kendrick, Jim Hamilton, Joe Russo and Tom Hamilton
Strange Sun
Dirk Quinn Band
The Godinez Brothers
Jay D Clark

For more information visit: stirfryproductions.com

EVEN MORE SURPRISES FROM THE PHILADELPHIA FOLK FESTIVAL

The Decemberists and The Derek Trucks Band added as headlining acts performing August 14-16, 2009 at Old Pool Farm!

Special Thursday night “Campers’ Exclusive” concert added
featuring Jill Sobule, Deer Tick and Get The Led Out!

PHILADELPHIA – Organizers of the PHILADELPHIA FOLK FESTIVAL are putting the finishing touches on an impressive lineup for their 48th annual event with the addition of The Decemberists, The Derek Trucks Band, Jill Sobule, Heartless Bastards, and other noteworthy acts.

The British folk revival sound evident on The Hazards of Love, the recently-released 5th album by the Portland-based The Decemberists, will be highlighted with their Saturday afternoon (August 15) Main Stage performance. Guitar sensation Derek Trucks with his band, touring in support of their most recent album, Already Free, will bring their blend of jazz, rock, blues, Latin, East Indian and other world music to headline the big Sunday night (August 16) concert.

Festival organizers have added a special treat for early-arriving weekend campers with a Thursday night (August 13) “Campers’ Exclusive” concert on the site’s Camp Stage. Jill Sobule, whose songs are at once deeply personal and socially conscious, seriously funny and derisively tragic, is the featured artist. She first gained prominence with her 1995 song “I Kissed a Girl.” Also performing for this more intimate showcase is the quirky country/folk flavored Deer Tick, on the road with their just-released 2nd album, Born on Flag Day. Both acts will be featured at this event for David Dye’s “World Café” syndicated NPR radio show, heard locally on WXPN-FM. Get The Led Out will close this special Thursday night concert by performing acoustic versions of Led Zeppelin songs.

Other exciting recent additions include Heartless Bastards, the irresistible Buskin & Batteu, Eastern European folk music purveyors the West Philadelphia Orchestra, the foot-stomping Celtic exuberance of Burning Bridget Cleary, and the more traditional Celtic ruminations of Shannon Lambert-Ryan & RUNA. They join an outstanding and diverse lineup that already includes Tom Rush, Iron and Wine, and the Del McCoury Band.

“We wanted to shake things up even more this year,” asserts Festival Chairperson Pat Gourley referring to the FOLK FESTIVAL’s emphasis in recent years to reach out beyond the traditional folk music audience. “By featuring The Decemberists, The Derek Trucks Band and more of the contemporary, cutting-edge acts, we’re boldly going after the younger audience needed to sustain the PHILADELPHIA FOLK FESTIVAL over the next 20 to 30 years.” Philadelphia Folksong Society Executive Director Levi Landis concurs, adding, “This 48th annual event will help break new ground and further the Folksong Society’s legacy among the vanguard of folk music innovators. We’ve responded with a roster of performers that appeals not only to dyed-in-the-wool folk music enthusiasts, but also to the next generation audience.”

The PHILADELPHIA FOLK FESTIVAL will be held August 14-16 at the Old Pool Farm near Schwenksville, PA and tickets can be purchased online at www.folkfest.org. Daily event tickets with early bird pricing (through July 19) start at $44.00 – attend all three days and camp for just $145.00 in tent camping or $170.00 in vehicle camping! The perfect family event, concert admission for children under 12 is FREE and “youth rates” (ages 12 to 16) are only half the adult gate price.

For complete information about the PHILADELPHIA FOLK FESTIVAL and tickets, visit the website at www.folkfest.org or call the festival office at 800-556-FOLK.

PHILADELPHIA FOLK FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES STELLAR LINE-UP FOR 48TH ANNUAL EDITION

Sonny Landreth, Del McCoury Band, Iron and Wine, Tom Rush, Rebirth Brass Band, Justin Townes Earle, Tony Trischka, Langhorne Slim,
Enter The Haggis, Ellis Paul, Sara Hickman, Alela Diane
Among Featured Acts Performing August 14-16, 2009 at Old Pool Farm

TICKETS ON SALE NOW WITH EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT!!

PHILADELPHIA – At a press conference held this afternoon, the organizers of the PHILADELPHIA FOLK FESTIVAL unveiled the impressive line-up for their momentous 48th edition unfolding
August 14-16 at the Old Pool Farm near Schwenksville, PA. After a very successful showing last year, Point Entertainment’s Rich Kardon and Jesse Lundy have been brought back to provide artistic direction. “We are excited to again work with the Philadelphia Folksong Society and the Philadelphia Folk Festival to build on the foundation that was crafted last year,” said Kardon. The resulting roster reads like a Who’s Who in the music buzz today, offering a collection of both superstars and rising stars who will join together for this three-day extravaganza of traditional and contemporary music, dance, crafts, camping, and children’s activities.

Among the top attractions at the 48th annual PHILADELPHIA FOLK FESTIVAL are Sonny Landreth, Del McCoury Band, Iron and Wine, Tom Rush, Rebirth Brass Band, Justin Townes Earle,
Tony Trischka, Langhorne Slim, Alela Diane, Joe Pug, Works Progress Administration,
Ellis Paul, Sara Hickman, The Low Anthem, Women in Docs, The Folk Brothers, Erik Mongrain,
Frog Holler, Caravan of Thieves, Enter The Haggis, and Marissa Nadler.

Local musicians that have been garnering tremendous praise will also be featured throughout the weekend including Adrien Reju, Boris Garcia, Chris Kasper, Zach Djanikian, Wissahickon Chicken Shack, and Slo-Mo featuring Mic Wrecka.

As if this amazing line-up weren’t enough, Jesse Lundy hinted that there were more surprises yet to come. “We have a couple more world-class acts; I mean major headliners, that we can’t announce just yet, so stay tuned!” teased Lundy.

Returning for his 48th consecutive year as host is WXPN-FM DJ Gene Shay who has been called the Godfather of Philadelphia Folk Music. Shay has delighted Folk Festival audiences for years with his silly jokes and warm, friendly style. He’s been the same golden voice on the radio, playing folk artists every Sunday night, for most of our lives. He also helped put together the very first PHILADELPHIA FOLK FESTIVAL in 1962 and has been the emcee every year since.

The campground at the PHILADELPHIA FOLK FESTIVAL is considered the Ultimate Folk Festival Experience. Settle into the “40-acre living room” where jamming and camaraderie is shared; where friendships and memories are made that will last a lifetime. Exclusive to All-Festival Camping Ticket holders, there will again be the Thursday Night Concert on the Camp Stage where legendary World Cafe® host David Dye will welcome some unique musical guests, as yet to be announced.

The PHILADELPHIA FOLK FESTIVAL is a perfect family event, too. You will find an unrivaled selection of attractions for the kids, especially in Dulcimer Grove, the shady area between the Crafts Stage and the Camp Stage, where puppeteers, jugglers, storytellers, hands-on crafts and of course, kid-oriented musicians make it a haven for folk fans 12 and under. Older kids, 12 to 16, will again be eligible for the special “youth ticket”, allowing them into the grounds for half the regular gate price, when accompanied by an adult.

Tickets for the PHILADELPHIA FOLK FESTIVAL are now on sale and can be purchased online at www.folkfest.org. Daily event tickets with Early Bird pricing start at $44.00. Attend all three days and camp for just $145.00 in tent camping and $170.00 in vehicle camping!

For complete information about the PHILADELPHIA FOLK FESTIVAL and tickets, visit the website at www.folkfest.org or call the PHILADELPHIA FOLK FESTIVAL office at 800-556-FOLK.

I asked:
How were the XPN concerts? Did you get to see They Might Be Giants? I always wanted to see them live.

Rick Replied:
I like the XPN Festival….new mixed with old…..Steve Forbert was great. They Might Be Giants were funny and quirky…..not sure I’d buy their records but they sure could play. Aimee Mann was very subtle. Dug Louden Wainright III. Only band I didn’t get to see that I wanted to was Guster…..big storm was blowing in and we were really tired after 3 full days. We caught it on the radio. Pete Yorn was great.

Upper Darby, PA — Dream Theater is on their Progressive Nation tour which comes near Philadelphia to the Tower Theatre on July, 31. Zappa Plays Zappa is included on the bill. Frank Zappa’s oldest son, Dweezil Zappa, put together a show featuring his late father’s work.

“Black Clouds & Silver Linings”, the latest album by progressive rockers Dream Theater, debuted at #6 on Billboard’s Top 200 album chart.

“This is truly amazing. After almost 25 years together, Dream Theater is still growing and progressing and doing bigger and better than ever. I can’t think of many bands that can claim that. We are truly thankful to have this incredible support from fans who believe in the band as a musical force,” said drummer Mike Portnoy. “An album with four songs over 12 minutes in the US Top 10? Hell must’ve frozen over! This is one small leap for Dream Theater, and one giant leap for music in general.”

It is quite amusing when you look at their company in the top 10 — the Jonas Brothers, Black Eyed Peas and Regina Spektor.

“Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band came to Bonnaroo, and Bonnaroo will never be the same. Before the throng, the band played a set of classic songs, and broke out “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” and “Growin’ Up” in the request slot midway through the show.” — brucespringsteen.net

Bruce played a three hour set he said was for “hard times.” It is unusual for him to play a festival. In fact, this is only the second such show for him and the E-street Band.

Bruce said, “We didn’t come all the way down to the beautiful Tennessee hills just to rock the house. We came down here tonight because we want to build a house. That’s right. Right here in this field. … A house of love. A house of hope.”

Set List
Badlands
No Surrender
My Lucky Day
Outlaw Pete
Out In The Street
Working On A Dream
Seeds
Johnny 99
Youngstown
Raise Your Hand
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Growin’ Up
Thunder Road
Waiting On A Sunny Day
The Promised Land
The River
Kingdom Of Days
Radio Nowhere
Lonesome Day
The Rising
Born To Run

Hard Times
Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out
Land Of Hope And Dreams
American Land
Rosalita
Glory Days
Dancing In The Dark

Philadelphia, PA — Five bands perform to a sold-out crowd. Hey Monday, Cobra Starship, Metro Station, All Time Low and Fall Out Boy

Radio stations 102.1 and 104.5 put on a concert at Festival Pier, Penns Landing, Philadelphia, PA. They said, “Rain Or Shine”. Maybe they should have said, “Rain And Shine”.

At 5:00pm, there was a long, long line waiting in the rain for the 6:30 show. They had drenched clothes and blankets, broken umbrellas and soaked heads. The gates opened at 6:00. As soon as the line started moving, the sun broke through the clouds, the rain stopped and the sky turned blue. Everyone figured it was all over and left their rain gear. Inside, the general admission “seating” basked in the warmth of a beautiful evening. Hey Monday played under the sweet sunlight. Cobra Starship rocked out as the sun started setting behind them. Then, something began to feel amiss. During Metro Station’s set, giant clouds started rolling overhead. Splash! The rain came pouring down. Within an instant, it was a massive wet t-shirt contest.

The show went on rain… and, shine… and, rain… and….

Hey Monday
The first band to take the stage was Hey Monday. Hey Monday is an American pop punk band from West Palm Beach, Florida, United States. Fronted with a female singer, Cassadee Pope, they played a spirited and spunky set that included: Run Don’t Walk, Candles, How Do You Love Me Now and Homecoming.

Cobra Starship at Penn's Landing, Festival Pier, Philadelphia, PA

Cobra Starship
It was a little surprising that Cobra Starship was the second act. Of the five bands, they were probably the second best performance of the night. Their music is a powerful blend of punk, pop, techno, mosh, funk and rock. As vocalist, Gabe Saporta, said, we “bring it all together.”

They appeared to get pleasure from playing in front of the sold-out crowd. There was plenty of interaction with the audience, as well as, encouragement to “go for what you want”. In fact, by the time their set was done, they had converted the entire audience into Cobras. Having taught the uninitiated the proper hand sign, thousands upon thousands of arms could be seen held high in the air creating a sea of snakes.

set list
1. The City Is At War
2. Smile For The Paparazzi
3. Kiss My Sass [With A Verse From Hollaback Boy]
4. Bring It (Snakes on a Plane)
5. Pete Wentz Is The Only Reason We’re Famous
6. Guilty Pleasure

Metro Station
Hmmm… what can be said about Metro Station? Despite the downpour during their set, they still didn’t float my boat. On the other hand, they were quite dance-able. The age group of dancers was diverse, too. From eleven year olds to fifty year olds, people couldn’t help but dance and sing. Perhaps some people like to dance to disco more than listen to disco? It seemed like the songs went something like: Kelsey, Now That We’re Done, Dead And Gone [cover], Seventeen Forever and Shake It.

All Time Low
You’d think Metro Station would be the all time low, but as All Time Low took the stage you’d have to think again. (just kidding) Sure, All Time Low also started out a little too disco. When they started showing their harder edge, about half way through, the sound started to bring you back up. As Poppin’ Champagne started playing, they got a bit easier to swallow. The last song, Dear Maria, Count Me In, redeemed their status to — Yeah!

Fall Out Boy at Festival Pier, Penn's Landing, Philadelphia, PA

Fall Out Boy
What can be said about Fall Out Boy? A: They rock.
The sound was on the money. If not that, at least worth the price of the ticket to get in. It kind-of blew you off your feet, yet, was not so loud as to deafen your ears. With a solid sound and charismatic stage presence, it was easy to understand why they were the headliner.

They continued the sing-a-long theme of the evening. That is to say, the patrons new just about every word to every song to every band. A few of the highlights included: Sugar, We’re Going Down, I Don’t Care and This Ain’t A Scene, It’s An Arms Race.