Tune In, Turn On
Rockabilly has always been one of this column’s favorite music genres. From the upbeat sound of bands ranging from The Stray Cats and Link Ray, to Robert Gordon, The Cramps and Flat Duo Jets, it’s always had a hipness and swagger we find appealing.
Mike Spagnola, curator and promoter of Rockabilly Uprising, set for Saturday, June 7 in Smithville, digs rockabilly, too.
“This is Uprising’s 11th year. The event just comes from a love of rockabilly, psychobilly music and pin-up culture,” said Spagnola, who also owns a cool music-culture shop at Smithville called Underground.
“We’re the promoters of two other yearly events in Smithville (Artwalk and Monster Bash), but Uprising is my personal favorite. It just brings out the coolest people.”
Rockabilly Uprising, which takes place at Village Greene in Smithville, features sets by popular New Jersey acts The Atomic Bats (pictured) and, from Red Bank, Dr. Void and the Death Machines.
“The music and the Pin-Up Contest are both held in the gazebo on the Greene,” added Spagnola. Check www.rockabilly-uprising.com for additional information.
We were curious to know more about Mike’s background.
“I’ve been involved in music subculture and underground music all my life,” he said. “Opening a store like Underground was something I always wanted to do. It finally came to fruition in 2007, almost 18 years ago. At Underground we sell our original designs along with top subculture brands. We are raucous and irreverent; some Smithville visitors might even say, obnoxious (he laughs).
“We have a loyal following of customers because of our authenticity and our DIY ethic. We’re known for standing out in an otherwise quiet and quaint little town.”
What bands does Spagnola listen to?
“If you come into Underground, the bands you’ll always hear are The Misfits, The Koffin Kats, Type O Negative, Ravagers, Blitzkid, and Vision Video. Depending on the mood of the day: old punk, horror punk, psychobilly or traditional goth.”
Does he play any musical instruments?
“I play guitar…badly. I’ve never been in a band.”
There are musicians, and there are people who provide a place for bands to perform. Mike Spagnola is happy to be in the latter category, and he’s doing a great job of providing a live music venue for indie bands.
Rockabilly Uprising takes place at Historic Smithville, 615 E. Moss Mill Road, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, June 7. Music runs 1-3 p.m.; vendors 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Info: www.rockabilly-uprising.com.
Tune-Ups: Tony Mart Presents Dylan Dead Zeppelin. Bob Dylan’s 30th Anniversary Concert, which took place in October of 1993 at Madison Square Garden, is musically re-enacted by local and national stars at Dylan Dead Zeppelin 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 25, at The Claridge’s Celebrity Theatre in AC.
Renowned guitarist Jaden Lehman (who collaborated with Oteil Burbridge of Dead & Company on his debut EP “Reflection”), is the featured guest, performing the part of George Harrison doing Harrison’s Dylan tribute. Dead Zep, led by Waynard Scheller, renowned for his work with Bob Weir, the Jerry Garcia Family and the Yoko Ono Foundation, will lead Dead Zep in a set of melodic medleys combining Grateful Dead and Led Zeppelin classics before performing the tribute to Bob Dylan, and many all-stars who performed with Dylan on that occasion, including Tom Petty, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Roger McGuinn, Chrissie Hynde and The Band.
General admission tickets for the three-hour show, which include some limited VIP seating, are available at Claridge.com or www.Tonymart.com.
Doug is the owner/operator of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, which since 1995 has been servicing nationally touring acts, and working record release campaigns for clients. Doug also hàs experience writing for the one time shore-based weekly publication, Whoot! He also was a team member with Chip Braymes Advertising. Doug loves bicycling and aspires to bring the Blues to Atlantic City. He can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@gmail.com and www.facebook.com/dougdeutschpublicity.
