Tune In, Turn On
Local music promoter Jerry Ryan, known for presenting the annual Elephant Talk Indie Music Festival and Elephant Talk Indie Music Awards, will present an interesting event called the Lyrically Fit Hip Rock Unplugged Music Festival Saturday, Oct. 4, at the recently-renovated Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall in Atlantic City.
“Lyrically Fit refers to a recurring concert series organized by the Hip-Hop Foundation of Philadelphia, that showcases independent hip-hop artists while supporting community programs and fostering a celebration of lyrical mastery,” Ryan, 49, told this column in a recent interview via email. “The series features live performances by artists known for their sharp lyricism and stage presence, such as Apollo Ali, Judah Priest, Chris Rockwell and so many more.”
Asked why he decided to present a show like this, which is rather unique for an Atlantic City music scene not always known for being supportive of avant-garde events, Ryan replied, “I don’t often step into collaborations, but when (hip-hop promoter) Coach Jay reached out with this idea, I knew I had to be a part of it.
“I’ve always respected and trusted his vision,” he continued. “Our paths first crossed back in 2013 at the Elephant Talk Indie Music Festival that year, when Lyrically Fit sponsored a stage. I knew from that point on he was someone worth building with.”
The ambitious Lyrically Fit schedule on Saturday includes both an outdoor and indoor stage, which is the same format Ryan employs for his Elephant Talk Indie events.
“The indoor stage will showcase pure hip-hop, while the outdoor stage brings the energy of full band performances – then fusing the two as hip-hop artists take the spotlight with live band backing. We plan on making this an annual event in Atlantic City,” he added.
Ryan’s annual indie music awards show is not too far off in the distance (Dec. 20, also at Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall). It will be its 16th year. Gotta give it up to Ryan for keeping the flame of independent, original music alive here at the Jersey Shore.
P.S. There will be an after-party on Saturday night for Lyrically Fit at ACX1 Studios on the Boardwalk featuring Craig G (Juice Crew).
Lyrically Fit Hip Rock Unplugged Music Festival takes place 4-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, 133 S. Tennessee Ave., Atlantic City. It’s presented in conjunction with Tri State Happenings.
Info: phillyhiphopfoundation.org.
Tune-Ups
The Jersey Shore, specifically, A.C.’s casinos, continue to present A-list headliners, even after Labor Day when things traditionally slow down. At 8 p.m. this Saturday, Oct. 4, the English pop rock supergroup Yes (minus vocalist Jon Anderson) will bring their Fragile Tour (named for the band’s epic 1971 album) to Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena.
Also at 8 p.m. Saturday, country artist Jamey Johnson visits Tropicana’s Showroom. The night before (9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3), another classic rock-era star, the Alan Parsons Live Project, visits Ocean Casino’s Ovation Hall.
Watch for our feature and interview with Sarah Holt, who fronts indie rockers Molly Ringworm, prior to her band’s album release/Halloween party at Anchor Rock Club Oct. 24. Holt, who doubles as a DJ for Anchor’s Vinyl Wednesdays, used to spin on Stockton’s WLFR 91.7FM, and was the subject of our first-ever Shore Local column in September, 2022.
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 can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@gmail.com
