Tune In, Turn On
By Doug Deutsch
While Atlantic City is not really known as a hotbed of the blues, every once in a while there’s a good act booked locally that deserves to be mentioned.
Such is the case with blues vocalist Regina Bonelli, who will perform a free show 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, as part of the Perfect Tenn week-long celebration at Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall.
“A live (Regina Bonelli) show is an uplifting, soulful experience,” Bonelli, a New York State Blues Hall of Fame artist. said in an interview via email this week, when asked what her live show is like. “High-energy, thought-provoking material along with classic gems, (where we) try to bring a great live experience.”
Asked who some of her musical influences are, Bonelli, who also plays keyboards, replied, “the R&B divas – Aretha (Franklin), Gladys (Knight), and Chaka (Khan). Joni Mitchell was a big influence growing up. Big Mama Thornton as far as the blues. Howlin’ Wolf. I love Luther Allison, Curtis Mayfield, Sly and the Family Stone. I also love jazz and classical music. All things musically amazing.”
As an artist who is constantly touring, we asked Bonelli how life on the road has been.
“The road is treating me well,” the Brooklyn native says. “I just came back from an awesome run in New England and I’ll be heading down to Florida soon. I hope to have some European dates in 2024. I love playing to my New Jersey folks.”
We asked Bonelli, who released “Truth Hurts” to positive acclaim and reviews in 2022, if she has any new recording on the horizon? “I’m always writing and recording. I have some new music coming out soon. In the meantime, all three of my albums are available to check out on all the streaming platforms and YouTube.”
Bonelli is looking for suggestions during her upcoming visit to the World’s Playground. “I’m not that familiar with Atlantic City,” she admits. “Perhaps you and your readers could tip me to the good spots to check out.”
Regina Bonelli will be in concert at Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, 133 S. Tennessee Ave., Atlantic City, 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7. as part of their Perfect Tenn Fest (and Saturday’s Blues, Brews & Barbeque day/night event). Admission is free. Info: www.TennesseeAvenueBeerHallo.com. If it rains on Saturday, “Bonelli will perform as a duo inside,” says TABH head honcho, Scott Cronick.
Keanu Reeves, Dogstar at Hard Rock Casino: Most people know Keanu Reeves as one of America’s most visible, successful male actors, whose superstar career includes starring roles in, among others, the “Matrix Revolution” films, “Speed,” and this writer’s favorite, the football-themed comedy, “The Replacements.”
What you may not know is that Reeves is an accomplished musician – having played bass in the Hollywood, Calif.-based group Dogstar from the time of their formation in the early 1990s till they disbanded in 2022, and then reformed again this year. Reeves and Dogstar visit Hard Rock Casino’s Sound Waves Theatre this Sunday, Oct. 8 (8 p.m.) in support of their brand-new album, “Somewhere Between The Power Lines and the Palm Trees” (a Southern California-referenced album title if we ever heard one!). Tickets/info: www.hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com.
Dear Summer, Thanks For The Memories is This Sunday. Originally scheduled to happen Sept. 23, promoter Stephen Weiss of Norstep Productions told Tune In Turn On that it’s now full-steam ahead for his 420 lifestyle/music festival “Dear Summer, Thanks For The Memories,” this Sunday, Oct. 8 from noon to 8 p.m. at Orange Loop Amphitheater on New York Avenue in Atlantic City. Info: https://tinyurl.com/4aecbsaa.
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.
