Tune In, Turn On
By Doug Deutsch
Beautiful flowers aren’t the only things blooming here at the Jersey Shore in April. Not only in the casinos, but local clubs throughout the area are starting to come to life with upcoming shows that should be of interest to all us music lovers.
A Review: Sessanta at Hard Rock Casino: This was one of the more unusual shows we’ve attended, with the rotation of groups split into the “acts.”
First up, A Perfect Circle hit the stage, fronted by enigmatic vocalist Maynard James Keenan, whom the whole Sessanta event was built around. Keenan, celebrating his 60th birthday, also sang on this evening with the slightly more melodic Puscifer, along with longtime rockers and the pride of El Sobrante, Calif., Primus, whose bassist, Les Claypool, is a monster musician.
The three-hour show in the spacious Mark Etess Arena moved quickly, but without the normal cadre of people taking pictures and video on their cellphones, which was strictly prohibited by the bands until the final song of the evening. Keenan, who is also lead vocalist of popular hard rockers Tool, was the quintessential front-man and a great host on this night.
Red Meat Conspiracy/Hilltop@Anchor Rock Club: A solid double-bill of tasty indie rock will be served up at the Anchor on New York Avenue this Friday, April 12, featuring one of our favorite SJ bands, the “udderly electrifying,” “jamtronifunkadeliazz” Red Meat Conspiracy (pictured above). The band is celebrating the release of their new EP, “Well Done.”
Tune In Turn On first encountered this fun ensemble (who have added members and are now a quintet) at the 2023 St. Patrick’s Day Parade when they performed on the Anchor’s float, and have been digging them, and their cow-clothing-onesies-wearing fans. ever since.
Also performing are Hilltop, described by the show’s promoter, MariBeth, as a “four-piece funk rock band from Albany, N.Y., that over the past six years have made a name for themselves with carefully crafted originals, mind-bending improvisation, and fun, diverse covers.”
See www.anchorrockclub.com,www.redmeatconspiracy.com or
That Don Jamieson Show: Friday, April 19, we recommend comedian Don Jamieson performing at Tropicana’s Firewaters Saloon at 8 p.m. Jamieson, best known as one of three co-hosts of VH1’s longtime hard rock staple, “That Metal Show,” also won an Emmy for his contributions to HBO’s “Inside The NFL.” Tickets/Info: www.atlanticcitycomedyshows.eventbrite.com.
Smoke On The Water 420 Fest A Go: Music and Mary Jane come together on Saturday, April 20 (IYKYK), with live music by Christian Glomb of Ill Rendition, “belting out our favorite pop, punk, ska and reggae tunes,” says Stephen Weiss of Norstep Presents, who are producing the rain-or-shine event.
Check-in time for Smoke On The Water is 11 a.m. at 800 N. New Hampshire Ave., boarding time is 12:30 p.m., and the cruise itself goes from 1 to 4:20 p.m. Tickets/info: at www.eventbrite.com.
Chris Smither at Lizzie Rose Music Room: Folk/blues legend Chris Smither pays a visit to our favorite music venue outside of AC, Lizzie Rose Music Room in Tuckerton, on Sunday, April 14. Smither’s new album, “All About The Bones,” drops May 3 on Signature Records. www.lizzierosemusicroom.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.
