Tune In, Turn On
By Doug Deutsch
Still buzzing from the wonderfulness of the 35th St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
We marched on the Boardwalk from Tennessee to Albany Avenue with the Anchor Rock Club float and were treated to approximately two hours of eclectic music by Philly’s Red Meat Conspiracy, who manned the float, joined by a few dozen RMC fans dressed in cow costumes (talk about a tight fan base!).
ARC manager Greg Mungan, local music promoters Maribeth and Tina Notaro, and all those who assembled the Anchor float are to be commended for a job well done on short notice.
Speaking of Anchor, NYC hardcore legends Cro-Mags, fronted by longtime bassist Harley Flanagan, will play there Sunday, March 19. If you like it hard, loud ‘n fast, don’t miss this one.
No Mas, promoting new album, “Consume/Deny/Repent,” plus local groups Jumpship and Gutter Drunk, open. Also coming to ARC: Emma Sanborn Presents… Peroxide Blonde, Friend, Jet Fuel Soda and Disaster Artist on March 24. Think: https://punk/experimental/indie/grunge/lo-fi, and Philly-based indie rockers Low-Cut Connie, there June 10 as part of the North To Shore Jersey Festival, which takes place in Atlantic City June 4-11. See https://northtoshore.com/ for info.
LCC once did a Sunday residency at Memories in Margate, and even have a snippet of late legendary deejay Jerry Blavat in one of their songs. Lastly, rising Philly dream-pop outfit Miss Cantaloupe play ARC as part of the North To Shore Festival June 9, with locally indie-pop darlings Molly Ringworm opening. ARC tickets/info:
http://www.anchorrockclub.com/.
Kenny Wayne Shepherd at Borgata: They’ve been mainly booking A-List comedians at the Borgata of late (we saw Houston-based teacher-turned comic Eddie B there last month). But on March 31, the Big B stands for Blues as they welcome guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd, one of many talented, successful blues guitarists from Louisiana (Tab Benoit is another that quickly comes to mind). A child prodigy who started performing (and signed his first record deal) at age 13, Shepherd is one of the biggest artists today in the blues world. Tickets/info: http://www.theborgata.com/.
Save The Whales’ Song: Atlantic City native/singer-songwriter Johnny Higbee has a new single, “Save the Whales,” inspired by the many whales that have washed up dead on East Coast shores.
Higbee – former front-man from longtime South Jersey rock group Sacred Sword – received a call from world-renowned sand sculptor, John Gowdy, about bringing attention to this issue.
Both Johns want to build a life-sized sand sculpture of a whale on a South Jersey beach and play Higbee’s song on top of it. “Save The Whales” was recorded at Kit Worton’s Right Touch Studios with Ludo and Zack from the Blue Street Band. “Look for the song on Spotify and YouTube and come to the beach to raise awareness. Save the Whales,” says Higbee.
In Review/Shows We Caught: Super Trans AM at Resorts Superstar Theater, excellent studio musicians playing a veritable jukebox of 70s music; Tune In Turn On favorites Mike LeCompt (Margaritaville/Resorts), and Billy Walton Band (Eden Lounge, Harrah’s), two of the hardest-working, talented groups we know. Mike is the Crown Jewel of Top 40/Show bands and never fails to deliver the goods; and there’s enough talent in the BWB to populate two bands! (catch BWB at Josie Kelly’s this Friday).
3rd Annual 420 Fest Is A Go: Rust never sleeps, and local promoter Stephen Weiss (Norstep Productions) never rests. Weiss has confirmed this unique music-with-cannabis event to take place at the Orange Loop Amphitheater on New York Avenue on (what else) Thursday, April 20. Expect a diverse, rock-filled bands lineup, with top vendors including Pot Of Gold, Potluck Premier, Mr. Munch’s Burger Joint, and many more, already confirmed. Tickets/info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/norstep-presents-the-3rd-annual-420fest-2023-tickets-559656326137?fbclid=IwAR2TP-xYBAzqKZ7hOKLdD6GmqU3Id8Su4QH3_hDoEbyaQ0K5HqJyOBGH6Ac.
Ladies Sing The Blues at Lizzie Rose: The small-but-mighty music room in Tuckerton continues to amaze and impress with their top-tier bookings. The upcoming lineup of female-fronted blues acts is second to none, starting April 8 with
Detroit-based blues powerhouse Eliza Neals, followed in succession by guitarist-vocalist Katie Henry (April 29), saxophonist extraordinaire Vanessa Collier (May 4), guitarist-vocalist Dana Fuchs (May 6), SoCal’s Laurie Morvan Band (June 10), Chicago guitar ace Joanna Connor (July 9), and the “Beehive Queen,” guitarist-vocalist Christine Ohlman (August 5), and Skyla Burrell Band (August 25). If small, intimate venues are your thing, Lizzie Rose is your calling! Tickets/info: https://www.lizzierosemusic.com/www-lizzierosemusic-com-purchase-tickets.
Finally: One of Tune In Turn On’s favorite local music duos, accordionist/vocalist Malcolm (Mc)Tent and guitarist-vocalist 1Adam(Mc)12), bring their rockin’ shenanigans to Vintage Betty’s Antiques and More in Hammonton this Friday night, March 17 (note: early show – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.). The elder statesman of rock in South Jersey, who plays the accordion Tent is recording a new live album, tentatively to be released by the end of May. Next!
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.
