On the Scene-Downtown Burlington with Myra Flynn

OK, so I may be abusing my power a tad by writing about someone I love, but this is a blog not a paper so consider this a firm disclaimer: I think that this will be a really cool show to catch regardless of the fact that my fiance is the opener. However, I think that BECAUSE he is opening the show will be that much better

My fiance’s names is Justin Levinson and he’s pretty cute. On top of that, he is supper talented so I guess I’m just a lucky gal. This Friday, he will be opening up for the Verve Pipe at Higher Ground.

The Verve Pipe and other ’90’s bands like Third Eye Blind and Eve Six are EXACTLY reminiscent of the bands folks my age grew up on. So it’s even more special that they are here, because it means Burlington is making an effort to reach out to us 20-somethings. Sometimes, it can feel like the music scene here is a playground for college kids or adults with families while those of us who decided to stay in Burlington after college but haven’t quite grown up yet, are left feeling unsatiated. Bands like the Verve Pipe coming to our most prestigious music venue is proof that all is changing. We can sing along to the songs gosh-darn it.

Justin has won several songwriting awards from Berklee College Of Music in Boston, as well as a slot in the 2006 International Pop Overthrow Tour. Justin’s commitment to music is further demonstrated by his busy schedule of gigs at some of the best venues in the northeast, often providing tour support from groups ranging from ZOX, Matt Wertz, to Spin Doctors front man Chris Barron. He can now add the Verve Pipe to his resume. With the release of 1175 Boylston, his first full-length album, Justin has already made a name for himself in college radio market. The two singles from the record “Sunny Day” and “City With 2 Streetlights” spent 8 weeks on the top 25 CMJ Charts, being played in over 350 stations across the country and sparking some major label interest. Justin has also recently won the ASCAPLUS award from ASCAP for his outstanding achievement and hard work.  Justin was also a finalist in the 2007 USA Songwriting Competition and chosen best Male Artist for The International Acoustic Music Awards. Currently Justin resides in Vermont where he lives as a working musician. His latest record “Predetermined Fate” has just been mixed and mastered. Currently Justin and his team are looking to find the record a home.

Since the early 90’s, The Verve Pipe has thrived by making music their way, with two indie and two RCA albums to their credit. Some observers have had trouble categorizing The Verve Pipe’s music, mostly because the band itself has steadfastly refused to be pinned down. However, fans have long understood what The Verve Pipe is all about: great songs performed from the heart. That same prescription holds true on UNDERNEATH, the band’s new RCA album, and their most upbeat to date.

Catch both shows at the Showcase Lounge at Higher Ground, doors open at 7:30. Oh, and say hey to me, I’ll be waiting in the wings like a schoolgirl with a crush. Or maybe like a Freshman?

On the Scene-Downtown Burlington with Myra Flynn

On the outside, it looks like a funky little Thai restaurant. It’s Parima, our friendly neighborhood spicy spot, and in fact, it is Vermont’s only designated authentic Thai Restaurant recognized by Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce. TAKE THAT!

But this is more than just a place to chow down. If you make your way to the back/right-hand side of the eatery, you’ll see that it is really a magical space for local music in the ever popular Acoustic Lounge. What makes this space so magical? It is one of the only listening rooms left in Vermont. It’s unspoken, but almost required that all chit chat, cell phones and other Tom-foolery are left outside of its bright red ambiance.

Not fair? Well, as it turns out, there are still some people who attend concerts to…well…listen to the music. Shocking, I know. And to tell the truth, we musicians prefer it that way. Nothing says “we love live music” like listening to homecoming party whooping, rugby team swearing and couples public spatting (all of which I have witnessed at my shows and others). This sacred room, with its baby grand piano, it’s plush carpets, it’s right lights strung about the walls, and its mentality of: “shhhh…listen to the music!!” may be the last of its kind in Burlington.  It pays homage to a time when listening to live music being created and poetry being spoken was an attentive, participatory event; a time when the artist on stage could feed off the energy of a group of individuals and truly flourish; a time when one could sit in comfortable seat, enjoy a quality drink and some light fare, and ruminate on the beauty of live art.

Tomorrow, at the Acoustic Lounge will host Burgundy Thursdays, presented by local singer/songwriter Joe Adler. The series focuses on local and regional songwriters, this week:

Nuda Veritas / Scott Mangan / John Powell / Joe Adler

The doors open at 8 p.m. and the audience is encouraged to get there early to participate in a discussion about songwriting and the creative process. Then, grab a glass of wine, sit back, relax and prepare to bask in the triumph of the listening room.

On the Scene-Downtown Burlington with Myra Flynn

It happens often. Just when I feel Vermont is beginning to freeze over and all of local mankind has gone into permanent hibernation, Vermont shakes its crazy liberal tail and surprises the hell out of me.

Take, for instance, this tidbit of irony. Only recently has gay marriage been inducted into our long list of much needed legalities, but Vermont’s annual Winter is a Drag Ball is celebrating its 15TH YEAR of men and women swapping genders and dresses for an evening of gay ‘ol fun. To add to the oxymoron, this is one of the BIGGEST EVENTS OF THE YEAR! Who would have thunk that when us rough and tough Vermonters remove our rugged snow-wear, we trade it in for silk chiffon gowns and a heaping of fake mustaches?

The event is this Saturday, and it’s always at Higher Ground (filling both large rooms to the brim) and hosted by The House of Lemay, a local drag trio who throw this shindig in order to benefit the Vermont People With Aids Coalition. All profits will go towards the organization.

On top of fabulous costumes, there is fabulous music (including yours truly) throughout the evening. The schedule goes as such: Doors open at 7:30, show starts at 8. The Showcase Lounge features the House of Lemay Cabaret with the Decoys and special guest–me.

9:30, The Diva Lounge with Superior Sounds, Midnight-Llu’s Lounge.

In the Main Ballroom dance to the sweet DJ Sounds of Alan Perry and Rob Douglas. 8p.m.-Moustache Ride

8:30-Heloise and the Savoir Faire, 9:30-the Decoys, 10:00-Live performances, Midnight-Costume parade!!

Speaking of costumes, you will want to hit up Old Gold on Main Street for all things fierce. So, get your drag, and get over there.

CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO OF THE LADIES OF LEMAY IN ACTION!

It’s true, there are black people in Vermont. For a while there, we were the whitest state in the union until we were recently beat out by Wyoming and Maine (take that!!)

But lately it’s safe to say that I have been seeing more brown faces strolling Church Street next to mine. I must admit it’s nice. Not that it was ever not-nice on Church Street, but makes us feel a tad culturally left-out sometimes in the larger scheme of things.

But white-state no more! In fact we are so afro-centric that we even have our own African Dance company named Jeh Kulu, and they are not letting us forget that the month of February not only represents the worst possible weather Vermont has to offer, it  is also black history month.

In celebration of Black History Month, Vermont’s premier African dance company, Jeh Kulu, is hosting “Fight for Your Rights… To Party”, a night recognizing the contributions of Africa and African peoples to our nation. Join Jeh Kulu at Parima Restaurant on Pearl Street in Burlington on Friday February 5th for a night of entertainment by the areas top Reggae and Dance Hall DJs and Jeh Kulu’s live African drumming. Cash prizes will be awarded in a late night contest and Jeh Kulu dancers will perform. The party starts at 9pm. An eight dollar donation will be requested at the door. Proceeds from this event support the annual Jeh Kulu Dance and Drum Festival and Jeh Kulu’s educational and cultural outreach activities throughout Vermont.
In light of current events, a portion of the nights proceeds will go to disaster relief in HAITI. So really, do you have a reason not to come?

Friday, February 5, 2010 at 9:00 pm

On The Scene-Downtown Burlington with Myra Flynn

Well, don’t literally HONK. Instead, just try to show up!

I will admit that those of us in the downtown Burlington community do sometimes venture out of downtown and hang out in the south side. South Burlington that is. This is where our most prestigious music venue Higher Ground is located, and they don’t miss a beat when it comes to throwing a big bash for a worthy cause.

In recognition of the horrific tragedies taking place in Haiti, the Showcase Lounge of Higher Ground and local band the Dirtminers will host an evening of fantastic music to raise funds for victims from 8p.m.-1 a.m. this Saturday January 3o. Proceeds from the show will be donated to Doctors Without Borders for their medical work in Haiti. The good folks at Higher Ground are hosting the event at no cost  and a number of other sponsors  are helping out to cover advertising and other expenses, so your ticket money will go directly to the relief effort.

And honestly, you don’t want to miss this show. When will you get a chance to see these local acts all in the same room again? :

The Honky Tonk Tuesday Band
Patrick Fitzsimmons and friends
Swale
Dirtminers
Waylon Speed
Lowell Thompson
Marie Claire
Blowtorch
and special surprise guests!

And these sponsors?

Higher Ground
Big Heavy World
The Radiator
Common Ground Youth Center
All in all, even if you are simply driving through Burlington on this date, you should stop in to gain a true feeling for what Burlington has to offer. Yes yes, the scenery is what we are known for, but events like this showcase the beauty of our community.

Higher Ground is located at 1214 Williston Rd. in South Burlington

One of the toughest things about being a diehard fan of Burlington musicians is that sometimes they do the unthinkable—they leave. Such is the story with Avi and Celia. They carved a serious niche in the Burlington Music scene when coming out as a rockabilly/soul/blues duet nearly six years ago. The first time I saw them, I was in love. Avi sings with a low simple voice (think Johnny Cash) while Celia wail’s like she’s embodying a 60’s blues mama (think Janis Joplin). They literally freak out on stage and know how to get the whole crowd jumping. The duo soon flew the coop and moved to Boston in pursuit of a bigger playing pool. It’s tough when that happens, but I understand it (as a musician myself). Sometimes you have to feel validated, and going to a strange place with complete strangers enjoying your music really does the trick. And sometimes, it can feel pretty lonely. So, when that happens, you pick up your gear and come back home, where Burlington awaits you with open arms. This must be one of those times! The two are coming back to Burlington this weekend for a CD release party for their new band: Hey Mama. This is not a show to miss. Hey Mama features Avi & Celia with Jared Seabrook and Ben Kogan on drums and bass. The rock & roll vibe of the band explores the groups deep influence in blues and roots-country music. The album was recorded with Grammy nominated producer Jack Gauthier at Lakewest Recording. Check them out. Nectars, this Saturday, 10 p.m.

Original Post: October 30, 2009

This year’s Halloween scene falls on the perfect weekend, because, you can opt to party Friday, Saturday or (if you are die hard) even Sunday in downtown Burlington. For this weeks blog, I’ve decided to put together a little cramming list of things to do, wear and try in order to prep for your perfect Halloween weekend. And I don’t need to tell you—it’s crunch time.

Costume

Stop by Old Gold on Main Street for this. The 37-year old store has an overwhelming plethora of costume ideas from Alice in Wonderland, to the Queen of Hearts, to dressing as a giant foam toaster! The prices are reasonable and the store in general is just…fun. Check it out.

Music

Halloween is all about going out dancing and showing off that costume. Because of this, I for once, do not recommend the sterile songwriter’s showcase, and instead advise you to go for a more hot and sweaty night of dancing. DJ Fattie B always knows how to throw a good party and this year, on Oct. 31, he will kick off a costume party at club Metronome on Main Street.

Spooky

Join creepy ghost guide Thea Lewis, author of the book “Haunted Burlington, Spirit’s of Vermont’s Queen City”  for a tour of terror through downtown Burlington. Find out if the very corner you like to drink coffee on is haunted by a madman! $13.00 per person. The tour meets nightly at 7 p.m. at the City Hall Park this weekend.

That’s it! Dress up, enjoy, but mostly, get on out of the house! Burlington really comes alive during this holiday.

Boy are we in for a treat tonight. The lovely Amber deLaurentis is blessing us with a night of songs at the Acoustic Lounge at Parima.

Amber is a fascinating creature. She’s a tiny little thing, and when you meet her, she comes across as shy. She has a bashful smile, and a soft approach. But just you wait until she gets to the piano, and belts out a whopping helping of soul that rivals Aretha Franklin (I think she actually covers an Aretha song, and that’s tough stuff!)

Amber deLaurentis has just released her first full-length record, “Hey Sadie” (available through www.amberdelaurentis.com, Amazon, and iTunes). Amber also teaches jazz voice at the University of Vermont. As a recording artist, she has collaborated with keyboardist Chris Cameron of Sonia Dada and Jim Tullio (producer of Mavis Staples and Los Lonely Boys). As a performer, she has opened for Patti Larkin, Dan Hicks and his Hot Licks, NRBQ, Tom Paxton, Marshall Crenshaw, Five for Fighting, Alana Davis, and Entrain. She has performed with artists including pianist Marcus Roberts, and has toured Scotland.

Amber collaborates with lyricist Sarah Blue, with whom all of the songs on the “Hey Sadie” were written. One of these, “Lonely in Love,” took second place in the Billboard International Songwriting Competition in 2002. Their songs have also been finalists the John Lennon Songwriting Competition and Unisong. In 2002, the Amber deLaurentis Band was one of six finalists (chosen from over 1,200 entrants by the editorial staff of Billboard Magazine) and took Grand Prize in the 2002 Independent Music World Series. Amber has performed solo and with her band in venues including the Bitter End in New York City, Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival, Toronto’s North by Northeast, and Musikfest.

She will perform tonight with Burlington based musician Joe Adler draws on influences that range from the blues, folk, and experimental tendencies of Tom Waits, to the poetic leanings of Leonard Cohen. Adler’s lyrics visit bittersweet stories of love lost & won and the journeys of self discovery during times of joy and despair. This unique artist speaks to the listener’s ear and invites you into his world.

Doors open at 7:30, show starts at 8.

Joe, joined by vocalist Andrea “Andie” Burke, will start at 8.

Amber, joined by Tom Cleary on bass, will start around 9.