Category: Music


The Weekly Revue

Tuesday, October 26th, 2010
Nov ’10
19
9:00 pm

Friday November 19, 9pm – Variety Show – $5 Cover

The Weekly Revue Variety Show

THE WEEKLY REVUE returns to Moonstone after an insufferable hiatus to bring the people an evening of exceptional entertainment with a deeply medicinal stain. The heart of the evening will be a panel featuring 2 Doctors to Be, 1 Nurse to Be, 1 Baby Bringer, and 2 Former Bloodmoppers, telling stories from their experiences inside the human body and answering all your physical and neurological queries. PLUS: Los Culeros returns as our House Band. AND: MORE MUSIC MORE ACTS MORE MORE MORE Hosted by Your Host Toby David!
$3-5. 9 pm. BYOB.

Starving Opera Artists of Philadelphia

Tuesday, October 26th, 2010
Nov ’10
15
7:00 pm

Monday November 15, 7pm – Opera – $5 Cover

Starving Opera Artists of Philadelphia

Poor Richard’s Opera presents its inaugural Starving Opera Artists of Philadelphia (SOAP) Opera Night, an informal evening of operatic hits by some of Philly’s best and brightest young singers.

Renne

Tuesday, October 26th, 2010
Nov ’10
13
9:00 pm

Saturday November 13, 9pm – All Ages – Rock/Jazz – $5 at the door

Renne: Tim Brey-keyboards and vocals, Chris Pearlberg-bass, Doug Raus-guitar, Mike Rowland-drums

Renne is a rock/jazz crossover group based in the Philadelphia area. Rooted in indie pop, but with an experimental fusion edge and strong undertones of modern jazz, Renne’s debut album ‘Summer Visits’ has been described as ‘evocative, thoughtful, and thoroughly original…at times danceable, somber, or purely beautiful.’ Attempting to balance accessibility with musical and lyrical integrity, composition with improvisation and interaction–Renne is honest and raw, relating to a wide variety of listeners while maintaining a distinctive style. Tracks from “Summer Visits” are posted at www.renneband.com.

LOS: Diane Monroe/Tony Miceli Duo & Dave Postmontier

Tuesday, October 26th, 2010
Nov ’10
12
8:30 pm

Friday November 12,- Doors: 8:30 p.m. Show: 9 pm sharp – BYOB – Jazz

$10 at the door / $8 in advance (at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/124130)

Lucky Old Souls @ Moonstone Presents

DIANE MONROE / TONY MICELI DUO & DAVE POSMONTIER QUARTET

Diane Monroe/Tony Miceli Duo: Diane Monroe, violin; Tony Miceli, vibraphone

Dave Posmontier Quartet: Dave Posmontier, piano; Bob Howell, saxophone; Chico Huff, bass; Erik Johnson, drums

Violinist DIANE MONROE bridges the traditions of classical composition and jazz improvisation.  As a chamber artist, Monroe has performed with Arnold Steinhardt, Yo-Yo Ma, and Cecil Licad.  As an improviser, she has toured for over a decade as first violinist of the Max Roach Double Quartet and the Uptown String Quartet.  She performed extensively as a member of the String Trio of New York, and has performed on stage with renowned jazz artists such as Max Roach, Percy Heath, John Blake, Dave Grusin, Joe Lovano, Reggie Workman, Wycliff Gordon, Uri Caine, Jim Ridl, and Tom Lawton.  Monroe is frequently called upon to premiere new works by composers such as David Baker, Andrew Rudin and Anthony Davis.  Diane Monroe studied at Oberlin Conservatory and Philadelphia Musical Academy earning her Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance.  She continued her studies at Michigan State University and was awarded a degree in performance from The Curtis Institute of Music.  Her violin teachers were Ivan Galamian, Charles Castleman, David Cerone, Joyce Robbins, and Walter Verdehr.

A lifelong lover of music, vibraphonist TONY MICELI turned to jazz during college.  He received a Bachelor’s degree in percussion from The University of the Arts in 1982. Following graduation, he continued fine-tuning his improv dexterity taking lessons from already established Philadelphia musicians. He never stops learning and the basement remains his comfort zone where he tirelessly practices, transcribes, composes, rehearses and listens. He says Milt Jackson is his favorite vibe player, “I think every vibe player would benefit by studying and transcribing Milt. He had amazing ears and musicianship. Any tune, any key, any time, and he knew them all.”  In addition to his love for classic rock, Miceli has a passion for AfroCuban and Latin music. His flirtation began in 1996 leading to collaborations with bandleader and timbale player, Edgardo Cintron and Cuban composer and pianist, Elio Villafranca. Subsequently, an invitation to attend and perform at the 1998 PerCuba percussion festival in Havana with Lino Batista solidified his adoration for the percussive beats and sensual rhythms of the music and traditions of the culture.  Closer to home, he performs as a leader or sideman in countless jazz clubs and concert halls including: Verizon Hall at The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Zanzibar Blue, World Cafe Live, Ortlieb’s Jazzhaus, Chris’s Jazz Cafe, the Painted Bride and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mozart: Reloaded, a January ’06 project for the Kimmel Center’s award-winning Fresh Ink series had Miceli featured as one of the guest artists paying tribute to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in honor of his 250th birthday.  Miceli conducts master classes at the world-renowned Curtis Institute of Music and gives private instruction.  He is on the faculty at The University of the Arts and Rowan University.

DAVE POSMONTIER has been playing piano since the age of 7 and professionally for the past 40 years. A pianist, organist, composer, arranger and teacher, he has performed and recorded with many jazz artists including Christian McBride, James Moody, Chris Potter, Duane Eubanks, Mickie Roker, Bobbie Durham, John Blake, John Swana, Mike Richmond, Bootsie Barnes, Tony Williams (sax), Bob Howell, Chico Huff, Larry McKenna, Steve Giordano, Grover Washington Jr., David “Fathead” Newman, and Johnny Hartman.

The Cocker Spaniels, Oh! Pears, & The ALien Architect

Tuesday, October 26th, 2010
Nov ’10
5
9:00 pm

Friday, November 5, 9pm – All Ages – Rock $5 – Cover

The Cocker Spaniels, Oh! Pears, & The ALien Architect

THE COCKER SPANIELS are a band consisting of one person: Sean Padilla, a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Austin, Texas who writes tragicomic autobiographical pop songs, and records and performs them with whatever means he has available.  His sound has been described as “a mix of golden-age Prince and the hissy lo-fi pop weirdness of Guided By Voices filtered through a dub machine,” and his live shows can galvanize even the most staid audiences.  He is currently on tour to support “Sometimes You’ve Gotta Fight to Get a Bit of Peace,” his first album in six years. www.cspaniels.com

OH! PEARS is led by Corey Duncan, a former member of Philadelphia avant-pop band Pattern is Movement.  With a fluid lineup that can be a small as Corey himself or as large as a 13-person ensemble, Corey’s tuneful, orchestral songs are guaranteed to shift shape in fascinating ways, both on record and on stage.  www.myspace.com/ohpearsmusic

The ALien Architect is the son of his madre, whom he loves muy mucho. He’s, like, made, like, workings in progressions such as his early 1970′s “Band ep” and stuff, and, like, a post apocalyptic 1930′s “mix tape” “coming of age” “STORY” conceptual recording, and another project that might be called “secrets” or maybe “self titled” or perhaps “self titled (release)” maybe, that was released in the future….and yet another, on the way, too… AND He has worked with, and performed along the sides of notable names, and his resume is actually quite reputable .

The Chance Trio & Toronto’s Lina Allemano Four

Sunday, September 19th, 2010
Oct ’10
14
9:00 pm

Thursday, October 14, 9pm – 9 pm sharp – $10 Cover – BYOB – Jazz

The Chance Trio
& Toronto’s Lina Allemano Four

The Chance Trio was born in the Spring of 2001 when trumpet player Bart Miltenberger, guitarist Matt Davis, and bassist Michael Taylor collaborated to play and develop their own original compositions. Since then the group has performed their quietly adventurous, passionate and humorous original compositions all over the Philadelphia area, including concert performances at the Kimmel Center, the Painted Bride, World Cafe Live, the Philadelphia Art Alliance, Tritone, a long-standing residency at the Highwire Gallery, and featured sets at the 3rd and 4th annual Collective Voices Festivals. Drawing influences from Jazz, Blues, Folk, Rock, and the Avant-Garde, The Chance Trio was a featured performer at the 2006 Festival of New Trumpet Music in NYC.  “An unusual and striking trio” – Philadelphia Inquirer  The Chance Trio’s critically-acclaimed album, Marnee Birds, is available in stores and online at www.cdbaby.com, and www.apple.com/itunesThe Chance Trio on MySpace

About the Musicians:

UK-born trumpet player, Bart Miltenberger, whose playing has been called “impressive” by JazzTimes magazine, is a lyrical and melodic player with a warm and beautiful trumpet sound. In addition to his own group, The Chance Trio, Bart regularly performs with Bobby Zankel and the Warriors of the Wonderful Sound, Matt Davis’ Aerial Photograph, the 23-piece Brazilian band Philly Bloco, and Agent Moosehead. An active freelancer in all genres of music, Bart has also performed with Sonic Liberation Front and the Bart Miltenberger Quartet. In August of 2004 and 2005, Bart was invited by world-renowned trumpet star and composer Dave Douglas to perform in Trumpet Nation under the baton of the legendary conductionist Butch Morris, as part of the Festival of New Trumpet Music. In June of 2004 Bart performed with the Rotterdam Chamber Orchestra in the Amsterdam world premiere of the opera, Call Me Ishmael. Bart has also performed and/or recorded with such musicians and bands as: Fathead, Edge City Collective, G-Love and Special Sauce, John Legend, The Digable Planets, Pauline Oliveros, Odean Pope, Dave Liebman, John Hollenbeck, Tyrone Brown, Farid Barron, Tom Lawton, John Swana, Tim Motzer, Xande Cruz, and DJ Phillip Charles. Bart studied for three intense years with the Maestro Dennis Sandole (best known as John Coltrane’s teacher) and was an American Composers Forum grant winner in 2003. Bart was a co-founder and co-presenter of Collective Voices Festivals IIV (2000-2003). In addition, Bart is a member of Bugles Across America since 2000 – performing TAPS at military funerals. A University of Pennsylvania graduate, Bart is the father of three young boys.

Matt Davis is a jazz guitarist based in New York City. In addition to performing, Matt is an active composer, teacher and arranger. Hailed as “brilliant” by the Philadelphia Daily News, Matt’s original 12-piece ‘modern chamber jazz ensemble,’ “Matt Davis’ Aerial Photograph” performs regularly in and around Philadelphia and New York City. Matt has shared the stage with notable musicians such as Odean Pope, Dave Liebman, Paulina Oliveros, John Swana, Terell Stafford, Mickey Roker, and others. He is a recipient of numerous awards and honors including grants from ASCAP, the American Composers Forum, The National Parks Service, The Banff Center, etc. Matt currently serves as Senior Lecturer in Jazz guitar performance at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia.

Bassist and composer Michael Taylor has long been a creative force in the Philadelphia music scene. The Philadelphia Weekly describes his passionate, lyrical approach to the bass as having a “smooth toughness.” Taylor’s sensitivity and his uncanny ability to always set the appropriate mood have made him a respected musician and exceptionally busy freelancer. He has studied with Mark Helias in addition to studying at the Esther Boyer College of Music at Temple University. He has performed with The Taylor/Madof Group, Minas, Farid Barron, Tom Lawton, Sid Simmons, and Duane Eubanks. In addition to The Chance Trio, Taylor regularly performs with the High Hopes Jazz Trio.

Lina Allemano Four
Four of Canada’s best jazz players are heard leaping nimbly between concise bop and free-flowing sonic adventure, playing with agility, momentum and empathy, balancing intelligence and virtuosity with humor and moments of tenderness” (Mirror, Montréal)

Toronto’s LINA ALLEMANO FOUR has been hailed as one of Canada’s most vibrant cutting edge avant-jazz groups. Known for their inventiveness and synergy, they deftly blur the line between composition and improvisation. Their music showcases Lina’s progressive and open compositional style combined with her band’s exquisite expressiveness and knack for the unexpected. A stimulating dynamic of interaction and spontaneity assures that the group’s performances are always lighthearted and full of surprises. The band has toured extensively over the past 5 years, having released two widely acclaimed CDs, Gridjam (2008) and Pinkeye (2006), and will be releasing their third album in 2010. LINA ALLEMANO FOUR’s recent highlights include: Feature performances at Jazz Festivals and major tours across Canada; Recordings for CBC Radio and TVO; Nominations for Canadian Independent Music Awards’ Favorite Jazz Group and National Jazz Awards Acoustic Group of the Year. LINA ALLEMANO FOUR has received support from Canada Council for the Arts and Ontario Arts Council. Lina was recently recognized in DOWNBEAT Magazine as one of the top innovative trumpeters for the future, was winner of the CBC Galaxie Rising Star Award, and was nominated for the National Jazz Awards Trumpeter of the Year and SOCAN Composer of the Year. She was featured at the prestigious Festival of New Trumpet Music in New York City and is recognized internationally for both her trumpet-playing and composing. www.LinaAllemano.com

Nu Directions Chamber Brass

Saturday, September 18th, 2010
Oct ’10
17
7:00 pm

Sunday, October 17, 7pm – $10 Cover -  BYOB – Music
$10 Cover (includes a copy of the CD “Vox Nouveaux,” and complimentary wine)

NU DIRECTIONS CHAMBER BRASS

NU DIRECTIONS CHAMBER BRASS is a contemporary chamber ensemble dedicated to breaking down barriers of musical categories. This rhythmically explosive genre-bending brass and percussion ensemble brings together classical, jazz, and free improvising musicians to combine their talents and form a new innovative brand of chamber music. NDCB is comprised of two trumpets, two trombones, and two percussionists. Each musician offers his or her own voice to create a truly unique sound.

“This genre-oblivious unit… what a stark lineup…a mix of precision jazz and slippery groove, with graceful semi-classical melody abutting rock-and-soul snarl.” David R. Adler, Philadelphia Weekly

“Crossing over… Want to describe Nu Directions? You better have plenty of hyphens!” Shaun Brady, City Paper

Dave Steel Blues Band

Saturday, September 18th, 2010
Oct ’10
15
9:00 pm

Friday, October 15, 9pm – Blues – $10 Cover – BYOB
Dave Steel Blues Band

Featuring:
Dave Steel: Harmonica, Vocals
Rich Katz: Guitar
Lou Brotman: Bass
Mike McGuigan: Drums

Blues Night

“Dave Steel Blues Band returns for its 2nd show at Moonstone Art Center. For another night of hot chicago and Texas style blues with energetic Dave Steel on harmonica and vocals, the stylish Rich Katz on guitar, the venerable Lou Brotman on bass; and the enigmatic Mike McGuigan on drums. Come join this night of bravado and blues as Richard Katz lays down his soulful picking, while Lou and Mike put down this solid bottom. Dave Steel on the harmonica and vocals brings it all hoime, and has just returned playing live shows at Les Amis in Bern, Switzerland. Cover $10.00.”

LOS: Bobby Zankel’s Wonderful Sound 4 & Thri

Saturday, September 18th, 2010
Buy Tickets
Oct ’10
8
8:30 pm

Friday, October 8, 2010 – Doors: 8:30 p.m. Show: 9 p.m. sharp
$10 at the door / $8 in advance (only at
brownpapertickets.com) – BYOB

BOBBY ZANKEL’S WONDERFUL SOUND 4
Bobby Zankel, alto saxophone

Tom Lawton, piano

Anthony Tidd, bass

Craig McIver, drums

THRI
Micah Jones, bass

Michael Pracher, tenor saxophone

Wayne Smith, Jr., drums

The Brooklyn-born composer/saxophonist BOBBY ZANKEL first began attracting attention in the early 70s for his work with Cecil Taylor’s “Unit Core Ensemble” as a “skillful young altoist with a powerful music at his fingertips” (Downbeat 9/71). His underground reputation grew on the New York “Loft Scene,” where he performed with the likes of Ray Anderson, William Parker, and Sunny Murray and  where he continued his apprenticeship with Taylor.  Zankel became a Philadelphian in 1975 to raise his family and to expand his artistic vision without heed to commercialism or the trends of the times. Since 1975 his performances as a sideman have ranged from the Hank Mobley/Sonny Gillete Quintet, to Jymmie Merritt’s Forerunners, to the Dells, NRBQ, Odean Pope’s Saxophone Choir, Ruth Naomi Floyd, and European work with Taylor. Zankel’s intensive studies of tonality and rhythms with Maestro Dennis Sandole have lead to his development into one of the most brilliant and original composers of our time.  His alto playing has been described as a unique amalgam of the precision and rhythmic intricacy of be-bop, with the soul and drive of hard bop, and the fire, spirituality, creativity and intensity of the avant garde.  Zankel’s tenure in Philadelphia has been marked by a series of acclaimed collaborations with choreographers, writers, and visual artists (funded by a variety of grants, and commissions), four that have resulted in three ballets and one opera. In 1995 he was honored to receive the prestigious Pew Fellowship (the largest monetary grant that one can apply for in the US) for his writing. Zankel’s compositions, which are characterized by a stunning blend of rhythmic layers, a highly personal, complex, chromatic harmonic language, and a hauntingly beautiful melodic lyricism, have been performed by such diverse musicians as Johnny Coles, Odean Pope, Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Lester Bowie, Marilyn Crispell, Ralph Peterson Jr.  The introspection of the composer’s life is balanced by more than two decades of teaching music in the Pennsylvania prisons.  Since 2001 Zankel has led his big band the Warriors of the Wonderful Sound in monthly performances at Philadelphia’s Tritone bar.  For tonight’s show at Moonstone, he will be joined by the current Warriors rhythm section of pianist TOM LAWTON, bassist ANTHONY TIDD, and drummer CRAIG MCIVER.

THRI (pronounced “three”) is a chordless trio dedicated to the spontaneous renderings of common (and not-so-common) tunes.  With a heavy stress on interplay and personal expression, as well as an elusive reference to the great chordless trios of jazz, the group catapults itself toward what its members have called the “string theory” — the belief that there are an infinite number of ways to play through any one tune. Thri is UArts faculty members MICAH JONES (bass) and MICHAEL PRACHER (sax), with drummer WAYNE SMITH, JR., a member of the Sun Ra Arkestra, Three Blind Mice, and Victor North’s Chris’ Jazz Cafe jam session house band.

A Lucky Old Souls production

Lucky Old Souls @ Moonstone is a monthly event, showcasing some of Philadelphia’s most creative musicians in a laid-back, BYOB venue that combines the intimacy of a club with a concert hall’s respect for the music.

www.luckyoldsouls.com

ROMP & E. Shawn Qaissaunee and Sharon Sable Duo

Friday, September 17th, 2010
Oct ’10
1
8:00 pm

Friday October 1 – 8pm – $10 Cover, BYOB, Original Electric Jazz
E. Shawn Qaissaunee and Sharon Sable Duo (8pm),  ROMP (9pm)

E. Shawn Qaissaunee, a Berklee College of Music Alumnus, has been in demand as a multi-instrumentalist and composer for nearly twenty years. He is known for his musical sensitivity, lyricism and spirited drive to create excitement among listeners and fellow musicians. “Qaissaunee’s ability to transcend the confines of a single style of music speaks volumes of his skills as an artist… one is immediately struck by the versatility and breadth of talent Qaissaunee possesses.” – Sheldon T. Nunn of jazzreview.com

The music of Sharon Sable and E. Shawn Qaissaunee is something to be experienced. Together they create a beautiful soundscape that is both bold and understated, appealing to music lovers of all kinds. The musical paths that have brought them together are rich and varied and weave elements of jazz, world, pop and much more into their memorable and engaging performances. All of this is delivered with a strong sense of humor, humility and respect for their craft. At her young age, Sharon Sable is already a veteran of the music business. She has recorded with Babyface, Boyz II Men, Pink and other international pop stars. Sable’s love of melody and instrument have led her to explore all genres of music. “Her voice is a gift… phraseology is pitch perfect… and her performance implores us to follow…” – Delaware Today Magazine

ROMP is an electric Jazz group that plays original music by Todd Horton, with deep grooves and fierce blowing. Influences include Electric Miles, Electric Herbie, Electric Company and Muhammad Ali, among others. ROMP is Todd Horton (trumpet, flugel), Bob Howell (saxophones), Frank Strauss (Fender Rhodes), Pete Mcrae (guitar), Chico Huff (bass) and Vic Stevens (drums). The ROMP players have each performed with a veritable ‘who’s who’ of Jazz, Rock, Funk, Folk and African music. Some of those artists include Ani Difranco, Richard Bona, Maceo Parker, Ivan Neville, The Spin Doctors, Buddy Miles, Blues Traveler, James Taylor, Carly Simon, Ronny Jordan, Vernon Reed, Pat Martino, Dave Fiuczynski, Allan Holdsworth, Marc Johnson, Michael Manring, David Torn and Nat Adderley Jr.

“Horton is a first when it comes to creating moods and grooves.” – JazzReview.com