Steel Notes Magazine - Summer 2018 by Steel Notes Magazine

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INSIDE STEEL NOTES MAGAZINE STAFF LISTING

FEATURED P4 Interview with Author Nick Christophers P10 Interview with actor Johnny Ray Gibbs p15 Local Featured Spotlight Artist Kayla Avitabile p22 LA Guns at the Chance, NY p26 BuckCherry at the Sherman Theatre p38 The Puddle Of Mudd, Tantric & Saving Abel Show p48 The Hollywood Vampires Show Sands Event Center p54 John Cerbone, The "Trance Master"

ADMINISTRATIVE Alexxis Steele Publisher/EditorIn-Chief Josie Janci VP Of business development

Film and Music Reviews

p97 The Truman Show (1998): Reality TV Inside a Dome p100 3 Hot New Games For The Scorching Summer Months

Keith Boisvert Graphics/Layout/ Cover

PHOTOGRAPHERS Articles

p52 Windgap Car Show p58 Niagra Falls Pictures p68 What Shadows Reveal when Light Hits Them p86 A Tribute To John Galliano p114 Bongo Boy Records 9th Indie Music Event Recap

International Corner

Bob Klein Sheri Bayne Ron Shirey Jr Muffley Jacqueline McGuire John Millington Gary Preis Mike Dorn Brian Limage Larry Dell Rhonda Jean VanBuskirk Dave Hummell John Warner

STAFF WRITERS Marlowe B West Jerry Saravia Dana Saravia Scott Saxon Josie Janci Alex Shaffner Luca Cerardi Monique Grimme Stewart Brodian Scott Aber Nikki Palomino Rick Dessi Ines Honig Jennycat Rex Maurice Oppenheimer Todd Sobczak JR Peterson Christopher Annino Domenic Marinelli Dawn Belotti

VIDEOGRAPHERS Lisa Koza Larry Dell

p107 The Grouch Says Music Reviews p120 Promethium “Faces of War” Album Review p121 Luca Cerardi Interviews Marco Pandolfi p124 Tantrum, Baleful Creed & Hellbound Hearts

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INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR NICK CHRISTOPHERS BY ALEXXIS STEELE

AS: Hello Nick, can you tell our readers a bit about where you come from? NC: I am originally from the Rockaways near the Brooklyn side. My ethnic background, no it’s not Italian, but Greek. AS: When did you first realize that writing was your lifelong passion, and what prompted you to become an author? NC: I loved writing since I was a kid. But what prompted me to write was after I read the book The Outsiders in Jr High School. The book somewhat echoed what I was going through in school. After being jumped a few times I joined a gang for protection. Since the leader was Greek I connected quickly. AS: What inspires you to write? How many hours do you write a day, and does it energize or exhaust you? NC: Well I run my own PR company called Nick Christophers Ink so most of my writing derives from articles I write for clients. I enjoy it so it just flows. The amount of time varies on my assignments or if I am working on new book. Like I just completed my second book I hope to publish soon. It doesn’t exhaust me its energetic. AS: What books or writers have influenced you the most? NC: I would start with S E Hinton to Mario Puzo. They both are excellent and talented writers who inspired me to be super creative. AS: What is the most difficult part of your artistic process? NC: Creating new content is always a challenge but I always do my research and flush out a good story. AS: What would you say is your writing kryptonite? NC: I can’t work without some inspirational music. It helps me focus and escape in the story. Without it it’s like writing in the dark. AS: How long on the average does it take you to write a book, and what was the first book you wrote and published? NC: The first book was “Destinies” which took me 2 years to write. It all depends on what the subject is. I wrote another book that is yet to be worked out that I did with John Gotti Jr’s ex-bodyguard, that took me a year and half.

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AS: What works best for you? Typewriters, fountain pen, dictate, computer or longhand? NC: Computer of course that’s for everything really. I of course write some stuff down but the computer is better and quicker. AS: What are your favorite literary journals, and if you could be the author of any book, what would it be and why? NC: Favorite books are many. But to mention a few they would be The Godfather, The Outsiders, Donnie Brasco, Honor Thy Father etc. Well I did want to write about the life of a friend of mine who is serving a life term in prison. But he is an old school gangster who changed his mind after he saw what I wrote and he said I made him sound like Al Capone. LOL. The reason I wanted to write about him is because he was the alleged boss of the Greek mob that no one knew existed so I thought it would be a great story. AS: Have you ever experienced writers block, and how long did it last? NC: No not really. I am usually very organized in what I am about to write and don’t run into that. AS: How much of yourself do you put in your books? NC: In my recent debut novel I put some of my own experiences in it. But if you don’t know me well you would never know. So I do put a bit about me in the book. AS: Do you need to be in your special place to write, or can you be in the middle of a crowd of people and write? NC: No I need to be in my home office surrounded by my music and library. It’s my comfort zone. I can’t have people milling around, except my dog, Thunder. AS: How do you think that concepts such as Kindle and e-books have changed the present and future of reading? NC: I do not like either. I’m old school I like to touch and feel a book in my hands. Smell the fresh pages as they flip through my fingers. Kindle and e-books take the beauty out of it and seem more robotic. AS: What sparked your interest in writing about the mob, and when did you first become interested in it? NC: I grew up around them and was drawn to them. I got into trouble when I was kid and like I said I joined a gang in Jr High so I was one step away from being in it. But I backed off and went to College. Not that it changed much I still hung around them anyway. Writing about them was easy since I was around them enough to know what to write. AS: What about the mob lifestyle most intrigues you? NC: Everything, like I said I spent time with them at clubs, gambling dens and cafes . They were always good to me and I had a lot of fun with them. AS: In your book-‘Destinies”, you have captured the lingo of the Italians.. Do you speak the language? NC: No I speak Greek. But I grew up with them and picked up their lingo. AS: How much of your book is inspired by real life occurrences? NC: Some of it is but not all of it. Some of the scenes in the social clubs and the race track, yes. AS: Which character in your book do you relate to and most identify with? NC: Santo is a bit like me. Not so much the violent type but the charismatic side I think. I am always a gentleman with women but I have a bad temper when provoked so that is why I relate to Santo. AS: How did it come about that you started writing for Mob Candy Magazine and Cosa Nostra news? NC: Well I was told about a Mob Candy Magazine event and attended it. I chased the publisher around until I cornered him and asked if I can be a part of it, and a marriage was made. Cosa Nostra News actually reached out

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to me and we have been working together for the past 9 years. AS: Who is your favorite mob actor, what is your favorite mob movie, and favorite mob movie one liner? NC: My favorite actor would have to be Al Pacino. Favorite mob movie would be “Donnie Brasco” even though it was inaccurate. My fav one liner I guess would be from Scarface, ‘Say hello to my little friend”. AS: Who is your favorite real life mobster? Do you know any personally? NC: That is difficult since I have been friends with many. I think it would have to be for the Greeks, Spiro Velentzas and for the Italians, John “Bobbie” Cersani. Both are friends of mine. Actually Bobbie passed on and Spiro is serving a life term. AS: Besides your book, can you tell us about any other of your current projects? NC: Yes I just completed a historical book on the Greek Mafia and their connections with the Italian and Irish mob. I am working on shopping it as of this writing. I also recently was interviewed for an upcoming Mob Documentary by the London Production Company, Bedlam Productions. The documentary may be aired either in October of 2018 or January of 2019. AS: Where can readers purchase your publications? NC: My book can be found on Amazon at this link: https://www.amazon.com/Destinies-Mr-Nick-Chrisophers/dp/1983480290 . They can also email me if they would be interested in a signed copy to nickchristophers50@gmail.com AS: When can readers expect your next book in print? NC: I am not sure but I am hoping within 2018 or the start of 2019. They can keep with me on my website at http://nickchristophers.org/. Thanks for this opportunity!

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Interview with actor Johnny Ray Gibbs By Alexxis Steele

1. Where do you hail from? Answer: I hail from the great city of Atlanta, Georgia. I don’t live there anymore but still visit every chance I get. Most of my family members still live there. I love “Hotlanta” 2. What was the defining moment that caused you to catch the “Acting bug”? Answer: It wasn’t until years later when I turned 50. I didn’t really think about it back in the 80’s. I didn’t have the bug then. I did two movies, Spring break and Where the Boys are in 1983 and 1984, both background and a lot of fun but I didn’t really have the bug. Now I have it bad. 3. Do you come from a family of actors or did you start the trend. Answer: I don’t know about my past generation but in my immediate family I sort of started the trend. I have tried to get my own kids into acting but they didn’t catch the bug. 4. Who are your favorite actors that influenced you? Answer: Eric Roberts was my neighbor growing up in Atlanta in the 70’s. I first saw Eric in King of the Gypsies and the Coca Cola kid and said to myself, “That is my neighbor!” I wanted to become an actor from that moment on. I was lucky enough to make my dreams come true and ironically met Eric and his wife Elisa in L.A. of 2017. I am in 2 films with Eric now. The Demonic Dead and Lone Star Deception. I still pinch myself to see if it is true. It is. 5. Did you take drama in school? Answer: I did not. However, I really wanted to. I was so full of life and such a cut up clown in school, the drama teacher begged me to participate but I was just too shy. 6. Have you taken any professional acting classes? Answer: Yes. I have taking some private classes in the 1980’s in Ft. Lauderdale Florida. Years later I took classes at Film Acting Academy in Houston Tex-

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as, with Lee Stringer my acting coach and sometimes we have guest speakers and motivators such as Glenn Morshower. Those guys are phenomenal. 7. What is your favorite acting style? Answer: It is definitely not Improv. I dislike improv with a passion. I watch the likes of Chris Farley and the legendary king of Improv Robin Williams , God rest their souls, and think to myself, “How in the world do they do it”? I am terrified of improv. Everything else comes naturally. 8. What was your first acting job? Answer: You’re going to love this, but it was 1983 and I was hanging out at the beach in Ft. Lauderdale Florida with my friends and we were approached by a producer and asked if we wanted to be extras in the movie Spring Break, we were like, ‘Hell Yea!” The producer said we would not be getting paid, but we could have all the beer and pizza we wanted. We were then like , “Double hell yea!” I would have spent the money on beer and pizza anyways. 9. Do you like character acting, and if so, whom do you like to portray? Answer: I love watching my favorite character actors such as Anthony Hopkins or Christopher Walken or even Denzel Washington, but I never try to imitate those guys. I try to develop my own style of character acting which I don’t think I need to try very hard. I’m told I am quite the character already and just try to utilize what I have. My own god given gift. 10. If you had a choice, what would you rather be? A Cowboy, or a Psycho Killer. Answer: You mean in real life? Ha, ha, I am just kidding. I have played cowboy several times in Destiny and Paranormal Trackers, House of ages as well as No Man’s Land. I think I am ready to play a Psycho. I think I would do really well, ha-ha. 11. Would you rather perform in a play live on stage or in a film. Answer: I don’t think I have gotten over my fear of stage fright, so I will have to say film. I admire anyone that can get up in front of a lot of people live on a stage and perform. I would have to take a shot or two of tequila before I ever decide to do a live play. 12. What films have you played in? Answer: I am currently in a bunch of Indie films. The list can be viewed on my IMDB page. The last two years getting back into acting, most of my projects are still in production. Some circulating around film festivals and some set to be released. I did act in two major films on set but minor roles. I had the pleasure of working on set of The Highwaymen starring Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson set to be released on Netflix but got little camera time. It’s okay though, I look at it as getting shaped and molded for the big leagues. I am still looking to make it to the big screen, but as of right now, I am batting in the minor leagues. I do hope to make it to the big league someday and I still have hope that will happen but if not, I am happy and content with the independent community. It’s all about the journey.

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13. How long does it take you to prepare for the role? Answer: That depends on how much dialog I have for the role. In the Demonic Dead, I had pages of dialog and was on set 12 days. I got the script 3 months before production started and studied it every day, so I could be off books. Even on set things change and you forget lines. Thank god for script supervisors. 14. What is an average day like on set? Answer: There is an old saying in this industry and that is, “Hurry up and wait”. Most of the time on set we have a lot of down time so I read my script or mingle with the other actors. On set of The Highwaymen, I observed Woody Harrelson riding his bicycle and playing chess when he is not on set. Woody also has a habit of turning off the PA’s radios when they’re not looking. Woody is a trip. Actors spend more downtime then actual filming believe it or not. It can really wear you out just waiting. 15. How many takes does it typically take to perfect your role? Answer: There is no such thing as a perfect take. An actor can nail a shot on the first take, but a director will take a few more shots for several reasons. That could be for safety and continuity or simply just to see if they have the perfect facial expressions for that frame. 16. What projects are you currently involved with or working on? Answer: I am happy to announce that I am about to direct my first ever movie for a screenplay that I wrote called, Old Man Jackson. I have been working on it for a year now and set to film this July in Houston, Texas. I can’t wait. I am so excited and terrified at the same time. I have never directed before and have been scrutinized for wanting to direct my very own film for the first time, but I am taking a leap of faith. I will hate myself if I don’t try. 17. If you could pick one person you would love to have the opportunity to work with, who would it be? Answer: That is not a fair question, ha-ha! There are so many I would love to work with. Cont. I have always wanted to play a mafia guy, so I will have to narrow it down to Robert De Niro. That guy is a one in a million. I don’t think I have enough Italian in me to pull that off though, my ¼ will not cut it and De Niro would not tolerate that so lets go with someone else. Can we get back to that one in like….Forgetaboutit! 18. Would you rather be in front of the camera or behind the camera? Answer: That’s not an easy answer either. I love acting don’t get me wrong, but I take it upon myself to help out as much behind the camera as in front of the camera without even being asked. I secretly give myself producer credit, ha! 19. What movie or play have you either directed or produced? Answer: My first movie I helped produced was Destiny. I was cast as a Cowboy posse and stayed on set after my part was done and asked the director if I could help out. I love learning the trade. It’s as much fun and hard work as acting. I also produced Jurica Road and a few other films to name. I am set to Produce and Direct my first ever film I wrote, Old Man Jackson in July. 20. What do you enjoy most about acting or directing? Answer: As far as acting goes, I enjoy every aspect of it. From the prep to blocking and redirect and so forth. I enjoy meeting new actors all the time and interacting on and off set with my new friends. As far as directing, we will see what Old Man Jackson brings to the table. 21. What is your dream project. Answer: I have several but for right now it is Old Man Jackson. This film is going to be Epic I can just feel it. People are already talking about it and taking interest.

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22. What inspires you to do what you do. Answer: It is a driven force I can not see. Something in the air, a spirit or whatever. I am blessed to be alive after a horrific car accident back in 1988 that nearly cost me my life. I got a second chance to live and I will never take that for granted. 23. What are your short and long-term goals in the business? Answer: I never think about short term-long term. Every day is a new day and a new adventure. Projects get made and finished and projects get made and put on the shelf. Any project I start will most certainly get finished and put out there for the world to see. Whether it be worldwide or local theaters or Netflix or whatever, I will

even throw a party and show my work on the wall of my home if I have to. In a nutshell, I guess my long- term goal is to keep grinding as long as I have breath to breathe. 24. Would you relocate to another country if it meant to land the part of your dream? Answer: My dream does not reach the level of do whatever it takes. My dream is not about money or fame. My dream is not about making it tough on others to get what I want or to make huge sacrifices to make my dreams come true. My dream is today. What ever happens today is what it’s all about. It’s all about the Journey, not a dream. 25. As an Author, Producer , Songwriter, which do you prefer best and why? Answer: I never considered myself to be a big author. I did write a poetry book once, and it is out there, “ Restless Heart’s” is the name of the book. I could never be a Stephen King or J.K. Rowling and that is not cutting myself short. I never thought about writing at that capacity as these two phenomenal writers. I write silly Poetry. I wrote a few songs I produced as well but all my songs come with demo singers because I cannot sing. I cannot carry a tune for the life of me. My neighbor called the house once and asked if we owned a cat, we do not. Believe

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me, I can shatter a lot of windows and mirrors. Every friend I ride with in their car has a cracked windshield. Yea, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m that guy. I can crack your windshield if I sing in your car. So, lets stick with producer. You did leave out acting though, If you rephrase the question and add acting in there, I will choose acting.

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LOCAL FEATURED SPOTLIGHT ARTIST KAYLA AVITABILE PHOTOS BY BRIAN LIMAGE

Kayla Avitabile is an eighteen year old singer songwriter known for her soulful vocals and punchy lyrics. Describing herself more as an indie artist, she frequents venues in the Lehigh Valley from breweries to festivals like Musikfest. In addition, she is a two-time Lehigh Valley Music Awards nominee and performed on the latest award show alongside blues artist, James Supra. Kayla recently graduated from Phillipsburg High School being ranked fifth in her class. While music is one of her great passions, she inherently draws songwriting inspiration from academia and politics. Her EP, The Difference Between Fine and Okay was deemed a “lyrical comparison to J. D. Salinger’s prose in Catcher in the Rye” by Steel Notes writer, Josie Janci. Not surprisingly, Salinger is Kayla’s favorite author! References from Shakespeare to Isaac Newton weave into her lyrics as well as songs dedicated to film and literature like The Outsiders and A Streetcar Named Desire. Kayla will attend Tufts University in the fall where she plans to double major in American Studies and Film and Media Studies. She has aspirations to become a journalist or a screenwriter to continue her love for writing as a means for positive change.

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LA Guns By Dawn Belotti

I have watched LA Guns grow, as a band, since the late 1980s. I was working for a record label during this time and it was the height of what was known as the “hair band era.” This was also when MTV could make or break a group so if you wanted to be successful you had to know how to play their game. The music industry had to be concerned about appearance as well as sound. Some bands refused to budge and still remained a successful entity; bands such as Iron Maiden and Judas Priest weren’t going to throw on a bunch of eye liner or hair spray no matter what anyone thought. Other groups soared to enormous heights after creating videos that were compared to short films and donning flamboyant apparel. There were also those who were more substance than fluff; LA Guns were one of those bands. They were down and dirty and just plain rocked and they still do. Later years had me catching the band whenever they passed through New York City or when I was in Los Angeles. I have witnessed several personnel changes; however, vocalist Phil Lewis and guitarist Tracii Guns have been a relative constant. The rest of the present line up definitely works. This time around, I caught the band up at the Chance Loft in Poughkeepsie, New York. Many touring bands play to an assortment of audience sizes but true professionalism requires the same energy no matter who is standing in front of you. LA Guns never fails in that department. I have watched them play festivals and clubs and they treat the audience like they were the only people in the world. The show opened with “The Devil Made Me Do it” from their 2017 release The Missing Peace. Immediately Lewis connected with his crowd and they responded in kind. Bassist Johnny Martin, who is often a mainstay, in the Los Angeles music scene, is a rhythm thumping, fret pounding showman. His addition to the band was a perfect decision. New comer Johnny Monaco held his own as the second guitarist and seemed to fit quite well. Rounding out the line up with drummer Shane Fitzgibbon, the procession of musical offerings continued to visit several LA Guns classic albums. The bands’ self-titled debut album contains several well-known tracks that also graced the MTV rotation. Released in 1988 and featuring the second track of the set list “Electric Gypsy” which is one of my personal favorites and apparently resonated well with the crowd as well. Throughout the evening LA Guns and Cocked and Loaded played a large part of the evening; “Sex Action” and “One More Reason” were well awaited songs. “Sex Action” appeared fifth on the list. Lewis, ever the charming front man, greeted audience members throughout the evening, shaking hands smiling at the ladies and brining what the band is about to the forefront. Cocked and Loaded, the bands second album, was equally represented. It included two former MTV darlings and widely popular numbers: “Never Enough” and “The Ballad of Jane.” Each took their place during the evening and enacted an elated response from the in- house crowd. Both Monaco and Guns demonstrated their guitar prowess throughout the evening. They both performed their designated interludes with Guns highlighting his technical compositions in an extended guitar solo. During the

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interlude, Lewis wandered through the crowd; chatting and posing for photos. He seemed to enjoy the camaraderie with his fan base. LA Guns have maintained a loyal following but, as with any band, they encounter the folks who just wander into a club for a night out or accompany a friend to a show. These folks often prove difficult to win over. Witnessing the continued interest in the band throughout the night and watching wandering individuals move closer to the stage; proves that these guys can easily win anyone over. After all the entire band have been pros at that for a long time.

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BuckCherry Sherman Theatre By: Josie Janci Photos by Ron Shirey

Buckcherry, rock and rollers who started out mid 90’s, came to The Sherman Theatre in Stroudsburg, PA on April 14th 2018 and brought visual entertainment to their audible show. The near-sold out venue spent the night on their feet as they tried to match energy levels with front man, and only original member of the band, Josh Todd. The night started out with two up and coming local bands, War for the Crown (progressive heavy metal) and Another Day Dawns (rock and roll). These two bands certainly did their jobs by warming up the crowd. By the time Another Day Dawns finished their set you couldn’t’ see the floor for the mass of people and that’s just the look they were going for! When Buckcherry hit the stage with “Ridin’ it was obvious Josh has not lost any of his flexibility, agility, or ability over the years! The band was tight and the vocals were on the mark, but what stood out was the show-the visual show. Here’s the thing with Rock and Roll concerts; with few exceptions (Kiss, Steven Tyler, Mick Jagger, The New York Dolls, David Bowie) ok, with some exceptions not few… As I was saying rock and roll fans go to a show expecting loud music, glass shattering guitar solos, body pounding percussion, half naked women, and maybe a screen with some fire or something behind the band. We don’t expect a crew of choreographed dancers, costume changes, or 3D effects. We don’t need bells and whistles, just music and lyrics. So when Josh Todd, vocals, Stevie D, guitar, Kelly LeMieux, bass Kevin Roentgen, guitar and Sean Winchester, drums hit the stage it was like a freight train full of acrobats! An entertainment explosion! Josh worked the stage from start to finish, partially disrobing along the way to show off his ultra-sexy tattoo collection and taking a minute before he sang “Lit Up” to show us all the jaw grinding effects of cocaine. Literallyhe introduced the song by grinding his jaw. It was awesome! Their cover of Icona Pop’s “I love it” (“say fuck it”) was kitschy and fun and every crazy bitch in the room jumped to their feet when it was time to sing along to the song they could very well have inspired! But the most memorable moment for me, was realizing that Josh Todd must be channeling his inner Johnny Depp as the mad hatter.

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Why? The dance Josh did from time to time certainly looked like the Futterwacken to me-and he didn’t wait until the end to pull that out! Great show Buckcherry, keep on rocking. Josie Janci

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Puddle Of Mudd, Tantric & Saving Abel Show Sherman Theatre By Josie Janci Photos By Sheri Bayne

Because Steel Notes Magazine has the luxury of more than one writer contributing to the articles, and because it’s well known that I would be hard pressed to give a fair review on Puddle of Mudd since I am very vocal about the fact that Puddle of Mudd is one of my favorite bands; my article will focus on a different area than an actual show review. I get to share my opinions on Wes and the band, and their journey back to greatness-where they belong. Puddle of Mudd, The Redemption Tour. The name alone tells you that the band (or it’s management), more than anyone; is wildly aware of the backlash lead singer and songwriter Wes Scantlin’s drug infused antics have left them with. The reputation for outbursts, errant behavior and poor showmanship has preceded POM for the past few years. The media loves to tell a story.. And what a story Wes was! Another lead singer with some drug issues; maybe this was this generation’s Jim Morrison?! Maybe another Keith Richards, Kurt Cobain, Janice Joplin or David Bowie??? The point is that Wes isn’t alone in his chemically infused recreational preferences, not among musician so let’s open our minds and read on. Well, sorry purveyors of pulp and perpetuators’ of propaganda-but for at least a short time, we’ll need to stop focusing on the drugs and start to listen again to the music. Because; after all the gossip, all the overblown stories, and even those told to exact factual detail; the end result was always going to be the same. Eventually, the music remains, and is all that really matters. Wes Scantlin needed to do some things for himself, to get his shit together and decided to try rehab again – and the band, POM realized it was time they supported their front man; and as a whole – they owned it. And that puts the power back where it belongs. With that, comes the redemption tour. And on the northeast USA leg of the tour; with the backing of his band, and the support of an entourage of opening acts, the redemption of Wes Scantlin began. For the mear ticket price of about 25.00 we got to see a slew of bands: Sister Salvation, Inherit the Earth, Tantric and Saving Able along with Puddle of Mudd. And, for the record, each band was stellar- the new singer for Saving Able is quite an entertainer! The hour and a half long headlining set by POM was flawless. It was non-stop rock and roll as the foursome played hit after hit to a dancing, singing, and mass of people. Wes could be seen, at times, breathing heavy while singing and playing guitar – the guitar that was missing the past 2 times I saw them play. (Welcome back Wes’ guitar) Alongside Scantlin was guitar player Matt Fuller, bassist Michael John Adams, and drummer Dave Moreno; all who joined the band in 2014. They were as tight as ever, sounding like the band did (albeit another band except for Wes) in the early 2000’s. That was when you could go to large outdoor arenas and see them pack the venue. They started out the night with their hit song Control – which was enough to get any skeptics on their feel singing “you’re not the one for me” along with Wes. A few songs into the set Wes began channeling his inner “Kurt Cobain” with the fast and raw styling of the song Abrasive. The 90 minute set was a no-fuss, no-muss show – just a bunch of world class musical talent, showcased on a stage for the lucky audience. Their signature blend of bluesy riffs, with grungy percussion and the very distinctive vocals of Mr. Scantlin is what makes Puddle of Mudd so interesting – that and the depth of his lyrics. Listening to the artist bare his

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soul and broken heart in the words deserves applause in itself. Songs like Moonshine with a chorus of “can I get a minute to figure it out, why we had to fall apart” or Away from Me where you can hear the torture as Wes sings “how could you let them, take you away from me?” The night included a group of lost-love songs and self-loathing drug addict songs – in Stoned we have the fun chorus “sunshine has always been an enemy, my life of chemical insanity, sundown is bringing out the freak in me wired…getting higher!” but if you listen to Merry go Round, you’ll catch a glimpse of what some days must feel like to him. We wish you luck Mr. Scantlin-and hope to see sober and happy playing that guitar for a very long time.

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The Hollywood Vampires Show Sands Event Center Photos by by Jammin JR Peterson The Hollywood Vampires performed at The Sands Event Center, Bethlehem. Pa on Monday May 21st. The band was originally a celebrity drinking club, created by Alice Cooper, and has included many notable musicians such as John Lennon & Ringo Starr. The band was formed in 2015 to honor the music of the rock stars that died from excess in the 70â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s , and the main players consist of Alice Cooper, & Johnny Depp, but on stage has included other musicians such as Duff McKagan & Matt Sorum of Guns N Roses, among others.The band released a studio album, also in 2015 , and included artists such as Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl & Joe Walsh. It was a great show, although short at only 70 min long. Joe Perry, who last time around fell ill on stage, looked much better this show, so it was good to see that his health improved.. The band payed tribute to The Doors, The Who, David Bowie, & Jimi Hendrix. Some of the nights songs were: 18, Train kept a rollin, with Alice Cooper doing his thing on harmonica, Sweet Emotion, Heroes, Break on through to the other side, and the band ended the show with an encore of Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Out .

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WINDGAP CAR SHOW PHOTOS BY JOHN MILLINGTON

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Niagra Falls Pictures by Rebecca Rockz

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Join The Dynamic Divas, Lexxi & Josie every Thursday night from 8 to 10 pm EST at The Jetport Lounge on Airport Road, Allentown Pa. You will be welcomed by our favorite bartender, Sal who will serve you great food and drinks, while you see and hear some of the greatest talent from the Lehigh Valley and Beyond!

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The stench of evil bigotry burned in the fires of a Louisiana evening. Beneath the thick bog showed the true colors of what so called well respected southern gentlemen felt about people of difference. Brought on by assumed ignorance, every month white ornery men would gather dressed in sheets to shield their anxiety towards race and religion. They would discuss their superiority amongst others as well as local matters. Every breath of slander the head councilman uttered put a nail in the coffin of the no tolerance that America has kept on gaining since the Civil war. After the burning of an icon that, some people viewed as a symbol of peace, a storm of gun fire and toothless yelps called the meeting to adjourn. “Hey Billy Joe we are all going in my pickup truck to go smash some mail boxes, and get an ice cream Ya Wanna come?” said Bubba who owned the towns hardware store. The shy young blond haired man named Billy Joe said “Nah, its ok fella’s it’s a nice night; I’m going to walk home. Besides I need rest for the big game against state Sunday.” “Well don’t get killed with fog rolling in now, ya hear we need those legs of yours to beat those boys from up state” Bubba said. Billy Joe silently nodded and embarked on the two mile dirt road, which lead directly to his shack near the town’s gas station. As he walked, the young man thought about his game on Sunday, and if the coach was going to put him at wide receiver or tight end. The fog became very dense and made the road unrecognizable. Billy Joe began to struggle as he stumbled through the woods. Being unaware where he was, Billy Joe decided the best thing to do is to keep going straight and he was bound to bump into someone or something that he knew along the way. Hours passed and Billy Joe was still lost so he began to venture deep into the swamp. Tired, cold, and worried he began to pray “Dear lord please help me through this, I am desperate” Suddenly, something rustled in the bushes twenty feet to the left of him. A wild boar squealed out of the leaves tearing up the terrain tusks aimed and ready to gore Billy Joe. He desperately clung to a branch that was above his head; swinging his leg around he straddled the bark for his own life. Billy Joe’s shouts of help echoed through the almost eternal swamp. The branch that he had trusted began to give way. At this moment Billy Joe gave up all hope, as he realized that he was probably going to die there. He crossed himself, and out of desperation he screamed for help for one last time. This feeling was instantaneously halted by the sound of an arrow plunging into the wild boar’s stomach stopping it almost dead in its tracks. A figure of a man rushed over, and took out a shiny instrument plunging it into the heart of the beast to end its suffering. The manlike figure glanced over to Billy Joe and spoke in a calm god like voice “Have no fear young man come down from that tree for I shall not hurt you.” Billy Joe hesitantly climbed down from the tree to the man. From what little light that was provided by the moon, all Billy Joe could see of the man was that he was dressed from head to toe in Animal skins, and had on his head a floppy early settler hat.“ Are you a ghost?” Billy Joe said with haste. The man laughed. No I own this property, although I have been hired as a ghost writer a few times. My name is Earl Baker, I am the editor for The American Great OutDoor Magazine, I just moved here from Wichita. I heard screaming and thought that I might have caught something in my traps. Let me drive you home, help me load this wild boar in my pick up.” The men took both ends of the slain animal and walked to a red truck which was parked half a click away around the thicket. The two swung the animal on the tailgate; Earl jumped in the back of the truck and secured the animal in. “So what’s with the white robe?” Did you come back from choir practice or something? Earl asked. Nah, I was walking home from a clan meeting, Billy Joe proudly stated. A moment of silence followed as Earl was working on a complex kno. Huh?, well that’s very interesting, sounds

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like a society with a real mission. Let me start the truck up so we can get you home. Could you get the tailgate for me?” Earl leaped off the back of the truck and climbed into the driver seat. Billy Joe slammed the tailgate shut and entered the passenger’s seat. Realizing that the cab and body was that of a mint condition 1950’s Ford pick Billy Joe commented, “Ya know, I am really into trucks, and this truck is in super condition so where did you find a steal like this?” Oh I didn’t buy it as a whole, I bought the chasse at an auction and I own a junkyard so I used a few spare parts from there for the finishing touches. It’s somewhat of a hobby of mine. So where do you live? Earl said. That’s amazing Earl, it looks brand new! I live at 1414 Wood Grove Drive. Hey! Maybe me and you could get together and talk shop on of these days. I would love to get some pointers Billy Joe said. “I would very much enjoy that too, now is your house near the gas station?” Earl said. Yeah, and hey thanks again for saving my life Earl, anything you need just ask ok? Billy Joe said. Not a problem Billy Joe, you seem like a good hearted young man and I know you would have done the same for me. When I let you off I just want to ask you for one favor. What? Billy Joe asked with a sound of bewilderment. “You’ll see, don’t worry it’s nothing painful” said Earl as his grinning teeth glimmered by what little light was supplied by the moon. Silence followed until Earl reached Billy Joe’s house. Earl stopped the car and shifted it in park and all was quiet for a moment until Earl broke his silence. “Billy I am going to ask you for the favor now, I am going to turn on the light, and I want you to swear on the holy book that you will not react to what you will see” Earl said. “I swear on my life and the good book that as a southern gentleman I will not react” said Billy Joe. Earl turned on the light and the so called thing that Billy Joe feared most of all was staring him in the eyes. Billy Joe’s life was saved by a man of color, and he didn’t know what to make of it. “I don’t want your money and I don’t want to take your life, all I want is your understanding,” Earl said with his right hand extended out for a hand shake. Billy Joe embraced Earl’s hand and said “You’re as good of a man as any, and I am glad that I met you. Thank you Earl.”

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JOHN CERBONE , THE "TRANCE MASTER"

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SinDicated Volume 1 Compilation CD 1. Summoner's Circle-Wormtunnel 2. Xira-Push 3. Sanguine Glacialis-Monsters 4. Guilty of Treason-Call To The Void 5. Thieves To Kings-The Calling 6. Hardship-Divine Miracle 7. Astral Space-Possession Session 8. Echoes From Ashes-Victim(In Your Hand) 9. Malus Dextra-Wanderer 10. Trigger The Fall-The Victim

Summoner's Circle-Wormtunnel https://www.facebook.com/summonerscircle/ Xira-Push https://www.facebook.com/xiraofficial/ Sanguine Glacialis-Monsters https://www.facebook.com/SanguineGlacialis Guilty of Treason-Call To The Void https://www.facebook.com/weareallguilty/ Thieves To Kings-The Calling https://www.facebook.com/ThievestoKings/ Hardship-Divine Miracle https://www.facebook.com/HardshipDSM/ Astral Space-Possession Session https://www.facebook.com/astralspace/ Echoes From Ashes-Victim(In Your Hand) https://www.facebook.com/EchoesfromAshes/

DOWNLOAD FOR FREE FROM BANDCAMP

Malus Dextra-Wanderer https://www.facebook.com/malusdextra/ Trigger The Fall-The Victim https://www.facebook.com/triggerthefall/

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Check out DRAMA on page 72

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Ladies and Gentlemen and Children of All Ages ... My name is Marlowe B West and I am your Ring Leader ... I have always been a Glamour Boy ... a self-appointed Warrior Against Ugliness ... Although throughout the years I have come to the reluctant conclusion that ugly will always persist to exist ... however ... I insist on diminishing it from the spotlight it seems to have collectively acquired as of late. In total disregard for a whirled which presently appears to be under the spell of the Wicked Witch of the West, my specialty might be considered escapism ... with a large dose of denial ... and the remarkably overwhelming power of a rampant and unbridled imagination. Now that I have, once again, captured the attention of my loyal loving fans and readers, I welcome you to my Whirling World of Fantasy. Today I am honoured to be paying Tribute to the Dream Maker, John Galliano. "... if your heart is in your dream no request is too extreme ... " These two words "dream" and "extreme" seem to easily encapsulate the wonders of this magnificent specimen of what used to be termed as "mankind" ... somewhere along the line the "kind" has been increasingly diminished ... Early on, in this introduction, I expressed how " I have total disregard for a whirled which presently appears to be under the spell of the Wicked Witch of the West " With that being understood I venture to step forth taking the immense burden upon myself to apologize to John Galliano ... I am once again humiliated to be a member of the human race ... right here on the brink of the 21st Century ... preposterous ... the disgrace of being publicly

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& internationally castrated ... by Cinderella's two wicked and obviously very ugly step sisters ... who purposefully set out to destroy this V.I.P. ... he was with his friends in a pub ... they all had too much to drink ... so what ... the trap was set ... complete with cameras ... when the time was right and he was left all alone ... the ugly ones move in on him commenting on the way he looked ... they were not complimentary remarks ... luring him into conversation ... cameras are rolling ... pump up the volume ... just so happened to be on film ... coincidently ... the ugly sisters may have had money but could never qualify to Catwalk but got their big Galliano moment ... and the ugly ones naturally got away with predetermined destruction of the most brilliant and shining example of creative beauty ever ... in a deliberate attempt to destroy him and all he had accomplished ... They went after him as fiercely as I myself intend to destroy the vast ugliness that has the gall to drape itself across my glimmering path. Now ... moving up and out of that stench ... and into my Fairytales-Come-True whirled I will sprinkle you ALL with The Dream Maker John Galliano's signature GLAMOUROUSNESS ... Happy Inspiration to ALL ... & ... Spread The Love FOREVERMORE

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Jerry Saravia (July 2018) Film Review The Truman Show: Reality TV Inside a Dome

THE TRUMAN SHOW (1998): REALITY T V INSIDE A DOME

Twenty years ago, “The Truman Show” was released in theaters to critical acclaim and audiences seemed to attend in big droves to see former superstar Jim Carrey’s latest film. I don’t Steel Notes Magazine www.steelnotesmagazine.com

know if time has been kind to this unique film but it cleared the way for Carrey to prove he was more than a rubber-faced clown. With few exceptions like “Bruce Almighty” and “Liar, Liar,” Jim Carrey never quite reached the heights of box-office stardom he had once dominated pre“Truman Show.” It signaled the end of his insanely high-pitched comic goofiness, the likes of which not even Jerry Lewis ever attempted. No, what “The Truman Show” did was prove that Carrey and an immense talent of a director like Peter Weir could make quality fare that was not spoonfed or focused on crazed tomfoolery. Restraint was the key to the success of “The Truman Show.” The notion that television is corrupt and that it corrupts minds is as old as the invention of television itself. There have been a plethora of films concentrating on this technological theme from the classic "Network" to "Wag the Dog" to “EdTV,” etc. Most of these films are indictments on the notion that television is the medium containing the message. "The Truman Show" is a startlingly original, comically engaging portrait of a world where the medium is not only the message, but it encapsulates an entire town. Rubber-faced clown Jim Carrey plays Truman Burbank, an insurance salesman who has a beautiful, almost too beaming wife (Laura Linney) whom he says good-bye to before leaving for work. Every morning, Truman is greeted by his neighbors and the townspeople to whom he responds with the catch phrase "Good morning. Good evening, and good night." This Connecticut-style town where Truman lives is Seahaven, a polished, "Father Knows Best" community almost completely removed from reality. Or is it? It is reminiscent of a huge shopping mall where there's no traffic, no noise, and no problems - everything is picture perfect. Before you can whisper "The Stepford Wives," we gradually discover (before Truman does) that nothing is what it seems. Apparently, Truman is the unknowing star of a 24-hour television program where he is the main attraction (and has been since birth), and his home in Seahaven is actually a giant, dome-like television studio! To make matters worse, he is the star of the biggest hit on television. The film's idea is an extended version of a “Twilight Zone" episode, but writer Andrew Niccol fleshes out this story with care and humanity, as in a Ray Bradbury novel. What could have been a one-joke premise becomes a deep, philosophical, unusually poignant film. The humanity emanates from Jim Carrey's uncanny Everyman character affected by the very people in his life - his mother who reminds him of an ersatz Mount Rushmore vacation; his wife who may or may not be a nurse and always wears a red sweater; his best friend (Noah Emmerich) who brings a six-pack along every time Truman has a problem; a former girlfriend (Natasha McElhone) hauled away by her father never to be seen again, and the general townsfolk who try to put him in front of advertisements hung in the town square. Truman's whole life is a fabrication - a lie for the sake of entertaining millions of viewers on television, and the TV cameras are at every corner of Truman's existence documenting his daily life. Jim Carrey is in super tip-top form here playing the bewildered Truman with admirable restraint and complete assuredness. Don't expect fart jokes or Steel Notes Magazine

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scatological humor of the "Ace Ventura" kind here; this is Carrey's first dramatic role and he does wonders with it. At every turn, he suggests and implies Truman's innocence, even when Truman starts to get suspicious about his surroundings. It is a role Charlie Chaplin could have played with the same degree of panache and heartbreak. My favorite scene is when Truman has an argument with his wife and notices that she is addressing someone other than himself when she utters: 'How about trying some delicious Mocha Hot Chocolate?' Truman's response: 'What the hell are you talking about?' And before I forget, there's the crucial role played by Ed Harris, who excels like no other actor from movie to movie, and here he is at his unqualified best as Cristof, the God-like creator of the show who barks orders such as "Cue the sun!" or "Bring out the rain! Make the thunder louder!" Harris's final moments where he discloses Truman's life, from his birth to his childhood memories, is deeply touching and as emotionally discreet as this actor has ever been on screen. "The Truman Show" is directed by Peter Weir ("The Last Wave," "Dead Poet's Society") and he does a remarkably acute job of showing the world Truman occupies which is not that different from what America was now becoming - a Rockwellian nightmare where everyone pretends to be what they aren't. Now that we have entered the world of reality television where a 24-hour cycle of someone’s life is not the norm rather than a 24-hour critical discussion of someone’s life is, can “The Truman Show” still be considered prescient or is it more sci-fi in theory than reality? Good question. But maybe there is something fundamentally deeper because if Truman is not real in his own eyes because of the part he unknowingly plays on television, then who is he?

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3 Hot New Games For The Scorching Summer Months

By Domenic Marinelli Montréal, Canada

That’s right Steel Notes Readers. It’s time for iced drinks by the pool and long summer nights, and of course dealing with the scorching, humid heat. But for us gamers, it also means new games slated for a summer release and countless hours at our console of choice in a –hopefully—air conditioned room. This time around, we run the gamut of three highly anticipated games that any of you will absolutely be dying to purchase. Don’t believe me? Just read on and see. We’ve got three games that will just about immobilize you and keep you glued to your console for hours. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Shall we? ___________

(All games available on multiple platforms)

1. Agony

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(image via Wikipedia)

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Well, perhaps this isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a concept that most people think about from day to day, but for many, the concept of going to hell is most definitely a rather nightmarish thought. For the people at Madmind Studio, they seemed to think about that journey to hell quite a lot, as theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve developed a game that borders on absolutely terrifying and deals with just that. The game takes the player way beyond the gates of hell and on a journey to seek ultimate truth in a place less-traveled. Every second of the game is absolutely horrific, very violent, but oh-so-effective. Some have found the game to be monotonous at times, but for us, the playing moments leading up to the more hellacious parts are indeed necessary, as we of a certain demographic have been used to playing games with a significant supply of your run of the mill monotony (especially in the 30-37 age group), so fret not. The game is well worth the money spent and is in fact a good time all around. Just make sure to keep some lights on while you play, as it really can get quite scary. 4/5

2. Street Fighter 30 Year Anniversary

(image via SquareXO)

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This one’s absolutely special, as it has every other Street Fighter ever released in a nostalgic package that’s sure to take many of you older gamers back in time. Who can forget the adventures, or misadventures of Ken, Ryu, Blanka and Guile? We’re sure nobody from the nineties, as Street Fighter was most definitely a pioneer in arcade fighter games. It shattered expectations and broke records. This package is definitely worth the few bucks it costs, as it contains hours and hours of exciting play, and is sure to take all gamers, old and new, on a plethora of heart-pounding adventures and a much needed trip down memory lane. 5/5

3. Vampyr

(image via vampyr-game.com)

Here is a highly anticipated game slated for release in June. Imagine waking up and everything seems clearer. You have no aches, no pains, your sight seems keener. Hard to imaging, yes? That’s because you’ve never awoken to the world as a member of the undead … a living vampire who needs nothing but the lifeblood of other humans.

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Pretty morbid, we know, but that is the reality you’ll face in Vampyr, the new game coming from Dontnod. The game is absolutely amazing … nothing short of spectacular actually, and it’s likely not to disappoint anyone, except for the squeamish, which we hope you’re not. This is probably the game we’re most excited about on this summer’s list of releases, so make note of this one, you will not regret it fellow gamers. The beauty of this game is that it goes way beyond just being a horrific game … it actually poses decent questions about humanity and it will have you reflecting, believe it or not. So … we guess you can say, it’s pretty deep. Regardless, we dug it big time and we hope you will too. 5/5 ____________

So, there are our selections for the summer months. There are indeed many other games slated for release, but these three are absolutely the best according to us, so search, purchase and destroy … one level at a time. Until next time folks. I’ll see you in cyberspace.

Domenic Marinelli is the author of Weathered Tracks, Save … Act – A Collection of Ten Stories, Miles In The Dark, Beneath The White Darkness, 13 Years of Lamentation, Resonant Words (articles) and Strays In The Cold. He is also a freelance writer who has contributed various pieces to many publications including The Gamer and The Sportster.

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Anthems For Autumn Released Their New Single FEEL ME From Their Upcoming Album LIES AND RIDICULE on Bongo Boy Records SINGLE REVIEW By The Grouch | The Rockies New Jersey hard rock/electronic band Anthems For Autumn that hails from the Point Pleasant area of the state release today a brand new single from their upcoming album on Bongo Boy Records. Anthems For Autumn was formed in December of 2014, when members of two different local bands decided to get together and start a new project. Things moved along very quickly from that point and within 6 months, Anthems For Autumn was going into the studio to record their first three song demo. All their hard work paid off in April of 2016, when they played their first show opening for Ozzy Osbourne's guitarist, Gus G, at the Brighton Bar in Long Branch New Jersey. Late 2017 the band signed with Bongo Boy Records for their new music releases coming in 2018.

Hej America! My friends at Bongo Boy records sent me an MP3 and asked me if I would give a listen to and share my thoughts about the new single and accompanying video entitled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Feel Meâ&#x20AC;? by Anthems

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for Autumn who come out of Point Pleasant, New Jersey. Naturally, I was curious when I read that the band bills themselves as “Hard rock with an electronic edge” as that does sound a bit like an oxymoron, such as “Thrash chamber music”. So, it was with great curiosity that I cued up their song. After having listened to the song and watching the video all I can say is “This band should be playing stadiums!” Okay, now in all honesty, I am a guy and as such, no matter how hard I try there is a bit of a pig in me. The first thing I did notice is that their singer is absolutely stunning! Then I heard what, to me anyway, sounded a bit like the Doobie Brothers. I thought “Okay, I guess this is what they mean by an electronic edge if guitar effects are considered electronic.” Then the vocals started and while I did not become totally unaware of how beautiful their singer is, I will say that she sounds as good as she looks. My first thought was this is a kind of Janis Joplin sings China Grove groove. That’s cool, I dig the Doobie Brothers and Janis rocked. At the 43 second mark everything changed - the listener is hit by a MASSIVE BLAST of sound and the guitar opens up with blistering bolts of lightning while her voice takes on an “I could rip your throat out” tone. Make no mistake, she still sounds just as soulful and is wickedly in tune, but the attitude is just overwhelming. In order to get the full effect, I highly recommend that you watch the video. Good God that guitar is blistering. Their drummer is spot on while their bass player grooves. Imagine Guns N Roses back when they really were at their best, except with a female singer. The bottom line is this band has it all. They have the musical ability and creative energy to write good music, as well as the charisma needed to become superstars. Some singers just have a charismatic appeal Axl did before he got fat and old, Bowie did even after he was old. David Lee Roth, while actually not a very good singer, was a great rock star due to his attitude and charisma. I honestly put Anthems for Autumn in the same league as Guns N Roses,

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David Bowie and Van Halen circa 1984. When you combine this attitude with this amount of charisma and sheer ability to rock, you have a stadium filling band!-The Grouch | in the Rockies

WebSite: https://bongoboyrecords.com/anthemsforautumn/ Download: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/anthemsforautumn1 UPC 680147205454 | ISRC USPXQ1832001 | WORLDWIDE iTunes | Amazon | MyMusic and others

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Gar Francis Releases A New Album Titled: Gar Francis Songbook Volume One By Various Artists Official Released on Bongo Boy Records Worldwide Gar Francis Songbook Volume One by Various Artists 01. Baby Let's Go - Tom Vicario 2:42 02. Come On Come On - The Easy Outs 3:10 03. I Won't Cry Anymore - Genya Ravan 4:35 (Ten Wheel Drive) 04. Satisfied - Tyce Green 4:17 05. Born Dainty - Kelly Caruso 3:44 (American Idol) 06. Meet Me - Ricky Persaud Jr 4:12 07. Sweet Sunshine - The Satisfactors 3:38 08. Rush On You - Mark Lindsay 2:40 (former Lead Singer of Paul Revere & the Raiders) 09. A Spy For Love - Mia Moravis 2:32 10. A Special Girl - Jim McCarty 4:45 (The Yardbirds) 11. Ballerina Of The Bowery - Jana Peri 4:10 12. Break It Down - Anthony Krizan 4:29 (The Spin Doctors) 13. Fool For Your Love - Crab Bubbles Band 2:47 14. Make Up Your Mind - Inches From Sin 3:24 15. Shine Your Love - Kathryn Shipley 3:53 16. The Hand Of Fate We Hold - The Corridors 3:30

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Hej America! Today is a bit of a special day here in Grouchland. Why you ask? Well, today’s review is of an album of songs, most of which were composed solely by one of my favorite musicians, Gar Francis. For those who do not know, Gar is a wizard of musical creativity. Over the years I have heard many songs from Gar’s colossal body of work and I can honestly say I have not heard anything by Gar that I disliked. This is an album of songs composed either solely by Gar or in collaboration with other talented musicians. This album. at least in my opinion, further solidifies Gar’s position among other behind-thescene greats such as Bob Ezrin and Mutt Lang. Track 1 - Baby Let's Go - Tom Vicario 2:42 - This is classic Country Gar and Tom delivers a great rendition. I am a sucker for that twangy guitar. Tom’s voice fits well with this style of music. When the solo kicks in the listener is reminded that Rock and Roll is basically a fusion of African inspired soul and Country. This track reminds me of old Roy Orbison or anyone one of the first-generation rockers. All in all, this is a good song that is played flawlessly by Tom Vicario. Track 2 - Come On Come On - The Easy Outs 3:10 - The raunchy 60s sound is alive and well in this track performed by the Easy Outs. The music grinds and the old-school licks blister as the organ adds some groove around the edges. This is a dancer’s track for sure. The vocals are spot on as the old time Rock and Roll vibe fills the air. What’s not to love, with wicked guitar licks, a funky bass, a rock-solid drummer and lyrics that state “You make a monkey crazy! Come on come on!” I really like this band! Track 3 - I Won't Cry Anymore - Genya Ravan (of Ten Wheel Drive) - 4:35 - This is a massive blues jam that I can’t get enough of. Listen to this song and tell me you can’t feel the soul. Genya has a great voice and the backup singers just add to the magic. There is a massive amount of Motown goodness in this track. I want to give a special nod to Genya’s drummer, Bobby Chen. Amazingly, he stands out despite being behind a truly wicked guitar player and some of the most soulful vocals I have ever heard. This is without a doubt a great song. Track 4 - Satisfied - Tyce Green 4:17 - This track is from the 80s influenced Pop-Metal Gar. The track is performed by Tyce Green and reminds me of the stuff that was popular back in the

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day. I am thinking of April Wine or even Billy Squire. There is enough rock here for guys to dig it and enough sensitivity in the vocals for their girlfriends to get them to come to the show. In short, this is a good song reminiscent of 1982 which, at least for me, was a very good year. This song is well executed, radio-friendly hard-pop. Track 5 - Born Dainty - Kelly Caruso (of American Idol) - 3:44 - First things first, I dig the music. It's got an old Charlie Daniels - Skynyrd feel. As an old drummer, I have to say I really like what Keith Reil is doing. I also dig the leads Gar pulls out at the tail end of the song, and some people say Country doesn't jam! When done right, it jams indeed. Kelly has a strong voice that gets better on the chorus. She can sing and seems to have the kind of gutsy attitude that I dig. Think of a kind of Country Gore Gore Girls and you are on the right track. This is a good song from a young woman with a strong voice and some really good players. Track 6 - Meet Me - Ricky Persaud Jr 4:12 - It really doesn’t get much better than this. Gar is a fantastic songwriter and there are not many people who can jam as much as Ricky Persaud Jr. I have been a big fan of Ricky’s since I first heard him quite a while back. Simply put the man can do wonders on any instrument he chooses to use, including his voice. The Reggae vibe is strong, and I am brought back to a conversation I had a long time ago with a cat I knew who was playing drums in a Reggae band. He said to me “Once you go Reggae there is no going back.” Listen to this song. When I do I have to admit I have percussion envy. Track 7 - Sweet Sunshine - The Satisfactors 3:38 - I first heard about the Satisfactors a few years ago. I dig what they do! This is a band made up of a bunch of guys who are bursting with in-your-face soul. The singer sings well. The rhythm section is rock solid, and the guitars are on fire. I dare anyone to listen to this track and not be in a better mood by the end of the song. A long time ago, when the Walkman first came out, I had a friend who would say "Here, have a little Alice. You'll feel better." Then he would give you the headphones and Billion Dollar Babies would blast through your brain. Well, here, have a little Satisfactors. You'll feel better. Track 8 - Rush On You - Mark Lindsay (former lead singer of Paul Revere & the Raiders) - 2:40 - One word: JAM! This reminds me of something our band instructor back in Jr. High school would say. If we had managed to make some particularly soulful noise Mr. Case would look at us, grin and say in his cigarette damaged voice: Sometimes you cats can wail. Well folks, this track wails! Track 9 - A Spy For Love - Mia Moravis 2:32 - I had no idea they were making a new James Bond film. They must be because this track is absolutely meant to be the theme song for a James Bond flick. The camp factor is over the top as Mia sultrily sings that she is a Spy For Love. The thing is that despite the intentional campiness and the omnipresent musical kitsch, the music on

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this track is really well played. Mia has a very good voice and the band actually makes the song groove. (I do have to wonder how many times they had to do a retake because the band was cracking up?) Track 10 - A Special Girl - Jim McCarty (of the Yardbirds) - 4:45 - The first thing the listener notices is the melodic groove that could easily fit in the background of a cocktail party or with a bunch of young neo-hippies hanging in the park. I actually mean that as a compliment. The music does have some Adult Contemporary overtones that would make a dentist smile, but if you really listen to the track you will hear a subtle, yet smoking guitar. That guitar behind the easyon-the-ears voice really works together to create something special that just may take a couple of listens to fully appreciate. When all is said and done, I find myself speechless and thinking â&#x20AC;&#x153;now that is one cool way to rock and roll.â&#x20AC;? Track 11 - Ballerina Of The Bowery - Jana Peri 4:10 - I dig this song. The Bo Diddley vibe is just too cool. Man, the drummer, Kurt Reil, is laying it down! When you combine those drums with the ultra-raunchy guitar (Gar Francis) the song is mind-bending. Add in the vocals and the track goes from mind-bending to absolutely mind-blowing. This song has anthem written all over it. I dare anyone to listen to this track and not start to groove along. Track 12 - Break It Down - Anthony Krizan (of the Spin Doctors) - 4:29 - WICKED! Good God I love well-used feedback! The blues simply does not get any raunchier or grittier than this. The cool thing about this track is that while the music is head-splitting level loud and confrontation the vocals are, believe it or not, melodic. The background vocals only add to the contrast of the out of control, fire-breathing dragon on lead guitar. Out of all of the truly fine tracks on this album, this could very well be my favorite. Track 13 - Fool For Your Love - Crab Bubbles Band 2:47 - The heavy groove continues. There is no doubt that the Crab Bubbles Band can make some noise. The melodic verse is almost a relief from the intensity of the chorus. (Who am I kidding? It can never be too intense!) This song is so good I find myself wishing I was in this band. Excellent work! Track 14 - Make Up Your Mind - Inches From Sin 3:24 - This song is interesting. On the one hand, it sounds so cheery, but there is a menacing machine-like sound grinding just underneath the pleasant keyboards. I am really curious, given the name of the band, is this a simple love song or do the singers have some darker nefarious purpose in mind for the person they are encouraged to make up their mind? Track 15 - Shine Your Love - Kathryn Shipley 3:53 - Kathryn starts out with some really nice soulful keys. I really am feeling a Band groove here. Then the vocals come in. Man, she has a great voice! The background singers definitely add to the soulful vibe. Then it dawns on me this is the stuff all the great Motown singers grew up singing. This song could be from a church service, albeit not the kind I attended as a kid. This song would fit into a church service where the people rock out. You have to listen to the piano (Eric Barfield) runs in this track. The piano, with the organ in the background, the wicked guitar on the edge, the backup

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singers all provide an outstanding platform for Kathryn to absolutely wail! I dig it. Track 16 - The Hand Of Fate We Hold - The Corridors 3:30 - The Corridors are a band I quite like. The prowess of their keyboard player is not to be denied. Just when the listener feels immersed in a sea of keyboard produced sound the guitar opens up with a tsunami of laser-guided precession sonic blasts that leaves the listener, well at least this listener, speechless. Over the top of this massively intense yet oddly melodic jam is a voice that is simply awe-inspiring. The man (Adi Mosko) can sing! This is a fantastic track that deserves to be listened to, frequently. I should mention, as the name of the album is The Gar Francis Songbook Volume One by Various Artists that all of the songs with the exceptions listed below, were written by Gar Francis. Sweet Sunshine by Gar Francis, Bruce Ferguson & Kurt Reil A Special Girl by Gar Francis & Jim McCarty Bread It Down by Gar Francis & Anthony Krizan Make Up Your Mind by Gar Francis, Robert Brewer & Karen Holloway Brewer The Hand of Fate We Hold by Gar Francis & Richard X Heyman The bottom line is this is a fantastic album that I am sure will be enjoyable to listen to for years to come. - The Grouch | in the Rockies UPC 680147205447 | ISRC: USPXQ1831601-16 | Cat#BBR-680147205447 www.garfrancis.com | www.bongoboyrecords.com

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V for Victory by Romy Conzen, Is An Album Created by An Incredibly Talented Group of Rockers Released On Bongo Boy Records in The USA Hej America! The other day, the good folks at Bongo Boy records sent me an album by singer/songwriter Romy Conzen. I was immediately intrigued as the name of the album is V for Victory and that is a pretty confident name for a record. I was also intrigued for another reason; Bongo Boy has a very long reach and Romy comes from Belgium. That, in my humble opinion, is pretty cool! The Internet has truly opened doors to bands that would, in the past, have had a very difficult time getting attention outside of their own region. I once reviewed an album by a metal band from Iran! Amazing isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it? So, it is with great anticipation (and a slight craving for a waffle) that I cue up V for Victory. 1. Going Down 3:38 - Oh yeah! I dig this. The beginning starts off kind of like the theme from Charlie Brown and the Peanuts, except this is played by very tight metal musicians. The band opens up and I am nodding my head in extreme approval. These cats ROCK. There are moments of melodic quasi-silence in which Romyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s powerful voice takes center stage - excellent pipes.I even dig the odd synth, alien invasion sounds that pop-up in the last third of the song. It reminds me of something Bowie would have done. Overall, great opening track!

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2. The Child I Love 3:22 - The melodic metal vibe continues with this track. It is becoming obvious that Romy is, indeed, European. It seems to me, anyway, that European metal, which is different from the Blues based hard rock of the 1970s, is not so much Blues based as it is influenced by classical music. It seems that music education in Europe may be a bit more technical and theoretical than the way most players in the US learn. This makes sense if you think about it. Tell that if Mozart were alive today he wouldn’t be playing a Les Paul and playing it loudly. Again, I am impressed by both the skill of the musicians as well as Romy’s voice. 3. Aiaio 3:20 - Firstly, this is an interesting song title. The two years of French I took at university were pretty much useless. So, I went to Google Translate which told me the French word Aiaio in English is...wait for it...Aiaio. Hmmmm. Whatever the phrase means, if anything at all, this song is killer! I DIG the heavy funk groove backed with wicked guitars. The bass rules this song. The synth adds to the funk and the old-school horns have the Motown vibe down! I have not been this impressed since I heard Paul Young’s cover of I Wanna Tear Your Playhouse Down. I am seriously reminded of Prince, who, in my opinion was one of the greatest musicians to have ever lived. This song is a massive groove that makes the listener want to move! As on the first two tracks, Romy sounds fantastic. I am becoming a fan. 4. L'amour Triomphe 3:51- Well, I know this song is something about Love being triumphant, but that is about all I can tell you about the title. Good God this band rocks. The guitars are heavy,yet there is a soulful groove. The synthesizer actually makes me grin, the music is heavy, but the synth fits so well. Romy’s vocals are nothing short of stunning. Believe it or not, I hear a strong Blue Öyster Cult vibe here. They are the only other HARD rocking band I know that made great use of a synthesizer. 5. V for Victory 3:13 - Oh YEAH! This band has a little Blues in them after all. Granted the progression is predictable and the changes are familiar to anyone who has grown up listening to Classic Rock, but this band does it with such style! The keyboards are a nice touch that I did not really expect as they are not the usual Boogie Woogie runs. There is no doubt this band has added their own signature to a style of music that has been blowing minds for generations. I would love to see this song live and watch the guitar open up. I have a feeling the guitarist in this band could give Edward Van Halen a run for his money.

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6. Farewell 3:35 - BOOM! There it is hard core ROCK and ROLL right out of the box. The music is tight, heavy, and blistering in parts before suddenly, albeit briefly changing into a melodic softer groove. Good God, that guitar is wicked, but without the help of the simply menacing bottom and relentless pounding of the drums, the effect would not be nearly as profound. Then we come to Romy’s vocals. God, I love women who can sing like this. She goes from seductive temptress to raging banshee who could easily rip your heart out - literally all in the time it takes to sing one line. Her voice is spectacular, and the emotion is on display! I am truly impressed. 7. Bubble Up 3:12 - I love a funky bass. Man, the bass and drums are locked in. This song is the epitome of a funk, R&B groove. Romy’s vocals sound great as always, but for me personally, the stars of this track have to be the rhythm section. Tell me these guys are not having a blast, of course they are. I love it when you can tell musicians are grooving for themselves. Hat’s off to the Axe man for stepping back and taking a supportive role on this track. This folks, is what makes a great band. They all share the same vision and spread around the chance to shine - they are all playing on the same team. Well done! 8. Tonight 3:31 - Man, this band just does not stop. I really have to wonder how long it took them to write all of these songs. So far, track eight included, every single one of these songs has been a monster. The only way to describe this track is a group of very tight, very loud, extremely versatile players making the kind of noise I can’t get enough of. When you add in the vocal magic laid down by Romy, I am, well, amazed into silence. 9. C'est Le Coeur 3:23 - Two years of French don’t fail me now; I am going to hazard a guess that this song is called something similar to “It is the heart”. I bet it sounds much cooler in French. What I do know is what they are doing musically. They are putting down some heavy rock with a fantastic groove. It strikes me that this band is really brilliant. Almost all of the tracks have sections that appeal to the dance crowd, while at the same time being heavy and gritty enough to bring the hard core rockers on board. Romy’s vocals are the icing on the cake. How could anyone listen to that voice and not be mesmerized. I have to say, despite the fact that I do not understand the words I actually prefer it when she sings in French. Make no mistake she sounds great in English, but in French the vocals seem to have just a tad more power or perhaps soul. In any case whether it be in English or French, the woman can sing - well.

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10. Bitter Now 5:01 - Now, this is interesting. I like the melodic guitar and the other instruments I hear. Is that a flute? Are those violins? Romy’s vocals are center stage and the music seems to be answering her. This song has a very strong Zeppelin feel, back when Jimmy Page was ‘expanding his horizons beyond Blues based heavy rock’. I mean that as a complement. This is a very unusual track for an album that, thus far, has rocked hard and heavy. The thing is this song is infectious. It is simply a very good, extremely well executed song. 11. The Journey 4:33 - More soft electric guitar starts this track. I am reminded of Heart. Romy’s vocals are nothing short of beautiful. At the 1:25 mark, the guitar does go into some rather rocking chords, but soon we are back to the melodic string work. Think back, if you are old enough, to the first time you heard Time After Time. This song has the same emotion impact. Simply put, this is a beautiful song. 12. Les Ailes De L'amour 4:42 - According to Google Translate this song is entitled The Wings of Love. One thing is sure, the guitar work is impressive and Romy’s vocals are spot on. I definitely prefer the vocals in French although I am only able to pick out a few words. Despite the language barrier, the raw emotion of the song comes through loud and clear. Music is the universal language. It is not at all necessary to understand the lyrics to appreciate the way a singer’s voice hits the notes. Romy’s emotional intensity is crystal clear. So what is the bottom line? It is this: V for Victory is an album created by an incredibly talented group of individuals who have come together to form a very cohesive unit. The songs range from head banging good, to very soulful funk, to simply unbelievably beautiful songs that captivate the listener. This album is well worth the purchase price and I, for one, look forward to hearing their next album. I hope I have the chance to see them live one day. - The Grouch, in the Rockies Buy Album Now! Artist Page: bongoboyrecords.com/romyconzen

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Promethium “Faces of War” Album Review by Simon Furness, Rockfiend Publications, Scotland With their third full length album release since their birth in 2007 Lancaster based metallers Promethium have elected to write a concept album with each track telling stories of war from different viewpoints. In all honesty it's the first time I've heard this band and it's taken me a while to get my head around the release, of the 10 tracks on offer the overall sound is that hailing back to the early mid 80's, that's no bad thing by the way. It's clear to hear where their influences lie in much of the work here, a little bit of Megadeth, Slayer, Sabbath,Danzig, like I said it's doomy stuff but not everyday is full of rays of sunshine right! Opening with ‘Enemies Fate’, a full on riff fest building until we get an anthemic singalong towards the end of the track. Another standout for me is ‘Shell Shock’, I enjoyed the melancholy verses inter spread with solid and catchy as hell chorus, yes I was humming this one way beyond spinning it on my deck. Onto ‘20,21,15’ worthy of mention as we get to hear Barry Mills from Massive Wagons getting all gnarly in the microphone. ‘Stolen Valour’ keeps up the aggression while still providing a groove thats difficult not to sway to. ‘Kill On Demand’ is another winner for me, reminding me of Anthrax circa Among the Living, riffs a plenty and some fine soloing. The title track is the last on offer, ‘Faces of War’ lurches along relentless in its pace as I'm again reminded of some fine moments from my metal past. This five piece from the North West have done a good job, there are enough moments on offer here that make for repeated spins and after all that's what it's about. Try and catch them live at venues throughout the North West between now and the end of the year. SF

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Luca Cerardi Interviews

Marco Pandolfi This month I present an interview to an italian bluesman: Marco Pandolfi who I had the pleasure to meet and see live. A real talented musicians (singer, harp and guitar player) that since long time has lived the blues scene all around the world. He lately released his last album with the american blues man Greg Izor and he is working on his new solo album keep playing all around the world his and the blues. So, to know him better check this out!

In the beginning, Muddy Waters, as well as all the musicians that were related to him. But, getting closer to the blues as a harp player, I would say from Little Walter Jacobs to all Waters’ harp players. They were my first interest. In general, I have been influnced by the American blues.

When did you �meet� the blues and when did you make the decision that that’s what you wanted to do? I first started listening to American folk music, and from there the passage to the blues was an easy one. I remember I already had some Muddy Waters’ discs, but the real crossline was when I started to listen to the blues live. I was only 20, but I had been playing music for a long time before that. Who are the artists that influenced you the most?

What do you listen to today to relax? So many different things. I would say that I like many songs of all genres. Was your family always a supporter in your dream of becoming a bluesman? My parents always supported me when it came to playing instruments. My mother was a singer,

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my father had always played the harp, and my sister had always played the piano. However, I’d say I’m not a bluesman. I play the blues just because I have so much respect for all the blues players. I had the chance to play with many bluesmen and this really helped me a lot. Many people would say that if you don’t go through real suffering, you can’t feel the blues... what do you think about this? I believe that to feel the blues you need a good sensibility, but honestly, in life, the less you suffer, the better it is.

17. Today he is one of the best bluesman around. He won the Blues music awards and he is an important player for all the blues lovers. I met him for the first time in Memphis in 2006. I was playing there and I remember him sitting in front of the stage listening to my music. After the show, he came to me saying: �Great job, my name is Paul Oscher�. I knew all about him, I was so excited. Later on I played with him in Italy and in the US, where he often invited me to go on stage and play. I also admire Harvey Brooks, musician and producer. He played in two crucial discs: �Highway 61 revisited� of Bob Dylan and �Bitches Brew� with Miles Davis. He also played with Electric Flag, collaborating with Hendrix, The Doors, Mike Bloomfield, Paul Butterflied and many more. I played and recorded with him in Tucson, Arizona thanks to my friend and great musician Tom Walbank. Also, Randy Chortkoff. Promoter, discographer and musician from Los Angeles, who invited me many times to the US to play with big names in the blues world.

20 years of touring Europe and the US. What’s your biggest takeway? Incredibly important experiences. I met so many people and went to places that I probably would have never seen in my lifetime. Experiences that made me grow a lot as man and as a musician. Getting out of my town and country was and still is very important to me. It means challenging myself with different realities. It’s also a great way to understand how many great musicians are out there! A particolar moment you’ll always remember? The collaborations with other musicians, no doubt. I would listen to some of their discs at home, and I would never have thought that I would meet them one day. It happened with Paul Oscher, the first white musician to be part of the Muddy Waters band in the 60es when he was just

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Preston Hubbard (Roomful of Blues, Fabulous �� recorded a cd and played in Europe and the US, Rockin’ Johnny Burgin, a giant in the blues scene in Chicago and my last collaboration with one of the most talented player in the current world blues scene: Greg Izor. Being on the road, going from town to town playing the blues. The dream of every musician. What does that mean for you? It’s a privilege. There are pros and cons, and I know people who would never do this, but it’s great for me. And if you want to do it, you need to have strict rules or you’re not going to do it for a long time. Trying to live the �rockstar� life is pretty ridiculous, it’s a behavior that goes against the quality of the music you play.

How has the blues scene changed since when you started playing?

Present and future projects? What’s your ultimate dream?

I think the biggest difference is that many years ago it was possible to listen to many bluesman who contributed to the raise of blues and the diversification of the different styles. If you were lucky you could also talk or jam with them. Luckily we have audio/video recordings that keep them alive forever, but it’s not like that anymore.

I’m doing what I dreamed of, so I don’t have a dream... just a request: �Don’t wake me up!� More shows are coming up, and I am also working on a new record, but I don’t have a release date yet. Follow me on www.marcopandolfi.com

Your last disc was with Greg Izor. How did you get to know each other? Tell us more about the disc and the overall experience. When we first met we were already fan of each other. When he started playing in Italy during his summer tours he was always asking for me. So a day he played at Malcesine, a small and wonderful city on the Lake of Garda, and he asked the club owner, Hella, if she knew me and she replied: �sure, he is there in front of the stage�. He came to my table and we hugged as if we had been friends for decades. That night we immediately started thinking that we would like to record something together and after a few years it actually happened. We made an album as a duo, all original songs. We recorded in Austin, Texas in February 2017 using very old mics and equipment thanks to the great Josh Fulero who assisted us in the production. I consider Greg Izor a huge musician and singer. I was very happy and honored to record the disc with him and to have had the chance to share the stage with him in the US and in Italy. But the best thing is to be able to call him my friend. The disc is �Homemade wine�, you can buy it during our shows or you can order it through this link: http://bluebeatmusic.com/product_info.php?pr oducts_id=23400 https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/gregizor2 You can also send me an email at marco@marcopandolfi.com

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Rockfiend Publications Scotland Tantrum, Baleful Creed & Hellbound Hearts Cathouse Glasgow 05/05/18

Gig Review Saturday night in Glasgow and a Scottish... an Irish... and an English band... are playing the Cathouse. First to take to the stage are Scottish rockers Tantrum, a band that have been around for a few years now. They have grown from strength to strength with Steven (Taz) as their frontman. They have had a few changes over the years in their line up, but this is a strong line up that works well. Playing songs from their forthcoming album “Melt It Down” starting off with ‘Underdogs’ leading to another four new tracks and a crowd favourite ‘Hero’, a cover of Accepts ‘Balls To The Wall’, then title track ‘Melt It Down’ which leads then to N.W.O.B.H.M a favourite of ours. Irish band Baleful Creed take to the stage next opening with ‘Devils Side’, from their 2017 album “Seismic Shifter”. They continue with six tracks from the album, ending with fan favourites ‘Illuminati’ and ‘Hex’, they end their set with ‘Autumn Leaves’ all from their self titled album. Baleful Creed have a large fan base in Scotland and hopefully they will come back across the water to play for their Scottish fans again very soon. English band Hellbound Hearts... Day three of their Scottish dates, Bannermans - Edinburgh, Dreadnought Rock - Bathgate, opening for Massive Wagons and then at the Cathouse - Glasgow. A band we hadn’t seen or heard of before until the Friday night. Only having a previous EP release and now with the release of “Film Noir” they are set for big things. Opening track ‘Suffering The Radio’ is also the opening track from “Film Noir”, working through most of the album this three piece from Yorkshire put on a powerful show with also a cover of Duran Duran’s, ’View to a Kill’. Ending their set with their single ‘Nancy’s House’. Three great bands to look out for in the future! Video footage of all three bands at the Cathouse can be seen on our YouTube channel - Rockfiend Publications Scotland

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BONGO BOY RECORDS 9th INDIE MUSIC EVENT RECAP On Saturday, April 9th, Vivian Pacheco and Timm Mulhern from Cowbell Superstar attended the Bongo Boy Records band Showcase at Roxy & Dukes in Dunellen, NJ. First of all, it took forever finding a parking spot in the large parking lot, which tells you right away that something big is going on. As we walked up to the door we were greeted with open arms and a big smile by Monique Grimme (CEO of Bongo Boy)! She immediately escorted us to the red carpet where we had pictures taken. Then into the main room where a really good punk band The Accelerators, was in full flight, playing to an enthusiastic crowd. Immediately after they were done, Monique enters the stage. With her platinum blonde hair and radiating like the master of ceremonies should, she presented the award for the best Bongo Boy punk song of 2018! Conveniently, The Accelerators, who still was on stage, was the recipient. Smiles were everywhere! There was excitement in the air! It was a very fun and well organized event. Roxy and Dukes was the perfect place for it. Congratulations Monique and Bongo Boy Records!! You ROCK Monique!!! Timm (Cowbell Superstar)

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It was a thrill receiving the award for best Punk Rock song on the Bongo Boy Punk Revolution Vol. 1 comp. Great club, great crowd, great bands, great label! - Ron Nole (The Accelerators)

The Accelerators of N.J. really enjoyed being part of the Bongo Boy Showcase. It was a great opportunity to perform, be recognized, meet/network with new fans, new bands/musicians and industry professionals that would not have been met otherwise." -Anthony Louis Rodriguez (The Accelerators) "This was the first Bongo Boy Showcase, and I was happy to see a packed house. The bands were all high caliber, and the variety was terrific!" â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Molly Regarding Bongo Boy's 9th Showcase last Sunday: My third Bongo Boy event ... I watched it from the bar ... A good time was had by all (with very little death or destruction) ... Would definitely do it again! - Andy B.AND

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THE BONGO BOY SHOWCASE WAS EXTRAORDINARY!!! THE SHOW KEPT YOU AMUSED THE ENTIRE TIME....THEY HAVE SUCH WONDERFUL TALENTED ARTISTS!!!! THANKYOU BONGO BOY FOR HOSTING THE EVENT!!!! - Vicki Blasucci

“It’s always fun to Emcee the Bongo Boy showcase .... I get to see and hear different acts young and upcoming as well as veteran .....and usually perform a song or two myself. It’s all about bringing the music to the people and I’m happy to be a part of it”. - Wayne Olivieri

As a studio owner music producer and performer for decades I am thrilled to see the work Bongo Boy Records is doing. They have been seeking out and lifting up the best of what the contemporary crop of talented artists offers into the spotlight where they belong . I think Bongo boy records is what the future looks like for the music industry - Dan Skye

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What a great event!! Awesome venue, great bands and music, fantastic bar and food. I met so many cool people and even got to help out emerald city rescue that does great work for animals!! Doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get much better than that!! Huge thanks to Bongo Boy for making it all happen!!!Johnny Rox (Anthems for Autumn, Drummer) As a newly signed artist to Bongo Boy Records, I was nicely surprised at the encouragement and honor given to the artists that have become part of the Bongo Boy family......It is the Threshold between obscure and fame. ...Their showcase was as good as anyone else's putting them at the top as far as I'm concerned... - Franki Dennull (The Beings)

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;An enjoyable gig playing the Bongo Boy 9th Annual Showcase, and a great opportunity to introduce my Starr Labs Ztar music to a new audience. â&#x20AC;? - Les Fradkin

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I would like to thank Monique Grimme for inviting me to the Bongo Boy Records 9th Music Event on Sunday April 8, 208. I met Monique at Roxy & Dukes in Dunellen, New Jersey. I was so excited and impressed the night of the Music Event. A total of about 7 to 8 professional bands played that day. The music was so radiant and the sound coming from the instruments made me feel as if I was in a concert of thousands. Each vocalist performance was so dynamic that their voices captivated the audience. Every vocalist gave a performance that we will not forget. I loved the dancing and the togetherness of each band. The dress wear of each performance were stunning. I am so glad and appreciative of the Roxy & Dukes for their social networking. If they had not have published their business on social media I would have never gotten to enjoy great bands and a very professional, productive woman named Monique Grimme. Thank you, Kathleen Starling, PhD

BONGO BOYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S 10th SHOWCASE INDIE MUSIC EVENT

11.04.18 ROXY & DUKES, DUNELLEN, NJ

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