RM Cluster Emphasizes The Importance Of Music

Combined RMHS choruses

Last night for the first time, students from all of the schools in the Richard Montgomery Cluster performed in the annual RM Cluster Concert. The evening showcased every sort of musical endeavor available from a cappella groups to choruses to instrumental music. One of the objectives of the event is to give the kids a chance to see what you can move onto musically.

Ronald Frezzo, Director of the Richard Montgomery Choruses, explained why music is offered in schools. The reasons include math (counting), geography (musical heritage), civics (patriotic songs), discipline (listening and standing), teamwork, mutual respect, and even the health effects of breathing. Mr. Frezzo told the audience that more drama and music majors get into medical school than biology majors.

The evening kicked off unofficially with the three a cappella groups from Richard Montgomery High School (RMHS): the all-female Resonance, the coed In Tune, and the all-male T Tones. In Tune introduced themselves as the “Pokemon Trainers Association of America” but that must have been an attempt to get the attention of the elementary school kids in the audience. Billing themselves as the “funest” group, they covered the Seven Nation Army by the White Stripes. The T Tones went with The Longest Time by Billy Joel.

Beall Elementary

The main performances of the evening were by the elementary school choruses. The Beall, College Gardens, Ritchie Park, and Twinbrook Choruses all bravely sung to a standing-room-only crowd.

College Gardens Elementary

Their sweet young voices were gently punctuated by the simple accompaniment of a piano.

Ritchie Park Elementary

Ritchie Park added some percussion to Blue Waters of the North.

Twinbrook Elementary

Since Julius West Middle School (JWMS) lost their chorus program due to budget cuts, Mr. Steve Cowan brought three instrumental groups to perform. Over 250 kids play instruments at JWMS. The short excerpts played gave a taste of what the school offers from jazzy brass Pink Panther to Bach on strings. Listen to what the Bach turned into:

The Combined Richard Montgomery Choruses brought the evening to a grand finale. During Dona Nobis Pacem all the elementary choruses joined in the singing the rounds. Since the younger students sat in the side rows, their voices surrounded the audience with a flowing embrace of Latin.

Then the audience stood and joined in with the first and fourth verses of America, the Beautiful so parents could show their support with their voices.

During the evening RMHS Principal Dr. Nelson McLeod, proved the value the school places on music by presenting $200 gifts to each of the music programs. Totaling over $1,000, these gifts are a tradition which acknowledges the important role each music program plays for the students.

During this tough budget situation, parents can also reach out to principals and the County Council to show their support for these thriving music programs. Kids who show commitment to choral and drama programs demonstrate their ability to succeed in college. Last night the students and faculty certainly demonstrated their passion for music.

Strathmore’s Friday Night Eclectic Returns Tonight (Jan. 21)

The Friday night Eclectic series, a music and art mash up featuring local bands, displays by visual artists, and a Pabst’s Blue Ribbon happy hour, returns to the Mansion at Strathmore tonight, January 21, 2011. Last year the series was named the “best reason to trek out of the District” by the Express newspaper and they want to keep up their rep. I heard rave reviews last year and with the $10 admission price (in advance) or $12 at the door (Stars price: $9), this is affordable nightlife right here in Rockville.

Here’s the Friday night lineup for the season:

Jan. 21 — Rhree of Washington’s most popular MCs: X.O., RAtheMC, and AB the Pro.
“A powerhouse of MCs inaugurates the new season of Friday Night Eclectic. The 24-year old, Petworth-raised X.O. joins forces with the DC rapper/singer RAtheMC, a 2009 MTV VMA Breakout Artist nominee who has toured alongside Wale, The Clipse and Afrika Bambaataa, for an evening of hook-ridden melodies, hard beats and hip hop artistry. AB the Pro, the mastermind behind X.O. andRAtheMC’s mix-tapes, opens the show, demonstrating what makes him one of the most sought-after producers in the DMV.”

Jan. 28 — Washington’s premiere alt-classical group Great Noise Ensemble
“Created in 2005 through a listing placed on Craigslist by composer and conductor Armando Bayolo, Great Noise Ensemble has become one of the most important ensembles in DC’s bourgeoning new music scene, winning The Washington Area Music Association’s 2007 WAMMIE Award for Best Chamber Ensemble. Their Friday Night Eclectic program celebrates the music of Baltimore-based composer Marc Mellits whose works encompass an eclectic combination of driving rhythms, soaring lyricism, and colorful orchestrations.”

Feb. 4 — Dance rockers Ra Ra Rasputin
“…a live act that reliably can get asses not only in the door, but shaking on the floor with their infectious dance punk” (dcist.com), Ra Ra Rasputin’s Strathmore debut is a night you won’t want to miss. Combining dance beats over high-energy electronica, this band’s showmanship and nuanced sound attracts audiences from all over Washington, D.C. Hume is a genre busting D.C. classical/experimental/folk 4 piece band influenced by the Smashing Pumpkins, Morton Feldman and Mustapha Tettey Addy.

Feb. 11 — A benefit concert for the Washington Animal Rescue League with Joseph, Bellflur and Screen Vinyl Image
“Three of D.C.’s premiere indie bands join forces to raise money for the Washington Animal Rescue League.”

Feb. 18 — Hip hop artist Incwell
“This genre-busting D.C. hip hop artist and his 8-piece band push the limits with such far-flung influences as Al Green, Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon and Janis Joplin.”

Feb. 25 — Big band funk act Funk Ark
“The D.C.-based world funk ensemble Funk Ark draws on influences from African and Latin funk/dance music scenes of the 1960s and 70s. Their concerts are a gritty and soulful mix of inspired Afrobeat and big bang funk.”

Mar. 4 — Alt-bluegrass darlings Junior League Band,
“The Junior League Band is an old-time inspired rock band fronted by the Georgia grown banjo, vocalist, Lissy Rosemont. Based out of Washington, D.C., this nationally touring band has been compared to “Alison Krauss and the Band” by the Washington Post, and touts Levon Helm’s own horn players on their catchy single “South Carolina Blues.” The 5 instrumentalists merge these influences with delta blues and pop rock (50′s to Indie Rock) to make for an energetic, sing-song, string heavy, danceable yet mesmerizing live performance. Expect a show ripe with catchy melodies, toe tapping beats, sweet vocals, and some of the country’s most talented up and coming players.”

Mar. 11 — Rappers First Name Basis with Bo Jankans and Educated Consumers
“A night of hip hop when First Name Basis teams up with lyrical gymnast Seez Mics of College Park (aka Cole Policy) and Baltimore-based mix-master t.E.C.K! (aka Jason Fields) of Educated Consumers and the twenty two year-old Bo Jankans, whose music focuses on rhyme and message with compositions full of weaving hooks and catchy choruses.”

Mar. 18 — Sub-Continental Drift’s Fourth Stream and U.S. Department of Bhangra
“Established in January 2007, Subcontinental Drift is a collective of D.C. based artists and organizers who came together to foster and provide a supportive and collaborative South Asian American community for creative expression, encourage the sharing and involvement of community events, and expose people to new mind food. Tonight’s show features the funky jazz trio Fourth Stream, DJs U.S. Department of Bhangra, interactive art exhibitions and bhangra dance classes.”

Mar 25 — Nationally known folk rock group Scrapomatic
“As vocalists and songwriters, Derek Trucks Band’s lead singer Mike Mattison and his longtime partner, guitarist and vocalist Paul Olsen, break new ground with Sidewalk Caesers, an album that infuses the heart and soul of roots music with modern topics and incisive lyrics. The recording, enriched with themes that reverberate from urban to rural and back, showcases the duo’s breathtaking ability to mesh Mattison’s stirring vocal machinations with Olsen’s heartfelt tenor.”

Apr. 1 — Hard rockers ilyAIMY with the heavy metal cello quartet Primitivity
“Percussive, finger-style acoustic guitar, tribal percussion and lush male-female harmonies are the signature sound of ilyAIMY. The songs, a modern take on folk and roots music that includes elements of alternative rock, metal, country and R&B, have been recognized by the nation’s most prestigious festivals and contests. Primitivity is a cello and percussion ensemble that blends elements of classical and heavy metal music into a new genre called cello rock. Cellist Loren Westbrook-Fritts, former Strathmore Artist in Residence, composes the music and provides the leads, while cellists David Teie of the National Symphony, Kristin Ostling of the Baltimore Symphony, and Mauricio Betanzo of the Maryland Symphony all shred out intense riffs and harmonies. Specializing in the music of Megadeth, Apocalyptica, and Metallica, Primitivity also performs its own original compositions.”

Apr. 8 — The 8-piece Salsa band Sin Miedo
“ ‘Sin Miedo’ is Spanish for ‘Fearless’, and it’s also the name of one the best Salsa bands in Washington” (Washington Post). Led by French pianist Didier Prossaird, Sin Miedo’s 8-piece orchestra performs original music with Spanish and French lyrics and salsa hits from the ‘70s to today.”

The concerts are standing room only (with the exception of Great Noise Ensemble on January 28 and Scrapomatic on March 25).

All performances take place in the Mansion at Strathmore. Doors open at 8 PM and the concerts begin at 9 PM. To purchase tickets, call (301) 581-5100 or go to Strathmore.org.

Pabst’s Blue Ribbon supports the series with a pre-concert happy hour from 8-9 PM with 16 oz. PBR’s for only $2. Restaurant Associates is open all night with a cash bar plus chips, cookies, brownies and other light snacks.

Parking & General Information: Take Metro to the Grosvenor-Strathmore station on the Red Line. Parking is available on-site on a space available basis in the Mansion parking lot. Enter at 10701 Rockville Pike

Weekend to Weekend Pick: Trio Galilei

Concert to benefit Fisher House, which provides housing for families of hospitalized soldiers.

Trio Galilei features Susan Richards on harp, Carolyn Surrick on viola de gamba, and Ginder Hildebrand on guitar. They’ll be playing Celtic and Swedish selections along with their own original tunes.

Sunday, January 23, 2011
4 PM
Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockville at 100 Welsh Drive
$15 suggested contribution for Fisher House.

During the Rockville Town Square tree lighting, Sue Richards brought her festive and uplifting music to the Waygoose shop. Her beautiful music has become a community tradition. Warm your spirit with this upbeat performance for a great cause this Sunday.

A Fisher House™ is “a home away from home” for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. The homes are normally located within walking distance of the treatment facility or have transportation available. There are 53 Fisher Houses located on 18 military installations and 15 VA medical centers. The Fisher House Foundation offices are located in Rockville. 96% of the contributions go to support military families. “Because a Family’s Love Is Good Medicine”

Reader Note From Justine Cowan: A Magical Holiday Concert Sun. Dec. 19

We’re happy to pass along this announcement about a very festive and great family event in Rockville this weekend:

Rockville Chorus Photo From The City Website

Winter is here and Magic is in the Air! Join the Rockville Chorus on Sunday, December 19, 2010 at 7:30 PM, for “A MAGICAL HOLIDAY” Concert at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre.

For this concert, Rockville Chorus Director, Bryan Seith, has chosen a wide variety of selections with a holiday theme that will appeal to all ages and musical tastes. Highlights of this performance include THE RELUCTANT DRAGON by John Rutter. This whimsical piece tells the tale of a dragon that prefers writing poetry to fighting. More traditional selections include THERE SHALL A STAR FROM JACOB by Felix Mendelssohn, the CHERRY TREE CAROL by Robert Shaw and Alice Parker, as well as John Leavitt’s traditional Hebrew OSE SHALOM. Another selection by Robert Shaw, THE CAROL OF THE BIRDS, a jazz version of the well known HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS, and another classical selection, HOW LOVELY ARE THE MESSENGERS from St. Paul by Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy round out the program.

The Rockville Chorus is currently composed of 70 members. They have been delighting local audiences of all ages with quality musical selections for more than thirty years. New members are always welcome and can schedule an audition at the beginning of the Fall semester or Spring semester by calling Julie Farrell at (240)314-8682.

The Rockville Chorus Concert is free. No tickets are required. Donations are appreciated. Ample free parking is available. Seating is on a first come, first-served basis. For more information call the Theatre Box Office at 240-314-8690 or the recorded direction line at 240-314-5004.

Justine Cowan

This is a Reader Note. We welcome submissions on all sorts of things — shopping, restaurants, performances, art, cultural events, and more. Rules: it should be in Rockville, and you should try to be nice. Get in touch with us us if you would like to submit something!

Contributor Review by Michele Nguyen: Rock for Robert Full of SPIRIT

Mercury in Summer Photo by Georgia Yang

Last week the Rock for Robert concert kicked off the fundraising for the SPIRIT Foundation in honor of Robert Yin and a $50,000 contribution was announced. Thanks to Michele Nguyen for sharing this special occasion with us and describing why everyone loved Robert so much.

On November 24, 2010, the “Rock for Robert” benefit concert was held at Thomas S. Wootton High School. The concert was held in honor of Robert Yin, a beloved Wootton Class of 2008 alumnus attending Grinnell College, who passed away on May 17, 2010 following a fatal pole vaulting accident at the NCAA 2010 Midwest Track and Field Championships held at Illinois College. The benefit concert was organized by Georgia Yang and Brad Harlan, friends and classmates of Robert to raise funds for the new annual SPIRIT Scholarship to be given in Robert’s memory.

Crowd Photo by Georgia Yang

The concert featured an eclectic mix of music from seven ensemble and solo artists who each held a personal connection to Robert, and performed as a tribute to him. “Robert was one of the first people there in my musical career when I first started, he was like my musical buddy,” says guitarist/songwriter CJ Uy, “ I thought that by playing music, I could really help remember him.”

Robert’s former a cappella group at Wootton, The Supertonics kicked off the concert with harmonized ballads. Former track teammate Henry Nam followed with an original composition titled Yin Elegy on acoustic guitar. Also featured in the concert were: Landon classmate CJ Uy (Sidwell ’08), Landon ’08 classmate Derek Defensor, Wootton ’08 classmate and drummer Brendan McCusker with his band Mercury in Summer, Wootton ’08 classmate Peter Tran, and Wootton ’03 alumnus Zia Hassan. Together, these up and coming musicians treated the audience to an unforgettable concert that celebrated Robert’s life.

Robert’s wide-ranging influence on the community was evident in the diversity of the attendees at the concert, where his former teammates from his cross country and track and field days were present alongside his fellow chambers chorus members.

Robert's Mom, Sandra Giger on left, Brother Alex Yin on Right. Photo by Georgia Yang

For many attendees, including myself, this was our first time returning to Wootton High School since our graduation in 2008. “I saw so many people who I haven’t seen since I graduated,” noted Robert’s younger brother Alex Yin, “it was such a good event for people to come together and hang out.” The concert’s venue not only represented where we went to high school, but it was the place where most of us came to know and love Robert. It was in these halls that we would hear Robert’s contagious maniacal laugh, or run into his comforting surprise bear hugs. Coming back to Wootton High School for the concert was symbolic of our days in high school with Robert.

As concert-goers entered the event, there were only smiles and hugs as old friends reunited, and former classmates reacquainted. A sense of intimacy and nostalgia filled the air with the realization that the 200+ guests in attendance were connected to each other with the common link that is Robert. This is only a small measure of Robert’s greatness, that even after he is no longer with us, his ability to bring people together still remains. “That’s probably what he would have been doing anyway,” says Georgia Yang co-coordinator of the event, “just hanging out with all of us for Thanksgiving.”

The concert’s timing is significant in that it was held the night before Thanksgiving- a time when we celebrate the good in our lives and show appreciation for the things we are thankful for- something Robert never had any trouble demonstrating. Robert always openly cared for those he loved, and this was echoed by the number of people who attended the concert to support him

All smiles while volunteering. Photo by Georgia Yang.

The theme for giving was donations in the amount of $21 in honor of what would have been Robert’s 21st birthday on December 12, 2010. Bracelets etched with “Yeaaa Boi” a popular catch phrase that Robert informally coined and W.W.R.D (What Would Robert Do) were sold for $5 to serve as a reminder of Robert’s legacy. The concert raised $1,364.12, along with a pledge for $50,000 from an anonymous donor towards the SPIRIT Scholarship. “It was very touching to see such a tremendous outpour of affection for Robert,” says Ian Akisoglu, emcee for the event and classmate of Robert.

The SPIRIT Scholarship is a reflection of how Robert is remembered by those who love him and the traits that made Robert, Robert. Beginning with the graduating class of 2011, one Wootton High School senior will be chosen to receive $5,000, through the SPIRIT Scholarship. This student will demonstrate SPIRIT, an acronym for the ability to Show Potential, Integrity, Responsibility, and Inspire Thousands, as Robert did.

Robert’s family and friends formed the Robert Yin SPIRIT Foundation Inc. in order to support charitable projects that embody SPIRIT. In addition to the scholarship, the foundation will support education-oriented projects such as music and performing arts, track and field sports, and sports safety. To donate to any of these projects, please visit RememberRobert.org to donate securely online, or mail a check payable to the Robert Yin SPIRIT Foundation Inc c/o Suntrust Bank, 2433 Wootton Parkway, Rockville, MD 20850.

Michele Nguyen

This is a contributor review. We welcome submissions on all sorts of things — shopping, restaurants, performances, art, cultural events, and more. Rules: it should be in Rockville, and you should try to be nice. Get in touch with us, [email protected], if you would like to submit something!

Rock For Robert Tonight

Tonight, Thanksgiving Eve, Wootton High School hosts “Rock for Robert” from 7 – 9 PM. Friends and family will honor Robert Yin with a benefit concert. Nine artists/ensembles, with a connection to Robert will perform, including the Wootton Supertonics and an amazing rock band, Mercury in Summer, whose drummer, Brendan McCusker, is a Wootton grad (Give a listen! How did I not know about these guys?). Admission is free but contributions will be accepted for the Robert Yin SPIRIT Foundation.

Robert Yin was a graduate of Wootton High School who loved singing and viola. As a member of Christ Episcopal Church, he sung in the choir and played during church services. As we reported, he died in May during a pole vaulting accident while competing for Grinnell College in his Freshman year.

The Robert Yin SPIRIT Foundation was formed to support educational and charitable work. The objective of SPIRIT is to encourage civic and community goodwill. Through fellowship and friendship with fun-filled fund raising, the Robert Yin SPIRIT Foundation gives scholarships and gifts back to schools. ”SPIRIT” means to “Show Potential, Integrity, Responsibility, and Inspire Thousands!”

His mother, Sandy Giger, believes that on Thanksgiving Eve, “It is a nice way to consider how thankful we are - for everything we have.”

Almost 200 have already confirmed their attendance on Facebook.

If you would like to donate to the Foundation, write a check payable to the Robert Yin SPIRIT Foundation, Inc., and send it to SunTrust Bank, 2433 Wootton Parkway, Rockville MD 20850 or 1911 Dundee Road, Rockville MD 20850. Soon donations will be accepted online at RememberRobert.org. Currently 100% will go directly to the SPRIT Scholarship for a Wootton grad attending college. If you would like to support a specific charitable endeavor such as music, track, or sports safety, you can designate your wishes when you make the donation.

Music Review: Billy Coulter’s Live Verve

Photo from Billy Coulter

“I loved live albums growing up because of the excitement and exhilaration,” shared Billy Coulter during my interview. With the release of his new CD, Trace, he now has one of his own. His band recorded the entire album in one session last May with Goose Creek Entertainment where producer, Mike Pugh, and managing partner, Stuart Martin, specialize in live CD/DVD projects.

Fans have been calling out the names of the songs during his recent shows. Billy credits this enthusiasm to the album’s lighthearted and positive tone:

My first album was deep emotional thinking and feeling but these are a lot of fun and really positive songs. We’re getting great feedback.

Billy credits the quality of the album to the fine musicians playing with him rather than “studio magic”. The CD is a testament to his band and “what they sound like for real”. Although they were nervous to record and also videotape the session, they had a terrific time that night. Their spirit and enthusiasm shined through while playing their road-tested favorites along with five brand-new songs. Since the recording spans a range of influences that include rockabilly, Celtic, country and pop, the album is a slight departure from their usual classic roots rock.

“I’m very fortunate to have success at my age,” admits Billy. Of course, success is how you measure it. He has always had two simple goals: to play regularly and to earn the respect of his peers. With shows every month at locales such as Rams Head, Birchmere, Strathmore, Barns of Wolf Trap, and IOTA, he certainly plays regularly. Having been nominated for more than 30 WAMMIEs since 2004, his fellow musicians do affirm his talent.

Looking back, Billy’s career started with some success too. When he graduated from Wootton High School, he learned 40 songs in two weeks to play guitar with his older sister’s New Wave band, Insert. Then they won the Rising Stars of Washington contest on Channel 9. For 19-to-20 year olds, the experience was very exciting. He started to write songs and play in college, but then his adult life and career took over and he stopped for a long time.

In 2000 he started writing songs again and met Steve Thoma (Fleetwood Mac, Glenn Frey) when he was on vacation. Steve invited him to come to California and worked with him to produce a seven-song demo. The trip gave him confidence and courage to pursue his music. In 2003 the songs were remixed and produced in part by WAMMIE-winner Marco Delmar. In 2008, Billy also released a 10-song CD titled Dose which was produced by Delmar.

At the beginning of next year, he’ll have a formal CD Release Party. Right now he’s selling them at shows and, of course, you can buy the CDs online.

Since the band has played on the Rooftop and at Hometown Holidays, we’ll probably have to wait until warmer weather to hear him play in Rockville, which Billy describes as “a wonderful place to grow up and still a great city.”

If you are interested in hearing the band locally, their annual Christmas Show will be at the Café in Damascus on December 11, 2010 from 7 – 10 PM.

We welcome submissions on all sorts of things — shopping, restaurants, performances, art, cultural events, and more. Rules: it should be in or about Rockville, and you should try to be nice. Get in touch with us, [email protected], if you would like to submit something!

Keegan Corbey Makes A Move

Singer/songwriter Keegan Corbey celebrated the release of his first CD tonight at Austin Grill Rockville. Navigators was recorded at Asparagus Media Studios in Takoma Park and tonight was the big debut in his hometown. Of course, Dave Speake joined him on rhythm acoustic guitar.

The dinner crowd still filled the restaurant when his friends and family came out in the early evening hours to wish him well. He’s leaving his native Rockville to embark on his musical dream of moving to Nashville this Monday.

Priding himself on the passion of his lyrics, Keegan’s first attempt at capturing the spirit of his words succeeds. Clear and sweet, his mellow voice roams across the album accompanied by pure and simple guitar strumming. After hearing him perform so many times, the songs are like an old friend who stops by for a spell. He describes his music as “Neo-Celtic Americana folk rock”.

In Pretty Good Year, Keegan sings “I’m already missing every moment I made here.” Let’s hope he creates even better memories pursuing his musical career down south.

Keegan’s CD is now available for purchase on cdbaby.

Weekend to Weekend Pick 10/21/10: Swing Band

Photo from the Swing Band website

Rockville’s year-long celebration of our sesquicentennial anniversary is drawing to a close, but there’s still a chance to look back and remember. The Rockville Swing Band and Rockville Singers will celebrate the 150th birthday of Rockville’s incorporation with music. What better way is there? They always mix contemporary jazz big band arrangements with traditional swing charts from the Golden Era for an uplifting afternoon.

Rockville Swing Band
Sunday, October 31, 2010
3 PM
F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, Rockville Civic Center Park
Free with a suggested donation of $5

You’ll be home in plenty of time for Trick or Treating!

Halloween Weekend approaches so enjoy all the fall festivities throughout the week, here’s the Complete Halloween Roundup.

Force Major Upgrades The Local Music Scene

Austin Grill Rockville transformed into a downtown DC club last Friday night when Force Major, a local Rockville “jazz punk” band took the stage after another local band, Chute.

First and foremost when Force Major plays – it’s a PARTY. And believe me, they know how to throw one.

In LOL they sing “Let’s have some fun tonight and drink and dance until your eyes can blink. Let’s be as loud as we can” so the fans know they’re included. You realize the guys of Force Major would be disappointed if the audience didn’t join in with the music. One fan even jumped on stage, had them slow down the beat, and hip hopped his way through some lyrics.

Kirill Romanov (vocals, guitar, cello) is a true showman with the facial expressions to prove it. He voice bears witness to punk legends with an added smooth Russian accent. He fingers the guitar strings like he’s playing a classical instrument while ramming the punk riffs out of the speakers. Meanwhile Mike Rivin (bass, back vocals) joins him to turn the show into an athletic event by jumping and landing the songs together. Behind them Alex Polyakov (drums) never slows down for a second to keep heads nodding and bodies thumping. The physical force of their performance pounds every beat from their muscles through the audience leaving one to wonder how they can thrash so much and continue playing.

Inviting everyone to join them for a night out for a good cause, Austin Grill is trying to raise $5,000 this month for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, which never turns a family away even if they don’t have health insurance. As they did on Friday night, they’re taking up collections during shows.

If you missed this show, the bands will be playing Austin Grill regularly every month. Chute has been receiving some local radio airtime and the talent in both these bands is obviously breaking through.

As Kirill said, “Who wants to dance? Let’s pretend this is a club!” With the right band and crowd at Austin Grill, you don’t have to pretend. Take a look:

If you want to hear more, Force Major has released two CDs:
Turbulence in Russian and English on June 11, 2010, and Two Extremes November 28, 2008.

O.A.R. Plays Strathmore

Photo from O.A.R. website by Paul Wochniak

After selling more than a million albums in their career, O.A.R. our biggest Rockville rock stars, are returning home for one night only in a Heard The World Fund charity event at Strathmore Music Center. The show will benefit Neediest Kids, The Community Foundation of Montgomery County ,and the Levine School of Music.

An Evening with O | A | R is presented by Strathmore on Saturday, December 18, 2010 at 8:30 PM.
Tickets went on Sale last Friday, September 24th and they cost $125, $99, $89, $79, and $69.

In 1996 O.A.R. was formed by four Wootton High School graduates: lead singer/rhythm guitarist Marc Roberge, lead guitarist Richard On, bassist Benj Gershman, and drummer Chris Culos. The band has released six studio and three live albums. Their latest, 2008′s All Sides, launched the hit song Shattered [video]. They’ve been in the studio and Billboard announced their next album will be released in early 2011.

Heard the World Fund was created by O.A.R. to support youth, education and sustainable programs both in the U.S. and abroad. Through music and awareness, the band hopes to give a voice to those in need for a better future.

Each attendee of the Charity Concert will receive a recording of that night’s show as well as a special event poster. In addition, there will be an online ticket auction for front row tickets to the show and an exclusive meet and greet with the band available at www.charityfolks.com/oar.

When they sing “It’s always back to you”, luckily they’ll mean Rockville for this show.

Jazz It Up In Rockville Town Square

This Saturday, September 25, 2010, Rockville Town Square hosts a Jazz Festival and Taste of Town Square from noon to 7 PM.

Here’s the talent lineup:

Noon – Donato Soviero
1:30 PM – Swing Speak
3 PM – James King
4:30 PM - Kevin Mittleman Trio
6 PM – The Jeff Carmella Band

Taste of Town Square includes these restaurants:

Buffalo Wild Wings
La Tasca
Oro Pomodoro
Primo Italiano
Spice Xing

Federal Realty hasn’t responded to my request for more information about cost, etc. However, we do know that a $1/flat parking fee is charged for all day Saturday in all Town Square Garages.

If you go, let us know how it was!

Be In A Music Video On The Rooftop

Here’s your chance to be in a music video for Do That Michael Phelps during SkyatFive on the Rooftop at Rockville’s Town Center on Thursday, August 26, 2010. The song is written and performed by Rockville resident and “Rising Artist”, Adam Bomb.

Listen to “Do That Michael Phelps” here. It be rap, right?

SkyAtFive starts at 5 PM (of course!) and filming will begin around 8 PM. Be early to make sure you get a spot.

If you attend SkyAtFive, the Rooftop has issued a notice:

All attendees irrevocably consent, and irrevocably grant us, our associates and our assignees a perpetual royalty free license, without compensation, to use photographs and audio/video recordings of all types in which attendee appears, and all comments, statements or testimonials made by attendee, for any legal purpose whatsoever.

The event sponsors include Absolut, Lindy Promotions, Malibu, Oro Pomodoro, Peroni, and Red Bull. You must be 21+ and a there’s a $5 cover charge. That’s not bad to be in a video and have the type of time that goes with it. To reserve VIP seating, email [email protected].

Uncorked Wine and Music Festival Is A Regional Destination [Updated]

Several people have told me the Festival is not until the Fall. Let me clear this up!

Uncorked Wine and Music Festival
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Noon till 6 PM
Rockville Town Square (Be there or … you know what.)

Last year they ran out of wine glasses about half way through the event and wine enthusiasts had to make due with plastic cups. This year they only have 2,000 glasses again, so get there early and pay your $10 to enjoy the tastings. You also might want to be there at noon because my Rockville Central partner, Brad Rourke, will be performing with The West End! The event is free but you need to pay to taste the wines.

Growing in popularity, Uncorked was absolutely packed with smiling and friendly people exchanging opinions about our Maryland wines last year. In my case, I asked a woman to join our group and since then we’ve become friends and volunteer together for Montgomery Women. I’m looking forward to an even better time this year.

As I wrote in my 2009 review:

People were gladly standing around to share their opinions on scents and tastes. Complete strangers were enjoying each other’s opinions. From Elk Run’s “Montgomery College” to Solomon’s Island fruity wines, people would take a sip and inevitably make a comment and enter into a conversation about wine.

THE WINE

Look at this list of participating Maryland Wineries, the best our State has to offer:

• Basignani Winery
• Boordy Vineyards
• Bordeleau Winery
• Elk Run Vineyards
• Frederick Cellars
• Gilly’s Craft Beer and Fine Wine
• Running Hare Vineyard
• Solomons Island Winery
• Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard
• Terrapin Station Winery
• The Bottle Shop
• Woodhall Wine Cellars

If you love wine, you will be happy to know Rockville has a brand new wine bar! Two weeks ago Jackie’s Wine Club opened next to Lola’s Cafe (same owner) [8/29 CORRECTION: the owners are not technically the same]. Although they are late to the table, this new little bistro is attempting to participate in Uncorked. Either way, you can easily stop by since the location is 12 North Washington Street. The wine list from around the world sells from $12 to $38. You can buy by the glass or bottle and they’ll have regular tastings. Also they’re offering exclusive cheeses, imported meats & pate, and a variety of cold and hot tapas. You’ll want to unwind in this is the little corner.

THE MUSIC

The West End at Uncorked 2008

The music is top notch and it’s all FREE! Here’s the band lineup and descriptions from the City of Rockville site:

Noon to One PM:

The West End on the Maryland Stage
Together, The West End produces straight-ahead Americana rock. The band was formed when neighbors Mike Shawn, Monique DeFrees and Brad Rourke got together and they felt a musical kinship. Neighbor and friend Matthew Taylor fills out the sound. In 2007 they released their first EP, Risen, which was named an “editor’s pick” by the influential Smother.net. In 2008 they followed up with their first full-length CD, This Ride Could Be My Last.

Bill Kirchen and Too Much Fun on the Plaza Stage
You wouldn’t be wrong to refer to Word to the Wise, the latest outing from songwriter, singer and Titan of the Telecaster Bill Kirchen, as a “duets” album. The record—Kirchen’s second for Proper American, hit May 25. The new album opens with the rockabilly rave-up “Bump Wood.” On his first Proper album, Hammer of the Honky Tonk Gods, Kirchen saw his challenge as “trying to write some songs that were more from the heart and closer to the bone. I wanted to let go of my stance of writing attitude-laden truck-driver songs—I’ve done enough of those to last a lifetime. But, as with any of my albums, I love so many kinds of music that I haven’t figured out a way to focus down and just do one specific thing.”

Kevin Mittleman on the Gibbs Stage
Kevin Mittleman first began playing guitar at age 17 after becoming enamored with the sounds of Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix. He soon gravitated towards Jazz at age 21 and began his studies under local Jazz Guiatr Master, Paul Wingo. While studying at Berklee, Kevin attended private lessons with Jazz Legend Mick Goodrick, a period which would prove to be pivotal in his development as a guitarist. He has performed in various venues in Boston and the DC area as well as The Knitting Factory in NYC. In 2005 Kevin co-founded The School of Music LLC in Rockville, MD where he currently teaches guitar.

One Thirty to Two Thirty PM

Kevin James on the Gibbs Stage
A veteran of the Washington, D.C., area acoustic music scene, Kevin draws on elements of pop, rock, country and Irish folk music. His easy-going manner and sense of humor combine with tasteful guitar playing, bluesy harmonica and heart-felt singing to create lively and entertaining performances. An award-winning songwriter, Kevin received national acclaim for his song “USS Indianapolis—Let History Remember.” Most recently his song “When Dixie Was Young” won honors in the Billboard Magazine song contest.

Two to Three PM

Mama Jama on the Maryland Stage
Since 1990, Mama Jama have been intoxicating Bay music lovers with their eclectic blend of rock, reggae, calypso and blues. The band plays everywhere, from week-long performances at local bars and restaurants to benefit concerts to the Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival. “You can’t sit down when we play. We just make you feel good.” Drummer and original member Larry Griffin is joined in the band by John Gladstone—the other remaining original member—Avon Lucas, Henry Sar, Fallah Dadzie and Mike McHenry.

Big Light on the Plaza Stage
San Francisco-based rock band Big Light first emerged in 2007 as a vehicle for aspiring singer/songwriter/guitarist Fred Torphy to get his songs into the world. Now hailed as one of the fiercest young rock bands on the Bay Area scene with a growing national buzz, Big Light is poised to release its debut full-length album, Animals In Bloom, through reapandsow on March 2. With band members Fred Torphy, drummer Bradly Bifulco, bass player Steve Adams and guitarist Jeremy Korpas, Big Light quickly climbed the S.F. club circuit, going from bar gigs to headlining The Independent to playing support at the legendary Fillmore; they’ve shared bills with Spoon, Broken Social Scene, The Mother Hips, Dead Confederate, Everest and Howlin Rain to name a few. Listening to the new album and watching the band evolve at such a rapid rate onstage, one gets the feeling that Big Light is poised to get a lot bigger.

Three Thirty to Four Thirty PM

Hand Painted Swinger on the Maryland Stage
Hand Painted Swinger, formerly the PestStrips, is one of Washington D.C.’s most sought after cover-original bands, playing an electric arrangement of hit songs spanning over the last five decades. Since their first show in 1991, the band has performed more than 1,000 cover songs at hundreds of mid-Atlantic venues all while promoting two self produced original full length CD’s. Hand Painted Swinger continues to tour the Washington D.C. area entertaining fans of all ages.

Four to Five PM

Toby Walker on the Gibbs Stage
Toby Walker is a unique, accomplished fingerstyle guitar virtuoso adept at blues, rags and hot country picking, coaxing more out of a guitar than anyone can imagine. He is also a skilled singer and songwriter who draws inspiration from traditional and contemporary music.
Toby takes this foundation and creates something uniquely his own and has been eagerly received in concert halls, festivals, schools and coffeehouses throughout the U.S., England and Europe.

Four Thirty to Six PM

Superland on the Plaza Stage
Formed in 2004 at the University of Maryland, Superland quickly became College Park’s favorite band. Featuring a raucous horn section playing funk classics from the ’60s and ’70s, the band was soon familiar throughout the region. On the way, Superland has played shows with local favorites Chuck Brown, the Bridge, and the Pietasters, as well as funk icons Papa Grows Funk and Sam Kininger. In 2008, Superland’s horns crossed generations to back up guitar legend Tom Principato in a reunion with vocalist George Leh, and later that year Superland released its first studio recording, “Taste the Mangos,” featuring all original compositions.

THE COOKING

If you are not into local music or wine, you might enjoy cooking!

One to Two PM

Chef Patrice Olivon, the Program Director of Culinary Arts at L’Academie de Cuisine, “uses humor, anecdotes, and charm to captivate live audiences and television viewers.”

Three to Four Thirty PM

Suzanne Carreiro, Cookbook Author & Independent Food and Wine Consultant, looks “at its ancient recipes, traditions and the people who pass them on.”

See you there!

Weekend To Weekend Pick 8-12-10: Bad Influence

Photo from Bad Influence

Out To Lunch Wednesdays bustle from 11 AM until 2 PM but they really rev up at noon when the band takes the stage. This week Bad Influence‘s original blend of Chicago blues, swing, American roots, and rock promises to please “blues fanatics and non-blues fans alike” so please join me for lunch at noon on August 18, 2010!

I met band founder Michael “Jr” Tash at the last Rockville Chamber of Commerce Mixer and I’ve been waiting to hear the band. My son will be with me so bring the kids (if you have any but it’s not mandatory!). The Band’s last CD was named Tastes Like Chicken so they are totally perfect for an Out to Lunch event. We’ll be at the tables closest to the bandstand on East Montgomery Avenue. You can choose between Ben and Jerry’s, California Tortilla, Giuseppi’s Pizza Plus, Potbelly Sandwich Works, and Tara Asia.

Bad Influence was formed in 1988 but the current members have been together since 1993. Mike Tash (guitar and vocals), Roger Edsall (Harp/Vox), Bob Mallardi (Bass/Vox), and Rockville’s own David Thaler (Drums). Unfortunately David has a work commitment and won’t be performing but former Nighthawk member Pete Ragusa will fill in seamlessly as he often plays with the band. Washingtonian Magazine hails Bad Influence as “a part of a long and worthy Washington blues tradition”. Their last CD won the 2001 Best Blues Recording award from WAMMIE. They’ve opened for Puddle of Mudd!

Out to Lunch Wednesdays also include the Farmers’ Market with fruits, vegetables, plants, flowers, herbs, and baked goods for purchase. You can leave with some healthy and locally-grown goodies.

During the past three years, I’ve often highlighted events in and around Rockville. For a year and a half I researched and wrote the Weekend to Weekend listing of all the happenings in Rockville before we asked Helen Triolo at Rockville Living to automate the process and encouraged everyone to post event announcements on her wonderful calendar. For a while I picked the best of the week to highlight here on Rockville Central. Now I’m back at it again with the W2W Pick.