Holiday Sing!

We had a grand, cozy, vocal time last night at the Showcase.  Fun for the whole family!  We began the evening with Showcase stalwarts Mike Barrett and Chris Eastburn, joined (as they often are) by Jack Donahue and his daughter Kate.

A really nice set of American originals (with at least one British interloper) -- from quiet folk to Buddy Holly stomp.  Great stuff!  It got the audience limbered up for the next set, a sing-along bunch of holiday favorites.

Chris Eastburn led the next part of the program, ably assisted by three other members of his family: Adrian Rigopulos (bass), Simon Rigopulos (vocals), and Quinn Eastburn (violin).  As an audience member pointed out, this quartet had both the biggest instrument and the smallest performer in Showcase history!  

These guys were a whole lot of fun, with some terrific musical chops -- serious talent!  We particularly enjoyed hearing from swinging violinist Quinn.  His spot-on intonation, excellent tone, and syncopated rhythms wowed the crowd.  Adrian flew in from Canada only an hour earlier to lay down a rocking bass line with experienced authority, while Simon's harmonies were confident, accurate, and soulful.

Then it was time for general singing of old favorites.  Jack returned to lend his harmonies, while David Keevil helped out on guitar.  Too bad we didn't get a good picture of the audience -- you'd see everybody belting out "Frosty The Snowman"!  You'll have to take our word for it...

Finally, we had the great pleasure of hearing from Showcase favorites Random Chants.  They were in fine form last night, singing holiday songs interspersed with favorites from their year-round playlist.

 There are usually nine Chants singing, but one of them had more immediate demands on her time...

No matter, the eight-voice group did a bang-up job, and everyone had a great time!  

See you in 2011!

End With A Bang

The Acoustic Showcase began with a whimper this week, but we quickly hit our stride and ended with a very satisfying bang.  For the second time in a row, a featured performer pulled out at the last minute.  So, with the clock ticking, your fearless impressario (David Keevil) phoned a friend (Gordon Fromm) and played a duet set to open the evening.  Many thanks to Ken Selcer, who loaned David his lovely acoustic guitar, and to Gordie, who played some tasty lead guitar with zero rehearsal.  (No photos were taken to document the event, because the photographer was busy playing.)


On with the show!  Next up was the aforementioned Ken Selcer, who played a great set of originals.

(Sorry for the grainy picture quality -- had to use my phone!)  Ken's a deft, slippery guitar player with a great sense of rhythm and really nice solos tossed in from time to time.  He has an excellent tenor voice: rumpled velvet, warm air, and 500 grit sandpaper. Good lyrics as well.  Which means Ken is the complete package, and a real treat to have at the Showcase.


And then we heard from Via Perkins, who just continues to get better and better.

Last night Via played her set ably accompanied by friend and drummer Jung Park.  Really nice music!  Via is an understated singer who brings the listener in close as she shares insightful, affecting lyrics.  She conveys great feeling and a kind of quiet power, with a lovely tone and a great delivery.  Her lyrics are evocative and subtle; her guitar sets the mood with clarity and texture.

Nice crowd last night.  I love the fact that audiences at the Showcase tend to really listen and respond to the songs.  And while the whole thing is very small-scale and casual, there are musical moments of real depth and meaning.  We had some last night!