Events

Free Music Wednesday

Tonight will feature
-- Darcy Sebright (...)
-- Aly Cat (...)
-- Funk Harp (...)

Kimberly Praay with Jerry Wade

A former elementary school teacher, Kimberly Praay gave up a job she loved to pursue a greater love. “The kids were fabulous and I loved teaching but I always felt my true calling was writing and singing.”

Growing up in a musical family, singing was part of her everyday life. From singing a cappella around the piano to performing concerts in local churches, the songs Kimberly and her family sang became the foundation for her writing. Kimberly’s honest and relatable lyrics are only matched by the soothing voice that delivers them. Her songs are about life, faith and love. “I’ve been inspired by a number of great artists. As a child I often listened to Patsy Cline and Keith Green, memorizing all of the lyrics. As I started writing, I spent a lot of time listening to Susan Ashton and Over The Rhine.”

Kimberly has been writing and playing for over 14 years. So, if the talented and expressive singer’s melodies sound familiar, it’s because a number of her songs have been placed on television and in movies. The last decade has brought new styles, songs and musicians but Kimberly has come full circle with her new CD, Falling Down To Get Up. The CD is a collection of songs that each listener can relate to and make their own.

-- Opening will be special guest Jerry Wade (of Tabletop Poets)

Josh Komorowski with Lili Anel

Lyrically potent and shamelessly heartfelt, Joshua Komorowski's tender yet edged songwriting and performance have secured his position as an artist one truly believes every word and note. A native of Philadelphia, PA, Josh has been spreading his poetic and soulful vision across the country.

Whether solo, full band or 12 piece ensemble, Josh's bluesy, funk and soul music leaves listeners breathless. Komorowski's long awaited first independent recording, "There is Always Hope," was released in March 2005.

-- Opening will be special guest Lili Anel

Free Music Wednesday

Tonight will feature
-- Boog (...)

Charlie Phillips with Lisa Cavallaro

 First Friday hosted by Charlie.
Sober Night  - - - - - No BYOB

Listeners agree that Charlie's music cannot be categorized into genre. His musical influences - rooted primarily in rock, soul, folk, and blues - have been blended and distilled to create his eclectic style and fresh sound. From the blues-rock and reggae flavored "Preacherman" to the campfire folksiness of "Donny T", he draws from a pallet of musical colors creating memorable melodies and hooks which leave the listener singing.

Charlie performs solo, as a duo, or with the 4-piece Charlie Phillips Band. Songs from Charlie's first CD "All Roads Lead To Home" have received radio play on WXPN 88.5 in Philadelphia and WSTW 93.7 in Wilmington.

-- Opening will be special guest Lisa Cavallaro

Prose from Dover with Caitlin Jane

Prose From Dover is the husband and wife duo of Dave McCann and Barley Van Clief. They have a repertoire of 150+ songs ranging from the sixties to contemporary and they also do a program entitled "Let's Fall in Love" a tribute to the genius of Cole Porter.

Classic influences include the Beatles, Jimmy Buffet, James Taylor, Harry Chapin, the Rolling Stones, CSN, Little Feat, Bonnie Raitt and the Who. Featured contemporary artists include Cheryl Crow, the Indigo Girls, R.E.M., Toad the Wet Sprocket, the Dixie Chicks and Crowded House. They do originals as well as covers and songs they call "uncovers" meaning songs by local songwriters that deserve a wider audience.

-- Opening will be special guest Caitlin Jane

Free Music Wednesday

Tonight will feature
-- TBD

Nikki Shannon

Nikki Shannon is more than just a pretty face. In fact, she has the complete package--stunning voice, well-seasoned pianist, incredible songwriting and an electrifying personality that captures you instantly and leaves an indelible mark on your soul. Nikki also has a chilled vibe that flows right into her music and her performances which she executes as easily as enjoying a glass of fine wine.

Nikki's striking style, exceptional talent and her "bring it" attitude definitely sets her apart from other artists. Her songs reflect her to a tee--they are raw, real, and relatable. "Suffocate", Nikki's favorite track, displays the sexy grittiness of her voice and showcases her classical piano training. Nikki's songs have recently been featured in an episode of "Six Degrees" on ABC, as well been on XM Satellite radio and the NYC classic rock station Q104.3  Nikki Shannon's debut album "Too Few" (released June 2008) is an eclectic mixture of sounds bursting with infectious melodies incorporating several genres of music yet sounding like nothing you have heard before.

Amanda Kaletsky and Liz Longley

Surrounded by a love of music at an early age, Amanda trained as a classical violinist from the age of four. At the age of 13, she broadened her focus by learning guitar and piano, and began developing her vocal skills with the nationally recognized Elm City Girls Choir. Armed with years of classical training and non-classical influences, Amanda eventually found a personal balance in singing/songwriting. Amanda is currently working on a third, full-length release with producer Ritchie Rubini, while continuing to perform at a variety of venues in the Northeast. She also sings the National Anthem regularly for the New York Islanders and at other professional sporting events. To find out more, visit www.amandakaletsky.com

Voted the #1 all-time female vocalist in Garageband's acoustic category in May of 2006, Liz Longley's textured voice evokes unconventional reactions from music lovers. "The voice of a goddess" writes seasoned musician Jason Canary. It's rare that a voice can arouse the listener to such levels, but this songstress does it...from the sweet velvet-ness of her voice to the passion in which she sings". Canary nicely sums up how people respond to Liz. Even influential artist Ani DiFranco, known for her starkly frank lyrics, has praised Liz's music as "Gorgeous", adding, "I love it". To find out more, visit www.lizlongley.com

Free Music Wednesday

Tonight will feature
-- Mark Rice (...)
-- Dan Collins (...)
-- Kyle Swartzwelder (...)

Gatsby with Forever Nameless

Gatsby is comprised of Matt Quinn (Acoustic Guitar and vocals) and Billy Weber (Keyboard and vocals).

Musical influences include: Bob Dylan, Dave Matthews, Damien Rice, Ben Folds, Jack Johnson, G Love, Glen Hansard, Billie Joel, The Shins and Death Cab For Cutie.

-- Opening will be special guest guest Forever Nameless

Trisha O'Keefe and John Faye

She's not just another girl with a guitar...Trisha OKeefe is something special. She is a true songsmith, who takes on her lifes stories with a certain blend of whimsy and sadness, fusing intelligent lyrics and irresistible melodies. Live, she abandons the glitz of heavy production, making her acoustic roots the foundation of her musical tapestry, and lets her dynamic vocals do the talking. Growing up on singers like Melissa Etheridge and Sheryl Crow, and bands like Heart and Led Zeppelin, OKeefe never forgets her musical beginnings, intertwining each riff, each chord, each heartbreak, each tear into a musical journey that leaves each and every listener craving more. To find out more, visit www.trishaokeefe.com

The Philadelphia rock quartet IKE had enjoyed a satisfying "slow burn" on their way to the upper echelons of the city's rock scene. Led by powerhouse lead vocalist and songwriter John Faye, the band has wowed audiences since the release of their debut CD Parallel Universe in 2003. Having shared stages with the likes of Bon Jovi, REM, Cracker, Butch Walker, Train, Better Than Ezra, Matthew Sweet, and The Hooters, IKE is accomplishing more as an indie band than many major label acts that get lost in the shuffle. To find out more, visit www.ikeonline.net

Free Music Wednesday

Tonight will feature
-- TBD

The Sweetheart Parade with Hezekiah Jones

Damp fields and broken limbs. Black holes and quasars. Empty barns and dirt roads. Earthworms and basements. The well-songs and broken lullabies are performed by singer/guitarist Joshua Britton, drummer Daniel Harvie and bassist Johnny Bee; Mike Brenner (aka Slo-Mo) accompanies the band frequently to live shows. The sound is stark but dynamic, dark but illuminating. Some occasional disquieting stares accompany live performances. The walls bend out. Ceilings fall.

Now available are the debut solo album, "Smaller Constellations", the follow-up EP "Heartwood" and the EP "Communion". The band has completed recording and is currently mixing their debut album "Sings Like a Priest" at Hear the Ocean Studio with Ken Kelemen, set to be released in August 2008.

-- Opening will be special guest Hezekiah Jones

Clive (CD release party) with Kyle Swartzwelder

Somewhere between American folk, British rock, acoustic grooves, and mid 90's radio, stands Clive, an acoustic quartet from Wilmington, Delaware. Childhood friends, Brad Almond, Steve Barlow, Ryan Funderburg and Rich Scott have shared a love for creating and performing music ever since their early high school years.

With catchy melodies and quirky storytelling lyrics, their songs will take you from lovelorn British pubs, to the interstate highways of the mid west, and into the pews of a sanctuary.

-- Opening will be special guest Kyle Swartzwelder

Free Music Wednesday

Tonight will feature
-- Patrick Grant (...)
-- Bill O'meara (...)

Chris Despo with Dakota Jay

Belting out Jason Mraz, Oasis and Elton John tunes, interspersed with his equally pleasing original compositions, Chris Despo is in his element - in front of people, singing and playing music. His musical genre style is comparable to James Blunt meets Dave Matthews in a controlled angst, breakout rock kind of way.

Despo comes from a musical family. Both of his older sisters are associated with music either directly or indirectly: one a teacher, the other an employee of the Philadelphia Orchestra. His cognizance of his feelings and surroundings have helped this budding artist write honest and sincere lyrics about love and life.

His first demo CD, recorded in his college dorm, is surprisingly professional and has taken this spirited singer-songwriter to such venues as the Grape Street Pub in Manayunk, Kahunaville in Wilmington, the World Café Live and Khyber in Philadelphia.

-- Opening will be special guest Dakota Jay

Ben Arnold with Kate Klim

Ben Arnold has toured throughout the United States and Europe with various line-ups both solo and with his rollicking live band. He has shared a stage with everyone from Ryan Adams, David Gray, Ben Folds and Lucinda Williams to Ron Sexsmith, Randy Newman and even a strangely magical week in Holland with Townes Van Zandt. While maintaining a relatively low touring profile during the recording and in the build up to the release of Nevermind My Blues, Ben plans to tour extensively throughout 2007 and 2008.

-- Opening will be special guest Kate Klim