Road Reporter
Posts: 1729
   
Location: Baltimore, MD | Well I'm back from a side-trip to Connecticut to visit La Maison de DCT, also dubbed the Twisted Pajama Party. Da Mayor herself, DCT, plus SMF Cyndi and I spent a truly fun and somewhat restful weekend eating lots of really good food, staying up late learning how Cyndi puts all of those sparkly things on the slamboard (I STILL don't know how to do it!) laughing at jokes that I can't repeat here....and best of all....saw DCT perform with her band! yes, that's right....our own Mayor sings!
It was a charity benefit called Hopefest II, which benefitted "Wheels of Hope' and other local organizations that feed and help the homeless, organized by Kris Heaton of the Kris Heaton Blues Band. There were 3 bands, 2 acoustic artists and loads and loads of fun. Held at a beautiful historic theatre (Polka Dot Playhouse) now the Playhouse on the Green in Bridgeport, CT. You know how I bitch and moan about sitting through terrible bands? This was definitely the exception. Had a blast the whole night!
We came a little bit late (it's a long story) but had a chance to catch this fellow, Stephen Bennett: http://harpguitar.com/
Absolutely MESMERIZING! simply beautiful tonal quality, and just amazing to both watch and listen to. He did a rendition of "Yesterday" that was fantastic--very, very enjoyable. I suggest giving him a listen when his audio clips are up.
The next up was the Jeff Touhy Band--a very, very good band (not metal but solid rock and roll) and again, we were treated to a wonderful Beatles cover--along with some other influences (nice Led Zep cover) and some good originals too! (They played a song called "Crucify" appropriate for an Easter crowd!) Some very talented and down to earth musicians--definitely worth checking out. Lead singer Jeff has some great pipes!
And then of course.....Kris Heaton Blues Band, and singing with Kris was our own Donna! Now I'm not just saying this because Donna is a good friend....and I'm not saying it just because she treated me like a king all weekend (some of the best damn Italian food I've ever had!)...no, my friends, DCT can BELT out the Blues!! it was amazing! Cyndi took a mess of photos so hopefully we'll see them here....just like cowbell...we needed MORE DCT! the crowd wanted MORE DCT!
Here's a link to Kris' band: http://krisheatonbluesband.com/
Kris had a great sound---if you took AC/DC, George Thorogood and a touch of Jake & Elwood, you'd get Kris Heaton and friends. He and his guitarist were FANTASTICKLY good..... he played with a pre-recorded box and not a full band, which resulted in the crowd asking him to turn the guitar up (kinda of a first for me) so in my opinion--Kris, get a live crew (esp a bassist and a second percussionist/drummer) and you'll bring down the house! Donna sang two songs (we wanted more! more! more!) Who knew? Great interviews...inside scoop on the band...rock n' roll diplomacy AND talent to sing da blues.
just great. job well done, my friend.
The headliner by the way--Remember September--also very, very talented: www.rememberseptemberband.com
we missed part of their set--we were busy celebrating DCT's stage debut. I have on good authority that the ChocoVine wine was quite tasty. I was given the honors of Driving Miss Donna and we had a Queensryche sing-a-long in the car on the way home that would have put Wayne's World to shame! rock on.
So check out these bands...and for that matter, support local music...esp. when it's for a good cause....and perhaps we should start lobbying for DCT to join Bent Brother on stage one of these days.
I'm wiped out....and headed for bed...
signing off until I bring you the next official road report from Vancouver Canada!
Armadillo
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