Harvelle's

Dessy DiLauro & Tasha Taylor : TGIF Double Header

2012-01-27T15:56:00.000-08:00

It's around 80 degrees in L.A. today and while that itself is not particularly unusual, it's certainly the talk of the town. This unseasonable heat can make one a little crazy.

Let's instead talk about tonight's *HOT* double bill.

Opening the night, Tasha Taylor will be throwing down a set of soul and R&B in support of her album Taylor Made. Tasha is a wonderful vocalist who's warmth and soothing sounds rock me gently into the midnight hour.

here's video of Tasha singing Amy Winehouse's Valerie at Harvelle's July 26 of 2011

Dessy DiLauro brings her fro-hawked, Harlem renaissance influenced, hep-hop, jumping', jivin' show in support of her latest record "You Won't Be The Boss" (featuring Deploi). The singer who has affiliations to House Of Vibe and Cirque Du Soleil, always brings her "A" game, singing her heart out and winning audiences over from here to Montreal.

The Toledo Show : In The L.A. Weekly!!

2012-01-26T23:37:00.000-08:00

The LA Weekly came to The Toledo Show on Sunday night, and wrote this excellent review.

photo : Nick Faigin

[LA Weekly link]

Harlow Gold : Underground Burlesque in SM

2012-01-25T07:12:00.000-08:00

Harlow Gold.

Full of hot chicks dancing to alternative music, the Harlow Gold show is a tribute to a simpler world, when men were brutish sweaty warriors and women were beautiful bouncy objects; teasing, touching, and tantalizing us broken boy soldiers, on some kind of mind-fuck hiatus, or more likely, clandestine awol meetings late at night not far from the water's edge. [Reservations are HIGHLY recommended : TICKETS]

House Of Vibe : A Great Day In Harvelles(after Art Kane)

2012-01-24T12:32:00.000-08:00

One day in 1958 at 10 am, freelance photographer Art Kane shot a photo of 57 notable jazz musicians* in front of a brownstone on 126th Street, between Fifth and Madison Avenues in Harlem. Esquire published the photo in its January 1959 issue. There is a documentary about the taking of this photo - A Great Day In Harlem - which is well worth checking out.

Every Wednesday, The House Of Vibe All Stars, get together and throw down some of the funkiest, most vibrant music one can hear. It's a party, who's leader - Anthony Brewster - keeps it fresh and alive - a mid-week massive for all. On the wheels of steel, DJ Vicious Lee keeps it jumping all night long.

The gathering of this group, is no less significant.

Come down and check it out. Every Wednesday at Harvelle's in Santa Monica.

*
Red Allen
Buster Bailey
Count Basie
Emmett Berry
Art Blakey
Lawrence Brown
Scoville Browne
Buck Clayton
Bill Crump[1]
Vic Dickenson
Roy Eldridge
Art Farmer
Bud Freeman
Dizzy Gillespie
Tyree Glenn
Benny Golson
Sonny Greer
Johnny Griffin
Gigi Gryce
Coleman Hawkins
J.C. Heard
Jay C. Higginbotham
Milt Hinton
Chubby Jackson
Hilton Jefferson
Osie Johnson
Hank Jones
Jo Jones
Jimmy Jones
Taft Jordan
Max Kaminsky
Gene Krupa
Eddie Locke
Marian McPartland
Charles Mingus
Miff Mole
Thelonious Monk
Gerry Mulligan
Oscar Pettiford
Rudy Powell
Luckey Roberts
Sonny Rollins
Jimmy Rushing
Pee Wee Russell
Sahib Shihab
Horace Silver
Zutty Singleton
Stuff Smith
Rex Stewart
Maxine Sullivan
Joe Thomas
Wilbur Ware
Dickie Wells
George Wettling
Ernie Wilkins
Mary Lou Williams
Lester Young

original photo
thanks Art Kane

Sista Monica in Santa Monica : Danger Zone

2012-01-15T05:25:00.001-08:00

Bringing church to Harvelle's, Sista Monica Parker and her band had the whole joint testifyin'!! Coming from Gary Indiana, via Chicago, Sista Monica has been on the left coast for a spell now, bringing her gospel flavored blues to those lucky enough to hear it.

The incredible band kept it heavy and explosive all night, a powerhouse quintet equalling in musical force what Sista Monica does with her voice!

When Sista Monica says "Take Me Higher", you believe the rapture is imminent and only hope that she takes you with her on the journey!!

The band is Danny Sandoval - Tenor sax, Bill Vallaire - Guitar, AJ Joyce - Bass, Leon Joyce Jr - drums and Danny Beconcini - Keys

Sista Monica's latest CD

"Living In The Danger Zone"

is available now!

Amazon +

CD Baby +

Sista Monica Dot Com +

Cash'd Out : Men In Black

2012-01-14T11:55:00.001-08:00

[Cash'd Out Website]

Cash'd Out is
Doug (v),
Kevin (g),
Ryan (b) and
George (d)

Doug is a really cool cat. He doesn't do an impression of Cash, he puts out a very realistic attitude similar in nature to the great American singer/songwriter. Doug told me that Cash wrote over 500 songs and probably more like 1000!

Here's the backstory:

In 1954 Johnny Cash met Luther Perkins and Marshall Grant in Memphis.

By 1955, The band presesented themselves as Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two with Grant on upright bass, and Perkins on electric guitar.

In 1960, drummer W.S. Holland joined the group, which was then renamed The Tennessee Three.*

Cut to 2012, Santa Monica, California - With a steady rockin', hard drinkin' crew of authentic guitar pickers downing shots of whiskey and many bottles of beer, Cash'd Out kept the dance floor filled and the bartenders busy.

Kevin played an authentic vintage Fender Esquire - which is a beautiful thing - employing dazzling displays of peg twisting while soloing for that ultimate twang. The band even brought along their own "June Carter" who joined in on a handful of duets including "Jackson" which is my all-time faves, due in large part to it's opening line "We got married in a fever / Hotter than a pepper sprout".**
A simple yet genius metaphor.

George on drums. Not camera shy.

Ryan, the upright dude mounting the double bass.
Always a cool move.

Kevin picked out those beautiful minimalist solos just like Luther Perkins. The bassist - Ryan - played his upright beauty with steady aplomb. Tighter than a sea anemone when provoked by a jabbing ginger, George, the drummer and Ryan sync-ed up from start to finish.

The album The Real... Johnny Cash (Columbia)... a 3 cd set subtitled "The Ultimate Johnny Cash Collection", recently found it's way into my car stereo. Love him or hate him, Johnny Cash is a national treasure and this collection makes it abundantly clear.

Special thanks to Mindy for getting me on the dance floor

*source : wikipedia.org

**as the story goes, in the early eighties, Scottish singer/songwriter Paddy Macaloon named his band Prefab Sprout, claiming he "misheard" this line. Paddy's a cheeky one, though so I don't believe it 100%.

The Toledo Show : Thirsty!!

2012-01-09T09:11:00.000-08:00

Hungry for love, but thirsty for water - that was tonight's un-official theme, and evidently both Toledo and dancer Molly D'amour were parched as hell. Crystal Geyser is the official water of The Toledo Show and Harvelle's. Come have a bottle or a beer or one of the specialty cocktails.
____________________________________
The Toledo Show goes off every Sunday night for the last 10 years at Harvelle's in Santa Monica - 1432 4th St. between Broadway and Santa Monica Blvd. They also play at the Harvelle's in Long Beach every Thursday.

Harvelles Long Beach : Chumbuckets Are Go!!

2012-01-08T12:01:00.000-08:00

Capt Jeffs' Musical Chumbuckets play every Sunday night at Harvelle's in downtown Long Beach. Their eclectic approach and bluegrass-y line-up allow for some fun; a good-time musical evening. Shrouded in Harvelle's speakeasy atmosphere, the club is below street level, just under a fine ale house called The Congregation and provides the right atmosphere for such a unique group.

The club itself [official website] is located at 201 E. Broadway, LB, CA 90802. Subscribe to our [Facebook page] and our [Twitter feed], and of course keep reading this blog!!

2012 will be a big year for Harvelle's!!

The Toledo Show : 1 Night 2 Photos

2012-01-08T11:22:00.000-08:00

Every Sunday night in Santa Monica (Thursday in Long Beach), The Toledo Show is an institution. Running for 10 years, this film noir cabaret has garnered fans worldwide due to it's impossibly funky dirty jazz, beautiful dancing "dames", and the leader of the pack, Toledo Diamond - a front man's front man who is so captivating that women swoon at his feet.

Wholly original and ripe for repeated attendances, The Toledo Show is beyond the description my humble adjectives can depict. Come check it out. [Toledo Show Website]

This is Dame Mindy and fan/friend of the show Miss Heather hanging out in-between sets.

Dessy and Ric'key : To The Bridge!!

2011-12-12T13:08:00.000-08:00

Making a stop at Harvelle's before heading off to NYC, Dessy DiLauro [official website] blew it up for real with her jumpin' jivin' hep-hop revival. Along with Ric'key Pageot, the 2 have created a style and sound which is influenced by among other things, Harlem renaissance-era jazz, be-bop and classic R&B. She's nu-skool, like Janelle Monae or Esperanza Spalding but has a hidden power rooted in the likes of classic singers like Donna Summer - not in tone or style - but in the vocal force that is hiding under the demure facade.

On loan from House Of Vibe, Sebastian Leger (trumpet) with Dan Boissy (sax) do what they do best, burrrrrrn!! nice and slow!

In Ric'key's hands this accordion would make Lawerence Welk roll over in his well kept tomb!!

The audience was also treated to a performance by the Washington sisters, Myra and Brittani. Myra is on the TV program "X-Factor" singing with the in-studio band, while Brittani plays keyboards with Beyoncé. These 2 powerhouse women were dazzling to watch, Myra swinging her long hair (at least on one side of her head) beltin' it out while raisin' the roof, and skinny legged Brittani sat at the keyboard and before my eyes, turned into a New Orleans Baptist church organist who just caught the holy spirit, stabbing at the keys and poundin' them into submission!! Damn!! Get behind thee satan!!

New Year's Eve!! It's Jimmy Z!!!

2011-12-12T13:03:00.000-08:00

Capt. Jeff & His Musical Chumbuckets : C'est Chic

2011-12-09T07:37:00.000-08:00

On loan from their Sunday night residency at Harvelle's Long Beach, Capt. Jeff & His Musical Chumbuckets brought their ragtime/bluegrass flavor out to greet the people in Santa Monica. Banjo, washboard (and percussion), stand-up bass, acoustic (and electric) guitar and trumpet make up their roster.

Check out the pics below and like their Facebook page!!

The Toledo Show : The Dames!

2011-11-21T18:28:00.001-08:00

I almost think that if you're not cool enough to have shown up to see The Toledo Show, you're not worthy of seeing The Dames. You're lucky. I'm giving you a sneak peek, not just because "sex sells", but perhaps if you don't know, you'll come check it out.

Still pictures - even HD video - doesn't do The Toledo Show justice. It's an experience of light and sound and funk and a virtual walk down the back alleys of Toledo Diamond's cerebral private universe. Is it fiction? Or are these true tales from Toledo's adventures? One never knows, do one? So here for your pleasure, a small gallery from a recent Sunday Toledo Show.

DJ Mic on the mic keeps the club hits bangin' all night long!!

Dame Leah is sho nuff sittin' on a goldmine!

Tonight, along with Sebastian Leger (keys, trumpet, vocals), Seth Murphy (d) and Mike Gunn (b)were The Toledo Show back line. Bringing it deep and low, loud and fresh, uncomplicated and true, they handled their debut with The Toledo Show with fire and much aplomb!! Check them out as the drum and bass of Ultralove; they play at Harvelle's every Monday.

And by the way...

you're still not worthy.

Toledo & Ultralove : The King and Prince Of Harvelle's

2011-11-21T05:47:00.000-08:00

There is a genuine bromance going on between the front men of The Toledo Show and Ultralove - Toledo Diamond and Mike "Ultralove" Wagner respectively. I don't know who started it, but at some point in each of their shows (Toledo's on Sunday, Ultralove's on Monday) the other will make a guest appearance and bring a different kind of funk to the repertoire for a few minutes.

The video above is of The Toledo Show, but ironically Ultralove's drummer (Seth Murphy) and bassist (Mike Gunn) were the acting back line for The Toledo Show on that particular night. Ultralove stepped to the mic extra confidently and spit a cool 16 bars over Toledo's funky-as-shiz "Run Chicken Little" riff, which then evolved into an impromptu duet between the two with Toledo calling Ultralove his "hero" and Ultralove getting on his knees to perform the "i'm not worthy"gesture.

Vintage Trouble : Shut Up! And Play!!

2011-11-14T13:02:00.000-08:00

The UK has long been known for appreciating "American" music (jazz/blues/soul/r&b) in a much more fanatical way then us, their Yankee counterparts. True to form, those across the pond have discovered Vintage Trouble, in a way that America just hasn't yet. Despite their countless performances across this land and over there, perhaps we're just too vast to embrace them. As hard as they are to miss once you've met 'em, if you don't know, well... then you just don't know.

If great songs, amazing musicianship, hard work, cool clothes and real "soul" music are not enough stimulus for ya, it might be time to check off this planet or at least develop a relationship with mind-altering substances on the regular, cuz you just ain't wit it!

Here's some notes from the road:

Nov 12, 2011 (Middlesbrough, UK) "Tonight, had great day with 200 kids as we did a show for them at Malsis School, Cross Hills. Yeah they rocked!" - Nalle Colt"We played a show today in Yorkshire - UK for 100s of private school kids from 6 years old to high school. My life has been changed this day. I have been reconnected to youthful joy. Tonight we play Middlesboro - UK. Bring it, TroubleMakers. Reconnect me with adult joy. (wink wink)" - Ty Taylor

CONGRATULATIONS!!Nov 9 2011 (London)Vintage Trouble Accepting their 2011 CLASSIC ROCK AWARDS for BEST NEW BAND!!

Click below to read this brief interview with the band upon accepting their "Best New Band 2011" award:

PAYOTE : Tuesdays Will Never Be The Same

2011-11-13T14:51:00.000-08:00

The one and only Jessie Payo now owns Tuesday nights at Harvelle's. Her band Payote is Johnny Stachela - Guitar, Adam Sizemore - Vocals/Keys, Vince Fossett Jr. - Drums and Kevin Ogburn - Bass.

Harvelle's & The Toledo Show :In The Huffington Post

2011-11-11T19:56:00.000-08:00

For the complete post click [here]

Ultralove's Monday : My World And Welcome To It

2011-11-07T09:49:00.000-08:00

Venice resident Mike "Ultralove" Wagner spends his days as a mild mannered folk singer, appearing at lounges and happenings around his 'hood. His blend of modern singer/songwriter sensibilities infused with hip-hop hooks, both sung and rapped by the Philly native have created a bit of a buzz down here. And on Monday nights, Ultralove takes the stage at Harvelle's with his group, which is stacked with players who augment his songs with crack-shot arrangements and righteous in-the-pocket grooves.

Ultralove, Seth Murphy, Doug Showalter

Other members of the band are Mike Gunn on bass, John Piazza (aka John Swift) on keys and rapping, and DJ Paper on turntables. If you haven't experienced Ultralove live, you should; the band truly delivers! Here's a video from this past week's show. The song "Rich and Famous" has a killer hook and in this extended jam version special guests Jon Swift, Joe Con, Sebastien Leger on trumpet and DJ Paper bring their "A" game! Bless Ultralove, he does what he does and makes the world a better place.

The Toledo Show : 10 Years At Harvelle's

2011-10-02T05:45:00.000-07:00

Last week marked the 500th Toledo Show at Harvelle's.
Tonight we celebrate the 10 year anniversary of it all!!

I know many of the vamps here tonight as well as all the principals. Congratulations to Toledo, Malik, Walter, Brewster, Seabass, Spoonie, Asa, Vicious, Jonathan, Shamari special guests Ultralove and Jessie Payo, and the dames: Nykky, Mindy, Molly (below), Erin, Leah & Annie.

The band has brought it so solid and heavy for so long it's become a West side institution. Soon to be in residence at Harvelle's new Long Beach location every Thursday night starting Oct 6. With a bigger stage and brilliant sound system, its gonna be spectacular.

Tonight the crowd is thick and filled. Giant reverberations of live frequencies fill the room as bass & drum rev it up to see who can play the loudest. And Ultralove!! Yeah representing Monday nights along with Seth and Mike Gunn in the house.

It's cool and calm near the front of the club. I'm chilled out with bottled water sitting in plain site of an air conditioning vent. The dance floor is a different story! Swamp-like, hot and sweaty - more crowded than usual - it was difficult to move through it to give a pound to the faithful homies - those who religiously respect The Toledo Show.

Everyone's present. Dan, Dorthea, Guy, Heather, Nate, new jack Alfred, ~~the curly haired Italian dude,~~ ~~the 2 metal dudes~~, even Deon the painter and that guy in the zorro hat who comes the last half hour and walks from hot young girl to hot young girl kissing hands and kissing ass, as he runs his numbers game in search of an inappropriately young chica. I've heard he has slipped money into at least one of the dame's hand. What's up with that??? - He's here too. A big shout-out to Kristen from Chicago. A Guido's restaurant employee who digs jazz-funk, perhaps as much as I do.

Overall a chill time and congrats to Toledo Diamond for succeeding at raising and nurturing this phenomenon. I'm sure it's inception was really when Mr. Diamond first decided to take the stage.
What will the next 10 Years bring?
We'll have to wait and see...

Harvelle's : Grand Opening In Long Beach

2011-09-30T13:17:00.000-07:00

House Of Vibe : The Men

2011-09-28T05:09:00.000-07:00

The Men
(of House Of Vibe)

The Men was a TV series on ABC in 1972-73 an umbrella title for three adventure series: Assignment Vienna, Jigsaw, and The Delphi Bureau. The common element in each of the series was that its hero was a rugged individualist, working essentially alone with little or no supervision on matters of vital interest. The program was originally aired on Thursday nights with each element appearing in a regular rotation, every third week, but when the program was moved to Saturday nights in January 1973 the elements began to be aired with several episodes of the same element appearing in consecutive weeks. The theme from The Men was a classic Isaac Hayes cut.(Wikipedia)

Brew

Fish

Colin

Kris

Greg

Deploi (w Dessy)

The House Of Vibe plays every Wednesday at Harvelle's. This coming week, they will be joined by Dessy DiLauro (and Ric'key Pageot), Chali 2na (Jurassic 5, Ozomotli) and Joi (Goodie Mob) as well as in-house rappers Deploi, Jon Swift, Freewill and you never know who might drop in!

Toledo 500 : 10 Years Of The Show

2011-09-27T10:56:00.000-07:00

The Toledo Show is a dirty burlesque film noir experience that can only be understood by being present. For 10 years The Toledo Show has taken over Sunday nights at Harvelle's in Santa Monica pushing boundaries and converting the uninitiated into staying out late on Sunday nights.

Unlike any other show, The Toledo Show is wholly original, funky as hell and leaves you exhausted and satisfied.

Happy Anniversary Toledo and company!

Walter is incomparable

Toledo's 10 year Anniversary

Dame Erin

Rachel Lynn, Toledo, Dame Mindy

Dame Nykky returns triumphant.

Dame Erin's dance of love

Toledo diggin' on Dame Molly's thighs

Jonathan Heuer plays guitar

Ultralove'd : A Trip Around The Sun

2011-09-26T08:54:00.000-07:00

My man Ultralove is lethal!!

Every Monday night - for the last 52 weeks - Ultralove has brought his crew and unleashed 'em on Harvelle's. Ultralove then pumps out the sweetest hip-hop flavored folk-funk you've ever heard. Keeping the dance floor hustling, and the rest of the place singing along to the musical and lyrical hooks provided in such jams as "Breakfast In Bed", "Last Leg"and "Rich And Famous".

Tonight's celebration was full of excitement and guests. Joel Van Dijk returned as did singers Love Logic and Soul Star. House Of Vibe's horn men Jaman and Sebastian sat in; Joe Con, DJ Paper, and even Harvelle's bartender Candise jumped onstage to spit 16 or so bars.

The Ultralove experience is worth visiting and re-visiting; as he hones his craft in front of a live audience his evolution has been swift and obviously ready for the next phase of his career. Do yourself a favor - come down and let him coax out the ultra-lover in you.

Ultralove gets down with 6 strings.

Singin' : Soul Star, Ultralove and Love Logic

Drummer Seth Murphy.

Jon Piazza on keys.

Mike Gunn - bass slayer.

Axemen Joel and Doug.

DJ Paper keeps the crowd body-movin' all night long.

Cheers Lauralee!

House of Vibe's Jaman and SeaBass.

Ultralove's [revolution] is available on [iTunes] and [Amazon]

Ultralove music & info can be found on [Tumblr]

Listen to Ultralove music on [Soundcloud]

Follow Ultralove on [Twitter]

Ultralove performs every Monday night at [Harvelle's]

Ultralove : Every Monday

2011-09-19T17:55:00.000-07:00

Harvelle's Weekend : Plan Accordingly

2011-09-16T06:25:00.000-07:00

It's J.T. Ross' Birthday on Friday!!Come Celebrate!!

2011-09-09T04:56:00.000-07:00

Labor Day Weekend at Harvelle's

2011-09-01T14:33:00.000-07:00

Vintage Trouble : Hail! Hail! Rock 'N' Soul!

2011-08-29T02:58:00.000-07:00

After touring in the UK for the summer, the boys returned to their Westside home (aka Harvelle's) after playing 80 shows in 100 days! This baptism by fire has created a huge buzz - not just hype - as the music fans in Ireland, Scotland, Germany, France and England have seen the future and it's name is Vintage Trouble.

The guys in the band - Ty, Nalle, Rick and Richard - made friends coast-to-coast - playing everywhere that had electricity - from tiny pubs to stadiums (in Germany to 70,000 people) - released their first album in the UK to incredible sales figures, recorded at Abbey Road studios, did a few BBC sessions, and kicked the whole thing off with an appearance on the TV show Later With Jools Holland.

An unprecedented line all the way down 4th St. to Broadway in Santa Monica indicated something special was happening this Friday night. Sure enough, the marquee said Vintage Trouble, but if you were inside, you might have thought a much more established group was playing. Even with the A/C cranked, it was like a sauna, and rabid fans from all over L.A. waited patiently to celebrate the triumph of these local heroes - who have only been together a little over a year. This - their only show in town - was as much of a bon voyage as a home coming, as the boys will be returning to parts other than North America post haste, in their continued quest to spread the word that Vintage Trouble has arrived!!

Doug MacLeod Acoustic Dinner ShowANDBig Band Blues with Blowin' Smoke!

2011-08-27T13:19:00.000-07:00

Weekend At Harvelle's : Plan Accordingly

2011-08-26T13:19:00.000-07:00

Weekend At Harvelle's : Plan Accordingly

2011-08-18T12:36:00.000-07:00

In Da Pocket : Mark Goldberg

2011-08-12T14:31:00.000-07:00

Mark "Pocket" Goldberg [official website] stands at the front of the stage, his beautifully ornate upright bass held in his thick hands submitting to the jazzy blues notes that the man coaxes out of it's f-holes. Mark's appearance at Harvelle's was full of classic blues by Elmore James and Robert Johnson, as well as his own originals. His gravelly-cool vocals create an inviting storyteller dynamic, that kept the über-hip crowd thoroughly entertained!

Mark "Pocket" Goldberg's CD "Off The Alleyway" is available

CD Baby || CD Universe || Amazon

Hot August Nights : Weekend At Harvelle's

2011-08-11T17:36:00.000-07:00

Coming Soon....The Return Of Vintage Trouble

2011-08-06T01:11:00.000-07:00

You know you want it!!
You can't live without it!!
Why should the UK have it all?
Trouble's on it's way...

Tasha Taylor : Friday Night Special

2011-08-05T01:51:00.000-07:00

This Friday is a special show. The Tommy Johnson Show will be headlining, but warming the night up will be Tasha Taylor. Tasha has quietly been building a following, but for those who just can't get out mid-week to see her on a Tuesday (she performs every Tuesday), Friday is a great time to check her out. Come early - her set will start around 9:00.

(l—r) Wes Smith, Will Artrope and Zane Musa are the horn section. The rest of the band is Tommy King (keys), Kunio Kaneki (drums), Kyle Bolden (guitar), Rick Taub (bass) and Jon Harrison Taylor (guitar)

Tasha and the band play every Tuesday night. Her CD Taylor Made is available at the gig and all the usual outlets.

James Gadson : The Funky Drummer10,000 People Can't be Wrong!!

2011-08-04T06:32:00.000-07:00

Using a Canon G-10, I shot this clip of James Gadson on the drums playing one of the beats he "owns"; "Use Me", the Bill Withers classic that Gadson righteously layed down for the groove. Gadson used to sit in on Monday night at Harvelle's as part of blues guitarist Kirk Fletcher's residency. This particular session, the band approached the tune reverentially, but other then the original funked-up drum part, the jam lacks the beauty of the original. I have issues with the vocalist, but then again, Bill Withers was an exceptional singer and almost anyone would have trouble covering one of his tunes better than himself, however, props to the guy for trying and this clip is about James Gadson anyway!!

Recently this video reached it's 10,000 view!!
10,000 people checking out Gadson's grooves!!

House Of Vibe : Wed Night Leo Party TONIGHT!!

2011-08-03T12:11:00.000-07:00

The House Of Vibe AllStars is a collective of players, singers and rappers who get together every Wednesday night to stir souls and kick out the jams. Not all at once of course, but a night with HOVAS is like a cool party. It starts mellow but ends up a full-out bash. You never know who's gonna drop by!!

Anthony Brewster

Shaunte and Sebastian

Cecilia Noel

Brew

Kris Hawkins

Greg Raymond

Amy Lou

Myka 9

Chali 2na and LaidLaw

Deploi

It's funk, it's hip-hop, it's soul and r&b. There's nothing like it anywhere else. Every Wednesday, Brew and the crew get down like it's the last day on earth.
Like it's 1999.
It must be experienced to be understood.
A HOVAS show is like surfing a giant wave on an inflatable ass. It's like getting yelled at for playing your drums too loud - and not caring. It's like winning at chess and selling the most candy bars. It's impossible not to have a memorable time.

Just Dave Band : My Old Crummy Life

2011-08-03T00:28:00.000-07:00

Just Dave Band's Lessons Learned Vol. 1 sounds like a bunch of friends jammin' in the barnhouse, empty amber Bud™ bottles everywhere, vintage Fender™ amps buzzing deep into the night while the tape rolls. Spontaneous, inspired and rough around the edges, Dave testifies his heart-felt lyrics - sincere as Al Green - and full of So-Cal Holden Caufield angst and Gram Parsons narratives of traveling North of Ventura Blvd - (i.e. buying wine at Ralph's on Riverside Dr. in "My Old Crummy Life"). I can definitely relate to that!!!

[JUST DAVE OFFICIAL WEBSITE]

At times Dylan-esoteric or Eagles-rockin' and others Steely Dan-shiny, Dave Bernal's (aka J.D.) strong song-writing skill-set and obvious joy at the performing of these songs makes for an enjoyable experience which has been accompanied by repeated listenings. Of course the star here is Bernal's harmonica playing! Innovatve, captivating and wholly musical, JD says a lot through that mouth harp of his.

[JUST DAVE FACEBOOK PAGE]

The Burrito Brothers-esque "California Wildfire" bounces around comfortably full of sharp pedal steel and a sing-along chorus. Interesting thing about those California wildfires is that they can be witnessed from the basin of the San Fernando Valley; they can be felt (especially when those Santa Ana's kick in early in the fall), but they don't venture into the 'burbs of "the Valley". There's definitely a lot of heat there ("I been through hell" J.D. declares in "It's Only Life")!!

Just Dave (the band) is J.D.(vocals, harmonica, guitar), Johnny Stachela (guitar), Nelson Blanton (guitar), Lawrence Baulden (bass) and Dennis Pagano (drums)

Lessons Learned Vol. 1 is available at all the usual outlets including:

AMAZON + iTUNES + CD BABY

Tasha Taylor : Totally Tuesday

2011-08-02T01:11:00.000-07:00

Every Tuesday night at Harvelle's, Tasha Taylor brings her "A"-game and gives us an evening of indelible soul with her incredible voice. [TashaTaylor.com] Feminine and knowing, her voice has a warmth to it, not unlike Gladys Knight's or Carole King's - comforting and deeply passionate. That voice, she owns!!

Her originals - culled mostly from her CD Taylor Made - are plush, radio-friendly bites of classic songwriting with some memorable lyrics; In What Difference Does It Make she manages to rhyme "high life" with "sunrise" and "Hawaiian islands" which is a great trick not many can do!

"I want to marry a man who meditates/ who asks me to slow dance in the middle of the day/ drive home ... just to see my face..." she sings in Somebody, listing the qualities she desires in a Prince Charming who hasn't yet shown up.

My fave track continues to be "Refund"; we can all relate when she - completely unsatisfied with her selection - demands "I need a refund for my lover!"; later in the verse she drives herself crazy trying to figure out what went wrong ("You WON'T (and) I CAN'T do the right thing...") - I just want to hug her and tell her it's going to be o.k. and not to listen to too much Alanis Morisette in the interim.

Some of Taylor Made's other standout cuts include "Wonder Woman", "Best Friend" and "Queen", although the song quality and craftsmanship is very consistent throughout. In her live show, she mixes things up with versions of R&B classics, often doing Eddie Floyd's "Knock On Wood", her father, Johnnie Taylor's hit record "Who's Making Love" and last week, in dedication to Amy Winehouse, she covered "Valerie" (see video below).

Her band is Tommy King (keys), Kunio Kaneki (drums), Kyle Bolden (guitar) and Rick Taub (bass). The horn section is Zane Musa (sax), Wes Smith (sax), and Will Artrope (trumpet). Tasha's brother Jon Harrison Taylor plays acoustic guitar, and Tasha herself boldly rocks the rhythm on a black Gibson SG.

Already extending it's run twice, Tasha's Tuesday night residency at Harvelle's is scheduled to continue through until the end of August. Tasha's CD Taylor Made is available at the gigs and all the usual outlets: CD_Baby + Amazon + iTunes + DigiStation

DJ Arthur Allblack representing Club Soleside, always spins a funky selection of rare grooves from the 1960s exclusively on vinyl 45's, keeping the crowd moving with smiles on their faces, until closing.

below - Tasha performing Amy Winehouse's "Valerie"

for more about Tasha Taylor check out my other blog [fulltimepoet.com]

UltraLove : The Ultra-magnetic Emcee

2011-08-01T05:52:00.000-07:00

Mike - the Ultra Lover hisself - has a mutha-funkin' serious party at Harvelle's once a week every Monday!! Real talk!! It's a great time and there's plenty of young beautiful L.A. "10"s that the band attracts. What more do you need? Party goes off around 9 or so... and it's a really good time.

Ultralove is Mike "UltraLove" Wagner (vocals, guitar), Seth Murphy (drums), Douglas Showalter (guitar), Mike Gunn (bass), Adam Berg (keys), Jon Piazza (keys and rap) and DJ Paper (spins).

Ultralove brings his brand of soul and hip-hop flavored r&b to Harvelle's every Monday night.

Shaunte Palmer plays the trombone with House Of Vibe on Wednesday nights. Sometimes he and trumpeter Sebastian Legar come down to the Ultralove show and add some major brass.

Ultralove gives Saturday night style entertainment on a Monday.

DJ Paper

can't stop playing

those

block-rockin'

beats!!

Dinner Show : Acoustic Blues With Doug MacLeod

2011-07-28T10:25:00.000-07:00

Back in the 1940s, Harvelle's incorporated the real estate to it's immediate North - now the home of West 4th/Jane. Friday, July 29, the club brings back some of that flavor with a summertime dinner show. With food prepared by Chef Demitrius (West 4th/Jane), the club's layout will be tables and chairs on the dance floor, and dinner will be served while Doug MacLeod plays his acoustic blues in an intimate and unique setting.

Limited Seating Available + Get your tickets early.

Seating is based on arrival of guests and if you're dining or just coming for drinks, get in early for best seats! (no pre-assigned or reserved seating)

buy tickets • dinner menu • doug macleod • gary allegretto

DOUG MACLEOD VIDEO:

House Of Vibe & Chali 2na : Makin' Hip-Hop History

2011-07-27T11:11:00.000-07:00

The early '90s was a great time in rap music on the West coast, specifically L.A. and even more specifically the corner of Crenshaw & Exposition; a place called The Good Life Café. This mecca of creativity and it's new-school patrons took an academic approach to re-drawing hip-hop's architecture. In a wholly supportive atmosphere, The Good Life provided nourishment, not just for the body, but for the mind and soul as well, hosting workshops and open mics as a regular part of the curriculum; blatantly moving away from the gangsta posturing, misogyny, and other damaging stereotypes that had really thus far defined the West's rap game.

Deploi

Kris Hawkins plays the guitar while Brew toasts on the m-i-c.

Chali 2na of Jurassic 5 and Myka-9 of Freestyle Fellowship were 2 of the scenes most active members. Last week at House Of Vibe's Westside Wednesday, they were re-united. With Chali firmly in control as the session's MC, he kept this 3-ring hip-hop circus moving as the video below clearly shows. As for the others involved - here's a very brief accounting; Ellay Khule (aka The Rifleman) is one of the original "lifers" who still use the original fast wordy style. J-Smoov and St. Mark were in a crew called 3 The Hard Way until J-Smoov went solo and St. Mark started Dark Leaf. Laidlaw (upper left corner) is Chali's brother, Deploi, Anon and Freewill are part of House Of Vibe / Westside Tribe. Freewill is also part of The Luminous Movement.

The video above is of House Of Vibe's performances of :

1-Welcome To The Fish Market (Chali 2na)

appearing on the mic in order is Chali 2na, Chali's brother Laidlaw, J-Smoov, HOV's Deploi, Freestyle Fellowship's Myka 9, Anon the inspirational MC, St. Mark, and Ellay Khule.

2-Mass Appeal (Gangstarr)/The Next Movement (The Roots)

Chali 2na, Laidlaw & FreeWill.

House Of Vibe Allstars - in this particular session were Anthony Brewster aka Brew (v, k), Greg Raymond (k), Corey Cofield (b), Deploi (rap), FreeWill (rap), Amy Lou (perc), Kris Hawkins (g), Shaunte Palmer (trombone), Sebastian Legar (trumpet), Jamon Laws (sax) and Walter Turner III (d)

House Of Vibe get down like this every Wednesday - only at Harvelle's in Santa Monica.

Dinner Show : A Retro Evening WIth Acoustic Blues

2011-07-22T10:42:00.000-07:00

Back in the 1940s, Harvelle's incorporated the real estate to it's immediate North - now the home of West 4th/Jane. Tonight the club brings back some of that flavor with a summertime dinner show. With food prepared by Chef Demitrius (West 4th/Jane), the club's layout will be tables and chairs on the dance floor, and dinner will be served while Guy Davis plays his acoustic blues in an intimate and unique setting.

Please make your reservations now!

Limited Seating Available + Get your tickets early.

Seating is based on arrival of guests and if you're dining or just coming for drinks, get in early for best seats! (no pre-assigned or reserved seating)
buy tickets • dinner menu • guy davis • gino matteo

Sue Ann Carwell : First Lady Of Soul

2011-07-15T04:40:00.000-07:00

Sue Ann Carwell is amazing!

One of the blues-iest, most dynamic singers I've had the pleasure of witnessing, she has a deep pedigree as part of The Brides Of Funkenstein/Parlet (the legendary female singers of the Parliament /Funkadelic /George Clinton camp) and with her time (as the First Lady Of Soul Of MPLS) alongside Prince, where she was considered for the lead singer of The Time. She's been on albums by everyone, singing and arranging vocals by top-charters like Britney, Christina and Mya. Her most recent CD Blues In My Sunshine was co-written and produced by the legendary funkster (The Time guitarist) Jesse Johnson.

She stops by Harvelle's from time-to-time - usually as part of blues guitarist Zac Harmon's show. Here she brings it all the way down with a song from her CD : "It's All The Same".

Sue Ann Carwell's CD Blues In My Sunshine is available at all the usual outlets.

Dessy DiLauro : Why You Raggin' - The Video

2011-07-12T07:30:00.000-07:00

Why You Raggin'? is the latest video from hep-hop head Dessy Di Lauro.

Ric'key Pageot is Dessy's partner in crime

below: Toledo Diamond twirls dancers Dame Mindy & Dame Erin

Featuring internationally known choreographer/dancer Toledo Diamond and his 2 fave dancing dames - Erin Bridges and Mindy Cantu - Dessy DiLauro's Why You Raggin' video brings a magical burst of color to video screens everywhere!! Kudos to director James Elder for a hot blend of visuals that matches the songs energy. [Dessy DiLauro Website]

Dessy DiLauro's EP Jumpin' 'N Jivin' Live @ The Swing House is available at all the usual outlets including Amazon & CD Baby

Harvelle's is hosting a party and performance by Dessy DiLauro on Thursday, July 14, 2011.

Ultralove : See Me Feel Me Touch Me Heal Me

2011-07-11T18:34:00.000-07:00

Tonight - it's Ultralove!

Mike "Ultralove" Wagner is the up&comer to see.
Ultralove (the band) play every Monday night at Harvelle's and very quietly, it has become the best party night of the week. Ultralove's (the band) sound is hip-hop influenced - but in the hands of a skilled singer/songwriter like Ultralove (the man) and the crack-shot ballistics of Ultralove (the band) - the sound is new and fresh and - ok, i'll say it - it's "baby making music".

That's right.

How this skinny kid from Philly is able to transcend the genres and somehow create a hybrid between Stax style soul, eighties pop hooks, sexy Pendergrass/Prince style eroticism - all with the style and energy of a laid-back funkateer strumming an acoustic guitar - is a beautiful mystery for all of us to enjoy.

Kudos to the band : Doug Showalter (g) Adam Berg (k), Jon Swift (k and rap), Mike Gunn (bassist extrordinaire) and heavy hitter Seth Murphy (d).

Shout out to Chelsea, Shaunte, Sebastian, Lauralee, Brew, Guy and Greg Raymond.

The Toledo Show : The Return Of Brian AllenPlus Dessy DiLauro brings it!!

2011-07-11T01:11:00.000-07:00

The Toledo Show is a never ending burlesque journey through grimey back alleys filled with unknown vices, sweaty women, tons of cigar smoke and all that stuff that seems cool until you're neck deep in it, and then it's just a daily reminder of how low down and filthy life can be.

But lucky for us, every Sunday we get to celebrate this life source and dance and party and dance some more while Toledo preaches the funk. We watch as Toledo's "Dames" dance with wild abandon - swinging from the ceiling, dancing on the bar (above), bumpin' and grindin' through the crowd and across the dance floor just for your extreme voyeuristic pleasure.

Bringing a short glimpse of what this coming Thursday will bring, hep-hop fro-hawked diva Dessy DiLauro (pictured above with partner Ric'key Pageot far right on the keys) kicked off the second set of the night with a look at her new video ("Why You Raggin'?"), which will debut proper Thursday, July 14, right here at Harvelle's. Dessy and Ric'key did a couple of their new songs, which revved the crowd up for what turned into a spectacularly raging set by The Toledo Show. While they are always "on point", The Toledo Show was extra electric tonight, perhaps spurned on by the return of fistful-of-dynamite bassist Brian Allen (pictured below - with saxophonist Walter Davis).

The Toledo Show happens every Sunday night at Harvelle's.

The Boneshakers : On-The-One & Then Some

2011-07-09T03:10:00.000-07:00

The Boneshakers are an electric funk experience like none other. The 5 piece of Randy Jacobs (g), Dave McGraw (d), Tio Banks (k), Andre Barry (b) and legendary Sweet Pea Atkinson (v) electrifies the night!!

Randy Jacobs and The Boneshakers only come around Harvelle's about once a year. Tonight was the night!! Randy Jacobs is an amazing guitarist. In a club where amazing guitarists are featured several nights a week, Randy is the best of the best... knitting blankets of chik-a-chik funk and laying down blistering solos without a guitar pic. Randy isn't just a straight-up finger player - the boneshaker - hisself - uses his wrist, his palm, his digits - front and back - to play that thing! [MySpace][YouTube]

The frontman of The Boneshakers is the one and only Sweet Pea Atkinson. Sweet Pea is an O.G. soul singer who has seen it all and done it all. He doesn't sugarcoat a thing. One of the icons who's image looms high in the club, Sweet Pea also plays here as part of Was (Not Was).

Randy just released his CD The Return Of Randy Dynamite

it's available at all the usual outlets

Amazon - CD Baby - iTunes -

SUMMER DINNER SERIES : First Show - July 22

2011-07-08T21:09:00.000-07:00

_buy tickets_

_dinner menu_

_guy davis website_

_gino matteo website_

Tasha Taylor : Her Love Is Rated X*

2011-06-30T21:08:00.000-07:00

Here's the facts : Tasha Taylor is the daughter of soul legend Johnnie Taylor. She has a new album out called "Taylor Made". Her Tuesday appearances at Harvelle's will continue through July. Her band includes Zane Musa (sax), Will Artrope (trumpet) and Tommy King (keys). (I will list the rest of the band members here asap.) Tasha's mix of originals and classic soul tunes with the backing of an "A-list" band of musicians is the main feature on "Soul Tuesday". The rest of the soul is provided by Club Soulsides DJs playing vinyl 45's exclusively from the 60s!! Shout out to Paula Weller!!

*Your love is rated 'X'... that stands for X-tra special - Johnnie Taylor ("Your Love Is Rated X")

J.T. Ross : Messin' With The Blues!!

2011-06-18T04:12:00.000-07:00

Better stand back when J.T. Ross hits the stage. The singer/ harmonica player is a force to be reckoned with! With a top band including guitar gods Henry Carvajal & Kirk Fletcher, J.T. Ross bleeds blues!!

Another great Friday night at Harvelle's!!
Peace, love and music shout out to Dave, Cevin, Heather, Kirk and J.T.!!
A tremendous tip-of-the-cravat to Vintage Trouble who recorded at Abbey Road Studios today!! Good lord you guys are blowing up!! cheers to Ty, Rick, Richard and Nalle!!

The Toledo Show : Sunday Night Fever

2011-06-13T09:14:00.001-07:00

Does anyone not know about The Toledo Show? The Westside's livest experience must be seen to be understood. Some of the funkiest cats in L.A. are in The Toledo Show. Toledo, Spoonie, Brew, Shamari, Asa, Sebastian, the new guitar player, Malik and Walter are at the top of their game. The Dames - Erin, Mindy, Leah and Molly seem to have raised the stakes in the burlesque dance department. With burlesque shows playing everywhere in some sort of revival, this is the real deal.

American Swamp Music : The Black Tongued Bells

2011-06-10T08:12:00.000-07:00

With guitars as thick as molasses, The Black Tongued Bells debuted on a good-time Thursday. Heavy and rockin', BTB drag their blues on the ground - picking up soulful grit - then they smooth it out with inviting grooves and vocal harmonies. The boogie piano, gospel organ and harmonica are all part of the BTB sound. Their version of (Bee-Gees) "To Love Somebody" was way deep and beauty-full.

Brenna Whitaker : Vintage Trouble?

2011-06-08T05:19:00.000-07:00

While Vintage Trouble conquer Europe, we here back in Santa Monica still lament the end of what we called "Trouble Tuesday".

This past Friday night über-cool lounge singer Brenna Whitaker - a mid-west native now living in Los Angeles - was the headliner. Brenna has been officially VT-approved, which apparently is enough to spark a little of that old flame, as a couple of my fave VT fans (aka 'Troublemakers') showed their faces. Cheers to Anna and Horacio. Great seeing you both tonight!!

Brenna isn't bad, she's just drawn that way. She works a little "blue", likes to reference hip-hop lyrics and often shares her whimsical thoughts with the audience in-between songs. Her prescence is without pretense and she can sing whatever she wants, as she possess one helluva instrument. She grabs notes and bounces 'em around - adding or subtracting - letting go or holding on until she's good and ready to let it go. This is obviously what she was born to do.

The band included Tommy King (keys), Stacey Lamont Sydnor (drums) Frank Abraham (bass), Wes Smith (sax), Adam Lasher (guitar) and William Artope (trumpet).

The Toledo Show : Still Baadasssssssss...

2011-06-06T04:06:00.001-07:00

It was nice to find myself there among the drunken throng that perpetuate any bar at 1:00am. ... I am most happy to say that The Toledo Show has gotten better and badder, harder, funkier, grittier... with more dancers than before - new ones - as well as Dames Mindy, Leah & Erin, band members I'd never seen (guitarist) and some missing (Shamari, Brew, Brian Allen, Walter) as Asa, Sebastian, Spoonie and Malik supported Toledo with strength and power.

Brenna Whitaker : Dear Brenna

2011-06-04T13:19:00.000-07:00

Dear Brenna
I can't take it. You won me over. You were obviously born to do this. You know what to do and how to do it. Your onstage hip-hop references and errrrr... colorful vocabulary kept me entertained. Yours is a voice that is like no other, yet has a familiar warmth to it. When you grab a note - it stays grabbed! And you hold it for as long as you f*ck#n' want to!! Impressive, your voice is a truly pure instrument that you are in complete control of. Kansas City's loss is L.A.'s gain. Can't wait to see you again!!
Sincerely,
Nick

Koffeehouse Sessions :Catching Ghosts & Spinning Tales

2011-06-03T17:23:00.000-07:00

The Koffeehouse night at Harvelle's has developed into one of the premiere showcases of new talent in Los Angeles.

Tonight's event opened with Genuine Brandish.

The duo of Ariana Hall and guitarist/singer Tony Clinebell are at the center of this "group" which incorporates collaborations with percussionists, singers and poets. Arianna multi-tasked, tapping her glockenspiel, playing the piano & guitar and sharing her voice.

Chris Accardo has brought his singer/songwriter game to a whole new level. With his talented backing musicians Jacob Fatoorechi and Reade Pryor, they created sweeping cosmic landscapes from Accardo's emotional radio-ready songs. Chris' singing and playing surrounds the room with intense drama and nothing but big things are in his future. I'm gonna call attention to a favorite jam of his I like called "Maybe".

Caught A Ghost brought a 7 piece group - with an 'artsy' stage set-up - (primarily dressed in white - with a film loop of various clips and images projected onto themselves as they performed) - in which they presented an original update of the Motown/Stax sound, complete with horn arrangements, keys, bass, drums and a little shing-a-ling guitar, with backing vocals courtesy of the lovely Tessa Thompson. Tessa, who is a talented actress stood slightly "stage right" of the lead singer, backing him with her heart and soul (and a tiny tambourine).

Koffeehouse sessions is held at Harvelle's the first Thursday of the month.

LA's Westsiders : House Of Vibe & Ruben's Tacos

2011-05-31T19:13:00.001-07:00

The House of Vibe All Stars always represent on Wednesday nights at Harvelle's. It's a Venetians super hang with The Westside Tribe in numbers down on 4th St. They bring light and love and music and good times. No bad vibes. No fakin' the funk. And now with tacos out back!!*

*Ruben serves up mighty fine tacos. Find him here: 310-343-9200

John Nemeth : Another Perfect Night

2011-05-29T19:29:00.001-07:00

Sometimes, a night at Harvelle's is like a B-12 shot in the arm.

It's just what I needed.

Tonight was one of those nights.

The end of a long week is that much worse when you realize it's only a Thursday and there's still one more day until the weekend.

One more day to go.

I could have the time of my life and call in sick tomorrow which is preferable to staying up all night and showing up with hand-stamp ink and cigarette stink still on me... (This will no doubt piss off my cubicle dwelling co-workers). There's friends here, John's bartending and good times apparently await me, as John Nemeth is one of the coolest cats I've seen in a while. Upbeat party goodtime music and I found myself dancing to a slow number with Heather who was there with one of her wildest friends. (pictured here).

Conrad Oberg : Crosstown Traffic

2011-05-29T19:28:00.001-07:00

I love the word "Hendrix-ian".

It has described many a rock album/ rock group/ guitar player. Conrad Oberg (not Conor Oberst) is that and more. His youth has branded him a prodigy, and the fact he's only partially sighted seems to be a key bullet point in his marketing (the poster in the club says "Blind Blues Phenom Conrad Oberg"). He covered quite a bit of the Jimi Hendrix catalog, bringing sparks and controlled warmth to these - some of the most classic rock songs of all time.

I Got The Munchies For Your Ultralove

2011-05-16T13:03:00.000-07:00

Ultralove is the man.

His Monday nights at Harvelle's are becoming the party place to be. Ultralove celebrates the beginning of each new work week by giving back to the community with his righteous grooves and ridiculously talented band. Every week they seem to play harder and engage the crowd more and more.

Doug Showalter on dynamite guitar, plays with flash and verve, not to mention his re-interpretation of funk as it fits the unique Ultralove model.

Jon Piazza (aka Jon Swift) sat in on keys - on loan from Wednesday's mid-week massive House Of Vibe All Stars - and threw down in a way he doesn't generally - that is showcasing his considerable keyboard chops!!

Bassist Mike Gunn is having so much fun on stage it's truly joyful to watch (and hear) him dominate his 5-stringed beauty. The contrast in personalities with the lead singer creates a sort of dynamic duo; a Richards/Jagger or Page/Plant kinda vibe.

This week, singers Love Logiq and Soul Star were absent, so the sound was much more focused on the band's playing which is skin-tight and pocket deep due in large part to accomplished drummer Seth Murphy. He keeps the rhythm going - his hits per pound pack a wallop. I'm sure he's practicing in-between Mondays cuz he's making the songs "groove"-ier and with more rhythmic depth every time I see 'em.

Special guests like Toledo (of the Toledo Show) and the very rock-star haired rapper Joe Con understand the appeal of Ultralove's vibe and shared the stage adding flava, to make it that much better!

Café R & B : Baby Get It On!!

2011-05-16T12:42:00.000-07:00

And so begins a raucous night full of skin-tight grooves and skin-tight dresses! Cafe R&B hit it out of the park and bring it all back home!! The result is a slam-bang home run that leave the audience cheering and leave the suited up band spent - though proudly wearing the "W"!!

Everyone loves Café R&B, and as near as I can tell it's vice versa. The sheer amounts of love Roach sends is proof. I love everything about this band and so does everyone here tonight. My favorite song they do is "Phonecall From Levenworth" but every song is electrifying and their sets run the gamut of rock 'n' roll to grimey blues to heartfelt soul.

Bobby Pickett is the head-bobbing bassist with the bottom end like no other. Check out his recent article* in the 2011 Blues Festival Guide!! Harry Cohen jammed the wicked organ and drummer Don Swanson was in absentia due to injury, leaving Adam Gust holding the sticks. He did a totally righteous job!! Played like a champ!! Here's wishing Don a speedy recovery and looking forward to his return to the throne. Watching Byl Caruthers dominate his axes make me almost feel sorry for the Stratocaster and the others, but their pain is all for art. And music. Beautiful fuckin' music!!!

*Blues Festival Guide Magazine 2011 (p.52—54) - [click on the article to enlarge]

Looking ahead : The week at a glance

2011-05-09T04:17:00.000-07:00

Monday:

Ultralove plays smoothed out hip-hop flavored sexy jazz r&b with a singer/songwriter edge. Full of amazing players, they keep the dancefloor packed with a beautiful young crowd. You'll be singing Ultralove's songs on the way home cuz of the incredible hooks!!

Tuesday:

Omar Alexander is the embodiment of the U.S Latin music artist virtuoso. Born on New York soil to a Colombian mother and an Indian father, Omar Alexander represents the fluid cultural mix of contemporary America, and manages to translate that same international cosmic blend into his music - which marries a smart, alternative Latin sensibility to a no nonsense booty-shaking funk.

Wednesday:

CHEA!! It's a Westside Wednesday with House Of Vibe All-Stars! This mid-week massive is the heart & soul of band leader Anthony Brewster. He keeps the band pumping hard through 2 incredible sets of soul, funk, reggae, hip-hop and r&b.

Harvelle's is your one-stop shop for an evening out. Located in the heart of Santa Monica's utopian downtown on historical 4th St., Harvelle's provides music, full bar*, ample dance floor, smooth dudes, kool cats, nice chicks, bitchy dames... everything you need for an unforgettable night. If you've been, you know. If you haven't - come check it out!

*no pennies or dimes

Delgado Bros : Something In The Water

2011-05-08T13:25:00.000-07:00

The Delgado Brothers are a natural born phenomenon. Intensely musical, they fire it up and perform like a well-oiled machine, pumping soul-drenched blues and r&b, exhibiting a standard far above a "bar band". Each brother is better than the next, playing with raw emotion and years of experience - all with poet's souls. They play the blues and jam what can only be called "soul music" in the most literal sense- because it comes from their souls.

guitarist Joey Delgado

The Delgado Brothers embody the soul of East L.A.

Bob Delgado on bass and lead singer/drummer Steve Delgado

The man on the keys- Dave Kelly - is lightning fast and gets many, many cool points for playing a genuine B3 with it's spinning Leslie amp. The shit is heavy!! You have to be a real dedicated muthafucker to commit to that!!

Joey Delgado displays dazzling guitar work. An incredible musician!!

It's always a thrill to watch world class musicians do their thing. The Delgado Brothers are the real deal. If you've never seen 'em live, that's something you can rectify. They play Harvelle's approximately every other month, so be aware. You can always check Harvelle's Facebook page for daily updates.

A big Saturday night shout-out to Joseph, Alex, Sheena, John, Mika, Erin and Ernesto. Thanks always to David and Cevin. And one more shout-out to Keith, E-Z, Demitrius and Dino at West 4th/Jane.

Ultralove Me Baby

2011-05-02T12:05:00.000-07:00

Spring has just slipped the tip in, but in Santa Monica, it feels like summer.

The beaches are bustling, the promenade is perfect and even Mondays feel like it's still the weekend. Ultralove runs things on Monday and the night is geared for the ultralove-er in you*. If you haven't yet heard 'em throw down, you're in for a funky good time.

Ultralove employs a 6 piece ensemble which includes Doug Showalter (g), Seth Murphy (d), Mike Gunn (b), Adam Berg (keys) and singers Soul Star and Love Logiq. Note: this past week, Jon Piazza (aka Jon Swift) played keys. Strumming a black acoustic guitar - unless he's busting moves with the audience - Ultralove raps and sings with the ease of a man doing what he was born to do, making music with such ease and joy, it's not hard to see why the dance floor is consistently packed when the band plays.

Ultralove has a CD out "[revolution]" which is available at the gig or on [Amazon] and [iTunes™].

Big blog shout-out to Trisha, Lauralee, Dirty Birdy, Guy and *Shalamar!!

2 Guys Walk Into A Bar...

2011-04-29T04:43:00.000-07:00

Ultralove and Brew.

Ultralove plays every Monday night without fail! His blend of modern hip-hop acousti-soul churns out hook-laden groove music that the ladies (as well as everyone else) seem to find irresistible. Brew runs things onstage Wednesdays with his group House Of Vibe All-Stars. The All-Stars include a fresh variety of singers, rappers and players of all sorts who come by and join in the party, which Brew conducts like a funky Andre Previn.

Vintage Trouble : Top Of The Pops!

2011-04-19T17:34:00.000-07:00

Trouble Tuesday?

Tonight, Vintage Trouble performed on the show "Later Live With Jools Holland". The band introduced themselves to the world on live TV with the blistering track "Blues Hand Me Down" from their album The Bomb Shelter Sessions.

Congrats to the guys, VT is trending worldwide as I write this....

Vintage Trouble : We Are The Champions

2011-04-12T16:20:00.000-07:00

Topping off their Tuesday night residency here, the boys from Vintage Trouble are gonna strut their stuff on the Westside one more time before heading across the Atlantic. First stop - an appearance on UK show "Later" with Jools Holland. The format of the show includes 5 bands from different aspects of the music world. The episode they are appearing on will also feature performances by k.d. land, Dr. John and Tom Jones. After that they will be out with Queen guitarist Brian May's spring tour. After that...??

(watch this space or their website for future developements.)

Tonight is the final Trouble Tuesday.

Like the birth of a new nation, there's an uprising going down and tonight, it's on the Westside.

Tonight is final chance to see Vintage Trouble live.

Something old, something new.

Something borrowed and something blue.

Vintage Trouble.

The blog wishes VT well in it's travels and looks forward to hearing about all the adventure upon your return.

Til we meet again....

Adrian Hibbs :Cooool!! (and the Gang!!)

2011-04-11T09:35:00.000-07:00

Adrian Hibbs stepped his game up this past Tuesday, throwing down two sets of soulful originals backed ably by a 7 piece band, whose pieces fit together like a sonic jigsaw puzzle. Keeping the dance floor stocked and the club on fire, Hibbs brought his uptight pocket grooves to the right place; keepin' it real (real funky)!!

The "gang" was stacked with players well known around Harvelle's; specifically sax man Paulie Cerra, drummer Vincent Fosset Jr and Sam Meek on guitar. Additionally, Kasi Jones rocked the house with her dynamic vocals in tandem with Mr. Hibbs, who at times channelled Donny Hathaway, singing and playing his keyboard with grace, ease and much melody. (The rest of the band included Ed Cartwright Jr, Robin Rountree and Paul Literal.)

keep up with Adrian Hibbs::

[reverb nation] :: [cd baby] :: [myspace]

Please Note:

Tuesday at Harvelle's is the final Trouble Tuesday; Vintage Trouble's swan song performance before their European tour. Tuesday's just won't be the same! And tonight is the smoothed out hip-house funk of the man they call UltraLove. A grooved out Monday hang is the perfect way to ease into the week. See you there?

Brenna Whitaker : Tuesday Night Revisited

2011-03-31T12:51:00.000-07:00

While the band Vintage Trouble conquered the UK, singer Brenna Whitaker took Trouble Tuesday in a different direction. Jazzing and blues-ing, she commanded the packed house who responded in kind.

Well... guess who's back?

Brenna will be at Harvelle's Friday - April 1 (I feel journalistically obligated to say that this is no joke). I encourage all who are unfamiliar with her, to come check her out.

...and for a whole 'nother vibe, the owners of Trouble Tuesday - the mighty Vintage Trouble - will be playing Saturday night!! Their Saturday night shows at Harvelle's are legendary, so this is gonna be a hot one. Vintage Trouble is blowing up bigtime and gearing up for their second trip to the UK in May, this time as support for (Queen guitarist) Brian May's tour. UK readers take note!!

Hilary Van Lier : New Tracks!!!

2011-03-26T12:21:00.000-07:00

Hilary Van Lier is the chanteuse with the mostest!! She writes great songs and she sings like delicious candy! Sweet and satisfying!! I'm quite happy to hear new tracks by this reclusive and beautiful vocalist!! (When you coming back to Harvelle's Hilary?)

Hilary mines deep down in her soul for feelings, accesses them raw, and polishes 'em til they're reflective and smooth. This is what I wanna listen to!!

Now available on iTunes, do yourself a favor, and treat yourself to Hilary's Layin' Low EP. [buy it here]

NOW, do the following:

-If you're on Facebook, LIKE her [Facebook page]

-Check her out on Reverb Nation [reverb nation]

-Follow Hilary on Twitter [twitter]

-Buy Hilary's track "Can't Pretend (Wear Me Down)". It's exclusively on iTunes [buy it here]

Pinetop Perkins : R.I.P.

2011-03-22T08:43:00.000-07:00

Pinetop Perkins, a delta blues pianist who played with Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson and Robert Nighthawk, died of a heart attack at his Austin, Texas home on March 21st. He was 97. "He was one of the last great Mississippi Bluesmen," B.B. King said in a statement. "He had such a distinctive voice, and he sure could play the piano. He will be missed not only by me, but by lovers of music all over the world."*

Enjoy this video of Pinetop Perkins at Harvelle's in 2005:

*Rolling Stone dot com

Dessy DiLauro : Jumpin' & Jivin'

2011-03-21T11:57:00.000-07:00

Dessy DiLauro does it right! Bringin' her amazing voice and compelling material, she gets the party started and represents as an extended part of (long running Wednesday night residents) House Of Vibe Allstars! Chea!!

As a first-class singer, Dessy colors her own shade of neo-soul, and doesn't shy away from the sonic power her voice possesses! Her behind-the-scenes partner, Ric'key Pageot is a songwriter/ multi-instrumentalist/ programmer/ producer. He is nothing less than a genius of a musician who gives as dazzling a display of keyboard wizardry as Dessy does on vocals.

Just released is Jump N' Jivin' - Live at The Swing House [Buy it here!] This 7 song CD, captures Dessy at her best - in a live setting. Ric'key and the band's playing is sparkling and fresh and reminds me of the best of 70s and 80s funk/R&B. They add their own ingredients - mixing in ragtime, disco, breakbeats and classic pop songwriting hooks that equal as satisfying and original a collection as I've heard all year!

They'll be performing this Wednesday BEFORE House Of Vibe! Come early (8:30 pm) and check 'em out! [Dessy's Website]

Special welcome back shout-out to Brew, Fish & Corey!

Happy Birthday Guy Harrington!

Sy Smith : Psoulful Psinger

2011-02-16T05:15:00.000-08:00

Vintage Trouble still abroad, their time slot was substituted by the soulful Sy Smith. Large of afro and voice - she is commanding visually and sonic-ly filling the club with groovy parishoners worshipping on a Tuesday night. What is one to do except join in the worship of one the best performers I've seen all year? With three albums under her belt, it's surprising she isn't more of a star, cuz she sure does shine!! If she returns, I highly recommend. Hopefully she will play more songs and keep us out a bit later. I could have heard another hour of her voice!!

Special shout-out to Kamasi Washington - who used to blast his sax on a semi-regular basis on Tuesday's back in the (Ryan Cross) SoulFunk days - who was just one of the members of Sy's awesome backing group. (I will amend this post with the rest of the band members' names asap.)

UltraLove : Valentine's Day

2011-02-15T10:12:00.000-08:00

What's worse than not having a Valentine's Day date? Having one who cancels at the last minute. I had planned a romantic evening that would have ended at the UltraLove show. I went anyway. UltraLove's music always puts me in a good mood, as does the man himself - Mike "Ultralove" Wagner. That's him in the argyle sweater vest below.

Also in the photo above is vocalists Love Logiq on the left and T-Smidi on the right. The other members of UltraLove include Doug Showalter on guitar, Adam Berg on keys, Mike Gunn on bass and Seth Murphy on drums. Singer Soul Star was recently in a car accident, so she was not in the house. Wishing her a speedy recovery!!
Pan America (above) has been opening for UltraLove recently. Come early and check them out!!

Special thanks to Sheena for these pix!!

Esperanza Spalding : Grammy's Best New Artist

2011-02-14T03:26:00.000-08:00

Best new artist Grammy winner Esperanza Spalding may have shocked the Bieber-heads, but at the Harvelle's blog, we've been a fan of Esperanza's ever since she dropped by in September of '09. Back then, she sat in with SoulFunk - bassist Ryan Cross' weekly jazz jam -playing Ryan's upright, accompanied by Gene Coye on drums and Brandon Coleman on keys.

I was in the right place at the right time to capture this performance.

Congratulations Esperanza!

Special shout-out to Ryan, Brandon, Gene, Kiki and Megan!!

The Toledo Show : If you don't know...

2011-02-07T14:04:00.000-08:00

Now you know!!

The Toledo Show is a wild burlesque fantasy ride from a not-so-distant galaxy!! The sexy dancers bump 'n' grind while Toledo sings soliloquies from his soul, painting pictures of gritty nights and sleazy women, while the band plays heavy duty funk-jazz with a definite edge. This long-running extravaganza is exclusively at Harvelle's every Sunday night.

Vintage Trouble : Hands Across The Water

2011-02-02T00:39:00.000-08:00

Vintage Trouble is about to invade England. Those Brits ain't gonna know what hit 'em!! If you follow this blog even casually, you know about Vintage Trouble. Together now for just a year, they have signed a management deal with Doc McGhee. Doc has managed the careers of Motley Crue and Bon Jovi. He took those bands to the highest levels and made 'em both household names. Doc needs a new band he can make as big as them. Hello Vintage Trouble!!

The confirmed dates as they have been printed are the following : Tue 8th Feb - Gibson Rooms, Showcase, Wed 9th Feb - Proud Galleries, Camden (Music Week presents "Breakout") and Sat 12th Feb - Barfly, Camden, HMV best new bands show.

There won't be a "Trouble Tuesday" for a couple of weeks, which kinda sucks. I'm addicted to my Tuesday nights at Harvelle's. The "Troublemakers" are a great group to hang out with. And it's always fun watching the people who are there for the first time as they witness the band and the jaw-dropping power they project. Lead singer Ty Taylor is a master at pleasing the crowd. He sings, he shakes, he sweats, he shouts, he smiles...

and it's all for you!!

I think they're gonna kick ass in the UK.

They do it at Harvelle's every Tuesday.

UltraLove : Good Times!!

2011-02-01T11:24:00.000-08:00

Ultralove is a breath of fresh air. Sort of like a cool young Steely Dan with a dynamic front man. Ultra Dan? Steely Love? But let's not forget that Ultralove's players are top-notch and dazzling. Like "the Dan" they throw it down with precision and soul. Their employment of modern poetic lyrics infused with the voices of Love Logiq and Soul Star are two of the many layers of sound. The band proper - Mike Gunn on bass, Seth Murphy on drums, Adam Berg on keys and Douglas Showalter on guitar are as smoothed out and/or edgy as they wanna be. Ultimately, they make intellectual danceable music and the audience seems to agree.

Showalter is blessed with the ability to play the "funk chord" (the greatest chord ever). The funk chord is that little rhythm chik-a-chik that characterizes funk and soul. Most famously made popular by the 1970's band Chic, Douglas plays it with a magic infused by the spirit of guitarist Nile Rodgers.

Mike 'Ultralove' Wagner fronts the band. Soul Star and Love Logiq provide the hot background vocals that are an integral part of the UltraLove sound.

Adam Berg on keys can channel Billy Preston or just lay back and bring atmosphere.

Mike Gunn on bass, Seth Murphy on drums and Douglas Showalter on guitar.

Speaking of Nile Rodgers, he has revealed he is fighting an "aggressive cancer" and is recovering from "radical surgery". In a recent blogpost, Rodgers called his October diagnosis the instant when "everything in my happy-music universe imploded". After consulting several physicians, Rodgers said he underwent surgery to remove the tumour. He is now recovering at home, and wants to "share an appreciation of life, music and people". "(Chic) did fun music meant to lift the spirit – and I'm proud of it."

Here's to a speedy and full recovery!!

Read Nile's blog [Nile Rodger's blog]

UltraLove plays at Harvelle's every Monday night.

Check out the UltraLove CD "Revolution".

Harlow Gold : Burlesque FantasyIn The Huffington Post

2011-01-26T22:43:00.000-08:00

The word is out...

Huffington Post piece on Harlow Gold.

Monday Night : UltraLovin' It

2011-01-25T16:45:00.000-08:00

Ultralove is cool.

And all you have to do is see him live to know.

When you're at an Ultralove show, it's like you're at a party and you're welcome. It's laidback, fun and cool. The dance floor is full and the drinks are flowing*. The Ultralove band is sharp, insane and deep in the pocket. Rhythm section Seth Murphy (drums) and Mike Gunn (bass) hold... it.... DOWN!! These are the guys you want in your backline. And forget about it- Douglas Showalter (guitars) and Adam Berg (keys) are impressive, original and unforgettable. The hooks stay long after the show is over. I've heard members of the Harvelle's staff singing "Imma Be" way past last call. It's truly infectious. I must also mention Love Logiq and Soulstar who provide a hot vocal ambience that fills the room.

Slow your roll sweet peaches... Ultralove plays every Monday night at Harvelle's in Santa Monica. They have a CD available "Revolution" on iTunes and Amazon. *Don't drink and drive.

Arthur Adams : This Is The Future Of Blues

2011-01-23T03:35:00.000-08:00

Arthur Adams is like those films that they made back in the 50s, 60s and 70s of what the future would look like as movie makers imagined.

He's exactly like that.

Except he sings and plays the blues. And he is here NOW!!

This is the future of blues; the reinterpreting and playing of the classics - like St Louis Blues, Crossroads, Red House & Lil Red Rooster and jamming on E-A-B (or some 1-4-5 progression) all night long.

Cartoon saxophone player Bleeding Gums Murphy taught us that "the blues don’t make you feel better, they make other people feel worse." And John Lee Hooker said, ‘The blues don’t make you feel sad. It makes you feel good.’ Music is like medicine.”

Arthur Adams is medicine.

For now and forever.

Gary Allegretto : Blow the Roof off the Sucka!

2011-01-22T10:54:00.000-08:00

A Friday night is always a good reason to get out and hear some blues. Whether it's been a good week or a bad, a long week or a short one - the blues provides relief from all of the above. And you can't go hear blues on a Friday night at The House Of Blues or somewhere else in Hollywood... it's just not the same as hearing it in an a cool old bar like Harvelle's, where the lights are low and the beverages are heavy.

Tonight's blues explosion was courtesy of harmonica powerhouse Gary Allegretto. Gary's the big bad wolf of harmonica blues. Huffing, puffing, snarling, smirking, Gary's harp playing is as mind bending as it is note bending. Gary can play any kind of blues - slow, fast, Southern, Chicago, boogie-woogie, old, new - whatever. He's one of a kind and one of the best!!

Gary Allegretto is also the founder of Harmonikids - a non-profit dedicated to providing harmonicas to special needs children. Their involvement in Katrina and more recently Haiti is all documented on their website [Harmonikids website].

Vintage Trouble : Ty Taylor's Birthday Party

2011-01-07T02:32:00.000-08:00

Looooooooook What The Wind Just Blew In.........

It was a celebration of Ty Taylor's birthday.

The TroubleMakers turned out in big numbers preparing to dance and drink and have a good time. "Good times" was the night's theme and we all rocked out til we were sweaty and the band ran out of encores.

The year is starting out big for Vintage Trouble with the announcement that Doc McGhee will be managing their career's direction; first stop - the UK.

Opening the night was blues-singer/r&b diva Gedina (pictured at the bottom of this post).

We'll do it again next Tuesday! See you then.

Thanks always to Vintage Trouble - Ty, Nalle, Rick, Richard and Charlie!

Shout-out to The Troublemakers!!

Vintage Trouble : It's Ty Taylor's Birthday!!

2011-01-05T00:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Ty Taylor!!

Keep doing whatever it is you're doing!!

It's workin' for ya!!

Ty Taylor is the lead singer and front man for Vintage Trouble, who play at Harvelle's every Tuesday night. Their CD "The Bomb Shelter Sessions" is available now!! (check it out on iTunes or Amazon)

House Of Vibe : New Year's Rockin' Night

2011-01-04T11:09:00.000-08:00

It's the new decade...

The first of the year...

The year of the rabbit...

The season of the witch...

The Lord of the Rings...

The Call Of The Wild...

The Naked Soul Of Iceberg Slim and

The House Of Vibe.

Brew sings and plays keys.

It's a Saturday night.

and I'm at a special session of The House Of Vibe All Stars.

I'm tired.

Here's the pix:

Shaunte Palmer is my favorite trombonist!!

T-Smidi on vocals, Kris on guitar, Shaunte on vocals

Sebastian on trumpet

Fish on drums, Colin on bass, Kris on guitar

Shaunte is also a flutist (flautist?)

Greg Raymond

Greg on the keys - Kris on guitar

Cheers to Brew, Deploi, Jon Swift, Shaunte Palmer, Sebastian, Dan, Colin, Corey, Fish, Kris, Greg, Amy Lou, Chali 2Na, LaidLaw, T-Smidi, Ijeoma, FreeWill, Tony Tarasco and Alfredo Rivera.

Harvelle's : Ultimate New Year's Eve Spot

2011-01-03T02:52:00.000-08:00

Ringing in the new year at Harvelle's seemed like the right way to start off 2011. The music, the people, the patrons, the staff - everyone is there for a good drama-free time. And that's what they deliver. Yes, there's party favors and a champagne toast at midnight, but you can get that anywhere. What makes Harvelle's special is the live music.

This year Guitar Shorty, Jimmy Z (sax, harmonica, vocals), Kirk Fletcher (guitar/vocals) and Jeff Young (keys and vocals) formed a sort of blues supergroup with power to spare. They rocked the crowd until way past midnight with the crowd still cheering for one more song!

Well now, we've all got another 365 days ahead to make some changes, change some vices and maybe pick up a few new ones.

You never can tell.

Happy new year to all the readers of this blog.

Vintage Trouble : The Tale of Countre Black

2010-12-29T03:51:00.000-08:00

Tonight's story is a good one.

In which the men of Vintage Trouble rock the party all night long - the room virtually filled with beautiful women (and a few dudes) - having nothin' but fun on a Tuesday night. This story includes a beautiful princess known by the name Countre Black - a rapper and singer who's been round these parts before - who added a fierce feminine tilt to the night. It's a fable! No! - a fairy tale! No! - a videogame... collect some cool coins and get your ass up to the club, that on Tuesday's becomes the Westside's best kept and most rockin' secret.

Vintage Trouble is the next great American rock band! Their first album "The Bomb Shelter Sessions" is available on iTunes and Amazon. Every Tuesday night they play at Harvelle's. See them in this intimate venue now!

The Toledo Show : Shamari's Having A Par-tay!!

2010-12-28T23:50:00.000-08:00

The annual birthday celebration of Shamari of The Toledo Show took place this past Sunday. The revved up atmosphere was like an Xmas explosion. Tinsel and presents everywhere! There was rumors of Shamari descending from the ceiling - which were exaggerations - although she did have at least 3 clothing changes through out the night. Happy Birthday Shamari! Enjoy your next trip around the sun!

Shamari - seen here beaming in the rapture of a Spoonie bass solo.

The night was all about Shamari and her prescence ...errr presents.

That's Mindy. One of The Toledo Show Dames.

Shamari raises the roof!

Dorthea on the dancefloor

Walter Davis on the saxophone.

Walter Davis is incomparable. That has been proven by Toledo Diamond. This post about The Toledo Show features no photos or mentions of Toledo himself. That doesn't seem right. It's The TOLEDO Show. He's Toledo. My apologies to Toledo.

HOV : The Tony Tarasco Roast

2010-12-24T00:32:00.000-08:00

You're big - you bad - you brag - you boast—

but tonight we get-in' that azz—

Cuz it's the Tony Tarasco Roast!!

So began the first annual Tony Tarasco Roast.

Who is Tony Tarasco and why would he be roasted?

On the eve of his 40th birthday, Tony was roundly insulted and goofed-on by friends and family in attendance. Roastmaster Brew (aka Anthony Brewster) kept the insults flowing and the barbs flying before leading his group House Of Vibe All-Stars through a set of wicked funk with some soul and reggae thrown in there.

House Of Vibe has a new CD out.

House Of Vibe play every Wednesday night at Harvelle's.

Tony Tarasco & Anthony Brewster

Rapper Deploi

Drummer Fish

Bassist Colin Wolfe

Tony's choice of attire for the evening's events was this pimped out Hugh Hefner smoking robe and an emperor's crown. Look like he just tasted some Parkay or sumthin'.

Cyrus

These are the shoes Tarasco chose to wear.

Did he have these in his closet?

Thaaaaat's Brewster!!!

Tony Tarasco - no wig and robe

Freewill

Jon Swift blurs as Deploi spits

T-Smidi and Jon Swift

Deploi takes it to the next level

Guitarist Kris Hawkins

Tony endured the roast for close to an hour but his mic was unexpectedly cut off when he tried to have the last word. Apologies to the roasters whose names i was not able to get at the time of this posting.