Tag: Music

A Conversation With, Entertainment, Interview, Morning Call, Music

‘Damn The Torpedoes’: Rich Kubicz previews Tom Petty tribute at SteelStacks

For frontman Rich Kubicz, forming a Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers tribute band was a no-brainer.

Already a huge Heartbreaker fan and having been playing guitar and singing since his early teens, Kubicz had also been told by many people how much he resembled and sounded  like the famed artist. Kubicz’s goal was not just to put together a group of top musicians that could play all of Petty’s studio hits note for note, but also ones that could as re-create live versions and deep cuts to give audiences the illusion of a full Tom Petty concert experience.

So in 2007 Damn The Torpedoes, a band aptly named after Petty’s 1979 breakthrough album, was born.

Today the band performs upwards of 50 shows a year and keeps the music and spirit of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers alive more than six years after Petty’s untimely passing.

When Damn The Torpedoes performs at the Musikfest Café on Friday, fans can certainly expect to hear many of Petty’s signature hits, which include songs like “The Waiting,” “Refugee,” “Free Fallin’,” “Runnin’ Down a Dream,” “Listen to Her Heart,” “You Got Lucky,” “Breakdown” and “American Girl,” as well as a few surprises.

Damn The Torpedoes features Kubicz in the “role” of Petty and also includes Lee Boice (guitars), Gary Castelluccio (keyboards / harmonica), Jon Provan (bass / piano) and Ross Kantor (drums).

I recently spoke with Kubicz about Damn The Torpedoes and more in this new interview.

Q: In your opinion, what makes the music of Tom Petty so timeless and special?

Rich Kubicz: To me, Tom Petty was the quintessential American rock star. He was the first one to create American Rock influenced by American Folk. From Elvis through The Byrds with a nod to The British Invasion, but always loyal to the twelve-string twang of Americana. He was also an awesome songwriter — melodies, riffs, lyrical meaning. They all have us swinging to this very day.

Read the rest of my Morning Call interview with Rich Kubicz by Clicking Here!

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‘Lords of 52nd Street:’ Liberty DeVitto previews State Theatre performance celebrating the music of Billy Joel

Often described as the Legends of Billy Joel Band, the talented contributions of drummer Liberty DeVitto, saxophonist Richie Cannata and guitarist Russell Javors (along with late bassist Doug Stegmeyer), helped establish Joel’s formidable sound during the ’70s and ’80s and sell more than 150 million records.

It was Joel himself, along with famed producer Phil Ramone, who coined the group “The Lords of 52nd Street.”

The band would go on to record and tour with Joel for years as well as do various other projects, but it wasn’t until their induction into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame in 2014 that DeVitto, Cannata and Javors decided to reunite after a 30-year separation and perform in front of live audiences together again.

On Friday, fans can experience The Lords of 52nd Street when they perform Joel’s signature album The Nylon Curtain in its entirely and much more at the State Theatre in Easton.

I recently spoke with DeVitto about The Lords of 52nd Street, his time working with Billy Joel, the music and more in this new interview.

How did the Lords of 52nd Street originate?

Liberty DeVitto: Myself, Russell Javors, Richie Cannata and the late Doug Stegmeyer had been inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame. We played a few songs that night and afterwards someone said to us, “You guys need to do this music because you’re the real guys who sound just like the record and people need to know what you guys did for Billy.” So we put it together and got a few guys to fill in where we needed and it turned into a really successful thing. We do the songs in the original keys of the record and people love to see and hear it.

You can read the rest of my Morning Call interview with Liberty DeVitto by Clicking Here.

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Go Go Gadjet bringing high-energy show to Musikfest Cafe

Perhaps no band straddles the line between band and DJ better than Go Go Gadjet. Their innovative combination of musicianship with traditional instruments and modern controllers crafts an indelible sound that’s uniquely their own and one that simply must be experienced.

The acclaimed band, which performs upwards of 120 shows a year, will begin the new year with a sold-out performance at Bethlehem’s Musikfest Café on Friday.

Go Go Gadjet is Joel Bermudez (drums), Alex Buonopane (lead vocals), Rheed (lead vocals), Pete Macartney (guitars) and Luke Anderson (bass).

In addition to having founded Go Go Gadjet, manager Jeff Tomrell continues to build upon his success from his 8,000-square-foot creative studio, Three Hive, located in Sinking Spring. Last year his tribute creation Magical Mystery Doors, which pays homage to the Beatles, Led Zeppelin and the Doors, was voted “Best Casino Show,” beating out the likes of Keith Urban, Shania Twain and Cirque du Soleil.

I recently spoke with Rheed and Pete Macartney of Go Go Gadjet and Tomrell about the band’s upcoming Musikfest Café performance, their origin and more in this new interview.

Go Go Gadjet is not a typical cover/bar band. Having said that, how would you describe the band in terms of its sound?

Rheed / Pete Macartney: We try to put an interesting and modern spin on everything we play. We’ll blend older and new songs across all different genres. The outcome is a sound uniquely our own. Go Go Gadjet has often been described as a band version of a DJ. The band is comprised of very talented musicians on their own individual instruments. This allows us to improvise and connect with an audience in an entirely different way than a DJ.

Read the rest of my Morning Call interview with Go Go Gadjet by Clicking Here.

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Kashmir lead singer Jean Violet previews upcoming Led Zeppelin tribute performance at Musikfest Cafe

Kashmir is considered the nation’s No. 1 Led Zeppelin tribute show, and for good reason. The band, which prides itself on bringing fans a true audio and visual Led Zeppelin experience, offers perhaps the most authentic representation and energy of the mighty Zep on the touring scene.

Kashmir’s set is a playlist of classic rock radio, and their show not only features songs that have become the soundtrack to people’s lives but also pay homage to one of the most identifiable voices in rock history, Robert Plant, as well as other Zeppelin trademarks, like a Jimmy Page-inspired double-neck guitar and a John Bonham-style drum solo.

Zeppelin fans of all generations can experience Kashmir for themselves when the band performs at the Musikfest Café in Bethlehem on Saturday. .

Kashmir is Jean Violet (vocals/harmonica), Kevin Slover (guitars, theremin & bow), Paul Cooper (drums) and Felix Hanemann (bass, keys and mandolin).

I recently spoke with Violet about the band and more in this new interview.

Q: Everyone has their own opinion but as someone who sings the songs night after night, what do you think makes the music of Led Zeppelin so special?

Jean Violet: I always like to use the analogy of steak and potatoes. It’s been on the menu for hundreds of years. When something tastes good and people like to eat it then it’s going to be around a long time. I think classic rock is in the same realm as classical music — it’s timeless. We now have kids who are 12 and 13 years old coming out to see our show who are into Led Zeppelin.

Read the rest of my Morning Call interview with Jean Violet by Clicking Here!

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Phantom of the Opera’s Sarah Brightman brings ‘A Christmas Symphony’ to Wind Creek
Photo by Oliver Sommers

With sales in excess of 30 million albums and more than a billion streams, Sarah Brightman is the world’s best-selling soprano. She originated the role of Christine Daaé in the world-renowned “The Phantom of the Opera,” which ended its historic run this past year, and her most recent album, “Hymn,” debuted at number one on both the classical and classical crossover charts.

Brightman will ring in the holiday season on Wednesday, Nov. 29, in, appropriately enough, Bethlehem, when she brings her acclaimed A Christmas Symphony tour to the Wind Creek Event Center.

Accompanied by a huge choir and orchestra and using emotional elements of costume and a world class light show, Brightman’s performance will feature renditions of Christmas classics and holiday favorites as well as a selection of her own greatest hits along with a few surprises.

I recently spoke with Brightman about her upcoming performance in Bethlehem and more in this new interview:

Q: In your opinion what makes the season of Christmas so special?

Sarah Brightman: For me, Christmas is a very emotional and important time of year, My family has always taken it very seriously. Even when I’m abroad I always try to get back home in time. It’s traditional for families to be together this time of year and whether you’re religious or not it’s lovely to go and see a Christmas show.

Q: What made you decide to do A Christmas Symphony tour ?

Sarah Brightman: Back when we first went into COVID a few years ago, I started thinking about what I could do that would help make people feel better, make myself feel better and also hire a few people who needed to work. I came up with the concept of doing a Christmas show and we got permission to film it in a beautiful old church in London. It went all over the world and we had such an amazing response that I thought maybe I should do this on tour in various continents, which we’ve started doing.

You can read the rest of my Morning Call interview with Sarah Brightman by Clicking Here!

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‘Croce Plays Croce’: A.J. Croce honors memory of his legendary father by playing his songs

It’s hard to believe that it’s been fifty years since the untimely passing of singer-songwriter Jim Croce. The legendary artist was at the peak of his success, with hits that included “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown,” “Operator (That’s Not The Way It Feels),” “You Don’t Mess Around With Jim,” “I’ll Have To Say I Love You In A Song,” and “Time in a Bottle,” when the plane in which he was traveling crashed shortly after takeoff in September of 1973. Croce had spent much of that time living with his wife and young son, A.J. in a suburb outside of Philadelphia before moving to the West Coast just prior to that fateful night.

Jim’s son, A.J. Croce, an acclaimed artist in his own right, is honoring the music and memory of his father with a new tour, “Croce Plays Croce 50thAnniversary.” One that will make two stops in the area: first at the Santander Performing Arts Center in Reading on Wednesday, November 1, and then at the Keswick Theater in Glenside on Sunday, November 5. 

Croce’s show will feature many of his father’s biggest and most beloved songs performed by a full band while a large screen showcases a montage of video memories. Croce will also connect with his father’s legacy by telling stories behind the songs and sprinkling in selections from his own catalog of original music as well as taking requests from the audience in real time. To coincide with the tour a new box set, “The Definitive Jim Croce,”  was recently released that features all three studio albums Jim Croce made for ABC records: You Don’t Mess Around With Jim, Life and Times, and I Got A Name.

I recently spoke with A.J. Croce about the tour and much more in this exclusive new interview.

It’s been fifty years since the untimely passing of your father, Jim Croce. When you think about this anniversary what thoughts come to mind?

A.J. Croce: It’s kind of amazing because in a way, he never left. It’s hard to go into a grocery store or a mall and not hear one of his songs. Plus, I have worked his catalog from behind the scenes for twenty-eight years so it’s very much a part of my daily life. Making sure people hear his music has been a gig that I really have enjoyed. As a person, I was able to get to know him not only through his music and friends and my family but also from the hundreds of tapes he left where I could hear him talking to friends about new songs and conversations about politics, history, psychology and philosophy. His presence has always been there.

Read the rest of my Morning Call interview with A.J. Croce by clicking here.

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Taking Heart: Nancy Wilson bringing solo act to Wind Creek Event Center

Nancy Wilson is celebrated as one of the most inspiring and trailblazing women in rock history. Together with her sister, Ann Wilson, they comprise the multi-platinum, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band, Heart. Nancy’s revered as a guitarist, vocalist and co-writer on songs that have become staples of classic rock playlists, including “Crazy On You,” “Barracuda,” “Even It Up,” and “These Dreams.”

In addition to having sold upwards of 35 million albums in their five-decade career, Nancy and Ann recently received a Lifetime Achievement Grammy for their contributions to the world of music.

In 2021, Nancy Wilson released her debut solo album, You And Me. It’s an indelible collection of songs that includes a tribute to her mother and Edward Van-Halen as well as a cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “The Rising.”

On Sunday, Wilson will bring her catalog of Heart hits along with a few surprises when her solo band, Nancy Wilson’s Heart, performs at the Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem.

I recently spoke with Wilson about her upcoming performance in this exclusive new interview.

Q. What can fans expect from your upcoming performance at Wind Creek Event Center?

Wilson: We’ll be doing a lot of memorable Heart songs because they’re fun to do and we’re happy to do them. We’re also adding a few surprises and more cool, hip material that people know and love.

Q. Heart has a such a vast catalog of hits. How do you determine which songs you want to include in the set?

Wilson: There are the obvious ones, like “Crazy On You,” “Barracuda,” “These Dreams” and “Even it Up,” that have to be there. But there’s also a few songs from Van Halen and [Led] Zeppelin I’ve always wanted to play that are exciting and keeps things fun. We have a really good band and our singer, Kimberly Nichole (or Kim Nicky), brings a power and energy in such a graceful way. She touches people with her voice. We’re a tight, fighting unit that’s ready to rock.

You can read the rest of my Morning Call interview with Nancy Wilson by Clicking Here.

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Christopher Cross sailing into Easton’s State Theatre with his signature sound
Photo: Max Crace

When singer-songwriter Christopher Cross unveiled his self-titled debut album in 1980, little did he know the impact it would have. With hits like “Ride Like The Wind,” “Sailing,” and “Never Be The Same,” the album went on to win five Grammy awards in 1981, including earning Cross the coveted Best New Artist and Album of The Year awards. A year later, Cross followed that success with an Academy Award win for Best Original Song with “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do),” from the movie, “Arthur.”

In the years since, Cross has released more than a dozen acclaimed albums, from 1983’s “Another Page” and hits like “All Right,” and “Think of Laura,” to recent albums like 2018’s “Take Me As I Am” and a limited-edition box set retrospective aptly titled “The Complete Works,” which celebrates his 40th anniversary as a recording artist.

On Tuesday, Cross will bring his signature sound and legacy of carefully crafted songs to an intimate performance at the State Theatre in Easton. Joining Cross that evening will be renowned Moody Blues guitarist and lead vocalist, Justin Hayward, who will be performing a selection of his own classic hits.

I recently spoke with Cross about his upcoming performance and more in this new interview:

Q. What can fans expect during your performance at The State Theatre?

Christopher Cross: I’m a singer-songwriter so for me it’s all about the songs and playing them for the fans. One thing about the show is that there are no tracks. I have an amazing group of musicians with me who are jazz trained and very high-level players and singers. It’s a sophisticated, high-production show as far as the music goes. I’ll be playing most of the first and second album and the hits that people know. I’ve made 12 albums over the years so I’ll also be playing selections from the other albums as well. This is our first time out this year and we’re really excited.

You can read the rest of my Morning Call interview with Christopher Cross by Clicking Here!

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Rick Wakeman reflects on his time with Yes and playing with David Bowie as he prepares for Wind Creek performance

With more than 50 million albums sold and having an enviable reputation as both an artist and for his wit and raconteur, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Rick Wakeman should delight his fans when he performs “An Evening With Rick Wakeman: His Music And Stories” at the Wind Creek Event Center on Thursday.

The one-man event gives Wakeman the opportunity to perform selections from his vast 50-plus-year musical catalog as well as share anecdotes from his early days as a session player right up to the present day. Included will be selections from Wakeman’s time arranging and performing keyboards on hits like David Bowie’s Life On Mars, as well as his groundbreaking stint with the progressive rock band Yes, and his own multi-platinum solo albums.

An Evening with Rick Wakeman: His Music and Stories promises to be a show filled with musical memories and riotous reflection from a true rock legend.

I recently spoke with Rick Wakeman about his plans for his Wind Creek performance and more in this exclusive interview.

What do you enjoy most about these one-man shows as opposed to performing in a group ensemble?

Rick Wakeman: I don’t really prefer one over the other, I do shows with orchestras, band shows, band shows with orchestras and even one-man and two-man shows with my son, Adam. They’re all different and I love them all. I think the reason why is because I’m not doing the same thing all the time. I’m a people person and it’s great to just be in a room with a lot of people and playing away.

What can fans expect from your upcoming performance at Wind Creek Event Center?

Wakeman: It’s a one-man show where it’s just me, a piano, a couple of keyboards and a microphone. I’ll play music from all the eras I’ve been involved with in my life and the people I’ve played with, such as David Bowie, Cat Stevens, Yes [obviously], some of my own stuff, and a few surprises. In between, I’ll tell ludicrous stories. Some of which, possibly, have some resemblance of truth to them. You never know.

Read the rest of my Morning Call Interview with Rick Wakeman By Clicking Here.

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Marie Osmond talks about Wind Creek show, stardom at a young age and who made her star-struck

Now in her sixth decade as a multitalented artist and performer, Marie Osmond is showing no signs of slowing down. Her latest album, 2021’s Unexpected, debuted at #1 on the Billboard’s Classical Crossover chart. An album that showcases Osmond’s versatility in performing everything from opera to The Great American Songbook.

Osmond first rose to fame in 1973 at the tender age of 12 with the release of her debut album, Paper Roses. Three years later she would find herself, along with brother Donny, as co-hosts of one of the most popular variety shows in television history, “Donny & Marie.”

Osmond is currently performing a small run of shows, which includes a stop at the Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem on Friday. Longtime fans can expect to hear many of the songs and stories that made Osmond one of the most iconic artists in the world.

In addition to these select run of shows, Osmond is also planning to join in the 40th anniversary celebration of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, which to date has raised more than $8 billion for children. Osmond is one of the co-founders of the nonprofit organization.

I recently spoke with Marie Osmond about her upcoming show in Bethlehem, her career and more in this exclusive interview.

What can fans expect from your performance at the Wind Creek Event Center?

Osmond: You’ll get to see six decades of my career along with multiple singing styles and genre performances with my fantastic band. There will also be lots of video and interaction with the audience. David Osmond will also be there, who’s a phenomenal entertainer. I had him perform in my Christmas shows. His story is unbelievable. I really enjoy these shows and think it’s a good time for people to get out and live again. It’s a fun show and I think people are going to have a really good time.

Read the rest of my

Interview with Marie Osmond by Clicking Here.