{"id":44472,"date":"2019-12-06T15:26:05","date_gmt":"2019-12-06T20:26:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/?p=44472"},"modified":"2019-12-06T15:26:08","modified_gmt":"2019-12-06T20:26:08","slug":"on-stage-main-line-the-main-place-for-great-music-this-weekend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/?p=44472","title":{"rendered":"On Stage: Main Line the main place for great music this weekend"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Denny Dyroff, <\/span><\/strong>Entertainment Editor, The Times<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Mike Zito<\/p><\/div>\n

There is a six-mile stretch along Lancaster Avenue on Philadelphia\u2019s Main Line that has been a hotbed for top-flight music clubs for a long time \u2013 clubs that regularly present highly acclaimed national acts as well as respected local acts.<\/span><\/p>\n

The stretch, which runs from Ardmore to Wayne, was previously home to clubs such as the venerable Main Point, 23 East Cabaret and The Point. It now features two venues in Ardmore \u2013 the Living Room and the Ardmore Music Hall \u2013 and one in Wayne \u2013 118 North.<\/span><\/p>\n

On Friday night, these three clubs will host a variety of interesting acts — Mike Zito at 118 North, Dan Navarro and Laura Mann at the Living Room and Eric Bellinger at the Ardmore Music Hall.<\/span><\/p>\n

At 118 North (118 North Wayne Avenue, Wayne, www.118northwayne.com<\/a>) blues ace Mike Zito will headline a show with the Jamie McLean Band as the opening act. Zito arrives in the middle of his \u201cRock N’ Roll World Tour,\u201d which is named for his new album on Ruf Records.<\/span><\/p>\n

While Zito has made a name for himself in the world of blues music, his new album has a different direction. Zito\u2019s \u201cRock N Roll: A Tribute to Chuck Berry\u201d was released on November 1 and quickly rose to #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart.<\/span><\/p>\n

Featuring 21 guest guitarists honoring the Berry including Joe Bonamassa, Walter Trout, Eric Gales, Robben Ford, Richard Fortus, Sonny Landreth, Luther Dickinson, Albert Castiglia, and Anders Osborne. Also performing\u00a0on the album is Charles Berry III, Berry\u2019s grandson. The album is produced by Zito and was recorded at his Marz Studios.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI grew up in St. Louis,\u201d said Zito, during a phone interview last week as he was driving from Illinois to a gig in Nashville.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cChuck was from St. Louis and I lived there for 32 years. When I was young, I worked at a small musical instrument store in a record store and Chuck used to come in there.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBeing away from St. Louis for the last 17 years, I wanted to do something about St. Louis. If you\u2019re a musician from St. Louis, you have to learn to play Chuck Berry and learn how to play the blues. So, I decided to do a Chuck Berry tribute and add the guitarist aspect. I\u2019ve had the idea for the last four years.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Berry is unquestionably the city\u2019s most famous musician.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to Zito, \u201cHe was an icon, and rightfully so. I\u2019ve been playing his songs since I was a kid. Needless to say, he was a tremendous influence on my career, and, of course, on many other musicians\u2019 as well.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Making an album like the one Zito has just released provided special challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI recorded the album without the guitarists initially,\u201d said Zito. \u201cI decided how much space to leave for the guitar and then had to send off the tracks to the different guitarists. I could never bring them to my studio to record live because they\u2019re always on tour playing all over the country.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe best way to do it was to accommodate them as much as possible. I\u2019d send them a track and say \u2013 send it back in four or five months. I went into this knowing I\u2019d need a big window.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs the songs came back, I had to re-record my parts to make sure the intensity was the same. In the end, it sounded like we were in the studio together. I\u2019m pretty proud of the production. The album was completed at the end of July.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Zito began playing guitar at the age of five, and by the time he reached his late teens, he was already a fixture on the local St. Louis music scene. He initially released his music independently and then signed with Eclecto Groove Records in 2008. \u201cPearl River,\u201d the title track of his 2009 album for the label, won Song of the Year at the Blues Music Awards and marked his first collaboration with Cyril Nevill, with whom he\u2019d later work in the Royal Southern Brotherhood.<\/span><\/p>\n

A steady succession of critically acclaimed albums followed, culminating in 2011\u2019s \u201cGreyhound,\u201d which was nominated for Best Rock Blues Album at that year\u2019s Blue Music Awards ceremony in Memphis. Two years later, he signed with Ruf Records and released \u201cGone to Texas,\u201d the story of how he gained his sobriety, offered an emotional homage to the state that left an indelible imprint on his entire life. It also marked the debut of his band, the Wheel.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u200b<\/span>From 2010-2014, Zito also played an integral role in the super group of sorts, Royal Southern Brotherhood. The group released two albums and a DVD — \u201cSongs from the Road – Live in Germany,\u201d which was winner of the year\u2019s Blues Music Award for Best DVD. <\/span><\/p>\n

Zito<\/span> recently launched his own new label, Texas-based Gulf Coast Records<\/a>, which counts among its artists, Albert Castiglia, Billy Price, Jimmy Carpenter, Tony Campanella, Diana Rein, The Proven Ones, Kid Andersen, and others to be announced. But, he stayed with Ruf Records for his solo work.<\/span><\/p>\n

But, for right now, Zito\u2019s focus is playing the music of one of America\u2019s rock-and-roll legends.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe best thing about making this record was going to the lyrics,\u201d said Zito. \u201cChuck Berry was a genius. He was an amazing writer whose songs told great stories and were really catchy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for Mike Zito \u2013 https:\/\/youtu.be\/Bbxcj29b5Iw<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The show at 118 North will start at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $20.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Dan Navarro<\/p><\/div>\n

Dan Navarro is no stranger to area fans. As a solo artist, he has played a number of gigs in the area over the last few years including shows at Kennett Flash and the Living Room (35 East Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore, https:\/\/thelivingroomat35east.com<\/a>), which is owned by Laura Mann, the show\u2019s opening act.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI love the place that Laura has created (the Living Room),\u201d said Navarro, during a phone interview last week from his home in Los Angeles.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor this show, she\u2019s the opening act. And she\u2019ll be joining me onstage for a song we did together \u2013 \u2018Satisfied,\u2019 which is on her new record. We wrote it together about six months ago.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s got a great venue. It\u2019s not an easy thing to do but she\u2019s made it work. I\u2019ve played there at least three times and sold it out every time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Navarro became familiar to a lot of listeners not so much as a solo artist but more as one-half of the popular duo Lowen & Navarro.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lowen & Navarro was a songwriting team composed of David Eric Lowen and Dan Navarro, who met in Los Angeles, California, in the 1980s.<\/span><\/p>\n

They wrote the song \u201cWe Belong,\u201d which became a major hit for Pat Benatar in 1984.\u00a0 They became active as a performing group in 1987. In 1990, they began to release a number of records of their own, including \u201cLearning to Fall\u201d and \u201cPurpose.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

In March 2004, Lowen was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig\u2019s disease. Because of compromises to his playing and singing, Lowen ceased touring.<\/span><\/p>\n

The duo played its last shows in June 2009. Lowen died of complications of ALS on March 23, 2012 at the age of 60.<\/span><\/p>\n

After a career spanning decades and a dozen albums with Lowen & Navarro, Navarro is releasing his first true studio-recorded solo album this spring \u2013 \u201cShed My Skin.\u201d Recorded and produced by Steve Postell, the album features Navarro (vocals, guitar, percussion) along with Postell (guitars), Jon Ossman (upright bass),\u00a0Brendan Buckley (drums),\u00a0Peter Adams\u00a0(piano),\u00a0Phil Parlapiano (accordion),\u00a0David Glaser (mandolin),\u00a0and Debra Dobkin (percussion).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was determined to write everything alone,\u201d said Navarro. \u201cIt took some adjusting after writing for 20 years in a partnership. I went in with the 12 songs we used. The 12 songs include eight originals, a few obscure covers and a standard thrown in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Navarro\u2019s career started as a songwriter \u2014 most often with\u00a0Lowen \u2014 for artists as diverse as\u00a0Pat Benatar, The Bangles,\u00a0Jackson Browne,\u00a0Dave Edmunds,\u00a0The Temptations,\u00a0Dionne Warwick,\u00a0The Triplets, Marco Borsato, and Rusty Weir.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been in L.A. since high school,\u201d said Navarro. \u201cI grew up in Calexico (CA) and went to UCLA to study music. I moved to L.A. in 1969. I\u2019m 66 and I\u2019m still living here.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe thing about this run, it\u2019s not a comeback tour. It\u2019s what I do \u2013 and I keep doing it. I still have the energy to tour and do the drive. It\u2019s just me.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAbout 90 per cent of my shows are just me. It maximizes the finances. And, it\u2019s easier to move around. I\u2019m playing folk clubs, so I can get away with solo shows. And, I never need to rehearse.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Navarro has transitioned smoothly into a busy solo career over the past decade, touring nationally almost constantly.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

He has a parallel career as a voice actor and singer in\u00a0films such as \u201cPirates of the Caribbean 5,\u201d\u00a0\u201cThe Book Of Life,\u201d \u201cRio,\u201d \u201cHappy Feet,\u201d and \u201cThe Lorax\u201d and TV work on variety of shows including \u201cFamily Guy\u201d\u00a0and\u00a0\u201cAmerican Dad.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been doing solo work for 10 years now and I\u2019ve got it down,\u201d said Navarro. \u201cI do close to 100 dates a year. I don\u2019t see any need to retire.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI do have to find new things to say. Our generation has to find a way to stay relevant. To do that, you have to say something worth hearing. I\u2019m not trying to be hip \u2013 but, I want to remain relevant.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for Dan Navarro \u2013 <\/span>https:\/\/youtu.be\/H_uZGnqFlUc<\/a><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The show at the Living Room, which also features Laura Mann, will start at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>At the Keswick Theater (291 N. Keswick Avenue, Glenside, 215-572-7650,\u00a0www.keswicktheatre.com<\/a>) on Friday night, there will be a show featuring a \u201cBattle of the Bands.\u201d But it won\u2019t just be any bands \u2013 it will be the Beatles and the Rolling Stones (sort of). The show is billed as \u201cBeatles vs. Stones \u2013 A Musical Showdown.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The debate between the Beatles and the Rolling Stones has been going on ever since they first crossed paths on the charts 54 years ago. The argument at the time, and one that still persists, was that the Beatles were a pop group and the Stones were a rock band.<\/span><\/p>\n

In a modern-day alternate universe, these two legendary bands will engage in an on-stage musical showdown courtesy of tribute bands Abbey Road and \u201cSatisfaction – The International Rolling Stones Show. \u201c
\nTaking the side of the Fab Four is Abbey Road, one of the county’s top Beatles tribute bands. With brilliant musicianship and authentic costumes and gear, Abbey Road plays beloved songs spanning the Beatles’ career.<\/span><\/p>\n

With their tight harmonies, flawless note for note renditions of Beatles hits, custom\u2013tailored costumes, vintage instruments, Liverpudlian dialect and precise attention to every detail, Abbey Road has honed their show to become one of the most musically and visually satisfying Beatle tribute acts in the world. Abbey Road recreates the magic, music, wit and charm of the Beatles, including the Fab Four\u2019s cheeky personalities, familiar onstage banter and patter between songs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoth bands on this show are separate functions entirely,\u201d said Abbey Road\u2019s Ringo Axel Clarke, during a phone interview Tuesday from a tour stop in Baltimore.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re from Southern California. A few years ago, we experimented with a Beatles vs. Stones show but didn\u2019t find what we were looking for here.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe decided it was a good project. We searched for the best Stones cover band and got this band — Satisfaction – The International Rolling Stones Show \u2013 to come to SoCal. Now, we\u2019ve been touring with them for almost five years.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Abbey Road Band faces off against renowned Stones tribute band \u201cSatisfaction – The International Rolling Stones Show.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

faithful rendition of the music and style of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and the bad boys of the British Invasion. This international touring tribute show to the Rolling Stones is entering its 18th year in production with over 3500 performances to date.<\/span><\/p>\n

Performing up to 150 shows a year, this music act showcases the most authentic cast and costuming of its kind. The lineup of Stones tribute performers brings a colorful performance to over 50 years of\u00a0classic hits. The cast now has four successful projects including \u201cA Symphony For The Devil\u201d and \u201cBeatles vs. Stones-A Musical Showdown.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The project was put together by Chris LeGrand, who also plays the role of Mick Jagger.
\n\u201cThis is the 20th year for \u2018Satisfaction\/The International Rolling Stones Tribute\u00a0Show,\u2019\u201d said LeGrand, during an interview from Baltimore.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI put the show together in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. It took a while to find the right group of musicians. So, it started small as a nightclub act. Now we do 125-150 shows a year so it\u2019s a very demanding schedule. I never saw a Stones show doing 100-plus shows a year.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The bands alternate time on stage as the \u2018battle\u2019 evolves \u2013 each with three mini-sets.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Beatles had three distinct eras,\u201d said Clarke. \u201cThe first was the Ed Sullivan time up to the \u2018Rubber Soul\u2019 album. The second was \u2018Sgt. Peppers\u2019 and the third was the era of \u2018Abbey Road\u2019 and the \u2018White Album.\u2019\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cSatisfaction\/The International Rolling Stones Tribute\u00a0Show\u201d looks at the Stones career from the early 1960s to the start of the 1980s.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOur first set in the 1965 era with Brian Jones in the band,\u201d said LeGrand. \u201cThe next set is 1969-1972 \u2013 the Mick Taylor years. The third part is the Ron Wood era from 1975-1981.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The show offers fans a chance to travel back in time to London in the 1960s and 1970s. During the two-hour show, the bands perform three sets each, trading places in quick set changes and ending the night with an all-out encore involving both bands.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to LeGrand, \u201cMusic fans never had a chance to see the Beatles and the Rolling Stones perform on the same marquee. Now, music aficionados can watch this debate play out on stage.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for \u201cBeatles vs. Stones \u2013 A Musical Showdown\u201d — https:\/\/youtu.be\/ibGtk0WbDbY<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The show at the Keswick will start at 8 p.m. Ticket prices start at $38.50<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times There is a six-mile stretch along Lancaster Avenue on Philadelphia\u2019s Main Line that has been a hotbed for top-flight music clubs for a long time \u2013 clubs that regularly present highly acclaimed national acts as well as respected local acts. The stretch, which runs from Ardmore to Wayne, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":44474,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8457],"tags":[12667,3292,7426,12666],"class_list":["post-44472","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-d-arts-entertainment","tag-beatles-vs-stones-a-musical-showdown","tag-dan-navarro","tag-featured","tag-mike-zito"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44472","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=44472"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44472\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":44473,"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44472\/revisions\/44473"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/44474"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=44472"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=44472"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=44472"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}