Music Concert Reviews - FestivalFamily.com

Saturday, February 20 marked the live art event   The Visionary Solstice Gathering at Sonar in Baltimore Maryland.  This assembly of like minds of art and psychedelic culture met in the purpose of celebrating spirituality through interactive talent and was shaped and molded into perfection by Soul Mob Productions.   The event brought together over fifteen musical acts of the electronic and traditional realms together with a visionary element only like nothing else on the east coast and was filled with stimuli that overwhelmed the senses (well beyond the six that your momma told you about).  The Visionary Gathering jointly combining visionary art with musical talent of such a high caliber it was truly one of the “must do” events of the year.

   As if Robert Randolph and the Family Band was not a big enough draw to go come out to the Brooklyn Bowl last Wednesday, how about you toss in a little Neil Evans, Danny Barns, Adam Deitch, Nigel Hall, Will Bernard, Eric Krasno, and Joey Williams to the mix….AHHH!!  Damn Fun Show!!! I had never been to the Brooklyn Bowl. What a GREAT venue.  I had no idea it was a bowling alley until I attempted to buy a drink at the shoe counter. And so the adventure begins.

    There are few things in life that never disappoint, and a night with Cornmeal is an opportunity to let go of your cares and get carried along in a riptide of joyful release! This quintet from the Windy City defies genres, transitioning between Bluegrass, Americana and flat out Psychedelia with an almost unconscious subtlety. Songs rise and fall like the tides, and wash over you in a soul strengthening wave, leaving you adrift in a sea of aural bliss. I've spent my year covering music festivals, and it seems that every where I've went, there was Cornmeal. I've seen them on the main stages, side stages, around a campfire and in the middle of a flood and they've never disappointed. In fact, not only have they improved with each passing day, I've seen them grow their fanbase one show at a time. I wander the crowds at their shows, and I always find a couple of folks who've yet to have the pleasure of catching the band. It's fun to chat with these folks before the show begins, then track them down afterwards for their reactions. Without fail, when I find them after the show they're in a state of sweaty, wide eyed amazement at the spectacle they've witnessed. Every show, every time they add to their fanbase, fresh converts to the cause.

I walk into the Abilene Bar, a two story house located in Downtown Rochester. The environment is quaint yet boasts a classy/casual/relaxed/at home kind of vibe. I find a table off to the side, within' plain view of a setup reminiscent of a basement band. The drum kit, tucked off into the corner, was decorated with yellow prayer flags. Immediately to the left; was a rug, with a pillow, effects pedals and a mini synthesizer. To the left of that; the bass set-up with additional effect pedals and amps. I introduce myself to the three gentleman who, at the time were setting up/checking the sound. The Soundcheck abruptly comes to an end as the three wander off in their own direction. One of the gentleman, the sitar player introduces himself to me as Naryan, and follows up with several questions about my being there. After expressing my enjoyment of the band, my one and only time seeing them, my opinions of their music and building a fan base; Naryan seemed very comfortable and receptive. In the background, his brother; Aneal (bass) was shooting pool, while the oldest of the three brothers; Ravi, sits down to join our conversation.

     Any chance to see the California Guitar Trio is a good thing, but the chance to see them on a downtown rooftop with the Louisville skyline as a backdrop is not to be missed.  Their brand of swirling, interchanging lines and duties is so fluid as to defy singularity, while amazing in studio works, truly deserves to be seen live and in person to gain the purest effect.  Add to that an unseasonably cool late June night, and the natural light show of the sunset reflecting off the steel and glass and the result was a show not to be forgotten.  Long time fans were rewarded with stunning renditions, and new fans were made easily with the fret board unity on display.

   Arriving a few minutes after Mad Sweet Pangs finished up their opening set, I could not help feel disappointed I missed them. This was a special night for me and there was no room for negative vibes. Tonight was about connecting with friends made at the birth of this journey. I walked through the doorways of The Recher Theater, the memories and energy were clear as day as they were back in October. This building was about to be delivered with a package that it may not have seen since Pgroove's last performance.