A Tribute to the Gypsy Lounge

Below is a photo essay/documentary that Amy Kaplan made about The Gypsy Lounge. We thought we'd share it with you as a way of remembering one of OC's gems that will be closing its doors in the very near future.

-Blythe

on my iTunes: Devotchka's "Along the Way"

The Gypsy Lounge Closing Soon

We all know it's raining harder than a cow peeing on a flat rock out there, and so, first and foremost, we want to say: PLEASE BE SAFE. Leave more than enough following and stopping distance, keep your hands on the wheel (hold steady if you fishtail), and turn your headlights on, even during the day! We want you all to stay safe out there! There's also a lot of flooding going on, so if you can, park on high ground if you're leaving your car for hours at a time.

Secondly, it is with sad, sad news that I write this post. Our beloved local venue, The Gypsy Lounge, which has been an established music hotspot for years and years in our own Lake Forest, will be closing its doors at the end of this month. It's rumored that the venue will be relocating to Los Alamitos, which is good news for the residents of Los Alamitos, but sad, sad news for OC locals. It seems there's a trend to new-ify OC- put in strip malls and Panera Breads and shiny new nail salons on every corner- which, in itself, isn't so terrible (who doesn't love Panera, after all?); but when it's at the expense of the businesses and venues that make OC unique and provide an outlet for art on all levels, I have to stop and wonder if we realize what sort of monster we're creating. Imagine, ten years from now, the streets of OC being nothing but pre-planned neighborhoods, Yogurtlands, Best Buys, Starbuck's, and Curves gyms. Again, there's nothing inherently wrong with those things (God bless the inventor of self-serve froyo!), but when every store and business is a nation-wide chain, we're robbing our county (the one our children will grow up in, and their children) and ourselves of culture. We're also wounding the entrepreneurial spirit of local residents and business owners. We're saying, "Entrepreneurs? Musicians? Artists? Mom and Pop Thai diners? No thanks!" We've got it all backward.

I didn't mean to get up on a soap box, and before I get off it, I should say that the views expressed are my personal views and The OC Gazette as a company cannot be held responsible for my opinions. Ok, now I'll get off it.

Would you consider joining Amy and I tonight at one of The Gypsy Lounge's last shows? It's going to be a good one, with a killer lineup of some rad local musicians:

9:15pm: Jay Buchanan
10:00pm: Chris Hanlin from The Dibs
11:00pm: Jameson
11:45pm: Chris Paul Overall
 
Don't miss one of your last chances to see great live music at one of OC's most loved music venues before it slips away from us!


-Blythe


on Grooveshark: "The Unicorn" by Dr. Dog

This Weekend in OC: 12/10-12

Hey guys! I know you've probably been on the edge of your seat, waiting for this week's edition of "Things to Do This Weekend in Orange County," right? You're probably looking at your blank planner or iCal, just itching to fill in this weekend's time slots with fun and festive things to do locally, yes? Ah, good. You're in luck! There's fun-o-plenty this weekend! See for yourself:

Thursday, 12/9 at 10:15pm: Rocco Deluca at The Gypsy Lounge. Call (949) 206-9990 for more info.

Friday, 12/10 at 8:30 pm: Benefit for Orangewood Children's Home at The Gypsy Lounge, with performances by Honeypie, Jameson, Melanoid, and The Trade. Call (949) 206-9990 for more info.

Friday, 12/10, from 6-8pm: Tustin Tree Lighting at Tustin Civic Center/Library Plaza. Special Guests: Santa, Mayor, the ELF, Grinch, and Frosty the Snowman. Free photos with Santa, and  performances by local non-profits: Kids Corner, Foothill Carolers, Pioneer Middle School, Guin Foss Junior Girl Scout Troop 194, Guin Foss Brownie Troop 1584, Loma Vista Girl Scout Troop 122, Ballet Folklorico, Tesoros de Mexico, Academy of Dance and HBP Dance Extreme. There will also be a holiday boutique at the Community Center from 4-8pm. FREE.


Friday, 12/10 from 7-9:30pm: Soka University Student Music Recital at Soka's Founder's Hall (3rd floor Meeting Room) in Aliso Viejo. An evening of musical performances by students. Call (949) 480-4000 for more info. FREE.

Saturday, 12/11 at 10am: Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade. On Crown Valley between Nueva Vista and Crown Valley Community Park. The theme for this year's parade is "Celebrate America." Come watch the largest and most creative display of community in the City’s history! The parade will be filled with beautiful equestrian units, patriotic and inspirational military tributes, spirit filled youth groups, classic auto clubs, talented marching bands, and more! FREE. Call (949) 425-5100 for more info.

Saturday, 12/11 at 10 & 11:30am: Hot Chocolate with Santa & Friends at Bowers Museum in Santa Ana. Free with museum admission. Call (714) 567-3600 for more info.

Saturday, 12/11 at 12:30-4pm: Nutcracker for Kids at Segerstrom Hall in Costa Mesa. A condensed version of a Christmas classic for children. Tickets are $24 and up. Call (714) 755-5799 for more info.

Saturday, 12/11 at 2pm: Winds and Brass at Chapman University's Salmon Recital Hall, in Bertea Hall. FREE. Call (714) 997-6815 for more info.

Saturday, 12/11 from 5-7pm: Holiday Music Celebration, at Mason Regional Park in Irvine. Sing along, Santa, and more. Come and see performances by our local high school’s performing arts department. Bring a thick blanket to sit on. Dress warmly. If it rains, event is canceled. A special story will be read with audience involvement. FREE. Call (949) 923-2220 for more info.

Saturday, 12/11 at 5pm: Strings and Piano at Chapman University's Salmon Recital Hall, in Bertea Hall. FREE. Call (714) 997-6815 for more info.


 Saturday, 12/11 at 8:30 pm: Live Music at The Gypsy Lounge, with performances by Plastick, Sean Murphy and the Rubber Band, Hell and Half of Georgia, and The New York Ninjas. Call (949) 206-9990 for more info.

 Saturday 12/11 and Sunday, 12/12 from 5:30-8:30pm: Candlelight Tour at Heritage Hill park in Lake Forest. Stroll through restored 19th century buildings adorned in period decor and listen to Victorian carolers, live entertainment and storytellers in each building. Refreshments and Santa will also be around! 1,000 luminaries, entertainment, snacks, and more. Call (949) 923-2230 for more info. $3 for kids, $4 for adults.

Just a handful of ways to make it a great weekend! Have fun, folks!
See a whole month-full of great local events on our December calendar page!

-Blythe

on my Pandora: "Maps" by The Yeah Yeah Yeahs

The Gypsy Lounge

The Gypsy Lounge is one of Orange County's musical gems. In a county overflowing with shopping and dining venues is an unfortunate 'underflowing' of music venues. The Gypsy Lounge is like a small bright light in an otherwise dark, semi-deserted 'musicscape.' It would be a sad, sad day indeed for local bands and music lovers alike, should the Gypsy Lounge ever close its doors.

We give the GL plenty o' blog lovin', but it's been awhile since we've done so; so, we thought we'd give you a healthy dosage right now:
"One of the greatest venues in Orange County, in our humble opinions, is the Gypsy Lounge in Lake Forest. It's personal with a bohemian feel, and there is no shortage of great OC bands on the monthly bill." 
[That quote is from us, btw, about a year and a half ago, on this blog]

Now's the part in this post when you're halfway out the door with your reignited enthusiasm about the Gypsy Lounge, right? But slow down turbo, you'll need to know what's going on there in the next few days before jumping on board- otherwise, how will you know whether to wear your studded wristlets for a metal show or your plaid shirt + suede vest for an acoustic show?

Coming this weekend:
Thurs, 12/9 - Rocco Deluca
Fri, 12/10 - Honeypie, Jameson, Melanoid, and The Trade
Sat, 12/11 - Plastick, Sean Murphy and the Rubber Band, Hell and Half of Georgia, The New York Ninjas
Tues, 12/14 - AJ DeGrasse

[Rocco Deluca]

[Honeypie]

 [Jameson]

There you have it- more than a couple reasons to get out of your house, drive down the street (or what, one exit down the 5?), and see some fine local (and not-so-local) talent. The Gypsy Lounge hosts local, growing talent as well as traveling acts from across the country. Local bands The Union Line and Local Natives, along with non-natives Dr. Dog and Golden Animals have all graced the Gypsy Lounge's stage. Additionally, the Gypsy Lounge has hosted shows for the OC Music Awards' showcase nights for years, bringing in a healthy serving of some of the best of local talent. They'll be hosting one such showcase next month (find out more info here).

If you've never been yet (or even if you have), I strongly encourage you to check out the Gypsy Lounge for a great night of live music, drinks, and friends. Say hi to owner Mike Concepcion for us!

Go with the suede vest.

-Blythe

on my iTunes: Golden Animals' "Try on Me"

Stacy Clark

[Photo Credit: Douglas Sonders]

There's nothing better than seeing a local OC musician hitting it big. A frequenter of the Gypsy Lounge and all of the other great little venues Orange County has to offer, I am the biggest sideline cheerleader of local musicians around. (Well maybe besides Ashley Eliot- but really how can you compete with that one woman local band-promoting machine?) There are so many fabulous musicians in this great county of ours just waiting to be discovered. One local musician starting up that stairway to music biz heaven is Stacy Clark.

Let me preface this blog with this: I have a strong aversion for female rock singers. Be it pop rock, indie rock, good ole fashioned rock n' roll or whatever - I find female singers' voices are usually whiney, squeeky or forced; their lyrics are either too syrupy sweet and cheesy or trying too hard to be edgy; and overall I feel they are usually just lacking in that overall true grit that I love about good rock n' roll. There are of course exceptions to my "No Girls Allowed" rule. Rachel Yamagata, Rilo Kiley, Paramore, Regina Spektor, The Duke Spirit, The Sounds, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and local OC songbird Stacy Clark.

[Photo Credit: Douglas Sonders]

What makes Stacy's sound is it's use of sweet and sour. (This is probably due to her ecclectic music influences that range from Rage Against the Machine to David Bowie to Sarah McLachlin.) Her sweet, angelic, almost juvenile voice is perfectly balanced by the brutally honest lyrics of a world-wise woman. When I say I like a female singer with true rock n' roll grit, that doesn't mean she has to have an amazingly gravelly, B.A. voice like Brody Dalle of The Distillers or Janis Joplin. I recently interviewed Merle Haggard and he said that Johnny Cash taught him that the thing that makes music great is honesty. Listeners can tell when they're being sold a package. We can in fact tell the difference between the real deals (the Johnny Cashes and the Kurt Cobains) and the fakers, posers and wannabes (I'm lookin' at you Nickelback.) Well that being said, Stacy Clark is the real, honest deal. One listen to her new album Connect The Dots and you'll find a vulnerable, yet spirited young woman who can be brutal one minute, warning, "I will only break your heart... if you only knew what was good for you, you'd stay away from me," in her song "All Time Low" to completely open and vulnerable the next as she softly sings, "the trouble that life brings, don't you fall for it," in "Misery" and "I feel so alone and everyone's around," in one of my favorites "Hide." And isn't that life? A rollercoaster ride of ups and downs, good and bad? You will find the full spectrum of emotions on Connect The Dots. "There is nothing more satisfying that writing a song and having someone listen and feel like they can relate," says Stacy. "My songs will outlive me and I hope they can make a difference in someone's life in the same way music has done for me."

Helping Stacy on Connect The Dots was producer Matt Appleton (Panic! At The Disco and The Veronicas) who also offered his musical talents on accordian, trumpet, ukelele, and mandolin and his composing skills for background string arrangements. Using such a varied spectrum of musical instruments really gives the album what Stacy calls "the sparkly bits." The result is a magical mixture of strings, horns and vocals over a bouncing Regina Spektor-esque piano.

[Stacy Clark's latest release Connect The Dots.]

Stacy Clark has been a regular on the OC music scene since she moved here from Buffalo, NY, and to much local acclaim. She won Best Female Performer at the 2006 Southern California Music Awards, Best Female Performer at the OC Music Awards in 2007 and Best Pop Artist this year. It's been a long journey for Stacy, but all of her hard work - booking her own shows and tours and funding her own albums - has finally paid off. Not only does she have a plethora of life experience and lessons to share with the world, but she also has a freshly signed record deal with independent label Vanguard Records (home to Greg Laswell, Joan Baez, The Watson Twins and more) to make sure her voice and stories will be heard. She's ready to spread her songbird wings, fly away from her OC nest, and venture out into the great blue yonder. Catch her at one of her upcoming local shows in August to wish her well on her way.

August 5, 2010     2:30pm     OC Fair               Costa Mesa, Ca


August 19, 2010   8:00pm     Gypsy Lounge     Lake Forest, Ca

Find her online at her myspace or on her facebook.
Vanguard Records is also offering a free download of "Don't Take What's Mine!"


- Amy 
On my iTunes: Stacy Clark's "Touch and Go"

Check out the official music video for "Touch and Go" while you're at it.

Music, Art, Fashion, Lakers, and finding a cure for MS

[Stacy Clark who will be playing at the Yost tonight.]

[Beta Wolf. Photo by Jon]

MS Benefit Show @ The Yost Theatre: 
Get your foot tappin' and your body movin' for a noble cause. Local bands Stereofix, We Are The Pilots, Stacy Clark, Beta Wolf, The Relative Strangers, I Hate You Just Kidding and Brother Cecil will be joining forces to summon - no, not Captain Planet - but the gods of rock and roll to bless this show put on by Turkey & Friends in which all proceeds go to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Each ticket is as precious as a Wonka Golden Ticket, because each includes a raffle ticket making the holder eligible to win free swag from event sponsors Stussy, Carlton Hair, Hurley, Paul Frank, and Obey. Quite a line up of bands and quite a lineup of sponsors. Rest assured that this will be a night well worth your money! It's all going down at the Yost Theater. Show starts at 7pm.

[Lakers feeling defeated. Photo by Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images]

Lakers Game vs. Utah Jazz @ Staples Center:
Grab a bar stool at your favorite dive bar or pizza joint, or head north until about Figueroa St. and look for the nearest shady guy holding a cardboard sign that reads "I need tickets." If you choose the second option to watch the Lakers try and hold on to whatever dignity they have left after that horrendous roadtrip, just make sure Shady McTicket-Hocker doesn't dissappear into the night before you're sure the tix you bought off him are legit enough to get you through the golden gates of the Staples Center. Either way, get to a jumbotron or tv screen near you and cheer on our ailing boys in purple and gold. They need to know we're behind them all the way! (Hopefully that "all the way" is all the way to the Playoffs!) Tip Off at 7:30pm.

[Higharchy of Wants, by Ron Pete]

"Le Match" Opens @ Hibbleton Gallery:
Check out the latest exhibit at  Hibbleton (one of the greatest cutting edge galleries in OC), "Le Match," curated by Bekka Utermohlen. The exhibit features artwork by Glenn Arthur, Ron Pete, Linda Kim, Josh Hart, Janet Kim, Ashley Park, and AmericanBlackheart.

[The Beginning, by Josh Hart]

Here's what the guys at Hibbleton had to say about the event: 

Le Match means The Game in French. Inspired by the growth and changes an artist's work goes through over the years, the curator built a show around the idea of a matching game. Could the audience match the artist's old work to their new work? How much has the artist grown? Do they have the same voice in their old work as they do in their new work? While at most shows people go to observe the art, at Le Match the audience is a vital part of the show itself. A contest will be held opening night which enters oneself into a raffle for an original Glenn Arthur drawing. All one has to do to enter is to correctly match up as many of the artists to their old work as possible. With an array of artists from Los Angeles and Orange County there will be an excellent blend of styles and visual flavors to feast one’s eyes on.

Bekka Utermohlen has curated various shows around Orange County in the past year. She is currently interning with Thinkspace Gallery out in Los Angeles and runs art and music blog My Favorite MAOI.

Afterparty next door at Mulberry St. Ristorante, featuring the Hibbleton Sound Machine, with DJs Jesse Bobby, Lando Calrissian, and Nickie Fixx.

The exhibit opens tonight at 7pm and runs through May 2.

Atwater, Freestyle and LAdy Lux Fashion Show @ Chateaux Lounge in Irvine:

For all you fashionistas and fashionistos, Atwater, Freestyle watches and Lady Lux Swimwear will be hosting a fashion show at the Chateaux Lounge in Irvine tonight at 8pm. The OC fashion scene is growing faster than those pretty fuscia viney flowers that are taking over the San Clemente hillsides, so you won't want to miss this event with summers hottest trends.

[My Pet Saddle]

My Pet Saddle @ The Gypsy Lounge:

Grab a drink with great company at the Gypsy and enjoy the fine sounds of local band My Pet Saddle. MPS will be joined by Casey and The Tall Boys, Charles' Mansion, and Cosmodelion. The show starts at 9pm and cover charge is only $5. You can't even get a movie ticket for $5! It's a penny-pinchers delight! 21+

That oughta do ya'

Happy Trails

- Amy

On my iPod: Garth Brooks' The Ultimate Hits 3 Disc Collection - Ohhhh yeah.

Local Artist Spotlight: Stereofix

When I first put Stereofix on, my friend asked, “Is this U2?”  Yeah. That’s a pretty epic comparison to draw between one of the greatest rock bands in the world and an up and coming band from Fountain Valley, CA. But it’s not undeserved. Stereofix pumps out catchy vocals, effect-laden guitar lines and an all over tightly-polished sound reminiscent of 90’s radio rock. A musical cocktail of different sounds and musical eras, Stereofix is a mixture of The Killers, the whimsically grandiose instrumentation of Keane, and the polished arena rock of U2. Quite a cocktail isn’t it? That’s what happens when you mix four guys with their own impressive arsenal of music knowledge and experience.

[Photo by Sarah Buss]

All of the members of Stereofix have been playing music since they were teenagers, drawing on the greats like Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, The Stones and U2 for inspiration. “We have a pretty diverse age group of fans, from 14-year-olds to ages 40 and up,” says Stereofix lead guitarist Kamren Alexander. “Each generation kind of perceives us differently. They’ll be like, ‘That riff you were doing was so Jimmy Page’ or, ‘Your vocals remind me of Bryan Ferry.’ It’s random, and it’s all different from generation to generation.”

[Left: Ray Alexander (lead vocals), Right: Mark Allan (bass). Photo by Carlos Roberto Sanchez]

Stereofix is comprised of brothers Ray (lead vocals) and Kamren Alexander (lead guitar/vocals), Mark Allan (bass guitar) and Anthony Hainswoth (drums). Ray started out in a band called The Spun. Not soon after, Rays’ brother Kamren joined the ranks of the group on lead guitar and the duo began its ascent to success, playing shows all over LA and Orange County. Soon Mark Allan was added on bass and the newly formed trio were holding auditions for a drummer. After a colorful showing of interviewees, Anthony Hainswoth came in, their knight in shining armor, to complete the group.  A name change and a new drummer later, Stereofix was born.

[Left: Kamren Alexander (lead guitar/vocals), Right: Anthony Hainswoth (drums). Photo by Carlos Roberto Sanchez]

When people are comparing you to U2 and the Killers, you’re bound to go places. Stereofix is doing just that. With the help of producers/engineers Mark Needham (The Killers and My Chemical Romance) and Joe Zook (Modest Mouse and One Republic), Stereofix put out their latest EP, “The Warning Sign.” Their songs have been featured on The Hills, The City, Real World, and more. They have opened for such bands as Everclear, Three6Mafia, and Rehab. They won Best Alternative at the 2010 Orange County Music Awards. And this is just the beginning. With a rigorous daily practice routine and a steady tour schedule, these guys have the work ethic, talent and charisma to make big things happen.

You’ve got plenty of chances to check out these local boys in the upcoming months. Besides a residency at one of my favorite local venues The Gypsy Lounge in March, Stereofix will be playing shows in Long Beach, Santa Ana, Universal City and more. Check out their upcoming dates below. Don’t forget to say hi to the guys. Not only are they great musicians, they’re fine fellows.

- Amy

On my iTunes: Stereofix’s “A Day Without You”

STEREOFIX TOUR DATES

4/25/10 - The Galaxy Theater - (Santa Ana, CA)
4/17/10 - Dipiazza’s- (Long Beach, CA)
4/02/10 - The Yost Theatre Benefit Show for MS - (Santa Ana, CA)
3/27/10 - Universal City Walk - (Universal City, CA)
3/25/10 - The Gypsy Lounge - Residency Week 4 (Lake Forest, CA) 

Stereofix on myspace

Stereofix official website

Local Artist Spotlight: Jay Buchanan

[photo by: Libby Wendt]

There are so many great local bands and musicians here in Orange County. But one of my favorite, hands DOWN, is Jay Buchanan. Gypsy Lounge owner, the great and powerful Mike Concepcion, has been quoted as saying he is "gay for Jay." That's how good he is. Women love him, and men want to be him. He is an intoxicating musical cocktail of rock n' roll, soul, psychadelia, and pure, undefiled, raw emotion.

[Jay rockin the harmonica at a Rival Sons show at the Hard Rock in San Diego]

Jay has the kind of story just begging to be made into a VH1 Behind the Music featurette. Made straight F's in highschool but read Henry Miller novels and Dostoyevsky purely for pleasure. Like a page out of Into The Wild, Buchanan just up and left his Southern California home at 20 and hitch-hiked his way to Alaska, just a journal, harmonica and guitar to survive on. Living out the Bob Dylan lyrics "well, I got a harmonica job, begun to play, blowin' my lungs out for a dollar a day" Jay made his way as a troubador by playing for whoever would listen, carefully evading the authorities at every point. He's been courted by exec after record label exec, he's been oh-so-close to hitting it "big" oh-so-many times, and instead of coming out of this vicious cycle a weather-worn, bottle-hugging would-have-been, he's still making some of the best music of his life. All the heartaches and letdowns that afflict all musicians either to make or break them, have worked to mold Buchanan into a well seasoned musician with a good head on his shoulders and a clear perspective on what really matters in life.

[Photo by Becky Neiman]

I often describe Jay to friends as the love child of Robert Plant and Janis Joplin. His voice has that banshee-esque quality, reminiscent of that golden musical era of Zeppelin and Joplin and Van Morrison mixed with the soul and vocal flexibility of his musical inspirations Otis Redding and Nina Simone. Add to that the folk quality of one of his other inspirations, Bob Dylan, and you're close to describing the glory that is Jay Buchanan. He's raucous and sensitive all at the same time. It's glorious. And it's just one of those things that you have to experience live to fully understand. The albums don't do him justice; The live videos don't even do it. My attempts at explaining it are definitely not doing it. Just look up the next time Jay Buchanan will be in your town (his band the Rival Sons have a residency at Cinespace in Holllywood in January), and be there. You can thank me later.

[Jay (second to left) with the rest of The Rival Sons]

I sound like an addict, I know. But I'm not alone. There's a community of Jay Buchanan addicts out there. The OC Gazette design team makes up a small part of that community. OC Weekly's Rick Kane is another loyal addict, quoted as saying that Jay "is becoming like a bad, bad habit - hear them, and you'll want to feel that good for the rest of your life." "He'll break your heart," said long-time Jay supporter and addict Linda Jemison of the Doll Hut in Anaheim. This was posted by a fan on Jay's band's online forum: "Your music hauntingly soothes me … or does it soothingly haunt me?" Here is a link to Jay's solo myspace page (authors note: we listen to "Feel Better" on repeat during our last day of uploading the magazine to press. It's the only thing that keeps us from bursting into tears from exhaustion), here is a link to his old band Buchanan, and here is a link to Jay's band the Rival Sons myspace page. Get ready to reach nirvana.

- Amy

Listening to Jay Buchanan's "Feel Better"

Local Artist: The New Limb

The OC Music Awards are just around the corner! Showcases of the nominated artists will be taking place all over this great county of ours at The Gypsy Lounge, The Continental Room, The Gypsy Den, OC Tavern, Chain Reaction, District Tustin Legacy, and The Detroit Bar and here's the best part - they're all FREE! That's right, you can see some of the best musical talent Orange County has to offer for the grand sum of zero dollars.

One of the bands you'll want to look for this year is The New Limb (check them out here) from Costa Mesa. Last year they were nominated for Best Live Band and made it to the final round, so this could be their year! Their live show has been the object of praise of many a reviewer and writer. Check out these reviews:

"...When they unite, there are fireworks. If only you could have a band be president, then I would vote for The New Limb." - Ashley Eliot, Host/DJ of KUCI 88.9 FM's Press Pass Music

"No two New Limb shows are quite the same—as they illustrated with their five Detroit Bar-residency shows this past June. They bring this joie de vivre no matter the venue, whether they're busking for puzzled passersby at the OC Super Fair or at a packed House of Blues." - OC Weekly's Best of OC 2009 Issue

[A humorous poster for their recent December residency at The Gypsy Lounge]

The band lives together in a house in Costa Mesa which might explain how they blend perfectly together  in the way only the greatest of family bands like the Jackson 5, Kings of Leon, The Avett Brothers and Oasis do. The band includes Joey Chavez on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Adam Chavez on drums and vocals, Lauren Salamone on keys and vocals, and Dan Perez on lead guitar and vocals. The band is working on their first full-length album in said house as we speak [holds breath in anticipation] that is due out in March.

Needless to say, you won't want to miss their Tues Feb 16th showcase show at The Gypsy Lounge with fellow OC rockers Duress (HB), Dusty Rhodes and the River Band (Fullerton), Stereofix (CM) and The Color Turning (Santa Ana). The show starts at 7:30 and is 21+ (sorry kids).

This years OC Music Awards winners will be decided by a board of music journalists, radio djs, promoters, venue owners, booking agents, and industry pros involved in the local OC music scene. Nominated bands are judged according to musicianship (talent), originality, song composition, stage presence, crowd participation, and overall performance. The nominees for each award category will be announced on Feb 1st. The winners for the Best Live Acoustic and Best Live Band categories will be anounced at their finals on Feb 23rd and 27th while the rest of the category winners will be announced at the Awards night at The Grove on March 6th. To cast your vote for your favorite Orange County bands for the People's Choice Award, visit the OC Music Awards site here.  Best of luck to The New Limb!

- Amy
On my iPod right now: The New Limb's "Autumn Leaves"

Acoustic Christmas Benefit Concert

[Cory Joseph]

Today's blog may be a little shorter and less coherent than usual, but it's press week again over here at The OC Gazette HQ.  But there was an event I had to let you know about: Tonight at The Gypsy Lounge is the 4th Annual "Acoustic Christmas" Toy Drive! There are going to be a million different musicians including all of your favorite Gypsy Lounge usuals as well as some new guys. Sarah Nicole will start the show off at 8 pm and closing out the show will be Living Machine who will go on around 1:45 (which really probably means about 2:45). The lineup is below - get your scroller finger ready, because it's a doosey. Obviously as inferred by the name there will be a toy drive to benefit Hollywood Heart, a charity founded by David Gale, the Vice President of MTV New Media and Specialty Films Division. Check out some of their awesome programs by visiting their website.

[Rocco Deluca]

Also at the Gypsy for the rest of the month will be ROCCO DELUCA every Tuesday night. This upcoming Tuesday, Jack Bauer/Keiffer Sutherland's L.A. rockers (that's right - this band is so B.A. that they have Jack Bauer as a manager) will be supported by one of our favorite local acts, Janu and The Whalesharks (fronted by brother/sister duo Jake and Sarah Papas, who's voices meld together perfectly over drums, bass, guitar and a mean banjo). 

[Janu and The Whalesharks]

Also on the Dec 22nd lineup will be Gyspy staples, AJ Degrasse (kind of like a mixture of Mark Cohn, Joe Cocker, Bruce Hornsby) and Chris Karn from Deccatree (haven't heard him solo yet, but Deccatree puts out some awesome 90's-esque rock, so I have high expectations). 

So there are two shows coming up at one of our favorite local venues. Say hi to the owner Mike up in the soundbooth for us. 

- Amy

On my iTunes: Radiohead's "Nice Dream"

Acoustic Christmas Lineup:

8:00 - Sarah Nicole

8:15 - Mike Peralta

8:30 - Robin Orr

8:45 - Shaw

9:00 - Alice Wallace

9:15 - Paulie Pesh

9:30 - Brenna Whitaker

9:45 - James Below

10:00 - Cory Joseph (lead singer of Sleepless Me - reminds me of Jeff Buckley)

10:15 - Mike Vitale

10:30 - Fallborn

10:45 - Natalie Watts

11:00 - Julie Bell

11:15 - Josh Mohr

11:30 - Kurt Hunter

11:45 - Danny Maika 

12:00 - Gayle Skidmore

12:15 - AJ Degrasse

12:30 - Pawn Shop Kings 

12:45 - Chris Paul Overall 

1:00 Chris Karn from Deccatree

1:15 - Joe Denges from Hollowell

1:30 - Skee

1:45 - Living Machine

Free Show This Thursday!

The Union Line

This Thursday night, KROQ Locals Only presents four awesome local bands at the Gypsy Lounge for the low low cost of zero dollars. What a bargain. Especially for these four fine specimen. We can personally vouch for the quality of both Janu And The Walesharks and The Union Line. Our newest recruit, the lovely Blythe Hill (who is the one to credit for the beautiful photo above), is dating Jordan, one of the guitarists of The Union Line, and I used to take tennis class with John Wilson, the other guitarist, back in highschool at SCHS. But these affiliations don't cloud our vision when it comes to the talent of these boys. Good rock n' roll is just good rock n' roll. End of story. And the same goes for Janu and the Whalesharks. Although Jared Slaybaugh, bassist of Janu, is a friend of ours and a stand up citizen, you can't deny the good ole' folksy rock that Janu and the Whalesharks puts out. We can't wait to hear Yellow Red Sparks and Planes Over Bridges. It should be a fun night! We'll see you there.

The lineup is as follows:

Planes Over Bridges at 9:00

Yellow Red Sparks on at 9:45

The Union Line on at 10:30

Janu And The Whalesharks on at 11:15

At the Gypsy Lounge. 21+

- Amy

On my iPod right now: Rocky Votolato's The City Is Calling

Been a long time since I rock and rolled

As we told you guys on Friday, we headed down to the Gypsy Lounge in Lake Forest for some good company and great music. We are ashamed to admit to you that it's been a long time since we've gone to a show. Our entertainment columnists Jill and Gary would be appalled to know the last time we've been, seeing as they go to at least one show a week. So we went to the Gypsy Lounge on Friday night, searching to fill our aching hunger for rock. Little did we know we'd get a thanksgiving dinner. First up was Deccatree with their wonderful, wandering, catchy melodies reminiscent of the 90's [The guy on keys reminded us a little of Scott Weiland, by the way]. [Our favorite song: Tie between Tears and Belong]. Then came the reincarnation of Robert Plant and Led Zeppelin in the second band The Rival Sons. The guitar lines rivaled the beautiful almost growl of Jay Buchanan on lead vocals, while the bass and drums drove the set and energy on. [Our favorite song: Tell Me Something]. And to finish off the trifecta of rock perfection, on came Wonderlove, part of which was made up of the keyboardist and drummer of Deccatree, back from their hiatus and back in action with foot-stomping, danceable, rock that had the whole place moving. [Our favorite song: Beautiful]. After the show, the bands and fans stuck around out back for hotdogs [courtesy of master griller and John Bach], drinks, and good conversation. We left happy and full, in more ways than one.

On our iPod: Neko Case's The Next Time You Say Forever

This Friday Night At The Gypsy Lounge

One of the greatest venues in Orange County, in our humble opinions, is the Gypsy Lounge in Lake Forest. It's personal with a bohemial feel, and there is no shortage of great OC bands on the monthly bill. This Friday we're going to head out there to see Wonderlove, The Rival Sons (featuring Jay Buchanan), and Deccatree, three great Southern California bands from around L.A. and Long Beach. It should be a good ol' fashioned rock show. So if you 21 or over, head down to check out the show, and say hello if you see us there!

Admission: $6-$8
Location: 23600 Rockfield #3A
Lake Forest, CA 92630
949-206-9990
First band goes on at: 9:00

[the guys from The Rival Sons]
currently on our iPod: Donovan Frankenreiter's These Arms