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Local Groups Square Off in Stamford's Battle of the Bands
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STAMFORD -- The Woulda Coulda Shouldas, a Rowayton band, have spent the last several months packing ...STAMFORD -- The Woulda Coulda Shouldas, a Rowayton band, have spent the last several months packing New York City clubs, but as finalists in Stamford's Battle of the Bands, the trio could get the chance to rock out for thousands on the Alive @ Five stage this summer.
"Alive @ 5 is tops," said drummer Phillip Osgood, 23, about the annual Columbus Park concert series. "It's by far the most acclaimed local show. To come back and play for family and friends, it feels great."
The Woulda Coulda Shouldas count themselves among a half dozen local acts to emerge as first-round winners in Stamford's Battle of the Bands, with the ultimate prize being an opening spot for one of three Alive @ Five headliners: The Gin Blossoms/Soul Asylum, Seven Mary Three or Rusted Root.
Local bands are relishing the prospect of earning immediate and widespread exposure from the performance, an opportunity that most New York City clubs cannot afford.
"There's so many people that are going to be at Alive @ Five, and maybe there's one person who likes us and has a connection that can take us to the next level," said Gonzalo Magan, vocalist and bassist for the Stamford-based Latin rock group, PANA!
Last Friday, a dozen bands performed at clubs, pubs and restaurants across the city, with judges evaluating acts on six categories: musicianship, showmanship, originality or quality of covers, crowd pleasing, potential to entertain Alive @ Five crowd and overall quality. Judges spent about 30 minutes at each performance before regrouping and moving to the next venue.
"I wish this would happen more often in every city," said Mike Cusato, of Westport, a Battle of the Bands judge and a veteran of the Fairfield County music scene. "It one of the coolest things. It was like a pub crawl to see live music."
The six finalists will go on to square off in one of three outdoor shows at the Bedford Street Promenade, with match-ups including Cadillac 9 versus Ten Feet Deep on June 12; Superband versus PANA! on June 19; and Dexter Scott versus the Woulda Coulda Shouldas on June 26.
Unlike the previous round, groups will face the judgment of fans. Bedford Street will be closed to traffic and filled with magicians, caricature artists and other street performers for the concerts.
The Battle of the Bands, Bedford Street Promenade and Alive @ Five are organized by Stamford Downtown Special Services District.
Correspondent Scott Gargan can be reached at scott.gargan@scni.com or 203-964-2238.
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Battle of the Bands winner gets coveted Alive @ Five slot
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The members of Morning After Kill have been attending Alive @ Five since they were students at Westh...The members of Morning After Kill have been attending Alive @ Five since they were students at Westhill High School. Now they could find themselves on stage at the summer concert series opening for The Gin Blossoms, Seven Mary Three or Rusted Root.
"We've grown up going to Alive @ Five," said Scott Yager, vocalist for the Stamford-based, five-piece rock band. "It's the big, legit concert in the Stamford area."
Morning After Kill is one of 12 acts that will compete for a chance to perform at Alive @ Five as part of the Battle of the Bands, taking place Friday at pubs and clubs throughout downtown Stamford. Six finalists will go on to play one of three outdoor shows as part of the Bedford Street Promenade in June. Those six will then be whittled down to three.
Local bands are relishing the prospect of taking the Columbus Park stage and rocking out for the Alive @ Five crowd.
"It could get us closer to a record deal and make a statement that our band has arrived," said Yager, 24, of Stamford. Rack 'N' Roll will be the site for MAK's performance Friday.
PANA!, a Latin rock trio also based in Stamford, is hoping to gain exposure and promote its new album, "Tres Vivos."
"If the right person can see us and take our music to the next level, that would be amazing," said Gonzalo Magan, 23, bassist and vocalist. "Living off of music -- it would be our dream come true." PANA! will play at the Palms.
Dexter Scott, Psycho Magnet, The Woulda Shoulda Couldas, Ten Feet Deep, Superband, Cadillac 9, The Rhodes, Consonance and Tuna Fist round out the lineup. A 12th band has yet to be named.
Organizers see the Battle of the Bands as the perfect way to bolster local acts while hyping the city's new Bedford Street Promenade event.
"Everybody loves a battle of the bands, especially when the winner will ultimately lead off Alive @ Five," said Sandy Goldstein, executive director of the Stamford Downtown Special Services District. "There's more than just glory if you win."
That fact isn't lost on Joey Ramos, a member of the six-piece rock group, Superband.
"At the end of the tunnel, we want to make it where were living off this," said Ramos, who will perform with his band at Brick House Bar & Restaurant. "Playing Alive @ Five could help us get a little bit closer."
For the second round performances, Bedford Street will be closed to traffic and filled with magicians, caricature artists and other street performers.
Magan said it's a sign that Stamford, which is virtually dominated by cover bands, is beginning to take interest in original music.
"I love that the city is promoting all these bands," he said.
Yager views the Battle of the Bands and the potential Alive @ Five gig as a huge boost. It will even give a band like MAK the chance to show up the headliners.
Said Yager: "We're going to give it our best shot, give it our all and rock the house."
Visit www.stamford-downtown.com.
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Mi Comunidad Musical (My Musical Community)
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Me ha tomado un poco de tiempo en volver a escribir pero bueno aquí estoy otra vez con una excelente...Me ha tomado un poco de tiempo en volver a escribir pero bueno aquí estoy otra vez con una excelente invitacion, les cuento que nuestros amigos de PANA! A quienes presentamos en el episodio #39 de Orale! con Veronica estarán concursando en "The Battle at the Beach" un evento de Rock en Panama City, Florida durante la semana del Spring Break.
En este evento también participarán otras 20 bandas de Rock de otras ciudades de Estados Unidos. ¿Qué onda se animan a ir con PANA! para apoyarlos como barra, porra o fans? Se están poniendo de acuerdo para que los costos de viaje y estadía sean accesibles para todos los que quieran ir.
Hay dos opciones una en bus y otra un aventón empujón o ride en automóvil en compañía de los miembros de PANA!
-Transportación en autobus a y de Panama City, FL -5 díaz en Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort -Sean parte de la presentación de Pana en "Battle at the Beach"
Para más información comuníquense con Diego, Alejandro o Gonzalo en la siguiente dirección panamusik@hotmail.com o por teléfono al 203.667.0290
Fechas: Febrero 13th a 17th, 2010 y reservación hasta el 15 de enero, 2010.
Anímense no se pierdan esta gran oportunidad de diversión y al mismo tiempo apoyar a nuestro talento local, Suerte mi PANA!
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Latin Bands Battle it Out for Julieta Venegas
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PANA!, a Connecticut-based band, was born when Diego, Alejandro and Gonzalo where in high school. No...PANA!, a Connecticut-based band, was born when Diego, Alejandro and Gonzalo where in high school. Now, with their college years behind them, they?ve been performing in venues around the Northeast.
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Concluyó exitosa La Feria de La Familia 2009 en Hartford, CT
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Más de 12,000 personas celebraron La Feria de la Familia en Hartford, Connecticut este pasado doming...Más de 12,000 personas celebraron La Feria de la Familia en Hartford, Connecticut este pasado domingo 27 de septiembre en el CT Expo Center. Ya en su cuarto año, La Feria ha mostrado ser un gran servicio a la comunidad hispana de Nueva Inglaterra.
Septiembre 30, 2009, 02:35 PM
Más de 12,000 personas asistieron La Feria de la Familia en Hartford, Connecticut este pasado domingo 27 de septiembre en el CT Expo Center. Ya en su cuarto año, La Feria ha mostrado ser un gran servicio a la comunidad hispana de Nueva Inglaterra.
Con más de 65 auspiciadores, La Feria, como todos los años, ofreció una variedad de entretenimiento, recursos, información e actividades para toda la familia.
Este año el escenario de entretenimiento fue todo un espectáculo. El Connecticut Expo Center vibró de emoción al ver en vivo y en directo a sus estrellas de la cadena de Telemundo como el comediante y presentador del programa Levántate Raymond Arrieta y Penélope Menchaca de 12 Corazones.
Arrieta mantenía a todos riéndose, mientras Menchaca hizo su versión local de su programa popular 12 Corazones con participantes en la audiencia. Ambas celebridades firmaron autógrafos y se tomaron fotos con sus fanáticos.
Este año el maestro de ceremonias fue Omar Morales, ex presentador de Salud2 Nueva Inglaterra, y compartió el escenario con las estrellas de Telemundo, mientras que Yanira González, nuestra Telechica de La Telecam de Telemundo Nueva Inglaterra, reportó desde La Feria.
Algunos de los artistas musicales invitados fueron NG2 y Charlie Cruz quienes hicieron a todos bailar con su salsa explosiva. El Chi Chi de la Bachata y los roqueros PANA! también llevaron el ritmo a las audiencias. Veronica Robles entretenía a participantes con su sonido de mariachi mientras Oro Solido tenia al público bailando y cantando sus éxitos de merengue.
Otro entretenimiento en La Feria incluyó a Zumba, un tipo de salsa aeróbicos. Participantes esperaron desde temprano para probar este sistema de ejercicios. United Health también ofreció pruebas de colesterol, diabetes y de presión arterial completamente gratis.
Telemundo Hartford/Springfield y su página de web holaciudad! Presentaron a Mi Pronóstico Del Tiempo, donde los participantes se convirtieron en sus propios meteorológicos.
Auspiciadores principales este año incluyeron Goya, State Farm, Stop & Shop y United Health Care.
"Estamos muy emocionados por la gran participación que tuvimos este domingo pasado en nuestra Feria,” comentó Moraima Gutiérrez, gerente de Telemundo Hartford/Springfield. “Queremos dar las gracias a nuestra comunidad por apoyar a Telemundo".
La Feria de la Familia está diseñada para dar información y servicios en un ambiente festivo para toda la comunidad. En los años, La Feria de la Familia se ha establecido como un foro dinámico. La Feria es una exposición interactiva de una calidad excepcional, garantizada para informar y entretener.
© ZGS 2009
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Next Level 8 Competition
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On Wednesday, June 10th IARecords hosted its eighth Next Level Competition. The Next Level is a prod...On Wednesday, June 10th IARecords hosted its eighth Next Level Competition. The Next Level is a production held twice a year for current IAR students. Student-artists submit original music to IAR staff. The top submissions are chosen to then compete live on stage at Arlene’s Grocery, a club in the East Village. IAR student-artists had the opportunity to showcase their talent and diversity in front of an overflow crowd of students, faculty, staff, family and friends. The event has grown in popularity since it’s inception in 2005. Next Level 8 had 13 acts performing, more than ever before, and, for the first time, a headlining act, Hybrid, composed of students, alumni and faculty members, Steve Eigner and Jonathan Appel. The show was also recorded live and will be released as a live album in the coming weeks. The winner of the competition, decided by audience voting, was J. Vill, who received a $1,000 gift card to Guitar Center.
The Next Level performers were:
Chanese Elife, song ‘Your Peace’,
Freekstile, song ‘Flag Island’,
Ma-or featuring Trigga, song ‘No More Rain’,
PANA!, song ‘Hijos De La Calle’,
The Goodfellas, song ‘On My GF Bull S**t’,
J. Vill, song ‘Life I Live’,
Signif, song ‘Flaws’,
Once Off featuring Aziz, song ‘Comin’ Around’
J. Vic featuring Rhyse, song ‘Your Da 1’,
Flames-Flow featuring Princess Menen, song ‘2000 and Mine’,
The Crazy Rhythm Orchestra, song ‘Soles de Coral’,
Juanito Perez, song ‘Soft Porn’,
Infamus Da Emcee, song ‘Who’s Laughing Now?’,
Aziz featuring Patrick Lee, song ‘Pressure’
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Berkleemusic at CMJ
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Congratulations to guitarist Matthew Kliewer and his band, The Fast Romantics, on being selected to ...Congratulations to guitarist Matthew Kliewer and his band, The Fast Romantics, on being selected to play at Berklee College of Music's CMJ Showcase! The Calgary-based band was chosen to join a roster of Berklee and Heavy Rotation Records alumni and student artists at CMJ 2009.
Listen to The Fast Romantics, along with these other talented Berkleemusic artists, on Berkleemusic's CMJ Student Compilation 2009.
• doublethink
• Hyperstory
• SIRSY
• Stephanie White & the NJ Philth Harmonic
• Ledbetter Heights
• The Beach Project
• Nila Kay
• PANA!
• Emily Arin
• Tiz
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Stamford Music Production Entity Promotes Local Musicians
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PANA! Musik LLC is hosting the “Showcase Your Music” (SYM) Series every Thursday nights starting on ...PANA! Musik LLC is hosting the “Showcase Your Music” (SYM) Series every Thursday nights starting on September of 2009 at Madeira Bar and Lounge located on 27 Atlantic St. in Stamford, CT. The purpose of these showcases is to boost up the local original-music scene, which seems to have died down during the past few years in this area. Stamford does not have too much support for its own artists and other fellow musicians from around the Connecticut and New York areas, but now with the SYM Series, musicians of all genres have the opportunity to perform a full-hour set with nothing but original material.
Some performances will include Stamford based bands Trifasico, B+, Lima Charlie, Headgun, and In Tents, as well as The Way Up (Stratford, CT), Yaguarandi (Greenwich, CT), and Dosis (Long Island, NY) to name a few. Diego Rojas, one of the Co-Founders of PANA! Musik LLC, believes that it does not matter the genre of music played, but rather, the opportunity that is given to musicians to show their talent and let it be known to an audience ready to hear new music.
To learn more about the showcases contact Gonzalo Magan at panamusik@hotmail.com or visit our website at www.myspace.com/panamusik.
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PANA! Brings Latin Rock To Stamford
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Raised in Peru, Colombia and Venezuela, the members of Latin rock band PANA! are no strangers to pov...Raised in Peru, Colombia and Venezuela, the members of Latin rock band PANA! are no strangers to poverty.
"We're all from middle-class families, but it's something we've seen and something we like to make people aware of," said bassist-vocalist Gonzalo Magan, who emigrated to the United States from Peru 12 years ago.
It's a message that comes across loud and clear on the band's debut record, "Tres Vivos." And much like Bob Marley, one of the band's inspirations, PANA! has a knack for fusing socially-conscious themes with upbeat, party-friendly tunes.
That's exactly what the Stamford trio will deliver when it plays an album release party on Friday, Dec. 17, at Rack 'N' Roll Cafe in Stamford. The show, which kicks off at 10 p.m., will feature an open bar and sale of "Tres Vivos" shirts and CDs.
Recorded at EXD Studios in Stamford and the Institute of Audio Research in New York City, the 10-track album spans Latin and progressive rock, salsa and reggae and channels the spirits of Carlos Santana, Steve Vai and, of course, Marley.
"It's a broad album as far as genres are concerned, but that way, we can draw a lot of people to our sound," said Magan, 24. "This album is for us to show our potential."
Moved by conditions in their native countries, the members of PANA! crafted their first single, "Hijos de la Calle" ("Children of the Street") as a populist ode to the homeless youth of Lima, Bogotá, Caracas and other South American cities.
"Somos el despojo de la sociedad" ("We are the garbage of society"), Magan sings, speaking on behalf of thousands of street children.
PANA! is rounded out by drummer Alejandro Fernandez Rancel and guitarist Diego Rojas-Alba, who met as students at Westhill High School in Stamford. Magan, a graduate of Trinity Catholic High School in Stamford, met the pair through mutual friends before heading off to college at the University of Connecticut in Storrs.
The trio continued the relationship through college, sending music and lyrics back and forth from UConn Storrs to UConn Stamford, where Fernandez Rancel and Rojas-Alba studied.
Throughout the band's eight-year history, Magan, Fernandez Rancel and Rojas-Alba have been the only permanent members.
"That's where the title of the album comes from," Magan said. "We're the only three survivors."
The band's first gig was a set at Stamford's La Hacienda (now the location of Buffalo Wild Wings), a performance that "solidified our decision to stay together," Magan said. Promoters came calling shortly after, and shows followed at Rack 'N' Roll and Madeira Bar and Lounge in Stamford, as well as the Human Rights Awareness Festival at UConn Storrs and Telemundo's Feria de La Familia at the XL Center in Hartford.
Recently, the group set its sights on New York City, taking the stage at the Ace of Clubs and Arlene's Grocery in Manhattan and D-antigua Lounge in Queens.
On Jan. 28, the group will compete in the Bob Quarterly: A Celebration of NY Music at the Gramercy Theatre.
Despite limited resources, PANA! has succeeded at making connections, while hard work has paid off in the form of performance opportunities and free recording time.
It is a testament to the band's versatility, a quality they share with the children of "Hijos de la Calle."
"We've become brothers," Magan said. "And after all these years, we know we're heading in the right direction."
The Rack `N' Roll Cafe is at 268 Atlantic St., Stamford. Friday 10 p.m.; open bar 10-11 p.m.; $5 entry, album. 203-327-9911, www.rack-n-roll.com.
