Beat Radio Was Great
Beat Radio put on such a great show Saturday night. I couldn't believe the energy and vibrancy of their performance. It really surprised me. They were amped up and on fire. If you like their music on the album, you will be blown away by it live. I love it when a band exceeds expectations, don't you?
The bar they played had a pretty small performance space, so it made for a very intimate show. We almost felt like it was just for us, which made it very special.
And what a nice bunch of guys they are. Brian Sendrowitz (the band's lead singer/songwriter) and I have corresponded some ever since I first posted about the band last year, so as soon as we walked into the bar I recognized him and introduced myself. He was extremely gracious and friendly and spent time talking with us before the show.
We met the rest of the band too, drummer Brian Ver Straten, bassist Paul Rovira, and lead guitarist/keyboardist Phil Jimenez, who also produced their album The Great Big Sea. Then we got to meet Vanessa Jimenez, Phil's wife, who together with Phil are in a band called Easy Anthems (I'll have more on them later in the week). It was a lot of fun. To top it all off, they dedicated a song to me and one to me and my husband, plus gave me a Beat Radio t-shirt. What a great night.
Beat Radio--"What I Love the Most" mp3 off The Great Big Sea + Miracle Flag EP (buy)
So just before Beat Radio went on, we saw Philly local band Your Midway Host. Now, I'm not very good with labels when it comes to describing people's musical styles, but I think I'd be safe saying it was definitely Americana and ranged from fairly rocking to haunting. I was totally unfamiliar with YMH (aka Nich Bazik) before Saturday, but I look forward to hearing a lot more from him. He's just finished his first full-length album, Our Cities Could Grow, which will be released early next year. (You can read a review of it over at herohill.) His myspace lists upcoming tour dates, and if I were you, I'd try to catch him now so you can say, I saw him back when he only played clubs and such, coz I predict he's going to go places.
Your Midway Host--"John's Song" mp3 off Our Cities Could Grow (buy--I'll let you know when it comes out)
Your Midway Host--"Oak Tree" mp3 off Our Cities Could Grow
Fun facts: Phil Jimenez and Brian Ver Straten also played with Your Midway Host, and YMH recorded his album at Phil's studio on Long Island, plus that's Vanessa Jimenez singing harmony on "Oak Tree," which makes at least three more reasons to check him out. Both YMH and Beat Radio are playing a benefit show for Aids Awareness Week at Milkboy Coffee in Ardmore, PA on Friday night. Get your tickets here.
photo of your midway host by john bernardo
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