Happy Daylight Savings,
Although I'll miss the late afternoon sunlight, I certainly seized the extra hour!
My internal clock has been awry since the 10 Day John Byrne Band - Irish Experience. As a 4-piece band (accompanied by 47 other guests) we toured the Ancient East as far north as The Giant's Causeway to as south as Waterford. By day we saw countless stone ruins dotted among the country; not to mention free range sheep. By night we performed in pubs, churches, and ever a few sessions. I made it a personal quest to find local music shoppes in every town we stopped in. Ireland is definitely worth a trip when you have the opportunity.
Back in the States, I've been preparing for a handful of large scale upcoming events:
Philly Loves Animals II: A Pink Floyd Tribute - Friday, November 16 @ 7:00 PM at World Cafe Live downstairs (3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA). Together with fellow Philadelphia musician and bandmate Katie Feeney (You Do You, Roberta Faceplant) we are bringing back last year's tribute to one of the most underrated, political, and proggiest Pink Floyd albums - Animals! Additionally, we'll also perform Wish You Were Here in its entirety. I'm fulfilling the role of Musical Director as well as performing on electric bass and synthesizer as part of a 12-piece ensemble. EVENT
York Street Hustle Holiday Spectacular! - Friday, December 7 @Union Transfer (1026 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA). York Street Hustle returns for our 2nd annual holiday show at Union Transfer. A yearly tradition that keeps growing, The York Street Hustle brings 60’s Motown and Soul to life with a 10-piece band, including many holiday Soul and Motown favorites. EVENT Can't wait until December? Join us at the Tree Lighting Celebration - Wednesday, Philadelphia Museum of Art (2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA). Make the Museum a part of your holiday tradition. We're ushering in this cheerful season with a Tree-Lighting Celebration. Join us for festive treats and music leading up to the 6:00 p.m. countdown.
The Cat's Pajamas Grand Finale - World Cafe Live downstairs (3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA). The Cat’s Pajamas is performing one final concert – and turning it into a movie. After 28 years, the Cat’s Pajamas is celebrating our retirement with a great big finale.We’ll be turning our favorite hometown venue into a huge New Orleans-style parade, complete with a horn section and a 9-piece band, and bursting with balloons, noisemakers, beads and parasols, as we film this farewell concert for one more live concert DVD. EVENT
Hot on the heals of The Nook, comes another new album: Season's Greetings, an instrumental chamber jazz interpretation of select Holiday songs. The album features hand selected Holiday favorites inspired by Frank Sinatra, Vince Guaraldi, and Al Green. I play trumpet, guitar, and percussion; joined by Ben Basile on upright bass. Season's Greetings is currently available for pre-order and will be released Tuesday, November 20, 2018. We have two album release shows in the Hudson Valley, New York, the weekend of Thanksgiving. Black Friday at The Backstage Cafe and Saturday at ARTBAR Gallery. Plus, Season's Greetings will be featured at Chris' Jazz Cafe in Philadelphia, PA.
VT