By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
almost monday
When the Beach Boys released their debut album, “Surfin’ Safari,” in 1962, it was the beginning of the California sound in rock music.
The band’s music made listeners think of Southern California, days at the beach, riding in convertible, surfing and summer love.
Now, more than 60 years later there is another band from Southern California that captures the same kind of vibe – beautiful young people on lovely beaches, surfers and skateboarders, and
Jeeps replacing woodies.
That band is almost monday, a trio from the San Diego’s North County that released its debut EP, “don’t say you’re ordinary,” in October 2020.
The trio features Dawson Daugherty [vocals], Luke Fabry [bass], and Cole Clisby [guitar].
On July 25, almost Monday returns to Philadelphia to perform at the Wells Fargo Center (3601 South Broad St, Philadelphia, www.livenation.com) as the opening act on AJR’s national tour in support of their 2023 album, “The Maybe Man.”
“We’ve been on tour since the end of June,” said Clisby, during a phone interview Wednesday evening from his Philadelphia hotel room.
“We have another one-and-one-half weeks left on the tour. It’s been going really well. We’ve gotten good reception from AJR’s fans.”
After countless garage jams, D.I.Y. gigs in the back of a surf shop, and innumerable hours writing together, the San Diego trio bottles California sunshine in its funky basslines, ecstatic choruses, and danceable grooves.
Their initial EP, “don’t say you’re ordinary,” produced with Mark Needham (The Killers, Fleetwood Mac) and Simon Oscroft (The Naked and Famous, DREAMERS), quickly gained traction with hits like “parking lot view” and “come on come on.” Their infectious energy and empowering anthems, notably “broken people,” garnered attention.
In 2021, almost monday continued to shine with their second EP, “til the end of time,” and singles like “live forever” and “cool enough,” earning acclaim from Alternative Press, Forbes, People, GQ Australia, Earmilk, Flaunt, Ones To Watch and more.
“We’re putting out our debut album this fall,” said Clisby. “It’s done. We’ve been releasing singles from it. We’ve put three singles out so far this year and will have at least one more from the album.
“We’ve been doing singles for a couple years now, so it just felt right to make an album. Our first single was ‘broken people’ in 2020.
“We’ve recorded 14-16 singles and there are very few that we haven’t done videos for – or at least visualizers.”
The single “broken people” crystallized their sun-kissed signature style with a bold bass bounce and empowering refrain as it’s generated nearly 32 million combined audio and video streams so far and cracked the Top 20 at Alternative Radio.
The Southern California vibe is evident in the titles of the singles — “sunburn,” “parking lot view,” “come on come on,” “live forever,” “cool enough,” “sun keeps on shining,” “only wanna dance,” “coast to coast, “life goes by,” and “sweet feelings.”
“It is about California, “said Clisby. “We’re all from North County and we all surf.
“There hasn’t been one definite breakthrough for us. It’s been a pretty slow burn from touring as lot.”
Fabry and Daugherty were longtime friends, and Daugherty met Clisby later through surfing. Daughtery and Fabry attended Point Loma Nazarene University, and Clisby went to the University of California, San Diego.
“Me and Dawson grew up together,” said Fabry. “Dawson met Cole and we decided to start a band. We started doing shows at a surf shop in San Diego.”
Now, the trio is an accomplished band ready to unleash its first full-length.
“We started recording the album last fall,” said Clisby. “All of us went into the studio together. We did a span of sessions – three or four days at a time.
“We recorded it in L.A. with producer Simon Oscroft at his studio in Silver Lake – Baxter Movie Music. We met him five years ago and we’ve worked together a lot since then.
“When this tour finishes, we’re going back home to finish rolling out the album. After that, we’re heading to Europe for a big tour.”
almost monday isn’t a major act yet – but it’s “almost there.”
Video link for almost monday – https://youtu.be/1a4cwdmivbg.
The show at Wells Fargo Center on July 25, which has AJR as the headliner and mxmtoon as the other opener, will start at 7 p.m.
Ticket prices start at $49.
Screamin’ Jay Hawkins
Screamin’ Jay Hawkins was a unique artist – a flamboyant rock singer who was the forefather of “shock rock.”
He was the precursor of acts such as The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, Alice Cooper and Marily Manson.
Hawkins, who passed away in 2000, released a slew of singles and more than 20 albums from 1958-1999 but the one that set him apart was the classic 1956 hit, “I Put a Spell on You.”
On July 27, Jamey’s House of Music (32 South Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne, 215-477-9985,www.jameyshouseofmusic.com) will host a show devoted to the American singer-songwriter, musician, actor, film producer, and boxer.
Hawkins’ music has been brought back to life with Resurrection of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, an act that takes audiences back in time to the days when Hawkins’ music screamed from the stage.
This project is comprised of extremely talented and seasoned musicians. Mike Armando was the original guitarist for Screamin’ Jay Hawkins back in the 1970’s.
The band is not just performing the music of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins but creating a time machine of one of rock’s true wild men.
Armando has been playing music since he was a young child. Ironically, he began on an instrument that was never associated with Hawkins’ music.
“I started off with accordion in the early 60s,” said Armando, during a phone interview Wednesday afternoon from his home in Long Island, New York.
“My mother loved music. She always wanted me to play music, so she got me an accordion. Then, I began listening to music and started playing guitar.
“I got into blues artists like Paul Butterfield, John Lee Hooker, Albert King and B.B. King. Then, I joined a blues band in the late ’60’s. and later spent several years in Hawkins’ band.”
Hawkins had his own “shtick” — vocal dementia, a warped sense of humor, voodoo imagery and a stage show that went beyond the limits of rock theatricality.
One of Hawkins’ trademark acts was entering the stage in a flaming coffin, wearing a black satin cape and a bone in his nose.
At the same time, he would be holding a cane topped by the head of Henry, a flaming, cigarette-smoking skull. His act also featured a crawling hand, tarantulas, a shrunken head and snakes.
His was a show that Alice Cooper and Marilyn Manson could only dream of creating.
However, Hawkins’ stage show didn’t always go as planned.
Armando was the guitarist for Screamin’ Jay Hawkins during the 1970’s. In 1976, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins suffered facial injuries when he was burned by one of his flaming props while performing with Mike at the Virginia Theater in Alexandria, Virginia.
“We were doing a show in Virginia and Screamin’ Jay Hawkins blew himself up with a prop while playing ‘Alligator Wine,’” said Armando.
“He had a prop that would blow up when he stepped on it. It didn’t work so he punched it, and it blew up in his face.
“When they carried him off the stage, he yelled to me — ‘keep on playing.’ So, I played 20 more minutes of ‘Alligator Wine’ and then he came back.”
In 1956, Hawkins, whose birth name was Jalacy J. Hawkins, recorded the ballad, “I Put a Spell on You,” during a drunken night in the recording studio. The wild results of the session produced a major hit – even though it was banned by many radio stations for its moans and grunts.
Over the past 60-plus years, “I Put a Spell on You” was recorded by a wide array of performers including Nina Simone (No. 23 on the U.S. Billboard R&B chart in 1965), Diamanda Galas, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Bryan Ferry (No. 18 in 1993), Annie Lennox, Sonique (No. 8 in 2000), The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, Alan Price, Marilyn Manson and Bonnie Tyler
Jeff Beck, with vocals by Joss Stone, covered the song on the album, “Emotion & Commotion,” in 2010. It was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal at the 53rd Grammy Awards.
Over the years, Hawkins toured regularly in the United States and Europe and opened for the Rolling Stones at Madison Square Garden in 1980 and inspired Keith Richards to produce a remake of “I Put a Spell on You.”
Hawkins was also known for his movie appearances including “American Hot Wax’” in 1978, “Mystery Train” in 1989 and “A Rage in Harlem” in 1991. In 1998, the versatile entertainer received the Pioneer Award from the Rhythm-and-Blues Foundation.
Armando shared his Screamin’ Jay Hawkins touring experiences in the book, “I Put A Spell On You: The Bizarre Life of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins,” written by author Steve Bergsman and published by Feral House.
“After the book came out, people started thinking about how crazy he was,” said Armando.
“A few years ago, I formed Resurrection of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins.”
A longtime veteran of the New York music scene, Armando has also engaged in many other projects.
He has produced 15 albums on the mja Record label with such artists as Grammy award winner Fred Lipsius (from Blood Sweat and Tears), Nancy Monroe, David Allan Gross, Chris Clark, Pat Morrissey, Artt Frank, Eddie Gomez, Marcus McLaurine, Michael Cochrane, Mike Stern, and David Allan Gross.
The line-up of Resurrection of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins includes Shakar “TheRealShakar” Brumfield on vocals, Arno Hecht on saxophone, Andrew Golba on bass, Michael Fox on drums, and Armando on guitar.
Video link for Resurrection of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins — https://youtu.be/gzdhVzJkb5Q.
Video link for “I put a Spell on You” by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins — https://youtu.be/3S7a4Uj2yME.
The show at Jamey’s on July 27 will start at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Livestream tickets are $15.
The show on July 26 at Jamey’s will feature Dustin Douglas and the Electric Gentlemen.
On the band’s new 10-song “Black Leather Blues,” Pennsylvania’s Dustin Douglas and The Electric Gentlemen put the pedal to the floor, asking for no mercy with heavy riffs, huge hooks and memorable, blues-inspired rock n’ roll rhythms that takes listeners on a familiar yet fresh musical journey.
The show at Jamey’s on July 26 will start at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Livestream tickets are $15.
Jamey’s features either “Thursday Jams at Jamey’s” or “Open Mic” on Thursdays featuring the Dave Reiter Trio and occasional guest musicians.
“Jazz at Jamey’s” will be presented every second and fourth Thursday, and “Open Mic” every first, third and fifth Thursday.
Every Sunday, Jamey’s presents “SUNDAY BLUES BRUNCH & JAM” featuring the Philly Blues Kings. On the second Sunday of each month, the featured act is the Girke-Davis Project which features club owner Jamey Reilly, Roger Girke, Glenn Bickel, Fred Berman and Colgan-Davis.
Ensemble Arts Philly – the new presenting brand of the Kimmel Cultural Campus and The Philadelphia Orchestra – is presenting “Funny Girl” now through July 28 at the Academy of Music (Broad and Locust streets, Philadelphia, www.ensembleartsphilly.org).
“Funny Girl” is an iconic show. Actually, it’s a show about an iconic character – Fanny Brice – and a show that featured an iconic performer – Barbra Streisand.
Featuring one of the most iconic scores of all time by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill, an updated book from Harvey Fierstein based on the original classic by Isobel Lennart, tap choreography by Ayodele Casel, choreography by Ellenore Scott, and direction from Michael Mayer, this love letter to the theater is the real deal.
After debuting on Broadway in 1964, “Funny Girl” made its way to the big screen in 1968, with Barbra Streisand in the titular role, and became the highest grossing film in the U.S. that year.
The national tour of the musical features Grammy® Award-winner Melissa Manchester (Mrs. Brice) and introducing rising star Katerina McCrimmon (Fanny Brice).
McCrimmon is the hot new artist and Manchester is the accomplished veteran.
Manchester has been making widely acclaimed music for more than a half-century.
The “Midnight Blue” singer received her first Grammy nomination for Best Pop Female Vocal Performance in 1979 for the Peter Allen/Carole Bayer Sager-penned “Don’t Cry Out Loud,” winning the Grammy in that category four years later for “You Should Hear How She Talks About You.”
“Funny Girl” is a musical with score by Jule Styne, lyrics by Bob Merrill, and book by Isobel Lennart, that first opened on Broadway in 1964. The semi-biographical plot is based on the life and career of comedian and Broadway star Fanny Brice, featuring her stormy relationship with entrepreneur and gambler Nicky Arnstein.
Barbra Streisand starred in the original Broadway musical, produced by Brice’s son-in-law Ray Stark. The production received eight nominations at the 18th Tony Awards. The original cast recording of “Funny Girl” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2004.
The sensational Broadway revival dazzles with one of the most celebrated musical scores of all time, including classic songs “Don’t Rain on my Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People.”
“Funny Girl” is directed by Tony® Award winner Michael Mayer (Thoroughly Modern Millie) and features the classic score by Tony®, Grammy®, and Academy® Award winner Jule Styne and lyrics by Tony® Award nominee and Grammy® Award winner Bob Merrill, with additional songs from Styne & Merrill. The original book by Isobel Lennart, from an original story by Miss Lennart, is revised by Tony® Award winner Harvey Fierstein (Kinky Boots, Newsies).
Video link for “Funny Girl” – https://youtu.be/iktB8tNtXnM.
“Funny Girl” is running now through July 28 at the Academy of Music. Ticket prices start at $49.
The Candlelight Theatre (2208 Millers Road, Arden, Delaware, 302- 475-2313, www.candlelighttheatredelaware.org) will started its run of the hit musical “The Fantasticks” on July 13. The show will close on August 24.
“The Fantasticks” is a magical journey, part fairy tale, part fable and entirely enchanting. With book and lyrics by Tom Jones and music by Harvey Schmidt, it features such memorable songs as “Try to Remember” and “Soon It’s Gonna Rain” and has the distinction of being the longest-running musical in the history of theater.
“The Fantasticks” is a 1960 musical with music by Harvey Schmidt and book and lyrics by Tom Jones. It tells an allegorical story, loosely based on the 1894 play “The Romancers” (“Les Romanesques”) by Edmond Rostand, concerning two neighboring fathers who trick their children, Luisa and Matt, into falling in love by pretending to feud.
The show’s original off-Broadway production ran a total of 42 years (until 2002) and 17,162 performances, making it the world’s longest-running musical. The musical was produced by Lore Noto. It was awarded Tony Honors for Excellence in Theatre in 1991.
The poetic book and breezy, inventive score, including such memorable songs as “Try to Remember,” helped make the show durable. Many productions followed, as well as television and film versions.
“The Fantasticks” was revived Off-Broadway from 2006-2017. The musical has played in all 50 U.S. states and in at least 67 foreign countries.
The main characters in the Candlelight productions are Shawn Weaver as The Mute, Isabell Hartzell as Luisa, Nigel Grant as Matt and James Ofalt as El Gallo.
Weaver, an Upper Darby High alumnus, spent his college years in Chester County and graduated from Lincoln University in 2020 as a vocal performance major. He is an active actor, voice coach and director.
“The Fantasticks” is running now through August 24 at the Candlelight Theatre with shows on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday matinees.
Tickets, which include a buffet meal, beverages, dessert, and free parking, are $70.50 for adults and $35 for children.
“Somewhere Over the Border” is running now through August 11 at People’s Light (39 Conestoga Road, Malvern, www.peopleslight.org).
The musical by Brian Quijada is directed by Laura Alcalá Baker with Music Direction by Michael Meketa Sanchez.
The musical is billed as “A musical odyssey by rising star Brian Quijada.”
As the allure of the American Dream beckons, Reina Quijada travels along a very different yellow brick road from El Salvador to the United States.
Along the way, she makes friends, dodges imminent danger, and searches for the almighty “wizard” in this nod to Oz.
With onstage musicians weaving together cumbia, Mexican mariachi, boleros, American rock, and hip hop, up-and-coming writer and composer Brian Quijada honors his mother in a fantastically true tale of determination, family, and friendship.
This co-production takes to the People’s Light stage following a critically acclaimed run at Pittsburgh’s City Theatre.
Video link for “Somewhere Over the Border” — https://youtu.be/D6Wepwgjs5U.
“Somewhere Over the Border” will run now through August 11 at the theater in Malvern. Ticket prices start at $47.
Shows this month at the Sellersville Theater (24 West Temple Avenue, Sellersville, 215-257-5808, www.st94.com) are King’s X on July 25 and 26, Cimarron 615 on July 27, Rhett Miller on July 28, Sugarray Rayford on July 30 and Ladysmith Black Mambazo on July 31.
Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center (226 North High Street, West Chester, www.uptownwestchester.org) will present Frontiers Journey (Journey) on July 26, Nimrod (Green Day) on July 27, and Kanin Wren’s Taylor Swift Experience on July 28.
Kennett Flash (102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square, http://www.kennettflash.org) is hosting Clapton America on July 27.
The American Music Theatre (2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, www.AMTshows.com) is presenting NEEDTOBREATHE on July 25.
Phantom Power (121 West Frederick Street, Millersville, www.phantompower.net) will stage its Fourth Annual Phantom Deadfest on July 27.
