913 Ocean Avenue
Asbury Park, New Jersey, USA
Doors open at 8pm unless otherwise noted.
18 to Enter, 21 to Drink.
FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE
1. SOUND CHECK
2. LUCKY 13TH, BOBBY BANDIERA RETURNS FOR TWO FULL SETS
3. GRUNGE WITH A SOULFUL TWIST, MEET SEVER CELESTE
4. SPEND AN EVENING WITH THE ORIGINAL ACOUSTIC HOT TUNA
5. CALENDAR OF EVENTS
The music channel VH1 has become a part of popular culture over the past few years by producing a number of television series and specials highlighting the stories and pivotal figures in the history of rock. "Behind the Music", the "Legends" series and other productions have not only brought the rock & roll lifestyle into living rooms, but have made the stories of success and failure, struggle and excess, favorites among those that love to talk about music.
Fans of The Stone Pony that take the time to read the calendar of events, should notice that they have the opportunity to see some of these names and faces in person at Ocean Avenue's own slice of musical history. On Wednesday, July 18th, Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady, who defined the psychedelic sound with Jefferson Airplane in the 1960s and redefined themselves with Hot Tuna ever since, are performing. Looking further out, Sunday, August 19th brings Robbie Krieger, whose guitar work and writing helped refine the sound of The Doors with classics as "Light My Fire" and "Break On Through (To The Other Side)", to the stage. On Friday, September 21st, fans can welcome jazz and blues drummer Buddy Miles, whose incredible career includes playing two tracks on his friend Jimi Hendrix's Electric Ladyland (MCA) album, as well as being part of Hendrix's short-lived but vital successor to the Experience, Band of Gypsys. If that isn't enough, you can return the next evening, Saturday, September 22nd, and hear the majestic voice of Ronnie Spector. Spector's career began with The Ronettes, the classic 1960s girl group, and progresses to this day through a solo career that has allowed her to work with, and be praised by, the greatest names in popular music. Readers can learn more about Hot Tuna's performance later in this issue, and we will try to bring you more about these other artists in future issues of the newsletter.
These talented musicians have performed at some of most famous shows in history, appearing for huge screaming crowds. They have also been a part of many of the legendary stories that make the history of rock so riveting. The chance to experience these stars, and their musical talent, in the classic rock & roll atmosphere of The Stone Pony should not be missed.
The only problem with a Bobby Bandiera show is that you're sorry when it's over. When Bobby and his band take to the Pony's stage on Friday, July 13th, that problem will go away - at least for a little while - as they are going to be playing two full sets for the lucky fans in attendance. The extremely talented guitarist, singer and songwriter, called "the Jersey Shore's best-kept secret" by the Asbury Park Press, is one of the most highly-regarded musicians on the New Jersey scene, for his work ethic, personality and the ability to let loose a guitar solo that earned him complements from B.B. King and Eric Clapton. Bandiera is best-known for his work as lead guitarist with the Asbury Jukes, a gig he landed in 1985, and has had significant collaborations with other New Jersey musical icons, Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi and John Eddie. All of this hard work has enabled Bobby to master a wide-range of musical styles, which are all on display at his memorable live shows. If you're looking for the ultimate Stone Pony experience or just want to hear a wall of sound that'll push back the Atlantic Ocean, be sure to be in attendance this Friday! More information about Bobby and his touring schedule can be found at www.bobbandiera.com.
It's only been about a year since Sever Celeste started making music together. But this local four-piece rock band, guitarist/vocalist Jay Marshall, guitarist Jared Stolles, drummer Ralph Hanan and bassist Neb have been following a tried-and-true road towards music success. They've played as members of several local bands, gaining the experience they hope will make their latest endeavor a successful one. On Saturday, July 22nd, Sever Celeste has the opportunity to show fans what they've got, when they open for No Need and Naked Underneath. The Stone Pony Newsletter had the pleasure of getting a Q&A with the band's drummer for some insight on the local music scene, and the group's future.
The Stone Pony: You describe your music as "a resurrection of grunge with a soulful twist." Do you see a return of the punk or grunge sounds to the mainstream? Do you think that the music industry is getting ready to start promoting more meaningful music once again?
Ralph Hanan: Well, as a band, since
the beginning, we've found it pretty tough to label our music. There
really are a lot of elements and influences that go into the songs. While
we very much are a so-called "grunge", modern rock band - we
borrow a lot from jazz and funk as well - our influences are pretty eclectic
- from The Smashing Pumpkins to Miles Davis to the Red Hot Chili Peppers ...
truth is, I really do think that "meaningful" music is on
the rise. If you notice now, Mtv and vh1 are slowly easing rock music
back into their play lists. Popular music is cyclical - it's time for
it to come back, and it'll come back naturally. People are getting
sick of a lot of the crap that's out there (i.e. rap rock, boy bands ...).
The Stone Pony: Sever Celeste is preparing to release their second EP.
When it is scheduled for release, and how will fans be able to get their
hands on a copy?
RH: The second EP is finished. Basically, if you
want a cd, just come to a show! Everyone that comes to a show
gets a free cd!
The Stone Pony: How did the band come up with the name "Sever
Celeste"?
RH: Well, the name can mean a lot of things ... or it can mean nothing - we
usually like to let people come up with their own interpretations. Part
of it came from the Albert Camus novel, The Stranger, but ... the
name really works on a few different levels. "Celeste" is a
French name for heavenly - I'll give you that. I'm personally big into
learning about different philosophies, I just happened to be reading that
book at the time we were thinking of band names.
The Stone Pony: Where does Sever Celeste go from here? Where does
the band see itself in three years? Does the band feel that they will be signed to a major
label or release a full-length album in the near future?
RH: We are in the midst of looking for a deal at the moment. We have
some things
happening now. Some major, some indy. We have an attorney that's
shopping us around. We're just waiting for responses. So, I
think we should have something solid really soon.
The Stone Pony: What's your impression of the local Asbury / New Jersey
music scene? Do
you think there is potential for a national scene to develop, such as has
happened in the past in cities such as Seattle and London?
RH: I think the Asbury local scene has the potential to be huge! It's
been huge in the past - I'm sure it'll come around again. There are a
lot of great bands that are doing some really amazing things. People
should really support the scene. Go see some shows!! There's
nothing else to do around here!!
The Stone Pony: July 22nd will be a return appearance
to The Stone Pony for you. Any impressions or stories from your past
shows?
RH: Well, I played at the Pony a few times with my old band, before they
renovated it - I must say, they did a great job with that. It really
looks great.
Fans can get more information about Sever Celeste, as well as download samples of their music, at www.severceleste.com.
The Stone Pony Cafe: Good food and drink from 11:30 am daily!
Jefferson Airplane turned folk-rock fuzz and feedback into a sound that would come to represent the 1960s San Francisco music scene. But, guitarist Jorma Kaukonen and bassist Jack Casady were fans of the blues sound and developed a side project, Hot Tuna, which often worked shows supporting Jefferson Airplane. In 1970, the duo left Airplane to devote themselves to the blues. The release of their debut LP Hot Tuna (RCA) in 1970, launched a new career that has spanned 27 albums and gained a large and loyal fan base. While Hot Tuna has experimented with many sounds and styles during their career, they'll be showcasing their acoustic blues roots when they visit the Pony stage on Wednesday, July 18th. Fans looking for a sample of their best acoustic work should also try and track down their Classic Acoustic (Relix) CD, which was issued in 1996. More information about Hot Tuna, including tour dates, merchandise and notes from the band, can be found on their official web site at www.hottuna.com. Fans may also be interested in Jorma's Kaukonen's personal web site, www.jormakaukonen.com. Do not miss the opportunity to see and hear this popular duo perform in an intimate setting that'll allow you to check out Jorma's finger picking acoustic style up close and personal.
For news and information about Asbury Park, New Jersey, visit asburypark.net
Rent the Pony for your event! Call (732) 502-0600 and press option 9.
