Happy Summer!
Wow, has it really been that long? And it seems like yesterday I emailed everyone with Holiday Wishes!
I hope all is well in all of your worlds. Summer is upon us, my favorite time of year, maybe because it's the time I was born and seems to always perk me up.
I've not really reported to all of you for quite some time for many reasons. Most importantly, plans keep changing. I've gotten interest from as many companies over the last 5 years regarding me doing a new record but unfortunately, not much has materialized. However, deep down, I am the eternal optimist! Good news, even in these trying times. I recently wrote several new songs, inspired by the possibility of yet another dangling carrot; but this carrot is getting nice and juicy at the moment and about ready to be plucked! I am working on some demos for all the new songs which I just must hear with a band behind them and that is exactly what I'm working on. You can hear a little snippet of one of the songs at the end of a video I am about to send you a link for. This video was created (by my husband, Lance Aston of Media Jag), primarily for media/industry people but I thought you'd all like to view it as well. It's on current tv.com which is website created with viewer content. Al Gore, yes, THE Al Gore, created current tv. I don't know how this happened, but it appears my little video which is all about my wonderful life in the world of music (encapsulated in 10 minutes), is now number 16 in the current tv music section! Go figure! So, please feel free to have a little view of it. When you get there and after you've watched my video, feel free to click on "music" up at the top on the left and you'll see me in the charts there. If you're feeling adventurous, go ahead and click on the icon to "vote me up", you know you want to! Who knows, maybe I'll top the charts, or at least give them all a little run for their money! Here's the link:
Marcella at Current TV
You can also view it on youtube on:
Marcella at Youtube
and is the first video that comes up, called "POD".
But for chart topping purposes, by all means, please check it out on current tv first.
Let's see, what else? Well as of January, I started working on some songs with the very talented German artist Joana Zimmer. Joana put some vocals on some of my already existing songs and we wrote a song or two together for her upcoming release. There's talk of me coming to Germany this summer? We'll see, I'll keep you posted.
In March I did some writing with the delectable Rosie of Rosie and the Gold Bug. Rosie and Band are about to be signed to a very respectable US based label. We'll be doing some more writing at the beginning of July. Of course I'll keep everyone posted about releases with Joana and Rosie.
I have written a song for a Turkish documentary which takes a look at the oppression of women in Turkish society. Once I have the release info I will pass it on.
If anyone is in the LA area, run, do not walk, to a club called, "Cozy's" every Wednesday night in June, to go see the incredibly talented Jimmy Vivino, guitarist and bandleader on the Conan O'Brien tonight show. I went down last week and sang a few songs with them. The first one was a tribute to the legendary blues chanteuse, Koko Taylor who made the classic blues song, "Wang Dang Doodle" famous. The next song was written by Barry Goldberg and Jerry Goffin which was made famous by Gladys Knight and the Pips, "Use my Imagination", a great song that I've had the pleasure of singing many times. Barry was there and is in Jimmy's band on these night's at Cozy's. The third song, Jimmy said, "now, we're going to do a song YOU wrote!", and immediately started playing "Lay Down Sally". How could I refuse?? I'll be going down again, not this week, but next week for some more fun as Jimmy said, "we're going to learn E.C's, 'The Core' for the next time you come down. That should be great fun!
Well, I've got to get back to the studio. Got some mixes to do, some songs to write, some ideas on how to save the world, save my relationships, and spread the love, yeah! Expect an update rather soon. In other words, it won't be another 6 months!
Lots of love, always;
Marcy xo
Hello All and HAPPY HOLLYDAZE TO YOU!
I know times are tough out there and I certainly wish everyone all the best for the Holiday Season and beyond. Just a few tidbits of info for you. I'm doing some gigs here in California next week and the week after. The first two: I'm appearing with Chicago Blues Reunion, the band I work with occasionally which includes a stellar lineup of musicians and artists.
Keyboards - Barry Goldberg: Barry has worked with many of the greats in musical history including Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix and produced a classic album for Tracy Nelson back in the day which includes one of her best recordings of her entire career in my humble opinion: "down so low". He also produced a grammy nominated album for Percy Sledge, (of "when a man loves a woman" fame) and most importantly, (to me, anyway!) wrote the classic song, "Use My Imagination" which was recorded by Gladys Knight and the Pips and was met with great success.
Vocals and guitar - Nick Gravenites: Singer of Electric Flag, wrote the classic, "Born in Chicago" ??!! yes, and also wrote for and worked with the legendary Janis Joplin just before she met her maker.
Guitar - Harvey Mandel: San Francisco based guitarist extraordinaire who has worked with loads of fantastic artists including the Rolling Stones.
Bass - Rick Reed who's played with a list of who's who in the blues world including Kim Wilson of the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Roy Gaines, etc.
Drums - Gary Mallaber, who's worked with a long list of legendary artists, recording and touring, such as Van Morrison, Steve Miller, Bruce Springsteen!
Dates and Venues:
December 6th, 2008 at Slim's
in the San Francisco Area. There will be two sets...
Event Website: www.slimstickets.com
For information, call Slim's: (415) 255-0333
December 9th, 2008 at House of Blues
on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles on Sunset Blvd. One long set.
For details call: (323) 848-5100
I'd include the link but a warning has been posted saying "using this site could damage your computer!" I'd call the above number for tickets or simply go to www.ticketmaster.com.
After these CBR shows, I was supposed to be doing a Christmas show at Froggy's in Topanga, my usual 2nd Friday of the month residency. Please note, the December 12th gig at Froggy's has been cancelled!! I've decided to cancel my residency there as well as the new year will have me being extremely busy recording and preparing new songs for some projects that I'm working on.
Next:
A dear friend of mine, a very talented artist, songwriter, sound designer and singer, Brent Daniels aka "Free" is about to finish touring the states and is getting back into his artistry again. (He actually created my website that was launched in 2001, very matrix-y and cool). He's got a new website and it's my pleasure to present you with a little note from him right now: "I'm pleased to announce the release of my new single, "A Lonely Place For Dying," the theme song for a film of the same name that I'm scoring in December, featuring Academy Award Nominee James Cromwell (W, L.A. Confidential) and Michael Wincott (What Just Happened?, The Crow), along with 3 remixes by myself, Daniel Lenz (Psykosonik, Hednoize) and Bern Locker (Urban Voodoo, Godhead). For DRM-free digital downloads and CDs as well as pictures and videos from the forthcoming music video, visit my website at:
www.brentdanielsmusic.com
"Feel free to subscribe to my RSS feeds from my website, and friend me up on myspace via the links on my site. I'm recording and releasing a lot of new music in the next year as a solo artist, as well as with Daniel Lenz as Hednoize, and with other friends like my beloved friend Marcella Detroit that I can't wait to share with you so keep in touch..."
Peace
Brent Daniels (aka Free)
Another dear friend of mine has created some very cool soft magnets that you can put on your car, fridge, whatever you like. They have great environmentally cool messages. Please feel free to have a look at:
www.gratefulgraffiti.com
Still working on getting new music out to you. Good things come to those who wait! I'm working on it!
I've now officially got Holiday songs up on myspace on all three pages:
www.myspace.com/marcylevyband
www.myspace.com/marcelladetroitofficial
www.myspace.com/marcelladetroit
The song I did this year is a rendition of "White Christmas". I've made 3 of them available for you to add to your profiles for the first time. I hope you enjoy them all and I wish you all peace, love, joy, health , happiness and prosperity for the Hollydaze and the coming year!
Lots of love;
Marcy xo
Hello again!
Just when you thought it was safe and you'd heard the last of me till after the first of the year, silly me forgot to include my dear friend and my harmonica mentor, the incredible Corky Siegel!! He is seated right next to me on the floor! He's a wonderful person and a fantastic musician! He will be on these gigs in San Francisco and L.A. in the next week!
Look forward to seeing you there!
Lots of love;
Marcy xoxoxox
Hello All!
Autumn beckons and a new wave of inspiration is in the air. I'm just writing to remind you about my gig this Friday evening in the Los Angeles area.
Last month I did a gig in the Los Angeles area and was asked to come back and do a residency there. It's a fun little hang called "Froggy's Fish Market", great vibe, good food, and good music-hopefully, I'll be in good form! I'll be doing the gigs every second Friday of every month, starting this Friday, September 12th. I will start at 8pm and play for 45 minutes usually; but this Friday I may be playing two sets as Eliza Jane (who books the venue) is under vocal rest as she injured her voice doing vocal sound effects last week. I will be accompanying myself on guitar, harmonica, piano, spoons, fishbones, whatever they got there. Eliza Jane who plays a mean violin and guitar will be on after me. It's a great community up there in topanga, the address:
1105 Topanga Cyn. Blvd., in Topanga, CA.
Ribbit, I say!!!!
I just have to thank everyone who came out to the shows I did in the Detroit area for the past two weeks! Friends that I haven't seen in many years surprised me and it was so overwhelmingly wonderful I was speechless! I had such a warm welcome and truly enjoyed going back to my home town to perform. I saw some great musician friends, the great guitarist Jim McCarty formerly of Cactus invited me to a club he was playing at and he was in fantastic form. They invited me up to sing and it was truly exhilarating. I also ran into one of my old singing partners, a guy named Luke Smith who I sang background vocals with for Bob Seger once upon a time. I invited Luke up to sing a song with me and it was truly magical. I also ran into an old friend, Scott Morgan formerly of another Detroit area band called "The Rationals". I really have to thank Marla Swartz for putting together those shows! Thanks to Gary Rasmussen, (a legendary bass player who has played with some very iconic Detroit area bands including the Up and Iggy and the Stooges as well as Fred "Sonic" Smith of the MC5!!), for enlisting himself and his band for me; they're called "Smokin' Moses" and were all fantastic. The lineup was Elliot Rosado on Lead Guitar, Brandon Calhoun on Lead and Rhythm guitar, Gary Rasmussen on Bass and Dylan McCarty (son of the aforementioned Jim McCarty) on drums.
IT WAS FESTIVALICIOUS!!
Some people have sent me some photos from the festivals. You can see them on myspace:
www.myspace.com/marcylevyband
Who knows, there may even be some live footage of some of the songs coming up soon. Be well and take care and I hope we can all appreciate the wonderful things we do have.
Lots of Love;
Marcy xo
Hello All!
Salutations, Love, Joy, Peace and all that stuff....I'm here to tell ya about a few new things and wanted to invite you to view, read, listen, etc.
I've started blah-blah- blogging on blogger.com. I will be doing it [almost] every day, so feel free to drop in and read my innermost thoughts; well, sometimes there could be a bit of superficiality in there, I don't claim to be no Einstein or Ayn Rand, but you just never know. Depends on what sparks the great desire in me to blog. Anyway, i'll shut up now and give you the link:
http://marcelladetroit.blogspot.com
Put four up there already. More to come.
For your viewing pleasure:
I've started doing some video blogs on youtube. You can hear and see me talking about writing my first song when I was 12 and all that good stuff. Please click on the following link to view:
www.youtube.com/marcelladetroit
Then, click on "marcy real live".
More to come. Lots to talk about. We can think of it as an online autobiography of sorts; if we wanted to be what simon cowell says, "worthy"....
Earlier this month I did a gig in the Los Angeles area and was asked to come back and do a residency there. This is the first time (in my career) i've ever been asked to do this. It's a fun little hang called "Froggy's Fish Market", great vibe, good food, and good music-hopefully, I'll be in good form! I'll be doing the gigs every second Friday of every month, starting in September. so, the first one will be September 12th. I will start at 8pm and play for 45 minutes. I will be accompanying myself on guitar, harmonica, piano, spoons, fishbones, whatever they got there. A girl named Eliza Jane who plays a mean violin and guitar will be on after me, she books the joint. It's a great community up there in topanga. The address:
1105 Topanga Cyn. Blvd.
Topanga, CA.
Ribbit, I say!!!!
If you live in the Detroit area, guess what: it's your lucky week! I'm coming home to do three, yes, I said 3 shows!! The first one is on August 31st at a festival called, "Arts, Beats and Eats" in Pontiac, Michigan, just northeast of Detroit. Here's a link for the venue/festival:
www.artsbeatseats.com
on I will be performing at 8PM for 60 minutes on the Dodge Americana Main Stage. If you want to sit in the tented area, you should bring your own lawn chair, that's $5 bucks. To sit outside that area, it's free and apparently can be heard clearly, all over. Oh, I should say I will be performing my blues stuff; lots of selections from my "upside of being down" cd and some stuff I wrote and did with Clapton and some newer things as well, as yet, unrecorded.
The next two gigs in the Detroit-ish area: Sept. 5th and 6th
Friday Sept 5th
at the Smokin' Blues and BarBQ jazz festival in downtown Brighton on main stage 8-9PM
Sat Sept 6th same place 10-11PM
These two shows are in the tented area and I'm pretty sure it's the same deal as above regarding seating, etc.
It's in Brighton, Michigan, on Main Street off Grand River right off the I-96 fwy.
IT's FESTIVALICIOUS!!
Right, so the last issue I wanted to bring up: my cd. Well, it ain't ready so it ain't comin' out. I was hoping that it would have been out by now and selling by the truckload, gone triple qwazillion platinum and all that. But, and that's a big butt, it's not ready in my opinion. But please, not to give up hope on me. I have somehow been able to enlist the help of some people who are helping me with the situation, ie, rethinking, remixing, etc. When it's ready, you will be the first to know.
Well, you're probably bored by now, or your tea is getting cold, or the dog needs walking or something so I'll let you get on with your day or night, whatever, wherever the case may be.
Thanks for reading..:-)
Lots of Love;
Marcy xo
Hi all!
I know, I know, long time I no speaky to you!! Sorry about that. I've been running around like a hamster in a cage only to find out I've not really covered any ground. The record I've been working on for over a year is not in a fit state to come out. So, please, bear with me. Change is in the air, but I think it's a good thing. I am looking into salvaging what is there but this could take a while. I'll let you know when there is something for you to hear.
Meanwhile, a few weeks ago I had the pleasure of doing a rehearsal with a great band I put together with some of the best players I've worked with to date. On drums, the legendary, James Gadson. James played drums on the classic Marvin Gaye recording, "What's Goin' On?" yes, really! and also, on the classic Bill Withers song,"Use Me Up". He's also recorded with Paul McCartney and has a great sense of pop music but more importantly, is so tasteful and funky!!
On Bass, another great player, Mr. Reggie McBride who has worked with so many people and is currently touring with blues great, Keb Mo'. He reminds me a bit of my two favorite bass players of all time: James Jamerson, of Motown fame, and Chuck Rainey, who played on loads of Aretha Franklin records. He is also very tasteful and funky.
On keyboards, a cool guy named Luke Miller that I've done some gigs with in the past with a band led by a great saxophonist, Paulie Cerra and also the great guitarist, Larry Carlton. Luke is very funky and tasteful as well.
On guitar, a guitarist who's name is very hard to pronounce!! So, we call him Semmi! Semmi is currently doing a worldwide tour with Natalie Cole. You can see and hear all of them joining me on the following link on one song of our rehearsal called, "Don't look down". here is the link:
www.youtube.com/marcysings
In case you haven't already heard or seen the video for "o amerika" it's up there as well. just choose the "o amerika" video that was uploaded a week after the first one.
I've got a few gigs coming up in the Los Angeles area. The first one is at place called "Kulak's Woodshed" which I've played at before. You can tune in online and watch me doing the show, live at the link below.
The gig at "Kulak's" is on July 31st, 2008, just one week from this coming Thursday beginning at 8pm. Below, please find all the info:
Kulak's Woodshed
5230 1/2 Laurel Canyon Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA 91607
www.kulakswoodshed.com
"Kulak's Woodshed" in North Hollywood California is a live acoustic music, singer songwriter listening room and pioneering multi-camera webcast recording studio. A Labor of Love created by Paul Kulak in November, 1999 operated by volunteers and funded by audience donations.
We serve no food or alcohol. The artists who perform here range from emerging independent talents to number one hit writers and Grammy winners. All performances are Webcast Live. Archived Songs 24/7
Shows from 8:00 - 10:00pm-ish PST
Just tune in online and be sure to say hello to me with an email! I'll be stopping occasionally to answer and acknowledge your questions and emails and maybe take some requests. I will have some special guests joining me as well.
Thanks!!
There is also another gig on August 14th, another singer/songwriter event at the following location in the L.A. area:
"Arnie's Cafe" presents
Pocket Goldberg & Friends
Songwriter Showcase
Every Thursday from 7pm - 10pm
No Cover Charge (Donations Welcome)
6864 Foothill Blvd. (at Marcus)
Tujunga, CA 91042
818-951-9089
www.arniescafe.com
Upcoming events feature:
August 14th - Marcy Levy (Eric Clapton)
Don Preston (Leon Russell)
Hosted by Mark "Pocket" Goldberg & "Brother" Randy Sacks
These are not "open microphone" events (Sorry)
Come join us for coffee, tea and original music!
Click on the link for map:
www.mapquest.com
Thank you all for your continued interest and support! Enjoy the rest of your summer.
Lots of love;
Marcy xo
Hi all!
I just wanted to fill you in on the latest news!
I'll be singing and playing in Chicago for the live dvd filming of the Chicago Blues Reunion. I join this amazing collection of Musicians when I can. They consist of:
Barry Goldberg on keyboards, from the legendary, "Two Jews Blues" band back in the day plus numerous other production and band credits from playing with Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix to producing the great blues singer Tracy Nelson and also producing a grammy nominated album for Percy Sledge. Barry also cowrote the amazing song "Use my Imagination" with the acclaimed writer, Jerry Goffin ("Natural Woman" by Aretha Franklin-doesn't get much better than that in my humble opinion!) for Gladys Knight and the Pips which was a worldwide hit and still makes for some good ear candy.
Nick Gravenites on vocals and guitar from the band, "Electric Flag", one of my earliest blues influences. Nick wrote some of their best songs including, "Born in Chicago" as well as having written songs for those on the following one and only list: Janis Joplin, Howlin' Wolf, Otis Rush and James Cotton.
Harvey Mandel on guitars: Harvey has played with everyone from the Ventures to John Mayall, Canned Heat and the Rolling Stones. His roots are the blues mixed in with some psychedelic sounds! Wild...in a great way!
Corky Siegel: Harmonica genius who inspired me to play blues harp in the first freakin' place!!! Corky was and still is in the blues band, Siegel-Scwhall who I used to go see in the Detroit area. I would sneak in using fake Id cuz I wasn't old enough to get in; but I was old enough to understand this was some great music that I didn't want to miss! He's an amazing performer and always gives a million percent. Corky also has the eclectic "Chamber Blues" (www.chamberblues.com) which consists of a string quartet, tablas and Corky on the harp. I am fortunate enough to be invited to sing and play with Corky, occasionally; he's kind enough to let me play the harmonica with him, too! It's always a pleasure and joy to work with him as with everyone in CBR.
The rhythm section consists of:
Gary Mallaber on drums. Gary has played with the following list of icons: Van Morrison: He played on "Moondance", what, really??!! Yes!! Bruce Springsteen Steve Miller: played on "Abracadabra" and many other great Steve Miller band songs.
And on Bass, Mr. Rick Reed who has played with lots of blues greats including Paul Butterfield, Willie Dixon, Kim Wilson from the Fabulous Thunderbirds, William Clarke (blues harp afficionado), and Roy Gaines.
Other featured artists on the show besides myself are:
The incredible Sam Lay: Sam played drums with Little Walter, Willie Dixon, Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters and The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, plus Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan. He played on over 40 Howlin' Wolf songs, the Real Deal!! And wait till you hear him sing too!
Dave Mason, guitarist and amazing songwriter with the groundbreaking band, "Traffic" and his own solo efforts;
And Jimmy Vivino, an extremely talented guitarist who plays guitar and is the band leader on the nightly Conan O'Brien show on Channel Four every weekday night at 11:30p.m.. I've had the pleasure of working with Jimmy before and he is incredible!!
This show will be a one off event and is being filmed for the purpose of a live dvd that will be available on Out the Box Records and cd's in the nearish future. The show is at the following venue on March 22, 2008, just a few weeks away:
Park West
322 W. Armitage, Chicago, IL 60614
Doors open 6:30 pm.
VIP tickets available at www.otbrecords.com. VIP ticket $100 includes seating and meet & greet.
regular price ticket: $35.00
Here is a link for purchasing regular priced tickets:
www.jamusa.com
For more information on the lineup, feel free to go to the Chicago Blues Reunion website:
www.chicagobluesreunion.com
Click on recent news for info about the gig.
I look forward to seeing you in the Windy City!
Lots of Love;
Marcy xoxo
Hello all!
I hope this note finds you extremely well. About a week or so ago, I sent out an email letting you know about my song/video "O Amerika" on youtube. Unfortunately, many of you were not able to view it due to a technical problem on our side of things. We re-uploaded the video and it is now available for you to view at the following link:
www.youtube.com/marcysings
If you click on that link, it takes you to my page on youtube. You will notice there are two videos of "o amerika" there. Try clicking on the most recently uploaded video (uploaded yesterday, March 6th.) So far, I've contacted people who left me messages on youtube who said they were unable to view it before, and they can see it now. Please let me know if you still have a problem with it.
I thank you all for your continued support!
Love and Peace, always;
Marcy xoxo
Hello All!
Long time no talkie to, but I'm here to tell ya about a few things. This being nearly the end of February, my cd should be finished (recording and mixed anyway) by the end of March. I'll be going over to England to do the finishing touches the last week of March. Just before that, I've been invited to go to Chicago to appear in a live DVD being filmed for the Chicago Blues Reunion where I'll be doing a few of my songs. I'll send you the info on the location of the filming as well as the gig we will be doing the night before at a place called "The Chocolate Factory". Both events are open to the public. Once I have the info, I will forward it on to you. As a matter of interest, I was just in Chicago and some cities in Wisconsin doing some shows with a dear friend and wonderful musician, Corky Siegel of the band, Siegel-Schwall and also the very eclectic and inspirational group of his, "Chamber Blues". It was all a wonderful success; I think the most fun was the gig I did with Corky at a place called the Acorn Theatre in Three Oaks, Michigan. It was just Corky and I and it was kind of like doing the circus act without a net!!! Scary, but: Great fun!!
Back to my cd: recently, I put a song from my new cd called,"O Amerika" up on myspace for a day for those interested in hearing it. Now, we've just done a video for it and it's up on youtube!!! If you'd like to see it, here's the link:
"O Amerika" | www.youtube.com
Please feel free to comment on it and pass the link on to your friends, family, neighbors, hey, even those you may not know or necessarily like! You never know, it could touch them in some positive way. The song is a commentary on the state of my wonderful nation of America lamenting the path we are currently on, but also offers hope that we will soon get back on track.
If you heard the version I put up on myspace, you will notice this one is different as far as the instrumental arrangement. It will be morphing both sonically and visually as time goes on, kind of like performance art. I hope you will enjoy it.
I'll be back soon with gig info, etc.!
Love and Peace always;
Marcy
Merry Christmas everybody!
Ahoy there maties!
I hope you're all well and had a wonderful summer. I betcha were wondering what in the world was going on in my wild, wacky world of moosik???? In case you were, I'm here to tell ya.
First of all, I've been over to England twice since May doing some shows and most importantly, doing some writing and recording for my own cd. A wonderfully talented man named John Themis is producing it. John has most recently been seen and heard performing with none other than the great, Cat Stevens, otherwise known as Yusuf, doing loads of gigs that have been broadcast worldwide in the name of world peace and saving the planet, you know, those little issues! Anyway, John and I began seriously working on my cd and we've written about 3/4's of it now. We'll continue our work at the end of October. I am very excited about this. It will be out at the end of this year or beginning of next. You can always check my website: www.marcelladetroit.com or my "spaces" for the latest news on releases, gigs, etc. the "spaces" are:
www.myspace.com/marcelladetroitofficial
www.myspace.com/marcelladetroit
And can someone please tell me, why do people keep "phishing" my "space"???? don't they have anything better to do with their time?? the mind boggles! I hope you've all been enjoying my blogs. More to follow.
As soon as I finish my writing and recording for my cd in the UK, I'll be doing a series of shows at the Soho Revue Bar at the beginning of November, after my writing and recording.
Lots of love;
Marcy xoxoxo
This Tuesday October 2, 2007, 7:00pm
It's the Sixth Anniversary of
The MainStreet Songwriters Showcase
...because there's nothing like a great song!
"It was 6 years ago, on October 2, 2001 that the first MainStreet Songwriters Showcase took place, at the now defunct Cafe Madrid on Sherman Way in Canoga Park, in the area known as MainStreet Canoga Park. In the wake of the 911 attacks, I felt a strong need to begin something that would affirm life, music, creativity. Thus the MSSS was born. And this week, we're celebrating that anniversary with cake and balloons, FREE tiramisu, and as always, outstanding original music! In light of the occasion, I myself will take one of the featured artist slots. Joining me for my set will be Andrew Kelsey on bass and backup vocals and Bill Willets on drums. The other featured artist, appearing for the first time on the MSSS stage, will be the incomparable Marcella Detroit, a terrific songwriter and backup singer, best known for co-writing Lay Down Sally with Eric Clapton. Come join us for a great evening..."
-Garret
Featured Artists Appearing This Week:
Marcella Detroit - bluesy pop-rock chanteuse
Marcy Levy, aka Marcella Detroit, was born and raised in the Motor City. She grew up listening to Motown, later getting into some heavy folk blues, electric blues and rock. As a teenager, armed with a fake ID, she'd often sneak into clubs in the most dangerous parts of Detroit to listen to the likes of Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker and Janis Joplin. From Motown to Janis, from classical music to the blues, all these varied influences show up in the mix that comprises her unique musical style. Bottom line, the girl could sing. Man, could she sing. She sang for years on the road with some of the greatest artists of our time including Bob Seger, Leon Russell, and later most notably with Eric Clapton, joining his band after the 461 Ocean Blvd album and traveling the world with him for the next several years. It was during that time that she began writing songs as well, co-penning Clapton's massive worldwide hit, Lay Down Sally which to date has aired on the radio over 3 million times. Marcy eventually moved to Los Angeles, becoming one of the most sought-after session singers in town, and working with the likes of Bette Midler, Aretha Franklin (her biggest vocal influence and inspiration), Arif Mardin, Tom Dowd, Glyn Johns, Barry Beckett, Phil Collins, George Duke, Stanley Clarke, Leiber and Stoller, and Burt Bacharach--a veritable who's who of the music industry. She's also performed with the one and only Elton John on his Duets For One CD, covering the Motown classic, Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing. In 1989, Marcy joined the British pop-rock band Shakespear's Sister, and co-wrote and sang the song Stay, which kept them at number one for 8 weeks in the UK. Since then she's been writing and recording with numerous artists and songwriters, and getting cuts all over the world. She's currently working on her own original CD due to be released later this year. For more, visit www.marcelladetroit.com.
Garret Swayne - crafter of song
Garret Swayne has become an eminent figure in the LA acoustic music scene in recent years. As host of the MainStreet Songwriters Showcase, he's been a driving force in the emergence of a genuine songwriter community in Los Angeles, bringing deserving writer/performers to public attention. But he's also an award-winning singer and songwriter himself, widely recognized as a master song craftsman and a compelling all-around performer. His songs are profoundly intelligent, but at the same time, they resonate with a full palette of real emotionality. They span the whole range of human experience, from deeply wrought ballads of inner revelation; to broad, laugh-out-loud satires of popular culture; to wistful tales of love and redemption. If there's any common theme, you might say it's about Connection-finding the tones, touching the chords in our heart that connect us to one another. A compelling lyricist, and an elegant tunesmith, you usually leave a Garret Swayne show with his songs pleasantly embedded in your brain. Joining Garret onstage for the show will be Bill Willets on drums and Andrew Kelsey on bass and backup vocals. For more, visit www.garretswayne.com or his MySpace page at www.myspace.com/garretswayne.
Open Mike:
The MSSS Open Mike follows the Featured Acts, starting usually a little after 8:30. All creative souls are welcome, but you need to sign up before 7:30 when the first Featured Act begins. Remember, it can be anything creative or entertaining-it doesn't necessarily have to be musical! (And Cafe Bellissimo often scouts the MSSS Open Mike for talent to perform there on other special evenings.) If you're a comic, a poet, or a storyteller, we'll give you 6 minutes to do your thing. If you're a singer, musician, or songwriter, you'll get 2 songs; try to keep 'em around 3 minutes each. (No sprawling epics okay, unless you're willing to play just the one song.) We want to keep the Open Mike moving along out of consideration to the other participants, so please don't monopolize the stage. Keep your total stage time around 6-7 minutes. That way we can get through more people.
The Venue:
Cafe Bellissimo (link to map)
22458 Ventura Blvd. (1 block west of Shoup)
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
818-225-0026
Directions: from Hollywood/Downtown LA... take the 101 north/west. Pass the 405. About 10 miles past the 405, exit at Shoup (which is one exit past Topanga Canyon Blvd). Come down ramp which dumps you out onto westbound Ventura Blvd. Cafe Bellissimo is on the left one block past the light at Shoup.
There's never a cover charge at Cafe Bellissimo, but a $10 minimum on food or drink is requested, to support the establishment and keep the Showcase running. The food at Cafe Bellissimo is truly outstanding and they offer Showcase Nite Specials, which makes an evening at the MSSS one of the best dining/entertainment values around.
The Host:
That's me, Garret Swayne! I'm normally there just to keep things moving smoothly along. But, time permitting, I usually squeeze in a few of my own songs over the course of the evening...one of the perks of being host!
So join us this Tuesday night for an outstanding evening of the best original music LA has to offer-The MainStreet Songwriters Showcase. Remember, there's nothing like a great song!
Peace and blessings all...
Garret Swayne
garret@garretswayne.com
www.garretswayne.com
www.myspace.com/garretswayne
The MainStreet Songwriters Showcase is held every Tuesday night at Cafe Bellissimo, in Woodland Hills. Hosted by acclaimed singer/songwriter/recording artist Garret Swayne, The MSSS features the finest up-and-coming songwriters, singers, poets, musicians, and comedians in Los Angeles in a relaxed casual atmosphere. Each week, we'll feature one or more original acts, followed by a general Open Mike. Participants in the Open Mike should sign up between 7:00 and 7:30.
Our intention is to support and promote the creative community of Southern California. During the performances, we ask that the audience be respectful of the artists and those who wish to listen. We want to create an atmosphere that honors the song and the performer. So please, no loud or distracting conversations during the show.
Cafe Bellissimo is renowned for its fine Italian cuisine, singing waiters, and casually elegant ambiance. It features a wide menu, including appetizers, salads, complete dinners, and desserts, not to mention the best pizza in the Valley. It also has a full bar. For more information or directions, call 818-225-0026.
UK UK UK UK UK!!!!! LOndOn England......
November 8 - 11, Thursday - Sunday
Soho Revue Bar is celebrating its first birthday in style by bringing sophisticated glamour back to the West End with THE SOHO DIVAS REVUE, a spectacular cabaret evening featuring acclaimed and award-winning stars both from the UK and America.
West End and Broadway star Caroline O'Connor, acclaimed New York vocal impressionist Jimmy James and singers Marcella Detroit and Natalie Williams will all perform together in one sensational show.
Venue:
The Soho Revue Bar
11 - 12 Walkers Court
Soho, London W1
Doors: 6.30pm
Performance: 7.30pm
www.sohorevuebar.co.uk
