Music is my best friend. I wake to it, nap to it, sleep to it, and love sharing it with friend’s. If I could, I’d make everyone in the world a mixed cd, but time gets in the way of that goal; nevertheless, I think you can tell, music is my passion. I love discovering new, and upcoming bands, which are typically referred to as indie bands. The term “indie,” derives from the word independent, which simply means the bands I’ve chosen are not what you would typically hear on a mainstream radio, but still deserve some attention. If I could, this blog would be infinite; however, I had to stop sometime, and eight seemed like the best number, it’s even! For this post, I specifically chose a variety of genres when selecting the bands such as: rap, psychedelic, folk, and alternative/indie, so that you, the reader have choices, and are not bound to one genre of music. Therefore, let’s get listening!

Passion Pit's leader singer, Michael Angelakos

Mapei

2. Mapei- remember this name… Mapei. Born Jacqueline Cummings, Mapei is a Swedish/American female rapper who is a force to be reckoned with. Though her sound is similar to Santigold, Mapei most definitely has found her own sound. She’s more raw in her beats than Santigold, citing Michael Jackson and Liberian music as major influences in her music. Her EP, Cocoa Butter Diaries is available on iTunes for $3.96. I’d recommend listening to “Video Vixens,” and “Public Enemy.” Unfortunately, only one song is available on her myspace, which is: http://www.myspace.com/mapei. However, I included a youtube clip that I think you’ll find entertaining: “http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTcSkhYeTAk”>. Happy Listening!

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Tagged As: Concerts, Fall Playlist, Indie Music
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       One of the most wondrous things about college is not having class on Friday. Normally, with the exception of science majors, one will not have class on Friday’s, which is great for sleeping in, but also, a chance to explore the city without spending loads of money. For a total of $10- $5 each way, one can take the R8, or R7 to 30th Street Station, and see well-known bands, playing live music for free! This past Friday, my friend Emilia and I went to the World Cafe Live, which is concert venue run by the University of Pennsylvania’s radio station, WXPN to see the White Rabbits perform. Located on 3025 Walnut Street, the World Café is not a far walk from the train- about 4 blocks in total. However, before you make the trip to University City, you must reserve tickets at: http://xpn.org/concerts-events/free-at-noon. Once you arrive, simply, walk down the stairs, sign-in, and enjoy- the doors open at 11:30 a.m., and the venue is a standing room, which simply means, arrive early, and you’ll be guaranteed a spot in the front of the stage.

View of the crowd during the show Steve Patterson- vocals and guitar

Steve Patterson playing the drums.

     Being my first free at noon, I thought the idea of live music for free was too good to be true; however, I was pleasantly surprised. Having heard of the White Rabbits on Pandora radio, I surmised that it would enjoyable to see them live, and they were incredibly entertaining- both the lead singer, Greg Roberts and guitarist, Steve Patterson played drums during the set, and their sound is infectious. Blending a mix of ska, and reggae, but are a bit less baroque poppy then Vampire Weekend, the White Rabbits are a must see- with drumming-intensive songs such as “Percussion Gun,” and “Rudie Falls,” the band is well-known for having energy-infused shows, in which, dancing is mandatory! The White Rabbits’ passion for their music radiates in their sets, and the band is in the beginning stages of becoming a well-known, indie band. Their second album, It’s Frightening, produced by Britt Daniel of Spoon, has received critical acclaim, and is on iTunes for $6.99. Also, if you’d like to listen to a few songs, but you’re low on cash, check out their myspace: http://www.myspace.com/whiterabbits. If you’re digging their sound, the White Rabbits will be back at Johnny Brenda’s June 5th, and at All Points West Festival in New Jersey on August 1st. Also, if you’d like to hear this concert live, or any other concert from the Free at Noon series just click: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5194329. Happy Listening!

Tagged As: Concerts, Music, Philadelphia
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One of the best parts of going to college far from home is getting visits from hometown friends. While you’ll get to know your campus and college’s city like the back of your hand, your friends will undoubtedly be enthralled by your exotic new locale. However, with an entire city at your fingertips, the question becomes: what on earth do I do with them once they arrive?
My friends and I love the band Bloc Party. So, when we heard they were performing at the Electric Factory in Philly, it was official: Sam and Jeff, two of my best friends from home, would come visit and make a weekend out of the show. The show was Saturday night, so that left Friday night and Saturday afternoon open for entertaining. 

Here are three Philly weekend outings that are sure to keep your friends coming back to visit. Get the air mattress ready! 

1. Concerts
My musical tastes are quite broad, and thankfully, Philly music venues can accommodate them. Since I began college in the city of brotherly love, I’ve seen: Kate Nash, Mika, Brand New, Ingrid MIchaelson, Death Cab for Cutie, Of Montreal, Lykke Li, and Bloc Party (among others), and I’ll be seeing Adele and Cold War Kids in coming months. 

Popular Philly music venues include the Electric Factory, the Theater of the Living Arts, the Trocadero, and the First Unitarian Church. Bloc Party performed at the Electric Factory, about a 25 minute drive from campus. 

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Tagged As: Bloc Party, Center City, Concerts, Dances
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Last semester, I was lucky enough to attend a concert at the Kimmel Center with several of my fellow musician friends of Chestnut Hill College. Sister Kathleen, the head of the music department at CHC, had gotten a hold of some tickets to see pianist Christian Zacharias perform in the Perelman Theater. When I heard that tickets were up for grabs for those of us involved with the music department, I jumped at the chance to go.

When concert night came, the group of us (all gussied up in our concert attire) loaded into two CHC vans and were on our way. If Christian Zacharias hadn’t been amazing, I would have said that just the ride to the Kimmel Center made my night. Picture a group of mostly music majors, plus other music obsessed students, and a fuzzy sounding radio station. Of course, the radio just wasn’t doing it for us so we improvised and made up our own soundtrack as we went along. I’m sure our driver thought we were an amusing bunch, as we were belting out everything from Disney songs to Queen to the Backstreet Boys.

Upon unloading at the Kimmel Center and settling down into our seats, we were exposed to some of the best piano playing I think I’ve ever heard. I know talent isn’t all about speed, but I was in awe at how Zacharias was even able to physically make his fingers move about the keys as fast as he was, while still making them sound musical at the same time. I play piano also, and I know that when I come across fast passages I tend to fudge the notes a little and just hope that I hit the majority of them. During Zacharias’ pieces though, I heard every single noted he played. As a whole, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and found it an experience to remember. I’ve even begun trying to break out of my bad practice methods to actually learn Prestissimo marked music passages down pat!

The Verizon Hall, not where we saw Zacharias, but another room at the Kimmel Center, for bigger performing groups.

My friend Mark and I studying our program while waiting for the music festivities to begin.

Tagged As: Concerts, local attractions, Music, Music Department, Philadelphia, trips
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Last Thursday I was able to contribute in a Cancer benefit for my friend’s cousin, Lecky. It was wonderful to take part in something meaningful, much like the numerous benefits I have attended at Chestnut Hill College; I was glad to once again help in making a difference. At CHC I was able to lend a hand at a ranch for abused animals (Last Chance Ranch), assist in providing foreign aid in the Fair Trade sales, and benefit local families with the college’s annual “Empty Bowl Dinner”. Attending Lecky’s benefit festival reminded me of the continuous opportunities one can participate in order to truly assist others in need.

“Lecky’s Love Benefit Festival” was sincerely an amazing event. With the entrance fee being $25 for everyone sixteen or older, Lecky’s family was able to raise $25,000 dollars in one night. The proceeds will aid Lecky through her courageous battle with Cancer. The event started at 5 PM and continued late into the night. There were children skidding down a huge water slide and springing off the walls of a gigantic moon bounce. Their parents grouped around a bonfire, watching the live music in the gazebo close by. Flocks of local teens danced by the stage and singing along to familiar songs. Lecky herself danced gaily to the local Doylestown artists, all whom played original music that prompted the festival into its lively success. The bands didn’t stop playing till three in the morning, and my best friend’s band went on last.

His band Appy Polly Logic has become quite a success in the Bucks County area, with young and old fans alike jumping and twisting to their experimental beats. Consisting of guitar, bass, drums, and saxophone, Appy Polly Logic gathers a dynamic crowd whom all remark on the impression left after hearing the band’s innovative “funk”. They even performed as a house band for a night club close to Chestnut Hill College called North by Northwest. Every Tuesday and Thursday two summers ago, my friends and I would drive down to Mt. Airy and support our local band. However Lecky’s festival was much different than the shows they normally play. That night the band was able to release a family from the stress of a loved one’s illness and allowed Lecky and her family to get lost in the moment’s rhythm.

Tagged As: Community Service, Concerts, Music
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