Shameless Self Promotion

Back in the month of June, I was asked to do a speaking engagement for an event at THE WINE LOFT in Long Branch NJ.

As I stood before the network known as THE SOCIAL BUTTERFLY, the words of my neighbor went through my mind, "Give them a catch phrase; something they'll remember." So, as I prepared to give my first ever speech to a room full of total strangers, it hit me...."Shameless Self Promotion."

These are the words that I began my speech with. I based this upon the simple fact that if I didn't promote myself, my music, and my radio program; then who would?

So, keeping these words in mind; I am about to engage in "Shameless Self Promotion."

Friday evening 10/1 from 7-9pm, I will be performing as a member of THE ITTY BITTY BAND featuring my amazing band mate JO WYMER on the boardwalk in Asbury Park NJ at the SAND WITCH. It is the second "BONFIRE ON THE BEACH" night, and this week it's on the beach area directly in front of this venue.

Saturday 10/2 at 8pm, JO WYMER & THE ITTY BITTY BAND will be the opening act for EDDIE TESTA and the headliner JOHN EDDIE at SCOOTERS located 6782 Rte. 9 South in Howell NJ Tickets are $15. in advance, and $20. at the door. www.bernawhip63@hotmail.com

Sunday 10/3 from 12-7pm "PAPPA CARL'S JAM FOR LIFE" benefiting organ transplants and organ donors, takes place at KATMANDU; 50 Riverview Executive Park in Trenton NJ. I am playing with JO WYMER & THE ITTY BITTY BAND as well as along with KIM YARSON & THE VOLUNTEERS. I have also been asked to host the outside stage as well. My good friend MIKE MATISA will be hosting the inside stage as well as kicking off the music with his band on the outside stage. Please go to http://www.jamforlifefoundation.com/ for a complete list of performers as well as locations to purchase tickets which are $15. in advance and $20. the day of show.

When it's all said and done, I still have a radio show to do at 10pm est. This week, my guests are Philadelphia Pa. area band HANGMANS CRY. This hard rockin' band with an '80's metal sound are working on their first CD and have a big gig upcoming as they open for SKID ROW at Whiskey Tango.

Tune into http://www.wifiam1460.com/ or multiple other outlets and ROCK ON!

Weekend Activities...

Tonight 9/24 at 7:30pm...SHELI AARDEN at the TIN ANGEL in Philly! SHELI needs your support; so if you're in the area please stop in and give a listen to this great artist!

Tomorrow 9/25 from 12 noon on; CRANSTOCK takes place at Village Road Park (off of Maplewood Ave.) in Cranbury NJ. I'll be performing at 2pm along with KIM YARSON as one of her VOLUNTEERS. Stop on out for a great day featuring many local performers. Suggested $5 donation to benefit the Cranbury Arts Council.

Sunday at 10pm est. Jersey rockin' pop artist LINDA CHORNEY is my guest on this week's ROCK ON RADIO.

Turn on...Tune in...and as always....ROCK ON!

Amusing....

Ok, so we've all heard the stories of how big name stars just "show up" at places unannounced and "so and so" just happened to be there correct? Well, I just had one of those experiences....sort of.

Picture this: A quiet night on the boardwalk in a Jersey Shore town which is trying to reconnect with the masses as well as its' own identity. I'm playing with my band in front of a popular little sandwich shop on a Friday night. Just down the block a crowd begins to gather as the town is about to launch its first of several Friday night "Bonfires On The Beach."

Due to some minor difficulties, the band takes an early break. So as I'm standing there, I notice this gentleman walking towards our location; he's all alone and dressed like a regular "Joe." The man is wearing blue jeans, motorcycle boots, chaps and a leather jacket; his motorcycle helmet tucked under his arm. Now given the location of this event, I'm thinking that this fellow is dressed as such because he's a "wanna be." My exact thoughts were, "Look at this idiot! He's a wanna be! What an idiot." Then as he drew closer I realized that he wasn't just any "idiot" trying to duplicate a famous personality; he WAS the famous personality!

The place was the Sand Witch, the location was Asbury Park NJ, and the man was none other than "The Boss" himself, BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN. Bruce said a brief hello to my band mate and continued on his way. So now that I feel like the "idiot," I'm dumb founded as to how come no one is even noticing him.

Is it that everyone else felt like I did? Could it be that he commands that much respect, such that people don't wish to intrude on his privacy? Perhaps it's because he's such a local icon and ingrained in the Asbury Park culture that he really is "just like us?" Whatever the answer may be; none of them can change the fact that I pre-judged an individual based on some preconceived notion that things are not always as they appear. I mean, come on people, granted it's Asbury Park, but does anyone actually think that they are going to see Springsteen just strolling down the boardwalk on a Friday evening? I never expected it.

I guess that my point is; never be judgemental. Just like I pre-judged a legend, many artists, bands and musicians (as well as co-workers, friends and sometimes family) suffer the same fate. Things (such as in this case) are not always as they appear. Some times you just need to see things for yourself, block out others opinions, and make your own informed decisions and judgements. I made a rash judgement and almost made a fool of myself. Notice I said almost? This is only because I realized before it was too late that he was the real deal and I didn't comment on my first thoughts aloud. Just think about it my friends......

Saturday 9/25, I'll be playing along with KIM YARSON & THE VOLUNTEERS from 2-3pm on Maplewood Ave. in Cranbury NJ at CRANSTOCK. This is a benefit for The Cranbury Arts Council. This festival runs all afternoon and will feature many talented bands and artists.

Sunday, 9/26, popular Jersey rockin' pop artist LINDA CHORNEY is my guest on ROCK ON RADIO. This very talented artist has a world of experience that she'll be sharing with us. Tune in at 10pm est. to http://www.wifiam1460.com/ or multiple other outlets and ROCK ON!

Starting Thursday....

There are many choices for Indie/original music artists this weekend.

Beginning tomorrow evening 9/16; three fabulous singer/songwriters will be appearing together on the same stage. JO WYMER, KIM YARSON, and SANDY ZIO will be performing from 7-9pm at the Main St. Gazebo in Freehold NJ. The Gazebo is located between Federici's and the Metropolitan restaurants. I will be providing background percussion on this evening for these extremely talented artists.

Now, for our Pa. residents and those who want to take a road trip; two great solo artists will be performing on Friday 9/17. SHELI AARDEN and KEITH MONACCHIO will be appearing at the Milkboy Acoustic Cafe located at 824 W. Lancaster Ave. in Bryn Mawr from 7:30-10pm. These two acoustic favorites are always a crowd pleaser.

Also on Friday from 7-10pm, JO WYMER & THE ITTY BITTY BAND (of which I am a part) will be back at The Sand Witch on the boardwalk in Asbury Park NJ. Always a fun night, the boardwalk is new and improved and just waiting for you! The Sand Witch is located in-between The Stone Pony and the Wonder Bar on Ocean Ave. next to the mini-golf.

If neither of these events are for you, how about this? KIM YARSON will be the hostess at a house concert featuring her music and that of KELLY CARVIN, RUSSELL NORKEVICH, and JIM GAVEN. To make a reservation and/or purchase tickets, contact Kim at kyarson@comcast.net . This is a BYOB affair with light refreshments provided.

Saturday 9/18 from 10pm-1:30am, MIKE MATISA & DINO COLOROCCO will be doing originals and cover tunes at Bill's Olde Tavern located at 2694 Nottingham Way in Mercerville NJ. I've had the pleasure of sharing the stage with these fine musicians who have a great following and a love of performing..... this, along with $2. pint and $3. regular Stoli specials guarantees a great night!

I will be playing emergency fill in for my new friends THE ITCH in Colts Neck NJ on Saturday at 4pm at the Colts Neck Rock Fest. This event begins at noon and is being held in Bucks Mill Park located on Bucks Mill Rd. in Colts Neck NJ. For more information see http://www.sheepherders.com/

Sunday 9/19, KIM YARSON is back at it along with BARBARA HURLEY and AL LIND at the Ewing Township Library in Ewing NJ. Concluding her weekend, these three songwriters will be performing "In The Round" from 2-4pm. To obtain more information or reserve a seat for this event, please call (609) 882-3130.

I am very flattered to tell all of you that my good buddy MIKE MATISA and new friend PAPPA CARL, have asked me to emcee the upcoming JAM FOR LIFE being held on Sunday 10/3 at KATMANDU in Trenton NJ. MATISA will be handling the inside stage, and I will be doing the honors on the outside stage on the deck. The JAM FOR LIFE raises monies and awareness for organ donations and transplants. I will also be performing with JO WYMER & THE ITTY BITTY BAND as well as along with KIM YARSON & THE VOLUNTEERS and possibly some others.

Tune into ROCK ON RADIO at 10pm est. on Sunday 9/19 as my guest is Baltimore Md. resident JASON AGER. AGER is making his second appearance on my program and this time he's armed with his new CD "Lunchdate."

Turn on...Tune in...and as always....ROCK ON!

Thoughts.....

A while back, my nephew TERRY LODA posted a rant as a blog about the rules that bands/musicians should follow when playing a club/bar and/or dealing with promoters. This rant turned blog, has made it literally around the world and back. There have even been several establishments which have gone as far as to post it as "House Rules" for the performers that play there. This was written because he finally tired of dealing with, for lack of a better term, "Divas."

Which brings me to my point; why do some musicians/bands/artist feel that they are so much more successful than they actually are?

Is it age? Youth and inexperience? Is it large egos that are fed by "adoring fans," friends and family? Why is it that so many good entertainers fall into this trap? I ask these questions because I've seen this happen to many different artists. These issues transcend all musical genres, sexes, and styles.

Let's take my radio program for example. ROCK ON RADIO was started because I am a musician. Over my thirty five years of involvement in numerous musical communities; I've met many quality musicians and people. I remember the thrill when I was fifteen years old when I heard my band's music on a local FM radio station. I'll never forget the night; I was walking past a booth at a church carnival and heard the song coming out of a transistor radio. The premise behind ROCK ON RADIO was to try and give other bands/artists the same "thrill" that I had on that very evening.

So why is it, that so many musicians who in the grand scheme of things haven't accomplished anything just yet, feel like they have? Oh, they may have a CD, and some moderate airplay, or maybe some great contacts; but until they've actually been signed to a major label, or are touring as either a supporting act, or a headliner...are still just "local musicians."

Now I know that this seems harsh, but I'm just trying to put some things into perspective. I realize that in the entertainment industry, EGO so often is the number one problem; so a dose of reality never hurts anybody!

So listen up people, try and remember the days when you first started, first gigged, the failed projects, and everything that made you and/or your band who/what you are today. Take a look back and realize that without those yesterdays; you wouldn't be what you've become today. So, when someone offers to help your career, appreciate them. When they offer to assist you, take your time to thank them not advantage of them. Always remember where you came from, because you'll never get to where you want to be without the help from others along the path to success. Above all, remember that you're only as good as your last gig, and how people perceive you both on and off stage.

Tonight on ROCK ON RADIO; due to a last minute cancellation, my new guest is singer/songwriter MICHAEL DANTE SUMMONTE from Long Branch NJ. This young, talented guitarist has a bright future ahead of him!

Turn On...Tune in...and ROCK ON!

September 5th Asbury Park NJ

Well, this past Sunday I was lucky enough to be part of THE PARAMOUNT SESSIONS.

For those of you not familiar with The Paramount Theater; it is part of the Convention Hall complex in Asbury Park NJ. Convention Hall encompasses one side, The Paramount Theater the other; each separated by a common area in the middle known as The Atrium.

Over the years so many great acts/events have graced the stage of both of these venues.

Fortunately for me, I was privileged to take part in this first time event called "The Paramount Sessions." Dubbed so, because of the it's influence on so many musicians over the years, as well as its' location on the boardwalk in proximity to the theater itself; The Paramount Sessions provided major insight into the singer/songwriter community of Asbury Park NJ. JO WYMER & THE ITTY BITTY BAND kicked the whole thing off at 11am. Following WYMER was a list of performers who showcased many diverse styles and talents that had many a boardwalk patron stopping to listen, tapping their feet, asking for business cards, or just plain nodding/smiling in appreciation.

Music reigned supreme on this Labor Day weekend in Asbury Park. The boardwalk sessions were at the 1st and 4th Ave. "greenspaces" (so named because the electricity was generated by solar power) from 11am until 7pm; at which time the party moved inside of the Paramount Theater continuing with a free concert of several more Asbury Park area artists. The entire day culminated with an after party for the musicians, crew, and people who made this happen at THE STONE PONY.

This was all done in conjunction with the organization MOVE ON HUNGER. Donations of non-perishable food items were collected at numerous locations throughout the day which benefited food banks/agencies in Monmouth and Ocean Counties. The Paramount Sessions was the first of several planned events, which are tentatively scheduled in the upcoming future.

Now on the music front; I will be playing along with JO WYMER this Friday 9/10 from 7-9pm est. at the TWISTED TREE located on Cookman Ave. In Asbury Park NJ. If you feel like taking the jaunt down to this refurbished area of this legendary Jersey shore town, we'd love to see you there!

My scheduled guest this Sunday 9/12 at 10pm est. on ROCK ON RADIO is Philadelphia Pa. band SINNERS SAINTS. These hard driving rockers have a great sound! http://www.sinnerssaints.com/

Turn on.....Tune in....and ROCK ON!

The Paramount Sessions

Taking place this weekend on the boardwalk in Asbury Park NJ; will be a first ever music/concert event called THE PARAMOUNT SESSIONS.

THE PARAMOUNT SESSIONS in connection with "MOVE FOR HUNGER", a non-profit organization committed to ending hunger in Monmouth and Ocean Counties; is a free event that is designed to showcase many of Asbury Park's talented musical artists. All bands will also be accepting non-perishable food donations as well.

I will be participating as we kick the whole thing off at 11am est. at the 1st. Avenue Greenspace. I will be performing as a member of the ITTY BITTY BAND featuring the amazing JO WYMER. I was also fortunate enough to be asked to perform along with the great SHELI AARDEN at 12:30pm at the same location. Local singer/songwriter and fantastic talent KEITH MONACCHIO will also be performing here at 1pm. Many former and upcoming Rock On Radio guests will also be featured throughout the day. The entire event will culminate inside the historic Paramount Theater with a free concert featuring JERZY JUNG, RICK BARRY BAND, and ending with OUTSIDE THE BOX. The Asbury Park boardwalk is making a comeback, so why not come on out, witness it for yourself, and see some great music in the process.

Also this weekend: Sat. 9/4...JO WYMER and the ITTY BITTY BAND will be performing at the Main St. Gazebo in Freehold NJ. JO always puts on a great show with her unbelievable vocals and great guitar skills. Show starts between 6:30/7pm.

Also on Saturday, there is an event for the TEAL WINGS OF HOPE FOUNDATION; a non-profit ovarian cancer support group. Beginning at 7:30am at Veterans Park in Hamilton NJ, there will be a 5K run/1 mile walk to help raise awareness as well as funds to support this cause. ROCK ON RADIO "side-kick" and my good friend Bob "BC" Cook will be trying his hand at hosting the entertainment portion of this event which as of now will have a DJ and former ROR guest GERALD EDWARD and possibly more live acts. For more information, contact KAREN NEULS at Karenneuls@gmail.com or their web site is http://www.tealwingsofhopefoundation.org/ . To pre-register for either the run or the walk; you may do so at http://www.active.com/

Friday 9/3, I was lucky to be asked to join MIKE MATISA and DINO COLOROCCO on stage at THE TRELLIS at THE HAMILTON MANOR located on Rtes. 156 and 130 South in Yardville NJ. I will be doing percussion work for them as these talented players will be performing cover material with a few original tunes thrown in as well. It's a Happy Hour Show from 7-10pm.

Sunday 9/5 at 10pm est. on ROCK ON RADIO my guest will be members of the Hamilton NJ band RADIO FICTION. Currently in studio working on a CD, they will be discussing the recording process as well as giving us a "sneak peak" with some live on air performances.

ROCK ON!