Tune In, Turn On
With Doug Deutsch
As the headline here says, it’s getting easier by the day to go out in South Jersey, due to both the weather changing (getting warmer, albeit ever-so-slowly) and the longer days (so much easier to drive when it’s light out).
Show Reviews: Last Saturday night we caught a terrific set by the legendary Bonnie Raitt at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in their Event Center. At age 75, the blues-rock guitar queen still has the guitar and vocal skills that have made her a household name in her 50-plus years of recording and performing live. Raitt’s appreciation for her mentors (especially the late John Prine) was evident throughout her set as she referenced him a few times, especially on the soulful ballad written in 1971 by Prine, “Angel From Montgomery,” which Raitt is perhaps most known for.
The next day, Sunday, April 20, was the first Rendezvous 420 event sponsored by AC-based High Roller Dispensary, which, though an ambitious undertaking, definitely was hurt not only by losing their initial venue (outdoors at Brighton Park), but also with Easter being on the same day.
“We had 352 attendees throughout the day, and all booths and about a quarter of the chairs were full in the theatre during (headliner) Splintered Sunlight’s set,” said Jon Cohn, owner of High Rollers Dispensary. “The VIP After-Party was extended for 90 minutes as it was oversold (120 attendees). I think for Easter Sunday, with a few false starts with promoters who didn’t pan out, the show was a huge success and exceeded our expectations.”
Stephen Weiss, whose Norstep Productions has hosted several successful 420-themed events in the recent past, added, “High Rollers Productions hosted a progressive, 420 lifestyle event whose production went off with absolute perfection. Another cannabis-friendly event went to completion without a single security issue.”
Happening This Weekend: Promoter/musician Dean Rubinstein, who has been presenting shows in the Spirit Lounge at the Showboat, has a cool double-bill taking place Saturday, April 26 featuring Allman Brothers Band-influenced Southern rock group Parker Barrow, plus vocalist Michael Allman, one of Gregg Allman’s four music-playing children. “The Showboat is thrilled to welcome Michael Allman to Atlantic City,” said Rubinstein. “His father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Gregg Allman, has a legacy that Michael is taking on as a personal mission to carry forward.” Showboat is located at 801 Boardwalk, AC. Showtime is 8 p.m. and tickets are $20.
Where Are They Now? In the case of Keith Souder and Michael Mosely, lead vocalist and drummer respectively for Brown Sugar, a Rolling Stones tribute who plays the Lizzie Rose Music Room in Tuckerton this Saturday, April 26, they’re both a ways from their Philly origins. Souder was once the singer for Philly hardcore band Trained Attack Dogs (he also currently deejays at popular Philly nightclub Johnny Brenda’s). Mosely has drummed for such well-known groups as Sadistic Exploits (who played the Atlantic City Elks back in the early ’80s), She Males, and currently, heavy psych-rock trio, Gibbous Moon. Tickets to Brown Sugar are $35 and showtime is 7:30 p.m. Address is 217 E. Main St. in Tuckerton. See www.lizzierosemusic.com.
Until next time, Peace Out – DD.
Doug is the owner/operator of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, which since 1995 has been servicing nationally touring acts, and working record release campaigns for clients. Doug also hàs experience writing for the one time shore-based weekly publication, Whoot! He also was a team member with Chip Braymes Advertising. Doug loves bicycling and aspires to bring the Blues to Atlantic City. He can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@gmail.com and www.facebook.com/dougdeutschpublicity.
