An Evening of Smooth Sounds with The Brian Sanders Band featuring Jazz, R&B & More!

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An Evening of Smooth Sounds with
The Brian Sanders Band
Featuring jazz, R & B and more!
@ Westmoreland County Community College
Youngwood Campus
Saturday, October 29, 2011 | 7:30 PM

Brian Sanders began studying bass guitar at age eleven. He first performed in church and soon after in a high school band. Brian has worked extensively in the gospel music field as a composer, singer and choir director as and with gospel artists such as Douglas Miller, Darrel Coley, Vicky Winans, Edwin Hawkins and Yolanda Adams in addition to touring Germany with the Golden Gospel Singers. He has completed several European tours with the Poogie Bell Band and performs in the Pittsburgh Market with Poogie Bell, the Dwayne Dolphin Band, the Olga Watkins Band and numerous others.

Sly Stone Living in a Camper

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Funk Legend Sly Stone, of Sly and the Family Stone, has lost so much money due to bad contracts and record deals, he is homeless. Stone is suing his manager Jerry Goldstein for $50 million, alleging fraud and 20 years of stolen royalty payments, but in the mean time is living in a small white camper. He says he is still recording music, on a laptop computer.

from: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/funk-legend-sly-stone-homeless-239989

The Weekend in the 412

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DJs

AVA Bar & Lounge – Ready or Not. DJ Vex & guests. Hip hop, dance & soul. Blue room. Fridays.
Ready or Not Fridays. DJ Vex. Classics, Hip-Hop, Soul, more. Fridays.
126 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh (East Liberty), 412-363-8277, http://www.shadowlounge.net.

The New Amsterdam – Mad Tom Brown, Colin Pierce. House & funk. Fridays.
4421 Butler St., Pittsburgh (Lawrenceville), 412-682-6414.

Pittsburgh Cafe – DJ FunkNJunk. Underground hip hop, funk & soul. Fridays. 412-687-3331.
226 Meyran Ave., Pittsburgh (Oakland), 412-687-3330, http://www.pittsburghcafe.com.

Capri Ristorante – Saturday Night Meltdown. Top 40, hip hop, R&B, funk, dance, soul. Saturdays.
6001 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh (East Liberty), 412-362-1250.

Shadow Lounge – Title Town Soul & Funk Party. Last Saturday of every month.
5972 Baum Blvd., Pittsburgh (East Liberty), 412-363-8277, http://www.shadowlounge.net.

Z-Lounge – Happy Ending. Chico & Nature. Old school hip hop & breaks. Saturdays.
Happy Ending. DJ Chico, DJ Nature. Saturdays.
2108 E. Carson Street, Pittsburgh (South Side), 412-431-1800, http://www.zloungepgh.com.

Howlers Coyote Cafe – Give A Man A Break. Sunday night soul w/ DJ Ian Friend. Last Sunday of every month.
Give A Man a Break Soul Night. w/ DJ Ian. Sun., Sept. 25.
4509 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh (Bloomfield), 412-682-0320.

 

Blues

Fairways Lounge – Ms. Freddye & Blue Faze. Fri., Sept. 23.
1500 Locust St., North Braddock, 412-271-0506.
Linden Grove – Souled Out. Fridays.
1100 Grove Rd., Castle Shannon, 412-882-8687, http://www.thelindengrove.com.
Moondog’s – Jill West & Blues Attack. Fri., Sept. 23.
378 Freeport Road, Blawnox, 412-828-2040, http://www.moondogs.us/.
NOLA On the Square – The Olga Watkins Band. Fri., Sept. 23.
24 Market Square, Pittsburgh (Downtown), 412-471-9100, http://www.nolaonthesquare.com.
Harvey Wilner’s – Norman Nardini. Sat., Sept. 24.
1620 Pennsylvania Avenue, West Mifflin, 412-466-1331, http://www.harveywilners.com.
Inn-Termission Lounge – The Rhythm Aces. Saturdays.
1908 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh (South Side).
Moondog’s – Kelly Richey Band. Sat., Sept. 24.
378 Freeport Road, Blawnox, 412-828-2040, http://www.moondogs.us/.
The R Bar – Yinzide Out. Sat., Sept. 24.
2883 West Liberty Ave., Dormont, 412-445-5279.
Tilt’s Pub – Jill West & Blues Attack. Sat., Sept. 24.
4109 Bakerstown Road, Gibsonia, 724-443-5211, http://www.tiltspub.com.
Wightman School – Jimmy Adler Band. Sat., Sept. 24.
5604 Solway, Pittsburgh (Squirrel Hill), 412-421-5708.
Boston Waterfront – Jill West & Blues Attack. Sun., Sept. 25.
2422 Saint David Drive, McKeesport, 412-751-8112, http://www.thebostonwaterfront.net/.

Jazz

Andys at Fairmont Pittsburgh – Spanky Wilson. Fri., Sept. 23.
510 Market St, Downtown, 412-773-8884.
Capri Ristorante – Funk Friday Happy Hour. Live jazz. Fridays.
6001 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh (East Liberty), 412-362-1250.
Cioppino Seafood Chophouse Bar – The Etta Cox & Al Dowe Band. Fri., Sept. 23.
Etta Cox. Fridays.
The Cork Factory, 2350 Railroad St., Pittsburgh (Strip District), 412-281-6593.
Elements Contemporary Cuisine – Tucker Flythe Duo. Fridays.
444 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh (Downtown), 412-251-0168.
Frenchy’s Bistro & Wine Cellar – Eric Johnson. Fridays, Saturdays.
3477 Washington Pike, Bridgeville.
Little E’s – Dan Baker Band. Fri., Sept. 23.
949 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh (Downtown), 412-392-2217.
Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild – Bob Mintzer Big Band feat. Peter Erskin. Sept. 23-24.
Bob Mintzer Big Band. Sept. 23-24.
1815 Metropolitan Street, Pittsburgh (North Side), 412-322-1773, http://www.mcgyouthandarts.org.
Omni William Penn – Frank Cunimondo & Pat Crossley. Fri., Sept. 23.
530 William Penn Pl., Pittsburgh (Downtown), 412-553-5235, http://www.omnihotels.com.
Tin Front Cafe – Phat Man Dee. Fri., Sept. 23.
216 E. 8th Ave., Homestead, 412-461-4615.
Andys at Fairmont Pittsburgh – Maureen Budway. Sat., Sept. 24.
510 Market St, Downtown, 412-773-8884.
Frenchy’s Bistro & Wine Cellar – Eric Johnson. Fridays, Saturdays.
3477 Washington Pike, Bridgeville.
Little E’s – Phoenix Jazz. Sat., Sept. 24.
949 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh (Downtown), 412-392-2217.
Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild – Bob Mintzer Big Band feat. Peter Erskin. Sept. 23-24.
Bob Mintzer Big Band. Sept. 23-24.
1815 Metropolitan Street, Pittsburgh (North Side), 412-322-1773, http://www.mcgyouthandarts.org.
Morgan’s Restaurant & Lounge – James Hovan Trio. Sat., Sept. 24.
204 Rodi Road, Penn Hills, 412-241-1730.
Schenley Plaza – Erin Burkett & Virgil Walters, Jimmy Ponder Trio, Jimmy Sapienza & 5 Guys Named Moe, more. Jazz Days in the Park. Sat., Sept. 24.
Jazz Day In The Park. Sept. 24-25.
Forbes Ave. & Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh (Oakland), 412-682-7275, http://www.schenleyplaza.org.
The Edgewood Club – The Boilermaker Jazz Band. Swing Dancing. Sun., Sept. 25.
1 Pennwood Ave, Edgewood, 412-731-3443, http://www.edgewoodclub.com/.
Greensburg Country Club – Eric Susoeff Trio. Autumn Leaves Jazz Brunch. Sundays.
309 Pleasant Valley Dr., Jeannette, 724-837-1810.
Omni William Penn – Chris Pangikas, Mark Strickland. Sundays.
530 William Penn Pl., Pittsburgh (Downtown), 412-553-5235, http://www.omnihotels.com.
Penny’s Glasshouse Bistro – Vince Anthony. Sundays.
1719 E. Carson St, Pittsburgh (South Side).
Schenley Park – Frank Cunimondo Trio, Patricia Skala. Pittsburgh Jazz Society Picnic. Sun., Sept. 25.
Panther Hollow Rd., Pittsburgh (Oakland), 412-255-2539, http://www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/parks/.
Schenley Plaza – Joe Negri Quartet, Frank Cunimondo Trio, Al Dowe & Etta Cox, more. Jazz Days in the Park. Sun., Sept. 25.
Forbes Ave. & Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh (Oakland), 412-682-7275, http://www.schenleyplaza.org.
Sweeney’s Steakhouse – Eric Johnson. Sundays.
1713 Rostraver Road, Belle Vernon, 724-929-8383.

 

Pgh Vinyl Convention

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On October 8th, there will be a record show in Pittsburgh. Sponsored by Mind Cure Records and I Dig Pgh, the Pittsburgh Vinyl Convention (PVC) will be held in conjunction with VIA Music and New Media Festival in East Liberty. The Pittsburgh Vinyl Convention is at the same building as the VIA
festival – 6022 Broad Street in East Liberty – but is in its own space
with its own entrance at 162 Sheridan Street.

Details:

Saturday October 8th, 2011 9 am – 5 pm
162 Sheridan Ave. (East Liberty)
entrance directly to the right of Domino’s Pizza

early admission 9 am – 10 am, $10
general admission 10 am – 5 pm, $3

www.facebook.com/PghVinylCon
http://twitter.com/PghVinylCon
www.mindcurerecords.wordpress.com
www.idigpgh.com

ThunderSoul

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ThunderSoul: The True Story of Conrad Johnson and the Kashmere Stage Band is a documentary produced by Jamie Foxx that debuts this weekend. ThunderSoul “follows the extraordinary alumni from Houston’s storied Kashmere High School Stage Band, who return home after 35 years to play a tribute concert for the 92-year-old Conrad “Prof” Johnson, their beloved band leader who broke the color barrier and transformed the school’s struggling jazz band into a world-class funk powerhouse in the early 1970s.” ThunderSoul opens September 23rd in New York City, and will appear in additional theaters beginning October 8th. Watch a clip from the movie here.

The Weekend in the 412- 9/16-9/18

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DJs

AVA Bar & Lounge – Ready or Not. DJ Vex & guests. Hip hop, dance & soul. Blue room. Fridays.
Ready or Not Fridays. DJ Vex. Classics, Hip-Hop, Soul, more. Fridays.
126 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh (East Liberty), 412-363-8277, http://www.shadowlounge.net.

The New Amsterdam – Mad Tom Brown, Colin Pierce. House & funk. Fridays.
4421 Butler St., Pittsburgh (Lawrenceville), 412-682-6414.

Pittsburgh Cafe – DJ FunkNJunk. Underground hip hop, funk & soul. Fridays. 412-687-3331.
226 Meyran Ave., Pittsburgh (Oakland), 412-687-3330, http://www.pittsburghcafe.com.

Lava Lounge – Motown Getdown Soul Night w/ DJ Vex. First and Third Saturday of every month.
2204 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh (South Side), 412-431-5282, http://www.myspace.com/lavaloungepgh.

BLUES

Large Hotel – Ruff House. Fri., Sept. 16.
5100 Oak Road, Clairton, 724-384-9950.
Linden Grove – Souled Out. Fridays.
1100 Grove Rd., Castle Shannon, 412-882-8687, http://www.thelindengrove.com.
Moondog’s – Bernard Allison. Fri., Sept. 16.
378 Freeport Road, Blawnox, 412-828-2040, http://www.moondogs.us/.
NOLA On the Square – John Gresh’s Gris-Gris Band. Fri., Sept. 16.
24 Market Square, Pittsburgh (Downtown), 412-471-9100, http://www.nolaonthesquare.com.
Palace Theatre – Keb� Mo. Fri., Sept. 16.
23 W. Otterman Street, Greensburg, 724-836-8000, http://www.thepalacetheatre.org.
Clarion Hotel – Ms. Freddye & Blue Faze. Sat., Sept. 17.
401 Holiday Dr., New Kensington.
Inn-Termission Lounge – The Rhythm Aces. Saturdays.
1908 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh (South Side).
Scottdale Fall Festival – Jimmy Adler Band. Sat., Sept. 17.
1 Centennial Way, Scottdale.

JAZZ

Andys at Fairmont Pittsburgh – Maureen Budway. Fri., Sept. 16.
510 Market St, Downtown, 412-773-8884.
Capri Ristorante – Funk Friday Happy Hour. Live jazz. Fridays.
6001 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh (East Liberty), 412-362-1250.
Etta Cox. Fridays.
The Cork Factory, 2350 Railroad St., Pittsburgh (Strip District), 412-281-6593.
Elements Contemporary Cuisine – Tucker Flythe Duo. Fridays.
444 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh (Downtown), 412-251-0168.
Frenchy’s Bistro & Wine Cellar – Eric Johnson. Fridays, Saturdays.
3477 Washington Pike, Bridgeville.
La Casa Narcisi – Erin Burkett & Virgil Walters. Fri., Sept. 16.
4578 Gibsonia Rd., Gibsonia, 724-444-4744, http://www.narcisiwinery.com/.
Little E’s – The Matt Booth Trio. Fri., Sept. 16.
949 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh (Downtown), 412-392-2217.
Andys at Fairmont Pittsburgh – Kim Nazarian & Barbara Burkle. Sat., Sept. 17.
510 Market St, Downtown, 412-773-8884.
August Wilson Center for African American Culture – Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra. Sat., Sept. 17.
Liberty Ave. at Smithfield St., Pittsburgh (Downtown), 412-258-2700, http://www.augustwilsoncenter.org.
Backstage Bar at Theater Square – Erin Burkett & Virgil Walters. Sat., Sept. 17.
655 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh (Downtown), 412-325-6769, http://www.pgharts.org/venues/backstagebar.aspx.
CJ’s – Tubby Daniels Band. Sat., Sept. 17.
2901 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh (Strip District), 412-642-2377.
Frenchy’s Bistro & Wine Cellar – Eric Johnson. Fridays, Saturdays.
3477 Washington Pike, Bridgeville.
Little E’s – The Sorriee Band. Sat., Sept. 17.
949 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh (Downtown), 412-392-2217.
Thunderbird Cafe – Jazz Fan Appriciation Event. Musicians welcome to sit in. Third Saturday of every month.
4023 Butler St., Pittsburgh (Lawrenceville), 412-682-0177, http://www.thunderbirdcafe.net.
Greensburg Country Club – Eric Susoeff Trio. Autumn Leaves Jazz Brunch. Sundays.
309 Pleasant Valley Dr., Jeannette, 724-837-1810.
Omni William Penn – Chris Pangikas, Mark Strickland. Sundays.
530 William Penn Pl., Pittsburgh (Downtown), 412-553-5235, http://www.omnihotels.com.
Penny�s Glasshouse Bistro – Vince Anthony. Sundays.
1719 E. Carson St, Pittsburgh (South Side).
Rivers Casino – Curtis Johnson Quartet. Sun., Sept. 18.
777 Casino Dr., Pittsburgh (North Side), 412-231-7777, http://www.theriverscasino.com.
Sonoma – The Flying Dutchmen. Sundays.
947 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh (Downtown), 412-697-1336, http://www.thesonomagrille.com.
Sweeney’s Steakhouse – Eric Johnson. Sundays.
1713 Rostraver Road, Belle Vernon, 724-929-8383.
All events listed in the Pittsburgh City Paper

MP3 From Nation Beat

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Nation Beat is a fusion group out of New York that combines funky bass beats and guitar riffs with Brazilian maracatu rhythms and Mardi Gras lines and more. On The Village Voice, you can download one of their newest songs, Puxa o Boi. Bandleader Scott Kettner describes development of the song by saying

he morphed a Mardi Gras Indian funk groove on the cowbell and snare with a maracatu groove in the bass drum

The bassline by Jordan Scannella adds even more funk. Check out the Village Voice’s mini-review and interview about the song, and download it and see how funky it is for yourself!

Nigerian Disco with a Funk Edge

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Monday’s pick for “Song of the Day” on NPR Music is “Big Race,” by Segun Robert. It’s from the CD Brand New Wayo: Funk, Fast Times and Nigerian Boogie Badness 1979-1983, which covers the brief period of the prominence of disco music in Nigeria. Like all Afro-funk, this music is the product of African influences affecting American funk music and American funk music affecting African music. Take a listen to the song and read the article on NPR here.

Bring on the Funk

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Bernie Worrell (Neil Abramson)

After a year and half long hiatus, we’re back, and funkier than ever. We’re still focused on funk, as well as soul, blues, jazz, and smooth R&B. Stay tuned for reviews, events, recommended PodCasts and MORE! If you don’t wanna dance, then what are you doing HERE?! (Thanks Baby Elephant and Bernie Worrell)

Funkin’ in the New Year with Average White Band

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Average White Band (AWB), one of my favorite funk bands, played in Pittsburgh for New Year’s Eve as a part of the First Night Events. AWB is a funk r&b band from Scotland who had big hits in the seventies and eighties, and can still jam it live. They played from 10:45 to 11:58 PM  on the Highmark Stage on Penn Ave, and then played two more songs as an encore after midnight. I was psyched because I had not realized they were going to be playing in my town until that evening, but there was a die hard AWB fan who came from the Jersey shore, specifically to see AWB play for New Year’s Eve. Video Coming soon