CRUMBS Cafe

20 Dec 2011: A craftsmanship tailor made with honeysuckle vocal harmonies, thick southern lead guitars, lively piano and B3 accompaniment all punctuated by a solid bass bottom and the hard-hitting back beats of rock-n-roll . The journey taken with the 'Road' also visits a contemplative landscape of bluegrass fiddle, juke-joint sax and the breakneck howl of a blues harp. Penned by RTOs founders Mark Bertini, Neil Goes and Alexandra Higgins, their music spans wide vistas of contemporary musical vernacular, politically-minded statements and internal dialogues . The duos vision is a songwriting ethos of an American experience lived first-hand, confidently rooted in the blues, Latin groove and 70s rock influence wedged comfortably into a Alt-Country frame of being. Alex Higgins delivers this 12 song tale with a stunning vocal performance of chilling sensitivity to downright 'move it or lose it' raw attitude leaving no doubt of this debuts title.

13 Dec 2011: Female fronted rock band, Silversyde, have embraced the motto of finding hope in the worst of circumstances. 'Beauty and Gravel' is how some have described their fiery vocal arrangements backed by the bands gritty alternative sound. Wielding a strong stage presence, they deliver a power packed show and unforgettable song hooks that will take your breath away, while their melodic rock helps deliver a strong message of hope, help and healing from a world that can otherwise leave you empty, hurting and alone. The band is touring the Eastern Seaboard, promoting the release of their first full length album, 'CIRCUS CIRCUS.' Promoting a change for good from the things in life that hold you down, and focusing on the embrace of a new, positive perspective on life that is centered on hope, eternity, love and purity, and the band hopes to have another record breaking year.

06 Dec 2011: Jermaine is a native of the Bronx and is the master linguist in The Ill Funk Ensemble. Not just merely a lead singer, Jermaine excels in all aspects of entertaining an audience. Schooled in music, acting, play writing and production, hes appeared on MTV, the Apollo Amateur Night, Apollo Showtime On The Road, the feature film, Random Hearts; starring Harrison Ford, a TV commercial for Claritin as well as many other cinematic and television appearances. For the past six years, singer and rapper Jermaine Wells has built his reputation in the Capital Region as the frontman for hip-hop and Randamp;B band The Ill Funk Ensemble. But thats only one side of Wells artistic personality. Now, with his debut solo EP, 'For Dancing Girls and Admirers,' Wells is looking to introduce fans to some of these other artistic endeavors. The five songs on the EP showcase his abilities as a producer. Just the beginning The EP is only the beginning for Wells solo ventures. Next year, hes planning two more EPs, an online release on his website inspired by the photography of some of his friends, and another RandB and dance inspired collection. Hes also hoping to get back into acting, inspired by the recent productions that have taken up residence in the area.

13 Sep 2011: The Red Haired Strangers have been playing together for over 15 years, forging original music that contains hints of country and delta blues influences. Along the way, theyve expanded to include not only guitar and harmonica, but also fiddle, bass, drums, dobro and pedal steel guitar. Their music consists of original words set to driving melodies complete with evocative images of wandering, trains, sin and love lost. Ryan first picked up a harmonica when at the age of 16, when he fortunately swapped tapes with his brother and heard Sonny Boy Williamson on the first cut of the Blues Volume 1. John has been playing electric bass ever since a successful bribe led him to try out for the 8th grade basketball team. Joe Gumpper has been playing the violin since he was in sixth grade. When his teacher started teaching him the Bach E major violin concerto in high school, he knew he would make a life with music. Rick 'Have Steel Will Travel' Morse has been playing music in bands since he was a teenager after hearing the Beatles on Ed Sullivan. Starting out as 'just another guitar player' in a series of bands in high school and college, he took up the pedal steel guitar after hearing Rusty Young of Poco in concert. Chris Scharl began his musical training as a classical percussionist in fifth grade and was named to the NYSSMA sponsored 'Area' All State Concerts during his sophomore, junior and senior years of high school. Chris was also a member of ESYOs Percussion Ensemble and received further instruction from Richard Albagli.

23 Aug 2011: Beth Zaje...Shes the girl next door or is she? Spend a few hours with her and youll see what I mean. Beth is the most zestful, full of life, fearless of hard work teenagers youll ever meet. She cant wait to roll up her sleeves and get her hands dirty. At the same time, she exudes the same warmth you would liken to being at grandmas house eating apple pie. Born and raised in little ol Gloversville, NY, Beth is a girl who had a dream, grew a desire, and formed a plan. All of this leads to one conclusion. She cannot only sing a song, she can sell it. If Beth were to be put on radio airwaves around the country, she would intrigue people to want to know the personality behind the voice. Once they do, dare I say, theyll be fans for life. With hope of being discovered, Beth started making homemade Youtube performances from her bedroom. Manager, songwriter, and long time musician, Michael Bruce, made that discovery after getting a tip from a friend who saw her at a high school talent show. He knew she had the it factor in her voice after she sang one line. Since Bruces discovery, the two have been working non-stop at achieving their goals. Beth finally has the schedule shes always dreamed of. She is currently performing anywhere she can, gaining experience and confidence in her live presentation. She is also working endlessly on songs with her writing and production team for a full length album, full of hits. Beth studies with a voice coach and is also taking piano and guitar lessons. In the recent past, Beth has performed in a number of school musicals, plays, choirs and talent shows. The most recent lead performance was in December of 2009. She acted and sang in the musical Cinderella. Also, out of thousands of submissions, Beth was placed in the top 40 for the 2009 Pure Pop competition. Anyone who has come in contact with Beth Zaje has witnessed all of her great qualities. If the musical powers that we be recognize these same qualities, there is no telling how far this small town jewel in the rough teenager will go!