INDIEcent Exposure – INDIEcent Exposure

This episode of INDIEcent Exposure marks something of a watershed moment for us here at the Greylock Glass. When Alicia Beale took us up on our invitation for an interview, somehow we both wound up thinking it was to be a video conversation. Serendipity, I say.

Alicia Beale makes her solo debut with "IGNITE," (submitted photo).

And whythehellnot, right? We have the tools, and we're working up to that talent thing.

I don't remember exactly when we first made contact with this rising artist, but what a stroke of good fortune that was. When we heard the tremendous range, both vocally and emotionally, present in her songs, we were determined to have her on the show. A seasoned musician and performer, Alicia is also savvy in the ways of self-promotion, as you'll hear. She's definitely part of a new breed of artist, blending dreams and determination with a healthy dose of disciplined business sense.

We know you're going to enjoy listening to (or watching) our conversation with Alicia Beale.

Alicia Beale's debut album, "IGNITE," is available at Amazon.com

 

There's almost nowhere online you can't catch up with Alicia. In addition to her website, she's has a strong presence on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Spotify.

About Alicia Beale

Hailing from Southeast Texas, Nashville singer/songwriter, Alicia Beale, knows how to bring it.

Alicia has been busy this past year, writing, recording, and releasing her solo debut record with friend and producer, Mike Gossin (Gloriana). The new record, which just released this summer, is full of fun dance beats, catchy melodies, and soaring vocals--even a choir. If you don't have her songs stuck in your head, you're doing it wrong.

Beale fronted hundreds of shows all over Music City and beyond, where she learned how to command a crowd. From 2008 to 2010, she paid for college by playing late nights down on lower Broadway in Nashville. In 2010, she founded the country Duo, Autumn Rose (prod. by Garth Fundis); and in 2014, she toured with Angelo Petraglia (Kings of Leon), and his wife, Eulene, as a background vocalist in their band, The Jane Shermans; and in late fall, began crowdfunding for her solo project, Ignite.

"Thanks to all the love and support of my fans for sharing in my dream, I'm able to make a living doing what I love. Music has given me a voice to celebrate some truly great moments, and has also carried me through some of my darkest days." Beale says she hopes to be a voice and inspiration to girls, both young and old, the way her musical idols were for her.

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We caught up with the Matchstick Architects as they waited for the first shipment of CDs of their latest effort, "All That's In Between," to arrive. I don't know about you, but I LOVE that "new LP smell." We spoke with Dar Maloney and Tom Conklin (Diane Davis was unavailable) about the what the guts of the music are made of. Answer: raw stories. In addition to busting out the discs at their CD release party this Saturday, they'll be helping First Fridays Artswalk break new ground as they inaugurate the addition of live music to the collection of arts offerings in Pittsfield, Mass.

The Matchstick Architects are (from left), Diane DDD, Tom Conklin, and Dar Maloney (submitted photo).

First Fridays ArtswalkThe Matchstick Architects, LiveFriday, August 5, 2016, 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.Downtown Pittsfield, Inc.33 Dunham Mall, Pittsfield, Mass.Free

AND THEN:

CD Release Party, "All That's In Between"The Matchstick Architects, LiveSaturday, August 6, 2016; 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.Whitney Center for the Arts42 Wendell Ave, Pittsfield, Mass.Free

About the Matchstick Architects

The Matchstick Architects are a New England based original rock band with strong country, blues, and folk influences. The band plays in and around New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Connecticut in support of their debut CD entitled "All That's In Between."

Their music has also been featured on several regional radio stations including WEXT 97.7 FM in Troy, NY and WTBR 89.7 FM in Pittsfield, MA.

The band is fronted by Dar Maloney (Canaan, NY) on guitar and lead vocals. The band features Maloney; Tom Conklin (Pittsfield, MA) on lead guitar, harmonica and vocals; Diane Davis (Barkhamsted, CT) on bass, and until recently Paul Unsworth (Canton, CT) on drums.

About Tom Conklin

Tom Conklin (submitted photo).

Tom Conklin is a local musician, voiceover talent and radio news voice. He has been playing guitar for more than three decades and is the lead guitarist for The Matchstick Architects.

Tom does voiceover work for clients all over the world from his home studio in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and is the news voice for several radio stations in Berkshire County.

He is also a founding member of Berkshire Organization for Original Music, or BOOM, which is a Berkshire County based organization that supports the local original music scene in the Berkshires.

 

 

About Dar Maloney

Dar Maloney (submitted photo).

Dar Maloney is the lead singer, songwriter, and rhythm guitarist for The Matchstick Architects. She has been playing music professionally in the area for more than three decades. Her band has just released their debut CD  "All That's in Between".She also sits on the board of Berkshire Organization for Original Music, or BOOM, which is a Berkshire County based organization that supports the local original music scene in the Berkshires.

You can find The Matchstick Architects on:

Their website

Facebook

Bandcamp

REVERBNATION

Artswalk Goes Boom! As Music Is Added to the Mix

First Fridays Artswalk in Pittsfield, MA will now showcase another kind of art: music! Berkshire Organization for Original Music – BOOM – will bring original music to several venues at the August 5th Artswalk, including the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Crawford Square, and Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. Musical styles and instrumentation abound: the 4-piece blues, country and folk based rock band, The Matchstick Architects (at Downtown Pittsfield); Sherry Steiner’s ukulele group, The Tuesday Trio plus Two; and progressive/acoustic rock from solo artist James O’Neill.

BOOM’s mission is to nurture and broaden opportunities for original music in the Berkshires, and Artswalk is a natural fit. Partnering with Pittsfield community leaders Mary McGinnis of Artswalk and Kristine Hurley, Executive Director of Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., BOOM is excited to place talented original songwriters and bands every month along Pittsfield’s “booming” downtown district. “We’re thrilled at the chance to work together with enthusiastic business owners to bring great original music to Pittsfield every month, right alongside the visual art Artswalk is known for,” enthused Liv Cummins, musical theater dramatist and BOOM coordinator. “Original music artists have a tough time getting regular bookings locally, since many venues feature cover bands. As a result, they struggle to build an audience.  BOOM is trying to change that.”

Artswalk has been an ongoing, successful event that takes place on the first Friday of each month, showcasing local fine artists. This is its first serious foray into bringing music to the mix.

The Matchstick Architects, playing at Downtown Pittsfield, Inc, is a Berkshire-based original rock band with strong country, blues, and folk influences. Their debut CD, ‘All That's In Between’, is newly released.

Performing at the Crowne Plaza is James O’Neill, a Singer Songwriter who grew up in Williamstown. He attended Mount Greylock Regional High, and then Clark University, where he developed his rock/acoustic sound.

At Crawford Square, The Tuesday Trio Plus Two will be featured.  TT+2 is an up-beat folk/ grassroots group that performs original tunes, written by Sherry Steiner.

BOOM was founded by Pittsfield resident and local musician/radio newscaster Tom Conklin, and Lee resident and noted songwriter Sandy McKnight. They welcome all local original musicians to register and post their music on the BOOM website,www.boom413.com. There information can be found on the many projects BOOM is working on to bring more local, original music to the community.

Check out Artswalk on its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FirstFridaysArtswalk

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To be perfectly honest, there's just not much I can say about the Whiskey Treaty Roadshow that either hasn't already been written, isn't about to be said (check for an article in an upcoming issue of Relix), or you aren't going to hear in this interview. Torey Hannah and Billy Keane generously talk with us for well over the 20 minutes they said that they could spare on a practice night, so thanks, gents.

Mainly, they're good people. And their love for what they do comes through. When you combine those things in front of an audience, you've got magic.

What I can do is provide you with links to some really good local coverage and beyond. And give you more ways to contact these guys individually and collectively than you're every gonna need. Check out their website and Facebook page for information on their debut release, "The Heart of the Run," recorded live at the Shire City Sessions in Pittsfield, Mass.

Three from Whiskey Treaty Roadshow to prime you for MASSGathering

Oh, and we spin THREE tunes off the album ("Jimmy the Whiskey Boy, "Governor's Wife," and "Leave Your Light ON"), which should whet your appetite to see them live at:

MASSGathering at Ski ButternutSaturday and Sunday, May 28 & 29; 8 a.m.—7 p.m.380 State Rd, Great Barrington, Massachusetts 01230

Tory Hannah of the Whiskey Treaty Roadshow (photo courtesy https://www.facebook.com/toryhanna/)

With the band's kind permission, most of the text that follows is biographical info pulled directly from their website. But I didn't pull everything! PLENTY more to read if you go there and spend a little time.

Billy Keane of the Whiskey Treaty Roadshow (photo courtesy https://www.facebook.com/billykeanemusic/)

Also, MUCH to listen to and watch. Truckloads of video. I hope these guys are as generous with their pouring as they are with their playing. Speaking of pouring, we WILL have to get a taste one day of Hudson Whiskey, whose sponsorship of the band has allowed them to do such things as produce a killer documentary.

From their website:

The Whiskey Treaty unites songwriters of Americana, Rock and Roots-Folk music to share in their love of Western Mass, Music, Brotherhood and Whiskey!

Members: Tory Hanna, Billy Keane, David Tanklefsky, Chris Merenda, Greg Smith

Tory Hanna is a performer whose musical soul and character pours out whenever he stands in front of a microphone. Influenced largely by American singer-songwriters and roots rockers such as Ben Harper, James Taylor, and Bradley Nowell, Tory leans on modern electro-indie song-writing such as the Death Cab for Cutie and MGMT for lyric-driven and articulated melodic stylings.

To call Billy Keane a throwback would be redundant. Keane is a singer-songwriter who lives in Pittsfield, MA and was discovered by the Berkshires First Family of Music, Kim and James Taylor. Besides James, he counts Phil Ochs, Pete Seeger and Bob Dylan among his influences. Like his predecessors, Keane sings about things that are important to people: Freedom, love, and peace as well as other key issues in our time.

David Tanklefsky is a musician, journalist, radio broadcaster and sports play by play man. He has been making records and playing shows since he was 16 years old in Boston-born folk/rock/jazz kids Grimis. Tanklefsky released a solo EP "The Sun and the Shadows" in 2011 and a full length solo record "Be Brave" in 2014.

Greg Smith spent his youth honing his musical skills on the family farm in the hills of Charlemont, Massachusetts before joining his first band at age 12. He played a variety of instruments before settling on the guitar in high school and had been a member of nearly a dozen bands before relocating to Brooklyn, NY in the mid-2000s. There he formed his dream band Greg Smith & The Broken English, which made NYC venues such as Rockwood Music Hall and the Bowery Electric its home for several years.

Chris Merenda is a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and lead singer/performer who brings his unique style of talent to every musical endeavor he gets involved in. His current music has been influenced by a long resume of accomplishments.

Merenda has been performing and re-inventing his sound for the past two and a half decades. Whether it was Ska/Reggae, Punk and Rock in the nineties, or Folk, Americana, Blues and Bluegrass in more recent years, Merenda is a master of style.

We've been away too long, I know (hangs head in shame). It's been a brutal couple of months, that's all I can say. Fortunately, we're facing a New Reality now that spring is finally here. Dayne Herndon, the mind behind the musical project, Starseed, joins us to talk about his latest release.

In this fascinating conversation, we hear how a life-long search for understanding has added another dimension to his musical expression. Normally, I write the show notes and edit/alter whatever bio a guest sends me. In this case, Dayne provided an extremely well-written, comprehensive back story and description of his work. I have decided to print his entire submission here, as paraphrasing his words would only degrade the quality of the information. I have applied no editorial mojo to the following selection, so please note that his words should be considered an augmentation of the interview.

Dayne on Starseed

My name is Dayne Herndon; I'm a 22-year-old electronic music producer and jazz guitarist. I produce and perform my original music under the alias/stage-name Starseed.

To give you a brief idea as to the nature of my art, I would say that my music and live performances are a smooth and diverse blend of electronic styles infused with live guitar improvisation. I would describe my musical creations as a means by which I may channel higher dimensional frequencies related to the underlying Oneness and Unity of the Cosmos, to tether in those frequencies, and to transmit them through sound expressions. I feel my most notable muses to be Mother Nature herself, the cosmos at large, and the feminine essence of water. It is my intention to create music that is expansive, insightful, thoughtful, and heart-opening, tunes that are both danceable and introspective, that are simultaneously stimulating and soothing.

Starseed (artwork/Dayne Herndon)

To date, I have released three solo albums under the name Starseed. The first, entitled "Youniverse", was released in September of 2014, featuring the contribution of the musical talents of my good friends Mitchell Owens and Gabe Salomon. “Youniverse” is comprised of a hodge-podge of diverse influences, encompassing not only elements of jazz but also spanning the realms of ambient, psychedelic, downtempo, dub, hip-hop, garage/two-step, and other types of electronic music. In November of last year, I released “The Remembrance”, my second solo album. “The Remembrance” is a synthesis of similar hybridized styles, but I feel that it embodies my growth and evolution as a being since the release of my first and that it demonstrates a greater degree of concrescence with regard to my sound and stylistic approach.

Because I am a firm believer in the philosophy of self-reliance and self-independence, I composed, mixed, produced, and provided original sound design and instrumentals for both albums. To take this idea a step further, I also composed original lyrics and provided vocals for "The Remembrance", in addition to doing all of the mastering and album artwork myself as well. Most recently, I released my third album this April, entitled "New Reality", which I composed, mixed, produced, and mastered, and for which I provided original sound design, lyrics, and vocals. I was fortunate enough that my good friends Aly Miller and Jess Kitch helped to provide album artwork for the new release.

Personal Journey

I suppose I will give you a bit of context concerning my personal journey so far: Originally from the Dallas/Ft. Worth area of Texas, I began to pursue music seriously as a child, quickly realizing at a young age that this was my calling. I have been playing guitar, primarily jazz, since I was 11 and have been producing electronic music since I was 14.

In 2012, when I was 18, I decided to relocate to the northeast in order to study electronic music production, sound design, and jazz guitar at Berklee College of Music in Boston. After studying for a few years and working briefly for Sonivox, a leading audio hardware and software development company, I relocated to the Berkshire Mountains in Western Massachusetts in mid-February of 2015 in order to get out of the city and to settle down in the arms of Mother Nature. At this time I reconnected with some star brothers of mine who I met at school and with whom I now teach interactive music workshops all around the Berkshire area.

About “New Reality”

"New Reality," which released April 7, is available through BandCamp (submitted image).

"New Reality" is Dayne Henderson's third release as Starseed. The album was created with the intention of celebrating the new reality that we are co-creating as an evolving collective, a reality seeded by higher consciousness, rooted in the natural state of the unconditional love of the sacred heart-space, and marked by reconnection with universal harmony and the natural order of creation, by peace, by excitement, and by the highest joy that we can possibly imagine.

May the vibrations resonate deeply within your being; may they speak directly to your soul, aligning you to your inherent divinity, stimulating you to actualize the infinite potential of your creative expressibility, and inspiring you to connect with yourself and with all of life, to live your joy and your truth fearlessly.

Infinite love and blessings!Dayne

"Starseed" released April 7, 2016, is available on Bandcamp and SoundcloudAll composition, vocals, instrumentals, sound design, processing, mixing, mastering, by Dayne Herndon. Album artwork by Aly Miller, Jess Kitch, and Dayne Herndon.

Barbara Marciniak"Bringers Of The Dawn: Teachings From The Pleiadians""Earth: Pleiadian Keys To The Living Library""Family Of Light: Pleiadian Tales And Lessons In Living".

Lyssa Royal and Keith Priest"The Prism Of Lyra: An Exploration of Human Galactic Heritage" by  is also really great...

Harmonious Earth community, Sedona Arizona

Bashar's/Darryl Anka—YouTube channel:

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BOOM was formed by local musicians Tom Conklin, Sandy McKnight, Dar Maloney and Liv Cummins, and MCLA student Allison Gregory, as a way to promote and advance original bands and singer-songwriters in the Berkshires.

 

"BOOM" kickoff event features ten local music artists

Berkshire Organization for Original Music (BOOM) has scheduled their kickoff event, the Big BOOM Bash, at The Whitney Center for the Arts, on April 29.  Between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., a reception will be held, followed by a party and concert from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.  Admission is free, and all are welcome. Food, and a cash bar, will be offered, along with the original music covering various genres.

“We’re reaching out to not only musicians, but business people, public servants, and anyone else who cares about the artistic and economic welfare of the community,” explained McKnight, who formed a not-for-profit called CAT (Columbia Arts Team) 14 years ago with Cummins.

“We were living in Hudson, NY until recently,” added Cummins, “and saw, first hand, the effect the arts can have on a local economy.”  BOOM hopes to also bridge the divide between northern and southern Berkshire county.  “Let’s all work together, and visit each other once in a while.  We need to develop a music scene worthy of the Berkshire’s rich musical history,” she stated. CAT has produced many music events, in Columbia County, the Albany area, and the Berkshires. BOOM was formed as a part of CAT, with a similar mission, but focused more specifically in the Berkshires.

BOOM Kickoff EventFriday, April 29, 4 p.m.–9 p.m.The Whitney Center for the Arts42 Wendell Avenue, Pittsfield, Mass.

Whitney Center for the Arts Executive Director, Ghazi Kazmi, has generously offered the Wendell Avenue arts venue for the BOOM event. Performing will be local original musicians Jeb Barry and the Pawn Shop Saints, 8 Foot River, Robin O'Herin, Leap the Dips, The Matchstick Architects, Sherry Steiner, Christine Bile, The Chain Letter, Keep Her Warm, and Long Journey.

“I think we’ve tapped into a real need in the community,” added Conklin, the news voice of WUPE and other stations around the county. “As soon as we put the idea out there, we had a big reaction. We had 50 folks come to our first meeting at BCC, on a cold snowy night. People have volunteered, chimed in with ideas, and generally been enthusiastic. We’ve had many people tell us this is something that’s been needed around here for a long time.”

Since then, things have been busy at BOOM, as they worked on developing a website (designed by Glenn Geiger of Stockbridge, also a local musician, and web designer for Geiger Computers), which finally came to fruition recently. The web address is www.boom413.com, and at the site one can hear all kinds of local music, see videos, get information on services, music-related advice and much more. BOOM has no formal memberships, but musicians can register on the website and contribute to the content.

The kickoff event is open to all ages, with the founders’ goal to get to know everyone who enjoys music, plays music, or cares about music in the Berkshires. The Whitney Center for the Arts is at 42 Wendell Avenue in Pittsfield. Doors open at 4.  More information is available at the website, or by calling 413 243-4306.

Ear Candy to Temp You to BOOM's Kick-Off

Tom Conklin, a co-founder of BOOM, local radio personality, and guitarist with The Matchstick Architects at BerkshireStock 2012 (submitted photo).

We'd love to play a sampling of ALL the artists who'll be in the house at the Whit on 4/29, But we just couldn't give everyone equal billing, though. BESIDES...we don't have to! You can go to BOOM's website and give a listen YOURSELF to all the awesome tunes from your fave, and soon to be fave, local bands! For now, though, lets have a selection of tunes from our guests' bands/projects.

From Tom Conklin's Band, The Matchstick Architects, you'll hear "Little Things" in this episode. A heartfelt work that speaks of optimism in a sometimes unforgiving life that threatens to obscure the Little Things that can keep us going, the tune taps into a very real place with satisfying results. Listen during the show, and then scroll down and hit the play button so you can go back and hear those great lyrics again. OH! and if you heard Tom on the show and thought, "Boy, I could use a voice like that for my next commercial, documentary, animated film, etc. project," you're in luck! Those velvet pipes are for hire—just visit his voice-over site for details.

Sandy McKnight, a co-founder of BOOM, playing an acoustic set At the Dream Away Lodge in Becket as part of his solo project (submitted photo).

And from Sandy McKnight...well, that was a tough choice—solo acoustic musings chock-full of raw honesty and authenticity? Or electrified blossoms of catchy melody that doesn't quite hide the incisively intelligent observations within the lyrics? Well, for the podcast, we went with the former, BUT have linked to the reverb nation player below, so you can listen over and over to your hearts content!

About The Matchstick Architects

The Matchstick Architects are a New England based original indie rock band fronted by Dar Maloney (Canaan, NY) on guitar and lead vocals. The band features Maloney, Tom Conklin (Pittsfield, MA) on lead guitar, Diane Davis (Barkhamsted, CT) on bass, and Paul Unsworth (Canton, CT) on drums and percussion. The band is currently working on its debut CD entitled All That’s In Between.

Sandy McKnight—Acoustic

SANDY MCKNIGHT & THE IDEA!

SANDY MCKNIGHT & THE IDEA! began when sandy had an idea. the idea was to make accessible pop music with lots of harmonies and great songs. the Beatles had a similar idea. The band is unabashedly fun and melodic and all the unhip things a band can be.

With "The Next Step," North Adams filmmakers Joe Aidonidis and Augusta Rose launch an odyssey that will span boundaries that are geographical, technological, financial, and deeply personal.

"The Next Step" Not to Be Taken Lightly

The focus of their lens is the determination of a young woman scheduled to travel to Australia this Spring to undergo a procedure not approved in the United States to regain more of the mobility she had before the loss of both her legs above the knee as a teenager.

That young woman, Clara Gardner, is a close friend of the filmmakers, a fact that adds a personal dimension to the project that facilitates the storytelling in some ways. On the other hand, Augusta knew her before a drunk driver cost Clara lost both her legs in 2008—there's no use even in pretending that objectivity is a remote possibility. When one of your best friends becomes the raw material for your art, emotional dynamics may shift in unexpected ways.

Additionally, Augusta and Joe are a couple. The intensity of working on any large project as a small team can place a burden on non-romantic partnerships. During shooting "The Next Step," the two filmmakers will traverse oceans together in pursuit of their work. Then, and during the editing process, time, money, and space are all likely to get tight at times. What relationship safety mechanisms have they put in place to deal with the potential strain?

An epic tale (and the talent to tell it) just part of the recipe for a powerful film

As they travel to Australia with Clara to chronicle her experience receiving the costly procedure known as osseointegration, Aidonidis and Rose will have a level of access unusual for most documentarians. Whether or not they'll be able to convert the powerful story into a feature film over the next year depends in part on funding.

Joe and Augusta have launched a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter to help finance the project. More than half of their immediate goal reached quickly, the couple must still look ahead to the crushing expense of all that goes into a movie after the footage has all been captured. That tale will unfold both on the film's Kickstarter page and its Facebook page, where "The Next Step" is already receiving encouragement and praise from supporters. The two forms of support combined might just be what the project needs to see the journey all the way through to the end.

About Joe Aidonidis and Augusta Rose

Joe Aidonidis is a videographer specializing in capturing live performance, biographic and educational materials for non-profits, and visual art. He co-directs 'Common Folk', an artist collective based in North Adams, MA that empowers communities to use art as a catalyst for change. His mission is to educate others about humanitarian subjects and artistic causes. He is also one of the musical duo that makes up Anonymous Animal. In addition to having a presence on YouTube as a musician on the Anonymous Animal page, he and his partner, Barney, host another YouTube page where they share info about the techniques and trade-craft they rely on to make their transformative sounds—Anonymous Animal 2. Joe also highlights some of the great experiences created by the Common Folk Artist Collective on their YouTube page. You should definitely check out their Facebook page as well.

Augusta Rose has produced documentaries about women’s health, land preservation, mindfulness, and humanitarian causes. She is founder of Be Your Creature, a movement dedicated to fostering creativity in women through transformative portraiture. A good piece by Jenn Smith about the movement in the Berkshire Eagle on 03/23/16. She currently resides in North Adams, MA and works throughout New England and the Pacific Northwest.

In "Penny Land" a new film being filmed in the Berkshires by Billy Hahn, a young man drifts aimlessly through life dreaming about striking rich by betting on the shady world of penny stocks. As his dream becomes an obsession he creates a stock scheme that could destroy himself and everyone around him.

In this episode (actually our first INDIEcent episode with a filmaker, I think...) we speak with Billy Hahn, director, producer and writer of "Penny Land." The film is being filmed and produced locally, with local cast and crew, at very recognizable locations. In addition to helping support the film through its Indiegogo crowd-funding site, fans of Hahn and the actors are connecting with the project through its Facebook page.

"Penny Land" writer and director Billy Hahn.

After attended the School of the Visual Arts in New York City, Hahn went to work on independent feature films and commercials. As a production assistant and property master, he worked with the likes of Neil Patrick Harris, Ed Asner, Roger Rees, Robert Townsend, Wes Bentley, Matthew Lillard, Amanda Peet and Bokeem Woodbine. Later, he directed, produced, wrote, and photographed the film, "Merwinsville." which achieved national and international acclaim. winning several awards.

We also speak with my former colleague at Shakespeare & Company, David Joseph. David's theatre and film experience is extensive, and definitely worth checking out at his website.

David Joseph was featured in the September issue of The Artful Mind, and has a number of upcoming projects, including A reading of:

"I Married the Ice Pick Killer"

by Carol Muske-Dukespresented by the Harold Clurman Playwrights DivisionTuesday, December 17, 2015; 7:00 p.m.Stella Adler Studio of Acting31 West 27th Street, Floor 3New York, NY 10001 United States + Google MapFree and open to the public

This episode, we speak to Joe Aidonidis, half of Anonymous Animal, who discusses music and music technology, as well as some of his work in video craft.

Anonymous Animal

opening for And the KidsFriday, November 20, 2015, 9:00 p.m."The Garage," The Colonial Theatre111 South Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201GPS Location: 42.4462000, -73.2539000

And the Kids

Rebecca Lasaponaro, Hannah Mohan, and Megan Miller of And the Kids ; photo courtesy of the ban

Recently called one of “the Western Mass. indie scene’s brightest creative lights” by Pitchfork, Northampton, Massachusetts’ And The Kids recently released their debut full-length album, Turn to Each Other (Signature Sounds). Turn to Each Other is more than an album title: it’s a statement of fact for the band, whose bond—as musicians, friends and creative foils—is as tight as they come. The album features 11 tracks full of ringing guitars from Hannah Mohan, knotty rhythms from drummer Rebecca Lasaponaro and bold accents from synthesizers and percussion by Megan Miller. Together, they create “apocalyptic pop,” a dizzying stop-start ride with lush, intricate soundscapes that frame Mohan’s lively lead vocals. Taliana Katz made her debut as And The Kids’ bassist at their NPR Tiny Desk Concert, and continues to carry the energy of the album to the stage.

"Why Try"

Get your free dowload of this episodes featured song from Anonymous Animal, "Why Try?"

https://soundcloud.com/anonymousanimal/why-try

Justin Hillman performs at the release party for "Have I Not Found You Yet," at performs at the Whitney Center for the Arts, November 20; photo by Carly Rae.

Berkshire-born musician Justin Hillman released his third album, "Have I Not Found You Yet," in September, but, lucky for us Alt-Folk fans here in the Berkshires, scheduling challenges placed the CD release party on the calendar Friday, November 20, at the Whitney Center for the Arts in Pittsfield.

Justin Hillman—CD Release Partyw/Ryan Hommel's Optical ShopFriday 20 November 2015, 7:00 p.m.Whitney Center for the Arts42 Wendell Ave 01201 Pittsfield, MA, USopening for Ryan Hommel's Optical ShopThursday 03 December 2015, 7:00 p.m.The Parlor Room at Signature Sounds32 Masonic St. 01060 Northampton, Mass.

From his website:

"Have I Not Found You Yet," by Justin Hillman is available at Amazon.com.

Northampton, MA, based singer-songwriter, Justin Hillman, comes home to his Americana roots with the release of his 3rd album, Have I Not Found You Yet? (2015). The Western Mass native has adventured around the world and back, residing in New York City, travelling across India, teaching in Israel, and performing and recording his lush solo work all the while. Have I Not Found You Yet? is filled with beautifully emotive, sometimes obscure songwriting, laden with pedal steel twang and the pulse of a rootsy, acoustic rhythm section. Hillman’s guitar work never fails to impress, and he keeps his audience hanging on every word with witty humor and passionate performances.

RELEASES

Have I Not Found You Yet? (2015)

Justin is currently touring in support of this Americana focused production.

Momentous Change (2012)

This ambitious self-produced album is filled with string arrangements, massive vocal choruses, and beautiful, atmospheric production.

As the Sun Meets the Moon (2008)

An impressive first effort by the young, developing artist, written & recorded by Hillman between the ages of 16 – 18.

PAST PERFORMANCES

Club Passim (Boston, MA); The City Winery (NYC); The Parlor Room (Northampton, MA); The Iron Horse Music Hall (Northampton, MA); The Bitter End (NYC); Arlene’s Grocery (NYC); The Postcrypt Coffeehouse (NYC); Colonial Theatre (Pittsfield, MA); The Infinity Hall (Norfolk, CT); The Mahaiwe Theatre (Great Barrington, MA ) and more...

Common Folk Artist Collective and FNProductions present “Monster Smash 2015” featuring Arc Iris, Superhuman Happiness and Smash Frequency in an eclectic musical event Saturday Oct. 31, at the Elks Lodge, 100 Eagle St., North Adams, Mass.

Superhuman Happiness, led by Stuart Bogie, will help the lost find their groove this Hallowe'en; photo by Tatiana McCabe

Monster Smash 2015Hallowe'en Night!6:00 p.m. Pre-party at The Parlor CafeComedian Angel OrtizGames, food, handmade instrument making & more!303 Ashland Street, North Adams, Mass.7:00 p.m. Costume parade to the Elks Lodge100 Eagle St., North Adams, Mass.,Buy Tickets Online

Monster Smash, Hallowe'en Night, presented by Common Folks Artists Collective and FN Productions

Arc Iris returns to North Adams after bringing their brand of Space-Glitter-Doowop across the nation, stopping at the Greek Theater, and Preservation Hall. The classically trained composer Jocie Adams is joined by Zach Tenorio-Miller on piano, Robin Ryczek on cello, and Ray Belli on drums.

Superhuman Happiness, a NYC band led by Stuart Bogie will also take the stage. Bogie has collaborated with other bands such as Dr. Dog, Antibalas, TV on the Radio, Arcade Fire, Iron & Wine, and many others. Superhuman Happiness, formed by Bogie in 2008, features a revolving cast of NYC artists and has participated in a number of projects including “The Treequencer”, a one of a kind seven foot tall, tree shaped, motion sensing, sculpture instrument.

Closing the night is local favorite, North Adams legends, Smash Frequency. Remember the last great Halloween party in North Adams, Halloween Hangover? Yeah, you can thank Smash Frequency for that.

There will be 2 Cash Bars, Baked Goods, Henna Tattooer, Tarot Card Reader, Photobooth,

Escape Velocity, by Superhuman Happiness; available at their online store

Costume Contest, 50/50 Raffle, Pool Table, Game Room, FREE Coat Check and much more.

People will gather at 6:00 p.m. at the Parlor Cafe, located at 303 Ashland Street in North Adams, for a pre-party featuring local comedians Seth Brown and Angel Ortiz. For those more inclined to traditional Halloween activities there will be bobbing for apples, donut eating contest, handmade instrument workshop and a costume parade starting at 6:45pm that will head to the Elks Lodge

Will call begins at 7:00 p.m. Show begins at 8:00 p.m. Purchase tickets for $12 in advance through eventbrite.com or $15 at the door.

Needles and Pins from Tatiana McCabe on Vimeo.