Photo Highlights of Scenes Collide AP / NB Showcase at The Stone Pony, 3/20/15

I finally got to see Amy Malkoff and The Moonshines do their own thing as a full band.

This Had to Be the Last of It

I was obsessively checking my email for the announcement from the school that the evening's performance of Shrek The Musical Jr. would be canceled. I scanned my Facebook feed expecting to see word that the show at The Stone Pony would be postponed. As the snow / slush piled up, though, both shook their metaphorical fists in the air and said, "It's spring damnit! Screw the snow! Let's do this!" And they did it.

The middle schoolers at Markham Place acquitted themselves quite well during the abridged version of the Broadway musical version of the Disney / Pixar animated feature. I sat grinning like a fool every time CoolDaughter #1 and the rest of the ensemble players made their way onto the stage. CoolDaughter #2 cracked up throughout.

We got out of there a little after 9; and, after cleaning off the car and dropping everyone at home, I headed to The Stone Pony. I arrived just as Plato Zorba's set had gotten underway. Unfortunately, I'd missed Feeny, Monterey, and City Limits. Next time guys. Plato Zorba played as a trio since keyboardist Ryan Gregg was over at The Saint playing with his other project, The Shady Street Show Band. It's pretty easy to get lost in the cinematic, surfy virtuosity of the band; and the crowd seemed to eat it up.

The Black Sox Scandal, representing New Brunswick, were next and did a set of fast-paced pop punk. Even when they said they were slowing things down, things didn't slow down that much, which was fine. They'll be at The Brighton on Sunday, March 22nd.

I finally got to see Amy Malkoff and The Moonshines as a full band doing their own songs. I'd seen Amy solo before, and I saw the band's great set as Black Sabbath on Halloween; but I'm pretty sure this was my first time catching them doing their own thing. I definitely saw why they were able to pull off such a good Black Sabbath set as their own sound is loud, pure rock. It's highlighted by Eric Rudic's guitar and, of course, Malkoff's vocals.

Attendance at last night's event was, understandably, a little off; but people magically appeared for The Moonshines' set. The crowd swelled even more for Deal Casino who again whipped their fans into a frenzy. A couple of guys jumped on stage to scream the chorus to "BANG BANG BANG," and I'm telling you. This Deal Casino pants thing is becoming an actual thing.

Anyway.

North Jersey quartet NGHTCRWLRS, also representing New Brunswick, closed things out. The band and the remaining crowd were all a little punchy after a long night and some harrowing drives, but NGHTCRWLRS turned in a good set featuring songs from their just-released, self-titled LP. I posted a video of part of their performance a little earlier today.

It felt good giving winter the finger one (hopefully) final time last night. Here are some photo highlights. The rest of the pics are in the Flickr galleries, and you can totally click here to see them all.

Some Pics from the Local Legends Halloween Bash at The Wonder Bar, 10/31/14

The Wonder Bar was packed by the time Amy Malkoff and The Moonshines hit the stage as Black Sabbath.

Cover Me

It seems like trick or treating starts earlier and earlier every year. When we were kids (goldarnit!), I feel like we didn't go out until dark and then bothered people late into the night. Maybe I'm remembering wrong, but I'm pretty sure we didn't ever go right after school.

This new thing, though, worked out well for me this year. CoolDaughter #1 headed out with her friends right after school; and CoolMom, CoolDog, and I escorted CoolDaughter #2 around our block. We all got back together for a quick visit with some friends whose street is one, huge block party on Halloween. Then I headed to Wonder Bar for the Local Legends Halloween bash featuring local bands performing as their favorite acts.

The Wonder Bar was sold out by the time The Moonshines took the stage, and they blew away the packed house as Black Sabbath. I had visions of bopping around Asbury among the many different things that were going on; but with the line out in front of The Wonder Bar, there was no way I'd be getting back in if I left. Things were still going strong even when I took off a little early to get some sleep before our 7am swim meet the next day. It was really great to see all these bands play to such a large crowd. They all took the chance and ran with it.

I managed to get pictures of the sets by Hot Blood as Minor Threat, Des and The Swagmatics as Prince, Amy Malkoff and The Moonshines as Black Sabbath, and The Battery Electric as Misfits. Congrats to Dark City Entertainment and all of the bands on a hugely successful night. I think we have the beginnings of a new Halloween tradition in Asbury.

Here are highlights. The rest of the photos are in the galleries.