Tonight Ray and I walked to the House of Blues on Sunset and went to the A&R Worldwide Showcase night in the Foundation Room, complete with free drinks and food. We were the guests of two of our fellow St. Thomas the Apostle Homeless Breakfast volunteers, Monte Malone, Sr. Vice President at A&R WORLDWIDE, MUSEXPO and Ryan Benyo, Production Coordinator/Producer at A&R WORLDWIDE.
The show started with the Norwegian singer/songwriter, Ida Jenshus, who has won the equivalent of two Norwegian Grammys for country albums she released there in 2008 and 2010. She had a pure and clear voice, sang in perfect English, and played the guitar as well as the harmonica. She had a haunting song called Someone to Love that she sang and which was released as a single in 2012. Here is a YouTube version if you’d like to hear this young woman’s remarkable voice: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vW9vi_VkIks
Here is a picture taken this evening at the House of Blues:
The second band was from Australia and was named after their lead singer Hamish Anderson. Hamish, a 21-year-old young man whose parents were in the audience, sang a combination of folk, blues and rock with a voice that made the audience stop chatting and turn and listen. The whole band was strong and provided great back-up for Hamish’s tender vocals. Here is a song from his new EP:
Here is his picture on his EP:
The third band, from LA via the midwest and called Abner Who?, was more pure rock and roll. I enjoyed them thoroughly – great lead singer and strong musicians. Excellent.
Here is one of their songs:
And here is their picture:
All of these singers and their bands were fabulous. Check out their music when you can.
They are all out there, keeping the dream alive for all of us who believe in the power of artistic expression. Hats off to them for their talent, vision and perseverance. It’s ain’t easy trying to make a name for yourself out in this harsh world, but these folks are well on their way.
Thanks, Monte and Ryan, for a very entertaining evening. You clearly do great work!
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