Merry Christmas Everyone! As a present to you, I’ll remind you that in just 4 short weeks Pepper’s Ghost will be playing at The Grape Room in Philadelphia.
To get you in the proper holiday spirit, one of my fave Christmas songs…
~ Kristen
Every year, Pepper’s Ghost wouldput on a Halloween show. These were some of the best, most memorable shows. They even performed a Halloween song entitled “I Am A Ghost”.
Here’s a video from the Halloween show they did at Milkboy Coffee. Let’s relive this memory and prepare ourselves for some new Pepper’s Ghost memories created January 22nd in Philadelphia at The Grape Room…!!
SO EXCITED!!
~ Kristen
I first heard Pepper’s Ghost when they came to play a show on my college campus. It was love at first note…during the soundcheck even. They were the first local band I “discovered” thus opening the portol to the world of live local music and beyond. Seriously, had I not stumbled upon this band, my life would probably not be what it is today.
This is one of the many reasons why I am so excited to see them play once again January 22nd at The Grape Room.
Pepper’s Ghost also offered me the opportunity to participate in my first concert shoot at The Trocadero the summer of 2006. Here’s one of the songs we recorded that night…
~ Kristen
I’m more than a little excited to tell you that my first favorite band (you know, the one that got me into…well every other band I’ve ever fallen in love with) is playing a reunion show January 22nd at The Grape Room in Philadelphia.
Pepper’s Ghost is a rocky/poppy/Beatles-esque band from Philadelphia, PA. The group centers around two brothers, Anthony and Michael Montesano, who share in the singing, specializing in catchy choruses and hypnotic harmonizing. Joining Anthony and Michael is Zil (Pawnshop Roses) on drums, Dave Hartley (War on Drugs, Nightlands) on bass, and Rob Bennett (Automatic Fire) on everything else (keys, guitar, mandolin, saw).
They released their first album, Opening Night, back in 2001. This recording was taken from a live show at The Trocadero and features a horn section and back up choir. This was followed by an EP in 2002 (Bang) which offers one of my favorite, but rarely performed Pepper’s Ghost songs “Addiction.” In 2005, the band released their record label debut, Shake the Hand that Shook the World. This CD is full of fun poppy sing-along friendly tunes, including my college anthem, “Friday Night in Philadelphia.”
Shake the Hand that Shook the World got Pepper’s Ghost their first big national tour. It also got the band a number one hit on the singles chart in Canada with “You’re In My Heart (Little Pretty).” In the aftermath of this release, the band seemed to take a turn to an edgier, more rockin’ sound exemplified in their 2006 The Vet EP with songs like “Dirty Bomb” and “4 Letter Friend”. The following year they released their most recent CD, Let The Players Have the Ball. This CD was also a live recording featuring some old favorites, a few new tunes, and even a Bowie cover (“Cracked Actor”).
And now you know a tiny bit more about my favorite band. Only 7 weeks until I get to see them again. Let’s get excited!
~ Kristen
Why MUSIC of course. Music of all shapes and sizes…but mostly music that moves me in its live format. I am also thankful for all those people in my life that have a similar appreciation for music…or that simply indulge me in my obsession by accompanying me to shows.
I am thankful to be living in Los Angeles, a city that has so much to offer music-wise. I can’t imagine going back to living a life in which there weren’t opportunities for fantastic live music every night of the week.
Although, I am spending the holiday in LA…working, Thanksgiving is a time to be thinking about home. I do really wish I could be in Philadelphia this weekend. Last night was WMMR’s Gobblaroo featuring a couple fantastic LA-based bands with Philly roots (The Shakers, Fat City Reprise) as well as Stonethrown, and the debut of Philly’s hottest new band, SINAI. I wish I could have been there…if you were, I’d appreciate reviews. Also, tomorrow night at The Grape Room marks the return of The Awesome Brothers, a collaboration of some of my favorite musicians gathering together to play some of their favorite songs. Musical bliss for sure. If you’re in town, don’t’ miss it!
Happy Thanksgiving to my music-loving family (both near and far)!
~ Kristen
And on that note, I leave you with the song that’s been playing on repeat in my head all day. Jonathan Singleton’s “Airplanes.” I would like to take this moment to point out that I DO like some country music…and that I wish that Jonathan would venture back to LA…and bring The Grove with him this time.
This is one of my very favorite bands, Pawnshop Roses, performing the other night at The Grape Room outside Philadelphia. I cannot wait until the finally release new material…they have WAY too many amazing unreleased songs…big thanks to whomever took these videos!
~ Kristen
p.s. There are more great videos from this show as well as other bands I quite enjoy on this YouTube channel…
It’s official. One of my favorite venues…ever…is re-opening. The Grape Room (formally Grape Street Pub) is back in its original location on Grape Street in Manayunk, PA (outside Philadelphia). I’ve been hearing about this for awhile now, but it was just officially announced today on local Philly radio station, WMMR 93.3, by Jaxon and one of my very fave local Philly bands, Automatic Fire.
Grape Street was my favorite venue to see all my local bands when I lived around Philly. Every Thursday, Jaxon used to host his Local Shots, an evening of fantastic local music. This is also the place where I discovered so many amazing bands including The Kin, Alright Junior, Mr. North, and Ludo
Too many amazing memories to even begin to recount!
I believe the place opens up April 1st, but the inaugural show on April 6th is NOT to be missed and features three of the best bands this town has every produced; IKE, Automatic Fire, and Jealousy Curve. If you’re anywhere near the area, you need to go and please report back.
And if you’re ever passing through Philadelphia on your travels, stop by The Grape Room and see some amazing music.
Sorry…no time for links and such (just google it)…busy weekend of music…I’m just so excited I needed to get this out immediately! Such a great thing for local music!!
~ Kristen