The Rundown! - Bad Luck, Time and Distance, What's Missing & more (2/19)

If you missed last Thursday's show have no fear, this Thursday we've got another lineup full of bands equipped with bright melodies and energetic rock songs to have your head nodding and your bodies swaying.

Bad Luck is in the midst of a unique tour. After playing in Clarksburg, the band is heading for Cleveland where they will be recording their new EP before continuing the tour on the east coast. Supporting Bad Luck will be Time and Distance, What's Missing, Red Pen Police and Grayson Prince.

Doors @ 6 - Show @ 7 - $3 Admission

RSVP on Facebook for more info.
                                                                                                                                                                                             

Bad Luck

Photo courtesy of Bad Luck

Origins: Bad Luck formed as an inkling with Dominick Fox writing acoustic songs in late 2011. In the middle of 2012 he expanded his solo project into a full band. The next year they released their debut EP, which paved the way for them to be signed to Tragic Hero Records (Letlive., A Skylit Drive, Alesana) in 2014. Since then, they have re-released their EP as a full length and got APA as their booking agency. As aforementioned, the band is set to record a new EP during their current tour.

The Sound: Bad Luck creates a diverse blend of rock. A listen through Cold Bones will display a dynamic that phases from warm and pop-inflected to gritty and in-your-face. Their sound umbrellas over a wide range of influences, but rather than present a fragmented identity, Bad Luck emerges a versatile and addictive rock outfit.

Did you know? While Bad Luck is based out of Florida, the only member originating from the Sunshine State is drummer Jake Kneer. Dominick and his brother, and bassist, Joseph Fox are from Long Island, New York and guitarist/vocalist Sam Kuhns is from Cleveland, Ohio. Bad Luck has also recently created a YouTube series entitled "BadTV" where they provide updates, answer questions and share some tunes.

Time and Distance

Photo courtesy of Taylor Helm Promotions

Origins: Greg McGowan began Time and Distance when he started writing songs on his acoustic guitar in high school. Fast forward a few steps and a bass guitar and drums join the picture. A few steps more and the acoustic music was fully replaced by electric guitars and aggressive, fast paced pop rock. Since their inception, the band has toured relentlessly and put out two EPs and two full lengths.

The sound: They play pop rock reminiscent of bands such as Punchline and June (the band, not the month). Catchy rhythms, witty lyrics and fun vibes will have you dancing and feeling a little more carefree than you were prior to listening. Having been around for over a decade, the band's sound is unwavering and their chemistry is evident in their music. 

Did you know? Last time Time and Distance visited the cafe they capped off their set with a punk version of "Country Roads" during which their bassist, Adrian Crowder, put down his bass, picked up a mic, and stage dove. It was awesome.

What's Missing

Photo by Aaron New

Origins: In the fall of 2013, Zane Miller, Matt Herrald, Molly Ranhart and Aaron New began What's Missing as a fresh start. Each of them coming from a different musical project, they wanted to create something new. After a few songs written and a debut show in early 2014 the band slowed down. The course of the year showed the departure of Aaron New and the arrivals of Cody Osborne and Floyd Friend III, former bandmates of Miller's former band, Playground Mentality. Since the new lineup has solidified the band is advancing with more energy and rigor than ever.

The Sound: This Morgantown five-piece writes music that's rough around the edges in all the best ways. Swift, distorted chords are contrasted by the bright, dancing leads, and Miller's vocals walk the fine line between edgy and composed. Their single, "Monochrome," retains all of the beloved elements of pop punk and introduces bits of grunge and 90s emo music.

Did you know? According to Miller, "We are a family of scrounges. I'm Average Scrounge, Cody is Tall Scrounge, Matt is Large Scrounge, Molly is Female Scrounge, and Floyd is Small Scrounge."





Red Pen Police

Photo courtesy of Red Pen Police's Facebook

Text for Red Pen Police courtesy of Louis Falbo

Origins: Four years ago, Cody Barcroft and Louis Falbo met at the WVU School of Music- Louis as a composition major, and Cody as a jazz performance major. Over their freshman year, the two bonded musically and personally, and during their sophomore year, they met drummer David Haley. There was an instant click, and all involved said, "Let's do something with this", and the Red Pen Police was formed.

The Sound: The Red Pen Police is three composers from intertwined, yet totally different musical backgrounds, pursuing truth in music. This truth is that genre is a dead, meaningless convention,that music is something that exists totally in the air and in the moment and that this is what makes it a special experience, and that what sounds good is totally objective, and that the truth of good music can only be tainted by the human bias. In short, we do whatever the hell we want musically, and we do it live and totally improvised.

Did you know? Cody Barcroft is an active jazz composer and solo artist with an upcoming EP, while Louis is an active classical composer, and David Haley is an active classical percussionist, and Rinky Dink is the band's special member.

Grayson Prince

Photo courtesy of Underdog Promotions

Origins: Grayson Prince began as a supergroup including Grayson Prince, Aziz Ansari and Andy Samberg, but due to misunderstandings and legal restrictions, it has since become the moniker for Grayson Prince. He began writing songs in 2011 as a means of venting stress and emotions. Tomorrow to Forever was the name he adopted for his music, but it later developed into a full band. Prince is appearing by himself, however, for this Thursday's show.

The Sound: There is a tangible amount of emotion woven throughout all of Prince's songs. Inspired by acoustic acts such as Never Shout Never and Secondhand Serenade, Prince follows suit with a heart-on-the-sleeve approach to songwriting. His music often proceeds at a waltzing pace, and is packed with crooning melodies as he sings about life, love and the coalescence between the two.

Did you know? Prince and his band once showed up to a two-day battle of the bands fest where every other band was metal. His band only brought acoustic guitars, a set of bongos and a "who cares, let's rock" attitude. They didn't even use the stage. They set up on the grass in front and churned through an unplugged set in front of a bunch of intoxicated metal heads. Now that is metal.

The Main Street Cafe to host all-ages beach-themed concert.

Bust out your bikinis and board shorts, there's going to be a Main Street Beach Bonanza!

The Main Street Cafe is truly kicking off their summer on June 19th when Pittsburgh indie rockers Instead of Sleeping will join forces with three local favorites to put on a beach-themed bash for the ages.

Instead of Sleeping performed at The Main Street Cafe once before, before its management changed hands. At that show they weren't full band, but now they're coming back with a full band and set full of new songs. For anyone who saw their last set, this is an opportunity to catch them again, this time with no holds barred.

"We can't wait to play as a full band for people who only got to see half of what we like to do at shows. We can't wait to play the new songs that we put our heart and soul into," said vocalist and guitarist Shaun Sweeney.

Their latest release, Young Lungs, dropped on May 24th, and is a shiny, shimmering example of how indie rock can be polished without losing its underground, DIY edge. This came as a result of heading to Chicago and working with Mark McClusky (Weezer, Bad Religion, Ludo, LetLive. and more).

Young Lungs is the band's fourth studio release, and is their most dynamic effort to date. It is playful and bright, yet isn't restricted by the pop-inflected sound. Rather, it makes it more accessible to anyone willing to listen.

Sweeney said, "The sound is everywhere from angry and vengeful to smooth and sexy, and could be most understood by people who know how fine the line can be in between."

Joining Instead of Sleeping will be Timelines, Culture Thief and Ryan Glaspell. If you've never caught Timelines or Culture Thief live, then now is the perfect time to do it. Both bands have their own unique knack for writing lively, impassioned rock.

Timelines creates entrancing pop rock that is guaranteed to have you swaying and moving your feet. By the end of their set you'll feel like you are walking on air.

Culture Thief is a true spectacle to behold. They are a collection of musicians collaborating in a magical way onstage to produce blues-inflected jam rock. They bleed talent and sweat passion with ever note.

Ryan Glaspell spans the spectrum of acoustic music. Whether its a catchy, cheery tune, or a personal ballad, his serenading will make you happy, sad and then happy again.

This isn't your average show of talented musicians, though. It's a beach bonanza.

"It was really Evan's (Ferrell, Timelines) idea," Manager Daniel Bonner said, "We were all for it though, because we felt like the cafe needed a theme like this to really kick us off for summer."

What better way to celebrate summer than with beach balls and ocean-gear? If you come decked out in beach attire, then you'll get rewarded with some accessories courtesy of the show.

Evan Ferrell, the beautiful voice behind Timelines, has been busy preparing for the theme.

"We bought a big bulk pack of sunglasses and leis to pass out to everyone who wears beach stuff," Ferrell said.

The Main Street Cafe staff and the musicians will also be putting on their finest swimsuits for the show.

"We have been in the market for inflatables and goggles," Sweeney said, "Don't wanna give too much away!"

Timelines will be adorned with beach gear too.

"I just bought a neon green Hawaiian shirt with trees on it. It is so ugly and so very perfect," Ferrell said.

You might even get lucky and see Daniel Bonner wearing a speedo. Who knows?

Admission is only $5, a small price to pay for energetic music and free beach gear (if you dress accordingly).

Show starts at 6:30, but come early to grab your sunglasses and lei before they run out. You may even see some limbo going down.

Check back next Monday for a full Q&A with Shaun Sweeney of Instead of Sleeping.

 

 

 

A Gentleman's Evening

Black tie? Check. Immaculate mustache? Check. High class cigar? Check. Euphoric music? Check.

This Friday, March 28th, is a special event at The Main Street Cafe. Not only is it an evening of all ages local music, but it is an evening of epic gentlemanly proportions!

From crooning to growling, the night will span the spectrum of suave. Here's a list of the class acts.

A Greener Shade of Blue (high-energy rock featuring flowing, ginger hair)

The Danger of Falling (faith-driven hardcore featuring the epitome of handsome five times over)

Timelines (acoustic-turned-mellow-rock jam band featuring a perfect mustache)

Culture Thief (eclectic experimental music featuring the voice of an angel)

Tomorrow to Forever (heartfelt acoustic-pop featuring well-groomed hair; I'm looking at you Grayson & Grace!)

A Gentleman's Sport (hard-hitting metalcore featuring courtly, yet fierce gentlemen)

It is a $3 admission fee. So fellas, here's an opportunity act smooth and find a lady and pay her way in! Doors open at approximately 4 p.m.

I could ramble on about how awesome the show is going to be, but what better way to truly preview such a night than to hear from the gentlemen and gentlewomen that are going to be putting on the event?

I reached out via Facebook and asked some band members, as well as the cafe's managers, the following questions:

1. What does it mean to you to be a gentleman?

2. How does a gentleman rock out?

3. What’s the most gentleman thing you’ve ever done/had done to/for you?

Check out some of the responses below!

Sissy Broadwater, manager of The Main Street Cafe

Q1: A man who is kind and attentive. Someone who's respectful of himself and others.

Q2: Like a sir! Haha in all seriousness, we've had a lot of gentleman perform at the cafe! They're the ones who come early to support all of the bands, the ones who come up and grab water for their band mates, who thank the venue and the people for coming out.

Q3: Some of you may not know this but I asked Daniel to marry me first. Daniel got to do the official proposal, but I was the first one to bring it up. I think that was pretty gentlemanly of me and Daniel too. 

Daniel Bonner, manager of The Main Street Cafe

Q1: A gentleman is a term that has lost its meaning over the years. Very few people now days are considered to be gentleman. To me, a gentleman is a man who is kind and courteous to everyone he encounters. Whether it be open a door for someone, helping someone carry their groceries, or simply smiling as someone passes them by.

Q2: A gentleman rocks out by putting on his Sunday best and supporting all the bands by buying merch, and standing right up front during all their sets.

Q3: I consider myself to be a gentleman. I may act like a crazy, bearded freak, but deep down I am truly a kind hearted person. Sometimes too kind. The most gentleman thing I have ever done? There have been too many time to pin-point any single time...lol.

Luke Smith, vocalist of The Danger of Falling

Q1: To be a gentleman to me, means being polite to grandma and smelling appropriate.. When in public.

Q2: A gentleman rocks out with a combover and classy shoes.

Q3: The most recent gentleman-like thing I've done was kill a spider for the ole lady.. She's terrified of 'em.

Tyler Wells, drummer of Timelines

Q1: So, being a gent means being classy, suave. Slick back hair and mustaches. Hah you know? Opening doors for lady's, pulling out chair(s). That's a true gentleman.

Q2: A gentleman rocker goes up on stage and DOES NOT act like a fool. Doesn't go up there, being all flashy and disrespectful and what not. He goes up on stage and gives the best performance of his life no matter how many people are there. A gentleman doesn't have to be flashy, a true gent goes up there and knooooows he's an awesome performer and doesn't need to be all show offy towards the crowd.

Q3: Most gentlemanly thing that's every happened to me is probably the one time this dude went out of his way to hold the door a little longer for me after he had already held it for his group and as I walked in I said "Preciate man" to which he replied to me, "No problem, man. That mustache is off the chain." This young man held the door for me, all cause he liked my mustache. True. Gentle. Man. Complemented me aaaaaand held the door. Take notes, fellas.

Grace Corley, vocalist of Tomorrow to Forever

Q1: First and foremost, I am a lady. To me though, being a gentleman would be using your skills and talents to help those around you while rocking an amazing mustache. ( I have yet to start work on my mustache, though I'm sure it'll happen any day now).

Q2: A gentleman rocks out by getting on stage and just having a good time. No matter the mistakes they may make, just get up there and continue on for the show, and never stop having fun.

Q3: It's hard to choose just one good act to show one being a gentleman. To me personally I'll always be thankful for my boyfriend Ben, whom has never stopped being a gentleman for me and goes out of his way to make everything just right. And while being in a band of mostly gentleman, I have seen them go out of their way as well to help me not only find my voice, but also get over my stage fright by getting me up on that stage and helping me to sing. It doesn't take much to become that of a gentleman or lady, it just takes simple acts of kindness to get you going on the right track.

This Friday isn't going to be something that you want to miss. Don your most elegant apparel and come out for an evening of fun, classy music. Dudes, slick your hair back if you feel so inclined. Ladies, do whatever makes you feel like a gentleman. Swap out your cigarettes for cigars and your band tees for button ups, and lets make this a night to remember!

(Of course, the whole gentleman theme is 100% optional. We won't judge you if you come in your day-to-day attire.)

Leave your own responses to the questions in the comments below!