Light Of Day Winterfest- NYC 2016!

December 30, 2015 by The Brooklyn Roads Team

With a goal of topping last year’s record-breaking half million dollars raised in its’ ongoing battle against Parkinson’s Disease, the Light of Day Foundation’s Winterfest expands to New York City on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at The Cutting Room in Manhattan.

The lineup for this concert includes Willie Nile, Dramarama ,The Weeklings , Joe D’Urso and Stone Caravan and The Gary Douglas Band.

Willie Nile is one of the few artists to have participated in a number of Light of Day events every year since the first one back in November of 2000. A portion of proceeds from his upcoming album, due in early 2016, will be donated to the Light of Day Foundation. Brooklyn Roads, a longtime supporter of the Light of Day Foundation, was thrilled that Willie and his bass player, Johnny Pisano, were the subjects of our first video and interview feature when we launched the new site design in the fall of 2015.

Willie Nile /photo by Mary Ellen Matthews

Dramarama is a Los Angeles based alternative rock band is fronted by singer-songwriter John Easdale, with original members Peter Wood (guitar), Mark Englert (guitar), along with longtime members Mike Davis (bass) and Tony Snow (drums).

The Weeklings are an Asbury Park based quartet that perform original Beatles inspired power pop as well as lesser known Beatles material with infectious passion and enthusiasm. The Weeklings are Glen Burtnik (Lefty), Bob Burger (Zeek), John Merjave (Rocky) and Dave Anthony Ramblin’ Dave) and have appeared and collaborated with many high profile national artists.

Joe D’Urso is an Americana/Jersey Shore/Rock & Roll songwriter, who also sits on the Board of Directors of the Light of Day Foundation. Brooklyn Roads profiled Joe after a recent performance for the Brooklyn Music Shop at the Prospect Range.

The seven piece Gary Douglas Band, comprised of New York veteran musicians, rounds out the lineup for this New York City installment of the 2016 Light of Day Winterfest.

General admission tickets are on sale now for $45.00. The doors open at 6 p.m. and show how time is 7 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit The Cutting Room website or call 212-691-1900.

Artists on our Radar

Ricky Stein: Texas Roots in Brooklyn

Ricky Stein/ photo courtesy of the artist

If you’re looking for music inspired by New York City with a Texan flare, look no further than Ricky Stein, a Brooklyn-based artist originally from Austin, Texas. Stein is a singer-songwriter whose music is grounded by a combination of his upbringing in Texas and his present life in the bustling streets of New York City and Downtown Brooklyn. Stein has an impressive discography of singles and albums, and since moving to New York City in August 2016, he has released a full album, “Long Summer” and many singles. Stein’s music is best defined as Americana and roots, with folk-infused acoustic and electric guitars, and his lyrics paint vivid images of nature and life. The listener feels connected to Stein, as his musical stylings resemble talent from the likes of John Prine and Bonnie Raitt. His most recent single, “Passenger,” highlights Stein’s talents with a strong harmonica section. The song’s instrumentation and structure is built on one verse, which compliments the song’s message about the uncertainty and ominousness of being a passenger on a long journey. Another standout, “Street Lights,” is a lighthearted commentary on the comfort of hope, the street lights representing persistent light even in the dead of night. Stein’s live performances are carefully tailored, his sets performed at local venues in Brooklyn like Pete’s Candy Store and many other venues known to support live roots and country music. His talents are always showcased, whether performing a solo show with a guitar and harmonica or being supported by a full band. Stein’s upcoming months are packed with performances at many venues, including Saturday, January 11th at Skinny Dennis Bar in Williamsburg and Friday, March 7th at Sunny’s Bar in Red Hook. You won’t want to miss it!

... read article