It's Such a Paul Thing To Do..............

Mick's Pick of the Week, Volume I Lost Count

Stevie.....

The Mighty Mystics Hit The Spot!!

The road took me to Providence, Rhode Island to a hidden gem called The Spot Underground.  I'd seen this venue advertised in various places and I'd been wanting to check it out for a while.  This place breathes creativity and it's got to be one of my favorite venues yet.  

The unassuming exterior of this place gives nothing away to what you'll find through that front door.  

Not only does The Spot have music 7 days a week, they also exhibit art from local talents.  The art is not confined to canvas, it takes various forms and you'll see it on the walls, behind the bar, hanging from the ceiling--pretty much everywhere you look.

When you walk in, you pay the expected cover and make your way toward the stage.  There are multiple floor levels (not multiple floors, but floor levels--stairs, ramps, etc) and you are underground so you get that speakeasy feel that is brought current through the artistic expression that is virtually everywhere you look.  There's a dance floor and several lounging "nooks" with comfortable seating of various types..........

This is my kind of place.  The picture is a bit deceiving.  We got there early so the crowd was just starting to fill in.  Believe me, they can pack 'em in this place, and they do!

Top billing this night went to The Mighty Mystics, a reggae band with an all-original set list.  

By the way, that's the thing that makes The Spot such a gem.  If you want to play there (and believe me, if you are a worthy musician, you do) you've got to play all original music.  Cover bands and tribute bands need not apply.  All genres welcome.

Personally, I'm not a reggae follower but I like my island music at the right time and place.  These guys were good and I was swayin' and head boppin' with the rest of  'em.  They drew a crowd and obviously had a following.  Unlike a night of metal, the atmosphere was just all so easy. I was in the mood for easy and The Mighty Mystics delivered!

The Mighty Mystics.........

This was an all around A+ evening and I can't wait to visit this musical haven again soon!!  As for the music, The Mighty Mystics are rockstars!!

See you at the next show!

Seeing Red in Rockport

This is a departure from the expected rock'n roll blog you are all used to by now.  I thought I needed to spread my wings a bit and what better way to venture out into new territory than to take some advice from my Dad.

Like most little girls, Dad was my very first Rockstar!  He was, and still is, handsome, funny and extremely musically inclined.  He's self-taught on the guitar and has a great singing voice to go along with his finger pickin' skills.   He's been in bands and done his share of singing with a variety of groups so his ability to harmonize is spot on.  Like I said, he's a Rockstar!!  His musical tastes span a variety of genres so when a band or group peeks his interest I sit up and take notice.

Dad loves Red Molly.  I love Red Molly.  Everybody who hears Red Molly, loves Red Molly!!  Dad was first introduced to the trio at "Merlefest", a music festival he travelled to somewhere deep in the heart of the grits-eatin' south.  There were a variety of country, folk and americana type bands at the festival but Dad came home singing the praises of Red Molly and he's been a "Red Head" ever since.  

Red Molly came to Rockport in 2011 and again in 2012 and played up at the Old Sloop Coffee House to a packed house on both occasions.  I was lucky enough to be in attendance at both shows but I'll never forget the first time I saw them.  When those lights came up and Red Molly made their way to the stage, I literally heard the angels sing! 

There's never any shortage of applause and the performances are always harmonic perfection.  After the shows, Laurie, Abbie and Molly always make their way into the crowd for animated conversation and fun fan photos.  They love their fans and they always oblige.

The trio includes Laurie MacAllister.....

Abbie Gardner....

and Molly Venter....

There is always a table set up outside the show.  They have several CD's, both solo albums and as a group.  There are bumper stickers for sale and t-shirts too. I own several of their cd's and you won't go wrong with any of them.  Red Molly has a special pricing structure that is definitely fan-friendly so get yourself to a show and stock up for Christmas!

The ladies of Red Molly are Rockstars in my book!!!  
See you at the next show!