News & Events

May 31

We’re sponsoring events now. We can’t think of many things that booze goes better with than rock and roll. The two have a fine history together — like cookies and milk. The next event we’re bringing you is on May 31. The show is at the Octoraro, 2 south 3rd street, Oxford Pa, 19363…610-932-2290. Doors will be open well earlier in the day. Bands play when they play, but after 8pm.

Brother JT 3
Brother JT is John Terlesky. Started playing in bands mid-80’s. Formed the Original Sins 1987, first album “Big Soul” on Bar/None Records good press no money. Went on to put out another 10 or so albums of garage pop including “Move” produced by Peter Buck opened for the Kinks toured Europe videos on MTV still no money. Incarnated as Brother JT around early 90’s to follow up on psychic research project in his own head. Albums on Twisted Village (”Descent”, “Meshes of the Afternoon”), Siltbreeze (”Music For the Other Head”, “Doomsday Rock”), Drunken Fish (”Rainy Day Fun”, “Come On Down”), Drag City (”Way To Go”, “Spirituals”), and Birdman (”Maybe We Should Take Some More”, “Off Blue”) still no money. Got song on “High Fidelity” movie, got some money. Latest album is “Indoor Sunshine” on Heavy G Records. Don’t care about money anymore, mostly kettle chips and redemption…check it out Brother JT & The Original Sins.

The Get Quick
Every five years or so, some Philadelphia-based band makes one killer psych-pop album. First there was the Original Sins’ MOVE, followed by the Lilys’ BETTER CAN’T MAKE YOUR LIFE BETTER, followed by the Asteroid No. 4’s KING RICHARD’S COLLECTIBLES. Like clockwork, about a half-decade after the last of those, here’s the debut from Philly’s the Get Quick, and it might be the best of the lot. Every song on HOW THE STORY GOES is a winner, and the album as a whole is one of the most entertaining underground pop releases of 2005. — Stewart Mason, All Music Guide Check it out. The Get Quick

The New Connection Had to Cancel
Why do I like The New Connection? It’s simple, really. Listening to their music brings me back to my high-school days, an era of punk rock shows that shook the foundations of the smoky, crowded basements in which they took place - something that might not sound like bliss, but for me and the dozens of loyal fans who embraced the local underground scene it really was. The New Connection isn’t as loud as some of those bands I liked in those days, and they’re certainly not as abrasive, which is why, in my mid-twenties, I can enjoy them without worrying about the -Rachel Perry (Play Magazine) The New Connection

There will also be arts and crafts on display in the front room as well as next door.

There will be more and we’ll let you know as soon as we do.

So this happened already:

Saturday April 5, The Octoraro Hotel & Tavern in Oxford (2 South 3rd Street, Oxford, Pa., 610-932-2290) is hosting artists and rock bands. We’ll have more information soon, but at the moment here is a listing of the bands and one of the artists. There will be music all day from local musicians and a DJ, too. More bands are on the way. And, it’s free.

The Cobbs, of Philadelphia
From Spin.com on June 21, 2007
Who? Although Paul and Ryan Cobb — the two main songwriters and vocalists of Philly rock group The Cobbs — aren’t actually brothers, they have known each other (and played music together) since high school. After cycling through a few different band names and members, they formed The Cobbs with Ryan Smith (guitar, keyboards), Maxwell Lee (bass), and Chris Coello (drums). The group supported Black Rebel Motorcycle Club during a U.S. tour and won over audiences with their spirited live performances; now they’re back with the self-produced “Sing the Deathcapades.”

What’s the deal? Themes of late night debauchery and morning after reflection run throughout “Sing the Deathcapades,” an album that blends lively ’60s guitar pop with thundering psych rock. The Led Zeppelin-inspired “Say You Never Knew Me” tells the story of a pill-popping female and opens with a bluesy guitar riff reminiscent of the Stone Roses’ “Love Spreads.” “I’m gonna hold your hand, never let go,” Cobb sings on the peppy “When the Morning Comes,” a hopeful song about new love framed by martial drums and jangly guitars. You know you want to check them out, www.myspace.com/thecobbsthecobbs.

The Sonadors, of Baltimore
The Sonadors include 3 members from Baltimore’s late, great Hymnen. Following where Hymnen left off, they compose songs in a more traditional fashion instead of the experimental head-trips that Hymnen some times took you on. From an unlimited amount of source material, members have somehow created a style that brings with it a mish-mash of musical genres, a metaphorical cornucopia or horn of plenty of sound … From this theory, a dreamer can develop whichever sound they desire … a sound that is both unique and familiar. For more information, visit
www.myspace.com/sonadors.

Andrew Grimm, of Baltimore
The Octoraro welcomes back Baltimore singer/songwriter Andrew Grimm on April 5. Grimm’s last offering Mountain Halo dealt the imperative, break down the door. What followed on that album was ten intimate tracks quickly written and recorded in Feb. 2005. As a participant of February Album Writing Month, Grimm accepted the challenge to write 14 songs in 28 days. Mountain Halo was recorded in his bedroom using two mics, a borrowed digital recorder and four pounds of coffee. He then went one-step farther and cleaned up 11 of those tracks, produced an album and booked a short southern tour to support his efforts. Fairly impressive for someone nobody really knows about. Being the mainstay center of June Star for eight years, Grimm has been quietly developing his songs with little regards to commercial, local or national recognition. Seems to me that the way to be, under the coffee mug of the guy manning the radar. For more information, visit www.junestar.com or myspace.com/andrewgrimm.

One Step Closer, Oxford, Pa.
The band originated after guitarist, Steve Lombardi and Drummer, Nick Lombardi decided to create a new band with a new sound. While jamming one day with their friend Tyler Kilby, they decided to create something completely different. All from Oxford area. One Step Closer has performed at the Chameleon Club, The Trocadero Theatre, Media Music Theatre, talent shows, battle of bands, numerous event performances from the Chester County area, benefit concerts for the American Cancer Society and The Colin Fitzpatrick Fundraiser with WMMR. One Step Closer has been one of the most requested bands on 93.7 WSTW Hometown Heroes and has co-hosted the show with Mark Rogers. The band has also been aired on numerous college radio stations. They’re young, so come early to see them and check them out at www.myspace.com/oscrockband.

Big Mean Rod, of Baltimore
Rodney, of Dangerously Delicious Pies may be playing a solo set. He’s got a benefit in D.C. but from what we understand, is going to try to make it. The pies are awesome, so are the songs. Check it out here too. We’ll know for sure soon.

DDHStudios photography of Philadelphia/Lancaster
Is a photograph real? What about the image within the photograph? For a second, for an eternity? Those are the questions Jonathan Murray asks. “I create images to show the viewer something that isn’t there except for the brief moment when I capture it,” he says. “I hope these images reveal stories and hopefully connect your mind to your dreams. Murray, a photographer from Lancaster by way of Philadelphia uses black and white photography to place emotion before our eyes – provoking thought without immediate response to color. He says he hopes to invoke dream like thought that often escapes us in our daily grind. For more information, visit ddhstudios.com.

Amedeo Salomoni Pottery
Salomoni brings his wood fired collection of handcrafted pottery in which he creates rich variations of warm colors and textures. His technique is to expose the pieces to flames as they flow through the kiln.

Jean Cameron Castelli Painting
Castelli paints uses watercolors to capture local images. She has recently started to branch out into a freer style with her “big breasted ladies” series. She will also be the manager of the new Arts and Antiques store, Third Street Trading Company, in Oxford.

Nancy Devine Jewelry
Devine designs and creates her own line of jewelry, using silver beads and exotic stones.

John Hay Cigars Oxford Pa
David Patrick will be fulfilling all your cigar needs. The Oxford native, along with his wife, distribute a wide array of cigars, from different blends to different flavors. Fore more information, visit wwwjohnhaycigars.com.

Rage Entertainment Oxford Pa
Throughout the all day event, DJ Rage will play your favorite mix of tunes.

The Sky Drops, of Wilmington, Del. had to cancel, but I’m leaving this here so you can check ‘em out.
The Sky Drops are Rob Montejo and Monika Bullette — a super force of guitars, drums and vocals. Based in Wilmington, Del., the band members each have their own fine pedigree and began The Sky Drops in the autumn of 2005. Since becoming a duo, Montejo and Bullette have taken their moody sonic maelstrom through the Northeast Corridor to rapt audiences. Montejo and Bullette’s beautiful harmonies are intensified by swimming, blissed-out guitars and no-nonsense drumming. The Sky Drops have been likened to a “shoegazing Everly Brothers.” The double A-side internet-only single from their debut album “Clouds of People” is now available on the official website – MUSIC and on The Sky Drops MySpace site – www.myspace.com/theskydrops. For more information, you can also visit www.theskydrops.com or myspace.com/theskydrops,