There’s Something Exciting Outside of Me

On Wednesday, June 15, 2016, I was at The Troubadour to catch one of my favorite Southern California bands, Beta Play, opening for Rita Wilson. The last time I saw them was back in October 2015 at their EP release show in Santa Barbara, California. Beta Play band members are: Tom Cantillon on vocals and guitar, Mike Cantillon on keyboard, guitar, and backing vocals, and Mike Dyer on bass and backing vocals. Recently, drummer Matt Palermo sadly left the band to pursue other interests and to spend some time in India. Joshua Daubin, from Nashville, expertly filled in on drums

Where My Music’s Playing

On Wednesday, June 1, 2016 I headed to the historic Hollywood Bowl to see the legendary Paul Simon in concert. I am sure I heard Paul Simon songs as a child, but he didn’t register as an important fixture in my knowledge of music until I was an early teen and I began listening to the music of the Beatles fanatically. From there it was a short stretch to other artists of the 60s and thus began my appreciation of Simon and Garfunkel. I remember a friend playing one of their records in her basement; and distinctly, listening to “The

This is How I Want to Be Remembered

I was thrilled to be able to attend Beta Play‘s EP release show on October 17, 2015 at Blind Tiger in Santa Barbara, CA. I first became familiar with the band when they were known as Tommy and the High Pilots and opened for the band Toad the Wet Sprocket in May 2014. They were fantastic. Bought their most recent album that night and had all the band members sign it and met four of the nicest, friendliest guys. The band is made up of phenomenal, charismatic lead singer and guitarist, Tom Cantillon; keyboardist, synthesizer/laptop master, and sometimes guitar player,

And Just Be Who You Are

On Saturday night I headed to Amplyfi in Hollywood, CA to see my friend Kapali Long play a short set. This is a small, all ages venue with platinum records and music-themed posters on the walls, band stickers plastered all over an inner door, and an eclectic choice of chairs to sit on. This would be an ideal space for budding artists to play or perhaps for an intimate secret show. Kapali performed with his usual level of passion and obvious love for music. He started the show with his sweet song, “Double Tall Non-Fat Latte,” a story of love