Valentine’s Day is a day for candy, roses, as well as a time for couples to get warm and cozy with one another. However, Valentine’s Day 2015 was a day for some of Long Island’s brightest talents to assemble for a late afternoon showcase at Revolution Bar & Music Hall in Amityville, NY. Headlined by fast rising national touring band This is All Now, the rest of the bill was rounded out by Amanda Jayne, The Little Red Men, Robbie Rosen, Matt Weiss, and Here’s to You. With a dedicated following for each of the artists on tap to perform , this Saturday afternoon affair began at 3 PM. As an added bonus to the day, Wantagh based Count to Ten did a meet and greet with fans, prior to the doors opening. Jamming out a intimate semi-acoustic set that included their songs “Mayday,” “Heartbreaker,” as well as “Drama Queen.,” Count to Ten were crowd pleasing as the growing line outside the doors was eager to get in Revolution to hang out and support their local scene.
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First up was budding singer-songwriter Amanda Jayne. Taking to stage as an acoustic three-piece band, they performed a delightful mix of tracks from her EP entitled How I Live. Having a strong stage presence, Jayne made the most of her time in front of the early arriving crowd as she wrapped up her set with a unique rendition of Guns N’ Roses “Sweet Child O’ Mine.” Learn more about Amanda Jayne on her facebook page.
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Following next was the indie Rock band The Little Red Men. Consisting of vocalist/guitarist Brandon Gurba, lead guitarist Nick Granelle, bassist Andrew Golub, and drummer Jordan Godfrey, this young band proves age is just a number. Proving they have the ability to rock, along with write their own quality music, they took Revolution by storm performing tracks off their EP Off Guard. With plenty of energy, Gurba sang strongly, Granelle’s guitar work blistered, Golub’s bass was powerful, and Godfrey played the hell out of his kit, while still keeping control. The growing crowd began to swell with noise as the band went into their song “I Won’t be Further.” Having everyone interested in their music it was however their final track, instrumental “Blueberry Jam,” which sold the entire room on what they had to offer. All in all, The Little Red Men are definitely a band worth checking out.
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Moving things right along, it was time for Pop vocalist Robbie Rosen to hit the stage. As an American Idol top eight finalist from season ten, Rosen brought with a mass of crowd support clamoring to see him perform. Performing songs from his album titled Just Like a Rose, Rosen displayed silky smooth vocals with an R & B textures that provided the right mix of diversity. Fittingly ending his set asking the audience “Who wants to be my valentine?,” a roar of screams along with raised hands filled the air. Picking one lucky young woman, Rosen sang directly to her, thus capping of a wonderful performance by the talented singer.
Keeping the momentum flowing was Dix Hill’s Matt Weiss. While only a teenager Weiss’ aspirations for music lead him to find opening slots for acts like Hollywood Ending, Against the Current, Cute Is What We Aim For, Allstar Weekend, among others. Performing his original tunes like the catchy “Black Magic,” ignited the crowd to participate with lighters and cellphones in the air at multiple times throughout the set. Appreciative of the crowd response, Weiss stated it may have been the best show he ever performed. With This is Now vocalist Okan Kazdal joining Weiss on stage to sing along, the audience was in frenzy leading into his final song titled “Satisfaction.” Be sure to look out for Weiss as he plays shows around Long Island.
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As direct support for the day show, Pop Rock act Here’s to You were ready to go. Consist of Vocalist/guitarist/pianist Charlie Giovanniello, drummer, Stephan Stanzione, guitarist Greg Almeida, and bassist Cole Szilagyi the band first formed as freshman in high school back in 2009. Having since polished themselves over the years, 2011 saw them gain a spot to play on Bamboozle Festival, after beating out over four hundred other bands in the Tri-state area in the “Break Contest.” Driven to get this Revolution crowd to the next level of noise, Giovanniello asked all in the back to come up front, resulting in a packed group of spectators right in front to rock with the band. Playing songs like “Share My Heart with You” had the audience moving, but it was their cover of Mark Ronson “Uptown Funk” along with their original Best Friend’s Girl” that had everyone’s dancing shoes on. Taking a great approachable to amping up the room, Here’s to You, like a great Frat house band, playing a set that made everyone feel good. Be sure to check them out April 25th when the perform with Patient Pending at Five Towns College.
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The time had finally come for headliners This is All Now to take over Revolution. Finding themselves on a slew of big show bills, including opening for Avril Lavigne at The Paramount in Huntington, This is All Now are quickly becoming a nationally known act. Dedicated themselves to getting out on the road and performing at a variety of out of state venues, the pop rock quintet consist of Kazdal (vocals), Jordan Caroleo (guitar), Louie Malpeli (guitar), Thomas Angenbroich (bass), and Mike Pittelli (drums). Keeping the Valentine’s Day theme going each member of the band had roses tied around their microphone stands, only to hand them out to lucky girls throughout the set. Performing a good assortment of songs, including tracks from their 2014 album Nightmares such as the title track and “Superman,” the band clearly dominated the room in an impressive fashion. Having honed their skills as a live band their maturity and ability to keep the energy level high was evident when they split the room into two groups to find out who was louder. Mixing in a cover of the Magic! song “Rude,” along with songs “Supernova” and “All We Need is Love,” This is All Now put on a spectacular show. After the conclusion of their performance many lined up by the merchandise area for a chance to meet the band members and take photos. Be sure to make it out to Gramercy Theatre in New York City to see them perform with Late Night Reading May 11th.
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