“WOW” Thursdays Concert Series At The Brass Lantern

PlusVibes Productions is very proud to present a new series of live music shows at the Brass Lantern called the “‘WOW’ Thursdays Concert Series“, bringing in premier music acts from around the country that provide a live show that will leave you saying, “WOW“.

The shows will be held on one Thursday each month at the renowned small jam band venue, the Brass Lantern, starting around 9:30pm and going until at least 1am with a cover charge varying depending on the band.

The first official edition will be held on THURSDAY, JULY 22nd with

KUNG FU

 
Jambase.com writes about the recently formed band:

“Some of today’s most innovative musical minds – who have played with the likes of John Scofield, Warren Haynes, Dave Matthews Band, The Allman Bros., The Breakfast and RAQ – will be pushing the boundaries of improvisation each week…”

Calling themselves Kung Fu, this new super group consists of Tim Palmieri (The Breakfast/guitar), Todd Stoops (RAQ/keys), Kris Jensen (Dickie Betts/Jaimoe/sax), David Livolsi (Jazz Is Dead/Scofield/bass) and Adrian Tramontano (The Breakfast/drums).

“Everyone is a monster,” says Palmieri, who is a regular in the New Haven, CT music scene. “This music is going to be funky, mature and powerful.”

“It’s lethal funk,” explains Palmieri. “It’s music smart and strong enough to defend one’s self, or art’s self. I love this music.”

They are on the lineup at some big festivals this year such as the 20th Annual Chaffee Gathering, Gathering of the Vibes, and Camp Barefoot.

Here’s a link to a Kung Fu show for you to stream or download:
                      http://www.archive.org/details/KungFu2010-01-18

Here’s all the information:

WOW Thursdays Concert Series

with

KUNG FU

Thursday, July 22nd @ The Brass Lantern

9:30pm - 1am
21+ only / NO SMOKING
Doors:  6pm

$8 at the door

 
The Brass Lantern offers:

 - Well lit parking lots on both sides
 - Music room, Bar room, Game room
 - Great drinks.  Great Staff.  THE BEST live music
 - TACO THURSDAY special 6pm – 9pm (A.Y.C.E. for $5.99)
 - BRAND NEW menu (available to view here)
 - Kitchen closes at 9pm

Upcoming WOW Thursday Concert Series

 
August Edition – Thursday, August 19th with CopperTonic
September Edition – Thursday, September 16th with Zach Deputy

GRATEFUL DEAD night monthly with GLJB @ the Brass every 3rd Friday

After a successful celebration of the birthday of Grateful Dead leader, Jerry Garcia, last month at the Brass Lantern, the members of the Good Lovin’ Jam Band (GLJB) were asked to return for a monthly residency.

Every third Friday until 2010 (or beyond), starting this Friday at 9pm, PlusVibes Productions is especially proud to establish a consistent monthly spotlight on Grateful Dead music once again in Reading, at the Brass Lantern.

It’s been some years since the likes of Grateful Dead cover bands such as Living Earth, Double Dose, and Solar Circus (just to name a few) frequented the Reading area in small clubs like the Brass Lantern, Mr. Charlie’s, The Strand, and Top of the ROC (all but the Brass have long since closed).  With all of those bands dissipating over the years it has been extremely difficult to find a solid replacement until now. 

The Good Lovin’ Jam Band has filled the shoes of its predecessors in providing a complete show for Grateful Dead fans,  starting off with a set by Pangea Acoustic, a set by Neo Trio, and ending with combination of both openers to form the Good Lovin’ Jam Band for two full sets.

It’s a 4-set night of magical music in tribute to a band that’s influenced the ears of happy-hippie listeners since the 1960′s – the Grateful Dead.  We’re sure that all Deadheads will be satisfied in the right on performance that the Good Lovin’ Jam Band provides each and every show.

Take a listen or download the GLJB show from August here.

Here’s all the information:

The Good Lovin’ Jam Band

    every third Friday at the Brass Lantern

featuring Pangea Acoustic & Neo Trio

9pm – 2am
21+ only

$5 at the door

Friday, May 21st
Friday, June 18th
Friday, July 16th
Friday, August 20th

The Brass Lantern offers:
 - $2.50 domestic drafts, $6.50 pitchers
 - $3 Jager, Rumplemintz, Blackhaus, & other shots
 - Wings, Burgers, Nachos, Patty Melts, Salads, & more
 - Kitchen open until 9:45pm!
 - Friendly service & great overall vibe

In and Out of the Garden We Go – June 12th at Snipes Farm

The first +VIBES sponsored festival is on Saturday, June 12th at Snipes Farm in Morrisville, Pennsylvania, just outside Philadelphia.

Featuring a day long (with overnight camping available) celebration of the works of Jerry Garcia, the bands are Star “69, Old & In The Way Tribute (featuring members of OFP & Sully’s Fortune), Pangea Acoustic, Steal Your Face, Toni Brown Band, Reflections, Deadbolt, Only Footprints.

The event is organized by Gig Goals and the good people at the Music at Snipes Farm committee, and +VIBESwill be providing the evening light show.  Our good friends at Scarlet Sound will be mixing the live sound.

The campground will open at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 12th and close at 1:00 PM on Sunday, June 13th.

Tickets are as follows:

$15.00  Advance (available at the Brass Lantern [through Chris])
$20.00 Day of Show
   $5.00 Camping (per person) at the gate

We encourage the purchase of advance tickets.

This show is an all-ages, RAIN or SHINE event.

All information about the event and the beautiful venue can be found at the Music at Snipes Farm website.

Come join a celebration of inspirational music with friends & family.

Snipes Farm & Golf
890 West Bridge Street
Morrisville, PA 19067
215-295-1138

A full description of the venue can be found here.

Huge Lineup of Music at the Brass Lantern, 4/20-4/29

Starting on Tuesday, April 20th, the Brass Lantern, in association with PlusVibes Productions, will be hosting a huge lineup of premium artists, with what was supposed to be, the venue’s final five shows.

As reported in a previous blog entitled, “End of an Era: The Brass Lantern To Change Ownership,” the venue was scheduled to be sold to a local sports bar owner on April 30th.

Well, that deal has fallen through and, while some people may think this is a good thing, it is unfortunately not.  Though technically back on the market (serious inquiries should contact them immediately), the Brass Lantern is still suffering from the issues discussed in the March blog and now is in serious danger of closing its doors forever, especially as the summer “slow” season approaches.

So the events planned as their “final” performances may continue to be billed as such, because the future of the Brass Lantern as a live music venue is now up in the air.  +VIBES encourages everyone to patronize this landmark live music venue and tell a friend (to tell a friend) that the Brass Lantern needs their help to keep its doors open.

The “final” performances will begin on Tuesday, April 20th, with NINE FINGER SALOON performing an early show as part of the “FINAL Taco Tuesday” at the Brass Lantern.  9FS is a musical tribute to the works of Jerry Garcia, with all the members being no strangers to that stage.  The music is schedule to start around 9pm.

Thursday, April 22nd is “Customer Appreciation Day” at the Brass Lantern with FREE homemade appetizers from 5pm until 7pm, and $1.25 Miller Light drafts until midnight and West Chester’s high energy dance band, BODEGA.  These youngsters have graced the stage at the Brass Lantern many times in their still-rising career, gaining the attention of any conscious music lover in the building.  They are raw talented musicians, and they continue to build a loyal following with every show.  They hit the stage around 9:30pm (with no cover until they start!). 

FROG HOLLER is having their CD Re Release Party on Friday, April 23rd at the Brass Lantern.  They have completely remastered and re-packaged “Couldn’t Get Along”, which was the Berks County band’s debut album released in 1998 on the ZoBird label.  It was a year or so later when they established a lasting friendship with the Brass Lantern and from that point until now they have undoubtedly provided the highest attended shows there ever.  We expect this evening to be like “old times” where it’s standing room only and the place is full of fans singing along to every word.  This show starts at 10pm, but we suggest you come early to get your spot!

A semi-reunion show is shaping up for Saturday, April 24th, with some of the members of ALCHEMY coming together to open up for QUAGMIRE SWIM TEAM.  We couldn’t (possibly) say goodbye to the Brass Lantern without hosting two bands that have been with +VIBES since its very beginning.  This night will be one to remember as all sort of surprises are expected, but one thing is for sure, the Brass Lantern will be full of dancing friends and family.

Not sure how to top all that, so we’d like to think of Thursday, April 29th’s show as the “cherry on top”.  What was billed as the “Final Show at the Brass Lantern” before the new ownership has now become possibly the last chance you will have to see Reading-reggae favorite, JAH WORKS at the Brass Lantern.  This Baltimore-based band had no idea what they were in store for when they arrived for their first show at the Brass Lantern in 2008.  They immediately became part of the +VIBES and Brass Lantern family by putting on one of the best reggae parties ever at the venue.  They somehow topped those shows two more times, increasing the attendance and gaining new fans each time, while remaining very humble and grateful for the opportunities.  This show is slated to start at 9pm and will be standing room only, so come early and spend an evening with some positive vibrations.

Stay posted to www.plusvibes.comand www.thebrasslanternlive.com for more news regarding the future of the Brass Lantern.

In summary:

TUESDAY, 4/20 – Nine Finger Saloon – 8:45pm

THURSDAY, 4/22 – Bodega – 9:30pm

FRIDAY, 4/23 – Frog Holler – 10pm

SATURDAY, 4/24 – Quagmire Swim Team w/members of Alchemy – 10pm

THURSDAY, 4/29 – Jah Works – 9pm

+VIBES joins Berks Jazz Fest ’10 – hosts Grammy winnner

After many years of showing tribute to Berks Jazz Fest by hosting live jazz during the festival’s traditional days at the Brass Lantern, +VIBES has become a member of the Berks Jazz Fest in 2010 and together they will be bringing you two premiere (non-ticketed) events, each to be listed and promoted by all Berks Jazz Fest media outlets.

On Friday, March 19th, the very first day of events of Berks Jazz Fest, the Brass Lantern will feature its very first Grammy award winner on its stage in David Cullen, appearing with the Good Lovin’ Jamband, a Berks County bred Grateful Dead tribute band.

David Cullen is a world-reknown Classical guitarist and has won a Grammy Award for BEST POP INSTRUMENTAL RECORDING.  He has performed with Will Ackerman, Samite, Michael Manring, Victor Wooten, The JacoBig Band and with members of the Philadelphia Orchestra. He earned his Bachelor of Music in Classical Guitar Performance from the Hartt School of Music.

David has performed throughout North America for Classical Guitar Societies, Jazz Festivals, and Performing Arts Series.   He has released 9 CDs for the acoustic guitar label Solid Air Records and his recordings have been featured on NPR stations across America.

In honor of all that is jazz, David and the Good Lovin’ Jamband, whose drummer is David’s brother (Matty), will be performing a very special set in tribute to “Jazz Is Dead” in which the classic tunes of the Grateful Dead are performed all instrumental with a heavy jazz edge.

David has been known to play Grateful Dead tunes at local solo acoustic shows for many years in the Berks County area, and the combination of the full band with David leading on Classical guitar is mind-blowing.  It will be a historic event for the Brass Lantern and PlusVibes Productions is extremely excited for this event!

On Saturday, March 20th, the Brass Lantern will be hosting Reading-native and another jazz-guitarist,  Josh Taylor with his trio.  Josh is a seasoned guitar veteran and is versed in many styles including jazz, blues, rock , bossa nova, Latin, and flamenco.  He has played at various Berks County venues over the years, including gigs at Bixler’s Lodge, The Brass Lantern, The Inn at Reading Cabana Bar, and Gerald Veasley’s Jazz Base at the Crowne Plaza, and he has been involved with Berks Jazz Fest for many years – a time when his expertise can shine, and he can capture an audience on his very first note.

Josh is joined onstage by local stand-up bassist, Trey LaRue who is the full time bassist in The Kingpins, a self proclaimed “tortured, mean rockabilly” band also based in Berks County, and drummer John Fundyga, who plays in various projects including local veterans, John King’s Dance Band and the Ukrainian Club House Jazz Band.

We expect both nights to be fantastic nights with great crowds, so we recommend you get there early.  We’ll have the fireplace stoked and the mood set to “jazz lounge” at the Brass Lantern for these and all shows during the Berks Jazz Fest celebration.

WE’VE JUST ADDED ANOTHER JAZZ FEST EVENT.  The Dirk Quinn Band will be coming back, fresh off their latest tour, on THURSDAY, March 25th at 9pm.

Here’s all the information:

Berks Jazz Fest 2010

March 19th – 28th

Good Lovin’ Jamband @ The Brass Lantern

with very special guest, and Grammy-award winner,

David Cullen

Friday, March 19th, 2010

9pm – 2am
21+ only

$7 at the door

——– – ——– – ——– – ——– – ——– – ——–

the Josh Taylor Trio @ The Brass Lantern

Saturday, March 20th, 2010

9pm – 1am
21+ only

$6 at the door

——– – ——– – ——– – ——– – ——– – ——–

the Dirk Quinn Band @ The Brass Lantern

THURSDAY, March 25th, 2010

9pm – 1am
21+ only

$5 at the door

——– – ——– – ——– – ——– – ——– – ——–

The Brass Lantern offers:
- $2.50 domestic drafts, $6.50 pitchers
- $3 Jager, Rumplemintz, Blackhaus, Kettle, Stoli & other shots
- Wings, Burgers, Nachos, Patty Melts, Salads, & more
- Kitchen open until 11pm on weekends!
- Friendly service & great overall vibe

+VIBES 1-Year Anniversary – Saturday, 2/13 @ The Brass

On Friday, February 13th, 2009, a day that is normally described as “unlucky”, +VIBES Productions held its very first event (at least since its inception in December 2008) at the Brass Lantern in Reading, Pennsylvania.

It is important to note at this time that, although the 2-13-09 show was the first official +VIBES event, company founder and Reading native, Chris Kratz had been booking live music acts two to three times a week at the Brass Lantern (and for a few years FOUR times a week) since 2003.

The first official event featured an established Baltimore reggae band, Jah Works, at the Brass Lantern.  It was billed as a “Company Kick-Off” and despite the typical unlucky Friday-the-13th undertones, the night was overwhelmingly successful and the 150-plus people that were in attendance that evening were treated to a great night of friends and music, and the +VIBES name was introduced to the community.

Well, it’s now almost one year later, and with over 100 booked shows and  five sponsored (summer) festivals in 2009, +VIBES has quickly established itself as the premier production company in the area, bringing the BEST live original music from around the WORLD to Reading, Pennsylvania and the surrounding areas.

On Saturday, February 13th, 2010, +VIBES celebrates its 1-year anniversary (to the exact date) and we are EXTREMELY proud to be hosting the Marco Benevento Trio with two full sets at the Brass Lantern.

The Marco Benevento Trio features seasoned musicians Marco Benevento (The Benvento/Russo Duo, Garage a Trois, Bustle In Your Hedgerow) on keys, “Diamond” Dave Dreiwitz (Ween, Bustle In Your Hedgerow) on bass, and Andrew Barr (The Slip, Bustle In Your Hedgerow) on drums.

Benevento is supporting his latest studio album, Me Not Me, featuring interpretations of songs by artists including My Morning Jacket, Leonard Cohen, Led Zeppelin, and Deerhoof, among others.  The ten-track collection arrived within a year of the release of Benevento’s critically acclaimed debut studio effort, Invisible Baby, and its release coincided with formation of his own label, The Royal Potato Family.

When asked about the “cover” songs on the latest album, Benevento explains,

“When I first started touring with the trio, in addition to my own material, there was a great opportunity for me to perform tunes from other artists that I’d always wanted to play, both a combination of older rock songs and modern tunes that are part of our current culture…”

NPR Music says, “After more than a decade of jamming, improvising and experimenting with sound, Benevento has discovered his own way into music by combining the thrust of rock, the questing of jazz and the experimental ecstasy of jam…”

Jambase.com reviewed the latest album and said, “Benevento’s finest hour to date…a totally absorbing yet surprisingly accessible mosaic that represents the past, present and future in eye‐opening ways.”

Like its predecessor, Benevento was joined on the studio sessions by bassist Reed Mathis, and drummers Matt Chamberlain and Andrew Barr.  The band recorded Me Not Me at Chroma Sound in Seattle during days off on a West Coast tour earlier this year, and engineer Bryce Goggin (Pavement, Antony & The Johnsons, Phish) mixed the sessions in Brooklyn.

On Saturday, February 13th, the Brass Lantern is about to prove (once again) that they are a musical landmark in the city of Reading and in the Berks County area, by hosting three of the most talented musicians ever to be on their stage at the same time (in regards to individual instrument expertise, world-wide recognition and touring, and being in proven full-time bands).

We are very proud to announce a very special opening set by Tom Hamilton (Brothers Past, American Babies).

This very intimate show will be standing room only, with a limited amount of tickets being sold.   We advise all potential concert-goers to purchase their tickets online to ensure they gain entry to this phenomenal event.

Please note that this is a TICKETED event, and the venue will not open its doors to potential concert-goers until 8pm!

Here’s all the information:

+VIBES Productions 1 Year Anniversary Party

with 2 full sets by the

Marco Benevento Trio

featuring Marco Benevento, Dave Dreiwitz, and Andrew Barr

opening set by Tommy Hamilton

Saturday, February 13th, 2010

at the Brass Lantern
1350 N. 12th Street
Reading, PA  19604
610/372-9311 (no ticket sales by phone)

21+ ONLY
(must have VALID identification)
NON-smoking show
STANDING ROOM ONLY

Doors open at 8pm!
- NO early entry -

$12 pre sale
$15 at the door

The Brass Lantern offers:
- 2 large parking lots on both sides of the building
- a large fireplace
- $2.50 domestic drafts, $6.50 domestic pitchers
- $3 Jager, Rumplemintz, Blackhaus, & other shots
- Kitchen open until 11pm!
- Friendly service & great overall vibe

Thanksgiving Week Jam-A-Thon @ The Brass Lantern

With a whopping 7 bands scheduled in 3 days (Wednesday, Friday, & Saturday), the Brass Lantern has ensured that they are the ONLY choice if you’re wondering where to check out the best live music in Berks County this week.

Starting off on Wednesday, traditionally known as the biggest bar night of the year, the Brass Lantern welcomes psychedelic rock & jazz ensemble, Pychedelphia, out of Philadelphia (the name says it all). 

It’s the first time Pychedelphia will be appearing at the Brass Lantern, and it will be their second show of the day, since they are scheduled to play a post-Phish party (from Tuesday at 11:30pm until 6am on Wednesday) with acts like The Breakfast, Steve Molitz (Particle), and DJ Logic.  It should prove to be a very big show for them.  They also have scheduled gigs at The M Room (Philly), The Chameleon Club (Lancaster), and the Millcreek Tavern (Philly) to finish out the rest of 2009.

Supporting Pychedelphia will be local indie rock band Flux Capacitor, who are seasoned veterans of the Brass Lantern, where they always put on a great show, as well as at various Berk County bars and clubs.  They finish out their year with stops in Columbus (Ohio), Ocean City (Maryland), and Allentown.

The music starts at 9:30pm with Flux Capacitor and then Pychedelphia coming to the stage around 11:30pm.  Thanksgiving Eve is sure to be filled with an evening of dancing and smiling, all in preparation for the annual feast the following day.

Friday evening, November 27th, marks the return of our favorite bluegrass jam band, Cabinet, out of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area.  Every night at the Brass Lantern with the bluegrass phenoms is a musical journey that leaves their large following wanting more and more.  The room is always filled with great people (all smiles) and with the holiday mode still in effect, we expect this night to be one of the best of 2009.  Come chill out after dealing with those Black Friday shopping crowds with some of the best jam bluegrass in Pennsylvania.

With only this show and a Thanksgiving Eve show at Appalachian Brewing Company (Harrisburg) scheduled before taking some time off through Christmas & New Year’s to be with friends & family, Cabinet will be prepped and ready for yet another dance-fest. 

This show will start at 10pm with two long sets.  Be sure to catch Cabinet at one of these two shows!

Saturday ends the weekend right at the Brass Lantern with “Moonlight Forest Studios (in association with PlusVibes Productions) presents…A Wooded Revue“.

Called “a celebration of quality original music [indie-folk-bluegrass] from Philly to New York to the Moonlight Forest” [a recording studio in Fleetwood (PA) managed by Daniel Bower], the night features four bands from those regions who have all been previous guests of the studio and/or have performed at various musical events held on the property, and who have all formed a musical union and personal friendship with Bower over the years.

Wissahickon Chicken Shack, Hezekiah Jones, Joe D’Amico Band, and Land of the Look Behind are all scheduled to play throughout this night, with Bower being the ringleader and emcee for the evening. 

“It’s refreshingly communal,” Bower explains, “…we all listen to each other’s music.  We all play together and go to each other’s shows.  There’s no competitive nonsense – just creative people having fun together.  ‘A Wooded Revue’ is our attempt to bring the vibe out of the woods and to the live music lovers of Berks County”.

The event will begin at 9:30pm and it will also be coinciding with a canned food drive for “Friend, Inc.“  where we will be offering $2 off your admission price for any item donated.

We encourage you all to take part in this wonderful week of quality live music at the Brass Lantern (yet again).   Come and see why we are THE best spot in Berks County for live original music.

Here’s all the information:

Pychedelphia

with Flux Capacitor

at the Brass Lantern

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009

9:30pm – 2am
21+ only
$5 at the door

http://www.thebrasslanternlive.com/

——————– – ——————- – —————— 

Cabinet

at the Brass Lantern

Friday, November 27th, 2009

10pm – 2am
21+ only
$8 at the door

http://www.thebrasslanternlive.com/

——————– – ——————- – —————— 

Moonlight Forest Studios in association with +VIBES Productions presents

A Wooded Revue

at the Brass Lantern

featuring

Wissahickon Chicken Shack
Hezekiah Jones
Joe D’Amico Band
Land of the Left Behind

Saturday, November 28th, 2009

9:30pm – 2am
21+ only
$8 presale / $10 at the door
for tix email mofoproductions@mail.com
http://www.myspace.com/moonlightforeststudio
http://www.thebrasslanternlive.com/

Friday the 13th with Quagmire Swim Team @ The Brass

Goal! III hd

Billed as the DAY After Party for the November 12th show at the Silo Nightclub with 2020Soundsystem and BioDiesel, Reading music fans are treated to a rare performance by rock/electronica veterans Quagmire Swim Team at the Brass Lantern on Friday the 13th of November.

The Limping Man on dvd

It’s been since February 21st, 2009 since their last appearance anywhere, coincidentally it was at the first PlusVibes event at the Silo Nightclub, opening for the New Deal.  What an event that was!  It was one of the biggest crowds they have ever played in front of, and they played their hearts out!  That tends to happen every time they come to Reading, no matter if it is at the Silo, at the Brass Lantern, at a small private party in Muhlenberg, or on the deck of a superfan’s condo (wink) in Exeter at an after party.

• Blue Streak movies

• Half a Person divx

We are so proud that Quagmire Swim Team calls Reading, Pennsylvania their “home away from home”, and we know this will be another magical night of music and friends.  There’s no reason to have to pitch it any further, because those who know will surely be there, and those who don’t know – well, you should really find out!

Sharpshooter It looks like this show should be at maximum capacity, so we would like to recommend coming early, and don’t forget to bring your 2020 ticket stub to receive $3 OFF your entry to the Quagmire show.

Also, this event coincides with a grand weekend of PlusVibes sponsored events in the Reading area, with the 2020Soundsystem show on Thursday, Quagmire Swim Team on Friday, the phenomenal microbrew tasting festival called Brewphoria 6, at Canal St. Pub on Saturday early evening, and then ending the weekend right on Saturday with “Albright College Senior Night” at the Brass Lantern

• Coming to America download

August Rush movie with musical residency “Three’s Company“, featuring DJ Gregg Nyce versus DJ Evolution, with mind blowing visuals by VjcA.

So, we encourage you to spend a weekend in Reading, Pennsylvania.

See the appropriate venue’s website for additional information or email info@plusvibes with any questions or comments.

 

Here’s all the information on the Friday the 13th show:

Quagmire Swim Team

Killin’ Sh@#t on Friday the 13th!

Friday, November 13, 2009

at The Brass Lantern

10pm – 2am
21+ only

$8 at the door
$5 w/2020 stub

MISSED THE SHOW?  Here’s an AUDIENCE recording, just for you.

Roots, Rock, Reggae Weekend @ The Brass Lantern

It’s another edition of ROOTS, ROCK, REGGAE at the Brass Lantern starting Thursday, December 17th and running through Saturday, December 19th.

Beginning on Thursday the 17th is the final edition of “Thirsty 3rd Bluegrass Thursdays with the Manatawny Creek Ramblers” for the year.  Daniel Bower’s traditional bluegrass (roots) group has been faithfully providing foot stompin’ throw downs every month bringing traditional tunes to the forefront, in addition to catchy original numbers (of course with that bluegrass feel).  The Ramblers have brought in some quality guest musicians such as Kris Kehr (mandolin) and Johnny Kilgore (guitar) over the months to make every night a special evening of friends and music at the Brass Lantern.

Friday the 18th brings 2009′s final “Grateful Dead Night” at the Brass Lantern.  Matty Cullen’s troupe of seasoned Deadheads comes together to bring another 4-set night of authentic Dead tunes (rock) with opening sets by Pangea Acoustic and the NeoTrio, and then a full two sets at the end of the evening with a collaboration of the two opening acts coming together to form the full band, the Good Lovin’ Jamband.

These nights bring out all kinds of guest musicians.  In October they brought a second percussion kit, manned by drumming veteran, Rob Wolfe, and the night was filled with the authentic feel [of two drummers] that the Grateful Dead brought to the stage every night.  And we’ll let you in on a little secret – scheduled in March, during the world re-known Berks JazzFest, Grateful Dead night will have a little jazz twist in it, with the guys bringing in very special guest, and Grammy Award winning guitarist, David Cullen for an extremely  rare “Jazz Is Dead” set at the Brass Lantern.

Stay tuned for more information on that show coming in early 2010. 

Saturday the 19th completes the triangle with another “Reggae Night” at the Brass Lantern.  We are pleased to announce a special one-night-only show featuring our old friends Mystic Rebel and special guest Jah Witness. 

Mystic Rebel has blessed the Brass Lantern with many irie reggae nights in years past, showcasing mainly the music of the legendary Bob Marley and the Wailers, and we are very happy that they will be reuniting for another special evening of positive vibrations.

+VIBES Productions is very excited for the fantastic music coming up THIS weekend.  It is very important during this holiday season that we bring you the music that makes you smile!  So we encourage you to take a break from your holiday shopping (aka the “craziness”) and come out and let loose with your family in music at the Brass Lantern.

We hope to see you there.

Here’s all the information:

Thirsty 3rd Bluegrass Thursdays

with the

Manatawny Creek Ramblers

Thursday, December 17th, 2009

9pm – 12am
21+ only

$4 at the door

————- – ————- – ————- – ————–

Grateful Dead Night

with the

Good Lovin’ Jamband

with opening sets by

Pangea Acoustic and the Neo Trio

Friday, December 18th, 2009

10pm – 2am
21+ only

$5 at the door

————- – ————- – ————- – ————–

Reggae Night

with

Mystic Rebel and very special guest Jah Witness

Saturday, December 19th, 2009

10:30pm – 2am
21+ only

$5 at the door

All shows are at the Brass Lantern.

Thirsty 3rd Bluegrass Thursdays @ The Brass

PlusVibes Productions is proud to be hosting a series of monthly bluegrass shows at the Brass Lantern every third Thursday each month, with local bluegrass favorites, the Manatawny Creek Ramblers. 

The series will run through the fall, occurring every third Thursday of each month, and is being billed “Thirsty 3rd Bluegrass Thursdays with MCR” in conjunction with the best beer special around - $1.25 Miller Light drafts.

Members of MCR include Daniel Bower (Frog Holler, Society Beat) on guitar and vocals, a recent addition and sometimes called the “hardest working man in [Berks County] showbiz” is Kris Kehr (Kris Kehr & the Stone Poets, The Youngers, formerly of The Recipe) on mandolin and vocals, Michael Beaky on banjo, and Josh Sceurman (Frog Holler) on bass.  They bring traditional bluegrass medleys and intricate originals from the “hills” of Oley, Pennsylvania (also known as “Pennsyl-tucky”).

 
They recently (June) released their seven song EP “Meet Me by the Moonlight” and have been supporting their debut EP vigorously with frequent showcases at the West Reading Arts on the Avenue series and stops at the Steel City Coffee House (Phoenixville), the Sterling Stage String Fling (Sterling, NY),  the extremely eclectic Stir Fried Festival (Snipes Farm), and two Sunday summer nights at Union Jack’s (Manatawny), with the first on Sunday, July 19th at 6pm.

The Ramblers’ biggest accomplishment  in 2009, thus far, was receiving 2nd place in the highly acclaimed Delfest Music Festival’s Bluegrass band contest.  Despite the deluge of rain that trounced the grounds, they emerged and found themselves playing better than ever and, from what Kris has said, they lost to “a truly professional contestant, a national touring band”.  More recently, they have announced their addition to the Jerry Fest (Kempton), August 7th & 8th, a posthumous celebration of the life of Grateful Dead leader, Jerry Garcia.

The Brass Lantern and PlusVibes Productions would like to invite everyone for a foot-stomping, good old time with the established Manatawny Creek Ramblers, starting THIS Thursday at 9:30pm, and continuing every third Thursday of each month.

Here’s all the information:

Thirsty 3rd Bluegrass Thursdays

with the

Manatawny Creek Ramblers @ The Brass Lantern

every third Thursday each month

9:30pm – 1am
21+ only

$4 @ the door

The Brass Lantern offers:
 - $1.25 Miller Light drafts
 - $3 Jager, Rumplemintz, Blackhaus, Kettle, Stoli & other shots
 - Wings, Burgers, Nachos, Patty Melts, Salads, & more
 - Kitchen open until 9:45pm!
 - Friendly service & great overall vibe

Hope to see you there.

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