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

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

The Brass Lantern offers:
 - $2.50 domestic drafts, $6 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 an audio and visual extravaganza, PlusVibes Productions and the Brass Lantern are proud to host local DJs Gregg Nyce and DJ Evolution with progressive visuals by VjcA every second Friday of every month.

Being billed as “Three’s Company“, including a hilarious poster design created by Tony and Allen Jackson of T-Bone and Aljaxx Illustration and Design, mimicking the classic TV series theme.  The Jacksons were also recently approved by national music act, Ween, to produce a poster for their Baltimore, Maryland show. 

The Brass Lantern shows will feature individual sets by each DJ, with a showcase battle at the end of the evening.  The entire evening will also feature two projectors with spectacular visuals controlled by engineer, and York, Pennsylvania native, Justin, also known as VjcA.

DJ Gregg Nyce has been spinning records since the age of 15, starting off spinning hip hop & reggae at local parties in the Reading area gaining a loyal fanbase and eventually gaining enough reputation to be officially “booked” by venues.  

In 1999 he moved to Philadelphia and quickly established himself, including a Saturday spot spinning hip hop and reggae on Drexel University radio 91.7 WKDU, then transitioning in the club music on Fridays in popular clubs such as Club Eden Roc, Club Glam, Transit, and Shampoo.  He also branched out as far as the New York City scene, with stints in clubs such as Manhattan’s Club M1-5, Delancey, and The Knitting Factory.  Most recently Nyce went global, when he headlined two nights in Amsterdam, Holland at the famed Club De Duivel in April of 2009.

The Gregg Nyce sound has evolved into an eclectic mix that encompasses all genres from Hip Hop to R&B to Reggae to House to Electro to Classics.  His eclectic show is a perfect pairing with sounds of DJ Evolution.

Starting his musical identity with a large collection of L.P.’s and 12-inch singles passed on from his father in his teen years, DJ Evolution first began “mixing” using the simple start-stop technique when experimenting as a teenager.  He recognized the potential of adding non-musical snippets, such a movie voices, nature sounds, recorded conversations, and speeches to the music tracks and he began to produce the makings of an overall show.

It was not until the age of 17, when he bought his first set of Technics, that he was truly able to accurately (and mechanically) express the musical art that was flowing through his creative veins.  DJ Evolution spent many years after that with his headphones on in his bedroom studio, practicing the basic skills of beat matching, seamless mixing, and track selection, but more importantly, he was incessantly collecting more and more records.

It was this collection that formed his extremely eclectic identity.  DJ Evolution spins ANY and EVERY genre of music – no exaggeration.  Hip hop, reggae, Motown, soul, techno, hard rock, funk rock, alternative rock, pop, even country (Johnny Cash is most definitely in his repertoire) – these are some of the major genres he covers and he’s bound to mix and match, and maybe even create his own genre on any given night.

He’s been the hardest working DJ in the area with spotlights in Allentown, Bethlehem, Philadelphia, and more locally in Reading spots such as the Northeast Taproom, Blind Hartman’s Tavern, and Trooper Thorn’s.

One thing you can guarantee at any DJ Evolution show is that you will be embarking on a musical journey from beginning to end and he keeps your attention on the dance floor, and, more often than not, you will sporadically hear familiar banter from people in the crowd saying, “I LOVE this song”.

The trifecta of two DJs and a visual engineer makes each show one that stimulates all the senses.  We hope that you can come and experience the stimulation for yourself.

Here’s all the information:

Three’s Company

   every second Friday of every month

VjcA Live Art

 at The Brass Lantern

featuring

DJ Gregg Nyce and DJ Evolution

and visuals by VjcA

  – February 12, 2010
  - March 12, 2010

$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 9:45pm!
 - Friendly service & great overall vibe

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).

Hold on – make that FOUR talented musicians – the Trio is bringing along folk singer/songwriter, Nathan Moore (Surprise Me Mr. Davis) for a special acoustic opening set.  So that is three full sets of great music on this evening.

Due to circumstances beyond our control, Nathan Moore will not be opening up for the Benevento Trio this evening.  We are working as you read this to bring you another exciting opening act.

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

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS.

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

The Brass Lantern has been a landmark for live music in Reading, Pennsylvania since around 2001, hosting prime national touring acts such as Melvin Seals & JGB, DJ Flow (of the Chappelle Show), The Recipe, RAQ, and Michael Glabicki (of Rusted Root), just to name a few.  More importantly, it has been the “stepping stone” venue for hundreds of smaller jam bands, building solid fan foundations for bands such as Lotus, Pnuma Trio, Quagmire Swim Team, Juggling Suns, Frog Holler and many others.

These bands played (and some are still playing) multiple shows at the Brass Lantern in order to capture the hearts of Reading live music fans and create the “travelling music fan” in an era where live shows (and turnout for live shows) is in direct proportion to keeping each band travelling and performing, thus keeping the band together.  Some of these bands have moved on to bigger venues and large festivals largely in part to building their fanbases at the smaller clubs across the country like the Brass Lantern.

By consistently providing the quality live music stated above, and using mainly word-of-mouth promotion with bits of Internet blogs and posts by its proud staff and satisfied patrons over the years, the Brass Lantern has gained the reputation as “PA’s Best All-Around Small Venue“, and truly is a hidden gem (although scuffed) nestled in the city of Reading.  People connect at the Brass Lantern, whether it’s over a fine craft beer or a top-end mixed drink, over a game of darts or pool, or over some top notch live music;  all patrons, whether it’s their first time there, or they’re a regular customer, are assured a safe and fun time.  It is for this reason that people want to come back.   Many patrons who come in from out of town remark, “this bar reminds me of my hometown bar” and it’s because we treat bands and out-of-town concert-goers so kindly and with open arms (yes, this is still possible in the heart of the city).

Simply put, the Brass Lantern is the reason PlusVibes Productions was even created.

So, I plead with you to KEEP THE BRASS LANTERN ALIVE.

Come in and spend a little money – have a drink or have a bite to eat, catch up with good friends and good people, see the best live music that Reading has to offer, and TELL SOME FRIENDS ABOUT the Brass Lantern.  We honestly have some of the best food & drink specials around the city and we absolutely need all the business we can get, plus we love seeing new faces!

I actually bartend every Tuesday evening from 5pm until 2am, with our $1.25 Taco special (chicken, beef, or beans, 7-10pm) along with $6 domestic pitchers.  I am also usually playing some of the best Brass Lantern live show recordings from over the years on our soundsystem.  Do you have a request? Do you want to talk about good music?  I would love to chat. 

Is there a live show from the Brass Lantern that you would love to have a copy?  I personally extend an invitation to anyone wanting a copy of a live recording to come in, have a couple drinks, maybe eat some tacos, write down the show you want, and I will personally make you a copy for free(first come, first served).  It will be ready for pick up  the following week (there, I got ya’ for two visits).  All I ask is that you buy a drink or two each time you stop by!

I thank you for your continued support of live music in the city of Reading, Pennsylvania, and I hope to see you soon.

Chris K

   Founder, +VIBES Productions
   Entertainment Director, The Brass Lantern

More information, including a full band schedule can be found here.

The Brass Lantern
1350 North 12th Street
Reading, PA  19604
610/372-9311

Hours:  Mon thru Sat 5pm-2am

Psychedelphia

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/

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.

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.

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.

Starting the weekend off on Friday night, November 6th, is local rock band, 3 on the Tree.   Performing mostly originals with some recognizable solid covers thrown in each live show, these four good friends show their compatibility with catchy lyrics and fun, dance-able jams.

3 on the Tree hits the Reading circuit pretty actively, with shows at Bertie’s Inn, Bixler’s Lodge, the Reading Phillies First Energy Stadium (spring/summer), and the California Bar & Grill.  They have a special performance that Saturday, November 7th at the Turning Leaf Musicfest in Boyertown, sharing the stage with artists that have performed at the Brass Lantern, such as Hillbilly Shakespeare and NiHa Haven.

Saturday brings back Harrisburg area live electro dub step band, PUSH.  The dance beats will be flowing this night as the now three piece rolls through Reading again.  It’s been a while, but the time gap has enabled some tightening up musically and in numbers (they lost guitarist, Ryan Collins, in August), which gave them room to improve individually while still creating the sound of a 4-piece.  As of recent, they have enlisted the help of Ten Tigers‘ guitarist Kyle Hollenger for some of their Fall gigs when he is available.

 The change was evident at their recent opening spot for Johnny Raab’s BioDiesel at The Note, a new club in West Chester, Pennsylvania, where they were able to sit back and set a groove, and hit the right middle notes to make every head in that dark room bob for the entire set.  PUSH has also recently played gigs at the Spy Club (Harrisburg), Canal Club (Richmond, VA), and River St. Jazz Cafe (Wilkes-Barre).  They are bring their similar genre friends Kobra Commander into town for their first time at the Brass on Saturday..

Here’s all the information:

3 on the Tree

at the Brass Lantern

Friday, November 6th, 2009

10pm – 2am
21+ only

$5 at the door

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PUSH

with special guest Kobra Commander

at the Brass Lantern

Saturday, November 7th, 2009

10pm – 2am
21+ only

$5 at the door