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California Screamin' Show at Showcase Live Celebrated the Music of California's Best 80s and 90s Alt-rock Bands: Rage Against The Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Faith No More

Despite the snow storm earlier in the day, on Friday, January 21, 2011, SHOWCASE LIVE and SKYWORKS PRODUCTIONS presented the ultimate tribute show celebrating the music of California's best 80s and 90s alt-rock bands. While Seattle, Washington is known as the “birthplace of grunge”, the State of California gave rise to a new sound in rock that combined elements of metal, funk, rap and punk. This “alternative” form of rock was filled with heavy guitars, slappin’ bass, deep rhythms, and angst-filled lyrics delivered rap-style all meshed with explosive stage shows. The bands Red Hot Chili Peppers and Rage Against The Machine, both from L.A., and Faith No More from San Francisco, epitomized this aggressive blend of music and propelled its fresh sound from the underground club circuit to mainstream America in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Showcase Live and Skyworks Productions captured the spirit and essence of these legendary California bands by bringing together—in one night—three of New England’s hottest premier alternative rock tribute bands: Age Against the Machine, Scar Tissue, and We Care A Little.  All three bands delivered a powerful, realistic performance that captivated the crowd and set the room in motion with some mild moshing.  At one point, Scar Tissue tossed out small Chili Peppers flags to the audience who waived them about enthusiasticly while grooving to the band's music.  The whole night had an upbeat, positive vibe with lots of energy.  The evening was a great tribute to three inovative California bands, and while all the leaves were brown...and the skies were snowy and gray...the California screaming show was the perfect fix on a winter's day!  Photos and videos coming soon, so be sure to check back!   

AGE AGAINST THE MACHINE is Boston’s premier Rage tribute. In their own words, “We've been doin’ this rock/rap thang for a while. Since 1984 to be exact! When Rage broke out in '92, were we angry? Hell yeah! Not ‘cause they were so F'N good, but Zack sounded so much like Joey C. (Vocals). So we had to change our style a ‘lil bit. Worked on many original projects, played many a gig and recorded many an album that went nowhere! So here we are 23 years later and it's come to this...Let's embrace this blessed curse and go out there and be the best Rage tribute. Four old bastards from Beantown slammin' to Rage dead-on. It's just that simple!” www.bostonrage.com

SCAR TISSUE is THE ONLY Chili Peppers tribute band in New England! They're gonna funk you up and rock you down! You'll be reeling with the feeling…on every level! Tic slaps that bass and funks off so well, you'd swear it was Flea. Jay has such a grip on that unique Frusciante sound and style, it’s as if it were his own. Is that Herbie on drums or Chad Smith? Same thing. Eric is Anthony. The voice. The presence. If you like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, you'll love Scar Tissue. www.myspace.com/scartissuemusic

WE CARE A LITTLE is New England’s ultimate Faith No More tribute band, comprised of 5 select members from Boston-based warriors of funk: 'The Force' and Boston-based mercenaries of funk-metal: 'Neurological Damage'. Needing yet another outlet for their overwhelming musical proficiency, they pulled together to form a tribute to one of the most musically-diverse groups to come out of the 80's and 90's. 'We Care A Little' doesn't merely cover the songs once seen on MTV 15 years ago, but delves deep into the entire collection to play a wide assortment of 'Faith No More' for semi-fans and hardcore enthusiasts alike. With haunting and melodic keys, wild slappin’ bass, heavy guitar, passionate vocals and intense rhythms, the band delivers an all-out, energetic ‘Faith No More’ experience. www.facebook.com/Wecarealittle

SHOWCASE LIVE - "The Region's Most Spectacular Entertainment Venue Where The Stars Play!"

23 Patriot Place (next to Gillette Stadium), Foxborough, MA

Gregg Allman's Son Devon and His Band Honeytribe, The Peacheaters, and Surprise Guest Desiree Bassett Lit Up Showcase Live

On July 30, 2010, SHOWCASE LIVE and SKYWORKS PRODUCTIONS presented an all-out rockin' blues concert at Showcase Live at Patriot Place in Foxborough, Massachusetts featuring Gregg Allman’s son Devon and his band Honeytribe with the authentic Allman Brothers tribute band, The Peacheaters as the opening act. The night was full of surprises as teen female guitarist and prodigy, Desiree Bassett joined The Peacheaters on stage for “Whippin’ Post”, and later accompanied Devon Allman during “Heaven Has No Mercy”, an original from Devon’s first album. At one point during the song, Devon and Desiree began a dueling guitar match. Desiree’s amazing lead guitar licks and right-on rhythm wowed the audience and sent the house into a roaring and cheering frenzy each time she took the stage. Another surprise for Peacheaters fans was the addition of acclaimed guitarist and Jingle The Handle frontman, Gary Backstrom, who played with The Peacheaters during their entire set. At the end of the evening, The Peacheaters, Desiree, and Devon Allman's Honeytribe joined together on stage for an all-out encore jam and warmed up first with a sampling medley of classic rock cover tunes. The entire evening was filled with positive energy, high spirits, and live music that was sure to leave a lasting impression.

Say the name Allman and many things jump to mind: the epitome of Southern Rock, the original "jam" band, legendary live shows, the list goes on. There's pressure to perform when your last name is Allman, and Devon Allman does that and more with his band HONEYTRIBE. The son of legendary Allman Brothers' singer and organist Gregg Allman, Devon--whose guttural voice is reminiscent of his father and whose lead guitar-playing calls to mind his late Uncle Duane--delivers a powerful straight out the blues live performance. Devon has gathered a group of A-list musicians from mid-west America that has latched on to on to the jazzy, jam band elements of the Allmans and their brethrens in Government Mule to create music with heart and soul. "We are truly a brotherhood, I feel ultra honored to share the stage with these cats night in and night out," says Allman. The synergy of this band on stage is something to behold. Shifting from fiery delta blues standards to their own rock-based material, this band inspires all who bear witness to their live performances. Honeytribe has something for all music lovers. www.myspace.com/honeytribe


From "Ain't Wastin' Time No More" to "Whippin' Post", THE PEACHEATERS dig deep into more than three decades of Allman Brothers Band music and deliver an experience that keeps the vibe alive. Twin guitar melodies, a powerful percussion section, a Hammond B3 organ, and lots of bottom-end seamlessly mesh to deliver the authentic ABB sound. The band's improvisational skills and love for the jam make every song feel as fresh as the first time you heard them. In the tradition of the Allman Brothers Band, they never do the same show twice and guarantee their audience a new and rockin' experience every time they take they take the stage. The Peacheaters also deliver powerful original material. Their debut CD, "Money Don't Beat the Blues," receives regional and international airplay. www.peacheaters.com 


 

Enthusiastic Crowd Hooted and Hollered to the Tunes of the Allman Brothers and Eric Clapton at Showcase Live

On Friday night, January 22, 2010, SHOWCASE LIVE and SKYWORKS PRODUCTIONS presented the authentic Allman Brothers tribute band, The Peacheaters and the Eric Clapton tribute band, Slowhand Graffiti live in concert at Showcase Live in Foxborough, MA. The two bands delivered a memorable show to an enthusiastic audience. The Peacheaters took the stage first at 8pm and played a 90-minute set followed by an encore of great Allman Brothers classics. Slowhand Graffiti performed next, and at the end of the night, both bands joined together on stage and jammed out the songs, "I Shot the Sherrif", "Cocaine", and "Further On Up The Road" for a stellar, all-out encore that rocked the house!

Bringing the two premier local tribute bands together for a joint show seemed to be the perfect match-up when Showcase Live and Skyworks Productions were initially planning the show. The Allman-Clapton connection is the stuff of legend. Not only did Duane Allman contribute slide and lead guitar to Eric Clapton's classic Layla LP and share the stage with him back in 1970 at the old Curtis Hixon Hall in Tampa, the pair were musical soulmates and had a mutual admiration that would have undoubtedly led to the production of more great music together had Duane not died in a 1971 motorcycle accident. Last year in March, Eric Clapton appeared with The Allman Brothers Band at the Beacon Theater in New York as a part of the The Allmans 40th anniversary celebration which was dedicated to Duane Allman. SHOWCASE LIVE and SKYWORKS PRODUCTIONS captured the spirit and essence of the bond between "Slowhand" and "Skydog" by bringing together--in one night, under one roof--two highly-respected premier tribute bands, Slowhand Graffiti and The Peacheaters, to celebrate the work of these legendary artists. 

Click here to watch The Peacheaters performing at Showcase Live.

Click here to watch Slowhand Graffiti performing at Showcase Live.

The mission of SLOWHAND GRAFFITI is not to impersonate Eric Clapton and his numerous world-famous sidemen, but rather to chronicle and showcase the vast musical career of the world's most prolific and versatile rock guitarist including his time with The Yardbirds, John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, Blind Faith, Derek and the Dominoes and then on to his solo work right up to present day. Frontman and founder of Slowhand Graffiti, Vernon Northover, has been playing the blues for over 40 years and is not only heavily-influenced by Eric Clapton, but has witnessed his playing first hand during the 60s in his homeland in London, England. During the show, Vernon shares a few stories of these days and enriches the audience with the details of Eric's career, band history, and influences. Slowhand Graffiti not only lets the audience experience some of the finest music Clapton has produced, as one does at any of his concerts, but also provides the audience with an insight into the enormity and range of this man's amazing career!
Visit Slowhand Graffiti on MySpace: www.slowhandgraffiti.com

From "Ain't Wastin' Time No More" to "Whippin' Post", THE PEACHEATERS dig deep into more than three decades of Allman Brothers Band music and deliver an experience that keeps the vibe alive. Twin guitar melodies, a powerful percussion section, a Hammond B3 organ, and lots of bottom-end seamlessly mesh to deliver the authentic ABB sound. The band's improvisational skills and love for the jam make every song feel as fresh as the first time you heard them. Every show features a unique set list that always includes surprises. In the tradition of the Allman Brothers Band, they never do the same show twice and guarantee their audience a new and rockin' experience every time they take the stage. The Peacheaters also deliver powerful original material. Their debut CD, "Money Don't Beat the Blues," receives regional and international airplay. Visit The Peacheaters online: www.peacheaters.com



New England's Top Solo Artists and Bands Gave It Their All at Showcase Live's Artist Showcase on October 29!

On Thursday, October 29, 2009 Showcase Live and Skyworks Productions proudly presented—in one night, under one roof—an outstanding lineup of local musical acts.

Showcase Live’s Artist Showcase illuminated the talents of some of the best emerging and seasoned solo artists and bands in New England. An attentive and appreciative audience had the priviledge to discover the fresh sounds of these hardworking, fine musicians as they took the stage and showcased the best of their material.

With musical genres ranging from folk and the blues to alternative rock and funk, the Artist Showcase offered a full evening of great entertainment variety. Solo artists who performed included: RONDA MATSON, DAMON REEVES, MARIANNE PASTS, CHRIS ROSS, and KATE NIGHTINGALE. Bands that rocked the house included: RISING TRIBE, MELT, GREEN CASTLE, and GROW.

New England's Finest Talent - 5 Top Solo Artists & 4 Great Bands!

The World's Ultimate Doors Tribute Band Rocked Showcase Live on October 2!

Showcase Live and Skyworks Productions proudly presented THE SOFT PARADE live in concert on Friday, October 2, 2009 at Showcase Live in Foxborough, MA with special guest opener Randy Robbins. If you missed this rare New England appearance of the band that's revered as THE world's premier tribute to The Doors, keep checking back with us as we'll be adding another show soon!

Seeing The Soft Parade is like reliving the legendary concerts Jim Morrison and The Doors performed almost 40 years ago. The Soft Parade is internationally recognized as one of the most authentic, realistic tribute bands working today. They recreate, with stunning accuracy, the primal, poetic atmosphere of a vintage Doors concert. From the vintage musical instruments and sound equipment right down to stage clothing and hairstyles - watching The Soft Parade is as close to seeing the Doors as anyone can possibly get.

Fronting The Soft Parade is singer Joe Russo whose likeness to the legendary Jim Morrison holds audiences spellbound. He looks Morrison. He moves Morrison. And most importantly, he sings Morrison.

The Soft Parade has toured 20 countries, been joined onstage by original Doors guitarist Robby Krieger and has performed hundreds of concerts worldwide. The show is so hauntingly authentic that critics and fans continually use words like "eerie" and "chilling" to define the experience.

Here are just some of the reviews out there that speak best for this hard-working, authentic tribute band to The Doors:

"The Soft Parade is excellent. Yeah, Joe Russo - terrific. The Soft Parade's great - I think they do an excellent job of recreating 'the Doors experience'. It's great, man...the Soft Parade is real cool." -Ray Manzarek (co-founder/keyboardist of The Doors) WNEW-NY 3/16/2000

"...The Soft Parade's show is eerily convincing, causing the audience to temporarily suspend it's disbelief..." - New York Times (Sunday, May 15, 1994)

"Close your eyes and you can hear the Doors. Open your eyes and you can see them. The Soft Parade does the Doors justice. Joe Russo's voice and stage antics and movements are a ghost of Morrison's former glory." - Good Times (Dec. 1999)

"For years, people have sized The Soft Parade up against the legend and come away impressed." - Guitar World Magazine (February 2000)

"The Soft Parade is the most faithful, most dynamic, spiritual, true tribute band since The Doors' demise." - Vince Treanor-Doors road manager/sound technician (1967-1972)

"They're an exact replica...it's scary" - Frank Lisciandro-Jim Morrison's friend/biographer

Visit The Soft Parade's Official Website: www.thesoftparade.com

Local singer/songwriter Randy Robbins appeared as a guest opener for The Soft Parade

Emerging acoustic folk-rock singer/songwriter, Randy Robbins, whose beautifully-crafted original songs carry the essence and heart of the 60s, pleased the crowd with mostly his original tunes and a few classic covers at The Soft Parade show at Showcase Live on Friday, October 2. Randy is often referred to by fans as, "The reincarnation of John Lennon" not only for his uncanny physical resemblance to the legendary Beatle and similar vocal tone, but because of his gifted song-writing ability and uplifting live performances that have been winning the hearts of audiences throughout the Metrowest area of Boston, Rhode Island, and beyond. Listening to Randy’s music takes you to another time and place. Check back soon for video footage of Randy's live performance!

Photo by Kristen Pierson Photography

Visit Randy's Official Website: www.randyrobbinsmusic.com