IT'S ABOUT THE MUSIC
THE FUTURE OF NEW MUSIC IS LOOKING GOOD - Recently, two musicians who work professionally as stagehands doing concerts at places like Riverbend and Music Hall and the Spank Arena (aka the U.S. Bank Arena) have partnered to create a venue for New and Original music performances at a theater - not a bar. The result is a series of Summer concerts at the Act One Cinema in the "LOOP" of Historic downtown Sharonville.
"We have been busy building a stage, setting up a house P.A. and decent lighting system for the express purpose of promoting the local and area artists who deserve a showcase for the wonderful new music and arrangements they have been working on," says Dave Hall of Unka Bones Productions. "While our door is open to all styles of music (Jazz, blues, surf, rhythm and blues, folk, contemporary classic, percussion ensemble, steel drums, rock and roll and just about anything good) the ambition is to present the peak of quality music entertainment. We expect to run a mix of three acts each event and are big fans of the past efforts like Bill Graham, The Black Dome and the Ludlow Garage. Young people that are not bar age do not get the exposure to all the great styles and talents our area has to offer. Some folks don't like seeing shows in a smoky bar and some can not or should not drink so they avoid the bar scene. We are giving the music a place and a chance to survive in a theater setting. It is all about the music and the good times;" says Don Schott of Kokopelli Stages.
They intend to run an affordable all ages venue.
"We are seeking bands and individuals who would like to take a shot at this. We expect to record and video tape for DVD all the performances (with consent of the performers) and the product of the live CDs and DVDs are one of the perks of performing at the ACT ONE SCENE. Collectively, we have been involved in live performance for over 40 years. Now all we need is a loyal audience. We know how to put on a good show and once we get started it will just keep getting better;" says Dave Hall.
"In 1988 I helped found a non profit 501-C-3 called the Association of Performing and Recording Artists. The group of people involved did a lot of amazing things, many which are remembered in our music community yet today. In 1995, the group took a voluntary hiatus. Now, in hopes of rekindling the educational and networking organization, we plan to start having meetings again as part of our program at the Act One;" says Don Schott.
They hope to have DJs spinning during the setups for the opening act and in between sets. The curious thing about our shows is that they take place AFTER the movie has been shown. So actually it is possible to take in a movie and a concert in the same night. Any bands, DJs or solo performers that are interested should e-mail kokopelli@fuse.net as well as anybody who is interested in receiving schedules of upcoming events. Watch for future announcements and check out the web site at www.kokopellistages.com
11165 Reading Road - 733-8214
My friend Rick Lonow plays in this group and also in the Jamie Hartford Band. He used to be in a band I had in Cincinnati and we have had some great jams with Gerry Parker & David Dust.