combustable

Davy's band had a performance at It's a Grind last weekend that was downright ELECTRIFYING. Hey - I announced it twice on Facebook, so what can I say. If you snoozed... you loozed. And you loozed BIG TIME. They were all at the top of their game - although I need to mention they were down one violin player, but it was for a very happy and worthy occasion: best wishes and *congratulations* to Amelia on her graduation! :)

So the guys were in fine form and the crowd was large - I wish I had taken more photos. Jimmy the bass player was playing with gusto, even with his ripped shoulder ligaments - the reason the show was titled 'the Broken Shoulder show' in the first place. This refers to the recent wipe-out he and Davy had on their longboards. Not good. But I digress. Henry the violin player... was on fire! I thought he was going to combust at any moment.   

Davy was in amazing voice and had some great solo performances, which everyone really enjoyed - excepting his bandmates which had been kicked off stage. He played some songs he had never performed before. Just the sight of him up there by himself was awesome. If you had told him even a few years ago he would be doing that, he would have never, ever - even remotely - believed you. Of course, he rarely thinks he sounds good, but such is the frustrating life of the performer. And of the mom that just wants to smack him around when he's like that.  

They had a special guest too! Beloved and talented friend John Sanchez and his sombrero. We all love John. How can you not love John? They performed some totally cool songs they had collaborated on and of course they sounded fantastic. I'm sorry I didn't fix chicken nuggets for you John. I should have. You deserved them. 

love our Liam, of course :)

the rising generation - Jimmy's younger brother David, the Mouse, and their friend Geoff

two of the most adorable girls on earth, Kara and Maren :)

Liam, Davy's girlfriend Valerie who is FINALLY back from India (yay!), and Val's dad David :)

Thanks to everyone who made it such a great evening! They'll be performing again on JUNE 19th!!!

FAB

Saturday night at It's A Grind Coffee House was absolutely fabulous! And I do mean FABULOUS. Before I even parked my car, I could see that the place was packed. What performer doesn't love playing to a full house!? I've just got to say PEOPLE! You're the BEST! What an amazing show of support to come out like you did and stay to hear all 3 sets. I know from my own personal experience, that looking out into a sea of familiar and friendly faces does more for your confidence and overall performance than you could possibly imagine. Many thanks!

First up was Riley Lyon, and I am not exaggerating when I say she was absolutely amazing! At 15 years old, and her first "official" public performance, this singer/songwriter has confidence, poise, plays her guitar like a pro, and has a repertoire of original songs that are fun, catchy, melodic, and unique. She had previously had them professionally recorded and made into a CD - and good thing she did, because she sold a lot of them! Go Riley!   

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The second performance was my son Davy's band. Henry Webster, Amelia Shelton, Davy Walker and Jimmy Melnarik. They still don't have a band name. I think that night they introduced themselves as "Bank of America". What can I say. Middle Child. I have a tremendous soft spot for them though. Even when they are practicing I insist on quiet everywhere so I can just sit there and soak them in. I'm always sad when they're done. I know they must think poor Davy's hippie mom really needs to get a life. But see, I've been around long enough to realize what's completely stupid about life, and what's simply amazing about it. And when something is simply amazing, you stop and you listen. Although I do admit, I pretend I'm listening to them in a pub in Scotland. 

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Last but certainly not least - though I always give them such a hard time - was my husband John's band "Primrose Gardens". Playing all original music from John's CD of the same name - as well as some new songs he has written for a new CD he's working on - these two long time friends John and Darryl, and their sons Davy and Evan, have a great time rocking together and putting the fun in dysfunctional. Heheheh :) And seriously, John and Darryl are incredible musicians, especially when it comes to playing lean, mean, screaming guitars!

Thanks again to everyone - we'll have to do that again soon!

It's A Grind * This Saturday

See? It really IS a grind! A play on words - yes, yes - but a real brick and mortar establishment too. A cool coffee house (is that an oxymoron?) with even cooler live entertainment. Especially this next Saturday night, April 24th! Mark your calendars all you local friends! This is where you and your families are gonna wanna hang out for sure!

Our local It's A Grind Coffee House just north of Valencia in the town of Castaic, will be featuring TWO of our all time favorite bands EVER, and also a very talented young solo singer near and dear to us as well! The music fest goes from 8:00 to 10:00 and if you ask me, that's a lot of awesome entertainment. It's a serious three-fer people!

It's A Grind Coffee House

29641 The Old Road
Castaic, CA 91384-4570
(661) 702-9636

PRIMROSE GARDENS will be one of the bands performing. Consisting of founding member Johnny Walker and accompanied by Darryl Mardirossian on bass guitar and vocals. They are joined by their sons Evan Mardirossian on drums and percussion, and Davy Walker on guitar and vocals. All songs performed are original songs of John's from his CD entitled Primrose Gardens, as well as new songs he's currently been working on for an upcoming CD. Talented, rocking guys, all. Our house wouldn't be near as fun on Wednesday nights without them practicing.

(subliminal message: Johnny Walker is on Facebook as Primrose Gardens. The poor guy has no clue. Look him up and friend him) 

DAVY'S BAND (still no name) is the other band performing. I shouldn't pick favorites but it's my blog so I can do what I want. I love Davy's band. I adore Davy's band. Davy Walker on Guitar, Mandolin and vocals. Jimmy Melnarik on bass guitar. Amelia Shelton on violin and vocals. And Henry Webster on violin. All such talented and awesome young adults. All songs performed are Davy's original songs. He writes the best lyrics and melodies and arrangements on earth. Hey, I'm just tellin it like it is. I love the combination of all the instruments. And Amelia's and Henry's violins never fail to lift Davy's songs to a higher place, and take me right along with them. 

I've known RILEY LYON since the day she was born! This hip & cool guitar player has not only grown into a fun, smart, beautiful young lady, but she has the most natural talent of a young singer/songwriter I have ever had the pleasure of witnessing. I don't say that lightly either. There are countless talented people in the world, but the majority of them have to learn it. With Riley, it just comes naturally. It's part of her DNA. She can take others' songs and make them into unique versions of her own, and she can write her own songs just as easily. I know that the future holds a lot in store for Riley and I am excited to see what's around each and every corner for her.

Don't miss such a fun-filled evening! Come support all these talented singers! :)
And be on time or you really WILL miss them! :0