Promise You Family

I had the opportunity to catch the very end of Promise You Family at Paul Henry's Art Gallery, when I was out doing my tubthumping.  I was impressed with the little I heard, and wanted to see them again when I got the chance.  Well, the chance came, I took it, and I would take it again . . .

The performance was at JJ Kelleys in Lansing.  With Promise You Family was Care and Quentin Samuel  All were great.  Here ares some photos.  Do realize that I do not control the lighting.  So what you see was perhaps the best I was going to get . . .

First up . . .

Quentin Samuel

Quentin was good. His voice was like a story teller. That is meant to be a complement. He pulls you in with his tone, the words, the heart felt image that I believe was in his head as he sang. It made me feel like I was the one singing it. A very different vibe from what I have experienced from other musicians.

Next . . .

CARE

Band Members . . .

Justin Majetich - Lead Vocal, Guitar

Josiah Majetich - Drums

Robbie Vacik - Bass

Jackson Hall - Lead Guitar

These guys were good. Watching them before they played, they appeared laid back, easy going, taking as it comes. When on stage, they turned into some giants. Your mind quickly adjusted to their increase in energy. Justin kicked on vocal, Jackson let it all out on lead guitar, and Josiah and Robbie filled the rhythm that completed this group of four guys into that one giant. What was cool was, these guys are not new to this. Or at least they did not sound new. They knew who they were, what they wanted to say, with change in tempo, volume, making every note and word important. That struck me as very cool and memorable.

Here are some photos of CARE. I apologize that I could not do better, because I really wanted to. Perhaps I will find another chance.

If you have tried shooting digital, with automatic focus and color adjustment, and no flash, you understand that the shutter does not always cooperate and "lock on" when you want it too. However, sometimes you get cool images like Jackson's guitar waving in front of the camera as I attempt to photograph Josiah, as in the next photo.

To get more of CARE, please check out their FB page at:  https://www.facebook.com/CAREmusic

Promise You Family

Mallory Thomas - Vocal

Zach Blink - Vocal, Guitar, Keyboard, Drums

Jeff Brink - Bass, Electronics

David Lubarski - Vocal, Drums, Guitar, Keyboard

Aaron Osborn - Beats, Noises

As I had mentioned, I have been waiting to hear this band, and I do tell you the wait was well worth it. As what they stand for, they are correct, that they Promise You "originality, creativity, and artistic integrity." This family is made up of a lot of members, which get together to bring us real music. Music that stirs you, shows complexity at all levels, that is really simplicity at one level. I was very happy to hear them this evening.

So, here are some photos for you to enjoy . . .

Thank you  Promise You Family for having a mission that I believe more need to see, hear, and enjoy!

You can follow Promise You Family at: https://www.facebook.com/PromiseYouFamily

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Tin Ceiling Tavern - Homewood IL

I was looking for something to do this evening.  I originally had a photo shoot to do - it was cancelled.  Thought perhaps I would go out to dinner and a movie with friends, however during the indecision I became wrapped up in the last blog post.  At the point I was ready to take a break, I saw on FB that Lou Shields was going to the Tin Ceiling in Homewood with Matt Heckler!  I had totally forgot about this event because of the scheduled photo shoot.  So I dropped everything and ran out the door!

For those who may not know, I am originally from that area.  I lived in Glenwood for about 36 years, in Homewood for a year, went to Homewood-Flossmoor High School, and well, this was my stomping ground.  I was thrilled to go back.

When I arrived, the "feel of home" settled in.  I had to run around the corner with my camera to photograph the Gottschalk house at 1801 Martin Ave, where I lived on the second floor for about a year.  This was a very drastic change in my life at that time, which is why I probably felt so attached.

And across the street was the Homewood-Florist, where I had bought flowers for all of my dates, even when I left Illinois . . .

Tin Ceiling was not the name of the tavern when I was growing up.  I do not recall what it was . . . not important.  What is important is that it still is a neighborhood bar for friends to hang out, and this night, for an open mic.  Here are a few photos I took inside.

(P.S.  Click on the photo to enlarge it, and click on the enlarged photo to index through.  If anyone can help me with the missing names, please message me.)

Matt Bailey

Crystal (I believe that is her name)

Matt Heckler

Now what was really cool, was Matt wrote a song about 20 minutes ago, stood up front, thought about 30 seconds on what chords to play with it, and just did it. WOW!

Gregg Calpino

And, a little rap going on . . . Funny enough, I heard my first rap in high school about 1975. So it was fitting to hear it live in the same town once again . . .

Lou Shields, Melissa Welch, and Lou's friend Rory Carolan.

I just cannot get enough of Melissa, because she enjoys her music so much.  The joyness sort of sticks to you . . .

In all it was an enjoyable evening out with friends, meeting new friends, in a friendly home town that I grew up around and in. I need to do more of this . . .

Tin Ceiling Tavern

2012 Ridge Rd.

Homewood, IL  60430

(corner of Dixie and Ridge)

(708) 798-5262

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