Monthly Archives: December 2016

Best of 2016: Looking Back, Looking Ahead

To close our Best of 2016 video series (a joint LVU-Dustin Schoof production), Dustin and I each shared our favorite overall moment from our individual travels through the music scene in 2016, as well as what we’re looking forward to the most in the New Year. My responses are below. Of course, you can catch Dustin’s over at DustinSchoof.com. Mine is below.

I say something to this effect in the video below, but it bears repeating: Thank you all for being the motivating force behind all of this. When LVU launched in January, I could not have imagined it taking off to the heights it has reached. Now, I am optimistic that we will soar even higher together in the New Year.

Please be safe tonight, and have a happy and successful 2017.

 

Spend New Year’s Eve in Allentown

Still in need of plans to ring in 2017? Allentown’s Hamilton District wants you to join its New Year’s Eve festivities – a proposition made even more tempting by the musical options available that night.

First, the City of Allentown will be hosting its official New Year’s Eve celebration at the corner of 7th and Hamilton Streets. Beginning at 10 p.m., the evening’s festivities include a fireworks display and an always-entertaining performance by Charlie Brown’s Notorious Groove.

Speaking of Groove, plenty of downtown restaurants will also be hosting New Year’s Eve festivities, such The Hamilton Kitchen, which will play host to The Groove Merchants beginning at 9 p.m. The five-piece from Kutztown will be playing tunes from its new album, “Take It” (which was included in LVU Founder Gerard Longo’s Best of 2016 picks), in addition to covers and other originals. It’s a Can’t-Miss Show of the Week for a reason!

The fun doesn’t stop there. Another LVU favorite, Copper Fields, will be right down the street at Bell Hall at the same time to deliver their unique brand of Americana. The trio has played all over the Valley in 2016, and has gained a reputation for their great musicianship and enjoyable tunes.

If jazz is more your speed, Allentown has something for you on New Year’s Eve, as well. Our friends at Sugar Hill Jazz House will welcome Nancy Coletti, who will provide smooth sounds to add to the evening’s ambiance beginning at 9 p.m.

There, now you have plans for New Year’s Eve! For information on these events and many more, visit The Hamilton District Main Street Program online.

Tape Swap Radio’s Top 10 Lehigh Valley DIY Releases of 2016

The Lehigh Valley’s DIY music scene is often underrated. Yet, there are dozens of bands and artists right under our noses, adding important layers to the vibrance of our local music community. 2016 was no exception to that rule.

Lehigh Valley Underground invited Matt Molchany and Shamus McGroggan of Tape Swap Radio to share their thoughts on the Valley’s DIY scene in 2016. The local DIY experts selected a total of ten releases that you should check out. Read what Matt and Shamus had to say below, and don’t forget to visit Tape Swap Radio online.

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