Okee dokee folks… It’s that time of year once again when the robins return and the buds start appearing on the trees. It’s also when the spectacle of Shen Yun holds its annual performances at The Providence Performing Arts Center. Now I am not here to talk about the Shen Yun show, and I am in no way promoting this show. I want to talk about the amazing street team that this group has. While I have never attended a Shen Yun show, and more than likely never will, I, however, am curious. No matter where you go in the state, you will see a Shen Yun poster. How do I know this? Well, I am still old school and like to put up posters for shows that I am involved with. EVERYWHERE I go to hang a poster, Shen Yun has already been. On top of that, I have seen folks outside of PPAC handing out Shen Yun flyers. They also run TV and YouTube ads as well as other media outlets. I didn’t know much about them, so I did a little research. It seems that Shen Yun is operated by the Falun Gong religious movement and is promoted by The Epoch Times, a far-right media outlet. That alone is enough to keep me away! I also found this tidbit on the internet: “The Chinese government bars Shen Yun from performing in China, as it considers Falun Gong to be an ‘anti-society cult.’” Interesting. No wonder they have such an amazing street team. I also read this: “Its shows are heavily promoted through advertising blitz campaigns in local markets.” I guess we all need to start a cult in order to properly promote our shows and really get folks out! Read on…
If you have watched any of the Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy films you know that Peter Quill, aka Starlord, has a mixtape with an awesome soundtrack of seventies songs. Of those many songs was “Wham Bam Shang-A-Lang,” by a band called Silver. One of the members of that band, John Batdorf, will be making a Rhode Island appearance on May 10 at SpringFest in Westerly. Batdorf is a singer-songwriter, solo artist, and one half of Las Vegas Rock and Roll Hall of Famers folk-rock duo Batdorf & Rodney, as well as the ’70s band Silver. He’s also a successful film and TV composer, session vocalist, and inspirational musician in the substance recovery community. In his five-decade career he’s worked with music icons such as Ahmet Ertegun, David Geffen, Clive Davis, Adele, America, Rod Stewart, Dave Mason, Donna Summer, Dwight Yoakum, David Lee Roth, Motley Crüe, and many others. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to catch John Batdorf, as well as many other performers, in concert on May 10. For a full schedule of SpringFest, which runs May 9 – 11, blossom over to misquamicutfestival.org
I am happy that folks are responding to my requests for protest music! I received another submission, this time from Mike Laureanno. Mike is a multi-award-winning singer-songwriter originally from Fall River but now based in Providence. He has toured and performed as a solo artist and as a member of The Jack Hardy Band. He sent me the song, “Kiss My Ring.” Here are a few lines from the song. “When you are King, here’s what ya do. Distract and amuse the multitudes. Throw them out some truth with lies. Let ‘em fight it out to see who dies. Kiss my ring, I got them thinking it’s true. I’m the King of Kings, but I can’t recite the Bible to you. I said Kiss My Ring” You can listen to it here: youtu.be/UIbTvmrZtes. For more about Mike, Tightrope to: mikelaureanno.weebly.com. Please keep writing the protest songs and keep sending them along!
Award-winning Canadian singer, songwriter, and guitarist Matt Andersen will be performing at The Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River on May 7. He is touring in support of his forthcoming album, The Hammer & The Rose, which comes out April 25 on Sonic Records. Andersen is known for his prolific songwriting, powerhouse vocals, and riveting performances. He has spent decades performing in dusty clubs, dim-lit bars, and theaters all over the world, which has helped him amass over 33 million streams on Spotify and 30 million views on YouTube. Matt has shared the stage and toured with Marcus King, Beth Hart, Marty Stuart, Greg Allman, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Randy Bachman, Tab Benoit, and more. Also coming up at The Narrows (don’t forget to check out their new marquee!) David Wax Museum, Jon Pousette-Dart Duo, Rodney Crowell, Garrison Keillor, Jimmy Vivino and Professor Louie & The Crowmatix, Marcia Ball, and way too many more to list. Get to narrowscenter.org for the full lowdown. While you are there, sign up for the ticket giveaway!
Newport Live invites you to experience an extraordinary evening with legendary South African saxophonist McCoy Mrubata and his new sextet Siyabulela at the beautiful Casino Theatre. A living legend of South African jazz, McCoy Mrubata has captivated audiences worldwide with his fusion of traditional African rhythms and contemporary jazz. On May 2 singer/songwriter Mark Erelli will be joined by a string quintet in a performance of his well-known numbers. For more, “Waki’s Walk” to: newportlive.org
Just want to remind you all again about the Pete Seeger Tribute show at The Greenwich Odeum on Friday, May 2. It’s a benefit for the Rhode Island Folk Festival featuring performances by many award-winning musicians. Come out and support the festival and celebrate the legacy of folk legend, Pete Seeger. For more, ford over to: greenwichodeum.com
The mango moron and his minions must be removed. Protest, write letters, call your reps, whatever it takes. Resist! •
That’s it for now. You can listen to my podcasts at motifri.com/rootsreportpodcast and find my concert photographs at motifri.com/fuzeksfotos. Thanks for reading and listening. johnfuzek.com