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Sean Jefferson and The Dreamworks Quartet
Drummer/composer Sean Jefferson celebrates the release of his new album, Dreamworks, on Saturday, September 18, 7:30 p.m., at the Reformation Lutheran Church, 111 N. Chestnut Street. The critically acclaimed Jefferson has put together an impressive album which is at once highly listenable and yet ground breaking. Much of the material in this new release was debuted at the 2009 Rochester International Jazz Festival.
Driven To Tears
Driven To Tears, Rochester’s tribute band dedicated to bringing you authentic recreations of The Police in concert, are a celebration of the trio’s historic performances. Their sets include “Roxanne” to “Spirits In the Material World,” “Can’t Stand Losing You,” “Wrapped Around Your Finger,” “Message in a Bottle,” “Synchronicity” and others.
Talon
Talon is an act remembered well on the local music scene. The popular group performed all over Western New York for a full decade, from ’86 to ’96; at The Penny Arcade, Spectator’s, Letchworth Pines, Blind Melons in Buffalo and the English House in Batavia. Their high energy show featured precise musicianship and top notch vocals; delivering the best of Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Whitesnake, Guns n’ roses, AD/DC, Metallica and Judas Priest. Then, regrettably, they called it quits in the summer of ’96.
Mary Shannon aka Mahara
After having a detailed dream about her career, Mary Shannon woke up with a name, Mahara – a combination of Mary Harp – and it is now the name she performs under. Last month she started her own record label, Divine Dennis Records, in honor of her father Dennis Monroe. Her latest album, The Best of Mahara 2000-2007 was just released. It’s a collection of her favorite songs from previous albums including her debut, Believe in Magic.
String of Pearls
String of Pearls is a trio of seasoned local musicians who combine harmonic vocals with solid instrumentals, creating their own sound that is accessible to audiences of all ages. Over the past twenty-five years, band members have played with such popular groups as the Beale St. Blues Band, Joey T and the Formula and Pay Dirt.
Kerry Cannan
Kerry Cannan has finally come to the end of a long journey as she releases her debut recording of mostly original songs. The gifted vocalist is known as a captivating live performer, backed by a tight ensemble of seasoned veterans. Using a mix of rock, blues and ballads, she has been compared to the likes of Stevie Nicks, Natalie Merchant and LeAnn Rimes.
Still Kickin'
Formed back in 1984 by guitarists Jim Smith and Dan Monaghan, Still Kickin’ went on to include Tom Sylvester on bass and Don Howcroft on drums. The band performed on Thursday nights at The Warehouse for over two years in their hey-day; and made annual appearances at the Park Avenue Festival, the Corn Hill Festival and in Genesee Valley Park. Still Kickin’ plays a mix of their own original music along with some Neil Young, Grateful Dead, Dire Straights and others – especially Bob Dylan. Dan’s interpretations of Dylan songs are a must see.
Dawn Thomson
Rochester-based guitarist/vocalist Dawn Thomson has played and toured extensively throughout North America and Europe. She has performed with such artists as Renee Rosnes, Milt Jackson, Don Thompson, Terrel Stafford, Mulgrew Miller, Peter Bernstein, The Woody Herman Orchestra, Harry Allen, James Williams and Dave Liebman.
