Greg Spinelli Hosts Trend’s Homefront

Greg Spinelli is inviting.

Surprisingly, many of the songs played that night were folk or blues-based and to a house that was not as full as it usually is. But, at Trend, it does not matter if there are many open seats or no open seats, because it is all about enjoying the equal company of those who take the stage and those who are in the audience.

The ambiance of said quietude is actually a plus because everyone noticeably engaged in more conversation and intermingling with everyone. This calls for a chance for everyone to get to know each other better. All of Trend is definitely a family; potential newcomers do not know it yet, but they will know this for sure once host Greg Spinelli welcomes them to his joyful “dysfunctional game.” Also, no one is a stranger to owner Dmitri, because once one makes even something as simple as eye contact with him, they are automatically part of the family, no matter how often or seldom they stop by.

Now, onward to the stage, which was just redesigned by Dmitri himself. In place of the armoire that once occupied the space now hangs three electric guitars and a handmade wooden sign that reads “Trend Stage.”

Starting things off was Todd Bacard, who performed blues covers. Following Todd was Brian Petriccione, who is known for a mix of one sad song and one happier song in each set. One of those songs was a cover of country singer Steve Wariner’s “I’ll Always Have Denver,” which is about a relationship that, in the end, was not really meant to be. That particular theme ran in several songs, including an original song by Brad called “The Girl I Used to Know” and “You are My Habit” by Trend regular Rich Barron.

Barron performed “Hard Right,” appropriate for the event because in some of the lyrics he pays homage to Dr. Martin Luther King, whose famous “I Have a Dream” speech just celebrated its fiftieth anniversary.

Some quietude even reflected in the music played by Max McMahon of local band Black Lace Blues because both his pieces were on acoustic guitar with no lyrics. Black Lace Blues had just played as a full band last Friday night at Trend. Also, the ever-present Bruce “Wild Man” Tyler is their drummer and founder.

The intimate feeling carried throughout the night when Rostafa not only covered Elton John’s “Daniel, My Brother,” but also performed an original called “Ghetto Shoebox Place,” which he admits is still a work in progress.

Ultimately, no matter the ambiance that varies between each week, Greg Spinelli always makes sure there is room for jamming and dancing.

  blues, Folk, intimate, quietude, trend coffee and tea