Toned down tunes at the door of Trend, but everyone still rocks.
Compared to last week, temperatures were close to the triple digits and the music was summery and upbeat so everyone was dancing nearly the entire event. However, Wednesday night’s event at Trend was more toned-down and almost entirely acoustic and earthy; that did not mean the fun and looseness stopped there, along with other humorous surprises.
Adhering to the somewhat unintentional toned down atmosphere was when Greg Spinelli. Instead of starting the night off like he normally does, he decided to let Dan Duca, Jr., lead off with a cover of Elvis Presley’s “I Just Can’t Help Believin.” Following that was newcomer Brian Peterson, who performed “Sent You.”
Once again, a young woman, “Transparent Concrete” took the mic with an original piece of her poetry, but she decided to make her toned down set a small mixed bag. Following her original piece entitled “Little Wooden Box Down the Hudson,” she sang an a cappella version of Feist’s “1234.”
Returning staples were husband-and-wife duo Evan Bob and Cara Renee, who play guitar and sing, respectively. They performed one original song, plus two covers: “You Say You Love Her” by Dev and Shakira’s “Waka Waka.” Although Bob plays more electric guitar, it gave off more of an acoustic feel, complementing Renee’s upbeat vocals, definitely a toned down vibe.
Between usual favorite Kyle Dowling were two more newcomers. Bob Cannon was featured on toned down acoustic, performing an original called “Since You’re Gone” as well ironically performing a cover of Nick Lowe’s “All Men are Liars.” Despite his age, Cannon showed that no one is ever “too old” to be, as Spinelli puts it, “the new guy on the block.” It is important to just get out there and show everyone your talents.
The next “new guy on the block” was a much-younger man named Lee, whose electric keyboard also evoked a more acoustic sound, especially in tune with the songs he chose. From his original “Dancing Shoes” to covers of Marc Cohn’s “Walking in Memphis” and Coldplay’s “Fix You,” his powerful voice easily gave off a vibe of a potential gospel/jazz/soul artist. Also performing with him was a drummer whom he had only met five minutes prior to performing. Lee had quipped that he “is the best drummer I have worked with,” proving that the best people to work and be with come from the most unexpected places at the most unexpected times.
Billy Tanglewood returned and half-jokingly said that he would not be performing any of his original material – until he brought out a usual favorite, entitled “Fine Bottle of Wine.”
However, that was not the only surprise that night. A man named Dave almost disappointed the audience when he said that he would only perform one song that night because he had to get home to his wife Diane, who was locked out of their home and only he had the key. However, the disappointment immediately dissolved when everyone found out he was only joking, and after one solo song his wife Diane, who was actually in attendance the whole time, sang along with him for “Rearranged” and “Shake My Tambourine.”
The last surprise of the toned down night was when usual favorite Rostafa did not perform at all by himself as he normally does, but rather just participated on harmonica and guitar in the jam session with Greg, Dan and Lee to Jimi Hendrix’s “All Along the Watchtower.”
Another performer that stood out that night was Jeff Hayes, who has a singing voice nearly identical to Bon Jovi’s, but rocking it well nonetheless. Perhaps this was apropos, as Bon Jovi performed at MetLife Stadium that night.
Also returing was Ohannes with his oud, this time performing a traditional Ottoman Turkish piece called “Hussein Sassoman.”
Other covers of classic love songs followed through the night. Hope to see everyone there next week, because who knows what musical adventure everyone will embark on.
For more information, visit www.trendcoffee.com
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