FIFE'S PICKS: December 10
A Night In Progress
An evening of all new material, hosted by Rick Barry
The latest installment of Rick Barry's successful show, "A Night In Progress," features that "across town" rebel Frank Bressi from The Chilling Details along with Alex Brumel, New York's Lisa Bianco and Last Perfect Thing. Rick seems to be finding his niche, playing new tunes, drinking Jack Daniels and generally just having a good time. (I need that kind of job.) The list of talent keeps moving forward into solid musical territory. Alex Brumel is getting ready to release his new record, "To Bring You Home," and while this is a new music show only, maybe you can get him to give you a sample. Same with Rick, who is getting ready to unleash his own new disc entitled "Foreshadows" produced by The All Hour/ Near Records team. Get it while it's hot.

FIFE'S PICKS: December 13
Anthony Fiumano & The Medicine Chest
Leave it to Hey Cole! when it comes to drumming up the most diversified bands out there. This show features The Bloodsugars from the Big Apple whose bio exclaims "The Bloodsugars consistently squeeze enthusiasm out of the most jaded scenesters, surprised to hear dance music that engages their minds as well as their feet. Why? Because people who "don’t like to dance" just haven't found the right band yet; because every song should have at least three hooks; and because when The Bloodsugars pass through your town, they won't leave without painting it blood red." Hey, Scott, introduce theses guys to 4th Avenue. Kick in Anthony Fiumano and his Medicine Chest, who will be applying rock and roll ointment straight from the tube, and yer' gittin' it done. Get there early and stay way past your bedtime, Grandpa.

FIFE'S PICKS: December 17
Colie Brice & The New Age Blues Experience
AMA winners Colie Brice & The New Age Blues Experience take the stage for another great pre-holiday show at the Saint. Who knows what will happen when Colie and his band of gangsters take the stage? There is usually a special wise guy or two that shows up uninvited, which keeps us all guessing and asking the eternal question: does the APM actually exist? We don't know what you're talkin' about. Speaking of the mob, Watch out Billy Bats, you'll really have to get your shine box now cause that execution king of the cutting word, Tony Tedesco, is back with Captain Vic from The Sex Zombies in "Power Of Babel," a unique spoken word crew backed by the Mothguts boys Mike Noordzy and Ben Ross, the fellas will be spraying the crowd with brass tinkling classics (and brand new unlicensed surprises) in an interactive dance of decadence topped only by a visit to Atlantic City with the Gumar. Don't even inquire how TT and ole Vic got themselves a f'n backup ensemble of this caliber. All we can tell you is that they apparently worked out an amicable deal for all involved parties. But hey, they still need a couple of soldiers to meet the contract with Satan Clause... so they throw APM queen Sarah (The Jackal) Tomek into the mix with lieutenant Jay (Bottles) Walker and they're ready to make a move across town and right into the Saint. Bam! Done. Rival city boss Rick (The Top Hat) Barry makes sure it's standing room only at the explosion. OH! Now where's the little girl who told my friend to stick this pen up his ass?

John is a regular contributing writer for the Aquarian Weekly/East Coast Rocker. He also writes press kits and does publicity for national and regional artists. To get in touch with him for services please contact Mr. Pfeiffer at lustrevision@yahoo.com.

FIFE'S PICKS: December 5
The Matt O'Ree Band / Outside The Box
Matt O'Ree is back at the Saint with a night full of overdriven talent in tow. From the unique sounds of Dave Pittenger and Keith Kenny, two guys that use sparse and effective instrumentation to get their point across, to the full band offerings from Outside The Box, this holiday toy drive show is a sure bet for music lovers of all kinds. Six-time AMA winner Matt O'Ree has been gaining momentum since his 1997 debut, "88 Miles". O'Ree's playing has won him consecutive top guitarist honors at the Asbury Music Awards, as well as spots opening for Johnny Winter, Buddy Guy and Gov't. Mule. O'Ree's Robin Trower-meets-Billy Gibbons style is a must see. Come watch him and keyboard player extraordinaire Eric Safka do back-and-forth stage battle. Also, see Eric after the show for theories on existentialism and government cover-ups. He may have to "dispatch" you if you ask the wrong questions... he's the number one man on the East Coast.

FIFE'S PICKS: December 7
Scott's 17th Anniversary Bash Being in Asbury Park
Yes, you read that correctly, Scott's been around longer than some of you have been shaving, which in itself may be a reason to celebrate on this show night. 17 years is a long time to do anything, but especially when you're spending a good portion of it behind the bar listening to Asbury drama or rolling kegs from the refrigerator to the thirsty consumers. He's done damn well for all of us, so stop in and say thanks to him, check out The Soul Project and friends and remember to always try new and exciting things in life... like paying to get in and buying Scott a drink for a change.

FIFE'S PICKS: December 10
A Night In Progress
An evening of all new material, hosted by Rick Barry
Here he comes... here comes Rick Barry. He's a demon on wheels. Ok, sorry, he doesn't have any wheels (that busted up blazer doesn't count), but Rick has proven to be just as fast down the proverbial pike with his original idea (prodded by Scott Stamper) to have a night centered around songwriters coming up with "stuff on the cuff," if you will, and making music right in front of your face. It's sort of like in Jurassic Park where they took you on that ride that went thru the labs and showed the dinosaur eggs being incubated. Just like that, even the ending is the same. The only difference is that our Tyrannosaurus Rex breaks out and says: "Got a dollar?"

FIFE'S PICKS: December 17
Colie Brice & The New Age Blues Experience
AMA winners Colie Brice & The New Age Blues Experience (Guy, can we get the name any longer?) take the stage for another great pre-holiday show at the Saint. Who knows what will happen when Colie and his band of pirates takes the stage? There is usually a special guest or two, which keeps us all guessing, and asking the eternal question, who IS actually in the band? Add Mark Prescott to the mix and you will only stare in amazement as people start "materializing" like vampires all over the place. Bring a box of Count Chocula and get in for free. Only kidding... the days of the wackadoos getting in for free are long gone. THANK GOD. See Drew or Craig at the door and fork over the $6.00... Resistance is futile.

I just wanted to thank everyone who was gracious and instrumental in awarding me with the title of "Best Journalist in Support of Live Music". It is an ongoing honor and I hope that we will continue to work together, bringing awareness to great music and growing business in the area. The Aquarian was also extremely honored and asked me to say thank you to all. The Saint has also been a key force in helping this scene and allowing me to become part of the team with this ongoing column. I'm hoping to see many more of you out there this year, on the road and taking your shot. We hate to see you leave, but we like to watch you go.

FIFE'S PICKS: November 22
The Milwaukees / Readymade Breakup
Hey Cole is back at The Saint this weekend with another offering from her gang of pop-flavored purveyors. Featuring Readymade Breakup, as well as the Milwaukees, she's also bringing in Pennsylvania's own Johnny Action Figure and AMA winners Outside The Box. All will have a harmonious evening as these guys blast thru two and a half minute pop gems all night long. Come on out and take a listen to some of New Jerseys best.

FIFE'S PICKS: November 23
"JackStock" Acoustic Rock/Film Screening
Featuring a concert after the screening with performances by many musicians in the film such as Mike Grau, Buzzy, Joe Canzano, Jeff Mastroberti, John Gray, Janet Jocus, Joe Hughes and Goldenseal, plus acoustic performances by Janey Todd and special guests. Jack was a good friend of Chris Barry and myself to a lesser degree. We watched him play, many a night. A guy with a true love of music and a creative passion that burned brighter than most, Jack Stock was one of a kind. The fact that Mike Grau, John Gray, Joe Canzano and Joe Hughes are on this bill just adds genuine realness to the event. Come pay homage to a guy that did it for the right reasons all the way to the very end.

FIFE'S PICKS: November 26
Thanksgiving Eve Bash "The First Annual Asbury
Dinner" Food Drive for Monmouth & Ocean Food Bank
Oh boy. Those crazed individuals from the Hot Dog House and the world beyond are back in the hood! Last Perfect Thing, winners at last week's AMAs as well, take up residence at The Saint along with those dark and scary talents, The Vanities. If there are two ripping bands to see in town, these are the ones. Special guest Jetta Grove completes a night that will go down in infamy. No, seriously, this show, along with the after party, will make the paper... just put a jacket over your heads when you're exiting the hotel lobby.

John is a regular contributing writer for the Aquarian Weekly/East Coast Rocker. He also writes press kits and does publicity for national and regional artists. To get in touch with him for services please contact Mr. Pfeiffer at lustrevision@yahoo.com.

FIFE'S PICKS: November 18
The Saint's 14th Anniversary Show
featuring The Fave / Mario Spinetti
Ah, yes, 1994. It was the year Nancy Kerrigan got clubbed under orders from Tonya Harding's ex-husband. It was also the year NFL star O.J. Simpson and his friend Al Cowlings sped from police in his white Ford Bronco... but, to me, it will always be The Year of The Saint. The best thing that ever happened to entertainment in the Central Jersey area, The Saint is still the heart and soul of original music. So what better way to tip the ol' anniversary hat than to bring in Laura Warshauer and other unique guests? Currently signed by Island Records, Laura's self-titled debut album was released in September. Warshauer's sound could be described as a blend of pop, rock 'n' roll and folk. She was personally signed by Island Records CEO LA Reid in 2007. Joining her will be LA's Shawn Pander, who gained national recognition from his first appearance on the Dr. Phil Show. The segment, entitled "Real Talent," discussed what it takes to make it in Hollywood. Due to his popularity, Dr. Phil had his camera crew follow Shawn through the process of recording one of his songs with GRAMMY Award winning producer, Steve Buckingham. Other acts on board include the highly-acclaimed Mario Spinetti and Hoboken heroes The Fave. Come and celebrate with the real deals.

FIFE'S PICKS: November 21
90.5 WBJB-FM Presents The Blasters / The Bangs
Their self-described "American Music" is a blend of blues, rockabilly, punk rock, mountain music, and rhythm and blues. They have a devoted fan base and have received largely positive critical reviews, but have earned only limited mainstream success. They have played with pioneers The Cramps, with western swing revivalists Asleep at the Wheel and on a leg of Queen's west coast tour. The Blasters gave boosts to both Los Lobos and Dwight Yoakam by inviting them on tour; Yoakam would later score a modest hit with his version of Dave Alvin's "Long White Cadillac". The Blasters also gained more exposure in the Walter Hill film "Streets of Fire," performing two songs for the soundtrack and appearing as themselves in the film. The Blasters song "Dark Night" was featured in a 1985 episode of "Miami Vice," and the 1996 Quentin Tarantino-Robert Rodriguez collaboration "From Dusk Till Dawn". Joining them will be The Bangs and Victory Gin.

FIFE'S PICKS: November 23
"JackStock" Acoustic Rock/Film Screening
Featuring a concert after the screening with performances by many musicians in the film such as Mike Grau, Buzzy, Joe Canzano, Jeff Mastroberti, John Gray, Janet Jocus, Joe Hughes and Goldenseal, plus acoustic performances by Janey Todd and special guests. Jack was a good friend of Chris Barry and myself to a lesser degree. We watched him play, many a night. A guy with a true love of music and a creative passion that burned brighter than most, Jack Stock was one of a kind. The fact that Mike Grau, John Gray, Joe Canzano and Joe Hughes are on this bill just adds genuine realness to the event. Come pay homage to a guy that did it for the right reasons all the way to the very end.

John is a regular contributing writer for the Aquarian Weekly/East Coast Rocker. He also writes press kits and does publicity for national and regional artists. To get in touch with him for services please contact Mr. Pfeiffer at lustrevision@yahoo.com.

Every week, we send out the Saint Presents Newsflash e-mail which includes news and upcoming show information from The Saint.  It's a great way to keep up on what's going on and who's playing at the club.  Sign-up is quick, free and you can opt-out at any time.

To sign up for the Saint's e-mailing list, go to:
http://visitor.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?m=1101897249118&p=oi

Do it, do it now!

For Immediate Release

ASBURY PARK – Tickets are now on sale for the third annual Wave Gathering Emerging Music Festival, presented by Coors Light. The festival will be held June 20, 21 and 22 at multiple venues in Asbury Park.

By purchasing tickets in advance, festival patrons will get priority registration when they sign-in, and will also receive an "Aquarian Weekly Big Splash Bag" filled with give-aways, a "Dropcards Music Download Badge," providing free downloads from Wave artists, and a Wave Gathering Program Guide, which will give you all you need to know about venues and performances at the three-day event.

More than 175 of the region's best emerging acts, as well as national and international acts are expected to appear at over 24 venues around Asbury Park during the Wave Gathering, and there will also be music industry panels discussing various aspects of the modern music business.

"We look forward to showing once again, how strong this music community really is,'' says Gordon Brown, one of the festival's co-organizers, along with Scott Stamper and Adam Weisberg, co-owners of The Saint, an original live music venue in Asbury, and music business attorney Larry Katz.

Last year's Wave Gathering Emerging Music Festival was the largest organized event ever held on the Jersey Shore, showcasing the talents of more than 180 artists at 16 music venues throughout the city.

This year, festival organizers have coordinated the event to help promote and establish the new venues and opportunities that will become available as the redevelopment of Asbury Park's beachfront continues.

The 3rd annual event continues to grow along with Asbury Park, adding brand new venues as performance sites.

There are 24 participating venues as of press time including: The Saint, Asbury Lanes, The Stone Pony, Paramount Theatre Lounge, The Parthenon Lounge@ Synaxis, Caroline O'Toole's, Rosie's Café, Mattison Park, America's Cup, The Harrison, Plan B, Twisted Tree Café, The Brickwall Annex, Wish You Were Here Courtyard, Market In The Middle, Munch, Carmine's, Trillium Antiques, Style Rocket, Langosta, and D&L Barbeque.

As more venues continue to jump on board weekly, it is truly becoming a communal event with the help and support of the town.

Last year's event drew more than 3,000 people, and showcased emerging national artists like Ingrid Michaelson (featuring Allie Moss), Nicole Atkins and the Sea, Charlotte Sometimes, Earl Greyhound, Val Emmich, DeSol, Lisa Bouchelle, and Jenny Owen Youngs, who have continued to build their careers and gone on to major success after playing at Wave Gathering, as well as international artists like Stand, The Ruling Party and Adam Masterson.

The festival also has become known for featuring the talents of dozens of artists who call Asbury Park their musical home.

The beginning list of 2008 artists is set to be announced next week.

Free performances and music industry panels throughout the event will continue to be a big part of this year's festival, to encourage patrons to shop and dine in Asbury Park's refurbished downtown and boardwalk areas.

Badges and wristbands for Wave Gathering 2008 are now on sale through Ticketweb and the Wave Gathering website. For more information and updates about the festival, go to www.wavegathering.com.

WHAT: THE 2008 Wave Gathering Emerging Music Festival featuring over 175 music performances with music industry panels.

WHEN: Friday, June 20, Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22.

WHERE: Over 24 participating venues in the City of Asbury Park, including nightclubs, restaurants and art galleries.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.wavegathering.com or contact Jean Mikle at (732) 859-5149.