Bare Necessity Band

Wednesday, September 1, 2010 @ 02:09 PM
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Bare Necessity’s Style Gives New Meaning to Cover Band 


Story and Photos by Shannon Rowan Hall
 
Bare Necessity performs with an added flair to cover songs from different genres and decades providing the crowd with their own original twist on them. And now, it’s even better with the addition of drummer Jude Cwalenski and keyboardist and vocalist Chris Mitchell, who give new blood to the band.
 
Cwalenski has played with blues bands and has been with Bare Necessity since March. Mitchell came shortly after in April.
Vocalist and guitarist Dodd Lede describes their band as “an original cover band.”
“We play it like we think they should have written it!” adds Lede.
Guitarist and vocalist Derek Prather and bassist Fred Morecraft are original members. Prather brought Dodd into the band in late 2002. Female vocalist Shawna Cole came into the scene in 2008. She actually met the Morecrafts earlier at a cook-off.
The band members seemed to have been pulled together by each other or mutual friends, but the connection they have together is amazing.
“We all take turns taking the leadership role as to who is in charge of the band,” said Fred Morecraft.
“I enjoy this band very much,” said Lede. “It’s like a family more than band.”
Lede added that “it is nice to make a living doing what you love.” Although the members all have other jobs, I could see Lede’s sincerity in his statement.
After hanging out with this band before their practice one Monday evening in August, I can honestly say I must agree after enjoying many jokes and laughs and interesting stories. Bare Necessity really made me feel at home during the interview as well as their performance I recently watched at Galveston’s Voodoo Lounge patio. It was entertaining and the crowd seemed to really enjoy the performance.
“They work very good on stage and sound good,” booking agent Becky Morecraft said. “They look like they are having fun. There’s good camaraderie!”
This band rocks the bay area performing in a variety of venues. They were the Houston Texans House Band at one time. Lede was even invited to sing the field at the stadium for the Dynamo’s and Aero’s at Toyota Center and Reliant Stadium. 
 Bare Necessity was also named Best Tribute Band by the Houston Press.
This band is pretty self sufficient with their own sound and lighting guy Pat Fletcher. Plus they do very well at small and large venues. They are also available for bookings for private and corporate parties as well. 
“And we are a family friendly band too,” says Lede.
For bookings call (409) 935-3173 or (409)682-0716, or visit www.barenecessityinfo.com.
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Celebration and Rememberance. An Evening of Song, Stories and Laughs

Friday, August 6, 2010 @ 03:08 PM
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Story and photo by JK Killen

In 1969 musician Danny Kristensen was playing in his garage band “Proper Circle” when he met Neal Witwer. The two hit it off and they soon formed the band known as “1900 Storm”. Throughout the next decades the “1900 Storm” became one of the most successful rock bands in island history. Neal Witwer was the ultimate professional, a mentor and a friend to many Galveston musicians and It was a great loss to all when he passed away on May 31st of this year.

Danny decided to have a night of celebration and rememberance on Saturday July 17 at The Historic M & M. Restaurant and Bar. Joining Danny were Phil Ochoa (drums), Bobby Fossier (bass) from 1900 Storm and Richard Morant (guitar) from the band “Circus” with other performers also attending.

The outdoor patio area at M&M was at full seating capacity as melodies of The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and an eclectic mix of past, current and even original tunes were heard lilting through the evenings warm summer breeze. A very fun and upbeat time was had by all.

After the concert Danny said: “I sense a feeling of closure for those of us working through the loss of our dear friend. This was something Neal would have Loved”. ~

Recently Heard

David Grace“On the Sidewalk” with David Grace last month outside of Island Music on 25th street.
Every Thursday starting at 6pm. Bring a chair and enjoy the music !

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A Sound Bigger than the Island

Thursday, July 29, 2010 @ 12:07 AM
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By Shannon Rowan Hall

Melovine, a band that has been winning over loyal fans since 2004 with their distinct combination of melody, technicality, powerful vocals, passionate lyrics and memorable hooks. As a result, this alternative metal quartet have become an award winning act.
In 2008 alone, they took home the “Best In Houston” Texas buzz music award sponsered by ClearChannel and they were named an official judges favorite for the Punisher: War Zone sound track by Execs of Lionsgate Entertainment, ClearChannel and Shaun Morgan of Seether.
Their authentic, trademark sound and evergrowing cult-type following has made them one of the most sought after acts in southern Texas by venues and promoters alike. Recently the band appeared with 10 Years and Chevelle at the Scout Bar in San Antonio and will release their new CD “blight” July 16 & 17. You can check out their recordings at www.myspace.com/melovine  and reverbnation.com/melovineband. Also, you can follow them on facebook.

MelovineMelovine performing before 10 Years at Scout Bar in San Antonio. Matt- vocals, Jon – guitars, Dexas – drums and Channing – bass.

Kelly McGuire and Pat Patton
KellyMcGuirePatPatton

Award winning songwriter, performer, and recording artist Kelly McGuire was recently interviewed as Pat Patton’s featured guest on her internet interview show on the Guidry News Service Online News Station, GuidryNews.com. To listen to the interview and see the photos, click on PatPattonKellyMcGuireInterview or go to the Guidry News Service Online News Station, GuidryNews.com, click on FEATURES, then click on Pat Patton’s Interviews .
Pat’s interviews on the Guidry News Service focus on accomplishing dreams and living lives of excellence. The interviews are between 20 and 25 minutes long, and are shown in audio, photographs, and print.
Contact Pat at 281-701-2930 or email at papwild@aol.com.

 


Venues and bands wishing to be featured in the Music Column may contact Shannon Hall at Shannon@theislandermagazine.com or by calling (409) 370-6768.

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Live Music Fridays By the Gulf at Gaido’s

Friday, July 2, 2010 @ 05:07 PM
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Gaido'sStory and Photos By Shannon Rowan Hall

What a way to enjoy live music on the Island in the cool Gulf breeze on the upper deck of Gaido’s, a Galveston tradition for over 90 years.This venue provides an evening of musical entertainment that is fun for the whole family.
Every Friday evening from 5 to 10 p.m. Gaido’s offers live music.
Come out and enjoy some drinks and dinner while being entertained. The patio features a cash only bar, but waitresses are available to bring food and drinks from the restaurant downstairs.

The variety rock band from Houston 4 Play recently performed at the venue. Tersa Cantu, Paul Bland, Jess Holland and Jeff McKnight played a wide range of songs from the 70s, 80s and 90s.
Gaido’s has a big line up planned for Fourth of July weekend. And it is the perfect spot for catching the fireworks display.

Call 409-762-9625 for more information. The Restaurant is located at 3802 Seawall Boulevard.

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