L.A. Music Scene Winter 2018

It’s been a jam packed live music schedule this winter in the land of music and sunshine. Musical immersion. I wouldn’t have it any other way!

It’s only fitting to kick this off with Chuck Wright’s The Ultimate Jam Night (UJN) at the world famous Whisky A Go Go. What is it about this formula that channels pure unbridled Rock&Roll passion? The answer is an impressive lineup of talented musicians with a keen understanding and respect for the fans that pack the Whisky every Tuesday night. There’s a great vibe and energy, and a level of delivery and service rarely seen today. The entire staff is very professional and they make you feel right at home. As a reminder, the UJN performances are largely unrehearsed. Artists are given their assignments ahead of time to research and practice and then it all comes together on the stage. You will be blown away by the consistently high level of technical execution and musical mastery! Again I have to thank my terrific friend and music industry mentor Jeff Gray for turning me on to the Ultimate Jam. Jeff was my “One-on-One” at last year’s ASCAP I Create Music Expo. Huge thank you to the ASCAP team as they certainly knocked that one out of the park!

The Ultimate Jam Night impresses me on so many levels, including their support of local causes. On Tuesday night November 21, 2017 they held their “Jamsgiving” with proceeds supporting the food drive of the Midnight Mission. UJN regulars Paula Mattioli, Debby Holiday, and Keith England brought the house down with their trademark powerhouse vocals. Derek Day did as well, doing dual duty on the electric guitar. Of course it all begins with the very talented Ultimate Jam Night House Band, including UJN founder and bass player Chuck Wright from Quiet Riot and Alice Cooper, MC and lead singer Paulie Z from The Sweet and ZO2, veteran guitarist Mitch Perry from The Sweet and MSG, drummer Joe Travers from Billy Idol and Duran Duran, and multi instrumentalist Walter Ino from Survivor.

For the Tribute to Cheap Trick night on December 5,2017, it was great to see regular UJN backup singer Maureen Davis from Mercury 5 performing out in front on lead vocal duties, as well as guitarist Chick Nielsen, AKA Rock N Robin, from the all female tribute band Cheap Chick. On December 12, 2017 theme “Paint It Black” featured tunes with the word “black” in the title, with powerhouse performances from UJN regular Joe Retta and Cherokee Fortune on lead vocals and Toshi Yanagi from the Jimmy Kimmel band on the electric guitar. On January 23, 2018, the Ultimate Jam celebrated it’s three year anniversary, with some fierce performances from Slipknot’s Sean McKnabb and UJN founder Chuck Wright on Bass, and Paulie Z, Paula Mattioli, and Debby Holiday on lead vocals. On February 13, 2018, the “Love Bites” theme, featuring songs with the world “love” in the title, included performances by UJN House Band members Paulie Z., Walter Ino, and founder Chuck Wright, and the very talented Debby Holiday once again on lead vocals! On March 13, 2018, a tribute to Slayer included first time UJN performer JD McGibney on the electric guitar. Gabriel Connor from Red Devil Vortex returned to the UJN stage on lead vocals and bass duty, as did the very talented Ira Black from I am Morbid and Westfield Massacre, on the electric guitar. While it’s not feasible to mention every talented musician who performs at the Ultimate Jam, I can tell you the list is long, diverse, and impressive. Check out their Facebook page which provides the entire list of performers each week and then you will understand the magnitude of this program.

Of course, the Whisky A Go Go was the place to be to ring in New Year’s 2018! Friday night December 30, veteran keyboardist Dizzy Reed from Guns N’ Roses performed with his band Hookers & Blow to a very enamored and devoted GN’R fan contingent. Saturday night December 31, Faster Pussycat and newly regrouped L.A. Guns brought down the house in epic form, featuring British born lead singer Phil Lewis back together with veteran guitarist Tracii Guns and Bass player Johnny Martin. Drummer Shane Fitzgibbon and guitarist Michael Grant rounded out this very talented ensemble, performing cuts from 80’s classic album Cocked & Loaded and newly released September 2017 album “The Missing Peace”. I haven’t been this excited about a new album in quite a long while! It’s chock full of classic rock influences that send my heart soaring! Check out “Speed”, “Kill it or Die”, “It’s All the Same to Me”, and title cut “Missing Peace”! I caught them again at the House Of Blues in Anaheim on January 27, 2018, this time with L.A. based rock band Budderside, featuring the very talented Patrick Stone on lead vocals, formerly of Adler’s Appetite, Colin Reid on the electric guitar, Michael Stone (AKA Stoneman) on Bass, and Rich Sacco on Drums. They just returned from a tour in England and Scotland and I’m certainly looking forward to a new U.S. tour announcement. They are really on top of their game performing some terrific material! L.A. Guns returns to the Whisky A Go Go this summer for two nights July 13 and 14, 2018, although without guitarist Michael Grant who left the band in March. I can’t wait!

On Friday night, February 9, 2018, Long Island Rock&Roll trio Zebra debuted at the iconic Whisky A Go Go, a mere 35 years since the release of their Gold selling, self titled debut album. Growing up in Long Island, I remember Zebra well from their formidable start as one of the best Led Zeppelin cover bands out there. They kicked the night off with every track from that debut Gold selling album, including hits “Who’s Behind The Door” and “Tell Me What You Want” and led us out with a classic Led Zeppelin set. Incredible!

Hot Tub Johnnie’s live radio broadcast Hunnypot Live at The Mint is the place to be every other Monday night! On November 27, 2017 we were treated to master songwriter Jules Shear, whose impressive catalog includes hits “All Through The Night” recorded by Cyndi Lauper, and “If She Knew What She Wants” recorded by The Bangles. A long and storied career, Jules performed some of his new material as well, from album One More Crooked Dance, just released by the terrific team at Funzalo Records. Next, soulful singer songwriter Maggie Szabo from Canada offered up some inspiration from newly released EP “Don’t Give Up”. On December 11, 2017, Aloud, a wife and husband team originally from New England, served up some soulful, uninhibited Rock&Roll blues. As a follow up to critically lauded album It’s Got To Be Now, they just released Fan the Fury in February 2018, mixed by Guy Massey, who has done work for Paul McCartney. On January 22, 2018, the veteran musical talent of Power Trip brought down the house featuring an impressive ensemble of musical talent. Led by the passionate and mighty vocals of Garrett Holbrook, this band delivers classic Rock, Blues, & Pop covers. On the drums was veteran rocker Stephen Perkins from James Addiction. On the keyboards was Italian born Alex Alessandroni Jr, who has worked with top female talent including Christine Aguilera, Whitney Houston, and Pink to name a few. On the electric guitar, Rafael Moreira, a fixture on shows like The Voice and American Idol, who has worked with a wide range of Artists from Stevie Wonder to Steven Tyler, was outstanding. Bass Player Fabrizio Grossi, who has worked with Billy Gibbons and Glenn Hughes was equally impressive. They will be performing at Hunnypot Live again on April 16. Check them out, they are incredible! On February 19, 2018, Hunnypot Live delivered once again with some powerful women out in front, including an interview with two time Grammy Nominee and multi platinum selling songwriter Shelley Peiken. Taking the stage that night, singer, songwriter, recording artist V Torres, doing double duty at the mic singing and playing guitar, debuted new single “Restless Heart” and some other soulful blues cuts with her all female band. A former real estate fund accountant, this very talented Artist is now committed to getting her music out in the world. Terrific she’s amazing!

Gary Calamar’s Mimosa Music Series at The Federal Bar in North Hollywood is another great source of new showcase talent. On November 26, 2018, I got to see Jules Shear perform for the first time, followed by L.A. based rock band Dead Rock West performing a set of their new material from 2017 album release “More Love”, featuring single “Boundless Fearless Love”. On January 21, the incredible talent of Rock duo The Two Tens debuted some cuts from new sophomore album “On Repeat”. L.A rockers Prima Donna followed with material from soon to be released album “S/T”.

Last but certainly not least, my Christmas present to my amazing and brilliant brother Geoffrey, was a platinum seat performance Monday evening, December 18 at the L.A. Forum for the incomparable Lady Gaga. My brother, who is also very musical, is a huge fan of New York born and raised Stephanie Germanotta. Both my brother and I were on our feet, swaying to and fro to “Poker Face”, “Alejandro”, “The Edge of Glory, “Born This Way”, and “Bad Romance”. What a night!

I’ll lead you out with this captivating performance. “…To the moon on a shooting star..” “Speed” live from Milan

Cover Photo Credits: Ultimate Jam Night (UJN) February 13, 2018 with UJN Founder Bass Player Chuck Wright and MC and lead singer Paulie Z.

Photo Gallery:

Derek Day UJN “Jamsgiving” November 21, 2017 Whisky A Go Go

UJN “Jamsgiving” November 21, 2017 Whisky A Go Go

Debby Holiday & Derek Day UJN “Jamsgiving” November 21, 2017 Whisky A Go Go

Keith England UJN “Jamsgiving” November 21, 2017 Whisky A Go Go

Paul Mattioli UJN “Jamsgiving” November 21, 2017 Whisky A Go Go

Paula Mattioli and Mitch Perry UJN “Jamsgiving” November 21, 2017 Whisky A go Go

Jules Shear Gary Calamar’s Mimosa Music Series at The Federal November 26, 2017

Dead Rock West Gary Calamar’s Mimosa Music Series at The Federal November 26, 2017

Jules Shear Hunnypot Live at The Mint November 27, 2017

Maggie Sazbo Hunnypot Live at The Mint November 27, 2017

Maureen Davis UJN “Cheap Trick” Night December 5, 2017 at the Whisky A Go Go

Chick Nielsen AKA Rock N Robin UJN “Cheap Trick” night December 5, 2017 at the Whisky A Go Go

UJN “Cheap Trick” night December 5, 2017 at the Whisky A Go Go

Aloud at Hunnypot Live December 11, 2017 at The Mint

UJN December 12, 2017 “Paint It Black” night at the Whisky A Go with Cherokee Fortune and Toshi Yanagi

UJN December 12, 2017 “Paint It Black” night at the Whisky A Go Go with Cherokee Fortune sharing duty on lead vocals.

UJN December 12, 2017 “Paint It Black” night at the Whisky A Go Go

UJN December 12, 2017 “Paint It Black” night at the Whisky A Go Go with Paulie Z. and Joe Retta

UJN December 12, 2017 Whisky A Go Go "Paint It Black" night

UJN December 12, 2017 “Paint It Black” night at the Whisky A Go Go with Paulie Z. and Joe Retta

With my brother Geoffrey to see Lady Gaga at The L.A. Forum December 18, 2017

Lady Gaga at The L.A. Forum December 18, 2017

Dizzy Reed Hookers & Blow December 30, 2017 Whisky A Go Go

Dizzy Reed Hookers & Blow December 30, 2017 The Whisky A Go Go

With UJN Founder Chuck Wright December 30, 2018 Dizzy Reed Hookers & Blow at The Whisky A Go Go

With UJN Founder Chuck Wright December 30, 2017 Dizzy Reed Hookers & Blow at The Whisky A Go Go

L.A. Guns New Years 2018 Whisky A Go Go

The Two Tens’ Rikki Styxx Gary Calamar’s Mimosa Music Series at The Federal January 21, 2018

The Two Tens’ Adam Bones Gary Calamar’s Mimosa Music Series at The Federal January 21, 2018

Prima Donna Gary Calamar’s Mimosa Music Series at The Federal January 21, 2018

Power Trip’s Garrett Holbrook Hunnypot Live at The Mint January 22, 2018

Power Trip’s Stephen Perkins Hunnypot Live at The Mint January 22, 2018

Power Trip’s Rafael Moreira Hunnypot Live at The Mint January 22, 2018

UJN Three Year Anniversary January 23, 2018 Whisky A Go Go Debby Holiday

UJN Three Year Anniversary January 23, 2018 Whisky A Go Paula Mattioli

UJN Three Year Anniversary January 23, 2018 Whisky A Go Go Julia Lage

UJN Three Year Anniversary January 23, 2018 Mitch Perry Whisky A Go Go

UJN Three Year Anniversary January 23, 2018 Founder Chuck Wright Whisky A Go Go

Budderside January 27, 2018 House of Blues Anaheim, CA

Patrick Stone Budderside January 27, 2018 House of Blues Anaheim, CA

Patrick Stone and Colin Reid Budderside January 27, 2018 House of Blues Anaheim, CA

Michael Stone AKA Stoneman Budderside January 27, 2018 House of Blues Anaheim, CA

Rich Sacco Budderside January 27, 2018 House Of Blues Anaheim, CA

Zebra Soundcheck February 9, 2018 Whisky A Go Go

Zebra Soundcheck Randy Jackson February 9, 2018 Whisky A Go Go

Zebra Soundcheck Felix Hanemann February 9, 2018 Whisky A Go Go

Zebra Soundcheck Guy Gelso February 9, 2018 Whisky A Go Go

Zebra Soundcheck February 9, 2018 VIP Photo

Zebra Soundcheck February 9, 2018 Whisky A Go Go VIP Photo

Randy Jackson Zebra February 9, 2018 Whisky A Go Go

Felix Haneman Zebra February 9, 2018 Whisky A Go Go

UJN February 13, 2018 Debby Holiday

UJN February 13, 2018 Tosi Yanagi from the Jimmy Kimmel Band

UJN February 13, 2018 Toshi Yanagi from the Jimmy Kimmel Band

UJN February 13, 2018 House Band Drummer Chris Rales from Pat Benatar

Hunnypot Live February 19, 2018 John Anderson and Jeff Gray interview with 2 time grammy nominee & multi platinum songwriter Shelly Peiken

Hunnypot Live February 19, 2018 John Anderson and Jeff Gray interview with two time grammy nominee, multi platinum songwriter, and SONA founding Board member Shelly Peiken.

V Torres Hunnypot Live February 19, 2018

V Torres Guitarist Hunnypot Live February 19, 2018

V Torres Drummer Hunnypot Live February 19, 2018

UJN March 6, 2018 JD McGibney

UJN March 6, 2018 Gabriel Connor

March 22, 2018 By Cynthia Drew In Rock&Roll /

L.A. Music Scene

There are many reasons I moved to southern California, but the L.A. Music Scene certainly figures prominently. After arriving to Hollywood Burbank Airport Saturday night July 22, 2017 with my two mighty felines, I have hit the ground running! I should note this was fresh off an iconic performance two nights earlier at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem, featuring none other than my beloved Guns N’ Roses. What a send off!

Thanks to a terrific new friend and industry mentor, the brilliant and very cool Jeff Gray, Music Supervisor and Copyright expert, I have found my musical home in the land of music and sunshine! I kicked off the musical trifecta Monday night July 24, 2017 at The Mint in West L.A. for Hot Tub Johnnie’s Hunnypot Live, a live Artist showcase and Music Industry talk show. Frequented by some terrific and veteran musical industry people, some of whom are now friends, the Hunnypot Live stage features talented performers across a wide variety of musical genre. I’d like to highlight two in particular. On my first visit, I had the great pleasure to meet Sarah Rogo, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from New England, who has taken the west coast music scene by storm, earning a nomination for Best Singer Songwriter at the 2017 San Diego Music Awards. Her first CD, “Sarah Rogo Live at Lestat’s West” was just released by the terrific team at Funzalo Records and she returns to The Mint Wednesday night November 8, 2017.

On October 2, the incredibly talented and full on personality of Addison Scott electrified the Hunnypot Live stage with a funky style R&B groove that absolutely commanded my attention! Hailing from New York, with clear energy and determination, this guy has definitely reeled in a new fan! Featured Artist Addison Scott.

On to the Ultimate Jam Night at the iconic Whisky A Go Go on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood. When I say I have found my musical home, this is it! Every Tuesday night, some incredibly talented LA based musicians, that starts with the house band, who I’ll get to in a minute, then rotates in a vast line up of emerging and known Rock&Roll talent. Their largely unrehearsed, theme driven performances will blow you away! Talk about commitment and excellence in the Arts, I think we need a new Musical Award Category! The Ultimate Jam Night is broadcast live around the world on Zinna.tv.

As to this incredible house band, I have to start first with Paul Zablidowsky, aka Paulie Z., lead singer, guitarist and regular host of the Ultimate Jam. A passionate and charismatic artist, his leadership and musical talent is awe inspiring! I should tell you, that at my first night at the Ultimate Jam, the Whisky was at capacity for a tribute in honor of Paulie Z.’s 38 year old brother David Zablidowsky, who had been killed a few days earlier in a fiery motor vehicle accident while on tour in Florida. Despite the incredible pain and anguish he must have been feeling, he was front and center, passionate as ever as the evening’s Host, and performing some epic ballads, including Foreigner’s “Jukebox Hero”! I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house. Stars showed up to show their support including Twisted Sister’s Dee Snyder and current solo artist Sebastian Bach of Skid Row fame. As Paul and David both hail from Brooklyn, NY, a music scholarship fund has been set up in David’s Name through the Brooklyn College Foundation. David Z Fund

I should note that the Ultimate Jam Night consistently stands up to support important causes. Paulie Z. was there once again at the hosting mic, for a benefit to raise money for the victims of the Las Vegas mass shooting. Other themes have included “Hot” to show support for California firefighters, who have been inundated with the worst fire season in the history of the state. All songs performed that night had the word “hot” in the title and included such classics as Rod Stewart’s “Hot Legs” and Donna Summer’s “Hot Stuff”!

Artist Kacee Clanton brought down the house for her riveting performance of Janis Joplin on the Ultimate Jam Night’s “Woodstock” night. In her seventeenth year performing hits from this iconic legend gone too soon, she just wrapped a month long residence of “A Night With Janis Joplin” at Princeton’s McCarter Theatre Center and announced her retirement from the show. We look forward to her new musical adventures! Equally impressive was a seven piece instrumental collaboration that included a two piece brass section performing classics from Carlos Santana. Remember, these are largely unrehearsed performances. WOW!

Of course my final entry for the Ultimate Jam Night fall update, is Guns N’ Roses Night October 3, 2017, including a very special performance from original GN’R drummer Steven Adler! The Ultimate Jam Night and Whisky management pulled out all the stops to bring in the very best talent to perform some of Rock&Roll’s finest, yet very challenging musical masterpieces. They did not disappoint! Steven Adler came out to full on zeal from a packed and exuberant audience, to first pay tribute to Whisky and Rainbow Room founder Mario Maglieri, who passed recently. Joined by the very talented Patrick Stone on lead vocals, Jacob Bunton and Colin Reid on electric guitar, and L.A. Guns Johnny Martin on bass, they kicked of a formidable four song set with “Welcome To The Jungle”. Epic classic “November Rain” featured the magnificent voice of Jenna Syde of Paradise Kitty fame, Quiet Riot’s Alex Grossi on lead guitar, and regular Ultimate Jam Night bassist, the very cool and talented Sean McNabb from Lynch Mob, who just released their eighth studio album Brotherhood September 8, 2017.

Rounding out the musical genius of the Ultimate Jam Night house band regulars is UJN founder Quiet Riot bassist Chuck Wright, Mitch Perry from the legendary Edgar Winter band on the electric guitar, keyboardist and multi instrumentalist Walter Ino from Survivor, and Joe Travers from Duran Duran and Billy Idol on drums. This is a very special group of talented musicians. If you’re looking for me on a Tuesday night, this is where I’ll be!

Before I segue to my final new favorite musical hot spot, I must give a shout out to a very talented singer songwriter Jags, who I have not yet seen perform live, but had the great honor to meet. His newest EP release, “I AM”, is awesome! Title cut “I AM” features Matt Sorum of Guns N’ Roses and Velvet Revolver fame on Drums. My favorite though is “Are You Listening”. You definitely want to check this guy out!

To round out my first quarter musical trifecta here in the land of music and sunshine, we now depart the Sunset Strip and travel up and over the majestic hills of Laurel Canyon to the Federal Bar in North Hollywood, for Gary Calamar’s Mimosa Music Series. Hailing from incredible music pedigree, as the daughter of legendary songwriters Carole King and Gerry Goffin, Louise Goffin brought down the house on September 17 with an impressive performance all around, ably supported by a full ensemble band! Check out her new hit Revenge and you’ll begin to understand my excitement! This wildly talented singer, songwriter, recording artist, and multi instrumentalist is definitely a force to be reckoned with!

I’ll wrap with an absolutely incredible Mimosa Music performance, all the way from Australia, led by the amazing vocals and songwriting talent of veteran performer Paul Kelly, infused with the powerful and soulful R&B vocals of Vika and Linda Bull, accompanied by veteran talent Ashley Naylor on the Electric Guitar, Bill McDonald on Bass, Cameron Bruce on Keyboards, and Peter Luscombe on Drums. Oh my goodness I haven’t been this excited about a Rock&Roll band since I discovered Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators! Their 2017 album “Paul Kelly – Life is Fine”, distributed by EMI Australia, debuted at number one on the ARIA Charts and is Kelly’s first number one album in Australia! Well done! Their six week U.S. tour culminated at The Roxy in West Hollywood with a mighty performance to a packed and very engaged crowd Sunday night October 22! They returned home to Australia the next day and are now performing to sold out stadiums in their native Australia. I can’t wait for them to return to the U.S.!

I’ll leave you with Paul Kelly’s epic new ballad Rising Moon, filmed at a live performance September 27, 2017 at The City Winery in Atlanta. Enjoy!

Feature Image Credits: Ultimate Jam Night at the Whisky A Go featuring Paulie Z. on Vocals, Sean McNabb on Bass, Mitch Perry on Guitar, Walter Ino on Keyboards, and Joe Travers on Drums.