The John AlfonShow – Case In Point – LIVE! September 20 At The Saint
If you’ve had the pleasure of listening to me talk about Asbury Park and the insanity of their parking atrocities, then you’ll understand that we are deep into a changing of the guard. Out with the old and in with the new. Everything from park benches to pan-handlers have been remodeled, renovated, rebuilt, and reintroduced to the myriads of people who, until last year, probably never set foot in this city by the sea. That also goes for a lot of the music in the area. With the exception of the gaggle of cover band stars and Shore sound staples that fit the town image, it’s almost as if our bands and performers are disappearing into thin air. But whenever there’s a vacancy in the rock and roll hotel, there is always a new tenant moving up to take their place. And that’s how the musical evolution continues to grow.
John Alfonso is an Asbury-based musician that is part of the new emerging group of players. His latest live project, “The AlfonShow,” plays host to a bevy of unknowns as well as popular acts like Jerzy Jung and Michael Askin. John’s show is sort of a combination Broadway Danny Rose meets Andy Kaufman meets Uncle Floyd. The eclectic mishmash of live performance, comic one-liners, poetry and platform to pronounce his undying love in front of a whole room is unpretentious fun.
Alfonso started out as an organ and piano player at the ripe old age of three. At eight, he started formally studying saxophone before catching the guitar bug. John also had the distinct pleasure of studying with the late Anne Hannah, as well as Trish Fusco and Dr. Patti Raine. Along the way, Alfonso sang with groups such as the Opera Festival Of New Jersey and the Music Group Of Philadelphia. After being discharged from the Army, John immersed himself in the Asbury Park music scene and is now a staple in the area, singing and playing piano, guitar, flute or sax in a number of situations, including School Of Rock.
When it comes to deep, dark messages, Alfonso’s ReverbNation page tells it simply: “My songs aren’t particularly message oriented. Maybe “The War” is but…while my other projects might have a bit of a message, it’s hard to see the fish bowl from the inside.”
Alfonso played host on this end of summer Saint show, introducing his troupe and leading the night with a set of blue collar rock tunes such as “Suicide King,” “Outskirts,” “Cool Blasphemy,” as well as a handful of co-writes with showstopper Deseree Spinks on “Mama Drama,” and “Brave And New,” written with Kurt Thum.
Highlight performances were the duo of Jung and Askin. This is the latest in the growing phenomena of couple-oriented acts that join The Monacchios, The Sunday Blues, and a bunch of others. Like I said, the times they are a changin’ and the pair-ups make for some interesting results. Askin and Jung meld perfect harmonies on easy, breezy songs, such as “Spoke Too Soon” and the amazing “One In The Same,” my favorite Askin song. Between him and Jung, the power and talent is immense, and the songs are both smartly crafted and spiritually uplifting.
Performance artist and painter Josh Matson blew the doors off the room with his original prose, throwing works such as the clever and suggestive “Candy Box” into the mix before turning the stage over to Deseree Spinks for a powerhouse set. Special mention goes out to Kiirsten Marilyn for a good opening effort and grace under pressure.
John Alfonso is an unassuming performer. He brings interesting talent together and mixes it into a casual, easygoing collection of good times. The “AlfonShow” is just another logical reason to join the people who support the town’s true original music scene over on Main Street. For more information on what John Alfonso is up to, head over to reverbnation.com/johnalfonso and to find out what’s next in Asbury Park originality, visit Meg and Scott over at thesaintnj.com.
Jersey Artists Join The Philadelphia Fight For Paul Kurrey – JC Dobbs – October 15
Many of you know that I have been incorporating more of the Philadelphia music scene into the Shoreworld over the last year or so. Not only do many Philly artists love the Aquarian and its rich history, but they also play our Jersey rooms on a regular basis. And true to neighborly form, they also invite our performers into their rooms, opening up a whole network of opportunities for everyone that graces a stage. But that’s the true and giving nature of the local music business.
JC Dobbs is one of those famous rooms that’s played host to a number of Jersey bands, and that tradition continues as New Jersey rushes to the aid of someone in need. On Monday, Oct. 15, there will be a benefit for singer-songwriter Paul Kurrey. Kurrey got his start at JC Dobbs years ago, playing bass for the late Jamison Smoothdog and turning that gig into other opportunities that have led to a lifelong career.
Kurrey is battling throat cancer and the community has come together to lend aid as only they know how: by playing music and raising cash.
The list of performers is a big one and includes Jersey rockers such as The Nick Clemons Band and Asbury Park troubadour, Mike Rocket. Special guest artists also include Philly mainstays like Kenn Kweeder, Beru Revue and Chris Robison, formerly of The New York Dolls and Elephant’s Memory, with David White, who logged time with The Hollies and Donny Hathaway, among many others.
The event comes courtesy of Paul’s manager; J.R.Stanton and Lou Pica of Dr. Lous place in Roebling, N.J. Stanton is a 35-year veteran of the music scene, working with many of its better known acts and music venues. Pica is also a former bandmate of Paul Kurrey.
A special filming of the documentary, Meet Me On South Street, is also in the works for the event, which will be hosted by Philly DJ legend Michael Tearson, who ruled the roost at WMMR for years, as well as hosting Sirius Folk Town and producing The Bob Dylan Radio Hour on the Sirius channel.
Cancer is a terrible thing to deal with, and all we can do is be there and try to do our part in the ultimate fight for anyone’s survival. Please try to make the show and even if you can’t, donate whatever you can to help obliterate this all-too-common killer. It’s a small thing to ask when we all know that it might be our turn next.
The Philadelphia music scene rock for Paul Kurrey kick-off time is 4 p.m., and runs till they turn off the lights. There will also be a silent auction on the second floor, where you can bid on some unique rock and roll items.
JC Dobbs is located on 304 South Street in Philadelphia. For more information or to donate to this worthy cause, contact Karen Brown at karenbrowncurry59@gmail.com and view the performance information over at dobbsphilly.com.
