Zebulon
Los Angeles, CA
Contact: brandenwilbarger@yahoo.com Web: Youtube.com/bonavega Players: Joao Sousa, drums; Bonavega, guitar, vocals
Performance: You know you’re in the right place when the lead singer of the band sets up in a bright red Ferrari jumpsuit and impeccable glamour makeup that would make even your girlfriend jealous. Even more intriguing still is that when the show finally begins, he comes out donning a monk costume as old Televangelist video clips play ominously in the background. The pièce de résistance, however, has to be the completely NSFW pink leotard (if you can really call it that) he reveals after disrobing, and proceeds to rip to shreds within seconds of performing. Okay, his show is definitely not one for the faint of heart, but honestly, those bores should just stay home. Bonavega makes a statement, and he doesn’t really care if you agree with it or not. His oddball, off-center, synth-laden “Overdrive” was a crowd favorite, and had the same kind of bizarro quality you’d hear in a Peter Gabriel or a Eurythmics tune.
BONAVEGA
Musicianship: Bonavega's guitar and stage chops are nothing less than extraordinary. One minute he’s parading around on stage like an escaped lunatic, and the next he’s on his knees soloing with Prince-like precision. It’s purposeful chaos. This was the kind of performance that every aspiring performer should study and emulate, and one that even more seasoned performers would be terrified to follow up. In fact, Wilbarger is so hard to keep your eyes off of, that you almost forget how incredible and solid Joao Sousa’s drumming is.
ALEXX CALISE
Material: It takes all of two seconds to glean that the artist Bonavega is influenced by some of the more flamboyant and avant-garde rockers of yore, like David Byrne of Talking Heads and Freddie Mercury; but his own quirky production and unabashed raunchiness (on record and on stage) give his music a fresh, modern twist that you didn’t even realize you’ve been starved for.
Summary: Bonavega is without a doubt, one of the best hidden gems in the LA music scene. It is nothing short of astounding—a crime even––that they’re not yet performing on every coveted music festival and late night talk show there is. This is the kind of envelope-pushing performance art and masterful musicianship that has been missing since David Bowie. With the right push and the right song, Bonavega is poised to become stratospherically successful; possibly even iconic. If you haven’t seen Bonavega, run—do not walk—to go see them – Alexx Calise
Taylor Fraternal Order of Eagles Detroit, MI
Material: Classic-tinged rock, with a smattering of soul and blues, is on the menu for this seasoned troupe from the Motor City. Historically, it has been this writer’s observation that bands often draw a line in the sand regarding the performance of covers and originals. Dirty Mind Detroit breaks down that barrier, with original songs that match seamlessly with the tried and true. Elton John’s “Love Lies Bleeding” and Aretha Franklin’s “Natural Woman” dovetail perfectly with the slide guitar-driven “No Other” and the Detroit Music Awards-nominated ballad “Long Time Comin’.” Musicianship: With each member of this unit being an essential cog in the wheel, their music moves with mechanized precision. No one is necessarily the star, yet they all take their turn in the spotlight. Parker fronts the band with a strong presence and a diverse skill set. She has this Bonnie Raitt/Janis Joplin vibe happening that spans a wide range of emotional terrain. Miller is a great musical counterpart that provides a limitless array of guitar tones and styles along with solid lead and backing vocals. Keyboardist Demyan offers multi-textured 54 May 2019
musicconnection.com
DIRTY MIND DETROIT sounds coupled with stand out solos on piano and organ. Melendez lays down the boogie and soothes with soulful whole notes when called upon. His ability to navigate meaty lines and hooks throughout each song really give the groove an adrenaline shot. Brancart locks down the rhythm securely and propels the band with thoughtful accents and fills. Performance: The venue was packed as the band led the day’s entertainment in service of a record-breaking charity event. The stage area was pretty Spartan and there was no special lighting to speak of, but the band itself was more than enough. The members
LISA HAGOPIAN
Contact: juicemanrocks@yahoo.com Web: reverbnation.com/dirtyminddetroit Players: Don Miller, guitar, vocals; Melanie Parker, lead vocals; Steve Demyan, keyboards, vocals; Bob Melendez, bass; Ken Brancart, drums
were focused and pooled all their energy into their performance. In particular, the frontline harmonies were stellar as Parker stealthily led the fray. Also, Melendez and Brancart were all smiles, which seemed to permeate lightness throughout the entire band. Summary: Dirty Mind Detroit is a no-frills meat 'n potatoes act that gives the crowd its money’s worth. They have a wide catalog of tunes that are refined and really seem to resonate with their audience. From nightclubs, to festivals, casinos and charity events this unit provides full-spectrum entertainment. – Eric Harabadian
