TheImproper, Gibson Guitars showcase emerging bands

 

More than 200 people from the media and music industry, as well as fans, some from as far away as Canada, turned out for TheImproper.com’s 'Live at Gibson Studios' music showcase Sept. 17.

Four up-and-coming New York bands performed and party-goers got a rare glimpse of Gibson Guitar’s spectacular private music showroom.

Co-hosted by Absolute Pitch Public Relations and Gibson Guitars, the event highlighted New York’s vibrant music scene and raised money for Musicians on Call, a charity that places professional musicians in health care facilities to perform for patients.

"TheImproper is dedicated to those who have a true passion for arts and entertainment and to the artists who work so hard to bring their visions to life," said Keith Girard, editor and publisher of the web magazine.

"Events like this are a way to showcase New York’s vibrant arts scene at a time when music venues are becoming rare in Manhattan," said Samantha Chang, executive editor and co-owner of TheImproper.

Among the night’s guests were Aubrey Reuben from Playbill; PR-guru David Salidor with singer/songwriter Larry Stevens and the Cutting Room’s Steve Walter, who hinted at the imminent arrival of a new Cutting Room opening very, very soon.

Celebrity photographer and Timessquaregossip web site publisher James Edstrom was also on hand and provided photos.

Also attending were Jonathan Clarke from Q104.3; Billy Gaus, from the Songwriter’s Circle; graphic wunderkind Meredith Spector and Anne Marie Principe, CEO of the Books for Kids Foundation, with her daughter Micaela Rispoli.

Fans came from as far away as Canada to check out the studios and hear the bands.

Gibson Studios was once the storied Hit Factory Studios, where the likes of John Lennon, Paul Simon, Bon Jovi, Stevie Wonder and Kiss recorded.

The Hit Factory closed in 2005, and Gibson now uses the fabled studios to showcase their wide-ranging guitar collection for professional musicians. It features a walk-in guitar showroom filled with some of their more amazing pieces from their collection.

Salidor, Stevens, and Walter at one point found themselves in the guitar room commenting on the historic aspects of the studios and how then music business has changed so radically. The Hit Factory at one time was the leading studio in NYC. Today, songs can just as easily be produced with a laptop computer.

The featured bands: Zigmat, The Shells, Heavy Road and Dynasty Electric, played in the same storied space where Michael Jackson and Jimi Hendrix recorded.

Heavy Road, fronted by Greg Merritt, who is well known on the jam band scene, led off the showcase with Pete Remm on keyboards, Arthur Sadowsky on bass and Ron Thaler, who has been nominated for more than 20 Grammys, on drums.

Carrie Welling, Jessica Waltz and Melanie Claja, known collectively as The Shells followed up with the urban flavored rock and country hits.

The band is a finalist in MTV VMA’s Best Break Out Artists competition. The band will release their first full-length album, Written Roads on Oct. 8 at the Canal Room in New York City.

Zigmat, fronted by the sultry Monica Rodriguez and bassist Stephen Yonkin, showcased their blend of rock and reggae. The band released its first full-length CD Sounds of Machines and the title song is in heavy rotation on radio.

The band was also recently signed by Brazil’s Ultra Records and will tour Brazil and Europe in October.

Dynasty Electric, fronted by singer Jennifer DeVeau and Seth Misterka, on guitar and keyboards, closed out the night with their unique brand of electronic, dance and acid rock music.

Dynasty has toured all over the United States and Canada and performed at last year’s Burning Man festival, which provided the inspiration for their latest EP “Burning,” released in April.

The superlative food was provided by fabulous Italian restaurant Il Punto Ristorante, French bistro Meli Melo and Whole Foods. The night-long open bar was stocked by Bison Vodka, Wild Turkey bourbon, Verdi sparkling wine,. Montecastelli Selections wine and Fiji water.

Guests received gift bags at night’s end that included CDs from the bands, Verdi wine samples and full size canisters of tea worth $14 each from Village Tea Company (available at select Whole Foods and online at VillageTea. Village Tea counts Taylor Swift, Beyonce and Kelly Rowland among its fans.

In addition guests also received full-size products from: Elizabeth Grant worth $30 to 75 each. Celeb fans include Will Smith, Brooke Shields, Mira Sorvino and a ton of others. EatWhatever mints available at Ricky's and elsewhere; check online at eat-whatever and full size Topricin, a celebrity favorite for curing heel pain from wearing crazy stilettos! Check them out at Topricin.

"We were thrilled to work with TheImproper to showcase our four bands, who gave terrific performances," said Bugnosen. "I want to thank all our wonderful sponsors, our staff, and especially Gibson Studios for all their efforts in making this event a success. Everything was just top-notch!"

Absolute Pitch PR is a boutique music PR firm in New York City that handles publicity and promotions for several independent musicians in the US and the UK.

TheImproper.com is an online lifestyle guide filled with news from the worlds of theater, music, film, fashion, fine dining and pop culture. The site also offers its own music and video download stores and separate sections dedicated to film, music, theater, dining, fashion and commentary.

“This is TheImproper.com’s second music showcase, and we are looking forward to our next one, that will be even bigger and better,” said Girard.