BLUE 'N GREEN SHOWCASE AT REVOLVER STUDIOS

I have been fortunate in my life to make some great friends in the music industry during the past 10 years I have been actively involved.  Last night was one of the highlights, and featured artists who have become very dear friends to me, like Keaton Simons, Kelly McGrath and Katie Costello.

The Blue N' Green showcase is the joint brainchild of Mikal Blue, world renowed producer of Colbie Cailat, One Republic, Jason Mraz and Five for Fighting, and GreenRoots Productions - hence the "Blue 'N Green" moniker.  The monthly Showcase was held at Mikal's Revolver Studios' new location in Thousand Oaks.  It seemed almost serendipitous, since I first met Mikal at another GreenRoots function at the former Venice Beach hot spot, The Stronghold.

GreenRoots' Angelique Sheppard has a gift for spotting outstanding talent, and it was most evident last night.  Among the artists that performed were three major label acts - Columbia Records' Angel Taylor, CBS Records' Keaton Simons and Island/Def Jam's John West, as well as several others on major indie labels, such as Mickey Mouse Club alum Tony Lucca, Katie Costello, and Sara Haze, and former American Idol contestants Josiah Leming and Didi Benami.

Rounding out the talent for the evening were LATalkRadio.com host Kelly McGrath, Jenni Alpert, Mike Isberto, Mahndo and the Davey G Project (Davey is the other half of GreenRoots Productions).

The room was packed and the electricity was palpable, both in the studio and outdoors in the night sky.  Each artist performed two songs (not nearly enough), and the music was still flowing at 11:15 p.m. when I had to bail.  It was a most enjoyable affair, both musically and professionally.  I got the chance to interact and catch up with so many of my musical friends, and made some new contacts as well.  I was especially happy to get some time with Keaton's stepfather (who just happens to be one of my favorite actors), Eric Roberts, who was as boisterous in his appreciation of the music as was I.

Among my favorite moments were the opening song performed by Mike Isberto, Sara Haze's second song, the duet between Keaton and Kelly McGrath (a song they had just recently written right there at Revolver Studios), and John West's entire set.  All of the artists did a superb job and gave us the greatest gift of all, the gift of music!  Thanks to each and every artist, and to GreenRoots Productions and Mikal Blue for bringing it all together.  I can hardly wait for next month's show!

For more info on GreenRoots, please check out their website, www.greenrootspresents.com.  For more info on Mikal Blue and Revolver Studios, just Google him!

If you have any comments, please drop me a line at lamusiccritic@yahoo.com.  I love to hear from my readers, and will respond to all emails.