John Flanders will headline the Music Makers Fundraiser

After 160 outdoor concerts, intimate house shows and contributions to local volunteer efforts over the past year, Mountain Town Music will unveil its season finale this Saturday with the much-anticipated Music Makers’ Community Bash. The free event will lure locals with food tastings and a massage chair, while raising funds for next season’s shows with membership packages and a new not-so-silent auction, featuring community donors who will attend share their talents live.

“We’re hoping it will be more interactive and flamboyant an auction than in other years,” said Morgan VerMerris, who inspired the lively format. “We wanted the auction itself to be exciting enough to be the focus of the event. Hopefully, people will find some good deals and stimulate businesses in town.”

The event, which takes place at The Yard from 7 to 10 p.m., will also include live music by the John Flanders Trio, a cash bar and prizes. The festivities will continue post-event with an official after-party at The Sidecar. Boulder, Colorado band Salem will headline the event, which also serves as the unofficial birthday bash for Mountain Town Music’s director, Brian Richards.

To donate a unique service to the event, e-mail morgan@mountainmusic.org. To volunteer, e-mail jenn@jlwproductions.com.

Christopher Hawley will showcase his new album to Park City on April 9

After a decade of touring ski towns, Christopher Hawley is no stranger to Park City nightlife. The long-locked singer/songwriter has made recent appearances at the Uncle Uncanny’s Music Festival and the Sundance Film Festival, putting the eco-conscious musician fresh in locals’ minds. Playing with the Hawley Rollers, the Venice-born blonde will introduce his new album, Comes Around Again, on April 9 at Downstairs. The album, released March 31, features Bill Payne from Little Feat on keys and John Steward on drums, a regular LA Roller when not on tour with Fishbone.

Hawley built his reputation on a deep, twangy voice and world-healing efforts. His web site allows fans to preserve threatened rain forests and feed needy animals with just a click. A born roamer, Hawley plays year-round in ski and surf towns across the Rockies and the West Coast.

Codi Jordan Press Photo

Codi Jordan was that kid who sang country rock music with friends, then went home and listened to Snoop Dogg. He spent his teens playing in rock bands in Ogden, then used his free time at the University of Utah to play clubs, bars, and events in Salt Lake. The force of reggae, rock and hip hop that has come to make up the Codi Jordan Band sound now has fans calling the Utah native a “high energy Jack Johnson” with the “rawness of Sublime.” Having opened Spearhead, Black Eyed Peas, Blackalicious, The Roots, Royal Bliss, Kyle from Slightly Stoopid, these enthusiasts may even be right. Hear the unique band live at Downstairs this Friday, February 12.

by Michael Quinlan, Official Park City Voyeur

On the last night of Sundance, you are often tempted to stay home.  Perpetually hung over from 9 days of staying out all night and consuming way to many things you shouldn’t.  Those who fought through these urges, rubbed some dirt on it, and went out to The “World Famous”  Harry O’s for Chali2Na and his House of Vibe All Stars.  

Hands down the best music venue in town, Harry O’s lived up to its full potential as the evening began with an opening act of three MC’s, a DJ, and a live drummer that looked like he just quit his day job at Dunkin Donuts.  The best numbers in their brief set were Move Shake That Thing and Ballin Is a Habit.  European native and California Sensation, DJ Brisk, cut up the intermission with a mix of old and new school tunes that had the crowd drinking, sweating, and shaking. 

As Harry O’s ’Official Emcee,’ Kosta happily stirred the crowd into a frenzy, 2na and the All Stars took the stage before midnight and funkified the crowd with positive hip hop for over an hour and a half.   Couples groped and danced with each other as the Jurassic 5 frontman provided hits that had everyone smiling ear to ear.  What struck me last night is the strength of his new material from his second solo album Fish Out Of Water.  Songs such as Graff Time, Guns Up, and especially Controlled Coincidence were some of the best efforts of the evening.  These songs show 2Na is maturing with age like a fine wine, which is a rarity in the hip hop world.  If he was a wine, I would imagine him to be a nice Spanish red, depth and spice with a clean finish. Running through all the J5 hits, including: What’s Golden, Freedom, and Quality Control, I was struck by another wonder.  Keyboardist Anthony Brewster can do a rippin Michael Jackson  impression!  He’s such a big guy, how can he sing that high?

 As the show ended, Harry O’s exec Kenny Griswold leaned over and expressed his amazement at 2Na jumping down into the crowd and shaking hands and taking pictures until everyone was content.  One thing I learned about Kenny, he is a good judge of character.  We agreed that only 2NA and fellow pusher of positivity Michael Faranti can pull off such a move.  Many thanks to Harry O’s for trying harder to take good care of locals and Sundancers alike.   Hey Kosta, thanks for the PCVoyeur Shout Out.   And of course, to the always beautiful, Nancy Nichols and to Kenny Griswold for their gracious hospitality.   

by Michael Quinlan, Official Park City Voyeur

Sitting at home at 9:00 PM on a Friday night, I thought I was in for a night of reading my new book and a couple of strong Captain and Cokes, when the call came in saying we had some wristbands to see San Diego Reggae Punk Rockers, Slightly Stoopid at the “World Famous” Harry O’s. I put on my game face and prepared to brave the typical Friday night of Sundance chaos.

Harry O’s’ long line of problems seems to melt away if you just have the right wrist band. In this case, VIP was the magic word. I have never witnessed a longer line to get into the place in my life.

Amid angry looks, we walked through the empty VIP line and were whisked directly inside. A seven dollar coat check later, we walked up to the couches on the sky bridge, and owner, Kenny Griswold’s booth, where you can see everything and everyone, without having a drink spilled on you every 30 seconds.

Opener Ivy League provided an entertaining set. The four piece highlight may have been a UB40, Bob Marley, Sublime medley, but their original tracks were inventive and seemed to keep the crowd interested. They produced trash cans and rocked the crowd with a synchronized street drum session.

DJ TNT provided the halftime entertainment on the ones and twos. Quite cute and very talented, she kept the crowd moving. Slightly Stoopid took the stage at 11:45 providing another small miracle, a show that starts before 1 am.

Miles Doughty and Kyle McDonald seamlessly trade bass, guitar, and vocals, while the seven piece band stormed through nearly all their hits. Whether they are stirring up a mosh pit for their fast paced three minute punk tracks, rocking slinky reggae and Afro Beat, or playing groove metal instrumentals the crowd could not get enough. The band blasted through crowd pleasers like: Till it gets wet, Running with a gun, Officer, Babylon is Falling, and Sinsemilla. There was a distinct lack of sweaty oily stripper dancers and an abundance of pot smoke keeping the crowd amped but not angry. I can honestly say I didn’t see one fight last night. When is the last time you went to Harry O’s and it didn’t end in a fight? Nice work for a change. Big thank you to the very generous Kenny Griswold for the wrist bands. While the VIP treatment was nice, I will be back on the floor tonight for Chali 2Na, among the people. Back where I belong among the drunks, spilled drinks, and the undeniable energy of being close to one of hip-hops great acts. See you there.

I will buy you a drink if you can find me.

Word to the Wise: If you can afford a VIP ticket….indulge! It’s a gonna be a packed show.

by Michael Quinlan, Official Park City Voyeur

The crowd at Downstairs last night was treated to one of the best hip hop acts of this film fest. Del the Funky Homosapien took the stage and made the whole house sway to his futuristic hip hop circus. Fellow Oakland  performer Buku, prepared the crowd with his endless inventive freestyle rhymes, along with fresh cuts from DJ Zach Hendrix.  In true Sundance form, Del took the stage just after midnight for a crowd hopping with excitement.  Accompanied by his DJ, and members of the Souls of Mischief, Del did not disappoint. He rapped through his solo work, Deltron 3030 tracks, and Hieroglyphics hits for well over an hour. For this music junkie, it doesn’t get any better than listening to Del rock “Devise A Virus”. If there is life on other planets and around those planets, flies a funky space station, Del is definitely what those alien astronauts are listening to. Free Advice: Don’t miss Del when he is in town EVER!

By Michael Quinlan, Official Park City Voyeur

Chali2NA and the Vibe Allstars rocked a packed house at the Star Bar Saturday night. The former Jurassic Five and Ozomatli front man was accompanied by his talented brother Laid Law, and a three piece band. 2NA dominated the stage with his massive body and outstretched arms, emanating pure positivity. The talented Vibe Allstars filled out a hip-hop funk fusion sound as they ran through a list of hits from the J5 catalogue, as well as 2NA’s two solo albums. The crowd bounced and sweated as the packed house was treated to such J5 classics as Freedom and What’s Golden. Tracks from his solo albums were in abundance, with the crowd going crazy for his always energetic and classic, Welcome to the Fish Market. The mixed crowd of locals and Sundancers made for an interesting night, a few instances of pushing, shoving, and territorial dispute, but nothing turned into fistacuffs. Most notable was the band’s bass player, who was rocking what appeared to be a seven string bass?! Does that even exist? Alcohol has made me see stranger things, but one thing is certain, from lyrics to presence, Chali2NA and his newest family, lay down a positive vibe that more people should pay attention to.

Better in theory than execution?

The Mana Poly All-Stars rocked The Sidecar Saturday night for the Orion Music Festival, creating a relaxed, fun-filled atmosphere while driving a packed bar — that is, until midnight.

To the surprise of bartenders and patrons alike, the affable band quit their banter and pulled the cord an hour before last-call. They weren’t getting paid anyway, they explained, and they’d played enough for free. The Sidecar reportedly hadn’t received payment for use of their venue either, prompting questions of where attendees’ ticket dollars went. The next day, Orion founders took their money mysteries a step further, posting a donation button on their home page.

The online plea didn’t last long.

“Warning - do not donate,” read the Facebook wall of Hilary Reiter, the Festival’s publicity manager. “It does not indicate what your money will go to. This music fesitval is NOT a non-profit organization, and money donated will likely be used to pay debts.” Reiter, who had also worked without payment for several weeks, had tired of the organization’s front. Threatening to approach the Better Business Bureau, Orion backed off and removed the button.

Thankfully, the unfortunate management of the Orion Music Festival in its pilot year failed to overshadow the many talented performers throughout the week, some of whom hailed from as far away as Australia. Utah native Nicole “Kole” Hansen Christiansen made an impact on audiences, introducing a song to promote Haiti relief efforts, while Florida-based Joshua Stedham and New York songstress Kaydi Johnson brought unique talent to Park City’s Main Street.

Kaydi Johnson

Good, bad or shady, Orion lured Park Citizens out on the town — while leaving room for improvement.

What was your take on the Orion Music Festival?

1. 50 Cent @ Downstairs - Thursday, January 28 - E-mail VIP@DOWNSTAIRSPC.COM

2.Joan Jett (”Runaways” Film Inspiration) @ Harry O’s - Saturday, January 23 *Tickets*

3. Snoop Dogg @ Harry O’s - Thursday, January 28 *Tickets*

4. DJ Mom Jeans (Actor Danny Masterson) @ Downstairs - Thursday, January 21

5. Nas @ Harry O’s - Friday, January 22 *Tickets*

Plus Five Events Under $10

6. Locals Take Back, featuring King Niko @ The Sidecar - January 27 *Free with Utah I.D.*

7. Taqwacore Film Premier Party @ The Star Bar - Monday, January 25 *Tickets*

8. Lindzee O’Michael’s Grand Reopening Party - Tuesday, January 26

9. Beach House & Moondoggies @ The Star Bar - Sunday, January 24 *Tickets* ($15 at door)

10. Mystic Roots Band & B Foundation @ The Star Bar - Wednesday, January 27 *Tickets* ($15 at door)