BritFest NYC 2011, Live!

BritFest NYC 2011: June 4 @ The Delancey, New York, NY

BritFest NYC 2011 kicked off Saturday at The Delancey with a bang! The annual festival features social and entertainment events with British flavour. The whole shebang is produced by our friends over at Big Apple Brits. I, of course, was on hand to take in the live music feast!

Lisa Redford got things rolling. Redford accompanied herself on guitar playing originals and covers. She does a great acoustic "Brass In Pocket" by the way. Her voice is down to Earth ... you know, that folksy, soulful kind of sound. You should check her out. I dig her sound.

Next to take the stage was PreFab 4. If you didn't get it from their name, they cover the Beatles. Normally, I'm not much into cover bands but these guys play well, sing well and are 100% cheese free. Everyone sang along and a whole lot of folks danced. Seriously, if you couldn't have fun while these guys were playing, something might be wrong with you!

It was a terrific night of music fun. Check out a few photos from the evening.

More photos HERE

Lisa Redford

PreFab 4

BritFest NYC 2011 Kicks Off June 4

Our friends over at Big Apple Brits are holding their annual BritFest NYC 2011. It runs from June 4 - June 11!

The kick-off party which includes 3 events, 1 venue, for 1 price takes place at The Delancey. It'll cost you $25 for the all day Delancey pass that allows you to come and go as you please.

From 1PM - 7PM on the Rooftop, there will be a BBQ, rain or shine (retractable roof). The BBQ deets Tickets Include:- 1 Free PIMMS (before 2pm), BBQ of Sausages, Burgers, + Potato Salad, Crisps and Cake for afters! & 10 x Raffle Tickets, with prizes valued up to $1,000 .....

From 7PM - 10PM things move downstairs for the music. This year taking the stage will be PreFab 4 and Lisa Redford.

From 10PM - Late DJ's Marcus Robson & Andy Bullock go old school, spinning house tunes.

For more info on BritFest NYC click HERE.

See you there!

Somewhat Slightly (Il)licit Hot Seconds Video From BritFest

Last week, I went over to Ace of Clubs to partake in the BritFest merriment. You read all about that already, right? So you know Hot Seconds, who headlined the evening, rolled out three new songs. Well, your resident quirky chick might have kinda sorta, accidentally on purpose, hit the record button on the camera and recorded one of those new songs. Shhh, don't tell ... they know some people, who know some people, who might come 'round and rough me up! Anyway, check out my favorite of the three new ones, "Die Like A Dog," below. Is that new record almost finished boys? This song needs, yes, needs to be on my 'Pod.

www.hotseconds.net

Hot Seconds Set A Sweltering Night On Fire

Hot Seconds: June 5 @ Ace Of Clubs, New York, NY

It's June, it's hot and as such, I'm cranky. What better way to make a hot, cranky chick less cranky? Give her some good music! Saturday night I made my way down to Ace of Clubs, for the 1st Annual BritFest NYC, for a night of merriment. Headlining the evenings events were none other than those charming gents known as Hot Seconds.

Yes folks, they're baaack! It's been nearly a year since I last saw the boys play and I missed them. In that time, they've trimmed down to a lean, mean, four piece fighting machine. The band, James Love (vocals/guitar), Eran Westwood (guitar/vocals), Marcel Simoneau (bass) and Ian Hudgins (drums/vocals) took the stage and blazed through a ten song set.

I was curious to hear what they would sound like in this configuration. Were they going to have a new sound? For the most part, they're still the same Hot Seconds we know and love. Now, they're just heavier and funkier. They kicked off the show with the first of three new songs, "Helicopter." When I took a gander at the set list prior to the show I wasn't sure about starting the show with a new song but, it proved to be a good choice. Guitar fangirl alert, there are some killer licks in this one. The riff is beyond catchy. Like the previous new songs they've rolled out since releasing their debut record, these are lyrically and musically darker, grittier. The new song highlight for me was, "Die Like A Dog." The rhythm on that one is just all kinds of dirty. The third new song, "Apathy," was good as well. I need to hear that one again though.

Missing from the set was a song that has become a favorite of mine, "Pink Caesar" ... logistics? On the plus side, they played "Excuse Me," a song I haven't heard live since October 2008! The five songs they played from their debut have even taken on a bit of a heavier sound. Seeing as I'm a fan of the harder rock sounds, this was something I didn't mind at all.

Simoneau looked to be a bit nervous at the beginning of the set but after a couple of songs he seemed to relax in his role as bassist. I look forward to seeing him a few shows down the line when he completely lets go. It was nice seeing him up front rockin' out, for more than one song, and not hidden behind the keyboards. Love looked a little tired though it didn't show too much in his vocals or playing. He seemed edgier all around. I like edgy. The bands harder sound suited Westwood well. When I first saw the band, he was a much more reserved player. Now, he's turning into quite the beast. I also like beasts. For some reason it felt like Hudgins was holding back, being a little conservative. It wasn't until "When I Go" that I felt he totally let go and made me remember exactly why it was him that made me a drum fan ... okay, an Ian fan, as we've already determined the whole drum thing doesn't really carry over to other drummers.

It was overall a good show and I had fun. I'm glad to see them back and rockin'. They're at work on their second record and hearing these new songs live has whetted my appetite for what's to come.

www.hotseconds.net

A Night Of Music & Comedy At BritFest

BritFest NYC: LIVE! (Music & Comedy): June 5 @ Ace Of Clubs, New York, NY

In celebration of British culture, Big Apple Brits are hosting the 1st Annual BritFest NYC which runs from June 4 - June 10. This past Saturday, they hosted a concert at Ace of Clubs. I like Brits, I like British stuff and I like music. It was a match made in heaven. What better way to spend a hot Saturday night then rocking out in celebration of British culture?

Comedian Stephen Frost was the evenings MC. For those of you unfamiliar, he's from Whose Line Is It Anyway? and a number of other top notch programs. He milled around the room, introduced the bands and offered a bit of wit to keep us entertained. I might have a wee crush on him but that's a story for another time.

Kicking off the night of music was Gaz Ellis, a charming guy with an acoustic guitar and a pleasant voice. If like your folk of the English variety, he's certainly one to check out. Have a look at the video at the bottom of the post for a taste of what he's about.

The second act on the bill was Dave Rave. I've gotta admit, I've never heard of Rave. But, he brought out a cadre of loyal fans who sang and dance along to every song. He and his band put on a high energy set of power pop that ended with Rave bringing fans on the stage to dance.

The evening ended with Hot Seconds taking the stage and rocking out one hell of a set. More about their set HERE.

I had a great time. One thing's for sure, you lot sure know how to throw a party.

www.myspace.com/gazellis
www.myspace.com/daverave
www.myspace.com/hotseconds

Hot Seconds To Play BritFest 2010, Saturday, June 5

After nearly a year, those adorable lads known as Hot Seconds will be gracing the stage this Saturday, June 5 at NYC venue Ace Of Clubs as part of the 1st Annual BritFest. It's $10 bucks ... live music and comedy. What more could you ask for? You should go!

www.hotseconds.net
www.facebook.com/hotseconds