West Coast Tour Reviving the Spirit of Rock and Roll
This Friday 9 PM @ Schmidy’s Tavern, Palm Desert. September 12th @ 9 PM. FREE SHOW!
By Lisa Morgan
If you’ve ever wished you could have been at the small local club where your favorite rock band played just before launching into the big venue stratosphere…say, like the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin or The Who…I would encourage you to clear your calendar to see, up close and personal The Mama Rags. Making Schmidy’s Tavern their last stop before meeting with some major players in the music industry in Los Angeles, this very original, but very roots rock and roll band is sure to win your respect and fan-ship. Considered to be one of the best in the recent surge of 60’s 70’s rock revivalists, this young but tenured band has caught the eye of world renown producer, Don Gehmen (John Mellencamp, R.E.M., Neil Young, to name a few) as well as established, LA entertainment management, both of whom they’ll be meeting with directly following their show here in the desert.
Hailing from Seattle, Washington, home to the Grunge Era of the 90’s, now home to a significant Hip Hop and EDM scene, The Mama Rags figured they had better hit the road to grow their fan base if they wanted to create opportunities for their music. “We live in the city that is surprisingly, the least inclined to embrace our genre,” shared drummer/vocalist/relentless tour manager, Ian Cunningham. “LA, Nashville and Texas, however, are hugely receptive venues for rock and roll. We figured we better get out of town,” he laughed. Much in the spirit of the era from which their music is inspired, the guys of The Mama Rags have shown great networking skill, reaching out to other bands and finding kinship and mutual respect in return. “LA has been surprisingly hospitable. What we thought would be incredibly intimidating turned out to be really friendly and helpful. We got to know other LA bands. They in turn spread the word about our music. We were introduced to the former manager for Rage Against the Machine who offered us valuable advice. I think the most important thing any band can do is tour.” Ian also shared, “We’re seeing a growing trend of other original bands like us, inspired from old school rock from 60’s and 70’s.”
The Mama Rags also includes TJ Kelly at lead vocals. “It’s really great to work with a guy who can REALLY sing,” Ian noted. Ian also boasts heartily on the “insane musicianship” of bassist/vocalist, Peter Booker. Guitarist/vocalist, Colin Moen is described by his peers as nothing short of a prodigy. Listening to their rooftop recording, “Change You”, which is part of the reason for the industry attention they are currently receiving, one is captivated by the vocal blend of harmonies behind the soulful and downright beautiful vocals of TJ Kelly. One of the few bands who list their music under the simple genre “Rock and Roll”, this band is going to be a pleasure to experience.
Joining them on the Schmidy’s stage is local blues rockers, Voodoo Hustlers. Those in attendance will enjoy some of the best musicianship and vocal skills around.
This free show starts at 9 PM, this Friday, September 12th at Schmidy’s Tavern in Palm Desert (on the corner of Hwy 111 & Fred Waring Drive). 21 and over after 10 pm.
The Mama Rags: www.themamarags.com
Song: Change You http://youtu.be/aF1CUn-zwHo
Voodoo Hustlers: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001595855537&fref=ts
Schmidy’s Tavern: www.schmidystavern.com
