Hunnypot Radio produces a bimonthly showcase for The Mint. This particular show consisted of five fun and very different indie acts, following an interview with musician and music supervisor Tiffany Anders.
Little Monarch
Website: facebook.com/littlemonarch
The Players: Casey Kalmenson, vocals, guitar; Lanita Smith, vocals, keys; Justin Andres, guitar, bass.
More than a few audience members noted similarities to Nina Simone and Sade. This blend of two ladies harmonizing to what they self-categorize as indie-pop was frequently funky, with solid lead chops by Andres. Kalmenson and Smith both swap and share on lead vocals. The group also knows how to get the audience to participate, so it was a fun experience.
Power Trip
Contact: @PowerTripLA
The Players: Stephen Perkins, drummer; Alex Alessandroni Jr, keyboards, Rafael Moreira, guitar; Fabrizio Grossi, bass; Garrett Holbrook, vocals.
It was not surprising that this all-star band’s first appearance as a group had the polished feeling of being performed by seasoned professionals. Holbrook really channeled his inner Chris Cornell with breathtaking vocals. Several covers were performed with a fresh take that worked the crowd into a frenzy, including no less than The Beatles’ “Come Together,” The Rolling Stones’ “Paint It Black” and even an unexpected choice of Stevie Wonder’s “Living For the City.” The group stayed faithful to the originals while managing to convey a style of their own––a remarkable attribute of a good band. Power Trip really stole the show for the night.
Troubadour Adam Road
Website: facebook.com/TroubadourAdamRoad
Hailing from Israel, this group blends Spanish and Middle Eastern musical scales. But that just seems to be the formula to put you under a trance before hitting you with straight hard rock from a band full of solid musicians. The only complaint to be found about this act was the appearance of two man-buns; with all seriousness the ladies in the audience wanted to see that headbanging hair come out!
Lauren Lakis
Website: laurenlakis.wixsite.com/laurenlakis
It was incredible how much atmospheric sound Lauren Lakis was able to craft, simply with the use of a bass. She switched between other instruments to keep things interesting. Toward the finale, Lakis’ keyboard flew off stage, prompting Hunnypot show host Hot Tub Johnnie to remark that it was a finish with plenty of Pete Townshend style. A courageous solo performance!
Alessa Ray
Website: alessaray.com
This Musician’s Institute grad knows how to put on a show. Whatever your taste in music, there is something worth watching when synchronized dancers make a performance. Alessa Ray interacted well with her dancers and made her two-song set both theatrical and memorable.
Contact: [email protected]
Hear The Show: hunnypotunlimited.com
Photos By Jeff Gray
