shea-theater

Karla Bonoff, master songwriter, to perform at Shea Theater, 6/27.

Karla Bonoff’s career spans decades of an industry that has radically changed. Her music and talent has not. The songs from her ten albums showcase that a gorgeous melody and a lyric that rings true is timeless. Bonoff will bring that incredible catalog of songs to the Shea Theater on THIS FRIDAY 6/27.

Our conversation is wide-ranging; from her early training in Southern California to her open mic sets at LA’s Troubador, the center of a burgeoning singer songwriter scene. Karla tells stories of her friendships and collaborations with folks like Jackson Browme, James Taylor, Elton John and members of the soon-to-be Eagles. We talk about her collaboration in a band with Wendy Waldman, Kenny Edwards and Andrew Gold called Bryndle; a band ahead of their time. All these friendships led to folks like Linda Ronstadt and Bonnie Raitt recording her songs paving a way for her individual success.

Ou conversation touches on her popularity in Japan, her feelings about hearing her songs performed by others, her work in film and TV soundtracks. We also examine how much the “music industry” has changed and which era she prefers. We finish with a discussion of folks’ influence on her career and personal life such as JD Souther and Linda Ronstadt.

Our segment features THE SONGS! We open with “I Can’t Hold On” from her excellent live release. We include “Lose Again” a song that hooked Linda Ronstadt into a major collaboration over years with Karla. We include versions of Bonoff’s work by Bonnie Raitt and Wynona Judd as well as a JD Souther song in tribute to his passing. Karla’s “Goodbye My Friend” and Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville’s grammy award winning version of “All My Life”.

Karla Bonoff’s live shows feature her on guitar and piano while the amazing Nina Gerber accompanies her on electric guitar. Stunning virtuosity in an intimate setting of the Shea is an opportunity NOT TO BE MISSED! SheaTheater.com for ticket details.

Stephen Kellogg previews his Shea Theater all-request show on Nine Volt Heart.

Stephen Kellogg appears for the first time at Turners Fall’s Shea Theater on December 19. He was kind enough to join me on NineVoltHeart to talk about his career and this unique show. We began with his song, “If Anyone is Listening”, from his most recent release “Keep It Up, Kid”. Our conversation touched on a wide variety of topics including his early start in our Valley at both U Mass and as an intern at the Iron Horse Music Hall. We talked about his ability to learn from these early experiences and see the ecosystem of music as a possible career. We also touched on the importance of his family life (he has four daughters!) and how he’s been able to create a better work/life balance over the years.

We also talked about some of his most recent albums which lean towards “concept” albums such as his “South West North East” which was recorded in four different studios across the US with different producers, different bands and different musical vibes! His newest work, “To You, Old Friend”, not yet released features the concept of friendship from different angles.

Stephen Kellogg is not afraid to take calculated risks. He explored Job satisfaction in a TEDX talk, he wrote a book on his perspectives on life and family based on his album, “Objects in The Mirror”. He’s been a stand up comedian, a storyteller in addition to being a musical troubadour. His latest approach will be debuted at the Shea, Stephen is doing an all-request show! Fans write down their favorites and he picks from a hat to determine the setlist. That’s a considerable challenge considering his 17 album catalog plus random requests for covers? Should make for a fun night for his fans (and Kellogg, I hope).

We finish the segment with the song Kellogg had finished his shows with….”See You Later, See You Soon”.

Tickets and information at Sheatheater.com or Stephen Kellogg.com

December 19th, Shea Theater, Turners Falls, MA