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Spin Cycle Presents is a Los Angeles-based event promotion company founded by Keith Erickson in 2009. Keith created Spin Cycle out of a need for like-minded folks to perform, network, socialize and grow into the vibrant community it is today.
The Spin Cycle @ TRiP series is a monthly eclectic musical showcase featuring popular bands and up and coming live acts looking for exposure, adding a much-desired Northeast improvisational flavor to the West Side of LA. These shows have quickly built a loyal following and become a central hub for Los Angeles' growing jamband and experimental music community
In addition to this popular music series, Spin Cycle has been involved in other high profile events around the LA area, including everal sold out "Cosmik Playground" superjam concerts (featuring members of Umphrey's McGee, Frank Zappa, String Cheese Incident and Digital Tape Machine), Soulshine Daydream Wellness Festival, Shaky Feelin's seminal Album Release Party at the historic Crest Theatre, Mission 24 (a 24-hour underground music festival), the Shakedown Music Series at the Basement Tavern and the live TV broadcast series Birds of a Feather @ Kulaks Woodshed.
There are three vitally important factors for an after show: great music, proximity to the venue, and unique musical collaborations (things you won’t likely see again). The after party for Sunday’s Phish show at The Forum in Inglewood (10/24/21), checks all three boxes.
Read MoreSpin Cycle Presents coined the phrase and developed the logo above. After running Sunday residencies at the Moroccan and Harvelle’s Long Beach over the past several years, this latest installment is via live stream.
While it’s true it is best to never miss a Sunday show, what does one do in the face of a widespread pandemic? One stays at home and thanks their lucky stars that platforms like Nugs.net and Facebook live exist, because the live events that were cancelled, postponed, and rescheduled can still prevail. During this trying time, many musicians have continued to bring us joy via live-streams on their social media profiles. It’s great to see the community rally around the creative realms of life.
In the wake of current events, Spin Cycle Presents has created a live-stream jam series from their Facebook page. This new tradition began on March 22nd and will continue every Sunday at 4:20pm indefinitely. Viewers can look forward to feel good rock hits, groovy jams, and overall vibey times. I tuned in for the debut on March 22. The live-stream showcased Keith Erickson on drums and Rich Sheldon on guitar and vocals.
Sheldon performs roots rock as a singer/songwriter often around town as Rich Sheldon Band. Keith Erickson is known as the captain of the Southern California jam band centered promotional company, Spin Cycle Presents. In addition, Keith also plays for a local eclectic progressive instrumental group, Other Mother Brother Band. Their sound on Sunday was relaxed and enjoyable, something we all need during this time of pause. Fortunately, as friends and music companions, there is a benefit to the fact that the two of them live in the same apartment complex, lovingly referred to as 'The Compound'.
The duo bounced between originals and covers with a few Grateful Dead and Bob Marley tributes throughout. In-between songs, the two take time to chat with viewers, bringing a sense of community to the streaming event. By reaching people online, Keith and Rich strike up a conversation amongst everyone. They give shout outs throughout the show to fellow musicians and local businesses while providing a high quality live music experience for all to enjoy.
The live stream format also allows an avenue for shows to be mutually beneficial. Those watching are able to donate tips by Venmo and PayPal. After all, it’s the future, and for musicians, promoters, and DJs, it’s a win-win. Even though many gigs have been cancelled and postponed, artists are able to reach listeners and be compensated a bit for their time and energy.
With the continuation of the at home status of most Americans, Spin Cycle Presents “Psychedelic Sundays” will reach out to viewers in creative ways. For example, those watching can donate to enter raffles of stellar stickers, t-shirts, books about the Grateful Dead, The Rolling Stones, Willie Nelson and if you are lucky, a roll of coveted toiler paper!
Throughout these times, Spin Cycle Presents is working on inventive ways to utilize their network in promoting other musicians and bands. Stay tuned to their social media for updates. Join the mailing list at spincyclepresents.com/contact and tune in next Sunday via SCP’s Facebook page: facebook.com/spincyclepresents
Spin Cycle Presents
Psychedelic Sunday Live Stream Series
3/22/2020
By Kendra Muecke
www.kendraelisabethmuecke.com
Lights were flashing and the juke box was turned up for a bright night of psychedelic jams and rock ’n roll bands. Picture the TRiP Santa Monica, local West-LA venue with a crowded room full of concert goers ready to dance and experience a little slice of westside world peace. The event was Thursday night jams brought to the community by Spin Cycle Presents. On the bill for the evening, were bands The Ashtones, Blooming Fire, and Vimanas.
Ashton Slater - The Ashtones
The Ashtones kicked off the party with a funk heavy ensemble of musicians providing guitar, bass, percussions, drums, and a distinct sounding of harmonica interludes. There’s really something revving here as they oscillate between original songs, jams, and a rendition of “New Speedway Boogie”. Behind the band, we see a pinned up background of white sheets. Atop it are looped rainbow feedback visuals like something you’d see on the television test signal of a 1960’s Twiggy and Andy Warhol photoshoot. These visual stylings were provided by Anthony Diaz of Moire Bender.
Sierra Madre & Dryden Van Cleave - Blooming Fire
Next up on the bill is longtime friends of mine, Blooming Fire. As a politically charged, sustainable-water-bottle wielding, and nature-loving group with poignant lyrics and danceable magnetic music, Blooming Fire provides a soundscape of letting go via freedom and self- expression. Through Fire’s set and by speaking with Spin Cycle Presents head honcho, Keith Erickson, I realize the relatability and cohesion prevalent in the SCP scene. Keith calls me down to Santa Monica to come write a review for Psychedelic Thursdays at TRiP, and it ends up being for a band I know from my days living in Venice Beach 4 years ago.
Adding to this sense of strangers-stopping-strangers just to shake their hand, I run into a good number of friends I hadn’t seen in years. It’s telling when a night out on the town can bring such brightly-lit people together to share in experience. Moments later, I speak with the percussionist of tonight’s first band, The Ashtones, and secure the potential that he can play drums on my upcoming album for my own group, Kendra & the Bunnies.
Vimanas
Thirdly, the audience jets into a smooth landing of upbeat rock with Vimanas. The Inland Empire group has a welcoming and unique sound, reminiscent of jam-classic Phish. With a cool presentation of guitar solos and a well-rehearsed musical catalog, Vimanas persuades the crowd to keep jiving. A truly engaging set of music reflected by an outstanding night of local talent.
An event to note is Spin Cycle Present’s upcoming 11th anniversary on Saturday, April 18, 2020. To celebrate their journey as a music and event entity in the Southern California region, SCP will be bringing together their second annual round of all-star groups to play their 11th anniversary event. To form the all-star group, the best musicians in the SoCal area are to be nominated.
The nominees will undergo a voting process in which the public will decide who makes it to the next round. Nominations are now live at this link [http://bit.ly/ nominations_scp_allstarcelebration2020]. Additionally, more information on Spin Cycle Presents and Allstar Band Nominations, can be found on their website [https:// www.spincyclepresents.com]
By Kendra Muecke
https://kendraelisabethmuecke.com
*TO VIEW THE FULL PHOTO ALBUM BY ROBERT STALEY: CLICK HERE
March in LA usually means lots of great jam bands coming to town. The rest of the country has been under a blanket of frost for months, and it’s as if it dawns on everyone at once…hey, there’s a whole other side of the country that isn’t freezing, lets go there and play. Umphrey’s Mcgee is one of these bands that figured this out, and the Indiana/Chicago based prog rock jam behemoth makes their annual pilgrimage to the Wiltern Theater again this March 13th. Welcome back boys!!!
2019 was a little different. Umph actually made two So Cal appearances, their typical March show at the Wiltern, but they also came back in August to the House of Blues in Anaheim to coincide with their High Sierra Festival appearance. That show in Anaheim was a Jake Cinninger (lead guitar/god) showcase, including a mind blowing Syncopated Strangers>Ocean Billy. I left that show marveling that here’s a band 20+ years into their existence, and they still throw down consistently every show.
Kris Myers (Drums, Umphrey’s McGee)
Although originally formed at Notre Dame University in the 1990’s, both Kris Myers (drums) and Joel Cummins (keys) have called LA home at one point. There’s definitely some added fire to these local shows. Kris is a madman on the drums, and they usually uncork him on vocals once or twice a show. It’s hard to fathom how great a singer he is, while still playing drums. He unleashed Hot For Teacher by Van Halen last year in Anaheim, and it doesn’t seem fair that the same person can sing and play drums to that song at the same time. Kris is a one of a kind talent, not to be missed.
Speaking of insane, one of a kind talents, Jake Cinninger is mesmerizing with a guitar in his hands. There isn’t an Umph show I leave where I’m not dumbfounded by what he does. It isn’t the flowing blues jam that a lot of us jam heads are used to. He’s technical, precise, and completely shreds. Sometimes I expect to see sparks coming off the guitar neck. Brendan Bayliss (lead vocals/guitar) is no slouch on guitar either. And in any other band he’d be the one getting the praise, but it’s hard understandable playing next to Jake. With Ryan Stasik on bass and Andy Farag on percussion rounding out the backline, you can tell this is a band that has played together for 1000s of shows.
As if Umph wasn’t enough, Buffalo based quartet Aqueous is opening. I caught these guys last year with Big Something at the Bootleg Theater. The hype is legit. There’s a reason you see these guys playing every jam festival all over the country. Quoting their bio: ‘Rock and Roll, pop-laden melodies and hooks, hip hop inspired grooves and massive, anthemic choruses, Aqueous’s sound is explosive, fresh, and undeniably their own. Citing influences as wide ranging as Steely Dan to Tame Impala, Queens of the Stone Age to Kendrick Lamar, the band’s sound is a nod to their open-minded approach as songwriters and musicians.’
OK, DO WE HAVE YOUR ATTENTION LA JAMILY?…because the next bit of info is where March 13th becomes not just another normal Jam night in LA. Because Spin Cycle Presents is teaming up with Redhouse Productions to throw down one of the coolest after shows LA has seen in a long long time. YOU READY? I’m not sure how many details we can give out yet…but…
Joel Cummins, Venice Local and UM Keyboardist, will be one of many featured guests at the Official Umphrey’s McGee LateNight SuperJam.
After the Umphrey’s show at The Wiltern, head to The Mint for the official after show. The Creature Collective kicks off the evening while UM is finishing up things at the Wiltern…then things get wild. The evening will include sets by Marcus Rezak’s Gateway to the Galaxy and CITIZUN plus A LATE NIGHT SUPERJAM featuring: Joel Cummins and Kris Myers (Umphrey’s McGee), Jason Hann (The String Cheese Incident), John Norwood Fisher (Fishbone), Angelo Moore (Fishbone), Antwaun Stanley (Vulfpeck), Eric Moore (Suicidal Tendencies) Marcus Rezak (Shred is Dead, Gateway to the Galaxy) Jesse Clayton (Citizun)…and who knows who else will show up. The firepower coming off that small stage is going to melt the walls down. YOU THINK THAT’S IT ??? Nope.
Can’t really mention what’s going happen after that, but let’s just say, the night isn’t going to end when it usually does, and LA is going to grow up and act like a real city. Don’t miss this night, seriously, it doesn’t happen like this often. More info to come…
Joshua Cumming
Spin Cycle Presents (editorial)
I wasn’t sure what to expect heading to the third iteration of Dead in The Dome at the Wisedome LA. The first two were a blast, and the venue is the most unique you can find in LA. Over the last year the Wisdome has been hosting regular Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon shows, Jimi Hendrix, Funk night with Bootsy Collins, and Dumpstaphunk for NYE. The promoters are trying to bring some fantastic music regularly to LA, and it has been impressive to say the least.
But, this night was going to be different. The first Dead in Dome 1.0 had George Porter, Steve Kimock, Eric Krasno and company. Dead in Dome 2.0 was JGB with Melvin Seals and Steve Kimock. And both presented straightforward, rockin Grateful Dead music. This installment was George Porter and Steve Kimock again (both returning from playing Japan with Voodoo Dead), but also had original Dead organist and keyboardist Tom Constanten, Bob Bralove (keys), Papa Mali (vocals/guitar), Wally Ingram (Drums), and Scott Page (sax), and their mission was to recreate the 1991 Grateful Dead album Infrared Roses. This album was produced by Bob Bralove and stitched together some off the Dead’s best live performances of Space. Space being the section of music following Drums in a Dead show that has the whole band perform open ended, ‘spacey,’ jams that really fall into more of a jazz inspired sound at times.
OK, enough back ground. Honestly, I’ve never been a huge fan of Space. I’m not really well versed in jazz and at times I find myself not enjoying the Space portion of shows. With that caveat, I was excited to experience this show, and hopefully change my perspective about Space.
The Wisdome was awesome as always. There were a few vendors, and a Vegan food stand. It’s a mini Shakedown Street with a bunch of bars. There were also some great art exhibits in the various domes, the Android Jones display is worth checking out. In the main dome before the music was an artist performing. Not sure why this was happening in the main dome, because it ended up going long. Then they had to arrange the chairs. After a brief sound check that sounded amazing from outside they opened the dome and the crowd filed in.
After an introduction of the band the music started at 9:50. The band sounded fantastic. Kimock and Porter had obviously found a good grove together in Japan, and the opening jam was very spacey and had the whole band really take it a bit far out. I was starting to think they were actually doing the Infrared Roses set first, but just as that thought occurred GPJ dropped a familiar bass line and the whole band rolled into Sugaree. I should have noted earlier that the shows were also billed as a Rose and Love themed show due to Valentine’s Day, so Sugaree was a logical choice. GPJ took the vocal lead. Recently, when Robert Hunter passed, George thanked Robert for writing such a beautiful song and how honored he was to have sung it all these years.
As George was singing to the crowd to SHAKE IT, SHAKE IT SUGAREE in his signature gravely voice (its like Tom Waits singing the dead, ha ha), the band was finding their groove. Kimock playing his signature acoustic guitar (someone has to explain to me how he gets that electric tone from that thing, its wicked) got the crowd going with a pretty fierce solo and the show was rolling. Next up was Big Railroad Blues, not quite the love song I was expecting, and Papa Mali handled vocals. But the highlight of this song was Tom Constanten. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from the 75-year-old member of the Grateful Dead…but wow. He unleashed a solo during Big Railroad Blues that was ripping. He was the highlight of the night for sure, but unfortunately it seemed as though he wasn’t utilized as much as I had wished. The band fired off Bertha after that and Kimock again showed the crowd why he was one of Jerry’s favorite guitarists, scorching a solo and getting the vibe of the show moving a bit more.
The other real surprising musical highlight was Scott Page on saxophone. A touring member of Supertramp and Toto in the 1980’s, Page was asked by David Gilmour in 1986 to join the newest version of Pink Floyd. Scott is an insane saxophonist. I’ve seen him sit in with Gov't Mule in the past and he always brings an awesome layer of music to the shows.
Tonight was no different. At times it was Scott who kept the band together. When some of the songs wandered a bit, he would come blazing in on a sax riff and get everyone lined up again. Especially during Infrared Roses, where his musicianship really shined (more on that later). Much like a famous Eyes of the World of the past (looking at you Branford), the version tonight was a real sax highlight. With some dazzling visuals being displayed above on the dome ceiling, the band jammed an extended Eyes, with some amazing rhythm playing by Kimock while Page ripped sax solos over it. It was definitely one of the musical highlights of the night. The set ended with the always upbeat Deal that had the crowd on their feet. And the first set ended exactly an hour after it started.
After a 25-minute set break the crowd settled in for the Infrared Roses set. I found myself on one of the couches for the first time in my three visits to the dome, and I must say it’s quite an awesome way to experience the music and visuals. The couch, the dome, the visuals were absolutely perfect for this presentation of Space. It was WAY better than I expected. That’s not to say there weren’t parts that weren’t challenging as a listener, but there was much more rhythm and grooves, and much less open space and abstract sound than I expected. Every time it seemed to get a little disjointed, GPJ would find a bass groove and get the train back on track.
Scott page was the other real driving force during the Infrared set. Much like GPJ, when it seemed a bit chaotic, Scott would find a beautiful sax run to fill in the ‘space.’ Or at times he would kind of grab the jam and make it something of his own. Each member of the band had moments to shine. Again for a few brief moments Tom Constanten really killed it on the keys. There were two times during Infrared that he really let loose and it was impressive. The defining moment of the night for me personally was seeing TC play and how outstanding he really was.
It would be useless for me to break down every measure of the Infrared Set, but I’ll post a link to night one where someone more qualified than I has. Some other notes on the set was an outstanding moment by Bob Bralove on keyboards that really stood out. Bob was the musical director behind the original Infrared Roses album, and he served as the same role for these shows. George Porter Jar also had just a heart stopping extended bass solo that was blissful and powerful at the same time. The sound of his bass in that dome is a beautiful relationship.
And finally, the real backbone of the whole night was Wally Ingram on drums. Holy crap! I’m not really familiar with his work prior to tonight. I knew he toured with Bob and Phil on their duo tour in 2018, but he held parts of the Infrared Set together alone. His improvisational work during the set was outstanding. He continued to find creative sounds and ways to stay connected to the band and the jams. At times it was easy to get lost in the sound, and then you could find home base again focusing on the drums. He may not have been the most noticeable musician of the night, but like most great drummers, he held together what could have been a very easily discombobulated set.
The set lasted an hour, after which George noted they were short on time. On night one they played a four set encore, but tonight because of time restrictions the band played New Speedway Boogie>Other One Jam. Then wrapped up with George singing Black Muddy River with giant visuals of waterfalls and rolling rivers projected above on the dome. One quick note, although because of the later start due to the art show prior to the music (hope the remedy that before next time), the band scratched Smokestack Lightning, They Love Each Other, and I Know You Rider from the encore. I will say the brief Other One jam was out of this world. It seemed as it was Kimock’s decision to play it after discussing it with George, and Kimock used his guitar to ‘sing’ the lyrics to the Other One. It was a unique way to do The Other One. And the tone and sound coming from Kimock’s rig fired things up. It seemed like Kimock saved a lot during the show, but for this brief jam he really let loose.
Another great night in LA for Dead fans. The opportunity to see a legend like George Porter Jr and an original member of the Grateful Dead, Tom Constanten, play Dead music with stunning visuals over head (I forgot to mention, every time I go to the dome the visuals get better and better. The visuals paired with the Infrared Set made for awesome eye candy)…it’s not going to happen very often. The Infrared Set had never been done before and may never be presented like this again. It was done with great class, and delivered better than I had expected. Thanks Wisedome!!! Can’t wait to hear about the next one!!!
Joshua Cumming
Saturday night at the Teragram Ballroom in Los Angeles, CA, East coast mash-up band, Pink Talking Fish came strong with the deep cuts from the bands they represent (Pink Floyd, Talking Heads, Phish). Don't call this a cover or tribute band because they're something more than that, weaving in and out of all three bands music during a show to create a proggy musical tapestry that you can't help but give mad respect to.
All you have to do is look at the first set and see that the LA show was unique. No "greatest hits", no "fan favorites", just a whole lot of deep cut delight. "Flesh>Alumni>Jimmy Page>Psycho Killer>Jimmy Page>Alumni>Astro Domine>Nothing But Flowers" without a stop, seamlessly blending the three bands together beautifully. For the un-indoctrinated, that would be Pink Floyd-Phish-Phish-Talking Heads-Phish-Phish-Pink Floyd-Talking Heads. The set ending with "Root Down" and "Fight For Your Right to Party" by the Beastie Boys, done incredibly well, I might add and certainly riled up the near capacity crowd for second set.
In the Flesh>
Alumni Blues>
Letter to Jimmy Page>
Psycho Killer>
Letter to Jimmy Page>
Alumni Blues>
Astro Domine>
Nothing But Flowers
Reba>
Root Down
Fight For Your Right To Party
Once everyone had time to wrap their heads around what they just witnessed during the first set, PTF came out and delivered something a bit more familiar for the ancillary fans of the body of music. Phish's "Split Open and Melt" to kick it off certainly woke up anyone that was not yet on board. The familiar Pink Floyd classic "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" coming out of Talking Heads' "Found A Job" kept that going.
Special guest of the evening, Josh Eckhaus, from LA's own Phish tribute, Great Divide, sat in on the next tune, "Llama".
One of my favorite Talking Heads songs to hear is Naive Melody. I love it when they do it, Phish does it, anyone. It's just a great song so when PTF busted out those first few synth notes that are so familiar, I busted out my video setting. Judging from the people all singing along, I'm not the only one with this opinion.
This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) 2/1/2020 Teragram Ballroom, LA, CA
They closed out the set with Pink Floyd's "Run Like Hell" into Phish's "2001", a counterpoint to the first set Beastie Boys closer. But, as they say in the infomercials...there's more. The crowd wouldn't let them leave without one more and the band literally walked off the stage, turned around and came right back for a nice rendition of George Harrison's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps". A nice way to end the show.
Split Open and Melt
Found a Job>
Shine on You Crazy Diamond
Llama
This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)
Run Like Hell>
2001
E: While My Guitar Gently Weeps
I would be remiss if I didn't mention the 5th member of PTF, their Lighting Designer and all around bad ass, Vin Pugliese. To say that Vin crushed the visuals on Saturday night would be a gross understatement. Good job Vin! Please keep your eyes (and ears) peeled for an upcoming interview with Vin taking a look behind the curtain at what make the LD from PTF tick.
Los Angeles based Alligators, opened up the night. They play tribute to Grateful Dead keyboardist, Ron "Pigpen" McKernan and his catalogue of music.
Special thanks to Bill McCoy of Shakedown News for this review!
There are so many things to say about this band. Where to start?? Well, the obvious, they are a fusion band that plays Phish, Talking Heads, and Pink Floyd. At least that’s how they started, what they’ve evolved into is a super charged version of all three bands, with insane transitions, and surprise covers of all sorts of genres.
If you’re from the east coast PTF has been an institution of the Jam Scene for many years. Hosting countless after shows of Phish concerts all around the east coast, most recently in NYC during Phish’s annual NYE run at MSG. While they don’t play the west coast as frequently, recently the group has made an effort to spread their unique jam style to the Pacific Coast. They’re also scheduled to play in April at Skull and Roses in Ventura, along some of the best Dead inspired bands in the world.
Back to this Saturday Feb 1st at Teragram. A recent lineup change last year has vaulted this band into another stratosphere, especially their Phish songs. The band replaced guitarist Dave Brunyak, with Cal Kehoe. Cal, has an impressive connection to Phish. He has collaborated and played with Tom Marshall (Trey’s writing partner) in a band called “The Amfibian All Stars.” Cal is a wizard, and his addition has made the Phish songs standout. He’s also been selected to play the Official VIP Pre show of various Phish concerts as a solo artist, where he loops multiple sounds to create amazing covers (catch it if you get a chance). He channels Trey’s technique while adding his on style. I caught this new PTF lineup last March at the Teragram, and I was melted away. He’s added such a dynamic to the band, and the Phish tunes just explode.
Eric Gould holds it down on Bass and lead vocals, while Richard James plays keyboards and also shares lead vocal duties. Zack Burwick is on drums, and you can tell the three of these guys have played 100’s of shows together. Ripping jams, crazy transitions, interweaving songs you didn’t even know could be woven together. I guess they’re a “cover” band by definition, but they make the songs their own. Check them out LA, you tell me…does Pink Floyd’s ‘On The Run’ fit perfectly into the middle of Phish’s YEM?
Does a segue of Run Like Hell (Floyd)>Making Flippy Floppy(Heads)>Piper(Phish)>Run Like Hell sound like fun???
Or how about their idea of a Mike’s Groove… Mike’s Song(Phish)>Have A Cigar(Floyd)>Once In A Lifetime(Heads)>Weekapaug Groove(Phish)
This Saturday at Teragram. 9PM. Don’t miss it!
Opening Act: The Alligators. To my knowledge The Alligators are the only local Grateful Dead cover band that focuses on Pigpen era Dead music, and it’s as amazing as it sounds. Do you enjoy blues music? Do you like ripping harmonica? Do you enjoy whiskey? Then this is the band for you. Saw them after Dead and Co. at the Hollywood Bowl last year. Their energy is off the charts. Their frontman Pete “Pen” Carona is a whirlwind, giving an over the top performance, that has to be seen to describe. Words truly don’t do it justice. Enjoy!