Technicolor Motor Home Inspires Babylon Sisters

There is a new band in town, a 'Steely Dan' Tribute band named 'Technicolor Motor Home' and they are truly amazing!  It was due to this new band that I was inspired to create this funky digital collage art piece called 'Oh Those Babylon Sisters!' Constantly for weeks, I had an earworm in my head singing "Babylon sisters...shake it!" Anyone who knows the song may recognize some of the symbolism from the lyrics in the image. I had a fun time creating this artwork, even though right now the earworm is starting up again singing, "You got to shake it baby. You got to shake it baby. Shake it!" Yes, I certainly foresee more song inspired artwork to come! Ideas are already formin' in me head! (Click images to view larger, then hit back button.) (Credits for collage elements I used at bottom of post.)

If you live in the Maryland area 'Technicolor Motor Home' is a must see event!  Wowie Zowie!  The excitement for this powerful 10 piece band was felt by everyone at their incredible debut performance at the Recher Theater in Towson Maryland Feb 25.

When you listen and watch the video's posted down below of the bands premier performance you will not believe that they only had a few rehearsals, due to snow and ice storms occurring every time a rehearsal was scheduled. 'Technicolor Motor Home' persevered by drawing on the mechanized hum of another world. And now I can have more crazy fun playing with motor home images like the one below! I see a trend happening....

The success of their debut performance is a sign of the supreme musicianship and talent recruited for this band by the perennially barefooted Glenn Workman, who put this project together. Glenn plays keyboards, and sings most of the songs in their repertoire.

Steely Dan music is difficult and challenging to learn, because of the deep jazz influences and constant changes occurring during each song. You really need to know your stuff to do this material correctly. The musicians in 'Technicolor Motor Home' are well known as some of the best in Maryland, and you will see many smiles in the crowd for 'Technicolor Motor Home', as they really do justice to these great songs. As amazing as this band is now, it is going to get even better!

The horn section of the band is powerful and adds a fullness to the sound, recreating the Steely Dan songs as they were meant to be played. During the concert the hard core Steely Dan fans appreciated the sound created by Jim McFalls on Trombone, Dave Makowiecki on Trumpet, and Barry Caudill on Saxophone.

The backup singers Meg Murray and Kelly Butcher provide the authentic details that this music requires.

Mark St. Pierre on drums, and Anthony Setola on bass, play the perfect Steely Dan riffs and rhythms.

Ben Sherman and Bryan Ewald, both incredible guitarists, add the spark to the infamous Steely Dan guitar solos. Along with playing lead guitar Ben Sherman also sings lead vocals on some SD songs.

This is the band to see in Baltimore! Keep an eye on the 'Technicolor Motor Home' schedule for the word is out on this powerhouse band!

'Oh Those Babylon Sisters!' are ready to rock and highly recommend you enjoy the following two videos of 'Technicolor Motor Home' Live!  

Visit the colorful TMH You Tube page for more great music videos! You are invited to be a friend at their TMH facebook page here.  

Note: This is only the second time I tried using a hand held video device which is Kodak's version of a Flip. I think the visual quality is pretty good for web. The sound is from the live mixing board at 'The Recher Theater' by Keith Nachodsky. Next time I hope to try out the zoom button! (For anyone who may not know, the awesome guitarist Ben Sherman is the Painting Queen's King! Love to hear him play!!!)

Credits: 
Photos and videos by Crystal Sherman,
Babylon Sisters Artwork Copyright 2011 by Crystal Sherman/Crystal Visions Art
Elements used in digital collage: Tumble Fish Studios - (Jubilant, Ethereal, Splendor), Rasberry Road Designs - (Domestic Goddess, Grungy Alpha), Deviant Scrap - (Beth Rimmer (Romance), Finecrafted Designs (Zetti Revamp) Holliewood Studios (Random Alpha) SherrieJD (License Letters), Texture: Shadowhouse Creations - (Odds and Ends)

The Gypsy Nomads Make Out

Recent news is that "The Gypsy Nomads" have changed their name to 'Frenchy And The Punk'. The two talented and much loved musicians are on the road spreading the magical gypsy punk vibe of their own original song list most of the year!  Just look on their facebook page to get updates about what part of the United States they are currently driving!
 

We first met up with hard working musical couple Samantha and Scott at 'Faerie Con' in Philly. Ben and I strolled into the colorful second floor bar in Philadelphia's famous 'Trocadero' and were immediately captured by the dynamic presence of 'The Gypsy Nomads' as they performed on the old vaudevillian burlesque stage. Wow!

An incredible energetic couple... they sang, danced and played their way into our hearts. We began spreading the word about this gem of a duo that belonged on the main stage of Faerie Con! Truthfully... I really wanted to 'be' Samantha pounding out those rhythms!

French born Brit Samantha Stephenson and Scott Helland of 'Frenchy and the Punk' have since become one our favorite acts on the festival circuit. The New York duo have created a unique musical style all their own that pulls you into their web of swirling rhythms! 

A unique mix of soul stirring tribal percussion, french cabaret singing, multi-layered acoustic guitar riffs, with a lot of Celtic spice, this gypsy flavored theatrical music takes you back in time.

Scott is the only other acoustic guitarist, besides Ben, that I have seen, who is able to use a looping pedal to it's full potential; playing, self recording, and creating on the spot multi-layered sound, making for a powerful richly textured musical experience. Scott also does his fair share of pounding on the drums and singing!

The mystical tribal beats of the 'Gypsy Nomads' percussion vibrate across the crowd. Musically and visually mesmerizing, Samantha and Scott encircle everyone with their rhythms.

Scott and Samantha playfully interact with each other spreading their joy and laughter into the audience. The duo's on-stage chemistry expresses their enthusiasm for their nomadic musical profession. Unable to take your eyes off of them, "Frenchy and the Punk" will charm you with their musical stories and move you to dance. 

 

This kinetic couple is a must see, if you find they are scheduled for a show in your area, go enjoy them live!  And for readers of this blog in other countries, "Look Out!" they are headed to Europe in April. Dates are already booked for France and England. 

We have enjoyed seeing them on stage in Pennsylvania at the awesome 'Spoutwood Fairy Festival', and every year at 'Faerie Con' and 'Mythic Faire' which are both now held in Maryland. Gypsy Nomads play a long list of creative festival events all across the country.

The Nomads are home for the holidays in New York this month, and the couple is running an auction every day on EBAY to raise funds. They are even going to write a song for someone! You can go to their facebook page to see the activity of that online event in which they post a quirky photo racing the next item to the post office.

If you do get out to a venue to see "Frenchy and the Punk" perform live, visit their merchandise booth where you will find items they have designed with Scott's own intricate graphic artwork. Their t-shirts and guitar shaped sticker designs are really very cool. 
When you talk with them you will find these Gypsy Nomads are quite friendly folk, and the kind of warm souls whom when talking with you, are totally in the moment. Truly kind joyful spirits.

Inspired by Samantha's chanteuse spirit and British/French roots,
I created this digital collage artwork of her channeling the old world muse. You can click on this image to view the details much larger. 

There is Ben with Samantha and Scott when we saw them at 'Renn Con/Mythic Faire' last year. We introduced their music to my daughter and she also immediately bought a CD and a guitar sticker at the merch booth. Our little granddaughter Aowyn was happily dancing to the rhythms... yes, we all were twirling in our skirts!  
Well not Ben. Twirling in his skirt I mean. Oh what a giveaway!

Visit the "Frenchy and the Punk" website for more information and to purchase their CD's. There are wonderful photographs of the vivacious duo on their website that are also well worth checking out! They just released a video of one of their original songs "Make Out" that you can enjoy below. Your toes will be tapping.
 


All Photos and Images Copyright 2011 Crystal Sherman, 
AKA The Painting Queen

Credits: Photography and Digital Backgrounds - The Painting Queen,  
Textures - Jerry of Shadowhouse Creations, and The Painting Queen, Ephemera - Marie's Freebies and The Graphics Fairy, Glass Negative - Christina Renee Designs

Getting Wiggy With It... At Honfest

We've got your 'Hons'... and they're right here in Bawlmer Merlin Hon!  There is a fantabulous phenom in Baltimore called 'The Hon'...  

She was made famous by Baltimore film maker John Waters in movies like "Pink Flamingos," "Polyester," and the original movie and eventual Broadway hit "Hairspray." Hon is short for the term of endearment 'Honey." Which is what I usually call my own hubby... as in "Hey Hon, whatcha doin' Hon!" 

The fab 'Hons' we are talking about here are the big bold B'more ladies with mile high beehives and a big helping of friendly sass.  

The more gaudy and covered in baubles n' baggage, well...the better for shopping and walking 'downy avenue' in Hamden Hon! Must be where Marge Simpson got her good looks. 

If you get the feeling that the Hon is a very revered woman in Bawlmer you may be correct. For the Bawlmer Hon is celebrated every year at the Honfest in kitschy hot pink flamingo style!  The Baltimore neighborhood of Hamden becomes a colorful streetfest full of those loveable tacky trashy 'Hons!' Everyone is invited to join in the fun!

 
This is one of the most wacky wonderful festivals you could ever attend! If you are a people watcher, this is surely hot pink n' purple paradise for you! Smiles fill the air...as well as pink flamingos!

The Honfest was started by Denise Whiting owner of the 'Cafe Hon' because the annual contest for the 'Best Baltimore Hon' at her restaurant became so gosh darn popular!  Below is the iconic fixture of Hamden's 'Cafe Hon'... "Big Pink!" You gotta love it!!!

The 'Cafe Hon' is a mecca for Hon lovers. In business for 18 years 
I think they know their Hons! So you can go learn more at the Cafe Hon web site which is chock full of info... on... well...Hon-ness!
 

You will find Hons both young and old dressing in this fab gear garb. The look is: colorful sixties, some sparkle, some trash, some blue eye shadow, a tower of hair well encrusted with hairspray, and a mad dash of Elvis for retro snazz. So join in and get wiggy with it!

If you need help getting your 'do' piled high, they got you covered in the foo-foo gorgeous 'Glamour Lounge' right on the avenue Hon! Relax on the sofa, and be one with the Hon you know you are!
 

This funky festival has lots-o-foodie treats, live bands, and Hot Hon glam supplies for your inner child's dress-up-pleasure. The contest for the 'Best Baltimore Hon' is still a highlight of this weekend event and here is this years reigning Queen! Isn't she lovely?

 
One thing you need to do before you come to the Honfest is to learn some Bawlmerese. Then you will understand the locals and street signs like the one below. Oh and that's Denise on the nifty sign with her pal big 'E.' They are keepin' it real and tellen' ya where to go!

Let's check in with the magic of this Honfest video just to learn a few more tips about looking 'bootiful' gals! You know you are going to have fun while you stroll 'downy avenue' in your hot pink feather boa and cats eye shades! Because "youz is lookin real purdy now Hon!"

Oh there is my hubby with our pink smoothies getting flocked! 

Aowyn was out wandering amongst the flamingo's too, and was a bit startled by the pink plastic goodness. She was not quite sure if the pretty in pink birds of this Flamingo Land were real or not!

'Hectic Red'... the absolute best Baltimore Classic Rock Band were at the Honfest! Whoo Hoo! Does not get any better than this Hon!

Everyone of all ages loves classic rock...even Hons! Take a listen to Hectic Red Live on this video and you will see why I have been a fan of those Bawlmer boys for 23 years!

There's the hubby again... the fantabulously talented Ben Sherman doing his amazing guitar thing! Yes... he is the man and my King! 
Am I lucky or whatttttttt??!!!

The Honfest Volunteers were rockin' to Hectic Red and giving them the thumbs up! Everyone young and old is dancing and moving!

Rich Filbert enjoying the energy of the Honfest crowd!

Hons were observed gathering near the big red machine!

Danny Grim was giving a shout out to the Hons, and suddenly there was a rainstorm in the middle of the Hectic Red show. The crowd came back from their shelters fifteen minutes later to sunshine and more great classic rock! Everybody is happy and dancing with joy!

To open the rain delay second half, the Hectic Red guys sang their own tribute to the Bawlmer Hon. They tickled the crowd with Bawlmerese accents to the very appropriate song by Queen, "Fat Bottom girls." (Sound is distorted by the fan's cell phone being next to the speaker stack...view the You Tube of that moment here.)
 

John Suchy wearing the Hon pink and wowing everyone with his keyboards, guitar and vocals.

At the end of the evening the crowd began chanting and flickin' their bics requesting an encore please!...and another!

Two encores were enticed by the Honfest crowd and Hectic Red gladly filled the requests. So everyone left into the sunset of the evening at Roosevelt Park and 36th Street in Hamden quite happy Hon!

I got in on some Hon action to celebrate the Baltimore Hon, and designed a line of clothing and merchandise for the Hectic Red store at Shermanator Gear 2. Now you can go get your Hon on too!

This past weekend Hectic Red's gig had a Halloween contest included. As synchronicity would have it, the winner was a little one who had asked her mommy to buy her a Hon wig while at this years Honfest. That beehive wig was almost as tall as she was! Her purse is made from labels of the local brew 'National Bohemian', which in Bawlmerese is called a "Natty Bo." Forget the Twilight crowd on Halloween...this girl was a Bawlmer stylin' Hon... and won!

 So ends this super pink Honfest post.... 
I hope you enjoyed your experience......... Hon!

Credits: Frames: Coffee Shop Blog's Vintage template pack from kpauli flicker, First Hectic Red Group Photo elements: Itkupilli - Test sheet items, Random Alpha - Deviant Scrap/Holliwood Studios