The Writer’s Hang, a showcase of national modern singer/songwriters in Hoboken, will feature Patti Rothberg and Ben Arnold on Sept. 5.
Rothberg, a New York City-based singer, received plenty of attention for her major label debut, Between the 1 and 9 (EMI Records). Critics and fans alike were struck by her raw honesty and groovin’ folk rock. She’s appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman and the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. She has also toured nationally with acts like the Black Crowes, The Wallflowers, Chris Isaak, and Paul Westerberg. She recently released her long-awaited sophomore effort Candelabra Cadabra.
In addition to Rothberg, popular Philadelphia-based artist Ben Arnold will delight audiences with his timeless, punchy and poignant pop songs. Performing Songwriter magazine called his last indie CD one of the Top 12 in the nation. In 1996, hip-hop label Ruffhouse/Columbia released his masterful Almost Speechless as their key into the pop/alternative world. Arnold is currently making a huge buzz with his side band 4 Way Street, and has a new solo record due out in the fall.
"This is an amazing line-up," said Scott E. Moore, host of the Writer’s Hang.
The show will be held at the Goldhawk at 936 Park Ave. Doors open at 8 p.m. and tickets are $7. For more information call (201) 420-7989 or visit www.wingtip.net.
Mad Happy
Mike Ill has probably done, seen, and just plain lived more than your average insulated rock star, yet in many ways, he’s only just begun. While many young upstarts are going back to the basement to study their folk music and new-wave albums, Ill and his Mad Happy crew are roaring through the timeline of popular music to deliver rough-around-the-edges rock that is unique.
Ill, a Hobokenite, has always operated outside the prevailing trends. His first recording was as a bassist for the early ’90s band Sweet Lizard Illtet. The fiercely rhythmic combo was signed by Warner Bros. and it spliced together hip-hop, hard rock, industrial grooves, and jazz. After the band split, Ill formed Mad Happy. The band has been playing regionally and on Sept. 7, they will perform at CBGBs in New York City at 11 p.m.
"We’re bringing in a couple of bands from Memphis and West Virginia and this will be our second New York show since the release of our CD in April," Ill said, during a phone interview.
For more information on the show visit www.madhappy.tv. Mad Happy’s Feel Good Music album is available on Bar/None Records. For a sample of their music visit www.bar-none.com. – E. Mulero