MIT Live Music Connection

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February 12, 2010

New Spring Concert Series and More!

 The Mission of the MIT Live Music Connection (LMC) is to bring live music and those who enjoy it together on campus.  We provide a great venue and recording for bands, publicity for musicians, and free live music for all.

The MIT LMC is excited to bring back the MIT Concert Series by popular demand.

We are also very excited to announce that MIT has agreed to fund some new audio equipment, which means better sound and recording for the bands, and a better music experience for MIT.

Our Spring 2010 Series is currently as follows (booking is still open for the last slot):

2/17 Info Session for those interested in applying for LMC-Exec.

2/26 Capricho, Technicolor (Debut Show)
3/2 The Shallow Romantics, Supa Dupa
4/2 Crossroads, Solo Artist Levi Schmidt (Album Release Show)
4/16 ExFix (MIT Alumni Band), Jennifer Greer 
5/7 Technicolor, Just Krista, The Guitar Knives
(All events held on the MIT Student Center 3rd Floor, and are provided with pro-level lighting and sound)
(Performing artists receive live multitrack recordings, raw-format and compressed, as well as digital video, all courtesy of the LMC.)

We are very excited to also be hosting a few new events, still in the works (Bring Your Own Guitar Night, Live Jam Sessions, Equipment Seminars, etc.) as well as a CD to be released next semester of the 2009-2010 Season.

We will definitely update you on those dates as we get closer to kicking off the series and the semester.

For more information, please don't hesitate to contact us at lmc-exec@mit.edu

The MIT LMC couldn't be more excited about the new semester.  Join us for these and many more ways to enjoy the music!

Posted by kevin rustagi 

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December 16, 2009

MIT Live Music Connection Fall 2009

5 Shows.  7 Bands. Hundreds of MIT students and affiliates enjoying great live music at MIT, destressing, unwinding, and generally having a great time.  Thanks to everyone for helping to bring live music back to MIT!

This shows excerpts from our inaugural concert series - Fall 2009; It also provides insight from the musicians' perspective on the club.

We're very excited about the bright future for this club and for the music scene at MIT.

Feel free to check out the entries below for details on each show from this past semester. 

Also, please feel free to email us if you are interested in performing or helping out with the LMC at lmc-exec@mit.edu

We can't wait to move forward into next semester - stay tuned for dates on the upcoming Live! @ MIT Spring 2010 Concert Series and Events Schedule brought to you by the MIT Live Music Connection!

Enjoy!

Posted by MIT Live Music Connection 

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December 15, 2009

Flamenco Nights - Capricho hosted by the LMC

via youtube.com

Enjoy this video of the LMC sponsored - flamenco fusion performance by Capricho. We were so glad that they could come out and play for us that they're coming back!

That's right - on 2/26 they'll be performing at the Mezzanine Lounge, across from the Coffeehouse on the 3rd floor of the MIT student Center.

We'll have more information about the upcoming Spring 2010 Concert Series - we're very excited to be bringing back some of your favorite MIT bands from last semester as well as some exciting new acts.

Thanks so much to Capricho for creating this excellent montage of that great night.

Hope to see you there on the 26th!

For booking and more information about Capricho  - please contact them at info@vivacapricho.com

 

Posted by kevin rustagi 

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December 4, 2009

Levi Schmidt and The Guitar Knives Finish the Fall Concert Series! 12-4-2009

     

Photos: Levi Schmidt (MIT Solo Artist), MIT band The Guitar Knives (from left: Alex Arambula, Kevin Rustagi, Tom Cervantes), Fans watch as Levi graces the stage  (credit: Aaron Thom)

I Don't Mind (Live) by Levi Schmidt  

Sammy, Joseph, Francis (Live) by Levi Schmidt  

Get Away (Live) by The Guitar Knives  

Where They Were (Live) by The Guitar Knives  

Live Music (Recorded at the Show): I Don't Mind (Levi Schmidt Original), Sammy,Joseph, Francis (Levi Schmidt Original), Get Away (GK original), Where They Were (GK original)

Band Contact:

Show Overview: The Live Music Connection finished of its new Fall Concert Series on December 4th. As the final concert of a new series, this marked the end of the first phase of the rebirth of live music at MIT. 

Levi Schmidt (http://www.myspace.com/levischmidtmusic) marked himself as an experienced player capable of handling any performance landscape.  The crowd was indeed a bit sparse that night due to an unfortunate location and some conflicting events.  No matter.  Levi provided an easygoing climate for the brave fans that came.    

He had a pleasant set that demonstrated his breadth and comfort of and with his original set list.  Listeners unwound as this MIT artist conveyed his sincere emotions to them.  He plays often but this cozy show provided a unique opportunity for everyone to feel like Levi was playing just for them.

Levi has just been signed to a local recording label, Birch Beer Records.  The LMC congratulates Levi on this next big step in his musical career and we look forward to hosting a CD release show in the near future.

The Guitar Knives (http://theguitarknives.com) took the friendly crowd in stride.  True performers, they used this as an opportunity to hone their personalized performance skills.  As they mixed up their set with a few clever covers, Smashmouth's All Star and Chuck Berry's Johnny B. Goode, the crowd saw that they can cover the classics. 

The night saw the introduction of a new original, My Darling, The Guitar Knives' first original acoustic number.  Though this one was a bit more peaceful than we're used to seeing from them, it most definitely had that signature GK sound, with solo pieces from drummer Kevin Rustagi (playing guitar for the song) and guitarist Alex Arambula on electric guitar. 

The Guitar Knives look forward to playing with the LMC again and are currently looking forward to rounding out their set with a few more originals.  We look forward to seeing what's next from this up and coming MIT-based band.

The final event of the semester for the LMC saw some wonderful music, and we look forward to another show featuring these groups.

Thanks so much to all of the groups that helped make this concert series a reality.  We are currently expanding and will be actively recruiting for the group. If you're at all interested in helping out or playing in our shows/events, please don't hesitate to email us at lmc-exec@mit.edu

Look out for the return of the Live! @ MIT Spring Concert Series dates coming soon!

Posted by kevin rustagi 

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November 20, 2009

Hester and the Prynnes (A Jazz Creation) Show #4 of the Fall Series! 11-20-2009

     
Photos: The band in full swing, Tommy Ciesielski, '11 leads the way (credit: Aaron Thom, MIT Tech)

The Girl From Ipanema by Hester And The Prynnes  

Hester And The Prynnes - Inspector Gadget W/Drum And Bass Solo11 - 20 by Hester And The Prynnes  

Hey Ya! by Hester And The Prynnes (Outkas  

Live Music (Recorded at the Show): The Girl from Ipanema, Inspector Gadget Theme (with Drum Solo and Bass Guitar on Keys Solo), Hey Yea (Outkast)

Band Contact: sbmani@mit.edu

Show Overview: The Live Music Connection partnered with SaveTFP for a Coffeehouse Revival event, with the goal of bringing back the spirit of the Coffeehouse, and the event was a wonderful display of the talent that MIT has to offer in its students. Throughout the night, around 45 people came to see Hester and the Prynnes, as well as to partake in some excellent coffee and pastries courtesy of SaveTFP (Thanks for working with us on this one!.)

Mixing it up with classic jazz numbers and contemporary tunes, Hester and the Prynnes delivered it all in a solid 1.5 hr set. Although the band played with a simple setup of just keyboards (Josh Hester, '11), sax (Tommy Ciesielski, '11) and percussion (Balaji Mani, '10), Hester and the Prynnes were able to truly connect with everyone in the room. 

Many people stayed for the entire performance, held captivated by the vibe of the group as well, highlighting the skill the band demonstrated.  True enough, Tommy Cesielski's saxophone, the main instrument was indeed hard to ignore as the band soared with ease through the music.  A lighthearted atmosphere filled the room as the stress of a hard week at MIT melted away on the mellifluous tones of the experienced jazz musicians.

Hester and the Prynnes played some fun crowd-pleasers, among them Hey Yeah (Outkast), Sesame Street/ Under the Sea, I Got You [I Feel Good] (James Brown) and Umbrella (Rihanna). But the band made made sure to also get serious, playing an excellent versions of classics such as The Girl from Ipanema and My Funny Valentine, among others.

This concert, the first LMC event done in conjunction with SaveTFP, was an absolute success, and we look forward to the next time we get to the Hester and the Prynnes live! at MIT.

Posted by kevin rustagi 

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November 13, 2009

Capricho and Castle Bravo Show #3 of the Fall Series! 11-13-2009

     

Photos: Capricho graces the stage, Castle Bravo rocking out, Castle Bravo together after the show

Can't Always Know (Live) by Capricho  

Freebird (Live) by Castle Bravo (Cover Lynyrd Sky  

Live Music (Recorded at the Show): A promising original from Capricho - Currently recording an album - for more information visit their website listed below, Castle Bravo Rocking Out to a Lynyrd Skynyrd classic

Band Contact: 
Capricho - info@vivacapricho.com, http://vivacapricho.com
Castle Bravo - castlebravo@mit.edu, http://castlebravo.mit.edu


Show Overview:  Once again, the MIT Student Center was filled with the sounds of dynamic student music.  Despite numerous concurring events, we had a great turnout.  Over the course of the night, over 125 members of the MIT community were entertained and soothed by the engaging music of Capricho and Castle Bravo.

Capricho (http://vivacapricho.com) came with a wonderful medley of flamenco fusion.  A multi-piece band, they grabbed their diverse audience's attention with a mix of originals and covers. Their audience highlighted MIT's diverse student population.  Numerous International students as well as fellow students of Middle Eastern and European descent were interspersed throughout the crowd enjoying the music.  To look out into the audience was to see the fact that music transcends race and brings people together.  Xavier Gonzalez, the band's vocal lead, brought the students together stating openly in an improvisational section, "You and me - we're from the same town."

Castle Bravo (http://castlebravo.mit.edu) followed up with a blast from the past, showing MIT what it means to rock out.  The classic rock scene on campus has seen growing enthusiasm over the past few years and Castle Bravo executed a mix of covers and originals quite nicely to this effect.  LMC exec members could be seen in the back air-guitaring profusely as guitarist, Ethan Bates '10 on the guitar reminded us why people yell 'Freebird!' at concerts.  They came. They saw. They rocked.

Thanks so much to these two amazing bands for working with us to bring their music to the forefront on campus in order to help improve student life.  And of course, thanks to the students who came out and enjoyed the music.  You are the reason we are working to deliver this.

It was quite an eventful 3rd show for the LMC 2009 Inaugural Fall Concert Series.  We ramped up our recording setup for the bands, and we were able to deliver the enjoyment of live music on campus to more members of the MIT community than ever before

Posted by MIT Live Music Connection 

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October 30, 2009

Intergalactic Space Gunk and Supa Dupa Show #2 of the Fall Series! 10-30-2009

     
Photos: Supa Dupa in control of the Coffeehouse, Space Gunk in a Groove, Supa Dupa: Gypsy-Pirates

Everything's Better by Supa Dupa  

Oy! by Supa Dupa  

Live Music (Recorded at the Show): Everything's Better (Supa Dupa), Oy! (Supa Dupa)

Band Contact:

Intergalactic Space Gunk -  apmiller@mit.edu,
Supa Dupa - barryk@mit.edu

Show Overview:  The Coffeehouse Lounge proved to be a cozy and engaging venue for the second show of the concert series.  The diversity of the MIT community was evident in the breadth of genre heard by over 40 audience members that night.

Intergalactic Space Gunk opened the show with bass-driven funk grooves reminiscent of George Clinton.  Listeners were wowed the technical skill level of their bass, brass, and drums combination.  Impressive stage lighting and Space Gunk's groovy melodies radiated from the Coffeehouse Lounge, even drawing listeners from nearby events. 

Supa Dupa (http://web.mit.edu/barryk/Public/supadupa/main.html) then took the stage, transforming the room with their self-described gypsy pirate rock genre.  Each member of Supa Dupa sported colorful headbands/wristbands, and played diverse instruments ranging from a violin to an accordion.  An experienced performing band, Supa Dupa brought a strong core of fans to the show and had them clapping and chanting along to their songs.  On December 16th Supa Dupa will be releasing their first album- more details on the website linked above!

The Coffeehouse debut was a pleasing success- a crowd of 40 people comfortably filled the Coffeehouse Lounge for this fun and diverse performance.  The quality of the show proved that the Coffeehouse can be transformed into a stunning venue (with a little help from E33 Productions and the Live Music Connection)

Posted from Cambridge, MA
Posted by kevin rustagi 

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October 16, 2009

Levi Schmidt and The Guitar Knives Kick off the Fall Concert Series! 10-16-2009

       
Photos: Alex Arambula, '12 on lead guitar and vocals, Kevin Rustagi, '11 on drums and vocals, Tom Cervantes, '11 on bass and vocals, Levi Schmidt, (credit: Jessica Lin, MIT Tech) '10 belts it out from the heart to a peaceful audience.

Sammy, Joseph, Francis by Levi Schmidt  

Jump! (Live) by The Guitar Knives  

Running To Stand Still (Live) by The Guitar Knives (Cover U2)  

Live Music (Recorded at the Show): Sammy,Joseph, Francis (Levi Schmidt Original), Jump! (GK original), Running to Stand Still (U2 cover)

Band Contact:

Show Overview: The Live Music Connection premiered its new Fall Concert Series on Oct 16th. As the first concert of a new series, a lot depended on the success of this event.  Here's how it happened.

Levi Schmidt (www.myspace.com/levischmidtmusic) opened with an amazing acoustic set that highlighted his fusion of acoustic guitar and hip-hop and rap. Levi proved himself to be a master of the acoustic guitar, using it to complement his unique rhythmic style and lyrics. Levi is one with the crowd and was very personable in between songs.  He's like your best friend, who just happens to be up on stage. The crowd received his performance extremely well, and the LMC looks forward to hosting him again in the near future.

The Guitar Knives (http://theguitarknives.com) came on next, starting with an AC/DC-style rocker, "Get Away", that got people moving. By the third song, the crowd was on its feet, jumping and dancing along to the music. The crowd was pumped up by the Guitar Knives' songs, refusing to sit down even during the rock ballad "The Red Switch". Closing out with a reprise of Jump, the crowd was *literally* jumping to the chorus. Proving themselves to be more than a one-trick pony, the Guitar Knives music spanned across many styles, mixing in original material with covers. 

With over 75 people in attendance, the inaugural event for the LMC was a great success, and we look forward to another show featuring these groups.

Look out for Levi Schmidt and The Guitar Knives returning to finish out the Fall Concert Series on December 4th!

Posted from Cambridge, MA
Posted by kevin rustagi 

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October 16, 2009

Genesis - The Connection Begins - 2009 Fall Concert Series!

Photo: MIT Power Trio The Guitar Knives on Stage - From Left - Kevin Rustagi (Drums), Tom Cervantes (Bass/Piano), Alejandro Arambula (Guitar)

The MIT Live Music Connection, a newly recognized MIT student group just held our inaugural event.

Thanks to all those who came out!  We hope you enjoyed it - Thanks so much to Levi Schmidt and The Guitar Knives for helping us kick off our Fall Concert Series!  The Fall Concert Series will host all MIT student bands.  This series will provide the bands with an accessible venue for both the bands and their fans.  This will in turn help foster the live music scene ond student life on campus.

 Music and More Photos to be posted soon!

The MIT Live Music Connection is a group that exists for the active promotion and collaboration of musicians on MIT's campus.  We want to bring groups together in a variety of ways that can help foster a sense of community here on campus.

Here's the Fall Concert Series Schedule:

10/16  - (Mezzanine) Levi Schmidt,  The Guitar Knives

10/30 (Coffeehouse Lounge) - Intergalactic Space Gunk, Supa Dupa

11/13 (Mezzanine)- Castle Bravo, Capricho

11/20 (Coffeehouse Lounge)- Hester and the Prynnes (A Jazz Creation) - partnering with SaveTFP for a Coffeehouse Revival

12/4  (Mezzanine) - Levi Schmidt, The Guitar Knives

We hope to see you there!

Please feel free to email us with any ideas for the new group.  We're working a lot on how to best serve the MIT Live Music community in the short and long-term future.

-Kevin Rustagi, Co-President MIT Live Music Connection.

Posted by kevin rustagi 

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