Psychedelic Sunday Live Stream Series

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Spin 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.

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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

Psychedelic Jams Light Up TRiP Santa Monica

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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