An evening with Fran Smith, Jr. & Friends

Saturday August 22nd @ 8:00pm

Tickets are $12.

http://www.myspace.com/fransmithjr

Sweet Namaste

June 6th @ 8:00pm

Tickets are $12.
Click here to purchase advance tickets using Paypal or Credit Card.

Robin and I met in January of 2007 at grooveground coffee shop in Collingswood, New Jersey. We were both there to attend a monthly women’s social gathering (the LSN 2nd Thursday coffee night). Robin was talking to one of the members about her music and they casually told her that she should meet me since I also play music. By the end of the night we had met, talked about our passion for music, and she told me that the all-women’s band she played with, Miss All the Fun, had a show coming up soon. I, of course, said I’d be there to hear them. I attended the show and liked their music…..and was sure to give Robin one of my CD’s after the show. The outcome was that the band listened to my CD and invited me to become a member of Miss All the Fun. It was a blast…..and Robin and I knew there was an instant musical connection as we interacted at rehearsals and on stage.

By summer of 2007, the members of Miss All the Fun were having trouble coordinating schedules and making the commitment to continue the band. But Robin and I were beginning to find an entirely new connection. We brought our instruments to the LSN picnic at Cooper River and informally “jammed” together. By the end of the picnic, we had a huge circle of women gathered ’round and realized that the musical energy between us may have a life independent of Miss All the Fun.

Another opportunity presented itself when I was asked to play a set at the LSN coffee night. I asked Robin if she’d sit in with me, and she graciously accepted. I remember being dumbfounded at the way she was playing along so perfectly with my songs, most of which she hadn’t ever heard before. It was as if she inherently “knew” my songs, and I have to admit that having her at my side during the performance gave me a confidence that allowed me to be more relaxed than ever on stage. It was a magical night. We felt it, the audience felt it. It was clear that we had something. And as we talked about it over the next few weeks, it became clear that we’d been presented with a huge opportunity……and both of us were absolutely willing to commit to seeing where it could lead.

And so……Sweet Namaste was born. As we’ve taken the first steps of this journey, we’ve felt so incredibly loved and supported. Friends have been there every step of the way, the women’s community has spread the word, and our following is growing by leaps and bounds. We’re surprised, but honored, at each gig as we see so many new faces…..people who have heard about us from friends or acquaintances, and venture out to see for themselves what Sweet Namaste is all about. And so the circle grows and the journey continues.

We started because the hand of fate nudged us together. We continue because we love the music and we LOVE playing for you! We’re so grateful to those of you who are sharing the journey with us. Hold on tight……it’s gonna be a great ride!!!

With love and thanks……

Namaste,

Sue and Robin

Billy Harner
with special guest The Riders

July 18th @ 8:00pm

Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door.
Click here to purchase advance tickets using Paypal or Credit Card

Something very special happened one day at West Jersey Hospital in Camden, New Jersey, Billy Harner was born. This future legend was brought home from the maternity ward to grow up in Pine Hill, New Jersey, a quaint little town nestled in the suburbs of Philadelphia. This small wonder was later to be nick named by the great DJ, Hy Lit, as “The Human Perkulator” because of his strong voice and energy-packed stage performances, Billy Harner, the Godfather of Blue-Eyed Soul was now alive and kicking. Billy has said many times, “I think I started singing on the way out of my mother’s womb”, but it was his beloved Grandmother who landed little Billy his first pro gig by the age of six at the Avalon Yacht club on the Jersey shore. As would prove to be a regular reaction to Billy’s shows, the mixed crowd which included the rich and not so rich were blown away and couldn’t get enough of the young Billy Harner.

The singing appearances went on very successfully for about three years until Billy, at the age of nine, saw Gene Crupa live and decided he wanted to be a drummer. And that is what he did. He played drums for various rock bands and also had a stint with the (quite famous at the time), South Jersey String Band. It was at a Battle of the Bands competition when Billy, playing drums for his band, met a kid named Mickey who sang and played guitar for another band in the competition. After the contest Billy tracked down Mickey and said he wanted to be a singer again and they should form a duet. They did, and four months later they were picked up as, “Billy and Mickey” by Red Top Records, an enthusiastic label with a reputation for hard work, talent and success. It seemed like Billy and Mickey were on their way! However, after having an exciting ride with Red Top and Mickey, Billy who was still a teenager, set out on his own. He was soon signed to Lawn Records, which is a subsidiary of Swan Records. Swan had a great crop of artists during that time period, including a new band from England…The Beatles. But the brazen and confident Billy Harner moved on to be contracted by several more record companies throughout his brilliant and hit strewn career.

These labels included Kama Sutra of the MGM & Paramount Records empire as well the famous Cameo Parkway Record Company. Billy Harner was the first white artist signed by Atlantic Records and connected with a hit song: ” Message To My Babe “. Some of Billy’s other hits include: ” Sally Sayin’ Somethin”, ” She’s Almost You ” (written by Joe South), ” I Struck It Rich “, (written by the award winning songwriting team of Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff), ” Homicide Dresser “, “Human “, “What About The Children “and more. One could write a book, an inspiring, extravagant book about the life and times of Billy “The Human Perkulator” Harner. For instance, he was the last headliner to perform at the Steel Pier in Atlantic City, where Billy and his band barely escaped as the famous landmark crumbled into the sea. The “Perk”, as his friends affectionately call him, was one of only a few white entertainers to take part in the Martin Luther King Freedom March. He judged a Miss Nude America contest, and being the only clothed person in the hall, felt compelled to at least moon the audience while reading out the winner’s name. So, he did. And even though he had graciously turned down offers to sign with RCA and incredibly, Motown Records, Billy still managed to tour constantly and cut hit songs. At one point performing live at the Rainbow Room in Wildwood, New Jersey for 93 grueling nights in a row, taking the 94th day off to record yet another record in New York City. Then back on the road.

He refused an invitation to be a guest on the Dating Game TV show because he was married and I could go on and on. There are so many more interesting things to say about The Godfather of Blue-Eyed Soul, who still lights up a stage as bright as lightning. Like a combination of the late great James Brown and Mick Jagger, his live performances are nothing short of electrifying. Red Hot. And he’s better now than he has ever been. Billy hopes that all of his fans worldwide will enjoy his brand new CD titled “Billy Harner, The Human Perkulator, Then, Now and Forever!” The 14 song CD includes brand new versions of his hits as well as a couple of outstanding new songs that Billy wanted to surprise you all with. You see, when Billy’s family, friends and fans are happy. Billy is happy. Maybe that’s why he is always smiling. Enjoy!

With Warm Regards,

Nelson Trout.

President

ShoutBack Records