#ygkPlaylist: June 2015
This month’s #ygkPlaylist highlights a trio of local acts performing during this year’s Skeleton Park Arts Festival (SPAF). Throughout the 10-day festival, you will find the likes of local indie rock heroes P.S. I Love You, Danielle Lennon’s cinematic soundscapes, and Kingston’s bluegrass folk sensations The Abrams Brothers performing everywhere from the festival’s main stage in McBurney Park to the Screening Room and The Grand Theatre. Of course, this list barely scratches the surface of all the local talent at this year’s SPAF. Scattered throughout the lineup, you will also find the likes of Gary Rasberry (featured in April’s ygkPlaylist), Spencer Evans and Treebot just to name a few. Have a listen to the ygkPlaylist below and be sure to check out all of the local talent at the 2015 Skeleton Park Arts Festival.
PS I Love You: these guys don’t really need an introduction, but here’s a brief reminder. This indie rock duo earned critical acclaim from the likes of Pitchfork and Exclaim! as a result of their 2010 release Meet Me at the Muster Station. Their second and third albums have been equally well-received. PS I Love You has appeared twice on the prestigious Polaris Music Prize’s longlist, and they’ve played more impressive shows and festivals than I could ever list. Paul Saulnier and Benjamin Nelson will perform a free show as a part of the Hawksley Workman Rockin’ the Square concert at Market Square on June 12th. Expect a large crowd for that show, and find PS I Love You on Facebook and Twitter.
Danielle Lennon: the debut effort by this classical composer and violinist, String Theory, has received a great deal of love since its release last fall. This is partially due to the unique live show, where each of the album’s compositions is performed live alongside cinematic accompaniments crafted by local filmmakers including: Brent Nurse, Josh Lyon, Julia Krolik and Owen Fernley. Most recently, Danielle and her visual collaborators on the track “Erratic Nomad” won the Nan Yeomans Legacy Award, while the related exhibit is on display at the KAC’s Juried Art Salon until June 21st. Danielle’s String Theory, as well as Spencer Evans’ accompaniment to Charlie Chaplin’s “The Floorwalk”, will be performed at The Screening Room on June 15th. Find Danielle on Facebook and Twitter.
The Abrams Brothers: Despite barely being in their twenties, The Abrams Brothers have been making music and touring for over a decade. John and James are the fourth generation of professional musicians in the Abrams family. With a strong background in traditional Bluegrass and Americana music, the brothers have created a sound that is all their own, melding Country, Pop and Rock music together. The Abrams Brothers made their Grand Ole Opry debut at the ripe, young ages of 12 and 15 and have since gone on to international success, winning awards, and sharing the stage with the likes of The Dixie Chicks, Brad Paisely and Tom Cochrane. The duo will be ripping up The Grand Theatre stage on June 19th at 7:30pm alongside Ambush and Abby Stewart. Find The Abrams Brothers on Facebook and Twitter.
Every month, we comb Soundcloud looking for sounds that are unique to Kingston. We are constantly seeking out active musicians to show off to the local community and beyond. If you’re a musician who wants to be included in a future #ygkPlaylist, the first step is to get your original music up on Soundcloud and then follow us. We promise to follow you back, listen to your work and consider it for the monthly #ygkPlaylist.
Credit to Emily Pollock for the photo used in the background of this month’s ygkPlaylist.