WELCOME TO THE PONY

Ones to Watch Presents:
lovelytheband – the finding it hard to smile tour
with New Dialogue, latewaves and Lux Tides

Tickets: $20 in advance (plus applicable surcharges)

Music gives a voice to those who need it when they need it the most. Our favorite artists say the difficult things out loud, so we don’t have to — but can learn how to.

By the same token, lovelytheband translate emotions, anxieties, and feelings into lush, layered, and lively indie pop anthems. When the band was founded by lead singer Mitchy Collins, guitarist Jordan Greenwald and drummer Sam Price in 2017, the trio maintain a lasting connection to listeners by holding nothing back.

“I really believe the importance of songwriting is saying something when someone else doesn’t know how to,” affirms Mitchy. “In the songs, I’m talking about life, trials, tribulations, depression, anxiety, and shit I deal with as well as the headaches that come along with the good and bad days. My problems don’t define me, but we should embrace every side of who we are. The message is, ‘Everything will be fine.'”

This message immediately resonated among audiences everywhere. A centerpiece of the everything I could never say… EP, the group’s debut single “broken” caught fire as “the longest running #1 track on Alternative Radio thus far in 2018” with six weeks at the top. In under a year, it amassed 25 million total global streams. BuzzFeed summed it up as “So. Damn. Good.” Billboard proclaimed the group among “10 Rock & Alternative Artists to Watch in 2018” as they supported Vance Joy and AWOLNATION on tour between headlining dates everywhere. Everything paved the way for the arrival of the band’s first full-length, finding it hard to smile [RED MUSIC]. Produced by “broken” collaborator Christian Medice, these 16 tracks entrance, engage, and enchant, offsetting shimmering keys, sweeping synths, and spacey guitars with cathartic, compelling, and catchy choruses.

The title speaks directly to its thematic push-and-pull.

“finding it hard to smile touches on my life,” says Mitchy. “There are days when it’s hard to even walk out of my front door or get out of bed. So, you find the will to power through, call on your friends, and rely on loved ones to pick you up when you’re down and bring magic out of you. A lot of the record is about embracing who you are as well as dealing with relationships, breakups, nostalgia, and unrequited love. It’s really introspective for me.”

They preceded the album’s release with the single “these are my friends,” which quickly cracked 2 million streams worldwide. Wound up by faint guitar and a chant, “These are my friends, these are my friends, I love them,” the track crescendos towards an ambitious arena-ready hook.

“I was walking around Los Angeles one day thinking,” he recalls. “I left a party where I had a really good time at. Right after, I wrote the main lyric in my phone. I held onto it for a little while, but it eventually turned into a song about wanting love and wanting to fit in. I brought it to the guys in the studio, and they really took it to the next level. It becomes a lovelytheband song when everyone is on it.”

Whether it’s the feedback buzz and 808 rush of “pity party” or orchestral ambiance on “alone time,” the soundscapes mirror the emotional ebb and flow encoded in the lyrics. Elsewhere, the intimate “maybe i’m afraid” unveils an infectious confession as the band admits their fears without filter.

“It’s one of my proudest moments as a songwriter,” says the frontman. “It turned into the story of relationship. You’re in it. You know things are beautiful, but you’re scared to commit to the other personal. I think a lot of people struggle with the same thing. It feels relatable.”

As they round out 2018 on a headlining tour and hitting the stages of Lollapalooza, the Billboard Hot 100 Festival, and more, lovelytheband’s voice will only get dramatically louder.

It might just make crowds feel better too…

“I hope when you listen to it, you can find some solace or reassurance,” Mitchy leaves off.

“Maybe you didn’t know how to communicate something aloud, and it helps for us to talk about it. Hearing it might inspire you to make a move. Music moved me and gave me a little hope as a kid. I hope you can take away something from this in the same way my favorite records helped me. That would be my biggest goal with lovelytheband.”

Max Weinberg’s Jukebox

Performing more than 80 shows so far throughout 2017 and 2018 Max Weinberg’s Jukebox continues to barnstorm the country, blasting out the hits!

Audiences have thoroughly embraced the idea of picking and calling out the songs the band plays—in real time and in a variety of intimate venues. From Beatles to Bruce and Stones to Steppenwolf the band infuses these classics with the respect the songs deserve. As one fan said, “It’s not a concert—it’s party! The bar was packed!”

But don’t take our word for it. Here’s what Marc Steczyk, director of the Lincoln Amphitheater, in Indiana, had to say: “Max Weinberg’s Jukebox was one of the most interactive, energetic performances that we’ve ever had at the Lincoln Amphitheater! Max, literally, leaves the stage to be amongst the crowd—his fans—and lets them pick the set list from a scrolling list of 300+ songs…and they play it…on the spot…spot on! Max is a pro’s pro, as was his entire band—tremendously professional to work with and a great asset to our entire performance series!”

The Growlers

From their first LP Are You In or Out? (2009) to their latest LP Casual Acquaintances (2018), The Growlers have forged their own twisted path on the global music scene. They’re the party band that grew into a traveling circus that spawned their own hit event, Beach Goth. Lead singer Brooks Nielsen draws a particular devotion among Growlers fans, as does chief cohort Matt Taylor, The Growlers’ music director and lead guitarist. The band’s 2016 LP, City Club, produced by Julian Casablancas, saw them expand their palette to include West African, dance and electronic influences.

plus special guests Tagua Tagua

Tickets: $35 in advance (plus applicable surcharges), $40 at the door

Rebelution
Good Vibes Summer Tour 2019
with Protoje, Collie Buddz & DJ Mackle

Fourteen years into an effervescent career, California reggae band and touring juggernaut Rebelution remains abundantly creative. Its members (singer/guitarist/lyricist Eric Rachmany, keyboardist Rory Carey, drummer Wesley Finley, and bassist Marley D. Williams) are as focused and committed as they are easygoing and laid-back. And they haven’t lost a step since Falling Into Place, their 2016 studio album, became the band’s fourth release to top the Billboard reggae chart, earning them their first ever Grammy nomination in the category of Best Reggae Album. Ever expanding and reaching wider audiences, the Rebelution phenomenon continues to spread good vibes on tour, and in the studio.

Free Rein, their sixth studio album, while still rooted in the Jamaican inspiration that Rebelution’s songs and sounds have always paid homage to, takes experimental leaps and new adventures too, welcoming old fans and new audiences alike. The musicians collaborated with Jamaican artists on three of the 12 new tracks. Don Corleon (Sean Paul, Rihanna) produced “Rise On Top,” a pointed reflection on celebrity and ambition; and Winta James, producer for Damian Marley and Chronixx, worked with the band on “Settle Down Easy” and “City Life,” two songs that reflect a more confessional perspective.

“Celebrate,” the new album’s opening track, nods to the classic Rebelution sound. It has special meaning for the band too. In their long months on the road they’ve met fans with health struggles who’ve said that their music has helped them get through tough times. An energizing shout-out to one and all, the song celebrates the oneness of artist and audience.

“Patience,” a reggae-R&B hybrid, is another hymn to human connection, a haunting message from the well of romantic love: “Maybe isn’t good enough / I’m patient, I ain’t giving up…Can I be your everything and more?”

Other tracks take a wider perspective. “City Life” is one that hits home for Rachmany. “There are moments,” he says, speaking for urban dwellers everywhere, “when I just want to get out and find some solitude and find the beauty of mother nature.” The uptempo groove conveys the positive energy of this universal desire.

The band remains in touch with the traditions that it builds on. Much of the style, the songwriting, and the quality of the instrumentals derive from Jamaican roots, says Rachmany, stressing what an honor it is that producers from reggae’s birthplace signed on to work with Rebelution.

But every great band is its own life force as well, and the musicians of Rebelution take inspiration from other genres, including soul, r&b, and folk. “A lot of this album has to do with being comfortable in your own skin,” the singer notes. In “Take On Anything,” for example, “what I’m trying to get across is that it’s OK to be different, different is actually a beautiful thing — if you’re comfortable in your own skin every single day then you really can take on anything.”

Manifesting the singer’s love for acoustic guitar are two quieter numbers, one of which, “Healing,” takes the long view: “I wrote that song to remind people that life is always worth living, and to provide some healing energy to a person listening.” Again, always making that connection with the audience.

Rebelution formed in Isla Vista in 2004 when a group of college friends discovered a mutual love for reggae. After their debut album Courage to Grow reached #4 on the Billboard reggae chart, there was no stopping them. Many more releases followed, and in 2012 Peace of Mind debuted at #13 on the Billboard Top 200, hit #1 on both the Reggae and Independent charts, and was the #4 iTunes album overall. 2014’s Count Me In made an even bigger splash than its predecessor, entering the Reggae chart at #1 and the Billboard overall chart at #14. Then came the Grammy-nominated album Falling Into Place and the Rebelution concert experience, Live At Red Rocks.

With Free Rein, Rebelution is poised to continue spreading the joy. The band boasts an impressive 85 million spins on their Top 5 Spotify tracks alone, and will continue playing sold-out shows as well as taking the coveted headlining slots at some of the nation’s top festivals this year. Additionally, Rebelution continues to transcend the world of music and break barriers with their entrepreneurial prowess. They recently launched their own four-night destination event on the beach in Jamaica and released their customized cannabis oil battery pen, herb vaporizer, and oil, which are currently available in select dispensaries in California, Colorado, Nevada, and Oregon. The journey rolls on.

Papa Roach and Asking Alexandria on The Stone Pony Summer Stage

with Bad Wolf and more

Tickets: $42.50 and up in advance  (plus applicable surcharges)

Alternative rock quartet Papa Roach will bring their summer 2019 headlining run, the Who Do You Trust? Tour,with Asking Alexandria and Bad Wolves to The Stone Pony Summer Stage on August 9, 2019. The tour will also have an area date at Philadelphia’s Metropolitan Opera House on August 7th.

The tour announcement follows Papa Roach’s recent news that their highly anticipated tenth studio album, Who Do You Trust?, will be released January 18, 2019 and is available to pre-order now HERE. The 12-track anthemic album features emotionally-charged lyrics with catchy hooks on lead track, “Who Do You Trust?” and heavy rhythmic guitars on “Renegade Music.” You’ll find melodic tunes on “Not The Only One” and a return-to-frontman Jacoby Shaddix’s MC roots on “Elevate.” The album is produced by Nick “RAS” Furlong and Colin Cunningham. The track “Top Of The World” is produced by Jason Evigan.

The Wailers’ Julian Junior Marvin

Tickets: $27 in advance (plus applicable surcharges), $32 at the door

Julian Junior Marvin was born in Kingston, Jamaica. He moved to London as a child, where his family and the UK theater community nurtured his love for acting and music. He appeared in The Beatles’ film Help, followed by a number of successful appearances on British television. Julian Junior was also a member of the London cast of the musical Hairand can be heard on the original London cast recording.

After playing in various London-based bands, including Blue Ace Unit, Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers, White Rabbit, and Salt & Pepper, Julian Junior continued his musical apprenticeship in America, playing with such Blues and R&B legends as T-Bone Walker, Billy Preston and Ike & Tina Turner. He quickly earned a reputation as an innovative and expressive blues/rock guitarist.

Invited to join the Keef Hartley Band, pioneers of the burgeoning British blues/rock scene, Julian Junior made a significant contribution as a writer, singer and lead guitarist to their acclaimed Seventy-Second Bravealbum. He also appeared on their follow-up release Lancashire Hustler.

Julian Junior followed up with his own rock band, Hanson, who was quickly signed to Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s Manticore label by Mario “The Big M” Medious, label manager. This was followed by the Hanson album Magic Dragon.

Finding himself an in-demand session guitarist, particularly for artists on the Island Records label, Julian Junior contributed to albums by Traffic, Fairport Convention, Reebop Kwaku Baah, Toots & The Maytals, Stomu Yamashta, Remi Kabaka, Eddie Quansah, Rico Rodriguez, and Steve Winwood.

On February 14, 1977, Julian Junior was invited to join both Stevie Wonder’s band and Bob Marley & The Wailers band. His parents and musician friends helped him decide to accept Bob Marley’s invitation because they were both Jamaicans. The rest is history. The acclaimed Exodus LP became Julian Junior’s debut with Bob Marley & The Wailers. In 1999, Time Magazine declared Exodus Album Of The Century, while “One Love” was named Song of the Millennium in 2000. Julian Junior was lead guitarist and musical contributor on all subsequent Bob Marley & the Wailers albums, and toured worldwide with the Wailers until Bob’s passing in 1981.

Since then, Julian Junior has released four CDs with The Wailers Band: ID, Majestic Warriors, Jah Messageand My Friends (Live),numerous solo projects include “Wailin’ For Love,” “Smokin’,” “To The Big M Music,” and “Lion To Zion Dub Wise.” In 2002, Julian Junior was included in Guitar World Magazine’s “Top 100 Guitarists of All Time” for his guitar solo on “Africa Unite” from the Bob Marley & the Wailers Survivalalbum.Julian Junior has also been a featured player on albums by Burning Spear, Bunny Wailer, Beres Hammond, Culture, Joe Higgs, SOJA, The Meditations, Israel Vibration, Alpha Blondy, The Congos, and Alborosie, amongst others.

After touring with many incarnations of The Wailers since Bob Marley’s passing, Julian Junior has stepped out to front his own unique version of The Wailers, playing and singing Bob Marley & the Wailers hit songs the way Bob intended them to be heard.

Julian Junior Marvin’s new first new single “Message of Love” drops worldwide in 2019; an introduction to the forthcoming album Message Of Love.

Umphrey’s McGee 

with Big Something 

Tickets: $27.50 and up in advance (plus applicable surcharges), $35 at the door

The music of Umphrey’s McGee unfolds like an unpredictable conversation between longtime friends. Its sixparticipants—Brendan Bayliss [guitar, vocals], Jake Cinninger [guitar, vocals], Joel Cummins [keyboards, piano, vocals], Andy Farag [percussion], Kris Myers [drums, vocals], and Ryan Stasik [bass]—know just how to communicate with each other on stage and in the studio. A call of progressive guitar wizardry might elicit a response of soft acoustic balladry, or a funk groove could be answered by explosive percussion. At any moment, heavy guitars can give way to heavier blues as the boys uncover the elusive nexus between jaw-dropping instrumental virtuosity and airtight song craft.