Friday, January 2, 2015
This Little Underground: Beth McKee's First Thursday Songwriter Series, New Year's Roundup
Posted By Bao Le-Huu on Fri, Jan 2, 2015 at 3:22 PM
This Little Underground is Orlando Weekly's music column providing perspective, live reviews and news on the city's music scene. Read the latest column here.
Beth McKee’s First Thursday Songwriter Series has been going for some time now and, apparently, it’s not some obscure little gathering that matters only to its members. No, this is a pretty big thing, in fact. Local musician Beth McKee curates it with discernment and, consequently, it showcases some pretty serious area talent. To celebrate its 2014 run, the series just held a “New Year’s Roundup” (Jan. 1, Smiling Bison).
Upon entry, the place was a hive buzzing with lots of familiar songwriter faces, many of whom I've already showered in roses. Over the course of this blowout special, a dozen of them would perform. Of the eight performances I saw, the best were no surprises, including Beartoe, Kattya Graham and Jackson and Forrest Rodgers. Wheeler Newman – who’s been decent with a band – really shined solo, sounding more assured than I’ve seen of him before. In recent years, Justin Beckler has been spending so much time in the producer’s chair for many of Orlando’s notables that seeing him work his own distinguished rustic soul behind the mic is a rare treat, and it one I was able to see here.
But goddamn, Daniel Hanson (Fat Night, Fast Preacher) commanded it stronger than anyone else in the time I was there. Seeing how much steeze and butter he was able to muster up there just by himself, it’s clear this kid is now packing rare star power. He’s come a very long way in a relatively short time to become one of the city’s smoothest soul slingers.
In sum, this was one of the most credentialed local singer-songwriter lineups I’ve ever seen. Almost just as important was that it completely packed the place out. Between its championing of the songwriter and its prestige in the community, McKee’s First Thursday Songwriter Series offers one of the most vibrant and concentrated slices of Central Florida’s top songwriter talent. The next one is Feb. 5 (The Smiling Bison).
Follow Bao on Twitter (@baolehuu)
Email Bao: baolehuu@orlandoweekly.com
Beth McKee’s First Thursday Songwriter Series has been going for some time now and, apparently, it’s not some obscure little gathering that matters only to its members. No, this is a pretty big thing, in fact. Local musician Beth McKee curates it with discernment and, consequently, it showcases some pretty serious area talent. To celebrate its 2014 run, the series just held a “New Year’s Roundup” (Jan. 1, Smiling Bison).
Upon entry, the place was a hive buzzing with lots of familiar songwriter faces, many of whom I've already showered in roses. Over the course of this blowout special, a dozen of them would perform. Of the eight performances I saw, the best were no surprises, including Beartoe, Kattya Graham and Jackson and Forrest Rodgers. Wheeler Newman – who’s been decent with a band – really shined solo, sounding more assured than I’ve seen of him before. In recent years, Justin Beckler has been spending so much time in the producer’s chair for many of Orlando’s notables that seeing him work his own distinguished rustic soul behind the mic is a rare treat, and it one I was able to see here.
But goddamn, Daniel Hanson (Fat Night, Fast Preacher) commanded it stronger than anyone else in the time I was there. Seeing how much steeze and butter he was able to muster up there just by himself, it’s clear this kid is now packing rare star power. He’s come a very long way in a relatively short time to become one of the city’s smoothest soul slingers.
In sum, this was one of the most credentialed local singer-songwriter lineups I’ve ever seen. Almost just as important was that it completely packed the place out. Between its championing of the songwriter and its prestige in the community, McKee’s First Thursday Songwriter Series offers one of the most vibrant and concentrated slices of Central Florida’s top songwriter talent. The next one is Feb. 5 (The Smiling Bison).
Follow Bao on Twitter (@baolehuu)
Email Bao: baolehuu@orlandoweekly.com
We welcome readers to submit letters regarding articles and content in Orlando Weekly. Letters should be a minimum of 150 words, refer to content that has appeared on Orlando Weekly, and must include the writer's full name, address, and phone number for verification purposes. No attachments will be considered. Writers of letters selected for publication will be notified via email. Letters may be edited and shortened for space.
Email us at feedback@orlandoweekly.com.
Orlando Weekly works for you, and your support is essential.
Our small but mighty local team works tirelessly to bring you high-quality, uncensored news and cultural coverage of Central Florida.
Unlike many newspapers, ours is free – and we'd like to keep it that way, because we believe, now more than ever, everyone deserves access to accurate, independent coverage of their community.
Whether it's a one-time acknowledgement of this article or an ongoing pledge, your support helps keep Orlando’s true free press free.
Related Stories
-
Orlando tribute band Soy Division brings Unknown Pleasures to life for 40th anniversary at Will's Pub
Jun 10, 2019 -
30 free concerts this week in Orlando (2/4-2/10)
Feb 4, 2015 -
This Little Underground: Propagandhi, War on Women, RVIVR @ The Social
Jan 5, 2015 -
All of the good and bad in the Orlando music scene this year: the 2014 Undies
Dec 31, 2014
Speaking of...
-
WUCF TV to air Melrose in the Mix session by Deltona alt-rapper Mag.Lo tonight
Apr 15, 2021 -
North Mississippi Allstars will headline the three-year anniversary of Tuffy's in Sanford
Apr 2, 2021 -
The massive Will's Pub benefit music compilation that's been in the works is out today
Mar 25, 2021 - More »
More on The Heard
-
WUCF TV to air Melrose in the Mix session by Deltona alt-rapper Mag.Lo tonight
Apr 15, 2021 -
All-star percussionist Rashid Williams will play Orlando's Will's Pub in May
Apr 15, 2021 -
Record Store Day returns to Orlando in 2021 with two drops of exclusive releases in June and July
Apr 13, 2021 - More The Heard »
More by Bao Le-Huu
-
WUCF TV to air Melrose in the Mix session by Deltona alt-rapper Mag.Lo tonight
Apr 15, 2021 -
New Orlando releases: Steve Garron and the Guarantees, Alien Witch, Jrdn Alexander, Swift Knuckle Solution
Apr 14, 2021 -
Orlando concert picks this week: GG Cat, Gary Lazer Eyes, Drivin N Cryin
Apr 14, 2021 - More »
Readers also liked…
Most Popular
-
Florida House passes anti-transgender bill that would allow for genital examinations of high school athletes Read More
-
Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz attended drug-fueled parties inside Orlando gated community, per report Read More
-
SUV jumps Daytona Beach drawbridge Read More
-
Disney is finally getting ready to go all-in on Marvel attractions at their theme parks Read More
-
Ava MediterrAegean, a high-end Mediterranean restaurant, will open in the old Luma on Park space in Winter Park Read More
