Unsigned Musician's Showcase at the Olean American Legion

            What do you get when you take five of the hottest musical acts from the area and put them in a large room with a bar and PA system? Well, a rock show, of course. Odeum Entertainment’s first Southern Tier Unsigned Musician’s Showcase brought a variety of performances to the Olean American Legion on Saturday and Sunday, ranging from the soothing acoustic strumming of Luke and Angee to the sweltering riffs and rapid-fire rim shots of Led by the Blind.

            Shawn Chase of Blind Sun and Overgrown Productions DJ’d the showcase, starting Saturday’s festivities at noon and providing entertainment throughout the weekend with an eclectic and tasteful selection of music.

However, the real fun began at 2:30pm, with live music provided by the area’s own Autumn Awaits. Though the day was early and the audience rather meager, the band came on strong like fresh-brewed coffee to kick off the day. Incorporating elements from many different influences and genres, Autumn Awaits was like a smorgasbord of rock… a little bit of metal, a bit of post-punk, and a bit of emo/scream-core, all delivered with energy and enthusiasm I hadn’t anticipated so early in the day. Though their singer was suffering from cold, he sang his heart out to “Anchors Around Your Neck,” “True Friends,” and “A Kiss to Remind” until his voice gave out late in the set. If you thought a keyboardist couldn’t rock out or that white boys can’t jump, you obviously haven’t seen these guys.

Next up, Luke and Angee took to the stage. After having my eardrums annihilated (in a good way), it was nice to kick back, relax, and listen to some old-fashioned acoustic singing/songwriting. The duo took the stage with simply an acoustic and a tambourine, and of course, their voices. From their opening song, “Ordinary,” I was absolutely floored by the power of Angee’s vocal performance. Being rather petite, even in heels, if I hadn’t seen Angee opening her mouth, I would never had believed that it was her singing. Luke’s performance was maybe the opposite. His smooth melodies were woven carefully into the harmonies he provided on guitar, and each of the couple’s dynamic was in perfect contrast to the other.

Ade Adu followed up the acoustic musings of Luke and Angee with some of this own. Adu came on short notice to support the Wounded Warrior fundraiser to fill an empty slot at the last minute. Prepared with an all-original set, including “Be My Girl” and “Danger,” Adu was the flip side of their folk-rock set, performing his own brand of energetic funk/hip-hop infused rock. As always, his performance was inspired and spirited, making heads move and feet stomp for the entire set. After “Danger,” audience members praised Adu, yelling, “That was tight!” Adu expressed his gratitude for the audience and the opportunity to perform. He will be performing with a live band this Saturday at Cojones Cantina in Olean.

After a long day, what I really needed to hear was a good loud dose of rock and roll, though. Enter Hot Stenographer. I wasn’t even sure that these guys were a band for most of the day until they hit the stage. And they hit the stage hard, if I dare say so. For a three-piece band, Hot Stenographer sounded much bigger. With such delicate delights as “Tasty Morsels” and “Happier Than a Clam,” the trio revived a tiring crowd. With music reminiscent of Nirvana’s debut, “Bleach,” with maybe a bit of Helmet somewhere in there, but with growling vocals that would put Motorhead to shame, this band slowly won me over and keeps winning me over as I listen to the recording from the weekend.

It goes unsaid that Hot Stenographer’s performance was energetic, but it was also very honest and unrehearsed; random leg spasms and erratic headbanging being the form of most of the action. The audience must have agreed, as one member even yelled “Get-R-Done,” which is the unanimous sign that a local is enjoying himself. I hope to find these guys playing somewhere again, soon. I can pull out all my old shirts and flannels with holes and not wash my hair for week before the show. It’ll be just like the good old days.

Next, the Olean Area Irish Dancers took not to the stage, but to the floor, with authentic Irish dancing. The girls, who appeared to range in age from about six to twelve, educated the audience on many different types and styles of Irish dance, spanning different cultures and many generations to show the evolution of the art. Maybe I was expecting more of an amateur performance, considering the ages of these lassies, but I was very honestly blown away at their professionalism and good form. Being a drummer, I am normally pretty critical of rhythms of any kind. Several styles incorporated tap (and fast tap-dancing, at that), and I’ve got to give it to them, these girls kept time better than some of the drummers at the showcase (no offense, guys). It was truly remarkable and impressive to see a group of young people so dedicated to what is somewhat of a niche cultural display these days.

If these other bands woke me up a bit like a good, warm cup of coffee, Led By The Blind was like a triple espresso straight to the skull at the end of the night. These guys came out of nowhere and rocked like it was their last day on earth, which is the way it ought to be. Hell, they even made taking pictures feel like moshing (don’t ask me how). These boys are a metal outfit. I don’t even normally enjoy modern metal, but these guys did it right right out of the gate, with a relentless beat provided by Jamie Ervay on drums, a truly a phenomenal drummer and a pleasure to listen to, and smart and progressive harmonies provided by Justin Pfeiffer on guitar and Jake Brodka on bass. Front man Ryan Sullivan played his part with expertise, and was so animated and ardent that he had mothers in the mosh pit. I kid you not. That’s power if I’ve ever seen it.

Led By The Blind was metal the way I wish metal had evolved; with smart hooks that aren’t cheesy, jazz breakdowns, and an intuitive sense of music in the moment. No ridiculous planned switch ups, and no platitudes; just good, honest rock that happens to take the form of metal. And any bunch of guys who reference Back to the Future in one of their songs, 88 mph, is probably worth a listen, anyway.

If you were lucky enough to have attended, put your vote in to decide which of these performers will win a recording session with Shawn Chase and Blind Sun Recordings!

Sunday’s events included music by Shawn Chase and another presentation by the Olean Area Irish Dancers, as well as raffle drawings.

Many area and other businesses donated prizes for the different raffle contests, including The Underground, Enchanted Mountain Martial Arts Academy, Ka-Bar, and others. The raffle tables also opened at noon, with benefits – including proceeds from admissions – donated to the Wounded Warrior Project, which provides programs and services to injured service members. Odeum Entertainment would like to extend our thanks to those who attended, the groups and organizations who attended and donated, and the Olean American Legion for helping to put together the event and support those who stake their lives in our places.