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Brian Mackey
Singin’ on the Shore Circuit
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One night I showed up for a gig that ended up getting canceled. Knowing there was another gig my boss wanted me to cover, I shot down to SICA in Long Branch. What I did not know was the treat I was in for and it wasn’t being served with the coffee.
Island Heights resident crooner, Brian Mackey's
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raw, edgy lyrics penetrated my ears and demanded I listen. The melodies and words stuck to my brain the way ocean saltwater can stick to your skin—a kind of medicine like no other. I could not help but be mesmerized by his self-joking and warm spirit.
This no-nonsense Jersey-shore native started writing and playing guitar at age 5. He kept it a secret until he turned 20. It was then he started a contemporary folk rock band called Restless Drive. The band was good enough to even land gigs at LA’s Whisky a Go Go and Jersey’s own Stone Pony. One of their infamous local shows was at the all-girls Georgian Court University in Lakewood. They gave all of their earnings that day to charity.
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Brian singing "Painted Red"
for a packed Indigo Coffeehouse
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The pivotal gig for Brian was in the Lakewood Amphitheater on Memorial Day weekend 1998. Turned out the mayor’s daughter saw Brian and his band at Georgian and told her dad. Brian graciously stepped up to the plate, hiring Lance Stark on drums (played drums for Gary Bonds and plays with New Jersey band Jimmy and the Parrots) and Hal Seltzer on bass guitar (writer for Aquarian).
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SICA's
Summer Outdoor Series
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On Saturday June 17th. the Shore Institute for Contemporary Art (SICA) kicked off its Summer Outdoor Series. SICA’s events have moved outdoors onto their brand new patio, with up-and-coming bands and a great atmosphere. This show featured four of what the institute calls Young Originals – all performers were under the age of 18.
The night was a mix of well-done covers and captivating original pieces. Matt Keppler opened the show with his acoustic guitar. Kate and Emily followed with fun pop tunes.
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Kate and Emily
SICA’s Outdoor Series
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Sonnie Shine rallied the crowd with politics in her unique blend of folk and funk. Her intelligent and well-written lyrics echo those of another very talented little folk singer. Augmented, a piano-rock trio that was nominated for "Top Young Band" in the Asbury Park Music Awards in 2005, finished off the evening. Augmented showed off their ability to blend elements
continued page 10
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