The Neighborhood Cup

The Neighborhood Cup
1 Journey
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
949.716.5100
info@TheNeighborhoodCup.com

LIVE at The CUP - blog 2006

Saturday’s Live at The Cup was a first for us. We have had rain before and never a drop fell in the atrium. We always stayed dry and toasty with the heaters. Well, this time there was a lot of wind added to the mix and the rain blew in. I must say with perfect timing because it started before the event. So we moved everything inside and had a quaint and cozy event without any dampened spirits. John Troy kicked off the evening with his wonderful voice and style. What a funny, funny man. I found myself chuckling out loud. And when John sang ‘On the road I’m on”, I found his voice absolutely hypnotic. We were entertained during the second half of the evening by Wilfax. Willy and Jeff played acoustic blues and had a Great sound! They made playing those guitars look so easy. The sound was amazing and I can’t wait to hear more.

Did you ever listen to music that just made you feel good inside? Well, I did Saturday night. Surface Crew appeared for the 1st time at The Cup and it was a treat for all. What an amazing sound! Brandon and Ross’ songs transported you to another place. It was as if I was kicking back at the beach, walking along the boardwalk, pushing sand with my toes. Not a care in the world. The sounds were crisp, clean, soulful and smooth. They were a great duo playing a variety of tunes. I especially liked their originals. This team is going places, but we hope not too far from The Cup.

Yvonne Perea was great on Saturday night. I was off at a performance of Riverdance and unfortunately I had to miss Yvonne this time around. So Steve gave me the scoop and could not have been more enthusiastic about the evening. Yvonne’s music had a pure and original style in her guitar playing. Her lyrics were wonderful and Steve enjoyed when she threw in some Blues influences. Okay, he got me jealous that I missed the evening. But it won’t happen again. I can’t wait for Yvonne to return.

The crowd was dancing Saturday night when Liqdzunshine treated us to some positive hip hop. They were energetic, creative and just a whole lot of fun. Their music is contagious so if you missed them, treat yourself and view an archive of the performance at http://TheNeighborhoodCup.XiCast.com . The performance is also downloadable at Aidan’s site.

Chris Thayer was a hit on Saturday’s Live At The Cup and gave a wonderful performance that was enjoyed by all. It is fun to see how our visiting artists have further evolved in their craft. Chris treated us to some new music and style. In case you missed it in person, treat yourself and view an archive of Chris’ performance at XiCast.com.

It was a wonderful evening Saturday night with Open Mic Night and Live at The Cup with Blake Williams and Paige Aufhammer. Blake opened and wowed us with his humor and soulful sounds. Okay, since he IS in California, my visiting niece from Texas will forgive him for the warning about her state (ha, ha). We will forgive anyone that sings that well! Paige then captivated us with her refreshing style and sound. When they describe Paige as naturally gifted, they mean it. Her voice was magical and we appreciated to opportunity to share the moment. We thank them both for a magical evening and look forward to seeing them again.

How much fun did we have Saturday night listening to Dee, Josh and Warren? It was over the top! Their country music, charm, humor and endless talents were fantastic. The crowd didn’t want to let them go to take a break or to end their session. And when I say ‘crowd’ I mean CROWD. There were folks from end to end in the atrium and we were all tapping, clapping and laughing. What a fun night with great music. Thanks guys. We love ya and can’t wait til another CD comes out. (I am wearing out this one). If you missed the fun, check out Aidan’s replay on xicast.com/live.asp. It should be posted shortly.

What a fantastic evening we had being entertained by Matthew Jordan. As always, Matthew brings a level of energy that is contagious. He was on top of the world while playing that keyboard like no one we have ever seen. Matthew has a lot happening and we can’t wait until his next visit and new CD arrives. We are also keeping our fingers crossed since there may be a reality TV show in the future about Matthew. It is so exciting to see things happening for our friends that come to perform at The Cup.

What a great night on Saturday with Marianne Keith entertaining. Has she got charisma or what? Aidan Owens from XiCast broadcasted live video over the internet during the evening. It was a party all the way around. Marianne was at the top of her game. I know she said the songs were sad, but we couldn’t stop smiling as she sang. They were soooooo good. And the stories she tells while entertaining us were a hoot. I just couldn’t stop laughing. The evening was filled with many friends at The Cup enjoying each other’s company. My favorite part was when Marianne played the keyboard. I know we were all quiet during the performance but that’s only because we were mesmerized by Marianne’s talent. If you missed it in person, don’t worry, Aidan captured the performance. You can go to xicast.com/live.asp and scroll down to the Recent Public Broadcasts where it will be posted shortly.

It is always such a pleasure to have Michael Shelton and his family visiting The Cup. And Saturday night was no different. Michael shared with everyone more of his amazing instrumental talents, treating us with different tracks using the loop box. How does he do that? Each appearance from Michael is a look into a new dimension of his talents. But don’t take our word on that; come see Michael next time he appears with us.

On Saturday August 12th we didn’t have to look up to see a star. We had our own right at The Cup. Brooke Ramel entertained us with her amazing talent and certainly sounded like an angel. The place was packed as always with a fantastic crowd. We sang and laughed along with Brooke who stayed with us well past 10pm. What a great night. After listening to Brooke your spirits are lifted and you’re ready to search for more shooting stars in the sky. We can’t wait to have Brooke back again. Until then we look forward to seeing Brooke on XiCast, Star Tomorrow and Branson Jubilee.

Alec Marken had a big crowd at Swing ‘n’ Java Friday. It is time for summer fun and that’s definitely what you will have on Friday nights. So put on your dancing shoes and join the fun.

Dee Briggs and Joshua Rush....brought acoustic southern rock and a whole lot of Nashville to The Cup. This was country at its finest. It was time to stomp those boots and if you didn’t have boots….just stomp those feet and clap those hands. Just try to keep from dancing in your seat, we dare you! We even had a little two step happening up front. It was a FANTABULOUS night with a lot of energy, laughs and great music. We loved the classic lyrics we could all relate to. I laughed so hard when you sang “I’m an idiot”. We can’t wait to have Dee and Josh back with us again. And if you missed them this time around, come early the next time because they packed the house.

Tim Moyer’s performance at The Cup was fantastic Saturday night. It was a truly wonderful family experience and we can’t wait to have him back again. Tim was joined in song by his wife Susan, son Shawn on the Jimbe and his father Lucky on the sax. We saw first hand why Tim was OCMA's Best Male Performer in 2002 and IEMA's Best Male Artist in 2005. Look on our website for Tim’s next appearance. You’ll definitely want to reserve that date on your calendar.

Last Saturday was our warmest night in a while and Marianne Keith was on fire as well. It’s always a treat to have Marianne appear at The Cup and something I look forward to since I’m usually humming her songs in my mind. Not to mention I have all her CDs traveling with me in my car. They are just that good and make you feel happy! Guess that’s why she named a song "Happy Girl”! But as I heard around the table on Saturday night….. “She should be on American Idol. We would definitely vote for Marianne”………. American Idol, eat your heart out, she’s our idol here at The Neighborhood Cup. Good luck on tour, Marianne.

Chris had a great set of new and original songs...

Now I know. When they coined the phrase “live in the moment” they had Kelly Fitzgerald in mind. After completing a full, intense week of work, I arrived at The Cup, sat down to enjoy the music with my Cinnabon Latte. Life is good, soon to be even better. I was immersed and living in the moment Kelly created with her songs. Kelly had such energy and amazing voice, everything else ceased to exist. We were living in the moment. I did snap myself out of it only to notice it was not just me enjoying the evening. I turned my head to the right and noticed a line of people with legs swaying and feet tapping to the beat. No, it was not a scene from Foot Loose but it certainly could have been, and gave me a chuckle. It was a wonderful warm night with a cool breeze, just right. Kelly provided us a relaxed place to kick of our shoes and take it all in. In fact, that’s how Kelly entertained, barefooted. That must be the secret! She is channeling the earth’s energy into every single song. She gave us an amazing moment that was worth waiting for and I am rejuvenated for the next week. Thanks, Kelly!

We had a great time hearing Alec Marken perform on Saturday. As always, Alec was filled with lots of energy. Mixed in with his original songs, the audience called out requests throughout the evening. And what a great crowd it was as they sang along with the tunes. Our Neighborhood Cup families have great voices and Alec encourages the interaction. It was fun to hear how the use of technology brings out exciting twists on the sounds of Alec’s guitar.

It was quite a Saturday night with Matthew Jordan in the house. This was Matthew’s 3rd time at The Cup and he just keeps getting better. That’s hard to believe after you watch him play that keyboard. I never saw anyone move their fingers so fast and hit every note with perfection. He is amazing! He filled the place with personality, energetic vocals, great lyrics and all around fantastic music. The audience started out small but as soon as he began to play, the crowd was drawn in to stay. We were fortunate to get a sneak preview of some of Matthew’s new songs. He will be coming out with a new CD soon, so stay tuned. We can’t wait to have him back. So for anyone who missed out this time, check our calendar for Matthew's return. We can’t wait!

I always enjoy writing to you and sharing Saturday night’s entertainment experience. I am not too sure what to tell you about our session with Jenn Grinels last night. Other than Grrrreat! We are always so lucky to have her appear at the Cup. The performance was so amazing it’s hard to describe. It’s something you had to experience. Jenn’s passion and intense vocals flowed so easily… So smooooooth. Her lyrics touch you deep inside. It was like inviting Jenn into your home, singing straight to your heart. For those that came late, Jenn gave an impromptu performance sitting around the coffeehouse.

Saturday night was truly remarkable with Chris Thayer. What can we say to describe Chris during his visit at The Cup? Well, how about Incredible, Delightful, Enthusiastic, Energetic, Unique and Talented. And we’re just getting started! The crowd was so very able to relate to Chris’ lyrics as he gave us a mix of sincerity and humor. His personality is unassuming, letting us know he is just there to have a good time, and we did. Even though Chris was feeling a bit under the weather he said he could not resist appearing at The Cup. We are very glad he did and look forward to many more appearances. By the way, we want to send special congratulations to Chris who is expecting the arrival of a new baby in about a month.

Alec Marken & Deep Stirrings gave us a great Saturday night of entertainment. It was a wonderful way to end our St. Patrick’s Day week and extended that special feeling. Alec had an Irish flair that certainly put a spring in your step. As he told stories of his songs there was a comfortable rapport with the audience. Alec shares his rich experiences of Ireland and puts a sparkle in your eye.

What a fabulous Saturday night at The Cup! We had three entertainers that were amazing. This was Amber Rubarth’s 2nd time at The Cup and she continues to entertain us with total charm, warmth and sounds of comfort. One of our favorite songs is ‘Underground Angel’. Amber has a wonderfully delicate touch on the guitar that you just have to experience. We can’t wait for her next visit.

Joining the fun was Joel Ackerson. And I do mean FUN. Joel had a great sense of humor that kept us laughing through the evening, not to mention his story telling through song. Who could resist those soothing vocals? He sounded so great you could never tell Joel and Tony had just played 16 performances in 16 days. They will be on the road for appearances in Austin, Texas in a couple of weeks. Tony Cataldo entertained us with amazing trumpet and bass solos. Our attention couldn’t help but gravitate to Tony’s musical talent and intensity through the evening. They were all wonderful.

I can’t stop thinking about Saturday night’s Live at The Cup with Matthew Jordan. This was Matthew’s 2nd time at the Cup. We had visitors as far away as Temecula joining in the fun. His music infuses you with joy and just makes you smile. Matthew is an amazing, energetic talent on the keyboard. He shared his rendition of ‘Way Over Yonder’ that was fantastic. We were lucky to hear the debut of Matthew’s new song ‘Passengers’. He has wonderful compositions that marry his music to his lyrics. We can’t wait for Matthew to have his new CD out when he returns again. You definitely want to pay attention to his career because we know others will be singing Matthew’s tunes in the future.

A little rain but it didn’t dampen the spirits at The Cup. It went beyond ‘standing room only’ Saturday night during Live at The Cup. So many people came to support and listen to Translucent for their 1st big performance. The group was just formed in October and we were excited to have them at the coffeehouse as they begin their journey. Good music, good company and lots of fun. It’s great to see the support every shows for the artists that visit us each week.

How was Saturday night you ask? FANTASTIC! We couldn’t have asked for better weather or entertainment. It was so much fun spending time with Marianne Keith as she shared with us 3 generations of her family. This was Marianne’s 4th time at The Cup. She is a fantastic talent that is truly going places. Saturday was a night of Fun, Family and packed with Personality. Marianne entertained with music, wit, humor and spunky conversation. Joining in harmony were Ashley and Marianne’s sister Nicole. Mom and Dad (Nancy and Paul) organize CDs and sound equipment. And it was great visiting with Marianne’s grandparents, Ruth and Bob who came in from Montana. Marianne finished her new record. You’ll want to keep an eye out for ‘Beautiful Distraction’ which should be coming out in March. You’ll definitely want to pick up a CD on Marianne’s next visit.

Saturday night was filled with musical intensity. Seth Horan was incredible with his vocal talent, humor and a style all his own. We just can’t figure out just how he creates that fantastic sound on that bass guitar. We watched in awe as he created his magic and we couldn’t believe what we saw and heard, amazing. As always, people travel from far to hear Seth. We even ran out of chairs – Way to go Seth! But that didn’t matter. We couldn’t sit still anyway, being too busy laughing and moving to the music. The crowd was having so much fun they wouldn’t even let Seth take a break. Can you blame them?

It truly was a fun adventure with Alec Marken last Saturday. It was a perfect night. No rain and the heaters kept everyone warm. By the way, there are three heaters now to keep us all warm. Not to mention the 40-50 friends that packed the house. Alec was great along with Kenney and Tom. They were joined by guest singer, Melissa, with her Irish flair. As always Alec sparked the night with lots of energy. For those who missed it, keep an eye on the calendar to catch Alec when he returns.