Mercury Radio Theater (Jo chatted with them back in September) has put together an exciting murder mystery themed event entitled The Death of Mercury Radio Theater, taking place this weekend at Johnny Brenda’s.

Mercury’s most recently released album Kilroy was the final in their LP “Monster Series” installments. Now with The Death of Mercury Radio Theater, the band will kill off their longest running characters, with the only hope of finding the murderous culprit will be left in the hands of the audience.

Mercury will have a number of special guest musicians on hand to help properly eulogize the recently deceased as well as music acts Gringo Hotel and Cape Wrath. Clue themed burlesque interludes will be performed by D20 Burlesque troupe.

Be sure to join Mercury Radio Theater for this eclectic event that will sure to be a feast for the ears, mind and eyes. Help solve the mystery Saturday February 11th starting at 8pm. This is a 21+ over event so remember your ID along with your Sherlock Holmes cap!

Check out the Facebook Event Page here.

The Death of Mercury Theater Radio
Saturday, February 11th, 2012
www.facebook.com/events/ 271382389587485

Johnny Brenda’s
1201 Frankford Avenue (19125)
(215) 739-9684
www.johnnybrendas.com

About a week ago Drew Bacon of Music Box Dynamo sent me a tweet about his ridiculously geeky guitar, The Poppler. After watching the clip that shows off the axe (and his vocal prowess), I had to post a little something about the instrument.

Drew admits that this isn’t the fanciest guitar in the world, a simple Fender DG8 acoustic guitar… but to him, it’s pretty damn special. It’s the guitar he learned how to play music on back in 2007.

Fast forward to 2011, and he’s regularly performing with a better guitar. He spotted his old ax sitting lonely in the corner and broke out pads of paper and pencils, furiously sketching characters he admired.

“It’s a little bit of good and evil,” says Bacon about the art on the guitar, “Superman, The Death Star, Bender, Leeloo Multipass, Lord Voldemort, The Bride, Spiderman, Philadelphia Skyline, Batman, The Joker, Captain America, A Snow Willow Tree, Wolverine, The Man With No Name, Mickey Mouse, an Iron Man [Arc Reactor], and a hidden hometown logo I don’t mention unless someone spots it.”

The whole thing took a little over two months to create, and it looks awesome. And in case you didn’t know, Poppler is a brilliant Futurama reference.

Make sure to check out Music Box Dynamo as they perform all around the city over the year. The song in the video is actually about their first show together. Hit up the band on their official website and on Facebook.

The music of the Beatles is something that, no matter whom you are or what you are into, everyone knows and can appreciate. They are one of the few things on this planet that is truly universal.

So imagine stepping into the shoes of one of these icons to play their music and pay tribute to what they accomplished. This is the situation Steve Landes finds himself in every night as he portrays John Lennon in the Broadway smash Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles. The show returns to Philadelphia from Jan. 31st to Feb. 5th at the Academy of Music and, since Steve is a local guy (from Lansdale) he agreed to answer a few questions about being John Lennon, his own music and returning to Philly.

Were you a big Beatles fan growing up?

The biggest! I was born after The Beatles’ time, but my parents and older sisters were fans, and got me into them from pretty much the time I was born! So yeah, I’m kind of a life-long Beatles fan! My first Beatles records were the old 45s, whatever I could find in boxes in the attic. There was other Beatles stuff up there that used to belong to my sisters – posters, magazines, T-shirts. I just pulled it all down from the attic, put it in my room, and it was all mine from then on in!

Is it intimidating to try and become someone as iconic as John Lennon?

I guess it could be, depending on how you look at it. I think the fact that he’s such an icon actually helps – we could never ever be those people, they’re just so huge, so much a part of our world, so well known. No, our main focus is replicating the music as authentically as possible, and then to set the stage, we embody their character in the show. It’s been a lot of fun to study who he was, how he felt at any given time, where he was coming from musically. All of that stuff helps to bring him to life, and as a fan, has been really eye-opening and inspiring, to see him from a whole different angle.

So I have to ask; favorite Beatles album and why.

I have two favorites – the first two, “Please Please Me” and “With The Beatles”. I love the early era best, and those two are the classics. There’s an energy to those early records, they pretty much played them straight, barely overdubbed or added to their performance. To think that that’s what they sounded like live at that time just freaks me out! I wish I could go back in time and see them at one of their 1963 concerts, somewhere in England, just before they came to the US. They were so young, so full of ‘piss & vinegar’ then, just ready to take over the world.

How does it feel to see Rain come to Philadelphia, which is so close to where you grew up?

Personally, it’s good for me, because even though I live in LA now, all of my family stills lives in PA, so when the show comes to town I get to see them, spend some time with them before and after the show. And it’s so nice to see my friends and family in the audience! Plus it gives me an excuse to get back to Philly and the area. I try to anyway, come for a few days when I’ve got time off from the road, but we’ve just been so busy the past few years, it might not happen otherwise. So the show being here is a good excuse to get home for a bit. Good audiences in Philly, too, a lot of Beatles fans, so that’s always nice, too.

I saw that you have started recording your own music. Do you find that more rewarding than the work you do in something like Rain, which features other people’s songs?

I wouldn’t say more rewarding, ‘cause I really love what I do with Rain, playing The Beatles’ music, helping to put together this show, and playing it for so many fellow Beatles fans around the world. I get to play the best music every written & recorded for a living! But I do love singing, and working on my own music. The music I sing when I’m not doing ‘Beatles’ is more ‘blue-eyed soul’; more of my ‘Philly soul’ roots, I guess! So it is nice to do something different, have a different feel to the music I’m performing.

So I would say equally regarding in different ways — the approach is so different in one to the other. When I’m doing my own music, obviously it’s about creating, taking it wherever I’m feeling it at the moment, singing however I would naturally sing. But when I’m doing the show, it’s got to be exact, every night, exactly what The Beatles did.

It’s got to sound just like the records, no matter what. So it’s much more of a challenge, and, in the end, a rewarding one for me. I think I learned a lot from that, having to have that stability, it’s like a mental and physical workout!

What can fans expect to see you doing next?

I’m having a lot of fun doing Rain, and hope to do this for the foreseeable future, looking forward to taking it world-wide a lot more. I’m also in the process of putting my own music, and covers of songs (in my own vain, as opposed to sound-alike stuff like what I do with The Beatles for Rain) up online (www.steve-landes.com), so that I can share that side of me with our fans. I’d love to take that on the road someday, tour with a band, and hopefully make records! It would be great to get my music out there at some point.

The Academy of Music
www.kimmelcenter.org

RAIN: A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES
www.raintribute.com

Tomorrow, tickets will go on sale for the epic musical event for the sophisticated gamer. The Legend of Zelda: The Symphony of the Goddesses features music that spans 25 years of the Zelda games and showcases Nintendo composer and sound director Koji Kondo’s vast work. A full orchestra will perform 4 complete symphony movements with a cinematic video presentation synced to the music.

Every previous performance has sold out so act fast! Tickets have a wide price range from $19.50 (for lawn/terrace) up to $95.00 and go on sale this at 10am. Don’t miss out on your chance to witness this truly unique concert experience!

For more information, visit the Mann Center’s official website. And list to a track in the video after the jump!

Last week, the National Constitution Center announced a number of events tied to the upcoming From Asbury Park to the Promised Land: The Life and Music of Bruce Springsteen exhibit. Parties, screenings, and a special appearance by Vini “Mad Dog” Lopez (the original E Street Band drummer) are just some of the highlights.

The National Constitution Center detailed the events in a press release. Scope ‘em out below.

Kicking off the series will be an opening celebration on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Aptly titled “Greetings from Asbury Park,” the party will feature boardwalk-themed décor and festivities; nostalgic summertime treats including hot dogs, boardwalk fries, popcorn, and salt water taffy; live musical performances; and the exclusive chance to tour From Asbury Park to the Promised Land before it opens to the public. Tickets to “Greetings from Asbury Park” are $50 for general public and $45 for museum members.

On Wednesday, March 14, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the Center will host a screening of the acclaimed documentary The Promise: The Making of Darkness on the Edge of Town. Guests can enjoy food, drink and evening access to From Asbury Park to the Promised Land. Tickets are $20 for general public and $15 for museum members.

(At a) “Glory Days” party on Thursday, April 26, 2012 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., guests can enjoy food, drinks, live musical performances and access to From Asbury Park to the Promised Land. Tickets to “Glory Days” are $50 for general public and $45 for museum members.

A legendary musician and dramatic stage performer in his own right, Clarence Clemons was an integral and beloved member of the E Street Band. The Center will pay homage to the late Clemons during a special screening of the never-before-seen extended version of Who Do I Think I Am? A Portrait of a Journey on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Director Nick) Mead will attend the screening and participate in a special Q & A session. Guests also can enjoy food, drinks and evening access to From Asbury Park to the Promised Land. Tickets are $20 for general public and $15 for museum members.

Guests looking to start the July 4th weekend early won’t want to miss the Center’s “Independence Day” party on Thursday, June 28, 2012 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The party will include all-American fare, drinks, live musical performances and access to From Asbury Park to the Promised Land. Tickets to the “Independence Day” party are $35 for general public and $30 for museum members.

To conclude the Center’s Springsteen Event Series, guests will have the chance to view the documentary Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band: Blood Brothers on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Guests can enjoy food, drinks and evening access to From Asbury Park to the Promised Land. Tickets are $20 for general public and $15 for museum members.

According to the Constitution Center, they are offering up a special discounted package of $160 for people interested in attending all six events. You can pick up passes and tickets off the Constitution Center’s official website.

Asbury Park to the Promised Land @ the NCC
February 17th – September 3rd, 2012
www.constitutioncenter.org/ncc_press_Bruce.aspx

National Constitution Center
525 Arch Street (19106)
(215) 409-6600
www.constitutioncenter.org

Reboot your auditory sensor modules with 8 Static.

The year has been reformatted and a new operating system has been installed. Your robot ears are in need of some nourishment. Don’t worry, 8 Static is back to reboot your brain with some amazing chiptunes. On January 14th, 8 Static will once again be vibrating the floors of Studio 34 with the rumble of 8-bit rocking.

This month features the audible stylings of Burnkit2600, a trio guys that compliment their circuit bent silicon instruments with drums, bass, and occasionally a flute. They bring a mash up of funk and psychedelic sensibilities to delight of your aural receptors.

Ever wonder who is straddling the chasm between punk and chiptune? Ponder no more because Graffiti Monsters are will be here to rock your face off with some classic 8-bit sounds wrapped up in a punk rock duvet. A duvet is punk right?

Maybe you prefer your 8-bit music a bit more thunderous, frenetic, and only made with a Gameboy Color. Enter Kool Skull. With nothing but a Gameboy, this guy will rattle your positronic brain within that bone casing you call a skull. And you will like it.

To delight your eyeballs, local artist and 8 Static veteran visual magician, enso will be on hand to provide an amazing light show.

As always, each show is preceded by a workshop showing you how to bend vintage hardware to your musical will and generally become a chip tune hero. This month’s is being presented by our friend Paul Weinstein AKA Chipocrite who created a rockin’ version of the Game of Thrones theme for The Philly Geek Awards. Before the show, he’ll show you some live Gameboy performance techniques.

Hopefully that will include how to play The Legend of Zelda theme behind your head with your eyes closed.

8 Static
Saturday, January 14th, 2012
7:00pm at Studio 34 – all ages!
$8 / $5 with RSVP right here!

For this week’s Geek of the Week, we talk to Matt Campana, local musician and composer. His work includes an arrangement for the Video Games Live orchestral show, and music cues for Drexel University.

I hope the name of this Drexel U and Berklee College of Music alum sounds familiar to you, as we posted about him back in September.

You’re known for your work in music, how did you get into it?

I started piano lessons in Kindergarten and I took them until 4th grade when we could no longer afford them. That hardship was actually a blessing in disguise. I didn’t play piano for a little because of this, but that’s when I began to develop my “ear” for music.

I started taking lessons again in high school. Due to my ear training any my lessons, I can hear music and play it almost verbatim as to what’s in my head. So, when I hear music it is easy to record it out on the keyboard, edit it, and eventually create a score from it.

At this point, how many instruments can you play?

I play the piano as my primary instrument. I realized that this would be my instrument when someone showed me you could digitally play other instruments using computer software. That’s how I achieve such epic sounds in my music.

However, I also love playing the guitar. I used to carry my guitar around campus so that my friends and I could jam. I was in the Filipino Intercultural Society at Drexel University (FISDU) for all four years of college. Guitar is a staple of FISDU hangouts. It helped me make friends.

I also know enough violin and drums to compose for it and enough drum technique to program for it when recording my music.

Tell me more about your work with Video Games Live. What did you do? I went to VGL once in Anaheim, CA at BlizzCon. Do you know any sweet Blizzard tracks?

I have worked with Video Games Live for 40+ shows. For the show, I have done everything from running a pre-show Guitar Hero competition, managing volunteers to actually intro MC-ing the show in front of 3,200+ people on Broadway. The largest credit I received was for my stage production work with them on their PBS national broadcast Blu-ray release. I helped in the setup and flow of the live event, ensuring on-stage events happened on time. It went beautifully and it’s available on iTunes!

Speaking of Blizzard, I was once backstage when three-time Emmy award-winning composer, Russel Brower (WoW/SC composer) walked over. He had his laptop with him and proceeded to show my boss, Tommy Tallarico, the then-unreleased theme of StarCraft II. I almost died, I was so glad I brought a change of pants. It was the “Wings of Liberty” title track; it’s incredibly intricate. That was definitely a highlight.

What do you currently do aside from composing music?

I’m heavily involved in Philadelphia outreach through my church that just launched a campus at the Prince Theater on Sunday nights. We feed people in Love Park, work with nonprofit organizations to help end human trafficking in the city and we’re beginning to work with the police to see how we can help by purchasing equipment for the officers.

Aside from that, I enjoy having fun with friends. I love going out on the town, whether it be for First Friday or finding new places to eat (I’m a huge fan of Starr Restaurants).

Ultimately, I’m going to stay local. I want to build a life around this city and help bring the gaming industry here in a big way. One day, I will open a game development studio. Until then, I’ll keep making music.

I’m not sure if you’ve heard, but Geekadelphia likes to get down. It ain’t  all space marines, 10 sided dice, and zombies over here. Sometimes we like to hit up Tatooed Moms in our best moustaches and throw a few back. Other times it’s watching Invincible shut it down over at Kung Fu Necktie. Good times had by all. But we’re always on the lookout for something new to check out when we have to come up from Skyrim for air. Well, I think we’ve found it… Rock and Awe.

From the Kickstarter page:

This season, Jess Conda is a resident artist at Brat Productions, a Barrymore Award winning non profit theater company that has been making cutting edge, boundary re-defining theater since 1996. As part of her residency, Jess will develop and perform as lead artist in a cabaret series that explores the intersection of rock and roll and theater.

These cabarets will involve collaborations with rock musicians and theatrical actors and directors from the Philadelphia area. Each show will have fully realized production values and will be presented as part of Brat’s 2011-2012 season. From Jess:

This series marks a major personal step forward as a lead artist on a project that I am conceiving and developing. These shows aim to find the bridge between the rock and the theater world, as well as do what Brat and I do best–create theatrical events. This residency also marks my first attempt at personal fundraising, another critical part of being an independent artist making original work. Every little bit helps make the series better, pay artists for their time, and helps me grow and define myself as an artist.

You read that right. Rock and Roll cabaret. Jess and Brat have already set up the themes for all three shows, and things are looking pretty good. Check out the list below and then head over to the Kickstarter page and show them some love. You’ve got some time to plan, so if you’re headed to any of the shows next year be sure to let us know. We’ll be there… as long as there aren’t any more Riddler trophies to find.

Rock and Awe Performance Details

Jan 19-21 ETERNAL GLAMNATION
A spectacle of glitter and pop with Brat alums appearing as their Glam Rock alter egos.  Featuring music by David Bowie, TRex, Roxy Music and more

Mar 29-31 LET’S START A WAR
A government-sponsored cocktail party where lounge music collides with punk rock and punk rock wins.  Inspired by the music of the Dead Kennedys.

June 14-16 GET BEHIND ME SATAN
A romantic fantasia set to the White Stripes’ album Get Behind Me Satan.

All shows will be at RUBA Club Studios, 414 Green St., Philadelphia, PA  Doors at 10:00, show at 10:30pm

The Project: Rock an Awe: Three Rock and Roll Cabaret Events

Creator: Jess Conda

The Sweet Spot: $25 will get you a Rock and Awe messenger bag pin and a signed show flyer designed by one of the artists working on the series. Take a look at the video above to get an idea of how sweet that is. For double that you’ll grab all of that goodness and get two tickets to the show of your choice.

Funding Deadline: December 18th, 2011

More Info: Hit the official Kickstarter page, Jess’ Facebook, or the Brat Productions website.

Every Monday Geekadelphia features a Kickstarter created by locals. Check ‘em out and support our local geek scene. If you have a project that you’d like featured on site, contact geekadelphia@gmail.com

As most of you know, we’re huge fans of Chipocrite here on Geekadelphia. You might have caught him performing at Lebowskifest at the TLA earlier this year, and back in the Summer, he wrote the theme song for the Philly Geek Awards, which you can absolutely still download from us.

Well, he was recently nominated for the Deli Philadelphia’s Featured Artist poll, and we sure would love to see him on there. Just head over to the site and look for the voting column on the right hand side there. Select Chipocrite and vote. Note, if you select anyone else, YOU ARE DOING IT WRONG.

Voting ends December 1st, so share the link. Let’s get him up there.

A band performing at PhilaMoca. Just picture chiptuners instead.

Are you a fan of the up and coming geektastic music scene in the Philadelphia area? Chiptune is taking America by storm, and Philadelphia is a hub for the Chiptune movement. SKGB is a West Philadelphia based Chiptune aficionado, and he’s coming out with some new tunes!

SKGB is having a Record Release party at PhilaMOCA this Thursday, November 17th. You should definitely check it out. The night starts off with an open mic, bringing new local talent into the Philadelphia Chiptune world. Do you have some Chiptune delights you’ve been dyeing to share with an audience? Guests can hit the stage at 8!

The night officially kicks off at 9pm with Dain Saint (of Cipher Prime fame) who fuses Jass and keyboard to present a soulful 8bit sound. He might throw in some Dubstep for good measure! Next, TreyFrey brings the dance beats to the evening, and I hear his beats are pretty epic.

After these two warm you up for the evening it’s time to listen to SKGB bring his robot overlord loving, bass driven beats to your eardrums. To accompany this awesome 8bit event, PixelSeed will provide visual effects for all of the acts. Why would you want to miss this event?

So go support local music; especially local Chiptune music! For more information, go RSVP to the Facebook event. You won’t want to miss this.