On a beautiful night June 11th 2021 again the areas most talented musical youth come out to show their stuff at The Mark LaRochelle Youth Open Mic presented by The Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation. Hosted by board member and coordinator Joseph Vincent Riggio it has been dubbed everyone’s “Favorite Friday Night of the Month” and it continues to be an incredible night of fun, friendship and music. The hashtag #toomuchtalentinoneroom was confirmed this evening that had the house, now able to mingle about mask free if comfortable, at capacity plus the patio at The Chubby Pickle who graciously support as the events temporary home one last time. The Women’s Club of Red Bank is ready to host live events again at the Anthony Reckless Estate so we will see you all there in July.
Opening the night was new comer, Lakehouse Music student ViVi on guitar. She delighted everyone with a strong vocal and guitar performance. Her musical taste seems broad with her choices Amy Winehouse’s “Valerie”, Gagas’ “Million Rasons” and Harry Styles “Watermelon Sugar Hight”. She was welcomed to the family with much applause.
Next up another Lakehouse music student, JD Leidersdorff returned after his open mic debut on electric guitar opening with The White Stripes “We’re Going to be Friends” and closing with the Beatles classic “Here Comes the Sun”. In the middle he played a very cool version of RHCP “Under the Bridge” which suited his voice well.
MAST Junior April Lynn was welcomed back to the CP stage as always showing her pro chops and diversity she gave everyone three well delivered tunes on guitar and vocals. Her opener “Levitate” by Dua Lipa was a blow across the bow to anyone who was unfamiliar with her before and her ender the Lit banger “Gone” had everyone singing along. Catch her regular gigs at Burlew’s in Keyport every other Sunday early evenings.
Up next was another newcomer and Lakehouse Music student Rachel O’Niell. Her quirky sense of humor and joking personality came through in her vocal and electric guitar performance. Her trio of obscure tunes were a lot of fun “Circle the Drain”, “Harness Your Hopes” and “Where Did the Time Go”. In between songs she made silly comments and then quickly apologized to the crowd stating “I’m nervous” before confidently setting into her tunes, perhaps she will consider hosting at the women’s club one day?
Then came leather pants and freshly flame red locked and shaded 17year old Eve on guitar. She delighted the crowd with a well thought out original called “I want to Watch/Look/See/I Miss You” and Tame Impala’s “The Less I Know the Better”. She will be revealing a new musical persona on July 31st as she opens an all ages showcase at The Chubby Pickle 6pm sharp, lets all be there!
Fresh off her Disney vacation and just a few days past her 17th Birthday, Mellissa LaRochelle performed as well. Mom and former JSJBF Scholarship Award winner sister Allison were there as well. She opened with “Driver’s license” by Olivia Rodrigo to celebrate her right of passage and had everyone singing and moving to “ABBAs’ disco classic “Dancing Queen” her vocal tone really shined there.
Next JSJSB 2020 Mark LaRochelle Scholarship Award Winner Ruby Riggio performed accompanying herself with her signature pink ukulele and donning some killer shades. Strumming and finger picking she began with “Ghost” by Halsey and ended with “Fallen” by Ron Sexsmith.
Luke Russoniello showed up solo this month proving he has been bitten by the open mic bug and a true member of the family. He opened with the Gn’R classic “Patients” and ended with “Watching Over You” by Tim Be Told. His second song was truly a delight an acoustic version of “Lifeline” by the highly underrated Papa Roach. Stripped down his voice really hit tonally on all three of theses songs.
JSJSB 2019 Mark LaRochelle Scholarship Award Winner Jessie Roberts came promoting her opening set at The Chubby Pickle Saturday June 18th at 6pm. She first performed accompanying herself on guitar “Homeward Bound” by Simon and Gatrfunkel and then invited her good friend and multi-instrumentalist Collin on Bass and played “Stand by Me “ and the out of the box choice “Rubberband Man”.
Next scheduled for July9th The Mark LaRochelle Youth Open Mic is presented by the Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation one Friday night a month providing the musical youth community a forum to perform in a fun, supportive, friendly and inviting environment. After a long hiatus due to the pandemic we will be back at the Red Bank Women’s Club in the Anthony Reckless Estate in Red Bank NJ. We thank the Chubby Pickle for there gracious support during our time of need and look forward to collaborating on shows and events in the future.
Sign up sheet available at 6:30 PM
Music happens from 7 PM – 10 PM
$5 Donation to perform or attend Under 21 to perform
All ages welcome to enjoy
Full backline provided
(Musicians bring instruments and pedals)
Music not limited to Jazz and Blues
For further information contact
Joseph Vincent Riggio at 732-670-2157
And follow us on Instagram at: https://instagram.com/jsjbf_youth_open_mic?igshid=12eeptkjxlvs9