Monday, December 19, 2016




December Musician of the Month

Al-Vis





Singer-Guitarist-Songwriter-Writer/Blogger from Neptune NJ (b. 1958), Al-Vis has performed in the Asbury Park area for nearly 4 decades, including with the following acts:
JP Gotrock, Big Danny, The Hudson River Sloop Singers, Chik-A-Boom, Blue Plate Special, Vini Lopez and The Disco Rejects, Mike and Al-Vis, Patty Tracy, Spring Lovelle, Gary Cook, Andrew James Hughes, Cook Smith, Tim Cusack, Mystery Date, Dave Mains, Carol Barbieri,  Jo Wymer and many others.
Notable Venues:  The Wonder Bar(Asbury Park), Leggetts(Manasquan), Mrs Jays(Asbury Park), Quack Quack(Asbury Park), The Brighton Bar(Long Branch), The Deck House(Asbury Park), The Stone Pony(Asbury Park), The Fast Lane(Asbury Park), The Boat House (Belmar), Bar Anticipation(Lake Como), The Porch(Spring Lake), The Clearwater Festival at Sandy Hook, The Clearwater Festival at Asbury Park, Long Branch Beachfest, The Saint(Asbury Park), The T-Birds Cafe(Asbury Park), The Headliner(Neptune), Kellys(Neptune), Clancy’s(Neptune), Jenkinsons (Point Pleasant Beach), The Columns(Avon), The Norwood Inn(Avon), The Beachcomber(Seaside Heights), Brewsters(Bradley Beach), Langosta Lounge(Asbury Park), Belmar Fishing Club, The Paramount Sessions(Asbury Park), The Bitter End(NYC)
Notable recordings (ReverbNation.com/AlvisRocks): “Transforming” by Spring Libutti; “Don’t Stop The Dreaming” by Big Danny and also featuring E-Street drummer Vini Lopez; Several studio cuts by Vini Lopez and The Disco Rejects; Andrew James Hughes (several CDs and singles including “Stir Fed And Spoon Fried”, see http://www.andrewjameshughes.com)
Current CD: Road Construction, available on my web site. Single “New Jim Crow Blues” available in my Reverb Nation store. Producer: Cook Smith, LA East Productions.
Other musical activities: Board Member, Society Of Associated Performers 1990-1994; Entertainment Coordinator and Board Member, NJ Friends Of Clearwater (1988-2008); Blogger and author of several works detailing life as a musician in the Asbury Park area during the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and beyond.

Al-Vis on Youtube

Al-Vis on Facebook

Al-Vis on Reverb Nation

The Interview


Wednesday, November 30, 2016





Caroline Reese

November Musician of the Month





Caroline Reese is an Americana songwriter from Reading, PA. She has released two folk-rock solo albums, "Indian River" (2010) and "Slow Code" (2013), and one EP "The Electric Year" (2014) with her band, the Drifting Fifth. 



As a solo artist and with the Drifting Fifth Caroline Reese has toured nationally and opened for artists including Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Ben Folds, the Secret Sisters, and Israel Nash. They've been Emerging Artists on Nashville's Music City Roots show hosted by Jim Lauderdale and Taco Bell 2016 Feed the Beat artists. "The Electric Year" was named Y102's 2014 album of the year.



Caroline Reese & the Drifting Fifth released 'Snake Eyes,' the first single off their upcoming album Tenderfoot, on September 7th, 2016. The full album is due out at the end of the year.


Watch Caroline's "Screen Doors" video here


Check out Caroline's Facebook page



Here's Caroline's  website








Friday, October 21, 2016


Sharon Goldman

October Musician of the Month






Sharon Goldman is a NJ-based contemporary singer-songwriter known around the Tri-State area and beyond for her intelligent, inventive storytelling, catchy melodies and pure, precise vocals. Sharon's latest album, KOL ISHA (A Woman’s Voice), released in August 2016, takes her artistry in a new and unique direction: She has dug deep into her Orthodox Jewish childhood and emerged with a song cycle that traces her own journey to find her voice as a passionate woman; a lifelong questioner; and a constant seeker. She delves into memories of prayers and rituals; of roads not taken; and of voices not heard. She also mines the stories of biblical and mythical women — such as Lilith, the Sabbath Queen and the lovers in the Song of Songs for creative inspiration.










Friday, September 30, 2016




David Vargo

September Musician of the Month






A native of East Brunswick, NJ, David started playing the guitar at the age of eight and by the age of 14 was performing throughout the tri-state area with various jazz, funk, and rock bands. He graduated from Berkeley College of Music with honors and went on to become a touring sideman and session player. He has had the privilege of working with a number of notable talents including Whitney Houston, Phoebe Snow, Vonda Shepard, and Rupert Holmes.


David currently performs both solo and as part of an acoustic duo (Kim and Dave). He is also an active session player and songwriter.








Friday, August 19, 2016



Cat London

August Musician of the Month


Musician of the Month's First Anniversary 







         Singer/Songwriter Cat London’s music cannot be classified by a single sound.  
        Backed on stage and in the studio by Rich Aveo on piano, Eric Cooper on cello,
        Paul O'Keeffe on bass, and Anthony Freda on drums, London captivates listeners
        with a dynamic range of songs, from soulful ballads that echo Damien Rice’s tender
        portrayal of love and conflict, to playful pop tunes invoking the energy and
        versatility of Sara Bareilles. She has many videos on YouTube.

        Cat's video "The Right Way" was selected Best Homegrown Music Video by the 
        Garden State Film Festival. She was also selected as 1 of 15 finalists for the new
        songwriting reality show "The Song"which will premier in the Fall of 2016. 

         Check out Cat's website and Facebook page:


And now, sit back, relax and hear Cat tell her story in 






Tuesday, July 26, 2016

July Vacation






We will be taking a vacation in July.

Tuesday, June 28, 2016




Barbara Paskin

June Musician of the Month









Barbara Paskin is passionate about her music and giving back to the community. A resident of West Long Branch, Barbara lovingly crafts her arrangements of classic songs, and performs them at venues all over the state including the Musicians on a Mission events, Espresso Joe's and The Saint to name a few. She has a YouTube channel with over a million views and was also recently appointed to the Musicians on a Mission board of directors.




I'll let Barbara tell you the rest of her story in her own, inimitable way. Enjoy!


The Interview


Sunday, May 29, 2016




Mary Ellen O'Brien


May Musician of the Month









I first met Mary Ellen at a Wednesday Open Mic at Espresso Joe's. She's a regular there, with her beaming smile and positive attitude. Her enthusiasm was contagious. And then when she takes the stage you realize that this is one talented lady. 

Her songs are different from the run of the mill. I always enjoy seeing her perform. She recently released an album entitled "All Roads Lead Us Home" and it's available online or at one of her appearances.

As for how she got to be who she is and do what she does, it's all in the interview. Enjoy!











Monday, May 2, 2016








April Musician(s) of the Month
at the 
2nd Annual Creative Arts & Music Festival 










We're trying something new this month. Instead of interviewing a featured artist, which will continue to be our main format, we decided to do a remote recording live at the Creative Arts and Music Festival, entertainment provided courtesy of Musicians on a Mission. We were able to get a couple of impromptu interviews, with Cat London and Rich Aveo, and Gil Velazquez

Check out excellent videos of their performances by Eddy Hayduk on the Musicians on a Mission Facebook page.



Wednesday, March 23, 2016



Carolann Solebello



March Musician of the Month


                                                                                
 photo by Brian W. Johnson


A New York City native, Carolann first fell in love with mountain music and the
bluegrass and country that grew out of that tradition -  while working as an actor 
in East Tennessee and Kansas. Tunes and techniques she learned from musicians in 
both places fundamentally changed her approach to songwriting and guitar
playing, and subsequently colored her work with her group, Red Molly.


- 2015 Winner, Musicians on a Mission Songwriting Contest
- 2014 Winner, Third Place, SolarFest Songwriter Showcase
- 2014 Finalist, South Florida Folk Festival Songwriting Competition
- 2012 Official Showcase Artist, Northwest Regional Folk Alliance
- 2012 Official Showcase Artist, Folk Alliance International
- 2011 Winner, Susquehanna Music & Arts Festival Songwriting Competition

Please visit her website for more information on Carolann.

And now, sit back and listen to our interview.




Thursday, February 11, 2016


Michael Patrick
February Musician of the Month



Inspired by the more traditional folk, country, rockabilly, bluegrass, gospel, roots and rock sounds & writing of such artists as : Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Woody Guthrie, Doc Watson, Guy Clark, Kris Kristofferson, John Prine, and the like, Michael Patrick has developed an appreciation of simplistic story-telling lyrics, catchy hooks and memorable melodies. 

A proud member of Musicians on a Mission, you can catch Michael performing solo acoustic shows or with his band of esteemed musicians known as "The Suburban Hillbillies" as well as Recalling the spirit of Johnny Cash in the Tribute show "RING of FIRE" Band!.. 

To date, Michael has logged over 1500 live performances in the tri-state (NY,NJ,PA) area in addition to 3 annual tours down south. 

His achievements include: Three successful CD releases as well as opening Slots for:Randy Travis, Clint Black, Marty Stuart, Rosanne Cash, Steve Earle, Carlene Carter, Billy Joe Shaver, Gary Allen, David Alllan Coe, Justin Townes Earle, Chris Knight,The Marshall Tucker Band, The Outlaws, and more. 

He maintains a website which includes tour dates, media photos and video/audio clips. Visit Michael's Facebook page, and listen to his music at Reverb Nation and iTunes


Now, sit back, relax and listen to Michael's story

Wednesday, January 20, 2016







"Coffee House" Todd Goldin


January Musician of the Month


Todd Goldin, aka "Coffee House" Todd, is a man who needs no introduction. Well-known and well-loved by the Jersey Shore music community, Todd and his Mom, Dale, are the area's most dedicated and enthusiastic supporters of the artists and the venues they play. Todd knows just about all the performers, their genres, gigs (next, current and last) and the words to almost every, if not every, song. And his T-shirt collection is second to none. 

Todd often can be seen accompanying acts on percussion instruments i.e. bongos, shakers, tamborines, snare drums, congas etc. He's hosted many open mic nights and kept the musicians in line and following the schedule. No one enjoys the music and community spirit more than Todd.

In this candid interview, Todd tells us the origin of how he and his Mom became aware and involved with the coffee house scene which sparked an untapped passion in Todd that's lasted twelve years and is still going strong. You will be touched by his story and learn things about him that you never knew.

Thanks to Michael Patrick and Joe Iantosca for permission to use their song.


                                     


                                              The Todd Goldin Interview