If you blinked you missed it! On October 16th the Woman’s Groovement Volume 1 Vinyl Album Release Party descended upon The Southgate House Revival with a full house of all star regional female performers. The album, which was released on June 22nd 2022, features performances by local favorites Honey & Houston, Maria Carrelli and Jess Lamb, as well as regional favorites Senora May Childers, Luna & the Mountain Jets (who recently opened for Tyler Childers at Red Rocks), and Bee Taylor. Limited at 100, the first pressing sold out within the first few weeks. The album is produced by local photographer and music enthusiast Lisa Sullivan for her non-profit The Women’s Groovement. Because of the interest in the album a second pressing of 100 had to be ordered for the release party. I am going to tell you what, if you missed this show you missed something special. Guests included women who are featured on Volume 1 as well as who Lisa wants to include on a planned Volume 2.
Kicking off the event, which started at 4pm, was the singer songwriter segment in the Lounge which I unfortunately missed. Hosted by Molly Morris-Wickizer and Ellie Mae Mitchell of Harlot, they were joined by Venicia Brooks, Anne Knueven Bangert and Erin Locke. According to the attendees I missed something pretty awesome. However, I made it just in time to catch about the last 10 minutes of Angela Perley’s set in the Sanctuary. Joined by Jesse Henry, Angela’s beautiful voice filled the room as they played outstanding acoustic renditions of her songs.
Upstairs in the Revival room Laney And Friends took over. This was a split set where she was first joined by Julia Abanto-Bethune, Kirsten Smith, Edy Dreith, Jen Dobson as the Queen City Sisters singing in an impressive 1940’s style acapella vibe. The second half of the set featured Maria Carrelli, Sarah Asher Mann, Jaki Howser and Kris Becknell in a full electric band where Laney broke out her guitar skills for the first time on stage and later hopped on keyboards for a killer performance.
In the Sanctuary the incomparable Honey & Houston hit the stage. Backed by the talents of Mark Cretcher on guitar and Daniel Peterson on drums they once again showed why they are one of the top acts in the region with an electrifying show as Honey & Houston captivated the audience with their hypnotizing dual harmonies.
Back up in the Revival Room and hot off their recent performance at Red Rocks, Luna and the Mountain Jets began their set. Featuring the outstanding guitar of David Prince (known to many as Laid Back Country Picker), Teresa Prince and company belted out a searing set of originals and covers. Honestly, I could have listened to David Prince play guitar all night long.
Downstairs to close out the Sanctuary portion of the event, Bee Taylor with a full band took the stage for their first appearance in greater Cincinnati and gave a rousing one-of-a-kind show highlighted by Bee’s strong soulful voice. Bee showcased her multi-instrumentalist talent as she started the set playing what looked to be one of the first portable electronic keyboards, and later displayed her skills on guitar.
Rounding out the night in the Revival Room (which I arrived about seven minutes into her set), Erin Coburn was in the process of melting everyone’s brain with a jaw dropping guitar shred fest. Displaying flourishes of Buddy Guy and Jimi Hendrix mixed with her own unique style, Erin captivated the house with 5 + minute guitar solos in what was definitely the best female guitar performance I have ever seen and possibly ever heard.
Finishing the evening a solo Maria Carrelli hosted the afterparty in the Lounge featuring songs new and old. One of the most beautiful singers I have ever heard; I could listen to Maria sing all night long.
For more information on The Women’s Groovement or how to purchase the album check out https://womensgroovement.org or hit up their Facebook page.
