Mixing Live Local Music with Hits
SacTV.com "Video of the Day" review by
Alex Cosper on February 24, 2013
One way for local artists to establish themselves with audiences is to mix in cover songs of popular
hits with their original composition. That was pretty much the secret to Tesla's success in the 80s,
evolving from a local to national act. Their signature hit "Signs" was a cover originally done by the
Five Man Electrical Band in the seventies. Cake also mixed covers with their originals on their way
to national fame as their Donna Summer cover "I Will Survive" became one of their hits. Even though
this idea seems obvious on the surface that familiar songs help audiences identify with new artists,
many unsigned bands prefer to perform only their originals, which most of the time can be a dead end.
This SacTV video from Saturday February 23, 2013 showcases live entertainment at Vintner's Cellar at
Nimbus Winery in Rancho Cordova near Hazel Avenue and Highway 50. It features Ken Koenig, who has recently
released an outstanding CD called The Organic Life, which includes covers of the Cowsills' hit
"The Rain, The Park and Other Things" and "Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers. The rest of the album
is filled with his diverse originals, including the lead-off track "Beautiful Day." Ken's daughter Amanda
is also featured in this montage performing an original song. I'm also in it with my original song
"Eye of a Raven" followed by guitar maker Mark Dobbins, who performed a set that included the John
Gorka song "Saint Caffeine." Each performer mixed covers with originals, giving
the crowd a diverse variety that included songs by The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Bill Withers, Jimmy Buffett and
Crowded House.
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