17 August 2023

BISS List 8.17.23: Spotlight on LAZWELL + Best of BISS this Week

Happy Birthday week to me! Since my birthday falls on Wednesday next week, I think it’s fair to claim both of the surrounding weekends. I will tell you more of those plans later.

But first, let’s talk about last week…

Yes, I did go see the Barbie movie. I didn’t really look into it too much in advance. It was a plan hatched with a bunch of friends after a few drinks. So why not? I was surprised to find it actually had a much deeper & positive empowering message than I had expected, not to mention that it’s fun and witty. #justsayin

#LastThursday, the Afrolicious party reunion and Diamond fundraiser was absolutely amazing! It was truly a reunion both on stage and on the dance floor. Diamond Vibes, we know you are on a long road to full recovery. But look at you now! (He had to relearn how to talk after the stroke three months ago.) I know I speak for all of us when I say it was incredible to see you performing on stage! We love you! I captured some of the night here for you. If you have the means, please show your support with a donation: https://www.gofundme.com/f/6muw6-please-help-diamond.

#LastSaturday, we went for the double header in the North Bay. We kicked off the afternoon with Billy Iuso, who was in town from NOLA playing multiple shows in the Bay Area. He had an amazing group of musicians including Reggie Scanlan, Eddie Christmas & Mookie Siegel. Sorny, happy birthday, my friend! I love your celebration style. I captured a little of this for you.. Then Saturday night continued with Eddie Roberts and his new band, The Lucky Strokes. Honestly, I have yet to ever be disappointed in anything that Eddei puts together. But let me tell you, Eddie Roberts & The Lucky Strokes are fire! They dig into that little streak in me that loves southern rock! But you don’t have to take my word for it… Check it out for yourself.

#LastSunday, Stern Grove had a line down the street at both entrances way before noon. I spoke to friends who got in line at 7am to be first in. We got lucky this time and made it into the front & center tier of grass. This was a day of legends as are many of the days at Stern Grove. Bob Mould kicked off the day with a solo set. He is a true legend of punk rock best known as the lead singer and guitarist of the band Hüsker Dü, one of the most influential punk bands of the 1980s. All the while, people continued filling in every single open space that would fit a single standing person in that grove. It spilled over to the meadow just outside which is now equipped with a big screen, porta potties, and food trucks. Then Patti came out and kicked off her set with a poetry reading of Alan Ginsberg’s “Howl”. She then proceeded with an amazing set that was just true Patti Smith. I got the chills when she got emotional as she performed “After the Gold Rush” (Neil Young) while she was clearly acknowledging the beauty of Stern Grove. It was hard to break away from her to capture clips for you. She even yelled at someone for this, which I also captured 😝. I shouldn’t have to tell you but Patti Smith is a true legend. She is a singer, songwriter, poet, and writer who has been active in the music industry for over 50 years. She is considered one of the most influential artists of her generation, and her work has been praised by critics and fans alike. Her music will continue to inspire people for generations to come.

#ThisWeek, is my birthday week! And I say “Birthday Week” meaning the ten days from this Friday, 8/18, all the way through the following Sunday, 8/27. Like all ten days, are one week.***This is due to the loophole that allows you to consider both weekends part of the week when your bday is on a Wednesday. So here is the plan… I am kicking off my birthday week on Friday the 18th with a fun Blue Bear Community Event and fundraiser on the top floor of the Salesforce Tower. Ticket sales ended on 8/14 and they are not selling at the door. However, you can still support Blue Bear with a donation. On Saturday 8/19, I am celebrating with a whole bunch of you and My Morning Jacket at The Greek. Then on Sunday (morning-ish) 8/20, we continue the celebration of my birthday with more friends and The Flaming Lips! I told you the story earlier of how insane it was to get a spot for Patti Smith. Take heed and get there early so we can get a few spots to fit all of our friends. #savespaceforme. BTW, I hear they may be releasing more reservations, keep checking the site to get yourself some FREE tickets! Sunday (night), 8/20, I just found out that a band who I have been listening to in my Spotify faves list for a few years, True Loves, is coming to SF to play at the Make Out Room. I didn’t even know I knew some of the players in the band. So spread the word and enter to win and keep my birthday celebration going! Over the week until next weekend, I think I will have a birthday dinner every night! Then on the following Friday, the celebration goes on the road with a trip to Glen Ellen on my way to Napa. I am helping out with an event for a good cause on Saturday, the Mayacamas Volunteer Fire Foundation Starlight Dinner & Auction. Then I am rounding out the birthday week (and month) with Widespread Panic in Napa on Sunday night and an overnight at the Pink Palace. Cause as they say … #NeverMissASundayShow!

#NextWeek, I will be away from the city but for those of you who are here, let me tell you about a couple of shows you might like to see aside from the big ones listed on Best of BISS, like Boz Scaggs. There are two shows you should have on your radar for next Friday night!. #1 Wanted II: A DangerAte Funktion @ Neck of The Woods (*WIN*) on 8/25! What is a DangerAte Funktion? It is a JazSfunk, Hip, R & B, Soul-Full Musical Happenin’ for you to be celebratin’ and get your #AssShakin’!! All ages! #2, New Diplomat @ The Chapel SF (*WIN*) on 8/25. They are an up and coming indie, electronic, synth-pop band out of San Francisco whose new single “Away We Go” was just added to Live 105’s Soundcheck. Their new EP was released earlier this year and their first headlining gig is next Friday, August 25th at The Chapel. #jointheparty!!

#MarkYourCalendars for Parliament Funkadelic feat. George Clinton at the Fox Theater in Oakland, November 25th. I know… You didn’t know, right? #yourewelcome Do you like George? Then read on to find out about LAZWELL’s newest release of “Killing It” featuring George Clinton!

As always, check out the Best of BISS section and Win Tickets page. And don’t forget there is always more on the Full Calendar.

But wait there’s more! Be sure to check out this week’s Spotlight on Lantz Lazwell with info on his upcoming show at The Sweetwater on 9/2 with Marshall House Project and Lantz’s newly renamed band, LAZWELL (formerly known as Lantz Lazwell & The Vibe Tribe). Plus we have a fantabulous Interview with Lantz by BISS List Contributing Editor, Josh Danson. Then read on to this week’s #ListenToThis which features LAZWELL’s latest single “Killing It” featuring George Clinton!

#seeyouattheshows,
~ Pamela aka Miss BISS

SPOTLIGHT ON LAZWELL

BISS List Interview with Lantz Lazwell

If you have been following the BISS List for at least the last six months, then you know that we have developed a love for an artist named Lantz Lazwell. This week, we bring you an exclusive interview with Lantz conducted by BISS List Contributing Editor, Josh Danson. In it, you’ll find out how he got George Clinton to perform on his newly released single “Killing It”. Read this week’s Interview with Lantz Lazwell! **If you liked that, check out the BISS List Interview archives.

LAZWELL (FKA Lantz Lazwell & The Vibe Tribe)
& Marshall House Project

September 2nd @ Sweetwater Music Hall

Saturday, September 2nd is going to be an amazing double header at the Sweetwater – with these two heavy hitters sharing the same stage in one night!

Lantz Lazwell is a larger than life figure, part guitar hero, part comic book character, who fronts his band, LAZWELL (formerly Lantz Lazwell & The Vibe Tribe). Audiences have no choice but to throw caution to the wind as LAZWELL leads you through a multi-layered, poly textural labyrinth of funky, bluesy rock-n-roll. The stylishly attired frontman commands the stage with the charisma of a natural-born performer.

Marshall House Project is a driving soul funk outfit with one foot rooted deep in the pockets of the past and the other fearlessly exploring the deep fry of the future. The sound is an eclectic electric love child: the product of an affair between Jimi Hendrix and The Funky Meters, after a long night of drinking with space aliens and jamming to Bob on the jukebox.

#ListenToThis

Listen to LAZWELL’s “Killing It” featuring George Clinton, the third single from the upcoming album, Counter Clockwise. LAZWELL’s Counter Clockwise features legendary artists, George Clinton, Tracy Clinton, Stephen Perkins, Norwood Fisher, & Eric McFadden. It is set to be released in Fall of 2023. This album showcases Lantz’s ability to seamlessly transition through genres of funk, blues, rock & soul.

We asked Lantz to tell us more about the background on “Killing It” and how it felt to work on it with such amazing artists to create it. He said, “It’s an anthem of affirmation to the highest vibration of self that we embody, and will attain. It’s about fighting through and against all odds, and achieving your goals with style and grace. Being joined by artists that undoubtedly shaped my journey really helped drive the message home.

We hope to see you at The Sweetwater on Sept 2nd to catch this band live! Be sure to check LAZWELL’s website for more shows to come: lazwell.com.