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Radio 94 at Blackbirds' Grille, April 14 By Melissa Francis One would think a cover band would play the same lame music that has been filtered through our radios for decades. Well there is a band out there that strays from the norm and livens up the music of the early nineties. Yes this is a cover band, but the members bring their own momentous techniques to each piece they perform. The four members bring an entertaining aspect to the show. Radio 94, consisting of Ethan Lyndley, Scott Ingenito, Charlie La Rocco and lead singer Tom Gronenthal, are a quartet with excellent musical abilities. Spring has brought many new shows for the band. The newly changed Sweet Magnolias, now Blackbirds' Grille in Sayville, hosted the band on April 14 with a vivacious crowd to enhance their spirits. Starting the night off with a couple of 90s classics, such as "Man in the Box" by Alice in Chains and "Vasoline" by the Stone Temple Pilots, brought the crowd to their feet. Each song was played with gusto and was assisted by lead singer Tom Gronenthal's raucous vocals. After coming down with a little Bush, the band turned their musical talents over to an acoustic set. Starting the set off with a bit of Coldplay, the band continued to perform until they were told it was too loud. Radio 94 became frustrated with the bouncers suggestion, so as a result, they disassembled their equipment and enjoyed the rest of the night regardless of the artificial bouncer. With Blackbirds' Grille behind them, Radio 94 planned on an evening at Cafe Bada-Bings in Port Jefferson the following week. This show was a bit tough. The local crowd didn't seem to embrace the cover band as well as previous shows. The boys began their show with a distinctive Pearl Jam tune that allowed for the small audience to get pumped for the upcoming hits that would entice the crowd throughout the night. Scott, Ethan and Charlie were ideal in their stimulating adaptations of the unforgettable 90s rock creations, but Tom with his rendition of Beck's "Loser" was interesting and candid. Beck's lyrics and arrangement may be hard to synch with, yet Tom pulled it off with delight. The night was intimate and modest, even with the locals crowding the bar. |
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