WSLR is Growing Roots in the Rosemary District Sunday, April 22, 5-9pm 

If you haven’t heard the news yet – WSLR is GROWING ROOTS in the Rosemary District!  WSLR is buying the property at 525 Kumquat Court, taking over the operation of the Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, the publication of the Critical Times quarterly newspaper, the maintenance of the online Activist Calendar and the scheduling of Activist Tuesdays. 

WSLR and Fogartyville are throwing a party to celebrate on Sunday, April 22nd with the GROWING ROOTS COMMUNITY CELEBRATION.  Two bands with deep ties to the station will be performing – Passerine and the NeXXLeVeL Band. In honor of Earth Day, WSLR be opening a ‘Water is Life’ art exhibit featuring the work of local artist Jean Blackburn and local environmental groups will be tabling to share the work they are doing. There will be an interactive art project where attendees can share their vision for the space and for the community as a whole.

Tickets are $12 in advance/$15 at the door.  Advance tickets are available at www.wslr.org. 

With inventive vocal harmonies and song-writing, supported by the sounds of acoustic strings, Passerine offers a fresh take on traditional folk and bluegrass music as well as a repertoire of original songs that range from sweet ballads to the edgier side of contemporary Americana. The band was formed in 2009 by singer/songwriter Carmela Pedicini and David Brain (dobro). Pedicini had already established a regional following as front person for “Radio-Free Carmela and the Transmitters.” Sara Moone (vocals, violin) combines classical training with her western Kentucky roots to achieve great versatility across musical genres from punk and psychedelic rock to Passerine’s version of Americana. Originally recruited only as a violinist in 2011, Sara has stretched her wings as a vocalist and a songwriter in her own right. Carmela, David and Sara quickly settled in as the core of the group. ‘Transmitter’ Doug Conroy (bass, vocals) joined up in 2014, earning his Passerine wings on their 6,000 mile ‘Northern Loon’ tour (with 23 shows in 25 days). 

One of the most popular dance bands in Sarasota, the NexxLeVeL Band is led by Troy Nichols. Nichols is also the host of WSLR 96.5’s Tuesday Morning Soul School Show, every Tuesday morning from 7am to 9am. Pierre B. Harris has been working as Music Director/keys/co-founder of Nexxlevel for the last five years and before that he was Musical Director of The Crashers, another popular local band, in which Troy was the lead singer. Al Holland has toured all over the world with Wilson Williams’ Platters, a group that needs no introduction, and has led several bands that have opened for many national acts. Drummer James Varnado, toured for eight years with Dickie Betts, and also fronted his own Funk Band.

For information:  David Brain, Passerine, 941. 284.7614 or Troy Nichols; 941-296-5122

photo from WSLR

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