On January 26, 2022, Cat5 announced their new partnership with Brio Live Entertainment. The band said: "Cat5 is excited to announce our partnership with Brio LIVE Entertainment.The future has never looked brighter."
On Brio Live's Facebook page they shared the following: "Brio LIVE Entertainment is proud to announce the exclusive signing of Cat5live! We are eager to take over the booking and scheduling for a band that has taken the Carolina music scene by storm! Cat5 took home five Carolina Beach Music Awards in 2021: Group of the Year, Song of the Year, Smoothie of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, and Instrumentalist of the Year. With Camron's "Slow Steady Groove," Glen's ability to play multiple instruments, Tim's keyboard skills, Jerry's unique voice, and Allan's smooth bass rhythm, this band is the perfect blend for any event! Whether it's yacht rock or beach, soul or party, Cat5 can do it well and bring the party! To book Cat5 for your festival, private party, corporate party, wedding, or other event, please email us at cat5@brioLIVE.com or give us a call: 704-467-5397."
Brio Live Entertainment represents numerous entertainers and/or bands including several that you'd be familiar with in the Beach Music industry. We'd like to congratulate the team over at Brio along with the guys with Cat5 nothing but success going forward and we appreciate what both groups do for our industry.
The Temptations announced the release of their new album celebrating sixty years titled: "Temptations 60". The scheduled release date is January 28, 2022 and UDiscoverMusic reports: "The album consists of nearly all-original songs that are both modern and classic in feel and sound, and features the track “Is It Gonna Be Yes Or No,” written and produced by and featuring Motown superstar and longtime Tempts collaborator Smokey Robinson. As well as showcasing tracks produced by members of the “Emperors of Soul,” the album brings their modern-day line-up together with another key producer/collaborator in their unmatched history, Narada Michael Walden. The Grammy-winning Walden, who produced their last platinum-selling album, 1998’s Phoenix Rising, oversees the biographical “When We Were Kings.” The celebratory track is available now and sums up the Temptations’ legacy to this point, namechecking many of the group’s members. “Breaking My Back,” meanwhile, is a new love song evoking the sound of their classic catalog. The song was released as a lead single in September." You can pre-order the album via the band's link!
Track list:
1 Let It Reign
2 When We Were Kings
3 Is It Gonna Be Yes or No (feat Smokey Robinson)
4 Time For The People
5 Elevator Eyes
6 My Whole World
7 You Don't Know Your Woman (Like I Do)
8 How Do You Spell Love
9 Calling Out Your Name
10 I Want It Right Now
11 Breaking My Back
12 Come On
The 2021 Keepers of the Dance inductees were announced and they "will be honored at the Keepers of the Dance contest on February 4th and 5th 2022 at Fat Harold's and inducted at Spring Shag Attack with HOF (Beach Shaggers National Hall of Fame) March 18th and 19th 2022". Be sure to visit their website for upcoming dates.
Congratulations to:
Shea Carver
Krystal Bravo
Cody Edwards
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"Keepers Of The Dance - By Bob Myrick The Keepers Of The Dance was started in 1998 by the Beach Shaggers National Hall Of Fame to honor former junior shaggers who have continued to participate in our dance, music, and lifestyle after their junior years and have been instrumental in "keeping" the dance and music alive. The brain child of Harry Driver and Chick Hedrick, fostered by Vickie Carter and a host of other Hall of Famers, this organization has grown and flourished over the years.
On January 18, 2022, Pat Gwinn announced the "Legend Award" in which each month throughout 2022 he will name a new legend. The very first legend to be named was Johnny Barker of the Catalinas and we've included the original post below.
Kool Winds Entertainment Group Pat is co-owner and partner of Kool Winds Entertainment Group and general manager of Kool Winds Radio. A weekly syndicated radio host of Pat Gwinn At The Beach ™, Gwinn is heard in over a dozen states and around the world. From a small town beginning to being heard in New York, New Jersey, Chicago, the UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland, and more, Pat recently celebrated his 40th year in broadcasting. Pat has co-hosted with Billy Scott on television, appeared with TJ Lubinsky on Public Television, and voices many stations around the country.
Cape Fear Beach Sessions Vol. 2 was released by J.K. Loftin of Cape Fear Studios. Like the first volume, JK has done a great job bringing together these artists and their songs which includes; Sylvia Johns Ritchie, the I-42 Band, Feature Attraction Band, Russell Henry and the Carolina Dreamers. If you'd like a physical copy of the CD the price is $10.00 plus $4.00 shipping and of course you can get a digital download that will be provided via Dropbox or WeTransfer. To purchase your copy, you can pay via Venmo using: "Cape Fear Studio" or by PayPal or Zelle. You can contact J.K. Loftin directly by clicking here:J.K. advised that other methods of purchase are currently being setup so be sure to stay tuned and call your favorite DJ's and stations and support these artists.
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We've also included a review below from Craig Fleming from BeachMusic45. Be sure to visit their website as Pat Patterson presents the live Smokin' 45 Countdown the first Monday of each month at 7:0OPM EST on the Largetime Network.
Craig's Review;
"Cape Fear Beach Sessions Volume 2 - Various Artists Compilation J,K, Loftin has been a fixture in the Beach Music industry for years, having played with such groups as The Craig Woolard Band, Mark Roberts and Breeze, Gary Lowder and Smokin' Hot, Steve Owens and Summertime, and most recently The I-42 Band. He engineered and or/co-produced about 2 dozen albums for Judy Collins and later her sister Jeannie on her 3 labels, the first of which was "All Aboard 2, The Beach Boogie Train" which featured Billy Scott's "My Kind of Girl". The compilation was nominated for eight CBMA's and won seven! The only one it didn't win was Engineer of The Year! J.K. said nobody knew who he was back then! He is now the Chief Engineer and Producer at Cape Fear Studio in Wilmington, N.C. where he has worked with many Beach Music artists including Sylvia Johns Ritchie, Feature Attraction Band, and Russell Henry among others. A few years ago, calling on what he had learned from Judy Collins, J.K. decided to release compilation CD's featuring the artists he works with and that gave us "Carolina Moon" and "Cape Fear Beach Sessions Volume 1" which both spawned several #1 hits on various charts. He has now released his third compilation CD entitled "Cape Fear Beach Sessions Volume 2", The new compilation features Sylvia Johns Ritchie, J.K.'s own I-42 Band, The Feature Attraction Band, Russell Henry, and The Carolina Dreamers. Let's take a closer look at each of these songs, shall we?
Burnin' It Up For Your Love - Sylvia Johns Ritchie
We covered this tune in our November edition of Inside The Music, but to refresh everyone's memory, this is a Sylvia original that features Sylvia wearing out those 88's, J.K. on guitar, and a smokin' saxophone to boot! There is also a fun video for the tune that was filmed at 3001 Nightlife in Myrtle Beach. The video is available on You Tube and the song is available for download on I Tunes, The song has been steadily moving up Eric Bowman's New Beach Music Countdown since its release and it currently sits at #20 as of December 11th. Download "Burnin' It Up" today! You will be glad you did!
Carolina Summer - I-42 Band The second tune on the compilation is from J.K.'s own I-42 Band. According to J.K., this song is an anthem for everyone who loves their time spent at Carolina beaches in the Summertime. I would have to agree J.K.! Featuring an outstanding vocal performance from Bryan Mayer, tip of the spear instrumentation from J.K. and the rest of the guys, and top shelf production, it's no wonder this song has been steadily gaining momentum since its release. The song finished #26 on Justin Rouse's 2021 Top 40 and is currently #2 on Don Mark's Surfside Top 20 as of December 18th! Look for this fun tune to steadily move up the charts in the coming months! "Carolina Summer" is available for download on I Tunes. Download it today! You will be so glad you did!
Satellite Radio - Feature Attraction Band The Feature Attraction Band has been making noise on the Beach Music scene for years now. The band has had numerous charting songs including "Feel That Way Again", "This Ones For The People", "Cigarette Kisses", and their smash hit "Call Me" which was on just about every major Beach Music chart for weeks on end! The group is back with their latest release "Satellite Radio" which is already garnering chart action as it is currently #38 on the Beach Music Top 40. The song talks about how "Satellite Radio can take you to any time that you want to go", whether it be '73 or '93! What an improvement from when we all listened to our Big Sister's Radio! This song features those smooth vocals we have become accustomed to from the FAB, killer horns, and again tip of the spear production from J.K. Give this tune a spin and watch the dance floor fill up! I look for this tune to storm up the Beach Music charts in the coming months! You can download "Satellite Radio" from I Tunes, and you should add this smokin' tune to your Beach Music collection today!
Ruby Baby - Russell Henry As a member of The Drifters for over 50 years, Russell Henry's place in Beach Music history is secure! Russell keeps writing additional chapters though at the ripe young age of 81! Russell has recently given us fresh new takes on songs such as "Be Ever Wonderful", "Drip Drop", "There Goes My Baby", "When You Dance", "True Love, True Love", and his most recent smash hit "The Twist". He is back at it with his latest rendition of the Drifters classic "Ruby Baby". According to J.K. "this is a really cool version of the song that maintains its integrity but adds several cool new updates to the old favorite, originally released by The Drifters in 1958". I 100% agree with that statement! Russell has never sounded better and when you layer in some smokin' horns and an underlying organ, you have an instant dance floor classic! Another chapter written in the Beach Music legacy of Rusell Henry! Look for this song to storm up the Beach Music charts in the coming months! Thank you, Russell Henry, for all that you have done and continue to do for Beach Music!
Hey Girl, Hey Boy - Carolina Dreamers The romantic smoothie "Hey Girl, Hey Boy" from The Carolina Dreamers is up next on the compilation and it has come charging out of the gate. Less than 24 hours after the CD was completed, the tune was played on WCLN 1170 AM in Clinton, N.C. which happens to be the groups hometown, The band got to hear themselves on the radio for the first time! How cool is that! The same night it debuted on the "Highway 17 Beach Party" with Ben Morris from Beach Waves Radio and Ben received so much response from the song that he also ended his show with it! The song, as the title indicates, is a back and forth between a girl and boy expressing their feelings for each other. An absolute smokin' tune if I do say so myself! This tune is making a lot of noise on the charts already as it finished the year at #39 on Justin Rouse's 2021 Top 40 and currently sits at #12 on Don Mark's Surfside Top 20! This is an absolute must for your Beach Music collection! I sure hope we hear more from this talented group in the near future!
When I Wish For You - Sylvia Johns Ritchie The last song on the compilation has been a long time coming as it was recorded over two years ago! The song was not released when it was recorded due to the staying power of Sylvia's previous hits. J.K. asked Sylvia if he could put it on his next compilation and she said "Yes"! Neither of them knew it would take two years, due to the pandemic, for the song to finally be released! Well folks let me tell you it is worth the wait! This is an amazing song that is one of Sylvia's best recordings to date. The instrumentation on this song is tip of the spear and features Tom Jones' former sax player Kenny Anderson just absolutely smokin' it up on the saxophone! The production is again second to none on this tune and I expect this tune to make a full-frontal assault on all of the Beach Music charts in the coming months! Outstanding job Sylvia!
All of the tunes on "Cape Fear Beach Sessions Volume 2" are originals by the artists themselves or members of the band except "Ruby Baby" which was written by one of the most successful songwriters of the last 70 years, Mike Stoller. Folks this is a must add to your Beach Music collection! Definitely quality over quantity! Although there are only six tunes on the comp, there is no filler material here! Six high quality, superbly produced tunes, each different in their own way. "Cape Fear Beach Sessions Volume 2" will soon be available in various online formats. Be sure to look for it on your favorite online platform. Outstanding job J.K. Loftin! Don't wait so long to give us your next compilation! We will be eagerly awaiting!"
There were three candidates for the 2022 SOS Board of Directors and the election was held January 15, 2022 at the ACSC Winter Workshop. Your three candidates are listed below and you can read more on each by clicking their names.
On December 28, 2021 the Pink Slips Band announced they would be debuting a new song on 94.9FM The Surf on Saturday, January 15, 2022. Be sure to tune in as they join Harold Ballard on the morning show. You can listen locally in the N. Myrtle Beach area by tuning your radio to 94.9FM and of course streaming on their website or app. The song is titled "We Could Teach the World"
If you happen to miss the debut with Harold you can head over to the Beach, Boogie and Blues network and join Justin Rouse on the Boardwalk. The Pink Slips will be joining Justin during his show around the lunchtime hour. Justin's show airs each and every Saturday from: 10:00AM until 2:00PM. You can listen locally on 105.9FM in Greenville, 102.9FM in Kinston/Goldsboro, 101.1FM in Jacksonville, 95.7FM in New Bern and streaming on their website.
Band member Townsend Link stated: " This is an incredible original song written by the talented David Howard Faircloth that I am lucky to have the privilege to sing lead on. After the debut we will play it live for the first time at Ducks Night Life during our show that same day"
They also shared a teaser on their Facebook page that we've included below:
On January 7, 2022 the Ginger Thompson Band announced on their Facebook page the release of her new CD titled: "Straight from the Heart (Good for the Soul) and also had an on-air interview with Craig Woolard during his radio show on Sunday, January 2, 2022. The album includes the following thirteen songs;
More Today Than Yesterday
Baby, I Love You
Ain't No Mountain High Enough (feat. Craig Woolard)
At Last
See Saw
Baby, It's You
634-5789 (feat. Jeff Grimes)
Dr. Feelgood (Love is Serious Business)
Chain of Fools
Fool in Love
I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)
Respect
Life Happened
The songs are currently available on Spotify and Amazon Music and you cani take a listen below!
2021 was certainly a better year for festivals and events and the same goes for new music enterting the Beach Music arena. We see new faces, artists and names coming into the industry which is great! Several DJs and/or stations released their top songs for 2021 and we have several of them for you below. If your chart is not included, please contact us as we'd be happy to include it.
We were saddened to hear about the passing of another Beach Music community member, Ken Hartsell. So many people have expressed their condolences across social media sharing stories about their friendship with Ken over the years. A visitation and service were held on December 22, 2021 in Kannapolis, North Carolina. A benefit concert for the family will be held on January 9, 2022 from 3:00-6:00PM at Ducks in N. Myrtle Beach. Artists and bands that are scheduled to be at the event include; Steve Owens, Bo Schronce, the Tim Clark Band, Too Much Sylvia, Sugarcreek, The Tonez, Southside Saints and Ken's cousin will open with an acoustic set. Jim Shafer will be the Emcee for the event. For more details you can call the club directly at: 843-663-3858 and it's located at: 229 Main St., N. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29582. Entry to the event will be by donation and it will benefit the family.
We send our prayers and condolences to Ken's family. We've included Ken's obituary for you below and a link to his online guest book located on the funeral home's website.
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OBITUARY: Kenneth "Kenny" Wayne Hartsell Jr. went home to be with The Lord Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021.
Ken was a loving son, brother, father and friend. He was one of the best, most loved and revered sound engineers on the East Coast, with an impeccable ear and talent for making any artist or band he worked with sound incredible. Kenny touched so many with his deep care and passion for music. He began playing guitar and singing while still a teenager and, over the years, began mixing sound in studio, and live, for hundreds of artists. Even when he was just sitting around the fire pit with his family, playing guitar and singing, there was something so special in his touch and voice. God truly blessed him and his family with the gift of music and encouragement.
He was so very proud of his children, and they were his world. He was a wonderful father with a strong hand and soft heart who carried burdens and dried tears on his broad shoulders with love. Ken was a true friend. If you were blessed to be one of them, you know the love, care, and support he so faithfully gave. How in the world he was so loving and giving and caring to so very many people in his life, is a testament to his enormous heart and compassion. That kind and amount of love can only come from one source: God.
He loved The Lord. He didn't go around preaching to everyone, but loving everyone. And that was his testimony. He loved his family so much. His mother, father, sisters, and brother, as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, and nieces were precious to him. He had a gift for making everyone laugh with his video chats, voices he did, and characters he created. He genuinely wanted nothing more than others' happiness; for them to be happy.
He is survived by his son, Trey Hartsell; daughter, Kadi Hartsell; their mother, Kathy Sides; mother, Shirley Hartsell of Midland; sisters, Pebbles Faircloth and husband, Keith, of Wingate, Stacy Troutman and husband, Dan, of Mt. Pleasant; brother, Phillip Hartsell and Candy, of Midland; nephews, Cody, Dustin, and Brandon; and niece, Heather.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Earl and Wallena Hartsell, and Ray and Ruth Nance; father, Kenneth Hartsell Sr.; and stepmother, Brenda Hartsell.
Pallbearers will be Trey Hartsell, Phillip Hartsell, Tony Hartsell, Brandon Wensil, Dustin Curlee, Dan Troutman, Bradley Swaringen, and Jonathan Treece.
A visitation and service will be held at Whitley's Funeral Home, 1748 Dale Earnhardt Blvd., in Kannapolis, Wednesday, Dec. 22, beginning with visitation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by the service at 1 p.m., and concluded at the graveside located in Carolina Memorial Park, 601 Mt. Olivet Rd., in Kannapolis. A music industry celebration of his life will be held Jan. 9, 2022, from 3 to 6 p.m., at Duck's in North Myrtle Beach, S.C. Memorial arrangements to be announced at the service and celebration events.
Flowers may be sent to Whitley's Funeral Home. Cards may be sent to The Hartsell Family, 3139 Highway 777, Loris, SC 29569.
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