THE NEW YORK CITY OUTMUSIC OPEN MIC WITH ROBERT ANTON!

Lipstick lesbians, riot grrrls, trendy gay boys, big ol' bears, funky brothers and sisters from the outer boroughs, women of rock, gender-fuckers of all varieties, and their straight supporters-- fresh from Gay Pride-- celebrated the birthday of the United States of America as well as the best in queer singing and songwriting at The Outmusic Open Mic on Monday, July 2nd. The complete list of performers were: Arielle, Michael Lynch, Terry Christopher, Evan Laurence, Tuna & Cookie, Steve Sandberg, Cheryl Hill, John Raymond Pollard, John Manion, Dan Manjovi, Morry Campbell, Frank Grimaldi, Neil Dick, Robert Urban, Francesca, Brianne Chasanoff, Athena Reich, Amy Clarke, The Manson Family, and Kevin Anthony. Wow! Our host was rising artist Robert Anton! Mr. Anton is a great supporter of Outmusic and a great supporter of his fellow LGBT artists. He always gets a great reaction from the audience! Why? Well, for starts, there's the voice. Then there's the hot beats he creates to showcase that voice...

ABOUT ROBERT ANTON:

I've always had great respect for artists who re-invent tradition. Singer-songwriter-performer Robert Anton is one of those artists, gathering a great deal of attention and praise for 2005 holiday-themed album "What About Xmas", where he created some songs begging to become the new Christmas classics for a bold new generation. Like so many African-American artists, singer-songwriter Robert Anton first discovered music in the Church. He grew up singing with choruses, quartets, and soloists at the Pentecostal Church where his grandmother was the Pastor. He has toured and performed in over ten countries and 150 cities. The technology-savvy singer and theater performer also runs his own promotional/production company called PlayAnton productions, creating live music shows in addition to making music on disc. Robert Anton has been praised for his energy, musical skills, and comraderie with other musicians. With a dance remix of "Dancin' All Night" making its way to lovers of club music via the internet, Robert Anton has released his latest full-length album. It's called "Insane", and it's Anton's own patent mix of R&B, funk, soul, trance, and house. He describes "Insane" as "a journey through the mind of a man who has given over his heart and soul, and his very being, to love." On the album, he blends soulful vocals, smooth grooves, and pounding beats, and also brings some European-style new grooves to the masses as well for two tracks on the CD ("Como Se Dice" and "Lieblings Herr"). The album opens with "Dancin' All Night", and before Anton even gives us a taste of his velvety voice, the music seduces us with the hard-hitting, pulsating grooves. The spirit of the funk 'n' soul sound of the '70's (when people REALLY knew how to party!) shimmers throughout the song as he sings: "I remember dancin' all night; bodies swingin' till the morning light...". Anton has described "Dancin' All Night" as "memory evoking", and he's right. This definitely pays homage to his "old school" roots.

Although Anton could definitely know his way around the hits of today's urban chart-toppers, we soon learn that here is an artist who shows great respect for the fathers of the R&B/pop/soul genre who started it all. Anton's voice and style definitely make us think of Marvin Gaye, Billy Ocean, and Lionel Ritchie. The title track, the quiet and sexy "Insane", is a great showcase for Anton's voice. He sounds yearning, longing, and definitely somewhat shaken by the familiar torment of L-O-V-E. "Hey (The Diamond Dance)" gives Robert the role of MC, as he adopts a somewhat harder-edged tone and commands a club full of movers and shakers to party, as the piano and synths work it in the background. The song is definitely in the spirit of Mary J. Blige's "Family Affair". "Like Breath to Me", a bona fide song written for makin' love, uses special guest female backup vocals and a casual, easy-on-the-ears beat to make one of the most radio-friendly tracks on the album. "Ever Since (You Gone Away)" is also in the territory of songs made to inspire romance. The spirit of James Brown is re-awoken for the funky "Dirty Blues", where Anton's extra-soulful voice ("I got nothin' but the blues; Nothin' but the low down dirty blues...") is teamed with a funky blues-rock feel. I can't wait to hear this one live! For "Como Se Dice" (translated, it means "As It Is Said"), Anton taskes on a more distant, moody vocal style with a Europop feel. "Liebling Herr" ("Favorite Gentleman"; Hmmm... Is there a story behind this track, possibly inspired by a trip to Berlin?) is pure "electro-lounge", also with distant vocal stylings for a more, shall we say, "after hours" type feel. Electric raindrops fall in the background as Anton turns it out for this one. "Insane" the album also features a dance remix of "Dancin' All Night" and an "nstrumental" version of "Ever Since (You Gone Away)".

With "Insane", his third full-length album, 2007 promises to be the year of Robert Anton! There's much more in the works!

The night also featured a pep talk by the amazing, dynamic new Executive Director of Outmusic, Diedra Meredith, AKA Deepa Soul.

OPEN MIC FAQ:

What is the Outmusic Open Mic?
The Outmusic "Out Loud" Open Mic is always the first Monday of every month. Whether you are a performer who wants to showcase new material, meet other out musicians, network, or just want to see some of the hottest up-and-coming queer and queer-friendly voices in the NYC indie music scene, it's always a great time in a relaxed, supportive, and fun atmosphere. All are welcome! All performers get one song or five minutes of performance time, with more songs allowed if time permits. The earlier you come, the better your chances of getting two songs! The event features a different Outmusic host each month. The event is always fun, friendly, and full of energy and talent. Again, all musicians of any genre (including poetry and spoken word) or level of experience, as well as non-musician supporters, are welcome!

When and where is it?
Signup time is 6 PM, and performances start at 6:30 PM. Rockwood Music Hall is located at 196 Allen Street, between E.Houston and Stanton Streets. Rockwood is a highly-praised music space with an intimate feeling AND a great sound system. Call (212) 477-4155 or check out www.RockwoodMusicHall.com for more info.

How do I get there?
Take the "F" train to the 2nd Avenue station. Exit at the 1stAvenue/Allen Street end and take the steps to the right. Cross Allen St. and... you are there!

Is it free?
This event is free, but there is a one drink minimum required.

REMEMBER: The continuation of the New York City Open Mic depends on the participation of all of us! We need you!

Any more questions about the Open Mic? E-mail me at JedstarNY@aol.com.

Missed the Open Mic? You can still go "Insane" (or at least a little crazy!) with Robert Anton!
Check out www.RobertAnton.com
and www.MySpace.com/RobertAnton