Commune at Stories Books & Cafe: Jordan Hawkins and GMNII

Hanging out at Commune is always a fun, relaxing evening. There's time to spend talking with various local music musicians and fans. And then there are the artists who tell stories behind the music or band. On this particular night, Jordan Hawkins and GMNII took to the stage.

Jordan Hawkins' most interesting story behind one of his songs was how he had a chance to study in Copenhagen. Unfortunately, this meant leaving behind the individual he was dating at the time. Though not stated specifically, one would assume the relationship did not last due to the opportunity that presented itself to him.

Jordan Hawkins

GMNII's stories revolved around how they (Gigi and Emma) formed GMNII. They mentioned that the band name came about because the two of them started to write songs during the period of Gemini. Also, they talked about how they met. They met during a Play Like a Girl event at The Echo (Play Like a Girl helps put on Commune). Gigi mentioned how a friend of hers took her to The Echo. Emma was up on stage singing with a group. Gigi just knew that she had to be part of a band that included Emma. And so it happened. Randomness.

GMNII

 

Hotel Cafe: A ROVE/Baltisoul fundraiser night for homeless youth

I got asked by ROVE if I would be interested in covering their fundraiser night at Hotel Cafe. I was happy to do so. They were raising money for homeless youth. I was also asked if I was interested in doing a ticket giveaway via Instagram. This was the first time I'd done something like that. It was cool to do.

Michelle Young & The Collection

What was also cool about the night was that this was the first time I'd seen most of the bands/musicians. The only band I'd seen previously was Michelle Young & The Collection, Michelle being the one who put on the night via ROVE. Though I've seen Emma Cole, this was my first time seeing her in GMNII. A funny moment came up when the MC said something like, "They remind me of the Olsen twins." Actually, I could see how Gigi could pass as a sister of the Olsen twins. And then I've noticed MAWD on various music lineups, but this was the first time I got to see her. That was cool to finally catch someone after just noticing them on lineups.

MAWD

Mads Paige

The big surprise of the night was Velvet Starlings. You could tell they toned it down for Hotel Cafe. In fact, they didn't tone it down enough as they were asked to turn things down. From watching their set, one couldn't help but feel that at another venue (with speakers and a stage that isn't designed for singer-songwriters), lead singer Christian would be putting on one energetic show. 

Velvet Starlings

Mads Paige and New Dialogue also played the night. Mads Paige did some solid singer. Mads' father was front row for the set. New Dialogue mentioned that their songs were toned down for Hotel Cafe. "We didn't realize that tonight would be rocking."

GMNII

New Dialogue

As the night was close to Christmas, each band/musician did a Christmas song.