By definition, alchemy is a medieval chemical science and speculative philosophy aiming to achieve the transmutation of base metals into gold. Whether it be with the band the Alchemystics band he co-founded back in 2003, the band Bay Rd he inspired while working at the Berkshire Hills Music Academy in South Hadley or any act that graced his Northfire Recording Studios in Amherst, Todd “Demse” Zullo also had an uncanny knack for helping everyone he encountered shine.
“He really did push bands to keep their sound original and evolving, and encouraged that same originality in others whether he was collaborating, teaching or just supporting,” recalls friend/former Alchemystics manager Derek Kipp.
On Sunday, Dec. 6, the Fear Nuttin’ Band, ReBelle (formerly Black Rebels), Bay Rd, Ponybird, Cheatcode, and Dub Jazz Unit will perform at Holyoke’s Gateway City Arts to honor — and fundraise — for their fallen friend. Zullo left behind a wife and daughter.
“This should give a real sense of how his influence spread,” Kipp concludes. “A fitting tribute, I hope.” The suggested donation for this family-friendly event, 3-9 p.m., is $20.
Remember last week, when the Crawler chatted with Valley native/current Las Vegas-based rocker Andrew Freeman about the recent passing of his friend and former bandmate, Keith Hopkinson?
Freeman flew in to perform at a special Maximum Capacity show in Hopkinson’s honor Nov. 20.
Just a couple of days prior to that, however, Freeman’s latest single “Devil In Me,” had dropped and instantly sparked international interest.
“The band is called Last In Line and it has me with three former members from Dio — Vivian Campbell, Vinny Appice and Vinnie Bain,” said Freeman, whose own resume boasts stints with Lynch Mob and The Offspring,. “The album itself is called Heavy Crown and is available for preorder now, out officially in February 2016.” In addition to Crown’s 12-tracks, Freeman is also an unabashed enthusiast for the disc’s cover art.
Un-Hinged: Delectable food meets awe-inspiring entertainment meets … a padlock.
Noho’s Hinge bar at 48 Main St. closed abruptly last week on the heels of a drug bust allegedly involving owner Aaron Kater. According to police reports, Kater and David Loomis, 30, of Halifax, Vermont, were found with 35 pounds of marijuana packed into the speakers of a 2008 Subaru Outback Loomis was driving through South Windsor, Connecticut, on Nov. 18. Kater was subsequently charged with possession of more than four ounces of marijuana, possession with intent to sell, conspiracy to possess more than four ounces, and conspiracy with intent to sell.
Earlier this year, Kater and then manager Brian Aussant received a two-day suspension and two month probation on the Hinge liquor permit for an alleged after-hours party at the venue.
At that time, Kater reportedly told the city’s License Commission that he was “on a learning curve” with running a bar. A closed sign hung in the Hinge door Nov. 22 and Kater took to Facebook to try and recruit volunteers to help him pack up his belongings.
He was released on a $200,000 bond and slated to return to court Jan. 6, 2016.•
Send correspondence to Nightcrawler, P.O. box 427, Somers, CT 06071; fax to (860) 394-4262 or email garycarra@aol.com.
