Mana Kintorso at The Downtown Rockford Benefit For Haiti from ryan grove on Vimeo.

The Scattered Remains came over from Chicago and kicked the night off with a sound like Willie Nelson got rockabilly. I really want to see them again. The Curses came up from Champaign and entertained all with a sprite set of many instruments…I think they win the award for the most instruments ever used by four people in a 50 minute period of time. Twas most interesting and it took me back a bit with their clip joint music style.

Mana Kintorso closed the night a with a darkly pop infused sonic set of fresh originals and one standout violently femmed cover of Gone Daddy Gone. We all had a great time making lots of beautiful noise for the warm receptive lawlessness of our audience. Special big thanks to Jack for being a great host. We’re looking forward to another show booking at Mary’s Place in the near future.

HatHed

By Jim Hagerty / Staff Writer for Rock River Times

While there are a lot of songs that celebrate Christmas, birthdays—even Halloween—works centered on the activities of St. Patrick’s Day are somewhat limited to Irish folk ditties and standards. A Rockford band has set out to change all that.

Indie band Mana Kintorso may have a holiday viral hit on their hands with the St. Patrick’s Day tune, “Pot o’Gold.” The song was released last year on the band’s five-song EP.

Guitarist Brent Shelton said the song, like the band, is amassing a sizable following locally and through music download sites. While spring-boarding onto the national scene can be challenging, Shelton says it doesn’t hurt to have a catchy song to drive the force.

“You never know now in the digital world,” Shelton said, “if someone grabs a hold of a song like ‘Pot o’ Gold,’ who knows. The DJs just eat it up. It’s funny.”

While “Pot o’ Gold” is, in fact, funny, it certainly doesn’t lack musicianship and creative arrangement. Written by Shelton and band co-founder Damion Davis, “Pot o’ Gold” embodies the Americanized version of St. Patrick’s Day. And with the holiday less than a month away, March 17 will likely include Mana Kintorso leading a green brigade of hoopla.

The self-title EP is the brainchild of Shelton and Davis, who played as an acoustic duo for two years. Picking from a sizable pool of originals, the guitarists recruited some players, and a CD—and full band—was born.

“When we went to record, a few of our friends helped us,” Shelton said. “A few of them stuck with it. We went from a two-man acoustic act to a band just by going into the studio.”

Rockford fans are glad for that. Mana Kintorso is playing throughout the area, drawing well and getting crowds interested in their catchy originals. In addition to “Pot o’Gold,” the EP’s other tunes are just as catchy with an erudite blend of pop and rock and roll.

The night started out with Los Osos Voladores, Jesus Correas’ new musical project. Electronic drum rhythms and loops, melodica and poetry. His songs were simple and sparse, haunting and poignant. This was my first time seeing Los Osos Voladores, and I will make a point to see him again.

Next up was an excellent duo that I cant remember their names. I believe the Hatian gentlemans name was Ce’bon. I am gonna find out and update this in a bit. They were great. Played a conch chell and churango, softly sung acoustic songs with an amazing voice.

CrankUpMadonna had the middle slot of the night. They were super tight as usual, and really, really good.

Tin Tin Can, out of Chicago, played second to last. They are totally awesome and they blew my mind. Next time they come around be sure and make it out. I am a giant fan of these guys and I hope to play with them again soon.

Then we played and the crowd was totally awesome to us and very tolerant of my string breaking. Earl Sadewater saved the day for me twice, replacing my strings. What a guy!

All in all it was a special night. So GOOD!

take care now,
Damion

Comfirmed are Jesus Correa, Tin Tin Can (a great Chicago act if you haven’t heard them), special guest speaker David Stocker.

We’ll keep you posted. Please come out and support this cause!

thx, HatHed.

Mana Kintorso will be supporting by playing CJ’s Lounge the night before (Sat. Feb. 20) with some other bands and speakers.

It was our first show with our new drummer, Dan, and he did an incredible job. I am really excited about the near future…

our next show on the books is March 6th with The Curses at Mary’s Place. The Curses are Ben Spodens new band, and they are really good. Ben used to be in Television Again with me, so it’s practically a reunion!

Take care,
Damion