Rock Em Sock Em Booking

            What’s your favorite kind of concert?  Do you like the experience you get from seeing punk bands?  Would you rather explore your jiggy side and see a hip hop show?  Or do you like just sitting back and experiencing chamber music ?  The people of “Rock Yer Socks” say Yes ! to all of those.  They’ve created a completely unique experience for concert-goers right in our backyard.  Operating out of Manchester, CT, this foursome consists of Maria Yates, Andy Jackson, Josh Young, and Deric Shannon (who apparently is more focused currently on getting his doctorate at UConn – you go, Deric !).  They all range from 23-31 years of age, and they all moved out to Manchester, Ct from Muncie, Ind.  Disappointed in the local music scene, they banded together to rectify this, and they now host, three times a month, shows at local venues. Their Myspace page, www.MySpace.com/RockYerSocksBooking

gives a bit more insight into what they do, and when their shows are.  Apparently, they float back and forth among three major places.  The Manchester American Legion Post 102 is a place for hall shows where anybody can go (one of the few all-ages venues) but there is also a bar inside for the 21+ crowd.  The second place they frequent is Grady Tavern, another Manchester hotspot.  This is a 21+ only place, and apparently it’s a family-owned and operated pub with a good attitude toward a variety of music and a very inviting atmosphere.  Third and last is the Charter Oak Cultural Center, found in Hartford and considered their “most visually pleasing” venue.  Besides being the largest, making them able to “accommodate larger acts,” the shows there are all-ages, with no alcohol in sight.  (A very safe and ideal place for teens with worried parents).      So there you go.  You know where to find them, but when you get there, what will you find?  Well, there’s an extensive list of their usual performers on their Myspace page, including such locally known acts as Metermaids, The Chuck Hestons, and Triggerfinger.  But according to the Hartford Courant, “it’s not unusual in one night to hear traditional Americana, hip-hop, punk and even a solo banjo player.”  And on that note, Peter Grady (owner of Grady Tavern) always tells his customers, “If you don’t like the music, wait a minute. There’s another one coming.” If you want to contact Rock Yer Socks, concerning booking or otherwise, feel free to email them at RockYerSocks@gmail.com or leave a comment on their Myspace page. Kara Nielsen, Editor  www.BandSpace.Fm   (3/8/07)