January 9th, 2020 8:30pm Stage
Writers Block NYC feat. Charlie and The Rays, Caleb Hawley, Lola Jane, Coyle Girelli, Anna Shoemaker, Jojee
Charlie and The Rays
New York-based band Charlie and the Rays, fronted by sisters Rebecca and Jordan Stobbe, meld traditional folk with contemporary rock. Forming as buskers on the streets of Pike Place Market in Seattle, the sisters played covers of their inspirations including Peter, Paul, and Mary and Simon and Garfunkel. The band highlights powerful female vocal harmonies, exuberant guitar licks and McCartney-esque basslines, creating a new take on a classic sound.
With an innate awareness and desire for political involvement and social equality, their music not only holds the intimacy of traditional love songs, but much of their music also bears an uplifting sense of revolution.
Caleb Hawley
New York-based, Minneapolis-born singer, songwriter, and producer, Caleb Hawley independently released Love, Drugs, & Decisions in 2017 followed by Sex Tape in 2018. Raw lyrics and somber themes are sweetened by pop beats, androgynous vocals, and sensuality inspired by the Minneapolis sound of the 80s and dance rock. Hawley writes about prescription drug culture, relating it to his battle with Tourette syndrome, depression, substance abuse and relationship struggles. His lyrics are introspective and observational, peering at the glamorous facades in society.
Hawley’s music is elevated by stellar live performances, backed by a slew of reviews noting his onstage charisma. He forms authentic connections with an air of openness, soulful singalongs and untethered guitar work. His universal reach is evident within keen pop writing that is equal parts conflict and triumph.
Lola Jane
Once referred to by Billboard as the bilingual Amy Winehouse, New York based Singer/Songwriter, and Rhythm and Blues sensation, Lola Jane, brings unmistakable soul and sonic versatility to the forefront, where musical genre is beginning to matter less and less.
The former American Idol contestant who has been singing for as long as she can remember, wrote her first song in 2014 and has not stopped making amazing music ever since. Having been born in Orlando and raised mostly in the Bronx, Lola Jane combines musical influences from both communities in the best possible way. Over the course of five years, she has developed a rainbow of captivating sounds just by listening to some of her favorite artists such as Lauryn Hill, Amy Winehouse, Marc Anthony, and Sia.
Lola’s music is borne on the strings of everything that draws us to the human core — self-love, energy, sadness, love, etc. Lola believes strongly that in all emotions, in all waves, and in every moment, there’s an opportunity to just create and fuel our imaginations with that of the world and to make magic while at it. She says this has helped her in making music.