Poor Old Shine

Poor Old Shine, a newly born, up-and coming band full of musical promise was established in Storrs at the University of Connecticut.  Their performance packs a punch of unique sound, and dance-and-sing along kind of style.  Their musical roots lie in bluegrass and “Appalachian mountain music tradition.” Although they are not nearly identical to Mumford & Sons, they strive for the same essence; a powerful and emotional performance of true harmonies and flawless instrumental abilities.  Their unique style and bona fide sound is none other than pure, raw talent.   In a world fueled by technology, the music scene isn't as true and sincere as it used to be, but Poor Old Shine illuminates the scene with an authentic folk-Americana sound.  Their confidence and energy on stage provides a rivetingly creative performance.  They play with a wide variety of instruments including guitars, fiddles, drums, a banjo, mandolin, and pump organ; all accompanied by a powerhouse lead vocalist.

The band consists of Chris Freeman, Max Shakun, Harrison Goodale, Antonio Alcorn, and Brian Conlon.  They originally began to play together at the Folk Music Society at UCONN, but soon after played for their first audience in December of 2010.  Since then they have played locally and across the country as well.  They went from only playing together, to performing for sellout crowds at Infinity Music Hall, Bridge Street Live, and The Somerville Armory Theatre.  At the Infinity Music Hall their performance was recorded for a live album.  This album is for sale on their website, www.pooroldshine.com as well as their first EP titled “Treadless Soles.”

The 16-song albums are given a nice touch with a homemade sleeve made out of cereal boxes sized to fit with a painted cover and song titles on the back.  Each song breathes new technique and immaculate vocals with a strong backdrop of assorted instruments.  They play traditional songs and add their own modern flare while sticking true to bluegrass nature and continuing to push a “folk music revival of sorts.”

Although they typically perform locally, they don’t always stay that way.  This summer included trips to New York and California for several performances, one being at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival.  Their next upcoming shows include one at the Farmer’s Market in Coventry on the 21st as well as another performance at the Infinity Music Hall in Norfolk on November 25th.

You can like them on Facebook as well as follow them on Twitter to receive updates on upcoming events that you don’t want to miss!  

References

¹ Hernandez, Rick. "About." Poor Old Shine. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Sep 2012. <www.pooroldshine.com>.

² Quinion, Greg. "Poor Old Shine, July 8th Concert Review." Infinity Hall Blog. N.p., July 11th 2012. Web. Web. 24 Sep. 2012. <http://infinityhallblog.blogspot.com/2012/07/poor-old-shine-july-8th-concert-review.html>.

³ Hernandez, Rick. "About." Poor Old Shine. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Sep 2012. <www.pooroldshine.com>.

⁴ Fitts, John. West Hartford Patch. N.p., April 20, 2011. Web. 24 Sep 2012. <http://westhartford.patch.com/articles/poor-old-shine-to-open-for-the-steel-wheels-at-bridge-street-live-thursday>.

⁵ "Poor Old Shine Tour Dates." Bands In Town. N.p., 2012. Web. 24 Sep 2012. <http://www.bandsintown.com/PoorOldShine/upcoming_events>.

Holy Land USA

High atop Pine Hill in Waterbury, Connecticut rests the remains of the former park known as Holy Land USA.   Before being closed to the public in 1984 it was a popular Connecticut landmark attaining close to 40,000 visitors a year.  The original creator, John Greco, wanted to recreate Holy Land in Israel and did so by imitating "miniature versions of Bethlehem and Jerusalem" and other biblical figures.  The 18-acre park houses over 200 structures made out of a plethora of miscellaneous items.  It's centerpieces include a 56-foot cross and a sign of Holy Land USA, almost replicating the Hollywood sign in California.  The original cross was later replaced by a 50-foot more modern, stainless steal model.  

It was reported that Greco created this park after receiving a message from God.  This is only one aspect of Holy Land's story that gives the landmark such an eerie vibe.  After Greco passed on, he left the park to an order of nuns known as the Religious Teachers Fillipini of Bristol.  Since being closed from the public, the nuns up kept the property but its appearance continued to dwindle due to vandals and the ever-curious public which still managed to find its way onto the grounds.  The handmade structures and displays are in ruins which contribute to it's definitive character.  The eerily compelling grounds are found to be a photographers paradise with its appealing views and eye-catching structures like the big Holy Land cross high up on the hill.  One man claims it has a "literal post-apocalyptic feel."  It's natural and forced deterioration as well as the religious undertones associated with the site attribute to the creepy aura.  It was also the site of a rape-murder 2010.

It was originally closed off to the public for renovation purposes but Greco passed and left it to the nuns who never reopened it. The not so well-known landmark is still an in demand destination though, seeing as the Waterbury Visitors Bureau still receives over 150 calls a year from people asking for directions to Holy Land.  Its religious pride and eclectic dioramas are still evident from I-84 and still provide a unique view to be seen for miles.

References

Frances, Chamberlain (November 4, 2001). "The View From/Waterbury; A Hilltop Landmark Undergoes a Revival". The New York Times. Retrieved 17 September 2012.

Grossman, Andrew (July 22, 2010). "A Murder Puts Focus on Holy Land U.S.A.". The Wall Street Journal. .Retrieved 17 September 2012

"Holy Land USA". Roadside America. Retrieved 17 September 2012.

Paul, Zielbauer (November 12, 2001). "A Sight That Inspires Ambivalence; Ruins of a Religious Park Await Restorers or the Bulldozer".The New York Times. Retrieved 17 September 2012.