My Review of Sheppard (Band)

I am absolutely stoked about the band named Sheppard. My twin sister and I had the opportunity to listen to this talented indie pop band that was formed in Brisbane in 2009. We took front row seats in over sized cushy brown lounge chairs at Cities97 Studio C. We had stumbled upon their great sound and harmonies while watching Ellen one day. From there on, it was love at first sound. It was October of 2014 when we saw them live. What is really exciting is that this band is independent and was nominated at the ARIA Music Awards of 2013 for Album of the Year, Best Group, Best Independent Release, Best Pop Release, Song of the Year, Producer of the Year and Best Video for the "Let Me Down Easy."

The band members are Amy Sheppard (Lead vocals, harmonica, songwriter), George Sheppard (Lead vocals, keys, songwriter), Jason Bovino (Rhythm guitar, backing vocals, songwriter), Michael Butler (Lead guitar), Emma Sheppard (Bass guitar, backing vocals), and Dean Gordon (Drums). Two of the members could not be there the day the band played live at Studio C. Having less members did not hamper the performance in any way, in fact, this band is the "Real Deal" as they walked in with  angelic voices/ acoustic guitar and knocked our socks off.

How many bands that you see live can stroll in and knock it out of the park singing perfect harmonies and do it with the confidence, ease and unadulterated talent? This band is killing it in 26 countries and are the new family genre band of the century. Their debut studio album, Bombs Away, was released on July 11, 2014 and peaked at number two on the ARIA Albums Chart. Their second single, "Geronimo", from February that year, spent three weeks at number one on the ARIA singles Chart, knocking Pharrell Williams' single "Happy" from the top spot after its 12 week run.

George Sheppard shared with all of us Studio C guests, a fun story on how this humble band got started. Amy had asked her brother for help as she was to write a song sprinkled with harmony to a new song she was to compose for a college class. She heard her brother singing and he was the  only one home. She loved his harmony and That is how it all started. 

Sheppard sang three tunes for us on this day and it included "Bombs Away and Geronimo."  Sitting front and center listening to this talented band was a wonderful experience. We were able to get a picture with them as well and they could not have been nicer. The band teased my twin sister and I since we were moving our bodies and heads in unison. Brian Oake told the group he needed to get our names on the cushion chairs since we have been to so many Cities 97, Studio C performances. 

I highly recommend that you get acquainted with the sound of  this group because they are upbeat, talented and fun to watch. 

Tim Mahoney 'Rocks' Ebenezers' Minneapolis Campus at the Volunteer Appreciation Event

Tim Mahoney, a well known singer and song writer is a homegrown Minneapolis, Minnesota man. He was discovered on the first season of NBC's 'Voice' and was chosen by Adam Levine. He has been playing great music for over fifteen years. He is an amazing and talented tenor who makes any song sound outstanding. He has been featured on publications such as City Pages and Rolling Stone magazine. He has won countless singing contests and received countless accolades in his music career and is highly respected in the music industry. Check out his website. http://www.timmahoney.com/home

Tim generously accepted to play for the Annual 'Volunteer Appreciation Event'  for the Ebenezer- Minneapolis Campus. The Volunteer Appreciation luncheon took place on April 23rd. As Director of Volunteer Services on the Minneapolis Campus, I know that  music is an integral part of this annual event. The theme this year was 'Volunteers Rock' which had a double meaning; Rock music and the Rock of Ebenezer.  Ebenezer means 'Stone of Help' and our volunteers are the cornerstone of our organization.

Tim Mahoney's uplifting music was icing on the cake at this special event. Tim made the 'Rock' theme come to life with his talent and personality. The luncheon was a sit down event, serving approximately 200 of  the volunteers that have given almost 33,000 hours to the residents on our campus. This number reflects having approximately 16 Full Time Employees.

Ebenezer's mission is "to help older adults live more independent, healthful, meaningful and secure lives." Ebenezer provides access throughout Minnesota to a full range of senior housing options, community-based programs and medical care.

Tim showed up in a trendy black leather jacket and dyed blue jeans. His silver guitar glistened throughout the St. Mary's Event Center where the appreciation event was held. Keeping with the theme of 'Volunteers Rock', each table setting had a thoughtfully wrapped inspiration rock, tied with a tag that had Rock and Roll insignia, guitars, and rock and roll stamps. The centerpiece was a colorful pail overlaid with 'You Rock' gel stickers on it. Under the centerpiece was a mirror sprinkled with pastel colored flower petals.

Can I just say, "Tim Mahoney rocked the house!" Strumming on his glitzy silver guitar during and after the luncheon, one could see that the instrument is an extension of himself. This kind, down to earth musician made the volunteers feel extra special.  He welcomed Ebenezer volunteers to join him on stage and get their picture taken with him and his famous guitar, which has his name inscribed in black across it.

What do you get when you bring in a talented musician and a room of volunteers? Happy 'Rockin' Dancers. Thanks so much Tim-you made this years' Volunteer Event a true success. You will always be a friend of the Ebenezer organization.