Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Thanks For A Great Show!
Monday, May 14, 2012
DJ Lee Masters to be Honored at the CD and Record Show
He worked at WVOK from 1986 to 1990. In 1986 he was asked by the PD to develope a Sunday night program. Lee had always been a fan of local music and Birmingham and the surrounding areas had tons of it, so Lee started a program called, "Whatever Happened To....?" Each week would have a different guest who was in a local band in the 50s and 60s. Guests included Henry Lovoy, Bo Reynolds, Bobby Marlin and Rooster Gallagher. The show only ran for fourteen weeks, but it helped to spotlight some great musicians that had otherwise might have been forgotten about.
The next year, 1987, Lee helped develope and then emceed the "Reunion of Sons and Daughters of the 60s" concert which featured local bands like the Distortions, Rockin' Rebellions, The Townsmen, The Hard Times and many others. The benefit helped to raise money for children of slain police officers.
For the next several years, after leaving WVOK, Lee moved around, since radio was becoming more and more automated and fewer and fewer DJs were needed. He currently works for 105.5 news radio WERC, sort of where it all began, only without music; what a shame for that.
Please come and meet Lee Masters Saturday beginning around 10 am as he is honored by ARCA for all he has done for Birmingham radio and promoting the local music of the past.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Marc Phillips to appear at CD & Record Show as 'Hotel' is honored
Marc Phillips, who was the lead vocalist, main songwriter and keyboard player of the Birmingham pop band Hotel will be appearing at this year’s CD & Record Show as ARCA honors Hotel. Hotel was formed in 1973 by area musicians and, after a few initial personnel changes, solidified its most recognized line-up by 1976. That line-up included original members Marc Phillips on keyboards and Tommy Calton on guitar. The band was rounded out with Lee Bargeron (keyboards, guitar), Mike Reid (guitar), George Creasman (bass) and Michael Cadenhead on drums. All members added vocals which contributed to the strong harmonies, sometimes 6-part, that were a staple of Hotel’s music. The musicianship was outstanding and the music was well polished and produced.Hotel toured the southeast and opened for some great national acts. In 1978, they signed with Mercury Records and recorded their first single, “You’ll Love Again.” It reached #71 on Billboard and caused people to take notice. In 1979, they recorded their first album, simply entitled “Hotel,” which included two more single releases, “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming” and “Hold On To The Night.” Both releases reached the Hot 100. All three songs were written or co-written by Phillips.
By 1980, music, in general, was changing; New Wave was now the
‘IN’ thing. Hotel didn’t move that way, but did try to make their music a little bit edgier. That same year, they released their second album, “Half-Moon Silver” with one single release, the title track. Though the single reached the Hot 100, which makes four total songs to do so, nothing had yet hit the Top 40. Mercury did not promote the album or the band and the second album sold less than the first and Mercury dropped them. Both albums, however, contained great music and deserved better promotion. The musicianship and vocals were as good and polished as any band in the country.Wednesday, October 26, 2011
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR THE 2012 SHOW
2012 SHOW DEALER INFORMATION
The Best Western is offering a special rate for our 2012 show. Call 205-481-1950 and ask for the ARCA rate.
CUSTOMER INFORMATION
1. Allow plenty of time to browse dealer inventory (you’ll need it).
2. Bring cash, most dealers do not accept other forms of payment and there is not an ATM at the Civic Center. If you forget, the admissions desk will have a list of nearby ATM locations.
3. Retain your admission ticket so that you can reenter the show on the same day. If you would like to eat a meal there are 12 eating establishments at this exit (108). Vending machines are available on the first floor of the Civic Center for a quick snack.
4. We don’t recommend the show for young children. Alabama Adventure is located 3 miles away off Exit 110. Colonial Promenade Tannehill, a large retail center with Movie Theaters, is less than five miles away at Exit 1 on I-459.
5. Consider purchasing the two day ticket which allows admission on both Friday & Saturday.
If you need help or advice, don’t hesitate to contact us! We would love to hear from you and your questions are welcomed. Our email address is AlaRecordCA@gmail.com
