By KAT Lini Falcey
originally published: 11/04/2024
Castle Brown Blues Band (far left Tj Tindall, 2nd on left John Lini - Kat's brother)
When I was growing up, there was always music playing. The first thing my mom did was turn on the radio in our kitchen before even making coffee and breakfast. My mom was the type person who would call into local radio station DJ's and she’d win trips to NYC Dinner Shows and even to Las Vegas. She won a lot by staying tuned in.
My dad would turn on the radio right after he opened the doors to his Beauty Salon 6 days a week. Playing popular music that was current along with classic oldies. He would even sing along. Even though he would do it jokingly, he had the best voice. And was always singing.
My older brother, who was 9 years older than me was a product of the early 1950’s then I was born in 1959.
John and Joyce Lini (Kat's parents) at a 1955 NYC Dinner Theatre.
My brother had many musical friends that would come to our home to practice with their bands. My brother was a singer in the Castle Brown Blues Band for awhile and he would bring me to the Battle of the Bands in Trenton and even John and Peters in New Hope, PA. I was about 9 years young and I soaked it all up.
At the time, since I was the oldest out of 5 girls I would befriend my brothers friends and at the time I really didn’t realize just how musically talented they were.
My favorite friend of my brothers was Tj Tindall. Who went on to fame with Huff and Gamble out of Philadelphia. Tj was shown performing on the television program American Bandstand and also toured with Bonnie Raitt. So he was amazingly good. Even was inducted into the Philadelphia Music Alliances Walk of Fame twice. Along with performing in over 38 Gold and Platinum R&B records. Look him up and you’ll see the super cool talent that I grew up with. Tj Tindall shaped the Philadelphia Music Scene.
(MIDDLE) Tj Tindall (RIGHT) John Lini at World Cafe Live Philly 2019
I took piano lessons at a young age however I never excelled in music. Art was more of my passion and back in 1977, I was accepted at Parsons School of Art, Pratt Institute and the Fashion Institute of Technology, all located in NYC.
At the time we were deep into racial tension, rioting and violence. My dad did not allow me to go to college in NYC and because of this, I will always feel there was a huge void in my life. Art was my thing.
After I graduated I worked for two straight years then I moved to Southern California and moved in with a friend and his family, till I was able to get my own place.
Kat and her brother John giving her away back in 1983 California
During this time from 1979-1989, I lived in Fullerton, Corona Del Mar, Costa Mesa, San Clemente and ended up in Oceanside where I bought a home and raised my first two children.
When I was single and working in Fashion Merchandising while attending Saddleback Community College, in brand new Mission Viejo, I had the time of my life.
Then I switched to the Hotel Management Business for over 17 years. Starting off at the front desk, then Banquets and Catering , then Assistant to the Hotel Comptroller. I went on to Hotel Sales Manager where I was promoted to Travel and Tourism. I lived in Mazatlán Mexico back when Time Share was popular and made a whole lotta pesos at the time.
I greeted American Tourists and I was always told, wow you speak perfect English. The tourists from the USA would never believe I was a Jersey girl.
I attended NO NUKES Concerts and got back stage and met Jackson Browne, Graham Nash and Bruce Springsteen. I remember attending a concert on Valentines Day at the Whiskey A-Go Go, to see the Romantics and I got in with a bottle of Dom Per-ion champagne that I had up my blazer sleeve. I walked right up to the stage and popped it open and shared it with the band. I always felt at ease and comfortable around musicians.
My musical tastes were all over the board. First lots of classic folk rock. Then I got into the band Yes, Genesis, SuperTramp, Cat Stevens, Sly and the Family Stone, Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones and my favorite The Doors.
So you see I have always had music around me. It was always easy for me to gravitate towards musicians and artists. That was my foundation and when I turned 40, I decided to really dive in.
My next article will bring you up to date from my 40’s-60’s and how music once again shaped my life.
Kat and Philly DJ Pierre Robert World Cafe Live 2019
About the author:
KAT Lini Falcey ~ daughter, sister, mother, wife, Grandmother, music enthusiast, Promoter, Hotel Management, Travel and Tourism and booking agent for over 25 years. Recently retired with SO many stories to share.
EVENT PREVIEWS
Essex County Summer Players Orchestra present "Made in America" on August 2nd
(LIVINGSTON, NJ) -- As local residents and friends stroll, bike or jog around the Livingston Oval on Tuesday evenings this July, musicians from several community orchestras are gathering in the township's high school band room to celebrate works "Made in America."
HOT 97's Summer Jam 2026 to Take Place July 24th at Prudential Center
(NEWARK, NJ) -- HOT 97, New York's #1 station for Hip Hop, is once again bringing the culture's biggest night back to the tri-state area with Summer Jam 2026, on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark. Produced by The Black Promoters Collective, Summer Jam continues its legacy as the most iconic Hip Hop concert in the world.
Strand Center for the Arts presents Lover Taylor - Tribute to Taylor Swift on Friday
(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Swifties of all ages are invited to sing, dance and celebrate the music of one of pop's biggest superstars when Lover Taylor – Tribute to Taylor Swift comes to the Strand Center for the Arts on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Grammy-Winning Superstars Erica Campbell and Jonathan McReynolds to Headline 2026 Gospel Music Festival
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Middlesex County, as part of its FolkLIVE free community event series, will host its third annual Gospel Music Festival in New Brunswick (2 Livingston Ave) on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 3:30pm to 7:30pm. This year's star-studded lineup features multi-Grammy-winning performer Erica Campbell—known both for her solo work and as part of the dynamic "Mary Mary" duo—and Billboard chart-topper Jonathan McReynolds as the headliners.
Mahwah Museum Hosts "Unlock the Fretboard" Guitar Workshop with Mark Sganga on July 25th
(MAHWAH, NJ) -- Guitar players of all levels are invited to "Unlock the Fretboard," a hands-on guitar workshop taking place on Saturday, July 25, from 11:00am to 2:00pm, with a short break included, at The Mahwah Museum. The workshop will be taught by Mark Sganga, an International Fingerstyle Guitar Champion, bringing expert instruction and high-level musicianship to this special event. Designed to help players better understand the fretboard through a system of caged chords and scales, the workshop offers practical strategies that participants can apply immediately in their playing.
The 2026 Sourland Mountain Fest to Take Place July 25th
(RINGOES, NJ) -- The Sourland Mountain Fest is back for its 21st year on Saturday, July 25, 2026. It promises a summer afternoon of soulful talent, tasty bites, refreshing drinks and meaningful dialogue on why the Sourland Region is so important to Central Jersey, and why it's more important than ever to protect it. Performers include Gravity Hill, The Swiss Guard, Hickory, Jake Thistle, and headliners The Harrisons and Company.
Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 presents FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin on July 25th
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 continues with an electrifying evening of classic rock as FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin takes the stage on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 8:00pm in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center.
interACT Theatre Productions presents interACT Sings: Around the World
(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- interACT Theatre Productions presents interACT Sings: Around the World on July 24-25, 2026 at The Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts. This is a first-class musical journey to benefit the theatre company's 2026-27 season. A cocktail hour takes place at 6:30pm; showtime is 7:30pm.
"The Boardwalk Sessions" Aims to Change How Independent Artists are Supported at the Jersey Shore
(TINTON FALLS, NJ) -- Loudly Inclusive Media Collective will present The Boardwalk Sessions, a free, two-night live music showcase on Friday, July 24, and Saturday, July 25, 2026 from 5:00pm–10:00pm at Twin Lights Brewing in Tinton Falls. More than just a concert series, The Boardwalk Sessions was created to celebrate original music while demonstrating a different model for supporting independent artists: one built on fair compensation, authentic community, and meaningful opportunities to connect with audiences.
Centenary Stage Company presents FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin on July 25th
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 continues with an electrifying evening of classic rock as FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin takes the stage on Saturday, July 25 in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center. Showtime is 8:00pm.
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