(BELMAR, NJ) -- On Saturday, September 7, 2024, Rosie’s Café Concerts will present the Mike Montrey Band in its first appearance at Rosie’s Café for the release of “Love, Time & Mortality". Singer-songwriter Juliana Frangella will opens the night with a special acoustic performance.

Mike Montrey Band weaves an evocative blend of Americana and Rock & Soul into songs rich with emotional depth and musical sophistication. Led by Mike Montrey, whose gritty, expressive vocals and dexterous guitar playing define the band's sound, this New Jersey-based ensemble has captivated audiences with its compelling narratives and vibrant performances.

The band's dynamic sound is augmented by a group of skilled musicians, including Jen Augustine's back porch harmonies, Jack Stanton's haunting pedal steel, drummer Santo Rizzolo's steady rhythmic beats and bassist Anthony Duca's deep grooves. Together, they create music that resonates with the soulful undercurrents of traditional Americana, while embracing a modern, eclectic flair.

"Montrey spins an authentic vibe that is now rarely seen in today’s trend-jumping roots scene, where stylish pretensions conceal heartless performances. Every passage hits with uncanny human warmth and intimacy.”- Glide Magazine

Part of the LP’s “time” theme, “Stained Glass Window Panes” is a wistful remembrance of Mike’s late mother and her love of colored glass reflecting life’s beauty and fragility. Over an upbeat melody, Mike’s craggy baritone transports the listener directly into his childhood home as he sings, “I used to ask you what you needed more / Extra money or a hand in yours / But you’d just say to me you needed time / Before you’d tell me with your hand in mine.” As the leadoff single and opening track, “Stained Glass Window Panes” was the Makin Waves Song of the Week on May 31st.

Nineteen-year-old New Jersey singer-songwriter, Juliana Frangella, opens the night with a special acoustic performance. “If Taylor Swift was haunted by the ghost of Warren Zevon while she made an album, it might sound like Juliana Frangella’s 10-song debut LP, “Intrusive Thoughts.” Like Swift, she surprisingly inspires empathy and relatability in the face of young female angst. Like Zevon, her witty wordplay and skewering sarcasm are hysterical.” – NJ Stage

They decided to host this special appearance at the Belmar Arts Center to accommodate more people and to help raise money for Belmar Arts. It’s a win for everyone. The Belmar Arts Center is located at 608 River Road (at the corner of 7th Avenue) in Belmar, New Jersey.

Seating is limited to 50. Please contact Brenda Wirth to reserve your space. There are no actual tickets; just a list of paid attendees. Email here at rosies-cafe@comcast.net for more information on this or any other Rosie's Cafe concert. Suggested donation for seats is $20 each and must be received in advance. All donations go to the artists and to Belmar Arts.

After confirming from me that there is room for you, you may use PayPal or Venmo to reserve your seat. Please remember that your seat is not reserved until your donation is received.

Rosie's Cafe shows are potluck (appetizer, side dish or dessert) and BYO affairs. There will be meatballs!

DOORS at 7:00pm. MUSIC promptly at 7:30pm. No early birds, please.