Mile Marker "0" AICW Entertainment: Portsmouth Native Joins Joe Maniscalco for First Local Performance on May 1st

By David Cartier

Author "A New Day in Olde Towne"



Mile marker "0" on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway AICW is the place to be this weekend. There's a lot happening here in Olde Towne Portsmouth that you won't want to miss!

When Portsmouth native Sherri Williams Holland steps up to the microphone at The Deck Restaurant (Tidewater Yacht Marina) on May 1, for the first time performing in her hometown as key member of a band. It’s no secret that other venues around Hampton Roads (and beyond) have enjoyed Holland’s singing talents and she has quickly become a favorite around the area.

Holland performs regularly with well-known, Hampton Roads performer Joe Maniscalco as part of the Two*Can Jam Band. The group features Maniscalco, MargaritaBill on vocals (Bill Kendra) and Sherri Linn on vocals and harmonica (Sherri Williams Holland).

The Deck Restaurant in Olde Towne Portsmouth will be hosting an Oyster Roast and Deck Party on May 1, 2010 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy all you can eat oysters and a bottomless cup.

So, how did Holland land this gig with one of Hampton Roads most noted performer? It's an interesting story that I enjoy telling. She was in the audience about 18 months ago - on summer evening - enjoying Maniscalco's performance. A friend wanted to hear Holland sing and approached Maniscalco with the idea. He invited her to join him on stage and after two show-stopping numbers, Holland had his attention. They started a dialogue about performing together.

About the same time, Kendra had a similar experience with Maniscalco.

Then, in August 2009, the three of them performed together at a Sandler Center Why Not Wednesdays! event and introduced the band. By the crowd's response they knew they were on the right track. Since then they have performed in venues from Virginia Beach to Williamsburg.

The custom of recognizing talent was not new to Maniscalco. He regularly invites local musicians to join him on stage and perform a song or two with him. That’s the kind of person he is. He always available to help -- and support - others anyway he can - as a business partner, entertainment director. fellow musician and/or mentor. Maybe that's why 54 Hampton Roads musicians came together for a benefit to help their friend last February (click here, to see related story about Maniscalco)

Maniscalco has been entertaining professionally for more than three decades - as a solo act, duo or trio - in 38 states and 11 counties. While versatile in most genre, his trademark is Trop Rock tunes -- a musical gumbo of reggae, soca, calypso, beach music, surf instrumentals, celtic rock, oldies, blues and steel drum sounds. Also, during a performance, you can expect him to cover a few Motown, Buffett, country as well as Beatles tunes. Maniscalco’s song list comprised of more than 1,000 songs.

At 56, Maniscalco is a multi-instrumentalist, playing six- and 12-string acoustic guitars, flute, harmonica, autoharp and steel drum/steel pan. He frequently amazes his audiences by playing two trumpets -- simultaneously and in harmony. According to Maniscalco, most horn players play in the middle of their mouths and use the muscles from both sides, but he plays each off to one side or the other.

On the national stage, Maniscalco has opened for a long list of acts including Jimmy Buffett, Faith Hill, Chicago, Hall & Oates, Daryl Worley, B52 and Lee Greenwood.

Locally - and around the country - Maniscalco has appeared in venues from Portsmouth and Richmond to Key West and Seattle. Portsmouth residents will recall him performing at a number of local establishments including: Griff's Restaurant, Barons Pub, The Flagship Restaurant, Renaissance Portsmouth Hotel and Mario’s Restaurant. Last February I had the pleasure of hearing Maniscalco and Kendra perform at Montgomery Grill in Olde Towne Portsmouth. Holland was on vacation at the time.

Everything I heard about Maniscalco was true. He is every bit the outstanding musician and entertainer as others had told me! Combined with the talented vocals of Kendra, it was an enjoyable evening. Kendra adds his own personality to the show and the two really work well together.

I expect the three of them combined will be performing more around Portsmouth in the weeks and months to come. That’s why I am looking forward to hearing Holland sing in Portsmouth.

For more information on the Two*Can Jam Band, contact Fran Pigott Harding via email at fpharding@gmail.com or at 757.353.0711.

If you plan to go this Saturday...
The Deck Restaurant is located at 10 Crawford Parkway (Tidewater Yacht Marina) Portsmouth, Virginia. 757.398.1221. Call for tickets in advance - $25 each.

Would you care to make a 'Comment' or want to 'Reply'? Click the 'Comment' button below. If you're not registered, just Email me, at cjosephelder@gmail.com. I would be pleased to post your reply as a 'Comment' without using your name and e-address (your privacy will be maintained if requested). Please share your experience with other boaters (both good and bad). We would also love to post your comments and pictures that you've taken while visiting us here in Olde Towne Portsmouth as well as your travels along the AICW.