Posts made in July 2024

5th Gallatin Comic Con

The 5th annual Gallatin Comic Con recently announced the addition of a second 50th anniversary reunion of original cast members from the hit TV Series Good Times, featuring Jimmie Walker (J.J. Evans), Bern Nadette Stanis (Thelma Evans), and Ralph Carter (Michael Evans). Originally announced in April, Gallatin Comic Con is also set to host a 50th anniversary reunion of Happy Days cast membersincluding Henry Winkler (Fonzie), Don Most (Ralph Malph), and Anson Williams (Potsie Weber). Additionally, musician Micky Dolenz from The Monkees, renowned Marvel Comics artist Greg Land (Fantastic Four, Uncanny X-Men) andrecording artist and voice actressSamantha Newark (Jem & The Holograms) will also be on-hand to sign autographs and host fan meet-and-greets, October 26/27, 2024 (10am to 4/5pm CT daily) at Gallatin Civic Center (210 Albert Gallatin Avenue). Tickets are on sale now for only $20 for a single day pass or $25 for weekend pass, and can be purchased at Eventbrite [click to buy], and onsite while supplies last.
 

Plus, organizers of Gallatin Comic Con also announced the daily celebrity guest panels and event schedules across both days featuring cast members from Happy Days, Good Times and Micky Dolenz of The Monkees. In partnership with Fandom Spotlite, an online news source for comic book and cos-play enthusiasts, the panel discussions will be moderated and curated by Fandom Spotlite’s Kyle Williamson, a veteran comic con guest panel moderator.
 

“Remember when we were kids watching TV, and we never thought we would get a chance to meet our favorite stars?” asked Chris Dyer, Founder of Gallatin Comic Con. “At GCC, I have strived to create more than just a comic con, but a place where fans can come to make memories that last a lifetime. You can’t put a price on good memories. It is our hope that you will come and meet the Happy Days & Good Times cast on the 50th anniversary of both of their shows!” 
 

Saturday, October 26: 

10:00am – Expo hall opens & meet/greets begin

12:00pm – CosPlay Contest (Room #1)

2:00pmGood Times panel with Jimmie Walker, Bern Nadette Stanis, and Ralph Carter (Room #1)

3:30pm – Samantha Newark panel (Room #1)

5:00pm – Expo Hall Closes
 

Sunday, October 27: 

10:00am – Expo hall opens & meet/greets begin

12:00pm – Kids CosPlay Contest (Room #1)

1:00pm –  Happy Days panel with Henry Winkler, Don Most, Anson Williams (Room #1)

2:00pm – Micky Dolenz panel (Room #1)

4:00pm – Expo Hall Closes
 

About Gallatin Comic Con: 
Produced and hosted by Gallatin’s own Town Square Records and Comics, Gallatin Comic Con has quickly established itself as middle Tennessee’s premiere annual destination for celebrating everything from the world of American pop culture and comic books. Since its inception in 2019, Gallatin Comic Con has played host to an array of nostalgic American pop culture iconic actors including lead cast members from the hit TV series Leave It To Beaver, The Dukes of Hazzard, along with TV actors Tom Proctor (The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, Westworld, Guardians of the Galaxy), and James Stokes (Jason Vorhees). 2023’s event drew more than 5,200 people to Gallatin Civic Center as fans were also treated to an incredible variety of comic book vendors, offering everything from exclusive merchandise, collectibles and interactive celebrity experiences. Whether you’re a devoted fan or simply seeking a fun day of family friendly entertainment, Gallatin Comic Con guarantees an experience tailored to everyone’s tastes. The 5th annual event takes place October 26-27 and will host a 50th anniversary reunion of cast members from the hit TV series, Happy Days and Good Times, plus Micky Dolenz from The Monkees, and more. Save the date and join us for a weekend filled with excitement, nostalgia, and pure geeky bliss!
 

NEW PRELUDE TIE-IN COMIC SHEDS LIGHT ON ALIEN: ROMULUS

Writer Zac Thompson and artist Daniel Picciotto’s ALIEN: ROMULUS #1 hits stands this October.

Made in close collaboration with the filmmakers, the one-shot will unravel a lingering mystery presented in the upcoming Alien: Romulus film.

Following next month’s theatrical release of Alien: Romulus, the latest installment in the groundbreaking Alien film franchise, Marvel Comics will proudly present an ALIEN: ROMULUS comic one-shot in October that tackles one of the film’s lingering mysteries.

On sale in October, ALIEN: ROMULUS #1 will be written by horror master Zac Thompson (Absolute Carnage: Avengers, I Breathed a Body) and drawn by rising star Daniel Picciotto (Danny Ketch: Ghost Rider, X-Force). The upcoming film will take “Alien” storytelling back to its roots with a thrilling saga of young space colonizers coming face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe. Marvel’s one-shot will take place prior to the events of the film, providing an illuminating backstory behind the film’s main threat. Made in close partnership with Director Fede Alvarez and frequent collaborator Rodo Sayagues, both of whom wrote Alien: Romulus, the comic is a must-have companion to one of the most highly anticipated films of the summer.

Marvel Comics presents an all-new story revealing secrets of the film’s legendary antagonists and this issue shines light on them all!

“The Alien franchise is responsible for my lifelong love of body horror, so needless to say, I’m ecstatic to be contributing a small piece to the canon,” Thompson shared. “Working with Fede Alvarez to craft a prequel to Alien: Romulus was a genuine dream come true and a responsibility I don’t take lightly. The result is a thrilling, terrifying story that slowly gestates into something wholly unpredictable.”

Check out the main cover by Leinil Francis Yu along with a stunning variant cover by Björn Barends and preorder ALIEN: ROMULUS #1 at your local comic shop today. See Alien: Romulus in theaters August 16. For more information, visit Marvel.com.

Puma Hoops + Breanna Stewart

PUMA Hoops athletes and one of the league’s most dynamic players, Breanna Stewart, were among the talented roster who represented the Women’s National Team during Saturday’s sold-out WNBA All-Star Game. On game days, every detail from a player’s pre-game outfit to their locker room playlists is personal, but nothing is more essential than your game day sneaker. 

Stewart was seen sporting her recently-released Stewie 3 City of Love on the court, also expected to be her shoe of choice as she heads to Paris this week.

Stewie 3 City of Love is now available on PUMA.com, the PUMA mobile app, the PUMA NYC Flagship store, and at Foot Locker and Kids Foot Locker.

The Ultimate Guide to Exedy Clutches

Performance, Benefits, and Installation


Understanding the Crucial Role of a Clutch

Before discussing the specifics of Exedy clutches, it’s important to understand the essential role a clutch plays in the function of a vehicle. Optimally placed between the vehicle’s engine and transmission, a clutch manages the engagement and disengagement of the engine’s powers to the wheels. This purposeful control is particularly essential when starting a vehicle from a standstill, shifting gears, and coming to a halt.

When choosing a new clutch for your vehicle, there are three elements you should consider: quality, performance, and price. And this is where the Exedy clutch enters the equation.

Stand-Out Features of Exedy Clutches

Exedy is globally recognized as a leading manufacturer of automotive clutches. It boasts a wide array of products that cater to various vehicle models, irrespective of whether they’re meant for track or normal road usage.

Superior Materials and Construction

What sets an Exedy clutch apart from its rivals is its exceptional construction using high-quality materials. The company utilizes a wide range of components from organic to cerametallic, aiming to cater to varying driver preferences and needs. The result of this thoughtful construction is a durable and reliable clutch which delivers superior performance.

Engineered for Performance

Many automotive enthusiasts vouch for Exedy clutches as their top choice for high-performance applications. They are designed to withstand the demands of high-powered engines and challenging driving conditions, making them suitable for racing vehicles and other high-powered applications.

Diverse Range of Options 

Whether you’re a regular driver seeking a reliable clutch for daily use or a motorsports enthusiast looking for a high-performing racing clutch, Exedy offers a vast range of options to fit all driving styles and requirements.

Benefits of Opting for an Exedy Clutch

Now that we understand what makes an Exedy clutch unique let’s talk about the specific benefits of having one installed in your vehicle.

Reliable Performance

Exedy clutches provide a reliable performance, thanks to the company’s commitment to using only top-tier materials. With their products, you can expect smoother gear transitions and more responsive acceleration.

Longevity and Durability

Given their robust construction and high-quality materials, Exedy clutches usually have a longer lifespan compared to other brands in the market. They’re able to survive the rigours of everyday use as well as aggressive driving conditions.

Excellent Hitting Power 

In the world of automotive gear, hitting power refers to how efficiently a clutch can transmit engine force to the transmission. With their superior construction, Exedy clutches are particularly well-equipped to transfer hitting power efficiently, resulting in better vehicle performance.

User-friendly Operation 

Despite their robust nature, Exedy clutches typically provide a smooth and enjoyable driving experience. The feather-touch operability of these clutches makes gear shifting an effortless task while also reducing driver fatigue.

Keys to Successful Exedy Clutch Installation

Even the best exedy clutches will fall short of expectations without proper installation. The clutch must be impeccably aligned with the engine and transmission for optimal performance. When it comes to Exedy clutches, a proper installation procedure is the key to extracting superior performance, longevity, and reliability.

Using the Right Tools

Before installing exedy clutch, it is important to have the appropriate tools. This kit should include items like clutch alignment tools, a torque wrench, socket set, and a jack stand to support the vehicle securely during the process.

Aligning the Clutch

A crucial part of the installation process is aligning the Exedy clutch correctly. This involves aligning the clutch disc with the pilot bearing and positioning the pressure plate to bolt directly to the flywheel. Misalignment can lead to serious performance issues and even damage to the clutch itself. 

Tightening the Bolts

Once everything is aligned, the next step is to tighten the flywheel and pressure plate bolts to the required specification. Over-tightening these components could result in damage, while under-tightening could lead to the clutch slipping and wearing out prematurely. 

Reinstalling the Transmission

The final step involves reinstalling the transmission and other removed parts and ensuring everything is back in place. Run a final check to ensure everything is tightened and functioning correctly.

Professional Installation is Key

Although it’s possible for an enthusiast with a well-equipped garage to install an Exedy clutch, it’s usually recommended to have a professional do the job. The complexity of the process and the importance of achieving perfect alignment makes a compelling case for utilizing professional services with ample experience in handling Exedy installations.

Getting the Best Out of Your Exedy Clutch

The moment an Exedy clutch is installed, a noticeable revamp in vehicle performance will be experienced. However, maintaining the optimal function of a clutch is just as critical as the process of choosing it. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your Exedy clutch.

Regular Maintenance 

Just like other parts of a vehicle, regular maintenance is essential when it comes to maintaining the health of your clutch. Regular inspection for signs of wear, coupled with periodic adjustments, can go a long way in ensuring your Exedy clutch serves you for extended periods.

Hydration Levels

It’s critical to ensure that your clutch hydraulics are always at an optimal level. Low hydraulic levels can easily lead to premature wear and tear or even irreversible damage to your clutch system.

Gentle Usage

Aggressive driving habits such as sudden acceleration or braking can cause immense strain on your clutch, consequently affecting its lifespan. Therefore, adopting smooth and steady driving habits is an effortless way to enhance the life of an Exedy clutch.

The Complete Exedy Line Up: Choosing the Right Clutch for You

The variety of choices available in Exedy’s product line ensures that there’s an option suitable for every kind of driver. Here’s a rundown of some main clutch types in the Exedy range, and what makes them unique.

Standard Replacement Clutch Kit

Designed for daily drivers, the standard replacement clutch kit offers exceptional reliability and sustainability. It replicates the driving experience of the original components, making sure that driving transitions feel smooth and manageable.

High-Performance Racing Clutch Kit

As the name suggests, this kit is designed for vehicles driven under extreme conditions, such as motor racing. They demonstrate an impressive tolerance for heat and high RPMs.

Stage 1 Organic Clutch Kit

Organic clutch kits function optimally for ordinary street use. They provide a slight increase of torque while maintaining a smooth engagement. Minimal modifications are necessary for installation, making this kit suitable for casual drivers whose focus is more on ease of driving than high performance.

Stage 2 Cerametallic Clutch Kit

Cerametallic clutches perform excellently in applications needing increased torque, such as modified road cars and light track use. They offer a higher burst strength due to their high-heat engage/disengage performance.

Stage 3 and 4 Hyper Single and Multi-Plate Clutch Kit

These are top-of-the-line Exedy clutches, catering to serious track racers and the powerful road car. With different plate designs and configurations, these clutches handle extreme torque requirements while still permitting reasonable driving comfort and control.

Wrapping Up

Whether you’re just starting and learning the ropes in the world of automotive vehicles or an experienced racing enthusiast, there is an Exedy clutch designed to fulfill your performance expectations. The decision to choose one should be based not only on the vehicle type and the performance level you desire but also on your personal driving habits and goals.

From the reliable standard replacement clutch kit designed for daily drivers to the robust Hyper Single and Multi-Plate Clutch suited for extreme racing conditions, Exedy has a vast array of options. So, whether your next journey takes you to the grocery store or the race track, there’s an Exedy clutch ready to be your trustworthy companion, ensuring smooth operations and performance reliability. The choice is in your hands, and undoubtedly with Exedy clutches, it’s a choice you’ll be glad you made. With the right Exedy clutch, every drive can be a journey towards enlisting your vehicle’s best performance.

OAKLEY – MOONVEIL

Oakley releases Moonveil, a limited-edition collection that fuses elevated design and innovation to create a whole new genre of headgear. Moonveil made its debut in the animated Future Genesis short film as a holographic projection. Now brought to life, the boundary-pushing headgear combines eyewear and headwear to sit in a category of its own. 

Instead of a traditional frame with ear stems, Oakley Moonveil features a jet-black, knitted cloak, with reflective yarn lines, discreetly stitched to capture light and attention. It includes interchangeable dual Prizm™ lens shields on a swivel system, allowing wearers to adapt intuitively to changing light conditions. The Prizm™ 24K lens provides maximum eye protection and reduces light transmission for bright environments, while the Prizm™ Low Light lens increases light intake for when it is darker. The cloak is complete with zip-off front closures for a customizable fit, allowing open-faced styling or complete anonymity, based on individual preference. 

The hyper-limited release includes just 100 serialized units. Each Moonveil will include original concept sketches from Oakley product designers and the Future Genesis ashcan preview comic by Dark Horse, which portrays Moonveil on the back cover.  

The limited-edition design piece will be launching on Oakley.com in September 2024.

The Empire Strikes Back

Earlier this month, it was announced that Marvel’s Star Wars comic line would be concluding its post-The Empire Strikes Back storytelling this September in Star Wars #50 and Star Wars: Darth Vader #50. Fans won’t have to wait long to discover what comes next as this October, a new post-Return of the Jedi era begins in STAR WARS: BATTLE OF JAKKU — INSURGENCY RISING!

Written by acclaimed, award-winning author Alex Segura (Star Wars: Poe Dameron – Free Fall, Edge of Spider-Verse) and drawn by a trio of superstar artistic talent–Leonard Kirk, Stefano Raffaele, and Jethro Morales—STAR WARS: BATTLE OF JAKKU — INSURGENCY RISING will be the first of three limited series centered around the never-before-told final moments of the Galactic Civil War. First introduced in Star Wars: The Force Awakens as Rey scavenged amongst its wreckage, the Battle of Jakku was a pivotal turning point for the galaxy. On the sandy dunes of Jakku, the remnants of the Empire made their desperate last stand after their secret base was discovered by the Rebellion, who were determined to destroy them once and for all so that the New Republic can thrive! Now, fans will witness this pivotal moment in Star Wars canon for the first time ever!

Starring core characters like Luke and Leia as well as new heroes and villains who were instrumental during this thrilling period, the three Battle of Jakku series will bridge the gap between the Original Trilogy and the Sequel Trilogy like never before revealing key insights behind the aftermath of the Battle of Endor and the Empire’s demise, including the Emperor’s secret contingency plans; and introduce the shocking power hungry threats that emerged during this time of uncertainty!

SPOTLIGHT: JUSTIN JOHNSTON

Justin Johnston is a highly regarded audio-visual veteran in the industry, with an intuitive yet receptive design acumen that caters to his clients’ needs as well as applications. With an innate sense of style and integrity, he is on par to become an arbiter within the realm of immersive and bespoke smart spaces.

ABOUT JUSTIN JOHNSTON

Justin Johnston, who has more than twenty years of experience in the Custom Integrator industry, is a seasoned professional who is committed to enhancing home experiences through innovative design and technology. Justin, who received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and Women’s Studies from Saint Mary’s College of California, uses his extensive knowledge and keen eye for detail to create living environments that are unmatched. Justin’s expertise in lighting and AV solutions enables him to tailor every project to meet the unique needs and desires of his clients. He is a trusted advisor who transforms homes into personalized sanctuaries thanks to his commitment to excellence and passion for state-of-the-art technology.

ABOUT BRAVAS

BRAVAS, a national technology integrator, offers beautiful places and smart spaces for their customers’ living, working, and playing environments. More than 3,500 residential and commercial projects are completed across the US every year by BRAVAS, focusing on the luxury market segment. They sell and support everything from lighting, shades, and audio/video equipment to networking, security systems, and power management.


Story | Vaughn Lowery

Disney Marvel VARIANT COVERS

NEW DISNEY WHAT IF? VARIANT COVERS TAKE INSPIRATION FROM MODERN AVENGERS AND X-MEN MILESTONES

Check out the next trio of covers in the monthly Disney What If? variant cover series, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Avengers and X-Men

Throughout this year, Disney’s Mickey Mouse and his friends homage classic Marvel covers to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Avengers and X-Men! With a new cover each month, see Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and Marvel’s Merry Mutants like you’ve never seen them before with fun takes on both franchises’ most iconic and groundbreaking stories! The new DISNEY WHAT IF? VARIANT COVERS will adorn select issues of Amazing Spider-Man all year long and are also available as black and white versions. Today, fans can check out the next trio of DISNEY WHAT IF? VARIANT COVERS, which will hit stands October-December.

The new covers see Goofy, Donald, and Daisy fill in for Wolverine, Captain America, and Black Widow for their iconic team-up in Uncanny X-Men #268; Mickey, Minnie and more enter the X-Men’s revolutionary Krakoan age that kicked off in House of X #1, and the gang assembling for one of the Avengers’ most pivotal moments, the “Disassembled” storyline, in Avengers #500.

Preorder the next three DISNEY WHAT IF? VARIANT COVERS at your local comic shop today! For more information, visit Marvel.com.

Tom Walker- Holy Ghost

Coming off the back of a whirlwind sold out UK headline tour, as well as a series of hugely successful ‘Tom’s Town’ UK pop up appearances, BRIT Award-winning artist Tom Walker today unveils his epic new single “Holy Ghost.” The track is the third official single to be taken from his highly-anticipated new album I Am, out September 20th and available for pre-order HERE.

For this gargantuan new track, think: Hozier produced by Labrinth – hymnal, electronic soul that takes the familiar contours of the love song and reimagines them. Listen HERE.

“It’s a bit like the kind of soul that’s in Take Me to Church, but with darkness, too.” explains Tom. “At that point, my wedding was 11 days away, and I wanted to write a love song that didn’t really feel like a love song. It could be about any person that cares for you and looks out for you. Who’s a shadow over you, making sure that you’re OK.”

The end of last year saw impeccable releases in “Burn” and “Freaking Out” – both of which Tom performed with aplomb on Later…With Jools Holland. Watch HERE & HERE.

Where previously, Tom became known for powerful accounts of other people’s stories, including a friend’s battle with drugs (“Leave A Light On”), and articulating his own relatable feelings for his now wife (“Just You & I”); on his new album he now finds himself writing about his own personal struggles and anxieties, creative challenges, sadness and moments of despair. It is a sometimes-visceral account of who Tom Walker is in 2024, hence the title: I Am.

I Am is a culmination of me trying to figure out who I am for the last four years.” explains Tom. “This record is a snapshot of what’s been going on in my life, and what’s been happening around me – what’s made me happy or sad, ecstatic or miserable.”

After writing, and binning, a plethora of new tracks, an exhausted Tom subsequently headed out to Los Angeles to write with the McDonough brothers, Toby Gadd, Ryan Daly & Castle, who’s credits between them include Beyonce, Joji, Khalid, Mimi Webb and John Legend. The trip reignited the excitement and love of trying brand new things.

The results speak for themselves with “Freaking Out,” “Lifeline,” “Burn,”Head Underwater” and now “Holy Ghost.” Looking ahead, Tom will take on UK festival dates before heading out to the US and Canada for a headline tour and will return to the UK & Europe for an arena tour with The Script to close of the year.

As Tom succinctly puts it; I will die for these songs. It’s the first time in a long time I’ve felt like that. You’ve got to ignore what everyone else wants from you, and you’ve got to back yourself.”

L.C. Franke – Still in Bloom

Orchestral noir pop singer-songwriter L.C. Franke has released his debut album, Still in Bloom, today. Easy listening for anxious times, torch songs for a world on fire, orchestral pop for the algorithm age: this is the twilit milieu of L.C. Franke. The album builds a bridge between 20th-century nostalgia and our modern alienation. Across 10 tracks of pure mood-indigo music, inspired by the jazz-club savoir-faire of artists like Frank Sinatra, Scott Walker, and Ella Fitzgerald, Franke’s barstool croon smolders against a backdrop of woodwind trills and string quartet swells. It’s a musical tonic that pairs equally well with gin and general malaise — light on the ears, heavy on the heart.

PURCHASE/STREAM STILL IN BLOOM

The album was originally heralded with the singles “You and Me Against the World,” “You’re Not Alone,” and “Wish the World.” Soaked in exotica and existential disappointment and inspired by the likes of Leonard Cohen, “Wish the World,” was accompanied by a vintage-mystery thriller official music video. Magnet premiered the clip, and in an exclusive quote, Franke said: “I got a Facebook message from Dan Brown, an old acquaintance I hadn’t seen in about 20 years. It said, ‘I love the new music I’m hearing. We should make a video.’ The timing was impeccable, as I’d just been talking about making a video for ‘Wish The World’ — and Dan has a successful production house and a few Emmys. I met him for coffee, and we randomly started talking about films like Sunset Boulevard, D.O.A., and Where The Sidewalk Ends — and how ‘Wish The World’ would make a perfect noir soundtrack. We shot the video over three days around Austin. We worked on the scenes where I get strangled and drowned the most—and I was starting to wonder if that was just for everyone’s entertainment. The real star though is that beautiful ’89 Cadillac Brougham.”

WATCH “WISH THE WORLD” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

LISTEN TO “WISH THE WORLD”

LISTEN TO “YOU AND ME AND US AGAINST THE WORLD”

WATCH “YOU AND ME AND US AGAINST THE WORLD” LYRIC VIDEO

WATCH “YOU AND ME AND US AGAINST THE WORLD (LIVE FROM AUSTIN)”

LISTEN TO “YOU’RE NOT ALONE”

In a previous life, L.C. Franke was known as Jeff Klein, an Austin-by-way-of-New York indie rocker who spent the better part of his youth garnering widespread acclaim as a solo artist, as a collaborator with countless other songwriters, and as frontman of the Southern gothic soul outfit My Jerusalem. But by 2017, Franke had hit a wall. Feeling lost and jaded, his mental health teetering, he decided to take a year off and reassess.

That hiatus turned indefinite with the pandemic and Franke found himself suddenly isolated and adrift, unsure whether he would ever get back to who he was. But then he realized, perhaps he didn’t want to. The opportunity for reinvention presented itself when his friend, the Bessie Award-winning dancer Melissa Toogood, asked him to compose the score for her performance with the Boston Ballet. Franke bought a Mellotron and began noodling around with the sounds of flutes, clarinets, and strings.

As he explored, Franke sat down at the piano and wrote “You and Me and Us Against the World,” the song that would become the lodestar for his new musical approach. The music brought him back to his roots – all those Brooklyn and Fort Lauderdale summers spent with his grandmother, Elsie Franke, losing himself in her dusty record collection filled with golden greats like Glen Miller, Blossom Dearie, and Jimmy Durante. In this music of his past, he saw a future. Borrowing inspiration from his grandmother’s records, and paying homage to her with his name, L.C. Franke was born.

“It really made me fall in love with music again,” he says. “I’ve always been sort of sentimental.”

Still In Bloom is the sound of midlife crisis turned spiritual rebirth. Recorded live in the room with an actual orchestra, and completed over just three weekend sessions, the album is both musically rich and emotionally direct. The shimmering “You’re Not Alone” and the slightly sinister “Wish the World” are enthralling, smoke-gets-in-your-eyes songs, rendered as sharp as a custom-cut suit, evoking lonely subway rides past abandoned automats, and those halcyon days before the Brill Building housed a CVS. The album finds its bruised thematic heart on its title track, “Still In Bloom,” where a pensive piano melody and wintry strings provide the stripped-down bed for Franke’s late-night ruminations on the everyday struggle to find resilience amid the ruins.

After making his live debut as part of Austin City Limits Music Festival’s 2023 ACL Nights, Franke has gone on to support such diverse artists as The Walkmen and The Wallflowers, earning applause and attention for his visionary approach to the music of the past. Becoming L.C. Franke has proven the gateway for this gifted artist to finding his truest self, allowing him to hang up the well-worn rocker persona and let the sophisticated songsmith that was always within him move at last to center stage.

“I take out the contacts, put on the glasses, and it’s like a reverse Clark Kent,” says L.C. Franke.

L.C. Franke & The Best Little Orchestra in Texas will perform at Pangea in New York City on July 25 at 7pm and The State Theatre in Austin, TX, on August 3.

CONNECT WITH L.C. FRANKE:

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | YOUTUBE