Playwright Doug Vincent and Milwaukee natives Sam Llanas and WAMI award winner Gary Tanin premiere their new play "A Day for Grace" at the Next Act Theatre this week.
Former BoDeans frontman Llanas wrote and performs the music in this story about a father-to-be chasing ghosts of alcoholism, bullying and suicide.
Llanas also has a new 10-song live album called "Four/Five Live – Volume 1." It’s classic, straightforward stuff and a mix of BoDeans and solo material. Produced by Tanin, it kicks off with an acoustic version of the BoDeans’ classic, "She’s a Runaway."
With Ryan Schiedermayer on percussion, Sean Williamson on guitar, Matt Turner on bass and Jason Loveall on violin, "Four/Five Live" is a quality production driven by Llanas’ standout vocals and heartfelt songs. Personally, I loved hearing two of my favorite BoDeans’ tunes "617" and "Brand New" with somewhat new arrangements yet the same feel that the original band brought to the numbers in their hay day.
Llanas and co-BoDeans frontman Kurt Neumann officially ended their partnership in 2011. And, both now have 20-plus years in music. Experience brings stories and passion, and as an artist, Llanas has always provided his life perspective in his music.
His humor and humanity shine through on many of the album’s songs. And while his current project "A Day for Grace," deals with a weighty issue his current albums ends with an upbeat number about empowerment that’s even been used on some college basketball coverage, "Seize the Day."
"Four/Five Live - Volume 1" is available at SamLlanas.com
A life-long and passionate community leader and Milwaukeean, Jeff Sherman is a co-founder of OnMilwaukee.
He grew up in Wauwatosa and graduated from Marquette University, as a Warrior. He holds an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University, and is the founding president of Young Professionals of Milwaukee (YPM)/Fuel Milwaukee.
Early in his career, Sherman was one of youngest members of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, and currently is involved in numerous civic and community groups - including board positions at The Wisconsin Center District, Wisconsin Club and Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. He's honored to have been named to The Business Journal's "30 under 30" and Milwaukee Magazine's "35 under 35" lists.
He owns a condo in Downtown and lives in greater Milwaukee with his wife Stephanie, his son, Jake, and daughter Pierce. He's a political, music, sports and news junkie and thinks, for what it's worth, that all new movies should be released in theaters, on demand, online and on DVD simultaneously.
He also thinks you should read OnMilwaukee each and every day.
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