Stepanian

Singer/guitarist Eric Stepanian formed a band called STEPANIAN while he was in college in Delaware and then brought them to Boston when it was time to get serious. At least he tried: the other members weren’t into the move, so Stepanian came alone in 2003 and re-formed the group with bassist Michael Simon, drummer John Mansollilo, and saxophonist/flutist/keyboardist Adam Schertzer. They begin a month of Wednesday-residency gigs at the Paradise Lounge on April 4, celebrating their new Wait Out the Rain EP. Stepanian describes the band’s sound as “early Bruce Spingsteen meets Counting Crows and Ryan Adams. On the EP, it’s us getting more mature, more polished.” He’s been talking with labels, and a residency is also a showcase of sorts.

In other residency news, ASA BREBNER AND THE FAMILY JEWELS — Asa’s doo-wop group — have had a semi-regular Saturday-afternoon gig at the Plough & Stars, and on March 31 from 4 to 7 pm and 8 to 9:30, they’ll celebrate the release of a new CD. Meanwhile, Brebner’s art — including a sexed-up Barbie doll and a crucified Topo Gigio doll — is up at ZuZu, along with the work of Jon Strymish and John Nikolai. The restaurant had a last-minute art cancellation, and co-owner Nabil Sater gave photographer Nikolai the go-ahead to stage what he’s dubbed “4-DAY HANGOVER.” . . . And the RAGING TEENS are back together this week, playing a warm-up show at the Abbey Saturday before joining the BOURBONAIRES for a benefit for their late pal JON JOHNSON’s family at T.T. the Bear’s Place April 5. It’ll be a reunion show for the Bourbonaires, Johnson’s old band.

On the Web
Stepanian: //www.stepanianband.com
Asa Brebner: //www.asabrebner.net

Email the author
Jim Sullivan: jimsullivanink@verizon.net