Castle Creek
Syracuse, New York, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2010 | SELF
Music
Press
"she was drawn to the resonant voices of soul singers and the sweep and stomp of rhythm and blues." - CNY Woman
"Syracuse area musicians Kim Monroe and Chris Eves have, in my opinion, a great sound. The vibe they carry together comes through in the music every time I have had the pleasure of seeing them perform. Catch this talented pair as they play almost every big event in the area and around the club scene. I for one love their sound. " - examiner.com
This weekend downtown Syracuse will be filled with the nonstop sounds and smells of pure local talent. The Taste of Syracuse festival, which takes place on June 3rd and 4th, 2011 is no doubt one of the most anticipated events of the summer. Free admittance and food samples for only a dollar each are just some of the reasons the festival is so appealing. The Travel Channel’s “Man vs. Food” has already recognized Syracuse as a worthy place to eat, but the food isn’t everything when it comes to getting a true “Taste of Syracuse.”
Over forty different performers ranging in genres such as blues, rock, pop, funk and folk will be providing entertainment for festival-goers, and it’s one of the most impressive lineups the city has ever seen. This year, the festival’s headlining act will be the Saturday night performance of Gregg Alman.
“It’s all there, and I’ve never seen a better selection to fit someone’s musical taste,” Ashley Cox, who will be performing Saturday with her band Professional Victims, tells me.
“We played with Kim Monroe in Austin, TX, during SXSW. Her and Chris Eves were great just as a duo. - The free george
This weekend downtown Syracuse will be filled with the nonstop sounds and smells of pure local talent. The Taste of Syracuse festival, which takes place on June 3rd and 4th, 2011 is no doubt one of the most anticipated events of the summer. Free admittance and food samples for only a dollar each are just some of the reasons the festival is so appealing. The Travel Channel’s “Man vs. Food” has already recognized Syracuse as a worthy place to eat, but the food isn’t everything when it comes to getting a true “Taste of Syracuse.”
Over forty different performers ranging in genres such as blues, rock, pop, funk and folk will be providing entertainment for festival-goers, and it’s one of the most impressive lineups the city has ever seen. This year, the festival’s headlining act will be the Saturday night performance of Gregg Alman.
“It’s all there, and I’ve never seen a better selection to fit someone’s musical taste,” Ashley Cox, who will be performing Saturday with her band Professional Victims, tells me.
“We played with Kim Monroe in Austin, TX, during SXSW. Her and Chris Eves were great just as a duo. - The free george
The Music Buzz
• The Westcott Theater, 524 Westcott St., hosts Blues Traveler veteran John Popper and his side project The Duskray Troubadours on Saturday, April 30, 8 p.m. Such a high-profile gig, and one that opening act Kim Monroe will gladly handle. The local chanteuse will be performing with her own full band, with Chris Eves and P.J. Will on guitar, John Jones on bass and Ryan Calabrese on drums. Although they tour locally as the cover group Wild Honey, Monroe and Eves recently performed at South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival in Austin, Texas, as an acoustic duo. Eves also helped write many of the songs Monroe will be performing on Saturday night. “They’re all extremely talented musicians,” she said. “I’m really hoping we’ll tour this summer, maybe opening for another band and go on the road.” Currently, the band is confirmed to perform on Friday, June 10, during the annual Balloonfest. Tickets for the Popper show are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Visit www.thewestcotttheater. com for details. - Syracuse New Times
The Music Buzz
• The Westcott Theater, 524 Westcott St., hosts Blues Traveler veteran John Popper and his side project The Duskray Troubadours on Saturday, April 30, 8 p.m. Such a high-profile gig, and one that opening act Kim Monroe will gladly handle. The local chanteuse will be performing with her own full band, with Chris Eves and P.J. Will on guitar, John Jones on bass and Ryan Calabrese on drums. Although they tour locally as the cover group Wild Honey, Monroe and Eves recently performed at South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival in Austin, Texas, as an acoustic duo. Eves also helped write many of the songs Monroe will be performing on Saturday night. “They’re all extremely talented musicians,” she said. “I’m really hoping we’ll tour this summer, maybe opening for another band and go on the road.” Currently, the band is confirmed to perform on Friday, June 10, during the annual Balloonfest. Tickets for the Popper show are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Visit www.thewestcotttheater. com for details. - Syracuse New Times
Hitting the main stage area at last I was greeted by what I had come to hear; Kim Monroe. She is everything that has been advertised by countless fans and musicians. I also wanted to meet her Mom, Liz Nowak once and for all. Liz is a huge supporter of the Syracuse music scene among many things. She was instrumental in the MIC series for example. She also happens to be one of the nicest human beings that I have had the pleasure to meet in ages. She also has the best smile in town.
Kim Monroe and Chris Eves were putting on a show that had everyone stopping and most dancing. The duo-acoustic set had energy, rhythm, and her voice is a range of angelic winds. These two seemed to feed off each other and no doubt should be put in a later time slot. The people not there yet missed something special. Look up Kim Monroe on Facebook; she wants to be everyone's 'friend'.
- Syracuse Examiner
Hitting the main stage area at last I was greeted by what I had come to hear; Kim Monroe. She is everything that has been advertised by countless fans and musicians. I also wanted to meet her Mom, Liz Nowak once and for all. Liz is a huge supporter of the Syracuse music scene among many things. She was instrumental in the MIC series for example. She also happens to be one of the nicest human beings that I have had the pleasure to meet in ages. She also has the best smile in town.
Kim Monroe and Chris Eves were putting on a show that had everyone stopping and most dancing. The duo-acoustic set had energy, rhythm, and her voice is a range of angelic winds. These two seemed to feed off each other and no doubt should be put in a later time slot. The people not there yet missed something special. Look up Kim Monroe on Facebook; she wants to be everyone's 'friend'.
- Syracuse Examiner
"Kim Monroe missed Motown's heyday by a couple decades, but she still covers a mean "Neither One of Us" on her debut disc. Replete with vintage guitar funk and sultry harmonies, the Gladys Knight hit sits uncannily well next to her diverse originals." - Nathan Turk, Music Editor
"Kim Monroe is going to be a star. What talent: strong vocals, knockout looks, she even writes great tunes! She's got it all, and soon the rest of the world will know it!" - Big Mike Fiss
In appraising her live performance, Bialczak also wrote, "Kim Monroe, A 17 year old from Cazenovia, delivered sass and wisdom beyond her years." - Mark Bialczak, Syracuse Post Standard
"Kim Monroe is going to be a star. What talent: strong vocals, knockout looks, she even writes great tunes! She's got it all, and soon the rest of the world will know it!" - Big Mike Fiss
Producer, Mark Doyle concurs. "There's a lot of old school R&B in her style, even though she has not really listened to a lot of older records. It just seems to be there, and no one really knows where it comes from. There is an emotional resonance in what she sings that crosses generational barriers." - Producer
"Cazenovia teenager Kim Monroe has a voice full of promise. Monroe's collaboration with Syracuse producer-musician veteran Mark Doyle has turned out a three-song EP that drives home an edgy, modern pop sound.
Monroe and Doyle co-wrote two of the songs. Doyle's big- crashing guitars give "No Concern" a pushy rock feel; Monroe's passionate lyrics take it the rest of the way.
The cover of "Neither One of Us" shows that Monroe has the gumption to successfully tackle Gladys Knight's soul and the pluck to harmonize the back-up vocals of The Pips, too" - Syracuse Post Standard
Producer, Mark Doyle concurs. "There's a lot of old school R&B in her style, even though she has not really listened to a lot of older records. It just seems to be there, and no one really knows where it comes from. There is an emotional resonance in what she sings that crosses generational barriers." - Producer
Discography
"Kim Monroe and Chris Eves" 3 Song EP
"The Only Life" Full Length album releasing November 11th, 2014
Photos
Bio
Castle Creek is comprised of front woman Kim Monroe and a changing cast of musicians as small as an acoustic duo or as large as a six piece band. With one EP and one full length disk each garnering critical acclaim, and three SAMMY awards under her belt Kim Monroe has consistently impressed audiences with her unique songwriting and powerful vocals. With another record in the works, Monroe attributes the leap she has made as a vocalist and songwriter to greater confidence in herself and a clearer vision of her musical direction.
Monroe has enjoyed collaborating with artists in the past, such as Goo Goo Dolls bassist Robby Takac and Blues Traveler's harmonica virtuoso John Popper. "I've been lucky to get the opportunity to work with some really wonderful, creative people in the industry and have truly enjoyed writing and performing my new songs, I feel that where I am musically now is home."
Although her material typically starts out in a folk vein, it usually progresses into the soul/ blues territory that best showcases Monroe’s stirring vocals. When asked about the record Monroe says, "The old record was a fun way to experiment with new sounds and really pin down where I fit musically. Live, I love to experiment all the time on stage, each show is its own unique experience."
With a tour calendar steadily filling and a new record in the works Monroe is excited for the future. "This next year will be a lot of work but I feel like there will be a lot of growth and opportunities that come with the new album. I am really looking forward to taking this next step musically and enjoying all that comes with it."
Monroe has also notably sang with the Zach Brown Band, played with John Fishman of Phish and opened for Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Jonny Lang, Blues Traveler and Devon Allman.
Band Members
Links
