It’s been a few years since ASCAP last invited audience members to “shut up and listen,” as the unofficial slogan of Quiet on the Set goes. But on February 2nd, 2012, the venerable showcase re-launched in style at BETA Records TV in the center of Hollywood, CA. A crowd of music industry pros filled the vinyl-lined walls of BETA Records TV’s intimate studio, gabbing and snacking in between sets.
Georgian troubadour Tyler Lyle warmed up the crowd with a spellbinding set of profound, poetic Americana. British expat Rachel Rabin provided a study in contrast with her powerful pipes, four-on-the-floor dance rhythms and full backing band – perhaps not as quiet as the showcase name suggested, but nobody seemed to mind. The Ruby Friedman Orchestra offered a set of passionate alt-rock, complete with trombone embellishments and topped by Friedman’s searing vocals. Wrapping up the night in a bow were The Tall Boys (featuring ASCAP members Jess Furman, Joel Shearer and Jeff Trott, along with Brian Macleod and Samantha Stollenwerck), who charmed the crowd with their clever, low-key pop-folk tunes.
All in all an auspicious rebirth of Quiet on the Set.
About Quiet on the Set
Quiet on the Set debuted at L.A. club Largo in July 1991 and has presented almost 400 acts over the years. It became a nationally-recognized platform which featured artists and songwriters, many of them early in their career paths. Among them: John Mayer, Rufus Wainwright, Patty Griffin, Desmond Child, Steinberg & Kelly, Vonda Shepard, Jonatha Brooke, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Reeve Carney, Martin Sexton, Ben Harper, Colin Hay, The Weepies, Michelle Shocked, Deana Carter, Mike Reid, Allan Shamblin and Hillary Lindsey.