scotty O'Neill - Musician - live music promoter - VOLUNTEER
For the next month of upcoming shows, please see events page
next up
FIRST: The JAM Show!!
THE JAM SHOW! Five musicians coming in, playing tunes they will CREATE on the Spot!
Concept: A musician will call the start, the rest will join, WHAT HAPPENS NEXT WE'LL ALL DISCOVER TOGETHER.
Be Sure to Catch this Special Evening!!
$15-20 donation please
what is the Story of 'watch your tone' & the listening room
Origin
Working Talent
What We Do
Pictured are two of my life influences - my grandpa Jim and my auntie Nonie.
Grandpa was a professional musician.
Nonie was my biggest fan in life, no joke! She inspired the name, Watch Your Tone, as a good aunt would! I'm driven to do well, motivated by these good people.
What We Do
Working Talent
What We Do
In 2023 Scotty created The Listening Room concept at Luigi's deli, downtown Martinez.
Now it has has become 'the' go-to venue for ardent music fans of a supportive, listening and attentive audience. Scotty currently books/hosts, promotes and does sound support for each Wednesday Night act.
Working Talent
Working Talent
Working Talent
Scotty O'Neill provides services including:
- Voiceover
- Narration
- On screen/acting/representation
- Sound support
- Professional performances solo, duo or with full band, private and public
scotty created the wednesday night listening room @ luigi's
a place to Listen!
Inspired from Armando's music club (2005-2020), Scotty wanted to create a space that provides an attentive, listening audience after performing at a busy, non-listening restaurant gig. Those are fine for playing 'the gig' but lack the vibes for truly digging in to original material and nuanced delivery. Thus, in April of '23 it started, and Scotty hosts each week to patrons who are our driving force - attending, listening and supporting this program with an appreciation for LIVE music. Below, some images and recaps so far of this incredible series. Thank you to ALL!
Acoustic EQ!
This duo consisting of Kenny Linker & Jenny Starmack always brings such a storied array of music - a savage list of solid songs you have to sing along to... It happened again!
Old Potato Caboose served it up!
Andrew Griffin, Dawn Ellerbeck & Joe Rut comprise Old Potato Caboose, and they absolutely nailed the Grateful Dead, acoustically, to a room full of fans - They WILL return!
Potato Mascot
Potato hisself...he may not seem impressed, but that was because of the dancers all around him.
Jim Bruno Trio
November ended with Jim Bruno, Andrew Sisco (bass) and Jim Barnes!
Jeff Magidson & Robinson St
Music to our ears! The raw and inspired collaboration and musicality of Jeff Magidson is well-known...and this show in November absolutely wowed the audience with 'Robinson St': Daniel Parenti on fretless bass, Luca Parenti on drums - amazing!
Then tenor sax player, Mike Waters...
We were astounded by the incredible musicianship of the trio, and then Mike Waters came in to join the band in the second set!
Show of the Year?
The stellar playing here cannot be described...but ask anyone who was here on Nov 15th...they'll tell ya!
Talk and I'll talk back!
'The conversation that was happening musically here was just candy to any fan of music, especially this one who books these shows!' - Scotty O
Thank you Jeff - you packed the house!
He'll be back with Robinson St February 28th, 2024 - plan it!
Harry & Mike
Harry Gray and Michael Hanna brought a clean, complimentary duo to The Wednesday Night Listening Room in early November with their folk classics. They will be back in '24!
November 1st Luigi is back!
...with new firepits outside add to the ambiance.
Here, songwriters Scotty O'Neill & Mel Bearns hang out with Luigi, and friends (and fervent Wednesday Night Listening Room patrons): Bianca Olson & Ingrid Marfoldi.
Songwriters Circle in November
A wonderful collaboration occurred with musicians: Scotty O'Neill, Chela Robles (Simpatico), Chloe Kat and Mel Bearns
Maurice Tani and Mike Anderson
One of the premiere performers in TWNLR, Maurice and Mike cut through the ether with incredible clarity, both in music and vocality, as well as lyricism.
Dancing inspired
The room was full of joyous musical patrons! We'll aim to have Maurice Tani back in '24
Bower-Roberson had the room in awe...
When Keith Roberson contacted Scotty to book this show, years had passed since hearing this duet together. Sure, they are in the band 'After The Rain', but this set was a special delivery of songs that dig at the heart of the matter, and they captivated the room with their talent and beautiful harmonies!
October Hits Home!
October ushered in an exceptional show with Martinez' own, Nashville recording and touring songwriter; Melody Walker. Joined by her father, Brian Walker, along with songwriters Lynn Quinones and Scotty O'Neill, with a fantastic surprise with Dan Large who came to accompany Lynn; proved to be an amazing show of originality, improvisational playing along to each others songs.
Songwriters' Circle at Capacity
Walker's songs drew everyone in
Critical Envelopes came to play!
David Gans, Joe Rut and Dave Jess loosely-yet-succinctly jammed out Grateful Dead tunes to a very-satisfied crowd on September 27th. They snuck in a couple originals too...they WILL be back!
Acoustic EQ entertained beautifully
Kenny Linker and Jenny Starmack are Acoustic EQ; performing an array of tunes we all remember and usually end up wanting to sing along with, because they do it very well!
We look forward to their return in early '24!
September 13th we had Hearing Voices!
This 5-piece band from the East Bay has been putting out original music for several years and have gained traction in the local music scene with their unique style and musicianship. That was evidenced by the capacity crowd!
Lead singer Faith Donithan brought emotion
Previous shows in sequencial order
Songwriter's Circle was fantastic
Chris Nauman was the featured artist, along with fellow songwriters Scott Anderson, Scotty O'Neill & Joe Peters. There were true moments of inspiration with each other.
Teja Gerken & Doug Young
We closed out August with the incredible dual-guitar duo of Teja Gerken & Doug Young. Their lush compositions wowed the listening room!! They want to come back, we agree!
Jon Lawton, Billy Flores & Tom Edler
August 23rd we had such a sweet show with the Jon Lawton trio. Hoping to have them back in winter for a crowd!
Harrison Flynn came to play!
Mid August brought us an incredible show with slide guitarist, songwriter and Hollywood resident Harrison Flynn played to a capacity crowd. It was fabulous - he'll come back again in December!
Scotty Thanking Harrison at end
August 9th featured Jim Bruno
Jim performed originals and some covers here!
As a performing songwriter he has performed with or opened shows for the following artists: Shawn Colvin, Timothy B Schmidt, Graham Parker, John Gorka, Charlie Musselwhite, Joe Ely, Greg Brown, Mary Lou Lord, Steve Forbert, Bill Morrissey, Big Twist, and Cliff Eberhardt. We were honored to have him featured!
Jim Bruno with Andrew Sisco
Andrew brought some harmony and texture with his clean bass lines
In August, we introduced a NEW MONTHLY concept - The Songwriter's Circle
Brian Walker led this event and had a total of 4 songwriters. Pictured with Bruce Campbell here, the collaboration was wonderful.
Jonny Burr Michelsen & Brian Walker
Jon brings an unique songwriting style, his own and is accompanied by Brian Walker on mandolin.
From the stage view
All four musicians pivoting at this moment, Scotty on accordion, Bruce on bass, Jon on guitar and Brian on lead guitar.
Brian Walker also had guest Hope Savage join on some numbers
Their previous band 'Hopeful Romantics' inspired their familiarity in harmony!
And looking back
Recap on 1st Songwriters Circle Showcase
This event was such a joy for musicians and audience alike, we're going to feature this the first show of each month!
So stay tuned for Chris Nauman leading the Songwriter's Circle in September and national touring musician and songwriter, Melody Walker leading the Songwriter's Circle in October!
Prowess is a good word to describe the capability of Phil Jones on guitar - the room was treated to a special performance on June 28th!
Intricate and complex fingerstyle, made to look easy!
We'll remember June 21st as a smoking hot summer show with (left to right) Don 'Sputnik' Juelich, Chela Robles & Kevin Radley ripping it up in TLR!
A rhythmic rompin' tonkin' fun night!
Lindy LaFontaine performed in English, French and with global influences to TLR
Vocality was crisp and clear!
Carly Thomas had the room from song 1 - her originality was a treat, accompanied Marcus Cole, Keith Roberson & Jeff Album
This was her last stop on her N. California tour before returning to Nashville...she will return to TLR!
'Spontaneous Nuggs' performed on May 31st, feat. Mel Bearns, Martin Element, Scotty O'Neill & Brian Vandemark
Martin is here, he just hides a lot!
Maurice Tani with Mike Anderson on May 17th
Maurice performed mostly originals with precision and poise!
The Listening Room was nearly at capacity for this special show
Listening Room with Mel Bearns was a delight, with tunes in English, French and Spanish!
What a great way to wrap up April's Listening Room Events
Joe Rogers' playing was intricate, deliberate and succinct...efficiency sounding effortless
Wednesdays Listening Room
Jon Lawton brought a fantastic, originals-driven show - he WILL be back in the summer!
Our goal: Promoting Live Local Talent in the East Bay for Your Venue Often the toughest part of merging new or existing musical talent is finding a conduit to reach venues for those musicians.
Through WatchYourTone, we bring connections with venues and Talent to build audiences, and all through the Love of Music!
Photo Gallery
The Listening Room Sign
Performers say...
WHAT OUR PERFORMERS ARE SAYING ABOUT 'THE WEDNESDAY NIGHT LISTENING ROOM WITH SCOTTY O'NEILL'
Jon Lawton, of his recent April 12th performance here:
"For myself as a performer, Wednesday Night Listening Room is a challenge and a dream. It’s a roomful of people who want an artistic experience, and they want to have fun. I and everyone there participate fully to make this happen. I can’t wait to do this again!!"
Joe V. Rogers, after his April 19th show:
" What a pleasure to perform to such a gracious, attuned audience! Softer more poignant songs with nuance could be heard! Thanks so much! "
Mel Bearns had this to say from his April 26th show:
"I'm still riding the high from playing my first solo show at Luigi's Listening Room - a unique and most rewarding experience. It was a joy to play for an audience that is there to listen and not to socialize, and the energy this creates is truly welcomed! I look forward to catching upcoming shows and to play here again in the future. Hats off to Luigi and Scotty for inventing something marvelous that harkens back to the old ARmando's!
