Todd the Rocket DJs “Stories of Hope” Event
On June 22, DJ Todd the Rocket was pleased to donate his performance to an event hosted by Donate Life CT, an organization supporting organ donorship and awareness in Connecticut. The event, the "Stories of Hope Mural Project" celebrated the unveiling of a large-scale...
Keep the Faith
"So, who's the greatest pop singer?" The answer tumbled out of my mouth so quickly, with a smile that turned to embarrassment when I considered my own confidence allowing me to forget who I was speaking with. This was obviously a test. "Sam Cooke." Gene gave me a look...
BC’s Saturday Night Sessions: Love in the 100s
“How Do I Know Gene McDaniels?”
A piece about Gene. Please enjoy. Photos by Matthew Robbins Photography https://medium.com/@toddtherocket/how-do-i-know-gene-mcdaniels-874be458866b
A Heartbreak Beat
My First Writing on Medium
Please check out this piece I just wrote on medium.com. I've missed writing, and this story was too good not to share with you. I'd be thrilled if you'd read, and share with your friends if you've enjoyed it....
Gene Speaks: A Mix of Gene McDaniels’ Music by Todd the Rocket Live in the Lounge at Frontier
A mix recorded live by DJ Todd the Rocket (The Downbeat Renaissance) on August 1st, 2018 as part of the Live in the Lounge residency at Frontier in Brunswick, ME. The mix was in memory of the late Gene McDaniels, on the occasion of the anniversary of his death. It...
I Learned Most Every Good Thing From John Richard
(non-instagrammed actual and authentic old school photo from Summer 1978) A repost from 2013. I miss you every day, Uncle John. Love you. On this day, seven years ago, my Uncle John left this Earth and went Home. This day has become thick with celebrations and...
Sitting In With Brynn Cartelli (“The Voice” Winner!)
Such a thrill to be surprised tonight by the incomparable talent that is Brynn Cartelli. You may know her as the winner of last season's The Voice on NBC, but in the summer, she's pretty happy to be on vacation and keeping a low profile. That said, she crushed her...
25 years later… Billy and I Are Back.
In both the "wow, that's rare," and "Holy Hell, call the neighbors," categories, Billy Voss and I are reuniting for a weekly residency at our favorite beach bar, the Sandbar at Jetties Beach. Of course, this is not far from how and where we got our start, playing...
Maine Public’s “Music That Moves Me” Story About Gene McDaniels
Every June, Maine Public Radio produces a fantastic series that they air on their stations called "Music That Moves ME." This premise is joyously simple, Mainers of all stripes tell their stories of their favorite songs. I am so fortunate to have such a dense nucleus...
Happy Birthday, Gene
Gene McDaniels on Roberta Flack from The Downbeat Renaissance on Vimeo. Today is one day out of many in the year that we can all celebrate the life and work of the inimitable Gene McDaniels. I met Gene later in his life, after he had already influenced me and my music...
WMPG Sale Represents with RASA
Great time this weekend at the annual WMPG Record Sale! I hadn't been able to go for several years, but this year I was able to take my two boys with me. My kindergartner has started his own vinyl collection, centered around the King of Pop, so he was thrilled to get...
Gene Visits via Early 45
Since his passing, Gene visits me via his music all the time, and usually at a moment where some sort of sign or message is desperately needed. Today was no exception when I found this staring at me from the shelves of the Goodwill where I frequently dig for records....
Harmony Free Fair
Images from Sept. 4th show with Los Galactacos at the Harmony Free Fair in Harmony, ME