Athens Music Scene
By Eric Leighton
Athens NEWS Writer
September 13, 2007
They - the infamous 'They' - say that "tomorrow is another day." I'll agree, like Fri-day. All the days of the week have "day" in them, so I think it's a stupid saying. Where do They get off saying stupid things like that anyway? I mean who gives Them the right to mouth off about any dumb ol' thing that comes into Their head for no particular reason? Jeez.
They also say that "tomorrow never comes." I like to argue semantics as much as the next person, well, probably more than the next person, but come on, I think we get the point. They even have that adorable orphan girl Annie spouting their propaganda: "It's only a day away." I believe that the use of this logic is designed to mess kids up. Imagine if every time you asked your parents when you were going to do something and They answered, "Tomorrow," and sniggered behind Their hands. That would be sooo messed up.
I, for one, am tired of this conspiracy. I say, show yourselves shameless, faceless They! Stop this conspiracy to undermine the trust of our children and confuse the rest of us. Get your stories straight for once and stop letting idiots spout off nonsense as though They were given the right to write. Just who do They think they are?
Oh, excuse me. Let me step down off of my soapbox. Did you know that soapboxes can get very slippery in the rain; keep that in mind sometime. As I sit here wasting valuable ink and a beautiful day, I am reminded that I am to remind you that we are here to hear about music. So let's go listen to what's happening in the Athens Music Scene.
Casa Cantina
Tonight the Casa (and I) are happy to announce the return of Joe Bob Billy & the Texas Alien. This occasionally active band features the songwriting and singing skills of Steve Carlson (Joe Bob). Having a great run of Athens starting in about '95, these guys helped pave the way for the burgeoning alt-country/bluegrass scene. This incarnation features the aforementioned Joe Bob, along with Catfish, myself and special guest drummer Chris Aubell. You can take the latter three of us and add Liz Pahl to get The Pahlbearers, a newish incarnation that totally rocks. This act will open the night.
Friday night, those funkin' kings of rock and soul, The Royales, return to the Casa to shred apart another night of rhythm and blues.
Red Dahlia brings their heavenly brood back to the Cantina on Saturday night. Stormy and beautiful music is their domain. The Slide Machine rolls their psychedelic-laced tuneage to the Casa mid-tour, and the Paper Machetes hack their way through to new heights.
A special show on Sunday night gives you a reason to investigate this season. The Handsome Family are a husband and wife duo, occasionally accompanied by other musicians, that drop beautiful and arcane-sounding music; country goth perhaps? They are widely heralded by the critics and with good reason. Save some for Sunday, that's what I say. Mike Elliot's Acoustic Chemicals will open the night. Tickets are available at Blue Eagle Music.
Jackie O's
Greensky Bluegrass makes their Athens debut at Jackie O's tonight. These guys are one of the forefront bands that are taking traditional yet progressive bluegrass to the masses, a la Larry Keel and Railroad Earth. They're coming from Kalamazoo, Mich. and are on their way to Bristol for the Reunion. Please make 'em welcome.
Every Friday evening you can catch music at Jackie O's for Happy Hour at 7. This week's treat (while you eat) will be Joe Bob Billy & the Texas Alien - acousticizing your week away.
Joey Hebdo will soon be taking his act and his band out West to try things out for an indefinite period of time, so you better catch his solo act on Friday while you can. Jesse Henry, frontman for the Spikedrivers will add his prodigious talents to the evening for your edification.
Saturday night, Midwest Kid will folk you up with a rockin' set of originals and whatnot. Good things are coming out of the Kid. J.J. Reid will be on tap to add his unique Young-esque musical musings to the event, and the fella I am calling Justin of the Blues Guitar will open the night with yours truly guesting on bass and The Kid on drums.
19 South
New to the live music scene, 19 South (formerly Evolution and about two dozen other names over the years) boasts a nice PA and lights. They will feature live music every Thursday night. Tonight's bands are Silo Circuit and Hiatus, a new band featuring members of the Misprints, Jimson Lo-Fi, Caravan and Bad Mamma Jamma.
The Union
Metal gets a nod tonight when Crucifixion Addixion, Black Spyral Dancer and Mutilitia take their unique spellings and warp music in a similar manner.
Apples in Stereo will hit the Union Friday night. This group of indie-rock veterans craft effects-heavy pop music that many folks adore. They have released numerous albums, including an EP dedicated to the Powerpuff Girls. Aquaeduct and The Old Soul are also on the bill.
Double Gold releases their psychedelic bubblegum rock on Saturday night to your fun-loving ears. Featuring members of Geraldine and Dropdead Sons among others, this is a fun band. The Serfs, the altered egos of the Dragline Bros., will have fun with you as well.
Monday night, Shapes and Sizes roll in from Canada to perform for you. Their Web site was anything but helpful to a guy who has never heard their music and was unable to do so, but you might know all about them. They look like fun and nice people. The Yeasayers tend to drift into psychedelic territory with their tunes, and Nostra Nova, Adam Torres' vehicle to produce his hauntingly lovely music, continues to be one of my favorite acts in town.
Baker Center
Tonight, Ryan Smith brings his post-collegiate hope songs to the Front Room. He is a talented singer-songwriter with witty and intelligent songs. The acoustic crew Triumph in the Sky will open the evening.
Bruce Dalzell hosts the Open Stage each and every Friday night at the Front Room.
Saturday night is Soulful Saturday with a blend of entertainment to suit your every need.
Blue Gator
Tonight the Gator embraces the world of ROCK when We March strolls in to blow the doors off of the place. I imagine that there will be other bands on the bill, but you'll just have to stroll up there to find out.
Friday night one of my absolute favorites will be at the Blue Gator, Tab Benoit. He is an amazing blues guitarist with his musical roots deep in Louisiana where he was born and raised - and continues to live. His last time through, I got to hang out with him late into the night while he told me the real story of how things are going in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. He is a consummate showman, a great musician - watch him get behind the drum kit - and an honorable human being. If I didn't have a gig already, I know where I would be! Go listen for me, eh?
Saturday night heralds the return of El Fabuloso and their emotronic music; never heard of that phrase before. With them will be The Wife and Kids, Mister Got Heat, and from Oregon, Fast Computers.
Smiling Skull
The Couch Slugs leave the sofa behind and gather their collective energies together to sling good ol' rock and roll at you at the Smiling Skull Saturday night.
Hometown Showcase
"Hometown Showcase," a locally produced radio show heard Saturdays at 10 a.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. on WATH-AM 970, will feature Steve Zarate this week.
Rhapsody
This Nelsonville fine-dining establishment will also feature Steve Zarate but on Friday night in his guitar and harmonica mode, sans vocals.
Donkey Coffee
Three Hours Open Stage makes its fall debut tonight. Sign up at the cash register.
The Princes of Hollywood wax melodic and then some at Donkey on Friday night. Ellery will join them in their melody making.
Saturday night, Todd Burge, West Virginia's finest songwriter, brings his syndicated radio show, "Songwriter Night," to Donkey for a live taping. Featured artists will be: Adam Torres, Bruce Dalzell, Donna Mogavero and Bobby Kirl.
Pawpaw Fest
This annual two-day festival is all about the pawpaw and music. Saturday's line-up looks like this: Beginning at 1 p.m. -- J.D. Hutchison, Princes of Hollywood, Joe Bob Billy, Megan Cameron, Hackensaw Boys and The Ark Band. Sunday consists of two bands beginning at 12:45 p.m. -- Steve Free and the Rabbit Hash String Band.
Concert in the Park - Shawnee
The 30th annual Concert in the Park takes place Sunday afternoon beginning at 1. Rich Greenlee, Dave Borowski and Gwen Corbett are slated to play a set each. Homemade ice cream is a big feature for this family-friendly event, as well as brats and a tour of the historic Tecumseh Theater now 100 years old. There are efforts underway to restore this theater. Historic Shawnee is located near the Wayne National Forest at the intersection of Ohio Rts. 93 & 155 in southern Perry County. For more information, contact 740-394-2852.??
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