Athens Music Scene
By Eric Leighton
Athens NEWS Writer
April 3, 2008
I am well aware of how stubborn and set I can become, but I think that many of us like to think that we are flexible and spontaneous and can endure or even welcome change into our lives. I also figured out how single — let alone narrow — minded I can become when I am in deep over my head.
Occasionally we get the Zen master’s Bo Stick to the head that jars us out of our tunnel reality and shines the light of day upon us. This is generally when one is able to take lemons and make lemonade. I’ve been making lots of lemonade.
Most of you regular readers have heard me complaining obliquely and directly about what a crappy winter it was for me. Spring sprung, and I was still stuck in my winter mentality. I needed the Bo Stick, and how. Well, I received it — “WHOP!” After a couple of days of brutal headaches, I finally saw brilliant sunlight.
What is happening to me is fascinating and delightful, not the least bit frightful, at least internally. I have successfully and due to circumstance (thankfully and unfortunately) changed many unhealthy aspects of my life, practically overnight. Indeed, I feel alive again, reborn in the true sense of spring and all that it brings.
Certain external realities, whilst having bearing on my person, are not my person. I am still able to pursue the things to which I endeavor, despite what hardships the “real world” puts on me, or more accurately, the ones I have put upon myself.
I have made poor choices in my days; endless, numerous. I have backed myself into corners that caused me to bare my teeth and hold my ground. I have re-discovered that I hold all of the cards when it comes to how I comport myself, that I needn’t make so many messes.
I am comfortable, if not exactly pleased, with trying to settle the dust I have kicked up, but I know that this Pig Pen cloud is of my own doing. I am also (for the first time since childhood, perhaps) happy in myself and pleased to be waking up to the person that I truly am, instead of this lost and wretched creature.
Read into this anything you want. I’ll make up some rumors to fit the narrative if you like (but you all are so good at it!). It matters not. The goal for me is to live so as not to be ashamed by my actions, and to take the shame for my past deeds in stride. Not shirking, nor necessarily embracing, but by acknowledging them, forgiving myself and trying to do better.
The long run short: I struggled when I needn’t. It is so much simpler than I was making it. To breathe deeply and to go hear some live music in town is the salve for my bruised ego. Music has always been my salvation; may it always be so.
Your assignment this week: Disregarding what ethical issues might be at stake these days with copyright infringement and all of that, make a mix CD for your favorite businesses in town. These people pay their money to BMI in order to have music playing in their establishment, but these poor working folks listen to the same CDs all of the time – or worse yet, they listen to Satellite Radio – the new Muzak; yuck! Think of the people, your friends, working here and there, and make them a disc of some cool tunes and bring it to them. They will love you, and if you fill it full of local bands, there will be a musical love explosion of mass proportions!
Casa Cantina
Tonight the Casas has an art opening featuring the photos of Rachel Aling, Jordan Reed and OU’s Southeast Asian Studies Project. There will be instrumental music from David Glivar and goodies from Casa Nueva.
Southeast Engine pulls into the Cantina Friday night fresh off of a trip from SXSW in Austin, Texas. You can read about their adventures on The Athens NEWS Web site (www.athensnews.com). This show will be in support of their recent Misra release ,“A Wheel Within A Wheel,” which has been receiving rave reviews across a variety of the genres reporting. Lohio hails from Pittsburgh and will be sporting their most recent release, “Sleeping Stereo,” recorded here at 3 Elliot Studios with Josh Antonuccio. (Editor Smith warns not to confuse this band with the last, great Ass Ponys CD, “L’Ohio.”)
The Casa has been having music about once a month early on a Saturday evening. This is one such occasion. Saturday at 6 you can hear The Billycats western-swing their way through some jazzy numbers. This show is FREE and is a good call for pre- and post-dinner fun.
The Royales recently had the honor of performing at the Fur Peace Ranch in Darwin, Meigs County. We (as I am in the band) got to jam with the Camp Master himself, Jorma Kaukonen, an honor for us all to be sure. Saturday’s show at the Casa will bring new tunes to the ears of many of you, so stop out.
Mondays are for an old-time jam hosted by Rattletrap, and Wednesdays find Chris Biester hosting the Open Mic.
Jackie O’s
Tonight Jackie O’s welcomes back Midwest Kid and Big Kiff. Midwest Kid has a bawdy, somewhat playful look at life and the seedy underbelly thereof. Excellent originals no matter how they are served. Big Kiff comes in via Springsteen and proceeds to turn rock and roll back to what it ought to be: raw and real.
Friday night you can learn how to dance with Juan Soto during Merengue Night.
Megan Palmer and the Hopefuls return to Jackie O’s on Saturday night. Megan has been holding down a regular gig in Brooklyn for the past several months, making new friends and inroads for herself. I find her music to be engaging and her live appearances to be riveting. Todd Burge, who is also on the bill, is from Parkersburg, W.Va. and has a new album out, “My Lost and Found.” This album is produced by legendary bluegrass and folk musician Tim O’Brien (one of my heroes) and features the playing of Nashville bad asses O’Brien, Dirk Powell and others. The songs were recorded at John Prine’s studio and showcase Burge’s wry humor and knack for storytelling as well as a nice variety of musical styles (see separate story, this issue).
Monday nights, I host an Open Stage at Jackie O’s, and Tuesday night there is always a great Celtic Jam happening.
The Union
Tonight the Union is happy to welcome DC’s Nihilitia, which is Sara from Jet Lucas’ new band. These folks and Space6oy (yes, like that) are on the heavy side of rock and roll, with which you will compare and contrast the electronic mayhem of October Fist and Mr. Leg.
Skeleton Witch plays a long-awaited show at the Union on Friday night. These guys have been touring like crazy. Come Monday they will see a good chunk of the Midwest followed by a lengthy tour of Europe, followed by another stretch here in the States. Expect to see them here again in the late summer! I think it’s awesome that they are working so hard and so often. You serve as an inspiration to me, boys. Adding to the overall metal effect of Friday’s show will be Mobile Death Camp, Bloodwolf and the wonderfully theatrical Goodbye Goats.
Saturday night, Insomniac Booking proudly presents Times News Viking, a low-fi “dirty rock’n’roll” band from Columbus — emphasis on the dirt. The Kyle Sowashes are taking their indie-rock sounds around the state this weekend, and Machine Go Boom takes straight-ahead, pounding and clever tunes and bash them into your skull. Seriously, that drummer is a slammer!
The Blue Gator
2EB continues in the radio-friendly alternative rock tradition laid down by O.A.R. and Red Wanting Blue. They will be rocking the Blue Gator Friday night.
Tuesday nights the Paranormals host their Open Stage.
Baker Center Front Room
Tonight you can hear some of Athens’ finest up-and-coming singers and songwriters when Brian Marcel, Alex Meierdiercks (and one of my favorites) and Jess Kaufmann take the Front Room stage.
The Jazztet continues its 2nd Tuesday Jazz Series on, you guessed it, Tuesday. This month’s guest will be vibraphonist Roger Braun. You might recognize him from his work with Los Viejos Blanquitos. Ooh, I love me some vibes!
Baker Center Theater, OU
Every other Thursday, beginning next week, the Baker Theater at OU will offer a Band Open Stage with a drum kit and bass amp already in place. What a great environment to learn in; that place is fabulous. Bruce Dalzell is the brain and the brawn behind this one as well, so pick up thy guitar and jam!
1804 Room, Baker Center, OU
Every Tuesday you can join the Songwriter Circle in the 1804 Room (very posh). Bruce Dalzell moderates and he brings in special guests to edify and amaze.
Bunch of Grapes Room, Baker Center, OU
Every Wednesday you can try out your inside voices at the intimate BoG Open Stage hosted by Bruce Dalzell.
ARTS/West
Saturday evening features a celebration and CD Release Party for the “Passion Works Music Project, Volume 2.” This CD and the performances feature: J.D. Hutchison, The Princes of Hollywood, Adam Remnant & Josh Antonuccio, Jack Wright, Calliope, Zach Catania, Factory Street Studio Dancers and more. There is no charge for this event and it begins at 6. Later, an after-party with music is planned for Donkey Coffee, which brings us to:
Donkey Coffee
Every Thursday the Donkey welcomes Troy Gregorino as he hosts the Open Stage.
Friday evening beginning at 8, Jesse Remnant will celebrate his CD Release party, already hailed as an “Indie-Folk Masterpiece.” Talent runs deep in the Remnant family. Brian Straw with his experimental indie-folk will open the evening.
Saturday evening the aforementioned Passion Works CD Release After-Party features talented popsters Princes of Hollywood, the masterful Bruce Dalzell and other friends.
Smiling Skull
After Hours begins Friday night what will undoubtedly be a string of awareness-raising concerts for Ohio Brew Week. They’ll classically rock you in an original manner. Gypsy Cab is also in for the cause. This show begins at 8 p.m.
Court Street Grill
Bobaflex is a “new” metal band from Meigs County that has done some touring and performed with numerous national acts. Saturday night they bring it all to bear at the Court Street Grill in Pomeroy for their regional fans to rock out to.
Rhapsody
Steve Zarate will fingerpick his way into your ears as you engage in a gastronomical adventure at the Rhapsody. As an item of note, you can hear tracks from Steve’s new six-song EP, “Silver Linings,” during an hour-long interview on “Hometown Showcase,” a radio show that specializes in local music and broadcasts on WATH-AM 970 10 a.m. Saturdays and 7 p.m. Sundays.
The CD was produced at Peachfork Studios by Steve and Bernie Nau, and it features Dave Borowski, Hilarie Burhans, “Catfish,” Tristan Kinsley, Junebug, Laura Nadeau, Bernie Nau, Derrick Nau, Julia Reeves and Rusty Smith. There is no release date set, so tune in to hear it now.
Hookah in the Hills
In the run-up to Hookahville, folks have come to expect Hookah in the Hills. This event — Friday and Saturday this week — has been held at a variety of locations, and has found yet another new home this year. Kaeppner’s Woods, near Logan is the spot where you can catch Bobby Lee Rogers & the Codetalkers, Mike Perkins, Chicago Afrobeat Project, The Joe Prichard Band, The Boogie Hustlers, Poogie Bell Band and Michael Jay & Mystic Rebel. There will be late-night sets by Papadosio and The Polka Floyd Show, as well as nightly fire performances by Elemotions. Ekoostik Hookah will perform two sets on each night to top it off. Tickets are available at the Blue Gator and online at www.hookahinthehills.com.
Memorial Auditorium
Wednesday night at OU’s Memorial Auditorium you can relish in the sounds of singer/songwriter Josh Ritter and violinist Hilary Hahn. Ritter’s songs stuck with me long after I initially checked ’em out and that says something to me. Hahn is a Grammy-winning classical violinist who continues to make the occasional cross-genre journey with such musicians as Ritter and Chris Thile. She is a musical force to be reckoned with. These two have only a few dates together, but Ritter is out and about performing numerous Sold Out shows for months to come. You might start looking for a ticket for this one.
Woof! What a musical line-up. “Sproing!” sayeth Spring. You know what I say, “Sayeth, don’t sprayeth!”
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