Athens Music Scene (10-08-09)

Earlier this week, I enjoyed a class reunion of sorts. It was brilliant. The Butthole Surfers played in Columbus on Monday. I heckled, I danced, I made friends with the biggest men in the room. I kept thrusting my arm in the air as a signal to all of my friends that it was OK to be right up front, but no one heeded my call. It's OK.

I have been thinking about age lately. I guess that I am now an elder statesman, at least as far as most of the young musicians in this town go. Maybe it's one of those acts of self-deception. It's weird. I still feel the same; everyone just seems like they are so very young.

This concert I went to, it was a no-brainer, more or less. Some folks (friends) were actually so deep into Life that they had to consider whether they were going to the show. I, luckily, have maintained a level of irresponsibility that allows me to occasionally ignore life and pay homage to an idea.

I love the idea of the Butthole Surfers. I don't believe there is any real way to convince anyone of the veracity of "the Surfers." I am not in any mood to make converts. I hold BS up there with Bongwater, a band that I listen to mostly when alone. To see so many young faces at the show surprised me as much as it did the band.

As an experienced Butthead, I was in position to judge the show. It was brilliant! What was nice - aside from hearing old songs and seeing so many young people Get It - was seeing the band. This is a band I have seen for many years. They looked GREAT! They looked healthy. I am happy.

This town is geared toward young folks. I have, for many years, counted myself in that number. The times I have contemplated age differences have always boggled me. We have to contend with the fact that there are children raised after 9/11, that not everyone has heard of the Butthole Surfers, and we weren't all at Woodstock, no matter what the birth record shows.

I am now among the "Tsk! Tsk!" generation, and I am uneasy. Not really, but to be a working musician in this town and to realize how shortsighted kids are these days, well, it does give one pause. Is this a mid-life crisis? Hardly. You all can wash my undies.

Never mind: Is it too late for a curmudgeon alert?

Casa Cantina

Tonight features an Appalachian Peace & Justice Network benefit with the too terribly reclusive Stella Trio. Treats all around for those who come to get them, and local music collector extraordinaire Paul Tescher will do some DJing. It's being held in conjunction with a benefit earlier that evening at the Christ Lutheran Church in Athens. More on that later.

Pokey LaFarge is one of my favorite entertainers that come through this town. The man has style, and his take on music is a delight to everyone. Just show up Friday night and let him woo you. He will.

Saturday evening the Paranormals will ply you with absurd and illogical tunes for FREE at the Casa Cantina. 6:30 p.m. (yes, I'm in the band).

Saturday night the Casa has an Open Doors Dance Night.

Jackie O's

Tonight, if you get there early-ish, you can catch the infectious Sarah Pray, prowling around the patio and opening for the delightfully serious Seventh Cycle. The Wooly Lemons tend to downplay their serious rocking attitude. I do adore them. Check them out and rock.

Lobster Newburg continues to inform our diets on Friday. Greenleif is a happy addition to the bill. Horn sections and great harmonies. What a night.

Katty Whompus brings more than a penchant for bluegrass to the stage on Saturday night at Jackie O's. These folks have the best three-part harmonies that I have heard - maybe ever. They enjoy themselves and it shows!

Sunday night Jackie O's is happy to have an excuse for an after-hours party for everyone who digs into the Mountain Stage show and embraces the notion of the Nightmare River Band - not Emmet Otter's adversary. These beautifully awkward NYC folks will dazzle and be bedazzled by Duke Junior & the Smokey Boots. Maybe other folks. Go SCOTS! Eight-piece box indeed!

The Union

Box Elders are not just something fun to do at the old folks home anymore. This band, full of pop mystique, are at the Union tonight. They are working hard for your attention. Check 'em out because they bothered to come to our town to play. That is enough of a reason. The completely excellent Seascapes open, as do Red Army and the brand spankin' new In Silent Movies.

Friday night: "Vilk's 21st Birthday Noise/Grind Throwdown!!!" I think that kind of sets the stage. If I need to spell it out for you, I will; Relentless Corpse, Kurt Rusell, Bastards, Abaddon, Who Knows (Andrew W.K. covers). They will set up and rock. Keep it straight. (Warning: Not sure about the spellings of those band names; they were provided to the Union by ACRN operatives. Editor Smith admitted he's a little nervous about some of the spellings, since he couldn't find most of them on Myspace.)

The Birds of Avalon return to the Union for their aural migration Saturday night. These guys embody the essence of rock and roll. They will deliver it to you in an unadulteraterd form. Please be there. If I were in the mood of coaxing, I would tease you with the Speedknobs and the Makebelieves, but I am not that manipulative.

Stuart's Opera House

Dust it off! It's time once again for a Musical Swap Meet at Stuart's Opry House Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Aquabear Legion is happy to partner in this cool now-yearly event that features all kinds of weird analog devices among the instruments, vinyl and other coveted items. Local music abounds. Get you some.

Baker Center

"Iraqi-born musician Rahim Alhaj" will perform music and host a discussion Monday evening in the second-floor theater in OU's Baker Center. This is a rare opportunity to listen to a master of the oud - a relative of the lute and uncle of the guitar. Leave your politics at the door. If I ever hear someone say that there's nothing to do in this town, I will kick them! Monday, 7 p.m., second-floor theater

Donkey Coffee

In case you haven't figured it out, Donkey Coffee is cool. Theirs is a room that demands attention, and I for one love it - even if it's kind of creepy, it is still very nice. Proof - aside from their lovely Open Mic tonight - Friday night, Broken Ring goes acoustic, a move that will only help to serve the songs they sing. The Squeaky Chairs continue to absorb and reguritate Americana. They are fun now and will turn out all right as they mature.

Flyaway Saturn is the new family-friendly group energized by Tony Xenos. They are a delight for children and adults alike. The songs are built to engage both, so bring 'em on and let 'em rock. This show starts Saturday at 7 p.m. Your kids will lead you there. You will carry them home - or vice versa. Good luck, parents.

19 South

Friday night, Rebel Diaz (NYC) tears it up on the 19 South stage. Sigma Lambda Gamma helps to sponsor quality DJ action, even bringing in Dysfunctional Family to make sure that you know how the locals roll!

Saturday night, if you dare, you can catch the eclectic sounds of Circle K - whatever madness they might be pursuing - and you can dig (get it?) the eminently likeable Graveyard Shift. They toe the waters of classic country and do it with a refreshing enthusiasm. It's a nice environment. Teach your children well.

Smiling Skull

Speaking of opportunities, Graveyard Shift and Collard Blue will make songs sing at the Skull tonight. No Open Stage. I think you will survive.

Friday night Circle K appears for a purview of a preview. The Big Sky Project is excited to show you the way.

Saturday night the brain-warping Mind Fish hits the Skull's Stage. The Drinker's Union and Michael Burgin open the night.

Sunday night there will be a special show at the Skull when Daddy's Gonna Kill Ralphie returns to Athens to make your life more blissifcult. Blithe Field makes things happen at the front end of the evening. Getcha little something you can't get at home.

Rhapsody

Mr. Dale Kulchar will be providing excellent musical soundscapes while you masticate meretriciously upon a variety of delectable delights both Friday and Saturday nights.

Christ Lutheran Church

The Appalachian Peace & Justice Network is holding a fundraising dinner at the Christ Lutheran Church on Mill Street in Athens tonight. Frank Norton is creating the cuisine and Steve Zarate and John Howell will provide musical sustenance. Things start happening at 6 p.m. (The Stella Trio show later at the Casa is being held in conjunction with this show to honor International Peace Day.)

Farmer's Market

The Sufferin' Moses Blues Band will provide music for the Chili Bowl Cook-off this Saturday at the Farmers Market in the parking lot of the Market on State. 12 to 3. So I am told.

Jerseyville Fest - Shade

The Jerseyville Fest celebrates a Shade of history on Saturday. In the heart of Shade, at the old Alex junior high, there will be some fine music, pies and cow-pie bingo. Yup. Music begins at 11 a.m. with the Jerseyville Jammers and they will be followed by The Rarely Herd, the Paranormals, Boyd Ruth & Steve Burson and Lonesome Meadow. Remember Then and the Federal Valley Cloggers will perform inside as well. Good times.

Memorial Auditorium

Mountain Stage returns to Athens on Sunday. They will have in tow one of my favorite groups - Southern Culture on the Skids - as well as the Squirrel Nut Zippers and other quality, approved acts. (See separate story in this issue.) Get a ticket soon!