Athens Music Scene (11-19-09)

I'm starting a series of columns today that focuses on area businesses that deal with music in a variety of ways. Since first thinking about this concept, I have been floored by the proliferation of such tradespersons as reside in this area. We are as rich in the musical support trade as we are in the music scene here. That shouldn't come as such a surprise, but I am still pleasantly amazed.

As this is my first foray into this region, you'll have to give me some room to find my legs and allow me to explore the rich terrain. This week's attempt keeps me close to home and close to my heart, Blue Eagle Music.

"Low Tech Since 1971" is the motto of this small but lively music store located at 40 N. Court St. in uptown Athens, and proprietor Frank McDermott intends to keep it that way. His desire to keep the shop like a step back in time is a refreshing alternative to the "big-box" stores that offer lots of glitz and lack personal charm. The wooden floors and high ceilings help with the store's timeless charm.

A long and storied history of this establishment can be told - and heard if you linger around the store long enough - by the numerous musicians who have owned and/or worked at the store in its 38 years of activity, but McDermott rules the roost right now. He bought the store in April of 2006 and has spent the last three years tweaking the space to get as much room for goods as possible. In that short time he has more than tripled the stock, if not necessarily the business.

McDermott recently installed a new wall system that allows him to quadruple the number of guitars on display. Don't expect to find any brand new Gibsons or Fenders in there, however. In this age of large music conglomerates and online sales, the small stores can't compete with the sales numbers or expensive buy-ins required to stock these instruments. You will find a nice variety of instruments from smaller lutheries across the country - and vintage instruments! McDermott has been putting an emphasis in acquiring quality vintage gear to pique buyers' interests.

The majority of his day-to-day commerce comes from the sale of guitar accessories - and what an array he has. For the poor musician, Blue Eagle offers single strings as well as dozens upon dozens of string sets; from the modest ukelele all the way up to the mighty double bass. If you can't find what you want, you can always ask him to order it for you, and it will arrive soon enough.

As to instruments for sale, you can find - new and used - all manner of varieties of stringed things, an odd assortment of horns, kazoos, jaw harps, hand drums and the occasional drumset. You can always peruse the rainbow selection of used amps in addition to the new Kustom amps he carries.

As to services offered by the Eagle, a variety of teachers are available for your edification and education. Among them: Ethan Greene (guitar), Scott Grady (guitar), Liz Shaw (clawhammer banjo & fiddle), Andy Fox (bass) and PJ Gilmore (bluegrass banjo - available in the spring). I believe Frank teaches classical guitar as well.

The Eagle also offers repair services. For simple things like guitar or fiddle setups and minor repairs such as string changing, Frank can fix things in-store. For fancier fixes he outsources. Guitars go to United Lutherie (Gene Imbody) in Jacksonville north of Athens, and for amp repairs the call goes out to Magic Man Amplification (Jon Fluharty).

A friendlier shop might be hard to find, especially for left-handed instrumentalists (Frank's a lefty). I can say that Frank has helped any number of musicians during his tenure at the Eagle. I have personally called him on behalf of touring musicians in need of some specific thing - long after the store has closed - and Frank has cheerfully met us there to obtain the sought-after item. The Blue Eagle is a valuable resource in this town. Be sure to visit them in person and online: blueeaglemusic.com.

Now that you have a fresh set of strings for your guitar, string it up and busk on the street, or head to a local venue to catch some fine music from some fine acts this weekend.

Casa Cantina

Woody Pines is back and as fresh as ever tonight at the Casa Cantina. Touring on a new album "Counting Alligators," this four-piece "country blues and honky-tonk band" will certainly have your feet a-dancing. The new album is produced by Gill Landry from Old Crow Medicine Show and features appearance by members of that band as well as folks from the Squirrel Nut Zippers. They are preparing for a tour of Europe and continuing on their perpetual tour of the United States. Good stuff. They will appear with the Whiskey Bent Valley Boys.

Los Viejos Blanquitos is back with oodles of Latin jazz fun and dancing on Friday night. This crew of top-notch players (mostly university professors) is always a delight, so polish up your dancing shoes.

Saturday night you can check out a Latin Dance Night at the Cantina with DJ Self Help.

Jackie O's

Tonight at Jackie O's we have a surprise appearance by Midwest Hype from LaPorte, Ind. They are a last-minute replacement for Euphonic Brew, who apparently have broken up. MH melds hip-hop, funk, reggae and more into a danceable blend of bounce.

Eric Sommer is a great indie-bluesman who travels non-stop with six friendly guitars and sweat glands willing to earn your respect. This man works magic with the strings and governmental departments alike. We are thankful for him at Jackie O's.

Saturday night, Duke Junior & the Smokey Boots returns to Jackie O's for another night of sultry blues, tasty leads and heartfelt songs. They will be joined by Columbus' Besieus, a slightly angular band that mixes rock and roll with artsy angst. An interesting night to be sure.

Monday nights have something different to offer. Check this out: Open Stage (with Junebug, aka me) will begin about 7:30 p.m. and go until 11, when there will be a short break to adjust the stage for the Open Jam boys (Elemental Groove Theory and others) who will finish off the night. Come early and stay late.

The Union

The Union has an interesting mix tonight. Six Gallery and The Receiver come down from Columbus, each with its own distinctive and interesting sounds. Octoberfist makes a rare and totally rocking appearance, and Red Army releases their aggression as they see fit.

Friday night Seascapes rip(tide) it up with Clevelanders The Prisoners who feature former members of The Pages. Jesus the Ghost gets a jump on Advent with a rare and holy appearance (or is that hole-y, Thomas?).

Saturday night you can help celebrate the Aquabear Legion's fifth Birthday Party. They have to their credit five years of promoting music from independent artists in Ohio with seven FREE online compilations featuring more than 160 songs. There will be prizes, cupcakes and live music to celebrate this impressive feat. The Makebelieves will unleash new material along with their bestial nature. The Deathers come down from Cleveland and feature Nate Schreiber from Small Object A. The Hairy Hearts have members from the Wailing Elroys, the Dragline Bros. and Rattletrap. Weird Science will join Columbus' godversussatan and the "noise and drone duo" Weedghost in rounding out this impressive and diverse lineup. The grand prize for the evening will be a jump drive containing all seven compilations. Cool idea.

Stuart's Opera House

Stuart's Opry House has an early and out-of-this-world Christmas present for us on Friday night. The cult-classic movie "Christmas On Mars" by the infamous Flaming Lips will show for FREE at 7:30 p.m. Kids should stay at home for this Christmas classic.

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

Amethyst Stone takes their show up to the Unitarian Fellowship on Longview Heights Saturday night. This Harvest Moon Concert will also feature the Calliope Women's Choir, Amanda Lovelace and the Czech Republic gypsy songstress Dominka Adamova. The show begins at 8 p.m.

Lakeview Tavern

R&B Station puts on a show Satuday night at the Lakeview Tavern between Athens and Albany. This out-of-the-way club is a perfect spot to bump and grind to classic R&B. The show runs from 8 to midnight.

Salaam

Jim Wachtel and Terry Douds will hit Salaam on Sunday evening for their jazz night. They will bring you (via piano and bass) jazz standards, originals and some Mose Allison tunes for good measure. This will run from 6-8 p.m.

Donkey Coffee

Donkey is hitting the books for the weekend. The music will pick up at a later date. But the good news is that Donkey will remain open 24/7 (aka "31") during finals week.

Smiling Skull

The Skull has a special mystery guest hosting the Open Stage tonight. You must stop in to see, hear and believe it.

Court Street Grill

Johnny Rawls brings his wise-cracking, smooth, jazz-filled blues back to the Grill for the weekend. Friday night you can hear Broken Ring's country rock musings open the evening for Rawls, and Saturday night the Mudfork Blues Band sells it for you early.

Rhapsody

Steve Zarate is back at the Rhapsody on Saturday night, picking and harmonica-izing for your dining delights.