Athens Music Scene

Writing for an audience is a strange thing when you think about it. I try not to; it can freak me out. I was occasionally overwhelmed when I began to think of the individuals I knew who were reading this column. But when you bring it back to the generic audience and write in a secluded room, then it seems to work all right.

In this age of social media, we are all performers; every thought is to be broadcast for public consumption. Blogs galore make us twits indeed. Gone is any self-restraint. It is either healthy or dangerous for people to be so unfiltered, I'm unsure which. I suppose that there are appropriate forums for everything.

This column, for instance, allows me a lot of room to rant and rave for a bit before getting down to business, but there are limits to what I should do here. Editor Smith is very kind and lets me overstep my bounds on a regular basis (no doubt employing the "give him enough rope to hang himself" method).

Still, there are boundaries I have imposed on myself when writing here. I leave a variety of snide asides (asnides, as I like to call them). I try to keep my opinions to myself concerning music. I guess I try to keep a journalistic mind despite my columnist leanings. I do my best to describe the music in a manner that will allow you to be able to discern what it is and decide to go hear it for yourself. Besides, you would be embarrassed for me if you heard the music I listen to.

Lots of great music this weekend, for sure. Be a face in the crowd. Dance and stuff. It's fun, mmm-kay.

Casa Cantina

The Floorwalkers return to Athens tonight to peer deep into your soul and rock you. These guys are a hit in Columbus and we are always happy to have them here. Duke Jr. & the Smokey Boots are really swinging these days. I saw them at the Pawpaw Fest last week and they sounded great.

There will be an International Dance Night on Friday night.

The Spikedrivers return to the Casa on Saturday night for a great night of foot-stomping, sweaty, blues-grassy fun. As good a band as you could want to hear.

Jackie O's

Hell Naw brings the fury and the fire of their dualistic monstrosity to Jackie O's Brewery tonight. These guys tear it up for a twosome. Les Claypool would be proud. The Midnight Drivers are a hard-pushing blues-rock machine. They're also sometimes a Pink Floyd tribute band.

Jesse Torrisi & Please Please Me make their Midwestern debut Friday in the Brewery of Jackie O's. Torrisi leads the band from behind the drums and takes you through a bunch of fun. High energy, kazoos, "swagger & sexiness," these all are yours to absorb. Junebug (that's me), the Paranormals (that's me and Catfish) or Low Sack will open.

Shank Bone rips into a night of jamalicious rock and roll at the Public House on Saturday night. These guys are several generations removed from the Dead, but you can hear their echoes in the reverb. The effervescent First Street Heat will open the night in a frenzy of funky fun.

Constant Gardener Karaoke is back at Jackie O's next Wednesday, so lubricate them vocal chords.

The Union

Tonight, ACRN let's loose with DJs from ACRN's Mobile Department and local DJs bustedBASS, DJ Basak, DJ Pro Bono, and the Vile Pile.

The Union is beginning a new Final Friday happy hour show this week with host Nate Brite featuring a variety of acoustic acts. This Friday's installment will feature Chris Biester, Whale Zombie, members of the Dropdead Sons, folks from the 65's and Junebug.

The Dave Rave dance party is back at the Union Friday night getting you all tranced out and techno-ed.

Saturday night, Quest for Fire comes down from Toronto to lay their heavy psychedelic stoner metal for your gut-wallowing delights; think Earthless, Nebula, Naam. Dropdead Sons will shake off the dust and rock your ass, along with Whale Zombie and Mindfish.

Monday night, Lohio returns whilst out on tour for their new album, which will be available on iTunes next week. These guys have a restless and mellow sound that makes you feel dreamy and great. The Brights are a new band featuring Tim Race of Russenorsk fame; they will open, as will the 65's.

Baker Center Theater

Jazz Spoken Here will pay tribute to recently deceased jazz photographer Herman Leonard, an OU alum whose fantastic photo show has been up at the Kennedy Center for a while now. The music will reflect many of the subjects of Leonard's photos: Chet Baker, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker and more. This free show happens Sunday with a lecture from Heather Pinson at 3:25 followed by music.

Smiling Skull

Backwordsreturns to the Skull on Friday night. These guys play classic rock and oldies tunes in sets of epic length.

If you have a hankering for some pop-punk, then stop out to the Skull on Saturday night for a four-band smorgasbord. I Call Fives, Mixtapes, Let It Happen and Call It Fiction will test the nerves of the Skull regulars and delight the hordes of fans.

But wait, there's more! Chicago's Roche Moche brings a terse and driving punk rock to the Skull on Monday night. They will be joined by Whale Zombie, Yakuza Heart Attack and Zapano.

Donkey Coffee

Turner Mathews & Jenny Vandeman are a new indie/folk duo that are definitely worth a listen. Damn Animals' Brendan Lieske will strip his songs down for you to take a peek. This is Friday night's entertainment.

The Tailwinds do a 180-degree turn from their usual hard-rocking selves on Saturday night with a spirited acoustic set. Rachel Maxann's silken voice opens the evening.

12 East

The white building next to Family Dollar is a bar called 12 East. DJ Basak is back spinning records and whatnot every Friday night there.

Abrio's Brick Oven

McGuffey Lane is a legendary country-rock band whose origins began in Athens in the '70s and whose influence spread around the states. They have a new album "10" and will be featuring new songs and old favorites Friday night at Abrio's.

Rhapsody

Steve Zarate will be strumming his guitar while you dine Friday evening at the Rhapsody Restaurant in Nelsonville.

Stuart's Opera House

It's a busy at Stuart's this week. Friday night, you can get up close and personal during a special backstage concert with Richard Buckner at the Opry House. Buckner is one of those indie-insiders who is every critics favorite without really reaching too wide an audience. His new album features a band composed of members of Guided By Voices, the Mekons and more. He's got one hell of a voice, and Editor Smith says he still cherishes Buckner's first album, produced by Lloyd Maines (Natalie's pop).

Saturday night, that Texas troubadour Michelle Shocked will appear at the Opry House. Her long and varied career seems to bubble just under the radar. Her "Arkansas Traveler" album, slated for a special 20th anniversary edition featuring bluegrass pickers, remains one of my favorite records. For every female-led, acoustic-based band you hear today, you can thank Michelle Shocked for leading the way. Maybe some crickets will be chirruping during her show.

Fur Peace Ranch

I'll tell you about it, but it won't do you any good, unless you have tickets already, in which case, you will already know, so I won't need to tell you. Jorma Kaukonen and Spencer Bohren will join Bill Kirchen & Honky Tonk Heaven on Saturday night for guitarilicious evening of music. Kirchen is one of my favorites. His guitar work on the tune "Hot Rod Lincoln" is a study for any true guitarist. Bohren is a modern-day traditionalist whose songs reflect a deeper America. Jorma, well, if you don't know Big Joe by now, then you need more education than you are gonna get from this column. I'll sit you down some day. Jorma is doing a solo set before the other fellers come out for this sold-out show.

That's all I am aware of for this week, though I am sure there is more music lingering at the fringes. Seek it out and it can be yours, like a handful of sand.