Athens Music Scene (4-28-11)

I have a prickly situation in my hands. Quite. When we moved into our current, adorable home, I found an abandoned cactus in the weeds beside the driveway. I recognized that I could probably replant this little fellow and it just might survive. I did so, and so it did. I might feel some regret for this now.
Over the winter, the cactus in question was damaged and had its bulbous top knocked off. Heavily gloved, we replanted the top next to what remained and all seems well.

Recently, we moved all of the plants outside to the porch. Jesse, heavily gloved, took it upon herself to move the cactus. Though I never came within two feet of this plant, I still received about 20 different needles in my hands. This is a mean little cactus. I have found no written proof that cacti can shoot needles at you, but I suspect that has more to do with my research methods than any lack of evidence. (Also, Editor Smith referred me to a nature video starring an old OU friend of his, about "jumping cholla" cacti in Arizona.

Admittedly, I went into the bathroom that previously housed the cactus in an effort to straighten up a bit. I thought to sweep up the area, but after being "stung" several times from merely moving magazines, I lost heart and fled. The HazMat suit I ordered has not yet arrived. The bathroom has been quarantined, and I have not had a bath in days (don't fret, I shower downstairs).

I'm thinking about giving this plant away. I would offer it to someone I know, but I like my friends and I would hate to do that to anyone. I thought about placing an ad in the Free section of the Classifieds in this fine paper. I've got it figured out. It would look like this:

FREE to (any) home: small cactus. Vindictive, possibly evil. Pictures upon request.

Laugh if you like, but if you doubt the veracity of my claims, I have a bathroom for you to clean. I understand why this little fellow was tossed in the weeds beside the driveway. I suppose this experience can be filed under No Good Deed Goes Unpunished. Maybe next time I will learn. Maybe.

Casa Cantina

There will be a free All Request Night with DJ Partybus tonight.

Southeast Engine's new album, "Canary," has been getting rave reviews all over the place. It is a fine piece of work to be sure, certainly their best and most cohesive work to date. You should buy it. They were contacted recently to perform for the Wayne National Forest's 75th anniversary party. They bring their well-honed show back to the Casa Cantina on Friday night. The fabulous Scubadog joins the thoughtful Wolf Ram Heart for what will be a fantastic night of music.

Local Color leaves the comforting confines of Columbus to venture south to Athens to perform their Dead-inspired brand of music Saturday night. They've been around since 1989, so they've got it pretty well figured out. The Twits, a newer crew out of Columbus, feature numerous ex-Athenians (Keith Hanlon and Chris Forbes of Orchestraville, and Jay Macke). Fun stuff to be sure.

Tony's Tavern

Just a reminder that you should visit "Tony's on Tuesdays" to hang out with the Word of Mouth Band. This loose concoction of players feature members of the Royales and The New Vinton County Frogwhompers, and they play cool jazz, laid-back, waaay back, by the dart boards. It's free and totally worth your effort.

Jackie O's

Tonight Joey Hebdo completes his month-long residency in Jackie O's Brewery. Bringing it out with a bang, JoBo has his good buddies the Andy Shaw Band down for an evening of gentle reggae grooves.

Friday night Supermassive comes in from Cincy to unleash a reggae storm in the Public House suitable for any mom anywhere.

Saturday night, the Lennon Orchestra will perform three and a half hours of Beatles music that includes material from the entire catalogue. It's a rocking little band.

The Union

Tonight, Dave Rave presents "So You Think You Can DJ?" an event that allows for up-and-coming DJs to fight for the chance to do their thing at a Dave Rave event.

Comparative Anatomy rolls into the Union Friday night. With costumes, humor and a recorded output that breeches the walls between the Butthole Surfers and the Melvins, these guys ought to be a good time. Spooktober, Bobb Hatt Attack, Mr. Leg & the Cellphones and Nurser add their pieces to this experimental, noisy night.

The Union has a Drag Show on tap for the moms Saturday night, a benefit for Relay for Life.

The Snarlas rear their heads to rip and roar at the Union on Monday night with fellow Razorcake label mates Future Virgins. Toby Foster and Emissions fill out this bill.

Tuesday night, "glum-rock" purveyors Broken Water trot out their spaced-out, Sonic Youth-y sound and feminine sensibilities to provide you with a wall of sound that reflects their Olympia, Wash., home. Whale Zombie ably supports, and no doubt other bands will throw in their two-bits worth.

Wednesday night the Union offers a Date Auction as a benefit for Relay for Life OR the band Date Auction will play a benefit for Relay for Life. I'm betting the former.

Smiling Skull

Backwords pulls it together to bring you several hours worth of oldies and classic rock for a March of Dimes Benefit Friday night at the Skull. My recent performance at the Skull reminded me how much fun live music can be there.

Saturday night you and your mom can amaze or embarrass yourselves and others with a special Moms Weekend Karaoke.

Donkey Coffee

Friday's Sigma Alpha Iota Talent Showcase is an annual event that features the various abilities of this all-female, international sorority.

Third Class comes down from Youngstown with their brooding indie rock in tow to quietly rock the Donkey on Saturday night. They will be joined by the wonderful duo of Turner Mathews & Jenny Vandeman and the marvelous piano stylings (not to mention incredible voice) of Kaitrin McCoy.

Court St. Grill

Michael Locke & the Repeat Offenderstake their brand of guitar-drenched blues to the Court Street Grill on Saturday night. Locke is still flying just under the radar as far as blues guitarists go, but don't expect that to last. He's got some serious chops.

Rhapsody

Dale Kulchar will be performing at Rhapsody Restaurant this Friday and Saturday nights, picking and singing as he is apt to do so well. Both shows run from 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Oak Room

Steve Zarate performs intricately picked tunes for Happy Hour at the Oak Room beginning at 4:30 p.m. on Friday evening and then

OU Inn - Cutler's

Steve Zarate moves over to Cutler's at the OU Inn on Saturday night, to provide you with delicious music for your dining delights. The music begins at 6 p.m.

Uncle Bucks

Duke Jr. & the Smokey Boots take it back out to the Lady Buck Saloon situated out at Uncle Bucks Riding Stable and Dance Barn on Saturday night. They just keep getting better and better every time I hear them. Take this opportunity to take the air and give a new listen. The show starts at 7 p.m.

It's a busy Moms Weekend; no doubt there are numerous other things happening, so keep your ears peeled. Be nice to each other, and moms, be sure to tip well.