Saturday, February 28, 2009

psst...

Don't forget to hit up the JOVANTES/N.E.C. split 10-inch release party tonight, Saturday Feb 28 at Al's. Psych rock at its finest. I heard that the N.E.C. absolutely tore it up last night in Bowling Green and I'm sure Jovantes will rock tonight as well.

Also, stop by Blueline sometime next week for some photos and possibly reviews from the Lexington crew who trekked to SCION music festival in search of a heavy dose of metal (perhaps the biggest metal festival to hit the states in recent years, brought to you from the peeps who make those funny cars). Bands playing today included Boris, Neurosis, Pig Destroyer, and Mastadon. Intense.

Beach House coming to Lex

Another super show to look forward to, courtesy of WRFL.
James Friley is rockin' his job of booking shows for WRFL.

BEACH HOUSE -
Tuesday, March 31st
800 N Limestone
$5
doors at 8:30, starts at 9:30
Local band TBA.

I would describe Beach House as atmospheric and melodic, with lovely female vocals. Soft, layered and captivating. I listened to the shit out of their self titled album from '07. At South by Southwest in late March, they are playing with both Explosions in the Sky and Grizzly Bear.

Their home site doesn't appear to be recently updated but you can listen to some jams on myspace.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

ariel pink to play Lexington

just found out that ariel pink's haunted graffiti will be playing at al's bar in lexington on April 6 with the vivian girls (?)....thank you, WRFL....THANK YOU!!!! (okay, that last part is definitely mocking a WRFL promo, but this show should be pretty rad)

(thank you, patrick smith thank you for the heads up!)

Ok, again, that's:
Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti

Vivian Girls
Al's Bar
Monday, April 6
$5

Also worthy of making note:
Windy and Carl
BenoƮt Pioulard
Lambs Laughter
Caboladies

Bullhorn
800 N Limestone
ALL AGES

May 3rd
8:30pm

Kernel music section taking a local approach

UK's daily newspaper The Kentucky Kernel announced today that they intend to take a new direction with their music section: a move to promoting under-promoted local bands. Kudos to Brad Luttrell, Kelly Wiley and whomever else at UK's j-school who's might be behind this!!!

Read the story here.

The Kernel has a lot of potential in connecting local bands with the university's 20-some-thousand students, and they seem really open to suggestions and input. E-mail lexingtonspin@kykernel.com with ideas for bands and topics to cover...

P.S.

Drive-By Truckers canceled their Dame Show tonight, but check out blueline's THIS WEEK entry (click the link to the right, or just scroll down below) for more shows & events this week....

Monday, February 23, 2009

Feb 24 - Mar 3

A brief run-down of some of the goings on for this week:

Wed: The Seedy Seeds @ The Green Lantern (Lex).

Cincy electro-indip-pop band in what is definitely one of the area's coolest neighborhood bars. They usually have super-cheap drinks.

Thurs: the following bands will be at The Dame in Lex (descriptions supplied by Brian Connors Manke)-- Hoots & Hellmouth = Excellent folk rockin tunes from Philadelphia. Slo-Fi = Hi-Times. The Rainjunkies = Sunny Dispositions

Fri: - 4th Friday - Qx.net Nude International Art Show
If you haven't had a chance to check out the Nude 2009 show at Lexington's Loudoun House, this Friday may be your last chance to immerse yourself in a socially acceptable public sea of nakedness anywhere near here (the exhibit is coming down March 1). Gallery reception is from 6-9 (as always, free apps; cash bar). This month's 4th Friday features l
ive music by Alma Gitana.
AFTER PARTY AT AL'S BAR feat. THE DIALECTICS, PHAT MAVERICKS, US BAND

Sat:
2pm-4pm: Morris Book Shop hosting a reading of three great local authors:
Mary Ann Taylor-Hall's new novel--At the Breakers
Jim Tomlinson's new story collection--Nothing like an Ocean
Richard Taylor's Sue Mundy, now in paperback

10pm-2:30 Jovantes (formerly known as Tight Leather and/or R.C. Pro Am) w/ the N.E.C. (formerly known as the Natural Extension Concept) @ Al's Bar (Lex) - If you haven't seen the N.E.C., chances are you don't know what you're missing. I would advise checking them out. One of my favorite friends-of-lex bands by far; they put on a really fun show. Jovantes = also great. The two bands have a split 10" out March 7, and this is one a handful of record release parties they are throwing together.

ALSO THIS WEEK:
Wed: The Features w/Lucky Pineapple, Broken Spur @ Headliner's (Louisville).

Thurs: Chico Fellini @ The Green Lantern (Lex)

Fri: Bedtime w/ Broadfield Marchers @ Longshot Tavern (Lou). - I have long been a huge propnent of bedtime. Their live shows seem to be moving toward the noisier and more erratic, which is pretty cool.
Dangercat/Power Animal/ Octalux @ C.P.R. (Lex).

Sat: Matt and Kim @ Skull Alley (Louisville) - people seem to be really excited about this. I can't honestly say that I get it, but I will admit I haven't given it too much of a chance . Sounds like a total party zone at any rate. Louisville's OK DJs hosting a YoungFolks dance party at Fuzion Nightclub afterwards.
Phat Mavericks @ The Fishtank (Lex).
Rudies @ Green Lantern (Lex)- regage and ska

Sun: Jovantes and The N.E.C. @ CD Central (another record release party, this one in a Sunday afternoon, all ages, booze-free atmosphere. Might be an interesting compare/contrast experience with the night before).
Tom Senff 11am - 2pm @ Annette's City Cafe & Event Center for brunch (431 Old Vine St., Lexington)

Friday, February 20, 2009

TGIMFF

FRIDAY-FRIDAY-FRIDAY-FRIDAY-FRIDAY-FRIDAY

Cory Greenwall and Backseat Sandbar have confirmed that the Saul Williams Berea show IS open to the public, and is $10. Apparently some folks in the Berea office gave me some bogus info (and I haven't really seen this show publicized anywhere which I find strange) but IT'S SAUL WILLIAMS, who is amazing, so you might consider checking this one out.

If you are sticking around Lex, there is plenty to do here .... like The Void's NOISYCRANE record release party with Tiny Fights (also celebrating the release of a split cassette tape with Jovantes - sweet) and Babes. Featuring local art and DJ sets; kicking off around 8.

ALSO, The Swells are playing late night at Natasha's if you're in the mood to celebrate Mardi Gras. Starts around 11. One of my favorite local bands by far.

ALSO, the Lexington Distillery District has a bunch of stuff going on for Gallery Hop: an opening reception for the Ky Women Photography Network at the M.S. Rezny Gallery (903 Manchester St) from 5-9; Mecca's Rakadu Gypsy Dance "The Dance of the Tarantula" (7-9); and reggae and jazz by Groovix Cube (starting at 8) at the Old Tarr Distillery (898 Manchester). $10 cover with a portion benefiting LexArts.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Feb 16 - Feb 23, 2009


A brief summary of some of the haps this week:
BLUEPICKS
TUES - I LOVE MOUNTAINS DAY. If you have any interest in saving Kentucky's mountains and streams from the destructive forces of mountaintop removal, you should familiarize yourself with Stream Saver 109 bill. Hundreds of Kentuckians are expected to gather at thestate capital in Frankfort to encourage legislators to pass it. You could be one of them. The event kicks off at 11 am. For the day's schedule and more information, visit this KFTC page.

WED- Holler Poet Series # 10 will commence at Al's Bar. This one features readings by the great Lexington poets Chuck Clenney and Crystal Wilkinson - both of whom are great performers as well as writers - and music by Devine Carama. ALL AGES and FREE! Starts at 8.

THURS -The documentary Pete Seeger: The Power of Song will be shown at the Ky Theatre in conjunction with the One World Film Festival. 7:00 pm.

FRI - Lexington's Gallery Hop @ various locations. For more information and a list of participating galleries, check out www.galleryhop2009.com.

My personal pick for gallery hop:
Noisycrane CD Release Party w/ Babes and Tiny Fights and DJ sets by Mah Jolie, Sonny Hughes, JSuggs and John the Baptist (featuring artwork by a whole slew of locals!) @ The Void. Event kicks off at 8 pm.

Also, there's a rad-sounding comic exhibit at the Lexington Art League's Downtown Art Center space on Main Street; and Stevie Moore has some stuff up at the new Artist Attic space in Victorian Square!

Also on Friday, the Dialectics will be performing with Mud Kids and DJ Selektro at Al's.

SAT - Three of Lexington's favorite (and most talented) indie rocker boys: Matt Duncan w/ Englishman and Zavala @ The Dame.
If you're in the mood for something smellier, harder to swallow and easier to crowd surf to on Saturday, check out Mossy Throats/ S.M.E.L.L./Body Collector/Face Worker @ the Fact House (473 W. Maxwell).

also this week:
2/16 -
The Toasters; Spacewhalers; The Andalusians; The Kodiaks @ Skull Alley (Lou).
2/17 - Eagles of Death Metal @ 20th Century Theatre (Cincy).
2/18 - Lotus w/Orchard Lounge @ The Dame (Lex).
2/19 - Corduroy Road w/ Packway Handle @ The Dame (Lex) - bluegrass jamz.
2/20 - Members Only @ The Dame (Lex) - 80's dance party with a live band.
2/20 - Green Genes @ Fishtank (Lex) - funky (actually really good) hippie music.
2/20 - Marah w/ Dude Plays Saxophone @ Uncle Pleasants (Lou).
2/21 - Sondre Lerche w/ the Lousiville Orchestra @ Whitney Hall (Lou).
2/21 - The Other Brothers @ Green Lantern (Lex) - super fun 70's covers that we all love to get drunk and sing along with. Don't forget to buy drummer Daniel Mohler a b-day shot!
2/20 - Saul Williams @ Berea College - this show would definitely make it on my picks list, but I believe it is closed to the general public (open only to Berea students and prospective students)

Thursday, February 12, 2009

One World Film Festival starts this weekend

Lexington's 11th annual One World Film Festival kicks off this Sunday, February 15 with "Autism: The Musical," a documentary that follows several autistic children as they create and perform their own musical.

This is a great (if under-publicized) Lexington festival, with different films shown every Sunday and Thursday until the end of March. The mission of the fest is to "increase awareness of issues particularly those of culture, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender that challenge the increasingly diverse population of Lexington and the Bluegrass area," and the movies are usually pretty interesting.

Venues include the downtown Lexington public library and the Kentucky Theatre. Check out the schedule of screenings and descriptions of all the films here.

(Next Thursday, Feb 19, the KY Theatre will show a Pete Seeger doc.)

Monday, February 9, 2009

Neil Hamburger's Civilian Parade in Knoxville

This past Saturday I had the distinguished honor (along with about 200 other folks) of participating in Neil Hamburger's architectural tour of downtown Knoxville, Tennessee, in conjunction with Big Ears Music Festival. Hamburger provided the parade with an illuminating, educational historical account of various Knoxville sites –– i.e., the hotel where the great vice-president Antonio Rodriguez was assassinated; the horrible restaurant Arby's where once, two patrons were inspired to throw their sandwiches in the trash can without even taking a single bite (Why do they put mayonnaise on Arby's sandwiches? To make them easier to flush down the toilet); the market square where "lots of stuff happened." The tour ended at the Bijou Theater, the place Hamburger explained where young people came to see ear-splitting, godawful awful rock music (and the Philip Glass and Wendy Sutter show followed at that venue directly).

p.s. That's me in the photo above, the furthest person to the right in sunglasses. (photo snagged from the Knoxville News Sentinel article about the fest.)

Below is an episode of Poolside Chats featuring Neil Hamburger's famously awkward and hilarious interview with Lousiville's Bonnie 'Prince' Billy. Difficult to say which of them is weirder. My vote is probably on BPB.















Neil Hamburger will be in the area soon: Comedy Caravan in Louisville on Thursday, March 5; The Dame in Lexington on Friday, March 6; and The Southgate House in Newport on Saturday March 7.

This Week, Feb 9 - Feb 16

This week in Lexington:

Wednesday: Every month, the Bluegrass Film Society hosts a cult movie screening at Al's Bar. "Because cult films were meant to be seen in a bar," says series curator (if I may call her that) Colleen Glenn. This month's film is Robert Aldrich's film noir thriller "Kiss Me Deadly" (1955). Don't forget to order some sweet potato fries with your BBC brew. Movie starts at 7 pm.

Thursday: the much-anticipated MAHJONGG show will commence at Al's Bar on Feb. 12, with local support of Bedtime, Attempt and Three-Legged Race. The show is brought to you by The Lexington project, You Ain't No Picasso and WRFL 88.1.
Mahjongg = funky electro-space outfit from Chicago. Check out a video of them playing at FreeKy Fest last summer here. They have a message to share with you, from the great
All three opening bands will be great performances, and feature WRFL DJ's; get there early to catch them because this show is going to fill up quickly.

Saturday: Join the daytime-lovey-dovey-family-style scene at Isle of You on V-Day. Lori Lyn-Hurley will read personal "love selections" starting at 1 pm; followed by a performance by the lovely ladies of Laloux. Robert "Robert Bobbert" Schneider will perform selections from his new CD Robert Bobbert and the Bubble Machine starting at 4pm. Bring the kids, or just a childlike attitude.
Isle of You - 591 West Short Street; 859-254-3024; info@isleofyou.com
Word on the street is that Isle of You has some new interior touch-ups; regardless, it's a great place to support local business and sneak in a last minute v-day gift for your honey!

Also Saturday: The MetaChava Initiative is a really cool new organization spearheaded by Ashley Adkins and Chuck Moreland, set up with the intention to bridge art, music and activism on a local level. The Sweetheart Ball will be a follow-up fundraiser to the Elliot Lipp show they produced at Lynagh's last month. On Valentine's Day, show your love for tireless local non-profits whilst shaking that ass to Comfort Creatures; Morphological, DJ John the Baptist; DJ Booty Sweat; and ZionznoiZ at The Dame. Event kicks off around 8.

Also some cool stuff happening at Brooklyn Pizza (always all ages) and Louisville arthouse venue Skull Alley. Get out of the house; support some local culture!




Also this week:
2/11 - Babes w/ The Gudwalls @ Brooklyn Pizza (Lex).
2/11 - Strange Design (recreating Phish shows in their entirety) @ The Dame (Lex).
2/12- Legendary Shack Shakers (the name describes the band better than I could) w/ O'Death (freak-folkish-blugrass-gypsy jams. I've seen them live; the show is much better than the description sounds.) @ Jim Porter's (Lousiville).
2/12- Dead Man (Swedish Psych-Prog); Radio Moscow; Trophy Wives (Canadian Garage Surf) @ Skull Alley (Lousiville).
2/12 - The Sea and Cake @ Southgate House (Covington).
2/13 - Son Volt @ Headliner's (Louisville).
2/13 - La Dispute; Mountain Asleep; Rattletooth; Take Control; Bears @ Skull Alley (Lousiville).
2/13 - Papaddosio (rootsy eclectica meets modern electrica) @ The Fishtank
2/14 - Brass Knuckle Boys w/Frank Rocket; Gnarly Love (fast and furious punk rock)@ Green Lantern
2/14 - Phat Mavericks @ The Fishtank (Lex).
2/15 - Idaho, Alaska w/ Pawn Shop Radio @ Green Lantern (Lex).
2/16 - The Toasters; Spacewhalers; The Andalusians; The Kodiaks @ Skull Alley (Lou).

Saturday, February 7, 2009

update from Big ears

brief update from Knoxville's awesome Big Ears festival...the only show I've gone to was amazing: Philip Glass perform with Wendy Sutter this afternoon at the downtown Bijou Theater. The set consisted of the two alternating solo pieces (Glass on grand piano; Sutter on cello), and doing a series of duets as well. Glass opened with two pieces from Metamorphosis (4 and 2 I believe); played a series of Etudes; and ended (pre-encore) with one of the most beautiful songs I have heard, from Glassworks...unfortunately I don't have all the exact titles; I'll have to look into that.

The theater was small and I somehow managed to snag 6th row seats even though I got my tickets just 2 days in advance. Wendy is strikingly beautiful; Philip came was humble and softspoken in his introductions of each set.

The music was, as you can imagine, breathtaking; kind of felt like I was floating outside of my body at times. More about the experience and the festival later; off to check out the local noise/hardcore showcase at a bar downtown...

Friday, February 6, 2009

No Cortney Tidwell

Unfortunately, Cortney Tidwell has had to cancel the C.P.R. show for Saturday, Feb 7. Apparently she is sick :(

Ben Allen has signed on to do some jams. So the new line-up is Ben Allen, Laloux and Comfort Creatures.

I'll be in Knoxville. But you should check it out.

Monday, February 2, 2009

New venue on Manchester ... a little place called BUSTER'S!

Awesome news from Jessica and Clark Case, the couple who purchased Buster's last summer...they signed a lease today on The Old Tarr Distillery building on Manchester Street! Check out this article I wrote about it for BizLex.com if you're interested in more info. The new venue isn't expected to open until August -- they don't take possession until May because of events already scheduled there, and then there will be lots of construction to be had.....including NEW BATHROOMS! A complete luxury and foreign concept for Buster's fans. No worries though, Jessica said they plan on keeping the ole pool tables and jukebox intact (except maybe recovering the pool tables and adding a few of the old 'punk classics' to the jukebox).

The Cases hired a booking agent and are really planning on focusing on the new space as a high-caliber music venue, and anyone who's been there (2007's Beaux Arts Ball; Hemlock music festival feat. Will Oldham) has seen the potential that has in store. The place is huge -- almost 11,00 sq feet -- and can fit over 700 people, so this could potentially fill a void in Lexington music venues. I know that a lot of people who frequented Buster's over the past couple years may not know the Cases really well, but my conversations with Jessica have been very positive. The Cases really want to keep the authentic grungy old-school Buster's feeling and are really interested in public input, so feel free to leave comments about what you hope to see happen down there!