Wednesday, January 18, 2006
TLP January 18, 2006
Hey, folks.
Here's the Project. Thanks to Ben Allen and Paul Puckett for help with the Picks. Lots of good stuff coming up - Hair Police at Underlying Themes, Puerto Muerto's live soundtrack to the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and more - don't sleep on it.
Hope all are well.
Ross
:::::::::::::::::::::::: Announcements :::::::::::::::::::::::::::
** Thursday, January 19 – Lecture by sculptor Willie Cole @ Downtown Arts Center
Internationally renowned sculptor Willie Cole, known for transforming domestic items and electronic gadgets into sculptures that refer to African art and mythology. will present a lecture titled “The Iron Chose Me,” Thursday, January 19, at 6pm, at the Downtown Arts Center, 141 E. Main St. Cole’s lecture will be preceded by a reception honoring the artist at 5:30pm (rhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifumor has it, the reception will feature yummy eats from Alfalfa restaurant). Co-sponsored by the African American Forum, Inc., the University of Kentucky Art Museum, and the UK Department of Art, the event is FREE and open to the public. However, tickets are required. For more information about the lecture or to get tickets, contact the sponsors at the following phone numbers: African American Forum, Inc. at 859/255-2653; UK Department of Art at 859/257-2727; or the UK Art Museum at 859/257-5716.
** Monday, January 23 – Mardi Gras Jazz Parade organizational meeting @ Mecca, 6:30pm
Hip to the spectacle of ‘freaks in the streets’ but not quite up for being one of the freaks? You can still be a part of Lexington’s one true people’s parade. All are invited to the next organizational meeting for Lexington’s 3rd Annual Mardi Gras Jazz Parade next Monday, January 23rd, at 6:30pm, at Mecca, 451 Chair Avenue (just off S. Broadway near Bolivar). For more info, email info@meccadance.com or call 254-9790. Check out for the basic scoop.
** Tuesdays - Samba Classes @ Mecca
Mecca is offering Samba classes in preparation for the Mardi Gras parade. Classes are from 6-6:50pm each Tuesday from now through February 21st. All skill levels welcome. The class will culminate with participation in the parade - dancing alongside a live samba band! (Of course, you can come to the class and opt out of the parade if you like.) For more info, email info@meccadance.com or call 254-9790.
** Saturday, January 28 – Terry Anderson & the Olympic Ass-Kicking Team - FREE in-store performance at CD Central
Saturday, January 28 at 4pm, CD Central presents a FREE in-store performance by Atlanta’s Terry Anderson & the Olympic Ass-Kicking Team. Anderson, a member of the Yayhoos, and crew will be in town to perform at High Life Lounge later that evening. Here’s a description from a recent issue of the alt-country bible No Depression - "Making straight-ahead rock isn`t rocket science. It`s breaking into the lab, mixing the contents of a couple test tubes, and trying not to blow s**t up. And it`s the kind of science that singer/songwriter/drummer Terry Anderson has been excelling at for close to 30 years, with co-starring roles in various North Carolina bands and three strong solo releases to his credit. These days he leads his own Olympic Ass-Kickin` Team, whose consistently entertaining debut combines the southern-fried Face-isms of the Georgia Satellites, the pile-driving rock of Rockpile, and the scruffy heart of midtempo NRBQ - three reference points that Anderson comes by honestly. He plays with ex-Satellite Dan Baird in the Yayhoos. He frequently writes with former NRBQer Al Anderson (their collaboration "You Know Me" shines here.) And well, he really likes Dave Edmunds and Nick Lowe." All ages are welcome. For more info call, 233-DISC.
** Sat/Sun, February 4 & 5 - ‘Dance of Enticement’ & Ikebana workshops @ Mecca
Mecca (yeah, the same Mecca that’s involved with two of the other announcements – can’t help it they gots tons of shite happening) will presents their annual pre-Valentine’s Day “Dance of Enticement Workshop” Saturday February 4th, from 2-4pm. Workshop-ers will learn a beautifully alluring dance based in the ancient arts of middle eastern and classical Indian dance art forms. All skill levels are invited. The workshop fee is $25 in advance or $30 at the door. If you’re interested in making a two-day weekend of it, the studio will offer an Ikebana workshop, Sunday, February 5th, from 11am-1pm. Ikebana, the ancient Japanese art of contemplative flower arranging, “combines the products of nature with human creativity to open a path of discovery that reconnects us with the ordinary magic of our world.” The workshop fee is $45 (which includes the cost of materials). Pre-registration for the Ikebana workshop is required by Friday, January 27th. NOTE: There’s a package discount if you do both workshops. $65 gets you into both. Also, students taking one or both workshops will recieve a $20.00 coupon good toward a 90-minute Couple's Massage at 2121 Richmond Road, Suite 212, or a $10.00 coupon toward a 60 or 75-minute Couple's Massage session. Each Couples' Massage Session includes luxurious side-by-side massages in a beautiful suite, complete with aromatherapy, inscense, soft music and candle light, and of course, decadent chocolate. For more info or to register for one or both of the workshops, drop a line to info@meccadance.com or call 254-9790.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: THE PICKS :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::: Wednesday, January 18 through Wednesday, February 01 :::::::::::
:: Friday, January 20 ::
HAIR POLICE w/WARMER MILKS, BURNING STAR CORE, and WALTER CARSON
@ Underlying Themes, 110 S. Upper St (above Buster’s, entrance next to Mia’s)
8pm, all ages, $5
On Friday, Underlying Themes is hosting what you could call a “Learn What It’s All About” show, featuring a crew of bands guaranteed to either make you cringe or change your mind. I’m tempted to call it the “Welcome Back Hair Police” show, but since so few remember their tyranny over Lexington while it lasted, and since two of HP’s members still live here, I’ll stick with the former moniker. Though I’m not sure of the batting order at the moment, here’s a basic idea of each band’s deal…
Hair Police…I saw them last month in Delaware, OH and the beast is still kicking. Expect bombast, glare/flare, and a sea of trainwreckage on bass, drums, vox, and electronics. Request their latest “Constantly Terrified.” Bring a bong. Wear a helmet.
Warmer Milks…The six-man soul brother army left broken bones and broken heads after their last gig at UT. In preparation for the release of their new album, “Radish on Light,” the Milks are primed to thrash all the buzz skulls. Drone, sickness beats, and Mikey T’s banshee vox.
Walter Carson…will split yr head…
Burning Star Core…Violins and vocals in ruins via Spencer Yeh solo.
Show starts at 8pm at Underlying Themes 110 South Upper (look for the secret door between Buster’s and Mia’s). Five bucks and all ages.
– Ben Allen
:: Tuesday, January 24 ::
AUK THEATRE w/CAVES, MIDI SIRENS, PLEASURE PRINTS, JINDRA, and WAR CHEST
@ The Dame – 10pm, ages 21+, $3
A great weird bill. Auk Theatre = absurdist “morality plays” from Irene Moon and friends. http://www.begoniasociety.com/auk_theatre.htm Caves = Ben Allen making an amazing My Bloody Valentine-drowning-Walter Carson type racket. Midi Sirens = Reid (from RC PRO AM) and Bailey. Reid described it to me as “experimental Siren Noises and Minimal techno monologues.” Don’t know much of anything about the others, but, really, how much more incentive do you need?
:: Friday, January 27 ::
PUERTO MUERTO w/ JEREMIAH GRIZZLY (aka Jeremy Midkiff of Big Fresh)
@ Underlying Themes, 110 S. Upper St (above Buster’s, entrance next to Mia’s)
8pm, all ages, $3
:: Saturday, January 28 ::
PUERTO MUERTO presents “Songs of Muerto County” - a live soundtrack to the Texas Chainsaw Massacre @ UK’s Worsham Theater – 10pm, all ages, FREE
Puerto Muerto are Tim Kelley and Christa Meyer. They last played Lexington Febuary 1, 2002 as the headlining act for the Lexington Action-Arts Collective Event 003. I hadn't heard of Puerto Muerto before this and didn't know anything at all about them except what Ross Compton had told me, "They're from Chicago...they're really good!" The setup was simple: two vocal mics, a tiny little orange guitar amp perched on a chair, and a bass drum turned face up and supported with what looked like legs ripped off an old coffee table. The players took their places, Christa Meyer behind the bass drum and Tim Kelley on guitar. Without any preamble Meyer starts singing something about a pirate and began beating the daylights out of the bass drum, sending pieces of her vocal mic flying when her drumstick caught it on an upswing. Soundman Jon Crouch was right there, picking up pieces and looking at the mic in disbelief (those 57s are like cockroaches, you can't hardly kill them!). Meanwhile, Tim Kelley is swaying back and forth and Meyer just keeps belting it out as loud as if she were coming through the PA. Song ends, screams and clapping begin and didn't end until the Mecca crowd had been introduced to a large part of their debut record, Your Bloated Corpse Has Washed Ashore.
In the four years since then, the group has gone on to play far and wide and release two more quality discs, Elena and See You In Hell. Where Corpse featured more than an hour's collection of curious continental tales that played like mini operettas with sparse and organic instrumentation, Elena switched gears and seemed to tell a single story that stretched from England to Germany to India with whisper smooth vocals and a hypnotizing marriage of cello, clarinet, and sitar to electronics and a harder drum sound. See You In Hell is similar to Corpse in the sense that it works as a great collection of songs but they seem born out of a sunburnt American landscape rather than the baroque tales of the previous two discs. Their return Friday Jan 27, will be in support of their newest disc, Songs of Muerto County, which the band describes as the `lost' soundtrack to the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre film. The Friday show will be at Underlying Themes and Saturday they'll be at UK's Worsham Theater in performance with the film. See you there!
- Paul Puckett
More info and FREE sounds – http://www.ctokic.net/pm and http://myspace.com/puertomuerto.
[Note: Friday’s show will be a ‘normal’ gig – that means no movie, but a wider selection of songs (hopefully, including their amazing version of the Kinks’ “Alcohol.”]
:: Saturday, January 28 ::
PARLOUR BOYS ep release party w/MOTH and THE MEREDITHS
@ The Dame – 10pm, ages 21+, $5
:: Sunday, January 29 ::
PARLOUR BOYS ep release party w/THE CLASS OF ’98, FARLESS, and HOUSE OF FOOLS
@ Underlying Themes, 110 S. Upper (above Buster’s, entrance next to Mia’s)
7pm, all ages, $5
Locals the Parlour Boys are an art house film with blockbuster ambitions. Together for less than a year, the group is preparing to thrust their first recording onto the scene. And, in a local scene that for the past half-dozen years has been defined by decidedly inward movements – art pop, neo-Dadaist noise, and psychedelic folk (all of which I’ve adored) – their self-released ep, built of three epic sing/dance-a-longs that thrive on scale, sticks out like a sore thumb. Like a sore thumb that makes you want to take a hammer to your own.
A young band, but not newbies – they spent several years in the early 00s dominating the local all ages scene as Summer Melts Faster, the Parlour Boys offer what’s possibly the grandest recording I’ve heard from a local artist. Polished and powerful, with circling staccato guitar figures that would make the Edge envious and bass and drum propulsion that could launch rockets, it’s 11 minutes of Anthemic (yes, capital ‘A’ anthemic) dance rock. Then, overtop the intensely rhythmic din, there’s Moody, the group’s vocalist, crooning and cooing multi-layered choruses, with lines like “ONE STOP/IT’S YOUR LAST CHANCE/LET IT OUT,” “WE COULD BE FREEEEEEEE AGAIN,” and “TONIGHT TONIGHT!/TONIGHT TONIGHT!” (all vague enough to allow you to apply them however you need/want), that have had me shouting along at my computer all day long.
This disc is one of those special records that gives you ‘the lift’- those buoyant swells of confidence and camaraderie, a record you rock over and over while cruising with your best dudes/chicks, certain that tonight is theeeeeee night – you can just FEEL it. It’s music that fills you with giddiness, the way jams made us skitter before we all entered our niche ghettos. This is music to get lost in while you’re shaking your ass and screaming along in a sea of people you don’t know.
And, someday, we’ll do just that. The P Boys are destined for larger stages, bigger sound systems, and perhaps bigger ponds, but for now they’re ours, and they’re determined to pull us all back together on the dancefloor. Go out poised for the full package of escapism – a sound that meets and exceeds even the recorded versions of the songs and energy and attitude that reminds you that independent music can be as entertaining as it is artful. Don’t be surprised to find yourself smiling and dancing.
For more info and some FREE music, check out www.parlourboys.com and myspace.com/parlourboysmusic. And, of course, the other bands on the bills have websites too – Moth (http://myspace.com/moth), The Merediths (http://myspace.com/themerediths), The Class of ’98 (http://myspace.com/theclassof98), Far Less (http://myspace.com/farless), House of Fools (http://myspace.com/houseoffools).
:: CANCELLED!!! :: Saturday, January 28 ::
THE DIALECTICS @ Triple Crown Lounge, 121 S. Limestone
10pm, ages 21+, $3
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Statement from The Dialectics - The January 28 show at Triple Crown Lounge has been cancelled due to the tragic death of Sallie Mckemie. Sallie died over the weekend. She is the 18 year old sister of Katie Mckemie, who is a close friend of The Dialectics and has sang with the band in the past. Our thoughts, prayers and love go out to the Mckemie family and to all who are grieving.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Yes, yet another worthwhile option for the 28th. The Dialectics continue to hone and expand their live band hip hop aesthetic. Their last Triple Crown Lounge gig introduced Lexington to Jai Hamilton, the group’s enchanting female mc/singer. This show they’ll debut a collaboration with the mysterious, bearded and bald Gaudi. For FREE sounds and a peek at Gaudi, check out http://www.myspace.com/antonigaudi and http://www.myspace.com/dialecticsbeats.
:: Monday, January 30 ::
Lexington Filmmaker Night @ The Dame
8pm, ages 21+, FREE (and, FREE popcorn)
The Dame revives their local filmmaker showcase. No word on what will be on the screen, but go out anyway and check out what your freaky neighbors do in their spare time. (No, I’m not implying that the event will include amateur porn.)
[AN UPDATE: The feature length movie will be "Can't Stop the Shine," a screening of Erin Wilson's documentary about Lewis the Shoeshiner.)
:: Also worthwhile in the January 18 - February 01 timeframe ::
Every Friday RAKADU GYPSY DANCE @ Nema’s Grille (Frankfort, KY) – all ages
Fri/Jan 20 G-FUNK @ The Dame
Sat/Jan 21 YELLOW BELTS w/CITY MOUSE @ The Dame
Wed/Jan 25 DUWAYNE BURNSIDE w/JIMBO MATHUS @ The Dame
Sat/Jan 28 CLAIRE LYNCH @ UK's Worsham Theater - all ages, sponsored by WRFL
Tues/Jan 31 DARK STAR ORCHESTRA @ The Dame
:: Soon Soon ::
Thur/Feb 2 FEIST w/JASON COLLETT @ Headliners (Louisville)
Sun/Feb 5 VANDERMARK 5 @ Underlying Themes, 110 S. Upper – all ages, outsidethespotlight.blogspot.com
Mon/Feb 6 SON VOLT w/SHANNON McNALLY@ The Dame
Tues/Feb 7 ANDREW BIRD featuring DOSH @ The Dame
Wed/Feb 8 THE GREENCARDS @ The Dame
Fri/Feb 10 ASYLUM STREET SPANKERS @ The Dame
Sat/Feb 11 THE BAD PLUS @ UK’s Memorial Hall – all ages
Sat/Feb 11 BOB POLLARD (ex-Guided By Voices) @ Southgate House (Newport, KY)
Sun/Feb 12 LEXIE MOUNTAIN w/SAND CATS (ex-Cex and Milemarker), WALTER CARSON, and ALL THEIR CHILDREN KNEW @ Bornmugged, 324 Preston Avenue - all ages
Fri/Feb 17 SIGUR ROS @ Palace Theatre (Louisville)
Sat/Feb 18 DJ CARLOS D (of Interpol) w/DJ KIT CHAPS (of VHS or Beta), and PARLOUR BOYS @ The Dame
Thurs/Feb 16 BR549 w/THE AVETT BROTHERS @ The Dame
Sat/Feb 18 THE SMACKS! w/MOTH and RICHARD JAMES & THE SPECIAL RIDERS @ High Life Lounge
Thurs/Feb 23 COLDPLAY w/FIONA APPLE @ Freedom Hall (Louisville)
Sat/Feb 25 Lexington’s 3rd annual Mardi Gras Jazz Parade through the streets downtown - led by NYC’s BURNT SUGAR! http://burntsugarindex.com
Sat/Feb 25 BURNT SUGAR (featuring members of Storm and Stress, ISWHAT?!, Sticks and Stones) @ The Dame
Sun/Feb 26 OF MONTREAL @ Southgate House (Newport, KY
Mon/Feb 27 EDITH FROST w/THE ZINCS @ The Dame
Tues/Feb 28 EDITH FROST w/THE ZINCS @ Headliners (Louisville)
Fri/Mar 3 MOGWAI @ The Dame
Fri/Mar 24 ERIN McKEOWN TRIO w/MELISSA FERRICK @ Southgate House (Newport, KY)
Tues/Apr 4 HALF HANDED CLOUD w/LIZ JANES + CREATE! @ Underlying Themes, 110 S. Upper – all ages
Thurs/Apr 13 DAVE REMPIS PERCUSSION QUARTET @ Underlying Themes – all ages, outsidethespotlight.blogspot.com
:: Pertinent resources ::
__Lexington__
THE DAME, 156 W.Main St, Lexingtonhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif - http://www.dameky.com
MECCA studio/gallery, 451 Chair Avenue, off S.Broadway near Bolivar - http://www.meccadance.com
UNDERLYING THEMES LOFT SPACE, 110 S. Upper (above Busters) – http://www.underlyingthemes.com
CHARLES MANSION - http://www.charlesmansion.orghttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif
NATASHA'S CAFE, 112 Esplanade - http://www.beetnik.com/
FAUNTLEROY’S CAFÉ, 640 W. Maxwell – ph. 859/455-8188
THE ICEHOUSE, 412 Cross St (off W.Maxwell), Lexington
DOWNTOWN ARTS CENTER, 141 E. Main St, Lexington – http://www.lexarts.org
ARTSPLACE, 161 N.Mill St, Lexington
LEXINGTONSHOWS.com (all ages show listings) -
ef="http://www.lexingtonshows.com">http://www.lexingtonshows.com
COUNTER FICTION (more all ages show listings) – http://www.counterfiction.com
CRICKET PRESS (amazing local poster art) - http://www.cricket-press.com
WRFL 88.1FM (UK's student-run radio station) - http://wrfl.uky.edu
YOU AIN’T NO PICASSO (great locally-produced music blog) – http://www.youaintnopicasoo.com
__Louisville__
LAVA (Louisville Assembly of Vanguard Artists) HOUSE - 927 Shelby Parkway, Louisville - http://www.lavahouse.org
HEADLINERS MUSIC HALL, Louisville - 1386 Lexington Road, ph. 502/584-8088 - www.headlinerslouisville.com
UNCLE PLEASANTS, 2126 S. Preston, Louisville - p.502/634-4147
THE RUDYARD KIPLING, 422 West Oak Street, Louisville -
http://www.therudyardkipling.com/pages/206999/index.htm
OLD LOUISVILLE COFFEHOUSE, 1489 S. Fourth St, Louisville - ph. 502/635-6660
PRODUCTION SIMPLE (produce many of the events at Headliners and Uncle Pleasants) – http://www.productionsimplehttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif.com)
__Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky__
THE SOUTHGATE HOUSE, Newport, KY - http://www.southgatehouse.com
ALCHEMIZE, 1122 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH – http://www.alchemizebar.com
THE COMET, 4579 Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH - http://www.cometbar.com
BOGART'S, 2621 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH - http://www.bogarts.com
THE MOCKBEE (formerly SS NOVA), 2260 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH - http://www.ssnova.org
NORTHSIDE TAVERN, 4163 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati, OH – http://www.northside-tavern.com
Know of an upcoming event that others should get hip to? Let us know - email informationactivists@yahoo.com
All Picks by Ross Compton unless otherwise noted.
:::::::::::::: QUESTIONS/COMMENTS/SUBMISSIONS ::::::::::::::::::::::::
email thelexingtonproject@yahoo.com
Here's the Project. Thanks to Ben Allen and Paul Puckett for help with the Picks. Lots of good stuff coming up - Hair Police at Underlying Themes, Puerto Muerto's live soundtrack to the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and more - don't sleep on it.
Hope all are well.
Ross
:::::::::::::::::::::::: Announcements :::::::::::::::::::::::::::
** Thursday, January 19 – Lecture by sculptor Willie Cole @ Downtown Arts Center
Internationally renowned sculptor Willie Cole, known for transforming domestic items and electronic gadgets into sculptures that refer to African art and mythology. will present a lecture titled “The Iron Chose Me,” Thursday, January 19, at 6pm, at the Downtown Arts Center, 141 E. Main St. Cole’s lecture will be preceded by a reception honoring the artist at 5:30pm (rhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifumor has it, the reception will feature yummy eats from Alfalfa restaurant). Co-sponsored by the African American Forum, Inc., the University of Kentucky Art Museum, and the UK Department of Art, the event is FREE and open to the public. However, tickets are required. For more information about the lecture or to get tickets, contact the sponsors at the following phone numbers: African American Forum, Inc. at 859/255-2653; UK Department of Art at 859/257-2727; or the UK Art Museum at 859/257-5716.
** Monday, January 23 – Mardi Gras Jazz Parade organizational meeting @ Mecca, 6:30pm
Hip to the spectacle of ‘freaks in the streets’ but not quite up for being one of the freaks? You can still be a part of Lexington’s one true people’s parade. All are invited to the next organizational meeting for Lexington’s 3rd Annual Mardi Gras Jazz Parade next Monday, January 23rd, at 6:30pm, at Mecca, 451 Chair Avenue (just off S. Broadway near Bolivar). For more info, email info@meccadance.com or call 254-9790. Check out for the basic scoop.
** Tuesdays - Samba Classes @ Mecca
Mecca is offering Samba classes in preparation for the Mardi Gras parade. Classes are from 6-6:50pm each Tuesday from now through February 21st. All skill levels welcome. The class will culminate with participation in the parade - dancing alongside a live samba band! (Of course, you can come to the class and opt out of the parade if you like.) For more info, email info@meccadance.com or call 254-9790.
** Saturday, January 28 – Terry Anderson & the Olympic Ass-Kicking Team - FREE in-store performance at CD Central
Saturday, January 28 at 4pm, CD Central presents a FREE in-store performance by Atlanta’s Terry Anderson & the Olympic Ass-Kicking Team. Anderson, a member of the Yayhoos, and crew will be in town to perform at High Life Lounge later that evening. Here’s a description from a recent issue of the alt-country bible No Depression - "Making straight-ahead rock isn`t rocket science. It`s breaking into the lab, mixing the contents of a couple test tubes, and trying not to blow s**t up. And it`s the kind of science that singer/songwriter/drummer Terry Anderson has been excelling at for close to 30 years, with co-starring roles in various North Carolina bands and three strong solo releases to his credit. These days he leads his own Olympic Ass-Kickin` Team, whose consistently entertaining debut combines the southern-fried Face-isms of the Georgia Satellites, the pile-driving rock of Rockpile, and the scruffy heart of midtempo NRBQ - three reference points that Anderson comes by honestly. He plays with ex-Satellite Dan Baird in the Yayhoos. He frequently writes with former NRBQer Al Anderson (their collaboration "You Know Me" shines here.) And well, he really likes Dave Edmunds and Nick Lowe." All ages are welcome. For more info call, 233-DISC.
** Sat/Sun, February 4 & 5 - ‘Dance of Enticement’ & Ikebana workshops @ Mecca
Mecca (yeah, the same Mecca that’s involved with two of the other announcements – can’t help it they gots tons of shite happening) will presents their annual pre-Valentine’s Day “Dance of Enticement Workshop” Saturday February 4th, from 2-4pm. Workshop-ers will learn a beautifully alluring dance based in the ancient arts of middle eastern and classical Indian dance art forms. All skill levels are invited. The workshop fee is $25 in advance or $30 at the door. If you’re interested in making a two-day weekend of it, the studio will offer an Ikebana workshop, Sunday, February 5th, from 11am-1pm. Ikebana, the ancient Japanese art of contemplative flower arranging, “combines the products of nature with human creativity to open a path of discovery that reconnects us with the ordinary magic of our world.” The workshop fee is $45 (which includes the cost of materials). Pre-registration for the Ikebana workshop is required by Friday, January 27th. NOTE: There’s a package discount if you do both workshops. $65 gets you into both. Also, students taking one or both workshops will recieve a $20.00 coupon good toward a 90-minute Couple's Massage at 2121 Richmond Road, Suite 212, or a $10.00 coupon toward a 60 or 75-minute Couple's Massage session. Each Couples' Massage Session includes luxurious side-by-side massages in a beautiful suite, complete with aromatherapy, inscense, soft music and candle light, and of course, decadent chocolate. For more info or to register for one or both of the workshops, drop a line to info@meccadance.com or call 254-9790.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: THE PICKS :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::: Wednesday, January 18 through Wednesday, February 01 :::::::::::
:: Friday, January 20 ::
HAIR POLICE w/WARMER MILKS, BURNING STAR CORE, and WALTER CARSON
@ Underlying Themes, 110 S. Upper St (above Buster’s, entrance next to Mia’s)
8pm, all ages, $5
On Friday, Underlying Themes is hosting what you could call a “Learn What It’s All About” show, featuring a crew of bands guaranteed to either make you cringe or change your mind. I’m tempted to call it the “Welcome Back Hair Police” show, but since so few remember their tyranny over Lexington while it lasted, and since two of HP’s members still live here, I’ll stick with the former moniker. Though I’m not sure of the batting order at the moment, here’s a basic idea of each band’s deal…
Hair Police…I saw them last month in Delaware, OH and the beast is still kicking. Expect bombast, glare/flare, and a sea of trainwreckage on bass, drums, vox, and electronics. Request their latest “Constantly Terrified.” Bring a bong. Wear a helmet.
Warmer Milks…The six-man soul brother army left broken bones and broken heads after their last gig at UT. In preparation for the release of their new album, “Radish on Light,” the Milks are primed to thrash all the buzz skulls. Drone, sickness beats, and Mikey T’s banshee vox.
Walter Carson…will split yr head…
Burning Star Core…Violins and vocals in ruins via Spencer Yeh solo.
Show starts at 8pm at Underlying Themes 110 South Upper (look for the secret door between Buster’s and Mia’s). Five bucks and all ages.
– Ben Allen
:: Tuesday, January 24 ::
AUK THEATRE w/CAVES, MIDI SIRENS, PLEASURE PRINTS, JINDRA, and WAR CHEST
@ The Dame – 10pm, ages 21+, $3
A great weird bill. Auk Theatre = absurdist “morality plays” from Irene Moon and friends. http://www.begoniasociety.com/auk_theatre.htm Caves = Ben Allen making an amazing My Bloody Valentine-drowning-Walter Carson type racket. Midi Sirens = Reid (from RC PRO AM) and Bailey. Reid described it to me as “experimental Siren Noises and Minimal techno monologues.” Don’t know much of anything about the others, but, really, how much more incentive do you need?
:: Friday, January 27 ::
PUERTO MUERTO w/ JEREMIAH GRIZZLY (aka Jeremy Midkiff of Big Fresh)
@ Underlying Themes, 110 S. Upper St (above Buster’s, entrance next to Mia’s)
8pm, all ages, $3
:: Saturday, January 28 ::
PUERTO MUERTO presents “Songs of Muerto County” - a live soundtrack to the Texas Chainsaw Massacre @ UK’s Worsham Theater – 10pm, all ages, FREE
Puerto Muerto are Tim Kelley and Christa Meyer. They last played Lexington Febuary 1, 2002 as the headlining act for the Lexington Action-Arts Collective Event 003. I hadn't heard of Puerto Muerto before this and didn't know anything at all about them except what Ross Compton had told me, "They're from Chicago...they're really good!" The setup was simple: two vocal mics, a tiny little orange guitar amp perched on a chair, and a bass drum turned face up and supported with what looked like legs ripped off an old coffee table. The players took their places, Christa Meyer behind the bass drum and Tim Kelley on guitar. Without any preamble Meyer starts singing something about a pirate and began beating the daylights out of the bass drum, sending pieces of her vocal mic flying when her drumstick caught it on an upswing. Soundman Jon Crouch was right there, picking up pieces and looking at the mic in disbelief (those 57s are like cockroaches, you can't hardly kill them!). Meanwhile, Tim Kelley is swaying back and forth and Meyer just keeps belting it out as loud as if she were coming through the PA. Song ends, screams and clapping begin and didn't end until the Mecca crowd had been introduced to a large part of their debut record, Your Bloated Corpse Has Washed Ashore.
In the four years since then, the group has gone on to play far and wide and release two more quality discs, Elena and See You In Hell. Where Corpse featured more than an hour's collection of curious continental tales that played like mini operettas with sparse and organic instrumentation, Elena switched gears and seemed to tell a single story that stretched from England to Germany to India with whisper smooth vocals and a hypnotizing marriage of cello, clarinet, and sitar to electronics and a harder drum sound. See You In Hell is similar to Corpse in the sense that it works as a great collection of songs but they seem born out of a sunburnt American landscape rather than the baroque tales of the previous two discs. Their return Friday Jan 27, will be in support of their newest disc, Songs of Muerto County, which the band describes as the `lost' soundtrack to the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre film. The Friday show will be at Underlying Themes and Saturday they'll be at UK's Worsham Theater in performance with the film. See you there!
- Paul Puckett
More info and FREE sounds – http://www.ctokic.net/pm and http://myspace.com/puertomuerto.
[Note: Friday’s show will be a ‘normal’ gig – that means no movie, but a wider selection of songs (hopefully, including their amazing version of the Kinks’ “Alcohol.”]
:: Saturday, January 28 ::
PARLOUR BOYS ep release party w/MOTH and THE MEREDITHS
@ The Dame – 10pm, ages 21+, $5
:: Sunday, January 29 ::
PARLOUR BOYS ep release party w/THE CLASS OF ’98, FARLESS, and HOUSE OF FOOLS
@ Underlying Themes, 110 S. Upper (above Buster’s, entrance next to Mia’s)
7pm, all ages, $5
Locals the Parlour Boys are an art house film with blockbuster ambitions. Together for less than a year, the group is preparing to thrust their first recording onto the scene. And, in a local scene that for the past half-dozen years has been defined by decidedly inward movements – art pop, neo-Dadaist noise, and psychedelic folk (all of which I’ve adored) – their self-released ep, built of three epic sing/dance-a-longs that thrive on scale, sticks out like a sore thumb. Like a sore thumb that makes you want to take a hammer to your own.
A young band, but not newbies – they spent several years in the early 00s dominating the local all ages scene as Summer Melts Faster, the Parlour Boys offer what’s possibly the grandest recording I’ve heard from a local artist. Polished and powerful, with circling staccato guitar figures that would make the Edge envious and bass and drum propulsion that could launch rockets, it’s 11 minutes of Anthemic (yes, capital ‘A’ anthemic) dance rock. Then, overtop the intensely rhythmic din, there’s Moody, the group’s vocalist, crooning and cooing multi-layered choruses, with lines like “ONE STOP/IT’S YOUR LAST CHANCE/LET IT OUT,” “WE COULD BE FREEEEEEEE AGAIN,” and “TONIGHT TONIGHT!/TONIGHT TONIGHT!” (all vague enough to allow you to apply them however you need/want), that have had me shouting along at my computer all day long.
This disc is one of those special records that gives you ‘the lift’- those buoyant swells of confidence and camaraderie, a record you rock over and over while cruising with your best dudes/chicks, certain that tonight is theeeeeee night – you can just FEEL it. It’s music that fills you with giddiness, the way jams made us skitter before we all entered our niche ghettos. This is music to get lost in while you’re shaking your ass and screaming along in a sea of people you don’t know.
And, someday, we’ll do just that. The P Boys are destined for larger stages, bigger sound systems, and perhaps bigger ponds, but for now they’re ours, and they’re determined to pull us all back together on the dancefloor. Go out poised for the full package of escapism – a sound that meets and exceeds even the recorded versions of the songs and energy and attitude that reminds you that independent music can be as entertaining as it is artful. Don’t be surprised to find yourself smiling and dancing.
For more info and some FREE music, check out www.parlourboys.com and myspace.com/parlourboysmusic. And, of course, the other bands on the bills have websites too – Moth (http://myspace.com/moth), The Merediths (http://myspace.com/themerediths), The Class of ’98 (http://myspace.com/theclassof98), Far Less (http://myspace.com/farless), House of Fools (http://myspace.com/houseoffools).
:: CANCELLED!!! :: Saturday, January 28 ::
THE DIALECTICS @ Triple Crown Lounge, 121 S. Limestone
10pm, ages 21+, $3
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Statement from The Dialectics - The January 28 show at Triple Crown Lounge has been cancelled due to the tragic death of Sallie Mckemie. Sallie died over the weekend. She is the 18 year old sister of Katie Mckemie, who is a close friend of The Dialectics and has sang with the band in the past. Our thoughts, prayers and love go out to the Mckemie family and to all who are grieving.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Yes, yet another worthwhile option for the 28th. The Dialectics continue to hone and expand their live band hip hop aesthetic. Their last Triple Crown Lounge gig introduced Lexington to Jai Hamilton, the group’s enchanting female mc/singer. This show they’ll debut a collaboration with the mysterious, bearded and bald Gaudi. For FREE sounds and a peek at Gaudi, check out http://www.myspace.com/antonigaudi and http://www.myspace.com/dialecticsbeats.
:: Monday, January 30 ::
Lexington Filmmaker Night @ The Dame
8pm, ages 21+, FREE (and, FREE popcorn)
The Dame revives their local filmmaker showcase. No word on what will be on the screen, but go out anyway and check out what your freaky neighbors do in their spare time. (No, I’m not implying that the event will include amateur porn.)
[AN UPDATE: The feature length movie will be "Can't Stop the Shine," a screening of Erin Wilson's documentary about Lewis the Shoeshiner.)
:: Also worthwhile in the January 18 - February 01 timeframe ::
Every Friday RAKADU GYPSY DANCE @ Nema’s Grille (Frankfort, KY) – all ages
Fri/Jan 20 G-FUNK @ The Dame
Sat/Jan 21 YELLOW BELTS w/CITY MOUSE @ The Dame
Wed/Jan 25 DUWAYNE BURNSIDE w/JIMBO MATHUS @ The Dame
Sat/Jan 28 CLAIRE LYNCH @ UK's Worsham Theater - all ages, sponsored by WRFL
Tues/Jan 31 DARK STAR ORCHESTRA @ The Dame
:: Soon Soon ::
Thur/Feb 2 FEIST w/JASON COLLETT @ Headliners (Louisville)
Sun/Feb 5 VANDERMARK 5 @ Underlying Themes, 110 S. Upper – all ages, outsidethespotlight.blogspot.com
Mon/Feb 6 SON VOLT w/SHANNON McNALLY@ The Dame
Tues/Feb 7 ANDREW BIRD featuring DOSH @ The Dame
Wed/Feb 8 THE GREENCARDS @ The Dame
Fri/Feb 10 ASYLUM STREET SPANKERS @ The Dame
Sat/Feb 11 THE BAD PLUS @ UK’s Memorial Hall – all ages
Sat/Feb 11 BOB POLLARD (ex-Guided By Voices) @ Southgate House (Newport, KY)
Sun/Feb 12 LEXIE MOUNTAIN w/SAND CATS (ex-Cex and Milemarker), WALTER CARSON, and ALL THEIR CHILDREN KNEW @ Bornmugged, 324 Preston Avenue - all ages
Fri/Feb 17 SIGUR ROS @ Palace Theatre (Louisville)
Sat/Feb 18 DJ CARLOS D (of Interpol) w/DJ KIT CHAPS (of VHS or Beta), and PARLOUR BOYS @ The Dame
Thurs/Feb 16 BR549 w/THE AVETT BROTHERS @ The Dame
Sat/Feb 18 THE SMACKS! w/MOTH and RICHARD JAMES & THE SPECIAL RIDERS @ High Life Lounge
Thurs/Feb 23 COLDPLAY w/FIONA APPLE @ Freedom Hall (Louisville)
Sat/Feb 25 Lexington’s 3rd annual Mardi Gras Jazz Parade through the streets downtown - led by NYC’s BURNT SUGAR! http://burntsugarindex.com
Sat/Feb 25 BURNT SUGAR (featuring members of Storm and Stress, ISWHAT?!, Sticks and Stones) @ The Dame
Sun/Feb 26 OF MONTREAL @ Southgate House (Newport, KY
Mon/Feb 27 EDITH FROST w/THE ZINCS @ The Dame
Tues/Feb 28 EDITH FROST w/THE ZINCS @ Headliners (Louisville)
Fri/Mar 3 MOGWAI @ The Dame
Fri/Mar 24 ERIN McKEOWN TRIO w/MELISSA FERRICK @ Southgate House (Newport, KY)
Tues/Apr 4 HALF HANDED CLOUD w/LIZ JANES + CREATE! @ Underlying Themes, 110 S. Upper – all ages
Thurs/Apr 13 DAVE REMPIS PERCUSSION QUARTET @ Underlying Themes – all ages, outsidethespotlight.blogspot.com
:: Pertinent resources ::
__Lexington__
THE DAME, 156 W.Main St, Lexingtonhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif - http://www.dameky.com
MECCA studio/gallery, 451 Chair Avenue, off S.Broadway near Bolivar - http://www.meccadance.com
UNDERLYING THEMES LOFT SPACE, 110 S. Upper (above Busters) – http://www.underlyingthemes.com
CHARLES MANSION - http://www.charlesmansion.orghttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif
NATASHA'S CAFE, 112 Esplanade - http://www.beetnik.com/
FAUNTLEROY’S CAFÉ, 640 W. Maxwell – ph. 859/455-8188
THE ICEHOUSE, 412 Cross St (off W.Maxwell), Lexington
DOWNTOWN ARTS CENTER, 141 E. Main St, Lexington – http://www.lexarts.org
ARTSPLACE, 161 N.Mill St, Lexington
LEXINGTONSHOWS.com (all ages show listings) -
ef="http://www.lexingtonshows.com">http://www.lexingtonshows.com
COUNTER FICTION (more all ages show listings) – http://www.counterfiction.com
CRICKET PRESS (amazing local poster art) - http://www.cricket-press.com
WRFL 88.1FM (UK's student-run radio station) - http://wrfl.uky.edu
YOU AIN’T NO PICASSO (great locally-produced music blog) – http://www.youaintnopicasoo.com
__Louisville__
LAVA (Louisville Assembly of Vanguard Artists) HOUSE - 927 Shelby Parkway, Louisville - http://www.lavahouse.org
HEADLINERS MUSIC HALL, Louisville - 1386 Lexington Road, ph. 502/584-8088 - www.headlinerslouisville.com
UNCLE PLEASANTS, 2126 S. Preston, Louisville - p.502/634-4147
THE RUDYARD KIPLING, 422 West Oak Street, Louisville -
http://www.therudyardkipling.com/pages/206999/index.htm
OLD LOUISVILLE COFFEHOUSE, 1489 S. Fourth St, Louisville - ph. 502/635-6660
PRODUCTION SIMPLE (produce many of the events at Headliners and Uncle Pleasants) – http://www.productionsimplehttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif.com)
__Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky__
THE SOUTHGATE HOUSE, Newport, KY - http://www.southgatehouse.com
ALCHEMIZE, 1122 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH – http://www.alchemizebar.com
THE COMET, 4579 Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH - http://www.cometbar.com
BOGART'S, 2621 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH - http://www.bogarts.com
THE MOCKBEE (formerly SS NOVA), 2260 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH - http://www.ssnova.org
NORTHSIDE TAVERN, 4163 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati, OH – http://www.northside-tavern.com
Know of an upcoming event that others should get hip to? Let us know - email informationactivists@yahoo.com
All Picks by Ross Compton unless otherwise noted.
:::::::::::::: QUESTIONS/COMMENTS/SUBMISSIONS ::::::::::::::::::::::::
email thelexingtonproject@yahoo.com
