Thursday, June 22, 2006
TLP June 22, 2006
Sorry for the day-late Lex Pro. Thanks to Nick Kidd, Greg Tilton, Chris Bush, and Samantha Herald for help with 'The Picks'. Look for Vanessa's "Basil Simple Syrup" recipe and hit us back with ideas for the best way to use it.
An up-front plug - Go out and see Cousin TONIGHT (Thurs/June 22) at the Dame. Good friends of mine making good music.
Hope all are well.
Ross
:::::::::::::::::::::::: Announcements :::::::::::::::::::::::::::
** Art at Alfalfa restaurant - Through the end of June - Cricket Press poster exhibit/Going up in July – Paintings by Larry Griggs and Stained Glassworks by Greg Abernathy
It’s not too late to catch the Cricket Press exhibit at Alfalfa, 141 E. Main St. The exhibit, which features an impressive collective of Brian and Sara Turner’s poster work, is up through the end of June. (You can sneak a peek of the posters online at http://www.cricket-press.com.) Following the Cricket Press exhibit will be an exhibit of Botanical Oil Paintings by Larry Griggs and Birds In Flight: Original Stained Glassworks by Greg Abernathy. For more info, call the restaurant at 253-0014.
** Fri/June 23 - Cousin – Live on WRFL!
Our friends from NYC, Cousin, will follow up their Thursday night performance at the Dame with a live performance and interview Friday between 2-4pm on WRFL 88.1FM. Expect jazzy sophisticate pop meets bluesy neo-soul. Check ‘em out at http://myspace.com/cousinmusic.
** Mon/June 26 – Sustainable Communities Network presents author David C. Korten
Monday, June 26th at 7pm at the downtown branch of the Lexington Public Library (140 E. Main – corner of Main and Limestone), the Sustainable Communities Network presents a lecture/dialogue with David C. Korten, the best-selling author of “When Corporations Rule The World,” “The Post-Corporate World: Life After Capitalism,” and “The Great Turning: Empire to Earth Community.” The event is FREE and open to the public of all ages. For information call 859/312-7024 or email jgembr0@cs.com. Supporting organizations: Sustainable Communities, Kentucky Solar Partnerships, Peace Action Committee, Kentucky Coalition for Comprehensive Immigration Reform, Appalachia - Science in the Public Interest, Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, NELI and others
** Sat/July 1 – Art Opening at Firebird Studio – “POST” – paintings by Clint Colburn and photography by Caitlin Phillips
An art opening involving a slew of Lex Pro friends. Saturday, July 1st at 7pm, Firebird Studio, 359 W. Short St, will debut “POST” featuring paintings by Clint Colburn and photography by Caitlin Phillips. The opening will include performances by psychedelic folkies Eyes and Arms of Smoke and experimental composer/percussionist Jordan Munson. The event is FREE. All ages are welcome.
** Upcoming In-Store Performances at CD Central
A couple upcoming in-store performances at CD Central. On Saturday, July 1st at 2pm, CD Central will host a FREE semi-acoustic performance by Indiana’s Murder By Death. It’ll be the band’s only Lexington appearance (they’re stopping by on their way to play at Headliners in Louisville). Check out the band at http://www.murderbydeath.com/ecard/index.html. Then, on Saturday, July 15th at 3pm, the shop will host Umbrella Tree from Nashville. All ages are welcome. Questions? Contact the store at 233-DISC (8472).
** Join Project Easy Access Lexington in the 4th of July Parade
Project Easy Access Lexington, begun last year by Latitude artist Belinda Sellers with a mission to make downtown accessible for all of us, including those of us who are considered to have a disability, invites everyone who has an interest in downtown accessibility to join them in the 4th of July parade. The plan is to meet between 11am and 12pm in the Third Street Stuff Coffee parking lot (near the corner of Third and Limestone Sts). The parade lineup begins at 1pm and the parade itself begins at 2. Anyone may participate, and for those who wish to decorate themselves, their wheelchairs, bicycles, strollers, etc., there will be non- toxic and washable paints, fabric, etc. available in the parking lot of Third Street Stuff Coffee. For more information contact Bruce Burris at latitudearts@yahoo.com or by phone at 859/806-0195. Sponsors: Project Easy Access Lexington, Latitude Artist Community, Building Bridges
** "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)" at Natasha’s Cafe
The Balagula Theatre presents "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged),” July 12-14, 16, and 19-21 at Natasha’s Café, 112 Esplanade. “The Complete Works…” is a "Python-esque" mixture of pratfalls, puns, willful misreading of dialogue, and absurd female impersonations, featuring both broad and subtle humor. Three actors condense a lifetime of the Bard's work into one evening, spoofing it and praising it at the same time -"3 actors/37 plays/1 dead playwright." This production by The Balagula Theatre embodies one of comedy's most essential impulses: the adolescent urge to take a sledgehammer to the culturally revered. If you're a fan of Shakespeare you'll like this show, if you hate Shakespeare you'll like this show. Tickets are $7. All ages are welcome. For more information, visit http://www.beetnik.com or ring the Café at 259-2754
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: RECIPE :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
So for the last coupla months or so I’ve been interested/obsessing with herbal liqueurs. Making them, not just drinking them. And I don’t really necessarily drink these sorts of things, being a bourbon kind of girl. BUT I ‘ve been growing herbs, thinking of good combinations, making other people think of good combinations (ummm… thanks to Rebecca and Amy for indulging my mania), but I haven’t really done anything yet. Except for this Basil Syrup that I made the other day. It’s non-alcoholic, but could be used as a base for some truly smashing cocktails, I’m sure of it. What I need you lovely folks to do is send me your ideas – with the best idea appearing in the Lex Pro. You might even win a small prize. Who knows?
Basil Simple Syrup:
3 c sugar
6 c water
2 handfuls fresh basil leaves (to be added after the syrup is cooked)
Combine sugar and water on medium-med-hi heat, simmering gently until the sugar is gone and the liquid reduces by almost half and gets, well, SYRUPY. Take off heat and throw in the basil. Let it sit 4-6 hours, or even overnight, like I did. Strain, and keep in refrig. You should end up with about 2 pints of the stuff.
(FYI: This syrup is also great for sweetening iced tea, coffee, lemonade, or just mix some with sparkling water.)
- VO
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: THE PICKS :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::: Thursday, June 22 through Wednesday, July 5 :::::::::::
TONIGHT! :: Thursday, June 22 ::
COUSIN opening for MARGOT & THE NUCLEAR SO AND SO’S @ The Dame
9pm, ages 21+, $5
Cousin plays a modern soul/blues rock style that few bands can capture. Each member of the trio has a distinctive sound that is never compromised for homogeneity, providing listeners with a textural quality both fresh and endearing. The guys have been playing together about two and a half years now, and they've chosen the stage over the living room as a practice space for their upcoming fall release. Aside to their performance at The Dame on Thursday night, you can catch them on WRFL 88.1FM on Friday between 2 and 4pm and at the Desdemona Festival in Cincinnati on Saturday. – Nick Kidd
[Ed. note: Don’t sleep on Margot & the blah-blah-blahs. The tunes on their MySpace site are pretty good. They’ve played here at least a couple times before, so you’re prolly all waaaaaaaaay ahead of me.]
Check out the FREE tunes at http://myspace.com/cousinmusic, http://myspace.com/margotandthenuclearsoandsos
:: Friday, June 23 ::
HANS-JOACHIM ROEDELIUS w/SPACECRAFT @ Mecca, 451 Chair Avenue (just off Broadway near Bolivar – look for the styley red door) - 8pm, all ages, $10
Hans-Joachim Roedelius is an electronic music pioneer. No really, he is. And he's coming to Lexington!? Huh? Obviously we're living in a cooler city than we ever could have imagine. A member of seminal krautrock/space-rock group Cluster, Roedelius, along with mainstay Dieter Moebius and early collaborater Conrad Schnitzler, carved out some of the most innovative soundscapes in the early 1970s. Part of a Berlin art/music scene that employed much collaboration, Roedelius' work was not limited to Cluster, and he often collaborated with members of such bands as Faust, Neu!, and CAN. Within Cluster, however, Roedelius and Moebius created something beautiful, interesting, and intensely original. The opening track to their classic LP Zuckerzeit features intertwining synth and electronic lines, ever-changing time signatures, and interesting tones. To say that the music is like nothing one has heard before is an understatement. Collaborations between Roedelius, Moebius and Brian Eno in the late 1970s and early 1980s are, perhaps, this fan's favorite work that Mr. Roedelius has been a part of. After the Heat is a hauntingly beautiful ambient album featuring three songs with vocals from Eno, and was recently released, along with the others, in a stylish remastered version available at most independent record stores. Don't be fooled; the collaborations are not overshadowed by Brian Eno, but are a sum of the three parts that he, Roedelius, and Moebius were able to create, and that creation is simply delicious. Many of you may not be familiar with Roedelius' work, but I encourage everyone to check him out at Mecca this Friday night, if only so one may witness the music of a pioneer and a genius. Those words, once again, are most certainly not used lightly. - Greg Tilton
:: Friday-Sunday, June 23-25 :: DESDEMONA FESTIVAL featuring ANNIE, GHOSTFACE KILLER, VHS OR BETA, COUSIN, RADIO 4, THE FIERY FURNACES, THE APPLES IN STEREO and many many more @ Waterfront Park (Cincinnati) – performances begin at 4pm daily with the final performance beginning at 10pm each night and an after-party each night at Alchemize, all ages welcome, $24 for a 3-day pass/$12 for a single day pass
The first of three killer festivals this summer within an hour and fifteen minute drive from Lexington (the second and third will come at the end of July – the Forecastle Festival in Louisville and Lite Brite Test in Newport, KY – stayed tuned for more on those). Just the artists listed above would be worth your attention, but there are tons more. Find the full schedule at http://myspace.com/desdemonafestival.
:: Sunday, June 25 ::
ZODIAC MOUNTAIN w/RELIGIOUS KNIVES and EYES AND ARMS OF SMOKE @ The Icehouse, 412 Cross St - 8pm, all ages, $5
I just embarked on a Google image search for Zodiac Mountain, a new collaborative effort from Wooden Wand and the Vanishing Voice leader… Wooden Wand, and Davenport Family front man Clay Ruby (is that his real name? it’s possible!)… anyways, all I found on my search were pictures of the Zodiac Mountain Bike… which we’re awesome in their own right, but not quite what I was looking for. Bummer...or was it? Anyways, so what’s the deal with Zodiac Mountain? Considering the vast territory that Wooden Wand has covered in all his past efforts and affiliations, it’s really anyone’s guess. It wouldn’t be too presumptuous to expect something in line with Wooden Wand’s recently reissued Harem of the Sundrum and the Witness Figg record (a strange blend of early American backwoods song writing and far eastern mysticism), but they could just drone out for an hour too, which would be great also. Whatever happens, it should be awesome. Religious Knives are a Brooklyn musical collective that’s been floating around the American noise underground for quite some time now. It’s various members are involved in various other projects including, but probably not limited to, the bands Double Leapords, White Rock, Mouthus, and the Heavy Tapes imprint. Expect thick walls of psych-awesomeness and a numb face. Lexington’s own Eyes and Arms of Smoke will start the night off by waking up the spirits with an ever expanding bag of tricks and songs; perhaps even debuting a new Eyes and Arms/ Religious Knives split 7”… so make sure you bring some extra bucks. Oh, and since it’s at the Icehouse, so... make sure to bring some extra beers too. I'll get you back, I promise. -Chris Bush
:: Monday, June 26 ::
THE LATE B.P. HELIUM w/THEE AMERICAN REVOLUTION @ The Dame
9pm, ages 21+, $5
The mere existence of Robert Schneider's new band, The American Revolution, is no secret. However, details about the band are being left intentionally vague. Through a series of dropped hints, their song "Subscription to Magazines" being featured on the Know Your Own vol. 2 compilation, and a deafening performance at the first of said comp's release parties, we've gotten a chance to put some of the pieces together. The band performs as a trio; however, whenever Robert refers to the band he lists only himself and his brother-in-law Craig Morris as members, but also points out that there is a separate mastermind at work, guiding the band in the direction of his choosing. As far as the music itself goes, it has been described as "super fuzzy lo-fi psych-pop", "retardo rock", and "acid rock". Think perhaps Deep Purple meets The Stooges meets (early) Pink Floyd. The music is very heavy and psychedelic and would be best accompanied by a fog machine and a liquid projector. While this is all true, Schneider and Morris are still pop masters, and these sensibilities come through even in their AR songs. The droning, distorted guitar lines never fail to fade long enough to hear a handclap or two and the songs contain excellent vocal melodies sung by Mr. Schneider himself. I assume eventually all of our AR questions will be answered; hopefully we will be rewarded (in pyrotechnics?) for all our patience and understanding.
The Late BP Helium is the moniker under which Brian Poole performs and records. It may seem as if a self-proclaimed acid rock band may not be the most logical choice to precede the pop-rock, kazoo wielding Late BP Helium but, in actuality, they're not far off from one another. B.P. has always been an experimental musician, manipulating and moving vocals around, not shying away from incorporating any type of instrument (no matter how un-pop they may be), and even perhaps including an unnerving chant into a track. Having played with Elf Power and Of Montreal, BP is also a connoisseur of delightful pop songs and is no stranger to the sweeter side of things, much like Schneider himself. Though, at times the volume may reach great heights on Monday evening, the sounds will be like a thunderous joy to your ears! Bring your earplugs and hands that clap.
– Samantha Herald
:: Thursday, June 29 ::
NEW AMERICAN WING @ Natasha’s Café, 112 Esplanade
9pm, all ages, $tba
A show that would fit well with the Outside the Spotlight series. New American Wing = NYC based trio of guitarist Daniel Raimi, trumpeter Peter Evans, and cellist Brent Arnold performing original compositions and arrangements that range in style from Impressionism to Americana, from freely improvised jazz to haunting country ballads. Recommended to fans of Charles Ives, modern composition.
:: Friday, June 30 ::
THE APPARITIONS w/THE SCOURGE OF THE SEA and THESE UNITED STATES @ The Dame
9pm, ages 21+, $5
OK, cop-out time … I like all these bands, but I never really know what to say about them. Mark Heidinger, one of my favorite people in the world, writes the songs for The Apparitions. The Scourge of the Sea is one of my favorite Lexington bands and they’re preparing to release their debut disc on Alias records. These United States is a Washington, D.C. meets Lexington collaboration that features Robby Cosenza and the aforementioned Mr. Heidinger. I told you I didn’t really know what to say ‘bout ‘em. Check out their websites – http://myspace.com/theapparitions, http://myspace.com/thescourgeofthesea, and http://myspace.com/theseunited - and if you know what to say, drop me a line and I’ll print it next time they play.
:: Monday, July 3 ::
DRAGONS 1976 @ Mecca, 451 Chair Avenue
two sets starting at 8pm, all ages, FREE!
Dragons 1976 = slinky, noir-ish jazz trio from Chicago (actually, I think the group’s saxophonist Aram Shelton may have relocated to the Bay Area) featuring members of the Vandermark 5 (drummer Tim Daisy), Triage (Daisy and bassist Jason Ajemian), and Mandarin Movie (Ajemian). The show is part of the Outside the Spotlight jazz and improvised music series sponsored by WRFL 88.1FM and the Lexington Action Arts Collective. If you’re familiar with OTS, you know the wide spectrum of sounds the series encompasses. Well, this show is solidly on the accessible, ‘straighter’ end of that spectrum. Recommended to fans of the Modern Jazz Quartet, James Bond soundtracks, Vandermark 5. {NOTE: The plan is to head downtown following the show for a full-on karaoke session with the Chicagoans at Mia's. Join us … yes?!}
[FULL DISCLOSURE: I helped organize this show.]
:: Tuesday, July 4 ::
CD Central presents “Independent Music On Independence Day” @ Phoenix Park, corner of Limestone and Main Sts - 9:45am through 5:30pm, all ages, FREE!
CD Central’s annual sponsorship of a stage in Phoenix Park is about the only reason I can think of to head downtown for the 4th of July celebration. Always fun with a bunch of great local bands. Bring water (or gin and tonic in a water bottle, if you prefer), seek shade or dangle your feet in the fountain, and enjoy the day. Oh, and show up early – one of my favorite local bands, the Oxford Farm Report, is playing EARLY (9:45am!). Here’s the full schedule:
Oxford Farm Report 9:45-10:45 am
Petticoat, Petticoat 11 am-12 noon
City Mouse 1:15-2 pm
{ break for the parade }
the Rudies 3:30-4:15 pm
the Yellowbelts 4:30-5:30 pm
:: Tuesday, July 4 ::
Cookout/Show - KARL BLAU w/BIRDDOG and YOUR HEART BREAKS @ The Icehouse, 412 Cross St - 5pm, all ages, donations for traveling bands
The Icehouse hosts a very chill cookout/show to fill the gap between the downtown festivities and the fireworks. The highlight of the show for me (and I like everyone who's playing) is the return of birddog (aka Bill Santen and friends). Can't wait - it's been much too long since Bill's played. I think, for this show, he'll be accompanied by a new drummer. The two out-of-towners, Karl Blau and Your Heart Breaks, are both members of the Pacific Northwest/K Records experimental pop family. You may not know Blau's name, but if you're a fan of the Microphones, Mirah, Laura Viers or about in other interesting artists in the Seattle/Olympia area, you've probably heard his playing and felt his influence. I recommend his solo-work to fans of the afforementioned Microphones and . Your Heart Breaks = female singer-songwriter pop along the lines of Mirah, the Blow, Laura Viers, or Tender Forever.
As for the grubbin', we'll handle the main course (prolly some meat and non-meat burgers and dogs). Everyone's invited to contribute a side dish or chips or cold beveragess. Come out! Come out! Come out!
FREE tunes - http://myspace.com/karlblau, http://myspace.com/yourheartbreaks
[FULL DISCLOSURE: I helped organize this show.]
:: Also worthwhile in the June 21 – July 5 timeframe ::
Every Friday RAKADU GYPSY DANCE @ Nema’s Grille (Frankfort) – meccadance.com
Every Sunday THE BLUEGRASS COLLECTIVE @ The Fishtank, corner of Euclid and Woodland – 9pm, no cover
Fri/June 23 THE BOTTLE ROCKETS w/BOBBY BARE JR @ The Dame
Sat/June 24 G-FUNK ALLSTARS @ The Dame
Sat/June 24 THE WALKMEN w/RICHARD SWIFT and INSTANT CAMERA @ Headliners (Louisville)
Sun/June 25 DAVID BAZAN (of Pedro the Lion) @ Southgate House (Newport, KY)
Tues/June 27 An evening with STEVERINO and LEE @ The Dame
Sat/July 1 MURDER BY DEATH in-store performance @ CD Central, 377 S. Limestone – 2pm, all ages, FREE
Sat/July 1 MURDER BY DEATH w/LUCERO @ Headliners (Louisville)
:: Soon Soon ::
Thurs/July 13 SIX ORGANS OF ADMITTANCE w/EYES AND ARMS OF SMOKE @ The Dame Fri/July 14 PUFFY AMIYUMI @ Bogart’s (Cincinnati)
Sat/July 15 VAMPIRE BELT (Chris Corsano and Bill Nace) w/EYES AND ARMS OF SMOKE and SPECTRE FOLK @ Mecca, 451 Chair Ave – all ages
Tues/July 18 DRESSY BESSY @ The Dame
Thurs/July 20 PETTICOAT, PETTICOAT w/NANA AND THE BOY NOISE and THE LOVE COATS @ The Dame
Tues/July 25 JENS LEKMAN w/FRIDA HYVONEN @ Southgate House (Newport, KY)
Fri+Sat/July 28-29 Forecastle Festival featuring THE APPLES IN STEREO and SLEATER-KINNEY @ The Mellwood Art Center (Louisville) – all ages, http://forecastlefest.com
Fri-Sun/July 28-30 Lite Brite Indie Pop and Film Test featuring DANIELSON (Friday), MISSION OF BURMA (Saturday), and CAMERA OBSCURA (Sunday) @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) - http://litebritetest.com
Fri/July 21 THE PHARCYDE @ The Dame
Sun/July 23 JOLIE HOLLAND w/SEAN HAYES @ The Dame – ages 18+
Thurs/Aug 10 DON CABALLERO @ Southgate House (Newport, KY)
Sat/Aug 12 FRANK BLACK @ The Dame
Tues/Aug 15 OF MONTREAL w/THE MINDERS @ Headliners (Louisville)
:: Pertinent resources ::
__Lexington__
THE DAME, 156 W.Main St, Lexington - http://www.dameky.com
MECCA dance 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.org
FIREBIRD STUDIO, 359 W. Short St – http://firebirdlexington.com
HIGH LIFE LOUNGE, University Plaza (corner of Woodland and Euclid) – ph. 859/455-8890
THE FISHTANK, corner of Woodland and Euclid Ave - http://www.thefishtankbar.com
NATASHA'S CAFE, 112 Esplanade - http://www.beetnik.com/
FAUNTLEROY’S CAFÉ, 640 W. Maxwell – ph. 859/455-8188 T
HE 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) - http://www.lexingtonshows.com
COUNTER FICTION (metal/punk/hardcore 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://wrfl881.org
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.productionsimple.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 ::::::::::::::::::::::::
mail thelexingtonproject@yahoo.com
An up-front plug - Go out and see Cousin TONIGHT (Thurs/June 22) at the Dame. Good friends of mine making good music.
Hope all are well.
Ross
:::::::::::::::::::::::: Announcements :::::::::::::::::::::::::::
** Art at Alfalfa restaurant - Through the end of June - Cricket Press poster exhibit/Going up in July – Paintings by Larry Griggs and Stained Glassworks by Greg Abernathy
It’s not too late to catch the Cricket Press exhibit at Alfalfa, 141 E. Main St. The exhibit, which features an impressive collective of Brian and Sara Turner’s poster work, is up through the end of June. (You can sneak a peek of the posters online at http://www.cricket-press.com.) Following the Cricket Press exhibit will be an exhibit of Botanical Oil Paintings by Larry Griggs and Birds In Flight: Original Stained Glassworks by Greg Abernathy. For more info, call the restaurant at 253-0014.
** Fri/June 23 - Cousin – Live on WRFL!
Our friends from NYC, Cousin, will follow up their Thursday night performance at the Dame with a live performance and interview Friday between 2-4pm on WRFL 88.1FM. Expect jazzy sophisticate pop meets bluesy neo-soul. Check ‘em out at http://myspace.com/cousinmusic.
** Mon/June 26 – Sustainable Communities Network presents author David C. Korten
Monday, June 26th at 7pm at the downtown branch of the Lexington Public Library (140 E. Main – corner of Main and Limestone), the Sustainable Communities Network presents a lecture/dialogue with David C. Korten, the best-selling author of “When Corporations Rule The World,” “The Post-Corporate World: Life After Capitalism,” and “The Great Turning: Empire to Earth Community.” The event is FREE and open to the public of all ages. For information call 859/312-7024 or email jgembr0@cs.com. Supporting organizations: Sustainable Communities, Kentucky Solar Partnerships, Peace Action Committee, Kentucky Coalition for Comprehensive Immigration Reform, Appalachia - Science in the Public Interest, Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, NELI and others
** Sat/July 1 – Art Opening at Firebird Studio – “POST” – paintings by Clint Colburn and photography by Caitlin Phillips
An art opening involving a slew of Lex Pro friends. Saturday, July 1st at 7pm, Firebird Studio, 359 W. Short St, will debut “POST” featuring paintings by Clint Colburn and photography by Caitlin Phillips. The opening will include performances by psychedelic folkies Eyes and Arms of Smoke and experimental composer/percussionist Jordan Munson. The event is FREE. All ages are welcome.
** Upcoming In-Store Performances at CD Central
A couple upcoming in-store performances at CD Central. On Saturday, July 1st at 2pm, CD Central will host a FREE semi-acoustic performance by Indiana’s Murder By Death. It’ll be the band’s only Lexington appearance (they’re stopping by on their way to play at Headliners in Louisville). Check out the band at http://www.murderbydeath.com/ecard/index.html. Then, on Saturday, July 15th at 3pm, the shop will host Umbrella Tree from Nashville. All ages are welcome. Questions? Contact the store at 233-DISC (8472).
** Join Project Easy Access Lexington in the 4th of July Parade
Project Easy Access Lexington, begun last year by Latitude artist Belinda Sellers with a mission to make downtown accessible for all of us, including those of us who are considered to have a disability, invites everyone who has an interest in downtown accessibility to join them in the 4th of July parade. The plan is to meet between 11am and 12pm in the Third Street Stuff Coffee parking lot (near the corner of Third and Limestone Sts). The parade lineup begins at 1pm and the parade itself begins at 2. Anyone may participate, and for those who wish to decorate themselves, their wheelchairs, bicycles, strollers, etc., there will be non- toxic and washable paints, fabric, etc. available in the parking lot of Third Street Stuff Coffee. For more information contact Bruce Burris at latitudearts@yahoo.com or by phone at 859/806-0195. Sponsors: Project Easy Access Lexington, Latitude Artist Community, Building Bridges
** "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)" at Natasha’s Cafe
The Balagula Theatre presents "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged),” July 12-14, 16, and 19-21 at Natasha’s Café, 112 Esplanade. “The Complete Works…” is a "Python-esque" mixture of pratfalls, puns, willful misreading of dialogue, and absurd female impersonations, featuring both broad and subtle humor. Three actors condense a lifetime of the Bard's work into one evening, spoofing it and praising it at the same time -"3 actors/37 plays/1 dead playwright." This production by The Balagula Theatre embodies one of comedy's most essential impulses: the adolescent urge to take a sledgehammer to the culturally revered. If you're a fan of Shakespeare you'll like this show, if you hate Shakespeare you'll like this show. Tickets are $7. All ages are welcome. For more information, visit http://www.beetnik.com or ring the Café at 259-2754
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: RECIPE :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
So for the last coupla months or so I’ve been interested/obsessing with herbal liqueurs. Making them, not just drinking them. And I don’t really necessarily drink these sorts of things, being a bourbon kind of girl. BUT I ‘ve been growing herbs, thinking of good combinations, making other people think of good combinations (ummm… thanks to Rebecca and Amy for indulging my mania), but I haven’t really done anything yet. Except for this Basil Syrup that I made the other day. It’s non-alcoholic, but could be used as a base for some truly smashing cocktails, I’m sure of it. What I need you lovely folks to do is send me your ideas – with the best idea appearing in the Lex Pro. You might even win a small prize. Who knows?
Basil Simple Syrup:
3 c sugar
6 c water
2 handfuls fresh basil leaves (to be added after the syrup is cooked)
Combine sugar and water on medium-med-hi heat, simmering gently until the sugar is gone and the liquid reduces by almost half and gets, well, SYRUPY. Take off heat and throw in the basil. Let it sit 4-6 hours, or even overnight, like I did. Strain, and keep in refrig. You should end up with about 2 pints of the stuff.
(FYI: This syrup is also great for sweetening iced tea, coffee, lemonade, or just mix some with sparkling water.)
- VO
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: THE PICKS :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::: Thursday, June 22 through Wednesday, July 5 :::::::::::
TONIGHT! :: Thursday, June 22 ::
COUSIN opening for MARGOT & THE NUCLEAR SO AND SO’S @ The Dame
9pm, ages 21+, $5
Cousin plays a modern soul/blues rock style that few bands can capture. Each member of the trio has a distinctive sound that is never compromised for homogeneity, providing listeners with a textural quality both fresh and endearing. The guys have been playing together about two and a half years now, and they've chosen the stage over the living room as a practice space for their upcoming fall release. Aside to their performance at The Dame on Thursday night, you can catch them on WRFL 88.1FM on Friday between 2 and 4pm and at the Desdemona Festival in Cincinnati on Saturday. – Nick Kidd
[Ed. note: Don’t sleep on Margot & the blah-blah-blahs. The tunes on their MySpace site are pretty good. They’ve played here at least a couple times before, so you’re prolly all waaaaaaaaay ahead of me.]
Check out the FREE tunes at http://myspace.com/cousinmusic, http://myspace.com/margotandthenuclearsoandsos
:: Friday, June 23 ::
HANS-JOACHIM ROEDELIUS w/SPACECRAFT @ Mecca, 451 Chair Avenue (just off Broadway near Bolivar – look for the styley red door) - 8pm, all ages, $10
Hans-Joachim Roedelius is an electronic music pioneer. No really, he is. And he's coming to Lexington!? Huh? Obviously we're living in a cooler city than we ever could have imagine. A member of seminal krautrock/space-rock group Cluster, Roedelius, along with mainstay Dieter Moebius and early collaborater Conrad Schnitzler, carved out some of the most innovative soundscapes in the early 1970s. Part of a Berlin art/music scene that employed much collaboration, Roedelius' work was not limited to Cluster, and he often collaborated with members of such bands as Faust, Neu!, and CAN. Within Cluster, however, Roedelius and Moebius created something beautiful, interesting, and intensely original. The opening track to their classic LP Zuckerzeit features intertwining synth and electronic lines, ever-changing time signatures, and interesting tones. To say that the music is like nothing one has heard before is an understatement. Collaborations between Roedelius, Moebius and Brian Eno in the late 1970s and early 1980s are, perhaps, this fan's favorite work that Mr. Roedelius has been a part of. After the Heat is a hauntingly beautiful ambient album featuring three songs with vocals from Eno, and was recently released, along with the others, in a stylish remastered version available at most independent record stores. Don't be fooled; the collaborations are not overshadowed by Brian Eno, but are a sum of the three parts that he, Roedelius, and Moebius were able to create, and that creation is simply delicious. Many of you may not be familiar with Roedelius' work, but I encourage everyone to check him out at Mecca this Friday night, if only so one may witness the music of a pioneer and a genius. Those words, once again, are most certainly not used lightly. - Greg Tilton
:: Friday-Sunday, June 23-25 :: DESDEMONA FESTIVAL featuring ANNIE, GHOSTFACE KILLER, VHS OR BETA, COUSIN, RADIO 4, THE FIERY FURNACES, THE APPLES IN STEREO and many many more @ Waterfront Park (Cincinnati) – performances begin at 4pm daily with the final performance beginning at 10pm each night and an after-party each night at Alchemize, all ages welcome, $24 for a 3-day pass/$12 for a single day pass
The first of three killer festivals this summer within an hour and fifteen minute drive from Lexington (the second and third will come at the end of July – the Forecastle Festival in Louisville and Lite Brite Test in Newport, KY – stayed tuned for more on those). Just the artists listed above would be worth your attention, but there are tons more. Find the full schedule at http://myspace.com/desdemonafestival.
:: Sunday, June 25 ::
ZODIAC MOUNTAIN w/RELIGIOUS KNIVES and EYES AND ARMS OF SMOKE @ The Icehouse, 412 Cross St - 8pm, all ages, $5
I just embarked on a Google image search for Zodiac Mountain, a new collaborative effort from Wooden Wand and the Vanishing Voice leader… Wooden Wand, and Davenport Family front man Clay Ruby (is that his real name? it’s possible!)… anyways, all I found on my search were pictures of the Zodiac Mountain Bike… which we’re awesome in their own right, but not quite what I was looking for. Bummer...or was it? Anyways, so what’s the deal with Zodiac Mountain? Considering the vast territory that Wooden Wand has covered in all his past efforts and affiliations, it’s really anyone’s guess. It wouldn’t be too presumptuous to expect something in line with Wooden Wand’s recently reissued Harem of the Sundrum and the Witness Figg record (a strange blend of early American backwoods song writing and far eastern mysticism), but they could just drone out for an hour too, which would be great also. Whatever happens, it should be awesome. Religious Knives are a Brooklyn musical collective that’s been floating around the American noise underground for quite some time now. It’s various members are involved in various other projects including, but probably not limited to, the bands Double Leapords, White Rock, Mouthus, and the Heavy Tapes imprint. Expect thick walls of psych-awesomeness and a numb face. Lexington’s own Eyes and Arms of Smoke will start the night off by waking up the spirits with an ever expanding bag of tricks and songs; perhaps even debuting a new Eyes and Arms/ Religious Knives split 7”… so make sure you bring some extra bucks. Oh, and since it’s at the Icehouse, so... make sure to bring some extra beers too. I'll get you back, I promise. -Chris Bush
:: Monday, June 26 ::
THE LATE B.P. HELIUM w/THEE AMERICAN REVOLUTION @ The Dame
9pm, ages 21+, $5
The mere existence of Robert Schneider's new band, The American Revolution, is no secret. However, details about the band are being left intentionally vague. Through a series of dropped hints, their song "Subscription to Magazines" being featured on the Know Your Own vol. 2 compilation, and a deafening performance at the first of said comp's release parties, we've gotten a chance to put some of the pieces together. The band performs as a trio; however, whenever Robert refers to the band he lists only himself and his brother-in-law Craig Morris as members, but also points out that there is a separate mastermind at work, guiding the band in the direction of his choosing. As far as the music itself goes, it has been described as "super fuzzy lo-fi psych-pop", "retardo rock", and "acid rock". Think perhaps Deep Purple meets The Stooges meets (early) Pink Floyd. The music is very heavy and psychedelic and would be best accompanied by a fog machine and a liquid projector. While this is all true, Schneider and Morris are still pop masters, and these sensibilities come through even in their AR songs. The droning, distorted guitar lines never fail to fade long enough to hear a handclap or two and the songs contain excellent vocal melodies sung by Mr. Schneider himself. I assume eventually all of our AR questions will be answered; hopefully we will be rewarded (in pyrotechnics?) for all our patience and understanding.
The Late BP Helium is the moniker under which Brian Poole performs and records. It may seem as if a self-proclaimed acid rock band may not be the most logical choice to precede the pop-rock, kazoo wielding Late BP Helium but, in actuality, they're not far off from one another. B.P. has always been an experimental musician, manipulating and moving vocals around, not shying away from incorporating any type of instrument (no matter how un-pop they may be), and even perhaps including an unnerving chant into a track. Having played with Elf Power and Of Montreal, BP is also a connoisseur of delightful pop songs and is no stranger to the sweeter side of things, much like Schneider himself. Though, at times the volume may reach great heights on Monday evening, the sounds will be like a thunderous joy to your ears! Bring your earplugs and hands that clap.
– Samantha Herald
:: Thursday, June 29 ::
NEW AMERICAN WING @ Natasha’s Café, 112 Esplanade
9pm, all ages, $tba
A show that would fit well with the Outside the Spotlight series. New American Wing = NYC based trio of guitarist Daniel Raimi, trumpeter Peter Evans, and cellist Brent Arnold performing original compositions and arrangements that range in style from Impressionism to Americana, from freely improvised jazz to haunting country ballads. Recommended to fans of Charles Ives, modern composition.
:: Friday, June 30 ::
THE APPARITIONS w/THE SCOURGE OF THE SEA and THESE UNITED STATES @ The Dame
9pm, ages 21+, $5
OK, cop-out time … I like all these bands, but I never really know what to say about them. Mark Heidinger, one of my favorite people in the world, writes the songs for The Apparitions. The Scourge of the Sea is one of my favorite Lexington bands and they’re preparing to release their debut disc on Alias records. These United States is a Washington, D.C. meets Lexington collaboration that features Robby Cosenza and the aforementioned Mr. Heidinger. I told you I didn’t really know what to say ‘bout ‘em. Check out their websites – http://myspace.com/theapparitions, http://myspace.com/thescourgeofthesea, and http://myspace.com/theseunited - and if you know what to say, drop me a line and I’ll print it next time they play.
:: Monday, July 3 ::
DRAGONS 1976 @ Mecca, 451 Chair Avenue
two sets starting at 8pm, all ages, FREE!
Dragons 1976 = slinky, noir-ish jazz trio from Chicago (actually, I think the group’s saxophonist Aram Shelton may have relocated to the Bay Area) featuring members of the Vandermark 5 (drummer Tim Daisy), Triage (Daisy and bassist Jason Ajemian), and Mandarin Movie (Ajemian). The show is part of the Outside the Spotlight jazz and improvised music series sponsored by WRFL 88.1FM and the Lexington Action Arts Collective. If you’re familiar with OTS, you know the wide spectrum of sounds the series encompasses. Well, this show is solidly on the accessible, ‘straighter’ end of that spectrum. Recommended to fans of the Modern Jazz Quartet, James Bond soundtracks, Vandermark 5. {NOTE: The plan is to head downtown following the show for a full-on karaoke session with the Chicagoans at Mia's. Join us … yes?!}
[FULL DISCLOSURE: I helped organize this show.]
:: Tuesday, July 4 ::
CD Central presents “Independent Music On Independence Day” @ Phoenix Park, corner of Limestone and Main Sts - 9:45am through 5:30pm, all ages, FREE!
CD Central’s annual sponsorship of a stage in Phoenix Park is about the only reason I can think of to head downtown for the 4th of July celebration. Always fun with a bunch of great local bands. Bring water (or gin and tonic in a water bottle, if you prefer), seek shade or dangle your feet in the fountain, and enjoy the day. Oh, and show up early – one of my favorite local bands, the Oxford Farm Report, is playing EARLY (9:45am!). Here’s the full schedule:
Oxford Farm Report 9:45-10:45 am
Petticoat, Petticoat 11 am-12 noon
City Mouse 1:15-2 pm
{ break for the parade }
the Rudies 3:30-4:15 pm
the Yellowbelts 4:30-5:30 pm
:: Tuesday, July 4 ::
Cookout/Show - KARL BLAU w/BIRDDOG and YOUR HEART BREAKS @ The Icehouse, 412 Cross St - 5pm, all ages, donations for traveling bands
The Icehouse hosts a very chill cookout/show to fill the gap between the downtown festivities and the fireworks. The highlight of the show for me (and I like everyone who's playing) is the return of birddog (aka Bill Santen and friends). Can't wait - it's been much too long since Bill's played. I think, for this show, he'll be accompanied by a new drummer. The two out-of-towners, Karl Blau and Your Heart Breaks, are both members of the Pacific Northwest/K Records experimental pop family. You may not know Blau's name, but if you're a fan of the Microphones, Mirah, Laura Viers or about in other interesting artists in the Seattle/Olympia area, you've probably heard his playing and felt his influence. I recommend his solo-work to fans of the afforementioned Microphones and . Your Heart Breaks = female singer-songwriter pop along the lines of Mirah, the Blow, Laura Viers, or Tender Forever.
As for the grubbin', we'll handle the main course (prolly some meat and non-meat burgers and dogs). Everyone's invited to contribute a side dish or chips or cold beveragess. Come out! Come out! Come out!
FREE tunes - http://myspace.com/karlblau, http://myspace.com/yourheartbreaks
[FULL DISCLOSURE: I helped organize this show.]
:: Also worthwhile in the June 21 – July 5 timeframe ::
Every Friday RAKADU GYPSY DANCE @ Nema’s Grille (Frankfort) – meccadance.com
Every Sunday THE BLUEGRASS COLLECTIVE @ The Fishtank, corner of Euclid and Woodland – 9pm, no cover
Fri/June 23 THE BOTTLE ROCKETS w/BOBBY BARE JR @ The Dame
Sat/June 24 G-FUNK ALLSTARS @ The Dame
Sat/June 24 THE WALKMEN w/RICHARD SWIFT and INSTANT CAMERA @ Headliners (Louisville)
Sun/June 25 DAVID BAZAN (of Pedro the Lion) @ Southgate House (Newport, KY)
Tues/June 27 An evening with STEVERINO and LEE @ The Dame
Sat/July 1 MURDER BY DEATH in-store performance @ CD Central, 377 S. Limestone – 2pm, all ages, FREE
Sat/July 1 MURDER BY DEATH w/LUCERO @ Headliners (Louisville)
:: Soon Soon ::
Thurs/July 13 SIX ORGANS OF ADMITTANCE w/EYES AND ARMS OF SMOKE @ The Dame Fri/July 14 PUFFY AMIYUMI @ Bogart’s (Cincinnati)
Sat/July 15 VAMPIRE BELT (Chris Corsano and Bill Nace) w/EYES AND ARMS OF SMOKE and SPECTRE FOLK @ Mecca, 451 Chair Ave – all ages
Tues/July 18 DRESSY BESSY @ The Dame
Thurs/July 20 PETTICOAT, PETTICOAT w/NANA AND THE BOY NOISE and THE LOVE COATS @ The Dame
Tues/July 25 JENS LEKMAN w/FRIDA HYVONEN @ Southgate House (Newport, KY)
Fri+Sat/July 28-29 Forecastle Festival featuring THE APPLES IN STEREO and SLEATER-KINNEY @ The Mellwood Art Center (Louisville) – all ages, http://forecastlefest.com
Fri-Sun/July 28-30 Lite Brite Indie Pop and Film Test featuring DANIELSON (Friday), MISSION OF BURMA (Saturday), and CAMERA OBSCURA (Sunday) @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) - http://litebritetest.com
Fri/July 21 THE PHARCYDE @ The Dame
Sun/July 23 JOLIE HOLLAND w/SEAN HAYES @ The Dame – ages 18+
Thurs/Aug 10 DON CABALLERO @ Southgate House (Newport, KY)
Sat/Aug 12 FRANK BLACK @ The Dame
Tues/Aug 15 OF MONTREAL w/THE MINDERS @ Headliners (Louisville)
:: Pertinent resources ::
__Lexington__
THE DAME, 156 W.Main St, Lexington - http://www.dameky.com
MECCA dance 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.org
FIREBIRD STUDIO, 359 W. Short St – http://firebirdlexington.com
HIGH LIFE LOUNGE, University Plaza (corner of Woodland and Euclid) – ph. 859/455-8890
THE FISHTANK, corner of Woodland and Euclid Ave - http://www.thefishtankbar.com
NATASHA'S CAFE, 112 Esplanade - http://www.beetnik.com/
FAUNTLEROY’S CAFÉ, 640 W. Maxwell – ph. 859/455-8188 T
HE 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) - http://www.lexingtonshows.com
COUNTER FICTION (metal/punk/hardcore 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://wrfl881.org
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.productionsimple.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.
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