Wednesday, July 19, 2006
TLP July 19, 2006
Hey friends,
Your bi-weekly dose of community announcements, recipes, and entertainment picks plus Eli Riveire’s interview with Forecastle Fest organizer JK McKnight. Thanks to the Secret Asian Man, Brian Connors Manke, Eli Riveire, and Trevor Tremaine for their contributions to the Picks. Hope you enjoy it.
Ross
:::::::::::::::::::::::: Announcements :::::::::::::::::::::::::::
** Zine Library
Our friends Shanna Sanders and Patrick Smith have started a zine library that will be housed in UK’s King library starting sometime next semester. The focus of the collection are zines produced in or related to the Southern United States and/or ones with an environmental focus (bikes, global warming, building sustainable communities, vegetarian/veganism, etc). If you have any Southern or environmental zines you'd be willing to donate to the cause, drop Shanna or Patrick a note at shanna.sanders@gmail.com or johnpatricksmith@gmail.com.
** TONIGHT through Fri/July 21 - "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)" at Natasha’s Cafe
You’ve still got time to catch the Balagula Theatre’s production of "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)” at Natasha’s Café (112 Esplanade – across Main from the Kentucky Theatre). The show will run this TONIGHT through Friday (July 19-21). “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
** Sat/July 22 – FREE in-store performance by Lylas at CD Central, 2pm
Saturday, July 22, CD Central (377 S. Limestone) will host a FREE in-store performance by Nashville’s Lylas. Recommended to fans of Belle & Sebastian, Bright Eyes and Clem Snide. The performance will begin at 2pm. For more information, call the store at 233-8472.
Here are two fuller descriptions of the band …
In the band's own words: "A fellow named Kyle Hamlett writes the songs which are of an intricately crafted nature. The lyrics have themes ranging from Wes Anderson-esque slumber parties to Ray Davies-esque shimmering summertime tragedies. The music is orchestrated around Hamlett's unique fingerstyle guitar plucking with a variety of instruments so as to not overwhelm the listener with similar tones in song after song. Some of the tools employed to achieve this end are the pedal steel guitar, the theremin, the glockenspiel, the banjo, the cello, the accordion, and lush background vocals."
In the words of SPIN.COM: "Hamlett writes fragile, melodic pop songs and sings them in a voice that's just decibels above a whisper. And while he's probably the only guy that Conor Oberst could beat at arm wrestling, Hamlett would be a formidable challenger in any songwriting contest. The songs on Lylas' debut Lessons for Lovers are melodic and well-crafted, built around warm harmonies and clever chord changes. Lessons has the distinct feel of a concept record, but you'll probably have trouble picking out the theme from the lyrics (it's either Siamese twins or sweaters). This is mostly beside the point though, as the 16 tracks all feel as though they belong together. Credit Lylas' inventive arrangements: Songs begin on acoustic guitar, then swell into pocket symphonies, typically before the first chorus. The band augments the traditional rock'n'roll hardware with banjos, pedal steel, theremin, and glockenspiel, making their best moments sound like Brian Wilson on an austerity budget.
** Sat&Sun/July 29&30 – Auction for Life: A benefit for UK art professor Ross Zirkle @ Wingspan Gallery
Wingspan Gallery will host a silent “Auction for Life” benefiting UK Art Professor Ross Zirkle Saturday, July 29 and Sunday, July 30, 2006, from 2 to 6 pm. The auction will feature artworks donated by local, national and international artists. Zirkle was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. All proceeds from the auction will be put toward his medical expenses. Wingspan Gallery is located at 191 Jefferson St (at the intersection of Jefferson and Second Sts). For more information, contact Derrick Riley at 859/608-4382 or drockpress@hotmail.com. [If you are interested in contributing a piece of art to the auction, drop-off days for donated artwork at Wingspan Gallery will be Monday, July 24 through Wednesday, July 26, 2006. Wingspan requests donating artists call ahead to arrange a drop-off.]
** Through August 2 - "The World On A String" – a celebration of international puppetry
"The World On A String," LexArts’ month-long celebration of international puppetry, continues through August 2nd at the Downtown Arts Center, 141 E. Main, between Alfalfa Restaurant and Ann Tower Gallery. Upcoming performances include:
• TONIGHT! July 19 - Doug Berky, a master of movement theater from Indianapolis, presenting Gems. Using puppets, mime, drama, comedy, music and storytelling, Doug will share stories from around the world. This afternoon’s performance will begin at 4pm.
• Wednesday, July 26 - Vit Horejs of Czechoslovak-American Marionette Theatre, performing Czech and Slovak Tales. The world-renowned puppeteer uses century-old, 24-inch marionettes that are beloved in the old country. Performances are at 10am. and 7pm. The evening performance will be geared for adults and children.
• Wednesday, August 2 - Atlanta Puppet returns with the International Show. Hand-carved puppets from different cultures will provide insight into the world of puppetry and broaden your worldview. Performances are at 10am and 4pm.
Tickets for all performances are $8 and are available by calling the LexArts Box Office at 859/225-0370.
** July 22 & 23 - Free Capoeria Workshops for Children at the Explorium
Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23, our friends from Firebird Studio will be hosting a set of free and informal workshops in Capoeira for children and their families at 1pm at the Explorium of Lexington (formerly the Lexington Children’s Museum). The workshops will include a capoeira performance of Brazilian music and dance followed by the teaching of basic dance movements. Participants will also learn some capoeira songs and get a chance to play the instruments. This event is free and “open to anyone that interested in trying something fun and exciting.” For more information, visit http://www.firebirdlexington.com.
** Coming Up! August 5 – Home at Last’s “Animal Jam!” at Unitarian Universalist Church
Home at Last presents “Animal Jam,” a fun, festive, and FREE, musical jamboree designed to bring friends and families together to celebrate compassion, promote kindness to animals, and support the programs of the Home at Last Animal Sanctuary, Saturday, August 5th from 11am to 4pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Lexington on Clays Mill Rd. The event will feature musical performances by Heidi Howe, Jennifer Hart and friends, Mike Bratcher and friends, and The Swells, “hands on activities” by the Children’s Music Workshop, citizensCREATE!, and The Living Arts & Science Center, as well as a silent auction, raffles, and more.
Home at Last, accredited by the American Sanctuary Association, provides care for both farmed and companion animals, and includes a separate wildlife refuge. Home at Last is a “for-life” sanctuary emphasizing the concept of compassion and offering exceptional quality of life for many formerly abandoned or abused animals. Programs include rescue, adoption, education outreach, low-income spay/neuter assistance, and feral trap-neuter-return.
Their message is simple: Compassion for ALL species
For more information, visit Home at Last online at http://www.homeatlastanimals.org.
** Vegan project
A second heads-up about the vegan project that our friends Eli Riveire and Nick Warner are working on …
hey everyone, nick warner and i are working on a project related to veganism and we need YOUR help! are you a vegan? are you thinking about going vegan? do you know a vegan who might want to help out? it won't be hard or time-consuming, we just want to talk to you about your experiences with veganism. we can talk over email, the phone, at third street stuff, or whatever works best for you. if this sounds like you, shoot me an email at riveire@gmail.com, or nick at nickwarner@gmail.com, and we'll set something up. thank you thank you, eli riveire
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: RECIPE :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A couple issues ago Vanessa put out the call for ideas on how to use her ‘Basil Simple Syrup’ recipe. Here are a few drinks suggestions we received from Teresa Tomb:
* The Basil Rathbone Mojito
over tall glass filled with ice add:
crushed fresh mint
pour on top of that- light rum
add a splash of basil syrup
add a quick splash of Stewart's Ginger Beer
top it all off with Club Soda
* Watermelon/Basil Martini
2 parts vodka or your favorite white liquor
1 part juiced watermelon
dash of dry vermouth
basil syrup to taste
all poured over ice and strained into glass. garnish a basil leaf
* Basil Mimosa (not sure bout this one, but why not)
champagne
add basil syrup to taste
option 1-
if above recipe too funky, add some orange juice to the mix
option 2-
add pomengranate juice to the basil mimosa (i think this one would be really good)
oh, and why not try a ...
* Basil Julep
- bourbon wants to play this game too, ya know.
replace the mint part of mint julep with the basil syrup....
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: THE PICKS :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::: Wednesday, July 19 through Wednesday, August 2 :::::::::::
:: Thursday, July 20 ::
PALEO w/THESE UNITED STATES and JASON ZAVALA @ The Icehouse, 412 Cross St – just off W. Maxwell
9pm, all ages, $5
PALEO = quirky, Dylan-inspired singer-songwriter stuff from the Pacific Northwest that falls somewhere in between the Bright Eyes and Devendra Banhart camps. THESE UNITED STATES = literate pop from D.C. (backed by a couple members of the Apparitions - Robby Cosenza and Mark Heidinger). And, last but not least ... JASON ZAVALA of the Elephants will open the show with a solo set of his epic pop melodies. Check out http://myspace.com/paleo, http://myspace.com/theseunited, and http://myspace.com/theelephants for FREE sounds.
:: Friday, July 21 ::
THE PHARCYDE w/4OVAKIND and SCRIBBLING IDIOTS @ The Dame
9pm, ages 21+, $12 adv/$15 at the door
Alright, everyone knows that the Pharcyde is playing at the Damn on Friday, but that's not why you should come out. You got to come early and check out the opening act, Scribbling Idiots. The Idiots are comprised of 5 mc's- JustMe,Cas Metah, Mouf, Wonder Brown, Theory Hazit, and one scratching fool of a d.j.- E.F. Cuttin. This crew from Ohio/Kentucky take you back to the Golden Era of Hip-Hop, the 90's for those of you that don't know. Each Emcee has his own unique delivery, there is no rip off job here, also they aren't afraid to make you think either, songs ranging from personal testimonials too rocking the crowd for the love of the culture. If I could compare these cats to anyone I would, but the thing is they don't sound or remind me of anyone else, which is how Hip-Hop should still be, there is only one other group I can say that about and that is Kentucky's own CunninLynguists. This is some real boom-bap shit, and if you don't know what that means come check out the show and become enlightened to the culture. - The Secret Asian Man
http://www.scribblingidiots.com
:: Saturday, July 22 ::
THE JOSH MARCUS QUARTET @ Firebird Studio, 359 W. Short St (near Broadway)
8pm, all ages, FREE
A FREE (of cost, not structure) set of jazz from the young Josh Marcus Quartet (featuring our friend Reese Richardson on guitar). Recommended to fans of Thelonious Monk, John Scofield, Wayne Shorter, Medeski Martin & Wood. Check ‘em out ahead of time at http://myspace.com/joshmarcusquartet (or for longer jams go to http://pleez.bounceme.net/jm4/index.php?f=music).
:: Sunday, July 23 ::
JOLIE HOLLAND w/SEAN HAYES @ The Dame
7pm, ages 18+, $10
Jolie Holland’s new album Springtime Can Kill You aptly references the season of rebirth and the way it can awaken the senses. Smell the blossoming flowers, hear the bird “rip the world apart and sew it back again with his fiery melody,” feel the mighty sun as she returns to her glory.
The title track also warns the listener to “get out of your house,” so the weight of this powerful time of year doesn’t do you in.
I took this advice to heart and went to the UK Arboretum for some inspiration. As an aside, the place has come along wonderfully over the past couple of years and has endless potential as a public green space.
Had a wonderful conversation about Holland’s music with the roses in the vast garden. Each rose plant is labeled with its species name, and so many had something to say about Holland’s art. Her songs can certainly Flutterbye with Rural Rhythms of Allure and Radiance, but she also possesses the ability to crush Pipe Dreams with her Mystic voice All Ablaze in a Moody Dream that can Cascade into the Quietness. A Pioneer Spirit, with a Rembrandt touch – she has put her unique Signature on modern music.
One species was curiously named Jude The Obscure - sounds like a song not yet sung.
Deep, passionate reds and purples, airy whites and yellows, the wicked thorns, the patterns – both perfect and imperfect – conjured up some moment of a song, whether it’s a note she inexplicably bends or the jazz drumming skipping alongside.
Then I walked a little further to the peculiar looking Bottle Tree.
Had seen it there before and thought it looked cool, but now it has a plaque explaining it.
It comes from an ancient African tradition traced to 9th century Congo. People hung hand-blown glass bottles on branches to ward off evil spirits. Stripped of foliage, cedar was typically used because the branches point to the heavens.
According to the legend, the bottles attract evil spirits, which are drawn to the bursts of sunlit color. The spirits then become trapped inside the bottles - their voices heard moaning as the wind passes by.
This tree is a Jolie Holland song – all of it – the strange beauty, the mixing of elements, the nod to the past. I think tomorrow I’d like to come back and lay underneath it, while listening to Springtime Can Kill You. Maybe take a picture when the morning sun clips the bottle just right, and the glare attracts a spirit or two.
Now, if only Holland’s upcoming show were beneath the Bottle Tree, or amidst the rows of blooming roses – sensory bliss.
-Brian Connors Manke
Note: Jolie will perform Monday, July 24 at The Kentucky Theatre for Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour. For more information, visit http://www.jolieholland.com.
:: Sunday, July 23 ::
WARMER MILKS w/CAVES, CHRIS BUSH, and WALTER CARSON
@ The Frowny Bear, 208 Forest Park - 9pm, all ages, FREE
An all-star lineup of Lextown weirdos come together to welcome the Milks home from their two week grind out west. Go to the Bear!
:: Tuesday, July 25 ::
JENS LEKMAN w/FRIDA HYVONEN @ Southgate House (Newport, KY)
doors 8:30pm, show 8pm, ages 18+, $8 advance/$10 at the door
Oh praise the Nordic gods!! Jens Lekman has returned to the states once again to spread the merriment of his music, backed by a gang of swedish ladies. And thank god - he's letting Kentucky in on the act this time around. Jens Lekman plays sweet, honest, and usually pretty catchy indie pop with attitude. He sings about eating vegan pancakes with a girl he met at an anti-war demonstration, wanting to buy someone a wedding ring, word interpretation mistakes, cherry trees, and many other lovely topics in his strong and smooth bassy voice. If you're looking for fun and food, you'd better go to Speedway. BUT!! If you're just looking for a night of sweet Swedish fun (and, let's face it, who isn't?!), head on up to Newport next week. I don't think you'll regret it.
Still not conviced? That's okay, Jens wanted to give you some presents anyway. Go unwrap them at http://www.jenslekman.com/presents.htm. – Eli Riveire
:: Wednesday, July 26th ::
CADAVER IN DRAG w/ MIDI SIRENS OF THE LAURA PALMER DEATH SEQUENCE, DB 451
@ The Dame, 156 W Main St, Lexington, KY - 9pm, ages 21+, $3
Finally, a night of fucked-up music with an ALL LEXINGTON CAST! At a bar! Well alright!
CADAVER IN DRAG have such a passionate, consuming love for all that is dark, dismal, heartbroken, depraved, and antagonistic that they are no longer bothering to differentiate among genres. Power electronics, sludge, harsh noise, drone, grind, black metal, and doom are all tackled with the same anti-aplomb. Providing quantifiable evidence for the viral brain damage prevalent among their Jessamine County-born psych-wuh?! brethren (i.e. Walter Carson, Eyes & Arms of Smoke, Mikey of Warmer Milks, etc.), the music of CADAVER is just a fucking DRAG. In all the best ways, Schuller molests his detuned, destrung bass, invoking wails of malicious feedback and sickening subterranean growls, whilst himself shrieking volumes of degeneracy without concern for coherency or otherwise. Meanwhile, J. Lay swaggeringly attacks the kit like Nick Mason in the throes of a yage-induced depression. The overall effect is a lobe-splitting, gut-churning good (bad) time. No mosh. No future.
MIDI SIRENS OF THE LAURA PALMER DEATH SEQUENCE is the anarchic, neo-industrial (the real stuff, not that Mortal Kombat shit) missive of the infamous Bailey Wells. Sensations of psychosis and bleak, paranoid soundscapes.
DB 451’s Michael Lunsford, Joe Knipp, and Keith Spears jam zoned-out, shut-down electronics and broken strings. Their latest cassette is one long spool of summertime bluuueeesssssss-sssssss-sssssss-sssssss-sssssss-sssssss.
Expect harm.
- Trevor Tremaine
:: Friday/Saturday, July 28 & 29 ::
Forecastle Festival featuring THE APPLES IN STEREO (Friday) and SLEATER-KINNEY (Saturday) @ The Mellwood Art Center (Louisville) – all ages, http://forecastlefest.com
:: Friday-Sunday, July 28-30 ::
Lite Brite Indie Pop and Film Test featuring DANIELSON w/MAN MAN and more (Friday), MISSION OF BURMA w/DEAD MACHINES, AMPLINE and more (Saturday), and CAMERA OBSCURA w/OH NO! OH MY! (Sunday) @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – http://litebritetest.com
What's a Kentucky kid to do in the summer????????_Hey man! Let's go to a killer music festival!!!_You mean Bonnaroo?_Nah, too expensive. Too muddy._Coachella?_Tooooo far away._Pitchfork? Intonation?_I gots too many exes in the Chitown._Dizzzzzzzzamn!
If this sounds like you summer after summer, you're in luck! This July, look no further than Louisville's own Forecastle Festival. On July 28th and 29th, musicians, artists, and activists from all over the Midwest will converge at the Mellwood Art Center with one purpose in mind – providing YOU with an awesome experience. Forecastle started as a free, outdoor summer festival in 2002. The grassroots efforts of the festival's organizers brought about 200 people out to Tyler Park, where the atmosphere was positive, and even encouraging. Since its beginning, the festival's numbers have only grown, moving to Cherokee Park last year, and to Mellwood this year. In 2004, the Forecastle was the largest gathering of musicians, artists, and activists in the state of Kentucky; in 2005, in all of the American Midwest.
Part of what really sets the Forecastle apart from other festivals is its inclusive focus on activism. As Caption J.K. McKnight explains on the festival's website, the activism slant makes the Forecastle "…a cause worth fighting for, as it carries the promise of establishing an activism-centered festival in the mainstream of America. There's a sense of purpose, will, duty, and renewed urgency given the state of world affairs. Inspiration is equally drawn from a great deal of young people who have volunteered their hearts and minds to this noble cause, and seek only to better themselves through independent music, emerging artists, and a progressive environmental agenda." Groups signed up for this year include the Sierra Club, Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, the Louisville Zoo, and Operation Brightside, as well as over twenty others from around the area.
Art lovers won't be disappointed, with several local and area artists set to display their work. If you're coming for the music however, you've made the right decision. The Mellwood Art Center will play host to twenty-five bands, including headliners Sleater-Kinney and the Apples in Stereo. Louisville-area favorites Second Story Man, Elephant Micah, Follow the Train, Your Black Star, and Fire the Saddle will help round out the two-day bill as well. A complete list of the festival's offerings and schedule can be found at http://www.forecastlefest.com. Tickets cost only $10 for the first day, and $15 for the second. Best of all…both show days welcome all ages.
If you'd prefer to stay up in the Northern Kentucky area, Newport's got you covered. The Lite Brite Indie Pop and Film Test is going on July 28th – 30th at the historic Southgate House. There's not much information on it quite yet, but confirmed bands include Camera Obscura, Danielson, and Mission of Burma. To stay updated about the Test, keep checking back in at http://litebritetest.com/.
So there you have it. You have no excuse not to see good music this summer! It's right around the corner, just waiting for you! Embrace it! Love it! Above all, experience it! Kentucky CAN be put on the map for its impressive music festivals, but only with your help.
– Eli Riveire
:: Also worthwhile in the July 19 – August 2 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
Wed/July 19 OXFORD FARM REPORT w/SCREAMING MECHANICAL BRAIN, and THE MIDDLE FORK @ The Dame
Thurs/July 20 PETTICOAT, PETTICOAT w/NANA AND THE BOY NOISE and THE LOVE COATS @ The Dame
Sat/July 22 HEARTHROB w/BANGER and VERY EMERGENCY @ The Dame
Mon/July 24 Open Mic with Charlie Whittington @ The Dame
Tues/July 25 JENS LEKMAN w/FRIDA HYVONEN @ Southgate House (Newport, KY)
Wed/July 26 CADAVER IN DRAG w/MIDI SIRENS OF THE LAURA PALMER DEATH SEQUENCE and dB 451 @ The Dame
Fri/July 28 TRES CHICAS w/THE DEEHAWKS @ The Dame – early show, 7pm
Fri/July 28 JONENE w/JONNY KABOOM, LINE 47, DJ SPOON, and JUGGERNAUT @ The Dame – late show, 10pm
Sat/July 29 TV Theme Song Night
Mon/July 31 BRIAN AUGER’S OBLIVION EXPRESS w/THE UPSHOT TRIO @ The Dame
Tues/Aug 1 JUCIFER @ The Dame
:: Soon Soon ::
Fri/Aug 4 JOHN HAMMOND @ The Dame – early show, 7pm
Fri/Aug 4 THE SCOURGE OF THE SEA cd release party @ The Dame – late show, 10pm
Sat/Aug 5 CHRIS KNIGHT @ The Dame
Tues/Aug 8 – Sun/Aug 20 “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” starring David Colbert and Petra DeLuca @ Downtown Arts Center – http://lexarts.tix.com
Thurs/Aug 10 CALIFORNIA GUITAR TRIO @ The Dame
Thurs/Aug 10 DON CABALLERO @ Southgate House (Newport, KY)
Sat/Aug 12 FRANK BLACK w/JOE MANNING @ The Dame
Tues/Aug 15 OF MONTREAL w/THE MINDERS @ Headliners (Louisville)
Sat/Sept 9 REVEREND HORTON HEAT w/HORRORPOPS @ The Dame
Fri/Oct 6 RODNEY CROWELL w/WILL KIMBROUGH @ The Dame
:: 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
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
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) - 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://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.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.
:::::::::::::: INTERVIEW with the Forecastle Festival’s JK McKNIGHT ::::::::::::::::::::::::
TLP = Eli Riveire
JK = JK McKnight, founder/organizer/guru of the Forecastle Festival
TLP: Did you have a team to start up? Or was it just a one-man-dream kind of thing?
JK: No, it was just me. I was 21 years old and was basically doing an extension of a free concert I organized three years earlier, in a historic park next to my house. So yeah, you could say it was a "one man dream."
TLP: How'd you come up with the idea to include activism? Are you involved in any sort of activist groups? How can a group get involved with the festival?
JK: The activism element came about in 2003, as did the art. It just made sense to me, I guess you could say it was the 3rd part of my personality shining through. I've been involved with various environmental organizations and causes since I was really young, 12 or 13. I remember writing letters to the US Ambassador in Brazil, trying to find ways to purchase large tracks of land and trying to figure out ways to keep it from developers. I still remember the day I got a letter back from Al Gore's office in Washington, discussing the various environmental initiatives their administration was taking up that year.
TLP: What do you hope people will take away from their interactions with the activist groups you bring?
JK: I hope they get a better understanding of the environment and man's role in it - our symbiotic relationship. We're living in an interesting time, where finally, the mainstream media is covering it, as is Hollywood. People are finally starting to pay attention, and eco-businesses are finally becoming profitable.
TLP: Who's been your favorite act at the festival throughout the years?
JK: There's been so many great bands to play the festival, it's difficult to think of the best. Seeing "Shipping News" last year at the base of Cherokee Park was something I'll never forget. It was eerie, but incredible just the same. It was the first major festival in over 10 years at Louisville's most scenic, historic park, and was very emotional for me.
TLP: Do businesses around Louisville get involved at all?
JK: Sponsorship is always difficult, no matter how brilliant your idea is or how many facts you can put in front of it to prove its worth. People are always going to second guess, and try to find reasons not to commit. Having said that, we have some of the best sponsors in the world, companies who have given themselves to this cause for all the right reasons. We've broadened our media campaign from NY to Los Angeles, with a heavy concentration in the Midwest. We've also had discussions w/ some of the largest companies in the world, and the response continues to be consistent.
TLP: How people would you say you've brought in from elsewhere, and how many people are you expecting this year?
JK: I'm not going try and predict how many people will come this year, there's too many variables which we haven't encountered (national headliners, ticket sales, etc). It's definitely a very localized effort, with 33 of the best Louisville bands volunteering to support the festival, and keep it moving forward. My hope is that after 4 years of being free and non-profit, the whole community will come out and show their support.
TLP: What do you think a festival like this does for Louisville's (and Kentucky's) image?
JK: Hopefully, good things. I think a progressive event like this is important to re-shaping the public's image of what Louisville represents. There's been a lot of great, creative talent that's come from here. Off the top of my head, I can think of some current actors, movie directors, authors, and of course, countless musicians.
:::::::::::::: QUESTIONS/COMMENTS/SUBMISSIONS ::::::::::::::::::::::::
email thelexingtonproject@yahoo.com
Your bi-weekly dose of community announcements, recipes, and entertainment picks plus Eli Riveire’s interview with Forecastle Fest organizer JK McKnight. Thanks to the Secret Asian Man, Brian Connors Manke, Eli Riveire, and Trevor Tremaine for their contributions to the Picks. Hope you enjoy it.
Ross
:::::::::::::::::::::::: Announcements :::::::::::::::::::::::::::
** Zine Library
Our friends Shanna Sanders and Patrick Smith have started a zine library that will be housed in UK’s King library starting sometime next semester. The focus of the collection are zines produced in or related to the Southern United States and/or ones with an environmental focus (bikes, global warming, building sustainable communities, vegetarian/veganism, etc). If you have any Southern or environmental zines you'd be willing to donate to the cause, drop Shanna or Patrick a note at shanna.sanders@gmail.com or johnpatricksmith@gmail.com.
** TONIGHT through Fri/July 21 - "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)" at Natasha’s Cafe
You’ve still got time to catch the Balagula Theatre’s production of "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)” at Natasha’s Café (112 Esplanade – across Main from the Kentucky Theatre). The show will run this TONIGHT through Friday (July 19-21). “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
** Sat/July 22 – FREE in-store performance by Lylas at CD Central, 2pm
Saturday, July 22, CD Central (377 S. Limestone) will host a FREE in-store performance by Nashville’s Lylas. Recommended to fans of Belle & Sebastian, Bright Eyes and Clem Snide. The performance will begin at 2pm. For more information, call the store at 233-8472.
Here are two fuller descriptions of the band …
In the band's own words: "A fellow named Kyle Hamlett writes the songs which are of an intricately crafted nature. The lyrics have themes ranging from Wes Anderson-esque slumber parties to Ray Davies-esque shimmering summertime tragedies. The music is orchestrated around Hamlett's unique fingerstyle guitar plucking with a variety of instruments so as to not overwhelm the listener with similar tones in song after song. Some of the tools employed to achieve this end are the pedal steel guitar, the theremin, the glockenspiel, the banjo, the cello, the accordion, and lush background vocals."
In the words of SPIN.COM: "Hamlett writes fragile, melodic pop songs and sings them in a voice that's just decibels above a whisper. And while he's probably the only guy that Conor Oberst could beat at arm wrestling, Hamlett would be a formidable challenger in any songwriting contest. The songs on Lylas' debut Lessons for Lovers are melodic and well-crafted, built around warm harmonies and clever chord changes. Lessons has the distinct feel of a concept record, but you'll probably have trouble picking out the theme from the lyrics (it's either Siamese twins or sweaters). This is mostly beside the point though, as the 16 tracks all feel as though they belong together. Credit Lylas' inventive arrangements: Songs begin on acoustic guitar, then swell into pocket symphonies, typically before the first chorus. The band augments the traditional rock'n'roll hardware with banjos, pedal steel, theremin, and glockenspiel, making their best moments sound like Brian Wilson on an austerity budget.
** Sat&Sun/July 29&30 – Auction for Life: A benefit for UK art professor Ross Zirkle @ Wingspan Gallery
Wingspan Gallery will host a silent “Auction for Life” benefiting UK Art Professor Ross Zirkle Saturday, July 29 and Sunday, July 30, 2006, from 2 to 6 pm. The auction will feature artworks donated by local, national and international artists. Zirkle was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. All proceeds from the auction will be put toward his medical expenses. Wingspan Gallery is located at 191 Jefferson St (at the intersection of Jefferson and Second Sts). For more information, contact Derrick Riley at 859/608-4382 or drockpress@hotmail.com. [If you are interested in contributing a piece of art to the auction, drop-off days for donated artwork at Wingspan Gallery will be Monday, July 24 through Wednesday, July 26, 2006. Wingspan requests donating artists call ahead to arrange a drop-off.]
** Through August 2 - "The World On A String" – a celebration of international puppetry
"The World On A String," LexArts’ month-long celebration of international puppetry, continues through August 2nd at the Downtown Arts Center, 141 E. Main, between Alfalfa Restaurant and Ann Tower Gallery. Upcoming performances include:
• TONIGHT! July 19 - Doug Berky, a master of movement theater from Indianapolis, presenting Gems. Using puppets, mime, drama, comedy, music and storytelling, Doug will share stories from around the world. This afternoon’s performance will begin at 4pm.
• Wednesday, July 26 - Vit Horejs of Czechoslovak-American Marionette Theatre, performing Czech and Slovak Tales. The world-renowned puppeteer uses century-old, 24-inch marionettes that are beloved in the old country. Performances are at 10am. and 7pm. The evening performance will be geared for adults and children.
• Wednesday, August 2 - Atlanta Puppet returns with the International Show. Hand-carved puppets from different cultures will provide insight into the world of puppetry and broaden your worldview. Performances are at 10am and 4pm.
Tickets for all performances are $8 and are available by calling the LexArts Box Office at 859/225-0370.
** July 22 & 23 - Free Capoeria Workshops for Children at the Explorium
Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23, our friends from Firebird Studio will be hosting a set of free and informal workshops in Capoeira for children and their families at 1pm at the Explorium of Lexington (formerly the Lexington Children’s Museum). The workshops will include a capoeira performance of Brazilian music and dance followed by the teaching of basic dance movements. Participants will also learn some capoeira songs and get a chance to play the instruments. This event is free and “open to anyone that interested in trying something fun and exciting.” For more information, visit http://www.firebirdlexington.com.
** Coming Up! August 5 – Home at Last’s “Animal Jam!” at Unitarian Universalist Church
Home at Last presents “Animal Jam,” a fun, festive, and FREE, musical jamboree designed to bring friends and families together to celebrate compassion, promote kindness to animals, and support the programs of the Home at Last Animal Sanctuary, Saturday, August 5th from 11am to 4pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Lexington on Clays Mill Rd. The event will feature musical performances by Heidi Howe, Jennifer Hart and friends, Mike Bratcher and friends, and The Swells, “hands on activities” by the Children’s Music Workshop, citizensCREATE!, and The Living Arts & Science Center, as well as a silent auction, raffles, and more.
Home at Last, accredited by the American Sanctuary Association, provides care for both farmed and companion animals, and includes a separate wildlife refuge. Home at Last is a “for-life” sanctuary emphasizing the concept of compassion and offering exceptional quality of life for many formerly abandoned or abused animals. Programs include rescue, adoption, education outreach, low-income spay/neuter assistance, and feral trap-neuter-return.
Their message is simple: Compassion for ALL species
For more information, visit Home at Last online at http://www.homeatlastanimals.org.
** Vegan project
A second heads-up about the vegan project that our friends Eli Riveire and Nick Warner are working on …
hey everyone, nick warner and i are working on a project related to veganism and we need YOUR help! are you a vegan? are you thinking about going vegan? do you know a vegan who might want to help out? it won't be hard or time-consuming, we just want to talk to you about your experiences with veganism. we can talk over email, the phone, at third street stuff, or whatever works best for you. if this sounds like you, shoot me an email at riveire@gmail.com, or nick at nickwarner@gmail.com, and we'll set something up. thank you thank you, eli riveire
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: RECIPE :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A couple issues ago Vanessa put out the call for ideas on how to use her ‘Basil Simple Syrup’ recipe. Here are a few drinks suggestions we received from Teresa Tomb:
* The Basil Rathbone Mojito
over tall glass filled with ice add:
crushed fresh mint
pour on top of that- light rum
add a splash of basil syrup
add a quick splash of Stewart's Ginger Beer
top it all off with Club Soda
* Watermelon/Basil Martini
2 parts vodka or your favorite white liquor
1 part juiced watermelon
dash of dry vermouth
basil syrup to taste
all poured over ice and strained into glass. garnish a basil leaf
* Basil Mimosa (not sure bout this one, but why not)
champagne
add basil syrup to taste
option 1-
if above recipe too funky, add some orange juice to the mix
option 2-
add pomengranate juice to the basil mimosa (i think this one would be really good)
oh, and why not try a ...
* Basil Julep
- bourbon wants to play this game too, ya know.
replace the mint part of mint julep with the basil syrup....
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: THE PICKS :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::: Wednesday, July 19 through Wednesday, August 2 :::::::::::
:: Thursday, July 20 ::
PALEO w/THESE UNITED STATES and JASON ZAVALA @ The Icehouse, 412 Cross St – just off W. Maxwell
9pm, all ages, $5
PALEO = quirky, Dylan-inspired singer-songwriter stuff from the Pacific Northwest that falls somewhere in between the Bright Eyes and Devendra Banhart camps. THESE UNITED STATES = literate pop from D.C. (backed by a couple members of the Apparitions - Robby Cosenza and Mark Heidinger). And, last but not least ... JASON ZAVALA of the Elephants will open the show with a solo set of his epic pop melodies. Check out http://myspace.com/paleo, http://myspace.com/theseunited, and http://myspace.com/theelephants for FREE sounds.
:: Friday, July 21 ::
THE PHARCYDE w/4OVAKIND and SCRIBBLING IDIOTS @ The Dame
9pm, ages 21+, $12 adv/$15 at the door
Alright, everyone knows that the Pharcyde is playing at the Damn on Friday, but that's not why you should come out. You got to come early and check out the opening act, Scribbling Idiots. The Idiots are comprised of 5 mc's- JustMe,Cas Metah, Mouf, Wonder Brown, Theory Hazit, and one scratching fool of a d.j.- E.F. Cuttin. This crew from Ohio/Kentucky take you back to the Golden Era of Hip-Hop, the 90's for those of you that don't know. Each Emcee has his own unique delivery, there is no rip off job here, also they aren't afraid to make you think either, songs ranging from personal testimonials too rocking the crowd for the love of the culture. If I could compare these cats to anyone I would, but the thing is they don't sound or remind me of anyone else, which is how Hip-Hop should still be, there is only one other group I can say that about and that is Kentucky's own CunninLynguists. This is some real boom-bap shit, and if you don't know what that means come check out the show and become enlightened to the culture. - The Secret Asian Man
http://www.scribblingidiots.com
:: Saturday, July 22 ::
THE JOSH MARCUS QUARTET @ Firebird Studio, 359 W. Short St (near Broadway)
8pm, all ages, FREE
A FREE (of cost, not structure) set of jazz from the young Josh Marcus Quartet (featuring our friend Reese Richardson on guitar). Recommended to fans of Thelonious Monk, John Scofield, Wayne Shorter, Medeski Martin & Wood. Check ‘em out ahead of time at http://myspace.com/joshmarcusquartet (or for longer jams go to http://pleez.bounceme.net/jm4/index.php?f=music).
:: Sunday, July 23 ::
JOLIE HOLLAND w/SEAN HAYES @ The Dame
7pm, ages 18+, $10
Jolie Holland’s new album Springtime Can Kill You aptly references the season of rebirth and the way it can awaken the senses. Smell the blossoming flowers, hear the bird “rip the world apart and sew it back again with his fiery melody,” feel the mighty sun as she returns to her glory.
The title track also warns the listener to “get out of your house,” so the weight of this powerful time of year doesn’t do you in.
I took this advice to heart and went to the UK Arboretum for some inspiration. As an aside, the place has come along wonderfully over the past couple of years and has endless potential as a public green space.
Had a wonderful conversation about Holland’s music with the roses in the vast garden. Each rose plant is labeled with its species name, and so many had something to say about Holland’s art. Her songs can certainly Flutterbye with Rural Rhythms of Allure and Radiance, but she also possesses the ability to crush Pipe Dreams with her Mystic voice All Ablaze in a Moody Dream that can Cascade into the Quietness. A Pioneer Spirit, with a Rembrandt touch – she has put her unique Signature on modern music.
One species was curiously named Jude The Obscure - sounds like a song not yet sung.
Deep, passionate reds and purples, airy whites and yellows, the wicked thorns, the patterns – both perfect and imperfect – conjured up some moment of a song, whether it’s a note she inexplicably bends or the jazz drumming skipping alongside.
Then I walked a little further to the peculiar looking Bottle Tree.
Had seen it there before and thought it looked cool, but now it has a plaque explaining it.
It comes from an ancient African tradition traced to 9th century Congo. People hung hand-blown glass bottles on branches to ward off evil spirits. Stripped of foliage, cedar was typically used because the branches point to the heavens.
According to the legend, the bottles attract evil spirits, which are drawn to the bursts of sunlit color. The spirits then become trapped inside the bottles - their voices heard moaning as the wind passes by.
This tree is a Jolie Holland song – all of it – the strange beauty, the mixing of elements, the nod to the past. I think tomorrow I’d like to come back and lay underneath it, while listening to Springtime Can Kill You. Maybe take a picture when the morning sun clips the bottle just right, and the glare attracts a spirit or two.
Now, if only Holland’s upcoming show were beneath the Bottle Tree, or amidst the rows of blooming roses – sensory bliss.
-Brian Connors Manke
Note: Jolie will perform Monday, July 24 at The Kentucky Theatre for Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour. For more information, visit http://www.jolieholland.com.
:: Sunday, July 23 ::
WARMER MILKS w/CAVES, CHRIS BUSH, and WALTER CARSON
@ The Frowny Bear, 208 Forest Park - 9pm, all ages, FREE
An all-star lineup of Lextown weirdos come together to welcome the Milks home from their two week grind out west. Go to the Bear!
:: Tuesday, July 25 ::
JENS LEKMAN w/FRIDA HYVONEN @ Southgate House (Newport, KY)
doors 8:30pm, show 8pm, ages 18+, $8 advance/$10 at the door
Oh praise the Nordic gods!! Jens Lekman has returned to the states once again to spread the merriment of his music, backed by a gang of swedish ladies. And thank god - he's letting Kentucky in on the act this time around. Jens Lekman plays sweet, honest, and usually pretty catchy indie pop with attitude. He sings about eating vegan pancakes with a girl he met at an anti-war demonstration, wanting to buy someone a wedding ring, word interpretation mistakes, cherry trees, and many other lovely topics in his strong and smooth bassy voice. If you're looking for fun and food, you'd better go to Speedway. BUT!! If you're just looking for a night of sweet Swedish fun (and, let's face it, who isn't?!), head on up to Newport next week. I don't think you'll regret it.
Still not conviced? That's okay, Jens wanted to give you some presents anyway. Go unwrap them at http://www.jenslekman.com/presents.htm. – Eli Riveire
:: Wednesday, July 26th ::
CADAVER IN DRAG w/ MIDI SIRENS OF THE LAURA PALMER DEATH SEQUENCE, DB 451
@ The Dame, 156 W Main St, Lexington, KY - 9pm, ages 21+, $3
Finally, a night of fucked-up music with an ALL LEXINGTON CAST! At a bar! Well alright!
CADAVER IN DRAG have such a passionate, consuming love for all that is dark, dismal, heartbroken, depraved, and antagonistic that they are no longer bothering to differentiate among genres. Power electronics, sludge, harsh noise, drone, grind, black metal, and doom are all tackled with the same anti-aplomb. Providing quantifiable evidence for the viral brain damage prevalent among their Jessamine County-born psych-wuh?! brethren (i.e. Walter Carson, Eyes & Arms of Smoke, Mikey of Warmer Milks, etc.), the music of CADAVER is just a fucking DRAG. In all the best ways, Schuller molests his detuned, destrung bass, invoking wails of malicious feedback and sickening subterranean growls, whilst himself shrieking volumes of degeneracy without concern for coherency or otherwise. Meanwhile, J. Lay swaggeringly attacks the kit like Nick Mason in the throes of a yage-induced depression. The overall effect is a lobe-splitting, gut-churning good (bad) time. No mosh. No future.
MIDI SIRENS OF THE LAURA PALMER DEATH SEQUENCE is the anarchic, neo-industrial (the real stuff, not that Mortal Kombat shit) missive of the infamous Bailey Wells. Sensations of psychosis and bleak, paranoid soundscapes.
DB 451’s Michael Lunsford, Joe Knipp, and Keith Spears jam zoned-out, shut-down electronics and broken strings. Their latest cassette is one long spool of summertime bluuueeesssssss-sssssss-sssssss-sssssss-sssssss-sssssss.
Expect harm.
- Trevor Tremaine
:: Friday/Saturday, July 28 & 29 ::
Forecastle Festival featuring THE APPLES IN STEREO (Friday) and SLEATER-KINNEY (Saturday) @ The Mellwood Art Center (Louisville) – all ages, http://forecastlefest.com
:: Friday-Sunday, July 28-30 ::
Lite Brite Indie Pop and Film Test featuring DANIELSON w/MAN MAN and more (Friday), MISSION OF BURMA w/DEAD MACHINES, AMPLINE and more (Saturday), and CAMERA OBSCURA w/OH NO! OH MY! (Sunday) @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – http://litebritetest.com
What's a Kentucky kid to do in the summer????????_Hey man! Let's go to a killer music festival!!!_You mean Bonnaroo?_Nah, too expensive. Too muddy._Coachella?_Tooooo far away._Pitchfork? Intonation?_I gots too many exes in the Chitown._Dizzzzzzzzamn!
If this sounds like you summer after summer, you're in luck! This July, look no further than Louisville's own Forecastle Festival. On July 28th and 29th, musicians, artists, and activists from all over the Midwest will converge at the Mellwood Art Center with one purpose in mind – providing YOU with an awesome experience. Forecastle started as a free, outdoor summer festival in 2002. The grassroots efforts of the festival's organizers brought about 200 people out to Tyler Park, where the atmosphere was positive, and even encouraging. Since its beginning, the festival's numbers have only grown, moving to Cherokee Park last year, and to Mellwood this year. In 2004, the Forecastle was the largest gathering of musicians, artists, and activists in the state of Kentucky; in 2005, in all of the American Midwest.
Part of what really sets the Forecastle apart from other festivals is its inclusive focus on activism. As Caption J.K. McKnight explains on the festival's website, the activism slant makes the Forecastle "…a cause worth fighting for, as it carries the promise of establishing an activism-centered festival in the mainstream of America. There's a sense of purpose, will, duty, and renewed urgency given the state of world affairs. Inspiration is equally drawn from a great deal of young people who have volunteered their hearts and minds to this noble cause, and seek only to better themselves through independent music, emerging artists, and a progressive environmental agenda." Groups signed up for this year include the Sierra Club, Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, the Louisville Zoo, and Operation Brightside, as well as over twenty others from around the area.
Art lovers won't be disappointed, with several local and area artists set to display their work. If you're coming for the music however, you've made the right decision. The Mellwood Art Center will play host to twenty-five bands, including headliners Sleater-Kinney and the Apples in Stereo. Louisville-area favorites Second Story Man, Elephant Micah, Follow the Train, Your Black Star, and Fire the Saddle will help round out the two-day bill as well. A complete list of the festival's offerings and schedule can be found at http://www.forecastlefest.com. Tickets cost only $10 for the first day, and $15 for the second. Best of all…both show days welcome all ages.
If you'd prefer to stay up in the Northern Kentucky area, Newport's got you covered. The Lite Brite Indie Pop and Film Test is going on July 28th – 30th at the historic Southgate House. There's not much information on it quite yet, but confirmed bands include Camera Obscura, Danielson, and Mission of Burma. To stay updated about the Test, keep checking back in at http://litebritetest.com/.
So there you have it. You have no excuse not to see good music this summer! It's right around the corner, just waiting for you! Embrace it! Love it! Above all, experience it! Kentucky CAN be put on the map for its impressive music festivals, but only with your help.
– Eli Riveire
:: Also worthwhile in the July 19 – August 2 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
Wed/July 19 OXFORD FARM REPORT w/SCREAMING MECHANICAL BRAIN, and THE MIDDLE FORK @ The Dame
Thurs/July 20 PETTICOAT, PETTICOAT w/NANA AND THE BOY NOISE and THE LOVE COATS @ The Dame
Sat/July 22 HEARTHROB w/BANGER and VERY EMERGENCY @ The Dame
Mon/July 24 Open Mic with Charlie Whittington @ The Dame
Tues/July 25 JENS LEKMAN w/FRIDA HYVONEN @ Southgate House (Newport, KY)
Wed/July 26 CADAVER IN DRAG w/MIDI SIRENS OF THE LAURA PALMER DEATH SEQUENCE and dB 451 @ The Dame
Fri/July 28 TRES CHICAS w/THE DEEHAWKS @ The Dame – early show, 7pm
Fri/July 28 JONENE w/JONNY KABOOM, LINE 47, DJ SPOON, and JUGGERNAUT @ The Dame – late show, 10pm
Sat/July 29 TV Theme Song Night
Mon/July 31 BRIAN AUGER’S OBLIVION EXPRESS w/THE UPSHOT TRIO @ The Dame
Tues/Aug 1 JUCIFER @ The Dame
:: Soon Soon ::
Fri/Aug 4 JOHN HAMMOND @ The Dame – early show, 7pm
Fri/Aug 4 THE SCOURGE OF THE SEA cd release party @ The Dame – late show, 10pm
Sat/Aug 5 CHRIS KNIGHT @ The Dame
Tues/Aug 8 – Sun/Aug 20 “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” starring David Colbert and Petra DeLuca @ Downtown Arts Center – http://lexarts.tix.com
Thurs/Aug 10 CALIFORNIA GUITAR TRIO @ The Dame
Thurs/Aug 10 DON CABALLERO @ Southgate House (Newport, KY)
Sat/Aug 12 FRANK BLACK w/JOE MANNING @ The Dame
Tues/Aug 15 OF MONTREAL w/THE MINDERS @ Headliners (Louisville)
Sat/Sept 9 REVEREND HORTON HEAT w/HORRORPOPS @ The Dame
Fri/Oct 6 RODNEY CROWELL w/WILL KIMBROUGH @ The Dame
:: 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
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
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) - 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://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.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.
:::::::::::::: INTERVIEW with the Forecastle Festival’s JK McKNIGHT ::::::::::::::::::::::::
TLP = Eli Riveire
JK = JK McKnight, founder/organizer/guru of the Forecastle Festival
TLP: Did you have a team to start up? Or was it just a one-man-dream kind of thing?
JK: No, it was just me. I was 21 years old and was basically doing an extension of a free concert I organized three years earlier, in a historic park next to my house. So yeah, you could say it was a "one man dream."
TLP: How'd you come up with the idea to include activism? Are you involved in any sort of activist groups? How can a group get involved with the festival?
JK: The activism element came about in 2003, as did the art. It just made sense to me, I guess you could say it was the 3rd part of my personality shining through. I've been involved with various environmental organizations and causes since I was really young, 12 or 13. I remember writing letters to the US Ambassador in Brazil, trying to find ways to purchase large tracks of land and trying to figure out ways to keep it from developers. I still remember the day I got a letter back from Al Gore's office in Washington, discussing the various environmental initiatives their administration was taking up that year.
TLP: What do you hope people will take away from their interactions with the activist groups you bring?
JK: I hope they get a better understanding of the environment and man's role in it - our symbiotic relationship. We're living in an interesting time, where finally, the mainstream media is covering it, as is Hollywood. People are finally starting to pay attention, and eco-businesses are finally becoming profitable.
TLP: Who's been your favorite act at the festival throughout the years?
JK: There's been so many great bands to play the festival, it's difficult to think of the best. Seeing "Shipping News" last year at the base of Cherokee Park was something I'll never forget. It was eerie, but incredible just the same. It was the first major festival in over 10 years at Louisville's most scenic, historic park, and was very emotional for me.
TLP: Do businesses around Louisville get involved at all?
JK: Sponsorship is always difficult, no matter how brilliant your idea is or how many facts you can put in front of it to prove its worth. People are always going to second guess, and try to find reasons not to commit. Having said that, we have some of the best sponsors in the world, companies who have given themselves to this cause for all the right reasons. We've broadened our media campaign from NY to Los Angeles, with a heavy concentration in the Midwest. We've also had discussions w/ some of the largest companies in the world, and the response continues to be consistent.
TLP: How people would you say you've brought in from elsewhere, and how many people are you expecting this year?
JK: I'm not going try and predict how many people will come this year, there's too many variables which we haven't encountered (national headliners, ticket sales, etc). It's definitely a very localized effort, with 33 of the best Louisville bands volunteering to support the festival, and keep it moving forward. My hope is that after 4 years of being free and non-profit, the whole community will come out and show their support.
TLP: What do you think a festival like this does for Louisville's (and Kentucky's) image?
JK: Hopefully, good things. I think a progressive event like this is important to re-shaping the public's image of what Louisville represents. There's been a lot of great, creative talent that's come from here. Off the top of my head, I can think of some current actors, movie directors, authors, and of course, countless musicians.
:::::::::::::: QUESTIONS/COMMENTS/SUBMISSIONS ::::::::::::::::::::::::
email thelexingtonproject@yahoo.com
Friday, July 07, 2006
TLP July 7, 2006
Fun and busy week = late Lex Pro. Sorry. Inside you'll find the usual smattering of community announcements and Picks (thanks to Chris Bush, Trevor Tremaine, and Samantha Herald for the help) and, at the end, a treat - Chris Bush's full interview with Six Organs of Admittance's Ben Chasny.
Thanks to everyone who came out to the Icehouse for the cookout/show on Tuesday and particularly big ups to Brian and Robert Ronk and Vanessa for all their work on the grub.
Hope all are well.
Ross
:::::::::::::::::::::::: Announcements :::::::::::::::::::::::::::
** "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
** Mon/July 10 - Two art Lectures at Georgetown College
Monday, July 10, all are invited to a pair of brief gallery talks by the people who brought their works to Georgetown College.
Beginning at 11:00 a.m., Dr. Donald L. Jacobs will give an overview of the contemporary collection he and his wife Dorothy gifted to the college in the Ensor Learning Resource Center (LRC) gallery that bears their names. The retired Cincinnati physician will also introduce some of his new acquisitions before the audience is escorted across the street at 11:30.
There, in the Anne Wright Wilson Fine Arts Building gallery, artist Deana Rennick will talk about her installation. The Kenan Visiting Lecturer at Transylvania University, Rennick is one of the recipients of a 2005 Sculpture Magazine’s Outstanding Student Award. More conversation and refreshments will be available in the college’s Starbucks at the Mulberry Café on the LRC’s first floor.
Both galleries will be open that afternoon until 4:30 for more viewing. Normal gallery hours are noon-4:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday; or to make a special appointment, call the gallery director at (502) 863-8399.
Parking is available in the Georgetown Baptist Church parking lot at the corner of College and Mulberry streets, across from the LRC.
For more information, contact Elissa Morley at 502/863-8399 or emorley0@georgetowncollege.edu.
** LexArts presents "The World On A String"
LexArts presents "The World On A String," a month-long celebration of international puppetry, July 12th through August 2nd at the Downtown Arts Center, 141 E. Main, between Alfalfa Restaurant and Ann Tower Gallery.
Performances include:
• Frisch Marionettes of Cincinnati, performing the classic fairy tale Hansel and Gretel. The beautiful, hand-carved marionettes will recount the tale before elaborate sets, accompanied by the melodious 19th Century Engelbert Humperdink. Performances are Wednesday, July 12, 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Doug Berky, a master of movement theater from Indianapolis, presenting Gems. Using puppets, mime, drama, comedy, music and storytelling, Doug will share stories from around the world. Performances are Wednesday, July 19, 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Vit Horejs of Czechoslovak-American Marionette Theatre, performing Czech and Slovak Tales. The world-renowned puppeteer uses century-old, 24-inch marionettes that are beloved in the old country. Performances are Wednesday, July 26, 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Evening performance will be geared for adults and children.
• Atlanta Puppet, last season’s audience favorite, returning with the International Show. Hand-carved puppets from different cultures will provide insight into the world of puppetry and broaden your world view. Performances are Wednesday, August 2, 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Tickets for all performances are $8 each or $28 for subscription. Tickets are available by calling the LexArts Box Office at 859/225-0370.
** Through Aug. 12 - "Darkness Attempts to Comprehend Light" - paintings by Kevin Sparks at Fauntleroy’s Café
Fauntleroy's Cafe, 640 W. Maxwell St, hosts an exhibit of painting by Kevin Sparks entitled "Darkness Attempts to Comprehend Light: twilight studies," now through August 12th.
** July 22 & 23 - Free Capoeria Workshops for Children July 22nd & 23rd, Saturday/Sunday, 1pm @ Children's Explorium - Children's Capoeira Workshop Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23, our friends from Firebird Studio will be hosting a set of free and informal workshops in Capoeira for children and their families at the Explorium. The workshops will include a capoeira performance of Brazilian music and dance followed by the teaching of basic dance movements. Participants will also learn some capoeira songs and get a chance to play the instruments. This event is free and “open to anyone that interested in trying something fun and exciting.” For more information, visit http://www.firebirdlexington.com.
** Vegan project
A note from frequent Lex Pro contributor Eli Riveire …
hey everyone, nick warner and i are working on a project related to veganism and we need YOUR help! are you a vegan? are you thinking about going vegan? do you know a vegan who might want to help out? it won't be hard or time-consuming, we just want to talk to you about your experiences with veganism. we can talk over email, the phone, at third street stuff, or whatever works best for you. if this sounds like you, shoot me an email at riveire@gmail.com, or nick at nickwarner@gmail.com, and we'll set something up. thank you thank you, eli riveire
** KFTC is hiring
From a recent KFTC email …
Kentuckians For The Commonwealth is hiring! If you're interested in a career in grassroots social justice or know someone who is, please consider applying or passing this job posting to people you know. We're hiring for three positions (two of them new) with a variety of focuses. Here are some brief descriptions -
Communications Associate based in Prestonsburg. Responsibilities include developing and maintaining the KFTC web site, assisting with publicity and the production of publications, participating in member recruitment and fundraising, and more in support of KFTC organizing goals. The position starts August 1.
Tax & Economic Justice Organizer. Responsibilities include strategy development, base building and leadership development, communication, alliance building, research and policy development, fundraising, and more. The position is focused on building public support for meaningful tax reform and an increase in the minimum wage, and work with the Kentucky Economic Justice Alliance.
Economic Development Organizer. Responsibilities include strategy development, base building and leadership development, communication, alliance building, research and policy development, fundraising, and more. The goal is to create a new economic development framework for Kentucky, including an economic development vision, an analysis and critique of the current approach, principles of a new approach, a broad policy agenda, and specific policy proposals.
Salaries are based on experience. Benefits are generous.
Anyone interested in applying should send a letter of application, resume, and contact information for three references to: KFTC Personnel Committee, P.O. Box 1450, London, Ky. 40743 or via email to robin@kftc.org. Applications will be accepted until the jobs are filled. KFTC is an equal opportunity employer. Women and people of color are encouraged to apply. Again, you can find more information online at http://www.kftc.org/about-kftc/jobs-internships
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: THE PICKS :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::: Wednesday, July 5 through Wednesday, July 19 :::::::::::
:: Friday, July 7 ::
PETTICOAT, PETTICOAT cd release party w/IN ENDEAVORS ITALYA, THE ESTATES GENERAL, and LAUREN DONOVAN @ Mecca, 451 Chair Ave – just off Broadway near Main 8pm, all ages, $5 – sponsored by WRFL 88.1FM
Young Lexington popsters Petticoat, Petticoat celebrate the release of their new cd “Every Mother’s Child” and kick off their first tour. http://myspace.com/petticoatpetticoat, http://myspace.com/inendeavorsitalya, http://myspace.com/theestatesgeneral, http://myspace.com/laurendonovan
:: Friday, July 7 ::
PARLOUR BOYS w/MODENA VOX @ The Dame
9pm, ages 21+, $5
“Dance, dance, dance, and go crazy/ Dance, dance, dance, and go crazy” – Modest Mouse (from “Untitled” - The Fruit That Ate Itself ep)
http://myspace.com/parlourboysmusic, http://myspace.com/modenavox
:: Thursday, July 13 ::
SIX ORANS OF ADMITTANCE w/EYES AND ARMS OF SMOKE and BURNING STAR CORE @ The Dame – 9pm, ages 21+, $6
Ben Chasny, man of many musical hats and talents, brings his most oft donned project to Lexington as the Dame hosts Six Organs of Admittance on July 13th. Touring in support of his most recent and most ominous release to date, The Sun Awakens, Chasny promises to bring audiences to a petrified lull with his brooding psych-rock hymns. In recent years Chasny has proven time and time again to be one of the hardest working musicians in the realm of foreword thinking rock, either recording or touring with a small army of acts including Six Organs of Admittance, Comets on Fire, Current 93, Baggelore, August Born, and Superwolf. As Six Organs of Admittance, Chasny has made particular musical progress by shrugging apparent debts to the guitar ragas of John Fahey and Sandy Bull and incorporating the more volatile sounds found in Japanese psychedelic and drone. With The Sun Awakens, these heavier influences seem more legible than ever. The album maintains a brooding and apocalyptic mood the whole way through, never coming to a crescendo but never losing intensity. Chasny said via telephone, “I just kind of wanted a really swampy kind of black tar type record.” Indeed, The Sun Awakens seems as such, always thick and bubbling, but never erupting. On the records closing track, the haunting twenty-three minute epic 'River of Transfiguration,' the tar of murky noise builds to become almost suffocatingly thick. As to what the Dame crowd should expect, Chasny made no promises. “I usually don’t write out a set list. I usually just call them out to the guys..." Though, "some version" of 'The River of Transfiguration' is rumored to make an appearance. – Chris Bush
:: Saturday, July 15 :: VAMPIRE BELT w/SPECTRE FOLK and EYES AND ARMS OF SMOKE @ Mecca, 451 Chair Avenue – 8pm, all ages, $3
Killer improv/folk/noise/psych gig that will please devotees of both the Outside the Spotlight series and fans of recent performances by the Lexington Weirdo League, e.g. Hair Police, Caves, Warmer Milks, et al.
VAMPIRE BELT is the duo of drummer Chris Corsano and guitarist Bill Nace. Corsano has devastated Lexington audiences in the past performing with saxophonist Paul Flaherty at CD Central (at the nadir of the 2003 ice storm, to a packed house of dropped jaws), Mecca, and Underlying Themes. His playing is absolutely singular: like a hurricane of insanity. Bill Nace is a western Massachusetts guitarist whose uncompromising experimental style is rarely witnessed outside of his home state, although he has performed alongside such giants as Sonic Youth’s Thurston Moore and members of Scottish scuzz-noise freaks Decaer Pinga (under the moniker Ceylon Mange).
SPECTRE FOLK is a project of Pete Nolan, drummer of the inimitable Magic Markers, and former member of NYC drone fiends Double Leopards. Nolan has performed solo in Lexington in the past at the now sadly-defunct freak venue Charles Mansion. He offers up tunes that are simultaneously traditional and highly idiosyncratic. Expect to be thoroughly weirded out.
EYES & ARMS OF SMOKE are from Lexington. They are messed up and who knows what the hell they’ll do. - Trevor Tremaine
[FULL DISCLOSURE: Trevor plays with EaAoS and helped organize this show.]
:: Tuesday, July 18 ::
DRESSY BESSY w/THE IMPOSSIBLE SHAPES and THE LIVING BLUE @ The Dame - 9pm, ages 21+, $5
Dressy Bessy are one of the many Elephant 6 spin-off bands; they formed in 1996 and since then having been playing their pixy stix brand, straight up power pop across the land. If you happened to catch Dressy Bessy at The Dame last summer you already know why you need to get to this show. Seeing them live, much more so than listening to their albums, is the big pay off. Even if you aren't a fan of their pop music, Dressy Bessy has so much charm that it spills over onto the floor. Try to resist Tammy Ealom's leg kicks and the ever-present smile on John Hill's face. Try. On top of that, you can bet that the band's set will knock out old favorites (I distinctly remember them playing "I Saw Cinammon" and "Just Once More" last September) alongside newer hits from their 2005 album Electrified. One of the best things about DB is their commitment to touring. Rest assured that if you love them this time then you won't have to wait too long before you can love them some more.
Opening up are The Living Blue, a 4 piece high-energy rock band from Champaign, IL and The Impossible Shapes. The latter's weirdo pop has been garnering the much sought after attention of the bloggers since the release of their album Horus early last year. I'm not sure how this music will translate in a live setting, whether they will try to come off as more pop or more artistic, but either way it will be interesting. For a measly $5 this is a night of irresistible intrigue. - Samantha Herald
http://myspace.com/dressybessy, http://myspace.com/thelivingblue, http://myspace.com/theimpossibleshapes
:: Also worthwhile in the July 5 – July 19 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/July 14 BIG MARACAS @ The Dame
Fri/July 14 PUFFY AMIYUMI @ Bogart’s (Cincinnati)
:: Soon Soon ::
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, 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) - 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://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.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.
:::::::::::::: Interview with Ben Chasny/Six Organs of Admittance ::::::::::::::::::::::::
CB = WRFL music director and frequent Lex Pro contributor Chris Bush
BC = Ben Chasny, the man behind Six Organs of Admittance
Chris Bush: So, what’s going on?
Ben Chasny: Oh, not much just hanging out, being blind a little bit. I lost my contacts and I don’t have any back ups and I don’t have any glasses so it’s all kind of fucked up.
CB: (laughing) Oh no! What are you going to do dude?
BC: Well I ordered some and I thought they were going to come today… I’m like seriously blind. The big E is like a big blur. (laughs) I can’t cross the street. I’m kind of like a prisoner in my home right now.
CB: Wow (laughs), sounds pretty debilitating.
BC: I think my girlfriend likes it because I’m totally like…
CB: At her mercy!
BC: …(doing a girlfriend impression) “oh food and stuff…” She’s got me fuckin’ prisoner man.
CB: Whoa
BC: Yeah, so that’s about it.
CB: Well, your not playing shows or anything right now are you?
BC: No… no… not playing shows until the seventh.
CB: Cool… Well thanks for taking some time to talk and thanks for coming to Lexington again. I’m excited about the show. I caught your first show… well I think it was your first show here… it was at the Icehouse with eyes and arms of smoke
BC: yeah, and Mikey played too…
CB: oh yeah… that was a rad show…
BC: yeah, I had a lot of fun at that one.
CB: I was kind of surprised when it was just you playing guitar. What are you going to do this time around?
BC: Oh, I’ll have a band this time.
CB: Are you going to have the same guys that you have on the record?
BC: Ummm, actually when I tour on the East Coast I’ll have this guy John Maloney from Sunburned Hand of the Man…
CB: yeah.
BC: and this guy Keith Wood who is in this band called Hush Arbors.
CB: yeah. I know Mikey is going on tour with all those dudes on the Howlin’ Rain thing with Hush Arbors…
BC: Yeah, they’re on tour right now doing that.
CB: Yeah… I like the Howlin’ Rain record. So. Cool. Yeah, ummm… I’m not really to good at these interview things I hope this isn’t too aweful. (laughing)
BC: (laughing) I’m not good at ‘em either so that’s cool.
CB: Alright. (laughing). Well, I really like the new record (The Sun Awakens). How has the response been so far?
BC: It’s been about what I expected… well, it’s actually been better than I expected. I kind of thought that people were going to be kind of bummed out about it.
CB: Well, everything I’ve read about it had been pretty positive… and of course I liked it a lot. I did read this thing in Stylus magazine of all places and it was the only bad review that I read, but it was kind of funny. They say this thing at the end that’s like really dramatic and really final…like, “The Sun never awakens as promised” or something like that.
BC: What’s funny is I know that dude. That’s Stuart. He lives in Atlanta and we’re friends.
CB: really?
BC: yeah, the only thing about that… well, I don’t give a shit. He could totally like it or not like it. But he was totally bugging me for promos like, “Dude, have Drag City send me a promo!”
CB: really?
BC: yeah, and so I’m like “Hey send my friend Stuart a promo. He’s a super rad dude!” and then he slams me and it’s just like… you fucker.
CB: I know man.
BC: yeah… I mean, it’s ok. Stuarts cool, he’s just calling it like he saw it or like he heard it. but it’s just pretty funny.
CB: Yeah, well the record does seem a little more restrained… I guess its kind of brooding. There’s a lot energy there but it never does seem to really blow up. Do you think people are disappointed about that?
BC: I don’t know. I don’t know what to feel. I just kind of wanted a really swampy kind of black tar type of record you know?
CB: Yeah. I think it’s better. I think it feels more tense that way.
BC: Cool, that’s good. Thank you.
CB: One thing I wanted to ask you about was the song Attar.
BC: yeah
CB: It’s referencing some Iranian poet, is that right?
BC: yeah, he wrote a book called conference of the birds. So, there’s some cross referencing there to my friends record that he put out recently. So. It was kind of like a funny little nod towards that. So, yeah do you mean what’s up with the track or what’s up with the title?
CB: Oh, yeah. I just wasn’t familiar with the reference.
BC: yeah yeah, he was a sufi poet who wrote a book, and… well, I tell you this cause no one’s picked this up. I was kind of thinking people would pick this up, but OM just released this record called Conference of the Birds. So, the author of that is Attar, so that’s the reference.
CB: Oh, and one of the guys (from OM) plays on the record is that right?
BC: Yeah, Al (Cisneros) plays on the record. So it was just kind of like hanging out with Al… you know like drinking coffee and stuff being like, (in bro voice) “Dude, what if we did a cross-reference thing man?” (laughs) kind of like you know, kind of something simple like that.
CB: Actually, well… I’ve been working at the radio station (WRFL) and we got the OM cd in and we gave it to Robert Beatty to review and he’s like hung on to it for a month.
BC: (laughs) really…
CB: So I haven’t gotten a chance to hear it yet but I’m pretty psyched about it.
BC: look man, it’s really really good. It’s one of my favorite records of the year. Go out and buy it… cause I like those dudes... and I really love the new record. It’s really really… well, the record’s great.
CB: Cool. Well, I also wanted to ask you about the reissues of the L record (holy letters) and Gary Higgins (Red Hash), are you going to do more stuff like that? Or, are you going to do another August Born record?
BC: Yeah, we want to. Well, the next project to do with Hirouki (Usui) is a split 12”. He’s got a new band together, but it sounds like L, and I’m going to do Six Organs. It’s going to be a split 12” and that’s going to be on PSF.
CB: Oh really, when’s that coming out?
BC: Pretty much as soon as I finish it. I’m working on it right now, and they’re waiting on me. I mean, his side’s already done. It’s crazy. If I would have known PSF wanted to do something with me like ten years ago I would have just been like sooo… well, they’re like one of my favorite labels now… and I been just busy and I feel weird and jaded you know? I’m like, “What am I doing I should be working on that non stop.” It’s insane. Yeah, but that’s coming out on PSF. As soon as I finish it, I’ll send it on over there. And we have plans on doing August Born sometime too.
CB: Do you think you guys will ever tour?
BC: Ummm… if we did it would probably have to be in Japan because I don’t think he can leave his house. He’s got like this cat and he lives kind of far away from friends and stuff. So, he can’t tour because he can’t leave his cat. It’s funny.
CB: Whoa
BC: Yeah, so I don’t know if he’s up for touring the United States or anything, but I’d like to go over there cause we’ve never met face to face, it’s just all through emails.
CB: Oh, really. That’s weird.
BC: We just send each other messages and like videotapes of our hometown and stuff.
CB: Oh, cool. Does he speak English very well?
BC: He speaks pretty good. At first we had this translator that was translating between the two of us. And then we started writing so much that… you know, it was just like we don’t need a translator. I mean he writes English really well, I mean better than me late at night…so.
CB: Do you have any more reissues up your sleeve like the Holy Letters record or Red Hash?
BC: Um, yeah I don’t know. Because nobody’s really… I’m trying to think. Not really. I mean with the Red Hash record it was kind of my friend Zach who tracked him (Gary Higgins) down. I turned Zach on to the record. And then L was more like, you know VHF just wanted to kind of… I was a big fan of L and I talked to Bill at VHF about that stuff and he asked me to do the liner notes. But there’s nothing that I’m really thinking about.
CB: I really liked the L record a lot. I bought a copy for a drive from Chicago to Kentucky and listened to it the whole time… it was a pretty intense trip. I mean it’s a great record.
BC: Yeah, it’s one of my favorites. You got the one on VHF? The CD?
CB: Yeah… oh yeah, well I didn’t get, I guess an original copy or anything.
BC: Yeah, when I picked it up… well, I already talked about it I guess in the liner notes and stuff… but it’s been a favorite of mine for like years and years.
CB: Awesome. So are you going to play a lot of… what’s the tour going to be like in terms of the songs that you play? Have you figured that out yet?
BC: Um, I’ll get over to Boston and we’re going to practice for a couple of days with Keith and John and pick out stuff. So, they had some requests that they wanted so we’ll probably do some older six organs stuff so. And we’ll probably do some version of the last song on the record (river of transfiguration).
CB: Yeah!
BC: maybe do that attar song, yeah probably do attar… never done that live before. So, there’ll be a couple off the new one and a smattering of all the other songs.
CB: Cool. Do you think that you’ll ever just go for it at one performance and just do a drone thing the whole time?
BC: I think so, yeah yeah. You know, I usually don’t write out a set list. I usually just call them out to the guys. So, yeah. I have a hard time remembering my songs too.
CB: Like the lyrics and stuff?
BC: I’ll play the same song over and over again and after the show I’ll be like, “Oh man I should have done that song.” It’s like I gotta bring a book or something. So, yeah its weird. Maybe that’ll be a goal or something for this tour, to write a list of all the songs I can do live.
CB: My request for the Lexington show is Bless Your Blood, I think that’s probably my favorite track on the record.
BC: Thank you, yeah. It’s one of my favorite tracks on the record too. I think we’re definitely going to try and figure out a version of that.
CB: Cool. I noticed that on a lot of the songs you wait until the end to bring the vocals. I really liked that, it really added to the intensity of the songs.
BC: yeah, it’s just kind of a weird way that I write. Because, well most of the time when I’m going to write a song I just have a guitar riff and it’s just all based on one riff, and I just record that. Then I just go home and I do a bunch of smoking and drinking with the headphones on…
CB: (laughs) yeah!
BC: (laughs) You know? And then I just kind of compose over the top of that and then I go back in the studio and try it out to see if it works.
CB: Is it hard coming to a stopping point or like a final version of all of these songs because you’ve got so many places that you can go with them?
BC: Yeah, kind of. Usually the late night sessions by myself kind of help, you know… weed out what I need to do. But, there’s always… you know in a lot of those songs there’s tons more tracks recorded on it. You know like more guitars and more vocals. It’s all just like carving all the BS out of the way and trying to carve a good song out of all the sound.
CB: Well, I noticed that ‘torn by wolves’ shows up later on as ‘wolf’s pup,’ kind of like a reprise thing.
BC: Yeah yeah, that was pretty inspired by… well those two songs are my nod to the Grizzly Man soundtrack.
CB: Grizzly Man?
BC: Yeah yeah, and that’s why they’re kind of like the same version you know, because soundtracks are kind of like that and stuff…
CB: Totally. Have you heard that Papa M record Live from a Sharks Cage?
BC: No, I haven’t heard that.
CB: Really? You should check that out, he does some stuff like that with reprises too but… I mean, it’s on Drag City man…
BC: Yeah yeah yeah… I know (laughs). I’ll check that out.
CB: …something about the guitar and the drums just… I don’t know man, just sort of reminded me of that record.
BC: Really… yeah I’ll check that out. I’ll definitely check that out. Matt Sweeney was talking about that record just recently too.
CB: Oh, right you were on that Superwolf tour right?
BC: Yeah, I did that last summer. And Matt Sweeny just joined Current 93 recently too and we just did Europe so we got a chance to hang out… but yeah definitely check out that record.
CB: Do you think you’ll rig some current 93 shows in the us ever?
BC: Uhhh… I think there’s been talk of maybe a New York show and stuff, but that dude doesn’t like to tour much at all…
CB: Yeah, I hadn’t really ever heard of one.
BC: Yeah, he’ll do like a one off and stuff. Yeah, but Nurse With Wound is playing in San Francisco this weekend.
CB: Really?
BC: Yeah! Pretty cool… that’s like… they haven’t played in years!
CB: Do you play on the new Current 93 record?
BC: Yeah yeah, I play on like four or five songs on there.
CB: Ok this is like a real question… do you think you’ll ever have a steady Six Organs lineup or do you think the changing is kind of part of the whole game?
BC: Yeah… I would like to. You know, it could go either way. I think that if I was only doing Six Organs and not other bands I would be able to focus on something like that more, and really be steady and be able to talk to other guys and be like, “we’re going to do this or that.” But as it is I’m so scatterbrained for schedules… like figuring it out between Comets (on Fire) and stuff…. I still don’t know when Comets is going on tour and stuff so it’s kind of always last minute. It’s like… you know, “Oh shit I gotta be in this town in two weeks” so I be calling like, “hey man can you play?” So, it’s kind of like that. But… also like looking at the way Will Oldham does it… he switches it up a lot too and I think it’s kinda good to keep it fresh.
CB: Yeah definitely
BC: Yeah but I definitely would… like I’m kind of making plans… am in the early stages of… kind of starting a steady line up but I’m not sure if that’s going to be six organs or not. It might be a whole new band. I’d like to start something that was a little more steady.
CB: That’s not the baggelore thing is it?
BC: No… it’s a new band that I’m just forming this week and we haven’t even practiced yet, but I’m just thinking I don’t know if I’m going to turn it into Six Organs or what. But, there’s like a different singer and a little bit different style and stuff. So I’m not really sure what’s going to happen with it, but I’ve totally been thinking about having a more steady lineup.
:::::::::::::: QUESTIONS/COMMENTS/SUBMISSIONS ::::::::::::::::::::::::
email thelexingtonproject@yahoo.com
Thanks to everyone who came out to the Icehouse for the cookout/show on Tuesday and particularly big ups to Brian and Robert Ronk and Vanessa for all their work on the grub.
Hope all are well.
Ross
:::::::::::::::::::::::: Announcements :::::::::::::::::::::::::::
** "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
** Mon/July 10 - Two art Lectures at Georgetown College
Monday, July 10, all are invited to a pair of brief gallery talks by the people who brought their works to Georgetown College.
Beginning at 11:00 a.m., Dr. Donald L. Jacobs will give an overview of the contemporary collection he and his wife Dorothy gifted to the college in the Ensor Learning Resource Center (LRC) gallery that bears their names. The retired Cincinnati physician will also introduce some of his new acquisitions before the audience is escorted across the street at 11:30.
There, in the Anne Wright Wilson Fine Arts Building gallery, artist Deana Rennick will talk about her installation. The Kenan Visiting Lecturer at Transylvania University, Rennick is one of the recipients of a 2005 Sculpture Magazine’s Outstanding Student Award. More conversation and refreshments will be available in the college’s Starbucks at the Mulberry Café on the LRC’s first floor.
Both galleries will be open that afternoon until 4:30 for more viewing. Normal gallery hours are noon-4:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday; or to make a special appointment, call the gallery director at (502) 863-8399.
Parking is available in the Georgetown Baptist Church parking lot at the corner of College and Mulberry streets, across from the LRC.
For more information, contact Elissa Morley at 502/863-8399 or emorley0@georgetowncollege.edu.
** LexArts presents "The World On A String"
LexArts presents "The World On A String," a month-long celebration of international puppetry, July 12th through August 2nd at the Downtown Arts Center, 141 E. Main, between Alfalfa Restaurant and Ann Tower Gallery.
Performances include:
• Frisch Marionettes of Cincinnati, performing the classic fairy tale Hansel and Gretel. The beautiful, hand-carved marionettes will recount the tale before elaborate sets, accompanied by the melodious 19th Century Engelbert Humperdink. Performances are Wednesday, July 12, 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Doug Berky, a master of movement theater from Indianapolis, presenting Gems. Using puppets, mime, drama, comedy, music and storytelling, Doug will share stories from around the world. Performances are Wednesday, July 19, 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Vit Horejs of Czechoslovak-American Marionette Theatre, performing Czech and Slovak Tales. The world-renowned puppeteer uses century-old, 24-inch marionettes that are beloved in the old country. Performances are Wednesday, July 26, 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Evening performance will be geared for adults and children.
• Atlanta Puppet, last season’s audience favorite, returning with the International Show. Hand-carved puppets from different cultures will provide insight into the world of puppetry and broaden your world view. Performances are Wednesday, August 2, 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Tickets for all performances are $8 each or $28 for subscription. Tickets are available by calling the LexArts Box Office at 859/225-0370.
** Through Aug. 12 - "Darkness Attempts to Comprehend Light" - paintings by Kevin Sparks at Fauntleroy’s Café
Fauntleroy's Cafe, 640 W. Maxwell St, hosts an exhibit of painting by Kevin Sparks entitled "Darkness Attempts to Comprehend Light: twilight studies," now through August 12th.
** July 22 & 23 - Free Capoeria Workshops for Children July 22nd & 23rd, Saturday/Sunday, 1pm @ Children's Explorium - Children's Capoeira Workshop Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23, our friends from Firebird Studio will be hosting a set of free and informal workshops in Capoeira for children and their families at the Explorium. The workshops will include a capoeira performance of Brazilian music and dance followed by the teaching of basic dance movements. Participants will also learn some capoeira songs and get a chance to play the instruments. This event is free and “open to anyone that interested in trying something fun and exciting.” For more information, visit http://www.firebirdlexington.com.
** Vegan project
A note from frequent Lex Pro contributor Eli Riveire …
hey everyone, nick warner and i are working on a project related to veganism and we need YOUR help! are you a vegan? are you thinking about going vegan? do you know a vegan who might want to help out? it won't be hard or time-consuming, we just want to talk to you about your experiences with veganism. we can talk over email, the phone, at third street stuff, or whatever works best for you. if this sounds like you, shoot me an email at riveire@gmail.com, or nick at nickwarner@gmail.com, and we'll set something up. thank you thank you, eli riveire
** KFTC is hiring
From a recent KFTC email …
Kentuckians For The Commonwealth is hiring! If you're interested in a career in grassroots social justice or know someone who is, please consider applying or passing this job posting to people you know. We're hiring for three positions (two of them new) with a variety of focuses. Here are some brief descriptions -
Communications Associate based in Prestonsburg. Responsibilities include developing and maintaining the KFTC web site, assisting with publicity and the production of publications, participating in member recruitment and fundraising, and more in support of KFTC organizing goals. The position starts August 1.
Tax & Economic Justice Organizer. Responsibilities include strategy development, base building and leadership development, communication, alliance building, research and policy development, fundraising, and more. The position is focused on building public support for meaningful tax reform and an increase in the minimum wage, and work with the Kentucky Economic Justice Alliance.
Economic Development Organizer. Responsibilities include strategy development, base building and leadership development, communication, alliance building, research and policy development, fundraising, and more. The goal is to create a new economic development framework for Kentucky, including an economic development vision, an analysis and critique of the current approach, principles of a new approach, a broad policy agenda, and specific policy proposals.
Salaries are based on experience. Benefits are generous.
Anyone interested in applying should send a letter of application, resume, and contact information for three references to: KFTC Personnel Committee, P.O. Box 1450, London, Ky. 40743 or via email to robin@kftc.org. Applications will be accepted until the jobs are filled. KFTC is an equal opportunity employer. Women and people of color are encouraged to apply. Again, you can find more information online at http://www.kftc.org/about-kftc/jobs-internships
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: THE PICKS :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::: Wednesday, July 5 through Wednesday, July 19 :::::::::::
:: Friday, July 7 ::
PETTICOAT, PETTICOAT cd release party w/IN ENDEAVORS ITALYA, THE ESTATES GENERAL, and LAUREN DONOVAN @ Mecca, 451 Chair Ave – just off Broadway near Main 8pm, all ages, $5 – sponsored by WRFL 88.1FM
Young Lexington popsters Petticoat, Petticoat celebrate the release of their new cd “Every Mother’s Child” and kick off their first tour. http://myspace.com/petticoatpetticoat, http://myspace.com/inendeavorsitalya, http://myspace.com/theestatesgeneral, http://myspace.com/laurendonovan
:: Friday, July 7 ::
PARLOUR BOYS w/MODENA VOX @ The Dame
9pm, ages 21+, $5
“Dance, dance, dance, and go crazy/ Dance, dance, dance, and go crazy” – Modest Mouse (from “Untitled” - The Fruit That Ate Itself ep)
http://myspace.com/parlourboysmusic, http://myspace.com/modenavox
:: Thursday, July 13 ::
SIX ORANS OF ADMITTANCE w/EYES AND ARMS OF SMOKE and BURNING STAR CORE @ The Dame – 9pm, ages 21+, $6
Ben Chasny, man of many musical hats and talents, brings his most oft donned project to Lexington as the Dame hosts Six Organs of Admittance on July 13th. Touring in support of his most recent and most ominous release to date, The Sun Awakens, Chasny promises to bring audiences to a petrified lull with his brooding psych-rock hymns. In recent years Chasny has proven time and time again to be one of the hardest working musicians in the realm of foreword thinking rock, either recording or touring with a small army of acts including Six Organs of Admittance, Comets on Fire, Current 93, Baggelore, August Born, and Superwolf. As Six Organs of Admittance, Chasny has made particular musical progress by shrugging apparent debts to the guitar ragas of John Fahey and Sandy Bull and incorporating the more volatile sounds found in Japanese psychedelic and drone. With The Sun Awakens, these heavier influences seem more legible than ever. The album maintains a brooding and apocalyptic mood the whole way through, never coming to a crescendo but never losing intensity. Chasny said via telephone, “I just kind of wanted a really swampy kind of black tar type record.” Indeed, The Sun Awakens seems as such, always thick and bubbling, but never erupting. On the records closing track, the haunting twenty-three minute epic 'River of Transfiguration,' the tar of murky noise builds to become almost suffocatingly thick. As to what the Dame crowd should expect, Chasny made no promises. “I usually don’t write out a set list. I usually just call them out to the guys..." Though, "some version" of 'The River of Transfiguration' is rumored to make an appearance. – Chris Bush
:: Saturday, July 15 :: VAMPIRE BELT w/SPECTRE FOLK and EYES AND ARMS OF SMOKE @ Mecca, 451 Chair Avenue – 8pm, all ages, $3
Killer improv/folk/noise/psych gig that will please devotees of both the Outside the Spotlight series and fans of recent performances by the Lexington Weirdo League, e.g. Hair Police, Caves, Warmer Milks, et al.
VAMPIRE BELT is the duo of drummer Chris Corsano and guitarist Bill Nace. Corsano has devastated Lexington audiences in the past performing with saxophonist Paul Flaherty at CD Central (at the nadir of the 2003 ice storm, to a packed house of dropped jaws), Mecca, and Underlying Themes. His playing is absolutely singular: like a hurricane of insanity. Bill Nace is a western Massachusetts guitarist whose uncompromising experimental style is rarely witnessed outside of his home state, although he has performed alongside such giants as Sonic Youth’s Thurston Moore and members of Scottish scuzz-noise freaks Decaer Pinga (under the moniker Ceylon Mange).
SPECTRE FOLK is a project of Pete Nolan, drummer of the inimitable Magic Markers, and former member of NYC drone fiends Double Leopards. Nolan has performed solo in Lexington in the past at the now sadly-defunct freak venue Charles Mansion. He offers up tunes that are simultaneously traditional and highly idiosyncratic. Expect to be thoroughly weirded out.
EYES & ARMS OF SMOKE are from Lexington. They are messed up and who knows what the hell they’ll do. - Trevor Tremaine
[FULL DISCLOSURE: Trevor plays with EaAoS and helped organize this show.]
:: Tuesday, July 18 ::
DRESSY BESSY w/THE IMPOSSIBLE SHAPES and THE LIVING BLUE @ The Dame - 9pm, ages 21+, $5
Dressy Bessy are one of the many Elephant 6 spin-off bands; they formed in 1996 and since then having been playing their pixy stix brand, straight up power pop across the land. If you happened to catch Dressy Bessy at The Dame last summer you already know why you need to get to this show. Seeing them live, much more so than listening to their albums, is the big pay off. Even if you aren't a fan of their pop music, Dressy Bessy has so much charm that it spills over onto the floor. Try to resist Tammy Ealom's leg kicks and the ever-present smile on John Hill's face. Try. On top of that, you can bet that the band's set will knock out old favorites (I distinctly remember them playing "I Saw Cinammon" and "Just Once More" last September) alongside newer hits from their 2005 album Electrified. One of the best things about DB is their commitment to touring. Rest assured that if you love them this time then you won't have to wait too long before you can love them some more.
Opening up are The Living Blue, a 4 piece high-energy rock band from Champaign, IL and The Impossible Shapes. The latter's weirdo pop has been garnering the much sought after attention of the bloggers since the release of their album Horus early last year. I'm not sure how this music will translate in a live setting, whether they will try to come off as more pop or more artistic, but either way it will be interesting. For a measly $5 this is a night of irresistible intrigue. - Samantha Herald
http://myspace.com/dressybessy, http://myspace.com/thelivingblue, http://myspace.com/theimpossibleshapes
:: Also worthwhile in the July 5 – July 19 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/July 14 BIG MARACAS @ The Dame
Fri/July 14 PUFFY AMIYUMI @ Bogart’s (Cincinnati)
:: Soon Soon ::
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, 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) - 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://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.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.
:::::::::::::: Interview with Ben Chasny/Six Organs of Admittance ::::::::::::::::::::::::
CB = WRFL music director and frequent Lex Pro contributor Chris Bush
BC = Ben Chasny, the man behind Six Organs of Admittance
Chris Bush: So, what’s going on?
Ben Chasny: Oh, not much just hanging out, being blind a little bit. I lost my contacts and I don’t have any back ups and I don’t have any glasses so it’s all kind of fucked up.
CB: (laughing) Oh no! What are you going to do dude?
BC: Well I ordered some and I thought they were going to come today… I’m like seriously blind. The big E is like a big blur. (laughs) I can’t cross the street. I’m kind of like a prisoner in my home right now.
CB: Wow (laughs), sounds pretty debilitating.
BC: I think my girlfriend likes it because I’m totally like…
CB: At her mercy!
BC: …(doing a girlfriend impression) “oh food and stuff…” She’s got me fuckin’ prisoner man.
CB: Whoa
BC: Yeah, so that’s about it.
CB: Well, your not playing shows or anything right now are you?
BC: No… no… not playing shows until the seventh.
CB: Cool… Well thanks for taking some time to talk and thanks for coming to Lexington again. I’m excited about the show. I caught your first show… well I think it was your first show here… it was at the Icehouse with eyes and arms of smoke
BC: yeah, and Mikey played too…
CB: oh yeah… that was a rad show…
BC: yeah, I had a lot of fun at that one.
CB: I was kind of surprised when it was just you playing guitar. What are you going to do this time around?
BC: Oh, I’ll have a band this time.
CB: Are you going to have the same guys that you have on the record?
BC: Ummm, actually when I tour on the East Coast I’ll have this guy John Maloney from Sunburned Hand of the Man…
CB: yeah.
BC: and this guy Keith Wood who is in this band called Hush Arbors.
CB: yeah. I know Mikey is going on tour with all those dudes on the Howlin’ Rain thing with Hush Arbors…
BC: Yeah, they’re on tour right now doing that.
CB: Yeah… I like the Howlin’ Rain record. So. Cool. Yeah, ummm… I’m not really to good at these interview things I hope this isn’t too aweful. (laughing)
BC: (laughing) I’m not good at ‘em either so that’s cool.
CB: Alright. (laughing). Well, I really like the new record (The Sun Awakens). How has the response been so far?
BC: It’s been about what I expected… well, it’s actually been better than I expected. I kind of thought that people were going to be kind of bummed out about it.
CB: Well, everything I’ve read about it had been pretty positive… and of course I liked it a lot. I did read this thing in Stylus magazine of all places and it was the only bad review that I read, but it was kind of funny. They say this thing at the end that’s like really dramatic and really final…like, “The Sun never awakens as promised” or something like that.
BC: What’s funny is I know that dude. That’s Stuart. He lives in Atlanta and we’re friends.
CB: really?
BC: yeah, the only thing about that… well, I don’t give a shit. He could totally like it or not like it. But he was totally bugging me for promos like, “Dude, have Drag City send me a promo!”
CB: really?
BC: yeah, and so I’m like “Hey send my friend Stuart a promo. He’s a super rad dude!” and then he slams me and it’s just like… you fucker.
CB: I know man.
BC: yeah… I mean, it’s ok. Stuarts cool, he’s just calling it like he saw it or like he heard it. but it’s just pretty funny.
CB: Yeah, well the record does seem a little more restrained… I guess its kind of brooding. There’s a lot energy there but it never does seem to really blow up. Do you think people are disappointed about that?
BC: I don’t know. I don’t know what to feel. I just kind of wanted a really swampy kind of black tar type of record you know?
CB: Yeah. I think it’s better. I think it feels more tense that way.
BC: Cool, that’s good. Thank you.
CB: One thing I wanted to ask you about was the song Attar.
BC: yeah
CB: It’s referencing some Iranian poet, is that right?
BC: yeah, he wrote a book called conference of the birds. So, there’s some cross referencing there to my friends record that he put out recently. So. It was kind of like a funny little nod towards that. So, yeah do you mean what’s up with the track or what’s up with the title?
CB: Oh, yeah. I just wasn’t familiar with the reference.
BC: yeah yeah, he was a sufi poet who wrote a book, and… well, I tell you this cause no one’s picked this up. I was kind of thinking people would pick this up, but OM just released this record called Conference of the Birds. So, the author of that is Attar, so that’s the reference.
CB: Oh, and one of the guys (from OM) plays on the record is that right?
BC: Yeah, Al (Cisneros) plays on the record. So it was just kind of like hanging out with Al… you know like drinking coffee and stuff being like, (in bro voice) “Dude, what if we did a cross-reference thing man?” (laughs) kind of like you know, kind of something simple like that.
CB: Actually, well… I’ve been working at the radio station (WRFL) and we got the OM cd in and we gave it to Robert Beatty to review and he’s like hung on to it for a month.
BC: (laughs) really…
CB: So I haven’t gotten a chance to hear it yet but I’m pretty psyched about it.
BC: look man, it’s really really good. It’s one of my favorite records of the year. Go out and buy it… cause I like those dudes... and I really love the new record. It’s really really… well, the record’s great.
CB: Cool. Well, I also wanted to ask you about the reissues of the L record (holy letters) and Gary Higgins (Red Hash), are you going to do more stuff like that? Or, are you going to do another August Born record?
BC: Yeah, we want to. Well, the next project to do with Hirouki (Usui) is a split 12”. He’s got a new band together, but it sounds like L, and I’m going to do Six Organs. It’s going to be a split 12” and that’s going to be on PSF.
CB: Oh really, when’s that coming out?
BC: Pretty much as soon as I finish it. I’m working on it right now, and they’re waiting on me. I mean, his side’s already done. It’s crazy. If I would have known PSF wanted to do something with me like ten years ago I would have just been like sooo… well, they’re like one of my favorite labels now… and I been just busy and I feel weird and jaded you know? I’m like, “What am I doing I should be working on that non stop.” It’s insane. Yeah, but that’s coming out on PSF. As soon as I finish it, I’ll send it on over there. And we have plans on doing August Born sometime too.
CB: Do you think you guys will ever tour?
BC: Ummm… if we did it would probably have to be in Japan because I don’t think he can leave his house. He’s got like this cat and he lives kind of far away from friends and stuff. So, he can’t tour because he can’t leave his cat. It’s funny.
CB: Whoa
BC: Yeah, so I don’t know if he’s up for touring the United States or anything, but I’d like to go over there cause we’ve never met face to face, it’s just all through emails.
CB: Oh, really. That’s weird.
BC: We just send each other messages and like videotapes of our hometown and stuff.
CB: Oh, cool. Does he speak English very well?
BC: He speaks pretty good. At first we had this translator that was translating between the two of us. And then we started writing so much that… you know, it was just like we don’t need a translator. I mean he writes English really well, I mean better than me late at night…so.
CB: Do you have any more reissues up your sleeve like the Holy Letters record or Red Hash?
BC: Um, yeah I don’t know. Because nobody’s really… I’m trying to think. Not really. I mean with the Red Hash record it was kind of my friend Zach who tracked him (Gary Higgins) down. I turned Zach on to the record. And then L was more like, you know VHF just wanted to kind of… I was a big fan of L and I talked to Bill at VHF about that stuff and he asked me to do the liner notes. But there’s nothing that I’m really thinking about.
CB: I really liked the L record a lot. I bought a copy for a drive from Chicago to Kentucky and listened to it the whole time… it was a pretty intense trip. I mean it’s a great record.
BC: Yeah, it’s one of my favorites. You got the one on VHF? The CD?
CB: Yeah… oh yeah, well I didn’t get, I guess an original copy or anything.
BC: Yeah, when I picked it up… well, I already talked about it I guess in the liner notes and stuff… but it’s been a favorite of mine for like years and years.
CB: Awesome. So are you going to play a lot of… what’s the tour going to be like in terms of the songs that you play? Have you figured that out yet?
BC: Um, I’ll get over to Boston and we’re going to practice for a couple of days with Keith and John and pick out stuff. So, they had some requests that they wanted so we’ll probably do some older six organs stuff so. And we’ll probably do some version of the last song on the record (river of transfiguration).
CB: Yeah!
BC: maybe do that attar song, yeah probably do attar… never done that live before. So, there’ll be a couple off the new one and a smattering of all the other songs.
CB: Cool. Do you think that you’ll ever just go for it at one performance and just do a drone thing the whole time?
BC: I think so, yeah yeah. You know, I usually don’t write out a set list. I usually just call them out to the guys. So, yeah. I have a hard time remembering my songs too.
CB: Like the lyrics and stuff?
BC: I’ll play the same song over and over again and after the show I’ll be like, “Oh man I should have done that song.” It’s like I gotta bring a book or something. So, yeah its weird. Maybe that’ll be a goal or something for this tour, to write a list of all the songs I can do live.
CB: My request for the Lexington show is Bless Your Blood, I think that’s probably my favorite track on the record.
BC: Thank you, yeah. It’s one of my favorite tracks on the record too. I think we’re definitely going to try and figure out a version of that.
CB: Cool. I noticed that on a lot of the songs you wait until the end to bring the vocals. I really liked that, it really added to the intensity of the songs.
BC: yeah, it’s just kind of a weird way that I write. Because, well most of the time when I’m going to write a song I just have a guitar riff and it’s just all based on one riff, and I just record that. Then I just go home and I do a bunch of smoking and drinking with the headphones on…
CB: (laughs) yeah!
BC: (laughs) You know? And then I just kind of compose over the top of that and then I go back in the studio and try it out to see if it works.
CB: Is it hard coming to a stopping point or like a final version of all of these songs because you’ve got so many places that you can go with them?
BC: Yeah, kind of. Usually the late night sessions by myself kind of help, you know… weed out what I need to do. But, there’s always… you know in a lot of those songs there’s tons more tracks recorded on it. You know like more guitars and more vocals. It’s all just like carving all the BS out of the way and trying to carve a good song out of all the sound.
CB: Well, I noticed that ‘torn by wolves’ shows up later on as ‘wolf’s pup,’ kind of like a reprise thing.
BC: Yeah yeah, that was pretty inspired by… well those two songs are my nod to the Grizzly Man soundtrack.
CB: Grizzly Man?
BC: Yeah yeah, and that’s why they’re kind of like the same version you know, because soundtracks are kind of like that and stuff…
CB: Totally. Have you heard that Papa M record Live from a Sharks Cage?
BC: No, I haven’t heard that.
CB: Really? You should check that out, he does some stuff like that with reprises too but… I mean, it’s on Drag City man…
BC: Yeah yeah yeah… I know (laughs). I’ll check that out.
CB: …something about the guitar and the drums just… I don’t know man, just sort of reminded me of that record.
BC: Really… yeah I’ll check that out. I’ll definitely check that out. Matt Sweeney was talking about that record just recently too.
CB: Oh, right you were on that Superwolf tour right?
BC: Yeah, I did that last summer. And Matt Sweeny just joined Current 93 recently too and we just did Europe so we got a chance to hang out… but yeah definitely check out that record.
CB: Do you think you’ll rig some current 93 shows in the us ever?
BC: Uhhh… I think there’s been talk of maybe a New York show and stuff, but that dude doesn’t like to tour much at all…
CB: Yeah, I hadn’t really ever heard of one.
BC: Yeah, he’ll do like a one off and stuff. Yeah, but Nurse With Wound is playing in San Francisco this weekend.
CB: Really?
BC: Yeah! Pretty cool… that’s like… they haven’t played in years!
CB: Do you play on the new Current 93 record?
BC: Yeah yeah, I play on like four or five songs on there.
CB: Ok this is like a real question… do you think you’ll ever have a steady Six Organs lineup or do you think the changing is kind of part of the whole game?
BC: Yeah… I would like to. You know, it could go either way. I think that if I was only doing Six Organs and not other bands I would be able to focus on something like that more, and really be steady and be able to talk to other guys and be like, “we’re going to do this or that.” But as it is I’m so scatterbrained for schedules… like figuring it out between Comets (on Fire) and stuff…. I still don’t know when Comets is going on tour and stuff so it’s kind of always last minute. It’s like… you know, “Oh shit I gotta be in this town in two weeks” so I be calling like, “hey man can you play?” So, it’s kind of like that. But… also like looking at the way Will Oldham does it… he switches it up a lot too and I think it’s kinda good to keep it fresh.
CB: Yeah definitely
BC: Yeah but I definitely would… like I’m kind of making plans… am in the early stages of… kind of starting a steady line up but I’m not sure if that’s going to be six organs or not. It might be a whole new band. I’d like to start something that was a little more steady.
CB: That’s not the baggelore thing is it?
BC: No… it’s a new band that I’m just forming this week and we haven’t even practiced yet, but I’m just thinking I don’t know if I’m going to turn it into Six Organs or what. But, there’s like a different singer and a little bit different style and stuff. So I’m not really sure what’s going to happen with it, but I’ve totally been thinking about having a more steady lineup.
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