Thursday, April 05, 2007
TLP April 5, 2007
Tons to do these next two weeks. Buy sweets from roller girls on Saturday at CD Central, then go see the George Steeltoe Ensemble that night at the Icehouse. Women, grab your bikes and get ready for Clitical Mass. Don’t miss the reception for Talena Sanders’ BFA show “Supermundane” at Old Tarr Distillery on the Friday, 13th or Jack Rose’s set at the Icehouse on Sunday, the 15th.
Happy birthday, Danny D!
Luv, Ross
:::::::::::::::::::::::: Announcements :::::::::::::::::::::::::::
** TODAY! Thurs/April 5 – Performance Art at Georgetown College
All are invited to a special performance by This Must Be The Place this afternoon (April 5) from noon – 1pm in the Anne Wright Wilson Fine Arts Gallery at Georgetown College. From a recent email – “The artist collective This Must Be The Place points out the impossibility of instructional videos, focusing in this performance on the cooking series Frugal Gourmet. Come watch the group attempt to create recipes from the show and taste the results - if you dare! Mocktails will be created for the audience by the Bricolettes.” http://www.thismustbetheplace.org
** TONIGHT! Thurs/April 5 – FREE film screening – “The Shape of Water”
Tonight (April 5th) at 10 pm the award-winning documentary film "The Shape of Water" will be playing for free at the Worsham Theatre on UK's campus. The film, directed by Kum Kum Bhavnani, takes the viewer around the world depicting various women's activists' groups in Brazil, Israel, Senegal, and India concerning issues as diverse as the sustainability of natural resources, anti-war movements, female genital mutilation, and labor debates, respectively. It's narrated by Susan Sarandon and features physicist and environmental activist Vandana Shiva. Dr. Ellen Rosenman, of the English department, will be introducing the film.
More information about the film can be found at www.theshapeofwatermovie.com. Free food will also be provided. This event is co-sponsored by the UK Feminist Alliance, Student Center Film Series, and the Gender and Women's Studies department. Questions? Contact Shanna Sanders at shanna.sanders@gmail.com.
** Every Thursday - “Poetry on the Patio” at UK
Mentioned Chuck Clenney’s new “Poetry on the Patio” series in the last issue. As a refresher - the idea is to start the sessions with a professional Kentucky poet, then, after they’ve dropped 25 minutes or so of inspiration on you, the mic is open (in three minute blocks) to anyone who’s got something to say. The sessions will go down from 12noon-1pm, every Thursday from now through April 19th in the “free speech” area of UK’s campus (that’s the UK Student Center patio – just outside the ‘Cats Den’ which is right across the walkway from the UK Bookstore). Today (Thursday, April 5th), the special guest is Richard Taylor. April 12th, it’s Gurney Norman. For more info, drop Chuck a line via MySpace – http://www.myspace.com/thepoetryofchuckclenney.
** Fri/April 6 – A Night of Ballads at the Tuska Gallery
Friday, April 6th, Somerset artist Dan Dutton (with guest Mark McCoy on banjo and mandolin) will present a FREE ballad concert to accompany his current installation in UK’s Tuska Gallery, in the UK Fine Arts Building (on Rose Street). The ballads are traditional, learned, for the most part, from his parents,and two mentors, traditional ballad singers Chapel Wallin and Jean Ritchie. However, Dutton’s arrangemens are entirely contemporary. The performance will begin at 7:30pm and last around an hour (or, as Dan said, “however long it takes to sing 12 ballads”). All ages are welcome. http://dandutton.com
** Sat/April 7 – Bake Sale to Benefit the Sour Scouts Roller Derby Team @ CD Central
This Saturday, April 7th from noon til around 2pm (or whenever the goodies are gone), CD Central (377 S. Limestone) will host a bake sale benefit for the Sour Scouts roller derby team (part of the new Mason Vixxen Rollergirls league – http://www.myspace.com/masonvixxenrollergirls). The tasty treats will include vegan and non-vegan baked goods to raise money for, as CD Central’s newsletter suggests, “spiked elbow pads and whatnot.” Making the offer even sweeter, if you buy something to support the team, CD Central will give you 10% off your purchase as well!
** Beginning April 9 - Spring Classes at the Carnegie Center
Once again the Carnegie Center is offering a rich array of free and low-cost classes in computer literacy, writing, foreign language, and much more. Highlights of the spring season include readings by Anne Shelby and current Kentucky Poet Laureate Sena Jeter Naslund, a poetry class led by Affrilachian Poet Jude McPherson, a science fiction writing class led by Hugo and Nebula finalist Christopher Rowe, and a workshop on The Art of the Graphic Novel led by Sara Turner (of Cricket Press fame!) and Jerzy Drozd. That's not even the tip of the iceberg, people -- come to the Carnegie Center and see for yourselves why there's no reason this gorgeous space devoted to enriching the lives of Lexingtonians should any longer be the city's best kept secret. A complete listing of classes, workshops, readings, art exhibits, and learning opportunities is now available online at http://www.carnegieliteracy.org. To request a brochure, call 859/254-4175.
** Mon/April 9 – Bohemian Nights series at Natasha’s presents April Ghouls Day featuring the cast of Bo List’s ‘Dracula’
Monday, April 9th at 8:30pm, the Bohemian Nights series at Natasha’s Café presents: April Ghouls Day! featuring the cast of Bo List's “Dracula…” Here’s a description from a recent Natasha’s email: “This multi-faceted evening of entertainment in the funky casual atmosphere of Natasha’s Bistro will create a relaxed and inspired environment for performing artists and the public to socialize and enjoy fine foods and spirits while supporting local theatre projects. All ticket proceeds from this evening of entertainment as well as a portion of restaurant sales will go to support Chance Theatre’s production of “Dracula…”, written and directed by Lexington theatre staple Bo List, in their fundraising efforts to attend the 2007 International Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland. Entertainment will include musical and theatrical performances by the company of Dracula… There will be a silent auction, a raffle, door prizes and a contest for the creepiest costume, so come dressed for the occasion. $5 Cover.” I believe all ages are welcome, but you might call the Café at 259-2754 to be sure.
** FREE FLICKS! Bluegrass Film Society at BCTC
Our running update on the BFS flicks at BCTC …
> April 11: Brothers (Denmark)
> April 18: 3 Iron (South Korea)
Remember the change this semester – the films used to screen on Thursdays, now it’s WEDNESDAYS. All films start at 7:45pm in the auditorium in Oswald Building on the campus of the Bluegrass Community and Technical College (aka the old LCC). They’re still FREE and open to everyone. For the full schedule and/or more info, check BFS at http://bluegrassfilmsociety.blogspot.com.
** Fri/April 13 – Clitical Mass
Clitical Mass, an all-girl bike ride, co-sponsored by the UK Feminist Alliance and the Gender and Women's Studies department that will go down Friday, April 13th, starting at 5pm at Woodland Park. Here’s the scoop from a recent email from Shanna Sanders – “Before we ride there will be a quick workshop on basic bicycle maintenance and a free copy of the zine A Rough Guide to Bicycle Maintenance will be distributed. At 5:30 we'll take to the streets to raise bicycle awareness/safety, have some fun, and show a feminist presence in Lexington. Sorry boys, you're not allowed. Wear pink. If you don't have a bike, but would like to come out anyway, check out Wildcat Wheels. For more info, contact Shanna.sanders@gmail.com.” [Ed. note – A recent email to the LexAlleyCats listserv said that “men are welcome, if they dress in drag and wear pink.” No joke.]
** Fri/April 13 – Opening Reception for “Supermundane” at Old Tarr Bourbon Distillery
Check out the opening reception for “Supermundane,” our friend Talena Sanders’ BFA show, Friday, the 13th, from 7-11pm at the Old Tarr Bourbon Distillery (899 Manchester St – same spot as the Beaux Arts Ball). Video projection, installation work, brew (p’haps there’ll be some arty wine drinking too, but definitely brew), and dancing (our mens Robert Beatty, Greg Tilton and Wes Beltz will be dj’ing following the reception). If you can’t make the opening but want to see the show, you can set up an appointment to view the show by calling 859/576-2381.
** Sat/April 14 – Lexington Farmer’s Market Opens!
First day of the Lexington Farmer’s Market’s season! Recipes from Vanessa to follow??? Cross your fingers.
** Sat/April 14 – 3rd Annual Carnegie Center 5K Run/Walk for Literacy
The UK Honors Program Student Council, John's Run/Walk Shop, and UK Student Government are once again sponsoring a 5K run/walk to benefit the Carnegie Center. (If you’re not familiar with the Carnegie Center’s wonderful work, check them out at http://www.carnegieliteracy.org.) The event will take place on Saturday, April 14 at 6:30pm at UK’s Coldstream Research Campus. Prizes will be awarded to overall male/female, male and female age groups, and most represented organization. Dogs and strollers welcome! Pre-registration (before April 7th) is $13. Late registration (after the 7th through race day) is $15. To access the registration form, follow this link: http://www.carnegieliteracy.org/pdf/5KRunWalkRegistrationForm07.pdf. For more information, call 859/254-4175 or email your question to ccll1@carnegieliteracy.org.
** Saturday Brunch at Stella’s
Our friends at Stella's are now open for brunch on Saturdays from 10am-2pm. They’ll be serving local fare consisting of the following: biscuits and gravy; Weisenburger cheese grits; southern hash; fresh fruit; French toast; eggs; soups; ham; bacon; sausage; homemade muffins; organic coffee; eye-openers; desserts and more. The "All you care to Eat" brunch is $9.95; non-alcoholic beverages $1.50. Stella's is located @ 143 Jefferson Street. For more info, give ‘em a ring at 255-3354.
** Fri/April 20 – The Sister Spit Next Generation Tour @ UK
Friday, April 20, the Sister Spit Next Generation Tour, a national tour of eight queer female writers/performers/artists/activists, makes a stop in Lexington (the location for the performances will be on UK's campus, but the exact venue is still TBA – I’ll fill in that detail in the next issue). Headlining the tour is Michelle Tea - author of the award-winning Valencia, The Chelsea Whistle, and Rent Girl. Also, featured are Eileen Myles - writer of Chelsea Girls, Cool for You, and School of Fish. Has been performing her poetry since her first reading at CBGB's in '74. BUST magazine calls her "the rock star of modern poetry”: Ali Liebegott - recently published The IHOP Papers. Her first book, The Beautifully Worthless, received the Best Debut Fiction award at the 2006 Lambda Literary Awards: Nicole Georges - writer/cartoonist who does the zine Invincible Summer, Coffeeshop Crushes, and many more. Is also in the bands Sour Grapes and Fact or Fiction?: Christy Road - puts out the zine Greenzine. Has done artwork for among others Plan-it-X records, Maximum RockNRoll, BITCH magazine, BUST magazine, SPREAD magazine, INCITE: Women of Color Against Violence, and The Progressive: Robin Akimbo - prominent member of Coco Cafe, performance artists of color group. Writer of AIDS: The Made for TV Musical and I'll Tell You Why - one woman musical. More information about the performers and the tour can be found at http://www.sisterspitnextgen.com. A reception will follow at the Commonwealth House of the Gaines Center for the Humanities afterwards. The event is co-sponsored by the UK Feminist Alliance, Student Government, the OUTsource, Gay-Straight Alliance, the UK Zine Archive, and the Gender and Women's Studies dept. Donations can be made at the event benefiting the OUTsource - UK's new LGBTQQA center/infoshop space. Questions? Contact Shanna Sanders at shanna.sanders@gmail.com.
** Fri & Sat/April 20 & 21 – Art Exhibition - “Spring” at Unit Two Gallery
Mark your calendars for this one. "Spring" an exhibition featuring the work of three young Lexington artists - Clint Colburn, Shilpi Gupta, and Elissa Morley – will run for two days only - Friday, April 20, 5pm-10pm (during Gallery Hop) and Saturday, April 21, 2pm-5pm - at Unit Two Gallery, a temporary space for experimental exhibitions located at 478 W. Second Street in Lexington. For details, contact Elissa at elissarmorley@yahoo.com or 321/615.5264
** April 27-29 - Camp Wellstone - grassroots political training hosted by KFTC and Kentucky Jobs With Justice
Our friends at Kentuckians For The Commonwealth & Kentucky Jobs with Justice are hosting Camp Wellstone, a 3-day training in grassroots political skills, April 27-29 at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Lexington. Camp Wellstone provides hands-on, practical training in grassroots politics for citizen activists, campaign workers and people interested in running for office. The training which is divided into three specialized curriculum – Electoral Campaigns: Tools and Tactics for Success, Citizen Activism: Grassroots Advocacy and Organizing, and Being a Candidate: How to Run and Win a Progressive Campaign - is open to anyone interested in gaining practical skills in progressive political action. For information about registration (including how to request a KFTC scholarship to cover registration and lodging costs), contact KFTC Organizing Director Lisa Abbott at 859/986-1277 ext 223 or by email at labbott@kih.net.
:::::::::::::::::: YOU GO OUTDOORS. I GO OUTDOORS. LET’S GO OUTDOORS TOGETHER. :::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: Saturday, April 7 :: Spring hike to see one of the rarest plants in Kentucky and the U.S., the Kentucky gladecress. KSNPC Botanist Tara Littlefield will lead a hike through Pine Creek Barrens Nature Preserve (Bullitt County) for the Kentucky Native Plant Society (www.knps.org). Learn about this rare plant and the unique dolomite limestone glade communities. Registration required for this event. Contact Tara at tara.littlefield@ky.gov or 502-573-2886 for more information and to register.
:: Saturday, April 7 :: Wildflower walk at Floracliff State Nature Preserve (Fayette County), 10 a.m. EDT. KSNPC Ecologist Brian Yahn will lead a walk around the preserve to see the wildflowers at their peak. Registration required for this event. Contact Beverly James at (859) 351-7770 or Floracliff@aol.com for more information and to register.
:: Saturday, April 14 :: Volunteer workday at Floracliff State Nature Preserve (Fayette County), 1 p.m. EDT. Join in the effort to remove bush honeysuckle from the preserve as part of an ongoing effort to protect our native species. Contact Beverly James at 859-351-7770 or Floracliff@aol.com for more information.
- Greg Abernathy
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: THE PICKS :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::: Wednesday, April 4 – Wednesday, April 18 :::::::::::
:: Saturday, April 7 ::
THE GEORGE STEELTOE ENSEMBLE w/THREE LEGGED RACE/WALTER CARSON DUO
@ The Icehouse, 412 Cross St – 8pm, all ages, $3 suggested donation
A prEaster ‘Festivus-for-the-rest-of-us’ for us’n’s unable to afford Beaux Arts and/or your chance to front-load on beverage (bring your own) and weirdness (don’t worry, plenty will be provided) before the B.A.Ball. GEORGE STEELTOE ENSEMBLE = High energy spazz-jazz experimentation from NYC by way of LexVegas (both drummer Brian Osborne and bassist Jay Dunbar spent several years in Lexington). WIRE magazine described their recent record “Church of Yuh” as “a passionate gust of free jazz and experimental manipulation that sounds like the Art Ensemble Of Chicago jamming with Jackie-O Motherfucker." All I knows is that they wail for realz. THREE LEGGED RACE/WALTER CARSON DUO = super drone from members of Hair Police, Eyes and Arms of Smoke, and Wretched Worst. {If you need directions to the Icehouse, drop me a line at informationactivists@yahoo.com.}
http://myspace.com/heatretentionrecords [Full Disclosure: I helped organize this show.]
:: Saturday, April 7 ::
Beaux Arts Ball featuring THE JUAN MCLEAN, Q-BURNS ABSTRACT MESSAGE, CUNNINLYNGUISTS, PARLOUR BOYS, LFUCS, and more @ 899 Manchester St (formerly Old Tarr Bourbon Distillery) – doors 6:30pm, ages 18+, $20 adv/$30 door
Lexington’s wildest annual party. This year’s B::A::B features musical performances by LFUCS, Q-Burns Abstract Message, Parlour Boys, CunninLynguists, and headliner The Juan Maclean (part of the whole DFA records – LCD Soundsystem, Rapture, etc – group of NYC party-making peoples), as well as a drag show, fashion show, dance performances by Rakadu Gypsy Dance and the UK Dance Ensemble, and video projections all night long by our pal Talena Sanders (DO NOT MISS Talena’s BFA show, also at Old Tarr Distillery, on Friday, April 13 – see Announcements for full details). The party is sponsored by the UK College of Design with proceeds benefiting AIDS Volunteers of Lexington. It’s expensive (at least by the standards of the other shows listed here) for sure, but, if you’ve got the coin, it’s a happening shindig. For a schedule of the festivities and other info, visit http://www.beaux-arts-ball.org.
http://myspace.com/parlourboysmusic, http://myspace.com/cunninlynguists, http://myspace.com/qburnsabstractmessage, http://myspace.com/thejuanmaclean, http://www.myspace.com/thejuanmacleanvideos, http://meccadance.com/rakadu.html
:: Saturday, April 7 ::
HEALTH & HAPPINESS FAMILY GOSPEL BAND @ Lisa's Oak Street Lounge (Louisville)
10pm, ages 21+, $5
The Health & Happiness Family Gospel Band = a sprawling collection of Louisville musicians (members of VRKTM, the Touched, Adventure, the Bad Blood, Yardsale, and our friend Brian Manley of the Smacks!) playing their favorite old-timey gospel tunes. I love the idea. I’m a real sucker for old gospel. Hoping that they’ll make it over for a Lexington show soon.
The other half of the Smacks!, J. Todd Dockery sent this email to the Action Arts listserv earlier today:
Subject: Lexington Takes Over Louisville
Well, kinda-sorta, if you count that long-time Lexington ghosts Brian Manley and Jeffrey Scott Holland, now both full-time Louisville residents (Manley's originally from Louisville), are featured in the Ville's local print media staple, LEO. Holland's on the cover with an expansive, insightful article about his art, with his timely/topical Easter Egg Project as the center of the piece. And Will Oldham aka Bonnie "Prince" Billy doesn't just only cream his jeans over Lex heroes Warmer Milks, as the Health & Happiness Family Gospel Band, a side project orchestrated by Justin Eslinger (of L'ville bands like the Touched and Bad Blood, and who also, along with Paul Puckett recorded the lot of the Smacks! "Ejaculations" cd) featuring Herr Manley on mandolin, vocals, etc., that is, yes, a gospel band, had their first performance touted as one of Oldham's favorite live perfomances of last year in The Wire. The LEO staff pick write up mentions that the upcoming April 7th performance is only the second performance by this band. April 7th also happens to be the date of the opening of Holland's paintings of the band KISS hanging in the KISS Coffeehouse in Myrtle Beach, S.C. (and Gene Simmons apparently owns, or will own soon, one of Holland's KISS-themed paintings now; I can't make this stuff up).
You can find the Health & Happiness blurb by scrolling down (unfortuantley they didn't reproduce the photo that appears in the print version)
http://leoweekly.com/?q=node/4312
And Holland's the cover boy
http://leoweekly.com/
with a link provided to the whole article via the home page.
Your 2000 Man,
J. Todd Dockery
:: Monday, April 9 ::
PAGE FRANCE w/HEADLIGHTS, and COURAGE OF THE SEA @ Downtown Arts Cenhttp://www2.blogger.com/img/gl.bold.gifter, 141 E. Main
8pm, all ages, $3 – sponsored by WRFL 88.1FM
Caught Page France twice at the Dame last winter. Thought they were pretty great both times. Expect strum-y, emotionally evocative (not overwhelmingly emo, mind you) folk pop that bounces along mellowly on Michael Nau’s slightly whiny (in a tolerable way – think Jeff Mangum/Neutral Milk Hotel or Dylan) vocals. New record coming in May on the wonderful Seattle label Suicide Squeeze. http://myspace.com/pagefrance, http://www.pagefrance.net, http://www.suicidesqueeze.net
Headlights = “indie pop with a shoegazey aftertaste” (the band’s own description) from Champaign, IL. I enjoyed the male/female vocal attack from the stuff I heard on their MySpace page. (“Lions” was my favorite track.) http://myspace.com/headlights, http://www.headlightsmusic.com/
Courage of the Sea = two-thirds of Scourge of the Sea. http://myspace.com/thescourageofthesea
:: Tuesday, April 10 ::
OXFORD FARM REPORT w/TINY WHALES, and ONWARD PILGRIM @ The Dame
doors 9pm, ages 21+, $3
First time I’ve seen locals Oxford Farm Report’s name on a bill in quite a while. (It’s entirely possible I haven’t been looking in the right places.) Their MySpace page includes the descriptions “Progressive / Post punk / Melodramatic Popular Song” and “… art rock with a smirk.” Both are pretty apt. If you still have your copy of last year’s Lexington music comp “Know Your Own” vol.2 laying around, click forward to track 3, OFR’s “Bring Out Yr Saints.” Good song. http://myspace.com/theoxfordfarmreport
:: Wednesday, April 11 ::
KING KONG w/LE TECHNOPUSSIES @ Southgate House (Newport, KY)
doors 8:30pm/show 9:30pm, ages 18+, $10
King Kong = fun, funny, and funky pop from Louisville. The band just released their first new record in five years, “Buncha Beans” on Drag City. Had hoped to have a review of it ready to accompany this blurb, but that’ll have to wait til next time. Sorry. Go see ‘em. They are a guaranteed dancing good time live. http://www.myspace.com/kingkonglouisville
:: Thursday, April 12 ::
MAN MAN @ Southgate House (Newport, KY)
doors 8:30pm/show 9:30pm, ages 18+, $10 adv/$12 door
Man Man = exuberant, vaudevillian indie-pop from Philadelphia. Don’t believe me? Check out “Engwish Bwudd." (Thanks to our friend Matt Jordan for posting it. If you’re an indie pop fan and you haven’t checked out YouAintNoPicasso.com, then you’re missing out. Tons of great mp3s.) Oh, and, if you’re going to the Beaux Art Ball this weekend, don’t miss Rakadu Gypsy Dance’s set – they’ve got a piece choreographed to “Engwish Bwudd.” You can find more songs on their MySpace page – http://myspace.com/wearemanman.
:: Friday, April 13 ::
THE DECEMBERISTS w/MY BRIGHTEST DIAMOND @ The Brown Theatre (315 W. Broadway, Louisville) - 7:30pm, all ages, $27
Never have gotten in to literary pop darlings the Decemberists (heck, I just realized I’d be spelling their name wrong over and over), but thought the show deserved a heads-up. Peeps tell me My Brightest Diamond is good too…
http://www.decemberists.com, http://myspace.com/mybrightestdiamond
:: Saturday, April 14 ::
ANTIBALAS w/CHIN CHIN @ Headliners (Louisville)
9pm, ages 18+, $12
Antibalas = Fela Kuti-inspired afrobeat big band from NYC. Very fun live. http://myspace.com/antibalas
:: Saturday, April 14 ::
ANDREW BIRD w/CORTNEY TIDWELL @ Southgate House (Newport, KY)
doors 8pm/show 9pm, ages 18+, $15 adv/$18 door
OK … if the last two Picks didn’t tip you off, I’m about out of things to say for about bands/artists for the day. Trying to push through and get this out. Toward that end, I’ll borrow from AllMusic.com – “Chicago singer/songwriter/violinist Andrew Bird updates the traditions of small-group swing, German leider, and New Orleans jazz, mixing gypsy, folk, and rock elements into his distinctive style.” (That was written by Heather Phares.) His newest release “Armchair Apocrypha” (on Fat Possum) is wonderful, but I think he’s best heard live (especially when accompanied by percussionist Martin Dosh). Find tons of cool Bird-related sounds at http://www.andrewbird.net/AV.htm or sample him at http://myspace.com/andrewbird.
:: Sunday, April 15 ::
JACK ROSE w/”some Trevor Tremaine related project” @ The Icehouse
7pm, all ages, $3 or $5 suggested donation
Jack Rose = incredible finger-picking acoustic guitar virtuoso from Philly. Very much in the tradition of John Fahey (I’m in the process of reading Fahey’s “How Bluegrass Music Destroyed My Life” – sorry for the delay Willie B. – Highly recommended!), Charley Patton, and Blind Blake. His show last April at Mecca was awe inspiring. http://myspace.com/jackrosekensington (though you should check out http://myspace.com/jackrose too, if for nothing else the tagline -"Have fun f*ck life and love yourself*")
Y’all should know Trevore Tremaine by now – Hair Police??! Eyes and Arms of Smoke??! Attempt??! Well, if none of those ring a bell, then all I can tell you is to expect the unexpected. He’s a drummer wild enough to hold his own with Chris Corsano (in an impromptu quartet including Thurston Moore, no less). He’s a guitarist skilled and quirky enough to draw quizzical and appreciative glances from the weirdest of the weirdest pickers. And, he has a gift for off-kilter melody that would make Van Dyke Parks take notice. And, he works with me at Gumbo Ya Ya. Yup … a pretty cool dude.
[Full Disclosure: I helped organize this show.]
:: Monday, April 16 ::
YO LA TENGO w/TIMES NEW VIKING @ Southgate House (Newport, KY)
doors 8:30pm/show 9:30pm, ages 18+, $15 adv/$17 door
Everybody knows the ‘World’s Best Band’ (copyright: Vanessa Oliver), Yo La Tengo. If you don’t, and you’re put off by the accolades, GET OVER YOURSELF (hell, even Will Burchard fell in love with their last record!). I waited far too long to succumb to the glory. Around for 20 years now, they get better and better (as evidenced by their kick-arse set at Kentucky Center for the Arts in Louisville in January). http://www.yolatengo.com
Anyway, I started the ‘everybody knows …’ line of thought as a way of getting to the ‘… but you may not know’ intro for Columbus, OH’s Times New Viking. Loud, distorted, red-lined vocals indie-rock by art kids – think early-early-early-Pavement. This is some fun sh*t! My current fave is “Natural Resources." “teenageLUST” and the others on their MySpace page are great too. http://www.timesnewviking.com/, http://myspace.com/timesnewviking
:: Also worthwhile in the April 4 – 18 timeframe ::
Every Sunday THE BLUEGRASS COLLECTIVE @ The Fishtank, corner of Euclid and Woodland – 9pm, no coverhttp://www2.blogger.com/img/gl.bold.gif
Wed/Apr 4 NOISYCRANE w/SMALL SAILS @ The Dame
Thurs/Apr 5 THE WHIGS w/WAX FANG @ The Dame
Fri&Sat/Apr 6&7 Crucial Fun Fest 2 featuring DEFIANCE OHIO, TAKE MY WORD, TINA COFFER, and tons more @ Northside YMCA (on the 6th) and Beaumont YMCA (on the 7th) - all ages
Fri/Apr 6 ILL SUBLIMINAL w/THE UPSHOT TRIO @ The Dame
Fri/Apr 6 SEBADOH w/THE BENT MOUSTACHE @ Headliners (Louisville) – ages 18+
Fri/Apr 6 THE LONG WINTERS w/SAY HI TO YOUR MOM @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Sat/Apr 7 THE YELLOW BELTS w/ROSIE ROSE BAND @ The Dame
Sat/Apr 7 CROWN ELECTRIC @ Lynaghs
Sat/Apr 7 GIRL TALK @ Alchemize (Cincinnati) – ages 18+
Sat/Apr 7 AGAINST ME! @ Headliners (Louisville)
Mon/Apr 9 MIKE TAMBURO w/KEENAN LAWLER and ERIC CARBONARA @ Lisa’s Oak Street Lounge (Louisville)
Wed/Apr 11 MOXY GROOVE w/CHURCHILL JAX @ The Dame
Thurs/Apr 12 MAN MAN @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Fri/Apr 13 HEARTTHROB w/BANGER, BE MY DOPPELGANGER, and VIBROLAS @ The Dame
Fri/Apr 13 JOSH ROUSE @ Headliners (Louisville) – ages 18+
Sat/Apr 14 DJ FUNK w/SLATER HOGAN, DIALECTICS (w/burlesque show accompaniment), DJ BOOTH, and more @ The Dame
Sat/Apr 14 HORSE THE BAND @ Top Cats (Cincinnati)
Sun/Apr 15 PINK NASTY w/THE BLACK and WARMER MILKS @ UK's Memorial Hall - 8pm, all ages, sponsored by WRFL 88.1FM
Mon/Apr 16 THE MATHEMATICIANS w/MALACHAI @ The Dame
Wed/Apr 18 THE SWELLS w/THE JUNE DAYS and RAINY DAY COCAINE @ The Dame
:: Soon Soon ::
Thurs/Apr 19 UNKNOWN HINSON w/TAILDRAGGER @ The Dame
Fri/Apr 20 Preschool of Rock Benefit featuring 10FT POLE, CLUB DUB, SLO FI, THE HIGH WATER MARKS, and ANDREW ENGLISH of the Scourge of the Sea @ The Dame
Fri/Apr 20 SON VOLT w/MAGNOLIA ELECTRIC CO. @ Headliners (Louisville) – ages 18+
Sat/Apr 21 THE QUEERS w/ALL-AMERICAN WEREWOLVES @ The Dame
Sat/Apr 21 SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE SKIDS @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Sat/Apr 21 BODECO w/THE SHINERUNNERS @ Headliners (Louisville) – ages 18+
Sun/Apr 22 LIGHTNING BOLT w/WHITE MICE and BURNING STAR CORE @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Mon/Apr 23 THE THING (Mats Gustafsson, Ingebrigt Haker Flaten, Paal Nilssen-Love) @ UK’s Center Theater – all ages, sponsored by WRFL 88.1FM, part of the Outside the Spotlight series
Tues/Apr 24 TULA w/GUNTOWN MOUNTAIN TRAGEDY and RESTING ROOSTER @ The Dame
Tues/Apr 24 BROTHER ALI w/PSALM ONE and TRAMA @ Uncle Pleasants (Louisville)
Tues/Apr 24 LUCINDA WILLIAMS w/CARRIE RODRIGUEZ @ The Brown Theatre (Louisville) – all ages
Wed/Apr 25 SEXUAL DISASTER QUARTET w/TROGLODYTES @ The Dame
Thurs/Apr 26 GRIFFIN HOUSE w/WES MEEK @ The Dame
Fri/Apr 27 PARLOUR BOYS w/IN ENDEAVORS ITALYA, HOTPIPES, and VERY EMERGENCY @ The Red Mile – all ages
Fri/Apr 27 VANDAVEER cd release party w/NEVA GEOFFREY and PETTICOAT, PETTICOAT @ The Dame
Sun/Apr 29 ANTIBALAS w/KRUDAS CUBENSI @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Sun/Apr 29 G.LOVE & SPECIAL SAUCE @ Headliners (Louisville) – ages 18+
Fri/May 4 DR. DOG @ Alchemize (Cincinnati)
Sun/May 6 ASYLUM STREET SPANKERS @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Wed/May 9 LOS STRAITJACKETS w/BIG SANDY @ Southgate House (Newport, KY)
Thurs/May 10 UNCLE MONK featuring TOMMY RAMONE @ The Dame
Fri/May 11 DANIEL JOHNSTON @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Fri/May 11 COCOROSIE w/BUSDRIVER and TEZ @ Headliners (Louisville) – ages 18+
Sat/May 12 TOMMIE SUNSHINE w/VHS OR BETA djs, PARLOUR BOYS, and TEAM SIDE TRACKED @ The Dame
Mon/May 14 THE HOLD STEADY @ Southgate House (Newport, KY)
Tues/May 15 ANIMAL COLLECTIVE w/SIR BISHOP ALLEN and DJ C. SPENCER YEH @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Wed/May 16 ANIMAL COLLECTIVE w/SIR BISHOP ALLEN @ The Dame
Mon/May 21 KINGS OF LEON w/THE FEATURES @ Headliners (Louisville) – ages 18+
Tues/May 22 !!! (CHK-CHK-CHK) @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Thurs/May 24 TAPES N’ TAPES w/LADYHAWK and HARLEM SHAKERS @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Fri/May 25 !!! (CHK-CHK-CHK) @ Headliners (Louisville) – ages 18+
Sun/May 27 DON CABALLERO w/KNIFE THE SYMPHONY @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Tues/June 12 THE NATIONAL w/SHAPES AND SIZES and TALKDEMONIC @ Headliners (Louisville) – ages 18+
Fri/June 15 CLUTCH @ Headliners (Louisville)
Fri&Sat/July 27&28 The Forecastle Festival featuring DE LA SOUL and tons more @ The Belvedere (Louisville) – all ages
:: Pertinent Resources ::
__Lexington__
THE DAME, 156 W.Main St, Lexington
THE ICEHOUSE, 412 Cross St (off W.Maxwell), Lexington
MECCA dance studio/gallery, 451 Chair Avenue, off S.Broadway near Bolivar
CHARLES MANSION (a venue no longer, but the website’s a good spot to find out about shows)
FROWNY BEAR, 208 Forest Park
THIRD STREET STUFF COFFEE, corner of Limestone and 3rd Street – ph. 859/255-5301
THE FISHTANK, corner of Woodland and Euclid Ave
NATASHA'S CAFE, 112 Esplanade
DOWNTOWN ARTS CENTER, 141 E. Main St, Lexington
ARTSPLACE, 161 N.Mill St, Lexington
SINGLETARY CENTER FOR THE ARTS, corner of Euclid and Rose Sts
COUNTER FICTION (metal/punk/hardcore all ages show listings)
CRICKET PRESS (amazing local poster art)
WRFL 88.1FM (UK's student-run radio station)
YOU AIN’T NO PICASSO (great locally-produced music blog)
__Louisville__
LAVA (Louisville Assembly of Vanguard Artists) HOUSE - 927 Shelby Parkway, Louisville
HEADLINERS MUSIC HALL, Louisville - 1386 Lexington Road, ph. 502/584-8088
UNCLE PLEASANTS, 2126 S. Preston, Louisville - p.502/634-4147
THE POUR HAUS, 1481 S. Shelby Street (corner of Shelby and Burnett), Louisville
THE RUDYARD KIPLING, 422 West Oahttp://www2.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifk Street, Louisville
OLD LOUISVILLE COFFEHOUSE, 1489 S. Fourth St, Louisville - ph. 502/635-6660
PRODUCTION SIMPLE (produce many of the events at Headliners and Uncle Pleasants)
__Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky__
THE SOUTHGATE HOUSE, Newport, KY
ALCHEMIZE, 3929 Spring Grove Ave, Cincinnati, OH
THE COMET, 4579 Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH
BOGART'S, 2621 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH
, 4163 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati, OH
Know of an upcoming event that others should get hip to? Let us know - email informationactivists@yahoo.com. All Picks by Ross Compton unless otherwise noted.
:::::::::::::: QUESTIONS/COMMENTS/SUBMISSIONS ::::::::::::::::::::::::
email thelexingtonproject@yahoo.com
Happy birthday, Danny D!
Luv, Ross
:::::::::::::::::::::::: Announcements :::::::::::::::::::::::::::
** TODAY! Thurs/April 5 – Performance Art at Georgetown College
All are invited to a special performance by This Must Be The Place this afternoon (April 5) from noon – 1pm in the Anne Wright Wilson Fine Arts Gallery at Georgetown College. From a recent email – “The artist collective This Must Be The Place points out the impossibility of instructional videos, focusing in this performance on the cooking series Frugal Gourmet. Come watch the group attempt to create recipes from the show and taste the results - if you dare! Mocktails will be created for the audience by the Bricolettes.” http://www.thismustbetheplace.org
** TONIGHT! Thurs/April 5 – FREE film screening – “The Shape of Water”
Tonight (April 5th) at 10 pm the award-winning documentary film "The Shape of Water" will be playing for free at the Worsham Theatre on UK's campus. The film, directed by Kum Kum Bhavnani, takes the viewer around the world depicting various women's activists' groups in Brazil, Israel, Senegal, and India concerning issues as diverse as the sustainability of natural resources, anti-war movements, female genital mutilation, and labor debates, respectively. It's narrated by Susan Sarandon and features physicist and environmental activist Vandana Shiva. Dr. Ellen Rosenman, of the English department, will be introducing the film.
More information about the film can be found at www.theshapeofwatermovie.com. Free food will also be provided. This event is co-sponsored by the UK Feminist Alliance, Student Center Film Series, and the Gender and Women's Studies department. Questions? Contact Shanna Sanders at shanna.sanders@gmail.com.
** Every Thursday - “Poetry on the Patio” at UK
Mentioned Chuck Clenney’s new “Poetry on the Patio” series in the last issue. As a refresher - the idea is to start the sessions with a professional Kentucky poet, then, after they’ve dropped 25 minutes or so of inspiration on you, the mic is open (in three minute blocks) to anyone who’s got something to say. The sessions will go down from 12noon-1pm, every Thursday from now through April 19th in the “free speech” area of UK’s campus (that’s the UK Student Center patio – just outside the ‘Cats Den’ which is right across the walkway from the UK Bookstore). Today (Thursday, April 5th), the special guest is Richard Taylor. April 12th, it’s Gurney Norman. For more info, drop Chuck a line via MySpace – http://www.myspace.com/thepoetryofchuckclenney.
** Fri/April 6 – A Night of Ballads at the Tuska Gallery
Friday, April 6th, Somerset artist Dan Dutton (with guest Mark McCoy on banjo and mandolin) will present a FREE ballad concert to accompany his current installation in UK’s Tuska Gallery, in the UK Fine Arts Building (on Rose Street). The ballads are traditional, learned, for the most part, from his parents,and two mentors, traditional ballad singers Chapel Wallin and Jean Ritchie. However, Dutton’s arrangemens are entirely contemporary. The performance will begin at 7:30pm and last around an hour (or, as Dan said, “however long it takes to sing 12 ballads”). All ages are welcome. http://dandutton.com
** Sat/April 7 – Bake Sale to Benefit the Sour Scouts Roller Derby Team @ CD Central
This Saturday, April 7th from noon til around 2pm (or whenever the goodies are gone), CD Central (377 S. Limestone) will host a bake sale benefit for the Sour Scouts roller derby team (part of the new Mason Vixxen Rollergirls league – http://www.myspace.com/masonvixxenrollergirls). The tasty treats will include vegan and non-vegan baked goods to raise money for, as CD Central’s newsletter suggests, “spiked elbow pads and whatnot.” Making the offer even sweeter, if you buy something to support the team, CD Central will give you 10% off your purchase as well!
** Beginning April 9 - Spring Classes at the Carnegie Center
Once again the Carnegie Center is offering a rich array of free and low-cost classes in computer literacy, writing, foreign language, and much more. Highlights of the spring season include readings by Anne Shelby and current Kentucky Poet Laureate Sena Jeter Naslund, a poetry class led by Affrilachian Poet Jude McPherson, a science fiction writing class led by Hugo and Nebula finalist Christopher Rowe, and a workshop on The Art of the Graphic Novel led by Sara Turner (of Cricket Press fame!) and Jerzy Drozd. That's not even the tip of the iceberg, people -- come to the Carnegie Center and see for yourselves why there's no reason this gorgeous space devoted to enriching the lives of Lexingtonians should any longer be the city's best kept secret. A complete listing of classes, workshops, readings, art exhibits, and learning opportunities is now available online at http://www.carnegieliteracy.org. To request a brochure, call 859/254-4175.
** Mon/April 9 – Bohemian Nights series at Natasha’s presents April Ghouls Day featuring the cast of Bo List’s ‘Dracula’
Monday, April 9th at 8:30pm, the Bohemian Nights series at Natasha’s Café presents: April Ghouls Day! featuring the cast of Bo List's “Dracula…” Here’s a description from a recent Natasha’s email: “This multi-faceted evening of entertainment in the funky casual atmosphere of Natasha’s Bistro will create a relaxed and inspired environment for performing artists and the public to socialize and enjoy fine foods and spirits while supporting local theatre projects. All ticket proceeds from this evening of entertainment as well as a portion of restaurant sales will go to support Chance Theatre’s production of “Dracula…”, written and directed by Lexington theatre staple Bo List, in their fundraising efforts to attend the 2007 International Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland. Entertainment will include musical and theatrical performances by the company of Dracula… There will be a silent auction, a raffle, door prizes and a contest for the creepiest costume, so come dressed for the occasion. $5 Cover.” I believe all ages are welcome, but you might call the Café at 259-2754 to be sure.
** FREE FLICKS! Bluegrass Film Society at BCTC
Our running update on the BFS flicks at BCTC …
> April 11: Brothers (Denmark)
> April 18: 3 Iron (South Korea)
Remember the change this semester – the films used to screen on Thursdays, now it’s WEDNESDAYS. All films start at 7:45pm in the auditorium in Oswald Building on the campus of the Bluegrass Community and Technical College (aka the old LCC). They’re still FREE and open to everyone. For the full schedule and/or more info, check BFS at http://bluegrassfilmsociety.blogspot.com.
** Fri/April 13 – Clitical Mass
Clitical Mass, an all-girl bike ride, co-sponsored by the UK Feminist Alliance and the Gender and Women's Studies department that will go down Friday, April 13th, starting at 5pm at Woodland Park. Here’s the scoop from a recent email from Shanna Sanders – “Before we ride there will be a quick workshop on basic bicycle maintenance and a free copy of the zine A Rough Guide to Bicycle Maintenance will be distributed. At 5:30 we'll take to the streets to raise bicycle awareness/safety, have some fun, and show a feminist presence in Lexington. Sorry boys, you're not allowed. Wear pink. If you don't have a bike, but would like to come out anyway, check out Wildcat Wheels. For more info, contact Shanna.sanders@gmail.com.” [Ed. note – A recent email to the LexAlleyCats listserv said that “men are welcome, if they dress in drag and wear pink.” No joke.]
** Fri/April 13 – Opening Reception for “Supermundane” at Old Tarr Bourbon Distillery
Check out the opening reception for “Supermundane,” our friend Talena Sanders’ BFA show, Friday, the 13th, from 7-11pm at the Old Tarr Bourbon Distillery (899 Manchester St – same spot as the Beaux Arts Ball). Video projection, installation work, brew (p’haps there’ll be some arty wine drinking too, but definitely brew), and dancing (our mens Robert Beatty, Greg Tilton and Wes Beltz will be dj’ing following the reception). If you can’t make the opening but want to see the show, you can set up an appointment to view the show by calling 859/576-2381.
** Sat/April 14 – Lexington Farmer’s Market Opens!
First day of the Lexington Farmer’s Market’s season! Recipes from Vanessa to follow??? Cross your fingers.
** Sat/April 14 – 3rd Annual Carnegie Center 5K Run/Walk for Literacy
The UK Honors Program Student Council, John's Run/Walk Shop, and UK Student Government are once again sponsoring a 5K run/walk to benefit the Carnegie Center. (If you’re not familiar with the Carnegie Center’s wonderful work, check them out at http://www.carnegieliteracy.org.) The event will take place on Saturday, April 14 at 6:30pm at UK’s Coldstream Research Campus. Prizes will be awarded to overall male/female, male and female age groups, and most represented organization. Dogs and strollers welcome! Pre-registration (before April 7th) is $13. Late registration (after the 7th through race day) is $15. To access the registration form, follow this link: http://www.carnegieliteracy.org/pdf/5KRunWalkRegistrationForm07.pdf. For more information, call 859/254-4175 or email your question to ccll1@carnegieliteracy.org.
** Saturday Brunch at Stella’s
Our friends at Stella's are now open for brunch on Saturdays from 10am-2pm. They’ll be serving local fare consisting of the following: biscuits and gravy; Weisenburger cheese grits; southern hash; fresh fruit; French toast; eggs; soups; ham; bacon; sausage; homemade muffins; organic coffee; eye-openers; desserts and more. The "All you care to Eat" brunch is $9.95; non-alcoholic beverages $1.50. Stella's is located @ 143 Jefferson Street. For more info, give ‘em a ring at 255-3354.
** Fri/April 20 – The Sister Spit Next Generation Tour @ UK
Friday, April 20, the Sister Spit Next Generation Tour, a national tour of eight queer female writers/performers/artists/activists, makes a stop in Lexington (the location for the performances will be on UK's campus, but the exact venue is still TBA – I’ll fill in that detail in the next issue). Headlining the tour is Michelle Tea - author of the award-winning Valencia, The Chelsea Whistle, and Rent Girl. Also, featured are Eileen Myles - writer of Chelsea Girls, Cool for You, and School of Fish. Has been performing her poetry since her first reading at CBGB's in '74. BUST magazine calls her "the rock star of modern poetry”: Ali Liebegott - recently published The IHOP Papers. Her first book, The Beautifully Worthless, received the Best Debut Fiction award at the 2006 Lambda Literary Awards: Nicole Georges - writer/cartoonist who does the zine Invincible Summer, Coffeeshop Crushes, and many more. Is also in the bands Sour Grapes and Fact or Fiction?: Christy Road - puts out the zine Greenzine. Has done artwork for among others Plan-it-X records, Maximum RockNRoll, BITCH magazine, BUST magazine, SPREAD magazine, INCITE: Women of Color Against Violence, and The Progressive: Robin Akimbo - prominent member of Coco Cafe, performance artists of color group. Writer of AIDS: The Made for TV Musical and I'll Tell You Why - one woman musical. More information about the performers and the tour can be found at http://www.sisterspitnextgen.com. A reception will follow at the Commonwealth House of the Gaines Center for the Humanities afterwards. The event is co-sponsored by the UK Feminist Alliance, Student Government, the OUTsource, Gay-Straight Alliance, the UK Zine Archive, and the Gender and Women's Studies dept. Donations can be made at the event benefiting the OUTsource - UK's new LGBTQQA center/infoshop space. Questions? Contact Shanna Sanders at shanna.sanders@gmail.com.
** Fri & Sat/April 20 & 21 – Art Exhibition - “Spring” at Unit Two Gallery
Mark your calendars for this one. "Spring" an exhibition featuring the work of three young Lexington artists - Clint Colburn, Shilpi Gupta, and Elissa Morley – will run for two days only - Friday, April 20, 5pm-10pm (during Gallery Hop) and Saturday, April 21, 2pm-5pm - at Unit Two Gallery, a temporary space for experimental exhibitions located at 478 W. Second Street in Lexington. For details, contact Elissa at elissarmorley@yahoo.com or 321/615.5264
** April 27-29 - Camp Wellstone - grassroots political training hosted by KFTC and Kentucky Jobs With Justice
Our friends at Kentuckians For The Commonwealth & Kentucky Jobs with Justice are hosting Camp Wellstone, a 3-day training in grassroots political skills, April 27-29 at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Lexington. Camp Wellstone provides hands-on, practical training in grassroots politics for citizen activists, campaign workers and people interested in running for office. The training which is divided into three specialized curriculum – Electoral Campaigns: Tools and Tactics for Success, Citizen Activism: Grassroots Advocacy and Organizing, and Being a Candidate: How to Run and Win a Progressive Campaign - is open to anyone interested in gaining practical skills in progressive political action. For information about registration (including how to request a KFTC scholarship to cover registration and lodging costs), contact KFTC Organizing Director Lisa Abbott at 859/986-1277 ext 223 or by email at labbott@kih.net.
:::::::::::::::::: YOU GO OUTDOORS. I GO OUTDOORS. LET’S GO OUTDOORS TOGETHER. :::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: Saturday, April 7 :: Spring hike to see one of the rarest plants in Kentucky and the U.S., the Kentucky gladecress. KSNPC Botanist Tara Littlefield will lead a hike through Pine Creek Barrens Nature Preserve (Bullitt County) for the Kentucky Native Plant Society (www.knps.org). Learn about this rare plant and the unique dolomite limestone glade communities. Registration required for this event. Contact Tara at tara.littlefield@ky.gov or 502-573-2886 for more information and to register.
:: Saturday, April 7 :: Wildflower walk at Floracliff State Nature Preserve (Fayette County), 10 a.m. EDT. KSNPC Ecologist Brian Yahn will lead a walk around the preserve to see the wildflowers at their peak. Registration required for this event. Contact Beverly James at (859) 351-7770 or Floracliff@aol.com for more information and to register.
:: Saturday, April 14 :: Volunteer workday at Floracliff State Nature Preserve (Fayette County), 1 p.m. EDT. Join in the effort to remove bush honeysuckle from the preserve as part of an ongoing effort to protect our native species. Contact Beverly James at 859-351-7770 or Floracliff@aol.com for more information.
- Greg Abernathy
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: THE PICKS :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::: Wednesday, April 4 – Wednesday, April 18 :::::::::::
:: Saturday, April 7 ::
THE GEORGE STEELTOE ENSEMBLE w/THREE LEGGED RACE/WALTER CARSON DUO
@ The Icehouse, 412 Cross St – 8pm, all ages, $3 suggested donation
A prEaster ‘Festivus-for-the-rest-of-us’ for us’n’s unable to afford Beaux Arts and/or your chance to front-load on beverage (bring your own) and weirdness (don’t worry, plenty will be provided) before the B.A.Ball. GEORGE STEELTOE ENSEMBLE = High energy spazz-jazz experimentation from NYC by way of LexVegas (both drummer Brian Osborne and bassist Jay Dunbar spent several years in Lexington). WIRE magazine described their recent record “Church of Yuh” as “a passionate gust of free jazz and experimental manipulation that sounds like the Art Ensemble Of Chicago jamming with Jackie-O Motherfucker." All I knows is that they wail for realz. THREE LEGGED RACE/WALTER CARSON DUO = super drone from members of Hair Police, Eyes and Arms of Smoke, and Wretched Worst. {If you need directions to the Icehouse, drop me a line at informationactivists@yahoo.com.}
http://myspace.com/heatretentionrecords [Full Disclosure: I helped organize this show.]
:: Saturday, April 7 ::
Beaux Arts Ball featuring THE JUAN MCLEAN, Q-BURNS ABSTRACT MESSAGE, CUNNINLYNGUISTS, PARLOUR BOYS, LFUCS, and more @ 899 Manchester St (formerly Old Tarr Bourbon Distillery) – doors 6:30pm, ages 18+, $20 adv/$30 door
Lexington’s wildest annual party. This year’s B::A::B features musical performances by LFUCS, Q-Burns Abstract Message, Parlour Boys, CunninLynguists, and headliner The Juan Maclean (part of the whole DFA records – LCD Soundsystem, Rapture, etc – group of NYC party-making peoples), as well as a drag show, fashion show, dance performances by Rakadu Gypsy Dance and the UK Dance Ensemble, and video projections all night long by our pal Talena Sanders (DO NOT MISS Talena’s BFA show, also at Old Tarr Distillery, on Friday, April 13 – see Announcements for full details). The party is sponsored by the UK College of Design with proceeds benefiting AIDS Volunteers of Lexington. It’s expensive (at least by the standards of the other shows listed here) for sure, but, if you’ve got the coin, it’s a happening shindig. For a schedule of the festivities and other info, visit http://www.beaux-arts-ball.org.
http://myspace.com/parlourboysmusic, http://myspace.com/cunninlynguists, http://myspace.com/qburnsabstractmessage, http://myspace.com/thejuanmaclean, http://www.myspace.com/thejuanmacleanvideos, http://meccadance.com/rakadu.html
:: Saturday, April 7 ::
HEALTH & HAPPINESS FAMILY GOSPEL BAND @ Lisa's Oak Street Lounge (Louisville)
10pm, ages 21+, $5
The Health & Happiness Family Gospel Band = a sprawling collection of Louisville musicians (members of VRKTM, the Touched, Adventure, the Bad Blood, Yardsale, and our friend Brian Manley of the Smacks!) playing their favorite old-timey gospel tunes. I love the idea. I’m a real sucker for old gospel. Hoping that they’ll make it over for a Lexington show soon.
The other half of the Smacks!, J. Todd Dockery sent this email to the Action Arts listserv earlier today:
Subject: Lexington Takes Over Louisville
Well, kinda-sorta, if you count that long-time Lexington ghosts Brian Manley and Jeffrey Scott Holland, now both full-time Louisville residents (Manley's originally from Louisville), are featured in the Ville's local print media staple, LEO. Holland's on the cover with an expansive, insightful article about his art, with his timely/topical Easter Egg Project as the center of the piece. And Will Oldham aka Bonnie "Prince" Billy doesn't just only cream his jeans over Lex heroes Warmer Milks, as the Health & Happiness Family Gospel Band, a side project orchestrated by Justin Eslinger (of L'ville bands like the Touched and Bad Blood, and who also, along with Paul Puckett recorded the lot of the Smacks! "Ejaculations" cd) featuring Herr Manley on mandolin, vocals, etc., that is, yes, a gospel band, had their first performance touted as one of Oldham's favorite live perfomances of last year in The Wire. The LEO staff pick write up mentions that the upcoming April 7th performance is only the second performance by this band. April 7th also happens to be the date of the opening of Holland's paintings of the band KISS hanging in the KISS Coffeehouse in Myrtle Beach, S.C. (and Gene Simmons apparently owns, or will own soon, one of Holland's KISS-themed paintings now; I can't make this stuff up).
You can find the Health & Happiness blurb by scrolling down (unfortuantley they didn't reproduce the photo that appears in the print version)
http://leoweekly.com/?q=node/4312
And Holland's the cover boy
http://leoweekly.com/
with a link provided to the whole article via the home page.
Your 2000 Man,
J. Todd Dockery
:: Monday, April 9 ::
PAGE FRANCE w/HEADLIGHTS, and COURAGE OF THE SEA @ Downtown Arts Cenhttp://www2.blogger.com/img/gl.bold.gifter, 141 E. Main
8pm, all ages, $3 – sponsored by WRFL 88.1FM
Caught Page France twice at the Dame last winter. Thought they were pretty great both times. Expect strum-y, emotionally evocative (not overwhelmingly emo, mind you) folk pop that bounces along mellowly on Michael Nau’s slightly whiny (in a tolerable way – think Jeff Mangum/Neutral Milk Hotel or Dylan) vocals. New record coming in May on the wonderful Seattle label Suicide Squeeze. http://myspace.com/pagefrance, http://www.pagefrance.net, http://www.suicidesqueeze.net
Headlights = “indie pop with a shoegazey aftertaste” (the band’s own description) from Champaign, IL. I enjoyed the male/female vocal attack from the stuff I heard on their MySpace page. (“Lions” was my favorite track.) http://myspace.com/headlights, http://www.headlightsmusic.com/
Courage of the Sea = two-thirds of Scourge of the Sea. http://myspace.com/thescourageofthesea
:: Tuesday, April 10 ::
OXFORD FARM REPORT w/TINY WHALES, and ONWARD PILGRIM @ The Dame
doors 9pm, ages 21+, $3
First time I’ve seen locals Oxford Farm Report’s name on a bill in quite a while. (It’s entirely possible I haven’t been looking in the right places.) Their MySpace page includes the descriptions “Progressive / Post punk / Melodramatic Popular Song” and “… art rock with a smirk.” Both are pretty apt. If you still have your copy of last year’s Lexington music comp “Know Your Own” vol.2 laying around, click forward to track 3, OFR’s “Bring Out Yr Saints.” Good song. http://myspace.com/theoxfordfarmreport
:: Wednesday, April 11 ::
KING KONG w/LE TECHNOPUSSIES @ Southgate House (Newport, KY)
doors 8:30pm/show 9:30pm, ages 18+, $10
King Kong = fun, funny, and funky pop from Louisville. The band just released their first new record in five years, “Buncha Beans” on Drag City. Had hoped to have a review of it ready to accompany this blurb, but that’ll have to wait til next time. Sorry. Go see ‘em. They are a guaranteed dancing good time live. http://www.myspace.com/kingkonglouisville
:: Thursday, April 12 ::
MAN MAN @ Southgate House (Newport, KY)
doors 8:30pm/show 9:30pm, ages 18+, $10 adv/$12 door
Man Man = exuberant, vaudevillian indie-pop from Philadelphia. Don’t believe me? Check out “Engwish Bwudd." (Thanks to our friend Matt Jordan for posting it. If you’re an indie pop fan and you haven’t checked out YouAintNoPicasso.com, then you’re missing out. Tons of great mp3s.) Oh, and, if you’re going to the Beaux Art Ball this weekend, don’t miss Rakadu Gypsy Dance’s set – they’ve got a piece choreographed to “Engwish Bwudd.” You can find more songs on their MySpace page – http://myspace.com/wearemanman.
:: Friday, April 13 ::
THE DECEMBERISTS w/MY BRIGHTEST DIAMOND @ The Brown Theatre (315 W. Broadway, Louisville) - 7:30pm, all ages, $27
Never have gotten in to literary pop darlings the Decemberists (heck, I just realized I’d be spelling their name wrong over and over), but thought the show deserved a heads-up. Peeps tell me My Brightest Diamond is good too…
http://www.decemberists.com, http://myspace.com/mybrightestdiamond
:: Saturday, April 14 ::
ANTIBALAS w/CHIN CHIN @ Headliners (Louisville)
9pm, ages 18+, $12
Antibalas = Fela Kuti-inspired afrobeat big band from NYC. Very fun live. http://myspace.com/antibalas
:: Saturday, April 14 ::
ANDREW BIRD w/CORTNEY TIDWELL @ Southgate House (Newport, KY)
doors 8pm/show 9pm, ages 18+, $15 adv/$18 door
OK … if the last two Picks didn’t tip you off, I’m about out of things to say for about bands/artists for the day. Trying to push through and get this out. Toward that end, I’ll borrow from AllMusic.com – “Chicago singer/songwriter/violinist Andrew Bird updates the traditions of small-group swing, German leider, and New Orleans jazz, mixing gypsy, folk, and rock elements into his distinctive style.” (That was written by Heather Phares.) His newest release “Armchair Apocrypha” (on Fat Possum) is wonderful, but I think he’s best heard live (especially when accompanied by percussionist Martin Dosh). Find tons of cool Bird-related sounds at http://www.andrewbird.net/AV.htm or sample him at http://myspace.com/andrewbird.
:: Sunday, April 15 ::
JACK ROSE w/”some Trevor Tremaine related project” @ The Icehouse
7pm, all ages, $3 or $5 suggested donation
Jack Rose = incredible finger-picking acoustic guitar virtuoso from Philly. Very much in the tradition of John Fahey (I’m in the process of reading Fahey’s “How Bluegrass Music Destroyed My Life” – sorry for the delay Willie B. – Highly recommended!), Charley Patton, and Blind Blake. His show last April at Mecca was awe inspiring. http://myspace.com/jackrosekensington (though you should check out http://myspace.com/jackrose too, if for nothing else the tagline -"Have fun f*ck life and love yourself*")
Y’all should know Trevore Tremaine by now – Hair Police??! Eyes and Arms of Smoke??! Attempt??! Well, if none of those ring a bell, then all I can tell you is to expect the unexpected. He’s a drummer wild enough to hold his own with Chris Corsano (in an impromptu quartet including Thurston Moore, no less). He’s a guitarist skilled and quirky enough to draw quizzical and appreciative glances from the weirdest of the weirdest pickers. And, he has a gift for off-kilter melody that would make Van Dyke Parks take notice. And, he works with me at Gumbo Ya Ya. Yup … a pretty cool dude.
[Full Disclosure: I helped organize this show.]
:: Monday, April 16 ::
YO LA TENGO w/TIMES NEW VIKING @ Southgate House (Newport, KY)
doors 8:30pm/show 9:30pm, ages 18+, $15 adv/$17 door
Everybody knows the ‘World’s Best Band’ (copyright: Vanessa Oliver), Yo La Tengo. If you don’t, and you’re put off by the accolades, GET OVER YOURSELF (hell, even Will Burchard fell in love with their last record!). I waited far too long to succumb to the glory. Around for 20 years now, they get better and better (as evidenced by their kick-arse set at Kentucky Center for the Arts in Louisville in January). http://www.yolatengo.com
Anyway, I started the ‘everybody knows …’ line of thought as a way of getting to the ‘… but you may not know’ intro for Columbus, OH’s Times New Viking. Loud, distorted, red-lined vocals indie-rock by art kids – think early-early-early-Pavement. This is some fun sh*t! My current fave is “Natural Resources." “teenageLUST” and the others on their MySpace page are great too. http://www.timesnewviking.com/, http://myspace.com/timesnewviking
:: Also worthwhile in the April 4 – 18 timeframe ::
Every Sunday THE BLUEGRASS COLLECTIVE @ The Fishtank, corner of Euclid and Woodland – 9pm, no coverhttp://www2.blogger.com/img/gl.bold.gif
Wed/Apr 4 NOISYCRANE w/SMALL SAILS @ The Dame
Thurs/Apr 5 THE WHIGS w/WAX FANG @ The Dame
Fri&Sat/Apr 6&7 Crucial Fun Fest 2 featuring DEFIANCE OHIO, TAKE MY WORD, TINA COFFER, and tons more @ Northside YMCA (on the 6th) and Beaumont YMCA (on the 7th) - all ages
Fri/Apr 6 ILL SUBLIMINAL w/THE UPSHOT TRIO @ The Dame
Fri/Apr 6 SEBADOH w/THE BENT MOUSTACHE @ Headliners (Louisville) – ages 18+
Fri/Apr 6 THE LONG WINTERS w/SAY HI TO YOUR MOM @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Sat/Apr 7 THE YELLOW BELTS w/ROSIE ROSE BAND @ The Dame
Sat/Apr 7 CROWN ELECTRIC @ Lynaghs
Sat/Apr 7 GIRL TALK @ Alchemize (Cincinnati) – ages 18+
Sat/Apr 7 AGAINST ME! @ Headliners (Louisville)
Mon/Apr 9 MIKE TAMBURO w/KEENAN LAWLER and ERIC CARBONARA @ Lisa’s Oak Street Lounge (Louisville)
Wed/Apr 11 MOXY GROOVE w/CHURCHILL JAX @ The Dame
Thurs/Apr 12 MAN MAN @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Fri/Apr 13 HEARTTHROB w/BANGER, BE MY DOPPELGANGER, and VIBROLAS @ The Dame
Fri/Apr 13 JOSH ROUSE @ Headliners (Louisville) – ages 18+
Sat/Apr 14 DJ FUNK w/SLATER HOGAN, DIALECTICS (w/burlesque show accompaniment), DJ BOOTH, and more @ The Dame
Sat/Apr 14 HORSE THE BAND @ Top Cats (Cincinnati)
Sun/Apr 15 PINK NASTY w/THE BLACK and WARMER MILKS @ UK's Memorial Hall - 8pm, all ages, sponsored by WRFL 88.1FM
Mon/Apr 16 THE MATHEMATICIANS w/MALACHAI @ The Dame
Wed/Apr 18 THE SWELLS w/THE JUNE DAYS and RAINY DAY COCAINE @ The Dame
:: Soon Soon ::
Thurs/Apr 19 UNKNOWN HINSON w/TAILDRAGGER @ The Dame
Fri/Apr 20 Preschool of Rock Benefit featuring 10FT POLE, CLUB DUB, SLO FI, THE HIGH WATER MARKS, and ANDREW ENGLISH of the Scourge of the Sea @ The Dame
Fri/Apr 20 SON VOLT w/MAGNOLIA ELECTRIC CO. @ Headliners (Louisville) – ages 18+
Sat/Apr 21 THE QUEERS w/ALL-AMERICAN WEREWOLVES @ The Dame
Sat/Apr 21 SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE SKIDS @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Sat/Apr 21 BODECO w/THE SHINERUNNERS @ Headliners (Louisville) – ages 18+
Sun/Apr 22 LIGHTNING BOLT w/WHITE MICE and BURNING STAR CORE @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Mon/Apr 23 THE THING (Mats Gustafsson, Ingebrigt Haker Flaten, Paal Nilssen-Love) @ UK’s Center Theater – all ages, sponsored by WRFL 88.1FM, part of the Outside the Spotlight series
Tues/Apr 24 TULA w/GUNTOWN MOUNTAIN TRAGEDY and RESTING ROOSTER @ The Dame
Tues/Apr 24 BROTHER ALI w/PSALM ONE and TRAMA @ Uncle Pleasants (Louisville)
Tues/Apr 24 LUCINDA WILLIAMS w/CARRIE RODRIGUEZ @ The Brown Theatre (Louisville) – all ages
Wed/Apr 25 SEXUAL DISASTER QUARTET w/TROGLODYTES @ The Dame
Thurs/Apr 26 GRIFFIN HOUSE w/WES MEEK @ The Dame
Fri/Apr 27 PARLOUR BOYS w/IN ENDEAVORS ITALYA, HOTPIPES, and VERY EMERGENCY @ The Red Mile – all ages
Fri/Apr 27 VANDAVEER cd release party w/NEVA GEOFFREY and PETTICOAT, PETTICOAT @ The Dame
Sun/Apr 29 ANTIBALAS w/KRUDAS CUBENSI @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Sun/Apr 29 G.LOVE & SPECIAL SAUCE @ Headliners (Louisville) – ages 18+
Fri/May 4 DR. DOG @ Alchemize (Cincinnati)
Sun/May 6 ASYLUM STREET SPANKERS @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Wed/May 9 LOS STRAITJACKETS w/BIG SANDY @ Southgate House (Newport, KY)
Thurs/May 10 UNCLE MONK featuring TOMMY RAMONE @ The Dame
Fri/May 11 DANIEL JOHNSTON @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Fri/May 11 COCOROSIE w/BUSDRIVER and TEZ @ Headliners (Louisville) – ages 18+
Sat/May 12 TOMMIE SUNSHINE w/VHS OR BETA djs, PARLOUR BOYS, and TEAM SIDE TRACKED @ The Dame
Mon/May 14 THE HOLD STEADY @ Southgate House (Newport, KY)
Tues/May 15 ANIMAL COLLECTIVE w/SIR BISHOP ALLEN and DJ C. SPENCER YEH @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Wed/May 16 ANIMAL COLLECTIVE w/SIR BISHOP ALLEN @ The Dame
Mon/May 21 KINGS OF LEON w/THE FEATURES @ Headliners (Louisville) – ages 18+
Tues/May 22 !!! (CHK-CHK-CHK) @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Thurs/May 24 TAPES N’ TAPES w/LADYHAWK and HARLEM SHAKERS @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Fri/May 25 !!! (CHK-CHK-CHK) @ Headliners (Louisville) – ages 18+
Sun/May 27 DON CABALLERO w/KNIFE THE SYMPHONY @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Tues/June 12 THE NATIONAL w/SHAPES AND SIZES and TALKDEMONIC @ Headliners (Louisville) – ages 18+
Fri/June 15 CLUTCH @ Headliners (Louisville)
Fri&Sat/July 27&28 The Forecastle Festival featuring DE LA SOUL and tons more @ The Belvedere (Louisville) – all ages
:: Pertinent Resources ::
__Lexington__
THE DAME, 156 W.Main St, Lexington
THE ICEHOUSE, 412 Cross St (off W.Maxwell), Lexington
MECCA dance studio/gallery, 451 Chair Avenue, off S.Broadway near Bolivar
CHARLES MANSION (a venue no longer, but the website’s a good spot to find out about shows)
FROWNY BEAR, 208 Forest Park
THIRD STREET STUFF COFFEE, corner of Limestone and 3rd Street – ph. 859/255-5301
THE FISHTANK, corner of Woodland and Euclid Ave
NATASHA'S CAFE, 112 Esplanade
DOWNTOWN ARTS CENTER, 141 E. Main St, Lexington
ARTSPLACE, 161 N.Mill St, Lexington
SINGLETARY CENTER FOR THE ARTS, corner of Euclid and Rose Sts
COUNTER FICTION (metal/punk/hardcore all ages show listings)
CRICKET PRESS (amazing local poster art)
WRFL 88.1FM (UK's student-run radio station)
YOU AIN’T NO PICASSO (great locally-produced music blog)
__Louisville__
LAVA (Louisville Assembly of Vanguard Artists) HOUSE - 927 Shelby Parkway, Louisville
HEADLINERS MUSIC HALL, Louisville - 1386 Lexington Road, ph. 502/584-8088
UNCLE PLEASANTS, 2126 S. Preston, Louisville - p.502/634-4147
THE POUR HAUS, 1481 S. Shelby Street (corner of Shelby and Burnett), Louisville
THE RUDYARD KIPLING, 422 West Oahttp://www2.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifk Street, Louisville
OLD LOUISVILLE COFFEHOUSE, 1489 S. Fourth St, Louisville - ph. 502/635-6660
PRODUCTION SIMPLE (produce many of the events at Headliners and Uncle Pleasants)
__Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky__
THE SOUTHGATE HOUSE, Newport, KY
ALCHEMIZE, 3929 Spring Grove Ave, Cincinnati, OH
THE COMET, 4579 Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH
BOGART'S, 2621 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH
, 4163 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati, OH
Know of an upcoming event that others should get hip to? Let us know - email informationactivists@yahoo.com. All Picks by Ross Compton unless otherwise noted.
:::::::::::::: QUESTIONS/COMMENTS/SUBMISSIONS ::::::::::::::::::::::::
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