Athens Music Scene
By Eric Leighton
December 6, 2007
Today, as I write this, I am a mixed bag of emotions; and as I delve into the past relating to the dates I am concerned with in this week's column, I find interesting links between the years. For instance, on Friday, Dec. 7 ("A date which will live in infamy!"), not only did the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor, but 45 years later, I managed to not bomb my first gig, and as an anniversary I will play and hope to not bomb this Friday. For those of you looking to do the math as regards to my personal history, that was 21 years ago.
On Dec. 8, of course John Lennon was assassinated; and we will again be doing Lennon Fest at the Union this Saturday to help commemorate that tragedy. Also, Slim Pickins, the actor, died on the eighth, and coming back from the dead later this month will be the bluegrass band I occasionally play in, Slim Pickins.
On Dec. 4, 1993, Frank Zappa died; later this month we have coming to town a guy who used to sing lead in Zappa's band, Ike Willis. They are celebrating Frank's birthday with a tour that kicks off in Athens! A year later, my good buddy Johnny B died.
I played music with Johnny B, as did many others over the years. Somehow the way his death struck me really put the fire to me; I began dedicating my life to music with even more fervor than before, and continue to this day, some 13 years later. Perhaps it was his passion for music suffusing itself with mine, and as it was pert' near improbable for him to continue playing music, I felt that I had to take up the slack.
I say "improbable" because not long after his death I had a dream, a long meandering dream in which I was walking barefooted in the snow and being inexplicably drawn to some unknown location. I finally ended up in a Moroccan-like bazaar (more like bizarre) and found at an intersection, under a tent, a drum kit. Across the way was my bass-playing friend David Stone (now deceased), a guitar-player buddy, Malcolm, and of course, the Great Conductor himself, Johnny B, with that perpetual fun-loving, shit-eating grin.
He begged me to sit down as he had a new song to show me. I was floored and exploded into tears (much like right now). I told him it was too much, I didn't think I could do it. He calmed me down and assured me that I was the drummer for him and to check out how cool his new song was. He played the tune, and it was one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. It went on for some time, it seemed, the band grooving just as natural as can be, as though we were born with the song in our hearts.
When we were done with the song, I tried to cross the aisle to the other side, but got swept up with the passing crowd. I could see Johnny waving at me and giving me his best lopsided grin as I was borne away by the mass of people. I couldn't get back to him, and the dream eventually dissolved into wakefulness. Of course, I couldn't remember the song, but the sweet taste of it still soothes my musical palette.
Sadly, fitting this week's meditations I must note the passing of Brian Childers. He was a friend to many here in Athens, and there will be a potluck remembrance at the Union at 3:30 on Saturday afternoon.
May we all raise our chins and tip a glass to those we remember and to those we still are lucky enough to have with us. Let us celebrate with music!
The Union
Tonight the fabulously rocking Radio Moscow will take to the stage at the Union to give you a high-test dose of '70s-style riff rock, really great stuff. The Dragline Bros. will complement this outfit completely. What a great night of Rock & Roll.
Friday night, The Bygones from Columbus, featuring ex-Athenian Bill Waggoner, will rock and roll in a Stonesy sort of way. Similarly, but in a different manner (or as my Macedonian friend Louie used to say, "Same but different."), local rock mavens Wheels on Fire will knock yer socks off.
Saturday will be the eighth annual Lennon Fest, a feast of Beatles, Lennon and Harrison tunes with a few Sir Paul numbers just for "fook sake." There will be numerous bands performing including: Dropdead Sons, Paper Airplane, The Lennon Orchestra (featuring a variety of lead vocalists), Transcience, Poppycock, Fleshworld and a smattering of otherness. This is usually one of the most fun local events of the year. All of the proceeds go to the Johnny B Fund, which was started to help pay for lessons for young musicians and otherwise help out the struggling musician.
Casa Cantina
Tonight, consummate songwriter Tim Williams comes down from New York to bring his thoughtful and wonderful songs to an Athens audience. Also on the bill, and oddly timed for the season, is the group The Black Atlantic from the Netherlands. Oddly timed I say simply because there are about 65 folks from the Netherlands in town for the next week and a half. They are a fun bunch and hopefully one of them reads this so they can go support their kinsmen. Kaslo opens the night, and fit right in with their brand of experimental folksy rock.
Futility Knife brings its hopeless blade to bear on the throat of the Casa Cantina on Friday night. Combining the talents of Al Schmidt, Chris Aubell and Dan Whitley, these guys are a rocking tour-de-force. Bad Chemicals, featuring Mike Elliott, are on the bill as well as the Paper Machetes.
Saturday night the Casa presents Electric Chili Dog, an evening of spun music with the talents of DJ Indigo and the visuals of Ken Dobo of Dogstar Video.
19 South
19 South rears its sleepy musical head for a show tonight. We March takes it to the newish stage and sees if it can blow out the speakers with their full-on, punk-rock assault. Chicago's Daily Void are bringing old school punk rock with them to the show tonight. With nods to the Dead Kennedys (before Jello's ego flare-up), these guys are kind of refreshing.
Grover Center - Well Works
The Mudfork Blues Band are on hand to help with the Well Works Winter Gathering tonight from 5-6:30 in the Grover Center Atrium. Free is the price and aside from some great blues, there are lots of other goodies for those of you who will attend.
Jackie O's
Cowboy Hillbilly Hippy Folk are returning to Athens on Friday to perform. Their bend seems to be towards the traditional bluegrass type of tunes that are well known to all, but with a treatment that befits the name. Well, not actually, since "hippy" means having big hips. "Hippie," on the other hand... The Paranormals, featuring Catfish and myself, will open up the evening, and I will be celebrating my 21st year on stage in bands of my own design.
Rhapsody
Steve Zarate still holds together folks in his rhapsodic manner at the Rhapsody Restaurant in Nelsonville Friday from 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Donkey Coffee
The Donkey rings in with a show Saturday night featuring Jesse Remnant, brother of Adam and member of Southeast Engine. Come and see what the new guy has to offer. Adam Torres and Nostra Nova will be on hand to help unhinge you.
Small but mighty are our offerings this week. Go out and celebrate the season and keep yourself warm the best you can.
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