Athens Music Scene
By Eric Leighton
Athens NEWS Writer
December 20, 2007
Happy Solstice and Merry Christmas everyone! As the year winds its way out, and my wood stove keeps me warm (yeah!), I find myself relaxing into that near coma-like deep relief that happens when there is no one around but us ghost townies. It's so peaceful, calm-before-the-storm-ish.
I know I'm dreaming of a white Christmas, 'cause baby it's cold outside, and if the weather outside is frightful, and my fire is so delightful, well, I say let it snow! I also think that I'm dreaming when I realize that Ike Willis and Ugly Radio Rebellion are coming to town this week. Frank Zappa's birthday is tomorrow, and we are gonna celebrate tonight. I feel like this is my own personal Christmas present.
The Pickins this week are Slim but Happy. From the Captains of Industry to the Lowly Serf, we are all Receivers of good tidings and good music. We'll all come out smelling like a Dahlia if we go check out some music. Now I'm going to light up a Chichester and drive off in my Zarate.
Jackie O's
Tonight, as mentioned above, a former lead singer for Frank Zappa, Ike Willis and the Zappa tribute band Ugly Radio Rebellion kick off their Frank Zappa birthday tour by playing a poodle-load of Zappa tunes. If you've heard the album "Joe's Garage," then you know Ike Willis by voice. His tenure as lead singer was longer than anyone else's in Frank's band. He appeared on at least nine studio albums and countless live albums. The now Atlanta-based Ugly Radio Rebellion has added some members since the last time they were here, and damned if they don't do a super-fine job with Frank's tunes. Tickets are available and going fast at Haffa's, Blue Eagle Music, and Jackie O's.
Friday and Saturday nights herald the return of those bluegrassholes Slim Pickins. With members scattered from faraway places such as Alaska, Colorado and New Marshfield, these boys, myself included, don't get much time to pick together, but when we do, bluegrass mayhem ensues. Be sure to check out The Paranormals when we do a set of Christmas songs somewhere during the night, maybe before the gig, maybe at set break. Editor Smith says he also hopes we do our medley of Roger Miller tunes, do-whacka-do.
Casa Cantina
Saturday night, Happy Chichester returns to Athens with friends Captain of Industry and The Receiver. Happy - yes, his real name, and yes he is - is known in certain circles from his work with Howlin' Maggie and Royal Crescent (RC) Mob. His solo work is as captivating as it is funky, and you know when you see him that you're in the presence of real talent. COI are a fun group of fellas from Dayton brandishing a catchy style of indie-pop. This is the last show of a tour with Happy and the Receiver. The latter band is from Columbus and is comprised of the Cooper brothers. One is a multi-instrumental composer, and the other an excellent drummer. Together, with the aid of some electronics, they make some powerful music.
Sandstone Bistro - Logan
Friday night, Steve Zarate will be back at the Sandstone in Logan, downstairs in the Bistro, singing and picking his heart out, like he does each and every time. I challenge you to find a song that he doesn't know. It's hard to do.
The Union
I saw that there was a show on the Web site for tonight, but upon further investigation, I see that Red Dahlia looked as though they were out of town; therefore their appearance at the gig is unlikely. The Serfs, who were also on the bill, may just take it upon themselves to play the gig with friends and whatnot. My suggestion is to check it out for yourself and see what happens.
NEXT WEEK, The A-NEWS will present some top 10 CD lists for 2007, so watch out for that.
My best wishes to you all - and if you hear something up on the rooftop - get yer gun! May Peace reign o'er your parade! Ho! Ho! Ho! Laughing all the way ...??
Comments
Please log in to post a comment.
