Athens Music Scene
By Eric Leighton
Athens NEWS Writer
December 31, 2007
First of all, your eyes are not deceiving you. It's not Thursday already. This is a special Monday Athens Music Scene, in honor of New Year's Eve and New Year's Day today and Tuesday.
Nearly everyone has his or her top-10 music lists. I find it hard to remember that much. My musical memories tend to be tied up in the gigs that I play. A week or two ago, Editor Smith asked me if I wanted to do a top-10 CD list -- mine would have been stuff like the Meters' "The Meters" from 1969 and Akron/Family's "Love is Simple," which actually did come out this year. In short, I actually don't consume much music, and "new" music often escapes me for decades. I'm more on the production end this year.
Speaking of this year, I managed to perform more than 217 sets of music in 2007 -- thanks in no small way to the way I whore myself around with so many bands. As a result, the thing I thought might be interesting for me to do -- to name the top shows for me -- often happened to be a set of my own; not to say that it was heart stopping for anyone else, but for me, I definitely broke some new ground on the guitar, as a solo performer and vocalist, and on practically all of the instruments I pay attention to on a regular basis. I can only hope to continue to grow as a musician as each year passes.
As for some of the outstanding musical moments; without a filter and in no particular order, here are some of the standouts that I remember -- completely subjective mind you: The Lennon Orchestra show on 10-20-7 with Joey Hebdo. The crowd was amazing, the music was amazing; and then by logical extension, this year's Lennon Fest. It is always a great show; the bands were lifted up and borne away by the good vibes everyone always brings to that event.
The HockHocking Folk Fest was amazing this year. There were so many great bands, I got to perform with Liz Pahl and Catfish, always a delight. Adam Torres made me cry in the most delightful way, as he always does. He seems to pull that stuff right out of me. Furnace Mountain was great, but I liked them more when I saw them earlier in the year in Asheville, N.C. Devon Sproule blew my mind with her "Aww, shucks" demeanor and amazing songs and voice. She is an incredibly odd girl that does her music how she hears it, and thank God for that! Last but not least was Guy Clark, an idol of mine with whom I got to share some words before the show. His songs always get me going and for him to start with "Cape" and to watch him and longtime musical partner Verlon Thompson interact, well, it made me cry, too. Thanks be to Liz Pahl who got to share that special moment with me.
The next day after the Fest -- after attempting to take on half the campground in wrestling -- the Paranormals played Kenny and Rachel's wedding. The music for the ceremony came out nice and it was a lovely occasion. Later that night, the jam session that ensued was either one of the most amazing nights I have ever had on any number of instruments, or it was the most cacophonous batch of noise ever produced. I doubt there was any middle ground; most memories by most folks in attendance are favorable.
The Ragbirds' set at the '07 Halloween was stirring. Band members decked themselves to the tens with homemade Ragbird outfits, replete with masks, and brought the whole crowd into their multi-cultural musical world; they owned it. It was spellbinding to behold.
There were at least two solo sets of mine at my Jackie O's open mic that personally were incredible. I was inside the song, the song was inside me; we were the same and inseparable. The fingers went places they should; the voice found strength, range and subtlety; the song played me beautifully. I felt the power of the song coursing through me. It is a mystical experience every time. I was on.
One of the times I think that the people felt it and were pulled in by the power of it; another time, I was playing to the bathrooms, hearing the cartoony crickets at the end of each song. The beauty for me was feeling that what I am shooting for musically is possible for me, and that every now and then it might pop up and grace me.
Last but not least, I can't forget to mention the Ike Willis and Ugly Radio Rebellion show a couple of Thursdays ago. Ike has long been a hero of mine, having first seen him perform with Frank Zappa some 20 years ago. To get to meet and hang out with him, talking musician to musician, was really special for me, and to hear them perform "Carolina Hardcore Ecstacy," "Cucarillo Brillo," "Peaches and Regalia" and so many other tunes right there, an arm's reach away, well, that was pretty special for lot of us.
Long-winded, low pay-off as I am, I am hoping for all of us to have a better year than last year -- may it rot -- and may you find enjoyment in your New Year's holiday endeavors. Here are a few things that might interest you.
The Union
The Union ushers in the New Year tonight with the return of Tyler Keith, notable for his work with the Preacher's Kids and a variety of other projects. This straight-ahead, garage-y rock and roll is as catchy as the nights are long, born to boogie to. The Dropdead Sons revel in their dark and garage grunginess filled with pop morsels. Their voluminous set is always a way to get your momentum back. Wheels on Fire are currently in a neck-and-neck race for one of the most popular bands in town.
Smiling Skull
Cold Bargain drives a hard bargain with their Stevie Ray-drenched blues-rock. New Year's Eve has them rocking out at the Skull. I believe I've brought a few in down there myself!
Dairy Barn
The Dairy Barn plays host to The Wingnuts tonight. The Wingnuts are the perfect New Year's Eve band. Their eclectic mix of roots-rockin' material and fancy tuxedos (reference file photo) has these talented musicians appealing to a wide range of people; a little something for everyone. Tickets are available at the Dairy Barn. I believe that this year has a theme "Sputnik in Orbit," which is perhaps supposed to give you outfit ideas. Ah, yes, "Come as a Cosmonaut, or in your favorite vintage '50s era clothes." Editor Smith suggests watching "Mad Men" on TV for apparel ideas. There is a dinner package available.
Jackie O's
Papadosio close out the old year and welcome the new for the third year running at Jackie O's Pub and Brewery. Their continued melding of electronic and computer-generated whatnot into their groove-based jams continues to fascinate fans. Mister Got Heat (who win Band Name of the Year That I had Most Fun With for 2007) will open the night with their funked-up tunes.
Blue Gator
The Blue Gator opens its doors for the NYE party and welcomes a host of bands to the upstairs bar: On the Rocks, Civilian, Dancing Dan and the Red Hot Licks, Slaughter Drive and Without Papers. This show, with the exception of WP, seems to cater toward the generally disenfranchised youthful population of Athens, a noble act indeed. The kitchen will be in full-swing, too, so your dinner options are varied.
Oh, yes, and this is important -- on New Year's Day, the Gator will feature its usual Tuesday open mic with the Paranormals.
Casa Cantina
Two things are for certain about Casa's entertainment tonight; it's good stuff, and it's at prices "even a revolutionary can afford." Woody Pines and the Lonesome Two are back at their ragtime, jump-bluesy best, especially with Ted Harris sitting in on clarinet. These folks are fun for sure and you'll be dancing to their swinging sounds. Silo Circuit will open the night with their unique blend of Eastern European, klezmer-ish music brought forth with a punk-rock attitude - sort of. All-in-all, this is a nice way to kick out the old and kick out the jams.
The Inn at Hocking College
The (newly remodeled) Inn at Hocking College is offering up a variety of package deals for the NYE party they are hosting. Food, dinner, rooms and music provided by Nefarious Ewe, who offer up rock, pop and country. Contact the Inn for details.
That's all that I know about; keep your ears peeled for anything exciting. May your evening be amazing and have a very Happy New Year!
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