Athens Music Scene
By Eric Leighton
November 1, 2007
It's hard for me to grasp that not only will winter be coming very soon, but so too will the students be leaving for all points elsewhere. I find that to be a dandy device that makes winter not so bad, nothing personal. With the passing of the Block Party, things likely will wind down toward the end of the year. It's always hard to believe.
The trees are barren, but the sky was blue for a couple of days, and though we may not catch a glimpse of it again until April, I know it will shine its light on me some day. Speaking of which, I'm gonna knock this thing out and go rake me some leaves in this glorious light - careful, don't get any in your hair!
Casa Cantina
After Hours returns to the Casa Cantina tonight. They feature classic-rock tunes mixed with originals and danceable numbers. Lyn Smith from the Casa plays and sings like you won't believe. Pokey LaFarge looks a bit like the Pee Wee Herman of acoustic ragtime, folk and blues; as to his music, think Woody Pines-ish. He is a neat performer and certainly worth a listen as he embarks on a nice long tour. He opens the night tonight.
The Billy Cats take western swing and add jazz to it, or they take jazz and add western swing to it, or as Editor Smith notes, the phrase "western swing" pretty much implies jazz anyway. They also combine the talents of members of Realbilly Jive, The Wingnuts, The Royales and numerous other top-caliber crews to make up their roster. Go hear them Friday night.
Woody Pines and the Lonesome Two pluck out another evening of fine blues, ragtime and folk numbers on Saturday night. The Leper is Leonard seems to be following in the footsteps of this acoustic, folky movement that WP< are apart of. Another band may be added to this one.
Sunday night offers a benefit for the Common Language Project.
The Union
Friday night, Dance or Die gets it done at the Union.
Saturday night, Dead Sea, Blueprint for Murder, Locusta and Goodbye Goats get their metal on at the Union. I will say, GG's set at the Block Party was amazing; camp, gratuitous metal, large smoking water pipes - total theater. Good stuff.
Boston's Bad Ash brings their "28 Days Drunker" tour to the Union on Monday. These guys are a barrel full of fun - a big whiskey barrel full of fun. Rocking it with a trombone always gets my seal of approval. Midwest Kid will folk you up with an opening set. There may be more bands on this one before all's said and done.
Seattle's Shook Ones are gonna shake down the Union on Tuesday night with their poppy hardcore tendencies. They recently returned from a tour of Japan. Arizona's hardcore elite unit Hour of the Wolf and Ohio's Triceratops are also on the bill.
BW3's
Things and wings are changing at BW3's, apparently; they keep tossing their hat into the musical ring of Athens. This Friday night, blues rockers Cold Bargain will fill the stimulating television-filled room with tunes.
Every Wednesday night, Steve Zarate is "Rocking out heavily" in a spirit that Johnny B would approve of.
Jackie O's
Tonight you can get sexy in your shoes when you visit with Juan Soto and his Merengue night.
Tony Adami hits up Jackie O's Happy Hour Friday evening from 7-9 p.m. Tony has a bunch of cool tunes stuck up his sleeve, and he's a rocket scientist.
Cowboy Hillbilly Hippy Folk are from Columbus, and as the name might suggest, their music encompasses a variety of musical styles. They were given marks by a Columbus writer for being one of the most interesting bands at this year's ComFest, despite his dislike for the name. All I can say is, "Try it, you'll like it." Oh yeah, this is Friday night's show.
Hold on to your dental floss because Ugly Radio Rebellion are coming back to slay you Saturday with their amazing three-piece renditions of Frank Zappa's music. You just spend most of your time shaking your head in amazement, asking, "How do they do that?" Next month, they will be back when they're on tour with Zappa singer Ike Willis. Can you say, "Oh yeah!"?
Donkey Coffee
Thursdays are for Open Stage at the Donkey with host Troy Gregorino.
With guitar, vocals, cello and percussion, Russenorsk joins the new wave of bands that have impossible names to spell. Playing Friday night, they, like many of the others, play a nice and gentle music brought on by the recent phenomenon that was the unearthing of Elliot Smith and his predecessor, Nick Drake. Zephuros, not one to be left out of the name game, likewise is gentle and tall; nice songs and a soft delivery.
Baker Center
John Horne will perform his intricate guitar work at the Front Room tonight. Depending on which advertising you believe, either Nick Gruber or Liz Pahl will be opening the night; both worthy choices.
Friday nights Bruce Dalzell rocks the Front Room Open Stage.
It's not often that Athens gets to say that a band is releasing an album nationally. We can say that on Saturday when Southeast Engine celebrates the release of their new Misra release, "Wheel within a Wheel," at the Baker Theatre with a FREE show. These guys have a nice tour set up for them and are already out supporting the CD. Come in and catch these rising stars and pick up a fresh copy of the new tunes. With a new lineup and a new CD, you should check it out. Nostra Nova, Adam Torres' magnificent outlet for his inspired music, will follow Jesse Remnant (SE lead singer Adam's younger brother) as opening acts.
Also on Saturday night, in the Front Room, there will be a Native American concert featuring Rich Collins and flutist and storyteller Chaska Stewart.
Blue Gator
Tonight the Blue Gator heralds the return of the wholly radio ready Oval Opus.
Baltimore's The Bridge shows you where that confounded thing is on Friday night. This up-and-coming band of jammers makes you think a bit about Little Feat before diving in every direction possible.
Mike Perkins continues his relentless circuit riding at the Gator on Saturday night. This ex-Shantee singer is a favorite among the ladies.
Rhapsody - Nelsonville
Speaking of Steve Zarate, he will depart from the norm and play and sing for the folks dining at the Rhapsody Restaurant from 6:30-10 p.m.
That might be it for this week, but you won't know if you don't go - out to hear live music that is! See you at the gig!??
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