Athens Music Scene
By Eric Leighton
Athens NEWS Writer
March 6, 2008
One of the things I really love about Athens is the sense of community that binds the town. It’s always fun for me when I have bands visiting from out of town and get to show them around and have them dig what we do here. It is a special place.
This weekend my buddy Catfish and I get to be a part of the community in a way that is different from the usual way we get to interact – via court-mandated community service (kidding). For the second year in a row, we are a part of a myriad of folks who are joining forces to herd a bunch of elementary kids into performing an original musical – written by folks here in Athens and titled “Volcanoes and Beaches.”
As with last year, we arranged the tunes into useable form and recorded the songs for practice purposes, and then later recorded it with the cast for release. Indeed, I finished mixing it earlier today.
I am impressed with the dedication of the parents, West Elementary faculty and staff, and everyone who is putting their time to this endeavor. I bet this kind of thing doesn’t happen just anywhere, and that’s my point: Athens is cool.
To follow up with everyone’s kind questioning of my general state of health, I will say thank you for your concerns, and I am indeed feeling better, but this ear infection thing seems to linger. My advice remains, stay far, far away from these afflictions. Thanks, Athenians, for being so cool and join us this weekend for some fine music, eh?
Baker Center – Front Room
The second Tuesday of every month the Front Room features the 2nd Tuesday Jazz Series with The Jazztet. This quintet is packed full of great players including Guy Remonko and John Horne. Go see them March 11.
19 South
Tonight offers a Film Fest Benefit at 19 South. Featured acts include October Fist, Red Dahlia and Space6oy.
Friday night Ace and A-roc put the bass so heavy that your trousers might fall down.
TMO spins it out on Saturday night.
Wednesday nights feature The Jazz Cream Assassins, the new house band at 19 South.
Donkey Coffee
Friday night offers an Insomniac Booking Showcase featuring the talented Joe Anderl, the gruff and loveable The Gunshy (Chicago) and the elusive Winter Makes Sailors.
Saturday night, The Jarts get back in the ring to let you in on their latest musical endeavors; they are always a good time. Jake Householder does his part to make the evening entertaining as well. Can anyone say “Michael Jackson”?
Smiling Skull Saloon
After Hours starts Happy Hour-ish at the Skull on Friday evening and continues into the night, rocking out in their splendid way: Originals and classic tunes to your ears’ content.
Saturday night The Makebelieves’ sixth annual Anniversary Party will take place. Past events have been a blast, and I anticipate nothing less from this one. Glad to note that Jeff, the bassist, is back around, so I imagine some new numbers might start showing up. Buffalo’s Johnny Nobody will open the night, and a variety of Super Secret Guests will be pulled from the vaults of the Makebelieves’ sordid past. Oh yeah.
Casa Cantina
Casa has a new art show opening tonight featuring the works of former Athens Countian Adam Mitchell, as well as works by Mike Elsass and Pat Elsass. There will be a free puppet show, and music by the fascinating Sleepybird will begin at midnight.
Los Viejos Blanquitos returns to the Casa on Friday night for some of the finest Latin jazz you can hear live in this town.
Saturday evening at 6, The Coolville Hotclub goes Casa for a happy hour set. These folks swing the kind of jazz you would hear Django Reinhardt playing in the ’30s and ’40s. (Speaking of swinging jazz, Editor Smith interjects a sad goodbye to Toronto guitar-player Jeff Healey, who passed away over the weekend from cancer at the young age of 41. Healey’s Jazz Wizards played the sort of Django-like jazz that the Coolville Hotclub specializes in.)
Saturday night you can enjoy another exciting edition of Project ReUse: a recycled/reused fashion show. After the walk-offs, you can stick around and listen to Silo Circuit, Russenorsk and Casual Future.
Tuesday night features a benefit for the construction of a well for the Masai people of Tanzania hosted by the OU class “Anthropology for Social Change.” Featured musical acts include Zephuros, Five Deadly Venoms, Russenorsk.
Blue Gator
The Werks get their jam thing happening at the Gator tonight. This Dayton band seems to have a good following around the area — great guitar playing from this crew.
The Gator has an Open Doors Dance Party on Saturday night.
Jackie O’s
Jackie O’s continues its week of live music tonight with the return of Big Kiff, an up-and-coming crew that likes Bruce Springsteen and good ol’ rock and roll type numbers.
Jackass Flatts is gonna rip up the town with their balls-to-the-wall bluegrass music on Friday night. These Richmond boys get it done. The Paranormals will open the evening.
The Macpodz (Ann Arbor) mix a little bit of everything under the sun to form a unique mix they call the Macpodz Experience. Too tough to describe, I can only say, get in there Saturday night and check ’em out; their live shows are fantastic! I’ve been real impressed with these Ann Arbor bands lately.
West Elementary
The folks at West Elementary (West is the Best!) are throwing another home-grown musical this weekend featuring a healthy portion of the West Elementary population. The production is called “Volcanoes and Beaches,” and The Paranormals w/ the West Elementary All-Stars will perform the music that accompanies the singing. Shows are Friday and Saturday nights at 7, and Sunday afternoon at 2. Performances will be at West Elementary on Central Avenue – not to be confused with ARTS/West! Be sure and pick up a copy of the cast recording!
Rhapsody - Nelsonville
Steve Zarate will be at the Rhapsody fingerpicking delectable melodies for your consumption on Friday night.
The Union
Tonight Insomniac Booking plays host to the group Barn Burning, along with The Wading Girl and Kaslo.
Dance or Die returns Friday night to fill the place with dancing bodies. When asked about my apparent lack of enthusiasm for this essentially weekly event, I have to respond that weekly events are tough to get excited about on a regular basis. My coverage of DJs is definitely lacking, but so is my interest in them; I’m a live music fella. It’s nothing personal. DJs can always send me exciting press releases alerting me to what is new and happening. That’s usually a pretty effective thing that other acts do. Educate me.
Saturday night the truly fascinating Modey Lemon are back at the Union for a mind-blowing performance. These guys take rock and roll and spin it clear out the door. This is psychedelic music. Definitely catch this one, and be sure to show up early to catch Mystery of Two (featuring ex-A-towner Ryan Weitzel), El Jesus de Magico and The Never Evers. Rock and Roll!
Tuesday night The Sad Bastards get back on board with their buddies Doc Daily and the ever-infectious Midwest Kid.
Court Street Grill - Pomeroy
Saturday night you can get yer fix of funkified blues when Cincy’s Jon Justice Band unloads a boat full. Check out the Grill for its fine atmosphere, good beer and better company.
Salaam Café
Dimitar Zarev, if I can go by the name along with the venue and the food, likely will perform some exotic-sounding music Wednesday evening. The show starts at 6:30.
That’s all for this week, that I am aware of. I appreciate the input, keep it coming. I’ll see you at the gigs.
Comments
Please log in to post a comment.
jackscrow commented, on March 6, 2008 at 9:49 a.m.:
Dimitar is a damn good gitar player.
