Athens Music Scene
By Eric Leighton
Athens NEWS Writer
March 20, 2008
You ever play the game Telephone? You know, the one where you tell someone a sentence and then they turn and tell it to the person next to them who in turn does the same until it gets back to the beginning in some completely indecipherable form. That’s what Bar Talk is. Bar Talk is a sub-species of Gossip, but not necessarily malicious. It doesn’t quite qualify as Drunk Talk, though it occasionally dips its tongue in there, too.
I have been all too aware of this mode of pseudo-communication in the last year or so. Here’s an example: A few weeks ago, when I first got my still-lingering ear-infection, I texted a few people for help at the Open Stage I was hosting because it sounded too weird in my head (and hurt) for me to sing very much. There was a brilliant turnout of my fellow musicians (thank you very much) but almost 40 people came up to me and asked me how I was feeling. Of the people I sent messages to, four of them were there, all of whom I sent the message a scant three hours before. Not only that, the sign in front of the bar claimed: “Open Stage – Guest Host, Parker” or something like that. No guest host ever presented himself to me. Sorry if I stole your gig, Parker.
Needless to say, I was floored by the efficiency of the Bar Talk system to move around the information, but I was also disturbed at how convoluted it became in the process. I could cite endless examples, as no doubt could most of you.
I bring this up this week due to the Bar Talk assault on the closing of the Union, information about which I believe will be dealt with in an article elsewhere in this paper. I urge all of you to settle down and let things sort themselves out. Yes, it would be terribly sad if the Union was to be gone forever, but I have hope in the resiliency of that establishment to weather this storm. I’m asking for people to give it some space and not add to the mess, especially if you want to help save the Union.
I know a lot of you have no idea that I spent many a formative day at the Union. It was the place I played for years, indeed I even have a picture on the wall upstairs. Lou was one of the first people to take me in and be very kind to me when I moved to town, and I am forever grateful for that friendship. I am loyal to the bar and have probably spent more years there than anyone looking for a scramble.
Let’s just try to let go of the Bar Talk Telephone game and ease the pressure back a bit so things can come clear. Banana gypsy Pac Man gopherlicious beanpop razmataz hockey sticks.
The Union
It is Scott Winland’s intention to make sure that all scheduled shows at the Union go off as planned. This weekend is no exception.
Friday night, The Speed Knobs are back at the top-fueled rock and roll along with the jazzy metal of Black Spyral Dancer, the mood-motivating Red Dahlia and the alliterative Fivefootforward.
Saturday night Blueprint for Murder gets down and evil with their metallic selves. Helping out will be The Evil Around Us and other “heavy friends.”
Wednesday night Peelander-Z, the comic book punk rock band from Japan, returns to the Union. Likewise eclectic masterminds Spooktober and Ukulele Typewriter will open the evening, among others.
Casa Cantina
Tonight is an International Dance Night with DJ Self-Help.
Friday night, The McGovern Brothers convene their bluegrass harmonies at the establishment known as the Casa Cantina. These guys are the real deal and offer up a bunch of tunes you should get to know.
Saturday night offers a benefit for the fine family that owns Souvlaki’s. Their car was recently the victim of a hit and run that essentially totaled it. We adore these delightful and humble folks so much we are trying to show our appreciation to them without embarrassing them too much. The Paranormals, Dirty Johnny and more will perform for this worthwhile event.
Don’t forget Rattletrap on Monday, or Open Stage with Chris Biester on Wednesday.
Jackie O’s
Saturday night the fabulous Billy Cats will bring their swingy country jazz, or their jazzy country swing, or their swingy, jazzy country to Jackie O’s to get your feet a-movin’. This band features members of the Royales, the Wingnuts, Realbilly Jive and more.
Monday night is still the Open Stage with Junebug (me), and Tuesday night the kings and queens of the Celtic music scene return to claim their throne (they rocked on St. Patty’s Day!)
Blue Gator
The Couch Slugz will “Spring into Action” on Friday in the downstairs portion of the Blue Gator. At 9 p.m. they will let loose with their peculiar brand of “Raunch and Roll” as they celebrate their 21 year of jamming together. Editor Smith said he tried to pull off an e-mail interview with the band to preview the show, but it didn’t work out for whatever reason.
Tuesdays are for Open Stage at the Blue Gator with The Paranormals.
Smiling Skull
Here’s to the Long Haul returns to Athens Saturday night to help kick off another Mountain Justice Week (held in Meigs County next week). These folks are from Bristol, Tenn., and wield a fine bunch of rootsy old-time and bluegrass tunes; definitely worth a listen.
Rhapsody - Nelsonville
Steve Zarate fingerpicks and croons with his mind as you dine at the Rhapsody on Saturday night.
Albany VFW
Long Tally Shorty, the band formerly known as the D&R Studio Band, has retained its members from the previous incar-name-tion and their set list as well. You can listen to the best of the oldies 8:30-ish on Saturday night. A fish fry will be held before the show, and it’s all open to the public.
19 South
They’re having a show tonight with three bands, Fleshworld, Truth Dealer and We March, but this news arrived via a 2:30 a.m. Wednesday voice mail at The Athens NEWS, and we had a hard time deciphering it. E-mail is the best way to handle this sort of thing: news@athensnews.com.
Baby master giggle stomp! Happy Ether anyfrond!
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