"Stanley Tookie Williams:"'I Want the World to Remember Me for My "Redemptive Transition'"

This is excerpted from Democracy Now! where there are transcripts of the broadcast featured today on the execution yesterday of Stanley Tookie Williams.

"Stanley Tookie Williams is dead. He was executed at 12:35 am PT by lethal injection at San Quentin State Prison. He was 51 years old. A co-founder of one of the country's most notorious street gangs, the Crips, Williams spent 24 years on death row after being convicted of four murders. During this period he became a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, children's author and a vocal advocate against gang violence. He maintained his innocence up until his death. Williams' fate was sealed Monday afternoon when California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger rejected a final appeal for clemency. We play excerpts of a press conference where witnesses describe the execution and we hear reactions from his attorney, the NAACP and the Rev. Jesse Jackson." -- Amy Goodman, Democracy Now

Here's a transcript of interview with Angela Davis. and of Tookie, in his own words in one of the last interviews conducted a few hours before by
WBAI's Wake Up Call producer, Kat Aaron.

KFAI Dig Up the Roots show available till Tuesday

Hey! I recently substituted on Dig Up the Roots, and played a bunch of old-timey and old country tunes, murder ballads and cat songs, I played the essentials to any show of mine (Dickel Bros., Foghorn Stringband both from Portland, Townes Van Zandt and Hank, Sr.) as well as songs off new CD's by Charlie Parr, and The Front Porch Swingin' Liquor Pigs. I also played a fave band from Viroqua, WI Worn Out Shoes, (who I'm hosting at the Viking in January!) alongside inspiration R. L. Burnside, ol' Mississippi legendary bluesman, recently passed on. Go to KFAI Archivesand scroll down to Dig up the Roots and play "Previous Show."

Here's a setlist:
Dig Up the Roots Set List
November 22, 2005

Cyn Collins, substitute for Greg Carr

Lost Girl/Foghorn Stringband/Weiser Sunrise/Nettwerk
Wagon Wheel/Old Crow Medicine Show/O.C.M.S./Nettwerk

Willow Garden/Rayna Gellert and Susie Gehring/Starch and Iron/Rounder
Little Margaret/The Knitters/The Modern Sounds of. . . /Zoe Records
Sugarbaby/Uncle Earl/She Waits for Night/Rounder

*King Earl/Charlie Parr/King Earl/
*Cheap Wine/Charlie Parr/Rooster/
*Public Record Rag/Charlie Parr/Rooster/

*Samson & Delilah/Front Porch Swingin’ Liquor Pigs/Last Album
Cry Cry Cry/Johnny Cash/The Essential Johnny Cash/Columbia

My Bucket’s Got a Hole in It/Hank Williams/Alone With His Guitar/Mercury Nashville
Weary Blues From Waitin’/The Wilders/Lissenup!/Rural Grit Records
Ramblin’ Boy/Dickel Bros./Vol. 2
Shortnin’ Bread/Foghorn Stringband/Weiser Sunrise/Nettwerk

*Farewell Whiskey/Tim Foss/Cat Came Back/
Cuckoo/The Doc Watson Family/Smithsonian Folkways

*Stewball/Spider John Koerner/Stargeezer/Red House Records
Boll Weevil/Leadbelly/
Skinny Woman/R. L. Burnside/Mississippi Hill Country Blues/Fat Possum
*Aunt Caroline Dyer Blues/Worn Out Shoes/Worn Out Shoes

Who Do You Love?/Townes Van Zandt/Rear View Mirror Vol 2/Varese Sarabande
When God Made Me/Neil Young/Prairie Wind/Reprise -- Wea
Deep Red Bells/Neko Case/Blacklisted/Bloodshot Records
*Silly Putty/Mike Nicolai/God Fatigue in the Post Atom Age/

*Hoedown/House of Mercy Band/Blessings and Curses/House of Mercy
*The Intoxicated Rat/Front Porch Swinging Liquor Pigs/Last Album

Old Time Backstep Cindy/Tommy Jarrell/ Vol 2. Rainbow Sign/County Records
Old Bunch of Keys/ Uncle Earl/She Waits for Night/Rounder
Old Man Below/The Doc Watson Family/Smithsonian Folkways
*Dead Cat on the Line/Charlie Parr/Rooster/
Black Cat in a Briar Patch/Melvin Wine/Cold Frosty Morning/Roane Records

* Local Music

Charlie Parr at the Viking Bar this Sunday, 9 - Midnight!

Come down this Sunday night, Dec. 4 to hear Charlie Parr at the Viking Bar, from 9 p.m. to midnight, for free! Spread the word and support one of the best musicians around and one of the most legendary, oldest and coziest music venues in town.

He's coming down from Duluth to play at his favorite venue, the Viking, with Mikkel Beckmen (Crush Collision Trio) on washboard and foot, and quite possibly a phenomenal harmonica player, Dave Hundreiser, a train engineer from LaCrosse, Wisconsin, who's inspired by the legendary Koerner, Ray and Glover. Parr continues the Viking Bar's four decades of hosting many of the best folk blues players in the world.

Parr's riveting original songs sound real old with his gravelly vocals and soulful playing on slide blues, 12-string and banjo. He's inspired by and also covers 1920's and '30's country blues musicians such as Bukka White, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Blind Willie McTell, and Rev. Gary Davis. There are harrowing tales of tragedy, bad luck, poverty and woe. There are murder ballads and songs about injustice that'll break your heart , inspired by his family and by what he's seen on the streets working with homeless. Others are about drunken mishap and mayhem. His haunting brand of footstompin' hillbilly blues will raise the hairs on the back of your neck, and make you put your feet to the floorboards.

If you haven't heard Parr, here's your chance, not to be missed! If you have, you know what to do! There's no better way nor place to chase away the end-of-weekend blues. He'll also have his phenomenal brand new 4th CD, Rooster, recorded by Tom Herbers, on all vintage recording equipment.

See you at the Viking Sunday Dec 4, 9 - midnight! 1829 Riverside Avenue, 612-332-4259.

"Good Night, and Good Luck." film review

I urge everyone to check out this excellent, thought-provoking film about truth and fearlessness in media, produced by George Clooney, if you haven't already. It's at the Grandview 2 Theater through Thursday at least, and coming soon to the Riverview Theater. A strong depiction of the 50's media as the beginning of the end, the future to come in truth in reporting, and censorship by corporate advertisers and powers that be. CBS Reporter Edward R. Murrow, (brilliantly played by David Strathairn) and his news team, decides to take on Sen. Joe McCarthy and his campaign against Communism, his witchhunt and scare tactics and lies, randomly labelling people such as those engaged in public dissent, and members of immigrant families, as threats to National Security, bearing uncanny resemblance to events today.

In spite of threat to their journalist positions. amidst accusations of lacking neutrality, military warnings, and pulling out by large corporate advertisers such as agriculture company ALCOA, (at one point funding the ads out of their own pockets) they maverickly do an expose of a man who lost his military job as his Serbian father and sister were suspected of being Communists. To keep it balanced they offer airtime spots for anyone to correct them, or say their side of the story. It escalates to the point where Sen. Joe McCarthy takes them up on the offer, only to hang himself by not only not once countering any of Murrow's points ("since he didn't say anything I said was in error, they aren't errors"), and making false accusations of reporter Murrow's afiliations with Communist entities, such as the Industrial Workers of the World, and a socialist author who dedicated his book to Murrow. Murrow said of this: "We talk to each other but I don't agree with his politics. I am not a socialist. He dedicated the book to me because he respected my wartime reporting from London. We can talk to everyone in the world without becoming contaminated or converted."

Inevitably he and other members of his team get shunted to poor timeslots and lose their jobs as a result of their tenacious dedication to revealing a public wrongfully bullied by the system.

There are many fantastic points in this film about the powerful vehicle of television to educate vs. entertain and feed apathy, and about the control corporations have over broadcasting news that may make people feel uncomfortable. Murrow's speeches on the role of journalism, and truth and fearlessness in media and its responsibility to the general public are powerfully inspiring. The grainy black and white film, and the actual footage of McCarthy make it all the more real and intensely compelling.

Clooney's on a roll, fast becoming a favorite bold director -- his next film Syriana, opens in December. There's an interesting article about the making of the film, here: Washington Post

West Bank Music Legends at the Eagles Club, Now!

Hey everyone! If you haven't heard Spider John Koerner yet, now's the time . . . he's playing in about one hour (7 pm). There's a big West Bank hootenanny goin' on right now (till late) at the Eagles Club located in the Seward neighborhood, 25th St. and 25th Avenue S. to celebrate the life of Dave Ray, who passed on Thanksgiving Day three years ago.

I just heard legendary blues harmonica player Tony Glover with his band V3; amazing. He, of course was a third of "Koerner and/or Ray and/or Glover." You may have seen him commenting on Dylan in the recent film. What perhaps not so many people know is that he was a radio show host in the early years of KDWB where he interviewed Pete Townsend, Robbie Robertson and more, and a music writer for Creme and Rolling Stone, from '69 to '71 in the hottest of music times, interviewing and writing reviews and articles about Jimi Hendrix, Patti Smith (for 30 hours) and Joplin, The Doors, The Allman Bros. He was requested by the two latter bands to play blues harp with them, some of his favorite times. Amazing times and somebody I've got tons of respect for. You can catch him and V3 playing at the 331 Club Dec. 2.

Other players tonight after Koerner are The Front Porch Swingin' Liquor Pigs, who are really getting around this weekend. They're celebrating their new CD, Last Album, Great time band who I've seen near weekly over most of the 8 years they've played Friday's from 7 - 9 pm at the Viking.

It's rumored that Willy Murphy, brilliant musician who I love, is popping by after the Pigs for solo piano before heading down to the Viking. This is not to be missed! That would be about 8:30 or so . . .

Max Ray, phenomenal sax player formerly of the Wallets, and currently playing with X-Boys fe: members of the Suicide Commandos and the 'Burbs, is MC'ing his bro's event. It's well attended by over 100 old(er) West Bankers. You wanna hear stories? Get a feel for what that community is like? Come on down!

I love these old cats, and hanging out with them over the years, hearing their stories and their songs is what compelled me to write my book on West Bank musicians such as those playing tonight, who've played since the early '60's at legendary bars such as the Triangle, the Viking, Palmers, and the 400 Bar. The book will be out early to late Spring, from the looks of it.

A note to KFAI's Jackson Buck fans: he's returning from Florida/Boston to KFAI as their new Marketing Director. He was the instigator of the popular JukeJoint series at the Viking Bar after bands were on his show, Wednesday afternoons that Harold Tremblay is continuing.

A Picture Share!

Como ave jugband

Sound Gallery Open House!

Peep out my review of this event I hot ticketed for Pulse, here: Pulse Music Blog. Boy, was it ever a "hot ticket." It was stunningly huge in every way.

Pulse article, 6th CD Republican Candidate Forum

Everyone, check out my most recent Pulse article Fear and Loathing in Moundsview. Its interesting to know what ultraconservative Republican candidates seeking to replace Mark Kennedy are actually saying amongst themselves. Much of it is appalling and eyeopening, going way beyond the spectrum of what I perceived their platforms and focus to be.

Cyn's (and Neil Young's) Birthday Extravaganza Nov. 12 at the Hex

Hey everyone -- I'm celebrating my 40+ birthday, at the Hexagon, November 12! Music begins right at 9:30 pm with New Vintage (formerly Baby Grant Johnson Band), then Kruddler, then Fort Wilson Riot, and then the Knotwells!!! ALL the bands have brand spankin' new CD's, (New Vintage soon to be released) and promises to cover one or more Neil Young faves as it happens to be his birthday, too! (that's something to live up to, eh?) You'll hear excerpts from his new album between sets. I may get Paul Dickinson, of Speedboat Gallery and Frances Gumm infamy to do live underground poetry reading as well! Anyone who was at the Knotwells CD release party with also Fort Wilson Riot, knows what a fun sweaty dance party mess this will be, and if you missed it . . . you have another chance to experience my favorite bands out there right now.

But, there's more . . . if you come early, say . . . 9ish, there'll be phenomenal free East Indian food from master chef Ashok Bedi, owner of Sahib's Restaurant.

40 isn't old . . . my life has just begun in many ways and I'm celebrating my many beloved friends and all their support in my writing, music, KFAI radio, etc. and so on. I can't wait to see all of you there!

Cheers! Cyn

Monkee Business at the Hexagon Friday

Hey! Hey! The Monkees Tribute at the Hexagon will be superfun. Music begins at 9:30 pm. Chris Dorn (Beatifics) will "be bassing with raven and the autumn leaves and
singing a bit too." In between acts they'll be showing stuff from Head,
33 1/3 Revolutions and excerpts from Monkees TV episodes, and the Scooby Doo episode with Davy Jones (my favorite Monkee). Also playing are: XO XO Judy, Izzy, the Chinch Bugs, Ottoman
and the Lazy Boys.

Nomad Sound Unseen events this weekend . . .

There's still time to catch some great shows and events for Sound Unseen, which has been amazing eye and ear candy. At the Nomad World Pub tonight come out and support this great venue and it's equally great taste in musicians and events as they host the Vestals and Joanna James, who has a voice way beyond her years. Tomorrow, Saturday, enjoy one of the beautiful remaining autumn days with the Sound Unseen crew, playing croquet and indulging in yummy Thai food, from everyone's favorite new West Bank restaurant, Chai. Later that evening, the ever popular, Jack Brass Band, New Orleans style.

Time got away from me . . . I wanted to let everyone know how phenomenal the Sound Unseen shows and events have been this week. One of the coolest was Little Man giving it their all at the Oak St. Cin before the hilarious absurdist humor and allure of the T-Rex film. The sound was great for a live band and Little Man, (with Chris Pericelli looking uncannily similar to percussionist Mickey Finn) was the perfect precursor. The film about Townes van Zandt "Be Here to Love Me" was a true highlight, leaving an indelible mark as does his music . . . the film was done in a style similar to his music, and persona . . . sometimes hazy, often sad, with unexpected times of humor, things left as mysteries. . . he once said, I want to write a song I don't even understand. As enigmatic as he was, his haunting music endures.

There was nothing quite like being in the audience filled with musicians, filmmakers and music industry folks for the Scene: Minneapolis videos of: The Suburbs, the Wallets, Things that Fall Down, and Suicide Commandos. The videos were funny, as dated as they were . . . and I knew if I'd been here in time, I'd have gone to every one of their shows, esp. the art rock extravaganzas of the Wallets. Very cool seeing the "special effects" employed by the Husker Du videographer at the Entry in 1980 (I think) -- spinning, shaking and moving the camera back and forth. Very cool captured moment in time. Chatting with musicians at the Kitty Cat Klub, made it all the more fun, as they filled me in with stories of band members and what it was like to perform and influence in the "No-Wave" genre.

Favela Rising, about youth gangs in Rio de Janeiro, and some getting out and making music to combat violence and drug wars and police abuse, reaffirmed my belief in music as a political force to be reckoned with. The film was chilling and inspiring and very powerful.

musicians from France maintenant! Benoit, rappers, Spanish celtic . . .

As I picked up D 'de Kabal and Spike, two rappers from Paris tonight at the airport, the excitement from last years tremendous performances of Sur Seine festival returned to my memories vividly. It was an amazing time listening to the numerous musicians from France, England and across the U. S. in collaborations with Minneapolis musicians, and it is increasingly difficult to consider for the future with the inconceivable rigors people had to go through with VISA's and transports due to increased homeland security.

There is so much to see no matter what genres of music you love: celtic, hip hop, free jazz, electronic, gypsy jazz, world percussion . . . it's spectacular. Arriving from airport at the host's house over wine and dinner, seeing clarinetist Francois Corneloup and pianist Tony Hymas, music journalist Olivier, and legendary magnum photographer Guy LeQuerrec again this year was heartwarming. I lament that I didn't learn French by this time of year, as I'd vowed last year, being a driver for French musicians for these events. Certainly not necessary, but desirable for me to sink into this world deeper.

Words cannot express the beauty and transcendence of this music. All I can do is say, GO! Look at the schedule, find something intriguing, experiment, experience one night, and tell me if I'm wrong, that this is likely one of the best music nights you'll have all year, made all the more poignant by our borders getting tougher to cross all the time, if for example you were a protester in the '60's or simply made music with some from here, or weren't in one particular band for the entire past year! Seriously. But that's another discussion. Revolutionary '60's jazz innovators Evan Parker and Francois Tusques will be here (Tusques nearly didn't make it, but he's here to play with his new inspiration double bassist Adam Linz of Fat Kid Wednesdays, Wednesday at St. Paul's Zeitgeist Theater (275 East Fourth Street, Suite 100).

Meeting playful, passionate Benoit was sheer joy. He plays tonight, Friday at 7 pm at Alliance Francais' beautiful theater for a mere $7, while stunningly genius at prepared piano (with erasers and twigs for example) and looping (great for lovers of Dosh and Andrew Bird).

The immediate comraderie and warmth of these musicians is contagious. Whatever it was I was thinking about doing, has escaped me as I grew caught up in the vibrant music world and laughter of these musicians. In spite of nightmares getting here, they came, and I hope that many can share the sonic pleasures they offer for this limited time in collaboration with our own Fat Kid Wednesdays, Happy Apple, Eyedea and Brother Ali and the Twin Cities Hot Club and many more. Go to Minnesota Sur Seine for a complete schedule, artist's bios and details.

You missed X-Boys! With members of Wallets, 'Burbs, Suicide Commandos . . .

I felt as though I were let in on a secret, as this afternoon I listened to the X-Boys, a hot group that's a veritable who's who of Twin Cities seminal musicians of the past two decades, at the Eagle's Club in the Seward Neighborhood, 25th Street and 25th Avenue. I went there to interview saxophone player Max Ray, formerly of the Wallets and brother of Dave Ray for my forthcoming book which features a chapter on Dave.

What a great surprise not only to hear Max and his wife Rochelle's terrific horn section, but also in this 20 year group of eight, Chris Osgood and Dave Ahl of the Suicide Commandos, the Suburbs Hugo Claers for awhile on the drums, and Bruce Allen on guitar, (Chan couldn't make it today, but he often plays with the X-Boys as well), Steve Fjalstad, John King, and lead vocals Casey MacPherson, of Boy's Life and The Litter, who was the Suburbs tour manager for 4 years, for Soul Asylum on a tour before Bill Sullivan and Husker Du for 3 years, and worked as monitor engineer for the Replacements for a couple of tours. He also worked at First Ave usually spelling "Pre-Conrad" stage manager, Brother Fred Darden.

As I listened to this fun band do covers which were all over the map from Deep Purple's Hush, to Bowie's All the Young Dudes, to Disco Inferno . . . I lamented more people didn't hear about this, at a place where drinks are cheap, and the stage is very cool.

When I talked to Bruce and Max about the 'Burbs and the Wallets playing on the same bill at 1st Avenue, and commented on how the hot horn section really makes the band sound great, Bruce talked about how, when the Suburbs discovered a horn section, that really did it for them (one of their standout tradmarks for me as well). He relayed that he loved how the horns filled the spaces, and how it gave more freedom to Chan Poling. One of Bruce's favorite gigs was at the Roxy in California, when Chan's keyboards were broken down and it was he, Michael, Hugo, and Beej in a chicken suit, with Chan singing that was one of their best gigs, in '99.

You'll get a couple chances to hear the X-Boys at this Eagle's Club the first Saturday of November and of December, from 8 - midnight. It will be the above line-up, possibly with Hugo on the drumkit again.

Keep an eye out also for Some 'Burbs w/ the Suburbs minus Beej, plus Max Ray and Rochelle Becker on tenor and baritone sax! Bruce will let me know, then I'll let you know!

A Picture Share!

Little man at oak st cin now nxt trex

Fort Wilson Riot, 5 pm Sat. 1st Avenue Picked to Click!!

Hey everyone, drop everything late Sat. afternoon so you don't miss the very early 5 p.m. show of Fort Wilson Riot as they kick off this year's City Pages' Picked to Click show!! They tied for 9th place and are absolutely my favorite local live band which I feel has great potential to rank with their favorite bands, last night's Arcade Fire, Wolf Parade, and Architecture of Helsinki (my review forthcoming on howwastheshow.com).

This is also a hurricane benefit which costs a wee $6 so you have no excuse not to see some of the very best bands in town unless you have to be out of town. Other bands that were picked to click that are performing include, but are not limited to: We're pretty stoked to be playing, its quite an honor. The rest of the bands include, but I don't think are limited to, The Blind Shake, The Get Up Johns, Chris Koza, Duplomacy, Brother & Sister, Kill the Vultures, and the Stnnng.

Snaky Blues from the Worn Out Shoes

Hot. Dirty. Blues. Hot and heavy as Mississippi from whence they came. Dark, dirty riffs and rhythms that hit you in the gut, and the groin. Primal blues that snake insidiously into your old soul and awaken the urge to dance with wild abandon. That was the spirit of the The Worn Out Shoes who played their brand of old Mississippi inspired blues at the Hexagon to a crowd many who couldn't resist shaking their hips and stomping to the shaker rhythms. I heard a quote from John Lee Hooker, "It's in him, and it's got to come out." That applies well to the slide blues guitar of Donny Moon, and heartbeat rhythms of Duane McIntyre's drums applied with animalistic wildness.

From the first song, I felt the show was a dedication to New Orleans and Mississippi as the songs were tinged with sorrow, and loss, and yet wildly free and sex-drenched slide blues guitar with it's characteristic relentless building tension and sweet release. Donny Moon revealed what I gleamed was true as he dedicated a song to one of a couple major influences, Mississippi's own R. L. Burnside, who died September 1st. I learned later the first song the Worn Out Shoes was inspired by x R. L. Burnside. Donny's guitar and singing style are mainly inspired by Burnside and Fred McDowell, old Mississippi bluesmen. Burnside was a staple of Fat Possum Records who the Worn Out Shoes recently got signed to! The Worn Out Shoes are joining the ranks of (a personal fave label) Fat Possum's luminaries such as Solomon Burke, Junior Kimbrough, Furry Lewis, Freddie King, and hot newer artists such as personal favorites The Black Keys, Grandpaboy, and Heartless Bastards, and post-punk We Are Wolves (see earlier entry for video link).

Well, Donny and Duane put on a mindblowing show. The flash of the slide as it effortlessly danced along the fingerboard, hypnotically applied by Donny (who appears to be one of those musicians who sleeps with his guitar) as he and Duane put on a show enthralling the half-full Hexagon, the crazy-making timing and pauses and transitions caused people to leap up, and dance wildly as though nearly possessed, taken by the spirit of the thing.

I now truly understand why Hex booker Chris Dorn has been recommending these guys most highly to me for so long, and I feel remiss that I've missed earlier shows. I won't let it happen again. Catch them as you can when they're in town (they're from 3.5 hours away near Viroqua, WI). I'll keep you posted. Since they're with Fat Possum it may become harder to see them when they begin touring the nation.

unforeseen fun with cool mashup made myself with Mothers and We are Wolves

Wow, tired and ready to turn in, serendity strikes as my fave late nite (over)indulgence, WFMU's Beware of the Blog features: A BBC Mother's of Invention Video and a live studio performance of We are Wolves, from Montreal.

Waiting for each to cue, and multitasking (being the Gemini rising I am) I decide play both videos at the same time. The resulting mashup song is unbelieveably cool as the electro-punk band is totally in sync with the old jazzy jam band of Frank Zappa's, not to mention the videos working to watch together. Bonus. Very worth the wait for them to cue, trust me.

Here's the recipe for this very cool, fun time, kids:

1) Going to link for WFMU's Beware of the Blog pick up Sept 20's entry Music from Your Mothers, click on "King Kong."
2) Scroll down a couple entries, past Kenny G, to "Montreal Post Punk Invasion"
3) I found this works best if each are at about the 1/3 point, past the We are Wolves vocals, but it really works no matter what, so have fun.

Each cool stand alone. Great together. Now, I've got the mashup bug. Yikes.

SPMC, the Knotwells, Sound Unseen, Sur Seine and more, soon . . .

There's so much going on toward the end of September and through October, I doubt I'll get much sleep . . . here are a few highlights --

First of all, can't wait for the 6th Annual Sound Unseen Festival! With nearly 40 films, and 13 live music events over 10 days there's just too much to mention here. But things I'm particularly looking forward to are: opening night film Born to Boogie, a T-Rex, Ringo Starr with performance before by phenomenal Little Man, inspired by T-Rex. I also look forward to films Be Here to Love Me: A Film about Townes van Zandt (getting world-wide rave reviews) Leadbelly (by Gordon Parks), and New York Dolls film (never before seen) will be great. I've heard great things about film Favela Rising (about a musician who gets out of the drug wars and makes music that inspires the world). I loved City of God and imagine this will be similarly great film about life in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. Being a big Johnny Cash and George Jones fan, also look forward to "Shakespeare Was a Big George Jones Fan (or Cowboy Jack Clements’ Home Movies)" about lesser known Sun Records producer and his home movies of his friends Cash, Jones and many more -- it will be fun and funny.

Besides the MMA awards Weds Sept at First Ave at 7:00 pm, and the Andrew Bird show on Friday Sept. 23rd at the Cedar Cultural Center, there are:

SPMC PRESENTS:
A FINE EVENING OF ROCKING AND GETTING ROWDY!
IMAGINE THE GREATEST ASPECTS OF ST. PAUL IN YOUR FAVORITE CLUB IN MINNEAPOLIS!

If you've been missing the SPMC and perchance have not spotted the purple bus, here's your chance to relive the good times as they bring it to the Triple Rock! Don't know for sure if SMOLO will be there, but the music will be great, as always.

On Saturday the Resophonic Guitar Fest held at the Turf was mis-advertised in all the publications as the Chariots, entirely different audiences. While unfortunately less attended than it might otherwise have been, it was much fun as performers such as Baby Grant Johnson, Molly Maher, Charlie Parr, the Ditch Lilies, Crush Collision Trio and the Steve Kaul Trio rocked the place on their National Steels. Great talent and fun, and kudos to Steve Kaul for organizing this sweet annual event.

The Nomad keeps on doing a tremendous job of booking and hosting fun game nights. I hear the Roshambo Tourney's are very fun. I've seen Fat Kid Wednesday's, the hottest free jazz trio in town at the Nomad so keep an eye out for them as they perform there every few weeks and are not to be missed. You'll see them also perform with legendary '60's jazz cats from France in mid-October for the Sur Seine Festival hosted by folks of the Black Dog Cafe and Nato Records in France.

TRIPLE ROCK SOCIAL CLUB
Sept 23 9:00 pmThe Knotwells at the Triple Rock with New Model Army after a Deerhoof show

The NOMAD WORLD PUB:
Sunday's at 6 p.m. Live Roshambo Tourney (Rock, Scissors, Paper)
Mondays: Keep it Movin' Live Hip-Hop & DJs
Wednesdays: Nomad Jazz Series

10/6 - Nomad Singer/Songwriter showcase f/ Spider John Koerner, Matt Pudas
(White Iron Band), Dave Simonett (Trampled by Turtles), Drew (40 Watt Bulb)
and many more!

10/8 - Heavy Sleeper, Little Man
10/16 - Michale Graves (of The Misfits), Ripsnorter and Six Guns
10/22 - Vicious Vicious
10/23 - Live Roshambo Tourney w/ 2 Tix to Paradise!
10/29 – Totally Gross National Product Halloween Party f/ Belles of Skin
City, Mel Gibson & The Pants, Digitata and more!
10/31 - Hip-Hop Halloween Party

Continuing coverage on this side of the river . . . (you can take the girl out of West River, So. Dak. but she'll still live on the West side of the River)

The HEXAGON:

Friday 10/14 Pert Near Sandstone
Thursday 10/20 Dear Machine, the Suggestions (from New York),
Friday 10/28 Autumn Leaves, Heavy Sleeper, Judy's Band
Saturday 10/29 The Close (from Atlanta)

Today! Cabooze "Crescent City Shakedown" Tipitina benefit for N.O. Musicians

Cabooze off the West Bank is hosting a live music benefit for the

Tipitina's Foundation with a plethora of legendary musicians. Tipitina's Foundation supports musicians of New Orleans find housing and gigs and replace instruments and more. This is an excellent way to directly donate funds to the musicians who lost everything from the hurricane.

The cost of the benefit is a minimum of $10 all of which would go to Tipitina's.

To see Koerner & Glover play together is relatively rare, worthwhile in itself, along with the other great players.

The stunning lineup is as follows (times are approximate):

4:30-5:10: Day Old Bread10:30-11:30: Butanes
5:30-6:10: Butch Thompson
6:25-7:10: Peter Ostroushko
7:25-8:10: Spider John Koerner & Tony Glover
8:25-9:15: Dean McGraw w/Big Wu
9:30-10:10: Paul Metsa

WWOZ-in-Exile New Orleans

Today, Pam Hill of KFAI, who attended the 30 radio station broadcast on the Washington Bridge which raised over $600,000 for Red Cross informed me that WFMU New Jersey, is broadcasting WWOZ-in-Exile, New Orleans' phenomenal community radio and helping them to rebuild. WWOZ's website, features comprehensive listings of ways people everywhere can directly help New Orleans musicians.

There's a list of musicians there who are safe, and a link to Tipitina Foundation where you can learn more about providing housing and support for musicians.

For those concerned about the pets, as I am, and many others I've spoken with . . . WWOZ has updates on what's going on with the critters. Looks like there's a lot of support going on for our four-legged and winged friends. Good.

Pam informed me that Animal Humane Society is leading the region in helping mobilize and relocate animals. Some are coming to Minneapolis, so if you were ever considering adoption, here's a great chance. Some people have asked, and she informed me, that the Audubon Zoo animals were moved to safety.

Portland ROCKS! The Portland Jazz Festival, in partnership with Azumano Travel and additional Portland businesses including the Portland Oregon Visitors Association are offering to transport the New Orleans jazz scene to Portland, Oregon. "We are extending an invitation to all New Orleans jazz musicians and their families to come to Portland while the City of New Orleans rebuilds. Our invitation includes transportation to Portland for the musician and their families, temporary housing for up to three months (or longer based on need), transportation in Portland, public education for their children, and an active jazz network with performance and workshop opportunities, which likely will include a benefit concert to raise money for the artists performing as well as other opportunities produced through Portland Jazz Festival." Great.

Oftentimes, especially today, radio offers some hope in these heartwrenching times.

A Picture Share!

U should c alarmists now big vs

A Picture Share!

I got a bees reunion goin sweet

a million ways to distract myself . . .

Okay. I should just take a vow of abstinence from wfmu for 2 weeks while I finish book. I thought I'd just read WFMU's Beware of the Blog, quickly. (beware, is right. You could get lost and never return. It's too addictive with great music stuff, like learning what albums are most heavily spun there in NYC and listening to samples of each one. Sheesh.)

Well, the Blast of Hot Air newsletter is packed not only with useful information every radio programmer and music head might want to know, but also lots of fun, useless, timewasting games like, unfortunately, I am addicted to. Because I am curious, like a cat. Ah, well. From constructing Japanese anime toys, to seeing office guys fly, to drawing space monkeys . . . to a fave free cool videossite!

A fave is definitely, OK GO's A Million Ways dance video. It's campy and cute, kinda like the Beatles meets John Travolta meets Bruce Lee. Watch out, Britney. These dapper dudes have all the right moves.

There's tons of great videos here, but I must work, work, work . . .

No more radio for me till my homework's done.

WWOZ New Orleans show on WFMU

On WFMU's Aircheck show tonight, they ran a special broadcast of WWOZ New Orleans great roots radio station, now physically gone. You can listen to it by going to the above link.

"Billy Dell hosts "Records From the Crypt" with the R&B sounds that the city is famous for including Fats Domino, Irma Thomas, and Frogman Henry.(From 12/04) Destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, WWOZ is trying to return via the internet." They noted that Fats was missing, but he's been located alive and alright.

New Jersey's WFMU noted that people who want to help WWOZ can go to their member site (the above link).

For New Orleans, from What America Needs filmmaker

This note is from Mark Wojahn. His film, "What America Needs," a documentary from his travels across the U.S. asking citizens that question and filming their response, is very powerful and beautiful.

Dear Friends Peers and Family,

As a person who has loved New Orleans, my heart goes out to the people in that
city and in the area of the hurricane. Attached are some heartbreaking images I
found on the web. My tears and prayers are with you. I have so many memories of
Louisiana, going down there 5x, two for "What America Needs" and the others on
jobs or for pleasure. I urge everyone to do whatever they can, to send support
their way.

I cant do much, but for the next three months, every WHAT AMERICA NEEDS dvd that
is purchased from my website at:

What America Needshttp://

I will donate $5 to the RED CROSS relief effort. It is easy and you can use
paypal with your credit card.
--
affec, Mark Wojahn





Last Chance to catch my KFAI show fe: local, old-time, punk

My substitute radio show on KFAI will be up through Monday, Aug. 29. Go to KFAI Audio Archives, scroll down to Dig Up the Roots, click on "Previous Show." I also played songs off hot, brand-spankin' new CD's by the Knotwells and Fort Wilson Riot, as well as Thunder in the Valley and other locals (Get Up Johns, Charlie Parr. . . and more. If you're interested in the Tim Foss CD, by the way, email me at cynth@bitstream.net and I'll pass your contact info to him -- he lives near Soldier's Grove, WI and only here once in a while these days. Have fun, and play fiddle! Banjo's okay, too! Or just get up and dance!

08.16.2005
Thanks to guest host Cindy Collins who came in with an amazing collection of "New music based on traditional genres, old-time, old country, honky-tonk, gypsy . . . and a few of their influences." But that's not all! She also brought in her expertise of local Minneapolis / Minnesota music and featured it throughout the show.

___________________________________________________________________________
{Show Theme}David Lindley and Tarika Rakoto Frah
Rakoto Frah Two Step
A World Out Of Time
SHANACHIE
___________________________________________________________________________
Government Issue Orchestra
Black Eyed Susie
An Old-Time Portland Potluck: A Fine Selection of Stringband Music From Portland, Oregon
___________________________________________________________________________
Foghorn Stringband
Georgia Railroad /
Reap What You Sow
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Late Last Night When Willie Come Home
Dickel Bros Vol. 1
Empty Records
___________________________________________________________________________
Tommy Jarrell
Ida Red
The Legacy of Tommy Jarrell Vol 2: Rainbow Sign
County
___________________________________________________________________________
Uncle Earl
Ida Red
She Waits for Night
Rounder Records
___________________________________________________________________________
Hazel Dickens & Alice Gerard
Long Black Veil
Pioneering Women of Bluegrass
Smithsonian Folkways
___________________________________________________________________________
Get Up Johns Local
Trouble in Mind
___________________________________________________________________________
Old Crow Medicine Show
Hard to Tell
O.C.M.S.
Nettwerk
___________________________________________________________________________
The Wilders
My Bucket's Got a Hole In It
Lissenup!
Rural Grit Records
___________________________________________________________________________
Hank Williams
Honky Tonk Blues
Alone With his Guitar
Mercury Records
___________________________________________________________________________
Laura Cantrell
Poor Ellen Smith
Humming by the Flowered Vine
Matador Records
___________________________________________________________________________
The Knitters
Little Margaret
The Modern Sounds of the Knitters
Zoe Records (div. of Rounder Records)
___________________________________________________________________________
Charlie Parr Local
I Wish I Was a Mole In the Ground
Minnesota Folk Tour
___________________________________________________________________________
Crush Collision Trio Local
Cold in Hand
Cold in Hand
___________________________________________________________________________
Tim Foss Local
Farewell Whiskey
Cat Came Back
___________________________________________________________________________
Rayna Gellert & Susan Goering
Goodbye Girls
Starch & Iron
Heard Her Squeal Records
___________________________________________________________________________
The Hammons Family
Jimmy Johnson
The Hammons Family
Rounder
___________________________________________________________________________
Handsome Family
When the Helicopter Comes
In the Air
Orange Carrot
___________________________________________________________________________
Crooked Jades
Heaven Holds All My Treasures
The Unfortunate Rake Vol. 2 -- Yellow
Mercury
___________________________________________________________________________
Dirk Powell & Tim O'Brien & John Hermann
Mountain Air / Washington's March / Bonaparte's Retreat
Songs from the Mountain
Sugar Hill
___________________________________________________________________________
Fort Wilson Riot Local
Orange-Haired Woman
Fort Wilson Riot
___________________________________________________________________________
The Knotwells Local
Fistful of Dynamite
Blood River Melodies
___________________________________________________________________________
Thunder in the Valley Local
Altar
Thunder in the Valley
___________________________________________________________________________
Tim Foss (Seven Foot Dilly tune) Local
Sand Mountain Drag
Cat Came Back
___________________________________________________________________________
Dickel Brothers
Chitlin Cookin' Time in Cheatham County
Dickel Brothers Vol. 1
___________________________________________________________________________
Uncle Earl
How Long
She Waits for Night
Rounder
___________________________________________________________________________
Holy Modal Rounders
Black Eyed Suzie
___________________________________________________________________________
Rayna Gellert & Susan Goehring
Say Darlin' Say
Starch & Iron
Heard Her Squeal Records
___________________________________________________________________________
Gillian Welch
One More Dollar
Revival
Almo Sounds
___________________________________________________________________________
Fort Wilson Riot Local
Angelitos Negros
Fort Wilson Riot
________________________________________________

A Picture Share!

Cyns usual start to a fun fri the liquor pigs viking

the Knotwells new CD!

Hey! It's arrived! The new Knotwells CD, Blood River Melodies, which is ultra-fantastic. With Arik's intelligent songwriting skills and charismatic hardcore, agressive, and yet somehow nearly breaking your heart or making you feel his anger and angst sometimes all at the same time, with the excellent instrumentation of fellow Knotwells on banjo, viola, drums, guitar and assorted handmade instruments, some by luthier "the Joel."

Spontaneously I went to their CD release party which was high energy and hundreds were moshing, this on the same night ironically as Gogol Bordello, who I think are brothers from two different mothers as far as bands go . . . but, the Knotwells were not hosted by Clear Channel, so the price and the ideology were right. I LOVE Gogol. But Ritual Music? I cannot go. (In case you care to know, and didn't, Ritual is Clear Channel).

Featured on the CD are the Knotwells uniquely revolutionary and rebellious songs about survival, treachery, religion being a big letdown, poverty, drug abuse, folklore, dark dangers from a Neo-Nazi in New Orleans and a mythical creature in the woods, friends that abandon you in times of trouble such as a bike crash. Fistful of Dynamite is inspired by the Sergio Leone western of that title, with a "unique sense of class consciousness and a sense of being on the sidelines of a revolutionary war," the Knotwells' classic "Nothing New (for Trash Like You)" inspired by film Gummo, and a favorite of mine, "Treblinka," "an imaginary story of a Gypsy junkie on the way to a death camp . . . "

The show was extremely intense, like a freight train. The Knotwells reverence for, and connect of old Appalachian Folk Songs (Harry Smith Collection), old country (Hank!) and film and literary and ballad references to punk are done so well. They've been playing in these here parts for a long time, and Lee's for several weeks recently and have worked really hard on this CD which is a true work of art on many levels. Lyrics, liner notes, art, beautiful package . . . this and friends Fort Wilson Riot's CD make burning a crime because you won't get the art with it!

I highly recommend this . . . they're on tour now, but will be playing here in September, a fast hard intense live show not to be missed. Here's the schedule in case anyone reads this from these other towns.

aug. 16- chicago,il- the mutiny (2428 n. western ave. logan sq.) w/ your
loving tiger, and drop earrings
aug. 17- st. louis,mo- fredericks lounge (4454 chippewa) w/ the homewreckers
aug. 18th, Des Moines, IA - Hairy Mary's (2307 University Ave. ) , opening for Totimoshi,
and Skin of Earth.
aug. 20- denver, co- benders tavern (314 e. 13th ave.) w/ reckless kelly,
and the railbenders
sep. 23- triple rock- w/ new model army
nov. 3- lee's w/ reverend glasseye

Wilson County Riot CD Release and the Alarmists at Turf

Last Thursday, Fort Wilson Riot had their CD release party at the Turf, with the Alarmists opening. Fort Wilson Riot is a new favorite, who I feel is one of the best new bands in town and will go far! As may the Alarmists as well, who were a music wake-up call, refreshing in their energetic Brit-pop that reminded me of the Beatles, Spoon, Supergrass, and seemed on the verge of experimenting with stuff that the Super Furry Animals, one of my favorite live bands did. They pushed edges of guitar experimentation, and had cool solos that ended leaving you wanting more, which is a tricky timing thing in the world of solos. They're playful and have great vocals and guitar chops and are definitely a fantastic new band I recommend checking out.

There'll be a chance for you to do so when they play at Big V's on Sept. 8 with Fort Wilson Riot and another group Maudlin they recommend in the umbrella category of gypsy punk that is becoming the rage which includes these groups, the Knotwells, Murzik, Mike Gunther and His Restless Souls and Thunder in the Valley.

Fort Wilson Riot started their show literally dramatically with lead singer Amy Hager curled on the floor in an Italian renaissance-looking outfit, singing atmospherically and the rest of the band looking like they'd either just got off hopping trains or working in a coal mine for 3 months who after the "Overture," tore directly into early punk riffs and carnivalesque rhythms, like a Tilt-a-Whirl out of control. Elements of classical keyboards wove around '70's style female vocals and Carpenter's like harmonies, and Spoon/Wilco/Beatles infused guitar of Jacob Mullis (Seldom Seen). The versatile Hager and Mullis alternated on the keyboards with melodramatic songs about politics, hair loss and self-pity in the midst of global warming, hair spray, the war, and infused with magical realism elements such as a shrinking and flying orange-haired woman, all performed in front of a fantastically painted backdrop in black and white by Hager.

Their new CD also features phenomenal artwork done by their friend Brian Squillace who relocated to Nevada City, CA, who's also an architect working towards green housing, using minimal cost and renewable resources to build structures.

Lyrics such as: "Smooth Lager Beer, take me away from here" sung precariously close to a Calgon commercial ditty, continues, "I live in a country and I'm heir to a throne, but of an evil king, bent on ruining his own. . . we don't know much but we know its wrong. These laws and this war can only lead to harm."

Why Can't the God's be Laughing is a nice twist on Christian guilt, and Forget about Legs is strangely funny and dark.

There are so many cool and often funny surprises in a Fort Wilson Riot show, such as "harmonoboxing" something that Joe Goggins "on bass, weirdness, beatbox, vocals" does that is a cross between playing harmonica inside a little flowerpot and the beat box, the image of which sent I and a friend into peals of laughter. This happened many times throughout a show, and I got spoiled, wanting to hear more dark, macabre gypsy punk music that made me laugh and think and dance all at once. I love hearing intelligent lyrics infused with tongue-in-cheek dark humor by obviously literary people. Goggins also did lots of cool Tom Waits-style mouth percussives. Together the band make vocals that sound like birds chittering, slide kazoos, and trumpets. There are Spanish guitars and vocals on Angelitos Negros and classic rock riffs teasing the memory throughout . . . I could go on all day.

Two parts of the future 5 - 7 part Idigaragua were played at the Turf show which drummer Ben Smith says will also probably be their next recording project, with an EP solely consisting of that song cycle. The Lens is another new song that they're experimenting with, "working on writing different musical sections to theme a show sometime in the future." Their intent is to make a collage with a song and its various lyrics and twists throughout a show.

You'll have a chance to see them for yourselves at their CD Release Party, Part 2 at the Hexagon this Friday along with Pretty Boy Thorson and the Fallen Angels, Steve Jacksaw, and Murzik at 9:30.

You can check out their music, shows, and favorite links (which resonate with me) here:

Fort Wilson Riot

Here's their setlist:

Why Can't the Gods Be Laughing
Orange Haired Woman
Satin Sheets
Forget About Legs
Bitch Tit
Heir to a Thrown
Angelitos Negros
Ass Hair
Hairspray that Holds
Vegetarian
Bumble Fuck
Lens
Idigaragua

Radio Show at KFAI Tuesday 9 - 11 a.m. "Dig Up the Roots"

Tune in tomorrow, Tuesday August 16th as I substitute host for KFAI's Dig Up the Roots!

The focus will be today's generation of musicians inspired by the old stuff, Old-timey, East European folk, gypsy and old country. Just getting back from Old-time and bluegrass festival, I'll be playing some hot new CD's by Uncle Earl, Rayna Gellert, and local Tim Foss!

Having gotten to camp with original Dickel Brothers' fiddler phenomenon Clancy and his family, of course there'll be some Dickel Bros. in there, with yet another of the plethora of Willie tunes. The Dickel's are possibly coming to town in September, so look out! Hopefully the Dickel Bros. (and another band named after whiskey mentioned later, won't run into the same fate as the Hopefuls.)

Also camping with us were an awesome couple from Eli, who are great players. One of them, fantastic fiddler Chad Yost was one of the original students to take over KFAI from the faculty in the mid-90's. He knows three of the Current's founders very well from those days. Chad (who looks strikingly like Jude Law) and I talked radio and forest service work at 5 a.m. between tunes under the falling stars and swigs of Jag, chardonnay, and Maclellan's scotch. In honor of the beauty of Chad's playing in general and particularly the Deadman's tuning (DDAD) so sweetly at 6 in the morning as I drifted to sleep in my tent, I'll play the tunes he learned from off of the Songs from the Mountain CD by Tim O'Brien.

O'Brien was also at the festival with Dirk Powell (who played for the Cold Mountain film). It was very cool meeting Dirk . . . we talked politics for a while before I knew who he was, I was stunned to have gotten to talk with him. Of course I'll feature his "touring band" Foghorn Stringband, as well.

I'll also play some brand new CD's by Fort Wilson Riot who are having a CD release party at the Hexagon this Friday (their live show is not to be missed and their CD is great!), The Knotwells (who had their fantastic "Blood River Melodies" CD release party of the last night), Murzik, and Thunder in the Valley. Arik Knotwell said a friend described music such as theirs, "Carnival Core." At last, a name for this new kind of old carnivalesque stuff.

Other local artists will be Charlie Parr, the Get Up Johns, Crush Collision Trio, and Pert Near Sandstone, as well as great old-time artists from further away such as Old Crow Medicine Show. You'll hear bone-chilling ballads by: The Knitters (members of X, and Dave Alvin), The Handsome Family, and Laura Cantrell (who hosts one of my favorite old-time and old country and Americana shows, Radio Thrift Shop, and I'll sprinkle in some old Ernie Carpenter, Hammons Family, and Tommy Jarrell so you can hear where this stuff came from.

Sam Keenan with Jesse Lukes this Friday at Varsity Theater

A show is perfect for the Varsity Theater this Friday at 9:00 pm is quietly charismatic Sam Keenan with Jesse Lukes. I've heard Sam's shows a couple times and really enjoy his rich versatile vocals and honest, poignant songwriting, a rare talent. He's been experimenting and pushing himself and his musical boundaries. I recommend highly going to hear him live. You can click on his name above to listen to his music.

While I haven't yet heard Jesse Lukes' music, I hear it will be a good show perfect for the phenomenal sound and lighting and hushed theater environment of the Varsity, one of my favorite venues in town.

All-time great fiddler, Vassar Clements will be leaving us soon

Vassar Clements "hillbilly jazz" fiddler, who influenced so many fiddlers (and did phenomenal work on Grateful Dead's 1973 classic "Old and In the Way") is ending medical treatment for cancer which has gone into his brain. Go to the link for more info.

A Picture Share!

Everything i do will be funky from now on! Esp when willie is playin. Yeah.

A Picture Share!

Kruddler rox the turf

A Picture Share!

Now @ turf babygrant weding celeb. That's what u get! Kruddler next 115

A Picture Share!

Blaksmithing.The last 1 was a litle rowdier, the next 1 is sappy love song john sez

A Picture Share!

We're all dodgin our way thru the world.

A Picture Share!

John stomps out some great ol tunes.

A Picture Share!

Bill n judy kick off palmfest w a fiddle tune & jokes. Spider john is up in an hour. Catch these phc stars while you can!

Sam says "Hi."

Keep on rockin in the free world

! Devaney and Hyer are playing great music, now, an old gospeley twangy boozy tune. Yep. Great for enjoying inside during this thunderstorm. A Hank song, I think it's Lost Highway, with terrific Cajun style fiddle. . . whoo I've said it before, I'll say it again. Jake's the fiddler to catch, any ol' time.

Sam comments on Martin Devaney

Sam Keenan, program director of Misplaced Music said Martin went to bat for Misplaced Music in the 9th hour. Keenan likes Devaney's music for his honest vocals, "he sings like he talks.' He likes the folky music and the non-rock star approach to his playing and singing and presentation. He also loves Jake's humble ways, "he's humble, and amazingly good."

"Flowers on the Doorstep"

Ah, sweet harmonies of Martin Devaney, and Jake Hyer. Sweet fiddle of Jake, guitar of Martin. Perfect for listening to at Misplaced Music. Martin is a great songwriter. There are about 50 people here at the Turf Club. A toast to listeners out there. If you are listening to the show, and have any comments you'd like to add, please add to the comment section. Enjoy the show.

Now, they're doing a great old-timey country song. Whew whew! Jake rocks the bow, yeah.

Martin Devaney & Jake Hyer till 1 pm at the Turf!

Martin & jake take the stage

Misplaced Music Featured Artist Showcase Weds live from Turf Club!

Hello everyone -- I'm at the Turf Club reporting the brand new Rock Show Wednesday to you live. High on Stress has just started, playing some really good Americana guitar stuff. You should check them out, if you're at home awake or come on down, and see 'em. Tune in now 11:05 to listen to the very first Misplaced Music Featured Artist Showcase.

Up in about an hour is Martin Devaney, with one of my favorite local fiddler/mando players, Jake Hyer of the Get Up Johns.

Mallman, nite 5

Fort Wilson Riot was riotous fun. The campy cabaret-esque first band for Mallman's fifth night, nomadically ventured from Spanish gypsy infused vocals and licks, to punk, old radio soundbytes, rock, (someone said they heard Brian May style riffs from the guitarist), Eastern-Euro rhythms, to somewhat classical territories, and even electronic dabbling. They used Carpenters-like harmonies which were better than that sounds, about birds fighting. They sang of politics and a mockery of self-pity. Unfortunately, at this point I don't have their names. The woman lead is a really good vocalist who sings smoothly and almost, but not too sweetly, crooning harsh, bitter truths of the world with a depth of wry humor.

Comparisons to Thunder in the Valley and the Knotwells seem unavoidable due to the territories FRW venture in genre, attitude, and with lyrical content remniscent of the Knotwells politics, death, mockery, as well as being stylistically overall carnival, cabaret, gypsy, punk but unique in their instrumentation, and rhythms -- Knotwells are louder, more thrash and punk, TITV. . . just very different in instrumentation and vocals. The comparisons stem from the lack of groups in this town categorically under an umbrella of old-world gypsy music, twang, with punk rhythms and spirit, which is somewhat refreshing -- each entity really has their own thing going.

Viewing their website: http://fortwilsonriot.com/ I see that they indeed note those two afore-mentioned bands as "Schweet Local Music Schtuff" along with the Gleam, and Belles of Skin City. That says alot. Along with the fact that they also like Ween, Byrne, and media sites: Move.on, Guardian UK, and Democracy Now. You're beginning to get an idea. . . but not really till you see them. Which you can do at their CD release party August 11 at the Turf and CD release party August 19 at the Hex.

Beatifics . . . what more can I say about their luscious, intelligent power pop harmonies and guitar, and songs that feel like they're imbedded in my subconscious memory for years to come? Simply that their show was beautiful and swooning as always. Then (one more thing) they did a very pleasant surprise, a New Order cover which I absolutely loved. Keep going Chris, Andy, Craig, and whoever else you may add to your Beatific hordes. . .

Mallman. Wow, again. Always surpassing himself, it seems. . . I was more in the mood for some of his slower stuff and his ballads, somewhat wornout from their rock shows. Apparently, they were too, as they opted to "do a lot of slow ones tonight so we can recuperate." They played absolute favorites of mine, "Hardcore Romantics," and the strong, pulsating "True Love," along with piano solos by Mallman, including "I Work Here, I Grew Up." They were more casual with jeans and more down to earth, a little less glam, more solid rock (which is hard to imagine actually but people there might know what I mean). I love the faster glam shows but was thoroughly enjoying a slower respite. One alt-country number (Romeo Daze?) which I'd never heard, had the phenomenal Ryan Smith showing terrific slide guitar skills, with the timing and patience it takes to draw out the desolate soulful country blues sound.

They ended by completely rocking out hair band style to "Licensed to Drive," from Smith's high school days. Certainly, if you can't afford Def Leppard tonight, like me (sniff!) check out Mallman at the Hex with Eleganza and the Gleam. Whoo whoo. It'll be a riot.

Mallman at Septagon, Nite 3

I walked into the Hex late, but still in time to see Mark Mallman and his great band going at it full tilt. To me, there's no live show in town quite as exciting as a Mallman show. The one I'd attended prior, Little Man comes close, with his stunning guitar chops, which is why I was late. There was a bigger crowd at the Hex than Monday night, and I could feel the momentum of the week and the enthusiasm of the crowds building, much as momentum builds during Mallman's shows themselves. While I don't remember what the last two songs were, I do remember hearing lyrics about a rabbit getting run over repeatedly and a lot of stream of consciousness singing and rapping as Mallman is wont to do and does so well. . . his lyrics are macabre, funny, tragic, tongue-in-cheek, campy sung with the drama of Queen or Led Zepellin or some long lost stadium rock fervor on a tiny stage across the street from his favorite bowling alley. It's as compelling to watch as it is to listen.

Steeped in whiskey, I declared Mallman the best live performer in town, that will be remembered for maybe seven decades. DeYoung took it a notch higher, exclaiming "best on the planet!" Today, I'll stick with my opinion that Mallman is one of the most brilliant live performers around with his passion, humor and over-the-top drama and camp. He does it with feeling and a refreshing spontanaeity, with some of the best bandmates anyone could hope for. Perhaps the "planet" is a possibility, even though I don't know all the players on the planet, sooo . . . what Mallman does is indeed filled with soul.

I look forward to the remaining 4 nights, and recommend people catch Mark Mallman and his brilliant musicians Peter Anderson, Cat on bass and Ryan (Melismatics) (who possesses phenomenal rare chops on the guitar that blow me away) while they can.

Stay Up and Spin with Cyn! On KFAI . . . from 2 - 5 a.m.

Hey friends! Listen to my show tonight as I fill in again for the Strawberry Pop timeslot! It'll be a doozy as I spin your local faves (and if there's someone I'm missing, call and let me know at 612-341-0980!)

A feature of tonight's show will be seven songs of Mallman, to celebrate his upcoming seven nights July 24 - 30 at the Septagon (if you count the outside as a "side" at the good ol' Hexagon). He's commemorating seven years of playing, seven recordings, in the seventh month of the year. No, unfortunately I won't be playing all seven albums. That would be about one-seventh of his 52.4 hour marathon. Okay, enough of this, you'll never listen to me, if I keep going on like this.

I'll also feature songs by Little Man, a favorite live band of mine, who are playing with Stingray Green Tuesday, July 26, another fave who I unfortunately have no recording of as yet, so we're sol. But I think you'll like Little Man.

I'll play some songs of artists playing at the Northeast Folk Festival at Grumpy's, all day Sunday beginning at noon. I'm super-excited that I got a call from Tony Glover accepting an interview for my book on West Bank musicians. So, in honor of that, you'll hear some Koerner, Ray and Glover. You would anyway!

I'll play a brand new 7" vinyl (I feel a theme going on here, who knew my first theme would be a number? I didn't! But hey!) by another fave band, Ouija Radio who had an outstanding live performance at the spectacular Varsity Theater with a stunning light show and sound conducted by Erik Stromstad. When I have another sub radio gig (or a regular spot, lead Christy Hunt will "Spin With Cyn" bringing in some of the "ghosts on the radio" she's "tight with." Vinyls by Jimi, Keith Moon . . . I'll play something by one of their fave bands, Awesome Car Funmaker.

So, if you're coming home from bar or are at a party, or having insomnia, tune in to Spin with Cyn!

Hosting KFAI's Womenfolk Sunday, w/guest Alicia Corbett 1 - 3 pm

Hello! If you are up for it, listen to Womenfolk tomorrow, Sunday, from 1 - 3 pm. I'm substitute hosting for Ellen Stanley and will feature special guest Alicia Corbett playing live in the studio at about 1:30. She'll stick around and we'll play some of her favorite songs. I'll play some French musicians in honor of Bastille Day, such as Catharin Pfeifer's Yellow Cab #599, Bia with Mon Amour, and Balfa Toujours. I'll also play one of my new favorites, Nouvelle Vague's "Guns of Brixton", a bossa nova cover of the Clash's song. You've got to hear this to believe it. They took several 80's songs by groups such as XTC, The Cure, Joy Division, and Modern English and made them into French bossa nova style. I can't play "Too Drunk to F(*#" cover of the Dead Kennedys' song on the radio for obvious reasons, but it's pretty funny, so you're on your own. You'll find it on their website.

You'll also hear Rayna Gellert, Uncle Earl, Victoria Williams, The Cowboy Junkies, Nina Simone, The Maxwell Street Klezmer Band, a Girl Called Eddie, and Nora O'Connor with violin by Andrew Bird. Directly after the show, I'm heading over to the Bastille Day festivities at Barbette's featuring friends Jessy Greene with Desdemona, That's What You Get (at 6 pm), Ear Candy, and many more. Last year's festival was very fun, so I can't wait!

Then, on Thursday overnight I'll be filling in for the Strawberry Pop timeslot. You'll hear seven songs of Mark Mallman as a preview to his seven nights at the Hexagon for his 7th anniversary (maybe they should expand it for the huge draw his shows will have, and call it the Septagon). There will be many terrific local artists playing with him such as Vicious Vicious, Thunder in the Valley, the Gleam, Turantula Skulls (another project of Wes Statler of Melodious Owl -- yes, still only 18 or 19 and yet in TWO bands!), Your Loving Tiger, Revolver Modele, and Fort Wilson Riot, who I heard are really a great new band. . . booker Chris Dorn very highly recommends them. . . you heard it here first!

Listen to Mystery Train tonight from 2 - 5 a.m. fe: Valet members

Tonight I'm substitute host for David Wiley's Mystery Train on KFAI, 2 - 5 a.m. The first hour Robin Kyle and Judd Hildreth of Valet will come in and entertain us with Robin's acoustic guitar and singing and Judd with comedy and tales of his other terrific band, Duplomacy. We'll also spin some of their favorite songs.

I'll play a bunch of performers from the upcoming Green Man festival, as well as some Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan, and songs from a plethora of local musicians, some brand new and forthcoming. I'll also play some old-timey stringband music sure to keep you up all nite. Who needs sleep when you can dance instead?

my recent radio show 7/8 archived under KFAI's Strawberry Pop

Hello! I had a blast flying completely solo subbing on my first KFAI radio show during the now vacant Strawberry Pop timeslot, Friday, July 8 from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m. Go to KFAI archives, scroll down to Strawberry Pop and click on "most recent" until July 15, and "previous show" until July 22.

You'll need to fast forward a little over 5 minutes in as there was an overlapping show with some metal noise prior that will sound like static but was from a Lou Reed album the previous DJ was playing.

I played 46(!!) songs, including old-timey fiddle of Tommy Jarrell, Foghorn Stringband, some Ralph Stanley in honor of his recent successful heart surgery, Laura Cantrell, Libba Cotten, a few songs off of a pre-release by great local band, New Vintage, The Waifs, Little Man, T Rex, Marianne Faithful, Townes van Zandt, The Byrds, Gram Parsons, Nick Cave, the Centurions, and many many more. . .

Violent Femmes Review, First Avenue, July 5 (HWTS.com)

If there could only be one word to describe the Violent Femmes show July 5, what would that word be . . . ? FABULOUS. The nearly iconic trio, founded decades ago by bassist/multi-instrumentalist Brian Ritchie, percussionist/campy thespian Victor de Lorenzo, and singer/songwriter/guitarist Gordon Gano with his distinct nasally whine and unforgettably fun comi-tragic lyrics, put on a fantastically fun show worth the wait of the decades since I first heard and loved them, during my early '80's college years. They provided the warped angst soundtrack to staying up all night painting, and tear-assing up and down the halls leading people like a Pied Piper on drunken sing-a-long, getting people out of bed to party as we went.

This sold-out show featured a wild crowd of 3 generations of college listeners singing voraciously to nearly every song, which truly made the audience part of the performance. Nearly every song brought the waves of instant recognition and enthusiasm that the first in the set did. "The Country Death Song," an over-the-top twisted ballad that I loved before I became aware of the compendium of ballads in the world, featured warped jangly huge guitar and seemed a predecessor to the Handsome Family and their kin.

Crowd pleasers, "Prove My Love," "36-24-36," and one of the very best ever VF songs, "Blister in the Sun," brought tremendous applause and drove people crazy to sing along loudly and dance wildly.

Gano broke out the violin for two songs. He appropriately played old-timey breaks for old-gospely "Jesus Walking on the Water," -- in old-time the fiddle is a percussion instrument using double stops and shuffle bowing,, not melody. At another point, Ritchie played strong bass on the ol' gutbucket bass, something you don't see much of at First Avenue, or in rock bands.

The band had cool guest tenor sax, Steven MacKay, who played with Iggy and the Stooges during 1970. At one point they had a big horn section (10 members) going, Gano jokingly called "The von Trapp Family," and the crowd went crazy with sheer joy. Interupting this review: seeing this phenomena, I want to mention if people want to hear more of this fun funky stuff, check out local legend Willie Murphy and the Bees some Monday night free at the Viking. . . while no longer 12 - 16 people kicking it up, there are certainly a bunch of 'em and they are as fun and wild as this show was. Now, back to the review.

The Violent Femmes used numerous instruments to play the twang country of the ballads and gospel songs, and referenced funk, R and B, dark spaghetti-western bad '50's B film style noir, jazz, Pink Floyd-esque dark psychedica. I realized the minimalist, yet dramatic drummer, De Lorenzo, while not having a huge kit, who sticks with brushes, is the base, the foundation of the Violent Femmes, standing (literally) front and center, and stealing the show with his antics, dancing, leaping and spinning throught the air between beats, while playing performing "fabulous" solos. Toward the end, Ritchie (in the voice of "God") told a long story about the search for the word that describes De Lorenzo's solos. It took De Lorenzo until the age of 48 to find the word to describe: playing drums, having a baby, having a platinum album, and finally the word he found was . . . "Fabulous!" It was always the drumming that got me the most, along with the plaintive, sneering whine of Gano. One of the coolest things about the show was the capability of seeing in hindsight how the Violent Femmes were precursors and influencers of future generations of nasally angst-ridden alternative rock. But they were perhaps more fun, because they never wallowed nor took themselves too seriously. . . they use a lot of campy tongue-in-chic humor.

The song I, and evidently the entire audience was really waiting for . . . began with Gano's loud and drawn out a capella "Daaaaay. . . " which was immediately buried in the deafening roar of the sing-a-long crowd. "Add It Up," caused a frenzied mosh throughout over half the floor. Gano told the audience that it feels, "very special to play First Avenue. Long live First Avenue! Long Live First Avenue!" and then played the perfect end song to an all-out, fabulous show, "Kiss Off."

My archived radio show cohosting Mystery Train! Lots of local artists!

Early this morning, in the wee hours of 2 a.m. to 5 a.m. while most folks sleep, party or work graveyards. . . I got to cohost
Mystery Train with host David Wiley. You can listen to our show by clicking on the above link, scrolling down to Mystery Train "most recent show" (or "previous show" if you catch this a week later).

This was my first time managing the board by myself for the entire show broadcast live! It was more exciting and fun than I can express . . . I LOVE radio. And music. So, I brought in a ton of local stuff, favorite fiddlers, people who have shows coming up and so on.

People I played included two songs of That's What You Get, The Worn Out Shoes, The Black-Eyed Snakes, Popcycle (Local Smoke), The Deaths, Valet, Glenrustles, Spider John Koerner and Willy Murphy from a rare album, Gene Clark, The Dickel Bros., Bauhaus, Rev. Gary Davis, Marianne Faithful. David played tons of cool tunes -- we took turns with CD's and came up with some pretty interesting song connections and juxtapositions.

David was great to work with, so I felt more at ease with the board; it went pretty smoothly overall. I'd love to do this more, and as a matter of fact will be substituting for him on July 12, and interviewing Robin Kyle of Valet during that show, so mark your calendars for late Monday, early a.m. Tues. then, and call or write me with requests. You can call me then at the station too, at 612-341-0980.

By the way, B, thanks for that sweet surprise CD in the mail. That made my day. You can bet I shall be using that on future shows. You rock.

A new favorite thing

WFMU's Soundbyte of the day. Keep refreshing page, or page back and forward to get new soundbytes! Pretty fun stuff.

Ol' Yeller at Nomad World Pub, this Friday!

THIS FRIDAY, JUNE 24!

OL' YELLER at 12:00
Big Ditch Road at 11:00
Shimmy Music at 10:00

at the NOMAD WORLD PUB
--they have great beer and a beautiful patio--
501 Cedar Ave., Minneapolis

cover $5

Wailin' Elroys tonite at Lee's Liquor Lounge

Last night I was driving to the Turf Club from the great Get Up Johns show at the 331 Club (which also featured a couple guys who did great old country covers), and thinking how I really wanted to hear some good ol' honky tonk stringband music, in kind of a juke joint environment. I had no idea my wish would come true that same night as The Wailin' Elroys from Athens, Ohio played. I really enjoyed this fun band, with a terrific fiddler, who were doing something similar in structure to the Onion Creek Crawdaddies from Austin, Texas who I saw at the Rodeo Bar in NYC.

The Wailin' Elroys are playing again tonight at Lee's, and I highly recommend this show, as there isn't really anything like them in town that I can think of. They describe themselves as Hillbilly/Rockabilly and that they draw on influences from Dwight Yoakam to the Ramones, to Hank Williams, and Chuck Berry while keeping a traditional Honky Tonk band format (fiddle, upright bass, other stringed instruments). Lee's of course is the perfect place to see a band such as this.

"Lakota Winter Count" website by Invioni wins Webby Award

This is a little late, but checking in on a friend, Carlos of Invioni, I learned the website he developed for a Smithsonian online exhibit Lakota Winter Counts won this year's Webby Award in the category of Cultural Institutions, the web equivalent of winning an Oscar! We talked about this project last winter at a film party. I was excited to hear of it, (I grew up near the Rosebud and Pine Ridge rez's where some of my childhood friends were from), It's a great subject and Carlos was doing great work with conducting interviews and gathering info. It's a beautiful site. Congrats, Carlos!

Other Webby award winners happened to include some of my very favorite sites: Best online newspaper, Guardian Unlimited , my primary source for world news, as they seem to have the most in-depth reports, first, fascinating and intelligent writing, with good humor as well.

McSweeney's Internet Tendency got best Copy/Writing which is terrific, because Dave Eggers' San Fran writer's collective and school are brilliant and the site is fun -- I get lost in it for hours. BBC One won Best Music and Best News sites, which seems obvious. Book Crossing, won People's Choice for Community website. It's a very cool idea, reading and releasing your fave books off at various locations for other bibliophiles to find, report found and share comments on said books on the site, as well as organize book groups.

My book deal today! On Spider John, Willie Murphy, and more West Bank legends of 60's & 70's

Today, about 1/2 hour ago, I just met with my editor and future publisher at Tripark Creative, who will be publishing, my first book by Christmas!! It's a compilation of interviews I've conducted and will continue to conduct with West Bank musicians who got the folk and music scene going on the legendary West Bank in the 60's and 70's at places such as the Extempore, The Scholar, the New Riverside, and The Triangle Bar. There will be interviews with people who frequented those spots, and have great stories to tell as well.

Some of the musicians featured will include Spider John Koerner, Willie Murphy, perhaps Glover, Bill Hinkley and Judy Larson (the Sorry Muthas, and instigators of the thriving jugband scene here) anecdotals about Dave Ray from contacts during the 60's, John Beach, and many more . . . many who founded the revival of the blues scene and were part of the burgeoning folk scene across America, are still playing regularly today. Some taught and gave Bonnie Raitt her start, producing and playing on her first album, 1971.

Difficult to locate photos will be a strong feature (this is where my many years of photo research and procural at the Science Museum come in handy -- if anyone can locate hard-to-find info and media, it's me). Chances are great that there'll be a companion compilation CD. Partial proceeds of my book will go to a fund for healthcare for the musicians featured in the book.

So far, information and resources for photos and hard-to-find music have been pouring in, a very good sign.

I'm super-excited about this project! Feel free to contact me with Q's at cynth@bitstream.net

Sad Songs Say So Much

Click above title to link from Guardian UK: "What do Pink Floyd, Bette Midler and Metallica have in common? They've all written horribly depressing tunes, according to Tom Reynolds, author of I Hate Myself and Want to Die. He offers his top 25 miserable tracks."

The writing is funny, whether you agree or disagree with his selections. Timely, as earlier this week over a few beers with a friend at the Viking, we were laughing/mock crying listening to: "I Can't Live (if Living is Without You)" reminding me of a favorite scene on BBC Comedy, "Chef" when the chef humiliates himself in front of his clientele singing (crying) this song horribly after his breakup. Discussion ensues at the Viking re: worst "sad" song that should never have been written, with the conclusion that the one about "I left my cake out in the rain (and it took so long to bake it!)" by Donna Summer ranked highly. Wonder what she meant by that? Hmm.

I and another friend (who's one of the most knowledgeable music historians I've met!) over drinks at Turf after a tough game of rock trivia, strongly agreed that we really love maudlin tunes, absolutely, I still find this article funny, tho. None of the songs we discussed made this list. Phew. Long Black Veil and House Carpenter's Daughter being two of my all-time faves, I have to say I am glad these didn't get taken apart by Reynolds (as far as I know).

my Heartless Bastards review on their site; Cabooze trib tonite

Alright. Just got off the West Bank from listening to great John Beach (Angel Headed Hipster, with Willie Murphy), John Moline (one of my fave fiddlers in town)and John ?, Doug (John) Anderson (Spider John's banjo), the band without a name who I christened "The Johns (and D.John)" or which J. Mo. renamed 3 Johns, No Waiting."

Playing the Black Keys (great) and making a rare and narcissistic move: googling myself. So I see that one of my reviews from a while back, of the Heartless Bastards, which I really enjoyed in spite of the locale, is featured along with some of my favorite publications. E.G. Time Out New York (one of the BEST) and the Independent UK (great!), Rolling Stone, Guitar Player. Not saying the writing ranks, but man, it's nice to be included on her site with that bunch. Cool.

Tonite, tribute to local graphic artist Johnny Hanson at the Cabooze, fe: Lamont Cranston Super Band and Hillbilly Voodoo Dolls. I won't say anything about one entity because I hear he's all about Clear Channel . . . Arghhh. But for the rest of it this should be great.

As usual I should be working on my book, but out listening to music instead. But integrating self with West Bank again will only help it as that's what it's all about ('60's and '70's West Bank Music scene -- out by Christmas, hopefully.

SPMC's Mini Grand Young Day fe: Mammy Nuns, Glenrustles, Stingray Green, BBLM and more!

"A Nod to Neil" will feature Grand Young Day music mainstays performing at the Entry this Saturday, June 18 at 9 pm, for a mere $5! Come out and enjoy tons of great music by some of the funnest, best, and most *notorious bands in town of several years. *(Willie Murphy quote: if you make a lot of money playing music, you're famous. If you don't, you're notorious.")

The event will be MC'ed by Mike Suade and will fe: Mammy Nuns, the Glenrustles, Stingray Green (fe: members of the legendary Magnolias, the Spectors, Vandalia, Magnatones), Busiest Bankruptcy Lawyers in MN, and Steve Brantseg Band (Bransteg, of Hillbilly Voodoo Dolls). I recently learned (on the SMOLO bus) Brantseg hails from my home state of So. Dak. He's played with John Ewing for many years (who Mattson informs me has an excellent recording just waiting to be released).

Smolo the mobile SMOking LOunge (SPMC's big purple bus all grooved out, feeling like a time machine, mod '60's lava lamps, fur. . . ) will not be at the Entry for "A Nod to Neil," due to lack of parking, but expect to see it at Lee's Liquor Lounge, Friday, June 17th for Mammy Nuns and the Belfast Cowboys, and other bars near you in the near future.

Mark Mallman last night. Or was that Chris Richardson?

Last night, I was one of the *few* people in on Mark Mallman's "secret" that he was playing the Turf at midnight (thanks to his announcement on MySpace. And David DeYoung, who told the secret on his blog, promising not to tell anybody.) There were about 100 or more of us at the late show that began about 12:45 and pushed against the bar close as hard as it could. The man claiming to be Chris Richardson, bearing a striking resemblance to Mark Mallman, threw a wild dance party, making people dance, take off their shirts, perform chiropractic miracles on the dance floor, and just generally rock out as is inevitable at the brilliantly talented keyboardist's show. The shows sound to me like an amalgamation of the Who, Queen, Elton John, and Led Zeppelin rolled into one epic rock opera. He's stunning to watch and hear, the best live rock show you could hope to see. . . simple lyrics are astute such as "The Heart is a Loaded Weapon."

After witnessing over 1/4 of his 52.4 hour marathon including the victorious, thrilling end, I drop everything to see his live shows. Can't wait for the 7 consequitive nights at the Hexagon July 24 - 30! Be on the lookout for live "How Is the Show" coverage from here during this spectacular (what I like to call) Mallman 7 Night Marathon with coffee and lunch breaks.

First time on the radio. . . Famous Dave's Blues Fest

Today is my first day manning the board at KFAI, during the live broadcast of Famous Dave's Blues Fest. My hours are from 5 - 7. The fest is great, filled with legends such as Motor City Rhythm and Blues Pioneers (pre-Motown) with Alberta Adams until 6:15.

Check out Big Walter Smith & the Groove Merchants from 9:10 - 10:30 p.m. (the City of Minneapolis has declared June 11 "Big Walter Smith Day" in honor of Walter's 50 years in music!)

Nomad World Pub Patio Opening with Band League Croque Tourney and bands

Friday, June 17 - Sunday June 19 Nomad World Pub on the West Bank, celebrates their patio opening with several fun events. Bands are forming croquet leagues to compete at an all day tourney on Saturday, June 18th on the new green game space.

Friday, June 17, 9 pm willl be a hip-hop night featuring Power Struggle from New York, and local bands Insanely Beautiful, and Outside. Food and drink specials all night.

Saturday, June 18, 9 pm Jack Brass Band w/ Jessy Greene (who will be performing with members of Heiruspecs, who are rumored to be touring nationally with Ja Rule this summer.)

Sunday, June 19, film The Commitments will be shown outdoors at dusk followed by music by the Tim Malloys. This is the first of a series of outdoor music and film for the summer.

Croquet leagues will be forming soon at the Nomad World Pub. Go to the website or call Chris Mozena at 612-338-6424 for details and signing up a four-person league.

Nomad World Pub Benefit and Courage Center bennie for bicycle enthusiast Chris Zito

A fundraising benefit - Rubber-side Down - for Chris Zito & The Courage Center will be held on Thursday June 2nd at The Nomad World Pub (www.nomadpub.com ) and will feature an eclectic evening of live music, a spaghetti dinner, a huge silent auction w/ bikes, gear, bar tabs, concert tickets and much more! (Also featuring $2 PBR and $2 Double Diamond pints all night!)

Chris, a former bicycle courier and a current employee at Quality Bike Products, as well as a doorman at The Nomad, sustained serious head and neck injuries while mountain biking in mid-April . While he was recently released from the hospital, Chris is still unable to work and has amassed significant medical expenses.

Proceeds from the event, including; a portion of bar sales, 100% of the silent auction revenue and 100% of the recommended $10 donations at the door will be split between Chris’ outstanding medical expenses and Minneapolis’ Courage Center, which provides rehabilitative services to those in need.

Bands which are graciously donating their time include;

Killing Grace – 12am
4130 – 11pm
The Liquor Pigs – 9:30pm
Twisted Liguistics – 8:45pm
Ike & Lico – 8:00pm

For more information, contact Chris Mozena @ The Nomad World Pub at 612-338-6424 or by email at errorapparent@hotmail.com

The Nomad World Pub is located at 501 S. Cedar Ave., on the West Bank of Minneapolis, MN 55454

Pulse David Campbell article and Dorn/Hexagon articles

Today, MNSpeak.com linked to my David Campbell profile in the Pulse. David was really fun to interview and is an all-around great guy, very supportive of local music.

Another dedicated local music promoter, Chris Dorn of the Beatifics, who books the Hexagon, will be profiled in the Seward Profile which should be out Friday and available all month at various bars and restaurants on the West Bank and in the Seward neighborhood.

Gene Clark Tribute May 21 with Rich Mattson and more @ Hex

Whether you're amped up for more live music after Art-a-Whirl, or just getting fired up to go. . . here's a not-to-be-missed event -- the Gene Clark Tribute at the Hexagon for free! Rich Mattson of Ol' Yeller has assembled a band to pay tribute to Gene Clark on Saturday, May 21st at The Hexagon Bar in Minneapolis. The band includes Rich Mattson on vocals and guitar, Bill Quinn on pedal steel guitar, Keely Lane (Trailer Trash, Ol' Yeller) on drums, Dale Kallman (Ol' Yeller), on vocals and bass, and David Beckey (The Autumn Leaves), on vocals and guitar. The group will be performing three sets of Gene Clark material and special guests include Chris Dorn (The Beatifics), Jeaneen Gauthier (Jan), Jon Hunt (Landing Gear), Chris Mirski and others.

Kansas City Southern: A Tribute To
The Music Of Gene Clark
Saturday, May 21st
Hexagon Bar
2600 27th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN
Free!!

Mattson says: "Singer-songwriter Gene Clark is not a name that many people are familiar with, but if they've listened to the radio anytime since 1965, they have most certainly heard his music and his influence has been felt all over the globe. He was with folk-rock and psychedelic-rock pioneers The Byrds when they had their biggest hits, "Mr. Tambourine Man," "Turn! Turn! Turn!", and "Eight Miles High." After leaving The Byrds, he released several well regarded solo records, as well as two ground-breaking albums with Dillard & Clark. Gene Clark is arguably the father of country rock, and his songs have been covered by a wide range of artists, including Roxy Music, Husker Du, Willie Nelson, The Turtles, Leo Kottke, Robyn Hitchcock, Salt N' Pepa, Tom Petty, This Mortal Coil, and many others. Sadly, Gene passed away on May 24 1991 at the age of 47."


http://geneclark.com
http://www.hexagonbar.com
http://www.olyellerband.com
http://www.theautumnleaves.net

Now, some other stuff Mattson passed on that's going on this week:

"On Tuesday May 17 I'll be playing bass with my good friends Baby Grant Johnson and the New Vintage at the Turf Club. We're on late, but before us come and check out Austin songwriter Ethan Azarian and Terry Walsh and 2am.

Then on May 21, Saturday afternoon the New Vintage plays again at Grumpy's Northeast, in the backyard at around 2:30pm. This is part of the big annual Northeast ART-A-WHIRL you may have heard about. Lots of kickass Minneapolis bands are playing.

***Sunday May 22nd (also as part of the ART-A-WHIRL experience), Andy Schultz and I will be playing acoustically at the California Building (22nd Ave. and California St. N.E.), outdoors at 3:00.

OL' YELLER returns to action FRIDAY MAY 27..we'll be playing at Mayslack's from 10:30 to 1:30. A whole lotta rocking to make up for lost time. We miss you."

Music and Green Politics, Triple Rock May 19

MUSIC AND GREEN POLITICS:
A BENEFIT PERFOMANCE FOR CAM GORDON
MINNEAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE FOR WARD 2
FEATURING:
UNKNOWN PROPHETS
THE BLEEDING HICKEYS
THE KNOTWELLS
CHADWICK ANDERSON (the strike)
BUILDING BETTER BOMBS
hosted by p.o.s.

Exile on 7th Street and Art-a-Whirl Bash

Midnight Evils and friends play Exile on Main Street at the Entry May 20th, 8 pm including Baby Grant Johnson.

The spectacular, large line-up for the May 21st Northeast Art-a-Whirl Bash with BarBQ, Live Music and Beer is:
Kruddler, Fuck Yeahs, Sea Whores, Landing Gear, Baby Grant, Alicia Corbett, Noise Queenant, Mach Fox, Ear Candy, 1 pm to 7 pm.

Grumpy's is at 2200 - 4th St. NE. Go out and support local arts!

Ethan Azarian, Baby Grant Johnson's band New Vintage, and Terry Walsh @ Turf Tuesday

Terry Walsh and 2 a.m. likely at 10 p.m., Ethan Azarian, from Austin, Texas, who I hear is really great, New Vintage -- Baby Grant Johnson's Band who I really enjoy, and fe: Rich Mattson of Ol' Yeller on bass! are playing the Turf Club on Tuesday, May 17th.

Baby Grant is also hosting his weekly Grumpy's "Stripped Down," Wednesday, May 18th playing at 8 pm for an hour, and then hosting special guest Azarian.

I highly recommend these events, all are great players!

SPMC & Mammy Nuns at 331 Club, Mattson at Grumpy's

What a week in the "life of Cyn!" Besides chasing down news stories, I've been keeping up the live music listening. . . always so fun in this great music town. The Mammy Nuns kicked off their First Tuesdays at the 331 Club, in a fine way. They were as terrific acoustically as they are plugged in, I swear. And with a big following of earlier SPMC regulars at the Turf, it truly felt like "mini-Turf" at the 331. Joe was phenomenal on the sousaphone, wandering the streets with it at one point as I hear he's wont to do. Alas the bordering restaurants Erte, and the Modern Cafe were closed, so it was just I and Dawn Drouillard in the drizzly moonlit night enjoying the nomadic tuba tones (Dawn's former lead of Interstate Judy, now of That's What You Get, playing the Entry May 19th at midnight -- yes, those of ye who know me, know I'll try to catch both the Green Party bennie and TWYG).

Hazy Dave is a phenomenal, versatile guitarist, ranging from slide blues, to old-time to Latin with equal skill -- perfectly harmonious with lead Rob who simply "Rules" -- the sound of their two guitars together was electrifying; I was at times awestruck by the sounds only two in perfect nonverbal sync for seemingly years, can do. Andy's drumming was stunning as well, brilliant Latin, Cuban, rock, country rhythms, always the perfect backbone flowing in and out forefront and back perfectly timed and just absolutely fun, with the solid bass notes, at times melodic of Joe's tuba. I was delighted that they played one of my very favorite songs of all-time, "Long Black Veil," covered by many through time, from Johnny Cash to Nick Cave. Willy Murphy's version is also great. But the Mammy's really truly did this song about betrayal, honor, and justice, justice. It makes my heart hurt every single time I hear it. Dave also sang a traditional song I love that the Dickel Brothers also cover really well (I don't recall the name) about a guy who comes home different nights to: different shoes, coat, and head on the pillow, which the wife says "you blind old fool, you drunk ol' fool, surely you can see? That's a cabbage my momma gave to me." But, he replies, "whiskers on a cabbage, I swear I've never seen." Probably a Skillet Lickers song, it would be about right.

Jokes abounded as we all partook heavily of the cheap margheritas, and perhaps mistakenly of the new "official SPMC drink" at least for one night, (for that, I hope!) Unicum, from Hungary, that the band kept waxing on about. Being the fearless reckless sort that will always try anything once, my sneaking suspicion was confirmed by a Canadian that this was one form of another nasty infamously dreaded Hungarian drink, Polanki. The description for you, curious dear reader is thus: Jagermeister, with some of the sweetness removed, mixed with a Palmer's style Long Island Ice Tea (those who have been there know better), and ear wax, yes ear wax. That bitter nasty flavor that makes you wish you could shave your tongue to rid the nasty aftertaste that lingers for days. But I digress. That's just how bad it stays with you. Eck!

The music was great, tho! Martin Devaney got up there and did a couple of old Hank tunes, something that always makes me happy. And Terry Walsh of 2 a.m. and Belfast Cowboys wowed the hangers on with his excellent voice, worth checking out more of. The newly renovated 331 is beautiful. We were all so happy regular SPMC nights are on all over our town.

Fun at Grumpy's NE last night, Wednesday, for the weekly "Stripped Down! Bare Live Music, 8 - 10 pm" hosted by Baby Grant Johnson. He usually plays the first hour and hosts another great musician the 2nd. Last night the first hour was Mike Nicolai, who Grant plays with in his band, New Vintage (formerly "the Baby Grant Johnson Band." The second performer was an absolute never-miss favorite, Rich Mattson. He has such a great voice and his songwriting is the best! I hear that Baby Grant has 4 performances in various configurations around town next week. I'll keep you posted! The first one is Tuesday night at the Turf 'round 10 pm.

Next Wednesday, Grant tells me Ethan Azarian, Austin Texas is his guest. I hear Ethan is unusual, really like nothing I've ever heard, and excellent. I look forward to it.