Bedlam: Love Well, Loft Well

I walked out of Bedlam Theatre at 1501 for the last time while it was still rocking - people dancing their hearts out, like they might not dance again, to intense percussive power tools rock of Savage Aural Hotbed. I couldn't bear to see the bittersweet end, saying goodbyes as everyone left the building. I preferred to have my last memory of that place be what I remembered it most as - a place of revelry, wild abandon, a plethora of friends gathering and planning new creative endeavors, having heartfelt conversations, experiencing absurdist hilarity driving us to tears and well-timed beer can "lofts," as co-director Maren Ward instructed us - "Love well, loft well!" before tearing into a Broadway musical song gone awry such as "The Impossible Dream," and "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina."

And, as always, the best part about the building itself - the ability to offer something exciting and different happening in various rooms. Because Bedlam Theatre and Bedlam social were always so big in vision, possessing such largess in creativity, they could never be contained in just one room.

Which is why the recent space at 1501 was the best to date. From the mindblowing, hilarious and thought-provoking "Terminus," (2002, in old space) based on Sci-fi work by Polish writer Stanislaw Lem, I was hooked in. Or perhaps better, spun, as the cardboard spaceship whirled around us making us feel we were inside it - it was dizzying like a carnival ride. That's when I knew, I could never experience theatre the same again. Bedlam set new high (and low) levels of expectation from me in my theatrical entertainment - the brilliant mix of humor - from absurdist to outrageous, low-brow to high art, Bedlam was theatre that hit the heart (or kicked you in the gut) about what it means to be human.

Over the five years up till Bedlam's 2007 move to their recent space, I experienced countless Romps, cabarets with a dazzling array of skits and music, good, bad and ugly - with the nugget we'd always wait for with highest anticipation - the 5-minute movie. These were movies, usually with a cheese factor, ripe for satorization, condensed into 5 minutes. From Footloose to Top Gun, the 5 minute movies were action-packed with the highpoints of the original squished together with madness and mayhem - you could hardly follow the plot you would laugh so hard. Often the actors could barely act, they were laughing so hard.

Apropo of the maudlin, rebellious spirit of the final night, the 51st 5-minute movie was "The Empire Strikes Back," with the entire cast going pants-less by the end, the culmination of many calls to "take your pants off!!!" requests from the audience every time a male actor got on stage - which they'd readily, instantly fulfill. (However, when Jon Mac Cole was requested "take off your mustache!" he responded "take off YOUR mustache," to the mustache-less cat-caller.)

March 20, 2007: the Bedlam came in with fire performances, much as they left. The first performance in their new building featured Rah Kojis, Bedlam events coordinator and puppet master Dhann Polnau's newest fire performance, "Infiamato: An Incendiary Opera." As became their signature, the theatrical performances were followed by music, such as Spider John Koerner, Skoal Kodiak and Dreamland Faces. Dreamland Faces would go on to perform Wednesdays for a very long time - I'm not sure how long, but I do know it was a highlight of my week I looked forward to often, chilling out in my favorite bar/music venue/theatre. It was entertainment of the highest calibre, and often most unusual! offered in the coziest of spaces with great food, cheap drinks, and pretty much guaranteed you'd see friends or make new ones.

Music offered over the years at Bedlam shaped what inspires me today in our live local music scene. From the gypsy punk of the Knotwells, to the orchestral, chamber-folk of Dark Dark Dark, to the indescribable dreamy, eerie music of Dreamland Faces replete with saw and accordion of Andy and Karen and the sweet vocals of Randall Throckmorten . . . from the raucous East-Euro-styled folk of girl-bands Old Man Orville and Carpscale Orchester and more recently the grunge-punk of bands such as the Goondas and Tornado, with bands visiting while in town such as NYC's "porch-techno" the Quavers, and Alaskans Ode to the Rhodes and Spirits of the Red City. Too many to mention, suffice it to say, I now bring much of my Bedlam-tinged musical tastes to my "Spin with Cyn" radio show, and booking musical events at various venues.

Nights on the patio, watching films under the stars, then heading downstairs to dance to old-time music or djs. Planning and celebrating new creative endeavors, forming new friendships, catching up with friends from out of town, achieving solace during times of loss and heartbreak, celebrating life and good times. Countless phenomenal memories, but not enough. Unlike the addage, you never know what you've got till its gone, I always knew and appreciated what we had in Bedlam, knew its days in that location would inevitably have to end there someday. Now the time is here for a new era, hopefully one that is as good, or even better fit for this organization, unlike any other in the TCs, leaving a hole in our hearts. Today I feel like the cast of four in Last Romp skit, "Eat Cake," crying while eating the last chocolate cake, or like Miss Puss Puss, experiencing the 7 stages of grief. Yet I remain hopeful - The Bedlam is a thriving creative force that can't be contained. They will do well with a building hopefully found soon, to allow us to experience the radical beauty of Bedlam for years to come.

Anti-Valentine's Day fun for the Lonely-Hearts

Anti-Valentine’s Day Fun for the Lonely Hearts

By Cyn Collins

Enquiring lonely hearts (and people who hate Valentine’s Day) want to know! What can you “single ladies” (or guys) do on Valentine’s Day, if you prefer to be social and party rather than curl under a blanket, covering your ears, and la-la-la-ing? V-Day inundates our existence whether we’re coupled or not, so if you can’t beat ‘em join ‘em. Here are a few of my recommendations to avoid the coupling-oriented places.

The 28^th Annual Battle of the Jug Bands at the Cabooze Sunday from 1 to 8 p.m. is “the oldest jug band battle in the known universe.” It is the absolute ultimate in irreverent fun and revelry. 20 bands from across the country duke it out for the coveted waffle iron. The Cabooze is packed to the gills with fun-loving, crazy dancing fools like you. You can bet that by mid-day you’ll be well into your cups and feeling the liquid courage to talk to that cute banjo-player from Wisconsin. Why are so many cute musicians from Wisconsin? It must be something in the beer. You won’t feel alone long, as the Cabooze becomes one big mess of free-lovin’ happy shiny people. If you can’t have fun at this, you should check if the ol’ ticker is still tickin’.

“But wait! It’s 8 p.m., they’re cleaning the floors of the mess, and my heart feels like its being swept out with the trash . . . what do I do now?!” you might ask. The night is young, you might be drunk, and aren’t ready to go home alone (the banjo player you talked to is married).

Well, usually there’s an after-party. At the Bedlam or somesuch. Keep your ears open. Ask around. Ask the judges because 10 to 1 they’ve been invited (bribed, embibed) with further post-battle beverages and good times.

But, if you just can’t handle the sound of one more spoon scraping a washboard, and are tired of getting covered with flying jug-juice (ew), there are a couple other things going on. I recommend you call a cab to get to these – 24/7 (612) 522-4363 - my cab company of choice as they are Minnesota's only green car service, with a fleet of diesel and hybrid vehicles, and are musicians trying to make a living.

Paper Hearts 8 p.m. – Midnight at Rogue Buddha (357 13th Avenue NE) – l’etoile + Rogue Buddha invite singles and couples alike to a big “lovey-dovey” get-together. L’etoile invites you to: “Lay eyes on the current exhibit "Till Death Do Us Part" featuring work by artist couple Karen O'Bryan and RM Hanson while you mingle with sweethearts, pals, and possible love connections!

Write sweet sentiments to your lovers, friends or that sexy stranger across the room on a pink paper heart and pop it in our anonymous "love note" box. We'll be periodically posting them up on the wall for everyone's perusal. Think of it as a live version of "Missed Connections," or a way to say what you really feel to someone you "heart."

Enjoy pink specialty cocktails from UV Vodka, sweet treats courtesy of the lovely dames of Cake Eater Bakery, and saucy love songs from DJ Matt Perkins of MPR/Nomad Pub.

Come party after Valentine's dinner with your sweetie, or gather your single friends for a V-Day flirt-a-thon! (Or after the Jug Band Battle, I say!) We'll even have a cozy makeout room ready and waiting!” - l'etoile

A Soultastic Valentine’s Day 8 p.m. – midnight King and I Thai Lounge Mike Elias is one of the best DJs in town, a favorite on first Fridays at the King and I Thai Lounge. You might not feel lonely or alone (or you at least may feel your sore heart soothed by soul), listening to his excellent soul-music spinning.

Elias says: “It's a night for lovers and a night for lovers of soul music as DJ Fathertime and DJ Mrs McFeely spin the steel wheels loaded with music to make you weak in the knees but strong in the heart.”

Things I've Done; Things I Look Forward To

It's been a phenomenal past couple months. I've attended numerous great shows, too many to mention. Some highlights I've done, that I recommend, when these bands play again:

Courtney McClean and the Dirty Curls, The Knotwells and Black Audience at the 501 Club - very fun, excellent crowd for a Tuesday. These bands garnered new followers and people wishing for their CDs. I'll keep you posted.

Saltee at Barbette Monday night. They are members of Jelloslave (Jacqueline and Michele on cellos, Gary on Tablas) plus Mike Michel (Bill Mike) on a beautiful old (Fender?) electric guitar and Carnage, beatboxing. Their songs are mesmerizing, transcendental, pulsing, driving and seamlessly flowing various musical genres at their skilled fingertips. I didn't want the music to end. Next performance, and new CD possibly in Mar/April. Keep an eye out for Barbette music on Mondays and Thursdays - following them on Twitter helps.

ARCWELDER and Gay Witch Abortion a week ago at the Turf Club. Really great show. Hardcore and really tight, creative stuff. Fantastic crowd.

THINGS I LOOK FORWARD TO:
• Art Shanties opens this Saturday!!! I'm really looking forward to: Art Swap Shanty (Julie and Scott Kesti live downstreet from me!), Black Bania Shanty, (poetry and comedy above by Mary Mack, Paul D. Laura Brandenburg and Steph Wilbur Ashe on top/sauna inside - bring a swimsuit), Reclamation Art Shanty, ArtPost Shanty (send postcards to your sweetie from the frozen lake!) and more.
• After your toes are froze from the lake, warm up by dancing to the Can Kickers "old-timey riot music for dancin'" and The Knotwells at the Hexagon, Saturday night!
• Jen Markey's CD Release Party Turf Club Jan. 23. She performs at Palmer's 2nd Thursdays.
• Chooglin' residency at Palmer's latenight, the first 3 Saturdays in February!!!

These are but a few, but I'll try to keep people posted more, due to numerous requests beyond my Thursday morning Dakota Dave Hull Show calendar at 10 a.m.

New links I love:
• last.fm
• WFMU's Beware of the Blog (yes, still. Biggest, funnest time-waster in the Universe)
• Cook to Bang Blog: Recipes to get you laid, and they look pretty good, too. "Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon." - The Dalai Lama
• Cooking with Jocinda - a friend's food experiences and recipes. Fun!
• Arts Communique blog, Sheila Regan's blog on art and performance

My music picks for week of January 14 - 20

Cyn’s Picks for the Week Jan. 14 - 20:

Thursday, Jan. 14 :

• Skinny Longfeet, Tuesdays Robot and STOOK! At the 501 Club at 9:30

• St. Dominic’s Trio at the 331 Club at 9:30 p.m.

• Angie Oase (referred to as Lennon/Dylans lovechild) plays Barbette @10

Friday, Jan. 15:

• Front Porch Swingin’ Liquor Pigs at their usual Palmer’s show 7 – 10 p.m.

• Too Many Banjos, the Brass Kings and Tennesota Brothers @ 501 Club at 10 p.m.

• Kevin Anthony CD Release Party, with Glen Hanson @ the 331 Club

• First Avenue’s Best New Bands showcase (presented by Radio K), fe: with LEISURE BIRDS, MOONSTONE, NO BIRD SING, PETER WOLF CRIER, RED PENS, SLAPPING PURSES, and TWILIGHT HOURS

• The Rural Alberta Advantage with Dark Dark Dark at the Cedar show is SOLD OUT but will play Dark Dark Dark for you here.

Sat. Jan. 16:

• The Rockford Mules with Dragons Power Up at the 331 Club at 10

• Romantica, Brett Tyler, Farewell Milwaukee and Western Fifth at the Turf Club @ 10

• Paragraphs (EP Release Show), Canyons of Static and To Kill a Petty Bourgeoisie at the 501 Club at 10 p.m.

• Pert Near Sandstone with Spider John Koerner at the Cedar @ 8

• Flavor Crystals, The Chambermaids, Red Pens and Gospel Gossip at Sauce at 10.

• Poor Weather Club, The Cankickers, old-timey punk from Connecticutt, with the Knotwells at the Hexagon

Sunday Jan. 17:

• Cadillac vs. Cornbread at Palmers Bar 8 till late

Monday, Jan. 18:

• Pocahontas County at the 331 Club at 6:30 p.m. followed by Roe Family Singers performing their fun Mondays 9 – 11 at the 331 Club

! Tuesday, Jan. 1`9:

• Tuesday Conspiracy Series at the 331 Club with Brianna Lane at 9:30 p.m.

Weds., Jan. 20:

• Mike Elias is spinning Funk and Soul at Rosen’s Grill DT on Wednesdays from 8 – midnite!

• Painted Saints, Brad Senne at the Bedlam Theatre at 10

• KFAI House Party presents: Reverend Deadeye from 7 -9 followed by Jake Manders at 9:30

bedlam at the Bedlam with Frances Gumm and Monoplex

Last night there was so much going on at the Bedlam Theatre it was like candy for me, a multi-media, sensory freak. In the Fireplace Room was Frances Gumm, Paul D's phenomenal punk rock band since 1983. I and the couple dozen others were lucky to be treated to this rare performance. They'll play again when they release their new album they're working on later this winter.

Next door was an old-time square dance, always a good time. Upstairs on the beautiful deck was David Pitman's Monoplex — the Greek tragedy Medea was last night's featured film preceded by shorts Pitman gathered. Somehow it was quite fitting that Medea was playing upstairs, with Frances Gumm's rebellious punk next to a room where at times murder ballads were being played. Paul D. cut his finger on his guitar strings.

In the big room, were many gigantic fantasy creatures and puppets taking shape of cardboard, shimmery cloth, paper mache and various unusual items which Axman is an invaluable source for, as preparation for the Barebones Halloween production is in full tilt. Puppetmakers/performers had just arrived for the annual production from Vermont, and a bicyclist just wheeled in from St. Cloud. We got caught up, then a couple went off to play old-time fiddle, and a few of us discussed our Art Shanty proposals.

Just another fun-filled, creative night at Bedlam Social. They've increased their large array of entertainment offerings, now featuring a Hot Tony DJ night on Mondays. Some will recognize Hot Tony as literally hot — he's a fire-eating flame-juggling, fire-breathing performer who works with Rah Kojis at Bedlam fire-spinning performances (another spectacular part of Barebones production, and various events). There are cabarets on Fridays, Last weeks' was hosted by Bedlam's creative co-director John Buecke and legendary Michael Sommers of Open Eye Figure Theatre. The next one is rife with Puppets, hosted by excellent puppetmaster Dhann Polnau.

Dark Dark Dark Release CDs two nights of darkness . . .

Dark Dark Dark releases two CDs into the light, Friday at a private party (you're invited as long as you know them and/or where to find the poster — could be a Hard Time). They're also the featured band for the March 15 Electric Arc Radio Show a Literary-Musical Tragicomedy that's the perfect, darkly twisted match. Catch them before they embark on their long dark tour at various points in the U.S. through October.

This dark folk trio — Nona Marie Dark (accordion), Marshall LaCount (banjo) and Jonathan Kaiser (cello) play traditional and traditional-sounding East Euro/Klesmer/Old-timey/Gallic/Old-country blues/ polka-punk/Other music with the seemingly unseemly yet delectably dark combination of the accordion-banjo-cello.

The sonorous cello mournfully swoops and soars in and out with the melodic, sparse banjo, and Baltic and Klesmer sounding accordion , while Nona sings low and plaintive, perfect for their dark ballads, torch and sea shanty style songs. Marshall and Nona harmonize and trade off singing, Marshall's vocals remniscent to me of Andrew Bird. The trio are a harmoniously interwoven relationship of rhythms and strings and vocals mesmerizing to the ears, sending chills, and enchanting to watch looking as though they live the life and times of the songs they play.

The versatile Dark Dark Dark lead "a weird double-life," said Jonathan (Painted Saints, The Blackthorns). "We play restaurants and gallery openings, and then we have clubs life . . . "". . . underground or overground!" continued Marshall (Woodcat). They tend to play more traditional music for restaurants and galleries — old folk songs, jazz standards, gypsy and blues. In clubs they perform mainly their original music — "as original as traditional-sounding music can be!" quipped Nona.

Dark Dark Dark are releasing two CDs. The live EP Love You, Bye was released in France under the label What-a-Mess. Spontaneous, sparse and warm, Jonathan said, "We were trying to capture how we sound live in a living room — the core acoustic experience of Dark Dark Dark. They're also releasing The Snow Magic full-length CD. This one is more arranged, with more instrumentals, and friends joining in such as Martin Dosh playing drums. Those familiar with Dark Dark Dark will hear some new direction with the arrangements and some new songs. They're starting their new label, Blood Onion Records with The Snow Magic CD.

Go into the dark night for Dark Dark Dark treasures and treats before they embark on the long tour of the East Coast and other regions.

(Mur/Mer) Murzik CD Release , Iron Mermaiden, Dark Dark Dark!

So much to do!
Exercise/Exorcize:
Friday night at 11 p.m. I'm participating in a Exercise/Exorcise panel discussion about experimental/avant garde/progressive work in the Twin Cities during the Exercise Exorcize "Best of Night." This will be aired on Twin Cities Radio and Gotham Radio, NYC! What is Exer/Exo? Director Jeremey Catterton describes:
* A variety of Twin Cities artists performing short works in an intimate setting, curated and hosted by Jeremey Catterton.
* Each evening includes: 6-8 new dance, theater and solo performances, with 2-4 films. Then an interview with each artist about their piece and other works.
* Based on On the Board’s 12Minutes Max, in Seattle.
* Occurs at the Bottling House Theatre in the Historic Grain Belt Brewery. The “best of night” March 7 features audience-voted favorites from the past 6 weeks, and concludes with a panel discussion with Twin Cities artists and experts in their field: Venus de Mars, Charles Campbell, Cindy Collins, plus many more.

Exercise/EXORCISE is also a benefit for upcoming Lamb Lays with Lion productions; Fort Wilson Riot Presents: Idigaragua and Massgraves (featuring Kill the Vultures), performed in repertory at the Bedlam Theatre April 3-13 (opening April 4).

Saturday, lots more fun!
Bedlam Theatre's Iron Mermaiden Mar 7, 2008 - Mar 23, 2008
a living film, created and directed by Kristi Ternes with the Iron Mermaiden ensemble

"An Iron-Man talent competition set in a genetically modified future- where mermaids, created as highly prized works of art, are pitted against each other to win the ultimate prize- the opportunity to be immortalized. Who will survive the cut? Who will survive the night? Who'd want to miss this?"
And, Saturday, is the Special International Women’s Day Benefit Performance
Saturday, March 8th $50 — includes drinks, hors d’ouvres, and an auction of local art, goods and services!

And, I'm excited about the Murzik "Buried" CD Release Party! at the Kitty Cat Club, with James Apollo and Black Audience (hurray! Can't get enough of Jayanthi's powerful vocals and skillful, unruly ensemble) I recommend Murzik highly, as a terrific a local "dark folk" band I've enjoyed seeing much since I first attended one of their live shows at the Hex about 3 - 4 years ago (singer Nathan first introduced the genre term "dark folk" as we were discussing how to describe them that night). And since, that genre has grown to easily be one of the most exciting and growing genres over these past few years in the Twin Cities. Murzik's music can be described as East-Euro folk tinged Americana, with accordion, glockenspiel, bells, mando and more. Filled with poignant lyrics, they could be described as gypsy music, but more quiet and mournful, something like sea shanties rough and dark Tom Waits style . . . ah, delightfully undescribable.

I'll suffice it to say, go see Mursik Sat. if you love, or want to hear more of what this "dark folk" thing is creeping through "both the underground and overground" as Marshall of Dark Dark Dark says. Note! 2 CDs are being released March 14 by Dark Dark Dark, an astounding, mesmerizing favorite dark folk band featuring the unimaginably beautiful trio of a banjo (Marshall), accordion (Nonah) and cello(Jonathan Kaiser — Blackthorns, Painted Saints) together. The CDs (one live, also released earlier on a small label in France, the other here on their forthcoming label, Blood Onion fe: performers such as Dosh) are being released March 14 at a private party — they say: if you know them or how to find their posters, you'll know where it is. And if you miss this, catch them March 16 as musical guests on Electric Arc Radio, before they go on tour for many months. More info, and an update closer to that date!

Brass Kings CD release, Old-Time, and Townes

Life's been good as I've been seeing some great shows . . . there are a few coming up very soon I'd like to recommend here as well.
The Brass Kings CD release party at the Cedar was fantastic as they hosted many good friends, fellow musicians playing their songs with them: Jon Rodine, Molly Maher, Jayanthi Kyle (who, with her band who opened, Black Audience were phenomenal — Jayanthi's vocals are stunning, in their skill and emotive qualities as they did traditional tunes such as Darling Cora, and Dylan's Queen Jane Approximately and the cheeky, playful "It Won't Make a Difference After Dark").

Also playing with the Brass Kings were Baby Grant Johnson ( I rec everyone check out his and Rich Mattson's folk duo project Bitter Spills) and an oft duo partner with Steve Kaul, Dave Babb which is always a treat. The Brass Kings new CD is as excellent as the first, which was one of my favorites of '05.
Attended the MBOTMA (Minn. Bluegrass and Old-time Assoc) fest at Plymouth Radisson yesterday, always a great time, and I hear that The New Bad Habits fe: Chirps Smith, Tim Foss, David Landreth and one more (sorry, let me know) are working on a CD — they were very fun, Chirps and Foss fiddles are incomparably great, and the twin fiddles are beautiful together.
Just a few recommendations live music coming up soon, tonight, Charlie Parr at the Turf Club, The Townes Van Zandt tribute at Lee's Thurs. not to be missed, with several great local musicians/bands doing the Townes songs justice — last year was great — one duo I'm aware of is Jake Hyer (Get Up Johns) and Megan Duddle (Ditch Lilies) together, a real treat. Magic Castles March 7 at Stasius, Murzik CD Release Party March 8 Kitty Cat Klub and Dark Dark Dark CD Release party March 14 and 15 (Check their myspace page for details).

I've been remiss with the fiddle playing and must catch up with it again, as I miss it much, and also must honor where it came from, one of the old time legends from W. Virginia. So practicing much in anticipation of upcoming workshop in April by Jimmy Triplett!

Ice fishing tonight for the first time. Laying low and reading Chabon (so good) and watching Deadwood (dangerously good, but my vocabulary has hit the gutter as I've begun swearing like a late 1880's goldminer as a result, because its so fun. Especially since I grew up near them thar hills, rife with tragic history conducted by hoopleheads.

Magic Castles live review

Phantasmagorical. That was the live Magic Castles show tonight at the Uptown, as their other two shows I've seen at Kitty Cat. I urge all you kitties out there to climb on board this magickal mysticore tour, and trip and dance to Magic Castles, one of the most authentic psych folk/acid rock band I've heard during this current resurgence of psychedelia.

The dreamy, jangledy songs with fantastical lyrics and groovy layers of keys, primal drumming, sweetly eerie harmonies, ghost-like echoes and vacuums of sound, tambourines perfectly accentuating those layers, melodic bass . . . weave a web of intricate layers of sound beautiful to both hear altogether, and to isolate from each other (as if hearing 2 or 3 songs beautifully intertwined) in the mind. Magic Castles, drawing from late '60s and early 70s psychedelia, had excellent timing and space jams, approaching Zappa, and also featuring haunting Joy Division moments. Definitely strong Pink Floyd (Sid B. days) V.U and Jefferson Airplane references abound in a delightfully dark way. It was a trippy fun musical experience that you couldn't help but dance to and get caught up in inextricably. They have beautiful periods of slowing down,and messing with time and breath-catching transitions. Their slight off/minor/flat keys cause delicious shivers. The harmonies are perfectly eerie, playful and dark. Songs such as entirely memorable "Emory" you'll find yourself hearing over and over in your head long after the show is over.

Definitely catch their next live shows: March 7 at Stasius, and March 11 at Lee's with
the band currently known as The Lapdance Band of Horses ( a better name than their last one; who knows what it will be next? Stay tuned for 2nd Tuesdays at the Turf beginning April for more on this great new local supergroup and the bands they host).

Valentines, Theatrical shows, Ice, Puppets, and Bedlam's Bleeding Hearts Romp

Well its been awhile . . . but have seen some very interesting new stuff. Just a brief overview . . . last Tues. at the Uptown the first of a 2nd Tuesday series put on by a band with no name (yet). 9-piece, formerly calling themselves "The Bukkake Party" fe: lots of strings (cello, fiddle, innumerable guitars :) organized by lead Jacob Grun (parts for all makes, Ice Palace). This is an amazing large group with much potential, using big soaring vocals, heavy strings and layers of guitar and percussion that may bring to mind other large groups like Arcade Fire (in scale, and big sound) yet darker, more psychedelic remniscent of: Pink Floyd, maybe Sonic Youth, a little bit Velvet Underground. Their March show is second Tues at Lee's with a relatively new (about a year-old) absolute new favorite of mine, Magic Castles. Magic Castles authentically captures the essence of late '60s early '70s psychedelia with mind-bending minor chords and dreamy layers of sound, eerie vocals and beautifully long space jams to space out to and escape to other realms of the mind. They are not. to. be. Missed. They're turning out a phantastically magical mystical mysticore (hint) CD that I reckon will be one of the best local CDs of 08. Mark my words, and look out for it. Meantime check out their great live show.

Feb 13 Pre-Valentines La Belle Epoque Fetish Bash, hosted by Venus (All the Pretty Horses) was a real ball, of the best kind. Lots of lovely costumes, many of which were Victorian era, but more risque. Great music by theatrical punk band Dangerboard (also performing tonite at the Bedlam!), the Melismatics, Sirens of Titan and All the Pretty Horses. MC poetess Laura Brandenburg was very cat-like on the catwalk as she introduced the fetish fashion show, with beautiful XXX-travagant fashion, including ink, feathers and silk ribbons in strategic places.

All the Pretty Horses were in their element(s) as they took the 1st Ave stage with incredible big sound, intense rock and through the course of the show, a few pyrotechnics and engaging theatrical interpretations of songs such as Ice, Fallen Angels, Wild Horses . . . depicting love, love lost, rejection, angst and passion in its various facets — with fantastic deep red lighting and spotlights on the dancers and the room, and Venus' vocal prowess with a balance between control and raw release, this was truly one of the most memorable ATPH shows I've seen.

Last night: Super Furry Animals, a looong-time favorite, were phenomenal at the Varsity, stripped down (no films or furry costumes this time) their show was as always futuristic and weird and wonderful.

Today, if you get this in time . . .get out on the ice! Puppet shows at 3:00 at the Black Box Theatre Shanty fe: Vermont, Texas and Wisconsin puppeteers/musicians who have been involved with Bread and Puppet from Vermont. Lots of live music and fun at Medicine Lake on this, the second to last weekend. Go to Art Shanties and you can see the schedule.

If you miss this, or even if you don't, you can catch more puppet mischief at The Bleeding Hearts Romp at Bedlam Theatre tonight at 10! A perrenial fun event featuring the ever-popular 5-minute movie (cheesy movies condensed to their best moments colliding together in high hilarity), bands! Puppets! and cabaret. . .tonites show features:

the dance antics of Mad King Thomas , bard love by bEn Krielkamp, sumptuous drag by barbara gordon, the WYXY news and a bedlam 5 minute movie ....with your host, the lovely DITZY POOFBALL.

PLUS travelling Puppet shows. Pinata. Prizes. Heart -shaped Sake jello shots. Skits and Surprises including Anti-Love meter readings and The preimer release of Ape and COffee's first zine.

STARTS AT 10PM and AFTER SHOW THEATRICAL PUNK BAND: DANGER BOARD

Must get out on the ice. Enjoy the shows.