Daily Loaf

If Radiohead and the Beatles had a lovechild that grew up to kick your ass and take your girlfriend, it would be Harry Dash.

Everyone can remember one moment that he/she felt alive, where that one spark fueled a true passion. My personal catalyst was an oddly-named band called Harry Dash.

Harry Dash is a local New Port Richey band that means “flash” or “cool” in British cockney slang. I had heard of the band quite a bit growing up, since they’ve been on the local Tampa band scene since the mid ’90s. Their amazing covers of songs such as Pink Floyd’s “Run Like Hell” and “Muscle Museum” by Muse, and the high energy sound of original songs like “Spies.” Not to forget the soulful, powerhouse vocals behind lullaby ballads and inspirational “get off your butt and do something” anthems such as “Tank.”

I was 16 and like many teenagers, trying to figure out exactly what I wanted to do with my life.

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When you strip away all the pomp and circumstance from rock ’n’ roll — the fashion and politics and drugs and groupies and stardom and burnout — what’s usually left is a few simple chords and a tune you can hum. In the 50-plus years since Chuck Berry, Little Richard, etc. created an art form, rock ’n’ roll music has morphed from a powerful expression of freedom and rebellion into a multi-billion-dollar commodity to be packaged and sold by record company soul-suckers that view artists as cattle and the audience as ignorant rabble worthy only of being led around by the nose or dragged to court. It didn’t used to be this way.

The new film Pirate Radio remembers a time when the music was king. Well, OK, the music and a small handful of outlaw DJs floating just off the coast of Britain, pumping their pirate signal to millions of the Queen’s subjects while royally pissing off the authorities in the process. Pirate Radio isn’t a true story, per se, but elements of it are inspired by real events in 1960s Britain, when a legal loophole allowed unlicensed broadcasters to drop anchor within spitting distance of the mainland and thrill the masses with records by The Kinks, The Rolling Stones and The Who.

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Whoa. That was intense.

If you missed the GoodVibes Production of “You Are More Than You Know: A Celestial Odyssey” (or should I say ODDyssey?) this past weekend at The Studio @620, you really missed…something.

The attempt was noble, I’ll give them that. Their website (www.goodvibesmusic.com) describes the production thusly:

“Have you heard the news? This is not the only Earth, ours is not the only universe, and you are not the only you! Leading scientists now describe ‘the multiverse’ as a collection of universes containing a series of ‘parallel worlds’ where every conceivable version of every Earth event — past, present or future — happens somewhere, and alternate versions of you experience every possible version of your life!

“This special multimedia event presents these concepts in an entertaining format through stunning celestial video images, animation, live music and audience participation. Take a trip with ‘The GoodVibes’ into the mind-bending possibilities of a new millennium awakening to a new wisdom. Explore the far reaches of the multidimensional realities where time and space have no meaning, where everything happens at once, and where the future you dream of already exists!”

OK, so it sounds a little weird, but not so, so, (so) weird, right? It sounds like maybe if you were a little gullible, and went into it thinking you were going to be ‘awakened to a new wisdom,’ and wanted to buy into something a little kooky, you might just get what you paid for.

But wait. You’re about to slip into a parallel world. Read the rest of this entry »

Chris Wollard & The Ship Thieves made their Tampa debut at Crowbar this past Friday, November 6, with support from Mike Hale and How Dare You.

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Routes Music is a documentary film acting as a roving music census, taking in the true musical passions (and disgusts) of the American people. We’re traveling all across the country, stopping along the way to interview local bands, take footage of live performances and chat with anyone and everyone. Learn more about the documentary here; check out all previous entries here.

As we approached Phoenix, the Routes Music crew heard news reports about a cold front that was bringing high winds into the desert and creating a mighty dust storm as a result. But not until we stepped out of the car in Tempe did we really see what the newscasters meant.

From the west, a faint haze grew darker and darker as it approached. The dust storm was roaring across the desert like a scene out of The Mummy.

But the desert sands weren’t the only thing in disarray: Phil and Terrence were having problems of their own.

The previous night, they’d driven 16 hours straight through the ever-changing terrain of Texas and New Mexico. At one point, border patrol stopped the van to check for illegal immigrants. (“Really?” Phil still comments whenever the subject’s brought up. “I could maybe understand if we were headed to Mexico, but in the middle of this country?”) Read the rest of this entry »

Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview up-and-coming arts events to mark your calendar for. It’s hard enough to wrangle a hip group of artists/musicians/designers/models together at the same place and time, but it’s even harder to convince anyone to come see the spectacle. The visionaries at Square One do just that with scenester-crowded, can’t-miss-‘em shindigs — like this Saturday’s eco-themed Magnum Opus — that draw party people in droves.

More than 75 visual artists display their work (among them CL faves like Blue Lucy, Kat Wilson, KLAAREN and Robert Wegmann), Jeremy Gloff hosts his album release party, and dance and fashion shows by Bella Danza, Enigma Dance Kru, Kinetic Dance Group and Wear To The Tear Fashion mean that there’s always something shiny and new to look at onstage. The cherry on top is that this nightlong art extravaganza is completely gratis. Sat., Nov. 14, 7-10 p.m. , The Ritz Ybor, 1503 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City, free, squareoneflorida.com. – Franki Weddington

Routes Music is a documentary film acting as a roving music census, taking in the true musical passions (and disgusts) of the American people. We’re traveling all across the country, stopping along the way to interview local bands, take footage of live performances and chat with anyone and everyone. Learn more about the documentary here; check out all previous entries here.

The first thing we noticed on Austin’s infamous Sixth Street was the preponderance of clubs. Not the live music that Austin is known for, but booming bass beckoning babes in short skirts (and the dudes chasing them). Roads blocked off … police bored and leering … drunk college kids swaying from one sidewalk to another … a street musician, here or there, drowned out by the latest pop hits.

To find some music that wasn’t prerecorded, the Routes Music crew had to drive across town to locally-owned and operated Violins Etc., a full service string shop.

Inside, we were greeted by hundreds of violins – some brand new and ready for sale, others in various states of disrepair – as well as the employees who fixed them.
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The Creative Loafing team prides itself on producing more Daily Loaf content each week than any individual could ever possibly comprehend. As such, you’re bound to have missed at least one worthwhile story from the pages of this blog over the last few days. Here’s a “greatest hits” list from the week that was, broken down by section:

NEWS

MUSIC

Movies, food, sex and Punky Brewster after the break. Read the rest of this entry »

With the exceptions of my sister and my buddy Jesse, there may be no one more stoked for the upcoming Maroon 5 album than me. Songs About Jane, their 2002 debut album as Maroon 5 (the four original members formerly played as Kara’s Flowers), is the one record that takes me back to my high school years, when I played it so many times that the CD is actually past due for replacement. Their follow-up, 2007’s It Won’t Be Soon Before Long, worsened my addiction — but I’ve never really attempted to cure it. Both albums have put the band on the map and have given fans high hopes for the next one. Currently on a tour of college campuses across the U.S., Maroon 5 promises a great release in 2010. Check out a series of three trailers promoting the forthcoming album after the jump. Read the rest of this entry »

Routes Music is a documentary film acting as a roving music census, taking in the true musical passions (and disgusts) of the American people. We’re traveling all across the country, stopping along the way to interview local bands, take footage of live performances and chat with anyone and everyone. Learn more about the documentary here; check out all previous entries here.

It’s 8 p.m. and Phil is driving through a torrential rainstorm in an abandoned part of New Orleans’ West End. He’s running his hand through his hair, bent over the steering wheel, trying to find Magellan Road. The GPS isn’t working and every street seems to lead back to the interstate we just exited. A tiny brown Chihuahua looks lost, too, as it darts across the road and between two houses.

It’s enough rain to make a New Orleans native nervous.

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I mentioned a few weeks ago that Fuse will be airing a John Mayer concert on Tuesday, November 17, the same day his new Battle Studies album hits the shelves. The concert, which takes at New York’s Beacon Theatre, will be broadcast live across the country beginning at 9 p.m. Fuse has also partnered with American Forces Network to broadcast the show to troops overseas via AFN Radio’s Hot AC to troops and their families stationed in 175 countries and on 140 U.S. Navy ships at sea. AFN Television’s “Spectrum” channel will also be airing the concert on Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. and on New Year’s Eve.

It’s great that Mayer fans, no matter where they are in the world, will be able to listen to his new music and his live performance the very day it’s been made available. Go, John Mayer! Go, Fuse and AFN! And GO, U.S.A.!

Routes Music is a documentary film acting as a roving music census, taking in the true musical passions (and disgusts) of the American people. We’re traveling all across the country, stopping along the way to interview local bands, take footage of live performances and chat with anyone and everyone. Learn more about the documentary here; check out all previous entries here.

“Where eeez yer pipe?”

A 6’4 security guard towered over me, glaring.

“Where eeez yer pipe?” he repeated in a thick Islands accent.

“What?” I replied, not sure he really just asked me what I think he just asked me.

“Where eeez yer pipe?” he asked again.

“My what?” I said again, still shocked.

“Yer pipe. Yer pipe.”

Now he was aggravated. I’m enjoying feigning ignorance.

“I don’t know what you’re saying, man.”

The guard switches tactics.

“Drugs?”

I smile.

“No, no drugs.”

“OK, go ahead.”

So began my very first experience at an extended-day music festival, and only my second time ever seeing the seminal jam band, Phish. Luckily, the rest of the three-day fest at the Empire Polo Grounds in Indio, Calif. went smoother than my entry.

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A few music-themed conversation pieces to use during this weekend’s Halloween festivities.

Photo by Tracy May.

• The Killers are releasing a CD and DVD of Live at Royal Albert Hall on Nov. 10, and the performance will also be in select movie theaters for one night only, Nov. 5. Is it a coincidence that the only night it will be in theaters is my birthday? No way. Brandon Flowers just gets what women want on their big day.
• An all-star list of musicians celebrated the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 25th birthday Thursday night, including Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel and Stevie Wonder. How did you spend your 25th?
• If you’ve been sitting, waiting, wishing to see Jack Johnson in concert, book a ticket to Hawaii for next month: Johnson will be performing two acoustic shows Nov. 13 and 14 in Honolulu to promote the release of his documentary film En Concert. If you have eyes and you live in Hawaii, you should catch one of these shows.
• While youngest Jonas brother Nick plans to record a solo album next year, all three siblings swear the Jonas Brothers are not breaking up. Oh, thank God. No, seriously, I’ve been losing sleep over the prospect of the end of the Jo Bros. Seriously.
• Weezer is appearing on Nickelodeon’s kids show Yo Gabba Gabba early next year, and will be jamming out in bug costumes. It will be the first time my generation has tuned into Nick since Kenan and Kel went off the air.
• Britney Spears unleashed her music video for “3″ today. Relive your Sesame Street days of learning to count to three — today’s show is brought to you by menage a trois — and get more music news links after the jump. Read the rest of this entry »

My friend Renee recently told me about a band she used to follow (sometimes literally — oh, Renee!) during her heyday in Detroit in the ’80s called Toby Redd. I was interested to learn that the band’s drummer, Chad Smith (third from left), went on to become a member of megaband Red Hot Chili Peppers and supergroup Chickenfoot. It’s always interesting to see the humble beginnings of a great musician, and Toby Redd had — and probably still has — quite the following. They’re definitely the epitome of an ’80s rock band, which doesn’t offend me in the least.

Check out Smith and the rest of Toby Redd rocking Motor City during the band’s glory days after the jump.

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Imagine running into a crush from your early childhood. He or she is all grown up and married, and balances out a successful career with a loving family. Though you don’t carry the same torch for your former love, just the sight of that person makes you remember why you fell for them all those years ago.

That’s exactly what happened to me Saturday night with three different childhood sweethearts. Kind of.

The brothers Hanson played what has now come to be their annual concert at Orlando’s House of Blues this past Saturday, October 24, a stop on their “Use Your Sole” tour. While I haven’t listened to their music in years, I was the token Hanson fan as a young girl growing up in Oklahoma, where they were also raised. There was no way I could miss this show because I never got to see them in concert as a kid, and I owed it to the little girl inside me. I didn’t expect greatness from a trio of 20-somethings who launched to stardom in their teenage years, and I was content with the idea that driving to Orlando to see Isaac, Zac and Taylor (pictured from left to right) would be nothing more than a stroll down memory lane. Read the rest of this entry »

Routes Music is a documentary film acting as a roving music census, taking in the true musical passions (and disgusts) of the American people. We’re traveling all across the country, stopping along the way to interview local bands, take footage of live performances and chat with anyone and everyone. Learn more about the documentary here; check out all previous entries here.

As with anything in life – including music documentaries – the unexpected moments are usually the best. Our time in New Orleans was no different.

On Friday, we came across two girls – Anastasia Euthanasia and Joy Deemster – performing on the street in the French Quarter (in front of a police station no less!). Going by the name Delicious Gloom, the girls played a highly infectious song for us. After days of Los Mega Boyz’ “Selena” looping in our heads, it was welcome relief.

Check ‘em out: Read the rest of this entry »

Before listening to Life Starts Now, the latest album from Three Days Grace, I couldn’t quite decide how I felt about the Canadian rock band. It’s not that I’ve ever disliked their sound. In fact, lead singer Adam Gontier’s distinctively rough vocals make Three Days Grace stand out on radio stations so often filled with indistinguishable bands, and that’s impressive. But my question was always, “Why so angry, Three Days Grace? Don’t you have any good news to report?”

After playing (and re-playing) their third album (out Sept. 22 on Jive), I’ve made up my mind, and the verdict is in: Three Days Grace is completely rockin’ — but no longer completely hostile.

The opening track, “Bitter Taste,” pairs the band’s signature hard rock sound with their expected “you suck and I’m glad we’re through” lyrics, which initially made me wonder how similar this album would be to their 2003 self-titled debut and 2006’s One-X. But the next track and the album’s first single, “Break,” renewed my hope. This is easily the next big anthem for America’s anguished youth, and even 20-somethings standing at a proverbial crossroads. (You know who you are.) Read the rest of this entry »

Routes Music is a documentary film acting as a roving music census, taking in the true musical passions (and disgusts) of the American people. We’re traveling all across the country, stopping along the way to interview local bands, take footage of live performances and chat with anyone and everyone. Learn more about the documentary here; check out all previous entries here.

On Tues., Oct. 20, the Routes Music crew rolled into St. Augustine. “It’s a quaint drinking town with a fishing problem,” as one local described it.

With the help of Mitch Cheney, our St. Augie ambassador, we hooked up with several scene stalwarts. One of them, Ryan Dettra, is the city’s premiere promoter.

After graduating Flagler College with a business degree, Dettra had a risky idea for a small beach town of 12,000: Open a profitable music venue that would bring regional and national acts to St. Augustine.

In 2002, he opened Café 11 inside a former convenience store off A1A. Although his first concerts brought only handfuls of people, Dettra kept at it, booking acts like Against Me! that would sell out shows. Then, six months after opening, he received his break.

The New York City-based art rock band, Les Savy Fav, was touring near St. Augustine. The five-piece was known for putting on wild shows, so Dettra booked them and they did not disappoint. At the encore, frontman Tim Harrington whipped the audience into a frenzy: Read the rest of this entry »

A fresh batch of music links to start the weekend off right.

• The Flaming Lips plan to cover Pink Floyd’s classic 1973 album Dark Side of the Moon, a collaborative effort with Stardeath and White Dwarfs. Let’s just state the obvious, here: It takes some serious balls to redo Dark Side of the Moon. Don’t mess this up, Lips.
• Garth Brooks will be performing at Las Vegas’ Wynn resort on Oct. 24, but promises the show will be completely antithetical to the typical, flashy Sin City show. In fact, it will be reminiscent of his original Stillwater, Okla., shows in 1983. Because people visiting Vegas really wish they could feel like they’re living it up in Oklahoma circa 1983.
• John Mayer’s new album, Battle Studies, drops Nov. 17. Mayer will also perform a concert that night airing live on Fuse. Reasons as to why Battle Studies was not titled Songs About Jennifer Aniston have yet to be announced.
• Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo is writing a song with Katy Perry that will possibly be featured on her follow-up to One of the Boys. It’s like Cuomo knew this collaboration was written in the stars: He looks just like Buddy Holly, and (oh oh) Perry bears resemblance to Mary Tyler Moore.
• Bon Jovi is now the “artist in residence” for NBC to promote their new album, The Circle, which lands in stores Nov. 12. I wouldn’t mind if Jon Bon Jovi pulled a Rick Springfield and bared some of his finer assets to the world.
• The Arctic Monkeys released a video for “Cornerstone,” the second single off of Humbug. The video looks like it was inspired by a homemade YouTube video — Arctic Monkey see, Arctic Monkey do — but its simplicity complements the loveliness of the tune. Watch the video and get more music links after the jump. Read the rest of this entry »

When I first listened to the All-American Rejects‘ When the World Comes Down nearly a year ago, I knew they’d release “I Wanna” as a single and that time has finally come. The song is beyond catchy, and from its conception, was destined to be a hit. The chorus is guaranteed to be stuck in the heads of anyone who hears it even once — and trust me, you’re not going to mind when it finds its way into your subconscious.

I’ve been excited for the “I Wanna” music video premiere since the Rejects announced its impending arrival weeks ago, and it landed this past Tuesday on AOL.com. While I like the video, it’s a shameless plug for every model of the LG phone, which really takes away from what could have been a completely rockin’ video tribute to the art of lusting after an untouchable love interest (because everybody’s had one). If I only wanted to see a miniature version of a greased- and glittered-up Tyson Ritter (pictured center front), I would watch “I Wanna” on my iPhone (sorry, LG).

Enjoy the All-American Rejects’ “I Wanna” after the jump.  And in case you were wondering — yes, I wanna touch Tyson.

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A series of shots from the Sunday, October 4 GWAR show at The Ritz Ybor.

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Time can be cruel. For an outlandish, shock-rocker whose heyday of gimmicks and gore dates back over three decades ago, trying to maintain the level of shock and disgust that propelled him to notoriety can be quite a difficult task. [All photos by Phil Bardi.]

Then there’s Alice Cooper. A man whose name and persona have been shrouded in mystery and mysticism since his wretched attack on all things safe and sane began. Before the term “urban legend” became a regular part of the vernacular, Alice Cooper had more fabled stories and tales circulating about his life, off-stage antics, fetishes and the true origin of his chosen stage name than any other rock star out there. And he did very little to put those myths to bed. Truth is, he reveled in those preposterous rumors as they helped bolster his image and sell records. Lots and lots of records. It might be difficult for many to remember the level of fear and contempt Alice Cooper instilled in parents and adults back in the early to mid-1970’s. Before Rob Zombie or Marilyn Manson, or hell, even the late G.G. Allin graced us with their very own brand of horror and disgust, Alice Cooper was the figurehead of all things immoral and unspeakable. The near sell-out crowd at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater on Friday night sure remember those days. And for one  night, they got to relive the glory of their youthful rebellion spent rallying around the man who helped put the danger and darkness back into a rock ‘n’ roll climate that had been saturated with the peace, love and harmony. Read the rest of this entry »

All photos by Tracy May.

I am a MASSIVE fan of The Killers. I love the Killers like the British love the Beatles. On my most existential days — when boys are infuriating and life in general doesn’t make sense — I can be found driving my car, blasting their music from my stereo, shouting, “You just get it, Brandon Flowers! You just get women!” And my friends know that if I’ve had a lousy day, all it takes to pick me up is a glass of wine and some tunes by the Vegas foursome. They’re all used to me randomly quoting Killers lyrics by now, because damn it, Brandon Flowers (pictured left on bass) does just get it.

I only bring this up because I want to emphasize the trickiness of going to a concert put on by a band that rocks your world. On the one hand, you really want to love it. It would feel sacrilegious not to. On the other, said band has to put on a near-perfect show in order to impress you, because when you’ve listened to their albums countless times, you know exactly how their songs should sound. And you can tell whether they’re really putting their hearts into their performance, or if it’s just another stop on a long, dragging tour.

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Good Charlotte haters — and I know you’re out there — read no further.

I lost my Vegas virginity this summer on a trip with two of my girlfriends.  I learned there is only one problem with staying at the Luxor in June: It’s located just off the strip, so to get to where all the action is, you can walk or take a $20 cab ride. We never opted to walk off the prior night’s margaritas.

I was taking in the sights as our cab made its way downtown. In what I now believe to be divine intervention, we hit a red light in front of the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. The hotel’s electronic ticker boasted current promotions and events — hotel bargains, dining deals, Saturday night’s birthday bash for some celebrity I’d never heard of. And then I read something that excited me more than I’d like to admit: “Joel Madden DJing TONIGHT at Club Privé.”

I broke our silence with a noise that can only be compared to someone gasping for their first breath of air after being brought back from the dead. Startled, my friend Kellie asked, “What is it?”

“Oh my GOD, you guys! Joel Madden is going to be at Privé tonight!” I shrieked like a 15-year-old teeny bopper at, well, a Good Charlotte concert. “We have GOT to go there!”

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Stryker Vawn, the XXX fetish tag-team from Austin, Texas, will perform for an intimate crowd at the VIP Dungeon Show, Saturday Sept. 26. The leather clad Stryker and perpetually topless Vawn, took a break from whipping and prodding each other on stage to bare it all to CL.

-How would you describe a Stryker Vawn performance?

2 parts burlesque, finely chopped

1 part Vaudeville, peeled and pressed

6 parts perversion, stewed in sex butter

3 parts fantasy, drizzled with honey

1 part fury, ground coarsely

Mix contents vigorously in your mind until creamy thick.

-Do relatives know about your alter egos?

YES. When we first started, there was always a family member in the audience. They think we are weird but accept us for doing what we enjoy.

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I can’t think of another game that combines the utterly familiar with the intricately unique as well as The Beatles: Rock Band. The Fab Four’s music transcends fame, and everyone knows it (whether from growing up with it, discovering it as classic rock in their youth or hearing it in commercials). The game play is straight forward, Rock Band/Guitar Hero rhythm game stuff, modified only enough to make it more accessible and fun for new players. The resulting product may never be repeated. With it’s dedication to historical detail, its treasure trove of behind the scenes pictures and rare footage and its stunning visuals, this game celebrates The Beatles with every pixel. What other band’s story offers such a journey? What other band’s music has had such impact? What other band deserves such a great game?

The game’s Story Mode offers a glossy, cartoonish, and utterly engaging overview of The Beatles’ storied career. Divided into chronological stages representing different performance venues and recording sessions, The Beatles: Rock Band gives players all the highlights and none of the controversy. As musical history unfolds on screen in rhythm to your button presses and strum-bar clacks, it’s hard to imagine someone not coming away impressed or even moved by the Beatles’ evolution as both pop culture icons and rock and roll musicians. With each stage, the Beatle avatars change, from suit-wearing teen idol youngsters to bearded 60’s icons. The early sections feature the band in famous performance venues like the dingy Cavern where they got their start or Shea Stadium where they played for tens of thousands. Afterwards they move into a series of Abbey Road studio sessions, and players are treated to trippy, dream-like interpretations of songs like Yellow Submarine and I Am the Walrus. Of course it all comes to an end on the roof of Apple Corps. (A video preview of the game after the jump.) Read the rest of this entry »

Have Gun, Will Travel (pictured below), Matt Butcher, John Ralston, and Mike Dunn & The Kings of New England created a mini-Americana fest at New World Brewery this past Friday, September 11, a show brought to you by New Granada Presents.

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Mary’s open suitcase lay flat on her bed, empty as the thoughts in her mind. He’d left three messages on her machine just that day alone. The light on the machine blinked incessantly, matching the pounding inside her chest. It was a situation she could no longer avoid dealing with. The ringing phone could be ignored but soon enough, she knew he’d be at her porch door. Then she’d finally have to let him know which way her decision swayed. Read the rest of this entry »

Sex and rock ‘n’ roll go hand in hand, and when it comes to rockin’ and lovin’, no one does it better than The Boss. Any number of Bruce Springsteen albums will send you zooming off in your car to the nearest body of water, to put your hands all over your lover’s engine.  Below are the Rabid One’s Top 5 Sex in Springsteen Songs. Read the rest of this entry »

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Get your very first taste of what is expected to be the beginning of some great changes in St.Petersburg. The newest party, G.L.A.S.S, begins 9.9.09 and will run every Wednesday night from 10-2 a.m. at Vintage Ultra lounge. The party will feature a variety of entertainment and interaction, and of course, most importantly, great dance-able music all night.

Two really exciting elements: Designer Go-Go Statues, in which two go-go-dancers/models will be outfitted weekly by local designers, and a Performance Art Cabaret showcasing local talent from around the bay. There will be ongoing drink specials, in addition to a “Wheel-O-Specials,” which will determine a new drink special every 30 minutes, and there will be giveaways from local businesses.
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Vieux Farka Touré’s father, the late, great Malian musician Ali Farka Touré forbade his son from becoming a musician; he didn’t want Vieux to have to deal with the same problems he’d endured through his career. Instead, Ali encouraged him to become a soldier. In the end, music won out as Vieux was always drawn to it.

After listening to a track or two, you’ll realize he made the right decision.

Vieux grew up in Niafunké (located in the Sahara desert) and the Malian capital Bamako, where learned to play percussion, calabash (a dried gourd drum) and drums, in spite of his father’s opposition. Beginning in 1999, Vieux studied guitar at the National Arts Institute in Bamako. During this time, he become a local celebrity who wrote his own music and performed energetic, stylistic live shows — proof that he is his father’s son.

Soon after, he became part of the back-up group for Toumani Diabaté, who urged Ali to finally give his son his blessing and encourage his musical talent. During this time, Vieux further developed his stage presence and gained valuable international experience. Read the rest of this entry »

It’s been a year-and-a-half since Athens-Atlanta band The Shut-Ups played Atlanta. As their set neared, Kavarna — laid-back coffee joint by day, music venue by night — filled up with excited fans, friends and family. As the five-piece band took the stage clad in their trademark dress suits, silence ensued and the onlookers’ lips curved into anticipatory smiles. What could the audience expect from the fun witty, upbeat band? Read the rest of this entry »

Eccentric and uber-funny English and German art punk/wave band Art Brut are named after French painter Jean Dubuffet’s definition of outsider art: art made without thought to imitation or presentation by prisoners, loners, the mentally ill, and other marginalized citizens.

Art brut is fronted by “Top of the Pops” fan Eddie Argos (vocals), and is currently rounded out by Jasper Future (guitar), Ian Catskilkin (guitar), Frederica Feedback (bass), and Mikey Breyer (drums). Legend states that they began writing songs five minutes after they formed.

The band, contemporaries of acts like Franz Ferdinand and Bloc Party, formed in 2003. Blender Magazine soon described them as the best unsigned group in the UK. The band released their first LP in 2005, Bang Bang Rock and Roll, and it’s follow up, It’s a Bit Complicated, in 2007. Read the rest of this entry »

Counting Crows frontman Adam Duritz; all photos by Tracy May.

As much as the Violent Femmes spoke to me as an angst/hormone riddled teenager, August And Everything After spoke to me as a 20-year-old manchild struggling to find my way in an adult’s world. Over the years, Counting Crows and I have grown and matured together, and as a result I’ve never been ashamed to admit that I am, indeed, a Counting Crows fan. That said, until Monday night, I’d never seen the band live, so when Creative Loafing needed someone to cover the show, I jumped at the opportunity.

The warnings were sent out weeks in advance: this show was structured differently and you needed to be in your seat by 7 p.m., else you’d be missing the show. My brother and I complied by getting there at 6:15 p.m. and pounding $6 whiskeys until the loud speakers said we had 5 minutes ’til showtime. Read the rest of this entry »

Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview up-and-coming arts events to mark your calendar for. Today’s edition is a super NOVA event (I had to go there) — that combines the worlds of fashion, art and music in one bumpin’ shebang.

A fantastic fusion of couture art, music and fashion collide at the Some Like It Hot show next weekend in St. Pete. Art by Will Stryffler and Allen Hampton (whose intricate, large-scale drawings are rendered in pig’s blood) is sure to draw the indie crowd in droves. Throw in lingerie-clad models working the room in designs by Rhonda Shear, a RENO BEACH bikini fashion show by Nikki Valentine, and Reda Raven rounding out the offerings to the fashion gods, and you’ve got whole new mix of haute hags and drags added to the mix. Top the whole thing off with bumpin’ blends by DJ BC, and it looks like NOVA knows how to throw one hell of an explosive party. (Pictured: untitled (Birth of the Ataxian Mongrel), blood on paper, by Allen Hampton)Fri., Aug. 21, 8 p.m.-2 a.m., NOVA 535 Art Lounge, 535 Ninth St. N., St. Petersburg, $10 ages 21 and up, $20 ages 18-20, nova535.com. – Franki Weddington