Friday, May 29, 2009
Sunday To-Do: 'Hot Springs Music Festival'
HOT SPRINGS MUSIC FESTIVAL
6:45 p.m., Arlington Hotel. $5-$125.
Now in its 14th season, the Hot Springs Music Festival continues to pair musician mentors from respected orchestras, conservatory faculties and the like with promising pre-professional musicians, all of whom receive full scholarships and housing for the two-week festival. The two groups, playing side-by-side, offer 20 concerts and more than 250 rehearsals open to the public. This year the theme is “Sound and Fury.” The highlights include an English-language production of Peter Brook's re-staging of Bizet's “The Tragedy of Carmen,” an orchestral performance of Ravel's “Daphnis and Chloe Suite No. 2” and a joint performance, by the orchestra and festival chorus, of Mendelssohn's “The First Walpurgis Night.” The festival runs through June 13 in downtown Hot Springs. A limited number of season passes are available for $125. Otherwise, single concert tickets range from $5-$25. The complete schedule is available at www.hotmusic.org.
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Saturday To-Do: Jimbo Mathus
JIMBO MATHUS
10 p.m., White Water Tavern. $10.
Clarksdale-born Jimbo Mathus makes “Mississippi music,” he says. “I keep the old stories alive while they help keep me alive.” Luther Dickinson, of the North Mississippi Allstars and the Black Crowes, once did Mathus one better when he described him as a link in “the ‘crazy Mississippi white-boy' chain of music that goes all the way back through Elvis Presley to Jimmie Rogers … white musicians playing black music and influencing people in both cultures.” Most, however, probably remember Jimbo as the cheeky front man of the swing revival act Squirrel Nut Zippers. After a five-year hiatus, that band reunited to tour in 2007 (it'll appear at the Mulberry Mountain Music Festival near Ozark in August). But since the early 2000s, Mathus has been busy with his own projects. He's toured with Pine Bluff's CeDell Davis, served as musical director for Buddy Guy, recorded Elvis Costello in his Delta Recording Service studio in Clarksdale and released a host of records, moving easily between swamp rock, country and the acoustic blues. His latest, “Jimmy the Kid,” stretches across all those genres. Live, it's bound to sound like an ideal soundtrack for White Water Tavern.
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Saturday To-Do: Charlie Daniels Band
"Ho, ho, ho, you commie bastards."
THE CHARLIE DANIELS BAND
7 p.m., Timberwood Amphitheater, Magic Springs and Crystal Falls. $35.99-$60.99.
Did Riverfest whet your appetite for massive crowds, nostalgia-driven concerts, funnel cakes and people misguidedly not wearing shirts? From Saturday through the end of August, Magic Springs and Crystal Falls hosts a weekly concert series every Saturday in its Timberwood Amphitheater that will help you re-experience that festive feeling. For just park admission — or $10 more if you want a reserved seat or $15 for a VIP seat — you can finish a day of water-parking or ride riding at concerts by everyone from Colbie Caillat (June 13) to Three Dog Night (Aug. 29). The series kicks off with a Southern institution, the Charlie Daniels Band. At 72 and looking more and more like Santa Claus with every passing year, the fiddle-playing Southern rocker has emerged, particularly in the last decade, as a right-wing firebrand, advocating for a stringent immigration policy, arguing that global warming is a myth and regularly railing against the “gonadless politicians” in Washington.
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The Weekend: Cool Shoes, g-force, 'Coppelia Ballet,' Revfest and more
FRIDAY 5/29
Cool Shoes celebrates its one-year anniversary with DJ sets and performances by all the folks above. It's 18 and above again, 10 p.m., $5.
Local DJ king g-force gets butts on the floor at the Peabody RiverTop Party, 8 p.m., $5.
Horrorcore heroes Twiztid headline at Juanita's with Boondox, Prozac and Potluck, 9 p.m., $17 adv., $20 d.o.s.
From Denton, the Eli Young Band blends country and modern rock at Revolution, 9 p.m., $10 adv., $12 d.o.s.
SATURDAY 5/30
At the Arkansas Arts Center, Arkansas Festival Ballet presents the “Coppelia Ballet,” a 19th-century ballet about a doll maker and his doll that comes to life, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., $15-$25 (with an encore on Sunday, same place, same price, at 2 p.m.).
“Girls Night Out Vol. III,” at Revolution, features DJ sets by Ewell, Jared and Sleepy Genius and appearances by Vivid girls Hanna Hilton and Megan Malone, 8 p.m., ladies free, $10 for guys.
Ace Spade and the Whores of Babylon host their annual “Ho Bash” costume party and lingerie show at Downtown Music, 8 p.m., $6.
SUNDAY 5/31
RevFest, at Revolution, features a host of alt-rock and metal acts that were scheduled to play at rained-out Edgefest. That includes Wishtribe, Underclaire, Bombay Black, Altus Pocket, A Plea for Mercy, Spinning Jenny, Rusty Hook, A Darkened Era, Dark from Day One and McCuin, 3 p.m., $6. Plus, the Jager Girls, Jester Girls and Go Go Revolution Girls will be in the building.
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Your opportunity to do the Halle Berry at Alltel scuttled
Halle Berry, celebrating her anthem, courtesy of Hurricane Chris.
The latest consequence of the recession: Your good time. Hurricane Chris, Pleasure P, 8ball and MJG and dozens of other hip-hop-ish artists will not be coming to Alltel as part of "Summer Jam," co-sponsored by Alice 107.7 and Power 92.
Here's the official statement:
Due to circumstances beyond their control in this present economy, Citadel Broadcasting is canceling their Summer Jam concert scheduled for June 19th, 2009 at Alltel Arena.
They do appreciate your cooperation and commitment over the years to this event and are looking forward to next year, as they will continue with their Summer Jam event.
Tickets for this event can be refunded at the original point of purchase.
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Friday To-Do: The See EP release show
Check out the See in the latest Rock Candy Presents video on our home page player.
THE SEE
10 p.m., Sticky Fingerz.
There are few, if any, new local bands with as much buzz surrounding them as the See. Formed last summer by Tyler Nance (drums), Joe Yoder (vocals) and Dylan Yelenich (bass/keyboard), the trio's built its reputation on steady gigging and a sturdy, infectious brand of indie rock that recalls power trios of yore. You know, back before everything got all twee and feely. Or went disco. In other words, the See offers the right mix of dissonance and melody, features a drummer who beats the hell out of his kit (not long ago that meant he spent the last song of the band's set standing up) and a bassist/keyboardist who plays meaty riffs and typically bounces around the stage like he's having a seizure. Plus, lead singer Yoder — tall, broad-shouldered, with short hair, a beard and severe eyes — looks kind of like an evil Russian wrestler and isn't afraid to fist pump unironically. Paired with big, earnest vocals, that helps give everything an epic, anthemic quality. All the qualities we've come to expect in the band live come across in its fine new EP, “Bars of Gold.” Its release is the reason for the show. Stella Fancy and Big Boots open.
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Thursday, May 28, 2009
Thursday: Magpies, Thrones and more
The Magpies.
On the strength of dozens of performances at White Water, the twangy rock 'n' roll act the Magpies has developed a fan base in Little Rock that might rival the one in its hometown of Cleveland, 9 p.m., $5; at White Water.
One man-band Thrones features Joe Preston, a multi-instrumentalist who's played with Earth, Sun 0))) and the Melvins. He and local noise rockers Ginsu Wives and Pallbearer share the bill at Downtown Music, 8 p.m., $8.
The Pope County Bootleggers, from Little Rock and Fayetteville, mix shades of bluegrass, old time and country at Satellite, 9 p.m., free.
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Thursday To-Do: Static X
STATIC X
7 p.m., Village, $20 adv., $25 d.o.s.
Self-described as “evil disco,” industrial metal heavyweights Static X haven't lost momentum since their 1998 debut “Wisconsin Death Trip,” which reached platinum status in 2001. With six studio albums, one compilation, one EP, 12 singles, 12 videos and a guitar anthology book, the band is touring behind two-month-old album “Cult of Static.” In a cool nod to its fanbase, founding member, lead vocalist, guitarist, keyboardist and programmer Wayne Static has said, “The ‘cult' part of the title is not to be taken in any religious manner. I am referring to and giving respect to the loyalty of all you good people that have supported us through the years.” With hardcore acts Bury Your Dead, Seventh Void (with two Type O-negative members) and thrashers Dirge sharing the bill, you've gotta believe the loyalists will be out in force.
—Paul Peterson
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Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Wednesday: Cowboy Mouth, Pope County Bootleggers, Shawn Lee and more
New Orleans rockers Cowboy Mouth come to Revolution, 8:30 p.m., $12, 18 and up.
At the Afterthought, the Pope County Bootleggers blend shades of bluegrass, folk and rock'n'roll, 8 p.m., $5.
Literate local rockers Dog Gods come to White Water Tavern, 9 p.m., $5.
From 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Cool Shoes co-founder Shawn Lee offers "indie electro disco fidget house techno dance music" at Deep, free for ladies, $5 for everybody else.
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Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Tuesday: Patrick Sweany and more
If you missed Ohio-based guitar whiz Patrick Sweany at Riverfest, or you caught him and want more, he's at White Water tonight, 10 p.m., $3-$5 suggested donation.
Or Carl Mouton leads a jam session at the Afterthought, 8 p.m., free.
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Last night: Anvil Live!
Anvil somewhere else, but similarly live.
'Anvil! The Story of Anvil'
Market Street Cinema, May 25
Anvil was a band I read about constantly in music rags during the early to mid-1980s, but never actually heard on record or saw live. But after viewing the trailer for “Anvil! The Story of Anvil” at least 512 times, I was determined to remedy that.
I doubt so many musicians have ever arrived so far in advance to their own or each other's gigs, much less scored advance tickets, but a slew of them, as well as studio gurus, bar personnel and a pack of kids squeezed into Market Street to see the rockumentary and a live encore from the band.
Director Sacha Gervasi, who was a roadie at age 16 for the Canadian metal pioneers, lends the entire project an authentic foundation, which he builds upon through anecdotes from prominent cronies of the band like members of Metallica, Slayer and Anthrax. But the heart of the movie comes courtesy of founding members Steve “Lips” Kudlow and Robb Reiner, who, 25 years after the big break that never came, refuse to say quit.
After the film, just watching Kudlow and Reiner, who just moments before, had borne their souls, stroll the isle toward their gear with mile-wide grins was almost enough of an encore. But there was metal. The boys can still play. Ludlow’s pipes were strong and confident, Reiner’s drumming was straight from the clinic, and Glenn Five, Anvil bassist of 15 years, noodled like a humming freight train.
Only two setbacks come to mind. Maybe three, if ticket availability counts (a lot of latecomers were left out of the fun). With a drum set on a hard floor in a room surround by speakers, the wires beneath Reiner’s snare drum reverberated with every syllable of dialogue. The problem was, however, remedied. And unless you were in the first five rows, it was a mug shot-only view unless Ludlow happened to be patrolling the isles and shredding his guitar. But the sound was incredibly well-mixed and executed.
Thanking us for their realized dreams, Ludlow said in between numbers, “This is just too cool. I remember going to the theater as a kid and thinking to myself, ‘Man, I’d love to play here someday.’”
—Paul Peterson
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Monday, May 25, 2009
Monday To-Do: 'Anvil: The Story of Anvil'
MONDAY 5/25
‘ANVIL: THE STORY OF ANVIL'
7 p.m., Market Street Cinema, $8.
Don't think you have to be a heavy metal or documentary fan to appreciate this testament to human spirit, perseverance and determination. Since its Sundance premiere last year, this rockumentary has been hailed as one of the greatest rock films ever made. As an added bonus, this special viewing will be followed by a three-song set by the band in the flesh. Filmmaker Sacha Gervasi, known largely as the screenwriter for Steven Spielberg's “The Terminal,” was a roadie at age 16 for these Canadian metal pioneers, who are widely cited as major influences for bands such as Metallica, Slayer and Anthrax. Fast forward 35 years and Gervasi discovers that founding members lead vocalist Steve “Lips” Kudlow and drummer Robb Reiner never quit the band they founded together at age 14, and are still chasing an elusive dream while juggling jobs, families and adult responsibilities. Camera in tow, Gervasi documents the band's attempt at a European tour, complete with empty halls, missed trains and unpaid gigs, while capturing the sentiments of wives, children, fans, roadies and all who come in contact with the two warriors who refuse to acquiesce to a dream that's fading fast, but still might have life in it. With cold beer and wine available, it's hard to pass on such an opportunity.
—Paul Peterson
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Sunday, May 24, 2009
Sunday To-Do: 'Heavy Metal'
‘HEAVY METAL'
9 p.m., Downtown Music. $3.
For a certain set of folks who grew up in the '80s, this was the film to watch on psychedelics with a crew of buddies when someone's folks were out of town for the weekend. For the uninitiated, here's the gist: five short stories served with generous portions of animated graphic violence, nudity, sexuality and comedy and anchored by one of the greatest soundtracks ever recorded. The voice cast includes John Candy, Harold Ramis and Eugene Levy, and the soundtrack features Sammy Hagar, Cheap Trick, Black Sabbath, Nazareth and Devo. If you've never seen animated alien co-pilots (Candy and Ramis) whiff a space-sized rail of galactic cocaine (“Man, that's some great Nyborg”) and then argue over who gets to drive, (“Man, if it's one thing I know how to do, it's drive when I'm stoned”), now's your chance. There'll be 50-cent drafts, $2 well drinks, $3.50 pitchers and half-price food specials at Downtown Music on Sunday, too.
—Paul Peterson
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Riverfest Sunday: Rain or shine
The show goes on. The gates are open. Volunteers are expected to come out. But all main stage performances, at least until the head liners, beginning with Tone Loc at 4 p.m., have been cancelled. The Arkansas Tent is, as of now, scheduled to stay open. Organizers will update cancellations at 3 p.m.
UPDATE: No sweeping cancellations yet. Headliners and fireworks are still a go. I'll post if anything changes.
UPDATE II: The Symphony is cancelled. Tone Loc was scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. and Heads of State, Flyleaf, Little River Band, 3 Doors Down and the fireworks are still a go.
UPDATE III: Flyleaf is now scheduled to perform at 8 p.m. on the Bud Light (Clinton Center) stage.
UPDATE IV: Little River Band is cancelled. The fireworks are now scheduled for 8:30 p.m.
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Riverfest Saturday recap
Buddy Guy. Photo by Brian Chilson.
I didn't get the full Riverfest experience on Saturday. There was sleeping and then gardening to do, and I only caught Velvet Kente, who did, indeed, sound like they should be playing big stages all the time and Patrick Sweany, who probably won some Buddy Guy fans over with his guitar work and blue-eyed soul. I missed, stupidly I'm sure, Buddy Guy perform, but John Williams was on the scene and promises to offer a recap.
UPDATE: As promised, from John Williams:
Buddy Guy has an apparent disdain for musicians who ape the blues. Witness these incidents from his Riverfest performance last night:
1. He mocked “all those British guys” – namely “the Cream” – who stole licks from Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana. Then, as if to show how easy it is, he played from “Sunshine of Your Love.”
2. He ripped into a version of Jimi Hendrix’s “Voodoo Chile,” during which he picked his guitar with his teeth.
3. He started playing his instrument with a drumstick – a bit of a poke at Jimmy Page for stroking his guitar with a bow.
Now, maybe all this spleen was really an act, Guy’s attempt to cement his authenticity with an audience that was presumably there to see the real deal. Guy has a professional relationship with Eric Clapton, after all. The warmth and humor in his performance suggested that he’s not all that mad at blues imitators.
Whatever his motives, Guy interacted with his audience more than any performer I’ve seen in awhile. He didn’t go so far as to take requests, but he was undoubtedly out to please. He gave numerous shout-outs to Little Rock, and at one point went on a romp through the crowd that led him and his guitar to the rear of the corndog stand at stage right.
One prominent criticism of Guy’s live act is that he has a sort of performance ADD – he will interrupt himself mid-song to make a joke or a comment. That tendency was certainly on display last night. Besides the aforementioned jabs at Clapton and the gang, he gave something of a musical lecture by launching spontaneously into John Lee Hooker’s “Boom Boom.” Yet that spontaneity was what made the concert delightful to watch. Not all of Guy’s own material was top-notch – “Skin Deep,” a paean to the unity of man, left me rather cold – but the energy with which he approached it more than compensated.
The highlight of my night was the American Princes' Riverfest party at Revolution. They did 30 different '90s covers, ranging from Pavement (David Slade wore a "Who the fuck is Stephen Malkmus" t-shirt) to Presidents of the United States of America (Luke sang lead, appropriately enough with lyrics like "Is this lump out of my head? I think so"). It was huge fun. I'll try to post the set list later. Gerard was there with the flip cam and managed to grab a bit of the Pumpkins' "1979."
More pics from Brian Chilson below.
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