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Saturday, January 31, 2009 - 11:43:00
Velvet Kente takes round 1
.joshua and Velvet Kente. Photo by Brian Chilson.
Hundreds packed into Sticky Fingerz last night for the kickoff of the Arkansas Times Musicians Showcase. We gave away things, spent a lot of time talking about all things equine, danced, shook tambourines, ate delicious chicken fingers and saw four bands give really inspired performances. All the acts—Frown Pow'r, Velvet Kente, Magic Hassle and Jordan Atwater—got serious crowd love. But as much as the love was spread, our judges judged and Velvet Kente came out on top.
Here's what they had to say about they had to say about our first round winner:
"Velvet Kente grabs your attention constantly with their perfect sound and song structure. This band pulls from all genres of music. Delivers a punch! Top notch musicianship!"
Guest Judge Joey Lucas
"Gritty, passionate, soulful, believable, emotional, powerful. Joshua's voice commands the room. Much different stylistically than I remember from another show of theirs. More refined, controlled. A band I want to see again. Joshua is charismatic, physical and supremely talented. Brilliant lead guitarist."
Nicole Boddington
"Wow. Red electricity. Rich with artistry and sincerity. Perfect pace—they never drag and don't waste a second."
"Love the drummer! Actually the whole band is nice and solid. Great vocals, super smooth grooves. Overall very slick and tight sound, but still organic."
Jason Tedford
"Future Showcase bands, be aware, Velvet Kente set a very high standard."
Jason Weinheimer
Here's what they had to say about they had to say about our first round winner:
"Velvet Kente grabs your attention constantly with their perfect sound and song structure. This band pulls from all genres of music. Delivers a punch! Top notch musicianship!"
Guest Judge Joey Lucas
"Gritty, passionate, soulful, believable, emotional, powerful. Joshua's voice commands the room. Much different stylistically than I remember from another show of theirs. More refined, controlled. A band I want to see again. Joshua is charismatic, physical and supremely talented. Brilliant lead guitarist."Nicole Boddington
"Wow. Red electricity. Rich with artistry and sincerity. Perfect pace—they never drag and don't waste a second."
607
"Love the drummer! Actually the whole band is nice and solid. Great vocals, super smooth grooves. Overall very slick and tight sound, but still organic."
Jason Tedford
"Future Showcase bands, be aware, Velvet Kente set a very high standard."
Jason Weinheimer
More thoughts on the first round when I get tired of laying in the sun.
Friday, January 30, 2009 - 17:04:06
Saturday To-Do: Lippizzaner Stallions
LIPPIZZANER STALLIONS
2 p.m., 7 p.m., Alltel Arena. $24.25-$31.25.
Even though the horses are out of the gate at Oaklawn, expect plenty of equine lovers to turn out for the annual return of the World Famous Lippizzaner Stallions. From highly-controlled, stylized jumps to other movements known as the “airs above the ground,” their liveliness and grace promise to astound. The Lipizzan breed dates back to the 16th century, when it was developed with the support of the Hapsurg nobility, and the ancestors of the Lipizzan can be traced to approximately A.D. 800. By the 16th century, when the Hapsburgs ruled both Spain and Austria, a powerful but agile horse was desired for both military use and for use in the fashionable and rapidly-growing riding schools for the nobility of central Europe. Today, the principles taught at the Spanish Riding School are based on practices taught to calvary riders to prepare their horses for warfare. Horse lovers will certainly want take advantage of the opportunity to witness this rare and valuable breed when the stallions perform at Alltel Arena.
2 p.m., 7 p.m., Alltel Arena. $24.25-$31.25.
Even though the horses are out of the gate at Oaklawn, expect plenty of equine lovers to turn out for the annual return of the World Famous Lippizzaner Stallions. From highly-controlled, stylized jumps to other movements known as the “airs above the ground,” their liveliness and grace promise to astound. The Lipizzan breed dates back to the 16th century, when it was developed with the support of the Hapsurg nobility, and the ancestors of the Lipizzan can be traced to approximately A.D. 800. By the 16th century, when the Hapsburgs ruled both Spain and Austria, a powerful but agile horse was desired for both military use and for use in the fashionable and rapidly-growing riding schools for the nobility of central Europe. Today, the principles taught at the Spanish Riding School are based on practices taught to calvary riders to prepare their horses for warfare. Horse lovers will certainly want take advantage of the opportunity to witness this rare and valuable breed when the stallions perform at Alltel Arena.
Saturday To-Do: Dirty Dozen Brass Band
DIRTY DOZEN BRASS BAND
8:30 p.m., Revolution. $12 adv., $15 d.o.s.
The Crescent City is known for harvesting its own flavor of swamp-boogie funk, voodoo blues and traditional Dixieland jazz roots. But combine those three and the result is truly original. I saw the Dirty Dozen Brass Band open for the Black Crowes at Robinson in 1995, then at a glorified juke joint-ish venue in Portland, Maine, two years later and this much is true: They'll inject a shot of groove straight into a venue and turn it into a rump-shaking festival. Even though there are only nine members in its lineup, the band sounds like a full-bore marching platoon from the moment it launches into the opening number, which often is the title track to its 1984 debut album “My Feet Can't Fail Me Now.” Established in 1977, DDBB revolutionized the New Orleans brass band style by incorporating funk and bebop, and has been a major influence on the majority of New Orleans brass bands since. If you want three decades of culture, history and badass Big Easy sounds rolled up and twisted tight, make plans for this one. Support act Fundamental Elements opens the 18-and-up show.
—Paul Peterson
8:30 p.m., Revolution. $12 adv., $15 d.o.s.
The Crescent City is known for harvesting its own flavor of swamp-boogie funk, voodoo blues and traditional Dixieland jazz roots. But combine those three and the result is truly original. I saw the Dirty Dozen Brass Band open for the Black Crowes at Robinson in 1995, then at a glorified juke joint-ish venue in Portland, Maine, two years later and this much is true: They'll inject a shot of groove straight into a venue and turn it into a rump-shaking festival. Even though there are only nine members in its lineup, the band sounds like a full-bore marching platoon from the moment it launches into the opening number, which often is the title track to its 1984 debut album “My Feet Can't Fail Me Now.” Established in 1977, DDBB revolutionized the New Orleans brass band style by incorporating funk and bebop, and has been a major influence on the majority of New Orleans brass bands since. If you want three decades of culture, history and badass Big Easy sounds rolled up and twisted tight, make plans for this one. Support act Fundamental Elements opens the 18-and-up show.
—Paul Peterson
The Weekend: Art on Tap, 'The White Party,' Rwake, the See, Riverboat Crime and more
Riverboat Crime.
FRIDAY 1/30
In case you somehow missed the nine jillion blogs and stories about it, the ARKANSAS TIMES MUSICIANS SHOWCASE kicks off tonight! With Velvet Kente, Frown Pow'r, Magic Hassle and Jordan Atwater, 9 p.m., $5. It's a guaranteed good time.
At the Art Center, "Art on Tap: Last Call for Warhol" bids farewell to the exhibit even though its been extended for three weeks. Booze, food. 6 p.m., $15-$25.
Down the street, Revolution hosts “The White Party,” where everyone dresses in white, Cupid's supplies go-go dancers and there's a big balloon drop at the end of the night. Fittingly, DJ Icey headlines, 8 p.m., $10 adv., $15 d.o.s.
At the Afterthought, Runaway Planet pick and grin, 9 p.m., $7.
SATURDAY 1/31
At Sticky Fingerz, Colourmusic, who self-identify as “hardcore and a little Oklahoma Sex Rock,” lead a bill that includes local rockers Riverboat Crime and Midwest Caravan, 9 p.m., $5.
The upwardly mobile get down at the Statehouse Convention Center for "Saints and Sinners," 6 p.m., $300-$3000.
At Downtown Music, North Little Rock's sludge metal kings Rwake perform with Black Blood Division, A Hanging and Queen Beast, 8 p.m., $6.
At Vino's buzzy local rockers (and Showcase semi-finalists) the See shares a bill with Har Megiddo , 9 p.m., $6.
Singer/songwriter Adam Hambrick performs at Juanita's with Myla Smith, 9:30 p.m., $7.
At Crush, local R&B vocalist J-One and his band Funky Logic provide a soundtrack, with DJ Tenslim, for a lingerie show, 8 p.m., $5.
In case you somehow missed the nine jillion blogs and stories about it, the ARKANSAS TIMES MUSICIANS SHOWCASE kicks off tonight! With Velvet Kente, Frown Pow'r, Magic Hassle and Jordan Atwater, 9 p.m., $5. It's a guaranteed good time.
At the Art Center, "Art on Tap: Last Call for Warhol" bids farewell to the exhibit even though its been extended for three weeks. Booze, food. 6 p.m., $15-$25.
Down the street, Revolution hosts “The White Party,” where everyone dresses in white, Cupid's supplies go-go dancers and there's a big balloon drop at the end of the night. Fittingly, DJ Icey headlines, 8 p.m., $10 adv., $15 d.o.s.
At the Afterthought, Runaway Planet pick and grin, 9 p.m., $7.
SATURDAY 1/31
At Sticky Fingerz, Colourmusic, who self-identify as “hardcore and a little Oklahoma Sex Rock,” lead a bill that includes local rockers Riverboat Crime and Midwest Caravan, 9 p.m., $5.
The upwardly mobile get down at the Statehouse Convention Center for "Saints and Sinners," 6 p.m., $300-$3000.
At Downtown Music, North Little Rock's sludge metal kings Rwake perform with Black Blood Division, A Hanging and Queen Beast, 8 p.m., $6.
At Vino's buzzy local rockers (and Showcase semi-finalists) the See shares a bill with Har Megiddo , 9 p.m., $6.
Singer/songwriter Adam Hambrick performs at Juanita's with Myla Smith, 9:30 p.m., $7.
At Crush, local R&B vocalist J-One and his band Funky Logic provide a soundtrack, with DJ Tenslim, for a lingerie show, 8 p.m., $5.
Weekend To-Do: 'Looking Over the President's Shoulder'
Lawrence Hamilton stars.
"LOOKING OVER THE PRESIDENT'S SHOULDER"
8 p.m., the Rep. $20-$35.
In what's surely the most anticipated theater debut of the season, “Looking Over the President's Shoulder” opens Friday at the Rep. The one-man show, starring one of Arkansas's favorite sons, Lawrence Hamilton, and directed by Rep vet Gilbert McCauley (“Fences,” “The Piano Lesson,” both starring Hamilton), tells a story that's especially appropriate in this new era, in which a black man occupies the White House. It's the true story of Alonzo Fields, an educated African-American who had dreams of becoming a concert vocalist, but instead became a manservant in the White House for two decades and four presidencies, from 1931 to 1953.
It's a story not just of the tension between aspiration (to sing) and expectation (to be virtually mute on the job), but also of a man who, McCauley says, “radiated a real grace” amidst the drama of the White House — the politics, the crises, the racism — and a man who had a surfeit of self-respect and found worth in his work.
The play, written by James Still, begins on Fields' last day of work as he waits for a bus across the street from the White House. Fields kept a diary — it was the basis for a memoir, “My 21 Years in the White House” — and the play is framed around him flipping through it, recalling his experiences.
8 p.m., the Rep. $20-$35.
In what's surely the most anticipated theater debut of the season, “Looking Over the President's Shoulder” opens Friday at the Rep. The one-man show, starring one of Arkansas's favorite sons, Lawrence Hamilton, and directed by Rep vet Gilbert McCauley (“Fences,” “The Piano Lesson,” both starring Hamilton), tells a story that's especially appropriate in this new era, in which a black man occupies the White House. It's the true story of Alonzo Fields, an educated African-American who had dreams of becoming a concert vocalist, but instead became a manservant in the White House for two decades and four presidencies, from 1931 to 1953.
It's a story not just of the tension between aspiration (to sing) and expectation (to be virtually mute on the job), but also of a man who, McCauley says, “radiated a real grace” amidst the drama of the White House — the politics, the crises, the racism — and a man who had a surfeit of self-respect and found worth in his work.
The play, written by James Still, begins on Fields' last day of work as he waits for a bus across the street from the White House. Fields kept a diary — it was the basis for a memoir, “My 21 Years in the White House” — and the play is framed around him flipping through it, recalling his experiences.
Video: Cool Shoes
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Go to the video player on our main page, or go to the multimedia page and click entertainment, and you'll find a new video about the much-buzzed about monthly dance party, Cool Shoes.
Pittsburgh college peeved at Grisham
John Grisham's new novel, "The Associate," (surely, there's a John Grisham title generator out there somewhere) came out on Tuesday. I'm sure you've all read it twice and cast the inevitable film adaptation in your head by now (too late, it's already cast). But some are not so enthusiastic. Officials from Pittsburgh's Duquesne University are far from pleased that a central plot element places a drunken gang rape scene at the school.
Grisham, ever the researcher, offered this as an explanation for the setting to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Grisham, ever the researcher, offered this as an explanation for the setting to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
In an e-mail yesterday, Mr. Grisham said he chose Duquesne simply because he'd seen the campus once. He said he's been here many times to take in Pirates and Steelers games.
[Via Vulture]Ark. Times Musicians Showcase Round 1: Magic Hassle
Ark. Times Musicians Showcase Round 1: Jordan Atwater
Friday To-Do: Cool Shoes
Friday To-Do: Jonathan Wilkins
Friday To-Do: 'Three Blind Mice'
2009 Musicians Showcase: The Lowdown
Thursday: 'I Shot Andy Warhol,' 'Saints and Sinners' kicks off, Boombox and more
Least beloved 'American Idol' winner to UCA
Thursday To-Do: Pretty Things Peep Show
Thursday To-Do: Weisenheimers
Last Night: AC/DC
Wednesday: Pay what you can at 'Looking Over the President's Shoulder'
Wednesday To-Do: AC/DC
Meet the guest judge: Joey Lucas
AC/DC still on...
Meet the judges: Jason Weinheimer
Meet the judges: Jason Tedford
Meet the judges: 607
Meet the judges: Nicole Boddington
Add to the queue
'Dog of the South' optioned
Five LR shows to clear your calendar for
Saturday To-Do: Drexel and the Bootleggers
Saturday To-Do: Days of the New
Saturday To-Do: Dikki Du and the Zydeco Krewe
Saturday To-Do: The Chill
The Weekend: The Rock's Auto Extravaganza, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Big Boots, Ace Spade and more
Friday To-Do: Damn Bullets
Friday To-Do: Mix Master Mike
Friday To-Do: Rock Street
Friday To-Do: Col. Bruce Hampton and the Quark Alliance
Friday To-Do: Monster Jam
Thursday: 'Basquiat,' Kevin Gordon, Boondogs
UCA student advances on 'American Idol'
'Forrest Gump' retread leads the way in Oscar nominations
Four reasons to plan a trip to NWA
Pazz and jopped
Wednesday To-Do: Harlem Globetrotters
Ben Nichols, on video and in review
'Love Guru' still hated on
Free Candy: 'My President Is Black'
Wednesday and Thursday To-Do: 'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee'
Clark Duke is 'Kick-Ass'
Tuesday To-Do: Inauguration Night
Everybody's doing it
The 2009 Musician's Showcase Semi-Finalists
Monday: The Good Life
Al Bell takes you there
Ben Nichols on NPR
Friday To-Do: Brad Paisley
Friday To-Do: The Gourds
Weekend To-Do: Oaklawn
Friday To-Do: 'Joe Egg'
Trailer gazing: '$5 Cover'
Thursday To-Do: 'Factory Girl'
Thursday: Born of Osiris,
Thursday To-Do: Off Center (and 610) is open
Words and video on David's Pegasus
New record store in Little Rock
Last night: Off Center and 610
Video flyering
Boobtube
Billy Bob and co., debauched
HBO sets date for 'East Bound & Down'
UPDATE: The legacy of Helen Gurley Brown
Wrestling "The Wrestler"
Step your swag up
The Weekend: Jim Mize, the Gillet Coon Supper, Josh the Devil
Friday To-Do: Lucero for Luke
Friday To-Do: Maxx
Friday To-Do: 2nd Friday Art Night
Friday To-Do: Brad Williams and Amy Garland
Initial line-up for Wakarusa a little meh
Friday To-Do: WWE Smackdown
The Unfinished Swan
More from Habig
Thursday To-Do: The Boondogs / The See
Now that we're done with 2008...
Arkansas rap's best hope?
Make plans: Benefit for Luke Hunsicker with Lucero
Off Center
Local book news
RIP, Buddy Habig
Clinton's Stuart Smalley moment
Monday: 'One Ninth'
Monday: The Magpies
Two Ark. connected films deemed worthy of eternal preservation
More lists
Friday To-Do: Jimbo Mathus
Friday To-Do: Lucero
The Weekend: Chucky P, g-force, Chris Denny and more
Thick Syrup begins the year with a podcast
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