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Saturday, February 28, 2009 - 02:19:41
Jonathan Wilkins claims the final spot in the Showcase
And then there were five.
The finals for the Showcase are set.
Jonathan Wilkins, with help from Will Boyd (drums) and Matt Floyd (bass), earned the final spot with an impressive set that showed off his sharp songwriting and deft guitar work. The set went from folk-bouncy to raucous. More in the morning. Or afternoon. Or Sunday.
"No need for frills or gimmicks, a great, solid three piece band."
Guest Judge Brad Williams
"Spirited, soulful performance. Jonathan's a gifted songwriter and guitarist. Boyd and Floyd help take his songs to the next level."
Nicole Boddington
"Americana rock 'n' roll! This is the real deal. Great songwriting. Great musicianship. Who could ask for more?"
Jason Tedford
"Anybody who can put the words "George Michael" and "Chuck E. Cheese" in a song with a straight face has my attention."
Sub judge Isaac Alexander
"Lots of summertime anthems."
607
The finals for the Showcase are set.
Jonathan Wilkins, with help from Will Boyd (drums) and Matt Floyd (bass), earned the final spot with an impressive set that showed off his sharp songwriting and deft guitar work. The set went from folk-bouncy to raucous. More in the morning. Or afternoon. Or Sunday.
"No need for frills or gimmicks, a great, solid three piece band."
Guest Judge Brad Williams
"Spirited, soulful performance. Jonathan's a gifted songwriter and guitarist. Boyd and Floyd help take his songs to the next level."
Nicole Boddington
"Americana rock 'n' roll! This is the real deal. Great songwriting. Great musicianship. Who could ask for more?"
Jason Tedford
"Anybody who can put the words "George Michael" and "Chuck E. Cheese" in a song with a straight face has my attention."
Sub judge Isaac Alexander
"Lots of summertime anthems."
607
Friday, February 27, 2009 - 16:44:21
Review: "The Visual Narrative"
Ariston Jacks.
Ariston Jacks and Susan Williams are African-American artists who have in common substantial talent. Both have stories to tell as well, so HAM has paired them up for an exhibit, “The Visual Narrative,” that will be up through May 10.
Jacks is a painter, and his work is heavy on symbolism, commenting on African-American identity. He isn’t afraid to step away from usual forms, techniques and surfaces, an approach that will serve him well as long as it is not forced. “Visual Narrative” features, for example, his paintings on paper that have been folded like the memorial ribbon now used in various causes — pink for breast cancer, red for aids. Jacks has put the face of Barack Obama in the middle of one ribbon, set against a mosaic of stars, black faces, a dollar bill, portraits of our greater presidents. He’s used a tall thin shadowbox to frame his painting of a man with a hoe. A thought balloon shows the man to be thinking about cotton, or what cotton stands for in his world. The lens of his eyeglasses are painted with a thick, pale polymer that obscures, as glass would, the man’s eyes. He has a halo around his head — a motif that Jacks uses in his portrayal of generations past. Three long paintings — separate but a triptych — combine symbols of American capitalism and African tradition, and Jacks juxtaposes with great effect a pale wash over the hovering symbols against the vivid color of the African-American subjects. His painting “Ill Equipped” shows a black man in shirt and jeans holding a spear.
Susan Williams "Medicine Man."
Williams is a sculptor, and her narratives are told, more often than not, in the tilt of a head, the look in the eye and the movement of an arm. Her “Medicine Man” — for some reason displayed on a pedestal so low you have to get down on the floor to get a good look at it — is a graceful, beautifully sculpted figure of a man moving through the air, dreds flying, body twisting, holding on to some sort of ribbons or sticks. Her female heads are, in some instances, too manikin-pretty but the multi-bunned “Her Majesty” is strong. Her “Smiley Girl,” the head of a pouting child, is wonderfully textured. I’d like to see Williams’ work on a larger scale. It would cost a bundle, no doubt, but the impact would be terrific.
—Leslie Newell Peacock
Jacks is a painter, and his work is heavy on symbolism, commenting on African-American identity. He isn’t afraid to step away from usual forms, techniques and surfaces, an approach that will serve him well as long as it is not forced. “Visual Narrative” features, for example, his paintings on paper that have been folded like the memorial ribbon now used in various causes — pink for breast cancer, red for aids. Jacks has put the face of Barack Obama in the middle of one ribbon, set against a mosaic of stars, black faces, a dollar bill, portraits of our greater presidents. He’s used a tall thin shadowbox to frame his painting of a man with a hoe. A thought balloon shows the man to be thinking about cotton, or what cotton stands for in his world. The lens of his eyeglasses are painted with a thick, pale polymer that obscures, as glass would, the man’s eyes. He has a halo around his head — a motif that Jacks uses in his portrayal of generations past. Three long paintings — separate but a triptych — combine symbols of American capitalism and African tradition, and Jacks juxtaposes with great effect a pale wash over the hovering symbols against the vivid color of the African-American subjects. His painting “Ill Equipped” shows a black man in shirt and jeans holding a spear.
Susan Williams "Medicine Man."
Williams is a sculptor, and her narratives are told, more often than not, in the tilt of a head, the look in the eye and the movement of an arm. Her “Medicine Man” — for some reason displayed on a pedestal so low you have to get down on the floor to get a good look at it — is a graceful, beautifully sculpted figure of a man moving through the air, dreds flying, body twisting, holding on to some sort of ribbons or sticks. Her female heads are, in some instances, too manikin-pretty but the multi-bunned “Her Majesty” is strong. Her “Smiley Girl,” the head of a pouting child, is wonderfully textured. I’d like to see Williams’ work on a larger scale. It would cost a bundle, no doubt, but the impact would be terrific.
—Leslie Newell Peacock
Saturday To-Do: Grupo Fantasma
GRUPO FANTASMA
9 p.m., Sticky Fingerz. $10.
The December before last, this 11-piece Austin-based orchestra played to a criminally small crowd at Revolution. It was one of the best shows I saw that year. In the tradition of Fania, Nu Yorica and boogaloo, Grupo Fantasma blends traditional Latin genres like cumbia, merengue and salsa with deep, infectious funk. It's music made for dancing, and even though an empty-ish room is a powerful deterrent and I'm almost rhythm-less, I got out and got down. It's easy to get distracted by the activity onstage, though. The band features a four-piece horn section, four percussionists (including one on timbales and another on congas) and three guitarists. Everyone stays in the pocket. The jams never get wanky or meandering, and when the conga player or guitarist took a solo turn, they don't outstay their welcome. Look: This band, well before it reached current heights, was probably the biggest Latin funk band in the world, on that Prince often conscripted as his backing band. And if it's funky enough for the Purple One …
9 p.m., Sticky Fingerz. $10.
The December before last, this 11-piece Austin-based orchestra played to a criminally small crowd at Revolution. It was one of the best shows I saw that year. In the tradition of Fania, Nu Yorica and boogaloo, Grupo Fantasma blends traditional Latin genres like cumbia, merengue and salsa with deep, infectious funk. It's music made for dancing, and even though an empty-ish room is a powerful deterrent and I'm almost rhythm-less, I got out and got down. It's easy to get distracted by the activity onstage, though. The band features a four-piece horn section, four percussionists (including one on timbales and another on congas) and three guitarists. Everyone stays in the pocket. The jams never get wanky or meandering, and when the conga player or guitarist took a solo turn, they don't outstay their welcome. Look: This band, well before it reached current heights, was probably the biggest Latin funk band in the world, on that Prince often conscripted as his backing band. And if it's funky enough for the Purple One …
Saturday and Sunday To-Do: 'Ode to Joy'
‘ODE TO JOY'
8 p.m., Robinson Center Music Hall. $17-$52.
The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra's Stella Boyle Smith Masterworks series returns with a nice balance: an iconic piece, recognizable to even the most musically ignorant, and a provocative 20th century composition inspired by jazz and African creation myths. The latter, Milhaud's “La creation du monde, Op. 81,” prominently features the saxophone and clarinet concertino, which, in the original ballet production, “heralds the dance of desire.” Watch out. The former, Beethoven's “Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125,” is best known for its fourth movement, which incorporates Frederich Schiller's poem “Ode to Joy.” Beethoven's Ninth has been described as “one of the highest achievements of man, ranking alongside Shakespeare's Hamlet and King Lear.” The ASO reprises its performance on Sunday at 3 p.m. Same place, same price.
8 p.m., Robinson Center Music Hall. $17-$52.
The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra's Stella Boyle Smith Masterworks series returns with a nice balance: an iconic piece, recognizable to even the most musically ignorant, and a provocative 20th century composition inspired by jazz and African creation myths. The latter, Milhaud's “La creation du monde, Op. 81,” prominently features the saxophone and clarinet concertino, which, in the original ballet production, “heralds the dance of desire.” Watch out. The former, Beethoven's “Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125,” is best known for its fourth movement, which incorporates Frederich Schiller's poem “Ode to Joy.” Beethoven's Ninth has been described as “one of the highest achievements of man, ranking alongside Shakespeare's Hamlet and King Lear.” The ASO reprises its performance on Sunday at 3 p.m. Same place, same price.
The Weekend: The Schwag, Kevin Gordon, the Diving Bell Ball and more
Kevin Gordon.
FRIDAY 2/27
In case I haven't plugged it enough: The last semi-final round of the ARKANSAS TIMES MUSICIANS SHOWCASE is tonight at Sticky Fingerz. Four great acts fill the bill — the Weisenheimers, Jonathan Wilkins, Riverboat Crime and Apples and Spades, 9 p.m., $5.
Grateful Dead tribute act the Schwag is at Juanita's, 10 p.m., $8.
At Satellite, literate singer/songwriter Kevin Gordon of Nashville plays a free set, 9 p.m.
White Water hosts Hendrix alum Graham Wilkinson and his band the Underground Township and the Chris Denny Band, 9 p.m., $5.
Local bluegrass standouts Runaway Planet do their thing at Studio Joe, 8 p.m., $10.
The Afterthought hosts young lounge singer Cody Belew and company, 9 p.m., $7.
SATURDAY 2/28
The Diving Bell Ball, at Revolution, brings together local rockers-with-followings Kingsdown, Bear Colony and Benjamin Del Shreve, 9 p.m., $5-$10. The show's open to all ages.
From San Francisco, the Pine Box Boys play ramshackle bluegrass-y folk at White Water, 9 p.m., $5.
At Discovery, Platinumb spins in the disco with DJ Jared Lawler, while g-force keeps it movin' in the lobby, 9 p.m., $5.
Juanita's hosts wild Conway rockers Don't Stop Please and Natural State, 9:30 p.m., $7.
It's a night of swing at the Afterthought with Bob Boyd Sounds, 9 p.m., $7.
In case I haven't plugged it enough: The last semi-final round of the ARKANSAS TIMES MUSICIANS SHOWCASE is tonight at Sticky Fingerz. Four great acts fill the bill — the Weisenheimers, Jonathan Wilkins, Riverboat Crime and Apples and Spades, 9 p.m., $5.
Grateful Dead tribute act the Schwag is at Juanita's, 10 p.m., $8.
At Satellite, literate singer/songwriter Kevin Gordon of Nashville plays a free set, 9 p.m.
White Water hosts Hendrix alum Graham Wilkinson and his band the Underground Township and the Chris Denny Band, 9 p.m., $5.
Local bluegrass standouts Runaway Planet do their thing at Studio Joe, 8 p.m., $10.
The Afterthought hosts young lounge singer Cody Belew and company, 9 p.m., $7.
SATURDAY 2/28
The Diving Bell Ball, at Revolution, brings together local rockers-with-followings Kingsdown, Bear Colony and Benjamin Del Shreve, 9 p.m., $5-$10. The show's open to all ages.
From San Francisco, the Pine Box Boys play ramshackle bluegrass-y folk at White Water, 9 p.m., $5.
At Discovery, Platinumb spins in the disco with DJ Jared Lawler, while g-force keeps it movin' in the lobby, 9 p.m., $5.
Juanita's hosts wild Conway rockers Don't Stop Please and Natural State, 9:30 p.m., $7.
It's a night of swing at the Afterthought with Bob Boyd Sounds, 9 p.m., $7.
Injustice of the day
Until Conway's Kris Allen gets famous enough to snatch away domain names or Google's algorithms catch up with pop reality, Kris Allen of Kris Allen and Southern Thunder (call him Kris Allen Jackson) will top Google search results for "Kris Allen."
Time to take advantage of some accidental traffic, Kris Allen Jackson. Post some more pictures from the annual Christian Truck Show and unleash Southern Thunder.
Ark. Times Musicians Showcase Round 5: The Weisenheimers
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The Weisenheimers
Formed: Spring of 2007
From: Little Rock
Members: It's kindred strummers and a shirtless drummer, as the Times Paul Peterson has said. Mark Wyers (guitar), Micah Wyers (guitar), "Dirty" Sean Causey (drums), plus Karle Johnson (bass, vocals).
Album: The band issued its debut self-titled full-length late last year on Thick Syrup and Last Chance.
Sounds like: Garage punk-pop.
Music:
"Converse"
Formed: Spring of 2007
From: Little Rock
Members: It's kindred strummers and a shirtless drummer, as the Times Paul Peterson has said. Mark Wyers (guitar), Micah Wyers (guitar), "Dirty" Sean Causey (drums), plus Karle Johnson (bass, vocals).
Album: The band issued its debut self-titled full-length late last year on Thick Syrup and Last Chance.
Sounds like: Garage punk-pop.
Music:
"Converse"
"Bubblegum"
Friday To-Do: Lucero
Friday To-Do: Cool Shoes
Friday To-Do: The Moving Front / Magic Hassle
Friday To-Do: 'The Last Five Years'
Riverfest gets Heart
The Showcase primer
Kris Allen is pretty much famous now
Your window to buy tickets for booze, Mexican food and comedy is about to close
RIP Mark Sallings
Meet the guest/proxy judge: Isaac Alexander
Meet the guest judge: Brad Williams
Thursday: Isaac Alexander, Little Rock Wind Symphony, Colin Gilmore
Kris Allen's got a shot
Thursday To-Do: Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears
Dinosaur Jr. now, officially, coming
Kris Allen vs. dramatic bangs, split personalities and 16-year-olds
Princes get Superfly
ZOMG: Jason Mraz to Alltel
Clark Duke is now available unrated
Free Candy: 'The Rise of Maxxism'
Beth Ditto has a "half-naked-only" clause in her contract
More Fat Tuesday doings: The Gettys, Dikki Du & the Zydeco Krewe
No more 'Book Guys' after tonight
Fat Tuesday To-Do: Jim Mize / Ace Spade and the Whores
Anticipate: Kyoto Boom providing the soundtrack to your spring
'Love,' razzed
Who's coming to Riverfest
Free Candy: Crookers feat. 607 "What Up Y'all"
A little slice of the Chicklettes
If you've ever wondered...
Mickey Rourke got robbed, or...
Saturday To-Do: Punk Bunny
Saturday To-Do: Regnat Populus
Saturday To-Do: International Rugby Contest
Saturday To-Do: PBR
The Weekend: Rock Street, 'The Last Five Years,' George McConnell and A LOT more
Friday To-Do: Cedric Burnside and Lightnin' Malcolm
Friday-To: Dave Hollister
Chicklettes maul competition in round 4
Riverfest moves eastward
Steep competition for Kris Allen in week two
A new mix from g-force
Beth Ditto, naked again
Ark. Times Musicians Showcase Round 4: Midwest Caravan
Ark. Times Musicians Showcase Round 4: Rockst*r
Ark. Times Musicians Showcase Round 4: Good Time Ramblers
Ark. Times Musicians Showcase Round 4: The Chicklettes
Thursday: Cory Morrow, Sharon Douglas, Wallace Lucas
Thursday To-Do: Adam Carroll and Owen Temple
Thursday To-Do: Jeff Dunham
The music industry implodes, part 99
Meet the guest judge: Shannon Boshears
MC Serch speaks on it tonight at UALR
Four shows to clear your calendar for
Wednesday To-Do: A.A. Bondy
Make a music video, win stuff
Billy Bob Krueger
This is awesome
Tuesday To-Do: 'Avenue Q'
More on round three of the Showcase
The Weekend: Eagles of Death, MOMCHILOV, Winston Family Orchestra
Rock Candy 500
George Hamilton's mom movie debuts in Berlin
Wakarusa adds to line-up
Ocean Blue
Levon's new un
Lil Wayne breaks our heart
Last Night: Girl Talk
Sunday To-Do: Foxy Shazam
Saturday To-Do: Winston Family Orchestra
The Weekend: The Gettys, Benjamin Del Shreve, 607 and more
Q&A: Jesse Hughes of Eagles of Death Metal
Friday To-Do: Eagles of Death Metal
Friday To-Do: Clutch
Friday To-Do: 'Mancini and Moonlight'
Round three goes to the See
Arena comedy
Leak confirmed: Kris Allen makes it to top 36 on 'American Idol'
Showcase lowdown
Ark. Times Musicians Showcase Round 3: Four on the Floor
Ark. Times Musicians Showcase Round 3: Style Guide
Ark. Times Musicians Showcase Round 3: The See
Ark. Times Musicians Showcase Round 3: Sean West
Thursday: Stars Go Dim, Justin Carr and more
Thursday To-Do: Girl Talk
Meet the guest judge: Rob Bell
Tune In: Levon Helm
Monday: Astral Project, Cattle Decapitation
Monday To-Do: Divine Performing Arts
This year's Grammys upgraded from "abysmal" to just "terrible"
Bishop Allen in Rolling Stone
Saturday To-Do: Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk
Weekend To-Do: Reel Civil Rights Film Festival
Saturday To-Do: Lanterns
The Weekend: Shannon Boshears, Big Silver, Zach Holland and more
Gone to the dogs
Friday To-Do: 'The Fever'
Nik and Sam take round 2
Katie Couric's favorite rapper to Alltel
As predicted, local dude sticks around on 'American Idol'
Tune In: 'Shotgun Stories' on TV
Relive the magic
Thursday: Chris Denny, the Weisenheimers, Parachute Woman and more
Thursday To-Do: 'Tango Fire'
Ark. Times Musicians Showcase Round 2: Loch Ness Monster
Ark. Times Musicians Showcase Round 2: Nik and Sam
Ark. Times Musicians Showcase Round 2: Gina Gee
Ark. Times Musicians Showcase Round 2: Whale Fire
Free Candy: New Kevin Kerby
Step your record game up
Meet the guest judge: Jim Mize
Wednesday: Jack Oblivian, Harlan T. Bobo, 'Looking Over the President's Shoulder,' Weinheimer
Review: 'Looking Over the President's Shoulder'
Valley of the Vapors announces line-up
Round 1 video recap
Last Week: AC/DC
Musicians Showcase Round 1 recap
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