Good Music This Weekend

I hope you haven’t already made plans this weekend, or if you have that they involve seeing some great local bands.

Tonight at Eclipse is the Karen Carpenter Tribute show put on by none other than Owlbeemoth. Logan is known for putting together some incredibly interesting and unique shows. He recently did a Philip K. Dick tribute at Shantytown that was very cool. This one features a ton of local bands, each of which will cover a Carpenters song as well as some of their own stuff. But before all of that, he will screen what looks to be a very interesting doc about Karen herself.

From his blog:

9PM – Superstar : The Karen Carpenter Story
A film that uses Barbies to tell the tale of Karen Carpenters batlle with anorexia while living as a famous singer. This movie has been banned by the courts from being shown or sold due to a lawsuit by her brother. Also the first film for director Todd Haynes who recently made the Bob Dylan film ‘Im Not There’

Just check out all these bands!

Friday night sees Buff Clout at the best little boozehole in Springfield, Shantytown Pub. I shouldn’t have to tell you that this will be a good time. Be sure and pick up the latest issue of EU for my article on Buff Clout. Also appearing are Honey Chamber. I’m doing the Artist Spotlight for EU on them in the July issue and they have a new album out now called Bridge To Homesick that is excellent. A couple of Orlando bands will also play so come check it out.

And of course, on Saturday is the second Jacksonville Chicken & Whiskey show also at Shantytown! The first show was incredible and this one will be even better. If you missed it, check out Birdie’s review in haiku on his blog. Also, watch this video:

We’ll be playing with Scum Of The Earth (Gainesville) and (drumroll, please) TOUGH JUNKIE! I’m doing an album review on TJ’s new album Grab What You Can also in the July issue of EU. I got an advanced copy and I can tell you right now, it is AWESOME! We have new t-shirts that will be available. The first batch went quick so we printed a new color.

Sunday I suggest heading out to Doozer’s to see Patriot with Talk Sick Earth. TSE played a killer set at Bury Your Bike 2 on the St. John’s River. Come see them do their thrash-metal thing, it’s rad!

Chicken & Whiskey Are Go!

Aw shit son!

In case you haven’t heard, I gots me a band now. I plays the drumbs (and I sing/shout a little too). We call ourselves Chicken & Whiskey and even though it may sound like a country or rockabilly band, it couldn’t be further.

So, it’s me plus Big Dunn (Roargan) and Chris Williams (Airport Factory). I won’t even attempt to describe what we sound like but if you need an idea just hypothesize on how a collaboration between Dunn and Chris might manifest itself and you’re still probably nowhere close. Or maybe you’re dead on, who knows?

Better yet, come see us play!

We’ve got several shows booked so far including our very first show May 9th in Gainesville at The Kickstand for What The Fuc? Fest along with other Jacksonville superstars, Heavy Flow and After The Bomb Baby. If you can’t make that, worry not, we’re playing at the best damn boozehole in Springfeild, Shantytown Pub, on May 24th with those crazy kids from St. Augustine, Lighthouse Music. Come get your aural fixation doooooods! And bring some cash cuz we’ll have plenty o’ merch. Gots to get paid!

Still not convinced? Well, we put together a little lo-fi home-brewed recording this past weekend and the tunes will be up on the MySpace page after the May 24th show.

But before you start filling in your social calendar for the month of May, you’d better grab a big ol’ fat permanent marker and write BURY YOUR BIKE II real nice and big over May 1-3. It’s gonna be sick! Free beer (no, really – good stuff too), good people, freak bikes, and complete and utter chaos. Don’t miss it, you’ve been warned…

Beards Are The New Black!

Hopefully you haven’t yet shaved that weekend stubble because it’s time to grow out that beard, son!



The Jacksonville Beardsmith Society is starting a Pub Night on the last Tuesday of every month right around the corner at Steamworks in 5 Points! The group is the local chapter of Beard Team USA, who compete against the rest of the world in annual competitions to determine who has the most rad facial hair. The group has a simple little website up, a new logo courtesy of Dog & Pony Showprints, and a Twitter account you can follow. And of course, there is a Facebook group and a MySpace page as well.

So, if you aren’t keeping track, the meet-up is tomorrow night at 7:30. Bring your bearded or mustachioed face, or just show up and borrow a beard. I guess bearded ladies are welcome too, and of course, chicks who dig facial hair!

Freeform Freakout!

Not to toot my own horn or anything, but I posted a flier for a show both on here and on JaxScene for a show that went down last night and I was right, it was a ton of fun! I’d doubt anyone went to the show as a result of my blogging but they should have.

So last night at the laundromat on Park and King, a few noise-bands got together and put on a free show. I had no idea what to expect from this and that certainly didn’t include people actually doing laundry and listening to crazy experimental music. But that’s what went down and it was pretty awesome.



First, the music. I’ll be frank, it’s not for everyone. If you can’t handle acts like Animal Collective, then seriously, stay away! But if you appreciate experimentation and find beauty in chaos then you would have enjoyed yourself thoroughly. A casual observer would probably scoff at Telepathik Friend’s rapping over psychedelic beats and intentional mike distortion or roll their eyes at his helmet made of day-glo pipe cleaners, but they aren’t paying any attention to what is really going on. It’s all the more evident when Guardians of the Thickets sit in a circle of sorts and hammer out all kinds of insanity. If you do pay close enough attention you will hear the order emerge from the chaos. Even though the girls are hitting the bass drum with anything from a ladle to a branch from the tree outside, there is a distinct and recognizable rhythm. The bearded guitarists’ drone riffs reminded immediately of the dark 60’s-inspired music that is really taking hold in Austin and LA right now. Making such music is actually a lot harder than it looks. What is most admirable about it is the all-out rejection of classical tonality, chord progression, rhythm, instrumentation, etc. It’s all about the moment but it transcends simple improvisation. Getting distortion from the mikes, the sounds of the dryers turning, that stick from outside, and dragging the guitar against the linoleum are all elements of the music that make it impossible to reproduce. And therein, to me at least, is its beauty. It’s all about the experience and you simply have to be there to get it.



So what struck me most about this experience was simply that it was happening. Right here, a few blocks from my house. That this is still possible, for people to come together and throw an impromptu show away from the standard dives, in Jacksonville and more specifically, in Riverside, fills me with hope. And this is exactly why the Southbank will never become the new Riverside! There, I said it.



One more thing. Maybe I’m just lucky because I have no real responsibilities at the moment and can enjoy the freedom of doing whatever the fuck I want, but it’s time to get out there and DO STUFF! A free show built on so novel an idea and in such a bizarre location should, if nothing else, pique your interest enough to at least check it out. There is so much going on in this city that nobody seems to really care about. If I can find all this great stuff to do, then so should anybody. So get your ass out there and support anything and everything local you can. Especially music. And support non-local music too and maybe some better bands will come through. So I’ll see you tonight at Los Campesinos! over yonder at Jack Rabbits. You are going, right?

The Ruckus

Awwwwww shit son! The little joint at Dellwood and Osceola finally got those interwebs! That means, like it or not, you will be hearing a whole lot more out of me from now on. It also means I’ll actually have time and access to start making shit happen over on the JaxScene Network so keep an eye out for some better content in the near future. In the meantime you can get your fix of Jaxvillian bloggage over at the extremely dope JaxReader page where all the cool kids go to read about this fine little city of ours. And chew on these kick-ass events happening this week.

Wednesday 1/14


Wu-Tang @ Plush
Best protekt ya neck cuz the Wu is coming and bringing the whole crew (supposedly). Local Hip Hop Hell recording artists will be opening so come early and show some J-Ville love. If you haven’t already scored your tickets you can still probably do so at Royal Treatment Records (BBB), Shantytown, or Nicotine in 5P. I propose we get our own little Urban Core crew together to bring the muthafukkin ruckus, hmmm?

Bike Maintenance Workshop @ Zombie Bikes
The good folks over at Zombie are now hosting bi-monthly workshops on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month covering all topics from changing tubes to messing with de-railers. Class starts at 5:30 and goes until 7:30 just in time for…



Movie Night @ Zombie Bikes
After the workshop, hang around for movie night! Bring a chair and probably a blanket (or fuck it, freeze your ass off, whatever) and food or beverages (or not) and get to know your neighborhood bike community. Showing this week is BMX Bandits starring Nicole Kidman.

Thursday 1/15
Midnight Mass 4th Anniversary Party
For the fourth anniversary of Midnight Mass, the party starts around 8 at Shantytown this Thursday with music from Devil Runs The Truckstop and Elevated Hip Hop Experience. Around 11:45 the gang will ride from Shanty to the normal meet-up spot in the parking lot across the street from the Cummer on Riverside.

Friday 1/16


Jupiter One @ TSI
C’mon people, it’s penny PBR from 9-11pm and then live music, it doesn’t get much better than that. And, as always, you can dance the night away with Nick Fresh until 3am.

Sunday 1/18
Southbank Sunrise
If you are an early-riser and not still drunk from Saturday night, you may want to head over the Main Street Bridge and watch the sun come up with free coffee, the morning newspaper, and jazz music. There are pics on JaxScene and this little tumblelog.

As always, get your daily list of cool shit to do at JaxScene.

PEACE!

Some Kinda Weekend

Hello again, friends…

It’s been another one of those crazy weekends where shit is all fucked up but you manage to put on your happy face and make the best of it and end up having a grand ol’ time.

In case you missed it, Joe Van Dyke put on a killer art show at Fuel on Friday night. I must say I was extremely impressed and it far exceeded my expectations. The atmosphere was very fun and relaxed, completely free of the pretension that plagues some showings. It was all about local artists and their art and hanging out. The perfect recipe for success in my book.

It seems like every time I go out these days I meet someone new who reads the site. On Friday it was Brian Gray, who I’ve been wanting to meet for a long time. He, Tommy Armageddon and I talked for a while about the state of the Jacksonville art scene and shared ideas, not what you usually get to do at an art show.

Being in need of some color for my new haze gray room (more on that in a later post), I bought a ridiculously underpriced splash of color from a young art student, Devin Balara. I’m no art critic to be sure but I found her finger-painted canvases hypnotic and an interesting change of pace from what everyone else was showing. She was ecstatic about the sale and told me it was the second piece she’d ever sold and the first to someone she didn’t know. That’s what it’s all about.

There were many other great artists there including Nicole Middleton, Preston Nettles, Bryan Register, and Grant Thornton, just to name a few. Keep an eye out for the next show he puts out. Guaranteed good time. Check out all my pics here.

And, of course, Saturday night was the BBB Art Show, featuring artist-created Burro Bags and bicycle frames. I missed the bike polo tournament because I was napping after MY LAST DAY ON THE SHIP, WOOT! But I did get there around 6:30 and everything was already jumping. The art was fantastic, especially the bags. Arturo was there, Bold City was there, and 74 Soundsystem kept the party jumping.

There was some high-octane action with games of whiplash, tall-bike jousting, and footdown. Lots of fun and very entertaining. At the end of the night I walked away with some socks from the raffle and a Tommy Armageddon bicycle frame.

And yet, the weekend isn’t even over. Tonight is the Luminaria bike ride through Riverside and Avondale and should definitely be worth checking out. Just the right thing to put you back in the holiday spirit.

Peace!

My Bad

Seems as though I’m not the only blogger who has felt the malaise of the holidays. Please accept my apologies for being such a twit about posting. It’s been a hectic, crazy, weird, and yet awesome past few weeks so my mind has been all over the place thinking about everything but the blog.

Anyhow, let me fill you in on some stuff I’m working on. This past Sunday I was afforded the golden opportunity to experience the workings of a local Jacksonville movie production. I’m very excited about what these folks are doing and I have a post I’ve been working on but I feel the need to do it justice so I’ve been taking my time and perhaps, procrastinating a little. I promise I’ll have it up by the end of the weekend though!

If I get around to it I’ll also put up another Pull List post from my recent trip to the comic shop. I’ve been unable to make it recently so the list may not be all new stuff from this week, but hey.

So, there is quite a bt happening this week, particularly in the art world. Here’s the rundown:
Friday 12/5

• First Fridays in 5P featuring $20 tattoos at 8th Day, tinylittlesmall by Nicole Middleton @ Anomaly, and more.
  
  
• In The Hot Seat @ 111 E Bay St by The Art Center Cooperative.
  
• Ronnie Land @ Screen Arts

Saturday 11/6

• Jason Wright @ Bogda
  

Sunday 11/7

• The Women’s Ride with Cherri and Aimee
  
• Africa’s Daughters film screening @ San Marco Theatre

Have a great weekend!!!

Almost Home + The Party Program

Land ho bitches!

That might be just a tad premature but I am pretty close to being back from this particularly long underway and more than ready to shake off the salt and put my feet back on solid ground. There has been far too much rolling on these here heavy seas and it will be nice to not have to dodge objects (and people) that fly around anymore.

So here is my tentative plan for the weekend:

Friday 11/21
As I learned from this great little site that just popped up this week, there is an art show at The Metroplitan Lofts featuring the music of Shawn Lightfoot. You can check out some details on the Events page of the JaxScene Network and RSVP if you’re feeling polite.
Other options for the evening include Rockabilly Night @ 331. Never been, but been meaning to check it out. Also, some bands at TSI. Anybody got the inside scoop?

Saturday 11/22
One thing I really enjoy doing these days is getting drunk. So events that are focused on the art of drinking always catch my attention. Saturday is the Five Points Wine Festival featuring something like 400 wines with a donation (I heard $30) to support RAP and Big Brothers and Sisters. I think it might be nice to drink something other than PBR for a change, eh (shit, not in Canada anymore – gotta curb that)? RSVP and tell Jax you’ll be there!
I’ll also be checking out some apartments for rent in and around Riverside so wish me luck on that endeavour.

Sunday 11/23
Bike Polo at Zombie duh! Then it’s the Sunday cookout at Shantytown w/ DJ Boatshoes.

On another note, the JaxScene Network is doing awesome and far exceeded my expectations for its initial roll-out. Big ups to members Emily and Joy for getting the word out there.

TSI 3-Year Anniversary Party

The little dance club downtown is out of it’s terrible twos and officially a toddler. So to celebrate they are having a little party! Starts at 8 and goes on until 3. $7 21+, $9 under. First 100 through the door get free t-shirts. Free buttons and drink tokens to boot. DJs Dan & B from Intermission on the wheels of steel.

Before that you get off your hipster ass and vote with the crew that is meeting at Zombie Bikes today at 3pm to Bike The Vote.

Happenings: Oct 24-26

TGIF!

Friday, October 24

Green Retail Tour @ BBB Warehouse 1520 Main St – 5pm
Speaker – Jay McGovern 6pm
Free Obama signs then free beer at Shantytown!

Rocky Horror Picture Show Block Party @ The Florida Theatre – 8pm
Street Festival starts at 8pm and doors open for the movie at 11pm. Tix are $5 and prop kits can be purchased for $15.

Portugal. The Man with Earl Greyhound, Wintersleep and Bermuda @ Jack Rabbits

Coyote Throat with Bridge and Tunnel, Oh Pioneers and Environmental Youth Crunch @ Shantytown

Saturday, October 25

Dark Art Celebration @ Seawalk Hotel in Jax Beach – 7pm
21+ $5, Under 21 $7

Sunday, October 26

The Zombie Walk
Starts at The London Bridge Pub at 2pm and proceeds to 9th and Main for the afterparty.

Don’t forget to check JaxScene for anything I’ve missed. It’s updated every day with the night’s goings-on.