One of the promises I made at the end of December was to spend the coming year with less of a dense layer between myself and you the reader. I have heard from some of you — and I thank you all for the feedback. As I have mentioned here before, I was a resident […]
Hollow Down
Posted inMusic
In and Out of Love
I am tired and the delightful Les McCann reissue from 1966 I am listening to nonstop is putting me down at the coda of a long working day. So instead of blathering, I will share a quick thought with you: As much as I like this record, I’m glad people don’t just casually write break-up […]
Posted inMusic
This Wheel’s on Fire
Local fuzzy Americana quartet Hollow Down began the year on the road with a plan to tour the United States in their beloved home and bus, bringing their vibrant live gospel to the masses. Last week that dream was destroyed when the rig in question went up in flames on a lonesome stretch of State […]
Posted inMusic
Ghosting 2018
It’s the last week of the year and you know what? I hate goodbyes. I hate them immensely and will duck out of a good time like the house is on fire if I am ever put on the spot to eulogize the evening. So I won’t say anything more here and instead let the […]
Posted inMusic
Labor and Lounge
I’m still buzzing from the Napalm Death show last Saturday so I will keep this brief. Have a safe Labor Day weekend and if you go on a trip, look out for the other drivers. And if you stick around, try to catch a few shows because, as that lovely Calvin and Hobbes collection reminds […]
Posted inArts + Scene
Music Tonight: Saturday, August 4
Fela Kuti-inspired afro-funk act Lovebush plays a free show at 8 p.m. at Siren’s Song tonight after Arts Alive. Meanwhile, an hour later across the bay, you can join fuzzed-out wonders Hollow Down along with Dirt Magic and The Tweeners at the Jam for an evening of rock and pop and roll and then more […]
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Altered States
While I enjoyed catching what is certainly the best set by The Tweeners I have ever seen last night, I am lamenting the fact that the venue — Blondies — serves only beer, cider and wine. Eschewing the first two as I always do, I was left with white wine for my evening’s pleasure. This […]
Posted inArts + Scene
Music Tonight: Saturday, June 16
Well it’s Oyster Fest in Arcata today on the plaza. Will my heroic love of bivalves win over my seething dislike of crowds? I don’t yet know but I will suggest two shows to appease those who are either drawn to the spectacle or smitten by the idea of wedging a healthy distance between oneself […]
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Fathers and Fests
We are creeping toward the salad days of summer, my dears, and this week has some proper preludes for that laziest, grasshopper-ish of seasons. Oyster Fest is here (a truly strange notion to me as no one sensible in my former home of Louisiana eats oysters in the warm months, but we are luckily blessed […]
Posted inArts + Scene
Music Tonight: Saturday, April 14
Local singer-songwriter Melanie Barnett hosts a special album release show for her debut Grayscale at the Sanctuary tonight at 7 p.m. Just $10 gets you in the door with a CD in hand and do not worry, I am told by the artist that the album is named after the complex moral shades of gray […]
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Knock, Knock, Knock on Wood
This is a special week because this one has — cue the Theremin music — a Friday the 13th in it! Ooooh. Ahhhh. Spooky. Why is Friday the 13th especially spooky exactly? Ask five different people and unless you get any overlap on the “I honestly have no idea” response, you are very likely to […]
Posted inMusic
Spring Thaw
Oh baby, it’s that most magical time of the year. I know you can dig it because the ground around here is profoundly wet but can you smell it? Hell, I think I can even taste it. I am talking, dear readers, about the first week of spring. It has come at last and not […]