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Syndicate Monthly Archives The Silent Movie Revival
Karen Newton
June 18, 2008 11:54 AM
If there was something cooler to be doing on a Tuesday night than watching last night’s showing of the avant-garde silent movie UberFall, with musical improvisation provided by New York band Giraffes? Giraffes!, somebody please tell me what it was. Jameson Price, the brilliance behind the Silent Movie Revival is first off, a huge fan of silent film and, as a musician, naturally a music lover. He’s been combining the two for a year now and the result is always amazing. Antlers did the soundtrack in April and the crowd was so large it spilled out onto the sidewalk (I was lucky enough to have a stool that time) and last month Glows in the Dark’s free jazz seduced the audience. And it’s free. If you haven’t checked out the Revival yet, you need to make it a priority next month on Thursday, July 24th at the Firehouse Theater with musical guests Mermaid Skeletons. It’ll be the Revival’s first evening at the Firehouse and although some people may miss the blankets and pillows in front of the screen at Rumors, Jameson is excited about having actual seats and a larger venue. Mermaid Skeletons played the very first Revival and, fittingly, they will inaugurate the new space. Hopefully you already know what a crucial band they are to hear live.
If you’re a film and/or music lover, this should be a no-brainer. Jameson starts the films promptly at 9:00 and the evening rarely runs more than 45 minutes. And did I mention it’s free? Check it out once and you’ll be back. It’s that amazing.
Greg Laswell in store performance at Plan 9 tomorrow
Andrew Cothern
June 17, 2008 2:38 PM
Singer/songwriter Greg Laswell will be stopping by Plan 9 for an in-store performance on Wednesday at 1pm. Laswell will also be playing at Toads Place that evening supporting Ingrid Michaelson. Oh, the friends we make on myspace…
Andrew Cothern
June 15, 2008 10:14 PM
I feel so touched when people out there let us know how much they love us. Like this message from our myspace page for example…
I feel very dirty now. Membership Drive for the Rachel Albright Fans
J.C. Polk
June 13, 2008 9:05 AM
In this election year, I cannot help but become a self proclaimed pundit. Weejuns evolved (or diminshed depending on your view) to the terrible state of having pennies adorned as an accessory. Consequently, here’s my two cents. (you will get that on the way home today). Journalism is a fine art. Comedy is a unique talent. When placed in a mixing bowl, shaken not stirred, you create a concotion that all can enjoy. Allah, Jon Stewart, the world of the unwashed masses was introduced to Richmond’s Finest Field Reporter - Andrew and Corey withstanding.
It is our duty, now recognizing the Murrow Award caliber talent of Rachel Albright, that I humbly file this charter for the R.A.F.T. (Rachel Albright Fan Team). As founding president, I do solemnly swear to uphold, to the best of my ability (and with the Rockers approval) the insertion of Rachel on MashUp on any future on-location episodes...with people...that talk...eat...breathe...live on Earth...or any combination thereof. I dedicate myself to cause of uplifting and promotion of all that she does - public and private. As the steering committee for the RAFT my first order of business is to have a non-sponsored membership drive starting the 13th day of June, in the year of our Lord 2008. Applications are now available here at MashUp Studios or online at RAFT_ForLife.com. Andrew, don’t worry, after seeing you on the Music Seen piece, we have you on the roll as an honorary charter member and your dues for the first year are absolutely free. A Tale of Two Bands
Karen Newton
June 09, 2008 8:17 AM
Everyone’s going to rave about last night’s Rilo Kiley show at Toad’s Place. And, yes, it was a tight, choreographed set from a band who’s currently considered to be at the top of its game. Apparently the combination of opening for Coldplay and their highly successful Under the Black Light CD has changed the band from an earnest, eager to please indie outfit to a polished, scripted package who gets on stage to deliver exactly what the fans want to an adoring crowd. I saw Rilo Kiley on the More Adventurous tour at the Norva in 2005. Now that was the band to see! Jenny Lewis’ voice was warbly, but sweet, putting every ounce of her being into charming the audience. Blake Sennett’s guitar playing was stellar and they all looked like they were having the time of their life, which I’ll bet they were. The band played their hearts out and seemed genuinely thrilled at the attention from the audience. They took nothing for granted. Last night’s band was definitely much tighter and better with their instruments than they were in 2005. If Jenny hasn’t had vocal training since then, she’s put her years of touring into developing a much more assured and powerful voice. The beautiful, sweet warble is gone. And so is her charm. The lead singer is now a pure performer...all her lines rehearsed, all her parts polished to the nth degree and completely in control of herself, the band and the audience. She knows the crowd is there to worship her and she expects nothing less. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but the original Jenny Lewis was a hundred times more appealing. And, just for the record, the highlight of the evening for me was the song Dreamworld sung by the immensely talented but completely overshadowed Blake Sennett, with Lewis on backing vocals. For a few minutes, she was just another member of the band instead of the I-am-indie-goddess girl and I could drift back and remember how much more of a true indie goddess she was when she wasn’t so cocky. Eric was pretty good
Brigitte Petrine
June 03, 2008 12:46 PM
I went to check out Eric Hutchinson at The National last night. One of the quotes from the T’s he was selling describes the show - ‘Eric Hutchinson is pretty good.’ The quote on the shirt also gives insight to Eric’s sense of humor which was really refreshing. I also have to say - he is really talented. Singing with passion and switching from the keyboard, to the guitar, and back again.
I have to admit though, I do have a thing for male singer songwriter types. Bob Schneider, Brett Dennen, Alexi Murdoch...I love you. Eric, we’re not there yet.
P.S. The verdict is in. It’s official, my dog Ben has Labrador Retriever and Belgian Tervuren in his DNA...Belgian what!? Yeah...who knew?
Addicted to Facebook
Andrew Cothern
May 30, 2008 2:01 PM
Facebook addiction is becoming increasingly common. Learn about the common signs and symptoms.
Karen As Song Title
Karen Newton
May 30, 2008 11:12 AM
Karen, I’m not taking sides
I recently said that there were no songs with the name Karen in them...a misconception I’ve had for years. Two things happened as a result of me saying that. First, I had a song created for me on the spot: Oh, Karen (tide). Sure, I’m prejudiced, but what’s not to like about a song with my name in it AND such funny lyrics that I couldn’t stop laughing out loud? The second thing that happened was proof that I was wrong about Karen not being a song title. Here’s my comeuppance: No songs about Karen, my ass:
Karen- The National*
I stand corrected. Karens everywhere now know their name is just as inspirational as all those over-used cliched girl names (you know who you are).
Calpurnia/At The Stars show
Andrew Cothern
May 29, 2008 8:27 AM
Yes, I know this show was almost a week ago, but between Memorial Day drinking, grown-up responsibilities and general laziness on my part, I’m just now writing about it. Shut up. Anyway, Calpurnia put on a great show last Friday at the Camel. They played material from their newest album “Glitz, Garters & A Dribble of Youth.” Their live performance reminded me a lot of Jet with their excessive amount of energy. The guys were really nice and laid back. Pretty much the dudes you hang out with at the bar. Acalasia and Rome In a Day opened up the night. Turns out I know the drummer from Rome In A Day. That makes me kind of famous. Go ahead. Bow down. At The Stars didn’t go on until midnight and many people had left already. Damn shame because these guys had the best set of the night. They played new material from their upcoming album. I recognized one song from their set and loved all the new songs. This band is highy highly recommended. Not many bands out there can keep a crowd energized into the late hours. I’ll try to be more timely with the next post. The One Day I’m Kind of A Big Deal
Karen Newton
May 27, 2008 12:50 PM
Why is it some people understand that birthdays are a big deal and others can’t see the point past the age of 10? I fall squarely in the first camp. When I was a kid my mom made a really big deal abour each of our birthdays (and there were...holy crap...six of us!)..cards, gifts, parties, choosing your meals for the day. If I decreed (which I frequently did) that we were having cheeseburgers for my birthday dinner, everyone had to eat cheeseburgers, not just the birthday girl. I still make sure it’s all about me when my birthday rolls around, which it did last week. There’s always birthday music involved...this year it was a Helio Sequence show, last year it was Arcade Fire, the year before The Fray...well, you get the idea. I expect to hear from friends and family on my big day. Calls, e-mails, e-cards and snail mail cards all ensured that friends and family connected with me on my big day. I was even treated to a mix tape and there is no more impressive gift than that! Birthdays also require going out for a really nice dinner, followed by an impressive piece of chocolate cake. Done. Having my birthday fall on the opening Friday of a 3-day weekend was a nice bonus. Not that it truly mattered...I’ve always been able to stretch out my birthday celebration for days anyway. Isn’t that what the birthday girl is supposed to do? |
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