Some might assume the week before Thanksgiving break would be a quiet one, winding down before the long week off…but not this semester.
For anyone looking to start the holiday vacation early with some stand-out musical performances happening everywhere from basements to Bourbon St. and featuring genres ranging from hard core to Americana, this mini-guide has something for everyone.
Friday, November 14
Americana Showcase at the WXJM radio station: 983 Reservoir St. from 7-9:30pm
Though the show will not be broadcast live, it will be featuring some good old-fashioned Americana from three acts.
Here’s to the Long Haul is a foil group from Blacksburg and features instrumentation including guitar, banjo, mandolin, spoons, fiddle, lap steel, bass and guitar. The group is currently traveling around Virginia and south through Tennessee and Kentucky. The band performs both conventional and more modern pieces, celebrating their Appalachian traditions.
www.myspace.com/herestothelonghaul
Josh Vana is JMU’s latest Bob Dylan, bringing old-school folk back to life with his one-man jam featuring dexterous guitar licks, captivating vocals and blistering harmonica solos. Vana was recently signed to 80 One records after playing his way through the Record Deal Rumble competition and is arguably one of the most talented solo acts to make his way onto JMU’s play lists. So, do yourself a favor and make your way to the station Friday night.
Look for the Josh Vana group on Facebook.com.
Nick Melas is a JMU senior and WXJM DJ. Though he studies Anthropology and Geographic Science, he could pass for a music, English or political science major as his catchy rhythms, intelligent writing and politically-minded lyrics are sure to grab the attention of anyone who listens. His addicting up-beat style is reminiscent of Jack Johnson, placing him in good company. You can be in good company, too. Just make it out to WXJM and you’ll have yourself a good, folk/rock/roots/Americana time.
www.myspace.com/nicholasmelas
Punk, Metal, Rock Show at Yelwar House: 1065 South High St. from 7-10pm
For those looking for a harder genre, Yelwar House is the place for you on Friday night.
The Wayward are currently on tour and making their way to Harrisonburg from Indianapolis, IN though the band hails from Fairfax. Since 2004, The Wayward have played over 300 shows, been a part of 10 tours and have two full-length albums available, “Overexposure” and “s/t”. This psychedelic metal trio is guaranteed to deliver an exciting show.
www.myspace.com/thewayward
For an even harder band, try out Thus Came from Clover Hill. This death/black metal band names very few influence, though they include Old Milwaukee and whiskey. Enough said.
www.myspace.com/thuscame
Tournament is a New York band making their way to Harrisonburg and Richmond. The punk rock group released the Swordswallower EP and was reviewed on deafsparrow.com where their music was called, “direct, raw and catchy, their melodies are hook-laden, yet angular, the singing blends with screaming, hooks with speed and in the end tournament exposes its guts with such glorious attitude.” If deafsparrow.com is a fan, I bet you could be, too.
www.myspace.com/tournamenttournament
Saturday, November 15
Skies Over Saturn at Bourbon Street: South Main St. at 9:30pm
This alternative rock group of JMU students has self-proclaimed their music as “epic space rock” and have found themselves sharing stages with acts including Fountains of Wayne and The Season. Their classic rock influences are apparent in their catchy originals including “Out of the Sandbox” and “Eudemonia” and their music is available on their myspace page and snocap.com. The band has been writing recently and this may be their last show of the semester, so be sure not to miss it.
www.myspace.com/skiesoversaturnsos
Savage Land, Kingshead and Balaclava at the Old Club Sandwich: 750 South High St.
For those familiar with Savage Land, Saturday is a big deal at it marks the band’s record release show. For those not familiar with Savage Land, it is the perfect time to become acquainted.
“A lot of hard work has gone into this project and I’m proud with the final product,” said drummer and JMU alumnus Phil Mathews. “It’s the first time Kingshead has played in Harrisonburg and Balaclava is really heavy.”
SL was back in the ‘burg only two weeks ago for a show at the Blue Nile with Cloak Dagger, but this event is anticipated to be even bigger due to the importance of the new record and the other two bands on the bill.
Savage Land is Tim Skirven and Marty Tribble, current JMU students, David Frazier and Phil Mathews, JMU alumni and Austin Stemper, a Bridgewater alumnus. Though Stemper will not be present Saturday night, Jake Adams who also performs with Valkyrie, which recently released a new record “Man of Two Visions,” will be filling in.
Following the show this weekend, SL plans to continue playing as much as possible, especially out of town shows and write, record and release something new before the end of 2009.
www.myspace.com/savagelandhc
www.myspace.com/kingsheadva
www.myspace.com/balaclava
Tuesday, November 18
As Tall As Lions with Young Enough and Thomas Leahy at Rocktown Bar and Grill at 8pm
Not only is Tuesday’s line-up unstoppable, but it is also benefiting a great cause and a JMU student-formed company based out of Harrisonburg. Pie Smack Productions is a company working to bring various mainstream and local acts to the stage to promote music and art throughout the community. All profits from the events and donations made to the group benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
With that said, seeing As Tall As Lions isn’t just the best way to spend next Tuesday night, but you can feel good about supporting a great cause while you’re at it.
The increasingly popular ATAL recently played at the CMJ music festival in New York City at the Highline Ballroom and received “Top Honors” according to playbackstl.com, which called the songs “immeasurably more dynamic” live and described the band members as “a bunch of well-dressed hippies playing amazingly rich, textured, high-energy indie rock.”
ATAL just released their EP “Into the Flood” internationally on itunes, Napster and various other internet-based music sites including purevolume where several exclusive acoustic songs are also available.
Though Pie Smack also considered acts like Afroman, who cancelled at the last minute (because he got high?), ATAL seems to be the better choice and fellow acts Young Enough And Thomas Leahy are expected to deliver just as dynamic and danceable a performance.
www.piesmackproductions.org
www.astallaslions.com
www.myspace.com/youngenoughtodance
Wednesday, November 19
Chris Knight at Rocktown Bar and Grill at 8pm
He has been compared to Johnny Cash and Bruce Springsteen. He has been recognized by publications including Rolling Stone, Paste, USA Today, CMT, Blender, The LA Times, The Chicago Tribune, Entertainment Weekly, No Depression, JamBase and Mojo to name a few. Even with five acclaimed albums, he remains true to his roots, living in the rural coal town of Slaughters, Kentucky, where he was born and raised. And next week he is coming to Harrisonburg.
Wednesday night at Rocktown, country/folk rock legend Chris Knight will be making a stop in the ‘Burg between stops in Springfield, IL and Roanoke, VA to show students and the community why he was called “the best damn songwriter in Country Music,” by CMF (UK).
His earnest lyrics, relatable song topics and raw vocals make for some of the best country rock, making him an act not to miss.
www.chrisknight.net
Thursday, November 20
Andrew WK and Gifts from Enola at The Pub at 8pm
“This is an event that has been thought about, dreamed about, joked about and has been in the process of being planned for over three years now,” explained Blame it on the Train representative and JMU senior Rick Ponsart. “And the anticipation could not be any higher.”
The Thursday just one day before JMU’s week-long Thanksgiving break begins is sure to be a memorable one as Andrew WK, one of the most frequently requested acts around the JMU campus, is finally making his way to Harrisonburg.
“I hope Harrisonburg is ready for this mind-blowing experience,” said BIOTT representative Megan Gersch. “Virginia, get ready to rage.”
Andrew WK began his music career at the age of four when he started learning classical piano and has since worked both with various bands and independently to gain recognition as the ultimate “party-music” act. His first album, released on Island records, I Get Wet, reached #1 on Billboard’s “Heatseekers” list and his music has been featured on the Madden NFL 2003 video game, Girls Gone Wild soundtrack and various commercials.
Andrew also works as a touring motivational speaker, was a judge for this summer’s Paul Green School of Rock annual festival competition for song of the year and has been featured on The Daily Show, Late Night with Conan O’Brien and Saturday Night Live.
“Be prepared to be engulfed by Andrew WK’s high intensity and electric personality,” said Ponsart. “This is what a live performance was meant to be. This is what life is all about.”
So start your Thanksgiving break off right (let’s be honest, you won’t be studying the night before a week-long break) so you might as well go out and get rowdy, because as Andrew WK says, “when it’s time to party, we will always party hard.”
www.andrewwk.com
www.blameitonthetrain.org
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Rumbles and Jamnesty
JMU has always been home to a vibrant and very active campus and student body. However, this past week the school and surrounding community have been especially busy with the appearance of Obama last Tuesday, Homecoming, Halloween and two major musical events last Thursday night: the final round of the 80 One Records Record Deal Rumble and the annual Jamnesty, Amnesty International fund-raiser.
Record Deal Rumble
The competition began with 26 JMU bands all competing for the attention and resources of the student-run 80 One Records, part of the University Program Board several weeks ago and culminated in the final competition held last Thursday night at Taylor Down Under.
The revised method for choosing the latest 80 One-sponsored bands was part of a new attempt to spark increased interest and awareness among students for the organization and the bands.
“We are in the process of shifting gears,” explained 80 One Director Danny Lampton. “We are really working to expand, market more, spread the 80 One name, help the talent at JMU and essentially branch out the organization.”
Following the decision made Thursday night, Lampton hopes to host more big events and shows in the Harrisonburg area, helping to expose students not only to the 80 One name, but to a variety of JMU’s most talented artists.
“Nest semester we really plan on following through more with what 80 One promises,” said Lampton. “We want to not only market more locally, but regionally as well, by bringing bands to other states on mini tours and marketing their music using online tools. We want to help them create a buzz.”
This “buzz” could be exactly what these bands need to further their careers as the music industry continues to move from an album-based market to online sales, which is another proposed revision of 80 One. Rather than pressing albums, which is an expensive process, the label plans to focus more on online markets and will bring the artists’ music to sites like Rhapsody and itunes, though some will remain free to download.
“We want to channel our resources to become more of a middle man, helping to promote the artist,” said Lampton. “I think 80 One could be more effective that way for the artist and for JMU students.”
So far, the revised method for choosing bands and the artists themselves have already had a significant effect on the campus and student body.
“I have never seen TDU so packed,” said senior Sean Banks on Thursday night. “The whole process is such a great idea and I’ve been really impressed by all the support.”
Judging by the enthusiastic crowd participation, Banks was not the only one feeling this way.
“This is the first rumble I’ve been to and it’s amazing,” said sophomore Michele Derosa. “There was nothing like this last year and I’m so glad they’ve started it.”
The bands involved displayed an equal appreciation for the event and each of the finalists reaped the benefits of competing as all won some type of prize.
You, Me and the Shaker, a trio of senior Eileen Graham and sophomores Ben Mills and Phil Warton won the biggest prize, including a music video, recording and management contracts and drew the most fans during the final round. The groups’ melancholy, soulful sound directly fueled by Grahams’ incredibly impressive vocals, engaging lyrics and song style set them apart from their competitors, who put on equally remarkable performances, though in very unique ways.
Junior, Josh Vana began his set with a cover of the Old Crow Medicine Show “James River Blues” and delivered a one-man act reminiscent of JMU alumnus Ryan Villanueva as he sang, played guitar, harmonica and banjo throughout the set. Vana even paid tribute to the most traditional blues by pulling out an old-style microphone and playing the harmonica right up to it in a style comparable to legendary rock history icon Sonny Boy Williamson. The crowd responded with hand clapping and foot-stomping and verified why Vane deserved his recording contract award, presented at the end of the night.
Vana can also been seen often at Tuesday TDU open mics, at Little Grill open mics on Thursday and an up-coming Americana show, set for Friday, November 14 at the WXJM radio station.
However, the final act of the evening stole the show in terms of originality was even recognized as the band that “rocked it out the most” during the final presentation of awards.
March to the Arctic first appeared on stage, fully clothed, but with painted faces, apparently to celebrate Halloween, though they seemed to be the only three dressed up for the holiday. The trio then proceeded to take off their shirts and singer, guitarist, and bassist sophomore Arthur Sanzo even took off his pants to reveal a fully paint-decorated body and grass skirt.
Though the band was initially flustered as a result of equipment issues, they performed an impressive show despite the technical difficulties, constantly rotating between instruments and vocals. The band, composed of Christian Gehring and brothers Arthur and Mike Sanzo walked away from the competition with a management deal and hopes to continue writing and playing in the area more often.
Jamnesty
For those with an itch to keep their Thursday night going a little longer, another option was available for their entertainment. The annual “Jamnesty”, a fund-raiser benefiting Amnesty International was held at the Pub and featured Red Shift, The Red House Band, The Avenue and The Super Octavius.
“Jamnesty is always our favorite event,” said secretary of Amnesty International’s JMU organization senior Alyson Jacobs. “It’s fun, you get to see live music and it’s not so stuffy. It’s an atmosphere where you can mingle and have a good time.”
Since its creation four years ago, Jamnesty has moved from coffee shops, to Mainstreet bar and grill and now to the Pub as it has grown in popularity. Though the event did not draw as well as the previous year, it did bring in a significant crowd despite increased competition with surrounding parties and bars due to Halloween.
“Despite the competition, it was still a successful event,” said Jacobs. “You always hope for more, but overall it went well and everyone really seemed to enjoy the bands.”
The crowd appeared to agree with Jacobs’ thoughts as the dance floor became increasingly crowded as the night progressed, especially with The Super Octavius’s set, the final of the night.
“They were definitely my favorite band,” said graduate student Gabby Olko. “They are a unique group of guys and are really different from the typical southern rock bands we see around here.”
In addition to Jamnesty, the Super Octavius can be heard every Thursday night at Bourbon Street and Amnesty International can be seen around campus as they often hold a variety of events. Last Monday they hosted Kerry Cook who was exonerated from death row for a crime he did not commit and the group will hold their annual Fair Trade Fair the week before Thanksgiving.
The JMU Amnesty International organization meets every Tuesday on campus and helps to support the largest grass roots human rights organization by raising money and writing letters every week to governmental officials all over the world. JMU’s chapter is being recognized by the regional coordinator for their impressive contributions to the cause.
Jamnesty is always a fun event that allows students and the community to help a good cause, hear new music, support local bands and do it all while enjoying the company of old and new friends in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. The only downside to Jamnesty is it only comes once a year.
Record Deal Rumble
The competition began with 26 JMU bands all competing for the attention and resources of the student-run 80 One Records, part of the University Program Board several weeks ago and culminated in the final competition held last Thursday night at Taylor Down Under.
The revised method for choosing the latest 80 One-sponsored bands was part of a new attempt to spark increased interest and awareness among students for the organization and the bands.
“We are in the process of shifting gears,” explained 80 One Director Danny Lampton. “We are really working to expand, market more, spread the 80 One name, help the talent at JMU and essentially branch out the organization.”
Following the decision made Thursday night, Lampton hopes to host more big events and shows in the Harrisonburg area, helping to expose students not only to the 80 One name, but to a variety of JMU’s most talented artists.
“Nest semester we really plan on following through more with what 80 One promises,” said Lampton. “We want to not only market more locally, but regionally as well, by bringing bands to other states on mini tours and marketing their music using online tools. We want to help them create a buzz.”
This “buzz” could be exactly what these bands need to further their careers as the music industry continues to move from an album-based market to online sales, which is another proposed revision of 80 One. Rather than pressing albums, which is an expensive process, the label plans to focus more on online markets and will bring the artists’ music to sites like Rhapsody and itunes, though some will remain free to download.
“We want to channel our resources to become more of a middle man, helping to promote the artist,” said Lampton. “I think 80 One could be more effective that way for the artist and for JMU students.”
So far, the revised method for choosing bands and the artists themselves have already had a significant effect on the campus and student body.
“I have never seen TDU so packed,” said senior Sean Banks on Thursday night. “The whole process is such a great idea and I’ve been really impressed by all the support.”
Judging by the enthusiastic crowd participation, Banks was not the only one feeling this way.
“This is the first rumble I’ve been to and it’s amazing,” said sophomore Michele Derosa. “There was nothing like this last year and I’m so glad they’ve started it.”
The bands involved displayed an equal appreciation for the event and each of the finalists reaped the benefits of competing as all won some type of prize.
You, Me and the Shaker, a trio of senior Eileen Graham and sophomores Ben Mills and Phil Warton won the biggest prize, including a music video, recording and management contracts and drew the most fans during the final round. The groups’ melancholy, soulful sound directly fueled by Grahams’ incredibly impressive vocals, engaging lyrics and song style set them apart from their competitors, who put on equally remarkable performances, though in very unique ways.
Junior, Josh Vana began his set with a cover of the Old Crow Medicine Show “James River Blues” and delivered a one-man act reminiscent of JMU alumnus Ryan Villanueva as he sang, played guitar, harmonica and banjo throughout the set. Vana even paid tribute to the most traditional blues by pulling out an old-style microphone and playing the harmonica right up to it in a style comparable to legendary rock history icon Sonny Boy Williamson. The crowd responded with hand clapping and foot-stomping and verified why Vane deserved his recording contract award, presented at the end of the night.
Vana can also been seen often at Tuesday TDU open mics, at Little Grill open mics on Thursday and an up-coming Americana show, set for Friday, November 14 at the WXJM radio station.
However, the final act of the evening stole the show in terms of originality was even recognized as the band that “rocked it out the most” during the final presentation of awards.
March to the Arctic first appeared on stage, fully clothed, but with painted faces, apparently to celebrate Halloween, though they seemed to be the only three dressed up for the holiday. The trio then proceeded to take off their shirts and singer, guitarist, and bassist sophomore Arthur Sanzo even took off his pants to reveal a fully paint-decorated body and grass skirt.
Though the band was initially flustered as a result of equipment issues, they performed an impressive show despite the technical difficulties, constantly rotating between instruments and vocals. The band, composed of Christian Gehring and brothers Arthur and Mike Sanzo walked away from the competition with a management deal and hopes to continue writing and playing in the area more often.
Jamnesty
For those with an itch to keep their Thursday night going a little longer, another option was available for their entertainment. The annual “Jamnesty”, a fund-raiser benefiting Amnesty International was held at the Pub and featured Red Shift, The Red House Band, The Avenue and The Super Octavius.
“Jamnesty is always our favorite event,” said secretary of Amnesty International’s JMU organization senior Alyson Jacobs. “It’s fun, you get to see live music and it’s not so stuffy. It’s an atmosphere where you can mingle and have a good time.”
Since its creation four years ago, Jamnesty has moved from coffee shops, to Mainstreet bar and grill and now to the Pub as it has grown in popularity. Though the event did not draw as well as the previous year, it did bring in a significant crowd despite increased competition with surrounding parties and bars due to Halloween.
“Despite the competition, it was still a successful event,” said Jacobs. “You always hope for more, but overall it went well and everyone really seemed to enjoy the bands.”
The crowd appeared to agree with Jacobs’ thoughts as the dance floor became increasingly crowded as the night progressed, especially with The Super Octavius’s set, the final of the night.
“They were definitely my favorite band,” said graduate student Gabby Olko. “They are a unique group of guys and are really different from the typical southern rock bands we see around here.”
In addition to Jamnesty, the Super Octavius can be heard every Thursday night at Bourbon Street and Amnesty International can be seen around campus as they often hold a variety of events. Last Monday they hosted Kerry Cook who was exonerated from death row for a crime he did not commit and the group will hold their annual Fair Trade Fair the week before Thanksgiving.
The JMU Amnesty International organization meets every Tuesday on campus and helps to support the largest grass roots human rights organization by raising money and writing letters every week to governmental officials all over the world. JMU’s chapter is being recognized by the regional coordinator for their impressive contributions to the cause.
Jamnesty is always a fun event that allows students and the community to help a good cause, hear new music, support local bands and do it all while enjoying the company of old and new friends in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. The only downside to Jamnesty is it only comes once a year.
The Roof...and Trees are On Fire
Looking at Trees On Fire’s myspace page is entertaining. Their impressive range of influences, from Mozart to the The Roots is indicative of their unique and engaging style, which is defined as “Organica”, Pop and Zouk. What is Zouk you ask? I have no idea, and neither did Justin Esposito, the bands’ singer, keys, violin, accordion and guitar player. So, don’t feel too bad about not knowing. Regardless, their music defines itself.
“When we write it happens all different ways,” said Esposito. “Rob and Blake write the lyrics and general tune a lot, but we just get together, jam and form it from that.”
Maybe that is what makes their music so appealing.
The Charlottesville-based band is returning to Harrisonburg Friday, November 7 to play at Clementine Café on South Main Street, one of several up-coming dates in the area. Members, Rob Mezzanotte, Brian Wahl, Paul Rosner and Blake Hunter hail from locations spanning Massachusetts to Virginia, but took root in nearby Charlottesville 3 years ago in 2005. The members graduated Boston University and decided to move back down south and live together in a log cabin for several years, working construction and writing music. Since then, the band has become significantly accomplished.
TOF released their debut album, The Green Room in April of 2007 and plans to release their next, Organica Volume 1 on New Years Day, followed closely by another album in April 2009.
“We’ve toured all over from New York and Boston to selling out in Atlanta,” said Esposito. “But recently we’re playing more regionally so we can focus on writing and recording.”
However, Harrisonburg is lucky enough to host the band downtown this Friday, despite their quickly approaching album deadline.
For those who have not had the distinct pleasure of seeing the quintet blow minds and shake bottoms live, the Clementine show should be a treat. If the performance is anything like the bands’ unforgettable Spaghettifest 2008 set on Friday of the festival, attendants can safely expect a lot.
“We loved Spaghettifest this year,” said Esposito. “It was really well put together, the stage was cool and the people where amazing. They were just there to have fun.”
Lucky for audiences’, having fun is what this band is all about.
“My favorite part of performing is definitely the energy the crowd feeds me,” explained Esposito. “I love playing, making awesome music and seeing people dance and just let go. That’s what it’s all about. The more they let go, the easier it is for me to do the same and really tear it up.”
And Esposito has no trouble tearing it up. With violin solos comparable to Boyd Tinsely of Dave Matthews Band and wild, flailing curls to accent his powerful bowing in songs like “Camel Walk” which provoked an eruption from the crowd with every “Hey!” at Spaghettifest, TOF is a guaranteed exciting show and it hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Tinsley himself was quoted calling TOF “a band to watch for sure” and expressed interest in working with them at some point in the future after the band won a songwriting competition which Tinsley judged. Additionally, the band plans to record their next album at Dave Matthew’s studio later in the month.
Clearly, the band is taking off and doing it quickly. Having recently hired manager, Sean Haggerty to handle the details of booking and other business-related matters, the band has been left with more time to focus on more creative aspects and plans for the future.
“It’s a sweet time for us in the industry right now,” said Esposito. “With producing, creating and recording all available to us on our with and the internet there to help us get our music out without the middle man, it’s a great time.”
TOF has been successful in taking advantage of these resources and encourages other emerging bands to do the same.
“Record, do what you do and put it up,” advised Esposito. “Don’t worry if people will like it, just get it out there. That’s all that matters.”
Esposito’s advice is valuable, especially for those serious about pursuing a career in such an over-crowded business and should be heeded. For aspiring musicians: get your music out to the world. For music lovers: get yourself out to Clementine’s. If you want something happy in your ears and new to your eyes, TOF is the band you should be watching.
TOF will be playing at Clementines: December 13
For more: www.myspace.com/treesonfiremusic
www.treesonfire.com
“When we write it happens all different ways,” said Esposito. “Rob and Blake write the lyrics and general tune a lot, but we just get together, jam and form it from that.”
Maybe that is what makes their music so appealing.
The Charlottesville-based band is returning to Harrisonburg Friday, November 7 to play at Clementine Café on South Main Street, one of several up-coming dates in the area. Members, Rob Mezzanotte, Brian Wahl, Paul Rosner and Blake Hunter hail from locations spanning Massachusetts to Virginia, but took root in nearby Charlottesville 3 years ago in 2005. The members graduated Boston University and decided to move back down south and live together in a log cabin for several years, working construction and writing music. Since then, the band has become significantly accomplished.
TOF released their debut album, The Green Room in April of 2007 and plans to release their next, Organica Volume 1 on New Years Day, followed closely by another album in April 2009.
“We’ve toured all over from New York and Boston to selling out in Atlanta,” said Esposito. “But recently we’re playing more regionally so we can focus on writing and recording.”
However, Harrisonburg is lucky enough to host the band downtown this Friday, despite their quickly approaching album deadline.
For those who have not had the distinct pleasure of seeing the quintet blow minds and shake bottoms live, the Clementine show should be a treat. If the performance is anything like the bands’ unforgettable Spaghettifest 2008 set on Friday of the festival, attendants can safely expect a lot.
“We loved Spaghettifest this year,” said Esposito. “It was really well put together, the stage was cool and the people where amazing. They were just there to have fun.”
Lucky for audiences’, having fun is what this band is all about.
“My favorite part of performing is definitely the energy the crowd feeds me,” explained Esposito. “I love playing, making awesome music and seeing people dance and just let go. That’s what it’s all about. The more they let go, the easier it is for me to do the same and really tear it up.”
And Esposito has no trouble tearing it up. With violin solos comparable to Boyd Tinsely of Dave Matthews Band and wild, flailing curls to accent his powerful bowing in songs like “Camel Walk” which provoked an eruption from the crowd with every “Hey!” at Spaghettifest, TOF is a guaranteed exciting show and it hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Tinsley himself was quoted calling TOF “a band to watch for sure” and expressed interest in working with them at some point in the future after the band won a songwriting competition which Tinsley judged. Additionally, the band plans to record their next album at Dave Matthew’s studio later in the month.
Clearly, the band is taking off and doing it quickly. Having recently hired manager, Sean Haggerty to handle the details of booking and other business-related matters, the band has been left with more time to focus on more creative aspects and plans for the future.
“It’s a sweet time for us in the industry right now,” said Esposito. “With producing, creating and recording all available to us on our with and the internet there to help us get our music out without the middle man, it’s a great time.”
TOF has been successful in taking advantage of these resources and encourages other emerging bands to do the same.
“Record, do what you do and put it up,” advised Esposito. “Don’t worry if people will like it, just get it out there. That’s all that matters.”
Esposito’s advice is valuable, especially for those serious about pursuing a career in such an over-crowded business and should be heeded. For aspiring musicians: get your music out to the world. For music lovers: get yourself out to Clementine’s. If you want something happy in your ears and new to your eyes, TOF is the band you should be watching.
TOF will be playing at Clementines: December 13
For more: www.myspace.com/treesonfiremusic
www.treesonfire.com
All About the O
The quaint Bourbon Street restaurant and nightclub on South Main Street has an inviting, casual, charming appeal. There are festive Mardi Gras masks decorating the chalk-smeared brick walls, lined by small booths and during the week, various entertainers can be heard bringing the bar to life. One might expect a jazz saxophonist to keep in the same vein as the New Orleans style décor and menu. However, walk in on a Thursday night between 8 and 10pm and you may be greeted by a cover of anything from Snoop Dogg and Doctor Dre to Incubus, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Radiohead or the Beatles.
It may sound like an unlikely combination, but one night of listening to the Super Octavius at Bourbon Street is like the start of an addiction: it might not make sense, but you can’t help but want more.
Though the band performs both electric and acoustically, Bourbon Street Thursdays are always acoustic sets, featuring JMU senior, Nick Pascarella on guitar, junior, Caleb Spaulding on D’jembe, a traditional African drum, and senior, Chris Gesualdi’s vocals.
Perhaps part of what makes the atmosphere so appealing is the relaxed, front-porch jam feeling the trio gives to the restaurant. They play either on a slightly raised stage or directly on the floor, giving the performance an intimate vibe conducive to a chill Thursday night un-wind after a long week and before a big weekend. The band interacts with the audience and often honors song requests, which included a Dr. Dre request last Thursday.
Though the band is known for their unique interpretation of “Forgot About Dre” where singer, Gesualdi nearly passes out after delivering the rapid-fire lyrics, this week they burst into a new cover, “The Next Episode” by Dr. Dre, featuring Snoop Dogg.
“Bet you weren’t expecting that one,” joked Gesualdi. “You didn’t even know we could do that, did you,” he directed towards the band’s manager, senior Greg DiVittorio, who laughed and shook his head.
“They are much more talented than so many bands,” explained DiVittorio. “Chris can sing well, Nick can play anything on guitar and Caleb is one of the better drummers out of any I’ve ever seen. And beyond that, lots of bands say they will do whatever it takes, but this band actually will. They are always willing to play.”
Though the band is fairly young and originally began as a Dangus Kahn and the Tornadoes cover band, though they currently do not perform any Dangus Kahn, they began writing originals six months ago and Caleb only recently joined in July. Acoustic sets at Bourbon Street are generally composed of covers, but the band’s electric set, includes nine originals with several more anticipated to be completed soon.
“The acoustic sets are fun, but we prefer the electric,” explained Spaulding. “In the acoustic set, there are more subtle nuances and it gives a feeling of intimacy, but with electric, there are more sounds available to us with the bass and drums and it makes for a different, more liberating feel.”
The band can be seen playing acoustically every Thursday at Bourbon Street, but for those who prefer their electric sound, they are set to perform with Carbon Leaf at Rocktown on October 28 and potentially at Jamnesty on October 30, impressive additions to their already long list of bands they have played with. In the last six months, The Super O has performed alongside acts including, The Avenue, Thomas Leahy, Skies Over Saturn, Blatant Vibe, The Beatniks, DJ XSV, Aesthetics, The Lyrical Collective, 89 Visions and others, though Carbon Leaf may be their biggest stage-partner to date.
“Right now we’re just trying to get out and hopefully signed,” said Pascarella. “We want people to hear us, recognize our name and our music and we want to make labels jump for us by creating our own buzz here in Harrisonburg.”
So far, the band is succeeding, gaining recognition around the area and growing audiences at Bourbon Street though they just changed their weekly appearances from Tuesday to Thursday nights.
“The band brings good business and is really helping us here,” said Bourbon Street General Manager Celia Perla. “They are really fun, really nice and we love having them.”
“There is never anyone bickering over solos or anything like that,” said DiVittorio concerning the bands likeability. “They play such a wide array of material and play whenever they have the chance to do something.”
However, perhaps the most endearing quality of the band is their energy and excitement for what they do every week. Regardless of the size of the crowd, or the venue they are at, the Super O always manages to deliver an entertaining show and good conversation.
In fact, for an especially interesting conversation, all that needs to be asked is where the unusual name choice for the band developed. Pascarella lit up and spilled into a lengthy conversation about Dangus Kahn and their most popular song, “The Super Octavius” and nearly repeated every lyric and piece of imagery in the song, explaining the idea of sitting on top of the world, the reoccurring riff and the huge mushroom-like figure that follows the singer around in a dream. It was the impact of this song and the meaning behind it that inspired The Super O to adopt the name, though they have yet to cover it.
The Super Octavius has been described as many things: a structured jam band, an eclectic mix of scat, rap and soaring melodies or Incubus on crack, but perhaps the best way to understand the trio is to see them, or rather experience them, live.
“There are so many bands out right now, and so many good ones, but there is also a lot of garbage out there,” said Gesuladi. “Writing-wise, we’ve got a lot to offer and I think playing at Bourbon Street every week really gives us a chance to show people what we’re capable of.”
From the perspective of an avid concert attendant, it is clear that The Super O is capable of a great variety of styles and genres and at making them seem easy. The three JMU students never loose their relaxed, comfortable feel despite fumbled lyrics or a thin crowd. The Super O is the kind of band you would want to hang out with, have at a house party and invite to come back. Their resilience and consistently good music and positive, feel-good vibe make them an instantly likeable band and one you’ll be running back to every Thursday for your fix. Rocktown might be the late-night spot, but from 8-10pm, it’s all about the O.
It may sound like an unlikely combination, but one night of listening to the Super Octavius at Bourbon Street is like the start of an addiction: it might not make sense, but you can’t help but want more.
Though the band performs both electric and acoustically, Bourbon Street Thursdays are always acoustic sets, featuring JMU senior, Nick Pascarella on guitar, junior, Caleb Spaulding on D’jembe, a traditional African drum, and senior, Chris Gesualdi’s vocals.
Perhaps part of what makes the atmosphere so appealing is the relaxed, front-porch jam feeling the trio gives to the restaurant. They play either on a slightly raised stage or directly on the floor, giving the performance an intimate vibe conducive to a chill Thursday night un-wind after a long week and before a big weekend. The band interacts with the audience and often honors song requests, which included a Dr. Dre request last Thursday.
Though the band is known for their unique interpretation of “Forgot About Dre” where singer, Gesualdi nearly passes out after delivering the rapid-fire lyrics, this week they burst into a new cover, “The Next Episode” by Dr. Dre, featuring Snoop Dogg.
“Bet you weren’t expecting that one,” joked Gesualdi. “You didn’t even know we could do that, did you,” he directed towards the band’s manager, senior Greg DiVittorio, who laughed and shook his head.
“They are much more talented than so many bands,” explained DiVittorio. “Chris can sing well, Nick can play anything on guitar and Caleb is one of the better drummers out of any I’ve ever seen. And beyond that, lots of bands say they will do whatever it takes, but this band actually will. They are always willing to play.”
Though the band is fairly young and originally began as a Dangus Kahn and the Tornadoes cover band, though they currently do not perform any Dangus Kahn, they began writing originals six months ago and Caleb only recently joined in July. Acoustic sets at Bourbon Street are generally composed of covers, but the band’s electric set, includes nine originals with several more anticipated to be completed soon.
“The acoustic sets are fun, but we prefer the electric,” explained Spaulding. “In the acoustic set, there are more subtle nuances and it gives a feeling of intimacy, but with electric, there are more sounds available to us with the bass and drums and it makes for a different, more liberating feel.”
The band can be seen playing acoustically every Thursday at Bourbon Street, but for those who prefer their electric sound, they are set to perform with Carbon Leaf at Rocktown on October 28 and potentially at Jamnesty on October 30, impressive additions to their already long list of bands they have played with. In the last six months, The Super O has performed alongside acts including, The Avenue, Thomas Leahy, Skies Over Saturn, Blatant Vibe, The Beatniks, DJ XSV, Aesthetics, The Lyrical Collective, 89 Visions and others, though Carbon Leaf may be their biggest stage-partner to date.
“Right now we’re just trying to get out and hopefully signed,” said Pascarella. “We want people to hear us, recognize our name and our music and we want to make labels jump for us by creating our own buzz here in Harrisonburg.”
So far, the band is succeeding, gaining recognition around the area and growing audiences at Bourbon Street though they just changed their weekly appearances from Tuesday to Thursday nights.
“The band brings good business and is really helping us here,” said Bourbon Street General Manager Celia Perla. “They are really fun, really nice and we love having them.”
“There is never anyone bickering over solos or anything like that,” said DiVittorio concerning the bands likeability. “They play such a wide array of material and play whenever they have the chance to do something.”
However, perhaps the most endearing quality of the band is their energy and excitement for what they do every week. Regardless of the size of the crowd, or the venue they are at, the Super O always manages to deliver an entertaining show and good conversation.
In fact, for an especially interesting conversation, all that needs to be asked is where the unusual name choice for the band developed. Pascarella lit up and spilled into a lengthy conversation about Dangus Kahn and their most popular song, “The Super Octavius” and nearly repeated every lyric and piece of imagery in the song, explaining the idea of sitting on top of the world, the reoccurring riff and the huge mushroom-like figure that follows the singer around in a dream. It was the impact of this song and the meaning behind it that inspired The Super O to adopt the name, though they have yet to cover it.
The Super Octavius has been described as many things: a structured jam band, an eclectic mix of scat, rap and soaring melodies or Incubus on crack, but perhaps the best way to understand the trio is to see them, or rather experience them, live.
“There are so many bands out right now, and so many good ones, but there is also a lot of garbage out there,” said Gesuladi. “Writing-wise, we’ve got a lot to offer and I think playing at Bourbon Street every week really gives us a chance to show people what we’re capable of.”
From the perspective of an avid concert attendant, it is clear that The Super O is capable of a great variety of styles and genres and at making them seem easy. The three JMU students never loose their relaxed, comfortable feel despite fumbled lyrics or a thin crowd. The Super O is the kind of band you would want to hang out with, have at a house party and invite to come back. Their resilience and consistently good music and positive, feel-good vibe make them an instantly likeable band and one you’ll be running back to every Thursday for your fix. Rocktown might be the late-night spot, but from 8-10pm, it’s all about the O.
CMJ 2008
To call the CMJ 5-day music marathon, held annually in New York City a music festival does not do the event justice. As the advertisements emphasized, “Huge is an understatement.” With over 1,000 artists, 70 venues, 100,000 fans, films, panels, celebrities, record labels, promoters, managers, and all the pizza, museums and other charms of NYC involved in the event, it’s no wonder participants anticipate it from one year to the next.
“This was my third CMJ and each has been different,” said senior and WXJM Programming Manager Sarah Delia. “This year I saw a lot more smaller bands, but it was just as good a time. CMJ is a great way to learn about new music even if you’re not a music or music industry major. Anyone can enjoy it.”
Delia was one of 19 JMU students to make the long haul to the big apple last Wednesday, October 22 to be a part of the marathon. Each year members of the JMU student-run radio station, WXJM go the distance and spend four days exploring NYC, discovering new music and making important contacts for their own future careers and for the future of the station.
“It’s an amazing opportunity to see what other stations are doing and advance our own careers in the music industry,” said senior and Progressive Rock Music Director Carrie Brothers. “Part of my job as Prog Director is to talk to promoters and labels on the phone, so to finally meet them in person is huge. Going to CMJ has enabled me to make so many new and important friends and contacts in the industry.”
This is part of what makes CMJ such a valuable experience for volunteers and managers at WXJM and especially for those pursuing careers in all facets of the music business. Though perhaps an unknown fact to those outside of the industry, those within it know, it is one built on a network of friends. Meeting face to face with active professionals and making connections with bands, managers, promoters and labels is essential to a successful career and is substantially aided by attendance at such festivals including and similar to CMJ.
“Every year I have learned so much about common problems of other stations, I’ve had the chance to see what others are doing and I’ve discovered so many new bands,” said Delia. “It’s cool to hear what others deal with and see the similarities in problems like dealing with the FCC, budgets and putting on successful shows.”
This year, Harrisonburg’s own were even recognized for their successful 2-day event held each April called MACRoCK, the Mid-Atlantic College Radio Conference. JMU alumnus, Jennifer Disse spoke at a college-day panel on Thursday morning where students from various universities spoke about their experiences in hosting successful shows and events and gave advice to students involved with their own stations. Following the panel, a Q&A session was held, which fielded questions from students who traveled from as far as Los Angeles and Georgia to attend the prestigious independent festival.
Other panels featured during the festival included discussions about putting on successful metal shows, digital distribution, changes in artist management and even one discussing how Americans vote, with their hearts or minds. Though Disse’s panel was comprised of recent college alumni or current students, other panels included various artists, producers and managers including George Clinton of Parliament Funkadelic, True Master, the producer of Wu-Tang Clan and Mark Bass, the discover and producer of Eminem.
Though CMJ is an independent music festival and generally focuses on bringing attention to lesser known artists and professionals in the industry, Clinton was a special guest this year because of his involvement with CMJ for nearly twenty years. His many contributions to the festival and College Music Journal were recognized with a formal presentation of a personalized CMJ Gibson guitar following the panel.
Though the legendary George Clinton & the P-Funk All-Stars with guests El Debarge, Shavo and more were arguably the biggest act not only in CMJ, but in all of NYC last week, other major acts included Broken Social Scene, David Banner, Talib Kweli, Beach House, The Cool Kids, Minus the Bear, The Dears, Yo Majesty and hundreds more.
“My favorite show was Jay Reatard,” said junior Jessica Lonette. “There was a lot of energy in that show and so much crowd participation.”
Other favorites included Brooke Waggoner who performed at last year’s MACRoCK, Terrordactyl, Jay Nash and the Ettes.
“I loved Monotonix,” said Brothers. “They had the most energy I have ever seen in a show and were scaling buildings and spitting water on the crowd. I saw them twice in one night and it was intense.”
Part of what makes CMJ such a unique and opportunity-filled event is the way the festival is set up, allowing fans the chance to wander between venues all over the city, picking and choosing between artists and showcases they prefer. At any given time, day or night, there are numerous bands performing, sometimes several at one time in the same building.
For example, on Thursday, the prestigious Knitting Factory had three stages open throughout the entire day, enabling dozens of performers the chance to entertain the daytime crowds.
One of the featured bands during the showcase included Team Genius of Brooklyn, New York, a group of eight musicians who manage a music chairs-like performance, juggling between over 14 instruments. Though the band was not in complete attendance during their daytime show, they later performed with full ensemble at the Charleston in Brooklyn the following night.
However, upon speaking with singer, mandolin player and guitarist Emma Firth, it became clear once again, what makes CMJ such an incredible experience. Within minutes of speaking with her about the band and JMU, Firth realized she was familiar with JMU because her boyfriend not only attended, but was a DJ on WXJM in 2000. With an industry so small, it truly is a network of friends.
Yet, CMJ is not only an opportunity to find friends through networking, it’s simply a place to find new friends and new music.
“I went to an Ireland showcase and it was really interesting,” said Brothers. “There was such a variety of music! It proved there is more to Irish music than Sinead O’Connor and The Coors. And hanging out with all of the bands afterwards was incredible.”
CMJ gives fans the chance to see and meet bands and professionals from all over the world, including Ireland, Spain, Australia, Canada and all over the United States. But, perhaps more importantly, it enables the students from JMU and WXJM the opportunity to see and get to know their fellow peers, away from the pressures of classes and constraints of campus life.
Though the trip was only five days, it was a five-day adventure of tackling the challenge of navigating New York, packing in vans and hotel rooms and taking advantage of everything the city and the festival had to offer. As any of the 19 participants from JMU will tell you, it might have been a tiring, expensive, wild trip, with some days that felt never-ending, but upon leaving Sunday; it was not nearly long enough.
“This was my third CMJ and each has been different,” said senior and WXJM Programming Manager Sarah Delia. “This year I saw a lot more smaller bands, but it was just as good a time. CMJ is a great way to learn about new music even if you’re not a music or music industry major. Anyone can enjoy it.”
Delia was one of 19 JMU students to make the long haul to the big apple last Wednesday, October 22 to be a part of the marathon. Each year members of the JMU student-run radio station, WXJM go the distance and spend four days exploring NYC, discovering new music and making important contacts for their own future careers and for the future of the station.
“It’s an amazing opportunity to see what other stations are doing and advance our own careers in the music industry,” said senior and Progressive Rock Music Director Carrie Brothers. “Part of my job as Prog Director is to talk to promoters and labels on the phone, so to finally meet them in person is huge. Going to CMJ has enabled me to make so many new and important friends and contacts in the industry.”
This is part of what makes CMJ such a valuable experience for volunteers and managers at WXJM and especially for those pursuing careers in all facets of the music business. Though perhaps an unknown fact to those outside of the industry, those within it know, it is one built on a network of friends. Meeting face to face with active professionals and making connections with bands, managers, promoters and labels is essential to a successful career and is substantially aided by attendance at such festivals including and similar to CMJ.
“Every year I have learned so much about common problems of other stations, I’ve had the chance to see what others are doing and I’ve discovered so many new bands,” said Delia. “It’s cool to hear what others deal with and see the similarities in problems like dealing with the FCC, budgets and putting on successful shows.”
This year, Harrisonburg’s own were even recognized for their successful 2-day event held each April called MACRoCK, the Mid-Atlantic College Radio Conference. JMU alumnus, Jennifer Disse spoke at a college-day panel on Thursday morning where students from various universities spoke about their experiences in hosting successful shows and events and gave advice to students involved with their own stations. Following the panel, a Q&A session was held, which fielded questions from students who traveled from as far as Los Angeles and Georgia to attend the prestigious independent festival.
Other panels featured during the festival included discussions about putting on successful metal shows, digital distribution, changes in artist management and even one discussing how Americans vote, with their hearts or minds. Though Disse’s panel was comprised of recent college alumni or current students, other panels included various artists, producers and managers including George Clinton of Parliament Funkadelic, True Master, the producer of Wu-Tang Clan and Mark Bass, the discover and producer of Eminem.
Though CMJ is an independent music festival and generally focuses on bringing attention to lesser known artists and professionals in the industry, Clinton was a special guest this year because of his involvement with CMJ for nearly twenty years. His many contributions to the festival and College Music Journal were recognized with a formal presentation of a personalized CMJ Gibson guitar following the panel.
Though the legendary George Clinton & the P-Funk All-Stars with guests El Debarge, Shavo and more were arguably the biggest act not only in CMJ, but in all of NYC last week, other major acts included Broken Social Scene, David Banner, Talib Kweli, Beach House, The Cool Kids, Minus the Bear, The Dears, Yo Majesty and hundreds more.
“My favorite show was Jay Reatard,” said junior Jessica Lonette. “There was a lot of energy in that show and so much crowd participation.”
Other favorites included Brooke Waggoner who performed at last year’s MACRoCK, Terrordactyl, Jay Nash and the Ettes.
“I loved Monotonix,” said Brothers. “They had the most energy I have ever seen in a show and were scaling buildings and spitting water on the crowd. I saw them twice in one night and it was intense.”
Part of what makes CMJ such a unique and opportunity-filled event is the way the festival is set up, allowing fans the chance to wander between venues all over the city, picking and choosing between artists and showcases they prefer. At any given time, day or night, there are numerous bands performing, sometimes several at one time in the same building.
For example, on Thursday, the prestigious Knitting Factory had three stages open throughout the entire day, enabling dozens of performers the chance to entertain the daytime crowds.
One of the featured bands during the showcase included Team Genius of Brooklyn, New York, a group of eight musicians who manage a music chairs-like performance, juggling between over 14 instruments. Though the band was not in complete attendance during their daytime show, they later performed with full ensemble at the Charleston in Brooklyn the following night.
However, upon speaking with singer, mandolin player and guitarist Emma Firth, it became clear once again, what makes CMJ such an incredible experience. Within minutes of speaking with her about the band and JMU, Firth realized she was familiar with JMU because her boyfriend not only attended, but was a DJ on WXJM in 2000. With an industry so small, it truly is a network of friends.
Yet, CMJ is not only an opportunity to find friends through networking, it’s simply a place to find new friends and new music.
“I went to an Ireland showcase and it was really interesting,” said Brothers. “There was such a variety of music! It proved there is more to Irish music than Sinead O’Connor and The Coors. And hanging out with all of the bands afterwards was incredible.”
CMJ gives fans the chance to see and meet bands and professionals from all over the world, including Ireland, Spain, Australia, Canada and all over the United States. But, perhaps more importantly, it enables the students from JMU and WXJM the opportunity to see and get to know their fellow peers, away from the pressures of classes and constraints of campus life.
Though the trip was only five days, it was a five-day adventure of tackling the challenge of navigating New York, packing in vans and hotel rooms and taking advantage of everything the city and the festival had to offer. As any of the 19 participants from JMU will tell you, it might have been a tiring, expensive, wild trip, with some days that felt never-ending, but upon leaving Sunday; it was not nearly long enough.
Monday, October 13, 2008
The Magical Misery Tour
Imagine being stranded in a foreign country with no money, no maps, no itinerary and a guitar. Imagine being promised hotels, food, transportation and gigs months in advance as specified in a contract and instead being greeted with an old barn, no running water and buses without drivers.
Last Friday, October 3, I was invited to a private screening where I could peer through the gaze of 26 musicians who were thrown into that situation. Generation Tec is a rock-u-mentry still in progress and part of a trilogy of films documenting the travels, trials and tribulations of six bands promised premier treatment as part of the “EuroTour” advocating world peace, which were instead forced to build an entire United States tour on their own, over night.
The film was originally designed to document 14 bands invited from all over the world to play around the United States. However, after several bands were fired or quit, only six were left to salvage the tour. The bands came to America and met their tour promoter, Lou Ricca, who essentially left them with nothing but a tour “put together on wishes.” There were no hotels booked, no meals planned and no venue dates confirmed, just a rough tour route planned in the shape of a heart when drawn out like connect-the-dots on the map and a few hopeful show dates.
The film begins with a narrative delivered by Dionne Lennon, runner-up for the VH1 song of the year competition and winner of the American Idol Underground song-writing competition who had two songs, which placed in the top ten “Teenage Years” and “Last Day”. She speaks about her generation, “generation tech” and the disconnection between the youth culture, which comprises it and those who came before. She discusses the changing times and the fear that surrounds the American public today, citing examples of teens being prosecuted as terrorists for prank calls and using myspace.com inappropriately behind their parent’s backs.
However, Lennon also takes the opportunity to advocate positive uses for the Internet by introducing each of the bands, which participated in the tour and utilize myspace.com as a tool for sharing their music. The bands include: Exit Avenue from England, The Models of Sweden, Midterm Break of the UK, XMS 3 from Wales, Doana, originally from France and Lennon along with the Medicine Ball Caravan, representing the United States.
The tour and film begin at Yasgur’s Farm, the site of the original Woodstock music festival, for what was promised to be a major show on the tour. The 26 musicians instead found only an old barn with no running water, no bathrooms, no beds, no food, no equipment, no show and no air conditioning. From there, the “Magical Misery Tour” began.
Though celebrity appearances by The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Gwen Stefani, Neil Young, Tom Waits and others had been promised at each performance along with a variety of other amenities expected by musicians participating in a professionally booked tour, Ricca fell through with each of his guarantees. He forced the musicians to go days without food and running water and made members of the bands drive the vans from Yasgur’s Farm to New York City. However, upon arriving, Ricca abandoned the bands without a hotel in the middle of Manhattan, even though most of the musicians were under 21, some were under 18 and a 7-year-old and 5-month-old were traveling with the group.
“We started the tour with a full film crew,” explained actor, writer and director Victor Colicchio. “But once the tour fell apart, there was no way we could keep filming. That’s when Dionne took over.”
The entire film is from the personal perspective and camera of Dionne Lennon as she recorded the car rides, shows, pit stops, meetings and down time of the musicians as they continued their tour, planning shows, hotels and travel routes as they went, despite the obstacles.
Though the tour was downgraded to only two booked shows, thanks to Ricca, the musicians managed to work together and plan a tour spanning from New York City to Miami virtually overnight. Using their only available resources, the computer and cell phones, the musicians successfully booked the tour as they traveled and made stops at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Graceland during their travels.
“Originally, no one had plans to continue beyond the shows in Ohio because there was not enough money and nothing planned,” said Colicchio. “But, Dionne convinced them to stop at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and that motivated everyone to stay on tour.”
After stopping in Cleveland, the group continued to Graceland, Nashville and eventually Florida, though the bands were originally reluctant to continue touring with so little resources.
“We were all out of money and on our way back to Pennsylvania when we noticed at a rest stop that Venice (a seven-year-old also present on the tour) and the drummer of Exit Avenue were dressed exactly the same,” said Colicchio. “It was right then that we all started laughing and realized we were a family and no one wanted to go home anymore. So, we turned right around and went down to Florida for the shows.”
However, upon the abrupt change of plans and calls back to venues to re-book the shows, the tour was met with even more obstacles as a major accident caused the highway to be shut down. It was only by luck that the group ran into a truck driver at a rest stop that offered an alternative route, which enabled the musicians to continue their journey.
“It was as if everything was stopping them from going, but it didn’t matter,” said Colicchio. “The bands didn’t even care about the money, they knew they had to play the shows for themselves and decided to make them free because they didn’t care if they were playing to five people or five hundred. They just wanted to play.”
It is this progression from strangers, to friends to family, which the film begins to capture. As the first of three in the series, Generation Tec successfully peaks the curiosity of viewers, making them anxious to see how the remainder of the tour develops.
“Because there are so many main characters, Generation Tec is necessary to emotionally set up the next two films and develop the setting,” said Colicchio. “The second film documents more of the tour and the third is about their ultimate success.”
Though Colicchio is more involved with the second two films, he left the filming and editing of Generation Tec in the hands of Dionne Lennon and Kutztown University undergraduate, Justin Tuerk.
“We used the green screen effect a lot in Generation Tec,” said Tuerk in a question and answer session after the film. “Rather than just have talking heads, we used the green screen to mix footage of the bands and the interviews we had with them to keep it more interesting.”
Tuerk was brought into the project as an assistant, but instantly fell in love with the idea of the film and took on full responsibility of the task. Though the production of the film was guided by Colicchio, the writer of Summer of Sam and actor in Inside Man and The Brave One, and it was produced by Jeri Carroll (Summer of Sam) and Dave Pederson (Supersize Me) each only provided guidance to the two young editors and allowed them full creativity.
“Considering their ages added together is still only 34, I’d say they’ve done a pretty good job,” said Colicchio with regard to Lennon and Tuerk’s work on the film.
Judging by the audience’s response, they agreed with Colicchio’s praise and many expressed excitement for the rest of the trilogy and interest in asking Lennon about her experiences. When asked if she would do it all again, despite the problems, Lennon earnestly responded, “I would definitely do it again, but only because of the people. I couldn’t see it all fall apart because of one person.” And she is glad she did not allow that to happen, “I still talk to every one of the bands to this day and it’s been a year since the tour.”
Though at times the tour seemed doomed for failure, these 26 musicians came together and were able to succeed despite all odds. It is amazing what is possible with a little help from your friends.
For more information check out: www.generationtecmovie.com
Last Friday, October 3, I was invited to a private screening where I could peer through the gaze of 26 musicians who were thrown into that situation. Generation Tec is a rock-u-mentry still in progress and part of a trilogy of films documenting the travels, trials and tribulations of six bands promised premier treatment as part of the “EuroTour” advocating world peace, which were instead forced to build an entire United States tour on their own, over night.
The film was originally designed to document 14 bands invited from all over the world to play around the United States. However, after several bands were fired or quit, only six were left to salvage the tour. The bands came to America and met their tour promoter, Lou Ricca, who essentially left them with nothing but a tour “put together on wishes.” There were no hotels booked, no meals planned and no venue dates confirmed, just a rough tour route planned in the shape of a heart when drawn out like connect-the-dots on the map and a few hopeful show dates.
The film begins with a narrative delivered by Dionne Lennon, runner-up for the VH1 song of the year competition and winner of the American Idol Underground song-writing competition who had two songs, which placed in the top ten “Teenage Years” and “Last Day”. She speaks about her generation, “generation tech” and the disconnection between the youth culture, which comprises it and those who came before. She discusses the changing times and the fear that surrounds the American public today, citing examples of teens being prosecuted as terrorists for prank calls and using myspace.com inappropriately behind their parent’s backs.
However, Lennon also takes the opportunity to advocate positive uses for the Internet by introducing each of the bands, which participated in the tour and utilize myspace.com as a tool for sharing their music. The bands include: Exit Avenue from England, The Models of Sweden, Midterm Break of the UK, XMS 3 from Wales, Doana, originally from France and Lennon along with the Medicine Ball Caravan, representing the United States.
The tour and film begin at Yasgur’s Farm, the site of the original Woodstock music festival, for what was promised to be a major show on the tour. The 26 musicians instead found only an old barn with no running water, no bathrooms, no beds, no food, no equipment, no show and no air conditioning. From there, the “Magical Misery Tour” began.
Though celebrity appearances by The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Gwen Stefani, Neil Young, Tom Waits and others had been promised at each performance along with a variety of other amenities expected by musicians participating in a professionally booked tour, Ricca fell through with each of his guarantees. He forced the musicians to go days without food and running water and made members of the bands drive the vans from Yasgur’s Farm to New York City. However, upon arriving, Ricca abandoned the bands without a hotel in the middle of Manhattan, even though most of the musicians were under 21, some were under 18 and a 7-year-old and 5-month-old were traveling with the group.
“We started the tour with a full film crew,” explained actor, writer and director Victor Colicchio. “But once the tour fell apart, there was no way we could keep filming. That’s when Dionne took over.”
The entire film is from the personal perspective and camera of Dionne Lennon as she recorded the car rides, shows, pit stops, meetings and down time of the musicians as they continued their tour, planning shows, hotels and travel routes as they went, despite the obstacles.
Though the tour was downgraded to only two booked shows, thanks to Ricca, the musicians managed to work together and plan a tour spanning from New York City to Miami virtually overnight. Using their only available resources, the computer and cell phones, the musicians successfully booked the tour as they traveled and made stops at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Graceland during their travels.
“Originally, no one had plans to continue beyond the shows in Ohio because there was not enough money and nothing planned,” said Colicchio. “But, Dionne convinced them to stop at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and that motivated everyone to stay on tour.”
After stopping in Cleveland, the group continued to Graceland, Nashville and eventually Florida, though the bands were originally reluctant to continue touring with so little resources.
“We were all out of money and on our way back to Pennsylvania when we noticed at a rest stop that Venice (a seven-year-old also present on the tour) and the drummer of Exit Avenue were dressed exactly the same,” said Colicchio. “It was right then that we all started laughing and realized we were a family and no one wanted to go home anymore. So, we turned right around and went down to Florida for the shows.”
However, upon the abrupt change of plans and calls back to venues to re-book the shows, the tour was met with even more obstacles as a major accident caused the highway to be shut down. It was only by luck that the group ran into a truck driver at a rest stop that offered an alternative route, which enabled the musicians to continue their journey.
“It was as if everything was stopping them from going, but it didn’t matter,” said Colicchio. “The bands didn’t even care about the money, they knew they had to play the shows for themselves and decided to make them free because they didn’t care if they were playing to five people or five hundred. They just wanted to play.”
It is this progression from strangers, to friends to family, which the film begins to capture. As the first of three in the series, Generation Tec successfully peaks the curiosity of viewers, making them anxious to see how the remainder of the tour develops.
“Because there are so many main characters, Generation Tec is necessary to emotionally set up the next two films and develop the setting,” said Colicchio. “The second film documents more of the tour and the third is about their ultimate success.”
Though Colicchio is more involved with the second two films, he left the filming and editing of Generation Tec in the hands of Dionne Lennon and Kutztown University undergraduate, Justin Tuerk.
“We used the green screen effect a lot in Generation Tec,” said Tuerk in a question and answer session after the film. “Rather than just have talking heads, we used the green screen to mix footage of the bands and the interviews we had with them to keep it more interesting.”
Tuerk was brought into the project as an assistant, but instantly fell in love with the idea of the film and took on full responsibility of the task. Though the production of the film was guided by Colicchio, the writer of Summer of Sam and actor in Inside Man and The Brave One, and it was produced by Jeri Carroll (Summer of Sam) and Dave Pederson (Supersize Me) each only provided guidance to the two young editors and allowed them full creativity.
“Considering their ages added together is still only 34, I’d say they’ve done a pretty good job,” said Colicchio with regard to Lennon and Tuerk’s work on the film.
Judging by the audience’s response, they agreed with Colicchio’s praise and many expressed excitement for the rest of the trilogy and interest in asking Lennon about her experiences. When asked if she would do it all again, despite the problems, Lennon earnestly responded, “I would definitely do it again, but only because of the people. I couldn’t see it all fall apart because of one person.” And she is glad she did not allow that to happen, “I still talk to every one of the bands to this day and it’s been a year since the tour.”
Though at times the tour seemed doomed for failure, these 26 musicians came together and were able to succeed despite all odds. It is amazing what is possible with a little help from your friends.
For more information check out: www.generationtecmovie.com
Run like an Antelope
The timing was perfect for the tribute band Strange Design to begin their first East Coast tour. Their inspiration, the classic jam-band Phish, announced their return to the stage only one week prior to the first night of Strange Design’s tour, which began last Wednesday night at Rocktown Bar and Grill.
The newly formed tribute band is currently traveling up and down the East Coast making stops in Burlington, Vermont to Delray Beach, Florida, and will hit major cities including Boston and New York City along the way.
After Phish announced their twenty years of touring had reached an end at a concert in Northern Vermont back in 2004, the musical landscape looked bleak for Phish-heads looking to relive their favorite performances. Like the Grateful Dead before them, Phish was well-known for taking seven minute album cuts and transforming them into twenty minute long jams, unique to each and every live performance. However, Phish concerts also captured something different from the Dead or any band prior or preceding them, which Strange Design seeks to recreate.
“The goal is to get the fans involved creatively,” said band members and loyal Phish fans, Aaron Levy, Ben Markowitz and brothers Adam and Matt Chase.
“There hasn’t been a band since that can compare with the live performances of Phish,” said drummer Adam Chase. “There was Zappa and The Talking Heads, but there hasn’t been another that delivers such a unique and fun show.”
The band formed and is based out of Charleston, South Carolina, though members attended schools much further north including Princeton, Towson and the University of Maryland and studied subjects ranging from Architecture to Russian History.
“The Russian History comes in handy sometimes,” joked bassist Ben Markowitz, who majored in music at Princeton. Markowitz went on to work in the business side of the music industry as a Booking Agent in New York City following school. “It was a smaller agency out of Manhattan and was a good transitional job that gave me a solid understanding of the business and so many connections, but I would much rather play.”
Each of the members has been in several bands prior to the creation of Strange Design, some of which played in Harrisonburg previously. In addition to the tribute band, all the members are currently involved in another original project, Emotive, a soul-rock group featuring lead vocalist Elise Testone.
However, the members seem to agree that though Strange Design is based upon the music of another band, it serves as a “great exercise” for their musicianship.
“Most people don’t realize how specific many of the long jams are in many of the songs,” explained Markowitz. “It’s a challenge to play some of the really hard, really long instrumentals and we transcribe and learn them all by ear.”
This intricate attention to detail and delivery of the live performance are other factors, which set Strange Design apart from other bands.
“Cover bands can play whatever they want,” said Adam Chase. “But with a tribute band, we really do the whole show with the deeper cuts and overall performance. We focus on recreating the entire experience.”
In Wednesday’s particular performance, this included a set list from a Phish show performed August 1, 1999 at the Fuji Rock Festival in Naeba, Niigata, Japan and even incorporated trampolines during the encore.
“Phish would really bring the audience into their shows,” said Markowitz. “They used to do something called the Big Ball Jam where they would throw big different-colored balls into the crowd, each of which represented a different instrument and depending on how high the crowd hit them, that would determine what the instrument did.”
Though Wednesday’s show did not involve hitting beach balls, it was not simply a matter of choice. Each show Strange Design performs is done exactly how the Phish concert was carried out and shows are determined by fan requests submitted on the website, www.thestrangedesign.com.
“It used to take a lot longer to learn a show, because every single one is different,” said keyboardist Aaron Levy. “But by this point we can really just listen to the recording of the show on the car ride between and learn most of it.”
The band decides how songs will be performed by listening carefully to their recordings, taking notes, discussing what they hear and they eventually come to a consensus over how the song will be performed after listening to as many versions as possible.
“One of my favorite show memories was from one in Greensboro where we recreated a show where Trey does a monologue in “Run Like An Antelope” about going to a grocery store and getting a cantaloupe,” said Markowitz. “When we did it in our show, part of it says to hold the cantaloupe over your head and the whole audience was out there holding imaginary cantaloupes up in the air.”
In addition to the many props and effects the band uses to recreate the atmosphere of their favorite shows, Strange Design also uses a complex lighting system to enhance the experience run by a friend and nearly 5th member of the band, James Brown.
Though Brown studied geology and is currently studying geographic information systems through an online graduate program offered by Penn State, he is also an accomplished light engineer and Phish fan, attending a total of 144 Phish shows.
“After 144 shows, I’ve seen many good and many bad,” said Brown. “But Strange Design definitely have it down. Matt is a genius on guitar and they practice non-stop. They are the closest you can come to Phish.”
That is, the closest you can come to Phish until they return to Hampton Coliseum in Hampton, VA March 6-8. However, due to the extreme demand for tickets that will not be on sale until Saturday, October 18, Phish fans can rely on Strange Design for their fix.
“Phish always delivered a good show,” said Adam Chase. “We were too young for the Dead and there was no sense in pop that was always the same. Phish was always different, with an eclectic range of styles and excellent musicianship. They were a major influence on us and we are just paying them homage.”
If Strange Design is simply paying Phish homage, Trey, Mike, Jon and Page should be flattered as the show Wednesday was arguably one of the best performances hosted at Rocktown to date. Next time Strange Design graces Harrisonburg with their presence, Phish-heads and anyone who can appreciate talent, incredible musicianship and an exciting, interactive stage show, should flock.
For more: www.thestrangedesign.com
www.myspace.com/thestrangedesign
The newly formed tribute band is currently traveling up and down the East Coast making stops in Burlington, Vermont to Delray Beach, Florida, and will hit major cities including Boston and New York City along the way.
After Phish announced their twenty years of touring had reached an end at a concert in Northern Vermont back in 2004, the musical landscape looked bleak for Phish-heads looking to relive their favorite performances. Like the Grateful Dead before them, Phish was well-known for taking seven minute album cuts and transforming them into twenty minute long jams, unique to each and every live performance. However, Phish concerts also captured something different from the Dead or any band prior or preceding them, which Strange Design seeks to recreate.
“The goal is to get the fans involved creatively,” said band members and loyal Phish fans, Aaron Levy, Ben Markowitz and brothers Adam and Matt Chase.
“There hasn’t been a band since that can compare with the live performances of Phish,” said drummer Adam Chase. “There was Zappa and The Talking Heads, but there hasn’t been another that delivers such a unique and fun show.”
The band formed and is based out of Charleston, South Carolina, though members attended schools much further north including Princeton, Towson and the University of Maryland and studied subjects ranging from Architecture to Russian History.
“The Russian History comes in handy sometimes,” joked bassist Ben Markowitz, who majored in music at Princeton. Markowitz went on to work in the business side of the music industry as a Booking Agent in New York City following school. “It was a smaller agency out of Manhattan and was a good transitional job that gave me a solid understanding of the business and so many connections, but I would much rather play.”
Each of the members has been in several bands prior to the creation of Strange Design, some of which played in Harrisonburg previously. In addition to the tribute band, all the members are currently involved in another original project, Emotive, a soul-rock group featuring lead vocalist Elise Testone.
However, the members seem to agree that though Strange Design is based upon the music of another band, it serves as a “great exercise” for their musicianship.
“Most people don’t realize how specific many of the long jams are in many of the songs,” explained Markowitz. “It’s a challenge to play some of the really hard, really long instrumentals and we transcribe and learn them all by ear.”
This intricate attention to detail and delivery of the live performance are other factors, which set Strange Design apart from other bands.
“Cover bands can play whatever they want,” said Adam Chase. “But with a tribute band, we really do the whole show with the deeper cuts and overall performance. We focus on recreating the entire experience.”
In Wednesday’s particular performance, this included a set list from a Phish show performed August 1, 1999 at the Fuji Rock Festival in Naeba, Niigata, Japan and even incorporated trampolines during the encore.
“Phish would really bring the audience into their shows,” said Markowitz. “They used to do something called the Big Ball Jam where they would throw big different-colored balls into the crowd, each of which represented a different instrument and depending on how high the crowd hit them, that would determine what the instrument did.”
Though Wednesday’s show did not involve hitting beach balls, it was not simply a matter of choice. Each show Strange Design performs is done exactly how the Phish concert was carried out and shows are determined by fan requests submitted on the website, www.thestrangedesign.com.
“It used to take a lot longer to learn a show, because every single one is different,” said keyboardist Aaron Levy. “But by this point we can really just listen to the recording of the show on the car ride between and learn most of it.”
The band decides how songs will be performed by listening carefully to their recordings, taking notes, discussing what they hear and they eventually come to a consensus over how the song will be performed after listening to as many versions as possible.
“One of my favorite show memories was from one in Greensboro where we recreated a show where Trey does a monologue in “Run Like An Antelope” about going to a grocery store and getting a cantaloupe,” said Markowitz. “When we did it in our show, part of it says to hold the cantaloupe over your head and the whole audience was out there holding imaginary cantaloupes up in the air.”
In addition to the many props and effects the band uses to recreate the atmosphere of their favorite shows, Strange Design also uses a complex lighting system to enhance the experience run by a friend and nearly 5th member of the band, James Brown.
Though Brown studied geology and is currently studying geographic information systems through an online graduate program offered by Penn State, he is also an accomplished light engineer and Phish fan, attending a total of 144 Phish shows.
“After 144 shows, I’ve seen many good and many bad,” said Brown. “But Strange Design definitely have it down. Matt is a genius on guitar and they practice non-stop. They are the closest you can come to Phish.”
That is, the closest you can come to Phish until they return to Hampton Coliseum in Hampton, VA March 6-8. However, due to the extreme demand for tickets that will not be on sale until Saturday, October 18, Phish fans can rely on Strange Design for their fix.
“Phish always delivered a good show,” said Adam Chase. “We were too young for the Dead and there was no sense in pop that was always the same. Phish was always different, with an eclectic range of styles and excellent musicianship. They were a major influence on us and we are just paying them homage.”
If Strange Design is simply paying Phish homage, Trey, Mike, Jon and Page should be flattered as the show Wednesday was arguably one of the best performances hosted at Rocktown to date. Next time Strange Design graces Harrisonburg with their presence, Phish-heads and anyone who can appreciate talent, incredible musicianship and an exciting, interactive stage show, should flock.
For more: www.thestrangedesign.com
www.myspace.com/thestrangedesign
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