Vic Chesnutt Final Show In Cleveland

I was fortunate enough to make it out to the Beachland Ballroom on June 27, 2009 to see Vic Chesnutt open up for Jonathan Richman. Little did I know that this would be the final time I would see Chesnutt.
Vic Chesnutt passed away on Christmas day after taking an overdose of muscle relaxers.

The last memory I have of Chesnutt is of him hanging out on the sidewalk outside the Beachland making small talk to anyone that would approach him.

Three weeks before his death Chesnutt gave an Interview with Terry Gross of NPR, below is a small part of that interview where Vic explains to Gross the thought process of "Flirted With You All My Life", a song off of his new album "At The Cut" that was recorded with Fugazi's Guy Picciotto and members of Thee Silver Mt. Zion.

GROSS: Vic, let's talk about the lyric. The song [Flirted With You All My Life] is about flirting with suicide, but from what I've read, you've done more than flirt with it. It's something you've tried.

Mr. CHESNUTT: Right. Well, this song is a love song. It's a suicide's breakup song with death. You know, I've attempted suicide three or four times. It didn't take. And this is really a breakup song with death. You know, it's talking about flirting with, you know, flirting - I had flirted with death my whole life, you know. Even as a young kid, I was sick and almost died a few times. And then suicide attempts - it's a kind of - you know, it's a breakup song.

--Lyrics from "Flirted With You All My Life"--
I am a man. I am self-aware, and everywhere I go, you're always right there with me. I've flirted with you all my life, even kissed you once or twice, and to this day, I swear it was nice, but clearly I was not ready.
When you touched a friend of mine, I thought I would lose my mind, but I found out with time that really, I was not ready, no, no, cold death, cold death, oh death, really, I'm not ready. [NPR.ORG]

THIS MOMENT IN BLACK HISTORY - PUBLIC SQUARE

RA Washington
There is something to be said for commitment, whether it be familial or theoretical - commitment seems to be the one detail missing from today's cultural landscape. Make no mistake, The Cleveland based punk band, THIS MOMENT IN BLACK HISTORY are committed. They are committed to the dialogue created in quartet-that space where it will be heavy, sacred - the future leaning back to grab the past. On their third full length, Public Square you can clearly see where this visionary "commitment" to a historical dialogue has taken their art.

Confused? its okay, that happens when you might have touch apathy "lens".
Forgive yourself and move on. Lets be clear here, you will not find a more emotionally charged record length statement than Public Square, the record starts in the tradition of forward jazz records - a sharp stab of keys, into Gospel tinged hum. You realize that it is time to pay attention, much like the World B. Free preamble on their last record, "It Takes A Nation of A**holes To Hold Us Back" - a call to arms has been made. You stand up, only to smack in the f-ing face with one of the sickest riffs recorded in the last fifteen years. Hyperbole? Perhaps, but you will be hard pressed to not agree. While the riff in the rock context often is meant to describe a guitar lick, this "RIFF" of Bim Thomas kick in immediate dialogue guitarist, Buddy Akita's dynamic stanza propels you right into vocalist Chris Kulcsar's compelling vocal. This a band of drummers in mind, simply because the rhythm created by the quartet is so Hank Shocklee.

And they know just how bad ass "FOREST WHITAKER (in an uncompromising role)" is for at the end of the song, you hear a distinct, and steady YEAH as they launch into a quintet "suite" (if you will) of some of the most compelling songs I have ever heard in a group context. Beginning with " THEOPHYLLINE VALENTIME" - the title a reference to Asthma- and ending with "90% TONE".

The second side continues to amaze, even as they break into a beatbox instrumental, complete with one of the most hilarious double entendre rhymes ever recorded. So tongue in cheek is that you begin to wonder after a couple of listens if he really is imploring the band to give his "NOTES" space. I think of this band in the context of sample artists like The Dust Brothers, or Madlib - conceptual in approach, but each side bringing their strong will to the proceedings. Not one member of THIS MOMENT seems to be giving ground. Its what makes them so masterful, and what makes you question what is wrong with a culture that is intent on turning its most brilliant artists into villain - for you know there are millions of people who believe what this band does. Your mind will not allow for you to let go of the fact that you and yours are being hidden from the masses, while the "big brother watching" give them shit dressed ala punk[e' ] , and piss bling[ed] as hip hop.

Recorded by Paul Maccarrone at the recently defunct - Zombie Proof Studios, and printed onto recycled colored vinyl, the music hits - i don't think they have ever been recorded better than this. Bim Thomas' drums sound as if they could swallow entire marching bands, and Lawrence Daniel Caswell's bass thump like a dozen 808s. Beat makers will be in heaven. I must say that it was Buddy Akita's playing on this particular record that i found awe inspiring.

Described by other reviewers/bloggers as blues and garage tinged - and while that holds weight - I found him to be playing both as an ensemble player, and a the exact same time floating over the entire record in an explosively subtle way. Much like Dolphy, in the context of Coltranes' now infamous quartet. It makes the title, PUBLIC SQUARE metaphor almost meta-textual in its satirical, but sincere homage to Cleveland, for while there must be communication from all sides to be a "square" the intent of any public space must be present. This where gather to give the news- here is where we rally for our own. Akita's guitar is this intent.

This Moment In Black History - Theophylline Valentime


TMIBH: Public Square is available on recycled color vinyl [w/download code], through their record label Smog Veil Records and locally at Music Saves.

Terry Durst: The Carter Excavations

If you ever had the chance to meet Terry, the first thing that comes to mind is how affable the man is, no matter if you're at the Beachland Ballroom or in the alley fixing a flat tire, Terry will always make the situation brighter.
A wild imagination is another trait of Terry Durst and that is apparent in his preparation for "The Carter Excavations" exhibition that is opening this Friday the 8th of January at Arts Collinwood [6-9pm.]
Arts Collinwood
15605 Waterloo Road
Cleveland, Ohio 44110
216.692.9500

Terry Durst summary of The Carter Excavations:
I cast myself as a fictional character, Zeke Carter, and dug up my family’s site in Alaska – this is where I found these pieces. The Carter Family – the original 3, Maybelle, Sara and Alvin – were excavated as well, in that the pieces are about how I feel when I hear them sing and play. Howard Carter discovered King Tut’s remains, and hopefully that piece of history exists throughout the work in a subliminal sense. I was thinking about Euclid Beach Park, my first experience at an amusement park when I was 5. truTV’s Forensic Files has been a major influence on this work.

Artist Statement:
I’ve made and observed art since my early teenage years, my biggest influence and obsession has been and continues to be Neil Young, and rock and roll in general. My favorite film in the entire world is David Lynch’s INLAND EMPIRE. (Yes, this title is in all caps.) This film has taught me how to work in my studio. I think it is Lynch’s masterwork. Dan Tranberg and I have been partners for 14 years. We have one dog, a young Basset Hound named Duke (after Ellington). My degree is from Kent State – split major, sculpture and film. I taught several subjects in the Art Department at Tri-C East for 5 years. At CIA, for 2 years, along with classes in the Painting Foundations program, I taught a class in David Lynch’s Twin Peaks TV series. I love students but find most Administrations crazy and evil, evil like the cult in Rosemary’s Baby. Currently I work at The Beachland Ballroom as a doorperson/bouncer, but will be bartending there very soon.

Tremont ArtWalk - January 2010 Edition

Asterisk Gallery - 2393 Professor Ave.
"1-2 Punch" A collaborative by Charles Wince and Paul Volker of Columbus Ohio.
The same Columbus that bills itself as "The Indie Art Capital Of The World"[?].

BIG SHOW in Cleveland Ohio. I'm looking forward to this one. The Cleveland Art crowd has some pretty jaded tastes and generally speaking, better bullshit detectors than most of the galleries in Columbus, but I'm confident my artwork still has enough firepower to draw some positive response. I've invited my old friend and massively talented artist Paul Volker to join in the merriment.
Cleveland's Tremont section has 2nd Friday of every month, group art openings with numerous galleries around the area taking part. Jan. 5th8th happens to be the night that this next alignment occurs. -Charles Wince [blog]

Brandt Gallery - 1028 Kenilworth Ave.
Eye Chatter - Paintings by Scott Pickering.

Lucky’s Cafe – 777 Starkweather Ave.
Paintings by Tim Herron.
Tim is a long time Tremont resident and proprietor of "The Manly Pad" gallery on Professor Avenue.

Mastroianni Photography and Arts - 2688 W. 14th Street.
"Photographic Proof: 1985-1990" Photography by Steven Mastroianni.

Goldhammer + Cleveland Magazine = FAIL

Aaron Goldhammer has been chosen as one of Cleveland's most eligible bachelors by Cleveland Magazine. This is the second award that the "Hammer" has won this week after being named Cleveland's most eligible douch-bag by the Cleveland Seen.

San Goodee - BIG BROTHER ALMIGHTEE

I believe Cleveland Tapes and the many hip-hop artists they represent has decided to forego the winter by releasing a plethora of sweet summer albums complete with mini-skirt donned beats.
The latest release by San Goodee aka Santorise Turner  BIG BROTHER ALMIGHTEE is an example of the labels urgency to "Put up or ShutUp" which is evident on: LIVING FOR THE NOW "since tomorrow ain't promised our time's not long, i gotta get it, i'm livin' for the now.."
BIG BROTHERS WATCHING "..big brother's watchin', i'm not likin' what i'm seein', a whole lot of hosin', not enough MCin', a whole lot of nothin' just takin' up space, a whole lot of bodies, i don't see no face.."
FUGAZI "..you cats too lazy, tryin to be JayZ, like you can phase me? you forget who raised me, cause hip-hop made me and you cats fugazi.."

San's concept is simple - "it seems that alot of the culture is dying off, and cats are wild for the night, like their Big Bro hasn't been watching." With a nod and a wink to Spike Lee's film- School Daze- BIG BROTHER ALMIGHTEE is infectious from the start, and filled with glorious lyrics and epic bounce.

Featuring guest appearances by ZION of Muamin Collective, and Singer/songwriter Donald King- BIG BROTHER ALMIGHTEE is the kind of album that will demand more than a few listens

BIG BROTHER ALMIGHTEE does indeed, demand more than a few listens and has been on this listeners player repeating for the last week. This full length download is available at Cleveland Tapes for a mere 5 bucks. Help stimulate Cleveland's economy and forego the harsh winter for less than a pint of Christmas Ale.

ClevelandSeen awards this album 4 out of 5 palm trees.


BIG BROTHERS WATCHING


LIVING FOR THE NOW


FUGAZI

San Goodee - BIG BROTHER ALMIGHTEE by Cleveland Tapes

released 19 December 2009
written + performed by Santorise Turner
with additional writing/performances by
Josiah Quarles + Donald King
production by aLIVE + e.React
recorded/mixed/mastered by Elijah Vazquez @ The Used Toy Store + KILOLOhouse

Xmas @ The Grog Shop w/The Chargers Street Gang

It has been several years that the CSG has been active as a band though the group does not want this Christmas show at the Grog to be labeled as a reunion show. My best guess for that reasoning is that reunion shows often are a let down with the band reuniting well pass their prime. One cannot accuse the Chargers with being past their prime at the end of 2009 with members still in their 20's & 30's. Much anticipation for this ununion from loyal fans as well as those that never had a chance to see the band live will certainly make this night a "must-see" for those that consider themselves as local music enthusiasts.

Opening for the Chargers this night are: Sun God, Founding Fathers & Self Destruct Button.

grogshop.gs

Photo courtesy of Jay Brown aka jfotoman.

The Fuzzy Stones - Get It Together

The Fuzzy Stones is an animated rock band touring the world in their magic hot air balloon, playing sweet tunes and spreadin' the love to hip kids of all kinds.

TFS are a group of studio musicians mostly from the Cleveland area that got together for a fun romp in the children's genre of rock and roll while still appealing to the grown-up fan of singer-songwriter driven rock.

If you purchase the Fuzzy Stones debut CD, the band will give 50% of your purchase to University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital! More info is on their purchase page here:
http://www.thefuzzystones.com/rainbowbabies/

Fuzzy Stones - When Things Get All Fuzzy

New Releases From Smog Veil Records

Smog Veil Records is a indie label that began in Cleveland in 1991 then relocated to Reno Nevada seven years later, in 2005 Smog Veil moved to its current location in the Bucktown neighborhood of Chicago. Their new building has solar panels, wind turbines, a rooftop garden and 15 60 foot deep wells that will supply geothermal/cooling. All this makes SVR one of the first record labels to be certified "green".

Smog Veil still represents many Cleveland bands including Pere Ubu, Rocket From The Tombs, Face Value, Amps2Eleven, etc. SVR has recently released a few excellent releases that I have listed below with details provided from the label.
There is still about a week to order from Smog Veil if you intend your purchase as a gift for the holidays, I have tagged this and other posts that pertain to something that can be purchased, as "Stocking Stuffers".

Pere Ubu - Long Live Pere Ubu

All hail the survival of the UNfit! Brutal, lacking charm, no redeeming virtues -an album for our times.
This project, taken altogether, is a ridiculously ambitious effort. It started in the summer of 2007 as a series of songs to be inspired by Alfred Jarry's "Ubu Roi." One early goal was to approach the space between songs in a new way, using connective dialog and ambient noise as bridges, while remaining true to Jarry's anti-theatrical methods. This led directly to the notion of a live "radio play" that would unify the concert set. The motivation was not so much a "concept" performance but a way to manage the "silence" between songs so that the spoken word is manipulated with a jazz sensibility.[read more / buy CD]

This Moment In Black History - Public Square

Newest, latest, and greatest from the current undeniable undisputed champs of Cleveland. 13 songs, no, explosions, that the band will be ripping through on tour this Spring.
Multi-colored wax, full-color 2-sided insert, free download code included. Strictly limited to 1 and only 1 pressing of 1000.

"This Moment in Black History: a more smoking live band you are not likely to find, and their recordings live up to their explosive shows.” --Josh Razorcake

“8 out of 10…an undeniably jarring aspect of their music and the approach is unique enough to make them seem like visionaries in the stagnant world of hardcore punk.” --Joe Tacopino, PopMatters.com [buy LP]

Easter Monkeys - CD / DVD Combo

It’s generally accepted amongst the Cleveland cognoscenti that Easter Monkeys were the best rock ‘n’ roll band calling the city home in the early to mid 1980’s. Rock ‘n’ roll in the sense of the Ghoulardi-inspired hybrid that Cleveland is known for. The band was fronted by ex-Kneecappers Chris Yarmock, bassist Charlie Ditteaux, with Jim Jones (Pere Ubu, Home and Garden, Mirrors) amazingly creepy guitar work and Linda Hudson’s basement beat. This release collects up the band’s lone LP, comp tracks, unreleased stuff and a DVD of a 1982 gig.

'We just decided to make some noise with no real idea of what we were doing. We certainly didn’t think it would turn into a band, and we were really surprised when people kept coming to see us!' --Jim Jones Your Flesh magazine, 1992.

NOTE: the download version has extra tracks! [buy CD / DVD]

Frenemy Fail Of The Pittsburgh Waffle Shop

This past Friday the Front Room Gallery on Superior Avenue and the Waffle Shop in Pittsburgh both had a "Creative Comradery" collaboration of sorts titled "Frenemies".

FRENEMIES is a group exhibition featuring artists who are either from, reside in, or have ties to Cleveland and/or Pittsburgh. The title, a portmanteau of “friend” and “enemy,” eludes simultaneously to the age-old rivalry between these two cities (most often associated with football) and to the striking similarities between them. By bringing together artists who share common sensibilities, from playful and humorous to absurd and bizarre, we hope to highlight the shared experience and inspire creative comradery and collaboration between the two cities.. [Front Room]

 I am not a fan of football and therefore I don't give a shit about the Browns or the Steelers but I understand the friend/enemy "comradery" between the two cities because of the close proximity and the many ex-Pittsburghers that inhabit Cleveland. Hell, Mayor Frank Jackson has proclaimed this "Brown and Orange Week" despite the home team having a 1-11 record!

The other day as I was roaming the internet's I came across a flyer that the Waffle Shop produced to promote the "Frenemies" event. The flyer consists of some decent graphic work with a map of the two cities in the background had a couple tin-cans connected by string as Grover Cleveland "spoke" to Andrew Carnegie in the foreground of the image [shown below]. I imagine the former President saying something like this: "Andrew, do have any idea why I am being associated with Cleveland Ohio?"

I realize art is not rocket science but I would hope that an adult would know the difference between a former President and Moses Cleaveland when depicting the founder of Cleveland in a advertisement of sorts. Hopefully this was not done by a Carnegie Mellon student. -FG

Fifth Annual Asterisk Gallery Xmas Auction & The Tremont ArtWalk

This annual holiday art auction goes a long way in helping proprietor Dana Depew keep Asterisk Gallery open throughout the year as he has done since 2001.

Come Help Support Cleveland Art

Find that perfect Xmas gift for that hard to shop for person. Dana L. Depew and other Cleveland artists have donated countless works of art.
The opening bid on ALL pieces starts at a mere $30.
This is a great opportunity to obtain great art at a great price and help support Asterisk Gallery. All proceeds from this event go directly to keeping the gallery open to the public and to help subsidize future events.
2 day event

Silent Bidding begins Friday Dec 11, 5-10pm and ends Sat Dec 12, 6-11pm
Auction is over at 11pm sharp on Saturday.

The silent bidding begins this Friday and is part of the Tremont ArtWalk holiday edition, I've listed below some of the other highlights from this final Tremont ArtWalk of 2009, for more details visit tremontartwalk.org [Details of this months ArtWalk were not updated sa of this writing.]

Asterisk* – 2393 Professor Ave.
Fifth annual Christmas silent auction. List of artists @ Asterisks blog.

Visible Voice - 1023 Kenilworth Ave.

The Tremont Art Walk takes place on December 11th starting at 6:00pm.We are very pleased and honored to announce that we will be hosting a special artist showing their work at the store. Photographer and Owner of Kokoon Gallery William G. Scheele will be displaying his photo exhibit: Look Out Cleveland: Bob Dylan and The Band. This exhibit was originally shown at Bill's gallery earlier this year. Due to the importance and historical significance of these photogragh's, Mr. Scheele has decided to exhibit these photos at our store. They will be on display throughout January.

Bill was the equipment and stage manager for The Band from 1969-1976. The Band, which is considered one of the founding groups of Americana and credited with refocusing rock music on its traditional side was together from 1967 to 1976.They were also Bob Dylan's greatest backing band.

Brandt Gallery - 1028 Kenilworth Ave.
Mikel Mahoney: Random Acts Of Creativity
Music performance by Jose Luna.


Doubting Thomas Gallery – 856 Jefferson Ave.
Extreme Art Makeover


Lilly Handmade Chocolates - 761 Starkweather Ave.
Featuring Holiday Gifts & The Montague Collection:
Art from Jontathan Adams, Emily Dove Gross, AK Snyder


Jewel Heart - 2670 West 14th St.

Christmas sale