LOCAL CALL
For nearly a decade Don Jennings has been bringing local music to the airwaves during his Tuesday-night show on (91.3) KXCI-FM, Locals Only. To illustrate just how long that is, consider that when he began, many of us didn't even own personal computers; today listeners around the world can soak in our local music landscape via streaming technology. We've come a long way, baby.Somewhere along the line KXCI began releasing a series of CDs documenting the live recordings made in its Studio 2A. With proceeds from sales going back into radio production costs, the discs fall into two categories: those featuring national acts (Live from Studio 2A), and those containing material recorded by local acts for Jennings' show (Locals Only: Live From Studio 2A). This week the station releases the latest in the latter series, 91.3 FM KXCI Presents: Locals Only Volume 4.
The CD contains 16 tracks that represent a wide array of genres by local artists, from the melodic acoustic pop of Ryanhood ("Welcome You Into My Head") to the feel-good reggae of SKITN ("When the Morning Comes"), the nuevo Latino sounds of Tesoro ("Mohave Road") to the French cabaret pop of Marianne Dissard and Naim Amor. Also found on the disc are songs by Redlands, Andrew Collberg, Howe Gelb and Freakwater, Combo Westside, Salvador Duran, Found Dead on the Phone, The Jons, Courtney Robbins, Feta and Shiraz, Fukuisan Go!, Duo Sonido and, in a bit of a stretch on the local theme, the Meat Puppets' Curt Kirkwood (who used to live in the Phoenix area, but has lived in Austin, Texas, for the last several years).
As we all know by now, no local CD can be released without the requisite CD release party, and this one is no exception. Timed--coincidentally or not--to come at the end of another one of those seemingly interminable yet necessary pledge drives, the celebration takes place at Plush, 340 E. Sixth St., on Friday, Feb. 2. From 6 to 8 p.m. in the front lounge Duo Sonido will perform, then things move into the back room for performances from (in descending order of appearance) Found Dead on the Phone, Salvador Duran, Ryanhood, SKITN, Andrew Collberg, Courtney Robbins, Redlands, Marianne Dissard and Naim Amor and Tesoro. Five bucks gets you in the door, but be sure to bring some extra cash for a copy of the CD. For more information, call 798-1298.
FOR THE LOVE OF LARRY
From casual fans to working musicians, the members of our local music community are mostly benevolent souls willing to step up to the plate when circumstances make it necessary. This weekend presents the unfortunate opportunity to do so once again.If you've ever imbibed in The Tap Room at Hotel Congress, chances are pretty darn good you've been served a drink by Larry Horvath, who also plays bass in Great American Tragedy and is the proud father of a son, Aidan. A couple weeks ago Horvath became suddenly and seriously ill, and was taken to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with viral meningitis. He was released fairly quickly, but had to return to the hospital later, as his symptoms were not improving--if anything they were getting worse. Thus, Horvath has been unable to work for more than two weeks, an awfully long time without pay for someone with a child to support and mounting medical costs.
Thus, four local bands will be performing a show this weekend with proceeds being donated directly to Horvath. The For the Love of Larry Benefit Show will feature sets by Chango Malo, Mankind, The Year of Acceleration and The Provocative Whites. The event begins at 9 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 2, at Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St. Cover charge is a suggested donation of $5, but you can bet the folks at the door won't be disappointed if you'd like to give a little bit more. For further details, call 622-8848.
FLY SPEC
The world of heavy rock, metal, whatever you want to call it, is mostly populated and listened to by teenage boys who blog their woes away on their MySpace pages. Testosterone and heartbreak are a dangerous combination, it seems.But like other bands such as Kittie and Lacuna Coil, Flyleaf is the rare animal in the genre with a female frontperson--singer and lyricist Lacey Mosley. The Texas-based band is still on the road promoting its self-titled debut full-length, released in 2005 on Octone. Following the band's relentless touring, including a recent stint with Disturbed and Stone Sour, the album was certified gold at the end of 2006. While the disc isn't musically groundbreaking, with its mix of radio-ready big riffs and vocals that veer from hummable melodies to throat-scraping growls (imagine a cross between Kittie and Evanescence), it's still a bit jarring to hear those growls emanate from a woman. Here's wishing for the day when Flyleaf isn't notable for that reason.
Flyleaf performs Thursday, Feb. 8, at The Rock, 136 N. Park Ave. The all-ages show starts at 6:30 p.m. with opening sets by Head Trip and Tridon. Advance tickets are available for $15 at all Bookmans locations and Ticketmaster outlets, online at ticketmaster.com or by phone at 321-1000. For more info, call 629-9211.
ON THE BANDWAGON
Defunct local indie-poppers Ladies and Gentlemen will reunite for one show this weekend at Skrappy's, 201 E. Broadway Blvd. The show, which begins at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3, will also include openers Stranded Between and Blood and Roses. Admission to the all-ages show is either a book or a movie, or $5. Call 358-4287 for additional information.Buoyed by the success of the Afrodelic Stegosaurchestra's successful recent CD release party, as well as Salvador Duran's solo performances, Solar Culture Gallery this week again delves into the world of local music with a three-band showcase. The Crowd will headline the all-ages gig, which also features The Beta Sweat and Golden Boots, at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3. If things go well, expect to see more all-ages local band showcases at the venue in the future. Cover is $5.
The very next night, Sunday, Feb. 4, Solar Culture Gallery will host a performance from Polysics, who are best described as Japan's answer to Devo. Letson and The Outline will open this all-ages show, which kicks off at 8 p.m. Cover is a tenspot. Solar Culture is located at 31 E. Toole Ave. For further details on either show, call 884-0874.
Presented by Jonathan Holden's Rhythm and Roots, gypsy flamenco duo Willie and Lobo will appear at the Berger Performing Arts Center, 1200 W. Speedway Blvd., next Thursday, Feb. 8, at 8 p.m. A press release describes their music as "a hypnotic blend of gypsy, Middle Eastern, hot jazz, Cuban swing and tango, with a dash of salsa for added spice." Advance tickets are available for $23 at Antigone Books, CD City, Enchanted Earthworks or online at rhythmandroots.org. For more info call 440-4455.
The dance music set has an enticing option that same night, as Level Bar and Lounge, 4280 N. Campbell Ave., continues its Mix Thursday series with a DJ set from Dominic B, who is one half of the UK breakbeat duo Stanton Warriors. Things get underway at 10 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, and cover is $10. Call 982-2352 for further details.
