June concerts and suchery
So here I am in sunny Florida, trying my best to stay indoors and avoid that same sweltering sun. I just got my car's windshield replaced from a crack received on the drive down and tomorrow my mom gets her knee replaced. Lot of repairs and changes going on so far in July.
But let's take a moment to look back at what transpired in June before all this current chaos commenced...
PJ Harvey - 6/2 @ Center Stage
Been awhile since I've seen PJ perform, back at the Variety. Kind of wish she had played there again as I prefer it to Center Stage, but I don't book these things so nothing I can do. Went to the show with Chris, Cathleen, Kim and Matthew. First we had something to eat at The Nook (formerly Prince of Wales), good grub and will have to go back. We got there shortly before PJ hit the stage and it was a really good show. PJ was as odd and otherworldly as always. To me, she seems along the same wavelength of a Tom Waits. And during her set, I was picturing an indie rock musical version of Hamlet with Tom Waits as the Dane prince and PJ as Ophelia (Seriously, think about it and tell me it wouldn't work). Of course letting my thoughts wander into potential Shakespeare productions kept me from focusing on the concert in front of me, but that's what my mind does. But from much of what I did pay attention to, I quite enjoyed it. I hope she doesn't wait for years and years before she comes back to town. But I'll let it slide if she and Tom gets that musical off the ground...
No Doubt - 6/5 @ Aaron's Amphitheatre at Lakewood
If you don't recognize the name of the venue, it's Lakewood Amphitheatre. It just has a new sponsor. New name, same old dumpy place. But one of the few venues in town big enough to host a reunion tour for No Doubt. As I was watching the show, I was thinking back and I can't recall that I ever saw these guys "back in the day." I'm guessing I probably have at some point, but couldn't actually remember when that might have been. But then I've been SO annoyed by Gwen Stefani and her solo music over the past few years that I was surprised to recall that I liked anything she had been a part of. I pretty much wrote the band off after that single "Hella Good," which thankfully was the second song they played, so that got it out of the way quickly. And then I could enjoy their earlier material. They didn't play any new songs, but they did play a decent version of "Guns Of Navarone." Which led to the conclusion that Gwen can't skank. They're supposed to work on a new album, but I'm not holding much hopes for it as it'll probably be along the lines of her solo stuff which blows.
Rock And Roll Monster Bash - 6/7 @ Starlight Drive-In
This is one of those yearly events at the Starlight that I try to attend if possible. However, I'll admit that I don't need to be there all freakin' day. Because of my part time gig at the time and Rikki's job, we didn't get down there until around 7 - 7:30PM. By that time we missed all the bands, but got there in plenty of time for the movies. So even though it kind of sucked that we missed the music, we did miss all the heat and sun, so no complaints there. But as there was still plenty of light before they could start the flicks, got to hang out and run into a host of folks. So essentially, I paid to hang out with friends. But as I haven't seen many of these folks in a long time, it was money well spent. Once the sun set and many people who had been then from the beginning started taking off, Rikki and I took our chairs and cooler to sit with Gretchen, Clay and Eddie Ray to catch the first movie, Tales From The Crypt, which actually wasn't based on the HBO series from the 80's, but some 70's British horror flick. Then we started to watch the first part of the Howling. But it was such a slow build and getting so late for a Sunday night, that we took off half way through. All in all, a fun time and makes me realize that I just don't go down to the drive-in near enough as I should.
Femi Kuti - 6/11 @ Variety Playhouse
I'd chalk Femi up with one of those artists that I've always meant to see, but haven't...at least until now. I, of course, never got a chance to see his dad, Fela. And for those of you still not familiar with either guy, Fela Kuti is the Bob Marley of afrobeat and Femi would be the Ziggy or Julian or Damian, et al. And it was rare treat to see this tour in person. I got there too late to catch King Sunny Ade, who I was also interested in seeing, but at least I didn't miss too much of Femi. There was probably about 20 people on stage, with several percussionists, horn section and a dance troupe. The closest comparison would be George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic, which is also a close musical comparison as well. I was really digging it, which gives further proof that no matter what the country of origin, if a band has a horn section, then I'm probably going to like it. I'd say this was definitely the concert highlight of the month and if you have a chance, you may want to investigate the music of the Kutis. Good stuff that's good for you.
Surreal Sounds - 6/12 @ Ferst Center
One of two art shows I stopped by on a rainy Friday night. I made sure to hit this one as I knew both featured photographers, Gudrun and Cory. It was some really nice work and I was glad I was able to make it out and support. Even if I got drenched doing it.
La Serpiente Latina - 6/12 @ Alcove Gallery
So very damply, I arrived later that night to the Alcove Gallery to check out the solo show for the works of Sergio Mora. Can't say I'm too familiar with the guy's work, but we are MySpace friends and I do enjoy an Alcove art opening. His pieces were fantastic but WAY pricey. Even the show litho was out of my price range. But on the upside, they had some BBQ smoker outside in preparation for the Art-B-Que the next day. So chomped down on some really tasty pulled pork & chicken. And what goes better with paintings from a Barcelonian artist? If you guessed BBQ, you win a point.
TV On The Radio - 6/13 @ Tabernacle
Arriving at the show, one thing was quite apparent...I haven't been to a show at the Tabernacle in forever. Almost think that the last show I saw there was also TV On The Radio. I got there too late to catch Grizzly Bear, which seemed the band that everyone at the show was there to see. I remember them opening up for Feist, but I can't really recall that much about them. But they're now the darlings of the indie world. Guess missing them makes me uncool (granted SO much makes me uncool, that it's rather insignificant). TV On The Radio were as good as always. But didn't seem much different from the show of theirs I saw in the fall. At least they didn't get any worse I suppose.
Atlanta Rollergirls Bout - 6/20 @ Yaarab Shrine Center
For this double header, it was big wins for the Toxic Shocks, who bested the Sake Tuyas, as well as Atlanta's secondary All-Star team, The Rumble Bs, who defeated the Rogue Rollergirls from Fayetteville, NC. But the competition this day was rather bittersweet as the bouts were proceeded by a tribute to Frank Mullen, who was integral to the growth of Atlanta derby as their official photographer. It's going to be a little difficult to watch derby going forward without thinking that I'd be seeing Frank all around the track with a camera in his hand catching all the action. Sigh.
Frank Mullen Celebration - 6/24 @ The Plaza Theatre
How do I even begin? What could I even say? Frank Mullen was easily one of the kindest, most sincere and zen people I ever had the pleasure of knowing. You just felt more at ease being around Frank. He seemed to take everything in stride and nothing could phase him, not even the cancer which ultimately claimed him. And I never met a single person who had anything bad to say about the guy. Except for maybe himself as he took a few self depreciatory potshots here and there in the memorial ceremony that he had basically put together for himself. His Top 10 things about cancer was hilarious, even though you didn't want to laugh, you just couldn't help yourself. Gotta love that abysmal black humor of his. There were so many people at the Plaza that were probably more saddened not just that he was gone, but because he still had so much life ahead of him. Thinking about it, at 48 there was so much more he could've done. But I have a feeling that when his time came, he accepted the situation and had no regrets. That's the kind of guy Frank Mullen was. I will miss him dearly.
Total June concerts - 5
Total June and such - 5
But let's take a moment to look back at what transpired in June before all this current chaos commenced...
PJ Harvey - 6/2 @ Center Stage
Been awhile since I've seen PJ perform, back at the Variety. Kind of wish she had played there again as I prefer it to Center Stage, but I don't book these things so nothing I can do. Went to the show with Chris, Cathleen, Kim and Matthew. First we had something to eat at The Nook (formerly Prince of Wales), good grub and will have to go back. We got there shortly before PJ hit the stage and it was a really good show. PJ was as odd and otherworldly as always. To me, she seems along the same wavelength of a Tom Waits. And during her set, I was picturing an indie rock musical version of Hamlet with Tom Waits as the Dane prince and PJ as Ophelia (Seriously, think about it and tell me it wouldn't work). Of course letting my thoughts wander into potential Shakespeare productions kept me from focusing on the concert in front of me, but that's what my mind does. But from much of what I did pay attention to, I quite enjoyed it. I hope she doesn't wait for years and years before she comes back to town. But I'll let it slide if she and Tom gets that musical off the ground...
No Doubt - 6/5 @ Aaron's Amphitheatre at Lakewood
If you don't recognize the name of the venue, it's Lakewood Amphitheatre. It just has a new sponsor. New name, same old dumpy place. But one of the few venues in town big enough to host a reunion tour for No Doubt. As I was watching the show, I was thinking back and I can't recall that I ever saw these guys "back in the day." I'm guessing I probably have at some point, but couldn't actually remember when that might have been. But then I've been SO annoyed by Gwen Stefani and her solo music over the past few years that I was surprised to recall that I liked anything she had been a part of. I pretty much wrote the band off after that single "Hella Good," which thankfully was the second song they played, so that got it out of the way quickly. And then I could enjoy their earlier material. They didn't play any new songs, but they did play a decent version of "Guns Of Navarone." Which led to the conclusion that Gwen can't skank. They're supposed to work on a new album, but I'm not holding much hopes for it as it'll probably be along the lines of her solo stuff which blows.
Rock And Roll Monster Bash - 6/7 @ Starlight Drive-In
This is one of those yearly events at the Starlight that I try to attend if possible. However, I'll admit that I don't need to be there all freakin' day. Because of my part time gig at the time and Rikki's job, we didn't get down there until around 7 - 7:30PM. By that time we missed all the bands, but got there in plenty of time for the movies. So even though it kind of sucked that we missed the music, we did miss all the heat and sun, so no complaints there. But as there was still plenty of light before they could start the flicks, got to hang out and run into a host of folks. So essentially, I paid to hang out with friends. But as I haven't seen many of these folks in a long time, it was money well spent. Once the sun set and many people who had been then from the beginning started taking off, Rikki and I took our chairs and cooler to sit with Gretchen, Clay and Eddie Ray to catch the first movie, Tales From The Crypt, which actually wasn't based on the HBO series from the 80's, but some 70's British horror flick. Then we started to watch the first part of the Howling. But it was such a slow build and getting so late for a Sunday night, that we took off half way through. All in all, a fun time and makes me realize that I just don't go down to the drive-in near enough as I should.
Femi Kuti - 6/11 @ Variety Playhouse
I'd chalk Femi up with one of those artists that I've always meant to see, but haven't...at least until now. I, of course, never got a chance to see his dad, Fela. And for those of you still not familiar with either guy, Fela Kuti is the Bob Marley of afrobeat and Femi would be the Ziggy or Julian or Damian, et al. And it was rare treat to see this tour in person. I got there too late to catch King Sunny Ade, who I was also interested in seeing, but at least I didn't miss too much of Femi. There was probably about 20 people on stage, with several percussionists, horn section and a dance troupe. The closest comparison would be George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic, which is also a close musical comparison as well. I was really digging it, which gives further proof that no matter what the country of origin, if a band has a horn section, then I'm probably going to like it. I'd say this was definitely the concert highlight of the month and if you have a chance, you may want to investigate the music of the Kutis. Good stuff that's good for you.
Surreal Sounds - 6/12 @ Ferst Center
One of two art shows I stopped by on a rainy Friday night. I made sure to hit this one as I knew both featured photographers, Gudrun and Cory. It was some really nice work and I was glad I was able to make it out and support. Even if I got drenched doing it.
La Serpiente Latina - 6/12 @ Alcove Gallery
So very damply, I arrived later that night to the Alcove Gallery to check out the solo show for the works of Sergio Mora. Can't say I'm too familiar with the guy's work, but we are MySpace friends and I do enjoy an Alcove art opening. His pieces were fantastic but WAY pricey. Even the show litho was out of my price range. But on the upside, they had some BBQ smoker outside in preparation for the Art-B-Que the next day. So chomped down on some really tasty pulled pork & chicken. And what goes better with paintings from a Barcelonian artist? If you guessed BBQ, you win a point.
TV On The Radio - 6/13 @ Tabernacle
Arriving at the show, one thing was quite apparent...I haven't been to a show at the Tabernacle in forever. Almost think that the last show I saw there was also TV On The Radio. I got there too late to catch Grizzly Bear, which seemed the band that everyone at the show was there to see. I remember them opening up for Feist, but I can't really recall that much about them. But they're now the darlings of the indie world. Guess missing them makes me uncool (granted SO much makes me uncool, that it's rather insignificant). TV On The Radio were as good as always. But didn't seem much different from the show of theirs I saw in the fall. At least they didn't get any worse I suppose.
Atlanta Rollergirls Bout - 6/20 @ Yaarab Shrine Center
For this double header, it was big wins for the Toxic Shocks, who bested the Sake Tuyas, as well as Atlanta's secondary All-Star team, The Rumble Bs, who defeated the Rogue Rollergirls from Fayetteville, NC. But the competition this day was rather bittersweet as the bouts were proceeded by a tribute to Frank Mullen, who was integral to the growth of Atlanta derby as their official photographer. It's going to be a little difficult to watch derby going forward without thinking that I'd be seeing Frank all around the track with a camera in his hand catching all the action. Sigh.
Frank Mullen Celebration - 6/24 @ The Plaza Theatre
How do I even begin? What could I even say? Frank Mullen was easily one of the kindest, most sincere and zen people I ever had the pleasure of knowing. You just felt more at ease being around Frank. He seemed to take everything in stride and nothing could phase him, not even the cancer which ultimately claimed him. And I never met a single person who had anything bad to say about the guy. Except for maybe himself as he took a few self depreciatory potshots here and there in the memorial ceremony that he had basically put together for himself. His Top 10 things about cancer was hilarious, even though you didn't want to laugh, you just couldn't help yourself. Gotta love that abysmal black humor of his. There were so many people at the Plaza that were probably more saddened not just that he was gone, but because he still had so much life ahead of him. Thinking about it, at 48 there was so much more he could've done. But I have a feeling that when his time came, he accepted the situation and had no regrets. That's the kind of guy Frank Mullen was. I will miss him dearly.
Total June concerts - 5
Total June and such - 5