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The Rhythm Devils @ B.B. Kings (09.01.10)

September 5, 2010 by Karen Dugan (lightfire4)

The Rhythm Devils @ B.B. Kings (09.01.10)

Scene outside B.B Kings...

Scene outside B.B Kings...

There have been very few post-Jerry/Dead projects that I have enjoyed.  As stated in previous articles, I lost almost all interest in pursuing The Dead after Jerry died.  It took many a year before I started seeing Furthur for the first time this year and sadly, Bobby practically ruined the first set by passing out on his feet while on stage.

Feel free to read all about that craziness: Furthur @ Nokia Theatre Times Square (07.28.10).

Scene inside B.B Kings, entrance line

Scene inside B.B Kings, entrance line

There will forever be post-Jerry projects but nothing will quite match The Grateful Dead and the power through music that they projected while Jerry was alive.  But at the end of the day, we LOVE those songs, we LOVE the lyrics, and we LOVE the notes. At the end of the day, it sometimes doesn’t matter who is singing them.  And so, I have begun checking out the Post-Jerry projects that have come around my way.  More importantly, I have come to appreciate, albeit only a few, Post-Jerry projects I have seen beginning with Bill Kreutzmann‘s 7 Walker’s, including Papa Mali and George Porter.  A lovely new project with fresh Robert Hunter lyrics.

Read about the 7 Walkers latest NYC show: 7 Walkers Featuring Bill Kreutzmann, Papa Mali & George Porter, Jr. @ Brooklyn Bowl (05.28.10)

Tim Bluhm

Tim Bluhm

Tonight’s performance: The Rhythm Devils at B.B. Kings in Times Square, NYC.  Having seen them last at Gathering of the Vibes with Keller Williams, I was excited to see how Tim Bluhm (The Mother Hips) sounded with them.  I love both of their voices and there was great debate over these two artists during the show….but I will get onto that later…

Keller Williams

Keller Williams

I was internally PRAYING that there would be a dance floor.  At times, B.B. Kings has somehow thought that the audience to some of their shows might be old and not want to dance?  Shoot, not at a Dead-related project.  Happily, as we walked into the B.B. Kings basement space they had left a portion of the dance floor uncluttered with tables and it was packed from side to side with dancers.  I have just got to assume that B.B. Kings doesn’t give a rats ass about the people actually watching the music, they only care about the people buying alcohol and the people who sit down to eat.  The rest of us are just supposed to fend for ourselves.

Welcome to B.B. Kings Times Square

Welcome to B.B. Kings Times Square

The Rhythm Devils

Bill Kreutzmann – Drums, Percussion, Vocals
Mickey Hart – Drums, Percussion, Vocals
Sikiru Adepoju – Talking Drum
Davy Knowles– Guitar, Mandolin, Vocals
Andy Hess – Bass Guitar

Special Guest: Tim Bluhm – Guitar & Vocals

Tim Bluhm @ B.B. Kings

Tim Bluhm @ B.B. Kings

Making my way to the front, I found a spot directly to the left of Tim Bluhm and his never-ending legs.  The Rhythm Devils have had two wonderful musicians trading off as lead vocals and guitar throughout the tour:  Tim Bluhm and Keller Williams.  Tonight, Tim Bluhm (The Mother Hips) graced the stage with The Rhythm Devils.   Having seen Keller Williams perform with The Rhythm Devils at Gathering of the Vibes a few months earlier, it was a general consensus that Tim Bluhm was the better fit for this project for many reasons.

Tim was reading lyrics all night!

Tim was reading lyrics all night!

Starting the first set with Scarlet Begonias, an uplifting, vibrant song, Tim Bluhm‘s vocals slide into place perfectly with that Devilish sound.  Such a great voice, slightly obscure for those unfamiliar with his projects, such a commanding presence and great guitar styling.  He was a perfect fit for this project.

Keller Williams, on the other hand, is by no means a weaker substitute, yet he has such a distinct voice and guitar styling that the whole thing just screams that Keller Williams is performing with The Rhythm Devils.  For those of us who LOVE Keller Williams, this is a wonderful treat and I do LOVE Keller Williams, both his voice, his styling and his cute head of hair! However, it felt as though Tim Bluhm folded right into the group,  mixing seamlessly into the The Rhythm Devils sound rather then standing alone as Keller did.

Davy Knowles - Amazing!

Davy Knowles - Amazing!

Fire on the Mountain was to follow with Davy Knowles kicking out the first guitar solo of the night.  Now, if I could insert a sound clip here it would be of a car coming to s screeching halt after you hear his name.  Personally, in that front row, as soon as I focused on him…I hit the brakes and my jaw dropped. How many of y’all have heard of DAVY KNOWLES?   DAVY KNOWLES!!  Wow.  A wonderful, handsome, vocally appealing, shredding guitar player.  Yes, another one of those.


Mikey Hart rage!

Mikey Hart rage!

The Grateful Dead medallion fronting Mickey Hart‘s Drum kit shimmered in lights, almost as if it were winking at us as The Devils performed what could be a potential theme song: Friend of the Devil.  Davy Knowles moved to the mandolin for this tune, further exposing his talents to the audience.  Originally from England, when not touring with The Rhythm Devils, Davy is leading the group Davy Knowles & Back Door Slam.

Tim was reading lyrics all night!

Tim was reading lyrics all night!

After a while, I noticed Tim Bluhm was looking at his music stand more than usual.  It became clear he was reading the lyrics and possibly reading the chords to the songs as he sang, tossing his lyric sheets to the ground after each song.  I thought of my of one of my girlfriend’s, who has a major thing for guys reading sheet music hahaha.

Tripping their way into Fountains of Wood, it was a great song.  The talking drum played by Sikiru Adepoju was an interesting addition.  It add slight dimension but overall , without even a spot light on the poor guy, he was cast to the side and I forgot he was there half the time.  That is absolutely not a good thing.  Now, if you want to see a talking drum performance, come with me to see the West African Band at midnight every Saturday.  Unreal…

Davy on Mandolin

Davy on Mandolin

Check out The Mother Hips too!!

Check out The Mother Hips too!!

The remainder of the set brought forth a free jam on the drums.  Mickey Hart rang the chimes, adding a softness to the lovely This One Hour. Davy Knowles leading vocals on Cold Rain and Snow. I just fell in love with him harder and harder with every note that came from his mouth and hands.  At some point throughout the night, I overheard people dissin’ the lovely, young musician that was tearing the stage up that night.  Honestly.  It absolutely didn’t bother me, like it appeared to bother others, that this young man was so young.  Personally, it makes me happy for the future of Dead projects/music/vibes when I see young musicians holding their place along side the greats.  When I see them taking that music, becoming inspired by it, taking it on and making it their own all while keeping the integrity of the song.  He was phenomenal.  How could anyone hate on him? Blew my mind…

Andy Hess - Bass

Andy Hess - Bass

I saw my friends to the left of the stage and I made my way for a different vantage point.  At some point during the first set, a photographer had placed a Jerry Garcia Bobble Head Doll near Andy Hess, on top of the amps.  For the remainder of the night, Andy would take a step forward and softly tap the head allowing Jerry to nod in agreement to the smiling faces.

Lovin Tim!!

Lovin Tim!!

The Rhythm Devils closed the first set with a feisty rendition of Cumberland Blues and UNCLE JOHN’S BAND!!!  Such a great tune.  Such a familiar tune.  Everyone was singing and dancing and smiling.  The EXACT hoped outcome for such a show!

Bill Kreutzmann

Bill Kreutzmann

We took a break outside to use our phones and rage Times Square a bit.  There is no phone reception in the basement of B.B. Kings Club. It’s quite annoying but liberating at the same time. Not drinking, I picked up a soda from the street vendor to have in my purse. Surrounding the cart were tie-dyed shirts as far as the eye could see.  This was nothing like when Furthur was in town a few months back and the streets were hardly walk-able, but it was still a highly psychedelic street.  After about 10 minutes, we made our way back down the plush stairs for the second set.

We made sure to walk in a little early so that Josh could join me in the front stage. Being that he is over 6-feet, it’s better he already be there rather then try to push his way up to the front once it’s already packed.  After a few minutes, the stage was once again filled with some of our scenes most respected musicians.  Watching Tim Bluhm‘s solo during Samson and Delilah was a point where I caught myself completely lost in the moment.

Wrecking Crew was fun. A light, danceable song (as if any of their songs WERE NOT danceable) that had everyone on stage as well as the audience grinning from ear to ear.  It was clear that the members on stage that night were having a blast.  It came out in their performances, the musical banter was evident.  Listen to Davy Knowles‘s voice.  Man, I love his voice!!

Any rage...

Any rage...

Then it was time for the drums! Making way for the intro into The Other One, Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart completely took off on their respective monstrous set-ups.  I sometimes have my issues with muddy snare drums or too many electronics but these two truly created a unique vibe in B.B. Kings that night.  In the moment, I thought there was some deep, creative drumming going on.  Sikiru Adepoju had his moment on the talking drum as well during this time.  Still, no spot light placed on him.  He stood on the side, in the shadows.  WHY???

Not so Tiny Tim

Not so Tiny Tim

Bobble Head Jerry

Bobble Head Jerry

Mountain of the Moon was lovely.  Such a slow song, couples formed and began swaying immediately as Tim’s voice soothed over us on vocals. The various guitar solos followed and SPAAAAACE entailed through to the end of the song. Totally trippy.  Voodoo Zombies, sang by Davy Knowles, who sounded a little like a male version of Joan Osbourne for a minute, followed bringing the vibe back into overdrive followed by New Speed Way Boogie where the guitars weeped on stage and the bass was heavy.  Andy tapped Bobble Jerry with a smile while the audience sang along helping the band bring the songs to their end.

A HUGE jam out occurred during Strange World. And finally, they closed the set out with Not Fade Away. Another sing-a-long kind of song that had everyone involved.

Mikey Hart

Mikey Hart

As they exited the stage, the crowd finished their singing and began screaming as loud as they could.  A truly appreciative audience who, I think, realized how great a performance they had just seen.  With the introduction of Davy Knowles into the mix, I had been elevated to some pretty high heights as he sang with that voice.  With the insertion of Tim Bluhm as lead over Keller Williams, I had seen a different performance, I had felt that this was such a better fit.  As I spanned the room for friends, they returned to the stage for one last song.  As Davy Knowles sang So Many Roads, I slowly prepared myself for the night of music to be over.  That is never a fun feeling but what a song to end on!!

Sadly, a recording of the performance never made its way online.  There were numerous tapers at the show.  However, at sometime, I believe during intermission, something occurred between some tapers and the audience that forced the taping to be shut down.  Some STUPID Drama ensued and here we are with no recording.  GRRRRRRRRRRRR……regardless, here is the set-list and I hope the videos suffice!!

Sept 1 – NEW YORK, NY – B.B. King Blues Club

1st Set: Scarlet Begonias>, Fire on the Mountain>, Friend of Devil, Fountains of Wood, This One Hour, Cold Rain and Snow>, Cumberland Blues>, Uncle John’s Band

2nd Set: Sampson & Delilah>, Wrecking Crew>, Other One, Mountains of the Moon, Voodoo Zombies, New Speedway Boogie, Strange World, Going Down the Road Feeling Bad, Not Fade Away

Encore: So Many Roads

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Caravan of Theives @ The Living Room (08.31.10)

September 2, 2010 by Karen Dugan (lightfire4)

Caravan Of Thieves

Caravan Of Thieves

Caravan of Thieves @ The Living Room (08.31.10)

Live music!! What would our lives be with out it?  For live music lovers, and I think I can speak for most of us when I say this, we look forward to new and unusual sounds coming up out of our scene.  Once in a while, a group comes along that pushes the boundaries of their musical talent.  They push the boundaries of what is popular and what might be.  They push the comfort zone of our ears, our listening pallets.  I can say, without hesitation, Caravan of Thieves if just one of these groups.

The Living Room

The Living Room

Caravan of Thieves graced Manhattan with a month long Tuesday night residency at The Living Room in New York City’s East Village.  The brain child of husband and wife duo Fuzz Fuzzman (Deep Banana Blackout) and Carrie Sangiovanni, Caravan of Thieves not only brings to the scene a uniquely vibing, gypsy jazz sound but more importantly, their performance is rich with fun and flare.  Flat out awesome gypsy rage.

Django Reinhardt

Django Reinhardt

Gypsy Jazz & Gypsy Swing was made famous in the 1930’s through the musical styling of  Django Reinhardt, a name synonymous with the style.  I wager not many people have ever heard the name, let alone heard the beautiful music that came from this innovative European guitar player who changed music forever. I can’t think of anyone who has brought this musician to the forefront of my mind until I heard this performance.  Fuzz Fuzzman is Django-incarnate.

Scene outside The Living Room...

Scene outside The Living Room...

Caravan of Thieves

James “Fuzz” Sangiovanni – Voice + Guitar
Carrie Sangiovanni – Voice + Guitar
Ben Dean – Violin
Brian Anderson – Double Bass

Special Guest: Bruce Martin (Tom Tom Club)

As I walked into the back room of The Living Room, through the heavy velvet curtains, I was greeted with a packed room, dimly lit intimate tables and a stage covered with what appeared to be a music group pulled right from the 1930’s.  With Victorian flare, they wore page boy caps, Fedora hats, suspenders, ripped stockings, corsets, vests, thin ties…their image a direct reflection of their dedication to style of their sound.

Caravan of Thieves @ The Living Room

Caravan of Thieves @ The Living Room

The first thing that stood out from their wonderful image was the lack of a drum kit.  The second thing, no electricity at all…full acoustic, which I was looking forward to after a heavy week of electric raging from other various performances.

Sadly, I missed the first song (I Don’t Wanna Be) but walked in as The Caravan raged into a phenomenal cover of Queen‘s Bohemian Rhapsody.  Carrie held to the vocals as Ben Dean covered the underlying melody with the night’s first solo to my ears coming from the violin.  As Fuzz sung, “I see a a little silhouette of a man…,” the crowd joined the four Thieves and a sing-a-long ensued.  Fuzz pulled out a ripping solo bringing the song to an end.

Fuzz & Carrie Sangiovanni

Fuzz & Carrie Sangiovanni

The third song cemented the Gypsy style into my ears with I Can’t Behave, a love song marked with dilemma.  This would be the first time the Thieves had performed this song in front of an audience and the banter before hand was comical.  “There’s something nice about a First Time!” says Carrie, as she gazed jokingly at Fuzz.  The end of the song raged forth chaos which brought to mind Russian’s dancing the Kozachok.  Perhaps there was a Gypsy dance that would fit this song.

Caravan of Thieves ragin...

Caravan of Thieves ragin...Bruce Martin joining the stage...

Let's hit everything around us...

Let's hit everything around us...

Then there is hitting. Lots of hitting  They all start hitting things placed around the stage.  And with the introduction of Bruce Martin (Tom Tom Club), Shim Sham Honey began.   Bruce was playing all kinds of instruments throughout the evening, presently raging what appeared to be a turkey oven rack.  The sound was unique yet so richly rooted in times past. Exactly what I would consider a traveling gypsy jazz circus band to sound like.  Pulling the sounds from their surroundings by utilizing such primitive or unique items in addition to the traditional instruments. Sadly, there is little footage of this show so here is the song performed in 2009.  It’s great 🙂

Carrie and Ben

Carrie and Ben

Butcher’s Wife was up next which had Fuzz and Ben Dean battling it out with their bows.    I can’t fail to mention that the character that each member of the Thieves attempts to portray goes way beyond just playing their respective instruments and dressing in period clothing.  The vibrant, whitty banter and the impromptu comedic happenings  that takes place on stage brought the musical set to life and added an entirely new dimension to the performance. A soft, yet raging flare came out of Ben Dean, the violinist, during Butcher’s Wife. A slow, lovely song with tantalizing violin teases.  Bruce Martin on Accordion changes the sound considerably, bringing a hint of a keyboard being present.   Carrie’s voice matching so well while she harmonized with Fuzz.

Caravan of Thieves + Bruce (Tom Tom Club)

Caravan of Thieves + Bruce Martin (Tom Tom Club)

The Talking Heads Psycho Killer rang out over the audience and yet again, they killed another cover in such an unusual style. This cover was particularly poignant as both Bruce and Fuzz are members of the Tom Tom Club, a group founded by husband and wife team Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz, both members of The Talking Heads.  My friend Eric was at a earlier residency performance earlier in the month and was able to grab this snippet of the song.

The next song was called Candy, a metaphorical song about addiction,  and as Fuzz described the meaning behind the song, ironically, I was popping Jolly Ranchers in my mouth and passing some out to those around me.  As the juices ran down the back of my throat, the main Thieve asked us to yell out our favorite candy, Josh and I both scream out “Reeses‘” and my Jolly Rancher spits out. The chorus for Candy was so pretty.  Fuzz picked a lovely acoustic solo on his gorgeous guitar, his top hat tilting to the side.  Ben’s violin solo was next, expressing both the loveliness and darkness behind the song.

Yummy Bass Player doin his thing...

Yummy Bass Player doin his thing! Doesn't he look like Christian Bale?

The next song, a mash-up of You Are My Sunshine and Singing in the Rain, started with some banter between the guitarists.  Bruce, Ben and Fuzz start into a flighty singing “Please don’t take my sunshine away,” and then the bass player and all other members completely wig out on stage.  They began screaming, flailing about, crying, throwing things…it got SERIOUS up in the Living Room.

It was at this point the true flare of the bass player came alive into my focus.  He reminded me of Christian Bale and I did some mental wrong doing in my head with him and his stand-up bass.  Screaming things like “I’m so sad!” and “You Cunt!!,” he was the most verbal and out-there element on the stage with his antics.  At this point, various members of the Thieves have made their way back to the floor, faking tears, still screaming and things quiet as it’s almost as Fuzz steps forward to proclaim a service announcement.  “Look at these sorry sobbing saps. Is this how you want to be? We don’t want you to be this way.” “We are moving ON” states a serious and dramatic Fuzz.  And it was back into a happy bounce vibe, a calypso-style rage of Singing in the Rain.

And they all fall down...

And they all fall down...

Bouquet, the title of their first studio album and a song about “bouquets of thoughts” was meticulous and full of flare. Lead off with the violin and then into silence.  Fuzz explains that the next song is a medley of Beatles tunes, Girl/Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite. Fuzz was very verbal in his explanations of the meanings behind every song.  A true testament to the validity and authenticity of the style in which the lyrics and story telling play such a crucial part in the compilation of a group.  The meat of the song showcased Bruce on what we were told was an Angklung.  I imagine his home/studio to be an arsenal of odd instruments.  Again, the following video is not from tonight’s performance, sadly, but great all the same.

Then it it was time for band intros: Fuzz on everything, Bruce on all kinds of things.  There was talk about this being the last night of their Living Room residency and how much fun they had over the past month.   I silently cursed myself for missing the previous shows but was SO thankful for making this one last minute, as I had almost missed this one as well.

And as Fuzz screams, “Where the freaks at?”, it turns into an all out  percussion jam. At some point the entire band has dipped to the floor and audience members are up dancing. “I’m going to eat you, you are my desire,” sing one of the Thieves.  And as Bruce raged his Angklung, Fuzz raged and scatted, Ben was beating on the bass all while Carrie’s soft female voice filled the air. And finally, the Percussion Jam where they all just manipulated and beat the instruments and structures around them until they couldn’t anymore.

What can’t be said about this band?  They are fun with elegant compositions.    They are witty, they are sincere, they are talented musicians.  It is dramatic song writing that backs some dramatic acoustic music…the list goes on and on.  Be sure to check out their schedule and catch one of their shows immediately:

Setlist: I Don’t Wanna, Bohemian Rhapsody, I Can’t Behave (debut performance), Ghostwriter, Shim Sham, Butcher’s Wife, Psycho Killer, Candy, You Are My Sunshine/ Singing in the Rain, Bouquet, Girl/ Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite, Eat You, Freaks/ Percussion Jam

Encore: Raise the Dead

Sadly, there was no recordings made, or found at least, of the Tuesday residency.  However, I can’t leave you with out a taste of this wonderful, playful group.  Only catching a few minutes of their act, I was privileged enough to see Caravan of Thieves at Gathering of the Vibes this year.  Here is their set:

Download: Caravan of Thieves Live at Gathering Of The Vibes – Seaside Park on 2010-07-30 (July 30, 2010)

ango

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September 2010 Potential Show Run Down!

September 1, 2010 by Karen Dugan (lightfire4)

September 2010 Potential Show Run Down

Calendar updated daily!

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

  • (Free) Dred Scott Trio @ Rockwood Music Hall
  • (Free) Gent Treadly @ The Red Lion
  • ($10-$12) Hot Buttered Rum @Rocks Off Cruise
  • ($15) Jason Lindner Trio & Mark Guiliana @ Le Poisson Rouge
  • ($25) Paul Motian, Joe Lovano, Bill Frisell @ Village Vanguard
  • ($30-$35) Rhythm Devils @ B.B. Kings

Thursday, September 2nd, 2010

  • (Free) Heart @ Late Night with Jimmy Fallon
  • ($5-$7) DJ Questlove @ Brooklyn Bowl (Late night)
  • ($10) The Meters Experience feat. Leo Nocentelli @ Brooklyn Bowl (Funk Live)
  • ($25) Paul Motian, Joe Lovano, Bill Frisell @ Village Vanguard
  • ($40 – $150+) Michael McDonald, Donald Fagen & Boz Scaggs @ Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
  • ($175) Al Green @ B.B. Kings

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

  • ($10-$12) The Radiators @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($20) Garaj Mahal @ The Blue Note
  • ($25) DJ Questlove, Talib Kweli and Nina Sky @ Webster Hall
  • ($25) Paul Motian, Joe Lovano, Bill Frisell @ Village Vanguard
  • ($10) The Brew & Kung-Fu @ Sullivan Hall

Saturday, September 4th, 2010

  • ($157) Electric Zoo Festival, NY
    • Pretty Lights @ Electric Zoo Festival
    • Chemical Brothers @ Electric Zoo Festival
  • (Free) West African Band @ St. Nicks, Harlem
  • ($5) Chico Mann @ Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($25) Paul Motian, Joe Lovano, Bill Frisell @ Village Vanguard
  • ($38-$100+) Stone Temple Pilots @ Nikon at Jones Beach Theater

Sunday, September 5th, 2010

  • ($157) Electric Zoo Festival, NY
    • Bassnectar @ Electric Zoo Festival
    • Moby @ Electric Zoo Festival
    • Digweed @ Electric Zoo Festival
    • Orchard Lounge @ Electric Zoo Festival
  • ($35) Paul Motian, Joe Lovano, Bill Frisell @ Village Vanguard

Monday, September 6th, 2010

  • ($??) Mark Guiliana (w/ Nir Felder 4) @ 55 Bar
  • ($5-$8) Hot Tub with Kurt and Kristen (Comedy) @ Littlefield
    • Reggie Watts, Mike Amato, Jamie Lee Reggie Watts
  • ($8) Jim Campilongo & Dred Scott Trio @ The Living Room
  • ($40) Big Boi @ The Brooklyn Bowl

Tuesday, September 7th, 2010

  • (Free) Dred Scott Trio @ Rockwood Music Hall
  • ($10 food/drink min.) Will Bernard Trio @ Jules Bistro
  • Charlie Hunter Residency @ Cameo Gallery @ The Lovin’ Cup Cafe
    • w/ Michael R. Williams (bass trumpet) and Eric Kalb (drums)
  • ($14) Jessica Lurie Ensemble @ Joe’s Pub

Wednesday, September 8th, 2010

  • ($7) Orgone (w/ The Beautiful Girls) @ Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($25) Fishbone @ Webster Hall
  • ($15-$20) Fire Burning Rain- Jihae Performance @ Le Poisson Rouge

Thursday, September 9th, 2010

  • (Free) Taylor Carson @ Rockwood Music Hall
  • ($??) New York Funk Exchange @ Club Groove NY
  • ($5-$7) DJ Questlove @ Brooklyn Bowl (Late night)
  • ($18) Fishbone @ Mexicali Blues (NJ)
  • ($??) Chico Mann @ Ella Lounge
  • ($25) Vertical Horizon @ Rock Off Cruise (W/ Kelli)

Friday, September 10th, 2010

  • Catskill Chill Music Festival, NY
  • (Free) Mark Guiliana @ Rockwood Music Hall
  • (Free set @ 11pm) Band of Changes (a Joe Russo/Scott Metzger Project) @ Lakeside Lounge
  • ($5) BR & Timebomb @ Kenny Castaway’s
  • ($10) Toubab Krewe NYC CD Release Party @ The Brooklyn Bowl (w/ Eclectic Method)
  • ($10) BuzzUniverse & Turbine @ Mercury Lounge
  • ($10-$12) Orgone @ Sullivan Hall
    • w/ Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds / Ikebe Shakedown
  • ($25-$70) John Prine w/ Todd Snider @ The Beach @ Governors Island

Saturday, September 11th, 2010

  • Catskill Chill Music Festival, NY
  • (Free) West African Band @ St. Nicks, Harlem
  • ($??) DJ Nutritious @ Fontana’s
  • ($??) Mark Guliana @ 55 Bar
  • ($5) The Dynamites feat. Charles Walker @ Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($10-$15) The Heavy Pets (w/ Dangermuffin) @ Sullivan Hall
  • ($25-$30) Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars @ Knitting Factory

Sunday, September 12th, 2010

  • ($12) Stockholm Syndrome @ Brooklyn Bowl

Monday, September 13th, 2010

  • ($7)  Afro Funky Party w/ Zongo Junction, Top Shotta & DJ Offbeat @ Cameo Gallery
  • ($8) Jim Campilongo @ The Living Room
  • ($10 food/drink min.) Will Bernard Trio @ Jules Bistro
  • ($25) The Mingus Big Band @ The Jazz Standard

Tuesday, September 14th, 2010

  • (Free) Dred Scott Trio @ Rockwood Music Hall
  • (Free) Naomi Shelton and the Gospel Queens @ Fort Greene Park! (Funk Live)
  • Charlie Hunter Residency @ Cameo Gallery @ The Lovin’ Cup Cafe
    • w/ Tomango (urban tapdance)
  • ($28-$30) Ziggy Marley @ Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($35) Brian Culbertson @ B.B. Kings

Wednesday, September 15th, 2010

  • ($??) Jason Linder Trio @ Iridium Jazz Club
  • (FREE ONLINE) Esperanza Spalding on Borders Livestream
  • ($20-$24) Gaelic Storm@ Highline Ballroom
  • ($39.50) Vampire Weekend @ Radio City Music Hall
  • ($20) The Toadies @ The Gramercy Theater

Thursday, September 16th, 2010

  • ($5-$7) DJ Questlove @ Brooklyn Bowl (Late night)
  • ($15) Trainwreck (feat. Kyle Gass of Tenacious D.) @ The Mercury Lounge
  • ($15-$20) The Young Dubliners @ Highline Ballroom
  • ($39.50) Vampire Weekend @ Radio City Music Hall
  • ($39.50 – $45) Cake @ Rumsey Playfield
  • ($38-$50) Taylor Hicks @ Tarrytown Music Hall
  • ($55, $65, $75) Monica @ Beacon Theater

Friday, September 17th, 2010

  • ($??) Chico Mann @ Zebulon
  • (Free) Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds @ Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2
  • ($39.50) Vampire Weekend @ Radio City Music Hall
  • ($39.50 – $45) Ween @ Rumsey Playfield
  • ($55, $65, $75) Monica @ Beacon Theater

Saturday, September 18th, 2010

  • (Free) West African Band @ St. Nicks, Harlem
  • ($8) Jesse Dee @ The Blue Note (midnight show)
  • ($14) Holy Fuck @ Le Poisson Rouge
  • ($14) Budos Band @ Southpaw
  • ($15-$20) The Upright Citizens Brigade TourCo @ Highline Ballroom
  • ($20) Eric Lindell (w/ Paul Sanchez) @ Sullivan Hall
  • ($25) Jamie Lidell @ Webster Hall
  • ($25) Zach Deputy @ Rocks Off Cruise
  • ($30) Broken Social Scene @ Rumsey Playfield

Sunday, September 19th, 2010

  • ($35-$45) Ziggy Marley @ Skirball Center for the Performing Arts
  • ($38.50) Pavement @ The Williamsburg Waterfront

Monday, September 20th, 2010

  • ($8) Jim Campilongo @ The Living Room
  • ($25) The Mingus Big Band @ The Jazz Standard
  • ($25) Dark Star Orchestra @ Mexicali Blues (NJ)
    • A special acoustic show

Tuesday, September 21st, 2010

  • (Free) Dred Scott Trio @ Rockwood Music Hall
  • ($7) Trainwreck (Feat. Kyle Gass of Tenacious D.) @ Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($25) Ravi Coltrane @ The Village Vanguard
  • ($25-$45) Paula Cole Record Release @ City Winery
  • ($38.50) Pavement @ Central Park’s Summer Stage
  • Charlie Hunter Residency @ Cameo Gallery @ The Lovin’ Cup Cafe
    • w/ Matt Chamberlain (drums)

Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010

  • (Free) DJ Nutritious w/ Navegante @ Santos Party House
  • ($??) Yeah Yeah Yeahs @ Secret Project Robot
  • ($25) Ravi Coltrane @ The Village Vanguard
  • ($38.50) Pavement @ The Rumsey Playfield
  • ($73-$95) OPENING NIGHT: New York Philharmonic @ Avery Fisher Hall

Thursday, September 23rd, 2010

  • ($5-$7) DJ Questlove @ Brooklyn Bowl (Late night)
  • ($12) Stanton Moore Trio w/ Andres Osborne @ Brooklyn Bowl (Funk Live)
  • ($25) Ravi Coltrane @ The Village Vanguard
  • ($35) Big Brother and the Holding Company @ Mexicali Blues (NJ)
  • ($??) NY Funk Exchange @ Club Groove
  • ($30) John Legend & The Roots @ Terminal 5
  • ($38.50) Pavement @ The Rumsey Playfield
  • ($40-$138) Itzhak Perlman Performs Mendelssohn @ Avery Fisher Hall (New York Philharmonic)

Friday, September 24th, 2010

  • ($??) Gent Treadly @ Flannery’s
  • (Free) Mark Guiliana @ Rockwood Music Hall
  • ($10) The Brass Underground (Speakeasy Friday) @ No 1 Front Street
  • ($10-$15) Count Your Blessings @ 88 Place
  • ($15-$17) Perpetual Groove @ The Bowery Ballroom
  • ($20) Abigail Washburn @ Joe Pub’s
  • ($24) Great Big Sea @ Webster Hall
  • ($25) Ravi Coltrane @ The Village Vanguard
  • ($38.50) Pavement @ The Rumsey Playfield
  • ($45) Dee Dee Bridgewater @ Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • ($40-$138) Itzhak Perlman Performs Mendelssohn @ Avery Fisher Hall (New York Philharmonic)
  • ($40-$75) Alice in Chains @ Madison Square Garden
    • Deftones opening as Special Guest

Saturday, September 25th, 2010

  • ($??) Gent Treadly @ Brooklyn Rooftop Party
  • ($??) Itzhak Perlman @ Avery Fisher Hall
  • (Free) West African Band @ St. Nicks, Harlem
  • ($10) Perpetual Groove @ Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($20) The Constellations @ Bowery Ballroom
  • ($25) Ravi Coltrane @ The Village Vanguard
  • ($25) A Benefit for MAPS: Multidisciplinary Association For Psychedelic Studies with Twilight
    • Feat. Roots of Creation / Biodiesel / Sophistafunk and DJ Morale
  • ($36.50 – $40) Southside Johnny And The Asbury Jukes @ B.B. Kings
  • ($40-$138) Itzhak Perlman Performs Mendelssohn @ Avery Fisher Hall (New York Philharmonic)

Sunday, September 26th, 2010

  • ($25) Ravi Coltrane @ The Village Vanguard

Monday, September 27th, 2010

  • (Free) Jason Lindner Trio & Mark Guiliana @ Rockwood Music Hall
  • ($8) Jim Campilongo @ The Living Room
  • ($25) The Mingus Big Band @ The Jazz Standard

Tuesday, September 28th, 2010

  • (Free) Dred Scott Trio @ Rockwood Music Hall
  • Charlie Hunter Residency @ Cameo Gallery @ The Lovin’ Cup Cafe
    • w/ Michael R. Williams (bass trumpet) and Eric Kalb (drums)
  • ($10) Talib Kweli @ Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($30-$35) Amos Lee @ Hiro Ballroom
  • ($25-$45) Stanley Clarke Feat. Hiromi @ The Blue Note (8pm Set)
  • ($25-$45) Stanley Clarke Feat. Hiromi @ The Blue Note (10:30pm Set)
  • ($40-$138) Itzhak Perlman Performs Mendelssohn @ Avery Fisher Hall (New York Philharmonic)

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

  • ($20-$25) Chuck Brown @ B.B. Kings
  • ($25-$45) Stanley Clarke Feat. Hiromi @ The Blue Note (8pm Set)
  • ($25-$45) Stanley Clarke Feat. Hiromi @ The Blue Note (10:30pm Set)
  • ($32-$112) Alan Gilbert Conducts Mahler’s Sixth Symphony @ Avery Fisher Hall (New York Philharmonic)

Thursday, September 30th, 2010

  • ($5-$7) DJ Questlove @ Brooklyn Bowl (Late night)
  • ($8) The Farewell Drifters @ The Living Room
  • ($25-$45) Stanley Clarke Feat. Hiromi @ The Blue Note (8pm Set)
  • ($25-$45) Stanley Clarke Feat. Hiromi @ The Blue Note (10:30pm Set)
  • ($33.50) Dave Mason (of Traffic) @ B.B. Kings
  • ($35) Joshua Redman Trio @ The Jazz Standard
    • w/ Matt Penman & Gregory Hutchinson
  • ($45-$65) Esperanza Spalding @ Skirball center for the Performing Arts
  • ($45) Chick Corea Trio @ Highline Ballroom
    • Feat. Christian McBride & Brian Blade
  • ($50) Belle & Sebastian @ East River Williamsburg Waterfront
  • ($32-$112) Alan Gilbert Conducts Mahler’s Sixth Symphony @ Avery Fisher Hall (New York Philharmonic)
AMEO GALLERY @ LOVIN’ CUP CAFE
w/ Michael R. Williams (bass trumpet) and Eric Kalb (drums)

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Camp Barefoot 4: Friday (08.20.10)

August 31, 2010 by Karen Dugan (lightfire4)

Click here to read: Camp Barefoot 4: Thursday (08.19.10)

Camp Barefoot 4 | August 19-21th, 2010 | Camp Hidden Meadows, Bartow, WVGood Morning Barefoot 4…Oh Wait...

I wish I could say Good Morning but I never went to bed…and for GOOD REASON!!  There are so many great things I would love to write about for Camp Barefoot 4.  It was just such an eventful, wonderful good time.  Even though this was the smallest festival I have attended this year, it was the biggest in terms of adventure and just pure fun.

I was not prepared for the weather on that mountain.  The drop in temperature was quick and fierce Thursday night.  By the time 5am Friday morning had rolled around, I was covered in a sheet of dew and running around the camp site with my new friend Tyson and my buddy Paul, gearing up for Kickball.

A gorgeous stream that passed under a quaint bridge on the gorgeous grounds
A gorgeous stream, passing under a quaint bridge on the gorgeous grounds

DAWN KICKBALL!!..

Team Whiskey vs. Team Spunyun

Three kickball games were supposed to take place over the course f the Barefoot weekend. The first went down Friday morning at DAWN!!  Hillary Dovel, the Queen Bee of Festival Kickball, had organized Kickball the previous year at Camp Barefoot 3 so there was already a following.  Camp Hardcore also made sure to help spread the word Thursday night before everyone passed out.  The teams were to consist of those who had been awake all night vs. those who passed out.  I, of course, wanted to be on the team that stayed awake so I could take Hillary’s team out.

At this point it’s about 6am.  Paul and I have made our way back to the campground and are contemplating passing out, my eyes heavy.  Paul decided to head to his campsite and passes out leaving me as the only member of Camp Hardcore awake.  I refused to sleep because I had missed Jam Cruise Jamaica Kickball by passing out a mere minutes before the game was called back on.  I REFUSED to miss Camp Barefoot Dawn Kickball.  However, I knew this game was a MAYBE situation, depending on when Hillary woke up…was Dawn kickball going to happen?

All of a sudden, eager wookies begin appearing from the mist and shadows of the dew-filled air, filling available seats within Camp Hardcore.  Our resident Camp Clown, Stevie P., pops out of his big red truck with a blow-horn and a smile.  Wookies started whispering on all sides of Hillary’s bed…KICKBALL!!  KICKBALL!! The whisper’s gained momentum.  Hillary emerged from the VW bus and so it began.

The field, in front of the main stage!
The field, in front of the main stage!

Stevie hopped on our friend’s fold-up bike, placed the disco ball helmet on his head and proceed to ride around the festival grounds recruiting.  Hillary and I attempted to wake Paul (that wasn’t happening) and then walked the grounds for our own wave of recruitment. (I was just hoping to be miracled a mimosa at this point and this comes into play later!)

As we wondered the festivals grounds, I heard: “KAREN! Go to bed!”  The lovely owners of Beandawg Artworks, a gorgeous tye-dying company, were awake and beginning their day.  “I don’t know what that means,” I holler back.

View of vendor area from road.

View of vendor area from road.

As Stevie comes flying down the hill towards us, he hits one of the many rocks in the ground and takes a tumble over the handle bars, face planting into the hill as the bike goes flying to the left.  He jumps up, with a huge smile on his face. “Thank god for helmets!” He had done his job as we made our way to the field in front of the stage to find at least 30 wooked-out hippies raging to play.  There was no Awake vs Asleep this time.  Everyone but Hillary seemed to have been awake throughout the night.  So, now it was Team Whiskey vs. Team Spunyun.

Setting up the bases...

Laying out the bases! (Ps: You want her on your team!)

There are no pictures of this fiasco as I was playing the entire time.  Hillary and I were on Team Spunyun and we were getting killed 1 to 6 until one of our members called for a huddle.  “This is serious!  We need something to help us focus.  If you got it, smoke it.”  And as Team Whiskey yelled at us to hurry up, we all commenced with the “TEAM MEETING.”  It was hysterical…and genius…because we came back and beat Team Whiskey 8 to 6.

We have this in blanket form..a gorgeous pattern!
A gorgeous pattern!

I ate breakfast during Barefoot Wade, a Zach Deputy-type with Caribbean flare. Another member of Camp Hardcore made sure to check him out and brought back seashells that B-Wade was handing out.  B-Wade was also handing out Popsicles.  How thoughtful is that…seashells and Popsicles. He made my friend Beau very happy and the ladies in the camp appreciated the gifting of the shells by Beau after the set 🙂

I toyed with the idea of trying to catch some rest for a few hours before checking out Pants for Bears but playing kickball had given me my third wind.  There really is something to playing a quick sporty game to get your blood going.  The sun was shining on us but it was cool out because of the morning dew.  The sun would be taking over in a little under an hour.

Pants For Bears

Ben Geiser – Guitar
Lee Hartman – Bass Guitar
Praveen Chhetri- Guitar
Brad Corallo- Drums
Avery Fary – Percussion, FX, Theremin
Adam Miller – Vocals
Josh Horst – Keyboard, Percussion, Synth

Sadly, I passed out at a pretty crucial time.  I was looking forward to catching a close friend’s band, Pants for Bears.  I tried so hard to make it to their 1pm set but ended up utilizing the hammock for the first time that weekend around 12pm, missing the Pants for Bears set. Happy to report, I had friends who did see the set.   General consensus was “they were jammin’.”  Coming from my friends, who I consider to have great taste in music, that is a huge compliment.  This made me feel worse but I was so happy they were impressed.

LarJar

Larry Alen Jarrell-drums
Jason Jarrell-basses
Dave Klemencic-keys

I missed LarJar and I keep wondering about their name.  There were not many videos of anything from Camp Barefoot 4 but there was a LarJar video so I felt I should include it.

The Mantras

Keith Allen – Guitar/Vocals
Marcus Horth – Guitar/Vocals
Justin Loew – Drums
Brian Tyndall – Bass/Vocals
Brent Vaughn – Percussion/Vocals

I woke up around 4:30 from my “nap”.  I had missed Pants for Bears and was kicking myself.  I made a point to catch everyone else so long as I was awake.   The Mantras, from Greensboro, North Carolina, were playing and I was immediately perked up by their sound.  I grabbed a Veggie Burger from one of the vendors and walked over to the stage.

The Mantras

The Mantras

Keith Allen

Keith Allen

The Mantras!! Now say it again and remember it.  MAN!! I just LOVE being introduced to new music.  I like it even better when I LOVE what I am listening to.  With three guitars on stage, I sometimes got lost in their sound as a whole, not focusing on individual talents as I generally do.  Eventually though, I ended up transfixed on Keith Allen and the fury of his guitar for the most of their set.  Playing a few new songs from their newly released cd, Dharland, The Mantras were tight and full of rock ‘n’ roll-vibin’ jams.   I’ve been listening to them ever since seeing this set.

I don’t want to elaborate on this band any further as I hope to one day (very, very soon) catch them in the NYC or the surrounding areas and write a big fat positive review on their music.  Come to NYC soon Mantras…come to us soon.

Setlist: Improv ->, The Prelude ->, Five Roads, Cross The Divide ->, Abacus ->, Further ->, Boy In The Bubble* ->, Popna, Crowd/Banter, Hobo Ken ->, Song For You -> Barefoot Jam, Funky Jank Patrol**

Notes:
* Boy In The Bubble (Paul Simon)
** w/ Bobby Muncy (Funk Ark) on baritone saxophone and Joe Hererra (Funk Ark) on trumpet

Download: The Mantras Live at Camp Barefoot 4, Bartow, WV on 2010-08-20 (August 20, 2010)

DJ Williams Projekt

DJ Williams Projekt

DJ Williams Projekt

DJ Williams – Guitar & vocals
Gordon Jones – Sax & vocals
Dusty Simmons – Drums
Todd Herrington – Bass
Mark Ingraham – Trumpet & Borine
Joey Ciucci – Keys

DJ Williams Projekt

DJ Williams Projekt

The next band that blew me away was Richmond-based DJ Williams Projekt.  Being that I am from Williamsburg, Virginia, for a moment, while listening to this group, I actually felt I could move back to my hometown because there would be some dope music only 20 minutes away.

The Funky horns of DJ Williams Projeckt

The Funky horns of DJ Williams Projeckt

DJ Williams, a spindly, attractive, studious-lookin’ lead guitar player has the spark of Jimmy Hendrix flowing through him.  Where some guitarist’s are full of flare and movement when they play, DJ Williams was stoic and stood planted in his spot most of the time and the corresponding  sound coming from his guitar might have well been coming from a schizophrenic flipping out all over stage.  I mean, just chaos and raging guitar sounds out of someone who barely moved.  And then when he did, his smile was so wide, his legs were trying to break free like his fingers.

DJ Williams Projekt

DJ Williams Projekt

Todd Herrington

Todd Herrington

Todd Herrington, of Modern Groove Syndicate, was phenomenal, thumping his bass over every beat the drums threw down.  I looked over to my left and the Pants for Bears bassist was just staring with his jaw open.  He later would dance over to me exclaiming: “That bassist is amazing” and mention something about hoping being on his level one day.

My focus kept shifting between DJ Williams and Todd Herrington.  Wow.  What a duo.  What a great group. What a pleasure to be seeing some sick ass funky music come from my old hood.  Now, I could only pray they would make it to my new hood, NYC.

Enjoy this clip of a fabulous wookie raging to the DJ Williams Projekt:

Poor shot but you get the point...

On occasion, I take a step back from the rail... 🙂

FunkUpOnYa

Doug Carter – Guitar
Carl Blackwell – Drums
Brian Werner – Keys
Leo Kishore – Bass

Special Guest: Keith Allen (The Mantras)

We picked up a friend from the Beandawg Artworks tent and made our way up the hill to the SKU tent for FunkUpOnYa.  My friend, AB, had boasted heavily about this group and so we weren’t to miss them.

FunkUpOnYa (SKU Stage)

FunkUpOnYa (SKU Stage)

Calling themselves “Certified Organic Funk”, I was hoping they lived up to their self-proclaimed branding and they certainly did. This band brought a little maturity to the festival as they appeared to be seasoned musicians. I wondered why they were raging the side stage but found out they had a main stage booking tomorrow.  Bassist Leo Kishore stood out heavily.  Keys player Brian Werner appeared to be utilizing some interesting techniques to make his sound, smacking the keys as fast as lighting like he was swatting a fly.

FunkUpOnYa

FunkUpOnYa

As I stood there dancing, they started playing a familiar tune by Soulive.  They were covering 76.  Could it be that I couldn’t get away from Soulive even traveling miles away from them?  It was true. In my frame of mind, I was completely confused for a minute trying to place the song.  I look at my friend and he confirms my confused look with a simple ” Yes!” Well, this made me love FunkUpOnYa even more as Soulive can do no wrong in this New Yorkers book.  They also covered Stanton Moore’s Blues for Ben at some point.  It was raging.

FunkUpOnYa Debut Cd

FunkUpOnYa Debut Cd

A few songs in and I noticed a gentleman in front who turned around and smiled.  He went back to dancing and then did it again.  After the third time, he leaned over and said: “You like this?” I responded, “Most certainly do.”  And with that he handed me FunkUpOnYa self-titled debut cd, still in its shrink wrap.   They were wonderful and I just popped in the cd as I write this 🙂

It was also during this set that Instant Mustache reps handed out various mustaches on a convenient little stick.  Seriously, it was fun for all ages.  And with the crowd that was raging the stages late night, it provided countless hours of manipulation of faces, voices and attitudes when the staches got into anyone’s hands.  Excellent idea 🙂

Keith Allen joins FunkUpOnYa stage

Keith Allen joins FunkUpOnYa stage

Keith Allen of Mantras

Keith Allen of Mantras

Finally, one of the best parts of the set was when FunkUpOnYa invited up Mantras guitar player, Keith Allen.  Wow.  Talk about rippin’.  The banter between artists and their respective instrument on the stage at during those few songs was palpable.  Keith, clearly having a great time with his friends as we all watched in on the art taking place before us.

Sadly, but for a positive reason, I was playing in the Charity Kickball game during FunkUpOnYa‘s main stage set the following day.  I shall leave you with a video from that set….they rage 🙂

The Kyle Hollingsworth Band

The Kyle Hollingsworth Band

Kyle Hollingsworth Band

Kyle Hollingsworth Keys & Organ
Garret Sayers – Bass
Dave Watts – Drums
Dan Schwindt – Guitar

Special Guests:

Kris Jensen (Kung Fu)
Jordan Giangreco (The Breakfast)
Cory Potrafka (Jackass Flats)

Another RIPPIN SET!!!  This time with a few familiar faces from Jam Cruise. With Garret Sayers and Dave Watts of the Motet backing Kyle Hollingsworth of The String Cheese Incident, we were bound for some dancing action and a taste of the West Coast.

Kyle Hollingsworth Band

Kyle Hollingsworth Band

Kyle Hollingsworth‘s slick voice flowed nicely behind his phenomenal bass influx of Garret Sayers. SO GOOD!  Covering Led Zeppelin and Guns ‘N Roses, the set was full of crushing solos and jamming fun and smiles from the entire band. By the end of their set, the stage was filled with members of various bands who were all having a blast.

The Kyle Hollingsworth band + some :)

The Kyle Hollingsworth Band + some 🙂

Kyle and Me!!

Kyle and Me!!

There was definitely an energy at Camp Barefoot that I hadn’t experienced in years and again I was happy to be back in the mountains, reliving my college days with some of my favorite people.  I ended the set sitting down on the side stage backstage.   Lack of sleep, playing sports and dancing all day and night was starting to take its toll.

After their set, the band exited the stage and they were bombard by genuine fans from other bands.  I made eye contact with Garrett and just said “Jam Cruise!,” with my fist in the air.  His eyes perked up immediately and he steered my direction, repeating “Jam Cruise!” with a smile.  Chatting it up with Garrett was a highlight of my weekend in terms of backstage entry.

Setlist: Bam!, Too Young, Yo Se, Way That It Goes, All Inside ->, Kashmir ->, Boo Boo’s Pik-a-nik ->, Sweet Child O’ Mine ->, Boo Boo’s (end), Piece Of Mine, Let’s Go Outside, Seventh Step, Naive Melody, Peregrino

Encore: ‘Round In Circles

Download: Kyle Hollingsworth Band Live at Camp Barefoot 4, Bartow, WV on 2010-08-20

View of Kung Fu from my side stage seat

View of Kung Fu from my side stage seat

Kung Fu

Todd Stoops (Keyboards)
Adrian Tramontano (Drums)
Kris Jensen (Sax)
Dave Livolsi (Bass)
Tim Palmieri (Guitar)

Special Guests: Greg Stukey and Chris Michetti (RAQ) and Chris DeAngelis (The Breakfast)

I had just seen the Kung Fu set at Gathering of the Vibes and had left the stage more then impressed by their individual talents but not loving them when they came together as a group.  I must now equate this to the fact that there was so much insanely good music at GOTV that I was judging them too harshly against the bigger, better bands.  I also didn’t spend enough time to truly form any type of opinion of them as a group.  I knew half of them from other projects.  Anyway, that had to be the case, because tonight…the stage was on fire.

Kung Fu

Kung Fu

THIS BAND IS ONLY 9 MONTHS OLD!!  Yet, they are regional super group consisting of members of RAQ and The Breakfast, making Kung Fu just a rad bunch of talented musicians having a raging good time.  And looking good doing it. Good ‘Ol Boys club from the Northeast bringing it to the South.

This set was one of the hottest sets of the weekend. They brought the funk immediately with every single note.  Kris Jensen on Sax was  and Todd Stoops slippin into space with the keys.  You can’t help but move.  They scatter at times into spacey jams and integrate numerous styles of music into a single song.  Todd Stoops reminded me of at times.  I was happy to not hear as much singing in this  project. It was consistently jamming with so many layers going on.  Loved me some Dave Livolsi, those fast grimey fingers of funk.

Kung Fu

Kung Fu

For the encore, Chris Machetti was invited to join the stage along with the musical antics that took place on the stage at this point can only be seen.  I seem to be the only one at the festival who caught this action on video.  The sound is terrible so turn your speakers down a little bit but DEFNITELY hit play!!!

Setlist: “What is up BIG UP?, Actual Proof@, Bopcorn%, Chakrabarty Overdrive#, Lilliputians#, Teen Town$, Stratus*

notes:
@ – Herbie Hancock
% – Palmieri
# – Stoops
$ – Jaco Pastorius
* – Billy Cobham; with Greg Stukey and Chris Michetti (Raq) and Chris DeAngelis (The Breakfast)

Download: Kung Fu Live at Camp Barefoot 4, Bartow WV on 2010-08-20 (August 20, 2010)

Particle

Tim Palmieri – Guitar
Steve Molitz – Keys
Darren Pujalet – Drums
Eric Gould – Bass

Particle.  They had struck me hot and cold over the years.  I was glued to my side stage seat for this set.  I was completey being taken over by my exhaustion.  Afte rI dozed off a few songs in, I made a deal with myself that after I passed out in my chair for the third time , I would take myself “home.”

It must be mentioned, the kindness of my fellow southerners.  Having made friends with the VIP guard earlier in the night, he leaned over next to me as we watched particle, and said, “Lil lady,  I see you dozin off.  Don’t you frete. I won’t move until you wake up.  You go head an feel safe nah.”  I mean, just such a nice crew.

Sitting in for Ben Combe was Tim Palmieri.  Sadly, Ben had to remove himself from the scene for a while to deal with personal matters.  However, lucky for us, Tim Palmieri brought an entirely new layer to the group.  Having heard them for years, having gotten sick of them and genreally not all that interested to stay up any longer, I rallied in my side stage seat more then half way through.  I remember it being amazing but I was falling asleep where I sat most of the set.  I am stubborn and really don’t like leaving any type of live music until it’s over.  I leave you with this video by someone who had more energy then me.

Goodnight…Tonight I Can Say it

I immediately looked into many of the days band’s scheduling when I got back to NYC and noticed they hardly ever, if at all, come through.  This revelation has me feeling happy and sad at the same time.  Sad because who knows when I will see these raging musical acts again.  And happy in the sense that in only a matter of hours, Camp Barefoot had introduced me to and had me floored by some phenomenal musicians and groups that are specific to their region.  For the fisrt time in years, I had more musical faith in my home state and it’s neighboring areas.

I was looking forward to what was in store next. Day II down and one more to go.  Another dawn kickball was going to be happening soon.  I saw members of Team Whiskey as  iwalked home and we all looked in bad shape…perfect kickball material 🙂

Stay tuned for Camp Barefoot 4: Saturday (08.21.10)

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Camp Barefoot 4: Thursday (08.19.10)

August 25, 2010 by Karen Dugan (lightfire4)

Camp Barefoot 4 | August 19-21th, 2010 | Camp Hidden Meadows, Bartow, WVRemember the name, cause you will be screaming it all weekend long!!!

Welcome to Camp Barefoot 4

Welcome to Camp Barefoot 4

Welcome to Camp Barefoot 4

Camp Barefoot 4 was held on the gorgeous grounds of Camp Hidden Meadows in the West Virginia mountains this past weekend, providing a wonderful backdrop for almost 2000 music loving hippies to dance, eat and smile to good music.  Barefoot also made sure to feature many Virginia-based musicians, bringing a hometown feel to the weekend which I couldn’t ignore and fully appreciated.

Introducing Camp/Team Hardcore

I love that I hang out with Epic Professionals.  I am not talking about professionals in the 9-5 sense of the word.  I am not talking about professional musicians or production members.  I am talking about professional festival goers.  Where most of the people in our scene are obsessed with touring with Phish or Furthur or following any certain band, my running crew is addicted to raging music festivals all over the nation and then, during our down time, seeing individual shows in our respective hometowns.

West Virginia Mountains....pretty

West Virginia Mountains....pretty

Camp Barefoot 4 (CB4) was a new festival added to my radar this year.  I had been looking forward to it all year but was also a tad bit unorganized.  (Thank god for the professionals again.)  This year, our campsite was dubbed Camp Hardcore, so I will refer to my crew as that from now on throughout the rest of the article.

I left New York City after work Wednesday night to catch my ride to a section of West Virginia that I hadn’t been in since I found out Jerry Garcia died while I was climbing Seneca Rocks.  Meeting up with members of Camp Hardcore in Winchester, Virginia, we all caravaned to the festival grounds, arriving at Camp Hidden Meadows around 12:30pm on Thursday.  Checking into VIP was cake.  This was a first as most times there is always some kind of hold up for one reason or another at the entry gates.   We reached VIP camping after only 15 minutes.  Lovely!

I arrived with nothing more then a backpack on my back.  Living in New York City without a car provided a challenge figuring out logistics of raging a West Virginia Mountain by way of public transportation.  I had not yet replaced any of my traveling camping gear that was stolen last year nor do I really have room for all that gear in my Manhattan apartment.  Reaching out to members of Camp Hardcore, my professional posse made sure to bring extra everything to set me up with a nice little home in the woods for the weekend.

The beginning stages of Camp Hardcore

The beginning stages of Camp Hardcore (There's my little red tent....)

Let the Barefooting Begin

No BS Brass band practicing...we think...

No BS Brass band practicing...we think...

The music was not slated to start until 5pm on the Main Stage but there was rumor of the No BS Brass Band playing towards the Main entrance on The Courtyard Stage.  This stage was quite literally made up of two Eazy-Up tent placed over a large plank of wood.  I loved the simplicity of the production…a stage is a stage is a stage…folks don’t really need a lot of flare….sometimes that is the charm. Sadly, the horns never reached the stage.  Instead, a three piece string band slowly began setting up as we discussed what to do next.  The Barefoot Movement continued to play as Bo and I checked out the Camel Trailer located 100 yards from the makeshift stage….

The Camel Trailer on way to Main Entrance

The Camel Trailer on way to Main Entrance

The Camel Trailer

What the hell were we thinking?  The Camel Trailer was actually quite bizarre and more then a little disturbing. We were told that there were options of free cigarettes once you went through the trailer.  Liars.  We entered the trailer, but not before being asked to extinguish Bo’s cigarette.  Oh, the irony.  Upon entering the trailer, you are greeted by a tiny cute female in a jean skirt and a button up plaid shirt.  They would have been better reaching us through patchwork instead of hilly billy plaid. We are hippies, not rednecks.  HAHA!!

Camel Snus

Camel Snus

Our “guide” proceeded to talk to us about CAMEL SNUS, a smoke-free, spit free packet of tobacco that you stick in your lip.  Immediately, Bo and I started pointing out the lack of music (“WHY do you not have music?”) and the stale cool air that was being spewed over us like in a hospital (“Oh man, this staleness is just creepy!”).  There were TV screens with trippy blue waves surrounding us (“Whoa, we need to come back in here in a few hours!”).

Camel Snus - ewww

Camel Snus - ewww

We were not the best people to be guiding as we really were not interested in what they were giving us and by the end, even more offended by their presentation.  We were shuffled along and forced to give our information to a computer, then semi-forced to pick out a container of Snus.  Bo kept telling them he didn’t want one and they couldn’t get that through their heads. I just wanted it for the cute tin it was wrapped in.  Eventually, Bo had one in his hand. Finally, the last leg of the “tour” consisted of a “guide” opening up our SNUS tins and attempting to get us hooked on it right then and there by forcing it up up our lip before we went into a room with a presentation on a screen.  Bo and I both argued that we didn’t want that crap up our lip and so they left us alone and we proceeded to watch the subliminal message being thrown at us in the video.  It was a 4-D experience as our seats moved, air was blown in our face and we were thrown out of airplanes, skiing down slopes, biking down mountains and so much more.  It took a minute for Bo to even turn his head and look at it as he thought he was being brained washed.   He was right. As we left, we were blown away by what had just occurred.  How insane, how forceful and addicting was that?  Bo and I made a point to tell all our friends not to bother going in that trailer.  It was crazy how they attempted to lock you into the product before you even leave the trailer. WOW!!!  Personally, I think all these stupid trailers should be banned.

Gorgeous festival campgrounds

The Main Gate with the Courtyard Stage in white.

Please, my fellow ragers...

Please, my fellow ragers...

VIP PERK #1:  Only members with VIP passes were able to camp with their cars so the process to get general campers inside the venue was a fun one to watch.  Basically, a “shuttle” would come to the pick-up location and scattered hippies cold be seen running from all sides just chucking their gear onto the trailer in the back before the next hippie could.  No lines, not much organization but I never heard anyone complain, just laugh.  More of that charm…. It was so nice to be back home, away from New York City, seeing these smiling faces and knowing that we were going to be having a safe and wonderful time with my mountain pals this weekend.  Nothing better…

Cinder Cat

Cinder Cat

Cinder Cat

Cartwright Brandon – Drums
Drew De Porter – Guitar and Vocals
Taylor Hellhake – Bass
Theremin Charlie Nimitz – Guitar

Around 5pm, the music began.  I walked back to camp, taking in the lovely festival grounds along the way….all while listening to Cinder Cat, an experimental/rock/electronica band out of North Carolina.  They drew me to the stage.  Their sound was trippy and spacey.  Made me wish that they were playing later on in the evening when I would be prepared for them.  However,  I could wager that the members of this group would probably want to be raging to the later bands along side me instead of playing for me.  There is potential for this group to be a raging late night band if they continue practicing and get tighter.  Just a fun group that looked like they were enjoying themselves. There is nothing wrong with that.

Setlist: Intro>, Broke >,Sample >, Twlight >, Swamp, Temple (Part I and II), Saucer face >, A1, MJ

Encore: Antithesis

(Waiting on recording from band – definite)

Camp Hidden Meadow...lovely

Camp Hidden Meadow...lovely

Camp Hidden Meadow...lovely

Camp Hidden Meadow...lovely

VIP PERK #2:  The beauty about the size of this festival and the location of the VIP section, we could hear every single note from the two main stages without ever leaving our camping chairs or in my case, the hammock. One thing I have to say I noticed, the bands that performed earlier on in the day had one underlying similarity that had me losing focus most mornings.  Most would just change directions before truly hitting their jams on a given song.  Just when things would start getting interesting, just when our ear would perks up, many times, the band would flip into a new style in the middle of the song or just not complete the rise into the rage that they were building up to.   Styles in the song would change, directions just changed and it would deflate us completely.

Murphy’s Kids tunes were catchy and I found myself stopping in the middle of pitching a tent to ask who I was listening too.  However, there was just too much going on to truly give their set listening justice.  I hadn’t seen some of Camp Hardcore for over 8 years.  There was quite the reunion this weekend for sure.  I did make a mental note to check out Murphy’s Kids again if they had another set…alas, they did not.

Community Art Project

The Community Art Project

The Community Art Project

Eventually, it was a free for all...

Eventually, it was a free for all...

Art and expression through mediums other then music is nurtured at every musical festival. Most times, there are giant sculptures created as a base for community art project that allows every member of the festival to be play a part in its final creation. This festival was no different.  It was actually cute how the scale of the art project mirrored the scale of the festival.  Mountain Jam, a 15,000+ person festie, had giant towering sculptures and mazes to paint.  Camp Barefoot, what seemed to be no more than 1700 person festival, had various sized mustaches made out of wood, the tallest, coming level to my chest.

Why the mustaches you ask?  Instant Mustache was a proud sponsor of Camp Barefoot.  They provided oodles of entertainment for silly hippies late night by passing out mustaches on a stick that we could hold up under our nose.  It provided hours of entertainment.  Thank you Instant Mustache!

Directions for FUN: Print and cut out the ‘staches below and use some tape to stick them to your favorite face and take some pictures ‘cause I and the whole world wanna see, “How you sport your ’stache!”

CLICK HERE for your FREE Mustache PDF download!

Caught In the Lift

Caught In the Lift

Caught In the Rift

Doug Fisher – Vocals,guitar
Holt Nicholas – Guitar,vocals
Stephen Tuzeneu – Saxophone, keys, and percussion
Casey Sanders – Bass
Miles Kimbrough – Drums

I stopped to listen to Caught In The Rift for a bit, having notice them covering Eric Clapton’s After Midnight.  Reminded me of College…Frat Rock type music.  Lots of guitar jams in the middle of catchy little tunes that were backed with lyrics.  Similar to Vertical Horizon or something of that nature….I remember really liking the singer’s scratchy voice.  But, I couldn’t stay there for too long and I hope to catch them again soon to really get a feel for their vibe.

(Waiting for recording and setlist from band~hopefully)

The Sound Board

The Sound Board

Hippy Invention #1: Propane Drum

Hippy Invention #1:

Handmade schedules made for easier planning....

Handmade schedules made for easier planning....

We spent the rest of the early evening putting together our schedules for the weekend, cooking dinner for the group and just catching up.  The fun hippy toys made their way out under our massive Tertris-like Tent City.  One friend had welded two 5-gallon propane tanks together and cut teeth making a gorgeous sounding drum.  This provided a gorgeous musical outlet for my friend Paul who gave it the best play since it’s creation.  I am always amazed at sounds, no matter where they come from.  There is beauty in each and every one.

Former Champions

Former Champions

Former Champions

David Ashby – Bass and Vocals
Matt Walton – Guitar and Vocals
Geoff Bakel – Drums, Cymbals, Percussion, and Vocals
Ben White – Keyboards, Vocals

There was a third stage, the SKU Stage proudly sponsored by Instant Mustache, located about half a mile away from VIP camping and up a large hill.  We finally took the hike up there to see what was going down.  Sadly, the entire time I was thinking that The Former Champions was this fusion Jazz group I had in my ITunes.  I was wrong but not upset by this fact as Former Champions were hitting the stage hard when we arrived. (Got to love The Instant Mustache banner behind them.)

Former Champions got the party started right.  The guitar was jammy, the spacey keys provided that synthy sound that got everyone dipping into their toes and getting their bodies moving.  The drums raged it.  It was a great group to start the night off.  But, soon it was time to hit the main stages for the real rage of the night.

(Waiting for recording and setlist from band~hopefully)

RAQ

RAQ

RAQ

Jay Burwick — Bass, Vocals
Chris Michetti — Guitar, Vocals
Todd Stoops — Keyboards, Vocals
Greg Stukey — Drums

* Special Guest: Tim Palmieri

RAQ

RAQ

Originally, Steve Kimock Crazy Engine and Ekoostik Hookah were slated to play Camp Barefoot 4. However, due to contractual issues both bands were pulled from the line-up.  I feel as though the removal of these two bands sealed the deal for people on the fence on whether or not to attend.  I imagine the turnout would have been much larger with the inclusion of Kimock and EH in the lineup.  I have no complaints now but I was seriously bitching earlier in the summer.

The lineup change provided an opening for RAQ to play two nights instead of one.  This was wonderful as RAQ was only making one South East music festival this summer.

Tim and Chris...

Tim and Chris...<3

Right! So, I hadn’t  seen RAQ since attending All Good Music Festival many moons ago.  Or perhaps it was the Haymaker Music Festival. Either way, I CERTAINLY have been missing out on some major musical growth within this band.  I absolutely couldn’t believe it.  I never remembered them being so damn good.  And I mean they were damn good!

This was the set that started a theme of rage throughout the weekend for sure.  The energy of the mountain was radiating through every hippy standing around me.  Their faces were lit up and everyone was in party mode.  At one point, Tim Palmieri, of The Breakfast & Kung Fu, joined the stage.   This would be the beginning of Chris Michetti and Tim Palmieri‘s love affair that would continue on throughout the weekend, providing some AMAZING guitar rages and battles.  I mean, WOW!!

RAQ with Tim Palmieri

RAQ with Tim Palmieri

Todd Stoops on keys is what drew me to the stage at Gathering of the Vibes and what kept me in front of the stages most nights at Camp Barefoot 4.  Just a man of so many talents and styles.  Only negative, his voice. I am not a huge fan of that voice and would prefer he stick to playing the keys and leave the singing to another.  Alas, this is not the case most times and luckily the singing doesn’t last for very long. (FYI – TODD – Make yourself a personal myspace page…we need it.)

(Waiting for recording and setlist from band~definite)

My camera doesn't do the beauty of the main stages ANY justice....so pretty

My camera doesn't do the beauty of the main stages ANY justice....so pretty

The Breakfast

Tim Palmieri – Guitar, Vocals
Adrian Tramontano – Drums, Vocals
Chris DeAngelis – Bass, Vocals
Jordan Giangreco – Keyboards, Vocals

Did somebody say they were hungry?  CAUSE WE GOT FED!!!   Yes, I know the cheesy cliches are just that, cheesy…but man, they had me screaming out things I never would have said other wise.  The Breakfast picked up right where RAQ‘s rocking performance left off. HOT DAMN!!

Tim Palmieri is a BEAST on that guitar. Just shredding his way through all the sets that night.  By the end of the weekend I was screaming his name as MVP and I was not alone in this decision.  They started their set off with a trippy 18 minute Metropolis and ended it with Tood Stoops joining in on Buquebus.  Both Todd and Jordan each raging a keyboard and sounding on point.  The singing during the set, again, turned me off. I don’t understand why people sing when they don’t sound good doing it. Their instrument play, however, was AWESOME SAUCE!!

By the second song, Tim Palmieri was just in a full throttle open rage.  The rock vibe of the music was bumped up with Chris DeAngelis on bass. Adrian Tramontano seemed to be having a fun time with his beats which provided the guitarists a wonderful platform to rage against, and rage they did…..check out their set.

Setlist: Metropolis, Dougboy>, Psygn, Wake Up in a Coma>, Pygmy, Twylyte>, Jam>, May Fly Disarray, Buquebus

Download: The Breakfast Live at Camp Barefoot 4 – Bartow, WV on 2010-08-19 (August 19, 2010)

Toubab Krewe

Toubab Krewe

Toubab Krewe

David Pransky – Electric Bass
Drew Heller – Electric Guitar, Soku
Justin Perkins – Kamel Ngoni, Kora, and Electric Guitar
Luke Quaranta – Percussion
Teal Brown – Drums

Toubab Krewe

Toubab Krewe

There was just a fire on that stage at Barefoot that never went out once RAQ started it.  At 1am Toubab Krewe hit the stage with a vengeance.  With as much electronica as we would be hearing this weekend, I was looking for that sound that would stand out against the rest and Toubab Krewe was just that sound.

This was BY FAR THE BEST Toubab Krewe set I’d seen all year and I can’t find it recorded anywhere. I am so upset by this as I write this section out.   Having seen them four times so far, starting with Jam Cruise, forward to me hanging out on their  tour bus for Valentines Day and ending with a full rage with them in NYC, it goes without saying I am a HUGE fan.  It’s just a phenomenal group with such an interesting sound.

Toubab Krewe

Toubab Krewe

Toubab Krewe

Toubab Krewe

The standout elements of within the group are their West African Influences.  Justin Perkins commands the front stage with his various ethnic instruments, leading the jams.  He is such an interesting character. You can almost NEVER get his eyes looking at a camera, he will always look away.  Luke Quaranta might be one of the best percussion players I have ever seen live.  His speed and facial expressions are off the charts.  He literally looks possessed while playing then stands up and thanks us like nothing happened.  Their sound is driven by the beats through a African vein and Drew Heller brings it back to America with his rock guitar.

(Waiting for recording and setlist from band~hopefully)

Big Gigantic!

Big Gigantic!

Big Gigantic

Dominic Lalli – Production/Sax
Jeremy Salken – Drums

*Special Guest: Chris Michetti

And it just kept getting better.  Big Gigantic capped off the night with a raging dance party.  Just two guys on stage who brought multiple layers of music to our ears.  With dirty beats backed by live drums and a saxophone, I almost started to like this group better then Break Science…I said almost.  But I am telling you, the addition of that saxophone…it just upped the level for me.  Being a funk junky, that shouldn’t shock anyone of yall.

I was anxious to check this group out as they had earned a spot on Jam Cruise this year and I always love my late night dance parties on the boat in between Jam Room rages. Man, this group is going to fit on the boat PERFECTLY!!  The horn is always a big plus, bringing the funk right up in your face.  Big Gigantic dropped it full rage until 5am….I think they actually kicked it a little later because we just couldn’t stop dancing.

Chris Michetti of RAQ added a whole other dimension, coming out to join the group a few songs into the set.  I mean seriously….see for yourself.

Pretty Lights

Pretty Lights

Until Tomorrow Barefoot…

I never made it to the SKU stage for Silo Effect.   For those of you hoping that I had, here is a video for your viewing pleasure as to not disappoint.

And I can’t say goodnight, because I never went to bed.  All but one of my friends had passed out so Paul and I roamed the small festival grounds hanging out with people we found who were also awake.  I met so many wonderful people that night, talked about so many great musicians with some great southern hippies, my vein of people.  And I mean REAL HIPPIES…not these New York hippy-wanna-be’s.  Man, I missed this so much.  The whole charm of being in the mountains.  The whole Southern vibe was reeling in me hardcore.  My eyes grew heavy until a friend came by and took care of that situation for me.  Pretty soon  I heard the word “KICKBAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLL” being shouted through the camp grounds.  I hadn’t been to a Southern area festival since All G0od 2006 and my yearning to move back home got very strong during these down times.  But my yearning for dawn kickball was even stronger.  The sun would be coming up shortly and my boy Gator had just given me my second wind!!!

Click for Camp Barefoot: Friday (08.20.10)

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