Campaign for Change Watch Party

Philadelphia Weekly

August 27, 2008

Editor's Picks

Campaign for Change Watch Party

»For Bluebloods

Campaign for Change Watch Party

Thurs., Aug. 28, 8pm. Free. Independence Mall, Fifth and Market sts. 267.886.8591. my.barackobama.com

Surely the historical significance of watching Barack Obama’s nomination process and acceptance speech (on a 20-foot-by-30-foot screen, no less) just a stone’s throw from where the Declaration of Independence was drafted and signed some 232 years ago is obvious. But the silver-tongued senator is scheduled to deliver this highly anticipated address on the 45th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legendary “I Have a Dream” speech, which, depending on your perspective, guarantees either disappointment or epic opportunity. While it would be folly to believe any campaign speech is capable of going toe-to-toe with Dr. King’s soul-stirring sermon, if the self-appointed candidate for change can muster the same mix of magic and motivational wordplay that drove his rousing “Audacity of Hope” address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, Obama’s speech here could be remembered for years to come. On a local note, let’s not forget George W. Bush’s eight-year reign was officially conceived within our city limits when he accepted the Republican nomination for the presidency in 2000 at the GOP’s convention here. In fact, in the wee hours of that convention’s opening day, a young freelance journalist was detained for smoking a cigarette in the shadow of Independence Hall, thus earning the dubious distinction of becoming the first official member of the famed RNC 420. Perhaps I’ll leave the smokes at home this time. (Joshua Valocchi)

Laurel Hill Cemetery Tour

Philadelphia Weekly

July 9, 2008

A-List

Laurel Hill Cemetery Tour, Chikara Pro, Uhuru Solidarity Flea Market at Clark Park and Inventos: Hip Hop Cubano.

»picnic tour

The Cemetery and the River: A Tour and BYOF Picnic Overlooking the Schuylkill

Sun., July 13, noon. $20. Laurel Hill Cemetery: The Underground Museum, 3822 Ridge Ave. 215.228.8200. www.theundergroundmuseum.org

Defying countless booms, crashes and “adjustments,” one real estate industry truth has remained self-evident throughout history: Location is everything. When Laurel Hill Cemetery’s founders were vetting potential plots for the grandiose graveyard, proximity to the Schuylkill River was considered an absolute necessity. Incredibly, this determination wasn’t borne of a great notion to streamline deliveries by floating corpses from Fairmount to the Falls like so much Oregon timber steered by the Schuylkill’s mighty yet predictable currents. Rather the riverside stipulation stemmed from decidedly more prosaic plans, namely providing picturesque scenery to mollify mourners and attract tourists. Additionally, easy access from shore to sepulcher offered the bereaved the option to roll straight gangsta, riding to interments on steamboats pimped out with 20-foot paddlewheels. The planners’ insistence on putting their politicians and patriots to rest in such idyllic environs proves that even before the Industrial Revolution gained a full head of steam, people were already just dying for primo waterfront digs. Sunday’s tombstone tour traces the (presumably) more historically accurate origins of the nationally recognized historic landmark and concludes with a BYOF picnic on its hallowed grounds. Bring your own … Fulton? Fife? Financier? (Joshua Valocchi)

Club d'Elf

Philadelphia Weekly

July 2, 2008

A-List

Club d’Elf, Orpheus, Fourth of July Dance Party, Pardon My Freedom and the Cat’s Meow: 40th Annual CFA Cat Show

»Musical Guests

Club d’Elf

Sat., July 5, 7:30pm. $11-$16. With Paradigm. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. 215.222.1400. www.worldcafelive.com

In stark contrast to their fellow Massholes, Club d’Elf tend to keep to themselves. Despite hailing from the same area code as the majority of the insufferable Red Sox Nation and the resurrected Celtic Brigade, d’Elf regulars rarely go on the road looking to make noise in other cities. Purveyors of a unique meld of world jazz and tribal hip-hop, Club d’Elf have inundated downtown Beantown with their musical mastery for years while shunning the rest of us in a fashion that borders on self-sabotage. Stemming from a side project helmed by late Morphine frontman Mark Sandman, d’Elf originated as a revolving cast of musicians proudly including the likes of John Medeski, DJ Logic and Joe Manieri. Now a consistently evolving ensemble, Club d’Elf mesmerize Bostonians with a seemingly eternal bimonthly residency at the legendary Lizard Lounge, infusing elements of post-funk and smart turntablism into loose jazzy foundations. Bassist and bandleader Mike Rivard plays conductor and conjuror, leading his sonic soldiery through seamless transitions that leave genre boundaries faded and decapitated. Joining Rivard’s assault squad, G. Calvin Weston’s bombastic beats and Mat Manieri’s bowstrung feats duel before the backdrop of this all-too- exclusive engagement. (Joshua Valocchi)

Paine's World: A Benefit for Paine's Park

Philadelphia Weekly

June 25, 2008

Editor's Picks

Paine’s World: A Benefit for Paine Park

»fundraiser

Paine’s World: A Benefit for Paine’s Park

Sat. June 28, 9pm. $22. With Yah Mos Def, Broadzilla, Emynd & Bo + Rock Tits. Urban Outfitters Facility, Philadelphia Navy Yard. www.painesparkproject.org

Get up, stand up people. Calling all skateboarders, ex-low rollers and the girls who bravely loved them. The Paine’s Park crew are stepping up to bridge the gap between half-pipes and pipe dreams that’s marred our street culture since the not-so-great LOVE Park skating ban of 2002. They’re holding the deed to 2.5 acres of city land and envision Vision Street Wear back on board. Organizers are actively seeking creative partnerships to make it happen, so they’re throwing a benefit party down in Urban Outfitters’ space at the Navy Yard to raise funds. Twenty bucks gets you open beer bar sponsored by Triumph and Pabst, and free transportation via a big yellow bus from five spots in Center City (see the website for pickup locations) that’ll run from 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Art by Obama-obeyer Shepard Fairey, octopus chandelier master Adam Wallacavage and fellow Space 1026er Andrew Jeffrey Wright will be auctioned off. Meanwhile, Red Bull has sponsored a 25-by-30-foot skate ramp built inside the Urban O building, and the Nocturnal skate crew will rock pro skating demonstrations, getting you to talk smack about how cool you were back when you had a Winona sticker on your board. Liar. (Joshua Valocchi)

Too Black for B.E.T.

Philadelphia Weekly

April 9, 2008

Editor's Picks

Too Black for B.E.T.

Fri., April 11, 6pm. Free. With Spank Rock + William Pym. Mad Decent Mausoleum, 531 N. 12th St. www.jaysonmusson.com

If Barack Obama’s race speech sparked a fuse leading to the powder keg of race relations in America, former PW contributor Jayson Musson’s Too Black for B.E.T. is an acetylene torch firing directly on the pile of gasoline-drenched rags draped over its lid. A collection of poster designs featuring unabashedly offensive treatments of heretofore taboo topics like interracial divisions and intraracial disputes, Too Black addresses supersensitive issues with the delicacy of a jackhammer. Whereas Obama’s discourse encouraged Americans to openly discuss matters not often “expressed in polite company,” several of Musson’s designs contain images and phrases entirely unsuitable for even the most depraved of dialogues. It’s exactly that brand of extremism that allows Musson to pull off such a coup. By going so over the top, Musson is able to inject subtle commentary and healthy doses of humor into a product that’s otherwise simply ludicrous. Surely nobody in their right mind equates Osama bin Laden with Jesus Christ, right? Perhaps not, but as Musson points out, they’re both “persuasive men with beards.” Complementing Musson’s offbeat spins of logic, Spank Rock spins beats on records. Come for the posters party; stay for the throwdown at Diplo’s new joint. (Joshua Valocchi)

Colbert Nation Invades Philadelphia

Phillyist

March 19, 2008

Colbert Nation Invades Philadelphia

Editor's Note: We mentioned Mr. Colbert's impending visit to our fair city yesterday (and announced a contest, no less), but Phillyist Joshua felt this historic event deserved more in-depth coverage. Enjoy!

If we’re to trust Hillary Clinton’s supposition that It Takes a Village, wouldn’t logic then dictate that a nation could get the job done faster and with far more efficiency? Philadelphians will soon have the chance to witness that theory in action up close and personal as Stephen Colbert and members of his rabidly devoted “Colbert Nation” descend upon the Cradle of Liberty in the spirit of true demockracy.

In between the oddly familiar satirical rants and the bumpy jaunts along oft-tread avenues of sarcasm and coy derision that typify most broadcasts of the Colbert Report, host Stephen Colbert lobbed a slow curveball to his audience Monday night. As that pitch loped its way toward home plate, it grew to the size of a grapefruit before the eyes of legions of local Colbert loyalists. To hell with Mudville’s Casey, mighty Stephen is coming to Philly.

Following the lead of Democratic Sens. and presidential hopefuls Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, Colbert will transplant the bulk of operations related to the nightly broadcast of the Report to the 215 for the week of April 14 to coincide with the nationally televised Democratic debate scheduled for April 16 at the National Constitution Center.

Tickets for all four shows (4.14-17) were gobbled up within mere minutes of Colbert’s on-air announcement as fans immediately stormed the show’s online ticketing system. Those lucky enough to score a spot for one of the Report’s Philadelphia tapings are sure to be constant targets of scorn, envy and the occasional pie toss over the course of the next few weeks—and that only accounts for the reactions of “friends.”

Nonetheless, the payoff promises to be fairly epic and the “studio” is bound to be filled with hordes of fellow fans suffering from similar bouts with jealous siblings, lovers, spouses and the like. An overwhelming sense of community is sure to quickly gel among ticketholders as the “Nation” takes care of its own. Damn the outsiders and the non-believers because though the heart may be weak, the wrist is strong. It takes but a quick flip to wave off the deadweight of the past before rotating inward to welcome new friends and loved ones with a warm beckon.

Unfortunately, the temporarily displaced and somewhat makeshift “Nation” will surely dissolve scant days after its meteoric rise, leaving shattered dreams and limp wrists in its wake. Consummate leader that he is, however, Colbert shall persevere and press on, stoically striding toward his ultimate goal of a world teeming with monkeys on the lam with nary a bear in sight.

Fleeting as it may be, Colbert’s four-day reign will doubtless leave a lasting impression upon our fair hamlet that will span generations. Kind of like that crack in the Liberty Bell.

Image Credit: Flickr user stricklin_family

Building a Broken Mousetrap

Philadelphia Weekly

February 6, 2008

PW's Picks For The Week

>>Clogosphere

Building a Broken Mousetrap

Thurs., Feb. 7, 7pm. $5-$7. International House, 3701 Chestnut St. 866.468.7619. www.ihousephilly.org

When Dutch punks the Ex visited New York’s Knitting Factory on the third anniversary of 9/11, the city was feeling more than a little colicky. The ignoramus-packed Republican National Convention had just quit town after steamrollering local civil liberties. The stench of tear gas and fascism lingered. Filmmaker Jem Cohen didn’t think twice about his plans that night. A director who makes documentaries about music as resistance culture, Cohen captured a sonic shitstorm of raw energy on 16 mm stock as the Ex—buzzed by the anger—tore through an incendiary set. Cohen then interlaced the stage action with footage of the anti-RNC protests to create Building a Broken Mousetrap. It screens with Smells Like Teen Spirit, an eight-minute video of Patti Smith covering the Nirvana classic. Which will, of course, be either the coolest or the crappest thing ever. (Joshua Valocchi)

Northern Liberties Winter Music Fest

Philadelphia Weekly

February 6, 2008

Opening Riff
Northern Liberties Winter Music Fest

by Joshua Valocchi

Winter Wonderland

The opening night of this year’s Northern Liberties Winter Music Fest includes a nod to the good ol’ days in the form of a bluegrass jam featuring Mason Porter and the awesomely named Wissahickon Chicken Shack. Comprised of eight mostly classically trained musicians, the Chicken Shack represents a fun outlet and musical escape of sorts. Apparently toiling away at Curtis for hours on end isn’t as much fun as turning that violin into a fiddle and trading Bach and Mozart for Bill Monroe.

Night two boasts seven acts for a paltry $8 (as opposed to the poultry $8 for the Chicken Shack night), and features the headlining one-two punch of Cowmuddy and Devin Greenwood. Having worked with each other extensively in the past, Greenwood and the Cowmuddy kids are almost guaranteed to contribute to the festival feel with a few guest spots and sit-ins peppered throughout their respective sets.

The third night of the festival rolls in hard with nine acts, thus lowering the evening’s per-band cost below 90 cents. Along with the ridiculously low music-to-money ratio, Wednesday also offers attendees the chance to check out cuts from the Victor Victor Band’s newest release Chatterbox as their festival set doubles as a CD-release party. The married duo take the White Stripes route, with Danielle handling drums and keyboards while husband Jamie takes on guitar and vocal duties. No word yet on whether they’re actually divorced or brother and sister. Or both.

Admittedly, the first three days are just the tip of the Winter Music Festival iceberg. When all is said and done, more than 40 acts will have graced the Fire stage over eight days, continuing a cold-weather tradition while proving that the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Sun., Feb. 10, 6pm. $8. Through Feb. 17. With Cowmuddy, Devin Greenwood, Chase Pagan + Victor Victor Band. The Fire, 412 W. Girard Ave. 267.671.9298. www.iourecords.com/thefire

Kiss 'n' Fly

Philadelphia Weekly

January 9, 2008

A-List

>>Spin crowd

Kiss ’n’ Fly

Wed., Jan. 9, 9pm. Free. With DJ RMT + Strawberry Mansion. Barbary, 941 Frankford Ave. www.myspace.com/thenewbarbary

When John Redden opened the Barbary it was a given he’d have no problem booking DJs. Even so, the lineup at the little-Fishtown-club-that-could has gotten downright silly. From the Immediate! crew to the old-school soulery of Philly’s favorite expat Mark Foreman and his Turnaround funk, the Barbary’s schedule has been chugging along with serious steam. Enter the gals from Oh, Murder! Inc. and their Kiss ’n’ Fly night—this time with contributions from DJ RMT’s Darklord. Don’t let the drug reference fool you—these ladies come correct on the decks with serious club bangers and disco funk. If that’s not your thing, don’t fret—the Strawberry Mansion gents run the hip-hop gamut from old-school jams to contemporary cuts. If you have energy to spare after this one, you’re not doing it right. (Joshua Valocchi)

The Sea

Philadelphia Weekly

January 9, 2008

Editor's Picks
>>THEATER

The Sea

Fri., Jan. 11, 8pm. $12-$15. Through Jan. 19. Old Swedes’ Church, 916 S. Swanson St. 215.389.1513. www.jamessugg.com

Local renaissance man James Sugg brings a wealth of experience to the story of a captain’s quest for his mermaid daughter through salty monologues and a “rock ’n’ roll song cycle” of punk-tinged lullabies and sea shanties. While preparing for The Sea’s Fringe debut in 2006, Sugg spent two weeks on a freighter scouring the ports of Panama for authentic tales of life, love and loss from the sailors who troll the Canal. And the setting could hardly be more apt. One of the grave markers littering the 310-year-old candlelit Old Swedes’ Church reads: “In memory of the 34 men lost on the U.S. flagged merchant vessel S.S. Poet. ‘Oh God, the sea is so great yet our boat so small.’” (Joshua Valocchi)

Weekend Dig! - 12/28 - 12/30

DigPhilly
December 28, 2007

Weekend Dig! Dec. 28-30

By Joshua Valocchi

Posted: Dec 28, 2007 12:51 PM

You may as well skip New Year's Eve all together because the good stuff is happening in the next three nights: Gospel, dirty roasts and "special" BBQs.

Although the nannies over here at digphilly HQ are completely freaking out at the mere prospect of our peeps navigating the daunting Philly scene in virtual blindness while your beloved Digger was off galavanting amongst the relatives, I’m granting the benefit of the doubt and guessing that y’all fared just fine in my absence.

Nonetheless, it’s high time to get back into the swing of things, yeah?

Right.

Let’s do this.

Friday

The Word

Fri., Dec. 28, 8:30 p.m. $25-27. With Chocolate Genius.

Electric Factory. 421 N. 7th St. 215.627.1332.

For the folks who are still wallowing in Christian-bred guilt after showering loved ones with gifts instead of sincere blessings to commemorate the admittedly arbitrary anniversary of J.C.’s birth (this pretty much covers most of our Catholic readers, methinks), The Word anoints the stage at the Electric Factory tonight.

Draping a touch of blues, a dash of jazz and a slew of soul over some downright inspired gospel music, The Word is just what the preacher ordered. Presiding over the keys, John Medeski is sure to get the congregation groovin’ just in time for Robert Randolph to testify on the pedal steel guitar. The North Mississippi Allstars earn plenary indulgences all around with their musical tithings as the whole damn thing comes full circle, bringing all of us a little closer to the almighty.

Religious allusions aside, if you haven’t seen these guys, you’re really missing out. This lineup is simply unstoppable and they seriously put on one of the best shows this side of the Mississippi Delta. That said, I challenge any band to cross the Delta and mess with these guys. They’re the real deal and this gig is a rare Philly appearance. Don’t lunch on this. And while we’re postulating here, we might as well implore you to get there early. Chocolate Genius is simply sublime live. Give him the credit he's due, Philly. He’ll love you for it forever.

Saturday

Dirty D Birthday Roast

Sat., Dec. 30, 9:30 p.m. Free.

Khyber. 56 S. 2nd St. 215.238.5888.

If you can find a better way to spend your pre-New Year’s Eve Saturday night that doesn’t involve filthy renditions of Neil Diamond songs, we need to hear about it. Even so, we’re seriously doubting that free vibrators are in the mix. Once you realize the impracticality of even entertaining such a challenge, just tote your ass over to the Khyber for the Dirty Diamond Roast.

Yes, we’ve all seen the roast go down in some form or fashion on Comedy Central over the past few years. The Hugh Hefner edition wasn’t nearly as raunchy as it should’ve been but the Flavor Flav jawn made up for it in spades. Regardless, it’s a safe bet that nothing can truly prepare anyone for the debauchery that will surely ensue at the Khyber Saturday night. Don’t worry if you have no idea who Dirty Diamond is. Just strut through the door, demand a free vibrator (it’s your God-given right, after all) and kick back as the likes of Needles Jones, a.d. amorosi and the Legendary WID (all Philly “celebrities” in their own, um, ‘special’ way) stumble their way through scripted jabs and pre-orchestrated bits in a feeble attempt to embarrass a man who sings about hookers and blow on a regular basis.

Needless to say, the real fun begins after the roast, when the man of the hour, Dirty Diamond, takes the stage to regale the crowd with his truly tasteless takes on Neil Diamond classics. According to his relentless MySpace bulletins, the “performance” begins at 11:15 p.m. and goes on “until it’s fucking done.” Did we mention there will be free vibrators?

Sunday

Bob & Barbara's BBQ
Sun., Dec. 30. 8 p.m. Free. $3-6 for a plate of BBQ.

Bob & Barbara’s Lounge. 1509 South St. 215.545.4511.

After Saturday night with Dirty Diamond do you really think you should be going out on Sunday night? Even if you feel like you gained some sort of twisted redemption by spending Friday with The Word’s sweet gospel sounds, you still have New Year’s Eve staring you dead in the eye. That’s Monday night, you know …

Nonetheless, if you absolutely must head out Sunday, keep it cool, local and tasty. Lucky, the sometimes bouncer at Bob and Barbara’s, cooks up some of the most divine soul food you’re likely to find this side of the Mason-Dixon Line. In fact, Lucky’s vittles even house the majority of anything in the dirrrty South, so take that for whatever it’s worth. Will he be cookin’ up mac ‘n’ cheese and ribs and fryin’ fish and chicken the day before the annual amateurs’ showcase that is New Year’s Eve? Probably. He kinda loves his craft. Then again, if he opts not to cook this weekend, don’t call him on it. You’re still in for a fun night at one of the city’s best dives. Order the Special (shot of Beam and a can of PBR - $3) and keep your damn trap shut. Chances are still pretty good that Lucky’s bigger than you. Don’t make him prove it. Just drink your drink and stay cool, killer. If there’s no food this week, you can rest assured it’ll be back next year (that’s next week, you know … ) – with a vengeance.

As for Monday night, you’re on your own, kids. Just be sure you stay safe, have fun and come back here hungry for more in the new year. We’re diggin up the goods for you here and we pledge to keep on bringing it as long as you want it, ya dig?

Standing (Digi)Tall

Philadelphia Weekly
December 19, 2007

Opening Riff

By Joshua Valocchi

Standing (Digi)Tall

Since its inception in 1999, Ropeadope has been somewhat of a maverick among record labels. From the demonstrated propensity to sign unknown acts based on little more than the strength of a single live club set to mixing genres through unlikely artistic collaborations, they’ve never quite subscribed to the conventions set forth by industry wonks.

It’s no surprise, then, that Ropeadope’s venture into the depths of digital downloading brings some revolutionary concepts to the bargaining table. Launched in February with a core group of seven artists, Ropeadope Digital (www.ropeadope.com/digital) marks the first step in the label’s ultimate plan to become a completely digital operation. While the practice of offering exclusive mp3s is certainly nothing new, especially considering it’s the artist-friendly business model that sets Ropeadope apart from the pack.

Artists on Ropeadope Digital essentially retain all rights and ownership of their masters, signing over to the label only a short-term license for exclusive digital distribution. The length of that license is currently one year, during which time the label and the artist share an even split of all profits.

The project is proving to be an early success, offering established acts an easy way to get side projects off the ground in a quick fashion as well as presenting an ideal forum for distributing B-sides and select live cuts. Conversely, new acts benefit from the simple fact that the label is more likely to sign an unestablished band knowing that the lack of production expenses and advances leads to a pure profit situation for them.

Currently boasting an impressive stable of 20 artists, Ropeadope Digital is preparing to march into its first full calendar year of existence.

While it’s unlikely Ropeadope will completely forgo producing physical CDs and vinyl anytime soon—especially considering their more established clientele like DJ Logic and Dirty Dozen Brass Band—they continue to forge ahead, blazing a trail toward digital Valhalla. True to its name, Ropeadope always rolls with the punches.

Valley of the Dollies

Philadelphia Weekly
December 19, 2007

A-List

Valley of the Dollies
Wed., Dec. 19, 11pm. $1.99. Bob & Barbara’s, 1509 South St. 215.545.4511. www.dumpstaplayers.org

Continuing their storied tradition of rude and raucous rabble-rousing, the Dumpsta Players are back, getting all up in your grill with cautionary tales of Christmas toys gone bad. In Valley of the Dollies, the Players take on celebrity endorsements, cleverly weaving a seasonal theme into a naughty narrative that starts debauched and goes rapidly downhill thereafter. And yes, of course there are allusions to GHB-tainted toys from China and the drug-induced holiday-themed hallucinations they cause. The show also features visits from toys of Christmas past—including Strawberry Shitcake and the Lance Bass action figure. As in all Dumpsta productions, drag queens will run wild, chaos will ensue and inhibitions and social niceties will be left in the slush covered in reindeer hooves. (Joshua Valocchi)

Becker's Birthday Bash

Philadelphia Weekly
December 19, 2007

Live Music

Becker’s Birthday Bash
Thurs., Dec. 20, 9pm. $8. With Future Tips, Taggart, Late Night Television + Art DiFuria. North Star, 23rd and Poplar sts. 215.787.0488. www.northstarrocks.com

In the hierarchy of financially rewarding occupations, playing guitar in a local rock outfit ranks woefully low. But while rent checks bounce like frog eyeballs on a tile floor, local rockers still enjoy certain professional perks, like the unassailable certainty of a birthday celebration befitting a rock star, replete with requisite heapings of hooch and hedonism. Armed with such confidence, James Becker, who splits his time pulling six-string duty between Grammar Debate! and Taggart, should be in pretty high spirits (quite literally, in fact) this week. Pop in, have some cake and buy the man a beer. Presumably, the rent fund hat will be passed around between sets. (Joshua Valocchi)

Instrument Drive

December 19, 2007
The Spirit

The Fire and Intercultural Family Services Music and Mentorship Program’s Fifth Instrument Drive. Thurs., Dec. 20, 7pm. Free admission with instrument donation; $7 without. With Super Humble Country Band, Spinning Leaves, Great Unknown, Campbell Apartment. The Fire, 412 W. Girard Ave. 267.671.9298. www.iourecords.com/thefire/

Joshua Valocchi

“Without music, life would be a mistake.” While scholars’ opinions of Freidrich Nietzsche’s tenets are as wide-ranging as their interpretations of them, it’s pretty tough to misconstrue or argue against this one.

Isn’t it a bit strange, then, that a whopping 88 public schools in Philadelphia offer no music education at all, while many others have severely curtailed their curricula?

In a collaborative cross-city effort to bring music back to the children, West Philadelphia’s Intercultural Family Services Music and Mentorship program teams up with the folks at the Fire to present an instrument drive and concert.

Thursday’s event – which features a cocktail reception along with a performance by several of the very students who benefit from the program – is the fifth of its kind and has thus far met with great success thanks to strong community support.

Attendees are offered free admission to the show in exchange for a donation of a new or used musical instrument. Although it’s hard to believe that the majority of local households don’t have a long-forgotten guitar or dusty alto saxophone lurking somewhere in an attic loft or basement alcove, a seven dollar cover also guarantees a pass at the door, in lieu of a musicmaker. All proceeds from the door go directly to the Music and Mentorship programs – along with the instruments, of course.

On top of contributing to a worthy cause, audience members can also extract more than a modicum of pleasure from the knowledge that they’ll be serenaded by some of the city’s best up-and-coming music groups such as Spinning Leaves, Citizens Band Radio and the Great Unknown.

The biggest musical draw of the night, however, is the Super Humble Country Band (SHCB). Consisting of anywhere from eight to 18 musicians on any given night, the SHCB is comprised of members of several well-known Philly acts including Hezekiah Jones, Hoots & Hellmouth, papertrees and Andrew Lipke.

Playing almost strictly classic country covers, SHBC projects a love for all things Philadelphia as well as a deep respect for musical heritage. The instrument benefit marks the second-to-last Thursday night SHBC performance in the band’s December residency at the Fire. Don’t miss this one. Do it for the kids. Failing that, get selfish for once during the holiday season and just do it for yourself.

Although Neitzsche may have expertly encapsulated the horror of a musicless life, Harlan Howard conversely nailed down the beauty of one of its genres when he quipped, “country music is three chords and the truth.”

It’s time to testify.

Photos: Michelle Holshue

Weekend Dig! 12/14 - 12/16

DigPhilly
December 13, 2007

Weekend Dig! Dec. 14-16

By Joshua Valocchi

Posted: Dec 13, 2007 1:37 PM

Just because the weather outside is frightful, there’s no need to deny yourself something delightful this weekend.

As is usually the case – thanks to someone’s idea of a cruel joke – the weekend that promises to be absolutely miserable from a meteorological perspective is the same one that’s jam-packed with great concerts and groovealicious dance parties. Armed with the realization that even a light dusting of white stuff can create major distractions, here’s a brief rundown of can’t miss weekend picks. Remember – eyes on the prize, people.

Friday

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings

Dec. 14, 9 p.m. $15. With Budos Band.

Fillmore at the TLA, 334 South St. 215.922.1011.

Even though Friday stands tall as one of the biggest party nights of the year (Boys Noize at Making Time, Diplo and Blaqstarr at Fluid), this is STILL the easiest pick of the weekend. With all due respect to German electro-tech and the Dirty, Dirty South, nothing quite compares to what Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings bring to the table.

Perhaps the ultimate purveyors of old-school funk and soul, the Dap-Kings act as the house band for New York's Daptone Records. Boasting an eight-piece lineup of unparalleled masters of vintage soul instrumentalists, they may very well be the hardest-working band in music today. In addition to their tenure as studio players and touring members of several acts in Daptone's stable, the Dap-Kings also lent their talents to DJ Mark Ronson's superb 2007 release, "Version" (Columbia), as well as logging studio and stage time with everybody's favorite queen of rehab, Amy Winehouse.

The Dap-Kings are all about preserving the sanctity of '60s soul. From sharp suits to choreographed moves performed in lock-step fashion amidst blaring brass and rumbling basslines, the Dap-Kings are consummate professionals on stage. Friday's show is billed as a "Super Soul Revue" and it's difficult to believe that Jones and the Dap-Kings will deliver anything less. Expect old-school style introductions of band members complete with grand entrances and solo fills.

And don’t go lunching on the openers, either. The 11-piece explosion of funky Afro-beat goodness that is the Budos Band is truly something to hear and behold. To paraphrase the words of another gang who knew a little something about funk themselves, ain't no party like a Daptone party 'cause a Daptone party don't stop.

Saturday

For the Kids

Dec. 15, 10 p.m. $5 w/ unwrapped toy / $10 without.

Khyber. 56 S. Second St. 215.238.5888.

Local peddlers of the underground steez, 215HipHop.com, catch the holiday spirit and use their strange and wonderful powers of production and persuasion to bring the peeps together for a good cause. For the Kids, a toy and cash fundraiser, mixes the hot beats and sharp lyrical skills of several of Philly’s top hip-hoppers with that warm and fuzzy feeling that comes with making the holiday season a little brighter for some less-fortunate kids out there.

All it takes is an unwrapped toy and a paper Lincoln to gain admittance to get down with one of the best lineups of local talent in recent memory. Outerspace have been flippin’ lids in the Illadelph for a decade now and Reef the Lost Cauze is about the best MC this city has to offer. How he isn’t a nationally recognized rapper by now remains a huge mystery. Toss in four DJs working as many decks and you’ve got one hell of a party on your hands.

If you can’t get out to your local Toys ‘R Us before the gig, don’t sweat it. Just cough up a ten spot at the door and the Khyber is your oyster. It’s all good either way, as all proceeds from the show go toward purchasing more toys for the cause. You know, for the kids.

Sunday

In Woody’s Words

Dec. 16, 11 a.m. $150-$200. With Jonatha Brook, Tom Paxton, Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer, John Gorka, Chris Smither, Sara Lee Guthrie and Jonny Irion. World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St. 215.222.1400.

All tickets must be purchased through Philadelphia Folksong Society - call 215-247-1300.

After Friday’s soul shakedown party and Saturday’s big-hearted blowout, it might be time to turn things down a notch. As always, World Café Live steps up to the plate and delivers a made-to-order gig.

In Woody’s Words features the debut performances of “new” Woody Guthrie songs by several prominent folk musicians. The selections are comprised of lyrics from the Guthrie archives that Woody had yet to set to music before he died. Sunday’s performers, including John Gorka, Jonatha Brooke, Tom Paxton and Woody’s granddaughter, Sarah Lee Guthrie, married the found lyrics with original music, a la Wilco and Billy Bragg’s excellent Mermaid Avenue series. Woody’s daughter, Nora Guthrie , will be on hand as well to present a special movie about Woody and his contributions to America’s strong folk tradition. The event is tagged as a benefit celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Philadelphia Folksong Society, thus offering yet another chance to boost your karma through musical pursuits.

All in all, the cold doesn’t stand much of a chance. Between the Dap-Kings hot licks and the glow generated by so many charitable efforts, this weekend may turn out to be pretty damn warm and bright after all.

Lake Trout - Daily Dig! 12/13/07

DigPhilly
December 13, 2007

Thursday Dig: Lake Trout

By Joshua Valocchi

Posted: Dec 13, 2007 3:38 PM

Tonight North Star Bar hosts Lake Trout, the band that toured with the Flaming Lips this past September, for only $16 a pop. Go.

Lake Trout

Dec. 13, 9 p.m. $16. With Underwater + What Monsters.

North Star Bar, 2639 Poplar St. 215.684.0808.

For years, Baltimore’s Lake Trout toiled in the jamband circuit, playing shows and festival gigs in front of people who either failed to appreciate or didn’t understand their music. It was nobody’s fault, really. Lake Trout never set out to infiltrate the circuit. It just so happened that several solos featured on their 1997 debut were just bubbly enough to hook the attention of some Deadheads and Phish phans and, voila – suddenly Lake Trout was pigeonholed by circumstance.

As they made their bones on the rather lucrative jam circuit, Lake Trout continued to develop their sound, integrating hip-hop-inspired breakbeats to their heavily rock-leaning sound, eventually going full-on live drum ‘n’ bass, thus essentially driving the final nails into their own coffin – at least as far as that circuit was concerned.

As the law of averages would logically dictate, the band still managed to pry at least a small cadre of fans from the scene. Still, it was quite a shock to the system to see Lake Trout playing the bar circuit after years of rocking huge festival stages. Money matters aside, however, the switch certainly suited the quintet well.

In 2005, the band worked with legendary producer Dave Fridmann (Super Furry Animals, Mercury Rev), as they fleshed out the excellent “Not Them, You.” The influence of Fridmann – often referred to as the fifth Flaming Lip – is clearly evident, from the soaring near-orchestral soundscapes scattered throughout the album to their diligently utilitarian version of the Rolling Stones’ “Street Fightin’ Man.”

Not surprisingly, word of Fridmann’s association with the band eventually spread to Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne. Coyne’s ever-increasing deferential attitude toward Fridmann’s choice of clientele led him (Coyne) to check out Lake Trout on his own. Liking what he heard, Coyne invited Lake Trout to tour with the Lips this past September.

Just like that, Lake Trout was playing the big stage again, but this time for a crowd that not only appreciated their music, but truly “got it.” The roller coaster ride continues at the North Star tonight. Even a band that comes highly recommended by the psych rock demi-god Coyne still faces an uphill battle to lure Philadelphians out to the Art Museum area on such a dreary night.

All things considered, this makes for the perfect opportunity to check out Lake Trout live. They haven't abandoned their old drum ‘n’ bass ways, choosing instead to weave new-found aspects around their old influences. Consequently, their once-trademark gut-rumbling basslines will be in full effect tonight with little to get in the way of sonic absorption. Beyond that, the band is still in the throes of creative evolution, ensuring that their live set consists of a delicious mish-mosh of influences and texture. A hint of “Bends”-era Radiohead may be followed with something more evocative of DJ Shadow’s “Endtroducing” before wrapping up with a breakbeat peppered trippy synth underneath a flute loop that sounds like, well, Lake Trout.

Tiger Lillies

Philadelphia Weekly
December 12, 2007

Editor's Picks

Music

Tiger Lillies
Wed., Dec. 12, 7pm. $25. With Our Hollow Earth by Geoff Sobelle and 
Bradford Trojan. Fillmore at the TLA, 334 South St. 215.922.1011. 
www.livenation.com

Trafficking in Brechtian cabaret sprinkled with dark humor and shocking lyrics, Tiger Lillies continue to shatter convention as they tour the world, garnering equal amounts of disdain and acclaim.

With songs like “Shoot Your Load,” “Rapist,” “Abort the Child” and “Jesus on the Windshield,” it’s almost inconceivable that the lily-livered dotards who make up the Grammy-nominating committee would go anywhere near a Lillies release.

Nonetheless, 2003’s The Gorey End found itself on the short-list of contenders for the Best Classical Crossover award. The presence of the highly touted Kronos Quartet doubtlessly increased the album’s viability, but even a Josh Groban appearance couldn’t bring the Tiger Lillies into the mainstream.

The cabaret play Our Hollow Earth kicks off an evening that might best be described as a cross between a 1920s Berlin and a traditional British pantomime, with extra “eccentricity, blasphemy and weirdness.” (Joshua Valocchi)

Human Light Winter Solstice Party

Philadelphia Weekly
December 12, 2007

A-List

spare crib
Human Light Winter Solstice Party
Sun., Dec. 16, 1pm. $25-$30. With Mel Lipman, String Theory + Martha Knox. Williamson Restaurant, 500 Blair Mill Rd., Horsham. 215.794.8548. www.hagp.org

One of the major downsides of atheism is the lack of seasonal invitations. Many Americans simply don’t want to party with folks who question the legitimacy of worshipping a Bronze Age desert god, or of hailing a zombie miracle worker as humanity’s savior.

Fear not, ye godless, the Humanist Association totally has your back. In what sounds like the real-life version of Seinfeld’s Festivus-for-the-rest-of-us, Sunday’s sensibilist shindig features a keynote address by American Humanist Association president Mel Lipman as well as the classical musical stylings of String Theory.

In an obvious attempt to discourage attendance by deranged worshippers of genocidal sky-gods, magician Arlen Zachary will turn some tricks as well. As anyone who followed the Christian backlash against Harry Potter knows, nothing strikes terror in the hearts of a zombie-humper more than a real miracle worker. Shazam! (Joshua Valocchi)

Sharon Jones + the Dap Kings

December 12, 2007

The Spirit

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings

Fri., Dec. 14, 9pm. $15. With Budos Band. Fillmore at the TLA, 334 South St. 215.922.1011. www.livenation.com

Joshua Valocchi

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings

Fri., Dec. 14, 9pm. $15. With Budos Band. Fillmore at the TLA, 334 South St. 215.922.1011. www.livenation.com

Joshua Valocchi

Making an all-too-rare Philadelphia appearance, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings bring their classic soul revue to the TLA this weekend as the headlining act of a rousing funktasic double bill with the inimitable Budos Band.

Originally formed as the Soul Providers in the mid-1990s, today’s Dap-Kings act as the house band for New York’s Daptone Records. Boasting an eight-piece lineup of unparalleled masters of vintage soul instrumentalists, the Dap-Kings may very well be the hardest-working band in music today. In addition to their tenure as studio players and touring members of several acts in Daptone’s stable, the Dap-Kings also lent their talents to DJ Mark Ronson’s superb 2007 release, “Version” (Columbia), as well as logging time with everybody’s favorite queen of rehab, Amy Winehouse. Not only did the band appear on several tracks on Winehouse’s critically acclaimed and Grammy nominated 2006 blockbuster, “Back to Black” (Island), they also accompanied Winehouse on her first U.S. tour.

Although their association with Winehouse undoubtedly did wonders to raise the Dap-Kings’ profile among mainstream music fans, their work with Jones – both in the studio and on the road – allows the band myriad opportunities to flex their musical muscles in the heart of their comfort zone. Jones, a vocal vixen with incredible range, belts out soul and funk numbers with Aretha-esque conviction. A perfect example of the “real deal” in a field jam-packed with pretenders, Jones stands out as a valid contender for Franklin’s “Queen of Soul” title.

Increasing the authenticity of the Dap-Kings’ profile as detail-obsessed purists, every title issued under the Daptone banner is recorded on traditional analog equipment. This antiquated practice is performed in strict adherence to the label’s devotion to producing a sound that evokes comparisons to soul’s golden age of the late 1960s and early 1970s.

The results are nothing short of astounding. While many tech-obsessed engineers and producers regard the employment of a 16-track analog tape machine as an ill-advised step backwards in recording protocol, the manner in which the finished products perfectly captures the essence of a bygone era stands as testament to the method’s effectiveness.

Apparently not content to merely rely upon recording techniques to promote a more genuine product, the Dap-Kings keep it real with their choice of instruments as well. With few exceptions, all instruments featured on Daptone recordings as well as those played on Daptone related stage shows are meticulously preserved relics of the past, with most pieces dating back to the mid –1960s and earlier.

The crowning detail of the Dap-Kings dedication to preserving the sanctity of ‘60s soul lies in their overly impressive showmanship. From sharp matching suits to the choreographed moves performed in lock-step fashion amidst blaring brass and rumbling basslines, the Dap-Kings are consummate professionals on stage. Friday’s show is billed as a “Super Soul Revue” and it’s difficult to believe that Jones and the Dap-Kings will deliver anything less. Expect old-school style introductions of band members complete with grand entrances and solo fills.

Funk, R&B and soul are clearly more than genre tags to these guys – they’re a way of life, bringing with them the requisite customs, practices and mores espoused by all those who paved the way for the Dap-Kings. The reverence shared among bandmembers for all that is sacred in soul music is palpable when they’re tearing it up on stage.

The addition of the 11-piece Afrobeat orchestra Budos Band to this bill pushes Friday’s gig perilously close to epic territory. Put on your dancin’ shoes and get ready to be funked out to death. To paraphrase the words of another gang who knew a little something about funk themselves, ain’t no party like a Daptone party ‘cause a Daptone party don’t stop.

Photos: Dulce Pinzon