Fine Line: March, 2008

Leave it to Quick to positively go forth and bring some of our amazing local bands and artists to one stage…to include local stores, businesses and restaurants, to make it FREE for those folks who may not have experienced our local music community…plus there are prizes…

What:
Introducing Quick’s Big Thing — an awards show and concert to celebrate local music, featuring The Polyphonic Spree and other live performances.

When:
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Doors open at 7 p.m.

Where:
Palladium Ballroom
1135 S. Lamar
Dallas, TX 75215

More Info:
Join Quick on Thursday, April 24, at Palladium Ballroom for Quick’s Big Thing. The awards show and concert will be hosted by Ticket radio personality and Quick columnist Gordon Keith. Scheduled to perform are headliners The Polyphonic Spree, along with Denton rock group Record Hop, Dallas rap trio PPT, Denton electronic act Ghosthustler and DJ crew The Party. There will also be a rap battle featuring two Dallas MCs, Headkrack and Playdough. And country cover band The King Bucks will perform with singer-songwriters Salim Nourallah, Sarah Jaffe, Doug Burr and Johnny Lloyd Rollins.

In addition to the live performances, awards will be given out in 10 categories, including big song and album of the year, as well as honors for online presence, breakthrough artist and next big thing. A panel of local-music insiders — including Cindy Chaffin, Stonedranger from weshotjr.com, Chelsea Callahan, CJ Davis, Paul Salfen, DJ Drop, DJ Frances Jaye, DJ Princess Cut, Lance Yocom and Quick’s Hunter Hauk and Lesley Tellez and Skin — collaborated on the nominees. Readers will vote at QuickDFW.com, and the winners will be announced at the event.

Among the nominated acts, rock group Red Monroe leads with five nods, followed by Ghosthustler, singer-songwriter Doug Burr and rapper Big Tuck with four.

Tickets are free, and are available exclusively at Counter Culture, Urban Taco and Centre in Mockingbird Station. Ticket pick-ups are limited to two per person. The show is first-come, first-served among ticket holders, who must be 21 or older.

For more information on Quick’s Big Thing, pick up a copy of Quick Monday through Friday, or visit www.quickdfw.com/bigthing.

Sponsors include Mockingbird Station, Jack FM, and Movin’ 107.5 FM

About Quick

Quick is a tabloid-size newspaper that’s easy to find, flip through and take on the go. Quick is published Monday through Friday, is free and is available throughout the area. Quick gives young adults the news they want, the way they want it: in a succinct format that’s informative and entertaining. Go to QuickDFW.com to learn more about Quick or find a pick-up location near you.

“a talk show” episode one is done. This was sort of our test project, better sound, lots of guests, lots of topics, lots and lots of lots of stuff coming in the coming weeks.

a talk show
Fridays at 4 PM CST starting Friday, April 4th
Live from SPACE
Everyone welcome!
Next week Dave Little Co-Hosts with a variety of special guest, musically and otherwise…

Places to find stuff we talked about:
DallasLovesCash.com
AtonReggae.com
More on Grandma (click on “blog”)
Dylan’s site coming soon…

Yesterday I had lunch at AllGood Cafe with one of my favorite gal-pals, Tiffany Kieren. We have a vision for a defunct Deep Ellum venue, so lunch seemed like good a time as any to work on details. During the course of our dining discussion, several Deep Ellumites came and went. Some conversations about Deep Ellum were…um…a tad on the negative side, others, not so much. One thing was agreed upon, though, and that was the *hear-hears* stemming from this week’s Dallas Observer Music Section…Pete Freedman writes…

…Here, at this party, these area residents chose to keep their eyes on the positive. They wanted to ignore their dreary recent past and instead focus on the hopefully-not-as-dreary times they could be facing in the future—a future where, for better or worse, visual art slides past music as the cornerstone of the area’s culture.

That’s the thing about this night: Although music was performed at this party, it sat firmly planted in the second seat. The event was a fund-raiser for the Deep Ellum Association’s upcoming visual arts showcase, Art-a-lot-a-thon. The people judging the bartending competition were dressed as great visual artists throughout history (see the photos). The fences of the bar’s back patio were covered with paintings. There was no mistaking what was being honored on this night. (No offense to Grassfight, The KuL and Holy Diver.)…you know what to do…click.

I was in attendance, the night Pete writes about, and ’twas, indeed, a great time.

Back to yesterday’s lunch…for you see, here’s the thing, between the various Deep Ellum “groups,” and the city and the D.E. owners….well, there’s where problems lie. If we can’t keep the doors open, or open new ones, then nobody will come. I can assure you of this, though, and that is that the “Deep Ellum is dead” or “bring Deep Ellum back to what it used to be” types of conversation are over and done with…period. There seems to be a collective effort and attitude that is looking towards the future, not the past…and it’s a good thing. But that’s for a whole other post, and I’m starting to ramble.

Ed. Note: – go read the first comment on the article. Whomever “a musician” is, he/she makes some REALLY valid points.

Back to the D.O…

Ben Westoff talks Saul Williams – click

Bloody hell…I started this post at 7:30 this morning, then had to take the boy-child to the doctor and just got back in time to pack up and head to Space for a talk show…click here to read this week’s music issue.

I need a few more artists to participate in an event on April 19th:

Macabre Tales for Eyes and Ears: A Benefit for Red Blood Club.

If you do skulls, corpses, or other creepy, gruesome artwork that might not fit into a typical gallery, we want you! You don’t have to donate an entire piece, we only ask for 20% IF it sells.

We will have metal and punk bands playing and a BBQ outside. All proceeds will benefit the Red Blood Club, a great local club fighting to continue to bring you great shows!

I am also in need of clamp lights!!!!

Please email me @ alison@savedeepellum.org OR veras_axe@yahoo.com.

PS. If you do surreal artwork, I am starting to take submissions for a surreal show coming up @ Avenue Arts Venue on May 31st. Please email me at the above addresses for that information as well.

…just one day away….

UPDATE: Winner done won. Lucky dawg!

I’m ’bout tempted to keep this pair of tickets for myownself, but the fact is, I’m booked elsewhere that night. However, to the first email that hits my inbox with “Splendid Saul” in the subject line gets a free pair of tickets to the Saul Williams’ show on Monday, March 31st at the Loft in Dallas. Chop-chop…

The Fine Line, Hal Samples and our ringleader, Cash wanna grant one wish for Mayor Mackey. We can’t exactly get him his own talk show, but we can (and have) ask him to guest-host the first FineLineLive.com weekly Webcast. More on that later….but for now, jot down the following:

Thursday, March 27, 2008
Location: SPACE (feel free to drop by!)
Live Video Webcast on The Fine Line
1 PM CST
Your Host: Mayor Mackey
Co-hosted by: Hal, Cindy, Greg, Gramma and of course Cash
Lots of musical Surprises and Special Guests

At 2 PM CST, we go live for a listening party for Collin Herring’s latest album, Past Life Crashing.

While you wait, check out Hunter Hauk’s interview with Collin and find out where that boys been hidin’ hisownself…

…BTW, there’s a chat room comment area down there for you folks to add your own thoughts on the new album…

Recorded version below…we’ll get better at this, I promise…or maybe I lie….

The ever cheery, full of hot broads band Lovie has lovingly (heh) been invited on the Gordon Keith Show this Thursday, March 27th. If you get there early and you are real nice-like, then you might just snag a seat on the live set and join in the fun. Doors at the WFAA Studios in Victory Park open at 7:45 PM and the cameras roll at 8 PM. Might I suggest a 7:15 arrival? Yes, I might. First arses in the door, first arses in the seats.

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Will I ever tire of gushing over P.P.T.? No. No, I won’t. Above you’ll experience the “When We Was Kool” video, chock full of Hal Samples handiwork. Hal’s ain’t the only hand in this li’l flick, Walter J. Archey, Picnictyme, Monika Watkins and Erv Karwelis all have a fingerprints here and there too.

P.P.T. goes live Thursday night (March 27th) at The Cavern. Go see ‘em live.

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The Quick Battle of the Bands championship is ticking down to a win. You’ve got until noon today to vote for your fave, which will be no easy feat. Good luck.

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Pete Freedman did a chat-it-up with John Freeman about the nail in the coffin at Sloppyworld. Now dry those tears, kiddies. John is a man with a plan. A plan with pay and real promise. Sucks we are losing him to the Big Apple, but big things are to come for this talented man.

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There are a lot of things shakin’ and stirrin’ musically, locally. None of which I can reveal just yet, but it’s really weird how things are goin’ down in the interim…like the news (thanks Lesley Tellez) over on the Nightlife Blog about the demise of Old School Hip-Hop night at the Slip Inn…in favor of…*shudder*…Top 40. Oy.

Not to worry, though, cuz the guys have taken up residency at…you’ll have to click here for find out.

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Click it good.

Artwork by Broose Dickinson

Absinthe – Fish Fry Bingo
The Cavern – Schwa, Fugita 5, Hot Flash, Big J
Dan’s Silverleaf – Paul Slavens
Hailey’s – Chillout Mondays w/DJ Ash, DJ Aqui, & Beatboxer Zen
J & J’s Pizza – Warren Jackson Hearne / Emil Rapstine (The Angelus) / Admiral David V. ***
White Elephant – Jordan Mycoskie / Kurt South

Thomas Michael Riley is the new Gary P. Nunn, according to Brett Dillon. Them there’s some big shoes to fill! Mr. Riley is someone to keep an eye on…

This kid es muy talented. So is his pal Kansas. Catch Jonathan Tyler & the Northern Lights live at Coach Joe’s on March 27th.

Becky Hyden has been booking live in-store shows at Bill’s Records for a number of years now. She also was responsible for rounding-up free lunch for folks to enjoy at the KHYI 95.3 The Range Friday in-stores at the old Bill’s location. A whole helluva lotta work for KHYI fans to enjoy an afternoon filled with free food and great music.

As of late, Becky has really started to stir the pot, bringing in bands that aren’t necassarily in the “Americana/Alt.Country/Country” genres that KHYI mostly spins.

This past Saturday was a glorious example of the interesting mix of artists and bands you will find at Bill’s each and every Saturday afternoon.

First band up was a group of exceptionally talented young men from Tehran…

Founded in 2001 by a group of young Tehran artists and art students, 127 has found itself at the center of progressive cultural change in Iran.The band’s music melds Iranian melodies and jazz with an alternative sound.The band’s lyrics tell of the frustrations and joys of life, somehow managing to speak of their cultural time and place, while simultaneous reflecting universal frustrations of isolation, frustration, and hope.

127 is a 6 piece band -guitar,piano,trombone,bass and drums. the group has become a lighning-rod for international media attention. Through humerous articles and broadcasts in the western media, the group’s website receives thousands of hits a month from a growing international listeners.

127 has also composed the original sound-track of the French/German Television’s Arte production “Emamzade Internet”- a documentary directed by Reza Haeri- with the song “Digital Divide”. a short documentary named “127,an Iranian band” (by Reza Haeri) aired by UK channel 4 of June, 2005 gained an intresting respond from British audiences, 127 was also the feature of a Swedish documentary aired in January of 2005.

In addition to these television appearances, their music has reached radio around the world, and has been covered by major print media from Germany to the UK and US. The band has been invited to perform at 2005 SXSW festival in Austin, Texas but somehow they had to miss that opportunity!

127 recently has performed couple of gigs in Italy amongst Arezzo Wave Festival on july 15th 2005 at the main stage and gained a notable attention among audiences and press. on october 2005 performing in New York, Washington and Cambridge; 127 was the first Iranian rock band toured in United States. 127 has not released any records yet because of the country’s situations the band is now seeking for the permission to release it’s first record. at March 16th 2006 127 performed at 2006 SXSW in Austin TX at the Carribean Lights as a part of All Music is World Music showcase.

127 Band is managed by a remarkable man (Dave Dart) who walked away from a career, liquidated his life and formed Dart Music International, based in Austin, Texas.

Dart Music International (DMI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works to increase cross-cultural musical interchange while assisting international artists in capitalizing on their investment of traveling to Texas. Austin has become an important center for the arts. As the “live music capital of the world” it attracts performers, music industry professionals, and fans from around the globe to its many music conferences and festivals throughout the year. Other important musical events occur throughout Texas and our region as well, offering many opportunities for cultural interchange.

DMI is uniquely positioned to consult on aspects of artist promotion, tour management, publicity, and other professional services for foreign musicians. We help bands make immigration arrangements with greater lead-time and save several hundred dollars or more in visa and travel fees. Lodging and rental expenses are mitigated through our local contacts. DMI bands can earn money while in the US either by attaining the proper visa with our sponsorship or with DMI serving as the local business agent. The local knowledge and contacts of DMI helps artists place merchandise and play performances in the most appropriate venues, giving them the best opportunity to be seen by their target audience. Publicity and promotional opportunities are available regardless of U.S. representation status. Through DMI, the artists have a local base of operations where they can post materials ahead of time. Many potential stressors are neutralized simply by having a trusted local source for the best places to shop, eat, relax, and enjoy the experience.

There are many positive results arising from these efforts. The Texas and regional artistic community is enriched and informed by the contributions of international artists who might otherwise not be able to appear here. The artists enjoy the best possible opportunity for exposure to international and American music industry professionals who can help them realize their financial goals, while the local audience enjoys opportunity to learn from the foreign artists. For a variety of reasons these opportunities have severely diminished in recent years, inversely proportional to the need for such interaction. The experience enables a level of cultural intercourse that is increasingly rare and important given the current state of the international political landscape.

I can assure you that FineLineLive will be working closely with Dave and DMI to bring you more magnificant bands, like that of 127 Band.

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…More live video from Saturday is loading…

Above and below is just a teeny-tiny bit of what we got from the 127 Band at Bill’s Records on Saturday. This band is AWESOME! You shoulda been there…I got more, just too lazy today to get it posted…tomorrow…fersure….BTW, these 2 snippets were shot with my digital camera…and I was juggling stuff so gimme a freakin’ break…hopefully MUCH better video is forthcoming…

…I was rather amused by this man, who actually sat there with his arms crossed throughout all the performances. Every once in awhile he’d tap his foot or do a li’l head-bobbin’…

Jonathan Tyler and Kansas tore thangs up…good…real…real…good. These kids and their band are so going to leave us for bigger and better. I’ll bet they won’t forget us though…

We were live, now we ain’t…check back for some really rad video…..

Cashisms…

Go visit…

The Spores vs. Cottonmouth, Texas – Big Brother (remix)

I'll be at Bill’s Records in a couple of hours to go live, bringing into your homes:

127 Band

Founded in 2001 by a group of young Tehran artists and art students, 127 has found itself at the center of progressive cultural change in Iran.The band’s music melds Iranian melodies and jazz with an alternative sound.The band’s lyrics tell of the frustrations and joys of life, somehow managing to speak of their cultural time and place, while simultaneous reflecting universal frustrations of isolation, frustration, and hope.

127 is a 6 piece band -guitar,piano,trombone,bass and drums. the group has become a lighning-rod for international media attention. Through humerous articles and broadcasts in the western media, the group’s website receives thousands of hits a month from a growing international listeners.

127 has also composed the original sound-track of the French/German Television’s Arte production “Emamzade Internet”- a documentary directed by Reza Haeri- with the song “Digital Divide”. a short documentary named “127,an Iranian band” (by Reza Haeri) aired by UK channel 4 of June, 2005 gained an intresting respond from British audiences, 127 was also the feature of a Swedish documentary aired in January of 2005.

In addition to these television appearances, their music has reached radio around the world, and has been covered by major print media from Germany to the UK and US. The band has been invited to perform at 2005 SXSW festival in Austin, Texas but somehow they had to miss that opportunity!

127 recently has performed couple of gigs in Italy amongst Arezzo Wave Festival on july 15th 2005 at the main stage and gained a notable attention among audiences and press. on october 2005 performing in New York, Washington and Cambridge; 127 was the first Iranian rock band toured in United States. 127 has not released any records yet because of the country’s situations the band is now seeking for the permission to release it’s first record. at March 16th 2006 127 performed at 2006 SXSW in Austin TX at the Carribean Lights as a part of All Music is World Music showcase.

Also performing and gettin’ the Live Video attention:

Jonathan Tyler

‘n

Von & the Sweat Lodge

It’s gonna be sweet, and as always, we’d rather have ya’ll there in person. Brett Dillon shall be your host. This line-up could not be more diverse. The line-up could not be more magnificent.

See ya there…can’t make it? No worries, you can come back to The Fine Line and getcher live video streaming on…we go live at 2:00 PM CST.

Bill’s Records
2:30 – 127 Band
3:15 – Jonathan Tyler
4:00 – TBA
4:45 – Von & the Sweat Lodge

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More good shows for this lovely day and evening:

Dallas

Amsterdam Bar – Rockers vs Mods w/ The Ugly Beats / Screaming Reds / The Flamin’ Hellcats / The Currents / Lovie / Frankie 45
The Prophet Bar – Reverend Organ Drum / Slowride
Double Wide – 500 Miles to Memphis / Rose County Fair
City Tavern – Terry Quiett / Dirt Blazers
Opening Bell – Tim Miller / Tim Scott / Will T. Massey
The Cavern – Douglas Woodlane / Binary Sunrise / The Push / The Felons
Granada – Sleeperstar / Dear Employment
Green Elephant – Dub Assembly / Parson / Mundo & Lifted MC / Keith P / Royal Highnuss B2B Soy_Capaz
Bath House Cultural Center – a whole buttload of cultural-y stuff…Check it out.
Hank’s – Tommy Alverson

Denton

Dan’s Silverleaf – Sarah Jaffe / Robert Gomez
Hailey’s – Brave Combo
Rubber Gloves – Two Cow Garage / Brent Best / Swedish Teens / The Heelers

Fort Worth

1919 Hemphill – Nouns Group / Blank Blank Zero / Death to the Doomriders / Fake Blood / Har Herrar
The Aardvark – Bob Schneider / Everyday People
Lola’s – Telegraph Canyon / Doug Burr / Wynn Walent
Woody’s – Jonathan Tyler & the Northern Lights / Travis Linville

ED. NOTE!: In my haste to get these videos published, I gave you the wrong URL for D.E.E.P. Go to SaveDeepEllum.org.

Let’s be frank, shall we? By this point in the evening, my camera battery was durn-near-dead. Plus, I had to leave my video camera post so as not to lose that aforementioned artwork that I so desperately wanted. I didn’t do The Kul no damn justice. I was way far back during this “shoot” and it was like really dark and like their entire set was pretty darned splendid.

Suffice it to say that I’ll be checkin’ them out again real soon…

PS- I like the flames though. Harmless Tiki Torches in person, crazy flames on video…heh…