Fine Line: April, 2009

We have a nifty buncha music events coming in May. I certainly hope you’ll join us.

We’ve also started live video streaming throughout the day, and at events, so log-on and check it out.

It’s a Grind Coffeehouse
2901 Indiana Blvd.
(inside the Ambrose Loft Building, east of Gaston, West of Elm, free parking garage just off Malcolm X)

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May 2009

Saturday, May 2nd
Live Music with Richmond Punch – 7 – 10 PM
Richmond Punch is a graduate of Yale University School of Music with a Master of Music degree in Viola in 2005 and Bachelor of Music degree from Julliard in May 2003. At Yale, he served as Principal of Yale Philharmonia and studied viola with Jesse Levine. He has performed with such other notable artists at Marvin Hamilisch. 



Please join us for a magical night of splendid music and delicious coffee!

What to Drink: Mango & Green Tea Smoothie

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Saturday, May 9th
Westwood Coffee Tasting Party – 2 – 4 PM
This lucky group won a fabulous afternoon of coffee-tastings
and a quick-learn on how our coffee is grown, made and why it tastes so darn good! 

This auction item benefits The Westwood School.

What to Drink: A creamy cup of Hot Chocolate

The Community Room will be reserved from 2 pm until 4 pm for this event. 



If your school or organization is interested in a Coffee-Tasting, just let us know!

PS – Our Community Room can be reserved for your next meeting, gathering, party, or whatever! It’s complimentary and features a 47-inch flat screen television, free Wifi, PowerPoint capabilities, a phone and a wonderful setting.

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Saturday, May 9th
Live Music with ATON – 7 – 10 PM

Founder of Aton in 2003, Willingham is an accomplished musician, composer and producer. Growing up in the Dallas area he began playing the trumpet as a young boy in school.

Currently heading up Aton and managing Third EyeLand Productions, Willingham has played with numerous artists and bands; including Yerba, Jason Davis, Erykah Badu’s “Jam Session” featuring Comon and Talib Kweli, , “Stan Kazz,” Future Soul Soundclash, Cas Haley and more! 

 ATON is a reggae jazz-infused divine experience.

What to Drink: Spiced Chai Latte

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Friday, May 16th
Live Music with Tad Caraway – 7 – 10 PM
Lovely acoustic pop, this Gainesville native is one of our brightest up-and-coming stars!

What to Drink: Cafe Au Lait

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Sunday May 17th
Live Music with Robert Froehner – 2:30 – 5:00 PM
Texas thereminist, Robert Froehner will provide an interesting
afternoon of performances and demonstrations with his theremin and saw, including hands-on opportunities to try out this mesmerizing electronic device. Invented in 1919 by a Russian electro-physicist, the theremin is the only instrument played completely without touch.

Come on down for a coffee drink and music that seems to come out of thin air.

What to Drink: Fog Lifter

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Be sure and check out the amazing artwork hanging in the coffeehouse by the splendidly talented Ricardo Paniagua Garcia III. Screen print on paper…and it’s all for sale!

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A DEMETER PROJECT VENTURE
(WWW.DEMETERPROJECT.COM)

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Check back often for updates and new additions!

…and it’s comin’ up fast…

I had a great time at this past Saturday’s M2S2. In keeping with my regular behavior, I spent most of my time in the Green Room schmoozing with the rock stars. However, I did catch some sets (The Orbans=Awesome, The O’s=Awesome, Nicholas Altobelli=Awesome, Clint Noisi=Awesome, RTB2=Awesome) and thoroughly enjoyed ‘em all.

Lighting was pretty poor for filming purposes, but what the hell, I’m posting it anyway.

Greetings darlings. Yeah, even after Lance and TFG went and fixed-up this joint, I still can’t find much time to blog. However, I’ll be at the big M2S2 shindig on Saturday, so expect rehash and video next week.

One reason my time is so limited these days is cuz….you guessed it…I’m running yet another blog. My life very much revolves around my job, Deep Ellum, and of course the kiddies. So I launched a “job blog” so’s I could run live video streaming, talk about Demeter/It’s a Grind stuff and generally keep readers informed about special events, music stuff, celebrity sightings in the coffee house and more.

I give you…..

GrabYourBeans.com

…well? Whaddaya waiting for? GRAB ‘EM!

Downtown Dallas EarthFest 2009

Oak Cliff Earth Day 2009

Chelsea and I decided to visit and tour the brilliant Zounds Sounds. The kiddos are performing at M2S2 on Saturday, April 25th from noon until 4 PM. They are performing songs by local bands. It should be a total blast. The rest of the shindig is going to be fabby too. Check it out.

Music, “Sweet Pea Pie” is by Chris Holt, who also happens to be a teacher at Z.S.’s.

It’s a Grind along with fellow Deep Ellum Community Association members, and the ever-fabby Jeff Kiec (our organizer) will meet at the Deep Ellum Foundation offices tomorrow evening for a stroll and clean-up through Deep Ellum.

Those of us who live and work in Deep Ellum are wanting to bring an even bigger sense of community to our little neighborhood. One way to do it, is to get out on foot, clean up messes along the way, get to know the streets and get to know each other better.

Please join us!

Salim Nourallah on Chomsky (Glen Reynolds)

Salim Nourallah on Carter Albrecht

Allison V. Smith shoots the gang for the cover of Quick. Starring: Allison V. Smith, Pikahsso, Tahiti, Glen Reynolds, Salim Nourallah, Tim DeLaughter, Smile Smile, Don Cento and of course the fabulous Jason Janik.

AFTER you come over to It’s a Grind for something really delectable, there’s lots to do ’round Deep Ellum this weekend – and you don’t even need your car!

Tonight you can enjoy a delish-dish at AllGood Cafe, and stick around for Texas Country songsters, Adam Carroll and Owen Temple.

Friday night, you simply must check out Justin Clemons’ amazing exhibit over at Hal Samples’ Gallery. It’s stunning and really touching. Proceeds go to the Orphan Rescue and Relief. Friday, April 17th is the last night, so chop-chop.

More good Friday night creamy Deep goodness…

Club Dada – Eastwood / Elkhart / The Atoms – great indie/Americana/alt.everything music from all 3 bands. You’ll have yourself a time.

Sons of Hermann – Gary Louris & Mark Olson (of the Jayhawks) / The O’s – Are you kidding? Sons never fails to put on the best shows.

The Double Wide – Skyrocket (Austin) / Boogie Woogie Dance Party – I just like to say “boogie woogie”

The Lounge – Represent Austin Presents: Drawn by Jaymz / The Hearts and Minds / Jack with One Eye – this show is a MUST! I’ve been dying to see Drawn by Jaymz live, so I might just have to venture out past my bedtime.

The Prophet Bar/The Door – Big room – Fair to Midland / Dead Twins / House of Harkonnen / Bronze Whaler – in the Prophet Bar – Dovetail / Jack County / April Geesbreght / Hoyotoho

Sankofa – The Chocolate Mix

Saturday, April 18th

Well, I gotta give the Good Records Birthday Bash a shout-out. This will be my 5th year attending, and although I can’t get there until the afternoon, I’ll get there and me’n’Hunter will bring back some great video footage. Click on the poster above for details.

Bokeh opens on Saturday night at Kettle Art Gallery and should be especially divine.

Then of course you can move on to all 25 galleries on the DADA/DEEP Spring Gallery Art Walk. You’ll find It’s a Grind set-up at the Continental Lofts Gallery.

Think about heading out early and catching the fabulous Shoot Low Sheriff gang at AllGood Cafe. It’s a happy hour show, so you’ll have plenty of time to do everything else.
7:00 PM

More good Saturday night creamy Deep goodness…

Sons of Hermann – SoupMobile Fundraiser with the Backsliders

Sankofa – Unplugged Open Mic Night – this is always a great time!

The Lounge – LoneStarHipHop.com Fresh Air with Kev Brown, CY Younge, Playdough and Rob Viktum

Sunday, April 19th

Mo Robson Band is throwin’ down a new album and a crawfish boil got involved! Hit up Adair’s on Sunday for some great Texas Country music, fab food and good times! The fun starts at 2:00 PM.

It’s that time’o'month again. No. Not THAT time of month. Malcolm’s Back Alley Swap Meet time of month!

On the corner of Indiana and Malcolm X, you’ll find treasures galore on Sunday. Add in tunes spun by the brilliant EZ Eddie D and you gotsda making of one great afternoon! 11 AM – 3 PM

Shop Much?

There are some truly fabby places to pitch pennies, including the divine Sunshine Store. Ms. Ruth makes gorgeous handmade jewelry, and the shop is full of other goodies like chimes, rare knick-knacks and more.
Location: 2714-B Elm Street (around the corner from Kettle Art Gallery)

If you are looking for some primo vinyl, or your favorite dance music, Remix Records is the spot for you.
Location: 2639 Elm Street

The Deep Ellum Postal Center is another great place to find quirky, one-of-a-kind finds. Then you can mail your granny a birthday card.
Location: 3100 Main Street

Don’t forget your java-fix! If you come on over to It’s a Grind anytime this weekend and say the phrase “grab your beans,” that’ll getcha a 1/2 price drink!

Bill Wisener is turnin’ 65, and there’s a’gonna be a paaaaaartaaaaay.

The whaddup:

Friday, April 17th
Bill’s Records
Balloons, Burgers, Bands & of course, Tacos!
Performing: The Mother’s Anger / Noah Caveny, Marsha Webb, Fever Few, Mr. Pookie & Mr. Lucci, Sky Rocket, Salim Nourallah
Hosted by: Cottonmouth, TX / DJ This is Texas

See ya there!

Since I had to drop $100.00 to get a co-worker’s car unbooted not long ago, I’m all over this meeting. You should too.

N O T I C E

PUBLIC MEETING

Proposal to Regulate Vehicle Booting on Private Parking Lots

A public meeting has been scheduled for April 20, 2009, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Dallas City Hall, 1500 Marilla, L1/F/North Auditorium, Dallas, Texas, to discuss and take comments on a proposal to regulate vehicle immobilization, or booting, on private parking lots in the City of Dallas. Public Works and Transportation seeks input from citizens, business representatives, booting and parking companies.

Hello everyone,
The aggressive action of certain parking companies through the booting of cars will be on display very soon at city hall .

This booting action caused anger and anxiety with many neighborhood tenants, restaurants , including the West End and Downtown , Deep Ellum. Only those interested in Urban development and progress will have interest as outlying neighborhoods rarely have to deal with the reluctant partnership between the tenants and the commercial parking lots .

At present it is $100 to remove a boot with no recourse or arbitration,mediation ( it cost 2-5$ to park ). In other words if you paid and cant prove it , you get booted. If you pay at 1100 am and dont get back to your car by 600pm you get booted . Pay your $100 or stay booted as some have had to when they couldnt pay.
SEND BACK COMMENTS. I would like to forward on to the council members as they decide the proper course of action.

Barry Annino

Click above, silly.

My utter adoration for Quick is certainly no secret. This week put me in a whole new level of head-over-heels. You simply must pick up a hardcopy for the creamy goodness inside….and out.

The divine Robert Gomez graces the cover, as well as the interview inside with darling Hunter. Pine Sticks and Phosphorus (Nova Posta Vinyl) drops Tuesday, April 14th and things kick-off on Sunday, April 12th at Good Records with an in-store you really shouldn’t miss. 4 PM. Free. Greatness.

If you turn to page 7, you’ll find a delightful interview with our beloved Scotty Mankoff. I actually learned a few new things about Scotty that I didn’t know before. But I ain’t tellin’, you’ll just have to read it for yourself.

Now flip over to page 18 for Hunter Hauk’s music news and concert picks aka Hot and Fresh Week, Johnny Lloyd Rollins, the Orbans, Nicholas Altobelli, Salim Nourallah, Eric Neal, the Nervebreakers and more.

Even on page 29, there’s some House of Dang luvin’….which is exactly where I’m heading as soon as I hit the publish button.

Read it.

You can always come on over to the coffeehouse and getcherself a copy of Quick and if you mention the secret phrase “Hot and Fresh,” it’ll getcha a free drink!

Put this on your calendar post haste.

Thursday, May 28
Carter Albrecht CD Release
Granada Theater
8 PM
Purchase Tickets

Jesus is Alive (and Living in London) can be purchased on iTunes.

It’s like 11 PM, way past a time I usually can (or sometimes even wanna) stay awake, due to work and other… like, life stuff.

However, I couldn’t help but pull the covers over my head, click on my flashlight and put an ear to this absolutely breathtaking Podcast with Mara Lee Miller.

if you love brilliant music, songwriting and the absolutely magnificent artists who gift us with it…there’s nothing better than this…..

Tonight, I sleep well, with good dreams….

…the video speaks for itself.

My only excuse is that I’ve been swamped with work, kiddies and life in general. That’s my excuse for falling behind on Paul Slavens’ SUPERB Podcast, Track by Track.

I’ve got to catch up with the newer ones with Mara Lee Miller, Matthew & the Arrogant Sea and Robert Gomez. The man knows how to pick his guests.

Check it out. NOW!

I could bitch to high Heaven about how those MEI-Arts Festival organizers treated my company, and I’ll most likely do so elsewhere eventually.

However, I had a pretty darn delightful weekend at this year’s Deep Ellum Arts Festival, at least with my D.E.E.P. & Deep Ellum Community Association pals, as well as judging the Deep Ellum Foundation’s annual Pet Parade. Above are just bits’n'pieces….solely based on the limited amount of local art – some music – and some fun.

I’ll have the Pet Parade video up sometime tomorrow…

xxox

Art Con Photo Show

Wow. We’re entering our 5th official year of Art Conspiracy. The preparation for the event and the actual event itself is a whirlwind of creativity. Over the years a number of local photographers have captured the event in photographs.

On Thursday, April 9, we’ll be showing off their good work during the opening reception for, “Art Conspiracy in the Making,” at Cliff Cafe (next to The Belmont Hotel) from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. The show will be up until June 1 and features the work of people who have documented the event itself and the preparation process.

10% of all artwork sales will benefit Art Conspiracy. Come view the art and hang out for snacks and drinks.

When: Thursday, April 9 (work will be shown until June 1)
Where: The Cliff Cafe, 901 Fort Worth Avenue, Dallas
Photographers include: Ange Fitzgerald, Dave Herman, Dylan Hollingsworth, Scotty Mankoff, Guy Reynolds, Andrea Roberts, Sarah Jane Semrad, and Andrew Williams

Sons of Hermann for the ArtCon Seed show in July 2008 – Photographed by Dave Herman

Photographed by Sarah Jane Semrad

M2S2 was established in 2008 to serve as an annual gathering of music industry professionals engaging in positive discussions on the DFW/Denton music scene and to showcase local bands.

Hosted by Life in Deep Ellum and the Carter Albrecht Music Foundation, the idea is to bring together under one roof industry insiders, media, musicians, producers, venue owners, label management, supporters and fans of the DFW/Denton music scene. The hope from there is to encourage natural conversation on the music scene and ways to make it better while celebrating all that is good about DFW/Denton music.

All net proceeds from the event will go toward music and art efforts of Life in Deep Ellum and the Carter Albrecht Music Foundation.

The afternoon (Noon-4) is dedicated to showcasing the Zounds Sounds program with a CD release and school of rock band showcase. The event is open to the public.

From 4:00-7:00 in the Mokah Gallery, local artists will be on hand for a reception showcasing the art and photography on sale to raise funds for the host organizations.

Acoustic acts will begin playing in the Mokah Coffee Bar lounge at 7pm with bands in the venue starting at 8pm.

*Mokah will provide non-alcoholic beverage sales.
*Double Wide will provide alcoholic beverage sales (beer and wine only).
*Sankofa (located two blocks from Life in Deep Ellum) is the official after-party location featuring DJs Hoyotoho (Midnight-2am).
SATURDAY, 4-25-09 * LIFE IN DEEP ELLUM * FREE EVENT!
2803 TAYLOR STREET
CORNER OF MALCOLM X AND TAYLOR IN DEEP ELLUM
IN ORDER TO SECURE YOUR FREE ADMISSION, YOU MUST RSVP WITH YOUR NAME AND EMAIL TO: M2S2@LifeinDeepEllum.com

Featured bands (lounge starts at 7pm, venue starts at 8pm):

VENUE BANDS
Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights
The Crash That Took Me
The O’s
The Orbans
RTB2

ACOUSTIC LOUNGE
Something in the Wheel
Jayson Wortham (Dove Hunter)
Nicholas Altobelli
Johnny Beauford
Blackland River Devils
Clint Niosi
Emil Rapstine (The Angelus)
TBD

PLUS:
*Zounds Sounds CD release afternoon
*Art and photography music-themed gallery reception with local artists from 4-7pm
*Cash bar (beer and wine) managed by Double Wide
*Full coffee and non-alcoholic beverage service managed by Mokah Coffee Bar
*After-party at Sankofa with DJs Hoyotoho
*Video discussion on the DFW/Denton music scene to be available post-event for viewing and comments

This is going to be an amazing day of music, family, fun, even booze! Please come out and join us in supporting Life in Deep Ellum and M2S2!