Negligence.

There has recently been some awesome stuff happening in Charleston with the music scene. I honestly don't have much of an excuse for not writing. I have even seen some awesome shows lately. Black Girls and Staff Blues played together and it was the last time I will probably see a lot of good people who have spent the last few years in Charleston. Graduates of 2011- you will be greatly missed. Congrats on starting life. I hope it treats you all well.

On that note, lets not call 5/6/11 'The Day the Music Died in Charleston'. Lets keep rocking. I know the summers are always slow in this town but that's kinda what those of us who stay love about it. There are plenty of people here to keep the music going. So, if you know someone who knows someone who wants to play in Charleston tell them to come here or if you are a band wanting to play in Charleston this summer please do! I don't know everyone that books for all the bars in Charleston but the Uptowner's email is uptowner69@yahoo.com.
The booker for Friends and Co's email is tdsrecords@gmail.com. 


So get in contact with these people. Get your bands or your friends bands here or even just send suggestions. Thanks!!

It's been a while

First of all, this is going to be very short. I've been extremely busy this week. I'll tell you why later in the blog.

Here is a schedule of what is happening this weekend:

Tonight, as Mac's Uptowner, there is a free show. Below are the descriptions of who is playing

Thinner Teed
www.thinnerteed.com

Do you like funk, electro, bluegrass, jam influenced progressive rock and roll? Well, then let Thinner Teed take you on a ride through this kaleidoscope of musical genres. You will start on planet funk, then in the blink of an eye you will be on a progressive corkscrew straight to the center of the bluegrass nebula. Right when you start to get comfortable your ship will be leaving for pshycedelectro jamville. We will make your face, your ears, and body melt with these sounds of the beautiful musical galaxy.....


Sean Shiel
www.reverbnation.com/seanshiel

Sean Shiel is a solo acoustic performer based out of a small town in northern Illinois. His music is an eclectic mix of high energy acoustic stylings that defy the traditional definition of the American folk singer. He tours the greater midwest region and beyond, performing over 100+ shows a year. Prominantly a guitar player and singer, Sean draws upon a lifetime of influences to produce a sound that is his own. This rootsy fusion of bluegrass, funk, folk, and a few made up words will surely get those feet stompin'. 


Tomorrow begins the big Charleston event. WOODCHUCK!!
It will be 3 days and 2 nights of camping. You can currently purchase bracelets for $20 at 4th St or they will be available at the gate for $30. Funds will be donated to:
 HOPE Against Domestic Violence
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=224054010011

Sequoia Intracranial Hypertension Foundation
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=290742455728

The Charleston Food Pantry

Scottish Rite Dyslexia Center
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Valley-of-Danville-32-Masonic-Learning-Center-for-Children/8497384139






 Below is the schedule for the event. Check it out. It is a really fun event if you've never been
FRIDAY APRIL 15

Coal Mine

5:00-6:00- Funk Biscuit (Funk/Horns)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Funk-Biscuit/159026216572?ref=mf

6:30-7:30- J Boozer (Acoustic/Rock/Drunkenness)
http://www.myspace.com/jboozer

8:00-9:00- -Tommy Gun Geisha (Hard Rock) http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tommy-Gun-Geisha/176683743073

9:30-10:30- Aaron Kamm and the One Drops (Reggae/Blues)
http://www.myspace.com/theonedrops

11:00-12:00- Midwest Hype (Jam/Groove/Funk)
http://www.myspace.com/midwesthype

12:30- 1:30- Brainchild (Jam/ Moon Party Dance Party)
http://www.brainchildjam.com/

2:00- 3:00- IndigoSun (Jamtronica/Funk/Jazz)
http://www.myspace.com/underanindigosun

3:30-4:30-Late Night Show with Raoul Duke (Funk/Electro/Jam)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Raoul-Duke/20414329992


Second Stage

5:00-6:00 Jules Bennet

6:00-7:00 Heavy Dennis and Wife

7:30-8:30-

9:00-10:00- The Hearsay (Rock/Jam/Blues)
http://www.reverbnation.com/thehearsay

10:30-11:30- Dee K. (Electronica/Trance/Techno)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/DK/188616384505854?sk=info

12:00- 1:00- Toby Plays Your I-Pod (Loop/Rock/Jam)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Toby-Plays-Your-iPod/330865126723

1:30-2:30- Mitch Davis Experience (Electronica/Lazer Light show)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mitch-Davis/338957434728

3:00- 4:00- Justin Torres Loop Project (Electronica/ Hip Hop)
http://www.facebook.com/JustinTorresLoopProject?ref=ts




SATURDAY APRIL 16

The Cole Mine

11:00am-12:00pm- My Grandma (Acoustic/Rock)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Grandma-the-band/5766518702

12:30pm- 1:30pm- Tully Alford

2:00-3:00pm- Big Wig Mechanic (Reggae/ Jam)
http://www.myspace.com/bigwigmechanic

3:30-4:30- The' Uglies (Moody jazz)

5:00-6:00

6:30-7:30-Ben Miller Band (Folk/Bluegrass)
http://www.myspace.com/benmillerband

8:00-9:00- The Leadership (Indie/Rock)
http://www.facebook.com/TheLeadership

9:30-10:30 Duke of Uke and His Novelty Orchestra (Funk/Folk)http://www.myspace.com/dukeofuke

11:00-12:00 Art of Ill Fusion (Reggae/Jam)
http://www.artofillfusion.com/

12:30- 1:30 Thinner Teed (Jam/Funk/Rock)
http://www.myspace.com/thinnerteed

2:00-3:00- Elemental Groove Theory (Funk/Reggae/ Jam)http://www.myspace.com/elementalgroovetheory

3:30-4:30- White Rabbit (Chalice Dubstep)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/White-Rabbit/174886395887860?ref=mf


Second Stage

1:00-2:00- Moon Dogs (Rock and Roll)

2:30-3:30- Sean Sheil (Acoustic/Folk/Rock)
http://www.myspace.com/seanshiel

4:00-5:00- Howard (Jam/Pop/Funk)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Howard/58030921248

5:30-6:30- Robert Hooke and the Cells (Retro/ Garage/ Rock)

7:00-8:00- Goodness Gracious (Electronica/Hip Hop)
http://www.facebook.com/graciousmusic?ref=ts

8:30-9:30- Afternoon Moon (Jam/Funk/Groove)
http://www.facebook.com/afternoonmoonmusic?ref=ts

10:00-11:00- Astro Boogie Productions (Electronica/Hip Hop)
http://www.myspace.com/astroboogieproductions

11:30-12:30- GURG (Electronica/Jazz/Funk)
http://www.facebook.com/GURGjamz

1:00-2:00- Dubstep Ninjas (Dubstep)
http://www.reverbnation.com/ninjamusic

2:30-3:30- Agrestik (Dubstep)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Agrestik/133876536629845

SUNDAY APRIL 17





1:30-2:30 Dr. Ed and Friends (Reggae/ Rock)
http://www.myspace.com/doctoredmusic

3:00-4:00

4:30-5:30 The Spinning Chambers (Rock n Roll)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Spinning-Chambers/117696568260940

6:00-7:00 The Beeson Brothers (Blues/Rock/Jam)
http://www.facebook.com/beeson


Here are some fun attractions to catch during the event:
Festival Attractions

Saturday 12:00pm
Guided Meditations qi gong, yoga, and Tai Chi instruction
With Wellness by Colleen Workshop
http://wellnessbycolleen.webs.com/

Saturday 3:00pm
Hula Hoop and Poi Spinning School with
Cosmic Collaborative the St. Louis Hoop Club
http://stlhoopclub.com/

Saturday 5:00pm
Autograph Session with 88.9 HitMix Personality
Tom Bickham
http://www.myspace.com/bickhammusic




I don't know if I'll be able to make it to the event so I would really appreciate a review from someone who does go! I never meant this blog to mean for me going to every event. I'm really wanting others to contribute so please do! Someone has to take this over when I'm gone. Thanks.




WOODCHUCKERS HAVE A GREAT TIME THIS WEEKEND!


The reason I've been so busy is because I've been planning a fundraiser for the Japan Relief fund through the Red Cross. There is currently a silent auction going on at JAC so go and bid on some local goods and services. My personal favorite basket has 2 cozies, 2 $50 gift cards to Wea Ink, 2 Planet Weiner shirts and 2 Fair Clara CDs! What a date night!


On Tuesday there will also be a benefit concert and JAC will give 10% of all sales that day to the Red Cross. The bands will begin at 6 and will be playing acoustic.
Schedule:


6p-7p- Motherload (a string band of local women)
7p-8p- Reverend Robert (awesome local blues artist-check out his stuff here- http://www.myspace.com/revrobertblues)
8p-9p- Fair Clara (local fold musician-http://www.reverbnation.com/fairclara) 
s9p-10p- Iron Tigers (just got done recording these- check them out!- http://www.reverbnation.com/irontigers)

Everybody's workin for the weekend

This week has been amazing with so much music to enjoy in Charleston!

Monday we said our goodbyes to Phil Riley with a show at the Woodchuck house. Black Girls and Iron Tigers played with him. I loved Phil's set. Since it was such an intimate setting everyone was singing along and providing all the interaction he needed. I don't know if he got home but I think we helped him get some money to head there and that was the point.

On Wednesday, Iron Tigers played with Poison Control Center and Brass Bed at Friends. If you missed that show, you seriously missed out. Poison Control Center seriously had more energy than I have seen a band have since I used to frequent pop punk shows. There were splits, shoulder sits, almost headstands and lots of jumping. I was thoroughly impressed especially considering they had played 194 in the last 7 months. Brass Bed were just as great as they were last time.  We're really grateful they stopped in our tiny town on their tour. Thanks to all of you. Hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.

Yesterday, I went to the Iron Tigers show in Champaign. Thanks to everyone who came out to support them. I know it means a lot when local bands are trying to branch out even if it is to Champaign. Later on a friend is going to be writing a review of the Chicago Farmer show that I sadly missed. I really wanted to come after the Iron Tigers show but ended up falling asleep on the way home. I'm sure it was amazing though. I've seen him before and loved it.

This weekend is bringing good times as well. Today Friends & Co will be hosting another great show in the front bar. Black Girls will be playing at Friend with The Uglies. Black Girls is just starting up here. Come show them your support and support the local scene tonight. Show will be starting at 10pm.

There will also be a house party on 6th St. From what I hear, it's a brick house on 6th about a block north of the Paper Cafe. It should be pretty obvious where you are heading. The Hearsay will be playing there later on in the night. The party is said to start at 9pm. Apparently there is a keg that's $5 a cup BUT if you ride your bike it will be $3 and there is a group bike ride to follow. That should be a fun ride. Here's a link of the Hearsay if you want to take a listen: http://www.reverbnation.com/thehearsay

Tomorrow Old Shoe will be playing at Mac's Uptowner starting at 9pm. Old Shoe is describes themselves as Americana and many of their reviews say they are eccentrically folky. I'm not sure if there is a cover or what it is but below is a video of Old Shoe. It looks like they have been on the road with Summer Camp. Check it out. Make sure you check them out!

Have a great weekend Chucktown

Just another Manic Monday

t's Monday, and to be honest, I didn't do shit this weekend. I did go hang out with friends and see Phil Riley on Friday, but beforehand, I drank a few with friends and barely remember being there and went home to sleep at 11pm. I'm super lame. Because of that, I have no reviews of this weekend’s shows, but a friend will be writing about the Spread/ Afternoon Moon show later this week. 
If anyone was at the Position 12?/American Madness show or Fifth World, let me know. I can't be everywhere, and to be honest, my music opinion is biased, so let's hear from some more people! The more contributors, the better!

This is a strange week because there are a lot of things happening during the week. 

Phil Riley will be playing at the Old Woodchuck House (known now as the Farmhouse) with Iron Tigers TONIGHT! I think this was planned pretty last second, but we're trying to work together to get Phil back to Colorado. So everyone should come out and buy a CD or just be super nice and bring some gas money as a thanks for all the free shows Phil has been playing around town this week! It's set to start around 9:30 or 10. 

Wednesday will show Charleston the return of Brass Bed at Friends & Co. front bar. Below is a video of their last show in Charleston at the Paper Cafe. When Brass Bed last played in Charleston, they were rumored to have said it was their best show on that tour. Let's make sure they want to come back after this show too. They are on the final leg of their Midwest tour with The Poison Control Center. Both of these bands were just featured at SXSW and have a great following. The show will start at 10pm with Iron Tigers going on first. Drink specials will be $2 domestics and $5 Long Islands. So come out and make your Thursday morning a rough one. 


On Thursday, Chicago Farmer will be having a CD release party at Mac's Uptowner. Chicago Farmer is a favorite musician of many locals. If you've never seen him before, give it a shot. He seems to capture the essence of small town Illinois in his music. He's very easy to listen to and someone you'll find yourself wanting to sing along with. He's been a regular at festivals and recently played in California. Right now, the only comment on the facebook event page says, "those who don't love chicago farmer haven't heard chicago farmer, be there." That says all you need to know. Go have fun at the Uptowner starting at 9pm and enjoy $1.50 draft Bud and Bud lights, $1.50 rail vodka and $2.75 Redbull vodka drink specials.

If you happen to be in Champaign on Thursday, whether you work or study there, Iron Tigers will be playing at the Canopy Club at 7:30pm with Small Black. So go grab yourself a nice dinner in Champaign (since the pickings can be limited in Charleston), and go support locals. The show is $8 in advance and $10 at the door. You can always catch Iron Tigers' set and still make it back to see Chicago Farmer.

Later this week, I'll let all of you Chucktowners know what's happening this weekend and there should be a review of the Spread show coming soon, along with reviews of the shows above. Check out the videos below of the bands coming to town this week for a preview.

Fools in April

I have been slacking at my job this week. I meant to get around to all the bars and venues to find out what was happening around town to let all you good people know. Since I didn't do my job, I'll just let you know of the few things I've heard about.

Friday, April 1

Position 12?  will be at Mac's Uptowner around 8pm with American Madness.
They are both hard rock and were featured last week at Squarefest. Unfortunately, I didn't make it so I can't review them. I would love for someone to give a review for me of that show. Below is a video of Position 12?

Phil Riley is going to be playing a show at Friends and Co. at 8pm. Rumor has it he will be playing with a full band. Phil has been reviewed in previous posts with videos included. Please check them out.

Also, don't forget tomorrow is April Fools day! Be on the lookout and try not to be too gullible!


Saturday, April 2

Road Song will be at Jackson Avenue Coffee starting at 8pm.
Road Song is comprised of male and female vocals with an acoustic guitar and bass. They will be doing originals with a few covers of the Beatles, Stones, Merle Haggard, Elvis and Bob Dylan. Start your evening out right with a good coffee to make sure you can enjoy the rest of the night.


Spread and Afternoon Mood will be featured at Friends beginning at 9pm for $3.
These jam bands are for our Woodchuckers. This begins the countdown to the Woodchuck Music Festival. Spread has been featured at Woodchuck before and this year will be Afternoon Moon's first show at Woodchuck so come show them your support and make them as excited for Woodchuck as we are!


Fifth World will be also playing at Mac's Uptower at 9pm for $2. 
Psychedelic, house, funk, Acid Jazz, Hip hop, and electronica. LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE HEARD BEFORE. Only 2 dollar cover!
That description was just copied right off their facebook event page. 

Please check out all these videos or links below to listen to the bands before you go! Everyone have a good time this weekend and please review something for me!


http://www.archive.org/details/Afternoon_Moon2011-02-12.Afternoon_Moon_Live_at_Cabin_Fever_2011


http://www.myspace.com/fifthworldmusic

new blogs hooray

Of course, because this blog just started, I'm not really sure what the setup is going to be and will eventually figure it out. I was really hoping to have more writers because it shouldn't just be my music style. Charleston music scene has a lot to offer and I'd really like people to hear more than just my opinion. So if you are at all interested in writing reviews or contributing, just write below or send a message to the facebook page.

SQUAREFEST

I'm going to be completely honest with you guys, I don't exactly remember all of it. I remember parts and I remember disappearing and going home to walk my dog so I'm not sure I caught as much of it as I should have. I will tell you about what I remember. Booze is the first thing I remember.  After that, music. After that, other unmentionable things. Coming back to music though, the first thing I remember is Tommy Gun Geisha. Always a good start to the day and a great way to have your first beer after a hard hangover. Hard-headed-rock-and-roll by soft-hearted-boys. As usual, they did not disappoint.

I then ran over to Indio Cigar Company to see Phil Riley again. My review from last night still stands. There is a video at the bottom of this blog for you to make up your own mind about him.

At this point, it was about 6:30 and my friends and I decided to eat and drink at Roc's so I missed a lot of the bands around that time. The next band I headed over to was Transatlantic at the Uptowner. If I remember correctly, it was a step back in time. It reminded me of a lot of the pop-punk bands I loved in 2005/2006 like The Junior Varsity, Taking Back Sunday, and Spitalfield. They had a lot of energy and were different from a lot of the bands at Squarefest. I then caught the first few songs of The Staff Blues. There is a link to one below which I thought was the dirtiest and sexiest of all that I heard.

After that, I ran over to see Iron Tigers. I refuse to review them because I'm obviously biased because of my connection with the band. I will say that I do love them regardless of my connection and will put up a link to their set later because am honestly too impatient to wait for it to upload.

Lastly, thank you Scott Chaplinski for another awesome Squarefest!

Recovery Sunday

I will give a more in depth blog about Squarefest later but right now I just want to say it went fabulously. Here's a review of what I caught at the pre-Squarefest party at Top of the Roc and the Uptowner.

On Friday, there was a pre-party that was supposed to take place at the old Woodchuck house but the show kept getting bigger and bigger until it needed to be moved to the Uptower and Top of the Roc.

There were a few new additions to the Charleston music scene on Friday. Black Girls played their first show that night. Sadly, I missed much of it but caught the last two songs. Many of Black Girls' bandmates have contributed to other Charleston bands that have had strong fan bases, so people were very excited for this show. If I wouldn't have known, I would have never guessed it was their first show. They were put together well with a great Mowtownish soulful blues sound. They definitely hold a bright future in the Chuck music scene.

That same show brought some guests: Champaign favorites The Dirty Feathers and The Leadership. Hopefully we will see more of both of these bands not only playing in Charleston but playing in Champaign with Charleston bands! Please check out their myspaces and friend them on facebook:
http://www.myspace.com/thedirtyfeathers
http://www.myspace.com/theleadershipmusic/music/albums/frontiers-17465001

The Uptower ended with a great performance by local favorites Iron Tigers who also played at Indio Cigar Factory on Saturday night. Iron Tigers brought a lot of energy and dancing with their old-time country/folk sound. Everyone especially loves their cover of Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues."

I also headed over to the Top of the Roc for Phil Riley who was previously the drummer for Charleston band Tommy Gun Geisha before moving to Denver. He came back to Charleston for Friday and Saturday night performances. I had no idea Phil could sing but, boy, can he! I overheard someone say he had a 'hypnotic' voice. Combine that with his powerful, emotional lyrics and there's no way you'll want to leave his set. He sold out of his $3 CDs that I was hoping to get. Hopefully this will not be the last we see of Phil Riley. Chucktown wishes him the best of luck in Denver.

I'll get to Squarefest later. If anyone wants to contribute with reviewing it, I'd appreciate it because I obviously couldn't be everywhere at once but I know on Recovery Sunday it's hard to remember much about last night. I did get video of a few bands that will be up soon.

Also, if you are not doing anything tonight, you should head over to the Uptowner to support Caleb Cook's free acoustic and end the weekend of music!