Mixed Magic Presents The Spirit Warrior’s Dream for One Night Only

“I have often been aware of the wolf behind the wall,” says Mixed Magic’s Ricardo Pitts-Wiley. “But the thing about the wolf, is that it must come out from behind the wall so that it may be defeated.” Pitts- Wiley makes this observation in the context of discussing the presentation of his musical, The Spirit Warrior’s Dream, which receives a live broadcast via Facebook for one night only on Sunday, November 4. “And when the wolf comes out, it does not mean sheep *won’t* be slaughtered, it does not mean that the wolf *won’t* survive for a while in the sun … but the longer it stays in the sun … it’s like the vampire legends – they can survive for a while but will get weaker over time.”

The sun, specifically the “silver sun” is an image that runs throughout Spirit Warrior’s Dream, a piece that Pitts-Wiley (alongside co-creator Robert Schleeter) originally wrote in 1987 while artist-in- residence at the University of Rhode Island. There have been several productions over the decades, but this particular version, truncated due to infrastructure issues at Mixed Magic’s building in Pawtucket, is lean and focused primarily on the music and the story. A “post-apocalyptic look at America,” Spirit Warrior wears its many influences on its sleeve (Jesus Christ Superstar, The Who’s Tommy, maybe even a little bit of Styx’s Kilroy Was Here), but is, at its essence, a wholly original take on a tale of warring ideals — is it more desirable to destroy the past and rebuild from scratch, or should we embrace the better part of our history and patiently build a better tomorrow? In other words, “Is America an idea whose time has passed, or a yet to be fulfilled promise?”

Although the story has evolved over the years, the current iteration of Spirit Warrior revolves around a powerful dictator (“Dreamkiller”) who has taken over the nation, enslaving minds and souls, controlling the will of the people and denying access to music. Through the chaos, two separate factions evolve who represent differing paths towards the future. One represents violence and discipline to bring about “peace” and believes that America was a “failed project” that needs a complete do-over. The second faction, holed up in a former prison called “Yesterday,” holds forth the ideal that America just needs time to evolve into its original promise. Pitts-Wiley tells Motif, “When I first started this piece, I thought I was writing fiction, but now, this shit is really happening!” While political allegories are evident, Pitts- Wiley stresses that the play (or “rock/soul opera” as its described) is ultimately about the roles of women in society, ambition, dreams and the “power of the will.” Also central to the story is the effect of apathy in a society where action is needed. “The Age of Apathy began, and The Dreamkiller destroyed the will,” is a prescient quote here, but Pitts-Wiley is careful to stress, once again, that the story is less about politics than it is about “human nature” and the varying means in which we express that nature. Apathy or action, all modes of response are explored via the varying musical styles employed throughout Spirit Warrior.

“While I wrote the lyrics, each song fell into a particular rhythm that informs the song’s style,” says Pitts-Wiley. Bob (Schleeter) is a guitar player, so a lot of the music is very guitar-driven, but the show explores all the qualities of America, and Americana, that make this country great. There’s Gospel, but there’s also Punk and everything in-between. With this performance (on the 4th), there are slides, projections and text that aids in telling the story, but we’re less concerned about the ‘look’ of the piece as we are about the music.” Described as a “17-song, rock and rhythm” score, there is enough variety here to keep Spirit Warrior from being just another bloated rock opera.

“It’s a live concept album,” says Pitts-Wiley, invoking several classic albums from years past, up to and including even Michael Jackson’s Thriller. And, like most concept album storylines, the story involves making a stand for your beliefs, regardless of the adversity. The Spirit Warrior fights for our soul, our will and our future, whatever shape that may take. And, as Mixed Magic Theatre faces its own adversity, they take their own stand by presenting their story live, anyway, using the only medium at their disposal. For them, apathy is not a choice.

Mixed Magic Theatre presents THE SPIRIT WARRIOR’S DREAM — In Concert; Sunday, November 4th @ 7pm, broadcast on Facebook Live; facebook.com/events/296581344323997; Directed by Gregory Johnson and Kim Pitts-Wiley, featuring Jeannie Carson, Jonathan Grice, Amos Hamrick, Greg Johnson, Kaiasia, Habibah Quddus, Brayam Renovales, Kim Trusty and Seth Woodruff. Donations are accepted in the ticketing section of the Facebook event.

Hip-Hop: Plug In: The Outlet lets new local artists shine

Although 2018 is edging closer to its end, artists and curators are far from ending their grind. Just ask the folks over at This Is The Plug, more specifically Maddie D and Go DJ. Standing as one of the major outlets geared toward promoting artists on the local scene, The Plug has been making a number of moves in their lane for quite some time. In addition to their radio show, in which they consistently spin local music from the likes of Nino, Cam Bells, Flawless and more, Maddie and DJ premiered a new event titled The Outlet this past summer that featured four performances from some of the top artists around the state. This Is The Plug is returning to Dusk for a second installment of The Outlet on November 13 with a quartet of new acts: Reign Mercedes, Sabs, Cuphasol and Rah Money Ramon.

I recently spoke with Go DJ and Maddie about The Outlet and This Is The Plug. We first discussed the strong relationships they’ve had with artists over the past four years and their hopes to build on those relationships. “What we’re working on now is transitioning into a PR company for artists, athletes and influencers. We are able to do this through the relationships we built with venues, media outlets, DJs and more,” they said.

The Outlet is more than just a catchy name the duo thought of, they explained. “It stemmed from our name, The Plug. An outlet is a way of expressing one’s talents and emotions. We felt like it was time that we used our hosting skills, honed throughout the years, and create our own platform for artists to display their talent and connect with their supporters/fans.” By putting on events that allow artists to showcase their talents and playing their music on their radio show, they are simultaneously “the plug” and “the outlet” for the local music scene.

I asked them what factors went into choosing the lineup for the upcoming show, and they told me that for this specific installment, they based their choices on “lyrical content and the unique sound and stage presence to ensure we put on a great show.” As they described how each artist caught their attention, I could see the cohesion they sought in this installation. They said they were really attracted to Reign Mercedes’ energy, recalling a surprise performance of his at their last showcase where, “he freestyle’d unexpectedly at our last showcase and we said, ‘Wow, that kid can rap.’” As for Sabs, it’s his wordplay that caught their attention. “He is witty with his wordplay and a man with many flows.” Another artist who caught their attention because of his flow was Rah Money Ramon, whose “voice is very distinct as he flows effortlessly over beats.” Hailing from Pawtucket and Providence and currently residing in Miami, his sound features elements from the three locations.

RI is flush with talented artists waiting for a moment to shine from outlets (pun intended) like This Is The Plug. As for their goals as a brand, the duo revealed their plans to become somewhat of a home base for artists. “We want to push our culture forward and continue to create a platform for artists and grow to larger stages and cities.”

The second edition of The Outlet will take place on Tue, Nov 13 from 8 – 11pm at Dusk, 301 Harris Ave, PVD. The Outlet will also be hosted by Go DJ and Maddie D of This Is The Plug and music will be provided by DJ Dymand.

Jazz Insights: Catherine Pratte

Jazz enthusiast and veteran violinist Catherine Pratte was born in Providence. Cathy, who now lives in Bristol, graduated Salve Regina University in Newport and went on to receive two master’s degrees and a doctorate in education. She has played violin for more than 60 years, of which some 35 years were with the late famous Joseph Conte, who had dabbled in all facets of music, including jazz. Her background includes many years working for the Providence School Department as a music therapist, helping to solve local youth’s problems with unique musical approaches. Today Cathy is totally enthralled in the jazz art-form, following talented performers like the great and famous Mike Renzi. She has become a jazz critic, supporting local jazz venues, and we are lucky to have her and her following grace the current jazz events in Rhode Island. Jazz will survive, with the help of individuals like Cathy Pratte involved.

Keep On Moving: The Future Is Purple: Prince is leading us into Halloween I’m still coming down from watching Deer Tick’s John McCauley front Nirvana during the Foo Fighters’ encore at the CalJam Festival last weekend, but with wing and a shot of tequila, hopefully we can get through this. McCauley led surviving members of Nirvana through spot-on versions of “Serve the Servants,” “Scentless Apprentice” and “In Bloom” before yielding the mic to Joan freakin’ Jett who closed out the Nirvana set. It was surreal to see someone from Providence fronting what was the biggest band in the world during my youth, but when I closed my eyes, it was pure nirvana. Other CalJam highlights included: A set counting backward through their discography from Foo Fighters. An infectious punk rock squall from FEA who became one of my new favorite bands. A dose of hilariousness mixed with a shot of rock ‘n’ roll from Tenacious D. Deer Tick’s set, which featured a show-stopping version of “Mange” that made me finally realize why it is in the set every night. Garbage was phenomenal, capped by a version of “Only Happy When it Rains” that started like a torch-lit lounge number before catapulting and bringing the house down. Oh, and then there was Iggy Pop! The ageless Godfather of Punk led his Post-Pop Depression band, which included Josh Homme from Queens of The Stone Age, through a mix of tunes from their album together and from his late ’70s albums with David Bowie. One of the best festivals I’ve ever attended, hands down.

Jets Can’t Land — As The Earth Shakes

The sophomore EP, As The Earth Shakes, from Jets Can’t Land picks up where their debut, You Can’t Linger On, left off and pushes the barrel over the cliff with seven sci-fi tales set to indie guitar swing pyrotechnics. You want rock, well on “Dc-10” and “Your Boyfriend Godzilla,” Jets Can’t Land deliver. The former has a bit of a Sister-era Sonic Youth vibe while the latter comes off as an ’80s hardcore played by aliens from the future in an after-hours joint on the edge of Tokyo. “Stranded On The Moon” and the closer, “Bones of You” both have a cool lost in space yearning that just makes me yearn for more Jets Can’t Land. You can get lost in space with Jets Can’t Land by catching them in their first ever all acoustic show.

Jets Can’t Land will do their first ever acoustic show with Jodie Treloar Sampson at Fort Foreclosure, 164 Water St, Warren. The doors open at 7pm, and capacity is 35 people, so get there early.

Big Thief

I caught Big Thief a couple of years ago at the where they were by far one of the highlights of the weekend. Big Thief do indie folk with a bite. I recommend checking out their album Capacity and in particular, the tracks “Shark Smile” and “Humans,” to get pumped for the show!

Big Thief and The Range of Light Wilderness play the Columbus Theatre on October 19. The Knickerbocker All-Stars featuring Darcel Williams and Thornetta Davis – Love Makes A Woman

Sometimes a fresh biscuit comes in the mail unexpectedly and you have no idea who the group is, but you take one look at the cover and know you’ll love it. That was the case with the new one from The Knickerbocker All-Stars, Love Makes A Woman. The Knickerbocker All-Stars are the backing band for two powerhouse female vocalists in Darcel Wilson and Thornetta Davis. Wilson has been an instructor of voice, ensembles and voice at Berklee College of Music for 20 years. Davis is known to blues enthusiasts as Detroit’s Queen of the Blues and has racked up 30 Detroit Music Awards over her career.

As for the biscuit, Love Makes a Woman is classic soul and R&B done right. Some tunes, like an uplifting take on “Higher & Higher,” will make everyone run to the dance floor, but the lesser-known ones are what got me groovin’. The title track is a hip-shaking take on the Barbara Acklin classic. “So Soon” is propelled to life by the killer beat and Wilson’s vocals. On “Nick of Time,” Davis takes over the mic and the band doesn’t miss a beat. The closing, “Since You’ve Been Gone,” is a shot of soul and my favorite here, but the whole disc is pretty much a readymade soundtrack to your next party. Speaking of parties, don’t miss The Knickerbocker All-Stars Album Release Party at the Knickerbocker in Westerly, which is one of my favorite local venues.

The Knickerbocker All-Stars featuring Darcel Williams celebrate the release of Love Makes A Woman with a release show that includes a tribute to Aretha Franklin at the Knickerbocker Cafe, 35 Railroad Ave, in Westerly on Oct 26. The show is at 8pm with doors at 7pm. Advance tickets are available: knickerbockerallstars.com

Robert Ellis, Ian O’Neil, & Dennis Ryan

This is a triple-headed beast of the show, headlined by the country folk of Robert Ellis with Deer Tick’s Ian O’Neil and Dennis Ryan both doing solo sets. O’Neil recently finished a solo album, but the release date is to be determined. Ryan released his solo debut earlier this year under the name Vincent Van Gold. It’s available on Spotify and other streaming services.

Robert Ellis, Ian O’Neil, & Dennis Ryan play the Columbus Theatre on Oct 26.

The Breeders

I had pretty much written off The Breeders for new music after being disappointed for a few albums, but out of curiosity checked out their new album, All Nerve. The first track, “Nervous Mary,“ was like my Michael Corleone moment: “Just when I thought I was out, The Breeders pulled me back in.” All Nerve checks all the boxes for what I want in a Breeders album, from a quirky but catchy single (“Wait in the Car”) to a dreamy indie ballad (title track). There is even an epic quasi-rocking ballad in “Spacewoman,” which is a homerun. I caught The Breeders earlier this year for the first time in about 25 years, and it was worth the wait. Kim Deal is still the coolest person in the room. Don’t miss them at The Strand.

The Breeders and Screaming Females will rock The Strand Theater on Oct 27.

Brenda Bennett

The weekend before Halloween has a definite purple tinge as former Prince protegee (of Vanity 6 fame) and Rhode Island native will be performing her new CD, Once Again, in its entirety at the Blackstone River Theatre. Bennett is a Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame inductee, which makes her a local legend. And Prince didn’t work with just anyone, to catch his eye one had to be a serious talent.

Brenda Bennett will perform her new CD Once Again in order on Oct 27 at the Blackstone River Theatre, 549 Broad St in Cumberland. The show starts at 7:30pm.

The Revolution

Purple weekend continues when Prince’s famed backing band, The Revolution, brings the party to The Strand. You know them from the movie Purple Rain, and they were Prince’s backing band through many of those classic albums like Around The World in a Day. The Revolution will be performing exclusively all new tunes … just kidding they will be playing all Prince’s hits that you know and love!

The Revolution will bring the dance party to The Strand Theater on Oct 28.

They Might Be Giants

This column wouldn’t be complete without a dose of classic nerdy alternative rock from then Johns in They Might Be Giants. They Might Be Giants still have it as far as quirky rock anthems as one listen to their new single, “The Communists Have The Music,” proves. They Might Be Giants put out a new record earlier this year called I Like Fun, which has all the humorous toe tappers and Casio keyboards that they are known for. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to get back to figuring out how to clone myself so I can attend all this awesomeness.

They Might Be Giants will be at the Columbus Theatre on Oct 28.

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Roots Report: Dark Times: And we’re not just talking about setting the clocks back

Okee dokee folks… I hate to beat a dead horse, mostly because I am an animal lover, but it is imperative that folks get out on November 6 and exercise their right to vote. We are in dark times, people, and it is getting darker. If it gets much worse, we may never be able to find light. Of course, this all is completely contingent upon you being in favor of positive progress rather than a fan of the regressive and oppressive policies of the fake tan twit and his minions. If you have been brainwashed by Dumb Fux (Fox) news, then please just go about the day in your bubble of bullshit as you normally would, and stay home staring at the tube. It is time to TRULY take America back from these wingnuts and stop the insanity and move FORWARD. Remember, this is just phase one; hopefully we finish the job in November 2020. Women and millennials, we are REALLY counting on you! Don’t forget that on November 4 we set the clocks back and on November 6 we take OUR country back! Read on…

The Pump House Music works in Peacedale has lots of great music coming up, and they’ll give you the chance to learn how to play an instrument. They will host a series of weekly ukulele workshops on Thursday evenings from 7 – 9pm, beginning October 18. The aim of the workshops is to introduce players of all levels to the fun of playing ukulele, and each session will be led by experienced ukulele instructors. The sessions are designed to be flexible and provide participants with the level of instruction best suited to their playing ability. “Uke For All” Workshops are free, but donations are welcome. And of course, if you want to just sit back and enjoy live music at the Pump House you can. On October 19, hear Josh Schurman and David Furlong, on October 20 is Cowboy and Lady, and on October 26 is Tish Adams with Bluz U Can Use. If you want to play a bit of music, then the monthly Open Mic and Potluck Social happens on October 27. For more, “jumping flea” to pumphousemusicworks.com

Twenty some odd years ago I was at a music conference in Memphis. I was sitting on the floor next to a piano when a woman walked by wearing a fringe jacket just like I had. Of course I commented on it, and she and I have been friends ever since. That woman was Kerri Powers. Kerri is an amazing blues performer and has been blazing a trail through the music circuit, wowing audiences with her powerful voice and guitar chops. Despite devoting much of her youth to songwriting and performing throughout the New England coffeehouse circuit, she married, had a child and put her music aside for many years. After overcoming a difficult divorce and losing confidence in her abilities as an artist, Powers returned full-force. Her 2014 self-titled EP release landed her at the #1 spot on Roots Music Report‘s List of Top 50 Folk Albums of 2014, and she followed that up with Starseeds in 2018. This is a collection of originals and covers that showcases her seemingly whiskey-soaked vocals and authenticity as an artist. Powers will be performing as part of the Common Fence Music (CFM) Series at Hope and Main in Warren on October 19. Opening the show is Steve Delmonico. CFM is also presenting the 2nd Annual Fall Moon Festival. Last year’s show was such a hit that CFM’s Erin Young has made it an annual event. This year the show will feature singer-songwriters Mark Erelli, Caitlin Canty, Maya de Vitry and Peter Mulvey. This event will take place on Saturday, November 3, at the Casino Theatre (Newport Tennis Hall of Fame) at 10 Freebody Street in Newport. For more, lob over to commonfencemusic.org

The Moody Blues are one of classic rock’s mainstays. They have made music that has and will endure for generations. One of the main contributors to the band, bassist John Lodge, who is currently on a solo tour, will be making a stop in Rhode Island at The Greenwich Odeum on October 21 with his 10,000 Light Years Tour. Lodge penned such hits as“I’m Just a Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band),” “Ride My Seesaw,” “Isn’t Life Strange” and many more. I had a telephone chat with John Lodge the other day and you can see our interview at motifri.com/johnlodge. Also coming to the Odeum are The Smithereens with Marshall Crenshaw, Bettye Lavette and Vanilla Fudge. For more, slide zone over to greenwichodeum.com If you are a guitar player or love guitar music, then the Courthouse Center for the Arts in Kingstown is the place for you on Friday, November 2. “Generations” will be a celebration of the guitar through the hands of three local guitarists. Dennis Costa and Steve DeConti are both veteran guitarists and are well known to South County and RI audiences. The trio is completed by a member of a younger generation of players, Victor Main. They will all be accompanied by jazz pianist Kent Hewitt. Steve DeConti is a composer and multi-instrumentalist who has performed with virtually all of the finest musicians in RI and with many others from MA and CT for the past 40 years. Dennis Costa has been performing a wide variety of styles, including classical, jazz, folk, ragtime and Latin, for more than 50 years. Victor Main is a passionate performer and teacher at Pump House Music Works. Pianist Kent Hewitt has been a mainstay of jazz and popular piano in Southern New England for many years. This combination of talent ensures a moving and mesmerizing evening of guitar music. There are lots of tribute shows coming up at the Courthouse Center including tributes to Tom Petty, The Doors, Linda Ronstadt and Chicago! For more, strum on over to courthousearts.org

That’s it for now. Thanks for reading. JohnFuzek.com

The Roots Report: Eating Shit — challenges corporate farms

Okee dokee folks… Back in 1985, I came across an article in Time magazine about the crisis of family farmers that inspired me to write a song called “The Final Harvest.” Later that year, John Cougar Mellencamp released his Scarecrow album with its title cut about the farm crisis, and he, along with Neil Young and , put together the first Farm Aid benefit concert. When I learned about that concert, I took a trip to Boston and left my tape in a mailbox to get my song to the folks at Farm Aid. Sometime later, I received a nice rejection letter from them, but nevertheless, I watched all of that first Farm Aid concert and I hoped to someday get to one of those epic shows.

On September 22, I finally fulfilled my desire of attending a Farm Aid benefit concert. I was fortunate to acquire media/photo credentials and spent most of my day in the photo pit just a few feet from the performers. The concert was almost 12 hours long and featured sets by Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews, Kasey Musgraves, Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson, Nathaniel Rateliff, Margo Price and many others. The state fair-like atmosphere outside of the arena featured all kinds of farming info, organic food, petitions to sign and more. While the music was AMAZING there is the message of Farm Aid which, although spoken about many times during the day, can be easily overlooked by those just wanting to hear the music and drink beer. Farm Aid was the closest thing I have had to a religious experience and the best part of it, other than the AMAZING music, was the pre-show press conference. The Farm Aid president, farmers, and Neil, Willie, John and Dave all spoke, and what they said really made an impression, especially John Mellencamp’s rant. Mellencamp, who hails from the farm belt state of Indiana, took the microphone and laid into the current state of farmers in this country. He talked of “some madman’s idea that we should change our trade habits and give millions in subsidies to help the farmers. Fuck that, he is just going to give money to the big farms, and the people in South Carolina who are trying to have a small farm aren’t going to get shit! Welcome to Suckerville. We sit here and we take it and I am sick of fucking taking it. Excuse my language, but I’m pissed off.”

His speech was interrupted often by loud applause. He continued, “When I wrote ‘Rain on the Scarecrow’ they used to play protest songs on the radio. They don’t play them anymore. Neil wrote ‘Ohio’ and they played it on the radio, but our voices have been silenced now Big corporations run the radio stations and it’s not left up to the individual. We’re going to hear corporate bullshit, we’re going to eat corporate bullshit. I hate to be the voice of doom, but unless we stand up and do something, we’re going to get shit, which is what we’ve got right now.

“I wrote a song a while back. It was a shit song, but it had a line in it that said: You have to stand for something or you will fall for anything. You have to get out and vote. You have to have your voice heard and not have corporate America’s voice heard!”

Then Young stood up and took the microphone. He talked about how farmers have to work every day, no matter what, or things die. He said that one thing everyone can do to help is to never pass a farmers market. You should always stop in and buy something. “Take part in humanity,” he said. “If you drive by without stopping, you are killing a farm.” He went on, “John did a good job of explaining the economy to us, but it’s no-brainer that if you sell all the jewels you’re going to have a great economy in the short term. That’s what this government is doing. They are giving away our future — farming, the environment, the future of life in America — for a short-term gain that a corporate board can review and then congratulate each other. The corporate farms SUCK. They have responsibility to no one but the board. They’re poisoning you and their food and using all these chemicals from all these corporations. But you can stop this if you stand up and don’t buy their food. Don’t abandon the farmers of America. Most of the food in America comes out of corporations and bad farming practices that damage the land and damage the food and damage your bodies.”

The day was filled with great music and an important message, but only a couple of hundred folks witnessed the press conference. If you have a chance, watch it on YouTube (youtube.com/watch?v=hnYPX5jv6C4). And if you look up the official Farm Aid video of Neil Young’s “Powderfinger,” at 3:46 you can see my head at Neil’s feet for just a split second (youtube.com/watch?v=pj9_bROd-pY)! Just remember, sometimes music is more about the message. For more, plow over to farmaid.org

Thanks for reading. JohnFuzek.com

Listen to This! Musicians encourage musicians to get a tune-up People in the music industry tend to live hard. They don’t sleep a lot. They don’t have great food choices on the road. Alcohol and drugs are constant temptations. And who has time to see a doctor? “We [were] so tired of just throwing benefit concerts for fellow musicians who got really sick,” said Russ Gusetti, who co-chairs Tune In & Tune Up with Don “DC” Culp, of the birth of their initiative. Tune In & Tune Up is a resource created by musicians for members of the music community and their families. It has two main goals: improving health resource awareness and improving health awareness. “We want to make a difference for as many people as we can,” said Gusetti. So they created a website that explains healthcare options in easy-to-understand language. “Healthcare options are so confusing that people just tune out. So we’re saying, ‘Tune in. Let us try to help you understand this.'” And then Gusetti and Culp encourage those tuned in people to tune up. Gusetti explains, “We’re trying to say, ‘Guys, take care of yourself. Do what you can before something bad happens. Lose weight, stop smoking, don’t eat crappy food, be aware of how dangerous opioids are. And get a physical for goodness’ sake!'” Gusetti believes that being proactive about healthcare is key. To that end, Tune In & Tune Up is hosting its annual health fair and benefit concert this month. “We expect about 30 vendors, including health insurance companies, yoga studios and holistic healthcare providers,” explained Gusetti. “We’re trying to make it easy.” And to make it fun, happening concurrently with the fair will be The Unity Concert, where RIMHOF inductees and local musicians will perform, including The Rock’n Docs, a local band made entirely of doctors. To members of the music community still on the fence about taking control of their health or feeling intimidated by the industry, Gusetti keeps it simple, “Just take a first step and see what’s out there.” The Tune In & Tune Up Health and Wellness Fair takes place on Oct 21 at the Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket from noon to 4pm, and The Unity Concert takes place at The Met from 2 – 7pm. For more, tuneinandtuneup.org Keep on Moving: Top Musicians Go Solo: Local favorites strike out on their own with new albums

John Faraone – Light Upon

John Faraone, who serves as a distinguished sideman as the drummer for local rock favorites The Quahogs, along with other acts like Ian Fitzgerald, is making his own way as a singer/songwriter. His debut LP, Light Upon, is a mellow, focused album that that doesn’t swing for the fences, but delivers the goods.

Multi-instrumentalist Faraone does much of the the musical heavy lifting, playing drums on the whole album, as well as bass and guitar in some sections. Light Upon’s sound reminds me of Josh Ritter’s unpretentious style mixed with ’s personal, emotional themes.

It’s very crisply produced, and really lets you hear the subtleties in the music. The album was recorded at multiple locales, including Converse Rubber Tracks Studio in Boston and Eyeland Studios at the Columbus Theatre in PVD. The slow waltz of “A Long Night and Slow” pairs well with delicate harmonies by Hayley Jenae Simmons and pedal steel from Liz Lawrence. Another highlight, “Always in Bloom,” sports a catchy, slow groove.

The understated musical performances let the listener focus on the earnest, evocative lyrics, free of fancy wordplay but occasionally cutting deep, like this devastating line from the title track: “I give into everything/I miss things that I’ve never had…And feeling change without reasons/it doesn’t hurt till it’s bleeding.”

The album’s similar tempos and textures can at times seem to meld into one mega-song, and tracks like “Fading Tide” and “Starlight” murmur a bit too long. Light Upon doesn’t get much edgier than mid- energy Wilco, and it’s easy to get antsy when you’re four-and-a half minutes deep into a track.

Light Upon evokes a mood, rather than being something you’re ravenous to hear 500 times, but it’s definitely a solid debut if you’re willing to take the time.

See Faraone’s thoughtful material in action on Oct 4 at the Pump House in Wakefield. Light Upon can be purchased at: johnfaraone.bandcamp.com/album/light-upon

Columbus Theatre The Columbus is bringing the heat this month, with a trio of epic Friday nights, beginning with Arc Iris’ album release show on October 12. Four years ago, bandleader Jocie Adams left the brooding folk of the Low Anthem to strike out on her own project, a synthy, experimental psychedelic power trio. Arc’s new album is titled Icon of Ego. The first single, “$ GNMS,” is an awesomely funky reworking of one of the band’s earliest songs, “Money Gnomes,” and the title track is almost prog-rock-like in its huge scope and orchestration. Experience the next chapter for one of RI’s most original acts.

Big Thief, the Brooklyn-based quartet performing on October 19, has been hitting it big on the national stage, and has produced some of the best music of the past few years. To me, their aptly named debut Masterpiece is almost perfect, and the follow-up, Capacity, is a close second. The range of light wilderness from California opens the show.

Closing it out on October 26 will be Robert Ellis, Ian O’Neil and Dennis Ryan. Headliner Ellis is a genre-shifting, vaguely country dude with bluegrass flat-picking cred and the songwriting chops to explore other areas. O’Neil’s and Ryan’s most high profile gig is in Deer Tick, but they also play in local group Happiness.

For ticket information and more show info: columbustheatre.com/events

Autumnfest

Fall in New England is pretty much the bee’s knees, and a classic autumn festival is a great way to celebrate. Woonsocket’s Autumnfest has been providing wholesome fun like rides, a parade and stages packed with music since 1977.

Headlining acts include the Blues Brothers Revue, a celebration of one of the best movies of all time. This is reportedly the “only duo in North America sanctioned by Dan Aykroyd and Judith Belushi to don the official hat and sunglasses and walk in the legendary footsteps of Jake and Elwood Blues.” Notable acts also include “The Voice’s” Emily Luther, Big Nazo, School of Rock and an election season edition of the Ocean State Follies.

Autumnfest happens Fri, Oct 5 – Mon, Oct 8 at World War II Memorial Park on Social Street in Woonsocket.

Courtney Barnett @ The House of Blues

It’s difficult to pin down an exact definition for the nebulous term “indie rock” (though journalists do try), but Courtney Barnett would have be one of the genre’s frontrunners. Her first debut, Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit was a breezy, Modern Lovers-like effort that won lots of acclaim. Her last album, Tell Me How You Really Feel, was a straight-up triumph, a rawer album that pushed her sound into more emotional territory. I haven’t seen her live, but I suspect that this one may be worth taking the train.

Courtney Barnett rocks The House of Blues in Boston on Sun, Oct 21.

AJJ

The great folk/punk forefathers formerly known as Andrew Jackson Jihad are coming to FMH. It’s a bold move to change your band name so far into a career, but I suppose it was a bold name to begin with. AJJ has more than a decade of quality output under their belt, and have in recent years expanded their sound to include keyboards and psychedelia. AJJ is teaming up with anti-folk icon Kimya Dawson from the Moldy Peaches as a co-headliner, with two-piece punk act Shellshag supporting.

AJJ @ FMH happens on Tue, Oct 16. Doors @ 6pm.

And on Thursday, October 11, Dusk presents an eclectic night of music featuring Umbrella Co., Steadystate, Video Shoppe, and Consider Yourself

Jazz Insights: Debra Mann

One of Rhode Island’s finest all-around jazz entertainer is Debra Mann. Her young talents brought her to Boston’s Berklee College, where she studied jazz and classical music. Soon, she became a premier jazz pianist and singer, gracing top performing halls, restaurants and hotels. She operated as a solo artist for a period and then formed a trio and later a quintet. They became world-class performing groups. Debra is a regular recording artist with the Whaling City Sound organization from New Bedford. She is an active member of The Jazz Education Network, as well as The Providence Musicians Union. Among her many credits was a featured guest appearance during a Boston Pops performance. Debra was nominated for a 2010 Grammy Award. Her gigs regularly highlight the American Songbook, Brazilian jazz music, the music of Joni Mitchell, Jobim, Dave Frishberg and her original compositions. Currently, she teaches voice and piano. Debra joined the faculty at Brown University in 2014 and Wheaton College in 2015, and you can catch her terrific performances throughout the area!

Level Up! Level Exchange provides a launch pad for artistic entrepreneurs

Providence is nothing if not artsy — they don’t call us the Creative Capital for nothin’! With creative juices flowing freely and abundantly from all corners of the city and surrounding towns, it isn’t surprising that so many organizations focused on helping young artists explore their passions have popped up over the last couple of decades. And now there’s a new name in the game. Founded on a firm belief in the power of art and creativity as a business and the artist-centric business model, Level Exchange (LX) promises to take the dreams and skills of local musicians and visual artists to the next level. (Pun intended.)

The Pawtucket studio celebrated its official launch on September 8, complete with performances by two local hip-hop groups, Sun of Sound and The Funk Underground. However, founder and booking agent Lindsey Lerner planted the first seeds back in 2015 when she realized the politics of the music industry she had come to know and appreciate needed to change. In an exclusive interview, Lerner explained that the LX experience offers artists a full scope of promotional services, leaving no gaps in artists’ arsenals of tools for success. LX member musicians not only get the opportunity to collaborate with other musicians, but with representatives from the media and the legal industries. “We offer ‘office hours’ with lawyers to advise our artists on the parts of the industry they may be unfamiliar with,” said Lerner. To jump back to the basics, though, LX also is committed to helping artists grow purely on a creative level. And they’re getting big results. “Our affiliated artists have put on great shows inside and outside of the space, expanding their audience while getting to do what they love,” said Lerner. Of course, when you’ve got an entire team of people who know the business and the value of hands-on experience helping you every step of the way, success is the only option.

Since its inception, Level Exchange has expanded to support not only musicians, but visual artists, another group of individuals who often face challenges in marketing and monetizing their talents. Lerner acknowledged the seemingly bleak road for artists struggling to preserve what are often seen as dying crafts, and refused to accept that label. “Entrepreneurship is a word that gets thrown around a lot,” she pointed out. “To me, an entrepreneur is someone who makes something out of nothing. That is exactly what artists do every single day — they create the world that we live in because of their creativity and willingness to take risks.” Often, the decision to pursue music or art as a career — or as any remote means of profitability — is seen as too big a risk. The LX team is out to change that view, offering an entire support network of people who still see the inherent value of art, and who celebrate and commend those risk-takers rather than condemn them. “I hope that LX artists will feel validation in their chosen art, proven to them by the tangible content they create here,” Lerner stated. “I also hope that when this content inevitably widens their audience, they have learned the necessary skills to reap the financial rewards of their creation.”

So, what’s next for LX? “We would love to expand our space to allow for more music to happen simultaneously,” Lerner stated. As of right now, LX is benefitting from partnership with The Guild, a popular local brewery, as a performance venue. Beginning in October, LX will host live sessions every Sunday evening in their very own Rug Room, and the lineups will vary from local to nationally touring artists. Lerner and the rest of the team show no signs of stopping their efforts to make LX the Rhode Island hub for musicians and other artists who want to make themselves known. “We are rooted in the understanding that art is a business and business is an art,” Lerner affirmed. “The most successful people and companies are the ones that are able to connect both sides of this equation.”

For further information or to join LX, go to levelexchange.co