The Hot Chicks of Rock

The adrenaline rush of Super Bowl week has started to kick in and it is starting to feel like I’m on a Benzedrine overload. Late night and early morning spent reading the re-writes of the previous days blurbs that all blend together to the point that the only thing I remember is something in I read stating that Bill Belichick will murder Tom Coughlin.

Whatever your feelings are on football, it is still a great excuse to throw a party. As far as Super Bowl Parties go, it is tough to top the PVD Social Club’s bill of a matinee punk rock headlined by iconic stalwarts of loud hard and fast, the Hudson Falcons and Boston’s The Ducky Boys (Record Release Party for Chasing the Ghost). The bill is also features Pinkerton Thugs, Drunk Robb and The Shots, and Reason to Fight. The show is all ages and will not interfere with watching the game because it starts at 2PM– so if you are like me, set an alarm, or two. Not only is this the perfect way to release some pre-show aggression but you can stay or come for the game, which will be shown on huge projection screens throughout the entire club. At halftime, there will be a burlesque show so you have something more enticing than watching a washed up Madonna and there will be complementary appetizers served. Seriously, Madonna playing the Super Bowl, what diehard football fan wants to see that? Speaking of burlesque, with Valentine’s Day around that corner, it is time for our 5th annual Hot Women in Local Rock to celebrate this special day, well for single males and women in relationships. So without further adieu, let’s roll!

Malyssa BellaRosa and Christine Hauck from Fall and Bounce

Singer Malyssa BellaRosa (featured on the cover) and bassist Christine Hauck (right) lead Fall and Bounce, which is a relatively new band that has a solid classic rock feel. Think a female fronted Doobie Brothers meets something more contemporary like Beth Hart. I use the Doobie Brothers as a reference because the song they’ve been opening with borrows the melody from “Jesus is Just Allright.” Nothing wrong with that. I borrow my swagger from Michael MacDonald too. Fall and Bounce really go over the map from bluesy guitar solos to crunchy grunge riffs to even folksier singer songwriter stuff. Hauck locks in the rhythm groove on the bass that’s allows freewheeling diva BellaRosa to showcase her substantial pipes. Fall and Bounce have seemingly been playing everywhere as of late, but BellaRosa told me recently the band were looking to scale back on performing out this month to work on recording some material before resuming than normal busy schedule in March or April. In addition, BellaRosa released her first solo album at the end of last year, titled Open Up, which is more of a stripped down intimate affair as is often the case with solo projects. Fun fact, the name of the album was to be called “Music is My Soul” after one of the tracks up till about a week before its release, till I told her it was the corniest album name I’ve ever heard. Making a difference, that is what I am here for. Standout tracks on Open Up include “Moving On” and “Never Be.”

Jess Powers (Jess Powers Project/Curator of Chanteuse)

I generally try to somewhat mix it up from year to year as to who gets featured because otherwise I’d might as well just copy and paste the previous year’s entry. Jess Powers might hold the record if I kept track of such things, but of course I don’t. Think of it has winning the Best Female Artist Grammy every year, just a little less prestigious and a lot less lucrative. Powers made it first as a vocalist with Route .44 (with Teri Pimley) and now has made the list in back-to-back years since going solo and as the brains behind her own Chanteuse series. Powers makes it seemingly every year, not just because she is both talented and “hot” but because she is actively doing something big and in this case with Chanteuse, which extends beyond her own career as far as bringing musicians together to collaborate. The first anniversary show of Chanteuse is coming up on Feb 11th and features a who’s who of local female talent like Tig & Bean, Michelle Cruz, VulGarrity, The Sugar Honey Ice Tea, Miss Wensday, Kristin Minsky, and of course Ms. Powers herself.

Jess Powers celebrates the 1st anniversary of her Chanteuse series at Fete inProvidenceon February 11th.

Tai Awolaju (Boo City)

Tai Awolaju is known for both her stage costumes and her sweet harmonies as a co-lead vocalist forBooCity. This sultry vixen ofBooCityhas both the pipes and charisma to dominate the room from the stage. Boo City had a big 2011 between winning the WXIN Rock Hunt and the December release of their Midnight Folklore mix tape. As I’ve said in past Midnight Folklore was really more of experimental fusing of different styles, Boo City are planning on releasing a full length that will keep more to their traditional R&B and soul roots. That said, I really dug the tracks I’ve heard of Midnight Folklore. Boo City are currently holding a kickstarter to raise funds so they can go toAustinto perform at the SXSW Festival. If you can spare any change to support a great band, go to http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/boocity/help-boo-city-go-to-south-by-southwest-in-austin-t to donate.

Missa Hills

(The Jesse Minute)

The list wouldn’t be complete without a woman from the punk end of the spectrum and for that the honor goes to Missa Hills of The Jesse Minute. I don’t think Hills has made the list before but then again after 5 years of differing lengths I can’t say. Hills vocals hover over The Jesse Minute’s powerhouse pop- rock attack. To some hardcore punks, the band’s pop element may be a little too sweet but I dig that element. The Jesse Minute has undergone some lineup changes in the past months but I am hoping that they get that filled fast and re-emerge as soon as possible. Tracy Garrity (VulGarrity)

One half of the sinister sibling dynamic duo, VulGarrity, Tracy Garrity brings the blonde bombshell sex appeal. Tracy and her brother, Shawn, flip flop between bass and drums belting out post-punk meets stoner rock escapades about the boogie man, plane crashes, and zombies. After winning the WXIN Rock Hunt in 2010, VulGarrity united the belts in 2011 by winning the WBRU Rock Hunt. Not one to sit still, VulGarrity has already gone coast-to-coast a few times on tour and are currently working some new jams that will hopefully hit the street sometime soon.

Galvanize and Vertigo Twin Double CD Release

75orLess Records presents a double release party for Galvanize and Vertical Twin on February 10th. Galvanize’s self-titled disc come off as noisy indie rock with a distinct ’80s flair. I dig the tune “Audrey Meadows” and “The Sane Coupon” has a bit of an early Yo La Tengo feel. Galvanize is a gold mine for fans of aggressive ‘’80s fuzz infused indie rock.

Vertical Twin’s sophomore release, Geezer Wheelie (75orLess Records), is another dose of motor punk thunder. Vertical Twin have one wheel in ’70s stoner rock with the other one in punk rock. Tunes like “One with the Asphalt” and “Rabbit” remind me as much of Foghat and Grand Funk Railroad as they do of the Supersuckers. My favorite tune on Geezer Wheelie is “Rainbow Unicorn,” which sounds like a ’60s psychedelic garage rocker on amphetamines.

Galvanize, Vertigo Twin, and Six Star General will bring da noise to the Pvd Social Club inProvidenceon February 10th. Be warned that the fun starts early as the show will run from7PMto10PM.

Quiet Riot

1980s metal titans Quiet Riot make a rare return to the area to bring some old fashioned head banging action to the Rock Junction inWest Greenwich. Quiet Riot these days have been greeted with some skepticism since the death of vocalist Kevin DuBrow in 2007. Currently, the band has no original members and the lone remaining member from the Mental Health glory days is drummer Frankie Banali.

I was among the doubters but after seeing some YouTube videos I’ve got to say they sound alright. The band hit stardom of the strength of their 1982 cover of Slade’s “Cum on Feel the Noize.” They never really had the same success when it came to writing their own tunes. That said, metal enthusiasts consider both Metal Health and Critical Condition to be classic albums. I’d totally go to hear those tunes performed in a club.

Quiet Riot will be at The Rock Junction inWest Greenwichon February 4th.

Odds & Sods:

Huge night of local rock ‘n’ roll happening right now at Firehouse 13 with Lenny Lashley’s Gang of One (ex-Darkbuster), The McGunks, Sharks Come Cruisin’ Barroom Heroes, and Phil McCaffrey of the Doll Eyes on February 2nd. Last Good Tooth, Pete Everett, Smith & Weeden, and independent Man are at the Local 121 on February 2nd. Jonesin’ some hotNew Orleansstyle funk and soul? Go head to Met Café for Soul Rebels also on February 2rd. The local kings of ska, The Agents, join forces with Route .44 for an epic show at The Spot Underground on February 3rd. Atlantic Thrills, Movers and Shakers, and Yankee Bang Bang are at the Local 121 on February 4th. The quirky kind of indie rock of The Universes hit the Met Café of February 8th. The Figgs and The ‘Mericans join forces for a huge show at The Local 121 on February 10th. Viral Sound and Cosmic Dust Bunnies hit The Spot Underground on February 10th. Santa Mamba and DJ Face get the party shaking at The Spot Underground on February 11th. Barn Burning is at The Met Café on February 15th. The metallic female fronted indie rocking Panther Moderns are at The Met Café on February 16th.

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Trinity Cast Carries ‘Merchant of Venice’

When many think of the plays of William Shakespeare, they focus on his male characters, like Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello and others. It’s always been my opinion, though, that Shakespeare’s women are just as strong as his men, and in some instances even stronger. One play where the women outshine the men is A Merchant in Venice, currently in production at Trinity Repertory Company.

When most talk about Merchant, they think of Shylock, the Jewish moneylender. A somewhat controversial character, he’s been played many different ways. Here, it’s unfortunately as little more than a poor little victim, constantly whining about his lot in life. Whether it’s actor Stephen Berenson’s fault or not is hard to say, but the interpretation doesn’t make Shylock more human, it makes him weak and creates a far less interesting character.

Antonio and Bassanio, the other male leads, are played by Joe Wilson, Jr. and Stephen Thorne, respectively.Wilsonis a powerful actor but could really loosen up a bit at times. His Antonio is too stiff and too serious, too much of the time, not allowing for many levels or nuances in the performance. Although it’s hard to discern why these two are such great friends, Thorne makes clear Bassanio’s passion for his friendship with Antonio, handling the verse and the emotions very well. The rest of the male cast is excellent, especially the always-reliable Fred Sullivan, Jr. as Gratiano, and Will Austin as Lorenzo. The first half of the play actually focuses more on the story of Lorenzo and his lady love, Jessica, than it does on the other subplots. The scenes depicting the Lorenzo/Jessica story are the best of the first half.

Jessica, Shylock’s daughter who runs away to be with Lorenzo, is played wonderfully by Caroline Kaplan. She and Austin were both excellent in the recent Brown MFA production of Parade and they are equally excellent here. Both are Brown MFA Acting students and if they stick around after graduation, it will be exciting to watch them take on bigger and more challenging roles on area stages.

Which brings us to the leading ladies. First, Rachel Warren as Nerisa, Portia’s waiting gentlewoman.Warrenis always a joy to watch. Her face is so expressive that her silent reactions alone are worth the price of a ticket. When she speaks, she’s just as good or better. Portia, though, is the one to whom this play belongs, in my opinion. She is, for me, the center and strength of this play.

Luckily, Trinity’s Portia is played by an actress more than up for the challenge, Mary C. Davis. Among the cast, she is one of the most skilled and comfortable with the verse, which comes trippingly offer her tongue. More importantly, she doesn’t just speak the lines, she lives and feels them. In the second half, when the play becomes largely focused on her, she puts it on her shoulders and carries it perfectly.

That second half leaves behind the scattershot, all over the place feeling of the first, dealing instead with one story and one event. Due in large part to the performances of Davis,Warrenand the rest of the cast, the second half far outshines the first and ends up as a powerful piece of Shakespearean theater.

The Merchant of Venice, Trinity Rep. 201 Washington St, Providence, runs thru March 11. www.trinityrep.com

Tower of Love and Narrow ‘Hellfire’

Okee dokee folks…Some of you may remember that my formal education is in fine art. When I was in college, I was making art and playing music. I actually started college as a music major but dropped out because I didn’t want to play jazz or classical, nor teach music. Back then, those were pretty much the only options. They didn’t have Rock Star 101. So, after a couple of years, I went back to school to get my artistic license instead. I still played music but learned it in other ways and eventually music won out over art. These days, I still do some art, mostly graphic design (CD covers, posters – the fun stuff) and I am still interested in it. I was fortunate to get up to see the Degas exhibit before it closed. The last time I saw a large Degas exhibit was 25 years ago in NYC and I had to buy a ticket from a scalper. Degas was the biggest influence on my visual art so I was compelled to go back then and again this time. I’m filing away all this inspiration for when I get really old and start painting again. While I was at the MFA, I ducked into the musical instruments room to check out some of the antique music makers. It’s a small room in comparison to everything else in the museum but what is inside is amazing. The craftsmanship of these instruments is almost beyond belief. While I am not sure how these particular instruments sound they truly are beautiful. Guitars, violins, keyboards, horns and many instruments I have never seen nor heard of. The guard on duty gave me a flyer that noted certain occasions they have players demonstrate the instruments. Next time I get up to the museum I’ll have to coordinate it with one of these demonstrations. Viewing the Degas exhibit transported me back both to art school and to the 19th Century world through Degas’ eyes. I can only imagine what it will be like hearing music from an instrument that has aged a couple of hundred years. Stay tuned.

Tower of Love

Feeling romantic? Then head down to Narragansett to the Towers for “Love is in the Air II: A Valentine Concert of Love Songs.” The Towers is a great place to find that lovin’ feeling. It’s the South County Mecca for wedding receptions and summer dancing. Can you imagine how many folks have “hooked up” at the Towers over the past 100 years? Raise your hand if you have. I’m sure there are a lot of raised hands. All those bridesmaids, groomsmen and sweaty swing dancers? C’mon it’s like shooting fish in a barrel! Anyway, this show for lovers features Michael DiMucci and Phoebe Madden and they’ll be accompanied by Diane Gualtieri and Karen Mellor (Avenue A). There will be special appearances by composer Dr. Enrico Garzilli, Audrey Gauman Lucas, Molly Gregory, and Kelsey Vivian. You have two big chances to feel the love: Friday, Feb 10, at 7:30pm and Saturday, Feb 11, at 3pm. For more info beat over to www.thetowersri.com or ring up 401-782-2597. Remember what Stephen Stills say, “If you can’t be with the one you love, love the one you’re with!”

Narrows ‘Hellfire’

The Narrows Center for the Arts hosts blues legend Joe Louis Walker, who will releasing Hellfire on with Alligator Records. Walker is an award-winning guitar slinger, passionate vocalist and gifted songwriter celebrating the release of records at the Narrows on Saturday, Feb 11. Walker has been releasing groundbreaking music since 1986 and has toured — and continues to tour — worldwide. He has won four Blues Music Awards (BMA) and has been nominated for 44 more, including a nomination for a 2012 BMA for Contemporary Blues Male Artist Of The Year. Walker has also recorded as a guest with some of the blues world’s best-known artists, including appearances on Grammy-winning records by B.B. King and James Cotton. The New York Times raves, “Walker is a singer with a Cadillac of a voice. He delivers no-nonsense, gutsy blues. His guitar solos are fast, wiry and incisive, moaning with bluesy despair.” Rolling Stone simply calls him “ferocious.” Concert information is as follows: Honker over to www.ncfta.org

Jones-in in Newport

If you are fan of Dylan, Warren Zevon or Leonard Cohen then you should certainly be a fan of Newport’s own JP Jones. On Friday, Feb 10, at 8pm the Newport Congregational Church (corner of Spring and Pelham streets) will be spotlighting JP Jones and a reunion of his 7-piece folk-rock band, RiteTite. Jones who is a Newport based singer-songwriter has independently released a dozen CDs and has written more than 350 original songs. He made his self-titled major label debut 38 years ago on Columbia/Windfall and did an arena tour at that time. These days, he stays closer to home. Still, his work has gotten him national attention. The band RiteTite was featured on JP’s 2003 Life and Death CD release and toured New England in the early part of what is now the last decade. This will be the first time in more than 7 years that JP, who plays mostly solo shows these days, has shared the stage with the full line-up: Louise Muller (violin), Mike Barrette (electric guitar), Donn Watson (keyboards), Kurt Meyer (bass) and drummers Dave Lang and Matt Niebles. JP promises a show featuring lots of new material as well as many songs that will be familiar to his band-mates and fans. For more information about JP Jones, get rite over to www.jpjones.net or dial up 401-258-5367.

Songwriters in the Round

Over at AS220 on Friday, Feb 10, at 8:30pm, The Rhode Island Songwriters Association (RISA) will be celebrating the eighth anniversary of their Songwriters in the Round (SITR ) show. Over the past eight years, 384 performers have been subjected to the pressure of writing songs based on a theme chosen by the audience. Of these 384 folks, there were RISA members, non-RISA members and traveling songwriters in the line-up. Each show is a different experience. Different song themes, different approaches to the resulting songs, spontaneous jamming to the new songs and lots of witty banter make them all something to remember. The series was initially begun and run by Ryan Fitzsimmons for RISA. Ryan was the host for very show until a couple of years ago. Now he hosts two shows a year and the monthly hosting duties have been split up between Jim Tata, Joanne Lurgio, Jan Luby, and Jake Haller. For this anniversary celebration, each host has invited two folks to play in their round. They will all be performing songs that were written for the Songwriters In The Round Shows. The SITR shows usually happen on the second Sunday of the month but for the February anniversary RISA will be showcasing the songs and songwriters all night on a Friday Night. Along with Jim, Jake, Joanne, Jan and Ryan (I think Ryan should change his name to Jon to stick with the “J” theme) the line-up for the celebratory evening includes: Billy Mitchell, Johnny Botelho, Paul Pasch, Marilynn Manfra, Andrew Lewis, Charlie Cover, Pete Vendettuoli, Tracie Potochnik, Patti DeRosa, and Jon McAullife. Whalebone Jackson will play out the show until it’s time to go home. If you want to hear some really great, really original songs, AS220 is the place to do it. This show is an annual fundraiser for RISA and tix are just $10. Many of these folks will be back on March 18th playing their SITR songs when RISA takes over AS220 again and records Volumes 3 & 4 of the newest Songwriters in the Round CD. For more info revel over to www.as220.org or www.risongwriters.com

Random Life

Finally, here are some random music happenings to wander to. WS Monroe hosts another night of his monthly series Folk Music Night at the Brown Bookstore. The show is free and besides WS Monroe you can enjoy Ross Robinson and Gary Fish as they serenade you from the stacks. The show is from 6-8pm in the College Hill Café at The Brown Bookstore. The store is at the corner of Thayer and Angell Streets in Providence. Katryna and Narissa Nield will be performing at Stone Soup Coffeehouse on Feb 4. This concert will begin with a Stone Soup “Hoot” or Open Mic. Midnight Honey performs at Indigo Pizza in Coventry Feb 4. Visit www.indigopizza.com

Revival: Yet Another Awesome Local Brew

Let’s see what we’ve got this time, eh? ARyebeer? Oh, that’s so2011. Ablack IPA? Well fuggle me, that’s so 2010 I can’t even believe it. Then a Belgian Pale Ale… Well, I guess that’s not a super-trendy style, so I can’t really make fun of it. Besides, it’s not good to mock one’s sponsor, though that’s never stopped me before. Some might call me flippant, but I prefer to think of myself as irreverent.

Sierra NevadaRuthlessRye

I likeRyebeers. They’re usually a nice, light, crisp concoction that can really quench a thirst as well as excite the palate. And since the rye taste works so well with hops, I’ve noticedRyebeers are coming with more and more of an IPA profile. Well, leave it toSierra Nevadato jump on that train! Their Ruthless Rye is a delight for hop lovers, and citrusy summer beer lovers. You’ll recognize this one by the rustic label that features a picture of a woman in a field with a staff. I’m not sure if she’s there to harvest the rye or blight the land with black magic. If it’s the former, I get it. If it’s the latter, then she’s freakin’ hot! Anyway, this delightful brew soaks the palate with a pleasing array of hops covering all the bases, and doing it well, blending with the natural crispness of the rye. It might be another case of a Spring beer being released in January, but you won’t hear me complain.

Revival Double Black IPA

AKA Cascadian Dark Ale, which makes it sound like it comes from another planet, like Seti Alpha Acid 5. Yes, I’m a nerd, deal with it. In true Sean Larkin fashion, this brew is a real accomplishment. It’s already on tap at most of the usual spots for good beer, which is why I’m amazed I haven’t heard of it before. I’d heard Sean Larkin was starting his own microbrew, but you can’ get a true feeling of how epic this is until you try this beer. It’s got a great creamy head (insert joke here,) and you can almost taste the grains themselves beneath the incredible hop signature that blends pine and very slight hint of citrus. It’s sweet and hoppy and absolutely unbeatable. It’s got a kind of boxing theme to the label. But being a nerd, I don’t get it. But, being a beer nerd, you can rest assured that if I recommend something, it’s one freaking good beer. It’s also 8%, so don’t do as I did, and have one right after drinking a cup of coffee unless you like heading to the men’s room every 10 minutes.

NewportStorm

Cyclone Series Sabrina

I was sworn to secrecy about this one when I tried the prototype brews, but now that it’s out, I can talk about it! This one is a Belgian Pale Ale, and you’ll pick up on that by the very first sip. It’s got the taste of a classic Belgian ale from the malts, with a distinct, but subtle hop flavor that one would associate with a pale ale. There’s a nice wheatiness to it that, again, is very good for Springtime weather, which we seem to be getting in fits and starts. While I did like some of the first draughts better, (get it?) I’ve still got nothing to complain about.

Lock & Key

Charter School head cited for chaining emergency exits while children in class’

It is just after 7 a.m. and students are starting to arrive for the day at the New England Laborer’s Construction Career Academy in Cranston. The charter school was created 10 years ago and rents space in a converted jewelry manufacturing building across the street near the Howard Complex. It’s what’s inside that attracted the attention of a state trooper and inspectors from the state Fire Marshal’s office early one morning. On the backside of the school, down a hallway from where kids had begun to gather, and just beyond an exit sign is a set of double doors. Wrapped around it…a chain and padlock, and a sign that says “This door will be locked until 7:45 daily. Please use the front entrance.” Sources inside the school, which has about 160 students, say the doors have been chained overnight and the first part of the day since the beginning of the academic year, in part to keep late-arriving students from sneaking in the back door. The Hummel Report obtained undercover video of the chained doors during the early part of the school day, and showed the video to Rhode Island State Fire Marshal Jack Chartier. It drew a swift response. Chartier sent an inspector from his office, accompanied by a state trooper, to the school — confirming what he saw on the videotape. “I was extremely upset when I saw that,” Chartier told The Hummel Report. “Anytime that you see a posted fire exit in a school, particularly, but any fire exit, deliberately blocked. That’s an action somebody has taken, that’s in direct violation not only of the fire code, but of common sense.” Dennis Curran, a veteran administrator from Connecticut, became the executive director of the school in August. We interviewed him the day after the visit from the fire marshal’s inspector and state police.

Hummel: Some of the kids had told the janitors, ‘You know this is illegal,’ and the response from the janitors is, ‘We know but we’re just following orders.’ Is that true, were they following orders to have that door chained? Curran: I don’t know anything about that discussion. I think a staff member had suggested that door be secured at night and I think that we could have been a little more timely getting that door open in the morning. I think that where they dropped the ball here was, there were some times when students were coming in before homeroom, that door should have been unlocked and unsecured at that point in time. Curran insisted the problems with the doors shutting properly — and not disciplinary issues — led to the chains being used. Curran: Lately, we’ve had it repaired three times, but it continued to be a door that was very loose and quite frankly, you could pop open with very little strength. Marshal Chartier says that’s not what his inspector found Monday morning. Chartier: He stepped outside and asked them to lock the doors, which they did. He then tried the doors to get in and he could not. They locked effectively and he was out on the platform and could not get back into the building. Inspector Paul Manning found not only the illegal chains, but defective emergency lighting inside the building as well. Curran, as head of the school, was cited for two criminal violations of the state fire code, and fined $500. It’s unclear who will pay that fine. Chartier: When you go to the trouble of posting a sign on a door that that’s going to be your policy, it’s not a quick fix. It’s that you’ve made a conscious decision and it’s going to be a while before we fix this door, if in fact the door was broken, and we’re going to make it a policy of the building so much so that we post a sign on the door that the chains will stay on until 7:45 in the morning. The Hummel Report has learned the chains sometimes didn’t come off until after 7:45am. Chartier, the former fire chief in Warwick, was one of the three commanding chiefs at the Station Nightclub fire nine years ago. He says the Cranston situation this week should be a warning to all administrators. Chartier: Proper exits and egress is fundamental to fire safety. So, when I see something like this in a school it drives me crazy. We asked Curran where common sense fit into the equation. Hummel: I’m just wondering how it is that somebody could look at that door as a chained door when kids are in this school and think that that’s okay. I just don’t understand that. Curran: Sure. And again my best response is that the intent was to have that door unsecured each day as we open up. Curran assures us the doors are on the fast track to being replaced – and the chains put away permanently.

The Hummel Report is a 501 3C non-profit organization. If you have a story idea or want make a donation to the Hummel Report, go to www.hummelreport.com. Or mail Jim directly at [email protected].