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Home , Dean Fertita, Gothic country, Michael Shuman, Queens of the Stone Age, Rhiannon Giddens, Riot Fest

Mike D’s Top 5 Can’t Miss Shows of October

1. Monday, October 9: The 10th Annual Pronk Fest; 2 to 9pm; Free; All ages and kid-friendly; South Water St, PVD. As the leaves turn to die and the sweaters get broken out, we are upon the final big outdoor happening of the year. Pronk is turning 10 this year, and has at least 22 bands / performers out and about Providence celebrating. Some of the performers are familiar to us, such as Providence acts Big Nazo, Extraordinary Rendition Band, and the What Cheer? Brigade. As the event has grown over the years, so has the distance from which these acts travel, such as ’s Filthy FemCorps and Damas de Ferro, who are traveling all the way from . Check out their website (providencehonkfest.org ) for updates on who and where and when, and also to read their manifesto. 2. Wednesday, October 11: Beach Fossils, Snail Mail, Raener; 8pm doors/9pm show; $15; All ages; The Met, 1005 Main St, Pawtucket. There are so many good shows in Providence this month and this is one of the best. Beach Fossils released their third studio , Somersault, earlier this year. The record is great; my favorite track from the record is “Tangerine,” which is a blissful , but pop gem. Snail Mail were one of the breakout bands for me this year at SXSW. The band (along with other bands such as Sheer Mag and PVD’s own Downtown Boys) were the focus of a New York Times article about how the new wave of up and coming (and achieving) rock acts are female dominated. Another wise writer called that this March (motifri.com/sxsw2017). Check out the bands single “Thinning;” it will then live in your head for a few weeks. LA’s Raener open the bill. 3. Monday, October 16: Davey Moore turns 40; 8pm to 1am; Free!; All ages?; Alchemy, 73 Richmond St, PVD. What’s unique about Davey Moore, the owner of Alchemy, is that he truly cares about the local music scene more than the bottom line of his business. He wants to give everyone, from the bands to the supporters who come to see them, the best experience possible and the opportunity to go forward. For several years, he has been running The Midday Social event. The event is a showcase of a couple of local bands and includes panels of local workers in various aspects of the music business. It gives the opportunity for all to mix and get to know each other. He is a great component of the RI music scene, and what else is unique about Davey is he’s fucking old. So come celebrate his birthday, and come check out the venue if you haven’t been yet. It’s the old Jerky’s space, above the old Club Hell, next to the old Spikes. 4. Wednesday, October 18: Phoenix, The Lemon Twigs; 7pm doors/ 8pm show; $38.50 GA / $42.50 Reserved Mezzanine; All ages; Strand Ballroom & Theatre; 79 Washington St, PVD. Finally, Phoenix has come to Rhode Island. The band has been around for over 20 years, but has not played in town yet. The band is best known for the hits such as “1901” and “ Lisztomania” off their 4th album, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. The band released their 6th record, Ti Amo, which moves away from their classic French pop sound, as they tried to focus on Latin roots and Italian disco. This show is the best of the upcoming shows at the newly renovated Strand Ballroom & Theatre (formerly Lupo’s). With the new sound system and killer new lights, this is the perfect spot for Phoenix. The Lemon Twigs won the 2017 Grulke Award, a prize given for best developing US act at SXSW yearly (last year was Anderson Paak). Their psychedelic jams are heavily balanced of the Beatles, but in a good way, such as Super Furry Animals. Get there early to make sure to check them out, too! 5. Saturday, October 21: , Royal Blood; 7:30pm; $?; All ages; Agganis Arena, . Queens Of The Stone Age are my favorite band of the last 20 years, and they never disappoint. I personally prefer the band when they groove as to when they jab. Their first single of their seventh album, Villains, was the track “.” Like their old hit “Little Sister,” it falls under the jab category to me and still hasn’t grown on me. But their follow-up single, “The Evil Has Landed,” falls into that classic sooner riff zone that I love. I was afraid that I wouldn’t like the new record after hearing the first single and knowing that pop producer (Bruno Mars, Adele) could have pushed them fully in that direction, but the record is pretty diverse and very good. Live, they are unstoppable. I think I have seen them more than 15 times at this point and hope to catch both the Boston and Portland shows. UK loud as hell duo Royal Blood open.

Also worth noting: Oct 5 — Uhuru / Soul Shot / DJ Mike Potatoes @ Parlor Newport; Oct 6 — MadeinTYO @ The Met; Oct 7 — Route.44 / Torn Shorts @ The Parlour; Oct 8 — Scurvy Dog Mega Show; Oct 10 — / Metz @ The Strand; Oct 12 — Bash & Pop / Tall Teenagers / Gymshorts; Oct 13 — The Feelies @ The Met; Oct 13 — Ministry / @ The Palladium (Worcester); Oct 17 — Ian Fitzgerald @ The Black Sheep; Oct 20 — Wolf Parade @ Royale (Boston); Oct 20 — Hairspray Queen @ Aurora; Oct 21 — World Inferno Friendship Society / Cactus Attack / McGunks @ The Met; Oct 22 — Guns N Roses TD Bank North (Boston); Oct 27 — 311 / The Pilfers @ The Strand; Oct 29 — Lil Peep @ The Met; Oct 31 — @ Fete; Oct 31 — The Viennagram @ Shelter Arcade

Alt-Nation: Fresh Biscuits

If one had to guess where in Rhode Island The Beach Boys Way was located, Pawtucket is probably not the first place that comes to mind. Nevertheless the City of Pawtucket did recently rename a section of Narragansett Park Drive, where the Narragansett Park Racetrack once stood, “The Beach Boys Way.” The name change commemorates the largest to ever take place in Rhode Island, which was when The Beach Boys played to 40,000 people at Narragansett Race Track on September 2, 1977. It is hard to believe that a Beach Boys concert could garner such headlines as “Chaos Fails to Unravel 40,000 at Concert.” The racetrack would close the following year and after a suspicious fire, most of the land went unused except for the grandstand, which was converted into a Building 19 store. The name change came about through the efforts of Al Gomes and Connie Watrous of Big Noise, a music publicity, marketing and development company. Gomes and Watrous were looking for Beach Boys memorabilia at POP: The Emporium of Pop Culture in Providence where they came across what they later found out to be the original box office poster from the 1977 concert. After researching the details further, Gomes and Watrous thought the event deserved to be commemorated, and reached out to state and local officials who agreed. So if someone ever says to meet up at The Beach Boys Way, now you’ll know to go to Pawtucket, not South County.

Deer Tick – Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 (Partisan Records)

Four years is a long time for anything these days, but in the flavor-of-the-week world of the music business, it might as well be an eternity. Four years is also how long it has been since the last new music from Deer Tick, the album Negativity. Deer Tick are back in a big way with two very different that showcase the roots and raucousness of the band. Vol. 1 is an acoustic record that really showcases the band’s chops as their playing has never sounded so smooth. Dreamy love songs like “Sea of Clouds” and “Only Love” channel Big Star with a smidge of AM Gold maturity that really go beyond anything Deer Tick has ever done before. Guitarist Ian O’Neil takes over the vocals on the stirring folk styled “Hope is Big” with the lovable loser refrain — “hope is big but we’re always gonna lose.” John McCauley’s “Cocktail” has a lounge swing as he reminisces in lines like, “I spent the time that you took giving me dirty looks with a cocktail.” The track is one of the many where the contributions of former keyboardist Robbie Crowell, who left the group to pursue other projects shortly after the Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 were completed, shine through. Drummer Dennis Ryan takes over the vocals on “Me and My Man,” which manages to be a weirdly infectious slab of gold.

Vol. 2 starts off with loud ringing chords of “Don’t Hurt” as McCauley, perhaps wrestling with emotions to get going again, sings “come on John, sing your stupid song.” O’Neil channels the sarcasm of Lou Reed over deliberate on “Look How Clean I Am.” Ryan’s “Wants” has kind of a Mick Jones Clash circa Give Em Enough Rope/ Calling punch. “S.M.F.” (Shitty ) swings like a sledgehammer of arena rock with big everything while recounting sardonic tales from playing the festival circuit. McCauley’s “It’s a Whale” comes racing out of the gate like a thoroughbred with lines like, “heading nowhere with the last of my kind, I’m a martyr and I live on borrowed time.” Maybe so, but I’m sure that just like both Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, wherever McCauley and Deer Tick go, it promises to be one hell of a ride.

Bill Keough – You’ll Disappear, Just Like They All Do (75OrLess Records)

Veteran local music Bill Keough kicks off his second solo album, You’ll Disappear, Just Like They All Do, with a storm of foreboding uneasiness in “I Am the Lighthouse.” On “Gentle Smile,” Keough drops a shimmering slab of noise-pop . “Drinking Myself into the Pavement” has an early ’90s vibe with lyrics about, believe it not, drinking too much. “Maybe It’s You” has kind of a freewheeling ’80s indie guitar swing feel with vocals functioning as a prayer-like outré. The closing title track is not just my favorite here, it is one of my favorite tunes for 2017. It reminds me of a Dinosaur Jr. circa Green Mind-era guitar collage. On You’ll Disappear, Just Like They All Do, Keough builds upon 2014’s The Slow Get Up (75OrLess Records) while dragging the listener deeper down into a fuzz tone squall.

Must See Shows:

Route .44 with Torn Shorts and Ghosts of Industry @ The Parlour on October 7: Route .44 blend elements of gypsy , and rock, which makes for the perfect haunting vibe on October nights.

Bash & Pop, Tall Teenagers and Gymshorts @ The Met Café on October 12: Tommy Stinson is the only person on the planet who can actually answer the question as to who is more difficult to work with: Paul Westerberg or Axl Rose. The ex-Replacement/GNR/Soul Asylum bassist reunited his early ’90s band, Bash & Pop (with completely different members), and released a really cool album in Anything Could Happen earlier this year.

Sick Pills CD Release Party with Monument Thief and Nick Sundman @ The Pour Farm on October 13: The Sick Pills have a new CD coming out for the occasion called Mettle that I’ll have a review of the future. They are a good indie punk band with the skills to thrill.

Shovels and Rope @ Columbus Theatre on October 13: Spend Friday the 13th with this husband and wife duo that are really as good as anyone out there when it comes to telling a story through song. For this tour, they are both digging deep into their catalog to play some rarely performed tracks and road testing new material, including a new nugget called “Come on Utah.”

Mr. Airplane Man at The Parlour on October 19: This garage rock with a touch of twang female duo seems to have come out of the woodwork after a decade off the grid, and now are playing here every other month. That isn’t a complaint, though, because they are pretty good.

Email music news to [email protected]

Dinosaur Jr. to Shred The Met, Sep 27

Dinosaur Jr.: (L-R) J Mascis, Lou Barlow, Murph

Dinosaur Jr. have been putting out amazing music ever since the original trio of J Mascis, Murph and Lou Barlow got back together in 2005. Four albums have risen from the reunion, with Give a Glimpse of What Yer Not the most recent in August 2016. The evolution of the band since 1984 has Mascis and Barlow both bringing their songwriting talents to the forefront while Murph proves he’s one of the best drummers alive on every track. In an age where underground rock has been searching for its latest identity, Dinosaur Jr. has resurrected and reinvigorated the classic alternative sound. This trio will be taking the stage at The Met in Pawtucket on Sep 27 for what should be a killer time with ’s Easy Action opening things up.

I had a talk with Murph ahead of the show about being in fellow Massachusetts band The Lemonheads during the ‘90s, the differences between playing with J and Evan Dando, breaking sticks and what his favorite drum kit is. Rob Duguay (Motif): Dinosaur Jr.’s latest album Give a Glimpse of What Yer Not came out a little over a year ago. J Mascis has produced nearly all of Dinosaur Jr.’s records: Is there any difference between working with J as a versus J as a producer, or is it all the same?

Murph: It’s pretty much the same. When J is in the studio producing and engineering, Lou and I aren’t there. He does that on his own and we leave him to it. In the very early days, during the first few records, we would all try to get in the studio and put in our two cents, but nowadays we all do our separate parts and then we leave. I do the drums, and I might come back and check in once or twice, but we all kind of have our role and then we check out. It’s done in sections and the last section is mixing and producing, that’s just how it works.

RD: That’s an interesting way to record. After you initially left Dinosaur Jr. in 1993, you joined up with The Lemonheads in 1995 and you were drumming with Evan Dando until 1998. Did it take any adjusting for you as a drummer at the beginning of joining that band, or did you adapt right away and it was seamless?

M: It was actually really fun because when we [the Lemonheads] wrote Car Button Cloth we just did it in the studio. Evan had a rehearsal space in in the West Side and we would meet up every day around dinner time and just jam, hang out and go out carousing around the city, and I would get home at three in the morning every day. That’s how we did it. Working with J is more like working with a teacher, there’s parts and you really have to do the work to learn stuff. With Evan, it was more like hanging out, partying and having a good time and see what happens. It was a totally different experience and it was really fun.

RD: On songwriting alone, Evan is a lot more mellow and more melodic while J is more of the riff-heavy guitar player.

M: It’s almost like when you go to the gym. Working with Dinosaur Jr. is like having a personal trainer, while working with Evan is like going with your buddy and having a good time. That’s kind of the difference.

RD: One trait of your drumming that’s very evident is how loud you get with pounding beats and tight fills. There must be a bunch of wear and tear on a kit because of that. For an estimate, how many times have you broken a tom or a snare? Does it not happen that often or is it the opposite?

M: Mainly I go through sticks and drum heads. The only thing I break are cymbals when they crack. After about two weeks of touring, there’s always a crack in one of the cymbals. I’ve also broken pedals a lot because those are chains and I’ve gone through those a bunch.

RD: What’s your primary kit that you use these days?

M: I use Tama. I’ve been using Tama for a long time because they really cut through, they’re super loud. I started on Gretsch, I love old Gretsch kits but, live, the Tama just really cuts through. Ludwigs sound great in the studio but they’re not very good live. They don’t have a lot of power to them where the Tamas seem to be like cannons. We rent gear when we do festivals in Europe and the Tamas are always really consistent. I play a Superstar Classic and I can always depend on it to be really consistent no matter where I go, which is really helpful.

RD: After the show at The Met , what does the fall have in store for you, J and Lou? Is there another album in the works?

M: We got one more push coming up in the States. We’re going to be doing a major tour all over the country. Then we go back to Europe for one more tour, we do some of Scandinavia and UK tour, and that brings us up to Christmas and then we’ll break. We never talk about doing a record: with Dinosaur Jr. we’ll stop and then at some point we’ll get a call from J or the manager about getting back in the studio. That’s usually how it goes, we don’t sit down and discuss a game plan. It just happens when it happens.

Dinosaur Jr. and Easy Action at The Met, Sep 27, tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/4470833/dinosaur-jr-with-special-guesteasy-action-pawtucket-the-met?cob rand=themetri

Give a Glimpse of What Yer Not on Bandcamp: https://dinosaurjr.bandcamp.com/album/give-a-glimpse-of-what-yer-not

Dinosaur Jr. web site: http://www.dinosaurjr.com

Album of the Week: Propagandhi – Victory Lap

Victory Lap by Propagandhi

A president who looks like the human equivalent of a cheesy puff has made the the most divided it has been in decades. On both social and political levels, Americans are torn apart while racists and fascists parade in the streets, with some even getting positions in our country’s government. It’s a strange, scary and – at times – fascinating era in history. It’s only fitting that Canadian anarcho- punks Propagandhi are putting out their seventh album, Victory Lap, on Sep 29 via Epitaph Records. There’s a musical evolution taking place with more melody added to the prog-punk heavy riffs. Victory Lap marks a few changes to Propagandhi’s roster. Founding members Chris Hannah and Jord Samolesky still remain on guitar and drums while bass guitarist Todd Kowalski has been with the band since 1997. David Guillas plays guitar on the album, but he ended up backing out of the band’s touring duties in 2015 with Sulynn Hago taking his place. There’s definitely an upbeat vibe to contrast with lyrics that examine misery and oppression. Maybe it’s done on purpose to provide a triumphant sense of perseverance? Most likely, but the band obviously would have to confirm that themselves.

One thing that I’ve observed this year in music has been the political stances made by numerous artists, especially unlikely ones. Nearly every live show I’ve been to where a national act headlined has provided a bit of discourse about equality and acceptance of everyone regardless of their race, religion, orientation and gender. Artists who might have been deemed “safe” or “apolitical” in the past have spoken up. It’s a wave of anti-bigotry that’s inspiring and we owe it to acts like Propagandhi who have been starting the conversation for decades. Anyways, let’s take a look at my top tracks off of the Album of the Week:

“Failed Imagineer” is one of those tracks that provide the upbeat vibe mentioned earlier, and the meaning behind it supports veterans who have been hardened by war, the chorus is a bit catchy as well. Analogizing the xenophobic anti-immigration stance of the current presidential administration to animals being kept in a zoo, “Adventures In Zoochosis” is an harmonious look at cognitive dissonance; when I say harmonious, I mean that Hannah’s and Samolesky’s voices merge together at multiple instances. With a thrashing tone, “In Flagrante Delicto” is a rager that’s a testament to Propagandhi’s trademark intensity.

As part of their upcoming North American tour, Propagandhi will be playing a stacked show at The Middle East in Cambridge, MA on Oct 21 with Iron Chic and Heartsounds. While you’re there, grab a copy of Victory Lap. It’s a raucous and clever record that’ll make you think about what’s happening beyond your doorstep.

Pre-order and purchase Victory Lap: kingsroadmerch.com/propagandhi

Propagandhi web site: propagandhi.com and official YouTube channel

Life’s a beach again at the Strand

Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel is a Rhode Island tradition, even though the physical location has moved a couple of times over the decades, it has always represented fun, but serious music. Its spirit is being reborn Sunday, Sep 10 as the Strand, formerly Lupos/The Strand, relaunches after months of renovations.

The RI music scene has been eagerly awaiting the reopening of this classic venue, and music fans will not be disappointed. The entire ground floor has been remodeled, with less seating and more bar space, more dancing room and a relaxed new layout. There are new seats and the upper and middle balconies have been refurbished, adding upstairs capacity. New security features will keep everyone safe, and there are new controls and luxurious curtains to keep things looking classy.

Perhaps most exciting are the innovations in projection and lighting control, “We wanted to bring the latest technology into this time-tested venue,” says developer and Strand co-owner Garry Williams, who is most excited about the new stage and the enhanced ability to bring hi-res graphics and lighting shows to that stage. “A great modern show has all these multi-media effects, and more options to create an amazing experience. We wanted to enable all of those options for major performers travelling through Providence, and for the locals that will perform here too,” added co-owner Frank Manfredi Jr.

And of course, the sound system has been completely reworked – to provide the best audio possible in every corner of the space, while working in concert with the lighting and other advancements in the control room.

The remodeled space is the brainchild of some of the old Strand/Lupos crew, including Jack Reich and Michael Delehanty – who have been booking the venue for decades and years, respectively – with new input and innovations brought in by Williams and Manfreddi, of the Rosendale Group. Rich Lupo, even as he steps away from the venue, also consulted on the renovations. Lupo will continue to own and operate the smaller Met Cafe in Pawtucket’s Hope Artiste Village.

We road-tested the new space with its opening concert by the Descendants on Sep 10, and all the new systems did that band proud, bolstering an amazing performance by the classic punk band. Although security was overzealous for this new kick-off, the new space made for a great showcase, and a packed house made the most of the new sound, lights and a kick-ass performance by the Descendants that opens a promising new chapter in the history of ground breaking PVD music venues. Keep an eye out for a show that will let you check out the sleek new layout!

Tigerman WOAH Aims To Rock The Beer Festival

The second edition of the Copenhagen Beer Festival is taking place at the Sowa Power Station in Boston on September 23 and 24. It’s a wild time featuring more than 50 craft breweries, live music, food vendors and a whole lot of fun. One of the bands performing during the weekend is Tigerman WOAH, based out of Lynn, Mass. This quartet of upright bassist Kevin Landry, drummer Adam Henderson, guitarist Jon Feinstorm and ukulele player Adam Kaz have a sound that walks the fine line between being a jug band and a weird Americana anomaly reminiscent of Tom Waits. They also have an intense and raucous rock ‘n’ roll sound that’s contagious.

“Adam [Kaz] and Jon are from Georgia, Adam [Henderson] and myself are from Massachusetts,” Landry says on the act’s formation. “The band started shortly after Kaz and Jon moved to Lynn, met former drummer Jon Morse and they decided to make a record just for themselves to have. Morse brought me in to the mix to lay down upright bass on the record. A few months and gigs went by and Morse needed to step down and encouraged us to bring Adam aboard.”

The band’s self-titled debut album took Boston by storm last year and upped the band’s profile within the city’s music scene. “The record was recorded at The Bridge Sound & Stage by Alex Allinson.” Landry describes the making of the LP. “We produced the record ourselves with the help of Alex. It was the most prepared we ever were for recording, having done months of preproduction on our own. We love working at The Bridge and with Alex.”

Tigerman WOAH have a unique musical aesthetic that’s tough to pin down. “It’s what we’re influenced by and what we love to do,” Landry states. “We love loud, amplified, ‘turned up to 11’ rock ‘n’ roll as well as intimate, acoustic music and initiating group sing-a-longs.” On playing this weekend’s beer festival, Landry mentions, “We got to play last year and there’s definitely a ton of beers to choose from. Our recommendation is to drink all of them and rock out with us and see all the other bands!”

People around New are already anticipating the band’s follow up to their debut. “There’s no when yet, but there’s some writing and recording retreats for us on the calendar,” Landry says about a sophomore release. The Copenhagen Beer Festival will take your tastebuds and senses by storm after the first sample. Don’t miss out on a chance to heighten both of those when Tigerman WOAH take the stage. These guys from the north shore of Massachusetts do know how to make an impression.

Buy tickets to the Copenhagen Beer Festival here: copenhagenbeerfest.eventbrite.com;Stream Tigerman WOAH’s self-titled debut via Bandcamp: tigermanmusic.bandcamp.com/album/tigerman- woah; Tigerman WOAH’s Website: tigermanwoah.com

Album of the Week: Lina Tullgren – Won Won by Lina Tullgren

Lina Tullgren is putting a different spin on the singer- style. The 23 year-old from southern Maine strums an electric guitar with a deep tone that forms a signature sound. Ty Ueda contributes his talents on organ and guitar to compliment Tullgren in stellar fashion while Petey Mclaughlin provides the foundation via percussion. Tullgren’s debut LP Won is coming out Sep 22 via the indie label Captured Tracks, and it’s a wonderful representation of her artistry. There are ambient hints and sonic feedback that command the ear’s attention and never go overlooked.

The theme in Won is inspired by Tullgren’s love for New England in the summertime and her experiences from being raised in the region. There are infectious melodies and pleasant notes in each song on the record. Some songs are lo-fi rockers while others lean towards . Tullgren’s lyrics are very poetic and her songs convey harmonies that stick in the mind. It’s a fantastic introduction to a musician’s career that holds a lot of promise for the future.

What’s really intriguing about Tullgren’s debut is how it releases emotion without depending on intensity to do so. The album gets messages across but it’s also not trying to shove them down the listener’s throat. It makes for a different musical experience that hits upon various thoughts and feelings. How does it evoke that experience exactly? Let’s try to uncover the answer to that question via my top tracks off of the Album of the Week:

There’s a downbeat that consistently provides a rhythm on “Fitchburg State,” and Ueda’s chords on lead guitar add a rising sonic dimension that leaves a lasting impression. “Summer Sleeper” is one of those tracks that has dream pop sensibilities in the way Tullgren’s guitar sound has a bit of an echo that makes it stand apart from the other songs. A lo-fi jam is “Static Burn” that has the vibe of a bedroom recording that’s organic and genuine.

Lina will be ringing in the release of Won at the Middle East in Cambridge, MA, on Sep 26 with Tredicci Bacci, Mega Bog, and Sitcom. She then has a bunch of shows happening over the next few weeks so make sure to keep your eyes peeled on when she’ll be coming to your neighborhood music venue. While you’re waiting, grab a copy of the album when it comes out on Sep 22. It’ll give your music taste buds a dose of originality. Pre-order Won: linatullgren.bandcamp.com/album/won

Facebook: facebook.com/tullgrenlina

Web: lookclosercloserstill.com

Is This Jazz?: Esperanza Exposes the Process

The brilliance of Esperanza Spalding has been on display for well over a decade. While keeping a firm footing in the jazz world, she stretches her arms out into a multitude of sonic landscapes, simultaneously pulling ideas from soul, funk, pop, avant-garde and classical music, then weaving them back into her previous sensibilities to conjure forth elements previously unheard. Although we knew of all this, what wasn’t known was how she wrote and composed, what her process was, or what part of her craft gave her access to all of it. Then, she gave us Exposure.

The essence of this project was that from September 12 through 15, Esperanza and a team of , audio engineers and video producers would enter into a studio and for 77 hours straight

to create a 10-song album, of which only 7,777 copies would ever be produced. All the music, lyrics and arrangements would be composed and recorded over the course of three days while a live stream was being broadcast out so that people all over the world could watch. Obviously an undertaking of this magnitude leaves open the potential for failure, but as the looming digital clock in the studio’s corner wound down to zero, what was left behind was a new, transcendent 10-song work and an experience unlike anything that came before it.

While there is so much to be unpacked from and written about Exposure, the core of the experience was to watch artists working through the craft. Absolutely there was fantastic music being made at all hours, and minds were melting from the awesome power these musicians wielded, but to watch these titans struggle to find the right notes or Esperanza’s joy as she deciphers the perfect phrase is mesmerizing. As a musician who has also spent many hours documenting the path on a podcast (soundcloud.com/the-3-year-plan), most of the focus is on the effort that goes into the craft and how taxing it can be. At the level that Esperanza and her cohorts are on, it is indescribably valuable to watch them face similar issues and see how they push through, not only as a way to learn but to see that you aren’t alone. My friend is a music educator who showed her students the project as it unfolded, and her thoughts on the impact it had on her kids are essential to this.

“With it being so close to the start of the year, the kids are just beginning class, starting chorus and beginning to explore different genres in music appreciation,” she said. “This gave them an opportunity to see that even top musicians have their voice crack or make little mistakes; that music doesn’t just happen, it’s truly a process. One class got to see her work out the bass line and simple melody for a track and the next day she happened to be hammering out the lyrics for the same song. They thought it was the coolest thing to see that song come to life. Some have now expressed interest in creating beats or composing, and others have already asked questions about poetry and how it’s linked to music. The possibilities with that feed, as an educator, are endless and I hope she releases it. Teaching in an inner city/urban school, it was amazing that it wasn’t a stuffy white dude doing it. It was a bad ass chick of African-American and Hispanic decent. It was a well-spoken, talented woman of color making killer music. They don’t see enough of that.”

Jazz is about improvising, working toward creative solutions, pushing the boundaries of self and art, and forming communities to make something. Esperanza’s musical prowess made the art possible, but she ended up with much more than an album. She showed us her tireless pursuit, exposed the raw reality of what the craft takes and motivated hundreds of thousands of people to keep creating or to start (shout out to Team 77). She forged a community that is founded on love and joy, and inspired all who got to bear witness. She changed lives.

Bravo, Esperanza. #feedfernando

Happening Around Town:

The John Allmark Jazz Orchestra; first Monday monthly @ The Met (Pawtucket)

Is This Jazz?; first Friday bimonthly @ AS220 (Providence) isthisjazz.tumblr.com

Allary At Arias; Sundays @ Arias Lounge (Providence)

Groove Merchants; Mondays @ Fifth Element (Newport)

Jazz Jam; Tuesdays @ Ten Rocks (Pawtucket)

Groove E Tuesday; Tuesdays @ Murphy’s Law (Pawtucket)

Parlour Jazz Jam; third Sunday monthly @ The Parlour (Providence)

Jeff Platz Quartet’s Modern Sound Series; last Sunday monthly @ Tea In Sahara (Providence)

To add your listing email [email protected].

Ben Shaw is a local composer and performer. Find him at ahueofshaw.tumblr.com or on Twitter @ahueofshaw.

Alt-Nation: Sad News and Other News

Farewell to Aurora

And the slow, depressing march toward progress continues… Motif has already reported on the upcoming closing of Aurora in downtown Providence to make room for redevelopment. And with WBRU being sold off to the non-heathens, the past few months haven’t been incredible for the music scene here.

It’s a shame when anywhere that encourages artistic expression shutters its doors, but it’s especially sad in that Aurora featured way more than just music. The calendar lists variety shows, theater, electronic, salsa music and gay goth night. They had no issues mixing it up and giving a chance to whatever interesting-sounding programming came along, and how could you not respect that?

Having said all that, I can’t claim to have gone there more than three or four times, and now feel guilty for checking out none of the things I just listed. There’s still time to say your goodbyes, as Aurora has a full schedule through the end of October; it includes bills with folk/alt rock outfit Vudu Sister, punk favorites Gym Shorts and a Halloween Cover Show. And there are still two more chances to check out the Salsa Con Soul.

Check out the Aurora calendar at auroraprovidence.com/calendar

The Silks and Sarah Borges at The Met

If you’ve paid any attention to Alt-Nation in the last handful of years, you probably know about the Silks (see Marc Clarkin’s previous column). There’s no need to waste your valuable time, so I’ll leave it by saying that they’re an exceptional blues-rock band featuring RI’s finest guitarist, and they put on a killer live show.

I also recommend the show’s opener, Sarah Borges. She’s a Taunton, Mass, native specializing in a catchy brand of alt-country/blues. I saw her with her band The Broken Singles a few times with my mom at the Narrows during my high school years, and was always really impressed. Her catalog includes excellent slow songs and honky tonk bar blues, but she has some twangy, just-upbeat-enough rock numbers that are 10/10s as far as I’m concerned. Check out “Daniel Lee,” “The Day We Met” and “Stop and Think it Over.”

Although all Borges’ albums are worth a listen, the best release to-date is probably 2007’s Diamonds in the Dark, her first album with the Broken Singles. Looking back to reviews for Diamonds, it seems like there was some buzz surrounding the band at the time. Unfortunately, after one more album, the band split in 2011 and Borges embarked on a solo career. It’s a shame she never managed to fully break out, but it certainly wasn’t for lack of first-rate songwriting. If you have to miss this show, the same bill (but with Borges headlining) is coming to the Narrows Center in Fall River on Saturday, November 25.

The Silks and Sarah Borges at The Met happens on Fri, Sep 28 at 9pm. [Friday is the 29th]

Bavarian Bliss

Motif often features music festivals that allow drinking, but how about a drinking festival that features music? The German American Cultural Society of Rhode Island in Pawtucket is presenting their annual Oktoberfest celebration featuring live Bavarian music, dancing, food, traditional dress and, most importantly, huge steins of beer for, like, four bucks.

Last year, I discovered this gem smack in the middle of a residential neighborhood down the street from my house. The basement bar, called the Rathskeller, is regularly open on Friday nights only, and a great time is had by all. I’m about as German as sashimi, but I’ve come to really enjoy this place.

Music is a great way to experience a culture, so check out Oktoberfest performances from:

Bavarian Brothers Band

A talented duo bringing the authentic Bavarian music. Roger Botelho handles accordion and vocals and Bruce Botelho is the brass man. According to the bros themselves, their specialties include authentic Bavarian folk songs, audience participation, yodeling, cowbell and something called the alp horn.

Their only known video is of the band playing a set (yodeling and all) at the bottom of a working ski slope, joined by a gentleman literally playing a pair of skis as percussion. The GACSRI website has assured us that they will indeed be joined by the guy playing the skis. If none of that sounds appealing, I don’t know what else to tell you.

SGTV Alpenblumen Schuhplattlers

I’m not sure what the first word means, but suffice to say that it’s a dance crew with Schuhplattler (shoe-slapping) moves that will knock your lederhosen right off.

Alpenblumen Musikanten

Playing sets Saturday night and Sunday afternoon, as well as backing up the Schuhplattlers, Alpenblumen Musikanten specializes in lively with lots of cowbell.

The GACSRI is located at 78 Carter Ave in Pawtucket, and Oktoberfest takes place on Sat, Sep 30 (1 – 11pm) and Sun, Oct 1 (Noon to 5pm). For more: gacsri.org/oktoberfest-2016

Nick-A-Nee’s

I’ll end by giving a shout-out to the best bar in PVD, Nick-A-Nee’s, where people of all ages gather to drink Old , saddle up to the bar and take in some high-quality live music. The Jewelry District gem offers free music almost every night of the week! Regular slots include jazz on Thursdays and the Bluegrass Throwdown every Wednesday.

Nick’s’ music schedule (posted on their Facebook) is definitely worth checking out for specifics, but open-minded folks can just roll up and expect to hear talented people doing their thing.

Some upcoming Nick-a-nee’s shows to note:

Friday 9/22 – Mark Cutler & the Men of Great Courage – Rhode Island legend with expertly crafted rock songs.

Saturday 9/23 – Julie Rhodes – Chill blues/soul anchored by Rhodes’ pristine vocals. She’s been making a name for herself lately, so catch her here while the ticket is still free. She’s joined by The Quahogs.

Saturday 9/30 – Cannibal Ramblers – Heavy delta blues/freak out music from the brain of RISD professor Mark Milloff.

Nick-A-Nee’s is located at 75 South St in Providence. Most shows start at 9 or 9:30pm.

Soft Kill at Dusk, Sep 17

Soft Kill from Portland, OR (Photo: Joanna Stawnicka)

Ever since the dawn of the 21st Century, the post-punk style has experienced a revival in two different decades. In the 2000s, bands affiliated with the genre had more of a pop æsthetic and were on a mission to make people dance. These days in the 2010s, most acts are delving into darker and distorted tones more reminiscent of pioneers and . Soft Kill from Portland, OR, have risen as one of the new premier acts of post-punk, and they’re coming to rock Dusk in PVD Sep 17 for a one-off show away from their current tour with English legends Chameleons Vox. They’re also headlining a stacked bill with locals Beta Motel, Way Out, and Civility joining in on the fray.

The band’s latest product was Texas Killing Fields 7-inch on Feb 15. It was released in an interesting way with only 300 copies available. “We had just done our first tour without a drummer and weren’t ecstatic about how it went, so getting into the basement and writing some new songs seemed like a redeeming act within that block of time,” singer and guitarist Tobias Sinclair says on how the record was created. “We decided to throw the two songs on a 7-inch because we bounce between being extremely calculated and thought-out and totally nonsensical and self-sabotaging, with the latter being this unnecessary 7-inch of two songs we really dig.”

“I produced it at our state-of-the-art studio,” Sinclair explains. “By all that I mean we recorded it with a shitty interface in Conrad [Vollmer]’s basement on a whim and didn’t correct any mistakes out of total laziness.”

As far as the band’s current tour with Chameleons Vox goes, Sinclair states: “This run has been very stressful for non-Soft Kill-related reasons which has made it hard to really connect with how we feel about these gigs. Oakland was my favorite stop so far, and the crowds have been really showing love. It came about because Chameleons Vox foolishly said yes to touring with us in 2015 and they’ve been stuck with us ever since.”

Saturday, Sep 17, promises to be a wild night at one of the best venues in the city. It has a chance of selling out so make sure you show up early. You won’t want to miss a moment.

Facebook: facebook.com/softkillportland

Event page: facebook.com/events/1699145077061771

Stream Texas Killing Fields 7-inch from Soft Kill on Bandcamp: anopendoor.bandcamp.com/album/texas-killing-fields-7