2009 Ann Arbor Folk Festival, Part II

The second night of the musical extravaganza included the much-anticipated Pete Seeger. Much more to come on that note...heh, heh.

The early-goings brought 2 groups the author 

was unaware of and that is one of the reasons I attend these festivals... to hear new music (or at least music I had not heard before.  

And so it was with, "Misty Lyn and the Big Beautiful".  This was a fine group and Misty Lyn Bergeron sang and played her stuff...beautifully.  See this review of their debut: "For The Dead".

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Next up was a nifty guitarist, Luke Doucet and the White Falcon from Canada and they played an inspired 4 tracks that showed energy and originality.  Boy can this guy play!  He uses a that hollow-body Gretsch quitar which gives the sound 

of Dave Edmunds, Brian Setzer, that type.  As a guitar fan, I really enjoyed him.  I'm thinking (and this is often the case of certain groups) that this is best enjoyed live.

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To my surprise, the 3rd most-anticipated performers (behind Pete Seeger and Kris Kristofferson), Girlyman, came out next.  What can I say?  Much too little of them at this venue.  Have you heard them? We have been big fans since first seeing them supporting, The Indigo Girls at the Wharton Center on Michigan State University's campus several years ago (Fall of 2004).  They have precise, beautiful harmony.  They play their own instruments very well, with interesting layers of sound.  They have a fun stage banter showing kind souls, with funny stories (often stemming from tuning onstage...little ditties which entered their most recent 

release,"somewhere different now (live)").  They sang 4 quick songs...way too short, but then, that's what happens at the Festival, 

it is only intended to be a taste...you come back when they come back (which, unfortunately for me won't work since I will be on stage at the Great Hall of the Wharton Center on April 25 when Girlyman returns to the Ark.

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So, thinking Girlyman would close the first set of the night proved incorrect.  What joined the stage next was a musical family, headlined by the infamous, Pete Seeger.  His grandson- Tao Rodriguez-Seeger was the leader of this group, making sure things moved along.  Pete Seeger is 89 years old.  Wow.  He sang a couple verses by himself (and led us all in an achingly-slow version of, "Amazing Grace") but stayed with the group for their entire set.  The crowd was very much into whatever he said, did, asked, sang.  He was the hero of the evening...much love poured toward the stage, for sure.  The group also included Pete Seeger's friend's granddaughter, Sara Lee Guthrie (yes, Arlo Guthrie's daughter....Woody Guthrie's granddaughter) and her very talented husband, Johnny Irion (I was very fortunate to hear these 2 at the Ten Pound Fiddle Coffeehouse in East Lansing several years ago...great stuff).

It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Nicky and me to see this "father of American folk music"

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So the first set ended here and when we returned, so did Joe Pug.  He rendered another Dylan-like performance and admittedly the song did not do much for me...but the Friday night song did.  He's going to be around on the folk scene.

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Claire Lynch came out and did a short set of country music.  She had a crack band supporting her pleasant demeanor and we enjoyed her singing.  

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The Carolina Chocolate Drops entered the stage for a similar performance to Friday night with just as much fandom created.   They are a talented, funny, fun, group who had the whole audience on its feet.  Go see them live.

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The headliner for the second night of the Ann Arbor Folk Festival was Kris Kristofferson.  He came out with a guitar and a harmonica...and that's all.  That's all he needed.  Nicky is a BIG fan of this guy (and I honestly did not know just HOW BIG until that night).  Kristofferson has penned some of the best-known (and loved) tunes, from, "Me And Bobby McGee" to "Help Me Make It Through The Night" to "For The Good Times".  He did them all in a stripped-down, solo version which ached and hurt and helped and sounded wonderful. 

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Once again the Ann Arbor Folk Festival provided a litany of interesting performers...some you knew and some you didn't.  It was an entirely pleasant weekend (and it doesn't hurt to get away with your best friend every now and then, does it?).

Celtic Woman: Isle of Hope - Detroit 2/20/09

There was a good deal of excited build up to this touring event....the chance to see this incredible show we all see on PBS...live, right here in Detroit. Well, having been there I would say I was a minority; in that the show just did not do it for me...it did not MOVE me.

When I see these folks on TV it is a sublime experience. The touring company (and I suspect it is a matter of economics) is a stripped-down version of what you see on TV...4 principals, the perky fiddler, the creator-artistic director on piano, a VERY fine trio of core musicians on Guitar, Bass and Uillean pipes, 2 percussionists and 6 backup (3 male, 3 female) singers provide the music for the night. I guess I was foolish to think they would tour with an orchestra, but thought they might use a local one.

One of the highlights of the night was the resoundingly beautiful version of, "Danny Boy". The choice to end it on a beautifully-quiet, 4-part acapella verse was magic. Simply beautiful. Beinig a sucker for Enya, it was great to hear, "Orinoco Flow",...always liked it always will. I miss the wonderful principal who played harp...she sang beautifully and played harp well, as well. It would have added a layer to the show...as the show seems to need to give each singer their own "solo" and their own, "ensemble" number. They DO sing beautifully. Choice of songs? Some were....insipid...I mean, c'mon, they were dripping with sentiment and at one point my wife said, "Are they really going to sing Toby Keith"? Sometimes it seemed like we were at a fundamentalist service, where the next verse is raised up a half step in pitch to add pseudo-drama.

Because part of the Celtic Woman shows' charm is it's "earnestness"... it matters that much more to have a decent song with which to be earnest. Am I glad I went? Yes, I really wanted to see these fine singers and the man who created this entertainment magnet. I just wish it was, better.

2009 Ann Arbor Folk Festival, Part I

Here we were (my lovely bride, Nicky and me) at (I think we counted) our 14th Ann Arbor Folk Festival and the truth is, it continues to deliver a variety of current (and not-so-current...see next blog entry) folk music in all sub-genres, e.g. contemporary folk, alt-country, classic folk, singer-songwriter, Americana.

The Friday night line-up this year included local Ann Arbor favorites, the Ragbirds, and I think it is a tribute to the variety and excellence of the Ark (the recipient of the fundraising activity created by "thick" ticket prices...not a bad thing, no, just fine in fact) to include local artists. They get an opportunity to play before 3530 people (as opposed to the Ark's capacity of 400). The Ragbirds were a breath of fresh air...interesting and fun to listen to. Erin Zindle, the lead singer and player of a variety of instruments (incl fiddle, mandolin and banjo) was wonderful, had a great stage presence and lovely voice. I liked this band!

In the past, the order the groups play was carefully scripted to have less well-known artists play first and end the first part of the program with a "2nd billed" group. Then they return with better-known artists culminating in the headliner. This year proved similar and since we deal with a subjective topic (I might very-well like a group more than you but their ticket and CD sales may be lower than a higher-billed artist). I have to say, depending on who you talk to, the group ending the first half blew the doors out of Hill Auditorium...but more on that in a hot sec.

After the Ragbirds we were treated to 2 female singer-songwriters who were most enjoyable, Chelsea Williams and Katie Herzig. Their clear voices were beautiful and they individually chose to sing quiet, introspective songs...and Hill was dead quiet for them. They'll be back at the Ark this spring and I think the exposure they received will help fill the Ark when they return.

Then we saw the Ryan Montbleau Band...and in the liner notes of the program they list this group's leader as having similar songwriting skills to Martin Sexton and I would have to agree...the style was "Sexton-ish". The only issue for me, and heaven forbid I admit it, I don't enjoy Martin Sexton's style...his abbreviated deliver and percussive guitar-playing don't move me. Ryan Montbleau was enjoyed by the audience and that's what counts.

So, back to ending of the first set....can you say, "Old Crow Medicine Show"? Wow, what an excellent group...tight playing, great vocals, amusing lead singer...the whole package. It was apparent the audience was looking forward to this accomplished group of competent musicians. They kept shouting out, "Wagon Wheel"! Well, the OCMS finally did it and the place went wild. They were a major hit of the night for me and I look forward to seeing them again (after they return from New Zealand and Australia!). Highly recommended.






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I suppose I would be remiss if I did not mention the emcee, Jim Lauderdale, who admirably hosted both Friday and Saturday nights. If you have not been to the festival before, it takes about 5-10 minutes to change the setup on stage for the next performer and the MC either performs, or entertains with humor, or both (most preferable). Mr. Lauderdale is an accomplished musician, songwriter (having penned many songs for the likes of Geoge Strait, The Dixie Chicks and Patty Loveless. Jim Lauderdale has hosted the Americana Music Awards for three years in a row, and won their first Artist of the Year and Song of the Year awards in 2002, as well as a 2003 award for the albumHeaded for the Hills. His 2002 album, Lost in the Lonesome Pines, a collaboration with Ralph Stanley, won the Grammy for Bluegrass Album of the Year. His latest release, The Bluegrass Diaries won the Grammy for 2008 Bluegrass Album of the Year.

I tell ya, the fella can carry a Western outfit...he was decked out, both nights. I know one his big fans, Karen Miller of The Miller Tells Her Tale, would have loved this show.

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After the break, Joe Pug came out , by himself, and did one song...showing he has talent and a somewhat creepy resemblance to Dylan...in looks and delivery. Great stuff, keep coming back Joe.

OK....so who the heck are these, "Carolina Chocolate Drops"?! The Ark says, "a group of young African-American stringband musicians who explore the rich tradition of fiddle and banjo music in the Carolina Piedmont". Lest you think that is too confining, this group had us all laughing one minute and indignant the next. I believe, at least Nicky and I thought, this group might be best at a place like the Ark...somewhere more intimate...but that in no way limits what they did on Friday (or Saturday for that matter...along with Joe Pug and the emcee Joe Lauderdale...were the only ones to do a repeat performance). It was a folk festival favorite for sure and the song Rhiannon Giddens sang about a cheatin' man....whoa! It was awesome! Sticks-playing and some jelly-like dancing made the Carolina Chocolate Drops a joy to experience. Thanks you Drops.

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Headliner Jeff Tweedy came out to do a solo gig....taking a break form his band, the highly successful and brilliant, Wilco. Tweedy has a bit of a reputation as an antagonistic performer, sometimes talking back to the audience (hey, I do not blame him...I remember going to a concert of Al DiMeola, John McLaughlin and Paco de Lucia....a real treat of acoustic guitar virtuosos...and in the second set Al diMeola stopped playing, looked up to the audience an implored, "Hey folks, this is beautiful music...let's let everyone hear it"....he did this because so many people were talking loudly) due to the heckling he receives. Cetainly he brings it on himself, as witnessed this night. But, so what. The guy is great. He writes interesting songs in both music and lyrics. He can make you cry, laugh at yourself, and feel your life. He played a whole bunch of songs, keeping close watch on the time (as evidenced by his comment, "You have to keep going at this gig, it's like they have the time Nazis on you."). I like this guy and REALLY like Wilco but I do not know anyone who likes Jeff Tweedy like my friend Bob K does. Check it out...he went to the concert Tweedy did in Kalamazoo, Michigan the night before this. http://www.youtube.com/user/wachkiller.

The Ann Arbor Folk Festival is a treat. Nicky and I had a really good time, even staying in AA after this show so we didn't have to drive back to East Lansing and back to AA again. I'll blog the second night of the festival next. See ya. Steve

The Musical Box...genesis of a treat

Admittedly, when you are a fan (or fanatic, which Dictionary.com defines as: a person with an extreme and uncritical enthusiasm or zeal) it is sometimes difficult to separate truth from fact....OK, it ALWAYS difficult to separate truth from fact when you are truly a follower of something or someone (Obama, anyone?). So what is said here is the result of a concert viewing by someone who loves Genesis music and will see a cover band 8 times who re-creates this music. Of course I'd like you to see for yourself, but if you cannot get to a show, try this YouTube selection (what did we do before YouTube?):



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Is1oTQj5gRk&feature=related







This show of, "The Musical Box" (http://www.themusicalbox.net/) was a song-for-song playing of the 1976-77 tour of the "Trick of the Tail" album. The show had this amazing setlist:



DANCE ON A VOLCANO

THE LAMB LIES DOWN ON BROADWAY

FLY ON A WINDSHIELD

CARPET CRAWLERS

CINEMA SHOW

ROBBERY, ASSAULT AND BATTERY

WHITE MOUNTAIN

FIRTH OF FIFTH

ENTANGLED

SQUONK

SUPPER’S READY

I KNOW WHAT I LIKE

LOS ENDOS

IT/WATCHER OF THE SKIES




The Musical Box enacted the same set list Genesis did when they first toured this album...the album and tour that brought Phil Collins from behind the drum kit to the spotlight, where he has never left. Not wanting to alienate earlier Genesis fans, the band made sure (and MUCH to my and my concert-mates' delight) to include tracks from previous LPs...including the gem, "White Mountain" from Trespass (a pre-Collins album which included my daughter's favorite, "The Knife"). They did the "Lamb Lies Down on Broadway", "Carpet Crawlers" and "It" from the Lamb Lies Down on Broadway. The Musical Box also played 3 favorites from Selling England By The Pound, "Cinema Show", "I Know What I Like" and the very-well-done (WITH piano solo) "Firth of Fifth". These 3 were my introduction to Genesis from a friend in 1974.

Labeled, "A Trick of the Tail" tour is a little misleading since they managed 5 of the 8 songs off the album...Genesis themselves did not do "Ripples" until the 1977 tour. But 5 of 8 is 5 new songs to the fan. All were enjoyable, authentic re-creations....great stuff.

Many bands have that "one song" that people always ask for (think "Free Bird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd) and Genesis' most requested song is the 23 minute epic, "Supper's Ready". Thanks to the Musical Box we were able to hear this done to a tee...including the laser light which debuted during this tour. Awesome.

Having said what great music it is and how much I and my companions liked it, there is one drawback I cannot ignore....due to (among other things) the halls the Musical Box chooses to play in, they generally serve alcohol and it appears that alcohol-serving and the crowds that attend these concerts, don't mix. Now that's me saying it...perhaps from some of thoses that partake to excess or simply partake and TALK INCESSANTLY, they think it's just great. I do not..it does nothing but detract from my enjoyment of a live performance. I would argue (and yes, a little bit of snobery) that this would not happen in England. I have been to >10 concerts there and one of the strange things for an American (of the rock and roll era) to witness is the British youth's willingness to sit quietly through soft or low-volume songs or parts of songs. There, I said it. Enough.

So here is my modest (naw, simply terrible) attempt at a little video of the real thing...I was there.

A shout out to Steve and Dawn....you would have loved this show.

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Coming up is the All Saints Coffeehouse this Friday, January 23 from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. This is an opportunity to play and/or sing live. You can do sing alongs, poetry, skits...we are not choosy and are quite an appreciative audience. This week we are doing our prelude to "RAIN - The Beatles Experience" which many of us will attend on Feb 15 at the Wharton Center in East Lansing. Much of the docket will be Beatles music....and what could be better than that. So come along and join us.

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It's Chanticleer at the Wharton on Sunday the 25th and the Ann Arbor Folk Festival on Jan 30 and 31 at Hill Auditorium in Ann Arbor. Busy times for live music in the Mid Michigan area.

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I'll see you at a show.

Steve

Off to Chicago...Genesis of a concert

We're off to Chicago for a concert of a cover band. Why go to Chicago for a cover band? Because it is the Musical Box, the band that performs early Genesis music (and concerts) with a fine nod to detail.

I've seen this group 7 times since 2001 and have enjoyed amazing re-creations of "Selling England By The Pound" and "The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway" tours of Genesis (from 1973-75). Now they are touring with, "A Trick of the Tail"...the first "post-Peter Gabriel" concert tour of 1976 (Gabriel left the band in 1975). Nicky and I saw this tour at the Auditorium in Chicago in 1977...I remember running up the stairs to the sounds of, "Dancing On A Volcano" ringing through the staircase. We drove up from the University of Illinois in Champaign.

So, tomorrow night, Jan 16 we will see it again. Great stuff! I'll report later...

Friday, November 21, 2008

Much to do about something...you cannot walk in our metropolitan area this weekend without tripping over some kind of performance. There are high school musicals, (no, the REAL ones...the ones actually IN the local high schools), concert after concert, the fabulous "Silver Bells in the City" and our very own All Saints Coffeehouse.



I know East Lansing High School is doing Ragtime and I have heard they do a great job. Let me know if you go.



Folk-favorite, Joel Mabus, is in Stockbridge Saturday and I believe the show is free. Great way to see the master.



Silver Bells in the City is a fantastic array of sight and sound in downtown Lansing, Michigan's capital city. The State tree is illuminated, multiple choirs perform throughout the downtown area, a lighted parade of floats glides down Washington and Capitol avenues and local shops are open to provide nourishment in what is to be certain a chilly evening. It starts at 5pm Friday.



Now, if you've managed to go early and have had enough of the cold, come into the warmth of the All Saints undercroft at 800 Abbot Rd., East Lansing sometime between 7:30 and 9:30pm. There will be a variety of performances, snacks and drinks (please bring some) and a visit by a special guest.

Of course we are just beginning the dizzying selections of music to see/do/hear/enjoy. From now till Christmas there will be more things to see/experience than we can. Look for some reviews and suggestions in upcoming posts.

Till next time,
Steve

American, Mexican, etc.

This Saturday November 1, 2008 provides a variety of musical options, from different parts of the world. The MSU Choral Union under the direction of David Rayl will be performing with the Lansing Symphony at the Wharton Center on Michigan State University's campus. This all-American program includes songs from Aaron Copland and Leonard Bernstein's, "Chichester Psalms". I've sung for 40 years, in America, and have never sung any Copland or Bernstein. H-m-m-m. I will this Saturday night at 8pm. See some of you there!
MasterWorks 3: American Journey 11/1/2008 8:00 PM
Wharton Center for Performing Arts
David Rayl, Guest Conductor
MSU Choral Union, Chorale & State Singers
Rod Nelman, Baritone - Abhijit Raj Das, Treble
SCHUMAN - New England Triptych
COPLAND - Old American Songs
BERNSTEIN - Chichester Psalms

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Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead is a Mexican cultural tradition honoring loved ones who have died. The festival includes a variety of food, music and special altar created by the participants. You can enjoying this festival for FREE this Saturday, November 1 from 6pm to 9pm at All Saints Episcopal Church, 800 Abbot Rd, East Lansing, Michigan. The festival will have free Mexican food provided by local retailer, Los Tres Amigos, a live mariachi band, a salsa dance group and an altar with items donated by those who come. You can bring a photo of a loved one or a favorite item of theirs and place it there.

The program will also include Calaveras, poems designed to mock death...sometimes reverently. It will be a wonderful community event. You can also bring a canned good to be doanted to Cristo Rey's Community Center.