March 16, 2006
Ted Leo, Roquemore, Banish Misfortune
Ted Leo + Pharmacists speak out: Ted Leo + Pharmacists swing back into town next Wednesday with a show at the 40 Watt. While Leo is not doing any interviews this tour, he's not afraid to speak out. In early 2003, when the band landed a spot on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien," Leo used duct tape to write "No War" on his guitar. The band performed at "Operation Ceasefire" in Washington, D.C., last fall after a large anti-war march organized by United for Peace and Justice, and during an interview in early September last year on KEXP 90.3 FM in Seattle, Leo spoke out against the increased violence in the world. Full story.
Johnny Roquemore discusses duct tape, 'The Gong Show' and bluegrass: Johnny Roquemore knows how to turn heads. The bearded bluegrass musician has spent 30 years honing his musical-comedy skills everywhere from "The Gong Show" to a restaurant with singing waiters. Roquemore (pronounced, yes, "rock-more") is originally from Georgia, but spent 30 years in Los Angeles. He moved there in 1972 at the encouragement of his girlfriend. He had been active in Atlanta-area theater and could play music, which helped him get a job at the fairly legendary Great American Food and Beverage Company, where all the workers had to perform music or comedy during their shifts. Those hectic days shaped his career. He performs Friday at the 40 Watt. Full story.
Shake your shamrock: In past years, Banish Misfortune and Short Road Home, Athens' only purveyors of traditional Celtic music, have performed St. Patrick's Day shows at various venues in Northeast Georgia. This year, the two ensembles are combining for one big "ceilidh" at the Georgia Theatre on Friday. Full story.