athensmusic.com

A PSA from the Hookers

From Jon of The Bearfoot Hookers:

Ok, if you got a previous email with a link and some shit that cut off rather abruptly, feel free to disregard that gibberish. I was trying something squirelly with the email and it didn't work out. Screw it. Technology is straight from hell anyway.

But, what I was saying had to do with the fact that (1.) we won that Flagpole Music Award we were after (2.) maybe we got a little arrogant about it, started slapping people around with the award (3.) realized it was made of plaster board shortly after we broke it while screaming "Do you know who the hell we are?!" at the poor bastard in Barberitos just trying to make our lunch and (4.) realized that fame and glory are fleeting and we're all just insignificant specks in the sands of infinity and the great magnitude of time immemorial. So we burned it in effigy, pissed on the fire and called it a day. ...

Which brings us right back where we started from. And that's in a bar playing music. Which, oddly enough, is what we'll be doing tonight (Friday) at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta (www.smithsoldebar.com). In case you haven't heard, we got some bands together and put out a CD of drinkin' songs from Athens and it's pretty damn good if I do say so myself. You can have a peek and buy it at www.hardlaborproductions.com. So Friday we're having the ATL CD Release Party at Smith's with several bands on the CD. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show will feature such drunk derelicts as Brian Connell and The Dickens, Andrew Nelson and The Shotgun Lovers and Connor Rand and the Red Dirt Band. All guys that are very good at what they do. Should be a helluva good time and we'll go on around 11 with Connor closing the night out.

Also, if you're anywhere in the Macon vicinity, Ty's Legendary Guitar Pull at the Hummingbird Stage and Taproom (www.hummingbirdstageandtaproom.com) is chopping the balls off the bull so to speak and featuring Ladies in the Round, also known as "Testicles? We don't need no stinkin' testicles."

The night will feature some of the sweetest-sounding womerns in Georgia with Betsy Franck, Kimberly Morgan and Caroline Monroe the singer, not the porn star(s). Wendy Musick will also be on stage, bringing her husband Adam Musick (the duo behind rock Gods Southern Bitch). Adam is allowed only because he's married to Wendy, effectively rendering his balls as useless as tits on a turd.

Vic and Ty may do a couple and there may be a few special guests, but the general theme of the night is, "If the Queen had balls, she'd be King."

And that's enough mountain oyster talk. www.thebearfoothookers.com spreads the good word in the bottomless abyss of shit that is the internet and if you were offended with all the testicle jokes, tell me about it at thebearfoothookers@yahoo.com. Dimes to dollars it'll be a chick, too. C'mon out do something with your life. It's better than just waitin' around to die.

See ya at the bar,
Jon

(Hey, speaking of mountain oysters, I wonder if in some alternate universe, there's a group that's into animals entirely too much and there's a guy who heads that group up and he sends out lengthy, rambling emails about the goings on of the group, setting up critter soiree's and at the end of his emails he always signs it, "See ya at the barn," Just a thought.)

In full swing

Friday:
• Caledonia: Hayride, The Owen 4.
• Eastwood Pub: Crosstown Allstars.
• 40 Watt: Pete McBrayer, Bo Bedingfield and the Wydelles, Geoff Reacher.
• Georgia Theatre: The Wholigans, Chris McKay & the Critical Darlings.
• JR's Baitshack: Leaving Miss Blue.
• Last Call: Saliva, Blackstone Cherry, Suburban Camoflauge.
• Melting Point: Clarence Young and the Spam Lite Orchestra.
• Mercury Lounge: Rand Lines Trio.
• Tasty World: Classic City Hip-Hop with eLeMeN.O.P., Ishues, Breakdancers, MC Battle.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Milligan.

Saturday:
• Caledonia: Brightback Morning Light, Cheryl June, Marlee Sioux.
• DT's: Calico, Fallen From the Sky, Holman Autry Band, Protaganist.
• 40 Watt: Tin Cup Prophette, Panda, Ave Nada.
• Georgia Theatre: Heidi Hensley, Push!, Athens Boys Choir.
• Hot Corner Coffee: Brett Mullinax & Andrew Vickery.
• JR's Baitshack: Josh Taylor Band.
• Lunch Paper: Sleep Police, The Stops.
• Melting Point: Ricky Fitzpatrick.
• Mercury Lounge: Trey Wright Trio.
• Tasty World: Sursie, Lionz, Whose House.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Whiskey Richard.

New Bramblett album out July 25

Randall Bramblett is back in action, with his new album, "Rich Someday," due for release on July 25, though you'll be able to get one early when his band plays at the 40 Watt on July 22. You can read more about the album and how it came about here and download and mp3 of a track called "Somebody" here. The title track was also included on this year's AthFest compilation.

Buzzcocks, Panda

When it comes down to the history of British punk rock, there are four groups that stand the test of time: The Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Damned and Buzzcocks (playing tonight at the 40 Watt), collectively known as the "Class of 1977," the ground-zero year for punk. Though the original lineup of Buzzcocks disbanded in 1981, the band has reformed several times since 1989. Flash forward to 2006, when founding members Pete Shelley (guitar, vocals) and Steve Diggle (guitar, vocals) have been joined by Tony Barber (bass) and Danny Farrant (drums). This foursome is touring in support of Buzzcocks' eighth studio album, "Flat-Pack Philosophy" (Cooking Vinyl), that crams 14 songs into 36 minutes. Full story.

ALSO: When musician Sanni Baumgartner moved back to her homeland last summer, it was cause for a sad farewell to a band that had become an Athens favorite - Audition with Max Reinhardt, which blended Baumgartner's lovely vocals into smooth, old German cabaret tunes. Before she left, though, Baumgartner recorded an altogether different project, featuring her own songs played by her Audition bandmates and other favorite musicians. Called Panda, the music of this new, albeit studio band traveled with Baumgartner to Berlin by way of the recording. After playing some dates in Germany throughout the winter, she was anxious to make her way back to Athens for a visit. Panda played AthFest last weekend, and will perform again Saturday at the 40 Watt. Full story.

A lot of touring acts in town

• Farm 255: Tino Garrido.
• Flicker: Adam Payne & Josh Perkins.
• 40 Watt: Buzzcocks, The Adored, Lola Ray.
• Georgia Theatre: Zoso.
• JR's Baitshack: Matt Wink.
• Last Call: Battle of the Bands - Renegade Sound System, Mellow, Dark Horses.
• Little Kings: Fret Don't Fret.
• Lunch Paper: Mosey, The Rattler, The Rewinds, The Winter Sounds.
• Melting Point: Rising Appalachia.
• Tasty World (downstairs): Leaving Miss Blue, Slow Signal Fade, Crank Sanatra.
• Tasty World (upstairs): Another Fiasco.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Beyond Tomorrow.

Midweek music

• DT's: Open Jam.
• Farm 255: Rising Appalachia.
• Flicker: Nic Goodson, Robin Dean Salmon.
• Melting Point: Gaelic Storm.
• Tasty World (downstairs): Blueline, Cadence of Sorts, Scarlett Undercover.
• Tasty World (upstairs): Bicycles & Gravel, A Soft Perversion, Captain No. 1, Enoch, Acre Foot, I Have Read Other Books Than Catcher in the Rye.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Milligan.

AthFest photos galore

What a weekend. AthFest 10 is over, but we have a ton of photos posted on Spotted. I can't even remember all the bands I saw. So check 'em out:

-- Flagpole Music Awards
-- AthFest Day 1
-- AthFest Day 2
-- AthFest Day 3

Still recovering from AthFest?

• Farm 255: Tuesday Night Jazz.
• Tasty World: Commander Chameleon, Celerity, Purple of Cassius.

Modern Skirts rules Flagpole Music Awards

As expected, Modern Skirts (above) dominated last night's Flagpole Music Awards at the Morton Theatre, the only multiple winner by taking home the trophy in the Pop, Album of the Year and Band/Performer of the Year categories, as well as Album Cover Art.

It was a very entertaining show and ran very smoothly. Everything from the house band (actually the Fuzzy Sprouts) to the special recognition given to Jared Bailey seemed to be a highlight. Check out pictures from the show (and pre-show reception at the 40 Watt) on Spotted. The ABH story is here. Also, the ABH has stories about AthFest here and here.

The winners:

• Jazz: Squat
  
• World: Dubconscious
  
• Cover band: Funkle Ester
  
• Album cover art: Modern Skirts - "Catalogue of Generous Men" - artwork by Luciano Giarrono and design by Jamie Waters-Maduri
  
• Folk: Hope for Agoldensummer
  
• Solo Singer/songwriter: Corey Smith
  
• Pop: Modern Skirts
  
• Country/Americana/roots rock: The Bearfoot Hookers
  
• Bluegrass: Packaway Handle Band
  
• Experimental: Mouser
  
• Electronic: Monkey on laptops
  
• Jam: Little Green Chairs
  
• Hip hop: Bling the Children Home
  
• Punk/hardcore: Music Hates You
  
• Rock: The Whigs
  
• Heavy/hard rock: We Versus the Shark
  
• Album of the year: Modern Skirts, "Catalogue of Generous Men"
  
• Up and coming: The Empties
  
• Band/performer of the year: Modern Skirts
  

More music than you could ever imagine

This one is pretty easy today:

-- Friday Club Crawl (pdf).
-- Saturday Club Crawl (pdf).
-- AthFest Outdoor Stage.

Pass some time and click away

Pop Matters reviews Venice is Sinking’s “Sorry About the Flowers” right here.

An Aquarium Drunkard’s recent podcast (Episode IX) features several local notables, including Patterson Hood and Star Room Boys.

AthFest previewed by The Walton Tribune (via LHB).

WSP’s “Earth To America” reviewed here.

This dude released his personal Top 2000 albums list. Releases from Je Suis France, Of Montreal, DBT, and Jack Logan make the cut.

Let the festivities begin

• DT's: The Winter Sounds.
• Farm 255: Dromedary Acoustic Quartet.
• Flicker: The Mother Jackson Orchestra.
• 40 Watt: Count Kellam, Electa Villain, Up Until Now.
• Georgia Theatre: Col. Bruce Hampton & the Codetalkers, CX-1.
• JR's Baitshack: Matt Wink.
• Last Call: Jared Ashley, Millhill.
• Lunch Paper: Dexter Romweber.
• Melting Point: The Barn Rats.
• Mercury Lounge: St. Clair Trio.
• Morton Theatre: Flagpole Music Awards with Producto, Mandy Jane & the Jaws of Life, Dark Meat, Phosphorescent, Modern Skirts.
• Roadhouse: Lionz, Shitty Candy & the Circus Peanuts.
• Tasty World (downstairs): The Redbelly Band, Walcott, Kill Gordon.
• Tasty World (upstairs): Another Fiasco, Shank.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: The Jimi Hendrix Inexperience.

Get your AthFest Club Crawl Planners here

To make it easier to figure out where to go when during the AthFest Club Crawl, we've put together Club Crawl Planners for each night. I hope it makes your decision-making a bit easier. They're in pdf format:
-- Friday Planner
-- Saturday Planner

A lot of pop around town

• Caledonia: Tilly & the Wall, David Dondero, The Late B.P. Helium, Madeline.
• Farm 255: Calliope Fair.
• Melting Point: Mother's Finest.
• Tasty World (downstairs): Matthew Pop, Still Small Voice and the Joyful Noise, The Vinyl Strangers.
• Tasty World (upstairs): Bird Flu, The Deryls.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Milligan.

The lull before the storm

• Farm 255: Tuesday Night Jazz.
• Tasty World: The Winter Sounds, Another Day Late, The Ryan Montbleau Band.

Goofy record covers?

I got this request. Any ideas?

Hi there,
I'm an intern at the Oxford American, a Southern literary magazine published out of Conway, Arkansas. We're putting together our annual Southern music issue right now, and we want to do a spread on "goofiest Southern record covers." I figured you all would have some unique insight into the topic, blogging about Athens music. Do you have any suggestions? Anything would be helpful, as long as it's somehow Southern and goofy. Thanks!
Georgia Faircloth

A diverse weekend on tap

Friday:
• Boar's Head: Justin Brogdon.
• Caledonia: Ishues, Badkat, DJ Killcut, Big Earl.
• DT's: Jumpin' Jesus Christers, Morgan & Bell.
• Eastwood Pub: Fester Hagood and Caroline Monroe.
• Farm 255: Scott Leon-O'Day Quartet.
• Flicker: Bill Mallonee/Victory Garden.
• 40 Watt: Vetran, The New Sound of Numbers, Folklore.
• Foxz: Normaltown Flyers.
• Georgia Theatre: Zac Brown Band.
• Hot Corner Coffee: Duke & Dawn.
• Last Call: Dueling Piano Guys, Nelo.
• Melting Point: The Duhks, Boss Hawg.
• Mercury Lounge: Dave D'Angelo Quartet.
• Nuci's Space: Commander Chameleon, Polemic, Engine Number 9.
• Tasty World: Electric Eel Shock, Brown Frown, Community Chaos, Severed Hand.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Sabo & the Scorchers.

Saturday:
• Blind Pig Tavern: Carla LeFever & the Rays, As You Wish, Todd McBride and the Cooler Heads, Betsy Franck & the Bare Knuckle Band, Chris Moore.
• Caledonia: USSR, Summerbirds in the Cellar, Hildegarde.
• DT's: The Free Lunch Band, Holman Autry Band,
• Farm 255: The Playboyz.
• Flicker: Casper and the Cookies.
• 40 Watt: DJ Mahogony, DJ Epic, DJ Roux.
• Hot Corner Coffee: Cliff Corr, Andi Rae Healy, Joshua Reid, Brett Schieber.
• Melting Point: Clay Leverett.
• Tasty World: 6 p.m. - Wesley Cook, David Zachary, Maggie Smith; 10 p.m. - Rhabdophobic, Kill Gordon, Russian Spy Camera.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Full Moon Fever.

Flagpole Music Awards finalists named

The finalists have been named for this year's Flagpole Music Awards, to be presented next Thursday at the Morton Theatre to kick off AthFest. They are:

Jazz

• Artie Ball Swing Band
  
• Kenosha Kid
  
• Squat
  

Experimental

• Craig Lieske
  
• Mouser
  
• ¡Subversivo!
  

World Music

• Dromedary
  
• Dubconscious
  
• Grogus
  

Electronic

• Babies Who Hurt People
  
• Monkey on Laptops
  
• Ordinary Germans Like Yourselves
  

Country/Americana/Roots Rock

• The Bearfoot Hookers
  
• Kilroy
  
• Sleepy Horses
  

Bluegrass

• 16 Tons
  
• Jumpin Jesus Christers
  
• Packway Handle Band
  

Cover Band

• Contraband/Megaband
  
• Funkle Ester
  
• Smashing Pumpkins Cover Band
  

Folk

• Bellyache
  
• Hope for Agoldensummer
  
• Phosphorescent
  

Hip Hop

• Bling the Children Back Home
  
• The Renegadez
  
• Tommy Valentine
  

Punk/Hardcore

• Cobra Clutch
  
• The Dumps
  
• Music Hates You
  

Jam

• Little Green Chairs
  
• Melodious Ground
  
• Soul Kitchen
  
• Sursie
  

Pop

• Boulevard
  
• Modern Skirts
  
• Of Montreal
  

Rock

• Iron Hero
  
• Venice is Sinking
  
• The Whigs
  

Heavy/Hard Rock

• Cinemechanica
  
• Dark Meat
  
• We Versus the Shark
  

Solo Singer/Songwriter

• Wesley Cook
  
• Liz Durrett
  
• Corey Smith
  

Album of the Year

• Bain Mattox- Prizefighter
  
• Modern Skirts - Catalogue of Generous Men
  
• Venice is Sinking - Sorry about the Flowers
  

Album Cover Art

• An Epic at Best - There will be Rain
  
• Iron Hero - Safe As Houses
  
• Modern Skirts - Catalogue of Generous Men
  

Up and Coming

• The Empties
  
• Sursie
  
• Tommy Valentine
  

Band/Performer of the Year

• Iron Hero
  
• Modern Skirts
  
• Tommy Valentine
  

Grogus, Mother's Finest

Grogus set to release salsa-flavored CDs: After a decade in the shadows of the jazz band Squat, the multi-layered ensemble known as Grogus (Ashford Manor, Monday) is moving to the front burner, says bassist Carl Lindberg, a founding member of both bands. "Grogus has always been a Squat side project," says Lindberg of the latter, which often includes as many as 12 players and unleashes a delightful synthesis of jazz, Latin, reggae, salsa and Afro-Caribbean rhythms in concert. "Squat is about to put out its sixth album, which is where all our recording energy has gone. But in the last year, I realized how much I really loved Grogus and how I wanted to focus on it." Full story.

After 35 years, Mother's Finest still bountiful and bright: Although Mother's Finest (Melting Point, June 21) ascended from the same era and geographical region as musical icons Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Allman Brothers Band, the group's sound was and is a far cry from what fans and critics termed Southern rock. In addition to serving as pioneers in the historic narrative of funk-rock - a genre still being mined by the likes of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, among others - Mother's Finest and its lead singer Joyce "Baby Jean" Kennedy incorporated gospel, R&B, soul and even metal components in popular tunes like "Fire," "Baby Love" and "Piece of the Rock." Full story.

Panic joins Dave tonight

CBS' "The Late Show with David Letterman" tonight will feature Athens' own Widespread Panic, joined by longtime Athens friend and producer John Keane. After a 15-month sabbatical, the band is promoting its ninth studio album, "Earth to America," a first-time collaboration with producer Terry Manning (George Thorogood, James Taylor, Al Green, Alex Chilton, etc.) that was released this week on the band's Widespread Records label. The band will be touring across the country throughout the summer.

What, no Beck?

• Caledonia: Timber, Kilroy, Captain Number 1.
• DT's: Renegade Sound System.
• Flicker: No River City, Sodajerk.
• 40 Watt: Social Burn, Sounds of Silence, Copper.
• Georgia Bar: Betsy Franck, Danny Hutchens, Joshua Stack.
• Georgia Theatre: Who's Bad?
• Last Call: Grayson Hill, With the Sun, Edison Project.
• Lunch Paper: Bicycles & Gravel, Lazer Attack, Red Ribbon Army.
• Melting Point: Johnny Roquemore & Apostles of Bluegrass.
• Tasty World (downstairs): Taking Lottie Home, Five Finger Discount, Holiday.
• Tasty World (upstairs): Another Fiasco.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Mighty McFly.

Photos from the Beck show

Dan Matthews has some photos posted from last night's Beck show.

Editor's pick: Beck, again

• Flicker: Tony Gilkyson, I See Hawks in L.A.
• Georgia Theatre: Beck, Jamie Lidell.
• Last Call: Someday Merry, MillHill.
• Tasty World (downstairs): The Waterstone Band, Gravel Undertone, Totality.
• Tasty World (upstairs): Devour the Corpse, Ratbabies.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Milligan.

R.E.M., WSP, Mountain Goats, DBT

Michael Stipe interviewed (with Conor Oberst) in Harp here

An R.E.M. Letterman appearance, from 1983 here (You Tube via Each Note Secure)

Widespread Panic has a new record out. They wouldn't talk about it with me. Glide reviews it here. More Panic here.

Mountain Goats headline PopFest. Read more about the band here (via Largehearted Boy)

DBT at the Fillmore, reviewed here.

New CD, new Web site

"Earth to America" is out today, and Panic has a revamped Web site. Here's a note from Panic headquarters:

Hey all in Panic-land! Come check out the brand new version of WidespreadPanic.com! The site is revamped with new colors, sights, sounds, and much more new media coming very soon! We are also calling out to each and every fan to come and help post a new batch of Panic-related photos on the site. To do so, click on ‘Fan Photos’ under the ‘Sights and Sounds’ section and upload your favorites directly to us and we’ll post ‘em!

In other news, the band will be performing on The Late Show with David Letterman on Thursday June 15th at 11:30pm ET/PT! Stay up with us and tune in!

Check out the site and keep an eye out for new updates and media coming soon! And of course, for all the newest news about the band check out www.widespreadpanic.com/news.php. Thanks and we’ll see you on the road this summer!

Enjoy the new site! Take care!

Editor's pick: Beck

• Botanical Garden: Tim Easton, Workhorses of the Entertainment/Recreational Industry.
• Georgia Theatre: Beck, Jamie Lidell.
• Tasty World: The Whigs, Dr. Dog, The Sammies.

Editor's Pick: 40 Watt

• Caledonia: Jason Harwell, Jimmy Hughes, Adam Klein.
• DT's: Free Lunch, Nelo.
• Farm 255: Rob McMaken & Chris Enghauser.
• Flicker: Mad Tea Party.
• 40 Watt: Dirty Sanchez and the Pancho Villas, Commander Chameleon, Russian Spy Camera.
• Georgia Theatre: Cosmic Charlie.
• JR's Baitshack: Josh Taylor Band.
• Last Call: Battle of the Bands with Dark Horse, Red, Cinjed, Carla LeFever and the Rays.
• Lunch Paper: Courtesan, Dust Rabbit, Potatoes.
• Melting Point: Robinella.
• Tasty World: Tim Brantley, John Pringle, Georgia.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Of Mirth and Matter.

A wide variety of choices

• Caledonia: Push Button, Sleepy Horses, Creech Holler.
• Eastwood Pub: Buzz Clifford.
• Farm 255: Natalie Dickerson Jazz Quartet.
• Flicker: Kristin Cifelli, Jason Harwell, Liz Stahler.
• Georgia Theatre: The Packway Handle Band.
• Last Call: Battle of the Bands with Celerity, Spin the Fly.
• Tasty World (downstairs): Nelo, Birds + Wire, Nate Nelson.
• Tasty World (upstairs): Polemic, Black Domina.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Fester Hagood and Caroline Monroe.

You know you're a dreadhead if...

From Michelle Roche:

“DREADHEADS: PORTRAIT OF A SUBCULTURE” SET TO BE RELEASED AUG 29, 2006

77-MINUTE DOCUMENTARY GEARS UP FOR GRASS ROOTS MARKETING PRIOR TO RELEASE

ATLANTA--Mutant Girl Films will release “Dreadheads: Portrait of A Subculture” on August 29, 2006, via the Atlanta-based Landslide Distribution. The 77-minute documentary is the brainchild of executive producer and director Steven R. Hurlburt. It is a study of the subculture that has developed among the throngs of music fans that follow bands such as the Grateful Dead, Phish and Widespread Panic, exploring the phenomenon of these itinerant kids who have chosen the Rastafarian hairstyle (dreadlocks) as their symbol of inclusion (and, exclusion) in this alternative America. ...

“Dreadheads,” said Hurlburt,” is ultimately about America—both praising it and critiquing it…and these kids as Americans, good one, actually who embody American independence, a DIY work ethic, and a desire to live on a frontier of their own making.”

The film was shot on mini-dv and super-8 film from summer 2002 to summer 2004 as Hurlburt and co-director Flournoy Holmes, along with Holmes’ son and first-cameraman Fletcher Holmes, crisscrossed the country from Maine to California, living life on the road with their subjects. Hurlburt, a seasoned music journalist and photographer, brought caring and insight on this journey to understand these funky white kids on their quest for song, sun and transcendence. The elder Holmes, one of rock’s premiere graphic designers (Allman Brothers’ Eat A Peach, Christopher Cross, Ted Nugent and more), brought a skilled eye and colorful palette to the film and the beautiful packaging and marketing materials. Film editor Fletcher Holmes has directed several short films, including “Succubus,” which debuted in July of 2005 at the American Dance Festival.

The film features an original soundtrack, with music by the Atlanta based Spunhuny, Hurlburt’s side project. Additional music is provided by Project Z (Jimmy Herring), Slang (Dave Schools), and Sound Tribe Sector 9.

The film features interviews with musicians Bob Weir (Grateful Dead), Dave Schools and John Bell (Widespread Panic), and Jimmy Herring (Phil Lesh & Friends). Also interviewed are authors David Gans, Blair Jackson, Dennis McNally, and Steve Silberman, and expert academics Rebecca Adams, PhD. (Sociology) and Noel Leo Erskin, PhD (Rastafarianism).

The DVD release includes exciting bonus material: 8 minutes of out-takes from the Bob Weir interview; a 4 minute interview with Hurlburt from Plum-TV in Aspen; and a spectacular video montage of the 30 different promotional fliers-each a unique piece of art-that were created to promote the film.

Prior to the national release of the film, screenings and house parties will be set up over the course of the summer in New York, Los Angeles, Boulder, Portland, Asheville, Austin, Dallas, Berkeley, Eugene, and other key markets in an effort to build a strong word of mouth buzz. The DVD will also be available on a limited basis at various festivals and concerts this summer. Additionally the film will be heavily marketed on websites such as myspace.com and jambase.com, and within the “blogging” community. For more information go to: www.dreadheads.com

Truckers on Conan tonight

Just a reminder: The Truckers will be performing tonight on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien."

Celebrate the Beast

• Caledonia: "6-6-06: Birthday of the Beast" with Chop Top, Corn Mo!, Love it to Death, Banana Hammock.
• Farm 255: Tuesday Night Jazz.
• Tasty World: Sovus Radio, Manchester Orchestra, Colour Revolt.

The big screen is catching on

Here's an AP story of interest:

By Doug Gross
Associated Press

CHAMBLEE, Ga. — After attending more than 100 Widespread Panic concerts, Julie Stevens knew what she was talking about when she said a show this month at Atlanta's Fox Theater was different.

"You can see a lot better and you can hear the music and there's no smoke," said Stevens, 27, of Atlanta, during a break between sets. "That's cool because it's been a long time since I've seen them up close."

The difference? Stevens was watching this concert live on a big screen 12 miles away from the Fox at a movie theater in this Atlanta suburb. ...

Widespread Panic, the jam band from Athens that has built a massive following based on the strength and carnival atmosphere of its live shows, joins acts like the Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi and Green Day who in the past year-and-a-half have rolled out concerts simulcast on big screens offsite. Sometimes way, way offsite.

Combining rock shows and movie theaters is an idea at least as old as 1970's "Woodstock," the movie version of the previous year's legendary three-day festival. But advances in technology are making it easier to pull off events like the May 9 Widespread Panic show — when the concert was beamed live to 114 theaters around the country, from California to Florida.

And an increasingly competitive marketplace is making the special events attractive for bands looking to reach new audiences and offer something special for their existing fans.

"The artists, the managers, the promoters ... have all come to see there is a terrific value in bringing their music to movie-theater screens so fans can gather together to see them nationally — but in a very local and personal way," said Dan Diamond, vice president of digital programming for Big Screen Concerts.

The Denver-based company is jointly owned by three of the world's biggest movie theater chains — AMC, Cinemark and Regal — and has the capacity to broadcast concerts and other special events in as many as 850 theaters nationwide. Other companies have occasionally simulcasted concerts, but not as frequently and to as many theaters as Big Screen Concerts.

The company kicked off by offering recorded performances by bands like KISS, Rush and the Grateful Dead in 2003. But with changes in technology, the number of live simulcasts has steadily increased in the past two years.

Big Screen broadcast 21 concerts in 2004, including Phish, Jimmy Buffett and Prince, and 10 last year. They've done six already this year — most recently a May 16 show by Pink Floyd's David Gilmour.

Tickets range from $10 to $20, depending on the group and whether the event is live or, as in still a few cases, recorded. And most concerts are scheduled for weeknights — when the vast majority of movie theater seats are typically empty.

"Clearly, we're primarily focusing on nontraditional, non-peak nights," Diamond said. "We're not trying to compete with our core movie business."

The company's most successful event was a simulcast of the last concert by jam rockers Phish. About 40,000 tickets were sold for the August 2004 show.

Widespread Panic vocalist John Bell said simulcasting a concert allows the usually hard-touring group to still reach out to fans without the rigors of an extended tour.

He also called it a chance for the band, formed in 1986, to continue a tradition of exploration that has kept music-making exciting for the group's members after two decades.

"The kids buy into the novelty of it, just the way we do," said Bell, hours before their recent simulcast show. "It's a new way to have that concert experience with your friends in your hometown — and you get to buy popcorn."

Buck Williams, the group's manager and agent, sees a different upside to the simulcasts in movie theaters. He said an estimated 25 million to 40 million people would see the band's name on posters, trailers or other theater promotions for the concert event.

The Fox Theater May 9 broadcast marked the first time Widespread Panic performed in concert all the songs from "Earth to America," its new album due for release June 13. The show also featured songs performed with full brass and string sections — which Bell said the band never would be able to bring along for an extended tour.

At Hollywood Stadium 24 in nearby Chamblee, a couple dozen fans geared up for the show by tailgating in the parking lot — lounging in lawn chairs and drinking cans of beer from coolers, as Widespread music blared from their car stereos.

When the band tore into "Pigeons," a driving, groove-based rocker and the second song of their first set, the movie theater audience hooted and cheered. Pockets of fans danced in the aisles and in the back of the theater as others were content to sit in place — albeit cheering and clapping at the end of each song and, in some cases, even shouting out requests at the screen.

Several fans said they were enjoying themselves, but didn't feel the same energy they feel when attending a concert in person.

"It's nice seeing things I don't normally see and hearing things I don't normally hear," said Jarett Bellini, 27, of Atlanta, who has seen the band live about five times. "That being said, I'd still rather be at the Fox."

Head banging and cowboy hats

Friday:
• Caledonia: Pit er Pat, Lichens, Push!
• Eastwood Pub: The Unforgiven.
• Farm 255: Scott Leon-O'Day Quartet.
• Flicker: Last Picture Show.
• 40 Watt: Krush Girls, Twin Powers.
• Georgia Theatre: Outformation, Backyard Tire Fire.
• Hot Corner Coffee: Austin Sisk.
• Last Call: Brantley Gilbert, Holman Autry Band, Burk & Cole.
• Melting Point: John Cowan Band.
• Mercury Lounge: Billy Batts Trio, Blacktusk, Gasmask & Matchsticks.
• Tasty World (downstairs): Sounds of Silence, Threshold, Chemicult, The Underwater.
• Tasty World (upstairs): Yakuza, Dysrythmia, Behold ... The Arctopus.
• Transmetropolitan: American Cheeseburger.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Reality Check.

Saturday:
• Caledonia: Mic Harrison, Still Small Voice + the Joyful Noise.
• DT's: Lords of Havoc.
• Flicker: Grace Braun.
• 40 Watt: Newspeak, Big City Sunrise.
• JR's Baitshack: Holman Autry Band.
• Melting Point: Francine Reed.
• Tasty World: 7 p.m.: West Memphis 3 Benefit with The Dumps, Music Hates You, Community Chaos, Sir Prize Fighter, Hot New Mexicans, Doomsayer.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Reality Check.

AthFest schedule completed

The lineup has been all but completed for this year's AthFest, which runs June 21-25. Here is the lineup for the outdoor stage, and check out who is playing at which venue. It's going to be one hell of a weekend for music.

Thursday on the town

• Farm 255: David Boone.
• Flicker: Bart King & the Fair Shakes.
• 40 Watt: Slackdaddy, Garbage Island, Distaster.
• Georgia Theatre: Brock Butler and Friends.
• Last Call: Battle of the Bands: Renegade Sound System, Jack Wild, Innervieu.
• Little Kings: Gabe Zorbanos.
• Lunch Paper: Commander Chameleon, The Shut-Ups, Thunderchief, The Vinyl Strangers.
• Melting Point: Jeff & Vida.
• Tasty World (downstairs): Old White Women, Classic City Breaks, Merkatroid, Body Code.
• Tasty World (upstairs): Another Fiasco.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Nelo.