Threats & Promises

Music News And Gossip

originally published November 23, 2005

Even though the holiday season looms large this week, there’s still enough news to keep you going through that tryptophan-induced coma you know you’ve got coming. So with that in mind, be a good soldier and keep reading…

Traaaaadition!: Wednesday, Nov. 23 sees the Normaltown Flyers take the stage at the Georgia Theatre. Since Allen’s closed two years ago, the local roots-rock band - currently a four-piece comprising Brian Burke (vocals, guitar), Tom Ryan (vocals, bass), Davis Causey (guitar) and Deane Quinter (drums) - has shifted its annual holiday show to the Theatre, where the band’s likely to deliver another dose of good-natured, comfortable, country-influenced rock and roll.

New Traditions?: The Drive-By Truckers have lined up another Thanksgiving show at Atlanta’s Tabernacle, performing on Saturday, Nov. 26. The Truckers brought Athens’ own The Whigs to open for them last year, and they continue the locals-only tradition this year with a solid-rocking show featuring Don Chambers + GOAT and The Tom Collins as openers. And for the second year running, local reggae evangelical ensemble Dubconscious spends Thanksgiving night in Atlanta, playing once again at Smith’s Olde Bar.

Where There’s A Will, There’s A Way: Fresh from a series of shows, including a recent gig opening for joke-folkster Todd Snider, local musician Ken Will Morton (Wonderlust, Redeemers, Indicators) will take the stage with his band The Wholly Ghosts on Tuesday, Nov. 29 at the Georgia Theatre. The plan so far is that the show will be recorded and a video filmed that night. Fans will want to attend so that when the whole shebang is released, you can say you were there.

And There’s More: Ken Will Morton’s only one part of that show, by the way. The entire evening benefits the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia. Sleepy Horses kicks the night off at 8 p.m.; The Chasers play at 9 p.m.; Cigar Store Indians at 10 p.m. and then it’s Morton and his band at 11 p.m., and the Bearfoot Hookers close the night out at midnight. Tickets cost $8, or $5 if you donate five cans of food.

Now You Can Complain In Person: New Jersey-based CD manufacturer Disc Makers has been on a real kick lately opening regional offices all over the country. The latest opening is in Atlanta and this may prove to be valuable for local musicians. The office opened a couple of weeks ago at 3112 Roswell Rd. in Atlanta’s Buckhead community. The location is touted as a place where musicians can “come to discuss projects, get advice about manufacturing, distribution, mastering and design, and order the best CD and DVD replication service in the country.” That’s a mighty bold statement, but since they said it, I figured I’d go ahead and pass it along.

More Big Letters Means… More Attention?: Former Athens-based duo Divine Maggees, currently based in Asheville, NC, insist on writing their name divineMAGgees. They’ll return to Decatur, GA venue Eddie’s Attic on Thursday, Dec. 1 to celebrate the release of their newest album Love Me Like The Roses. The band continues to receive critical and popular adulation, which is why I don’t feel bad about not granting them any here. Divine Maggees specialize in soft folk-rock and pop that sounds like Jewel, etc. If this is your bag, go see ‘em.

Buggin’ Out: Athens area promoter, musician and artist known simply as Bugg (1358, The Butterfield 8, Daddi-O Productions) has sent word that this upcoming year is probably his last in the entertainment promotion field and his next CD release, due in 2006, will definitely be his last. Bugg made a name for himself in the 1990s via his heavy promotion of swing-dancing nights around town. This final album will be his sixth overall, and he says he plans to do a few more shows featuring his comedy and probably another swing event.

Everything Must Go: In full preparation mode now for his move away from Athens, local musician Martin Brummeler is selling off a bunch of his musical and recording equipment. Prices will vary, of course, but he’s open to offers on everything and I know for a fact that this guy’s gear is none too shabby. See a complete list of available goods at www.martinbrummeler.com.

Shark Enema? What?: Chicago label Thick Records has announced the signing of Atlanta garage/ New Wave group Shock Cinema. The band - Autry Fulbright, Tak Takemura, Jennifer Rehm and ex-Athenian Ian Cone (ex-Walt Lariat, ex-Agenda) - is currently working on an ambitious release for the label. A five-song EP due next spring will feature the group’s songs remixed by fellow artists Death From Above 1979, Subtitle, Pretty Girls Make Graves, Thunderbirds Are Now! and President Harris (ex-Q and Not U). Shock Cinema has played Athens a few times and folks can catch the group soon at a planned (but still indefinite) date at the Go Bar this winter with U.S.S.R.

De-Pressing: Indiana grassroots label Plan-It-X Records recently re-issued Madeline Adams’ 2003 album Kissing and Dancing. The former Athenian songwriter’s $5 full album now features new artwork from Nate Powell of Soophie Nun Squad and two new songs not found on the original pressing. The album’s available at www.plan-it-x.com. And in other Madeline news, word was she’d been planning to move back to Athens next month, but it looks like that relocation may be delayed until some time next year.

Doing Good While Looking Good: The Boybutante AIDS Foundation and the MAC Cosmetics-founded MAC AIDS Fund are joining forces in honor of 2005 World AIDS Day. “The event will combine visual arts with local musicians in hopes of illustrating the solidarity present in the world-wide fight against HIV/ AIDS,” says organizer Hannah Cowart. Taking place at the fabulous 40 Watt on Thursday, Dec. 1, the event will feature performances by local band Boulevard, trapeze artists from Canopy Studio, local dancers and a burlesque duo. Word is that there will be models in full body paint, also. After all this, local iPod masters Twin Powers will rock the night away with familiar hits for your dancing pleasure. The event costs $10 and advance tickets are available at Junkman’s Daughter’s Brother and Schoolkids Records.

The Art That Eats Like A Meal: The Athens arts and music community come together once again (as if they were ever really apart) on Saturday, Nov. 26 at Little Kings Bar. The local art collective known as SOUP will host its first public event and feature the functional artwork of local designers and musicians, including SOUP founders Kate Zimmerman (JetKat Design), Amanda Kapousouz (Tin Cup Prophette, The Dole) and Rizzie Gallego (Made by Rizzie). Zimmerman specializes in handmade printing and individualized design for any event. Kapousouz, when not performing solo or with her bands, spins a mean thread through her sewing machine, while Gallego makes this one particular bag with the most adorable bear you ever saw on it, among other vinyl creations. Claire Campbell (Hope For Agoldensummer) will sell soap, Brent Jones (Phosphorescent, The Good Ship, Lovers) will sell lamps, Andy Baker (The Glands) furniture, and so on. Live music will punctuate the event via The Good Ship, and Admiral Baking Company will cater the whole shindig. Since this is so close to the holidays, yes, the artists will have their wares for sale. The event begins at 7 p.m. and there’s more information at www.myspace.com/soupathens.

That should be enough to keep you awake. Keep your news coming in and I’ll just keep on putting it out there. Remember to always mention my name or Threats & Promises in the subject line of all emails. You can’t keep a good man down via email to music@flagpole.com, voicemail at 549-9523, ext. 203, or by post at P.O. Box 1027, Athens, GA 30603.

Gordon Lamb

Gordon Lamb