Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. You’ll hear this from all sides this week, but it’s true: look around at all you have to be thankful for and then be thankful for it. Even if you think you have nothing that qualifies, I guarantee you someone else thinks you do. So, with that, let’s get into this week’s music news and be thankful that my Dr. Seuss moment is over…
Hey Hey, My My: If you’re wanting to catch a glimpse of the next generation of Athens music, then get yourself over to the Melting Point on Thursday, Dec. 1 and see The Second Sons. The band has been working steadily for the past year or so, and has racked up an impressive list of opening slots, including Bloodkin and Drive-By Truckers. This night they’ll be playing with Athens band The Woodgrains. Both bands, actually, were nominated for the award of “Upstart Band of the Year“ by this very publication, so maybe there’s something to that. Both bands play tunes in the vein of Americana-ish rock, with Woodgrains being the slicker one. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the music starts at 8:30 p.m. For more information, please see www.facebook.com/the2ndsons.
Tuning In: Congratulations go out to WUGA-TV, which has just passed the milestone of producing its 150th television broadcast of the popular WUGA-FM show “It’s Friday.” WUGA-TV is a partnership between UGA and Georgia Public Television and can be viewed locally via Charter Cable Television on channel six. “It’s Friday” features performances by local and out-of-town artists playing acoustic or otherwise stripped-down versions of their songs in an intimate setting each Friday at 3 p.m. WUGA-FM is available at 91.7 and 97.9 on your FM radio dial. For more information, please see wuga.uga.edu.
This One Thing I Know: In what has already become an annual tradition, Julian Koster (Music Tapes) will take his Christmas tour around the nation again this season. Seeking to play homes across the country Nov. 28 – Dec. 12, Koster is accepting invitations now. The way it works is: you decide if you want Koster and his crew to come set up in your house, then you drop him a line, and he decides if it’s the right type of situation and whether it could work. Only the kindest and warmest invitations get the special attention, so be sincere and make sure you can handle having such an event. Then drop a line to musictapescaroling2011@gmail.com and let him know you’re able and willing. I’ve attended these shows every year since they started, and they are truly something special. Don’t miss out.
Good Tidings: Athens studio legend John Keane has made a special holiday record with his two daughters, Paige and Rachel. Performing as We Three Keanes, the album is titled O Christmas, Where Art Thou? and it’s a quite pleasant listen. The three do faithful renditions of Christmas classics such as “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “O Holy Night,” “The First Noel,” “Good King Wenceslas” and more. The album is available on CD and via digital download over at www.johnkeanestudios.com.
What We Do Is Secret: The Secret Record Swap is happening again Saturday, Dec. 3 at the 40 Watt. Organized by Chris Razz and Low Yo Yo Stuff Records, the event is open to dealers of all types of musical wares (records, videos, CDs, tapes, etc.), and tables are a steal at $5, $15, $22 and $30. If you’re interested in selling stuff, you better get on it and contact Razz via chris@chrisrazz.com or call 706-206-0766. Don’t you want to be a part of it? Sure you do. For all other information, please see www.facebook.com/secretrecordswap.
Pay Attention to This: I put this news last because I think people tend to read the first and last paragraphs immediately before diving into the center. Anyway, Nuçi’s Space is striving to help provide low-cost health care for Athens’ creative community. But they’ve got to have input from y’all! Please take the time to fill out their survey located at h#mce_temp_url#. Basically, they need to know what the community’s needs are before they can fashion a program that suits those needs. So, take a few minutes and let ’em know. If you’ve got any questions or comments, you can drop a line to nucis-space-community-health-project@googlegroups.com.
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