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July 28, 2011
Never enough of the blues
PRINCE FREDERICK
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ROLAND ROCKS The Flemish musician performing with the band 'Incarcerated' Photo: R. Ravindran
The Hindu ROLAND ROCKS The Flemish musician performing with the band 'Incarcerated' Photo: R. Ravindran

Blues musician Roland Van Campenhout, who performed with the band ‘Incarcerated’ in the city, on his love for Indian musicians and his upcoming album

“I’ve Had My Fun” (Lightnin’ Hopkins) was aptly chosen as the last song of a two-hour concert by Flemish blues musician Roland Van Campenhout and blues band “Incarcerated” at Landmark, Citi Centre. It was indeed sumptuous fun, as the concert — organised by Exodus and Landmark — took a constantly swelling audience through a rather extensive register of blues classics, including those of Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Eric Johnson, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Gary Moore.

Settling down for a post-concert chat, the 66-year-old Belgian said, “Looking back on my life and career, I can say I’ve had my fun.” While playing the guitar throughout the concert and singing the last song, Roland conveyed a sense of absolute joy — he would stand frozen in the middle of a song, grin at fellow performers and make gestures denoting total participation.
Picture of patience

Apparently, being joyful is second nature to him. When a stream of admirers and journalists rushed to meet him, Roland exclaimed loudly, “Speak to me, my friends! Speak to me!” He had to rush to the airport, but was a picture of patience as he answered every question. While discussing his album ‘Never Enough’ (2008), Roland revealed the source of his equanimity — a deep love of music. A greed for music is the album’s pivotal theme. Pointing to racks of CDs at the store, he explained, “I can take all of them home and still crave for more!”

Not one to hog all the limelight, Roland willingly let “Incarcerated”, with its brilliant line-up of young musicians (vocalist-guitarist Melvin, guitarist-vocalist Mang, bass guitarist-vocalist Tony and drummer-percussionist Prassana), take centre stage. Roland’s present visit to India was triggered by a desire to revel in the company of Indian musicians whose friendship he has won over the years and take steps towards his long-cherished goal — blending Carnatic music with the blues.

While self-promotion was not the objective of the visit, the possibility of his albums, including his latest, ‘Fortune Cookie’ (2010), hitting the music stores has opened up. “‘Fortune Cookie’ is about a man who can’t go to bed in peace without having cracked open a fortune cookie,” says Roland. It is also about an immensely gifted harmonica player who is flooded with requests for endorsement by harmonica manufacturers. This musician is loved wherever he goes, just as Roland Van Campenhout is!

 

 

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Wednesday, July 27,2011

What’s Happening (7-28-11)

THURSDAY

 

MUSIC:

Open acoustic jam night. Thursdays at the Nelsonville Eagles Lodge bar.

Maplewood Tavern holds an open stage every Thursday night at 9.

Whip & Tickle (not Tackle, sorry about that!), Wormz & the Decomposers. Free. 9 p.m. Jackie O’s.

Hayes Carll. 8 p.m. Stuart’s Opera House, Nelsonville.

Bonzai. Free. Casa Cantina.

The Pomeroy Blues & Jazz Festival is sponsoring the 11^th annual Big Bend Blues Bash Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Riverside Amphitheatre in downtown Pomeroy. Blues, contemporary electric and acoustic music will be performed over the three days. Also included will be a blues and competition, min-blues film fest and children’s workshops and programming. National and regional performing artists will include Bryan Lee & the Blues Power Band, The Johnny Rawls Revue, Ben Prestage, Victor Wainwright & the Wild Roots, the Eric Jerardi Band, Ray Fuller & the Blues Rockers, Howard Glazer & the El-34s and the Patrick Sweany Band. For more information go to www.pomeroyblues.org/big_bend_weekend/, or check out the music column in today’s issue.

 

ART:

Selections from the Permanent Collections. This exhibition juxtaposes pieces from Kennedy Museum’s permanent collections including weavings, prints, paintings, ceramics and African art. Kennedy Museum of Art, OU.

“Lloyd Moore: Without Pretense.” Kennedy Museum of Art. Through Aug. 14.

Contemporary art quilts from the 17^th biennial juried exhibition on display at Dairy Barn Arts Center. Through Monday, Sept. 5.

An exhibit of work by local artist Andrea L. Stern is being shown in an exhibit, “Paper/Work,” on view at Donkey Coffee in Athens through Aug. 21. It features 30 works on paper, mixed-media collage and art quilts.

The photography of Lancaster resident Ed Shrider, an OU alum ’80) will be on display in Majestic Galleries in Nelsonville through July. Titled “Icebergs in Summer,” the photographs were taken in Greenland and Iceland in the summer of 2007.

HeARTS & Arts/Jim Dine’s sculpture and large prints exhibition at the Kennedy Museum of Art. Dine, an OU alum, is considered a pre-eminent American artist.

Paintings by long-time Athens resident Ursula Dersch-Lawson, who passed away in September 2010, will be on display at Holzer Clinic Community Gallery now through Sept. 29. Lawson was a supporter of the arts throughout the community and took up painting after retiring from the Ohio University Department of Modern Languages in 1991. The gallery is in the main lobby of the facility at 2131 E. State St. in Athens,

Kennedy Museum of Art is hosting the exhibition “Photographic Images: A Local to Global Perspective on Critical Issues Affecting Our Planet and its People.” The photo exhibition, organized by the Global Issues Resource Center at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, features images of conflict zones where peace-building initiatives are being developed and supported by the Center. The exhibit runs through Dec. 22, 2011.

 

MISCELLANEOUS:

Supper:Weekly free supper sponsored by UCM: Center for Spiritual Growth and Social Justice. 5:30 p.m. at UCM, 18 N. College St. Open to everyone, no questions asked. 593-7301. (Volunteers are needed, and donations are welcome with advance notice.)

Interfaith Impact: 7-8:30 p.m., at UCM, 18 N. College. Students from all or no faith traditions welcome to this group committed to interfaith education and celebration with an emphasis on social justice and community service. Contact 593-7301 for more information. (Through spring quarter at OU.)

Summer Lunch: An everyday, free community meal at The Plains United Methodist Church. Monday through Friday, June 20 through Aug. 5th. Begins at noon. For info, call Good Works at 594-3339. Summer Lunch provided in partnership with The Plains UMC.

Free Food: The Nelsonville Community Center provides a free breakfast to anyone under 18 Monday through Friday at 9 a.m.

Childhood Immunizations: Every Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1-5:30 p.m. in Parks Hall room 014, OU. OU-COM Community Health Programs‘ Childhood Immunization Program. Free to all area children from birth through 18. Bring your child’s previous shot records. 1-800-844-2654.

Theater: Ohio Valley Summer Theater presents “Bye Bye Birdie.” July 28-31, with Thursday through Saturday performances at 8 p.m. and Sunday shows at 2 p.m. The Forum Theater, R-TV Building, OU. Tickets available at the Kantner Hall box office or www.ovst.org.

Meet & Greet: For Athens Ohio Roller Derby. 5-8 p.m. at Tony’s Tavern in Athens. Find out how you can get involved or help the local team.

 

Friday

MUSIC:

The Gathering Place Showcase and Benefit. This show will feature performances by GP members as well as other community artists who support the cause, providing services and activities for persons recovering from mental illness in the Athens area. 8 p.m. Donkey Coffee.

Steve Zarate plays the Oak Room from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

The Pomeroy Blues & Jazz Festival is sponsoring the 11^th annual Big Bend Blues Bash Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Riverside Amphitheatre in downtown Pomeroy. (See more info in the music column in today’s issue.)

Dale Kulchar will be performing this Friday and Saturday at Rhapsody restaurant on Nelsonville’s Public Square. 6:30 p.m.

Final Fridays Happy Hour with free music and pizza at the Union. 6 p.m.

Qiet and the Hip-Hop Hooraysters. Free. Jackie O’s.

Open Doors Dance Night. Casa Cantina.

 

ART:

Final Fridays on the Square, “History Scavenger Hunt.” Can you find the architecture featured in the photos? Learn the fascinating history of the Historic Square in Nelsonville on a self-guided walking tour. Photographic clues will be given in a flier how many can you find? This Scavenger Hunt will be available all summer at the many shops in the Historic Square arts district.

Circle ‘Round the Square Annual Summer Art Show. For most of these 70 Nelsonville youth, the Summer Art program is their once-a-year art experience. Celebrate their accomplishments by attending their music videos & choir performance from 6-7 p.m. upstairs at Stuart’s Opera House, and the Visual Art Opening at 7 p.m. in the Lobby, Stuart’s Gallery 1879.

Starbrick Cooperative Gallery presents opening night: Wizards Yard Sale by Paul Kern. Fine handcrafted wood objects, from hanging cupboards, boxes, puzzles and walking sticks to small furniture and dulcimers. Special musical guest Laura Elder on dulcimer. The exhibit runs through Aug. 21. Also on Friday night, an Ice Cream Sundae Bowl-A-Rama! Buy the bowl, and top your sundae to your heart’s content.

Majestic Galleries features the works of Peter Heidtmann and Ron Luce. Heidtmann’s work “Image/Text,” is an exhibition of works in various media, all of which combine pictures and words. Luce’s “Color of Sound II” is an exhibition of new works, including “Painture,” a three-dimensional painting in spectacular color. The opening reception is from 6-10 p.m. The show continues through Aug. 21.

 

MISCELLANEOUS:

Friday Night Life: A free community meal for people from all walks of life, especially including those in need. 5:30 p.m. every Friday. The meal is provided by churches and community groups who volunteer. For info, call Good Works at 594-3339.

Free Food: The Nelsonville Community Center has a free lunch open to the public every Friday from noon to 1 p.m.

Farmers Market: Trimble Township Farmers Market, every Friday. 4-6 p.m. Hosted by Community Food Initiatives and ACEnet. Info on being a vendor is available atmollyjocfi@frognet.net or 740-593-5971.

Big Bend Farmers and Artisan Market: Every Friday through Aug. 12 in Pomeroy in the city parking lot. 6-10 p.m. This outdoor market runs in conjunction with the Rhythm on the River summer music series.

Brick Festival: The first Nelsonville Brick Festival. Friday and Saturday at Hocking College, with train rides Friday to Haydenville, a brick-making center back in the day. Celebrate how the bricks of the Hocking Valley impacted America and created the foundation for the Industrial Revolution. Most events are Saturday with an IBCA Brick Swap at 9 a.m., auction for IBCA at noon, a Brick Scavenger Hunt at 1 p.m., a Brick Rider Car Show at 2 p.m. and live music at 6 p.m. with the band Double Shot. www.nelsonvillebrickfest.com.

 

Saturday

MUSIC:

Belly-dancing and music. Every Saturday. Restaurant Salaam.

Steve Zarate plays at Cutler’s in the Ohio University Inn. 6-8:30 p.m.

The Pomeroy Blues & Jazz Festival is sponsoring the 11^th annual Big Bend Blues Bash Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Riverside Amphitheatre in downtown Pomeroy. (See more info in the Thursday listing.)

Dale Kulchar is performing at Rhapsody restaurant on Nelsonville’s Public Square. 6:30 p.m.

The Tailwinds (local rockers) and Rawwr (rock from New Mexico). Smiling Skull.

Aquabear Legion Night at Casa Cantina featuring Wheels on Fire, Weird Science and Octupus & Owl. At the show, copies of Aquabear’s new music compilation, “Aquabear Legion Voume 4″ will be available for sale. The show is free.

Christmas in July “illusions’ performance at Scruples in Parkersburg, featuring ersatz Veronica Lake, Anya Backs, Michelle St. James, male strippers and more.

The Paranormals. 8-11 p.m. Free show at Jackie O’s. Possible late performance with the Porters.

 

MISCELLANEOUS:

Athens Farmers Market: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Every Saturday on East State Street at the Market on State (former University Mall). 132 E. State St., Athens. This edition of the Farmers Market will be Customer Appreciation Day.

Saturday Lunch: Weekly free meal sponsored by UCM: Center for Spiritual Growth and Social Justice. 1 p.m. at UCM, 18 N. College St. Open to everyone, no questions asked. 593-7301. (Volunteers are needed, and donations are welcome with advance notice.)

Weekly Auction: 6 p.m. at the Golden Wings C.B. Radio Club, on Rt. 13 just outside of Chauncey. Fishtail sandwiches and other good food.

Film: Free movie night at Donkey Coffee. “Don’t Look Back,” a well-reviewed documentary that follows Bob Dylan’s 1965 tour through England. 8 p.m.

Workshop:Community Food Initiatives and Virginia Coover, author of “The Natural Greenhouse,” will partner on an “Extending the Growing Season” workshop, 5:30 p.m., at 15484 Shade Road in Guysville. Carpool leaves ACEnet, 94 Columbus Road, Athens, at 5 p.m. For info, go to cficommunitygardens@frognet.net or 740-593-5971.

Softball Tournament: To benefit its Sept. 25 Biker Sunday event, Bethel Worship Center will sponsor a community co-ed softball tournament at the Syracuse River Park ball field all day Saturday and in the afternoon on Sunday. Bethel’s annual Biker Sunday outreach typically is standing room only, attracting 100 or more motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the tri-state region. For more information, call church members Chuck Mash at 740-444-3682 or Tammi Barber at 740-416-5370, or visit www.bethelwc.org, or call the church at 740-667-6793.

Arts and Crafts Show: 44rd annual Summer Arts/Crafts Show. “At the Grove,” 10^th and Main St. Rt. 60, McConnelsville. Saturday and Sunday. Presented by the Howard Chandler Christy Art Guild. 740-408-0549.

Ice Cream Social: 4-7 p.m. at Savannah Park, Rt. 329, Guysville.

Brick Festival: The first Nelsonville Brick Festival. Friday and Saturday at Hocking College, with train rides Friday to Haydenville, a brick-making center back in the day. Celebrate how the bricks of the Hocking Valley impacted America and created the foundation for the Industrial Revolution. Most events are Saturday with an IBCA Brick Swap at 9 a.m., auction for IBCA at noon, a Brick Scavenger Hunt at 1 p.m., a Brick Rider Car Show at 2 p.m. and live music at 6 p.m. with the band Double Shot. www.nelsonvillebrickfest.com.

Theater:Campers from the Appalachian Progressive Center’s (APE Center) sixth annual Theater Camp will perform the plays they created during their camp at 2 p.m. ARTS/West. The public is invited to attend the performance and support this year’s talented campers.

 

Sunday

 

MISCELLANEOUS:

Nelsonville Idol: An elimination round for the final competition. 2 p.m. in the Nelsonville-York High School auditorium. Another elimination round is set for the same time and place on Sunday, Aug. 7. The final competition will be 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 18, during the Parade of the Hills on the Library Stage. Free and open to the public. Contestants (who are already signed up) include children from age 3 to adults of all ages.

 

Monday

MUSIC:

Open stage. 10 p.m. at Jackie O’s. Junebug hosts.

Rattletrap Stringband. Most Mondays at the Casa Cantina.

 

MISCELLANEOUS:

Free Clinic: The OU-COM Community Health Programs provides free health services for low-income adults, ages 18-64, who are without health insurance. 8-11:30 a.m. in Parks Hall, OU. Call 1-800-844-2654 or 593-2432 to see if you qualify and to make an appointment.

Free Lunch: Every Monday at the First United Methodist Church, 2 S. College St., Athens. Noon to 1 p.m. Free and open to all, no questions asked.

Bloodmobile: 1-7 p.m. at OU’s Wray House, South Green. Call 1-800-733-2767 for an appointment.

 

Tuesday

MUSIC:

Celtic Night. Most Tuesdays at Jackie O’s Brewery.

Open stage with Dale Kulchar Tuesdays at 8 p.m. at the Court Street Grill, Pomeroy.

Open Stage. Tuesdays at The Union.

Open Stage at the Smiling Skull. Tuesdays at 9 p.m.

Live jazz by the Word of Mouth Jazz Band. 8-10 Tuesday evenings at Tony’s Tavern. Players are invited to join in this semi-formal weekly event.

 

MISCELLANEOUS:

Community Meal:The Athens Church of Christ, 785 W. Union St., Athens; a free community meal every Tuesday from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Everyone welcome.

Health Screenings: Breast & cervical cancer screenings and education. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays, Aug. 2, 23 and 30 at the Free Community Clinic at the OU Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. Free pap tests, pelvic and breast exams, breast health education and appointments for mammograms will be provided to uninsured and underinsured women. Call 1-800-844-2654 or 593-2432 for the required appointment.

Bloodmobile: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Ohio Child Support, room 107, Country Corners, The Plains. Call 740-797-7920 for an appointment. Call 1-800-733-2767 for an appointment.

Bloodmobile: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Wayne National Forest HQ, Rt. 33. Call 740-753-0862 for an appointment. Call 1-800-733-2767 for an appointment.

Wednesday

MUSIC:

Open stage. Every Wednesday. 10 p.m. Casa Cantina.

Karaoke. Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. at the Smiling Skull.

Karaoke every Wednesday from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Maplewood Inn.

Karaoke Night with DJ C. 10 p.m. Red Brick Tavern.

Steve Zarate plays 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Oak Room.

Jackie O’s presents Wednesdays with Jess & Kyle in Jackie O’s every Wednesday night, starting at 9:30 p.m. Music provided by Jess Kauffman and Kyle Martin (of Duke Junior & the Smokey Boots). Free.

 

 

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Crackin’ mid-summer pile of music news

Following are some musical updates or announcements of note:

 

ONCE AGAIN, PLANS ARE TAKING shape for the annual Music in the Schools program, which will take place next March. Music in the Schools is a workshop that helps students of all ages to learn how to improvise on their instruments. Professional instructors from all over the country help with the workshop. (Music in the Schools is a 501C3 non-profit group.)

The program is currently asking for donations and sponsors to help it become a reality and grow even bigger. For information call organizer Mike Doughty at 740-593-5867.

“This year we hope to bring back Mark Pender from the “Conan O’Brien Show”; Shirley King, daughter of BB King; Gerald Noel from Junior Walker’s All-Stars; and once again, Tom Pender, an acclaimed jazz guitarist from Kansas City.

Donations can be made at the Ohio University Credit Union under the Music in the Schools account. All donations are tax-deductible.

 

STUART’S OPERA HOUSE HAS A BIGmid-summer show planned for tonight with fast-rising Texas singer-songwriter Hayes Carll performing at 8 p.m. After topping critics polls and winning awards for his 2008 album, “Trouble in Mind,” Carll did anything but rest on his laurels.

As the press material says, “He’s been on the road nearly nonstop with his band blasting through honky-tonks and rock clubs across the U.S. and beyond. Along the way, he’s been inspired to write a crop of new tunes that the acclaimed songwriter says are ‘a layman’s take on our country a snapshot of America in some small way.’”

The result is a new CD, “KMAG YOYO (& Other American Stories),” Carll’s second release from Lost Highway. Tickets are currently on sale by calling 740-753-1924 or visiting the Stuart’s website at www.stuartsoperahouse.org.

Raised a sixth-generation Texan in a Houston suburb, Carll early on found inspiration in beat writer Jack Kerouac and Bob Dylan, hitting the road after college in Conway, Ark., and honed his craft playing to the locals in Texas coastal towns such as Crystal Beach and Galveston.

Some of Carll’s songwriting role models include fellow Texans Guy Clark and Ray Wylie Hubbard.

This should be a good show, though tickets were going fast earlier this week.

 

THE NELSONVILLE COMMUNITY CENTER is hosting the second annual Nelsonville Idol singing competition where finalists will perform at the Parade of the Hills on Aug. 18. The competition last year garnered a lot of attention and participation.

This year there are four participating age groups ranging from 2 years and up. Each age group will have a winner, with one overall winner selected. Category winners will receive a trophy, $50 and a T-shirt, with the overall winner snagging a four-hour recording session at the INSEA Sound Shop in Nelsonville. Depending on donations, more prizes may be awarded.

According to a news release, “This competition is designed to bring the talent in our area together and provide a good-natured competition where contestants can collaborate on ideas and help each other grow.”

The event is currently seeking donations from area businesses and residents, to allow for additional prizes. Anything is appreciated, and all donors will be recognized at the competition final.

However, if you can’t donate, organizers just hope local folks will support the contest by attending the competitions leading up to the final, along with the final. People can keep updated on the competition at the “Nelsonville Idol” Facebook page.

 

ONE OF THE REGION’S BIGGEST summer music events takes place today through Saturday down at the big bend in the Ohio River.

The 11^th annual Big Bend Blues Bash, as in past years, will take place at the Riverside Amphitheatre in Pomeroy, about 25 minutes southeast of Athens. The event features three days of blues-related events, with Saturday set for all-day performances, with some of the biggest names in modern blues on the playbill.

In addition to performances, the event will feature a blues performance competition, mini blues film fest, and children’s workshops and programming.

If it rains, the performances will move to the nearby Court Street Grill. Attendees are urged to bring their own lawn chairs and picnic food, though not to bring alcoholic beverages. Beer and other legal beverages will be available for sale at the event.

Admission is free Thursday, and $10 for the musical performances on Friday and Saturday. Tickets will be available at the gate.

Following is the schedule as posted on the event website:

 

Thursday

Roots Night features Bongo Joe & Little Steve O, an Akron duo that gives “a unique spin on blues, soul and rock classics.” They also won Marietta’s 2010 River City Blues Competition. 7 p.m.

Roots Night features FrontPorch Revival delivering traditional blues. 9 p.m.

Ben Prestage will be playing at the Court Street Grill.

 

Friday

Blues competition at 5 p.m. Blues bands and solo-duo blues acts will compete for cash, prizes and the PB&J’s sponsorship to the Blue Foundation’s International Blues Challenge.

The Patrick Sweany Band. 10 p.m.

Victor Wainwright & the Wild Roots will be playing at the Court Street Grill.

 

Saturday

Blues School for Kids, a songwriting and performing workshop for kids of all ages. Free.

Blues Film Fest, with “Last of the Mississippi Jukes,” a film by Robert Mugge. Court Street Grill (upstairs). Free.

Big Bend Blues Bash, featuring Blackberry Jam at noon, Ray Fuller and the Blues Rockers at 1:30 p.m., Patrick McLaughlin Group at 3 p.m., Eric Jerardi Band at 5 p.m., Johnny Rawls Revue at 7 p.m., and Bryan Lee at 9 p.m.

In addition, a Cornhole Clash will take place all three days of the festival.

Howard Glazer & the El-34s be playing at the Court Street Grill.

 

DONKEY COFFEE HAS AN interesting (and positive community) show set for Friday night. The Gathering Place Talent Showcase and Benefit will raise money for the local facility that offers many services and activities for people recovering from mental illness.

The show will feature performances by Gathering Place members, as well as other community artists including Matt Moore, Allen Strong and more.

The music starts at 9 p.m.

 

A FIRST-EVER LOCAL FESTIVAL celebrating bricks is on tap for Friday and Saturday at Hocking College. Back in the day, the Hocking Valley with seven brick-making plants in Nelsonville and as many as 10 total in Athens County provided bricks for building throughout the region.

Along with mining, brick-making was the economic engine of our area.

To celebrate that legacy, the two-day Nelsonville Brick Festival will feature train rides on Friday and a variety of events on Saturday, including a brick scavenger hunt, brick swap event, and music the band, Double Shot, playing a two-hour show at 6 p.m. For more information go to www.nelsonvillebrickfest.com.