Still Fighting It

For the sake of brevity

2010-01-07T09:53:00.003-06:00

It's just "The Heavy Rotation" now.

Sander's New Years Eve blast was an awesome time! We have a new Facebook page with some music from the show. Thanks to all who came out.

In case you were wondering...

2009-12-09T07:56:00.003-06:00

Hey, it's been a while, but I'm still here. My personal music scene has changed quite a bit, so in case anyone is interested, I'll fill you in.

SFI is still playing, albeit not as much as we used to. The realities of a slow economy mean that most clubs that cater to our crowd have either cut back their live music budget or outright closed. So we're being highly selective of our bookings, preferring the private market rather than public shows as a full band, but still giving public performances in a different form. Jarrod Schell and I have been performing as a duo quite a bit lately and Jarrod is still doing his solo act so you can still catch the essence of SFI a couple times a month, and see the full band at select performances throughout the year.

The Matt Strand Group has landed a regular gig at L'Bistro - appearing on the third Thursday of every month. These shows coincide with their regular Thursday night jazz, and our shows, in particular, are configured as a jam session, where anyone with an instrument and a little jazz or blues flavor can participate. We're also doing plenty of weddings and corporate parties.

The Popejoy-Strand duo is playing the second Thursday of each month at Archives Coffee House (formerly Tabula). Playing with Dr. Popejoy is always fun and this gig, in particular, is challenging because it forces me to play left-hand bass independent of right-hand melody - something I'm not necessarily used to.

And finally, announcing my newest oldest project: About 10 years ago, I had a horn band called Fatlip (later renamed Groove Union), which lasted about 3 years, before it was torn asunder by transportation issues (half the band lived in Fargo).

Well, this type of band has been my dream since childhood and I simply can't go on without one. For a few years now, I've been assembling a group of musicians to play New Year's Eve at Sanders - an amalgamation of members of SFI plus a horn section. I've decided to make this a more regular group and take it public. If you like old-school funk and soul music, you need to check out Big Daddy Matt and the Heavy Rotation.

This group is incredibly fun to play with, but what I like most is our sheer musicianship - we've got some killer players: Myself on keyboards and vocals, Jarrod Schell on guitar and vocals, Steve Carriere plays bass, Austin Winger on drums, Amanda Nelson on sax and vocals, Cory Driscoll and Justin Uhlir on trumpets and providing the low-end of the horns: Ben Kinser on bari sax. We also have Robert Carter doing some lead vocals and if you haven't heard this guy sing, you need to get off your butts.

So you provide the party, we'll provide the groove: come out and you'll hear plenty of funky stuff like Earth Wind and Fire, Tower of Power, Stevie Wonder, Van Morrison, Steely Dan, Wilson Pickett, and Marvin Gaye, plus we have the flexibility to play everything from rock and roll to country. We're playing at the Ralph for the Wisconsin series this weekend and, of course, at Sanders on New Year's Eve. See you there!

Upcoming stuff:

2009-07-06T18:27:00.002-05:00

Hey all, June was a slow month as I've been on vacation, but I'm back now.

Oh, do we have some upcoming shows:

SFI is at the Prairie Rose Games this Saturday (July 11th) at Riverside Park, Grand Forks. Showtime is 6:00

The Popejoy-Strand Duo is at the Farmer's Market on July 18th.

And, don't forget, I'm music directing HAIR with the Crimson Creek players at the Empire Theater - August 4-8, 11-15 and Still Fighting It is the rhythm section!

More shows to follow, see you soon!

Springfest 2009

2009-05-09T16:44:00.003-05:00

We just got back from playing Springfest out at University Park. The crowd was great - thanks for braving the cold and being so damn awesome! Thanks to Rhombus Guys for having us and to HB for doing a great job running the sound and stage, as always.

If you saw the show, stop by the comments section below and let us know what you liked (or didn't like). If you want to hear us play again, please tell your friends about us and be sure to ask for us at the local music spots.

And while you're at it, add us to your myspace and Facebook friends!

Our next show is June 3rd in Devils Lake, backing Alyson Gilbert.

Two big shows

2009-03-17T09:33:00.003-05:00

Still Fighting It has been booked for two rather large shows right here in Grand Forks:

The first is when we open for Lovesick Radio at XL93's April Fools Fest at the Alerus Center's Plan B club on April 1st. The show starts at 7:00. We're on first, before Whiskey Vaccine and finally Lovesick Radio. Tickets can be purchased for $11 at the Alerus Center Box Office or through Ticketmaster.

The second is Springfest, at University Park on May 9th from 2:00-4:00 PM. $5 cover. We'll share the stage with Reconcile, Colie Paulson, and the North River Ramblers. Thanks to Rhombus Guys for putting this on!

Still kickin'

2009-02-24T00:20:00.004-06:00

Hey all, I'm not dead - quite the opposite, in fact. SFI has been taking time during this brief hiatus to get in the studio to record some of our favorite songs. We're about halfway done, but now comes the fun part of post-editing (blah). In the meantime, we have a show coming up this Saturday at the UND Memorial Ballroom from 9-11:30. There is a freewill donation at the door, after that it's party time.

Dr. Jim Popejoy, director of bands at UND, and I have been performing a vibes/keys jazz chamber duo at Archives coffee house. You can catch us the first Tuesday of every month from 8:00-10:00 PM.

On the side, I'm teaching private lessons two nights a week as well as individual lessons at UND, which is keeping me plenty busy. If you're interested, drop me a line; I have a few slots left.

Also, the past two weeks I've been filling in for trombonist Tom Wogsland in the River City Jazz trio, while he is recovering from a bug. I actually get to pick up my sax, which is a blast to play again. You can see myself, along with Kris Eylands (guitarist of Jazz on Tap fame), and Steve Carriere (basso extraordinaire) at L'Bistro this Thursday at 8:00. Too bad there isn't a monorail to get you there...

There are other SFI shows coming up, including a reprise of the Alyson Gilbert gig, on tap for this summer.

I've also been playing at church and having a lot of fun doing it. Playing at church was my first gig on keyboards, back in 1997 and if you're on my facebook, you can see pictures to that affect.

And no, I haven't been struck by lightning... yet. :)

With the highs, come the lows

2008-12-26T09:08:00.004-06:00

As many of you may have read on Herald reporter Tu Uyen Tran's blog, Suite 49 has closed. Still Fighting It laments this loss as it was the venue of our first show on June 18, 2005. Moreso, it is a loss of a current, valued place to play. There is a more ominous undercurrent to this, though.

In about October of 2007, I was blogging weekly about all the live music one could hear and it got to be too much for me to keep track of it all. That got me wondering if the conucopia of live music I'd been seeing was excessive - too much, too fast, too much of a short-term promotional stunt in a world that obviously needs long-term stability and growth. Could owners sustain the specials that were enticing crowds? Could bands keep it fresh while playing in a town of 50,000 3-4 times per month? Would the nationwide slowdown and impending economic crash affect the booming local economy? Would Canadian tourists continue to line the pockets of local merchangts? These were all musings of mine during that time - call it cautious optimism.

Well, the excess of 2007 is certainly gone, and in its wake are owners struggling to keep the doors open. I have noticed that, unless I'm missing something, bookings have fallen by about 50%. Unfortunately, this trend is spreading at an alarming rate, both locally, and nationally, according to musicians I've spoken to.

So, who is to blame? That's a tough one and we could pontificate on this for a while: the economy, gas prices last year, bad venue management, bad bands, indifferent crowds, market saturation, bad overall music climate in the world, rise of the iPod, home entertainment systems... What is it that causes a music scene to fail so spectacularly? I'd love to hear your thoughts on the matter: Have you heard any good live music lately? Have you noticed a drop-off in live bookings? What do you think about it or do you have enough to think about already?

As for Still Fighting It, well, we're still fighting it - we're a band mostly made up of guys that love music and aren't leaving Grand Forks any time soon. We'll still play, maybe not quite as frequently for now, but we look at this as more available time to rehearse, learn new material, maybe even record some stuff.

That said, come check us out with our horn section on New Year's Eve at Sanders! The show starts at 10:00 and we'll be playing all your favorite soul and rock hits.

Alyson Gilbert with SFI

2008-11-16T22:43:00.006-06:00

Hey all,

I just wanted to let you know Still Fighting It will be backing Nashville Star finalist Alyson Gilbert at the Empire Theatre on Wednesday, November 26th at 7:30 PM. We're very much looking forward to playing with such a talented musician.

She will also be doing sets with special guests Mark Proulx and Kris Eylands.

Alyson's bio (from her website):

Born in Texas and raised in Minnesota, Alyson Gilbert now lives in Nasvhille, Tennessee where she is a singer and an animal science student (favorite animal: pig).

Since arriving in Tennessee in 2002, Alyson has been singing with bands, doing acoustic gigs, and recording songwriters' demos. She was lead vocalist for Southbound, sits in with The Grove, and does acoustic gigs with Wes Henley, former guitarist with Carl Perkins. Aly has played and written with Jonathan Singleton.

One of Aly's favorite gigs was a USO tour to Japan. "If I could, I would sing for troops all the time - they're by far the best audience."

In the studio, Aly has recorded with musician/producer Mac MacAnally in Muscle Shoals and with Wes Henley in Jackson.

Aly comes from a creative family. Her father is the painter, Chris Gilbert. Her parents met in college theater, and her mom, Phyllis, has been doing theater ever since. Aly's cousin John Hagen is the cellist with Lyle Lovett.

Alyson and her husband Brian, a mechanical engineer, are active in animal rescue and respite work. They share their home with several cats and dogs.

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Gotta vent

2008-10-18T21:54:00.007-05:00

It amazes me that there are still musicians out there giving away their music, playing for free.

Thanks for devaluing things for the rest of us.

/sarcasm

Women's show

2008-09-27T18:13:00.003-05:00

SFI played the Women's Show at the Alerus today. I thought we played well, but we were kind of stuffed into a corner where nobody was. If you saw us and liked what you heard, please let us know! We are available to do pretty much any kind of event.

On another note, my lessons schedule is filling up fast. If you're interested in jazz bass, sax, or piano lessons, give me a shout before I run out of slots.

Third time's a charm

2008-09-06T14:36:00.003-05:00

The last two Farmer's Market gigs I've played were wrought with horrible weather: The first a full-blown gale (with about 5 cold and wet merchants braving the elements), the second was, well, just a full-blown gale.

Not so much today - the sun was shining, the breeze was light, and the air was welcomely crisp. Jazz is, historically, music of the night. Being partially rooted in the underground, the cathouses and saloons of New Orleans, it can rarely be called a music of the morning. However, if there ever was a good morning for jazz, today was just... it.

Out of my three bands, the one named after me seems to be the most core - go figure. I've often related to friends and fellow musicians that way back in 7th grade, on my first-ever day of jazz band I was hooked from the very first downbeat. The journey since parallels the operational side of making jazz music - namely how it interacts differently and evolves each time you take the stage. It helps when you are surrounded by wonderful musicians.

Today was the welcome-back gig for drummer Greg Jans from his summer-at-home in Washington state. I like the way he plays - he's got a hell of an ear, really listens to what everybody else is doing and responds tastefully. It's good to have him back in GF. Chris, our trumpet and front-man was on his game and Steve, my right-hand dude if there ever was one, was solid as ever. Yeah, a good morning for jazz. I had fun - I hope everybody else there did, too.

Grand Forks' loss is Ann Arbor's Gain

2008-08-02T10:24:00.005-05:00

I promise I'm going to try to keep this blog from becoming an obituary of musicians that leave Grand Forks. Nonetheless, I feel compelled to eulogize:

John Behling has finally moved on to finish his dissertation in musicology at Michigan after a long, hard battle in Grand Forks. We knew the time was coming, and we were prepared, but it's still hard letting a fellow musician and friend go. John leaves behind two bands, and he was preceded in leaving by a few others. I've heard Ann Arbor is a nice place - the streets are paved with gold and there are cherubs with lutes in every bar. John is probably sitting at the right hand of a cold Stella right now, ready to plug his guitar in and light up the town. So rock on, John - we'll miss ya. The Forks was a better place for havin' known ya.

Summer Concert in the Garden

2008-07-23T09:10:00.002-05:00

I blogged about this last year, but once again I was fortunate enough to be part of a group that played at the ND Museum of Art's Summer Concert in the Garden series last night. The featured artist was Paul Peterson, a saxophonist, composer, and arranger from St. Paul. He's a hell of a musician, and I got to read a lot of his charts and can say he's a hell of a composer as well.

I got together with Paul, John Behling (guitar), and Mike Blake (drums) over my lunch break to run through the songs as a group. It's funny, because looking at a piece of music, especially a "head chart" (which is chords and melody only), you don't know what path it's going to take when the other guys look at it. Even as we rehearsed, things tightened up - punches became more clear, rhythmic figures took shape, and dynamics came into play.

Later, as we took the stage and had time to let the music simmer in our heads all afternoon, the songs often took an entirely different path. Improvisation lends well to this phenomenon as well - when you rehearse you really don't improvise much because of time constraints. However, during the performance, what was a 2-minute song in rehearsal can end up 7-10 minutes long.

Improvisation is something that is dear to me. I think the key word is "improve," because perfection is always beyond reach - and I think necessarily so. There isn't a jazz musician out there that thinks they played a perfect solo at any point in their lives. That may be different from an audience perspective. Take, for instance, Sonny Rollins' solo on St. Thomas, or Miles' solo on All Blues. To many aspiring musicians, these improvised solos are perfection; we often strive to duplicate such moments. The funny thing is that such moments are just that - a moment in time, albeit one that is immortal because of the technology offered in recording, but nonetheless, it was but a moment. If you heard Miles play that song 10 times, you would have heard 10 different solos.

That is the essence of jazz, of improvisation, and especially of live music. Miles may not be around anymore, but he inspired so many and his spirit lives on, along with that of so many others. We are fortunate to have plenty of jazz in Grand Forks and if you haven't seen any, I highly encourage you to. That sounds like a shameless plug, and it is in a way, because big audiences ensure my continued booking as a musician, but it's also a sincere plea because I feel that strongly about jazz. We may not be of Miles' caliber, but we're trying, dang it. :)

So often jazz gets pooh-poohed because it's not hard enough (as in the dynamics of rock music); or too cerebral, too clique-like. That doesn't need to be the case. The next time you have the opportunity to hear live jazz, just close your eyes and listen to the interactions of the musicians - the soloists, the background, the harmonies, the way the melody is changed around each time it's played, the mistakes, the recoveries of those mistakes.

That's what jazz is about. God, I love it.

Farmer's Market

2008-07-14T12:34:00.002-05:00

Unlike the cold, wet, and windy, experience the 229 Groove Collective had at the Grand Forks Farmer's Market two weekends ago, SFI only rated a windstorm. However, the wind failed to keep the patrons and vendors away and it looked like a great still-early-in-the-season turnout. Still Fighting It had a really good time playing and we feel really honored the comments we got.

It's not easy keeping a band together for 3 years, especially when we've weathered the departure of three drummers, and we're, um... Still Fighting It.

Sorry, I couldn't resist. I digress...

I have to give major props to Austin Winger, our new drummer, who I called on Wednesday afternoon to fill in for our outgoing drummer at the Blue Moose on Wednesday night. He did an excellent job and we're excited to have yet another drummer who knows his stuff. It seems like our flavor changes a little every time we switch personnel, so we'll see where it takes us this time around.

Our next pubic show is at the Moose on August 27th, but we're trying to book somewhere mid-August, so hang tight and check back here for updates.

Oh, and remember the Jazz Jam session at the Urban Stampede tonight, 8:00.

That's all - see you soon!

Getting back into it

2008-06-22T09:44:00.004-05:00

My hiatus is nearing its end and I'm itching to play!

Here's a status report:

The 229 Groove Collective is playing at the Farmer's Market next Saturday, June 28th. Come check us out and enjoy the market - hopefully the weather cooperates. We are losing our drummer and guitar player to dreaded outmigration at the end of the summer and wll be starting a search for replacements. If you know anyone, shoot me a message with details on how to get a hold of you or give me a shout at Popplers.

Remember the Urban Jam Session starts on Monday the 30th - 8:00PM. This will be every other Monday - check here or my facebook page if you're unsure of dates. We have a new lineup of musicians in the house band and it promises to be fun every week.

I've been asked to play sax with the Dick King Orchestra out a Turtle River State Park for their annual 4th of July concert on, well, July 4th. This is always a fun gig and it features a full big band comprised of local musicians.

Last, but not least: Still Fighting It has finally found a replacement for our soon-vacant drummer position! Welcome Austin Winger, a UND percussion student and Grand Forks native, to the drummer's throne. We'll be at the Blue Moose on Wednesday, July 9th and the Farmer's Market on July 12th - which will be our old drummer, Matt's, last public gig with us.

Born Anew

2008-06-02T21:29:00.004-05:00

Just poking my head back in during my little hiatus from gigging - I talk to the management at the Urban Stampede and we've come to an agreement that the Jazz Jam will move to every other Monday night @ 8:00, beginning again on June 30th. I figure we all need a little something relaxing on Mondays, so see you then!

Oh, and speaking of new and born: it's a girl!

Very proud papa here!

:)

Quick Updates

2008-05-15T11:12:00.003-05:00

The 229 Groove Collective is playing this Saturday at Suite 49 (9:30). Come on out and chill with us, or shake your butt, or do whatever our music moves you to do. It's all ages, so bring the family.

SFI is at Blue Moose on Wednesday (10:00).

And the 229 is at Sanders next Friday and Saturday (10:00 both nights).

After that I'm taking a month off because my wife and I are having our second child.

I'm also planning on getting the Jazz Jam restarted, but in a slightly diminished fashion, perhaps on a different night as well. I'll post here when I figure out what's going on, so check back for updates.

Hope to see you at the show!

Alex Skolnick

2008-05-12T09:29:00.007-05:00

I have to be honest - I hadn't really heard of this guy before a few months ago; let's just say I'm not the world's biggest thrash-metal afficionado. Alex Skolnick popped up on my radar when my Yamaha sales rep called me up and said that they'd like to put on an acoustic guitar clinic featuring him right here at the store. My part-time guys, Josh and Andy, were floored - they knew of Alex from his days with Testament. Sure, let's do the show.

What happened next surprised me: Josh brought in a CD called Last Day in Paradise by the Alex Skolnick Trio. What surprised was that it was a jazz album that takes a different look at popular songs like Rush's "Tom Sawyer" and Testament's "Practice What You Preach" (the latter done as a Samba, which floored me), as well as a lot of original jazz in a progressive jazz/metal-ish sort of slant. Forgive me, but it's hard to correctly label modern jazz and often such labeling puts the music in a box, which I abhor, but I feel the need to describe it in some way. Now, some folks may have a hard time conceptualizing a mixture of jazz and metal; I know I did, but this clinic was about to alleviate that obstacle.

Alex, along with his support crew of Jamie Medina (our Yamaha sales rep), and Mike Tempesta (Yamaha artist relations, and brother of Testament drummer John Tempesta) arrived at Popplers last Wednesday to put on the clinic. Alex started by quoting some riffs from legendary fusion guitarist Al Di Meola and, in doing so, began to illustrate his mental process of combining jazz and metal. Along the way he recommended the audience read a book called "Effortless Mastery" by Kenny Werner, a jazz pianist. This particular book was gifted to me by a former bandmate and had been collecting dust because, frankly, I've been too afraid to dig into my subconscious musical mind. In actuality, after reading through the first quarter of the book this last week, I'm finding that it's exactly what I needed. I'll blog about that another time; back to the clinic.

Alex then took a riff from one of my favorite jazz albums: Chick Corea and Bobby McFerrin's (yes, the "Don't Worry, be Happy" guy) Play. In that album there is a lick that Chick plays (a Chick Lick?) on his composition entitled "Spain" that has always blown my mind. To my delight, it was this same lick that Alex electronically slowed down and turned into a couple of Metal riffs right on the spot, which was not only cool to hear, but inspiring to boot. Who knew that jazz could influence metal - and that metal could influence jazz. It was a clinic that both inspired me and opened my eyes; I'm now a follower of Skolnick - even if I'm a lowly pianist!

On a side note, we took them to Sanders after the clinic and they throughly enjoyed the food, drinks, and service - this coming from guys who live in New York, LA, and Milwaukee. So some (not surprised) props to the staff there!

Meltdown Fest

2008-04-30T10:11:00.003-05:00

Popplers had our first Meltdown Fest last Saturday, which featured 8 local and one formerly local-ish metal bands. The show rocked; my ears are still bleeding. In fact, my 15,000-watt PA system with only the vocals running through it barely kept up with the backline gear from the bands. We're talking on the order of 125dB of metal!

The turnout was okay in the middle of the show, but I felt bad for the groups who played before 1:00. I think next time that'll be our start time as people don't seem to want to get out of bed before noon - a sentiment I thoroughly understand. But it went well enough that we're planning another show for sometime in the late summer/early fall timeline. It might not be exclusively metal next time, but we're going to start working on booking bands in the next couple of months. We do, however, plan on doing the Meltdown Fest as an annual April metal show.

Regardless, we've proven to ourselves that we can host these types of things, so sky's the limit! Hope to see you at the next one.

Oh yeah, the bands that played:

The Bismarck
7Kane
Inkedindecision
A Bitter Hostility
The Offensive
Kentucky Sound Arsenal
Symbiont
Wheat Missile
Surrounded by Silence

Great job to all!

229 Groove Collective

2008-04-09T14:10:00.002-05:00

I've officially named my side-band.

We'll be laying down the jams this weekend at Sanders if you're in the mood to have great food, drinks, and fun music in a casual atmosphere. The 229 features John Behling on guitar and Chris Tanzey on trumpet as well as Steve Carriere on bass, Zach Spicer on drums, and me on keyboards. These guys are phenomenal players and if I haven't mentioned it already, Chris is pretty new to town and if you haven't seen him yet, prepare to be blown away.

See you there.

Weekly music digest and a note - April 7

2008-04-07T10:22:00.006-05:00

Hey, I know it's a Monday, but with the Curling Championship in town I decided to post the weekly shows today in the interest of drumming up more support for local music.

You may have noticed I changed the format a little - I alluded to this before, but I'm basically C&Ping from Popplers Myspace site, with hopes that my blog will continue to reach additonal music-lovers out there that the store might miss. The weekly digest is also posted on our bulletin board at Popplers.

I'm going to try to stay on top of this every week and may do it as a Monday-morning ritual instead of Wednesday, when things are often hectic at work.

Here goes:

Monday Apr 7, 2008

Woodwind/Brasswind Ensemble Recital @ Josephine Campbell Recital Hall (UND) - 7:30P

Tuesday Apr 8, 2008

Concert @ Eagles - 6 bands @ Eagles Club - 6:00P

Rheude/Christopherson Faculty Recital @ Josephine Campbell Recital Hall (UND) - 7:30P

Open Mic @ Down UNDer - 9:30P

Open Mic @ The Hub Bar - 10:00P

Wednesday Apr 9, 2008

J. Bobby Hamilton @ Diamond Lounge - 9:00P

Open Mic @ Speedway - 9:00P

Grampa’s Amp @ The Blue Moose - 10:00P

Thursday Apr 10, 2008

Still Fighting It @ Broken Broom Lounge (REA) - 3:30P

Schroeder Middle School Musical @ Empire Arts Center - 7:00P

Jazz Jam @ Urban Stampede - 8:00P

Jazz on Tap @ ’l Bistro (Canad Inn) - 8:00P

J. Bobby Hamilton @ Diamond Lounge - 9:00P

Domino Affect @ O’Really’s Irish Pub - 9:00P

Open Mic @ Mike’s Pizza - 9:00P

Friday Apr 11, 2008

Identity 5 @ Longhaul Saloon - 9:00P

Fire @ Charlie Brown’s - 9:00P

J. Bobby Hamilton @ Diamond Lounge - 9:30P

229 Groove Collective @ Sanders - 10:00

Saturday Apr 12, 2008

Still Fighting It @ Broken Broom Lounge (REA) - 5:00P

Grand Forks Metal Fest @ Eagles Club - 6:00P

Identity 5 @ Longhaul Saloon - 9:00P

Fire @ Charlie Brown’s - 9:00P

J. Bobby Hamilton @ Diamond Lounge - 9:30P

Enchanted Ape @ Crosstown Lounge - 10:00P

229 Groove Collective @ Sanders - 10:00P

Sunday April 13, 2008

Hybris, The Offensive, The Neckties, Wheat Missile @ Empire Arts Center - 3:00P

Valley Chordsmen present Strictly A Cappella @ Red River High School Theater - 4:00P

This Weekend's Music Buzz: March 27

2008-03-27T15:04:00.002-05:00

Thursday Mar 27, 2008

Jazz Jam @ Urban Stampede 8:00P

River City Jazz Trio @ ’l Bistro (Canad Inn) 8:00P

Open Mic @ Mike’s Pizza 9:00P

Whiskey Sam @ Diamond Lounge 9:30P

The King’s Head @ O’Really’s Irish Pub 10:00P

Friday Mar 28, 2008

Rock Show feat. 7 Bands @ Eagles Club 7:00P

Wise Guys @ Long Haul Saloon 9:00P

J. Bobby Hamilton @ Charlie Brown’s 9:00P

Still Fighting It @ Sanders 1907 9:30P

Whiskey Sam @ Diamond Lounge 9:30P

Saturday, Mar 29 2008

March Music Madness feat. 6 Bands @ Eagles Club 6:00P

Wise Guys @ Long Haul Saloon 9:00P

J. Bobby Hamilton @ Charlie Brown’s 9:00P

Whiskey Sam @ Diamond Lounge 9:30P

Matt Strand Group @ Sanders 1907 9:30P

Monday Mar 31, 2008

Faster On Building w/ Bradley Hathaway @ The Armory (UND Campus) 7:00P

Tuesday Apr 1, 2008

Open Mic @ Down UNDer 9:30P

Open Mic @ The Hub 10:00P

Bizzar-o week: A new side-band and The Light Friday

2008-03-17T11:02:00.005-05:00

I was commenting to Steve, our bass player that this week was bizzaro week: up is down, left is right, cats and dogs living together, you get the picture.

SFI was supposed to play the Moose on Wednesday night, but both Jarrod and Matt (the drummer) were ill, so I called in a couple of guys I jam with: John Behling on guitar, Steve Carriere on bass, and Zach Spicer on drums (talented young dude, keep an eye out for this guy!). We threw together a rough set list and completely winged it for the night, but it was a good time and we talked about doing this again, as a side project.

As Thursday rolled around, Jarrod and Matt both expressed concern about Friday night's planned gig at Suite 49. Unfortunately the guys I called on Wednesday night were not available to cover again, so I called and cancelled it.

However, it just so happens that a co-worker of mine plays in a similarly-styled band called The Light Friday. I'd heard these guys on Myspace and know a couple of them, so I figured I'd suggest to Suite 49 that they play as a replacement for SFI. I also offered to mix the band because, well, I had nothing else to do and really wanted to see them play.

It turns out, not surprisingly, that these guys (and gal) are really, really good. They play a mixture of acoustic-rock covers from bands like Dave Matthews, Coldplay, and Lynyrd Skynrd, as well as a handful of well-written originals. If you haven't seen them yet, make sure you do - they'll be at the Loading Dock in the Memorial Union this Tuesday.

Saturday morning I got a phone call from Suite 49 asking me if I could get my side-band together to cover for Jarrod, who was supposed to play a solo act at the Ralph (during the Sioux game), but was still sick. So I called the guys and they were available. I also called Chris Tanzey, who is a grad student at UND Music - he plays a killer trumpet in just about every style imaginable: jazz, rock, whatever.

I like having as many people as possible on stage - "the more, the merrier," as they say - the only limiting factor being the split at the end of the night. Having all those folks on stage allows for a lot of creativity and versatility as everyone brings something different to the table. Saturday night was no exception as we were able to cover songs from Steely Dan's "Josie" and Sublime's "What I Got," to Pee-Wee Ellis' "The Chicken" and Herbie Hancock's "Chameleon."
It seemed the audience dug what we were in to, but most of all we had a really good, funky, time and I think this little side project is around to stay.

So, out of an expected weekend of playing two SFI dates, I unexpectedly started a side band and got to hear a fun new band. If you asked me a week ago if that was going to happen I would have told you you were out of your mind: Bizzar-o.

SFI will be back at Sanders on Friday, March 28 - don't miss it!

Upcoming Shows: February 28 thru March 4

2008-02-28T11:21:00.002-06:00

Thursday, Feb 28 2008

Jazz Jam @ Urban Stampede - 8:00P

River City Jazz Trio @ ’l Bistro (Canad Inn) - 8:00P

Open Mik Night @ Mike’s Pizza - 9:00P

The King’s Head @ O’Really’s Irish Pub - 10:00P

Friday, Feb 29 2008

Concert @ EGF Eagles Club @ Eagles Club - 6:00P

School House Rock, Jr. - The Musical @ Fire Hall Theatre - 7:30P

Still Fighting It @ Sanders 1907 - 10:00P

Saturday, Mar 1 2008

School House Rock, Jr. - The Musical @ Fire Hall Theatre - 7:30P

Recital - Livingood & Pfeifer @ Josephine Campbell Recital Hall (UND Campus) - 7:30P

Jarrod Schell @ Sanders 1907 - 9:00P

Sunday, Mar 2 2008

School House Rock, Jr. - The Musical @ Fire Hall Theatre - 2:00P

TobyMac & Jeremy Camp @ Alerus Center - 6:00P

Monday, Mar 3 2008

Middle School Choral Festival @ Chester Fritz Auditorium 7:00P

Pluckstruck @ Tabula - 7:00P

Tuesday, Mar 4 2008

Open Mic @ The Hub - 10:00P

Grammy Awards

2008-02-11T14:16:00.000-06:00

For those who didn't watch, Herbie Hancock won for Album of the year for "River: The Joni Letters," which is a fantastic album. If you don't have it, get it.

Anyway, it's only the second time a jazz album won that honor, and I'm really, really happy for Herbie. What an awesome musician!

NAMM Show

2008-02-11T13:28:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago I was in Anaheim, CA for the Winter NAMM show. As I alluded to before, this is a colossal event - probably the second-biggest music gear show in the world, and definitely the biggest in North America.

It's like any other trade convention in that manufacturers from near and far are peddling their wares to retail buyers such as myself. While there, I get to wear the coveted blue badge, which elicits solicitation from the sales-types: "Hi... Matt, are you interested in carrying this, the latest line of nose flutes?"

"No, thanks... um, could you point me toward the Moog booth?"

Needless to say, to a gearhound like me, it's heaven. Literally every current piece of musical gear can be found in the cavernous 1.2-million square-foot convention center. Yeah, that's a quarter-mile of gear and aging rock stars. A fun activity is to watch all the cats who were semi-famous and still have that long-hair, leather pants, strung-out look. Paul Stanley and I had a weird eye-contact "moment." I left feeling a little scared, but thanks for that anyway, Paul.

Anyway, glitz and glamour aside, the show was a good place for me to re-center myself in my primary occupation, which is to sell the stuff to folks like you. As I've said somewhere, maybe here, I like to think of myself as more of a faciliatator than a salesman - I am a musician myself and I'd like to think I'm providing a service to those who are in my shoes (or anywhere on that path). The NAMM show usually provides me insight into how to better do that by way of product demonstrations, learning seminars, and general networking with others in the business.

That, and I got to spend a week in my "backyard," (well some may call it the toilet - I am from Northern California) which happened to have a gorgeous week of 75 and sunny - sandwiched between two of the rainiest weeks they've had in 5 years. I rented a Nissan Altima (which pretty much rocked - 500 miles on one tank?!) and spent a couple of days reconnoitering various music stores in the Inland Empire as well as just taking in the sights and sounds of greater L.A. If you don't know - I actually like driving in L.A. There's so much to see and the traffic - as long as you expect it and aren't in a hurry - gives you time to reflect. I've told my wife many times that I just need to get out and drive sometimes.

Eating at TK's burger shack on Huntington Beach was a highlight. Oh, and I consumed lots - I mean lots of Mexican food. I also got to take in a few shows - Joey DeFrancesco's organ trio featuring the legendary George Benson on guitar, and one of my idols, Stevie Wonder, was the special guest at the Yamaha dealer show.

As I said all of this serves to educate and re-focus me so I can do a better job for you. Meanwhile, we picked up a few new product lines: ESP/LTD guitars, and Washburn guitars. There have been some really killer guitars trickling in from these guys and our acoustic room is about as full as it's ever been (over 100 guitars). We also firmed up our commitment to Pearl drums, a brand I can barely keep up with inventory-wise they are so popular.

I also came up with some new programs and projects that will hopefully serve the music community in Grand Forks. The first will be the Popplers Meltdown Fest on Saturday, April 26th - right here in the store. I already have 9 groups signed up to play and there will be food, door prizes, etc. A fun day for sure.

Stay tuned for more. Until then - thanks, L.A., for your hospitality and beautiful weather!

Upcoming shows: February 6 thru 12

2008-02-06T16:38:00.000-06:00

What, no gigs on Friday?

Wednesday, February 6

Open Mic Night @ Speedway - 9:00P

Still Fighting It @ The Blue Moose - 9:00P

Thursday, February 7

Live Jazz @ ’l Bistro (Canad Inn) - 8:00P

Jazz Jam @ Urban Stampede - 8:00P

Open Mik Night @ Mike’s Pizza - 9:00P

Reconcile @ O’Really’s Irish Pub - 9:00P

Driver Mooth @ Crosstown Lounge - 10:00P

Saturday, February 9

Prairiegrass Bluegrass Festival @ Empire Arts Center - 7:00P

North Country Fiddle and Dance with the Tickwood String Band @ Grand Forks Senior Center - 7:30P

Wheat Missile @ Mike’s Pizza & Pub - 10:00P

Grampa’s Amp @ The Hub Bar - 10:30P

Tuesday, February 12

Open Mic Night @ The Hub Bar - 10:00P

Upcoming Shows - Jan 24 thru 29

2008-01-24T12:38:00.000-06:00

It's looking to be a busy music weekend, which is great!

Thursday, January 24th

Jazz Jam @ Urban Stampede - 8:00PM, all ages, no cover

River City Jazz Trio @ ’l Bistro (Canad Inn) - 8:00PM, all ages, no cover

J. Bobby Hamilton @ Diamond Lounge - 9:00PM, 21+

Open Mik Night @ Mike’s Pizza - 9:00PM, all ages, no cover

Jarrod Schell @ O’Really’s - 10:30PM, 21+

Friday, January 25

Ralph Votapek @ Josephine Campbell Recital Hall (UND) - 7:30PM, all ages

J. Bobby Hamilton @ Diamond Lounge - 9:00PM, 21+

Identity 5 @ Long Haul Saloon - 9:00PM, no cover, 21+

Big Bizness @ Charlie Brown’s - 9:00PM, 21+

Saturday, Jan 26

GGF Symphony Orchestra - Legends of the Keyboard @ Empire Arts Center - 7:30PM

Jarrod Schell @ Playmakers at the Canad Inn - 8:00PM

J. Bobby Hamilton @ Diamond Lounge - 9:00PM, no cover, 21+

Identity 5 @ Long Haul Saloon - 9:00PM, no cover, 21+

Big Bizness @ Charlie Brown’s - 9:00PM, 21+

Sunday, January 27

Darrett Adkins @ North Dakota Museum of Art - 2:00PM

GGF Symphony Orchestra - Legends of the Keyboard @ Empire Arts Center - 2:00PM

Tuesday, January 29

Open Mic @ The Hub - 10:00PM, 21+

No weekly digest this week

2008-01-20T03:33:00.000-06:00

Sorry, folks - it's been a busy time out here in CA and I didn't have time to compile the weekly shows. I've been out here since Sunday attending the NAMM show - which is the National Association of Music Merchandisers; roughly, most stores in the country (such as Popplers) browsing and/or meeting with every manufacturer in the country (such as, say, Yamaha, or Fender). To give you an idea of scale, the attendance was nearly 90,000 and the convention center is over 1/4 mile of gear, gear, and more gear. Today I saw both Slash and Paul Stanley, but was not in the two-hour line for autographs, so it was merely eyeballs-on. Needless to say, I've had an incredible week and I've got nothing but good things to share when I get back.

I'm not looking forward to the deep-freeze, though. It's been in the 70's all week here in Orange County and I've been absorbing it as if I still live out here. Which reminds me: my car has been cold-soaking out at GFK. Anyone want to come give me the inevitable jump-start Sunday night around midnight?

Talk to you all soon,

Matt

Upcoming Shows: January 10 thru 17

2008-01-11T12:01:00.000-06:00

It's been busy in the MattFacingSouth house. I'm at the tail-end of a two-week hole where we got back from visitng my folks in California and me heading back out to LA. Thusly, my weekly updates have been a little late in coming. No worries, though - once I get back I promise to take you back to your regularly-scheduled programming.

Hey, by the way - I met a new jazz trumpet player last night who can really play! Look for new stuff to come from this...

Friday, January 11th

Bethany & The Bandits @ Diamond Lounge - 9:30PM, 21+
Fire @ Charlie Brown's - 9:30PM, 21+
Still Fighting It @ Suite 49 - 10:00PM (or after the hockey game). free, all ages

Saturday, January 12th

Bethany & The Bandits @ Diamond Lounge - 9:30PM, 21+
Fire @ Charlie Brown's - 9:30PM, 21+
The Jones Gang @ Crosstown Lounge - 10:00PM. $3, 21+
Jarrod Schell @ Suite 49 - 10:00PM (or after the hockey game). free, all ages

Tuesday, January 15th

Marketplace Talent Competition Finals @ Alerus Center - 7:30PM.
Open Mic @ The Hub - 10:00PM, 21+

Upcoming Shows: January 3rd thru 8th

2008-01-03T15:44:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year!

'Tis a fairly slow week - UND is still on vacation, but there are some really good shows. I'm going to work on getting the Urban Jam to change to Tuesdays because of the conflict with the cool jazz night that recently sprang up at L'Bistro.

Thursday, January 3rd

Jazz Jam @ Urban Stampede - 8:00P, free, all ages - bring your axes!
River City Jazz Trio @ L'Bistro - 8:ooP, free, all ages
The Great Outdoors @ The Diamond - 9:00P, free, 21+

Friday, January 4th

The Roosters at the Bull Riding Challenge @ Alerus Center - 6:30 & 10:00 PM, cost: admission to the Bull Riding challenge, all ages
Union Pulse @ Urban Stampede - 7:00P, free, all ages
The Great Outdoors @ The Diamond - 9:30P, free, 21+

Saturday, January 5th

The Great Outdoors @ The Diamond - 9:30P, free, 21+

Tuesday, January 8th

Open Mike @ The Hub - 10:00P, free, 21+
Open Mic @ Mike's Pizza - 9:00P, free, all ages

Upcoming Shows: December 20-31

2007-12-20T14:45:00.000-06:00

I'll be taking a vacation next week and won't update until Sunday the 30th (at the earliest), so I'm expanding the weekly update by a few days. Have a good Christmas and a Sanders New Year!

Matt

Thursday, December 20th

Jazz Jam @ Urban Stampede - 8:00, free, all ages
Jazz on Tap @ L'Bistro - 8:00, free, all ages
Morriscode @ O'Really's - 9:00, free, 21+
Mischief @ Crosstown Lounge - 10:00, free, 21+

Friday, December 21st

Job Christenson presents Friday Night Holiday Cabaret feat. John Behling, Mike Blake, Alyson Gilbert, Marlys Murphy, and me @ Firehall Theatre - 7:30, $10, all ages
Wisegise @ Longhaul Saloon - 9:00, free, 21+

Saturday, December 22nd

Stuart Rieke @ Porpoura Coffee - 2:00, free, all ages
Wisegise @ Longhaul Saloon - 9:00, free, 21+
Hyentyte @ Crosstown Lounge - 10:00, free, 21+

Wednesday, December 26th

J Bobby Hamilton @ Diamond Lounge - 9:00, free, 21+
Voltaire @ Blue Moose - 10:00, free, 21+

Thursday, December 27th

J Bobby Hamilton @ Diamond Lounge - 9:00, free, 21+

Friday, December 28th

J Bobby Hamilton @ Diamond Lounge - 9:30, free, 21+
Fat Dad @ Crosstown Lounge - 10:00, free, 21+

Saturday, December 29th

J Bobby Hamilton @ Diamond Lounge - 9:30, free, 21+

Monday, December 31st - New Year's Eve

Rudolph Lives @ 414 - 7:00
Wisegise @ American Legion (EGF) - 8:30
Full Tilt @ VFW (EGF) - 9:00
Identity 5 @ Longhaul Saloon - ??
SFI plus horns @ Sanders - 10:00

Upcoming Shows: December 12 thru 18

2007-12-12T15:18:00.000-06:00

Wednesday, December 12th

Still Fighting It @ The Blue Moose - 9:00P, free, all ages

Thursday, December 13th

Jazz Jam @ Urban Stampede - 8:00P, free, all ages - bring your axes - Special Christmas music this week!
June Panic @ Crosstown - 9:00P, free, 21+
WBPN @ Crosstown - 10:00P, free, 21+

Friday, December 14th

Trans-Siberian Orchestra @ Alerus Center - 8:00P, not free, all ages
Greater Grand Forks Master Chorale presents "A Scandinavian Christmas" @ Sacred Heart Auditorium (EGF) - 8:00P, all ages
J Bobby Hamilton @ Charlie Brown's - 9:00P, free, 21+
Seven Dollar Shift (Farewell Show!) @ Crosstown - 10:00P, free, 21+

Saturday, December 15th

J Bobby Hamilton @ Charlie Brown's - 9:00P, free, 21+

Sunday, December 16th

Greater Grand Forks Music Teachers Christmas Recital @ Columbia Mall - 2:00P, free, all ages
Greater Grand Forks Master Chorale presents "A Scandinavian Christmas" @ St. Michael's Church - 8:00P, all ages

Tuesday, December 18th

Grand Forks Central and Red River High Schools present Handel's Messiah @ Chester Fritz Auditorium - 7:30P, $12/$9, all ages

Upcoming Shows: December 5 thru December 12

2007-12-05T09:22:00.000-06:00

Wednesday, December 5th

Loose Change @ Blue Moose - 9:00P, free, all ages
Angela Thompson and Bill Anderson @ Tavern United - 9:00P, free, 21+
ADDED: Hellcats @ Diamond Lounge - 9:00P, free, 21+
Mischief @ Joe Black's - 10:00P free, 21+

Thursday, December 6th

TIME CHANGE: River City Jazz Trio @ L'Bistro - 5:00P, free, all ages
ADDED: Jazz on Tap @ L'Bistro - 8:00P, free, all ages
ADDED: Hellcats @ Diamond Lounge - 9:00P, free, 21+
Still Fighting It @ Crosstown Lounge - 10:00P, free, 21+
Grampa's Amp @ Bonzer's - 10:30P, free, 21+

Friday, December 7th

Kentucky Sound Arsenal w/Rudolph Lives @ American Legion (EGF) - 8:00P, $5
Identity 5 @ Longhaul Saloon - 9:00P, free, 21+
ADDED: Sweet Freedom @ Charlie Brown's - 9:00P, free, 21+
ADDED: Hellcats @ Diamond Lounge - 9:30P, free, 21+

Saturday, December 8th

Identity 5 @ Longhaul Saloon - 9:00P, free, 21+
ADDED: Sweet Freedom @ Charlie Brown's - 9:00P, free, 21+
ADDED: Hellcats @ Diamond Lounge - 9:30P, free, 21+
The North River Ramblers @ The Hub - 10:00P, $2, 21+
Down Lo w/Deploi (CD release party) @ Crosstown Lounge - 10:00P, free, 21+

Sunday, December 9th

Sing for Your Supper feat. Sweet Adelines & Valley Chordsmen @ South Middle School - 3:00P, bring a food item for admission, all ages

Tuesday, December 11th

Jarrod Schell @ Loading Dock (UND Mem'l Union) - 11:30AM, free, all ages
Open Mike Night @ Mike's Pizza - 9:00P, free, all ages

***No Jam at the Urban this week - we'll be back next Thursday***

Popplers Music

2007-11-29T09:55:00.001-06:00

As many of you know, I work at Popplers Music store. Popplers has launched a Myspace page (link here) and Still Fighting It will be sharing data from upcoming shows with Popplers' page and vice-versa. Both of these sites are a great resource for finding out where the music is in town (bands - take note!), not to mention a good way to keep tabs on any specials that may be happening at the store.

I will continue to do my weekly updates and occasional blogs about local music as before. However, it should be noted that my opinions don't reflect those of Popplers Music, etc, etc. Had to get that out of the way...

As you can see from this week's update, the music scene is still growing. The Crosstown is doing gigs 3 or more nights per week now, which is excellent. If you haven't been there, you should check it out. O'Really's and the CanadInn doing music just about every week, too, but the bands playing there aren't good at contacting me... aHEM...

So, let me know where you're at, bands.

That is all. See you guys next week.

Upcoming Shows: November 29 thru December 4

2007-11-29T09:15:00.000-06:00

Thursday, November 29th

UND Student Showcase @ Josephine Campbell Recital Hall - 2:00P, free, all ages
River City Jazz Trio @ L'Bistro - 7:00P, free, all ages
Lorie Line & Her Pop Chamber Orchestra @ Chester Fritz Auditorium - 7:30P
Jazz Jam at Urban Stampede @ Urban Stampede - 8:00P, free, all ages
Public Property @ Crosstown Lounge - 10:00P, free, 21+

Friday, November 30th

UND Madrigal Dinner @ Chester Fritz Auditorium - 7:00P, $40/45, all ages
Job Christenson Presents Friday Night Cabaret @ Fire Hall Theatre - 7:30P, $10, all ages
Lorie Line & Her Pop Chamber Orchestra @ Chester Fritz Auditorium - 7:30P $17-49, all ages
Surrounded by Silence @ Pi Kappa Phi - 9:00P, free
J Bobby Hamilton @ Charley Brown's - 9:00P, free, 21+
Whiskey Vaccine @ Longhaul Saloon - 9:00P, free, 21+
Mischief @ Crosstown Lounge - 10:00p, free, 21+

Saturday, December 1st

Riechel @ @ Josephine Campbell Recital Hall - 2:00P, free, all ages
North Country Fiddle and Dance @ Grand Forks Senior Center - 7:30P, donations accepted
J Bobby Hamilton @ Charley Brown's - 9:00P, free, 21+
Whiskey Vaccine @ Longhaul Saloon - 9:00P, free, 21+
Cornmeal @ Crosstown Lounge - 10:00P, free, 21+
Grampa's Amp @ The Hub - 10:30P, $2, 21+

Sunday, December 2nd

The Christmas Musicale, presented by Thursday Music Club @ United Lutheran Church - 4:00P, all ages, free-will donation
Sugarland @ Ralph Englestad Arena - 8:00P, all ages, $40

Tuesday, December 4th

Pluckstruck @ Tabula - 8:00P, all ages, free
Open Mike Night @ Mike's Pizza - 9:00P, all ages, free

Upcoming Shows - November 21-27

2007-11-21T14:19:00.000-06:00

As is normal for Thanksgiving week, there aren't many shows to speak of. December should be fairly busy, though - I know SFI has plenty going on; don't forget to make plans for New Year's Eve at Sanders.

Have a happy Thanksgiving everybody.

Wednesday, November 21st

Wayne Renn @ Blue Moose - 9:00 PM, free, all ages

Saturday, November 24th

Stuart Rieke @ Potpourra - 2:00 PM, free, all ages
North River Ramblers @ The Hub - 10:00 PM, $2, 21+

Tuesday, November 27th

University Band and Pride of the North band present UND's ExtravaBANDza @ Chester Fritz Auditorium - 7:30 PM, $12/$6/$3, all ages
Open Mike at Mike's Pizza - 9:00 PM, free, all ages
Dirty Sweet @ The Crosstown Lounge - 10:00 PM, $5, 21+

Upcoming shows: November 15th thru 20th

2007-11-15T12:05:00.000-06:00

Sorry, I was pretty busy yesterday - here's the weekly update:

Thursday, November 15th

The Domino Affect @ Loading Dock - 6:00 PM, free, all ages
UND Jazz and Wind Ensembles Concert @ Chester Fritz Auditorium - 7:30 PM, $12/6/3, all ages
Jazz Jam @ Urban Stampede - 8:00 PM, free, all ages
J Bobby Hamilton @ Diamond Lounge - 9:00 PM, free, 21+
Jarrod Schell (solo) @ O'Really's - 9:00 PM, free, 21+
Fat Maw Rooney @ Crosstown Lounge - 10:00 PM, free, 21+

Friday, November 16th

Day of Percussion feat. David Schmallenberger & Orlando Cotto @ UND Memorial Union - 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM, $5, all ages
Wisegise @ Longhaul Saloon - 10:00 PM, free, 21+
J Bobby Hamilton @ Diamond Lounge - 9:30 PM, free, 21+
Jazz on Tap @ Sanders - 9:30 PM, free, all ages
Legionnaires @ Crosstown Lounge - 10:00 PM, free, 21+

Saturday, November 17th

Dingus @ Loading Dock (UND) - 7:00 PM, free, all ages
UND Dance Marathon feat. SFI @ Memorial Union Ballroom - 7:00 PM
Grand Cities Children's Choirs Fall Concert @ United Lutheran - 7:00 PM, donations accepted, all ages
Whiskey Vaccine @ Kelly's Bar - 9:00 PM, 21+
Ben Suchy & Bandwidth @ Suite 49 - 9:00 PM, free, all ages
Wisegise @ Longhaul Saloon - 9:00 PM, free, 21+
J Bobby Hamilton @ Diamond Lounge - 9:30 PM, free, 21+
Jazz on Tap @ Sanders - 9:30 PM, free, all ages
June Panic @ The Hub - 10:00 PM, $2, 21+

Sunday, November 20th

A Work Begun (CD release party) @ NG Armory - 5:30 PM

Monday, November 19th

Red River High School Orchestra Concert @ Empire Arts Center - 7:00 PM, all ages
UND Steel Band @ Chester Fritz Auditorium - 7:30 PM, $12/6/3, all ages

Upcoming Shows: November 7 - 13

2007-11-07T10:29:00.000-06:00

Wednesday, November 7th

Jazz on Tap @ Blue Moose - 9:00 PM, free, all ages (21+ in the bar)

Thursday, November 8th

Student Showcase @ Campbell Recital Hall (UND) - 2:00 PM, free, all ages
Greater Grand Forks Community Theatre presents "Jaques Brel" @ Empire Arts Center - 7:30 PM, $15/$18
Jazz Jam @ Urban Stampede (no John this week - I'll be leading) - 8:00 PM, free, all ages
Sol Spectre @ Crosstown Lounge - 10:00 PM, free, 21+

Friday, November 9th

Greater Grand Forks Community Theatre presents "Jaques Brel" @ Empire Arts Center - 7:30 PM, $15/$18
Jones Gang @ Crosstown Lounge - 10:00 PM, free, 21+

Saturday, November 10th

Greater Grand Forks Community Theatre presents "Jaques Brel" @ Empire Arts Center - 7:30 PM, $15/$18

Sunday, November 11th

Ma'lot Quintet @ ND Museum of Art - 2:00 PM, $15/$13/$5, all ages
Moscow Ballet presents the "Great Russian Nutcracker" @ Chester Fritz Auditorium - 7:30 PM, $22-$67, all ages

Tuesday, November 13th

Student Woodwind/Brasswind concert @ Campbell Recital Hall (UND) - 7:30 PM, free, all ages
Open Mic @ Mike's Pizza - 9:00 PM, free, all ages

Gig report: Red River High School Jazz Bands 11/05/07

2007-11-06T10:31:00.000-06:00

The Red River jazz bands played their Fall concert last night at the Empire. Leading off the night was the Freshman jazz ensemble, directed by Chris Larsen. They played about six songs and featured a bunch of soloists. Soloing is one of those things that people tend to take for granted. It's not easy for a kid to step in front of a band and wail away without any music in front of him or her. Even more daunting is when there are 250 friends and family members watching you do it! I remember my first solo so long ago (7th grade - I actually have a VHS of it) - Glenn Miller's arrangement of "Little Brown Jug." How nervous I was - and it didn't go very awesomely. But last night there were a few freshmen that really stood out - they had control of their instruments and communicated some pretty good ideas - I'm watching for these guys to make a big impact on the local jazz scene in the near future.

The Intermediate Jazz Ensemble was next (Bruce Morlock directed) and despite having only one trombone (and kudos to that dude for being a rockstar), they had a big sound. There weren't quite as many soloists in this band - but they did very well, and solos alone are not a measure of musicianship - these guys and gals were a pretty tight-sounding ensemble. I recall at that age making my musical world revolve around soloing so much that I'd slack on the ensemble playing. Don't ever forget that it's a band, not a one-person show. Ever. These kids exemplified that. My hat is off.

The Rider Jazz Ensemble (Chris Larsen directed) wrapped up the night. I was really impressed by a piece they played called "Blue Opening" by Ike & Fred Sturm. It was a very skulky, funky, mixed-meter piece. I wish I'd gotten to play something like that back in High School. There were lots of soloists in this group and they all did well.

If I could proffer one piece of criticism, and this is something that has become a pattern in my criticism, is that the sound was not very balanced. I know the Empire is a big theatre and there are many opportunities for reverb, slapback, and feedback, but some of the soloists actually hurt my ears because they were so loud. Sound reinforcement is often something that gets somewhat passed over in the big preparation to put on a good show. I mean, how often does any band practice with a system set up? But because it's something that has the potential to make or break a show, I'd highly recommend every band to practice with a PA, to analyze the sound and make necessary adjustments (before the show), and to hire someone that knows your band (and your requirements) - and pay them well! :) [EDIT: This goes for any band on any night - I'm not trying to single anyone out here, it's just a soapbox issue of mine]. Anyway, I wouldn't go as far as to say it broke the show - far from it - but it was distracting.

In addition, the bass was kind of muddled in the mix. The low tones emanating from that cabinet way in the back of the stage propagate much more slowly than the high notes coming from, say, the trumpets, which causes the sound to be muddy. Also, the player was standing pretty much in front of the cab (from the perpective of many audience members), which actually blocks any high frequencies that come out. If the amp has a direct output, I'd use it - mixing a bass into the house PA adds a lot of clarity. If nothing else, get that amp more toward the front of the stage and unobstructed.

That's just my two cents. It was good to get out for a change and see young people that are so dedicated to jazz - that's something that is so important to me that I can barely describe it. I hope my son has the same opportunities these kids do when he is old enough to play. I hope he is surrounded by other players that share a passion for jazz as these players and directors do.

Way to go, Red River - looking forward to the Myra festival!

A breather!

2007-11-06T09:42:00.000-06:00

Have I mentioned how much I love to play music? This blog is so often about what is going on in town; sometimes I forget to talk about how much music means to me.

SFI played back-to-back shows on Friday night - first at Englestad Arena while UND was trouncing Colorado College (sadly, a feat not to be repeated on Saturday), then we had about 30 minutes to pack up, unpack, and sound check at Suite 49 for another two hours of playing. It came out during the course of a conversation with my sister-in-law during a set break that I was indeed exhausted - my legs were on fire for standing at work + Englestad + Suite 49 all day. But when the next set resumed I was all energy again. To put it bluntly - there is nothing, repeat nothing, that motivates me, that energizes me like music does. And I love it. How many times can I play Mary Jane's Last Dance and still look forward to it? Can I expect to spend hours upon hours preparing charts for a band? Or how often do I want to get paid next to nothing to play a jam session with a group of (dedicated and talented) high schoolers?

The answer is always. Music does that to me.

In fact, I was going to write how much I'd like music to motivate me to mow my lawn - but I just realized that ever since I got an iPod, I actually look forward to mowing or snowblowing. Hah!

I titled this post "a breather" because SFI is not booked for the next two weeks and somehow that makes me feel less busy, like my schedule is breathing. But as I started writing, it was apparent that I'm still busy with music: I have four students on two different nights (and I'm willing to take more - email me); we're gearing up for the New Years Gig at Sanders, which, by the way, should be a lot of fun; and of course the Urban jam session is every Thursday.

I also have been really motivated to practice lately, and God knows I could use it! I just picked up Band in a Box and I've been messing around with it in the studio until 1:00 AM almost every night for the past few weeks. If you're not familiar with the program, you should check it out - it's pretty self-explanatory, but to summarize: it's a band in a box. That oughta clear it up.

SFI is also ready to head into the practice space to pull up some new music, which reminds me: any requests or ideas? We've been getting a lot of requests for country lately, which is good, but a little out of my normal comfort zone. I guess that doesn't matter much because I like to try different things (see, music motivates me again). Jarrod is ready to go a little in that direction (don't worry if you're used to our "normal" stuff - it'll still be there), and it'll be a good change-up.

In the meantime, there are bands around town that I'd like to catch, so maybe this is a good time for the two Friday nights I now have open. Any recommendations?

So, what about you? I'd like to get more feedback from the music lovers out there: does music energize you? Motivate you? Does music intertwine into nearly every aspect of your life?

That's all for this post.

Upcoming Shows: October 31 - November 6

2007-10-31T09:43:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, October 31st

Fall Fest feat. A Work Begun, Jamie Mulligan, Tunnels 2000, The Consumption @ 414 - 7:00 PM, all ages, $4
CORRECTION: The Domino Affect @ Blue Moose - 9:00 PM, free (thanks, Bill!)
Mischief @ Diamond Lounge - 9:00 PM, 21+
Gold Standard & June Panic @ Crosstown Lounge - 9:00 PM, 21+
Full Tilt @ Longhaul Saloon - 9:30 PM, 21+

Thursday, November 1st

Jazz Jam @ Urban Stampede - 8:00 PM, all ages, free
Mischief @ Diamond Lounge - 9:00 PM, 21+
Gold Standard @ Crosstown Lounge - 9:00 PM, 21+
MOVED: ~~Open Mic @ Mike's Pizza - 9:00 PM~~
Jazz on Tap @ L'Bistro - 9:00 PM, all ages, free

Friday, November 2nd

Expressions (multiple artists) @ The Loading Dock - 7:00 PM
Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra presents "Spooky Nights" @ Chester Fritz Auditorium - 7:00 PM
Mischief @ Diamond Lounge - 9:00 PM, 21+
Identity 5 @ Longhaul Saloon - 9:00 PM, 21+
Still Fighting It feat. Jarrod Schell @ Suite 49 - 10:00 PM, all ages, free

Saturday, November 3rd

Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra presents "Spooky Nights" @ Empire Theatre - 7:30 PM, $15/10/5, all ages
North Country Fiddle and Barn Dance @ Grand Forks Senior Center - 7:30 PM
Identity 5 @ Longhaul Saloon - 9:00 PM, 21+
We The Living @ Loading Dock - 9:00 PM
Jarrod Schell (solo) @ Suite 49 - 10:00 PM, all ages, free

Sunday, November 4th

Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra presents "Spooky Nights" @ Empire Theatre - 2:00 PM, $15/10/5, all ages

Monday, November 5th

Pluckstruck @ Tabula - 8:00 PM, all ages, free
Red River High School Jazz Bands @ Empire Theatre - 7:30 PM

Tuesday, November 6th

UND Chamber Orchestra @ Campbell Recital Hall (Hughes Fine Arts Center - UND) - 7:30 PM, $6/$3
MOVED: Open Mic @ Mike's Pizza - 9:00 PM (New, permanent night and time - thanks, Julie!)

Upcoming Shows - Oct 25th thru 30th

2007-10-25T10:17:00.000-05:00

Sorry, it's been a heck of a last two weeks - I've been musically committed nearly every day. Yesterday was my first day off in a while and I reveled in it by not going to work or doing my normal Wednesday update.

But things musical are still going well in this town and interest in music, from both audiences and musicians alike, is strong - I can't complain about that!

Getting back to normality - here is your weekly update:

Thursday, October 25th

Pro Musica feat. Job Christenson @ First Presbyterian Church - 7:30PM, $10/$5
Mercy Me @ Chester Fritz Auditorium - 7:30PM $27/$23
Jazz Jam @ Urban Stampede - 8:00PM, free, all ages (I won't be there again as I've been called to fill in w/ Jazz on Tap - next week, I promise).
Jazz on Tap @ L'Bistro (Canad Inn) - 8:00PM, free, all ages
Crimson Betty @ Mike's Pizza - 9:30PM, beer donation requested
Peat Moss & Bucket of Blues @ O'Really's - 10:00PM, free, 21+
Johnson Family Band @ Crosstown Lounge - 10:00PM, free, 21+

Friday, October 26th

J Bobby Hamilton @ Charley Brown's - 9:00PM, free, 21+
Still Fighting It feat. Jarrod Schell @ Sanders - 10:00PM, free, all ages

Saturday, October 27th

J Bobby Hamilton @ Charley Brown's - 9:00PM, free, 21+
Jarrod Schell (solo) @ Sanders - 10:00PM, free, all ages
Grampa's Amp @ Bonzer's - 10:00PM, 21+

Sunday, October 28th

Greater Grand Forks Master Chorale presents "Passport to Choral Music" @ Sacred Heart Church Auditorium (EGF) - 7:30PM, all ages

Tuesday, October 30th

"I Love a Piano - the music of Irving Berlin" @ Chester Fritz Auditorium - 7:30PM, all ages, $35/30/20/15

Upcoming Shows: October 17-23

2007-10-17T11:28:00.001-05:00

Wednesday, October 17th

A Work Begun, Rhyme and Reason, Noise Union @ Fourfourteen - 9:00 PM
The Light Friday @ UND Quad (behind Twamley) - 7:00 PM
Still Fighting It feat. Jarrod Schell @ Blue Moose - 9:00 PM, free, 21+ in bar/all ages in restaurant

Thursday, October 18th

UND Music Dept. Student Showcase @ Hughes Fine Arts Center (UND) - 2:00 PM, free
James Talley @ Empire Arts Center - 7:30 PM, $10
UND All Choirs Concert @ United Lutheran - 7:30 PM, $6/$3
Jazz Jam feat. John Behling (I'm not there this week) @ Urban Stampede - 8:00 PM, free, all ages
Crimson Betty @ Mike's Pizza - 9:30 PM
Mischief @ Crosstown Lounge - 10:00 PM, free, 21+

Friday, October 19th

Friday Night Cabaret feat. Job Christenson, Anne Christopherson, and Pluckstruck @ Fire Hall Theatre - 7:30 PM, $10, all ages
Jazz on Tap feat. Denny Connolly on Sax (and me on bass!) @ Sanders - 9:30 PM, free, all ages

Saturday, October 20th

Kenyon Wilson tuba concert @ Hughes Fine Arts Center (UND) - 4:00 PM
Jazz on Tap feat. Denny Connolly on Sax (and me on bass!) @ Sanders - 9:30 PM, free, all ages

Monday, October 22nd

Maierdown @ Tabula - 8:00 PM, free, all ages

Tuesday, October 23rd

Dr. Niskala piano recital @ Hughes Fine Arts Center (UND) - 4:00 PM $6/$3
The Light Friday @ Tabula - 7:00 PM, free, all ages

Upcoming shows: October 10-16

2007-10-10T10:05:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, October 10th

Seven Dollar Shift @ Joe Black's - 10:00 PM, free, 21+
Robin Smith @ The Blue Moose - 11:00 PM, free, 21+

Thursday, October 11th

Trumpet Studio Recital @ Hughes Fine Arts Center (UND) - 7:30 PM, free, all ages

Grand Forks City Band @ The Empire Arts Center - 7:30 PM, free, all ages

Brad Paisley @ The Ralph - 7:30 PM, $43.50/$28, all ages

Jazz Jam feat. John Behling and MattFacingSouth @ The Urban Stampede - 8:00 PM, free, all ages

Open Mik Night @ Mike's Pizza - 9:00 PM, free

Driver Mooth @ Crosstown Lounge - 10:00 PM, free, 21+

Friday, October 12th

Julie Moffitt @ Memorial Union (UND) - 11:30 AM, free, all ages
Still Fighting It @ Suite 49 - 9:00 PM, free, all ages

Saturday, October 13th

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (musical) @ The Chester Fritz Auditorium - 3:00 PM, $16 or $50 per 4, all ages
North Country Fiddle and Barn Dance @ GF Senior Center - 7:30 PM, donation at the door, all ages
Morriscode feat. Robert Morris @ Empire Arts Center - 8:00 PM, $10, all ages
Wookiefoot @ Crosstown Lounge - 10:00 PM, free, +
Grampa's Amp @ The Hub - 10:30 PM, $2, 21+

Sunday, October 14th

Hugo Wolf String Quartet @ North Dakota Museum of Art - 2:00 PM, $15/$13/$5, all ages
Oak Ridge Boys @ The Chester Fritz Auditorium - 7:30 PM, $40.50/$30.50, all ages

Monday, October 15th

Michael Whisler @ Tabula (UND) - 7:00 PM, free, all ages

Tuesday, October 16th

Just Dessert Fundraiser feat. GF Master Chorale @ ND Museum of Art - 7:00 PM, free-will donation to benefit Northwood, all ages
Twin Forks Chorus of Sweet Adelines guest night @ Zion Methodist Church - 7:00 PM
Faculty Brass Quintet @ Hughes Fine Arts Center (UND) - 7:30 PM, $6/$3, all ages

SFI gig announcement

2007-10-04T13:22:00.000-05:00

Jarrod is still fighting a cold from last week that left him fairly mute, so instead of playing this Friday (Oct 5th) at Suite 49, we're going to be playing next Friday (the 12th). Thanks to Matt at Suite 49 for being so gracious about this!

Good music week

2007-10-03T11:43:00.000-05:00

Last week was indeed a good music week. Perhaps it was because of UND's homecoming, but I'd like to think that right now in GF, there is quite an appetite for good music, and bands to satiate it.

Case in point - I declined to go hunting with my wife on Saturday morning because I didn't get home from Sanders until about 3:00AM. So I had a day with no child, no wife, and no gigs.

So I ventured down to the Farmers Market to catch The Midnights and perhaps buy some of that "peaches and cream" corn that's been sold 'round here lately. I struck out on the latter effort - maybe it's all gone for the season... maybe it blew away with all that wind. I was very pleased, however, to find out that the Midnights - featuring fellow local blogger Coffee Guy - are pretty darn good. I would describe their sound as "electric Dylan." CG added that they are also influenced by the Byrds and early Springsteen, which I can totally hear as well. Pulsing rhythm, raw vocals, and engaging harmonies kept my toes tapping; the crowd (those that could stand the late-season heat and wind) was pretty hooked, too.

The best part was that they're all original, baby! That's what we need a lot more of - and I'll take it when I can get it. It was good to be able to catch them at a time other than midnight - when I'm usually either sleeping or gigging.

Anyway, check them out when you get a chance - you won't be disappointed.

There are some good shows this week, too. I have to plug my band because we're playing an all-ages show at Suite 49 this Friday. Also, check out the Jazz Jam at the Urban - jazz is one of those genres that many people don't realize they would appreciate, mainly due to lack of exposure. Every week, right here in GF, we have jazz played by a house band with quite a bit of experience as well as an opportunity for pretty much anybody to come up and sit in with us. Even if you don't like jazz - there's good coffee. See you there.

Upcoming Shows: October 3rd through 9th

2007-10-03T11:20:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, October 3rd

Jazz on Tap @ Blue Moose - 9:00 PM. free. all ages/21+ in the bar

Thursday, October 4th

UND Wind Ensemble and University Band @ Chester Fritz Auditorium - 7:30 PM. $6 adult/$3 student/$12 family
Jazz Jam @ Urban Stampede - 8:00 PM. free. all ages - bring your axes!
Driver Mooth @ Crosstown - 9:00 PM. free. 21+
Open Mik Night @ Mike's Pizza - 9:00 PM
The Legionnaires @ Crosstown - 10:00 PM. free. 21+

Friday, October 5th

POSTPONED until 10/12: ~~Still Fighting It @ Suite 49 - 9:00 PM. free. all ages~~
June Panic @ The Hub - 10:00 PM. $3. 21+

Saturday, October 6th

Sweet Adelines @ Empire Arts Center - 3:00 PM. all ages
Rock 4 Sk8 feat: Dingus, Camera Can’t Lie, Battlefields, A Work Begun, Kentucky Sound Arsenal @ Crookston Armory (Crookston) - 6:30 PM. $5. all ages
Sweet Adelines @ Empire Arts Center - 7:30 PM. all ages
Enchanted Ape @ Crosstown - 10:00 PM. 21+

Sunday, October 7th

Jennifer Shaw @ Hope Evangelical Covenant Church - 6:00 PM. all ages
Kai Robert Johansen (Norwegian recording artist) @ Burtness Lab theater (UND) - 7:00 PM. free. all ages

Monday, October 8th

Julie Moffitt @ UM Crookston Student Center (Crookston) - 11:00 AM.

Tuesday, October 9th

Julie Moffitt @ Mayville State University (Mayville) - 7:00 PM

Benefit show for Northwood at the Fritz

2007-09-28T09:27:00.000-05:00

Hey, I just wanted to let you all know that this Sunday there will be a Northwood benefit show at the Chester Fritz. Jarrod Schell and SFI will be playing at 2:00, and other, larger acts include: Noel Haggard, Billy Cate, Kassi Whatley, The Woods Family, Willie Williams and his Conway Twitty tribute show, the Barry Brown rock band, Donna Carol, and Justin Cruz.

The whole thing kicks off at noon - admission is $10 and you can make an additional free will donation if you choose.

Upcoming Shows: September 26th thru October 2nd

2007-09-26T09:03:00.001-05:00

Wednesday, September 26th

J. Bobby Hamilton @ The Diamond Lounge - 9:00 PM. free. 21+
Oktoberfest! Cathy Erickson Polka Band @ Blue Moose - 9:00 PM. free. 21+ in the Back 40 bar.

Thursday, September 27th

Jazz Jam Session @ Urban Stampede - 8:00 PM. free. all ages - bring your axes!
Hybrid Soul (CD Release Party) @ The Loading Dock - 8:00 PM. free
Waterhole Left @ Suite 49 - 8:00 PM
Icebreaker @ Suite 49 - 9:00 PM
Deuces Wild Dueling Pianos @ Buck's - 9:00 PM. $6 advance / $9 at door. 21+
J. Bobby Hamilton @ The Diamond Lounge - 9:00 PM. free. 21+
Seven Dollar Shift @ Crosstown Lounge - 10:00 PM. free. 21+

Friday, September 28th

John Behling Trio @ ND Museum of Art - 7:30 PM. free. all ages
J. Bobby Hamilton @ The Diamond Lounge - 9:00 PM. free. 21+
Still Fighting It feat. Jarrod Schell @ Sanders 1907 - 10:00 PM. free. all ages
ADDED: UND steel drum band, Tom Brousseau @ University Park - 7:30 PM. $5. open to alumni, family, and friends

Saturday, September 29th

The Midnights @ Town Square (Farmer's Market) - 11:00 AM. free. all ages
Gear Daddies @ Chester Fritz Auditorium - 7:30 PM. $25/20. all ages
Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra "Down a River of Time" feat. Oboist Andrea Gullickson - @ Empire Theater - 7:30 PM. unknown ticket prices
Prudence Johnson @ Mayville State Univ. - 7:30 PM $12.50/$5. all ages
Flood Stage Concert feat. Johnny Holm Band @ Town Square - 8:30 PM. $10
J. Bobby Hamilton @ The Diamond Lounge - 9:00 PM. free. 21+
Jarrod Schell (solo) @ Sanders 1907 - 10:00 PM. free. all ages
Heavy J and the Fantastics @ Crosstown Lounge - 10:00 PM. free. 21+
The Midnights @ The Hub - 12:00 midnight (apropos time, but technically Sunday morning). 21+

Sunday, September 30th

ADDED: Northwood Tornado Benefit for Hope feat. Noel Haggard, Billy Cate, Kassi Whatley, The Woods Family, Willie Williams and his Conway Twitty tribute show, the Barry Brown rock band, Donna Carol and Justin Cruz, and Still Fighting It @ Chester Fritz Auditorium - 12:00 PM. $10. all ages
Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra "Down a River of Time" feat. Oboist Andrea Gullickson - @ Empire Theater - 2:00 PM. unknown ticket prices

Tuesday, October 2nd

Pluckstruck @ Tabula - 8:00 PM. free. all ages

Who says there's nothing going on in Grand Forks?!

UPDATED Upcoming Shows: September 19-25

2007-09-19T12:52:00.001-05:00

Wednesday, September 19th

Jarrod Schell (solo) @ Tavern United (CanadInn) - 6:00 PM
Peat Moss @ Blue Moose - 9:00 PM, all ages/21+ in bar, free
Driver Mooth @ Crosstown - 9:00 PM, 21+, free
Fat Maw Rooney @ Crosstown - 10:00 PM, 21+, free

Thursday, September 20th

Northwood Tornado relief concert feat. Little Bobby and the Storm, The Woodticks and Prairie Rose @ Empire Theater - 7:30 PM, all ages, $5
Jazz Jam Session @ Urban Stampede - 8:00 PM, all ages, free. Bring your axes!
ADDED: Jazz on Tap @ L'Bistro (CanadInn)
ADDED: King's Head @ Tavern United (CanadInn)
The Domino Affect @ Mike's Pizza - 9:00 PM, free
Carl Clinton and the Great Divide @ Crosstown - 9:00 PM, 21+, free
WBPN @ Crosstown - 10:00 PM, 21+, free

Friday, September 21st

Friday Night Cabaret feat. Job Christenson @ Fire Hall Theatre 7:30 PM, all ages, $10
Barn Dance and Concert feat. North Country Fiddle and Dance @ Grand Forks Senior Center - 7:30 PM, $5 donation
J Bobby Hamilton @ Charley Brown's - 9:00 PM, 21+, free
Identity 5 @ Longhaul Saloon - 9:00 PM, 21+

Saturday, September 22nd

J Bobby Hamilton @ Charley Brown's - 9:00 PM, 21+, free
Identity 5 @ Longhaul Saloon - 9:00 PM, 21+
Blind Joe @ Suite 49 - 9:00 PM, all ages, free
Angela Thompson, Montana Kris, Chris Erickson, Hasty Ladies, Wheat Missile, June Panic & the Learning Curve @ The Hub - 9:00 PM, 21+, $3

Tuesday, September 25th

The Light Friday @ Tabula - 7:00 PM, all ages, free

Upcoming Shows: September 12 - 18

2007-09-12T11:03:00.001-05:00

Wednesday, September 12th

Blue Man Group @ Alerus Center - 7:30 PM. tickets through Ticketmaster
Jazz on Tap @ Blue Moose - 9:00 PM. free, 21+ in bar

Thursday, September 13th

Jazz Jam Session @ Urban Stampede - 8:00. free. all ages. Bring your axes!
Open Mic night @ Mike's Pizza - 9:00. free
Driver Mooth @ Crosstown - 9:00. 21+
Gypsy Foot @ Crosstown - 10:00. $5. 21+

Friday, September 14th

Wisegise @ Longhaul Saloon - 9:00 PM. Free. 21+
Ernie Andrews with the Fargo Jazz Arts Big Band @ Fargo Theatre - 8:00 PM. Tickets - 218.359.4529 **

Saturday, September 15th

Potato Bowl Parade downtown GF & EGF - 9:30 PM, not necessarily a musical event, but the New Horizons band will be playing, and they're really neat - especially if you know their story.
Penumbra @ Town Square - 11:00 AM. free. all ages
Wisegise @ Longhaul Saloon - 9:00 PM. free. 21+

Tuesday, September 18th

Ridma - The Rythms of Sri Lanka featuring the Thalgahagoda Dance Troupe @ Chester Fritz Auditorium - 7:00 PM. free

** Normally I don't post out-of-town shows, but look to see jazz stuff on here from time to time as it's my "thing."

Project time

2007-09-12T09:55:00.000-05:00

It's project time again: I've been asked to put together a funk band for a New Year's Eve celebration.

If you're not familiar - I used to have a band called Groove Union and back in the day (yeah, I'm getting old enough to say that - get off my lawn!) we had a blast playing stuff from Tower of Power, Earth Wind & Fire, Al Green, Stevie Wonder, and just about any cool horn band you could think of.

Often, John Behling and I will head over to Rhombus Guys after the Thursday Night Jazz Jam (at the Urban, every Thursday, 8:00, bring your axes). So Thursday two weeks ago we were picking at some nachos and I started pining to do the funk band thing again. I think I was talking about the PTSF concert last month and how it kind of inspired me to do that again. I guess I just miss that type of music, it's kind of my center - I like to move to it. That back-beat gets down in your soul and the horns come and blow it away up top, so it makes you move. Shake your booty. It's also quite satisfying if you pull it off well - it's sometimes complex to play, but more to the point, it's hard work to play it right, to make all those little pieces fit together. That's usually my job - no offense, but getting North Dakotans to funk properly can be a challenge and I like a challenge. Plus, funk music just sounds so good.

Now, the problem, and it's a good problem to have, is that I'm busy with SFI right now and that doesn't look to change. In fact, I don't want it to change - we're playing just about every week and besides the fact that the audiences have been great and we've had a really fun time playing - it's been quite lucrative (touch wood). The whole package, if you will. So I really don't have time to start another band. Besides, I like those guys - SFI is by far the most productive, professional, and musical band I've ever been in, and they're great friends and bandmates, so I don't want to do a project without them. Funk is not really our style, especially unrequited.

So the funk idea seemed destined to remain in crayon on that tablecloth for eternity... or at least until they threw it away after we left.

The world has a mysterious way of working, though: John and I headed over to the Crosstown to check out Mischief (who sounded great, by the way - it was cool to see Eric Rudnick from Seven Dollar Shift filling in on guitar and nailing it!) and I ran into Kim Holmes from Sanders. Kim is a really great guy, of whom I've had the fortune to have been hired by to play off and on for seven years now. Anyway, Kim asked me about New Year's Eve - as he'd mentioned earlier this year he'd like me to put something together. No problem, right?

SFI played at Sanders the following Friday night and it was there that Kim officially asked me to put together a funk band for New Year's Eve - featuring the guys from SFI. Whoa! Now this was interesting - Kim wants SFI, basically, with horns! Can do - rather, I brought it up to the band and after fumbling the initial communication of all this, quite badly, I might add, they agreed to do the gig. Sweet. These guys are going to go out on a limb, as opposed to our normal stuff, that is, to do this and I know they'll nail it. They're versatile and professional, so no sweat (besides, we have 3 months to iron it out).

I've hired a killer horn section and for the last week I've been arranging horn charts (which is why my blog has been fairly quiet). This won't be your normal SFI gig - we're going to be doing a lot of songs we don't normally do and we might never do again (this being a one-off gig). Regardless - count on it being a fun party. I am so pumped.

Viva la funk!

Upcoming Shows - September 5 - 11

2007-09-05T09:20:00.000-05:00

Last week was pretty good! UND is back in session and the clubs were hoppin' - let's see if we can keep that up.

Please email me your show dates - I know we're missing a few each week. Don't pass up this opportunity for free publicity!

Wednesday, September 5th

Driver Mooth @ Joe Black's - 10:00 PM. Free. 21+
(Someone) @ the Moose?

Thursday, September 6th (wow!)

Jazz Jam Session @ Urban Stampede - 8:00 PM. Free. All ages - bring your axes!
Hybrid Soul @ The Loading Dock - 8:00 PM. Free
Carl Clinton & The Great Divide @ O'Really's - 10:00 PM. Free. 21+
Bucket of Blues @ The Crosstown - 10:00 PM. Free. 21+
Grampa's Amp @ Bonzer's - 10:00 PM. 21+

Friday, September 7th

Still Fighting It @ Suite 49 - 9:00 PM. Free. All ages
The Domino Affect @ Rhombus Guys - 9:30 PM. Free
Jazz on Tap @ Sanders (late night menu) - 9:30 PM. Free. All ages.

Saturday, September 8th

(Someone) - Farmer's Market @ Town Square - 11:00 AM. Free. All ages
Jazz on Tap @ Sanders (late night menu) - 9:30 PM. Free. All ages

Monday, September 10th

The King's Court @ Tabula - 7:00 PM. Free. All ages

Awesome...

2007-09-01T14:40:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all who came out to the show at Sander's last night! SFI raised $256 in donations that will all go to the Red Cross for Northwood's Tornado Recovery. I am so impressed with your generosity and very thankful that we were able to help out in some way. Thanks also to Kim Holmes and the Sanders crew for letting us do that on such short notice - you guys are the best.

Thanks again,

Matt, Jarrod, Steve, and the other Matt

SFI

Northwood Fundraiser @ Sanders tonight 10:00

2007-08-31T09:25:00.000-05:00

My band, Still Fighting It, will be playing at Sanders tonight at 10:00. It's a normally-scheduled gig for us, but we thought we'd like to help the town of Northwood out a little. If you haven't heard (and if you live in town, you'd pretty much have to be living under a rock not to), Northwood was hit pretty hard by a tornado last Sunday evening. Many of my in-laws live in and around Northwood and the accounts of damage tend to go a lot farther than we see in media soundbytes.

So we've decided to "pass the hat" and set up a donation jar in which people can contribute to the Red Cross' Northwood effort. We'll verify the amount at the end of the night and promptly take it to their collection center on Saturday.

I know this is a little impromptu and last-minute, but that is the nature of disaster recovery, and we're trying to do what we can to help out. So come join us for some good music, food, drinks, and help out as you are able.

SFI - Matt, Jarrod, Steve, and the other Matt

A couple of shows I've seen lately

2007-08-29T11:10:00.001-05:00

As you know I was heavily touting last Tuesday's show at the ND Museum of Art. What a great turnout for Post-Traumatic Funk Syndrome! I saw a ton of musicians and music-lovers there, and, along with the turnouts for the rest of the Summer in the Garden series, it's proof positive that there is an audience for the eclectic in Grand Forks.

As for the show - it was great to see a funk band again in GF. If you've read my sidebar, you know that I used to have a funk band and it turns out that more than a couple of members of PTFS played in my old band so many years ago. It was great to catch up with Josh, Al, and Jesse. Leading the band was Russ Peterson, who I've played with in the Dick King group a few times - he's a monster sax player and one of my favorite area musicians to both watch and play alongside. Russ and I chatted on their first set break and he told me that they'd recently had some personnel shuffling, and that, in fact, it was the bass player's first gig. I have to say (as a bass player) that he did an awesome job, first gig or not!

PTFS played all sorts of funk and soul music from artists like Average White Band, Stevie Wonder, Tower of Power, and The Commodores, to name a few. It's not easy to pull music off like this - first of all, GF is not exactly the original urban demographic that the music was written about or for. However, in the past few decades this kind of music has spread to pretty much all cultures within the US (and beyond!) and some might argue that it's "classic."

I had a good time watching, as did my wife and son (who actually got to go to a show!), but once again, I had to leave a little early as the boy was in dire need of sleep. Good show, great crowd, my only complaint was the balance of the band through the sound system, though it did get better over time - I think the setup with the sound tent off to one side contributed to the time it took to ring it in.

Overall - we need more shows like this in GF. It gets me wondering if I should start another funk band... hm...

Please let me know your thoughts. I know some readers were there and I'm always interested in what you have to say!

Upcoming Shows: August 29 - September 4

2007-08-29T11:00:00.001-05:00

Wednesday, August 29th

Seven Dollar Shift @ Blue Moose 10:00 PM. free. 21+ in the bar

Thursday, August 30th

Johnny on the Block Fest @ Gilly's featuring Whiskey Vaccine, Identity 5, and the Johnny Holm Band. Starts at 5:00. I'm pretty sure you have to buy tickets.
Mischief @ Crosstown Lounge. 10:00. free. 21+
Jazz Jam @ Urban Stampede feat. John Behling and yours truly - special guest drummer Dave Jeffrey. 8:00 PM, free, all ages, and as always - bring your axes

Friday, August 31st

Still Fighting It @ Sanders (Late Night Menu) 10:00 PM. No cover, all ages. We'll be accepting donations toward the Northwood Tornado recovery effort - more details to come.
Fancy Bastard @ Crosstown 10:00. free. 21+

Monday, September 3rd (yeah, a Monday show!)

Carl Clinton & The Great Divide @ O'Really's 10:00. 21+

What a week, part II

2007-08-24T09:19:00.000-05:00

Well, to pick back up on my what a week story - I had just returned from circumnavigating the state of Minnesota. I suppose it was a good thing I hadn't stayed elsewhere that night, because it gave me another prized rarity - a day off at home with my wife and son - no gigs, no work, nada.

However, Monday was the start of what some of us at the store call "Hell Week," otherwise known as the Popplers Reading Clinic. We call it hell week not because it's bad in any way, but because it is a rather arduous process with very long days that leaves you really tired at the end. To put this succinctly as possible: the reading clinic is basically all of the band, choir, and general music teachers from all over the area (some from across the country) meeting at a hotel conference center and reading, singing, and playing through all the new music issued by the various music publishers (Alfred, Hal Leonard, Heritage Press, etc). We are the conduit - the logistical chain that makes sure this all goes smoothly. There are only about 20 of these every summer around the country and we, in Grand Forks, ND, get to host one of them. That's pretty cool if you ask me!

Monday was setup day where we got to haul the PA system, the boxes full of music (thousands of pounds of it), and all of the percussion equipment from UND over to the Ramada - where we set it all up. The percussion hauling is the most precarious aspect as we have to drive really delicate instruments that only fit on trailers or pickup truck beds over Grand Forks' finest potholed roads (shakes fist!). So, if you saw a Chevy going down University or 42nd, going 5 miles an hour, hauling a flatbed trailer with a set of top-heavy chimes and a redheaded dude holding them - that was us.

Tuesday was band day - my favorite day. Directors, some UND students, and various ringers from around town come form the Popplers Reading Band (of about 60 people) and we sight-read the various new concert band charts, often conducted by university professors - this year we had the pleasure of being conducted by Dr. James Popejoy from UND and Dr. Charles Menghini of VanderCook University (Chicago). I played percussion, as I did in late high school/early college, and we had a lot of fun. Later that afternoon we had a jazz band session, where I got to play piano. One of the composers of many of the charts the jr high and high school kids play every year was the director, which is always a treat - it's not often the guy who wrote the songs is standing there to answer questions about them.

Wednesday was choir day. Basically it's the same as band day, but the teachers sing instead of play instruments. Again, this is conducted by clinicians from the publishing companies, often the composer or arranger of many of the charts. My job on this day is to man the CD player so I can play the backing tracks on selected songs - the rest, and the majority are done "live" by the accompanist, Dr. Michael Weber from NDSU, who always does an excellent job.

Thursday was similar to Wednesday, but it's more for the general (read: Elementary) music teachers and it's mostly 2-part choir instead of the robust 3 and 4-part arrangements. After all this is done, we get to tear everything down, a 2-hour process. Why the detail, some of you may ask? Well, mainly because I want to impart to you how hard people - teachers, directors, and businessfolk - work to make music happen in schools. Overall it's a really fun week, we get to meet teachers, they, of course, get to talk with their compatriots from all over, and read through some really neat music - all in the name of education.

But my week wasn't done...

Part III later.

Upcoming Shows: August 22-29

2007-08-22T11:37:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, August 22nd

Still Fighting It at the Blue Moose. 9:00 PM, free, 21+ in the bar/after 10:00

Thursday, August 23rd

Jazz Jam at the Urban Stampede feat John Behling and yours truly - special guest drummer Dave Jeffrey. 8:00 PM, free, all ages, bring your axes
Identity 5 at the Longhaul Saloon. 9:00 PM, 21+
Driver Mooth at O'Really's 10:00 PM, 21+, free

Friday, August 24th

Identity 5 at the Longhaul Saloon. 9:00 PM, 21+
Jazz on Tap at Sanders (late-night menu) 9:30 PM, free
Seven Dollar Shift at Sledster's. 10:00 PM, free, 21+

Saturday, August 25th

Penumbra at the Farmers Market/Town Square. 11:00AM, all ages, free
A Work Begun at 123 Cambridge Street (Lawn Show). 7:00 PM
Jazz on Tap at Sanders (late-night menu) 9:30 PM, free

Sunday, August 26th

Kenny and the Classics at the History Rocks show at the Myra Museum. All ages. Unknown time (a little help, please)

Also, in the comments section of a previous post, somebody mentioned J. Bobby Hamilton - I need more info, but it would be more appropriate to email me at mattfacingsouth [at] gra [dot] midco [dot] net.

For everyone - this seems to be working fairly well so far, but as a reminder, please keep me informed (via email) of where your band is playing - internet-searching for gigs is not always reliable and can be very time-consuming. Thanks for the great response and turnout so far!

SFI in the Herald

2007-08-20T15:10:00.000-05:00

Well, notsomuch the blog, but SFI the band made it into the Grand Forks Herald on Friday. I still haven't seen the print article, but I caught the online version at the Herald's website . Thanks to Emily Tobin for saying such nice things about us!

Anyway, we're playing this Wednesday at the Blue Moose - 8:30-ish. If you're there early enough it's all ages - at least in the restaurant. If you haven't checked out the newly-remodeled bar and "Back 40" room, you really need to - it's a great, intimate venue.

And yes, I'll finish my "What a Week..." story sometime soon.

What a week...

2007-08-19T11:09:00.000-05:00

Wow, I'm tired. My body is protesting my lack of sleep and all the gear I've hauled all during the week.

It all started last Friday - Still Fighting It's former sax player got married down near St. Cloud and we played his reception. It was a great gig - dancing, drinking, good times. Live music at weddings is a rarity these days. I'm not exactly sure why, but I think it has to do with a few things: a good band is fairly expensive, most bands are not quite as versatile as a DJ, there is a much larger logistical need to support a band, and, finally, most bands don't cover today's music very well - considering that most of today's music is over-produced hip-hop, that's no surprise: I'd personally rather not bring a computer full of samples to a gig, but I digress.

Anyway, I also got to do some jazz duo work during the dinner with John Behling, who ended up sitting in with SFI for a couple of songs. That's way cool - he brings a different flavor to the table and is such a good musician that not only was ity good music, but he makes it seem so seamless. I also got to catch up with an old friend and bandmate, Jean-Luc Davis, who is an amazing bass player. Just a tidbit from the weather-geek in me: on the drive to our hotel in St. Cloud we got treated to one of the most spectacular lighting displays I've seen in a looong time. The next day, as I was driving around St. Paul, I saw many trees down from that same storm.

On Saturday I tooled around the Cities for a while, trying to see what was going on (and partaking in a Strawberry Surf Rider from Jamba Juice- yum!), but my friend connections failed me (they were, to a person, all up in lake country) and I decided I didn't want to fork out for another hotel if there wasn't any big happenings, meaning I didn't want to hit a club alone, so I drove to Duluth. Don't ask my why I thought Duluth would be any better, it's just my sense of exploration got the better of me and I figured I could get a cheaper room up there and do some driving in the Iron Range on Sunday.

Boy, I couldn't have been more mistaken. Duluth was inundated with music-lovers attending the Bayfront Blues Festival. If I had done the proper research, I would have gone straight there and bought a $40 one-day pass. Instead, as the day was winding down and not many bands were left on the main (ticketed) stage, I opted to listen from afar and wander around Canal Park where the many restaurants and bars were hosting blues bands.

I stopped in front of Little Angie's Cantina and listened to a guitar and drum duo jamming out various soul and blues hits. It was cool, but I had more fun watching the effect music has on people. Just sit and observe sometime; people tapping their toes, bobbing their heads, singing along. Sometimes you get those neo-hippies who do an interpretive dance (especially fun when it's to a jazz group!). Kids are always fun to watch, too - it's so awesome when they get excited and run and jump around to music - I remember doing that when I was a wee one and wonder if the kids doing it today will end up with the same bug I got.

I also hit Club Saratoga where there was a jam session happening, but I caught the tail-end of it and usually the house band plays the final two or three songs sans guests, otherwise I would've sat in (had they asked for jammers). It was after this I realized that I'd better start making lodging arrangements. To my utter dismay I overlooked the effect the blues festival would have on local accomodations and hotel rooms in Duluth were either nonexistant or extremely expensive.

So I got in my car and headed for Grand Rapids only to find that they were pretty much booked up, too. Grand Rapids! So, I decided to just drive home. I fought sleep all the way from Crookston to my garage, but I made it back at 1:00AM. I love that kind of drive, though. I'm not really one for meditation, though I probably should be, but long drives really are my alone time - my time to reflect on the world, myself, and others. I realized on this drive that I don't get that often enough.

Okay, as I am wont to do, I'm writing a novel. I'll do part II later.

Anybody seen any good shows lately?

2007-08-16T12:26:00.001-05:00

I've been talking a lot - now it's your turn! I'd like to hear about what you all have experienced in the world of live music as of late - be it local, or national. I can make this a regular feature if there is a good enough response.

What's going on? Good? Bad?

Coffee Guy - how was your show last weekend?

Upcoming Shows: August 15-21

2007-08-15T21:10:00.000-05:00

We're doing the reading clinic at work, which is a huge undertaking and I've been completely swamped. I hope to write something about the clinic as it really shows how dedicated area teachers are to their craft, but that'll come later.

Anyway, I know this update is a little later than I promised, but bear with me on this busiest of weeks. I'll add some shows tomorrow.

Oh, and I'm implementing a new feature - my shows are in green. It's shameless, but it's my blog.

Wednesday, August 15th

Seven Dollar Shift at Joe Black's. 10:00 PM. Free. 21+

Thursday, August 16th

Various bands at the Oxcart Days Battle of the Bands in Crookston. Unknown cover.
Jazz jam session at the Urban Stampede. 8:00 PM. Free. all ages - bring your instruments
Driver Mooth at the Crosstown Lounge. 10:00 PM. Free. 21+
The King's Head at O'Really's. 10:00 PM. Free. 21+

Friday, August 17th

Matt Hodek and the Dakota Dutch Men at East Grand Forks Heritage Days Barn Dance. 6:30 PM. Unknown admission/ages

Saturday, August 18th

Jazz on Tap at the Welcome UND Freshmen show (at the Fritz). 1:30 PM. Free (I'm sitting in with them)
Various groups at EGF Heritage Days - Polish Dancers, Bill Cagley, Lois & Lois, Highland Rising Pipers, Jim Dostal Family, Northern Valley Accordions. Starts at 2:00 PM. Admission fee? All ages.
D. Walker Mallory, Hitz at Crookston's Oxcart Fest. 8:00 PM

Tuesday, August 21st

Post Traumatic Funk Syndrome at ND Museum of Art. 6:00. $5/under 12 - free

Upcoming Shows: August 8-14

2007-08-08T13:47:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, August 8th

Crimson Creek presents Candide at UND's Burtness theatre. 7:30 PM. $20/$18
J Bobby Hamilton at the Diamond Lounge. 9:00 PM. No cover. 21+
The Woodpicks at the Blue Moose. 9:00 PM. No cover. all ages in the restaurant (21+ in the bar/after 10:00)

Thursday, August 9th

Crimson Creek presents Candide at UND's Burtness theatre. 7:30 PM. $20/$18
Jazz Jam session at the Urban Stampede. 8:00 PM. free. all ages (I'll be there this time)
J Bobby Hamilton at the Diamond Lounge. 9:00 PM. No cover. 21+

Friday, August 10th

Crimson Creek presents Candide at UND's Burtness theatre. 7:30 PM. $20/$18
J Bobby Hamilton at the Diamond Lounge. 9:00 PM. No cover. 21+

Saturday, August 11th

Crimson Creek presents Candide at UND's Burtness theatre. 7:30 PM. $20/$18
Red River Chamber Music Festival Faculty Recital/Chiara String Quartet at Hughes Fine Arts Center. 7:30 PM $10/$5. all ages
Straphanger and June Panic at the Empire. 8:00 PM. $5. All ages
The Learning Curve (featuring June Panic) and The Midnights (featuring fellow blogger Coffee Guy!) at the Hub. 10:30 PM. $3 cover. 21+

Sunday, August 12th

A New Level of Ferocity , Silent Scorn, The Offensive, Robert Hastings, Dryrun, Head Case, MX Rocket, Great Frog Society, Inkedindecision, Symbiont, Death Toll, Dual Volitions, 7Kane, and a few others TBA at the Town Square. 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM. $5
Chiara String Quartet at ND Museum of Art. 12:00 PM $10/$5. all ages
Red River Chamber Music Festival Recital at ND Museum of Art. 2:00 PM $10/$5 (admission for Chiara show carries over). all ages

ND Museum of Art

2007-08-08T13:02:00.000-05:00

The John Behling Trio played our inaugural show last night at the ND Museum of Art and I have to say I was very happy at the result. Getting people to come to jazz shows in Grand Forks is often an arduous task, but not only was the turnout great last night, but the audience was very gracious. It was an absolute pleasure that I had a chance to meet a few readers as well.

The venue is a really nice place to play jazz - the setting sun provides a twilight - an evening ambiance that fits the bill perfectly. The weather happened to be perfect last night - warm, but not hot; breezy but not windy. The wine and beer (on UND campus!!!) were great and the staff was accomodating. The only drawback was being interrupted a few times by the switcher locomotives shunting their consists around the adjacent railyard, complete with the expected bangs, bells, and whistles.

As far as our playing, I'd have to mostly leave that up to the listener, but I thought we played okay. It was our first gig as a trio and there were a few mis-steps, but nothing that can't be corrected with more time and practice. My hands hurt today - a month ago I purchased a Ned Steinberg electric upright bass (think double bass without the body) and it's a lot different than the electric bass guitars I'm used to - specifically, the finger pressure needed is a lot greater and the arm/hand position is a lot higher. Last week I used up a massage appointment my wife gave me for Father's Day and I'm starting to wish I'd saved it for this week. Oh well.

There is a chance we will be booked at another venue in the near future, but I won't mention any names until that's confirmed.

Thanks to the audience for a great night and thanks to the ND Museum of Art for having us. There are plenty more shows coming up in their Summer Concert in the Garden series and you won't want to miss the next one: Post Traumatic Funk Syndrome (Fargo) is coming up on August 21st, and these guys are a KILLER 12-piece (horns, baby!) soul/funk band featuring many Fargo-area professional musicians and teachers, a few of which I used to play with in Groove Union (shameless name-drop). Anyway, don't miss it - I know I won't.

Until next show,

Matt

Music Teachers

2007-08-06T16:33:00.000-05:00

I was going through some files on my computer and I came across a letter I had written about my high school band director. He retired from teaching music last year and went on to administration. A band mom from back in the day contacted me and asked if I could write a few thoughts that would go into a scrapbook that would be presented at his "retirement" party. I think the letter speaks for itself about what kind of impact he, specifically, had on me, and what kind of impact music teachers can have in general.

If you have anything cool to say about music teachers, pipe up! I'd like to get to know you all better, especially musicallly.

Here's the letter:

I attended my 10th high school reunion last weekend and was informed that my old band director was moving on from directing and that some folks are graciously putting together a scrapbook of people’s memories for his retirement party. I sit at my desk trying to collate my thoughts into a meaningful story as to what kind of impact Mr. Moore had on my life and it is abundantly clear as I look at my current surroundings - managing a music store, and my life as a performing musician, husband, and father, that his impact was very profound and abundant.

When I left California in 1999, I was headed toward a completely different career field than the one I eventually landed in. Most of my friends would say that I was ignoring my gifts and going for the glamour. In my eyes, the musical gifts they were referring to were not so much gifts, but a series of disciplines and more experience than most people at age 20 are privileged to have under their belt.

Mr. Moore came to Bella Vista at the beginning of my sophomore year, after a serial of one-year band directors. From day one it was clear that this was going to be his show, his rules, and if you didn’t like it – there was always the door. Suffice it to say it was a shock to have a band director that no longer let the inmates and their parents run the asylum, and, due to his branded way of separating the wheat from the chaff, many students elected to leave. This was no longer your upper-classmen’s band; there was finally somebody in charge, somebody to actually lead the band. Still, though, many years of changing directors had led to fairly undisciplined students.

One of the first quotes I remember written on the board was “Early is on-time, on-time is late.” This First Commandment of Mr. Moore led to many a nail-biting car ride to school at 4:00 in the morning. Kidding aside; punctuality, practice, and consistency all became part of the repertoire of character that Mr. Moore was building in each of us.

From the discipline we were able to achieve excellence: the Bella Vista Bronco Band went from a gaggle of students in t-shirts, walking haphazardly through Old Town Fair Oaks, to a regiment of trained marching musicians in sharp uniform. It wasn’t always easy for the students to understand why we had to practice our field shows to the point we were nearly falling over from exhaustion, or why we had to go back outside the band room and come in without making so much as a peep when we were acting disorderly, in fact sometimes it seemed downright sadistic. I would wager, however, that those who stuck it out for four years still utilize the excellence and discipline they achieved in their daily lives, perhaps not even knowing it.

One thing is for sure, by respecting the procedures and authority that Mr. Moore established, and taking pride in what we were doing, we learned to respect ourselves. From the confidence we got from that self-respect, many of us are now able to effectively lead others or stand up strongly when the stakes are high.

Beyond each of our long-term personal gains, Mr. Moore created a lot of opportunity. I thought about how many performances I did while in BV Band. I can’t even begin to count each and every one, but I’d guess that, for me, it was over 200. Many musicians don’t get that kind of performance opportunity in their entire career, and we got to do it for free. Okay, our parents might disagree with that, but we were obligated to remind them that uniform dues and trip fees were “voluntary.” Weren’t they?

Finally, from those opportunities came a lot of fun: I got to travel to Canada, Los Angeles, Reno, San Francisco, Napa, Monterey, and San Diego, got to play at Disneyland, a Sacramento Kings game, Stanford Stadium, many jazz festivals, field shows, competitions, dances, athletic games, graduations (except for one), and regional events. I played countless solos in front of many people, got to see a lot of other really good bands, was introduced to many different styles of music, received plenty of constructive, helpful criticism, made lots of friends, created lots of memories, and plain’ ol’ had a good time.

That was all before the age of 18.

Since then, my thirst for music has not abated, and my biggest, most sincere hope, is that I can create as much opportunity, discipline, excellence, and fun for others that Mr. Moore created for me.

The effect a good teacher can have has is an intrinsic one, as it propagates not just from teacher to student, but from student to student, student to family and peers, and later we, knowingly or otherwise, become the teachers and pass along to the students of tomorrow. Bella Vista and the Sacramento area may be losing a band director, and he will be missed greatly in that respect, but another school is gaining a great teacher and the effect of everything he brings to the table will carry on through us, those we touch, and even now, a new group of students.

[MattFacingSouth]
Grand Forks, ND
BV class of ‘96

Upcoming Shows: August 1 - 7

2007-08-01T13:40:00.001-05:00

I'm going to do a weekly digest of upcoming shows for those who are interested. As I said in the comment section of a previous post, I don't have the time to research all the happenings in GF, but if you know of a musical event happening within 30 miles you can email the pertinent info to the address in my profile.

The info I need is:
Band(s)
Venue
Date
Time
Cover (or free)
Ages

I need the entires by 6:00 the preceding Tuesday night. I'll then post the upcoming week every Tuesday night/Wedsnesday morning. Please keep this to the week ahead only or I will lose it and it won't get posted anyway.

So here's what I have for this week, Wednesday, August 1 through Tuesday August 7 - and I will still take entries for now:

Wednesday, August 1st

Crimson Creek presents Candide at UND's Burtness theatre. 7:30 PM. $20/$18
Jazz on Tap at the Blue Moose. 9:00 PM. free. 21+ after 10:00
Kentucky Sound Arsenal/Straphanger at Mike's Pizza. 10:00PM. free. ages?

Thursday, August 2nd

Crimson Creek presents Candide at UND's Burtness theatre. 7:30 PM. $20/$18
Jazz Jam session at the Urban Stampede. 8:00 PM. free. all ages (I won't be there for this one)
Still Fighting It at the Crosstown Lounge. 10:00 PM. free. 21+

Friday, August 3rd

Crimson Creek presents Candide at UND's Burtness theatre. 7:30 PM. $20/$18
ADDED: Jazz on Tap at Sanders (Late Night Menu). 9:30. all ages (21+ recommended). free
ADDED: WBPN (Fargo) at Sledster's. 9:00. cover charge? 21+

Saturday, August 4th

ADDED: Prairie Rose at Farmer's Market/Town Square. 11:00 AM. all ages. free.
ADDED: Jazz on Tap at Sanders (Late Night Menu). 9:30. all ages (21+ recommended). free
Crimson Creek presents Candide at UND's Burtness theatre. 7:30 PM. $20/$18

Monday, August 6th

Crimson Creek presents Candide at UND's Burtness theatre. 7:30 PM. $20/$18

Tuesday, August 7th

Crimson Creek presents Candide at UND's Burtness theatre. 7:30 PM. $20/$18
John Behling Trio at ND Museum of Art. 7:00 PM. all ages. $5/under 12 free

Small-Town Street Dance

2007-07-29T21:00:00.000-05:00

For the last 22 years Northwood, ND has held their "Old-Fashioned Saturday," which used to be a kind of throwback-uniform day (if you are a baseball fan) for the townspeople, and just a big hoo-ha in general. Yesterday was that day. So I went out there with my wifey and her family to celebrate.

In the morning there is a parade around town (my son LOVED the firetrucks) and throughout the afternoon there are food vendors, puppet shows, kids activities, and musical acts in the park, which I regret missing, but my boy desperately needed a nap by the time those got going.

However, the party really gets started in the evening as the street dance gets rolling. A small town street dance is usually where locals get together, old friends (and classmates) reunite, get really drunk, and dance the night away. Last night was no exception.

The band was Kid Hollywood, a cover band that I would file under "party band," out of Fargo. I thought they were good - very polished. They had great musical ability and knew how to get the crowd going, which is what they're paid to do. The guitarist played really tasty solos, many "right off the album;" the drummer was obviously playing along with a click track as his laptop played horn and string sequences, which was impressive but something inside me was screaming "cheater!" The singing was probably the best part as they had very good four and sometimes five-part harmonies, which is a hallmark of a good band. In fact, it is often said that good backing vocals set a decent band apart from a great band and these guys were really + in that department. Alas, as a street dance is not a place to be a judge of musical artistry, there is not much to say about that. The band played well, people got drunk, danced, got up on stage and sang (badly), and were happy.

People love music. This street dance was a testament to that. Small town or not, music is a powerful thing.

Been to any good street dances lately?

The endless argument: Originals vs Covers

2007-07-29T14:29:00.000-05:00

So here we go - a really hot topic in any live music circle is cover bands vs. original bands. For those not in the know a cover is when a band performs a song originally done by another artist - as in "we covered Zeppelin's 'When the Levee Breaks,'" which is ironic because Zeppelin was covering that, too - it is now, in essence, a double-cover.

But I digress. The debate usually centers around, on one side, the perspective that cover bands are not true musicians because they're not original and they steal all the shows from the true artists that deserve them; and the other side's perspective - that original bands don't play music that people like, and therefore can't expect to build a venue any business; no business for the venue means no venue, and no venue means no getting hired - often a smart venue just eliminates the middle-man and doesn't hire a band that won't put butts in the seats.

Anyway, here's my perspective:

I've seen it from both sides- I've been in both original and cover bands, and a special third category - cover bands that play obscure enough music that people can't tell you're a cover band and think you're orginal (though, if asked, a band like this would NEVER take credit if they're ethical). Since I've seen it from both sides and argued this countless times, I have come to the conclusion that neither is mutually exclusive, and neither are any less of musicians than the other. They might have certain characteristics that are tailored to a specific audience, though, and that is where I'm going to make my point.

Rule #1 in live performance - Give The People What They Want. If you don't you will have no audience. No audience = no live performance, instead you are just playing for yourself (and maybe the bartender).

This goes for both cover and original bands, though. You have look at who is the audience for each: a cover band chiefly provides for audiences who want familiarity, an original band provides for those who want something new. The problem comes down to this: it is my observation that the vast majority of audiences want familiarity in most situations where money is flowing. Money is the key, folks.

I'll repeat that: Money is the key. In a world (or at least a country) where property rights, liability, and ordinances are everyday words, money is the key.

The ultimate situation would be if an original band could plop their stuff anywhere and put on a show. Then they might catch a few people that are interested and build a following. Good times for all.

The problem is that plopping stuff most anywhere in America is a big no-no. And often unfeasible, I mean where is there a spot of private land that has 110VAC with two 40 amp breakers just sitting there for a band to use?

Aha, public parks! But those aren't really public, are they? No, the park board is often beholden to the city council, who are beholden to who? Yep, the voting, taxpaying public. And it doesn't take but a few complaints to get a noise ordinance enacted, nor does it take but one broken leg to get the city (and therefore the taxpayers) creamed in a lawsuit.

The point is that any place a band wants to play is subject to costs. The most direct costs associated with producing a show are: the venue space itself (which includes rental), electricity, P.A. (the big sound system, often with someone to run it), liability insurance, mechanical fees (the fees associated with music publishing unions), and sometimes security. Band costs often include their instruments, the gas to get to a gig, car insurance, car payments, and replacement costs of wear and tear on all these things, also time off work to both play and/or rehearse, and sometimes costs associated with protecting your intellectual property.

As I said, it'd be nice if a venue would just provide these things for a band. Well, sometimes they do - the trick is that the venue has to be one of two things:

1) Very magnanamous - which is a very rare opportunity - perhaps once a year. The event has to generate business for them down the road (or tax write-offs) otherwise they CAN NOT continue doing it, lest they run out of money. That is, of course, unless they are extremely wealthy businesses and can afford to do it "for the love." No business I know of around here can afford do that, especially often. That's a dreamer's world. Something can be said for a non-profit arts organization, though, but that requires a steady audience and their donations - not all bands are invited to that particular party as money comes from people with certain tastes and in a small market, the consensus is usually the safe route (read non-offensive), otherwise bye-bye donations, bye-bye non-profit group.

2) So the other is that a venue can provide these things if the event directly makes them money. So, how does a venue make that money?

Let's take an example: Coffee shops are a great place for an original band to play, usually they contain the audience that is willing to hear new things, to explore their musical tastes - a perfect venue, right? Unfortunately not really, because the coffee shop has to make money to keep employees paid, rent paid, lights on, etc - so they must sell something to cover these costs. What do you think that might be? Yup, coffee... and gelato, cappuccino, etc. Do you think that the coffee place, during your show, makes enough money (money beyond what the coffee itself costs and all those costs above) to stay profitable? My guess is not quite, at least not in GF. Or put a different way: does your band increase income beyond an average night without you? Will it sustain that increase of traffic if you play, say, weekly? Monthly? Maybe, if you're good and you give the people what they want.

But after all those costs are (barely) covered by the coffee shop, will you get paid? Probably not much.

And that brings up my next point - is getting paid to play music "selling out?" Some people (mainly those in the original music business) have said that a band is a sell out for getting paid - that music is an art and they should do it only for the love.

Sorry, I don't buy it, at least not on a majority-of-the-time basis. The reason is this: My "art" costs me a hell of a lot of time and money. It is beyond a hobby for me - it is a side profession. It is a passion, yes, and money or no money - that will never diminish, but I expect to be paid for my services. I feel that, aside from benefit shows/charity/and the once-in-a-while golden opportunity, you should always be paid for playing. Why? Because if you don't pay to play, the financial cycle breaks down - and, like it or not, we are all dependent on that cycle.

For instance, you buy some gear for $500 off of eBay, you practice with your band for 30 hours in a month, driving 5 miles each way to your buddy's house (which costs .44 cents per mile in gas/insurance/licensing/wear and tear - so $4.40 each time) maybe 10 times - so $44 , you spend $200 promoting your band with fliers, you drive to the gig 20 miles away ($18 for a round trip), then you play the gig and don't get paid (heck, some people pay the venue!) for it? You're out $762 by my count! Some of those are rare costs (like equipment), but still, you're spending a lot of money to do your art. That may be okay for some artists that make a lot of money in another job, or that have low fixed costs (I'm talking to the kids, here). But to others trying to maintain all their stuff it can be a tragedy and many have to stop playing, stop their passion, because it simply costs them too much. And we haven't even really considered the time aspect, but that's really abstract, so I won't get into it here.

But do consider this: let's say you're still doing it for the love of the art, you're playing for free, and maybe you're good and you bring in business/money for the venue. Is it fair the business owner should profit from your services and you not? Sounds like I should open a venue if that's the case. Maybe I'll not pay my bartenders because they should bartend for the love, and perhaps I should get an artist to comission a sculpture and not pay, because it's for the love. Sheesh, reality check needed.

And finally, consider the biggest aspect of all: There are original musicians out there that are doing their craft as a full-time vocation. If you play for free, which is, again, attractive to business owners, you have now undercut the dude or dudette that relies on getting paid to make it through life. If nothing else, you drive rates down, which hurts us all.

BIG POINT: If a musician gets paid well enough, the economic cycle continues - they grow their craft, buy more gear, eat food, pay rent, buy gas, etc. The economy continues, and for a good cause, right? Yeah! The music!

So are you "selling out" by getting paid for your efforts? Not a chance.

Now, a quick blurb on cover bands, as this is getting to be a novel: Cover bands generally do not take gigs away from original bands, as original bands so often claim. If an original band has a big enough following, then they can play just about anywhere (and people end up covering them! HA!). But there is a big restriction: an original band can't chase away the "regular" clientele. This is why you'll probably never see a metal band at Sanders. But if my cover band plays there are we "stealing" a metal band's gig? Not one iota. This is an example of a clash of audience interest and the metal band never had, nor will have, that gig. So, let it go. My jazz group, which plays quite a few originals, will probably never play on a indierock ticket. Do I begrudge them for that? Not at all, it's not my audience.

I enjoy my other, cover, band very much - I love re-creating that music, love performing, love getting the audience into it. But I have to play at places my audience will be - mainly places that are drinking establishments. At drinking establishments you have people that are getting out to socialize, to look good, to get some action (as it were), and covers lend well to the comfort level. You can sing along, it reminds you of a certain time in your life (especially as we get older, have jobs and kids, and can't take the time to follow new trends). And drinking establishments tend to make quite a bit of money - especially if you're good and can maintain an audience.

So, let's review: Original bands = good - but keep building an audience for the venue, grow your craft, and expect to be paid for your time.

Cover bands = good - but keep it real, be creative, make it your own; people want to hear stuff they know, for a lot of reasons, and this can't be considered a bad thing altogether.

Contrary to what so many people say, this is not a black-and-white issue. In fact, the two can live side by side and are often beneficial to each other; it's just that music, while an art, is also a business - it's all economics, no matter how much you don't want it to be.

Okay, I've said my peace - what's yours?

Thoughts: Seven Dollar Shift at the Crosstown Lounge

2007-07-27T09:21:00.000-05:00

I'm going to make it a point to give a mini-review of shows I attend. These won't be professional reviews in any way, just the thoughts of a compatriot slogging along in the trenches of the band scene. They might be of a venue or a band, or in this case, both.

Last night I went with my sister-in-law to the Crosstown Lounge to check out the place for our gig next week, and to catch a band I haven't really listened to enough. My first impression was that the Crosstown, a fresh face to the scene, was open, bright, and had a fun atmosphere. The layout is a little maze-like, but there's some character in that.

There were rows of pooltables - a throwback to its former glory as a Lucky's Green Room, and a bank of dart machines. The pooltables (at least a dozen) were nearly empty when we arrived and only 45 minutes later you had to queue to get on a table (no pun intended). This however, really added to an active, festive atmosphere that some of the other music clubs in town lack. I've learned that people don't always like to just sit, drink, and watch the band, so this is a plus for that portion of the market.

Since we weren't there to play pool, we opted to just sit, drink, and watch the band. Our server was attentive and cheerful. The only downside to the venue that I noticed (right as I walked in) was that it was fairly smoky. Most venues I've played in recent years have been smokeless, or relatively so, so this is going to be an unpleasant change for me, but I'll deal with it - it's worth it. The crowd was mixed age and included a lot of younger softball players, obviously right from the fields.

I had recently talked to Brad (the owner) about the sound system, as I was trying to work out the logistics of what we'll need to bring next week; he told me they have their own PA and it's new to him, so there might be some bugs to work out.

Seven Dollar Shift (7DS from here on out) was dealing with some of those bugs, but it didn't have too much of an impact on their overall sound. For what it's worth, I think they could have used a condenser mic over the drums (the snare and hi-hat were lost in the mix and the cymbals lacked definition), and there were a few balance issues - but that goes with the territory when you run your own mix from the stage, as opposed to having a sound dude on station out in front of the stage. Overall, the sound was not bad, and I think the drums being back in the mix lent well to their laid-back feel. The overall volume was perfect, and the sheer size of the place meant you could carry on a normal conversation in the billiards area, or be nicely saturated with the band up near the stage.

The stage is small - now for a trio like 7DS, it didn't look like an issue, but SFI will be a little cramped with our fourth person and my keyboards. There is ample room for dancing, but since I had to leave early (hey, I gotta work!), I saw no dancers. Rule of thumb in most GF gigs is that dancing won't occur until about halfway through the gig - might have something to do with the inverse correlation between people's levels of inebriation and inhibition.

As for 7DS, they were really fun to listen to. They began the set with a few middle-tempo covers, laid-back in aggressiveness, and built to a powerful ending to the set. There were blues, country and bluesified reggae numbers, along with some jam-band-esque charts. All in all, we really dug 7DS. The guitar player/vocalist had good solo chops, but didn't dabble too long as to bore the audience, the bass player was tight rhythmically, lots of very articulated lines and very in-time with the drummer - I felt his backing vocals were too far back in the mix. He did, however, bust out the trumpet for a nicely-rendered version of Herbie Hancock's "Watermelon Man." I got a real kick out of that, and it's a nice change-up in sound, too. Pat, the drummer, laid it down without being overly flashy as to distract the audience. This made for a very enjoyable, listenable vibe. Overall what struck me is that 7DS is a true band, as opposed to three guys on stage each doing their own thing and not gelling.

Alas, I wish I could have stayed longer, but I'll definitely be back, both as a listener of 7DS and as a patron of the Crosstown (not to mention a performer). It's nice to see a fun place like this have live bands on Thursday nights.

Shameless plug

2007-07-26T11:56:00.000-05:00

Once in a while I'll make a shameless plug for gigs that I'm playing in the upcoming few weeks. It's my blog, so nyah (or something like that). I'll also do a gig review from time to time, maybe there will be some insight into performance for anyone who is interested, but mostly it's cathartic for me to write about things.

Anyway, for the plug(s):
Still Fighting It is playing at the Crosstown Lounge on Thursday, August 2nd. It will be our first gig at the Crosstown. If you're not familiar with our band, we're a rock band out of GF and we play acoustic and piano rock covers with lots of different eras thrown in - from classic to modern. Jarrod Schell is our singer and he's the Main Event, so to speak. If you haven't heard this guy sing, make it a mission to do so. Gig time 10:00-1:00

The John Behling Trio is playing the ND Museum of Art on Tuesday, August 7th. This is our first public performance and it should be a good time. John is an excellent jazz guitarist out of Chicago and it's been really exciting working with someone of his caliber. Showtime: 8:00-10:00

For future reference, I'll put my bands on the main blog page somewhere so I don't have to keep describing who/what we are in each post.

Hope to see you there!

Signing on...

2007-07-26T10:49:00.000-05:00

Hello? Anybody there? Does this thing work?

My goal on this blog is to discuss music - local, national, wherever, and the things that drive music creation and production. Some people have mentioned to me that there's nothing to do here in the Forks. I disagree; I happen to have inside information that the music scene in Grand Forks and our surroundings is thriving. It doesn't take but a few visits to the local clubs, bars, and festivals to see what's happening here. Let's talk a little about what you've seen in the local music scene lately - good or bad; but let's try to remain constructive.

I'll start by saying that the rock show on July 7th in the Town Square really opened my eyes to the talent of the local metal musicians. These young guys (and gal!) are very dedicated to their craft and to each other. I haven't yet met a group of bands that is so mutually supportive as these bands are.

You have to understand that this mutual support is necessary for their survival, as metal music is not a "high-income" genre in GF. Put further, the majority of people that inhabit our local drinking establishments are generally unwilling to listen to metal for long periods of time (especially in an enclosed space). I haven't figured out why this is, other than the loudness factor, so maybe someone can shed some light here. Anyway, this unwillingness means people don't stay long, or don't show up at all, which means low bar receipts, and bar receipts means the owners generally don't want you to come back to chase away their crowds, hence you don't make a lot of money.

So these bands have to pool their resources to be able to have a venue to play. They are, in fact, paying to play, which is pretty much against my personal ethos, but more power to them to do what they must to perform. They do all the promotion - designing flyers and printing them at Kinko's, securing the logistics for the venue (sound, lighting, security, vendors, noise permits, and the venue itself), updating the show status and logistics on their forum (ndindierock.com), all the while preparing their bands for the show.

Now, I'm not a huge fan of metal - I must say that looking at my iTunes, which is some 5,000 songs strong, perhaps 20 can be considered metal - and they're fairly mainstream. So when I agreed to run the audio for this event, I was skeptical that I would enjoy the music.

Boy, was I wrong! The bands that played that muggy Saturday afternoon blew me away. You could tell they really devoted their time to learning the craft of metal. The songs were often well-written and performed very tightly - meaning the band played well together in terms of pitch and timing. There are people I went to school with that got degrees in music that didn't have as much drive as these kids (yeah, I'm getting old) do. Suffice it to say metal is still not my favorite, but I learned some well-earned respect for it that day.

But what sits in my mind the most is that there is so much effort to provide entertainment in a town where there is "nothing to do."

I'll pose these questions to get the ball rolling: what, recently, has surprised you coming out of the local music scene? Did you like it, did you not like it? Did it change your opinion of a band, a genre, or local entertainment in any way?