Saturday’s episode of NPR favorite Wait! Wait! Don’t Tell Me (available Saturdays at 10 a.m. on KHSU) featured opera diva Frederica von Stade answering questions about The Jonas Brothers (it makes sense if you’ve listened to the show) playing for… “John Jerome of Trinidad, California.” And she won! So friends of John should expect to hear Carl Kasell’s voice on his home answering machine. Cool!

John's new best friend?

Listen here.

Outside Missing Link Records

Recently Seattle’s Light in the Attic label stopped by our own Missing Link Records as part of their Road Trip.Our first stop was Missing Link Records.

“This place was new, small, and fantastic! These dudes were so cool and chill,  it really just felt like we were hanging out with old friends from childhood. They were super excited for our arrival, and went through our records like crazy. They pulled out a little bit of everything, and started listening to it right there and then. They had this mirror that they made that was a sasquatch but without his face. If you lined your face up correctly, you became sasquatchified! So undoubtedly we all participated in that.”

Click on the link for the whole scoop, including their stop at the Works in Eureka.

Scott H. Biram is playing Arcata: Wednesday, June 3 at Humboldt Brews

His new record, “Something’s Wrong/Lost Forever” is due out May 19, 2009.

Most one-man bands are one-trick ponies. One riff, one sound, one gimmick, one bucket, whatever. Not Scott H. Biram. The man can and will throw down some feral, amped-up Delta blues just as easily as a stone cold country weeper that’ll get the girls all dewy-eyed with faith and desire, or even a heavy metal field holler—with the emphasis on holler. He can and will hold an audience rapt when he sings from the bottom of his boots about what it takes to get saved and how he’ll end up blowing the deal.

Austin TX’s self-proclaimed Dirty Old One-Man Band’s third album for Bloodshot is profane and tender, alluring and frightening, and while such intensely polarizing forces would tear a lesser man apart, Scott appears to revel in the tug of war. With his ‘59 Gibson hollow body, mouth harp and electrified stomp board, his muddied water gospel is sly enough to charm the devil, and the hip shake boogie irresistible enough to get the Man upstairs to come down and share a bottle of the brown with him.

Performed, recorded and produced by Scott hisself, with the notable exception of the rave up “I Feel So Good” done with blues punk duo the Black Diamond Heavies, Something’s Wrong/Lost Forever is a record rife with testifying and torment.  The grungy strut of “Time Flies” and the Waylon-worthy lament in “Still Drunk, Still Crazy, Still Blue” shows that real pathos lurks beneath the brim of Scott’s trucker cap, while the two-step rant of “Judgment Day” has him at his wide-eyed best. Check out the way he draws a line in piss and whiskey from the sweaty heaviness of the Delta to dudes throwing devil horns at a metal concert in “Hard Time,” or the eerie, on-his-knees lament sung with maximum distortion on “Go Down Ol’ Hannah.”  Just him and his maker.

A compulsive tourer, a Scott H. Biram sermon/concert/throwdown is not hard to find. Take heed, though, one dose and you’ll want to drink out of the same well that he has.  Scott H. Biram is not a one-man band, but Scott H. Biram is a band that’s one man.

Ready to be put out to pasture? Horse pucky!

If you think you’re too old to perform music, you just haven’t been inspired by your peers. Too many times, musicians “retire” from performing music in public as they age past their “golden” years. Of course, the golden years for them is somewhere in their late 30s. With so much emphasis on youth in America, who can blame them for feeling inadequate?

No, this is not going to be a diatribe about Britain’s Got Talent/YouTube sensation Susan Boyle. My ladyfriend and I took her boys, aged nine and 14, to see The Humboldt Harmonaires Barbershop Chorus spring concert at the Arkley Center for the Performing Arts. The theme was “Deep In The Heart of Texas,” and yes, familiar cowboy songs were on the agenda.

The Humboldt Harmonaires have been performing since 1962 on the Northcoast. Now, I would imagine the average of the members is somewhere near 65 years of age. So, singing “I’m An Old Cowhand” seemed pretty appropriate. There are a few young singers, who if they didn’t possess a strong constitution for embarrassment, would never admit to performing in a barbershop chorus. And there is one man, Glen Woods, who is nigh on 94 years old and may have been around when barbershop was invented. All in all, they put on one heck of a good show.

Sure, the presentation was corny. It’s barbershop harmony for goodness sake. But, that’s why you go to see barbershop groups perform, isn’t it? It’s good to see humor injected into music. Too much of today’s angst-ridden and angry musical scolding by introspective shoe-gazers becomes tiring. At least, for me. There are times I want to forget my personal problems and just laugh. The Humboldt Harmonaires and their offshoot quartets like Mirth First! and The Banana Bunch (a quartet with appeal) provide the humorous aside when needed.

Oh, did I mention they can also sing quite well? You see, as these gentlemen aged, they didn’t give up on music, they embraced it. What you should also know is each year they give a $1,000 scholarship to a student who plans on continuing his or her music education. How many other musical groups around town offer that? Personally, I don’t know of any. This year’s recipient of the scholarship was high school senior Otis Harriel of the ArMack Orchestra. After receiving his scholarship, he performed solo for the audience. The young man showed us his tremendous skills on the violin. His performance medley showcased classical strains featuring exquisite use of harmony counterpoint, difficult arpeggios and forays into jazz violin before topping the performance with a rousing rendition of the fiddlers chestnut, “Orange Blossom Special.”

True to form, as both a violinist and fiddler, Otis Harriel brought the house down. I’m telling you, the old coots in the Humboldt Harmonaires sure know how to spot talent!?

The guest artist for the spring concert was the comically gifted Riff-Raff, a truly professional barbershop quartet from Los Angeles. Were they corny? My God, YES! And the audience loved every minute of their show. But, beyond cornball antics and sight gags, they were some of the best harmony singers I have heard in my life. Again, the over-the-hill Humboldt Harmonaires sure know how to spot talent. Perhaps, it’s their age. Older and wiser. Been there, done that. Or, they could adhere to the adage that; old age and treachery always defeats youth and skill.

Go see the Humboldt Harmonaires sing on opening day of the Humboldt Crabs at the Arcata Ball Park. They say singing the National Anthem may be the only time they’re guaranteed a standing ovation. Not true, gentlemen, not true.

Ukulele virtuoso legend Bill Tapia plays TONIGHT at the Arcata Playhouse. This 101-year-old performer has been credited as the first to play jazz on the ukulele. Ukesperience opens. Tickets are $15 HFS members,$18 general.

Doors opened at 7 p.m. Ukesperience starts at 7:30 p.m. Drinks and snacks are available for sale.

At 101 years young, there’s no doubt that Bill Tapia is in a class by himself. Not only is he still playing, touring and recording, his chops, wit and showmanship remain top notch. Having purchased his first instrument at age seven from one of Hawai’i’s original ukulele makers, Tapia represents the last living link to the earliest days of Hawaiian music as we know it today.

Now, get off the computer and go!

Direct from D’A:

Pay What You Can (PWYC) now through end of May!

Has the recession put you in a depression? Well move out of the gray, and into the blue: sunny Blue Lake that is. Dell’Arte realizes everyone is feeling the pinch of the economy. Taxes have been filed, and now we are all waiting on the economy to recover. So, while you’re waiting, why not come out to Blue Lake and experience the thrill of live theatre?

We are so confident that you will have a glorious time that we have stopped setting an admission price. That’s right, you tell us what it’s worth to you to have world-class theatre being created in your Humboldt backyard! If you want in on the good times just go to dellarte.com and select the performance you want on our website. Better yet, just drop Miss Dharla an email at dharla@dellarte.com with your details (name and phone number, the name and date of the performance and the number of tickets you would like, but only four tickets can be reserved per transaction) and she’ll hold your tickets at the box office. When you arrive, just pay what it’s worth to you.

Be sure to arrive 15 minutes early, or your tickets may be given away to another lucky soul. Act fast; tickets are sure to go quickly! Pay What You Can (PWYC) for the next five weeks at dellarte.com. Please join the students of Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theatre for Tragedy, Clown, Thesis Festival and The Finals. To reserve tickets visit our website or call 668-5663 ext. 5.

PWYC PERFORMANCES:

Tragedy Thur -Sun, April 23 -26 8:00 PM (Two unique works presented by our 2nd year students)

Clown Thur -Sat, April 30 – May 2 8:00 PM (A Dell’Arte classic and consistent sell out, presented by our first year students )

Thesis Festival Thur -Sun, May 14-17 8:00 PM

Thesis Festival Thur -Sun, May 21 -24 8:00 PM (Nine unique works, their thesis projects, over two weekends from the zany students who brought you Glasnost )

The Finals Thurs – Sat, May 28 -30 8:00 PM (Just that, our students take their final test of 2009)

Northtown Books recently hosted Russell Howze of Stencil Archive/Stencil Nation.

Howe reports favorably on his Arcata experience.

Stock Schlueter, Rams Horn Creek A.M., oil on linen, 24 x 35

ARCATA – Meridian Fine Art Gallery, a fixture in the Arcata arts scene for two years, held its last show in March. Curator Joseph Wilhelm is now devoting his attention to the Upstairs Art Gallery, a second venue, located across the street from the recently renovated Arcata Theater Lounge.  The gallery, formerly known as the Umpqua Art Gallery, is located at and sponsored by the Arcata branch of Umpqua Bank.

“This is not your average art show in a bank lobby,” Wilhelm said. “This space functions as a true gallery and we’re blessed to have the company of well-known talent and exceptional emerging artists.”  The gallery is located in the bank’s mezzanine, a quiet spacious avenue dedicated to its purpose.  An anniversary show is being held this month featuring many favorites from Meridian including Humboldt artists Derek Bond, Michael Harris, Ken Jarvela, Jim McVicker, Theresa Oats, Kathy O’Leary, Leslie Kenneth Price, Stock Schlueter and Peter Zambas.

The gallery is located at 1063 G St. A public reception will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, April 10 during Arts! Arcata.

Live music will be performed by Cadillac Ranch.  “We will continue as we had at Ninth Street with many of the same artists our visitors have come to expect along with some special guests,” Wilhelm said. “The mission for the gallery stems from a belief that a lively community fosters artistic expression which reflects and adds to its culture.”

For more information about the exhibit, call 826-7184 or visit meridianfineart.net.

Note: This didn’t make it in the physical paper – so sorry, Dell’Arte! Our love for you is well-documented – but is sure to be a fun-filled time.

The Dell’Arte Teen Ensemble presents an award winning comedy, Chateau La Roach!

This off-the-wall production will be a foot-stomping, laugh-out-loud good time, full of the trademark Dell’Arte Youth Academy physical comedy.  Written by award winning Dell’Arte Alumni Lauren Wilson, and directed by Tyler Olsen, Chateau La Roach is guaranteed fun for the whole family!

Slapstick humor, mistaken identities, and hilarious dialogue await audiences of all ages in the Dell’Arte Youth Academy’s uproarious spring farce.  Come to the delightful Chateau la Roche for a weekend you’re not likely to forget- a weekend of fine dining, professional staff, four-star service, and invading cockroaches.

Hotel proprietors Francois and Mimi LaRoche desperately try to keep their roach infestation under control as they host and entertain a full house of guests- honeymooners, british cyclists, fortune tellers, nuns, famous travel writers – one of whom is the Health Inspector in disguise!

Teens involved in the Dell’Arte Teen Ensemble work together to create, write and produce a play to be performed for a paying audience. The Dell’Arte Teen Ensemble gives our community’s next generation the chance to learn theatre skills in an active, artistic and challenging atmosphere.

Chateau La Roach will run Thursday, April 2 through Saturday, April 4 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 5 at  2 p.m. in the Carlo Theatre in Blue Lake. Tickets are $8 general and $5 for students/seniors. The Thursday, April 2 performance is Pay What You Can. For reservations or to purchase tickets, call 707-668-5663 Ext. 5. or visit www.dellarte.com.

APRIL 1, 2009

An unpredicted consequence of Arcata failing to provide a place for teens to safely and legally gather for loud, “rock”-style music shows revealed itself recently: the utter and complete demise of rock music within City limits.

“I can’t do it any more. I don’t want to do it any more,” Alibi talent booker Ian Hiler complained. “For years, I’ve been waiting for someone to pass the torch to, but kids today, they’d rather play bluegrass at Muddy’s or plink-a-dink folk nonsense at Mosgo’s.” Hiler blamed the lack of all-age venues. “We tried to make it happen, but even the Placebo members couldn’t sustain interest without support.”

Pete Ciotti, owner of Big Pete’s Pizzeria, acknowledged the City’s unwelcoming attitude toward all-age rock events, but insisted those under 21-years-old share responsibility. “Kids today are so lazy,” Ciotti said. “When I was 19, I was in a dozen, maybe 14 different bands. Heck, I’m in my 30s now and still in at least six!”

Without a new generation of rock fans to take up the mantle, attendance at area rock shows has fallen. “Even the ones who are ‘of age’ don’t come out,” griped Andy Ardel of Humbrews. “We have a reggae show, no problem. We have a jam band, they pack the place. Bluegrass, old-timey, whatever, fine. But no one under 35 wants to hear that rock music.” No more 11 p.m. shows? With remaining rock fans aging rapidly, the late-night nature of the rock scene is itself a problem.

“Sure, I love loud music and long-haired rocking bands,” Michael Donohoe said. “But I have a job these days. When I’ve been working all day and it comes down to it, I’d rather kick it on the couch with some Lost DVDs from Video Experience, not your average video store – Monday nights feature half-off new releases.”

Mayor Mark Wheetley shrugged in response to the news that rock music in Arcata had withered away. “I told them to do something for the kids,” he said. “I told them.” Pass the Metamucil – and the Botox Of the rock musicians themselves, many have reached a point in their lives where age and hard living has taken a toll that can no longer be ignored, facing surgery or fading good looks.

“Yeah, like, sometimes I think it would be, like, cool to hear some rock music,” said one teen, who spoke only on condition of anonymity. “But they’re all so old! It’s like liking your parents music. Gross.” She excused herself saying, “G-T-G, think my new mandolin strings are in at the double W!” (Wildwood Music carries a full line of strings, books, and accessories and is happy to special order an instrument, electronics, or sheet music for you, and to ship your order anywhere in the world.)

For his part, Hiler remained somewhat philosophical. “Yeah, it hurts,” he said. “But no one ever said loving rock and roll was easy.”

“I just want the damn kids to stay off my lawn,” Donohoe finished.