Local bands nominated for Tri State Indie music awards.

Tri State Indie is a Lancaster-based music site that, having outgrown its own name, covers music in DE, NJ, PA, NY, and MD.  They're a little aggressive in their promotional tactics (for instance: if they offer your band the opportunity to post your tour diary on their site, be prepared for them to request that you announce their name, and display their promo banner, from stage during your shows).

But I've met the people behind Tri State Indie, and they seem like nice folks who are genuinely excited about promoting regional music.  This year, they're trying a new course to bring attention both to their site and to Mid-Atlantic bands: an awards contest with accompanying "red carpet" ceremony at World Cafe Live Philly.

Here is a link to all of the award categories, and bands nominated: http://www.tristateindie.com/tsi-music-awards-vote/  You can vote from this page, and voting is only limited to once every 12 hours, per IP address.  If you see a favorite band on the list, bookmark the page and visit it often.  Note that you do not have to sign up for any account or log-in to vote - just visit the page and start clicking.

Notable Delaware bands on the list (all deserving): 

Spinto Band, up for Best Delaware Band
The Sky Drops, up for Best Delaware Band
New Sweden, up for Best Delaware Band

Besides the Delaware bands:

• World Cafe Live at the Queen is up for best new venue, and it's the only non-Pennsylvania venue up for that award.  They're up against some heavy hitters like Union Transfer, so they'll need some help.
• West Chester's Hoots & Hellmouth is up for Best Indie Folk/Americana Band, against Hezekiah Jones and Good Old War. This could be anyone's game; they're all pretty equally regarded.
• Revolution, I Love You, who are often seen on Delaware stages, are up for Indie Electro / Experimental Band of the Year, against the popular Sun Airway and Work Drugs.  They also have a steep road to climb in this contest. 
• Dr. Dog is up for National Live Performer of the year against Grace Potter and My Morning Jacket (who gave Dr. Dog their first break). 
• Philly-based Kurt Vile is up for National Overall Band of the year, which I guess is the 'Best In Show' award here.  He's up against Deer Tick and Dawes in this. 
• There are other bands up for awards that have Wilmington ties, and I'd love to tell you about them, but I have to recuse myself because of my personal connections there. 

I find it a little odd that the categories are so far-reaching (why bother to have national award categories? It's a no brainer that the Philly-based bands will win those).  Also, since voting is done by users and they can vote up to twice a day (or more if they vote from both work and home), the winners will basically boil down to who has the most dedicated group of super fans or family members.  But that's not to say that it's a total fluff contest and that the local bands who were nominated don't have something to be proud about. 
Because the main accomplishment here is not how many votes are ultimately gained, but who nominated these bands in the first place. 

Among the industry people on the nominating committee, which included Salesianum-grad Andrew Miller, are music honchos from WHYY, the operator of Origivation Magazine, Josh Landow from Y-Not Radio (the former Y-Rock's current incarnation), a writer for A.V. Club, Prefix, and Magnet magazines, the station manager from WXPN, and representatives of reputable local blogs and clubs.  So for some of the lesser-known nominated bands to have attracted the attention of these people is no small feat.

Voting is open from now until February 19th, and will be capped off with an awards ceremony and live show at the World Cafe Live Philly on Sunday, February 26th.  The line-up for this show is yet to be announced, but organizers hope to provide a mix of local and national talent, including nominated bands.  For more info about the awards show in February: http://www.tristateindie.com/tsi-music-awards/tri-state-indie-music-awards/

May the best bands (or at least the ones with fans willing to vote multiple times per day, for weeks) win!

The Queen Theatre announces October 28th Matthew Sweet concert.

Tickets go on sale this Friday.  Matthew Sweet will be playing his seminal 1991 album, Girlfriend, in its entirety.  Here's the link: http://queentickets.worldcafelive.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=193

On one hand this could be a fun nostalgia show for people my age.  The "Girlfriend" single was massive when I was a kid.  On the other hand, I can't help remembering a Sweet interview I read in the mid-nineties.  In the article, he unabashedly stated that his production team had penned his then-upcoming single with the primary goal of marketing it to the widest demographic.  Everything from lyrical content to guitar hooks had been carefully manipulated with customer tastes in mind. 

Despite what you might think, my first reaction was actually to be impressed with his honesty. Here was a songwriter who wasn't afraid to admit that his writing was purely market-driven - something many are guilty of, but would never admit.   Finally, someone who was upfront about being a salesman as much as a musician. 

But as that interview ripened in my brain over the next week, I found myself completely turned off of Matthew Sweet.  Brutal honesty aside, nobody wants to find out that an artist they've admired is writing lyrics and hooks that they believe will draw in the broadest market.  I'm aware that it happens all the time, but it's beyond distasteful to read it in black and white.

So when I hear that Matthew Sweet is doing a tour playing his most popular album, I can't help but feel that old skepticism that this is a calculated move to sell tickets.  But aren't most bands guilty of that, to some degree?  The answer is absolutely, but it's like the illicit sexual exploits of politicians - we know many of them are doing it, and we're willing to pretend not to know, as long as they don't get caught and admit to it.  Once that happens, all bets are off.

Then again, that interview was published a long time ago, and maybe I'm overthinking things.   Let the people have their early-nineties nostalgia - the man is certainly not peddling hit singles anymore.   He's just a singer with a couple of old hits under his belt, probably looking to put a kid through a good college, like so many other aged rockers doing a yearly tour circuit.  And what's so wrong about that, as long as they can still hit the notes and deliver a show?  Enjoy it if you go.

Photos from the NON-Comm, by Joe Del Tufo and Matt Urban

Click here for this well laid out, professional gallery:
http://www.studiomlive.com/noncomm2011/

Queen Theatre / Chelsea Tavern ongoing deal

Did you know that you can redeem your Queen Theatre ticket stub to get 10% off your meal at Chelsea Tavern on Market St.?   I would assume this goes for the cheaper Upstairs shows, as well.  The offer is only good until 8/31/11, though.  Check out the eatery's gastropub-like menu at http://www.chelseatavern.com/

(No, no one is paying me to say this.  Like every other restaurant shout-out I've given so far, I have nothing to do with this place.  In this case, I've never even been to the Chelsea Tavern, though I'm looking forward to checking it out some day).  

Trailer for the documentary about Sierra Leone's Refugee All-Stars

They will be performing tonight (Sunday 5/22) at the Queen Theatre (the documentary won't be shown, but the trailer gives you an idea of what this group is all about).   Tickets are $24.  http://queentickets.worldcafelive.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=63

Interesting review of the Non-Comm's Thursday/Friday line-up, from a Dover Post writer.

Link to full review:
http://www.doverpost.com/newsnow/x1555986498/Observations-from-NON-COMM-Day-One-at-World-Cafe-Live?photo=0

I found the writer's review of Thurston Moore (aside: how does Moore look so young again?  Is that actually a picture of someone else?  What happened to the head full of gray hair?) surprisingly apt and insightful. 

The writer lost a little ground with subsequent reviews, when it became apparent that she is simply not a fan of the genres some bands were representing.   It's okay to say "I'm not a fan of music in this vein, so my opinion may be biased, BUT...".  Instead, one of her reviews boiled down to "They didn't make enough noise.  Rock out more!"  And "loud" is just not what that particular band is, so that's a little unfair.   It would be more fair to say "What they do has been done, and while they do it well, they don't add anything new to that subset of indie rock". 

But still, coming from The Dover Post, this music review was interesting and well-written - more so than reviews I've read in the upstate papers.  And I totally agree with the writer's complaint that the Queen has been a little too geared toward the over-50 crowd (much like its main rival, The Grand) so far.  But I disagree that the difference between over-50 and under-50 music is simply a question of "loud" or "not loud", and that any band not melting faces with their sheer volume must naturally be one of the over-50 picks.

Spaceboy Clothing to open 2nd store on Market Street, Wilmington. Also: why other complimentary businesses should grab retail space around there

Spaceboy Clothing is the Wilmington area's current answer to the indie t-shirt and tchotchke shops that abound in other cities.  Their sole location, though, has been in off-the-beaten-path Elsmere.  So it is exciting news that the owner had the foresight to open a second, more centrally-located store on Market Street.  Even better, it will be in the vicinity of the new Queen Theatre and the Delaware College of Art & Design.   I applaud Spaceboy's decision to grab a retail spot on that end of Market Street while leases are still affordable.  Pictures of the developing new store are on Spaceboy's blog:
http://spaceboyclothing.blogspot.com/

On the subject of retail space at the Queen Theatre and DCAD end of Market Street, there is still a spot (which could make a great small bar or late-night dessert cafe) on the corner directly across from the theatre.  And next to that, on 5th street, is the beautiful and vacant space that housed the old 4W5 Cafe.  The revitalization of that corner of the city came too late for the 4W5, but I have a feeling the time is right for a restaurant, or some other business, to thrive on that spot.  

Or how about a music venue at the old 4W5 that showcases acts that are a little less-known or a little younger than the acts that the Queen and the Grand book?  Instead of competing, the three venues could compliment eachother, turning the street into a destination for music lovers.  Such arrangements work well in Nashville, Boston, and other cities.   Actually, it would be four venues, if you count the jazz club that recently opened up in the neighborhood.  In our own town, restaurants such as  Mikimotos, Washington Street Ale House, and Domaine Hudson have done quite well being clustered together.  Surrounding businesses benefit, and an area is reborn. 

Some might cry "gentrification", but in my opinion, gentrification is not a dirty word if there has been almost none in a city.   Gentifrication is like bacteria on and in the body - too much can cause problems, but you need a little bit to stay healthy.  Some might say "Cluster of music venues? We had that once with the area around Bottle Caps".  And yes, that all went away as the result of a single, random act of violence.  People stopped coming downtown, and those clubs all folded.  But security in the city has been much improved since that time, with the addition of security cameras and the Downtown Visions team.  And there are far more nice restaurants (nearer to Rodney Square) pulling people into Wilmington these days.  I'm not saying the area around 5th and Market is perfect, or completely ready yet - but the potential is growing exponentially with each new business.  The time is now for entrepreneurs (preferably with modern sensibilities) to invest in that neighborhood.

Rainbow Chorale to sing at the Civil Union bill signing ceremony this Wednesday.

Equality Delaware is hosting the ceremony and party at The Queen Theatre.  Festivities will take place this Wednesday night, with doors opening at 6:30pm.  There will be a cash bar, a 'thank you' toast to Governor Markell and legislators, the signing of the bill itself, a performance by the Rainbow Chorale (Delaware's LGBT and LGBT-friendly chorus), and a dessert reception. 

Incidentally, former members of the chorale are encouraged to join in, but they must let the chorale leadership know by late tonight.

WCL at the Queen Theatre is offering a big discount for Tuesday's 'Eisley' show.

Tickets are only $12 if you use promo code "STUDENT" when purchasing tickets online at:
http://queentickets.worldcafelive.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=48

It seems that Eisley's heyday was 2003, but they had a recent appearance at the TLA opening for Rooney, so who knows. 

Also performing at this show are The  Narrative and Chris Dupree.  Tickets would be $20, or $22 day-of-show, without the discount.

Two CD release shows in NCCo tonight, Friday.

Can You Canoe is releasing their 2nd album at Mojo Main in Newark.

Also on the bill are The Future Unwritten, Villains Like You and Electric Blue Concept.  Can You Canoe is an indie pop band from West Chester that has been playing Delaware quite a bit lately (seems like there's a long tradition of that here, going back to Raccoon and H&H).   The show starts at 9pm, is $6, and is at the 'erstwhile East End' on Main Street. 

Preview Can You Canoe's songs here:  http://www.reverbnation.com/canyoucanoe

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Meanwhile, long-time local band Mad-Sweet Pangs are releasing new album "For The Ride" downstairs at the Queen Theatre tonight, supported by locals Spokey Speaky and Mean Lady.  Doors are at 7, show starts at 8, tickets are $10.

Preview Mad-Sweet Pangs music here: http://www.madsweetpangs.com/fr_intropage.cfm

Worth repeating: cherry trees and theatre happy hours

There is still time to see the cherry trees in bloom in Brandywine Park, by the zoo.  But hurry, because they're fading fast.  If inclined to visit the zoo while you're there, they just debuted two baby pygmy goats.  You can buy anti-melting-from-the-cuteness spray at the gates.  $4 for adults.

ALSO: don't forget that the new Queen Theatre is now having a happy hours, 3-7pm and 10pm-close, Monday thru Friday.  Good way for city workers or dwellers to see the theatre and support it if, like me, you haven't found a reason on the  Queen's schedule yet to actually attend a concert. 

Side note:  My band mates would appreciate this.  I know someone who went to the Rusted Root show the other day.  Guess what?  No opening act.

Tuesday and Wednesday nights around Wilmington:

Tuesday events:

Karaoke at Mojo 13, no cover, draft specials, 8pm.

Acoustic/Electric open mic night at WCL at the Queen, 7pm.

"Trash to Inventions", for adults, Claymont Public Library.  Learn how to turn discarded metal, plastic, paper and styrofoam into useful products.  6:30pm, free, registration required.  Call 798-4164

Free classical concert in Philly:
"FREE College Performance Series concert tonight at Penn! Featuring Philadelphia Orchestra violinist Daniel Han and Principal Percussion Christopher Deviney, the concert will be held at 7:30 PM at Amado Recital Hall (34th and Spruce Sts.)."

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Wednesday events:

Theatre N will have a special Wednesday night screening, courtesy of the Delaware Humanities Forum:
"The Hollywood Librarian: A Look at Librarians Through Film".
Wed. 4/13, 7pm.  $5.  Validated parking. Theater N is located in the Nemours Building at 11th and Orange.  For more info:
http://www.theatern.org/Films/2011/April/The-Hollywood-Librarian

Free screening of short videos in Philly:
"Join WHYY on Wednesday, 4/13 at 6pm for a screening of the short videos produced by local novice filmmakers as part of PIFA. Following the screening, we'll present the documentary Paris the Luminous Years, exploring the arts in Paris, 1905 to 1930.
This screening event is FREE and open to the public, though advanced registration is required. Click the link to RSVP."
http://whyy.convio.net/site/Calendar?id=105921&view=Detail

At the WCL at the Queen: 4W5 blues jam (a revival of the jam sessions that David Bromberg used to hold at the now-closed 4W5 cafe), 7pm.

Comedy nights at both The New Candlelight Dinner Theatre and The Cube restaurant. 

Happy Hours start at the new World Cafe Live at the Queen Theater

Happy hours will be 3-7pm and 10pm to close, Monday through Friday, in the upstairs cafe.  There will be daily drink and food specials, such as a half price pizza night and a $25 prix fixe menu. 

I haven't yet seen a show in the Queen's schedule that I want to attend (my husband is going to one in a couple of weeks), but I'd like to support the Queen theater.  It's pretty important to the revitalization (you can read that as "gentrification" if you'd prefer, but sometimes a little gentrification is better than nothing) of that part of Wilmington.   That area of Market street has great bones, and I'd like to see it keep turning around.  One way to support the WCL at the Queen is to at least patronize their cafe, even if there are spells when you wouldn't necessarily see a show there.

More info about WCL at the Queen's restaurant: http://queen.worldcafelive.com/restaurant/about.html