Musical happenings in and around the Capital City
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Toolbox
Published: December 11, 2009
It appears that winter finally made it. I was getting a bit worried for awhile there after the balmiest November in memory, but alas, there is snow on the ground and a proper nip in the air. One great way to keep warm is by dancing, and there's plenty to dance to around the Capital City this weekend. Here's the scoop:
Saturday night at The Black Door, one of the most fun bands around returns to the third floor lounge when Northampton's The Primate Fiasco climbs the back stairwell for your dancing pleasure. They describe their music as "psychedelic Dixieland" – I don't know about the psychedelic part, but they've got plenty of New Orleans-style brass to back up the Dixieland label. One things for sure though, they throw down one heckuva great party. This is the kind of music you can't not dance to, and ya gotta love a band who plays the theme from "The Muppet Show." They'll get it all started at 9:30 for a nominal honor cover.
For even more danceable fun, head around the corner (or across the back parking lot) to Positive Pie II on State Street where Movement of the People will be playing Saturday night. The local supergroup features a who's who of central Vermont musicians playing the music of Fela Kuti, the late African bandleader who invented the style of music known as Afrobeat. The sprawling ensemble does the music some serious justice, complete with big horns and poly-rhythmic percussion. Another act you just have to dance to, they'll be sure to have the joint jumpin' from the popular resto's big stage starting at 10:30. Although there is no mention of a cover on their Web site, expect one for this excellent act – it's a big band and there are a lot of folks to pay. Trust me, they're worth it.
There's plenty going on in town tonight as well, and a great place to start is out at The Lamb Abbey in Pioneer Center where local superstars The Chad Hollister Band will be playing. Chad's tune "Grow" has been in heavy rotation at local radio station The Point, which is quite rare for a local band, and they are coming off a recent successful tour of the West Coast. Anyone down for some good ol' hook-laden pop-rock will not want to miss this one. The show kicks off at 8 p.m. with Aaron Flinn opening.
On Sunday at The Abbey, an afternoon show takes place when indie artist Chris Brokaw takes the big stage at Montpelier's roomiest venue starting at 3:30 p.m. The dude has played with a bunch of underground indie acts, including The New Year and Codeine, and has a slew of solo recordings under his belt as well. He'll be joined by Geoff Farina for what is sure to be a spectacular show of jangly guitar goodness on a Sunday afternoon – sweet!
Back over at The Black Door tonight, a powerhouse double bill happens when rockin' roots/Americana act In This Century is joined by experimental bass trio Kufui for a show that's bound to pack the third floor lounge. ITC has got to be the best band to ever come out of Northfield, and their legion of local fans attests to it. Kufui is simply the most unique act around our neck of the woods, and the unconventional music they put out has been surprisingly popular as well. The music starts at 9:30 for the usual honor cover.
Around the corner at Langdon Street Café tonight, a supergroup of another sort will take the café stage when Band Eater appears. Four New York City-based indie acts combine forces to form the group, who through some strange alchemical process manage to conjure the spirit of Hall and Oates … seriously. Are you as afraid as I am? At any rate, expect the unexpected starting at 9 p.m.
Saturday night, a decidedly more conventional sound will play the coffeehouse venue when Dan Haley is Mr. Casual makes their local debut. The project may be new, but the performers are certainly not, as Dan and bandmate Noah Hahn have played with myriad folks here in central Vermont. This show will be their electric debut, and is promised on their poster to be upbeat and danceable. They'll kick off at 9 p.m. for the low, low price of a donation.
Back over on Main Street in the city of the golden dome, prog-rockers The Brothers McCann (see Art Edelstein's CD review on Page B4) will be rocking out the back of the barroom at Charlie-O's tonight. The bar has recently done a nifty little renovation, making the playing space a bit deeper into the back of the bar, which means more room for you in front of the band.
Saturday night, O's hosts their monthly themed party night, this months being "Gangsters through the Ages." Get your Bonnie and Clyde on to the sounds of DJ Lili, and don't fail to dress to impress. Both nights start at 10 p.m., and as always at the ol World Famous, "never a cover."
Finally, a great show happens later in the week when our own local Righteous Babe recording artist Anaïs Mitchell hosts the latest in her Transcontinental Revue series at Langdon Street Café on Thursday. This time she'll be joined by Brooklyn singer-songwriter A.J. Roach, an artist known as much for his dry wit and between-song banter as for his excellently crafted take on "primitive" music. The $8 admission at the door gets you one heckuva great listening room style show starting at 8 p.m.
Until next week, play in the snow and go see live music!
Ed DuFresne is the former talent coordinator at Langdon Street Café, occasionally produces concerts, and books at various venues in the area on a freelance basis. He lives in Montpelier with owners of a local vintage clothing franchise and an annoying bird named Lucy.
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