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The CHIRP Blog
Clarence Ewing: The Million Year Trip writesWeekly Voyages: Friday 01/18 to Thursday 01/24
(Do you have corrections or updates for this list? Send us an e-mail.)
Friday January 18
Jay Langston (of Eye Of The Bird)
Abbey Pub 9pm, 21+
Hemminbirds, Ballroom Boxer, Hawaiian Lion
Beat Kitchen 9pm, 21+
PANIC! Dance Party
Beauty Bar 21+
The Sleepers, The Regrets, Radkey, Romantic Rebel
Double Door 8:30pm, 21+
The Hoyle Brothers
Empty Bottle 5:30pm, 21+
Mike Bennett writesFriday iPod/MP3 Shuffle—Happy Birthday Slim Harpo Edition
He was bluesman who influenced The Rolling Stones, The Pretty Things and The Who, among others. He has two song in the Grammy Hall of Fame. But he never was a full-time singer. Slim Harpo’s first single was an instant classic, “I’m A King Bee” (and covered by the Stones, and many others). Later on, he waxed the great “Rainin’ In My Heart” along with many other great songs. Harpo specialized in mid-tempo blues tunes with his drawling vocals and great lead guitar and harmonica parts (his name coming from his harp playing, of course. Harpo’s tunes had a swinging vibe to them that make them stand out. In addition to his music career, Harpo ran a trucking business. Let’s pay tribute to Slim by grabbing your iPod or MP3 player, hitting shuffle, and sharing the first 10 songs that come up.
Clarence Ewing: The Million Year Trip writesWeekly Voyages: Friday 01/11 to Thursday 01/17
(Do you have corrections or updates for this list? Send us an e-mail.)
Friday January 11
Phil Jacobson, Julian Bell
Abbey Pub 9pm, 21+
DJ SOLO, Young General, Second City Citizens
Abbey Pub 9pm, 21+
Mike Bennett writesFriday iPod/MP3 Shuffle—Happy Birthday Michael Stipe Edition
He fronted the band that grew with college radio, and, to some degree, made the notion of alternative rock possible. Michael Stipe was born in Georgia but spent some of his formative years in Southern Illinois, before heading back to Athens. There, of course, he met Peter Buck and eventually, R.E.M. was formed. It can’t be overstated how their arty but accessible guitar rock took colleges by storm. It was a Southern mix of post-punk and power pop and classic ‘60s jangle, with Stipe’s mysterious lyrics and his voice, just perfect for those songs. Of course, R.E.M. grew, explored other styles, and Stipe’s lyrics became intelligible. As they got bigger, they made their share of musical missteps, but whatever they did, they remained true to themselves. Moreover, they helped spread the notion that you could do something a bit different or obscure and have a chance. I have fond memories of their early shows. On the tail end of their endless touring for Reckoning, they played the Aragon, and me and my friend Dale were right near the stage. An adoring young gal threw a stuffed animal towards Stipe. Her aim was true, and Stipe, while singing, one hand on the mike stand, made a great catch with the crook of his free arm. The girl was ecstatic...until Michael took the souvenir and flung it back in the crowd. She was crushed, but I thought it was a great catch. Remember that if you ever get to play softball or touch football with Stipe. Let’s pay tribute to Stipe by getting your iPod or MP3 player, hitting shuffle, and sharing the first 10 songs that come up.
Clarence Ewing: The Million Year Trip writesWeekly Voyages: Friday 01/04 to Thursday 01/10
(Do you have corrections or updates for this list? Send us an e-mail.)
Friday January 4
Tony, Aaron & Rebecca of The Tossers
Abbey Pub 9pm 21+
Bobcat Williams, aotearoa, God and the Architects, Sunfallen
Beat Kitchen 9pm, 21+
Pound of Flesh, Vulgar, Project .44, The Obscene Kiss
Bottom Lounge 8pm