Monday, June 26, 2006
For me, it really started on Thursday night at the 283 Bar for solo sets by local upcoming singer/songwriters Meghann Jordan and Mark Brut. Both have different styles, both very enjoyable. I attempted to catch the acoustic Mother Jackson show at Flicker but the timing never worked out in the end (ultimately, it didn't work out for their other 2 shows either and this was one of my bigger regrets of the weekend). Time to call it a night. Friday night started directly after work for me. Rushed over to catch the 2nd half of the Workhorses set at the main stage. Great group of guys to kick off the music at the main stage with. It was their last song when the skies opened and the rain came pouring down and everyone ran for cover and somehow in the midst of all this, William Tonks seemed to revel in it with a big smile on his face, still playing away. It was coming down too hard though, so the stage and all equipment got covered up for awhile, which led to an hour delay over there for the rest of the night. This, and the rain storms to follow throughout the night, threw off my sense of timing for where I wanted to be and ultimately, my energy level as well.
I did manage to get over to the Tasty World in time to catch powerhouse vocalists Kimberly Morgan and Betsy Franck, backed up by a side guitar player from Betsy's band. Even though this was really the beginning of the weekend, I knew right away it was already one of my highlights. Amazing voices from both girls so together they just blow you away. And it doesn't hurt that they can actually write good songs with great, catchy lyrics. The set ended with a beautiful rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." If you haven't seen either of these girls yet, you are missing out. I know we all hear that phrase a lot in Athens, but it ain't a bad problem to have right?
For the rest of the night, I just mosied in and out of venues, catching a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Saw something like 9 bass players on stage with Coulier, apparently it was their last show so they pulled out all the stops. It was so dang crowded in the 40 Watt all night, I pretty much avoided it the rest of the evening. I wanted to catch the Modern Skirts to see what all the fuss was about, but a quick trip home to let out the dogs thrawted that effort. I managed to make it over to the Lunch Paper for a bit of The Dumps, but unfortunately the people with me were not having it. And who could blame them, it was so dang loud in there, I guess I kind of predicted that would happen anyway. I will say that for what they do, those guys have a great band going and musically, I think they are a force to reckon with. If you haven't seen them, and you don't mind things a bit loud, check them out. Too bad I couldn't stay to see them play more, but I needed to save my hearing for the rest of the weekend. We had big plans to check out both Contraband and Lona at 1 a.m., but the bodies just couldn't take it anymore by that point and off to the house we went. I heard both bands put on great shows, as usual.
Saturday was the night I knew I would need careful planning and maneuvering to make it everywhere I wanted to be. It always seems that this night brings the most conflicts for me. So much to see, so little time. I arrived just in time to catch Goat on the main stage and it was nice to see so many other folks "get" what many of us have been saying about this band for awhile now. Definitely one of Athens' more unique offerings and whenever I know they are playing around town, it's hard for me to sit at home and miss it. This set was certainly a good one, as usual. Walked over to the side stage just in time to catch a truly well-performed set by Liz Durrett and backing band. Those that know me well know that Vic Chesnutt is one of my all-time favorite songwriters, so it was nice to see him there, but tonight, it was all about that melancholy voice of Liz Durrett's that moves me each time I hear it. Nice to see her with a "fuller" backing band than I had seen before, and except for the douchebag standing up front, a great set.
One of the things I was most excited about was Now It's Overhead. I'm going to have to respecfully disagree with Mail Clerk on this one and say that I thought it was yet another fantastic set from a fantastic band. Sure, I don't think it had quite the same punch as their last two shows at the 40 Watt, but I blame that on the fact that it was outside and much more open. Harder to catch the various layers in the music that this band has in that kind of setup, but I thought they gave us a good mix of songs with that mellow energy they have that seems to go well with the music. I've had "Hi" in my head since.
Though I wasn't planning on it, a delay in the schedule at Flicker had me in the car and over to Nuci's Space in the blink of an eye for Kimberly Morgan's solo set. To my surprise, however, most of her Everloving Band was there to help out. Backed by Adam Musick on electric guitar, and Chuck Bradburn on bass, and later Wendy Musick on guitar (happy birthday Wendy!), these guys did yet another amazing job. This is truly an act not to be missed.
Before that set was over, I had a date to catch some of Magic Missile back at the Flicker. Made it there just in time to hear a few of their catchy songs about elements of the periodic table (no kidding). Fun band to see. But, I was already missing some of Nutria so I hightailed it over there to catch the 2nd half of their set. They were obviously kicking ass and I'm glad I got there in time to see it. My feet stayed firmly planted at the Caledonia for what I knew was going to be one of my other highlights of the festival, Producto. Admittingly my current favorite band in Athens right now, I have not been disappointed by their sets yet (only disappointment that they end so quickly each time). If you went to their last show at the 40 Watt, it was along the same lines of them playing more of their mellow songs, including a gorgeous cover The Glands' Pretty Merrina. But in true Producto fashion, they kick into rock mode at various points of the show, bringing to mind on occassions a nice Led Zeppelinish vibe. These guys shouldn't be pigeonholed though, as they are truly unique. I love it when Ane looks possessed by some higher power as she sings. And for Philip McArdle's second show ever on bass, big hats off to these guys. It was 1 a.m. and I walked over to the 40 Watt to catch some of The Whigs, but after a song or two, I was ready for some fresh air and to catch up with friends outside. For what these guys do though, I gotta say they are pretty good.
Sunday found me recovering most of the day, but I did manage to take a drive back downtown for two final sets. The first was the Dexateens from Tuscaloosa, AL on the side stage. Young kids that have a pretty cool thing going on. They are a force musically, and bring these great grooves (especially those bass lines). Hopefully their songs will evolve a bit more over time, but I encourage you to check 'em out on musical merit if anything. Finally, I caught Drivin' n Cryin' at the main stage to close out my weekend. I've always felt like DnC has been one of the tighest bands for years, and they really are still no different in that aspect. My only downer is that I'm not too big on Joey Huffman's additions on the keys. At moments, it added to it, but most of the time it took away from what they were doing in my opinion. But I've felt the same about his additions to other Kevn projects in the past as well. Still, I'm a sucker for Kevn's songwriting and voice and seeing these guys rarely disappoints me, even after all these years. The crowd was still quite big at this point so I was glad for them. But after hearing some of the songs I really liked, it was time to call it quits and say goodbye to AthFest for the final time.
Another great weekend of music that really makes you appreciate Athens and all it has to offer. What other weekend festival has such easy parking too?
Most gaping holes in the lineup this year for me were, as others mentioned below, no Ceiling Fan or Southern Bitch shows at the Caledonia like we have come to enjoy. Both were missed. But, sometimes traditions have to be broken right? On the upside, this year's highlights for me have to go to the female vocalists/songwriters in our town...Kimberly Morgan, Betsy Franck, and no doubt about it, Ane Diaz. These girls have star power and voices that truly give goose bumps. Watch out boys, the ladies are stealing your spotlights!
Now, if I could just figure out how to get my butt in gear for Brown Frown tonight...
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