First Friday--Feb, 2011

Wolf Redboy @the Break

Wolf Redboy has consistently produced some of the most original music in Zootown. On First Friday, he brought his newest music and songs to the Break. He also had some new players with him.

Nate Biehl

Mickie

Louie Bond was on sound and waiting in the wings for the right number to join in. Previous commitments took me elsewhere, and I'm wondering when we will see more of this combo.

Family Friday and DIY @the Hat

Ello played a tight, rocking set for the early 6-8 show at the Top Hat. 

The Top Hat has family friendly hours every Thursday and Friday, 6-8pm. Kids are welcome and sometimes take over the dance floor and the pool tables. Thursday performers rotate on a monthly basis, while Friday nights are  individually booked. I'll be covering more of this soon, and catching up a bunch. I have images of Stellarondo and Butter, previous monthly artists, as well as the current group Black Mountain Moan. 

DIY is a First Friday arts and crafts fair. On this night, February 4, 2011, Jason was creating a new painting, and the place was full of beautiful homemade crafts and beautiful craft persons.

Ax Raccoons @the Palace

Madison Schroeder leaped back into the Palace action with her latest band, Ax Raccoons. 

Yes, Mary is back from Minneapolis. She played in previous bands with Madison, and also with Thomas Pendarvis.

Each of these events has its own set over on the flickr archive, with these and more images captured on Friday, February 4, 2011.

When I was young, old folks sometimes described down times as "being under the weather." Since I've loved the weather in all it's diversity this winter, I don't want to use that phrase. I have, however, not been firing on all cylinders for a few months. It is time to start moving again. I have a ton of photos to review and so much more to say about the Zootown scene. 

Go Comics is a large alphabetized listing of comics; Arcamax is a smaller listing, but has some not on the other list. I put those links up in the right column. I recommend starting every day with a few laughs. Laughter really is the best medicine, and music is a close second. Therefore, I also recommend getting out to a local venue to support your favorite band, or to check out a new band, and to support Zootown health and happiness.

Kitchenpoet's Weekend was Terrific, How About Your's?

Kitchenpoet leaped on the weekend like a cougar on a steak. The photo above was taken by this dude.

He captured a better image of me than I did of him. My apologies. He laid down on the sidewalk to get that shot, and I'm too old to lay on sidewalks.

The weekend was off to a hard charging start with all the activity of First Friday, as previously posted. Wolf Redboy played again on Saturday, this time in the Palace.

Moonshine Mountain @ the Hat

Zeppo was playing the Union Club, but Ruthie strictly forbade my taking photos, saying it was time for me to just enjoy myself. She doesn't get how much I enjoy taking photos, I guess. Anyway, I had a great Saturday night, after a great Friday night, and I have something to say about Sunday, too, but I've other things to do right now. Time to get downtown.

First Friday--March, 2010

Three shows in four months. Take the brakes off. Yes sir, I did. We're smokin' now. Hotdiggetydirt. And wowzerfuckingdamn too.

My show dedicated to Ruthie opened at Computer Central on First Friday, during the gallery walk. I was too busy meeting and greeting to take any photos. Once again, I can say I am proud of my work. I tried a different display concept designed for the venue. Come see the show. Computer Central is next door to the old Raven, later Dauphine's, just west of the Post Office. As always, I am open to suggestions, criticisms, barter and haggle. I'll be spending some time over there admiring my work and tooting my ego.

After my opening, I went to see how the young anarchists were doing with their protest against the new homeless and panhandling regulations. Some of my best friends are among this group.

David Lewis Johnson /Reggie Herbert

One goal was accomplished as passers by stopped to ask about the issue. There will be a follow up discussion at the Union Hall on St Patrick's Day. That seems so appropriate on more than one level.

Around the block and over to the Top Hat

where I found another photographer taking pictures of another friend. Back up to Main and over to the Union Club to see Russ Nasset

There is no better guitar picker in Zootown. I say that not because Russ is a friend. I say it, because I love people who work at their art, and this cat is an artist. In addition, he's talented as hell and a true gentleman.

Feet were tapping, and folks were dancing. First Friday was one of those really good nights at the Union Club, and the very next night, Zeppo was there, but that is another story for another time. 

It's 11o'clock, and I must get to Ceretana's to see Wolf Redboy and his new line up. Wolf is one of the truly original denizens of Zootown. Again, as with Russ, I didn't say what I did about him, because he is my friend. He is my friend, because he is one of the most original fuckers I've ever met. I dig the shit out of his stuff and have, since I first saw him with Amanda Cevallos on bass and Martin McCain on drums at PBR two years ago.

Speaking of Amanda Cevallos reminds me, here is another Amanda, who was at Ceretana's Friday night. I'm trying to remember if every Amanda I've known has been drop dead gorgeous. It seems like it.

What's the time? My evening is ready to start. First stop, a Northside party, and then it downtown to the Top Hat. Tom Catmull is opening for Backyard Tire Fire, and I told Tom and Travis I would be there, if the creek didn't rise, and it didn't. I'm on my way.

Timeslip Two Saturdays Back

A timeslip takes me back to Saturday, Jan 19th, after Fagrag at ZACC. I met Andrea, in the Badlander. She insisted on braiding my beard.

Wolf Redboy was also there, and Andrea took pictures.

Arrested Adolescence performed that night in the Palace.

Meanwhile, at the Union Club, people danced to Full Grown Men.

Jumping Jack Flash, I almost forgot. The night didn't end there. Places were at the Top Hat, and I had enjoyed two previous performances, making the Hat a required stop.

Logistics make band practices and performances hard for Places, because half the band lives here and half in Denver.