Sartorial Splendor

Seeing Schmed with Andrea at the Top Hat reminded me of a performance by his band, Secret Powers, 10 days earlier at the Palace. Schmed told me that night he hoped I had some good photos, because he had spent extra time getting his wardrobe just right. So, here's Schmed in all his sartorial splendor on Tuesday, September 8, 2009, at the Palace.

He went the extra mile that night, trading off the keyboard to play guitar. He also plays a mean accordion.

3rd Thursday = Artini and More

MAM celebrated the 4th aniversary of the monthly Artini event, on Thursday, August 20. Butter provided the music accompaniment, and their position under the stairs was somewhat cramped. At first, the group seemed intimidated by the museum, as if it were a church. Once they relaxed, they flexed their creative wings and filled the place with excellent, strong harmonies.

There is a unique talent playing the cello, and that instrument adds a dimension to the sound, many bands just can't match.

And here are the excellent harmonizers.

Artini happens on the third Thursday of every month. It's a relaxed, and yet so cultured event, with snacks, gallery talks, music and a bar. Also it is early enough in the evening to allow further adventures in zootown, if there is anything stirring later. On this night, Total Fest began to buzz the Badlander and Palace, but the price was a little steep for a poor artist, and I looked for an alternative.

Andrea Harsell pours her heart into everything she sings. Thursday, she gave a rollicking performance, at the Top Hat. Once more, her band included Joe Nickell, of the Missioulian, on drums, and Schmed, of Secret Powers, on the keyboard, in addition to ever loyal and ready to play anytime anywhere Louis Bond.

Andrea has a new CD coming soon, titled Rock and Roll Love Child. She romped through some of the new material for enthusiastic fans on this evening.

Kitchenpoet Kisses the Ground

Of course, Louis would be there backing up Andrea at Caras Park for the first Out to Lunch of the summer. And, over on the other side, another regular.

But who are these other guys? Oh, yes, Schmed is on the keyboard, and...Joe Nickell on the drums. I didn't know what the "and Band" on the promotion meant, but I didn't expect this development. Joe talks about it in his regular column Nickellbag.

Sweet jumping Jesus, I am glad to be back in Missoula, I've just had a roadtrip to hell and back. I mean It wasn't like having your village bombed day after day, because someone suspects militants are hiding there, or hastily burying a friend or relative and running for cover, but it was damned traumatic to me. I didn't want to go to Arkansas, I couldn't afford to go to Arkansas, and I had to go to Arkansas.

There are good people, even in the armpit of America, and I must thank some family and friends for helping me make my trip.

But, holy mother of god, am I glad to be home. I missed Missoula, my favorite hangs, the Saturday Markets, the music and my friends.

Kitchenpoet is back, but he has some catching up to do. Please, be patient with the old man. This trip has caused some life changing thought processes. There may be a change of focus at hand. In the meantime, I have some images in the can to work on. First Friday was a busy one, and I went to Love Your Mother on Sunday. Today was another Out to Lunch.