NEA nightmares
National Endowment for the Twang: I just reread all of tonights' postings on the NEA/Alejandro thread with carl w. and junior. I have to say something as I myself was on the ass end of a congressinally pressured NEA rejection of a project I organized a couple years ago. (Actually I think you can still find a C.Carr article about the project Hallwalls were applying for in the 1996 archives of the Village Voice. I'd continue about it, but I get bitter and nasty. Suffice it to say we got boned.) What I did want to express was to Junior that I have a problem with his framing of NEA grants as "official institutional validation" and nothing else. That is not at all what those grants are about. What NEA grants should be, and it appears Alejandro's project as described here fits this to a T, is an opportunity for an artist to do something more than just what they do. in other words, going beyond themselves in order to achieve something more than the usual. Composers and musicians frequently apply for and are awarded grants that help them move into different mediums, to do projects they otherwise couldn't do through commercial channels. Actually, I mean "used to" apply for individual NEA grants. The NEA hasn't had an individual grant program in more than seven years. Only institutions can receive them. Alejandro's project would have to be presented in the context of a group's seasonal programming, or within the aegis of a related group of projects under the wings of an arts center or some such other entity, like California's Border Arts Workshop. Now, I don't think the NEA should give him money just to put out a record of just his own stuff. He has a contract and seems to do that fine on his own. His effort to "do something more" in this case is to enter the theatrical realm with his work and that could be very interesting. Especially if he collaborates with other artists which of course he will. Thus, the money affects not only him, but the people he works with as well, and if the project in some way involves his community, enriches the cultural life of the community and helps raise awareness of culture, then by God, send him the money. In the long run, that actual cash award will be small in relation to what the project will cost. Also thanks to the congressional insanity of the last few years, Alejandro will have to guarentee at least a 2 to one match of those funds from other sources. (at least the last I looked). He will have some scrambling to do, believe me. And theatrical productions have costs like you wouldn't believe. Anyway, the bottom line is these grants are not tokens or some sort of cash prize, but a venture capital investment in an artist's efforts to bring their work to new audiences and new heights. Or at least they used to be. Bring back the individual grants! Shit, wish I was on that panel. Dan Rigney http://www.moths.com
Re: NEA nightmares
Dan, I see your points. I've been on the "ass end," as you rightly put it, of several NEA (and several *other* NEH) grants myself, so I'm not a stranger to the institutional logic we're discussing here. I know good things get done and good projects get supported with NEA monies and I sure know how difficult it is to get one's project funded. I'm working in and around such projects every day. Overall, however, let's face it, we're not talking about a hotbed of innovation or populist initiative either in the arts in general, or in popular music in particular. Again, my point is about Alejandro and it's a taste point. I find him uninteresting. The NEA is another and more complex ball of wax I'm not suggesting that govt funding of the arts is somehow wrongheaded and everything should be left to market principles. Neither am I suggesting that getting NEA funding de facto invalidates anyone's or any institution's work. Of course not. If I'm the only one to perceive irony in the situation, so be it. Maybe I have an overactive sense of humor g. But the day NEA funding leads to as much good popular music as, say, Texaco Truck Stops, I'll gladly buy you a round! --junior, off to see Big Sandy
Re: THE DRAGON'S ROAR (fwd) - Cisco at NEA
..not to burst anyone's bubble here, but we were lucky enough to have seen Cisco play at the Gibson Cafe during the NEA Extravaganza and not only was the guy VERY nice, he went out of his way to pose for pictures before their set and was genuinely flattered by all the attention. (He also showed up at most of the other shows in town that weekend) Any time we ran into him he made a point of coming over and thanking us for coming to his show and just plain ol' talkin' 'bout stuff. Cisco and his band were great! His guitar player came across like a mix of Pete Anderson and Eddie Shaver, very nice stuff! As for Cisco comparisons, I'd put him in the El Vez (probably due to his stature and sideburns) meets Dwight category. Its a great show, enjoy!! Kate. [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: At 02:13 PM 3/2/99 EST, you wrote: In a message dated 3/2/99 12:59:33 PM Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: punk camp than the pop world. He's constantly alienating people at live gigs by spouting off about something. Well, that might make our SXSW party kinda fun.. or not. Can I come? I promise not to start any fights, but I will not hesitate to finish them. You all are invited, of course. Here are the details: MILES OF MUSIC NO DEPRESSION THE TRACTOR TAVERN SXSW AFTERNOON BASH Saturday , March 20, 2-6pm Broken Spoke 3201 S. Lamar in Austin With Bob Egan Continental Drifters Hayseed Hazeldine/Neal Casal Damnations TX Cisco Hope to see some of you there. Jeff
Re: THE DRAGON'S ROAR (fwd) - Cisco at NEA
At 10:21 AM 3/4/99 EST, you wrote: ..not to burst anyone's bubble here, but we were lucky enough to have seen Cisco play at the Gibson Cafe during the NEA Extravaganza and not only was the guy VERY nice, he went out of his way to pose for pictures before their set and was genuinely flattered by all the attention. (He also showed up at most of the other shows in town that weekend) Any time we ran into him he made a point of coming over and thanking us for coming to his show and just plain ol' talkin' 'bout stuff. Cisco and his band were great! His guitar player came across like a mix of Pete Anderson and Eddie Shaver, very nice stuff! As for Cisco comparisons, I'd put him in the El Vez (probably due to his stature and sideburns) meets Dwight category. Its a great show, enjoy!! The guy has the goods as a musician. He just has a reputation for saying really inappropriate things from the bandstand. On the other hand, all the conversations Corrie (my wife and business partner) has had with him about the upcoming appearance at SXSW has found him to be nothing less than gracious and appreciative. As long as he shows up, does a good show and says thanks, I'll walk away happy. BTW, Chris Lawrence, his axeman, is amazing. Jeff Miles of Music mail order http://www.milesofmusic.com FREE printed Catalog: (818) 883-9975 fax: (818) 992-8302, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Alt-Country, rockabilly, bluegrass, folk, power pop and tons more.
Re: THE DRAGON'S ROAR (fwd) - Cisco at NEA
Hi Jeff, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: BTW, Chris Lawrence, his axeman, is amazing. ditto that! Kate (who got some pretty nice shots of Cisco and Chris in action)
NEA photos
http://www.hellcountry.com/twangfluff/nea.htm hardly any folks this time, mostly music...including a lot of shots from the David Lindley tribute show at the Sutler on 2/14. Enjoy, Stacey
Re: NEA (was sxsw criticisms)
. But when all is said and done, it's the music that matters. And that is not the message these mega-festivals send to the bands. The bands are sent a very different message. I thought that NEA came off pretty well, which totally shocked the hell out of me. Up until the event started, I was complaining loudly how unorganized it was. I couldn't get anyone on the phone. It was nearly impossible to find out essential information like show, load-in, and sound check times. I recently read an interview with the director of NEA. It appears that he only took over the event in September. The previous director and event coordinator quit over the summer. Now, I've planned big events. Five months is not nearly enough time to prepare for something like NEA. I can't believe he even pulled it off. The event went very smoothly. Bands started on time. Sound checks and the like seemed to go smoothly. Great networking opportunities. All the bands that I spoke to said that they had very positive experience. Sponsor presence was subdued. NEA really seemed to be about the bands and the music. marie np: Hadacol
Re: NEA (was sxsw criticisms)
On Wed, 17 Feb 1999, marie arsenault wrote: all the bands I spoke to said that they had very positive experiences. Sponsor presence was subdued. NEA really seemed to be about the bands and the music. I have to agree. NEA was a good experience. As Marie mentioned, the sound/mix people were professional, the sets started and finished on time, the shows (that I know of and played) were very well attended, and there was not a lingering corporate cloud. It was fun. I didn't schmooze much, and the night I played I hadn't heard of anyone but maybe Josh Rouse and possibly one other act, but none-the-less the quality of the music seemed good, and from a music watching and playing standpoint I thought it was pulled off rather well. oh well . . . -jim
NEA (Middle sized and fluffy)
Hey there, OK, my turn. Thurs. Arrived, surprisingly, right on time in Nashville to be greeted by Meshel and Bill. Both of whom I was glad to see, although one more than the other. Heh. Back to the Goddess house to change out of Business Casual and into Casual Casual. (This sounds alot like Bill's post, eh?) BBQ with the surprisingly large and affectionate Boston crew (Morgan, his pals, Tom Stooley who knows every damn alt.country song ever, etc.) At Magge Maggies (that's the name, Bill) 5 Bucks cancelled and, erm, another band who I wanted to see, but whose name escapes me cancelled. Ray Wylie Hubbard was OK, but I dont get into the 'guy with acoustic guitar' thing too much. And I had heard most of his stories and jokes from p2 posts. But the tunes were good. Roy Kasten snuck in, only to be reduced to tears by Marie's constant criticism of the length and geographical nature of his music. (Inna Gadda Davida, Stairway to Heaven, Tennesse River Waits for You). I've already praised Pumpskully. Caught Chris Knight next door, but by that point I had been up for many many hours and drunk for many hours, so I sorta pulled an Alex. I was resting my eyes, I swear. Fri. Slept late. Took a nap. Rough day. Rebecca and her husband arrive to much rejoicing. Off to The Sutler for the Checkered Past showcase, and really bad waitress service. Until Alex did Tequila shots with the table attendant. Oh yeah, Alex started stopping drinking again on monday. The man has the will power of John Belushi. Erin arrived as well at this point wearing really scary motorcycle boots. Tom House was excellent - much more electric than I remember his CD being. Folk music needs electricity. Paul Burch also sounded great (although he might want to spit out the gum.) As did Lonesome Bob (with Tim Carrol and Allison Moorer *sigh*). We all split before Tommy Womack to see 1R1R at The Station Inn. We waited in line outside and then muscled out way through the crowd to the front by the stage. I had to shove some waif-ish chick in a ginham dress (she had some gross fish-like name, Gill?) out of the way for a descent view of Marks gold accordion of love. Erin spilled her beer on some unkempt guy who mumbled something about being 'not that well yet' or something. Lotsa Nudie Suits in the crowd too - I think the opry rehearsal musta got out early. Where was I, oh yeah, 1r1r played their usual great set. Including Cool Water (which BTW is not called 'that funny water song' Sat. Spent the moring food shopping with Meshel. It was bliss. Yet another kick ass Goddess House party. Marcia even showed up. For a while. Excellent chili by Jim, slaw by Marcia, potato salad by Erin and catfish by Meshel. One of these times the weather will actually cooperate and we'll be able to hang out and have music outside. The ExHusbands, Hayseed, 1R1R, and an Ex Husbands 1R1R combo (The Ex Rangers?) played kick ass living room acoustic sets. Although Jerry and Bill prattling on about pop music drowned out most of Hayseed's set. Met Jeff Weiss and his better half face to face (apparently I'm MoM's number one customer or something). Apparently there were a bunch of other list folks there who I never got a chance to talk to - my apologies (I'm sure you all bummed about not meeting me - heh). Being a really annoying anal type guy (clapping the back of one hand against the other) I chased everyone out in time to catch Hillbilly Idol at Roberts. More fine fine fine music from a p2 band (I'll be sure to play it on my radio show Al g) Since I see Jim Roll every time he comes through chicago - I went across the street to see The Gypsy Mechanics (Morgans band). Looking dapper in suits (for the first song or so) They played some excellent poppy alt country. Morgan also knew everyone in the crowd (not just p2 but also their 'moms' from The Best Western). He's movin got Nashville, I hear. (THIS IS GREAT! I LOVE IT HERE!) Fantasic Clash encore of Should I Stay or Should I Go. Ended the night with a slow calzone, an infomercial and a terrible coconut flavored drink. Sun. Got up Ate Flew back to Chicago Later... CK ___ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com/getjuno.html or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]
Re: Non-fluffy NEA stuff
Got to give it up to the Ex-Husbands, too. Why these guys still labor in semi-obscurity while bands infinitely their inferiors get accolades is beyond me. Yeah! New record soon..
Re: nea and stuff.
At 01:16 PM 2/15/99 -0500, you wrote: I took off early to see the Predators play against the evil Penguins, So Mr. Copetas: What was it like to attend a hockey game in Nashville? Was there a good crowd? I got to see the Wings dispose of Edmonton on Thursday (my only game this year -- so far). And then yesterday, Peter Klima of all people scored a goal. I still can't believe he's the reason the Wings passed on Jagr. chow chow, Jamie D.
P2 at the NEA- Hillbilly IDOL
Dear Lovers of Fine Music, I just wanted to let all of the nice folks who will be attending or performing at the NEA Extravaganza that Hillbilly IDOL will be there too. We are playing a set at Robert's Western Wear on Sat. at 10:00pm. Looks like a nice lineup for the evening and doggonit we're happy to be a part of it. The Steam Donkeys start out the night followed by Kristi Rose, Hllbilly IDOL, the Billy Goats, and finishing out the evening is Jim Roll. We will also be doing a set at the EXIT INN on the following Tues. as part of Billy Block's Western Beat Roots Revival. Nice lineup on that evening too. The Felsons from Scotland, ( not all of them actually, the Mavericks rhythm section is filling in for Felsons bass and drums) , Suzy Bogguss and somebody else, who unfortunately, I continue to forget. The house band kicks off the evening in Opry style accompanying a number of cameos by select performers.This is a killer band and is loaded with heavy hitters including pedal steeler Mike Daly (Hank Jr., Gibson Miller, Allison Moore's band, etc.) and Redd Volkart( Telewacker with the Hag ). The Roots Revival show is pretty darn cool and if folks are interested in finding out a bit more about it Billy Block has some nice stuff on the web. Sorry, I don't have the address right in front of me. Billy Block's Western Beat Roots Revival should get you close on a decent search . Ladies and gentlemen, if you have the opportunity to catch either of our sets please introduce yourself. We look forward to meeting and drinking with other distinguished, discriminating, musical aficionados such as yourselves. sincerely, Al Moss (the other)
NEA
If you plan on being in Nashville for NEA, we have a pretty large change to make in the Tar Hut showcase - Bob Egan will be taking the 9pm slot of our showcase - Nadine had to cancel because the Pope's trip to St. Louis interfered with their studio time. So, one last time, here's the final lineup for Robert's on Friday, 2/12: 9pm - Bob Egan 10pm - King Radio 11pm - Martin's Folly mid - Ex-Husbands Come along and thanks for your support. jc
NEA - Nashville next week
if anyone has plans to come down for NEA, or wants to know more about what is happening, please email me so we can let you in on where to find the schedules, what P2 bands are playing, and give you directions to the party. meshel n'vegas
NEA
Been checking out the schedule for NEA. Look at what's happening on Thursday night at the Station Inn: 8pm: Blue Highway 9pm: Jerry Tammy Sullivan 10pm: The Whites 11pm: Gibson Brothers 12am: Del McCoury Band Wow!
Re: NEA
Is there a finalists list yet, a definitive one? Can someone forward me this, if so? Much obliged. Kip On Mon, 25 Jan 1999 [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Been checking out the schedule for NEA. Look at what's happening on Thursday night at the Station Inn: 8pm: Blue Highway 9pm: Jerry Tammy Sullivan 10pm: The Whites 11pm: Gibson Brothers 12am: Del McCoury Band Wow!
Re: NEA
What are the dates of NEA? I was thinking Feb. 20 something but just saw Marie post a date for a band playing Feb. 13. Deb confused
NEA (was RE: Jim Roll (was Re: Joe Henry -- was: Kevin Gordon / Southside Johnny)
Hey! Did they ever update that page on the web with the list of performers for the weekend? Does anyone still have that url address? thanks, rebecca I just got confirmation that Jim Roll is playing at the Nashville Extravaganza on Saturday February 13th at Robert's Western Wear at Midnight. Hope to see you're cheery faces there. Jim, smilin'
NEA (WAS: Forward)
NEA Extravaganza O.K., y'all. I give up. What *is* the NEA, and does Jesse Helms know about it? Kelly
