Briefs

Mardi Gras has finally begun to spread its jovial infection (and probably others that penicillin could take care of) into the streets of the Port City. The skies will bring forth showers of beads, moon pies, dirty panties and stuffed animals, and my eyes will be assaulted by glimpses of a variety of bare chests (both male and female, most severely challenged by gravity) that should have never seen the light of day. But despite all of the frightening sag, venues from LoDa to the ESho are pulling out all the stops to provide an aurally pleasing soundtrack to this year’s (some times visually-disturbing) festivities.

Russell worship at The Temple

The Temple is one of our hidden treasures in LoDa. Honestly, how many cities can boast that they have a replica of the Temple of Karnak? It is my dream to see this venue explode into the showplace that it could be, and I’m pleased to see that Blackball Productions is helping it do just that by bringing in legendary session artist Leon Russell on Thursday, Feb. 16.

All roads of rock and roll seem to lead back to Russell. He has mastered the piano and guitar, among other instruments. After building his own record studio in 1967, Russell laid down the tracks for his first album “Look Inside the Asylum Choir.” In the years to come, Russell worked with a Who’s Who of rock-and-roll, including Phil Spector, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan and the list goes on and on. He even appeared at George Harrison’s Concert for Bangladesh in 1971. Get your tickets early for this one!

Sweet Pea pulls into The Garage

Readers, you weren’t lying when you gave the Nappie to The Garage for being the “Best Spot to watch a Mardi Gras Parade.” I’ve never been anywhere else where someone could spill beer all over a Cuban dignitary then be graciously invited to stay at his home in his native country. You’re just a few steps away from the floats, the drinks and the music when you stand at this favorite of LoDa watering holes.

The Garage has recruited Sweet Pea’s Revenge to entertain the masses for Mardi Gras 2006 on Feb. 18 and 19. You might remember my feature on Sweet Pea’s Revenge from last year. This dreamy folk-rock trio hasn’t slowed down over the past year and may even be growing.

“In January, we already started recording our fifth independently released, full-length CD,” drummer Stephen Randall says. “These songs are reflecting our ever increasing lean towards an alt-country sound and mixing that with our roots rock, which makes most writers just call us Americana.”

These guys have been busy over the past year once again playing over 100 shows in 2005. Stephen, Andy and Jim have also decided to take on a few new members by adding a keyboardist as well as a percussionist to their line-up. If you are a die-hard Mardi Gras junkie, then you owe it to yourself to head over to The Garage to enjoy the show on the streets and the stage.

Cain on the Causeway

As far as the Mardi Gras season is concerned, I think Joe Cain Day is my favorite. Ol’ Chief Slacabamorinico did us right by giving us this day of intoxication and revelry. The Blue Gill plans on tipping a few back for Joe with a Joe Cain Day celebration that will have many of you buzzing in more ways than one.

One day won’t be enough for this one, so Harry and the gang plan on kicking off the party a day early. On Feb. 25 and 26, The Blue Gill will celebrate the life of Joe Cain as well as their re-opening with an all-star jam fest that many of you won’t want to miss.

On the 25th, Hank Becker and Scott Boyer will take the stage for some of that Port City blues that have made them local legends. Also taking the stage that night will be the loveliest blues diva on Mobile Bay Donna Hall.

On Joe Cain Day, Blue Gill will be ready for you after the parades with more musical goodness. The show will start with Hank Becker. This time around, Becker will jam with his brothers in blues, The Boogie Chillin’. Following Becker, Rollin’ in the Hay fans will get their fix with a performance from Hay boys Stan Foster and Barry Waldrop. End your Joe Cain Day in true Mobile style with a visit to The Blue Gill.

Post-Columbus Jeans

After a night of indulgence, most people become ravenous with hunger. After the parades Feb. 24, Ravenite Pizza on the ESho has the potential to satisfy your cravings for pizza and blues. Ravenite has recruited Wes Jeans to mesmerize their patrons with a brand of Texas Flood Blues that has made him a local favorite.

Jeans will be touring with fellow bluesman Lance Lopez before heading into the studio for yet another album. It is guaranteed to be an unforgettable night of some of the finest blues in the industry today. If you get a chance, pick up Jeans’ jam-filled live DVD.

Another Alabamian Idol

It seems as if Alabama is becoming the reality show capital of the United States. Not only have former reality celebrities chosen Alabama as a place to roost after the madness of television, but our state has also turned out quite a few participants. Once again, an Alabamian has audibly charmed the judges of “American Idol.” It is rumored that Birmingham native Taylor Hicks makes it to the “Top 24.”

You probably weren’t fooling yourself if you thought you recognized Hicks’ name, as he is no stranger to the Mobile music scene. His band, Taylor Hicks and the EZ Widerz made quite a few stops around the Gulf Coast at such venues as Monsoon’s and Flora-Bama. He also played at BayFest. So if he makes far enough, make sure to vote for our B’ham boy.

Stephen Centanni is Lagniappe music editor. Contact him at scentanni@lagniappemobile.com.

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