Briefs

It’s time to say goodbye to Mardi Gras and hello to Lent. At midnight on Fat Tuesday, LoDa evolved from a lewd, decadent party into a veritable ghost town. As each of you make holy covenants to avoid various vices, make sure that avoiding the Mobile music scene is not one of them. The year is already shaping up to be yet another great one to enjoy the musings of local, regional and national musical acts coming to our fair city.

Big event out west

As I make my daily trek home, I pass by the Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds, and each time I’m hit with the same question: Why aren’t we using these facilities for outdoor music shows on a regular basis?

Undoubtedly, I wasn’t the only one because on April 15, 92-ZEW and Sound Stage Live are going to present the first ever Zewtopia Music Festival at the fairgrounds, according to Sound Stage owner Frank Giglio. You heard me correctly. Two of the most influential musical entities in Mobile are joining forces to conjure up some great music for the Port City.

Confirmed acts include: Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, Cracker, The Subdudes, Eliot Morris, Mike Doughty and Mindy Smith. I’m sure there will be more acts to be added, including talk of someone huge. This has the potential to be one of the biggest soirees of the year, and you won’t want to miss it!

The Monkey returns

They toured for six years across the Southeast and gathered an epic fan base with their party sounds, and now you can enjoy them in the privacy of your own home. Regional favorite Spank the Monkey called it quits much to the disappointment of many dedicated fans, but it seems as if their vibe won’t die easily. These Louisiana natives have been electronically resurrected in the form of a DVD box set “Spank the Monkey: The DVD.” I remember seeing them at various watering holes in Auburn, and they never failed to please the crowd.

So, what can you expect out of the Spank the Monkey box set?

First, it’s a whopping, six-disc set. Believe me, it was no easy task compiling six discs worth of Spank as it took a year to come up with a finalized version. The disc begins with a parade of promo shots detailing the various members who have walked into and out of the lifespan of Spank as well as various interviews. The eye candy that follows details the live Spank experience beginning with some of their first live performances.

I really like some of the live footage. Some of it has a “home video” quality to it, which for me adds to the reality. Footage shows Spank playing everywhere from Bayfest to the Pink Pony as well as all points in between. The sixth disc contains eight rare radio interviews that provide insight into the life of Spank the Monkey.

If you are a fan of Spank, then this box set will be worth every bit of the $25 price tag. Pick up your copy at Bay Sound on the E Sho.

The Beast arises

Roman Gabriel Todd’s Beast Rising Up Out of the Sea is lifting its hideous head for another blast of ultra-blasphemous music. The last we heard of RGT’s Beast, they were being banned from Daphne by some individuals concerned about the corruption of their children.

If you haven’t experienced RGT’s Beast, then you’re really missing out on some of the most unique sounds in Mobile. Armed with various percussions and a junior bass, this duo annihilates audiences with sound and gruesome facial contortions.

RGT’s Beast is releasing a full-length CD titled “Feasting with Roman Gabriel Todd’s Beast Rising Up Out of the Sea.” This 10-song CD will feature some of the “punk-jazz blasphemy” that has made this group so infamous. If you would like to experience RGT’s Beast live, head over to Picklefish March 20. Joining him will be Ill Ease and Mikaela’s Friend. Over the next few months, they will be preparing for a tour lasting from May 12-June 4.

Blue Gill revival

The Blue Gill is back with a vengeance. Crowds of regulars are steadily making their way back down to the Causeway to enjoy food, drink and music on Mobile Bay. Many of you will be happy to know owner Harry Johnson plans on kicking off spring in true Blue Gill fashion with a performance from The Tip Tops on Sunday, March 12.

The ‘Tops on a Sunday afternoon at The Blue Gill has become an absolute ritual with many people. You will want to arrive early as it will fill quickly, and parking is a prized commodity.

It also seems as if Grayson Capps is still kicking around Mobile. On March 15, he is scheduled to play The Blue Gill as a part of 92-ZEW’s “Second Tuesday” concert series.

If Lent is giving you the blues, then head over to Blue Gill’s sister The Beach House Grill March 5 for a performance from none other than Kenny Acosta. This funky blues man is touring in support of his latest album “Spanish Town Mardi Gras,” so all of you who are lamenting the end of Mardi Gras can relive the debauchery through the sounds of Acosta.

Willie arrives

Austin Outlaw fever in Mobile will reach a climax March 25 at the Saenger when the Red-Headed Stranger himself hits the stage! Willie Nelson will make a pit stop in the Port City much to the pleasure of many dedicated fans across the tri-state area.

Who could blame them? Nelson is probably one of the most versatile musicians of our time. Having played with everyone from Ray Charles to Placido Domingo. His latest reggae CD legitimizes this statement even more. Tickets are on sale now, so snatch them up while you can.

Skippin’ through the Bay area

Versatile, sharp and talented jazz guitarist Skip Heller will be playing shows at Satori Sound in WeMo on Wednesday, March 8 and at Over the Transom Books in Fairhope on Thursday, March 9.

These are in support of his latest release, “Liberal Dose,” which was recorded live at The Flying Monkey in Huntsville. He is joined by local artists, organist extraordinaire Chris Spies and vastly underrated percussionist David White, both of whom appear on Heller’s latest recording.

Skip promises to bring another dose of his Philly-inspired jazz to area lounge lizards eager for a little “ring-a-ding” to liven up Lent. His lush sounds have been featured in national jazz periodicals and his shows can include jazzed-up covers of everything from Gustav Mahler to Prince.

Don’t miss this slim chance to catch a unique impresario who only appears here a couple of times a year.

Hicks watch

At press time, Birmingham singer Taylor Hicks had advanced to the next round of “American Idol,” which leaves 20 contestants vying for the coveted “Top 12” slots. Four more will be cut Thursday, March 2.

Hicks wowed the judges, even the truculent Simon Cowell, with his powerful rendition of Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s “Levon” and even managed not to look like he was having a seizure while doing it.

If the judges’ compliments or the positive feedback on the “Idol” Web site are any indication of how well he will do, looks like Taylor will make it a long way.

If you think you’ve seen him before, you probably have. He has played countless shows at Monsoon’s and Flora-Bama over the years as well as BayFest.

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

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