Briefs

I feel like ‘80s one-trick-pony Timex Social Club with these rumors surroundin’ me every day. I’ve been hearing tales that our family of venues will have a new addition before too much longer, and I’m sure many of you may have noticed the transformation of the extremely large building next to Accent Annex on Government Boulevard. If you haven’t seen it, it’s the big red building with “The Whiskey” inscribed above the door.

It seems as if many people are buzzing about their opening, and I’ve heard they’ve been boasting they will have the longest bar in Alabama. Now, I’m not one to spread rumors, so I’ll just say that I’ve heard some pretty big name country and rock acts that have been approached about playing The Whiskey. Stay tuned for more info!

Up Nickel Creek

It has been confirmed that Nickel Creek will make a stop in Mobile at the Saenger Theater June 17, courtesy of SoundStage Live. These young stars of what some have called “Urban Bluegrass” caught the ear of the “Queen of Modern Bluegrass” Alison Krauss, who produced their first two releases.

Nickel Creek has followed in the footsteps of musicians such as Bela Fleck and created a hybrid of modern jazz and bluegrass. With several performances at major jam fests and tons of airplay, I can assure you their fans will come out in legions for this one.

Joining Nickel Creek will be Aussie Ben Lee, who is touring in support of his latest release on New West Records “Awake Is the New Asleep.” Lee’s sound is truly unique and should be a definite crowd pleaser. It’s hard to put a label on his music, and I already like him because of that.

One song that really stands out is “Begin.” It starts with an acoustic guitar riff and dreamy piano, and it leads you to believe this is going to be yet another neo-folk tune reminiscent of Dave Mathews Band. All of a sudden, the electronic drum and synthesized bass kicks in for a truly original sound. I predict Lee will be adding to his Port City fans with this show.

Tickets are on sale now at the Saenger Box Office or through Ticketmaster.

Sounds of the Riviera

With the temperature rising, many of you are making your way down to the Redneck Riviera (a.k.a. Gulf Shores/Orange Beach). One tropical institution that has survived through Hell and high water (literally) is Pirate’s Cove. The scurvy dogs at this place work hard to keep their regulars and visitors entertained.

On May 13, regional favorite Lisa Mills along with guitar legend Corky Hughes will grace the stage and treat everyone with sounds from her latest album. Chilling canal-side with a frozen drink in hand and Lisa Mills could make for a nice evening.

A trip to Gulf Shores would not complete without a visit to LuLu’s Sunset Grill.. On May 21, LuLu’s welcomes lovely folk phenom Deblois. Tripping across the musical genres, this surfer girl has mad skills on the strings and a soothing voice. If you get a chance, then pick up a copy of her latest CD “Leviathan,” and head over to LuLu’s to fall in love with Deblois.

Ridin’ a Runaway Coal Train

I recently had the chance to catch Runaway Coal Train at Monsoon’s. If you didn’t know, this is Barry Waldrep and Stan Foster’s musical project while Rollin’ in the Hay is on hiatus. They plan on making another stop at Monsoon’s May 20. Don’t head down to this show expecting nothing but the acoustic, bluegrass sounds of Rollin’ in the Hay. Walderp and Foster have added a stony, Southern rock sound to their music, but they still add a little “newgrass” into the mix. I must say this definitely works for this band. The selections I heard reminded me of Gov’t Mule or the Allman Brothers, and I liked what I heard.

RCT has been busy preparing for the release of their yet untitled studio release on EMG Records. Otherwise, they will be touring all over the South spreading the good word and the new sound.

Not-so-natural Disasters

Cell Block is bringing Roger Miret and the Disasters May 17. Roger Miret has been immersed in New York’s punk scene for most of his life. You might recognize Miret from his stint with Agnostic Front. The Disasters will be pulling through the Port City in support of their release “1984.” Joining them will be two underground ambassadors from overseas. Hellcat Records has sent British punk royalty The Business to bring a little bit of “oi” into the Port City. Rounding everything will be representatives from the Chinese underground, Brain Failure.

Mobile: The Little Easy?

NOLA’s Mem Shannon and the Membership will be pulling into The Blues Tavern on May 13. Shannon has shared the stage with everyone from Taj Mahal to Galactic. He also participated at the Kennedy Center’s “A Tribute to Muddy Waters.” Add the numerous awards he’s been given, and you have the promise of an unforgettable performance.

His latest release “I’m from Phunkville” gives the listener a taste of what Shannon’s all about. His funky sound combined with his smooth baritone voice is sure to create a love vibe at the Blues Tavern that will have people begging for more of his original sound. Age isn’t slowing Shannon down as his schedule will keep him on the road traveling across the United States.

NOLA-based acoustic act Willow is used to a rigorous tour schedule, but Katrina wiped that out. And as if Katrina wasn’t enough, their bass player had a massive heart attack at age 29 and tragically passed away. Despite all of this, Willow is back on their feet and decided to play more gigs in Mobile, and you get a chance, check out the great sounds at T.P. Crockmier’s on May 12-13.

The art of music

Bayfest 2006 is getting closer, and they are once again looking for a local artist to provide artwork for the official poster. This artwork should be “fun, original and colorful” and should not be bigger than 12”x21”. You should also have your masterpiece mounted for presentation with your contact info on the back. Entries must be delivered to 2900 Dauphin St. or the Cultural and Civic Development Department located in the Government Plaza, 205 Government Street, 2nd Floor, South Tower by 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 1, 2006. Good luck!

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

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