Briefs

Bonnaroo is almost here, and many of you are gearing up for a four-day music cornucopia in the rolling hills of Manchester, Tenn. I, too, will be wedging my way through the patchouli, sweat and dreadlocks at Bonnaroo, while feigning fatal dehydration. I know a majority of you won’t be attending the festival, whether it’s due to money or scheduling, but have no fear! Many of the musical powers-that-be will be bringing the music of Bonnaroo to the Port City in the coming weeks.

Capps is back

By now, there are very few people in Mobile that haven’t heard mention or experienced Grayson Capps and the Stumpknockers. Capps, a stellar musician with ties to Brewton, Fairhope and New Orleans, has been touring actively along the Gulf Coast, along with the Stumpknockers, since Katrina forced them to move out of New Orleans. They have felt right at home at venues such as LuLu’s and Callaghan’s.

Just returning from a European tour that took them from the Kilkenny Music Festival in Ireland to the Netherlands, Grayson and the ‘Knockers will be heading back down to these parts to share their modern Southern gothic tunes and swampy, bluesy jams.

On June 17, they are scheduled to hit the Kat Nap Café Stage at Bonnaroo, but you’re going to have a chance to catch them here before Manchester.

On June 11, Capps will once again perform at Callaghan’s. This will be the only performance from Capps before doing his set at Bonnaroo. If you’re a fan of his music and haven’t ventured into Oakleigh to experience Capps in this environment, then I don’t know what you’re thinking. Capps’ music drifting out the open windows of this charming neighborhood pub along with a bounty of savory libations makes for an unforgettable evening.

Elephantmen stampede Mobile

It wasn’t until a few years ago that I had even heard the name “deadboy & the Elephantmen.” I later found out that I had discovered one of the strangest musical enigmas that I had ever heard, but to understand the phenomenon that is deadboy, then you must look to Dax Riggs. Riggs grew up in Evansville, Ind., with his divorced mother, who happened to be a zealous member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

After years of dedicated service to the Jehovah’s Witnesses, Riggs watched a film that changed his entire outlook on life: “The Elephant Man.” He claimed that this was proof of the dark side of God’s nature and quickly moved out of his mother’s religious household into his father’s in Houma, La. It was in Houma that Riggs began Acid Bath. Acid Bath was not only one of the forefathers of the Louisiana Sludge Metal sound but also found infamy with their incorporation of serial killer John Wayne Gacy’s artwork into their CD cover art.

After Acid Bath disbanded, Riggs started deadboy & the Elephantmen. By this time, Riggs had achieved idol status through Acid Bath and deadboy. Through various line-up changes, deadboy & the Elephantmen maintained a cult-like following with their fans that exist to this day. This was fueled by Riggs’ former nature of touring almost exclusively in the Southeast. People will travel from cities like Nashville or Boston just to see this extremely obscure band play somewhere like Hattiesburg.

These days, deadboy is a duo consisting of Riggs and Tessie Brunet. Deadboy has also been confirmed to play Bonnaroo June 18 after wrapping up a couple of dates with Wolfmother. Afterwards, the deadboy disciples will descend upon Soul Kitchen June 21. Pre-sale tickets are on sale now, and some will be available at the door on the day of the event. With deadboy’s following, we’re sure to have quite a few guests from out of town.

Mile 8 south of Eight Mile

Monsoon’s will be bringing some Bonnaroo love from the past with a performance from Mile 8 on June 10. These guys tore up the stage at Bonnaroo last year and plan on doing the same with they hit the Port City. The six-member, Nashville-based band has broken the mold fashioned by the country music industry in the Music City by creating a latin/reggae sound all their own. Their live show is also said to be second to none with upbeat rhythms and percussions that won’t stop. So, what’s with the name?

After drummer Curt Redding missed a road trip with his friends, they decided to stop off on the side of Interstate 40 and snatch up a souvenir. The souvenir was the 8 mile marker with his friend’s signatures on the back. Since then, he’s attributed luck to this number. If you’re jonesing for some new groove, then rest up and head down to Monsoon’s. I guarantee that you’ll be on your feet all night with Mile 8.

Unknown quantity returns

The King of Country Western Troubadours is planning to once again prey upon the “womens” of the Port City. Capitol Records’ Unknown Hinson will be infesting Cell Block June 15 with more of his chart-toppin’ music. In case you have forgotten my interview with him, Unknown Hinson is a “party liquor drinkin’, grave robbin’, woman lovin’ guitar aficionado,” who claims The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix stole some of their most well-known songs from him.

After experiencing his first show in Mobile, he may not be far from the truth. The King impressively played Hendrix’s “Manic Depression” and “Purple Haze” just like Hendrix note for note. Unknown works hard on stage and played for almost three hours straight without a break. The energy that this man possesses almost lends credibility to his reputation of being a vampire, but I know he ain’t never bit nobody.

The exceptional musician has been busy since he last visited the Port City. Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim recruited Unknown to provide the voice of Early Cuyler on the hit show “Squidbillies.” He also has a new CD out called “Target Practice,” which gives the listener into Unknown’s earlier years with his hit from 1938 called “From Jail to Hell.” If you missed him the first time he came through, then be sure to make it to this one!

Diamond Dave

Former Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth will “jump” onto the stage at the Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds Saturday, Aug. 5. A set list published on his Web site shows Roth’s set list will be heavy on Van Halen tunes and light on his solo work. Tickets go on sale at all Ticketmaster locations June 10 and are $15. They will be available at the gate for $25.

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

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