News 2006

December 21, 2005

Today is the shortest day, so that means it's all up hill from here, right? Well I don't know and one can only hope, but the holidays are upon us and I've vowed to keep my hopes high as the mercury plumetts. To help, I booked a trip to the Caribbean for the New Year... ok, probably cheating, but desperate times call for desperate measures! My only regret is that I won't be here to ring in the new year, but I will hoist a frozen drink (to commemorate the wintery New England conditions) to you all and wish great success and joy for 2006. We could use a little more joy these days.

Our first guest of the year, Jeremy Lyons (Deltabilly Boys) had a tough 2005. Jeremy is a New Orleans musician recently displaced by hurricane Katrina and has taken up residency in Massachusetts. He's been working the clubs, in fact, he plays "The City of New Orleans" benefit tonight at Club Passim. He'll also be hosting Tuesday night residency at Toad in January (9:30p). Jeremy will be my guest on 3RC Friday January 6, 2006 (5pm). We'll chat about his recent experiences and he'll be turning us on to some 'deltabilly.'

This Friday, Dec. 23rd will be the annual 3RC holiday special... sugar, spice and some things not-so-nice... we celebrate and berate all the joy and misery of the holiday season. The magic starts at 4pm.

December 1, 2005

I'll be filling in for Ken this Friday (Dec. 2), so we'll start the circus early at 2 pm. At 5 p.m. we'll be airing a set by The Reigning Sound to close the show.

New to the photo gallery, Dennis Brennan at the Lizard last Wednesday... man what a show (and what a band!). Dennis is doing the Wednesday night residency at Toad until the end of the year... seriously folks for $5 you can't go wrong. And this performance had special guests Peter Wolf, Jake Brennan and Richard Rosenblatt (Tone-Cool prez) sitting in for a song or two.

November 25, 2005

I'm coming out of my triptophan torper chilling with Lost & Found with Jackson Buck. Feeling pretty good about Jackson filling in for me today... actually looking forward to it. He tells me he'll be including some of his favorite bands from Minneapolis, MN where he is from. Should be a fun education.

Next week on 3RC, I'll broadcast the live set from The Reigning Sound (12.2.05 at 5 pm). The band tried to do this live back in October when they were touring with the Detroit Cobras, but rain and traffic prevented a timely arrival at WMBR. But the stars behind the clouds must have been aligned, as we were able to still record the band.

November 22, 2005

Just heard the word that Chris Whitley passed away over the weekend. You can read his obit here, also words from his family on his web site. So sad, lung cancer at 45. He had a tough life, nice to hear his family was with him at the end.

We also lost Link Wray recently, I remember seeing him at the Middle East downstairs a few years ago... I gotta get the scanner up and running... I think I have some pictures of that show somewhere... perhaps even a recording.

These passings remind me that we usually get a flurry of deaths around the holidays, reminding me how temporary life is and how I ain't got it so bad. So I'm gonna turn this frown upside down and be thankful for what I got, what I've done and what I'm still able to do while I crank up Rumble and Living With the Law.

November 19, 2005

I'm taking next Friday off for the holiday. Jackson Buck of Lost & Found, Fridays will be filling in. Check back to the web site for a studio guest announcement. I should have someone in... just waiting for confirmations. If you missed the Charlie Sexton interview, you missed a good one. You can listen to the archive until until Dec. 2.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving... I'll be back on Dec. 2.

November 14, 2005

This Friday, Charlie Sexton will join the circus. This one starts early, at 4pm so tune in for it. He performs cuts from his new release "Cruel & Gentle Things" (Back Porch) and chats about working with Steve Earle, Clarence Gatemouth Brown and Bob Dylan. Not be be missed.

Also new to the photo gallery, Marah from their TTs gig last month. The Blasters and Jake Brennan & the Confidence Men at the Paradise, Alvin Youngblood Hart at the Regent Theater, Sarah Borges and Shooter Jennings at the Paradise. And going back to SXSW earlier in the year, The Bottle Rockets at Fox & Hound.

November 9, 2005

Our fund drive ended yesterday... thanks to everyone who donated. We depend on your support to help us to continue to provide us with the tools to provide you with our diverse and unique programming. If you weren't around last week and still want to donate, you can still donate online here. There are plenty of premiums left and we'll be taking online donations until next Tuesday, Nov. 15th. And if you donate to 3RC you'll get a bonus thank you CD of from the 'circus... full of highlights from the last year of studio guests. Can't get it anywhere else but at WMBR. Just be sure to select "Three Ring Circus" under the menu pull-down menu under shows to get the CD, otherwise pledge to 'em all or your favorite WMBR shows... there's a lot of good ones.

Some of you may have noticed some delay in playlist postings and other oddities. My PC croaked a couple weeks back and I've been migrating to a new computer. If you see something off, please shoot me an email and URL if applicable. It will take a couple weeks to get back up to speed, but I'm feeling confident I'll be able push on through here on out. Your patience is appreciated.

November 2, 2005

WMBR's fundraiser starts today. Haven't made a pledge? You can pledge online here. Pledge $25 or more to "Three Ring Circus" and recieve the "Best of 3RC 2005" CD. The CD is a collection of performances the 'circus from the last year. Acts include John Doe, David Lowery, Chip Taylor & Carrie Rodriguez, Robbie Fulks, Chaz & the Motorbikes, The Rudds, Amelia White, Sarah Borges, Four Piece Suit, Joy Lynn White, Hayes Carll, Shannon McNally, Charlie Sexton and more.

Pledge $45 and get the CD and one of the WMBR t-shirts seen here. If pledging online, just make sure to select "Three Ring Circus" in the "Pledge for which show" section. Or call 617.253.8810 during WMBR's fund drive (ends Nov. 8th) and say "I'm pledging to Three Ring Circus" and we'll get the CD and whatever premium you selected out to ya. And thanks!!!

October 22, 2005

I hope you had a chanced to tune in and listen to the set by Chatham County Line. It was a great impromptu session... in my living room... now dubbed Hathaway's Hideaway. If you missed it, you have 2 weeks to listen to the online archive here. After Nov. 4 it be gone.

Speaking on Nov. 4, that will be smack dab in the middle of WMBR's annual fund drive. And I'll be doing a special 'best of' 3RC to convince you'all to dig deep into your wallets and support WMBR and the 'circus. Time to put your money where you love is.

October 18, 2005

Recovery complete... for now, though my ears took a day to stop ringing after the BellRay's Rock-n-Soul Revue at TTs on Sunday night. The band's playing was solid and singer, Lisa Kekaula brought a gospel can-I-get-a-witness delivery to each song backed by some serious heavily rock-n-soul riffs.Check this L.A. band out if you see them coming to town. They say perhaps next Feb/March so keep a look out. Also keep a look out for their upcoming Xmas release being mastered as I write this. More on the band at their web site. Also on this bill was the Downbeat 5. This band keeps getting better ever time I see them, which is talking since they are one of the best boston rock bands in town. I think the Second Cousins work, the band's acoustic-country alter-ego, is raising the bar on Jen's vocals (you can't hide anything behind acoustic instruments - and she doesn't with the 'Cousins) and that is transfering to her singing in the Downbeat 5, me thinks. And it's all good. You have one more Monday to check out their residency at the Abbey Pub Stage (free).

And I took the time to upload the photos from Friday's killer show at the Middle East downstairs w/ The Detroit Cobras, The Reigning Sound and The Turpentine Brothers. Keep checking back for a broadcast date of The Reigning Sound session recorded at WMBR. Some of you may have noticed I've updated the 3RC home page. I'm now listing upcoming and recent guests with links to archives if you miss it live. But remember you only have 2 weeks to listen... then it's gone.

October 16, 2005

Ok, Ok... the Reigning Sound didn't make it to play a live set. However, they did record a set and I'll be airing that in the coming weeks. For those that missed the show on Friday night... with the Turpentine Brothers and Detroit Cobras... you missed a good one. I'll say no more, otherwise I'd just be braggin. Pics to be posted soon... when I recover.

October 14, 2005

Tune in today for a scorching live set from The Reigning Sound (5pm). They will be playing tonight at the Middle East downstairs downstairs w/ The Detroit Cobras and the Turpentine Brothers. Should rock those soggy blues away.

Next Friday on 3RC, I'll broadcast a live in-house performance by Chatham County Line. When they were in town back in August at the Cantab, they had no place to stay. So we offered them a place to lay their weary head, but not before we opened a bottle of bourbon and they pulled out their instruments. They hung around the parlor and played some tunes into the wee hours of the morning and we captured the moment on tape. The recording will debut a handful of new songs the band is working on and includes a wicked impersonation of Glenn Dicker of Yep Roc records. We'll broadcast it next Friday, October 21 at 5pm. So don't miss it. Man, I spoil you people!

October 11, 2005

What a day... it started crappy. The Waco Brothers review has cancelled their east coast tour, due to a family medical emergency. Deano's wife is really sick. I'll miss the band, but I hope she gets better. I haven't turned the heat on in my house yet, and the temperature is aournd 60. No worries, there is something to look forward too. I'm going to the station to record an interview with Charlie Sexton. He was great, he played a couple tunes from his latest release "Cruel & Gentle Things" (Back Porch), told a wonderful story about Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown's last recording session which Charlie produced and dished a little on Bob Dylan... actually I think he dished more on Joan Baez, but listen and you decide. We'll broadcast the segment on a future show in the next few weeks.. so keep tuned. Ok, my day has certainly turned out pretty good. So go to Kenmore Sq. to catch Charlie's gig at Avalon. I get there nice and early, grabbed some dinner, then went to the club at 7:45 pm... thinking I was comfortably early... WRONG. I missed it. He went on at 7 and I missed the entire set.... crap! CRAP!! So I got home nice and early (which I could have done had I went to see the show - double crap) and decide to do a big photo update to the site to burn off the frustration.

My loss is your gain... so here ya go new pics from Holly Golightly and Tom Heinl from August. Jon Randall, Hayes Carll, Jimmy Ryan from the NEMO Americana Showcase at the Cambridge Elks Lodge and Hayes at the WMBR studios. Plus the Second Cousins (the alter countrified version of the Downbeat 5) from last night at the Abbey. I hope you're happy... I hope someone is happy.

And then there was the news that Paul "Wine" Jones passed away on Oct. 9... at age 59! I had the opportunity to see Paul at TTs as part of the Fat Possum caravan in March of 2004... some of you may recall the story of the spankin' at the club. Unforgettable. More info services and donations at the Fat Possum website.

October 10, 2005

Photo updates... Rodney Crowell at Johnny D's and Amelia White at the Lizard Lounge, both from August.

October 7, 2005

Tune in today for a performance/interview with Shannon McNally (5pm ET). She'll play a couple tracks from her new release "Geronimo" and chat about New Orleans, her answer to "Shelter From the Storm" and working with Charlie Sexton (Charlie produced "Geronimo").

Some of you may noticed I updated the home page. Well I did. In addition to what a home page is for, I'm going to include upcoming and recent guests on the 'Circus. I'll leave the recent guest up there for 2 week, cuz you'll have that much time to listen to the show if you missed it live. WMBR is now archiving all programming for 2 weeks... so you have another chance to catch the 'circus as well as your other faves at WMBR.

September 27, 2005

Fall is here and that means we'll be invaded by a plethora of visiting artists. Starting this weekend with the Boston NEMO showcases. Hayes Carll returns to headline the Americana Music Showcase at the Elks Lodge in Central Sq.this Thursday night. He's hanging out another day and will stop by the 'Circus this Friday(5pm) to play a couple live tunes for us. I can't say enough good things about Hayes' new record Little Rock. Carll has a great groove and some sharp wit whether he is belting out his whiskey-soaked rockers or sober ballads. Little Rock is definitely on my top 10 of the year. Please tune in it'll be good.

And stay tuned for more in-studio performances this fall... already on the schedule are Chatham County Line, Shannon McNally (on 3RC Oct. 7), Charlie Sexton and The Reigning Sounds (Oct. 14). And those are the artists we could get into the studio. There are tons of great acts visiting the area in the coming weeks. As always, keep checking the events calendar for details, take your vitamins and get out to the clubs.

September 10, 2005

WWOZ with the help of WFMU in New Jersey is making some progress in re-organizing, but they are probably months away from getting back on the air. For news more closely related to musicians in the area and a local viewpoint on events in New Orleans check out the WWOZ website. You will find a 'musician's list' as well as organizations that need help, as well as a way for you to donate money to help rebuild WWOZ.

Did you see Kayne West on the NBC telethon for Katrina? If you missed it, check out this account from the Washington Post. Wow... I'm not a fan of Kayne, well... honestly I don't know much about him, just he sells a lot of records, but he scored points with me. NBC splotched. The Post article includes their response. Kudos to the NFL for NOT pulling him from the NFL season opener with the Pats. They say they hired him as an entertainer, not for his politics.

This came across my inbox this week. Someone sampled New Orleans mayor Ray Nagin looping over an old Kansas Joe and Memphis Minnie track - "When the Levee Breaks." You can hear it here.

September 3, 2005

The situation in the South in the aftermath from hurricane Katrina is heavy on my mind as it is you. The media saturation on ways to help and send money are out there. For charities and information more akin to the music world. The New Orleans Musician’s Clinic are attempting to relocate New Orleans musicians into the Lafayette/Acadiana community. They need help in locating New Orleans musicians in need as well funds to help them rebuild their lives. To learn more, call the New Orleans Musician’s Clinic at 504 415-3514 ask for Michelle.

WWOZ, the New Orleans roots music station has been knocked off the air and with the help of WFMU in New York they are attempting to get their at least an internet audio stream going (www.wwoz.org). The station was compiling a list of New Orleans based musicians that 'checked in' to say they were alright, but this morning it looks like they've turned their attention elsewhere.

This week we lost a great bluesman. R.L. Burnside passed away in his hospital bed in Memphis, TN on Sept. 1. Burnside a staple on the 3RC since it's inception will be missed, but his music will continue to live on. We hope his chair in heaven is a comfortable one.

August 24

This Friday, I'll be doing triple duty on the airwaves. First, I'll be bringing on the rock filling in for Tim Kelly on Late Riser's Club from 10a-noon. Then we'll start the 3RC early at 2pm for 3 1/2 hour Circus. I'm packing a lunch hope you can tune in.

August 20

I'm finally catching up on my sleep.... earlier in the week I spent the night with Leonardo DiCaprio so it took me a couple days to catch up on my beauty rest.

Ok, ok.... it wasn't what you think.... but then again, I'm sure you weren't thinking that either;-). I was an extra in the filming of the Martin Scorsese movie "The Departed" now filming in Boston. Leo and I sat across from each other on a subway train for 3 hours in the middle of the night while Scorsese shot the same scene over and over and over again. As boring as that sounds, I found the whole process interesting... and Leo seems to have nailed the Boston accent, well at least he's nailed the ubiquitous 'cah.'

On the other end of the train was Martin Sheen who later was seen hanging out with the crew, regaling them with stories, his love of Bob Dylan and he even broke out into song (It Ain't Me Babe). Celebrity sightings aside, the most interesting part of this whole experience were the other 'extras.'

I met a few actors, writers and folks like me who were just curious about what goes on when they shoot a film, and hopefully be in a scene so you can brag to your friends that you "worked with Leo and Scorsese." There's a little bit of mileage there and worth the overnighter or two. But then there were the folks who took this a tad too serious. Some thought they would be "discovered." They brought suitcases full of clothes for different wardrobes or they bought a new 'outfit' for the shoot, spent the day at the beauty salon, got a bikini waxing and fussed with their make up before "the shoot." It was kind of pathetic really, but provided some amusement in the wee hours of the morning. I couldn't help thinking about Ricky Gervais' (The Office) new series "Extras" coming on HBO this fall... Man he has a lot of material to work with and Gervais works in pathos like that other Leonardo did in paint. It should be a howl.

Aug 15, 2005

The heat wave has finally broken (for now) and I have the energy to update the photo gallery. New additions, are Spoon (6.07.05) and The Knitters (8.10.05) both from the Paradise and Amelia White when she stopped by the circus on August 5.

August 4, 2005

Amelia White will be my guest tomorrow on 3RC - around 5 p.m.. We'll chat about her latest EP "Candy Heart," life in Nashville, the WB and she'll play a couple tunes. She's in town from Nashville hosting a month of Wednesday night residencies at the Lizard Lounge. You can check out full details at her web site.

July 31, 2005

The Rudds put on a great show last night and on the 'Circus this past Friday. Did you miss it? You can stream it from here until Aug 12, 2005. Click on July 29 show.

Updated to the photo gallery Graham Parker at the Middle East, Hayes Carll at Johnny D's, Heavy Trash at TTs and The Clientele at the Paradise... so much more to do. Enjoy.

July 22, 2005

Next week, July 29, John Powida and Tony Goddess of The Rudds stop by to talk about their new release "Get the Femuline Hang On" and play a couple tunes. Around 5 pm.

July 16, 2005

Some updates to the photo gallery: Shannon McNally, Chip Taylor & Carrie Rodriguez when they were by the 3RC. Also Joy Lynn White and Arthur Godfrey when they visited the 'Circus. Speaking of Joy and Arthur, I broadcast their respective performances yesterday and now that WMBR is making archives available (for 2 weeks) you can listen to that set until July 29th. You can stream it from here and select July 15.

July 2, 2005

Sneaking in real quick to make some updates then enjoy this awesome weather... 'bout time we got it on the weekend. Don't forgot to take advantage of our new show archives. What you didn't hear? WMBR is now archiving shows for 2 weeks, so if you missed the Circus, you'll have a few more chances to hear the show. You can stream it from here (Note: iTunes won't let you skip ahead on the stream, WinAmp will.) Have a great and safe holiday!

June 29, 2005

Tune in this Friday for an interview/performance with Robbie Fulks. I caught up with Robbie when he was in town earlier in the month. He'll play a couple tracks from his great new record "Georgia Hard" (Yep Roc) and we'll talk about his Michael Jackson record (hear his trial predictions - is he right or wrong?), The Grand Ole Opry and High School reunions. The interview airs at 5pm sharp. Here are some pics from the gig and his visit on the Circus. You don't want to miss this one.

Recent updates to the photo gallery include recent visits to 3RC by Chip Taylor & Carrie Rodriguez and last week's performance by Four Piece Suit.

June 22, 2005

Tune in this Friday, June 24 at 4pm for live performance by Four Piece Suit. It's been a few years since we've had them on and they just released the fabulous "Spirito" on Swang. The band plays around 5pm... so tune it. And if you miss it, don't fret, you can always go to wmbr.org and listen to the arcive. But note: archives are only available for 2 weeks and then they are gone forever!

I've been incredibly busy going to shows and yard work, so I'm behind in posting pictures. Here's a limited list of shows I plan to post... Heavy Trash, Hayes Carll, Milton Mapes, Chip Taylor & Carrie Rodriguez, Spoon, Graham Parker, Johnny Hickman, LP, Ike Reilly, Steve Malkamus & the Jicks, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Clientele and Robbie Fulks. Whew

Speaking of Robbie Fulks, he'll be our guest on 3RC on Friday, July 1. He'll be talking about his new release "Georgia Hard" as well as playing a couple tracks from the release. So tune in!

May 27, 2005

Online archives are here! Click here to listen to the last two weeks of Three Ring Circus and other programs at WMBR in mp3 format. Yoo hoo!

May 21, 2005

For those checking back on the Sights. They hit some traffic driving in from Jersey and couldn't make it on the Circus yesterday. They are coming back in June opening for The Caesars. We may try again if schedules work out. But they sure did put on a good show last night at TTs. I caught a bit of the Heartless Bastards set too. Very rockin' even if the vocalist was hoarse. She still sold it.

Earlier in the evening, I caught the Bruce Springsteen show. It was excellent, the sound, the extra screens were helpful and the crowd was good (they had to be, they had some strict rules from the Boss). However, I felt an awkward sense of bloat. Not to knock Bruce or his fans, but there are sooo many great artists out there and Bruce is but just one of them. A chosen one for sure, but I sometimes get mystified at the sheer celebrity and preciousness surrounding some artists.

May 14, 2005

Here are some more pics for your enjoyment. Kathleen Edwards and Mary Gauthier at the Paradise earlier in the week. I also caught, the Black Crowes earlier this week. They were excellent, the guitar trade offs between Marc Ford and Rich Robinson were great, the pounding on the drums by original BC drummer, Steve Gorman was the steam pushing this locomotive forward. Chris Robinson was in fine form, except he always has to whine about something. This time it was the no-smoking, no drinking policy at the Orpheum... because the policy is "not condusive for enjoying a Black Crowes show." Oh, so what are you saying Chris? You need to be drunk and/or high to enjoy your shows? I'm hear to say, that is just not the case. Ya, it sucks we can't all just 'let it hang out,' but refusing to play future Orpheum shows ain't gonna make the big wigs at City Hall change their ordinances. Plus, some of us fans LIKE the fact there is NO smoking in public places.

The Nine Inch Nails were a hard, pounding, strobe-light affair. I had a headache going in so staying too long wasn't going to help. If I had I would have had a seizure. I do have to compliment the crowd, a sea of bustiers, patton-leather and fishnets, were clearly professional. Very nice and considerate. But when the lights went off, they were there to enjoy the show, which clearly they were. The openers, Dresden Dolls put on a fun show and felt the love of a home town crowd, but let's talk about the real Dolls. The New York Dolls.

They were simply fantastic the other night. Another professional crowd, folks who go to a lot of shows and aren't particularly territorial. It wasn't uncommon for strangers to shoot smiles to each other on a particularly good moment, which the night was full of. The Dolls doing a Shangri La's cover. Got it. Janis Joplin? You betta believe it. And Johansen looked oh soo fabulous with his black bell bottom trousers with a sort of Hindu Love God loin cloth (probably leather) around his waist. Hindu dieties adorned the front and back panel of this interesting peice of fashion. And to top it off, a skin tight white t-shirt to show that he has some really fabulous abs. I would kill for his flat stomach... but not those arms... too skinny even for me. Sorry no pictures, Avalon is kind of funny about that and other carry-in items. Did you know they make you check in your handbags? And they charge you $3 for the privilege. So stuff your pockets and leave your gucci at home.

April 30, 2005

April showers send us out of the month, which means, I cleaned up my office and caught up a bit on posting pictures to the photo gallery. I realized I saw more Japanese bands in the last month, then I have in my entire life. Clearly, I don't see a lot of Japanese bands, but I saw some good ones, all at the Abbey Lounge. First it was Petty Booka, those chaps wearing-ukelele playing songbirds, then some heavy psych, rock and ska with Tsu Shi Ma Me Re and Japanese bubblegum pop with the Titan Go Kings (oddly enough I saw Titan Go Kings a few days earlier in Austin). Then last weekend Bleach03, another band I kind of saw in Austin (they are very petite ladies - but holy crap, they rock real freakin' hard). They were on the bill with Gorch Fock, coincidentaly from Austin. They were pretty wild, two drums, two guitars, an electronic-multi-instrumentalist, singer/trombonist and bass -whew. Very rocking show fer sure, but keep your head down... debris was flying!

On the more rootsier side, Chaz & the Motorbikes CD release party with Ray Mason was a blast. Dave Alvin at Johnny D's was sublime as was Richard Buckner earlier in the month. Jimmy Ryan kicked ass the other night as did Sarah Borges and Chris Scruggs! Too bad Chris set started off rough due to sound issues and most of the club emptied out. Those that did stay were treated to quite a set. He has left BR549 (amiacably) and plans a new release in late summer. Look out for it and check out this picture of Chris in front of MIT... love this guy. Speaking of Sarah Borges, her appearance on 3RC and her CD release party at the Lizard Lounge sure did kick the month off right. A perfect compliment to the night were The Heygoods and Andrea Gillis. It feels like forever, but the Hackensaw Boys were only a month ago opening for David Lowery & Johnny Hickman at the Paradise, are always a treat. Lowery & Hickman mezmerized the crowd that filled the Paradise. Enjoy!

April 29, 2005

Today, Chris Scrugg live at 5pm... be there or be square.

Charlie Chesterman or Chaz & the Motorbikes were awesome on last week's show. Been busy going to shows to update pics. Gorch Fock and Bleach03 last Sunday - ROCK!!!, Dave Alvin on Wednesday and last night at Jimmy Ryan's CD release party which featured Boston fave Sarah Borges and Chris Scrugg. Did I mention Chris will be my live guest today? Today at 5pm... tune in!

April 2, 2005

Whew, what a day (and night) yesterday. John Doe was a real an absolute treat on 3RC as was Sarah Borges (who's CD release party is tonight at the Lizard Lounge). Later I caught the Electrolux Combo at the Abbey Pub Stage, then Dennis Most & the Instigators and Downbeat 5 in their 1st of a 2 night stand at the Abbey Lounge to celebrate the CD release of Victory Motel. I then, topped the night off at TTs to see John Doe. Ohh ya! I love this town.

March 30, 2005

It's not a joke. This Friday April 1 a 3RC double header. John Doe (4pm-ish) and Sarah Borges (5pm-ish)!!

See pictures of David Lowery and Johnny Hickman from last week's visit to the Circus and at the Paradise.

March 25, 2005

I'm back! Well I've been back for a few days now, but digging through hours of tape and CDs to put together some of the highlights at this year's SXSW festival. Please tune in later today at 4pm. As a special treat we'll have David Lowery & Johnny Hickman live in the studio. Both were at SXSW and will tonight at the Paradise. Check here for the SXSW 2005 photo gallery.

Next week, Sarah Borges will be performing live with her band. She is celebrating the release of her debut, Silver City. She will also be at the Lizard Lounge, Saturday April 1 for her CD release party.

March 15, 2005

A quick Austin update, now that I have internet access in my hotel room! The film festival has been fun, but so far not as tight as last year's festival. To be fair, there have been more attendees and we were denied entrance to a couple films that could have been stellar for all we know. Documentary entries continue to grow and for some reason there is a glut of musicians with specific mental diagnosis in the line up, including Derailroaded (Larry "Wildman" Fisher), The Devil & Daniel Johnston, Be Here to Love Me (Townes Van Zandt) and You're Gonna Miss Me (Roky Erickson), plus Shooting Livien a narrative feature about a would-be-rock star battling his inner demons. Whew, that's a lot of depressing stuff. On the lighter side of music, there is Pucker Up: The Fine Art of Whistling. An amusing

That said, we did see a couple stand outs. First off, Boys of Baraka was an almost perfect documentary, intimate, funny and hopeful. And we really enjoyed The Aristocrats... the telling of the same obscene joke by over 100 comics. I predict it's will be the cult classic of the year when it is released in August.

For narrative features, I really enjoyed Southern Belles and Drop Dead Sexy.

March 8, 2005

We're heading to Texas tomorrow for SXSW. This year, we'll be covering both the film and music portion of the Conference/Festival. We'll distill through 180 films, some 1,300 bands and countless parties to bring you highlights from the week and what to watch out for in the coming year. So join me on Friday, March 25 between 4-5:30 pm for a special SXSW broadcast of Three Ring Circus. We'll also have a special SXSW 2005 photo gallery to paruse too.

March 1, 2005

Oh it's snowing again... I've scrubbed the salt off my boots and have some pictures for ya. Let's start with my personal fave for the month of February. The Bags, or the F***in'' Bags... however you say it, they unleashed a fury and fire not seen in quite a while by my ears, plus special guest appearances...details here. Also on the bill were Boston's entry into Southern Rock, Antler (fans of DBT and Slobberbone should check these guys out) and The Konks who are always great. It was a solid night of music... my ears are still ringing, but this time it was worth it. What a night!

Another big night of Boston' bands was the Staci Ficke benefit at the Middle East, with Cracktorch, Jake Brennan & the Confidence Men, Lost City Angels... etc. I'll try to post these pics in the coming weeks.

Neko Case and the Sadies haunted the Roxy and the Stinkin Lincolns (all band members dressed as honest Abe) rocked the Abbey.

January 24, 2005

Nothing like a massive snowstorm to make one hunker in front of the computer! With 30" of the fluffy stuff where would I go? So I spent some time putting up pictures in the photo gallery. Starting with the busy weekend before the storm. Friday night was a hot one at TTs with Andrea Gillis, The Sights and the Detroit Cobras. Thursday had The Silos and Steve Wynn & the Miracle 3. I would have made the hat trick on Saturday night, but the snow was just too much for me.

I also went back a few shows and posted pictures of Calexico when they were at the Matrix last month. BR549 at Johnny Ds and the WMBR studios in November, Brent Best (Slobberbone) solo at TTs, Coffin Lids at the Abbey Lounge and Karl Denson's Tiny Universe at the Paradise. Whew... enjoy!

January 8, 2005

The Christmas show play list is now online... I know, not a lot of good to you now... but it will be there for you later this year.

January 7, 2005

Happy New Year. I missed you guys, but I'm back on the air today.

I didn't get much cleaning done around my house or update any pictures on the site, but I did manage to check out some new music I will share with you today and in the coming weeks. I hope you can join me.

News 2004