Swaddled tight in the electrified buckskin of their classic rock-n-roll forefathers, our five Washington braves set out to blanket America in a hot winter blizzard. Don't be fooled by the silk strands tucked behind their ears: what the maps don't tell you is that all-night drives make for better lives, deer come out of nowhere, and what parents don't know (night after night) won't kill them.

The Lonely H spent their graduation summer [2007] touring coast-to-coast in support of their new record and got a glimmer of the mission they were born to undertake. Tour is a magical place where every stage, no matter how high, is a new opportunity to deliver the goods. Armed with melodies that sound like letters to Penthouse etched on colored vinyl, the band lifted, lightened, and gave rise to every technical challenge. Bulletins started coming in over the wire from fans and bloggers [MSNBC, The New York Post, CMJ]. So, from Memphis to Manhattan went pockets full of picks, licks, pianos, and the living-loving swagger that has happily intoxicated the Pacific Northwest the last few years.

Thanks to these starlit marauders, Port Angeles can sometimes sound like the good parts of 1970's Los Angeles depending what Saturday night they're home. Idling the van for a wise fall quarter at the University Of Washington, the H cracked books and fantasized with giddy relief about their soon-to-be-months out on the road in 2008. They can handle it, mama. Not only did they survive the twelfth grade riding ferries to play rock shows on school nights, they simultaneously penned and released two albums with heart and heat to match [Kick Upstairs (2006) and Hair (2007) ­ The Control Group].

See you next year...without a signed permission slip.

"The achingly epic vocal and lead piano belongs in a stadium full of bell bottoms and lighters raised heavenward." ­MSNBC

"Taut live shows swirled with swank three-part vocal harmonies earned the band a 'don't miss this' reputation." ­SPIN

"Truly infectious old-school rock n' roll." ­The New York Post

"Talk about overachievers." ­CMJ

Due to a series of horrible events that transpired last Saturday (i.e. someone throwing a bottle through the window, breaking and/or carving the restaurant tables, tagging the bathrooms, kids getting caught drinking outside by the police and someone stealing my microphones and stands and yet again breaking my P.A., etc.), The Vista will no longer be all-ages. I tried my best, but the management is not budging on this and to be honest I can't really blame them.

Jon Fussell

Booking Agent

Happy Merry

Xmas shows plus the usual rock, jazz, punk etc. There are 12 shopping days until Xmas, but don't start counting those partridges yet, not unless you're part of the Christmas bird count. "The Twelve Days of Christmas" you hear about in song this time of year start on Christmas Day and run until Epiphany (the day the wise guys came to call). What with the proximity to the big day, the entertainment is rolling into full holidaze mode with diminishing club action amid dancing mice and visions of sugarplums. (What other time of year do people attend ballet performances?) Up at the Van Duzer Friday, they have Tomáseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas, with Xmas stories and all sorts of Irishness — pennywhistles, stepdancing — you get the picture. Unfortunately Riverdance has permanently spoiled Irish dancing for me, and I can't hear a pennywhistle without thinking of those horrid Irish Spring soap commercials.

I'm thinking A Very Playhouse Christmas may be more my speed. If you haven't heard about it, it's a holiday-themed music/comedy review going into its second (and final) weekend at the Arcata Playhouse. The director is David Ferney who runs the Playhouse; his wife, Jackie Dandeneau, is one of three stars of the show, which David explained is a direct result of Jackie's feelings for the holiday season. "Jackie loves everything about Christmas," David told me, admitting that he just kind of likes it. "And she's always wanted to do a Christmasy show," he continued. In the show Jackie is Mrs. O.R. Ganize, an obsessive/compulsive type who organizes a Christmas show with help from her aerobics instructor Babbette LeJoie (Elizabeth Masters), an '80s New Jersey type who David describes as "over-the-top bubbly." Dell'Arte vet Tyler Olsen plays Mr. S.K. Rooge IX, who, as you might guess, is the Scrooge-ish anti-Xmas foil, in this case one who's intent on a politically correct holiday. The interactions of the trio provide a framework for slapstick, silliness and songs, with the always-amazing Tim Randles at the keyboard providing soundtrack and backing. They've also worked in a collection of guests including Tara Caraiso, Sarah Cory, Lewis Armin-Hoiland, the Blue Lake Children's Choir and the Arcata Interfaith Gospel Choir. (The AIGC will be at the Playhouse Friday night; they're also singing on the Arcata Plaza earlier for Arts! Arcata. And they have their own holiday show in at the Presbyterian Church in Eureka Saturday evening.) The always enchanting Lila Nelson is in the Playhouse show Saturday, and, notes David, just confirmed for the Sunday matinee, "the lovely and talented Beti Trauth," who saw the review last weekend and was recruited on the spot. Come early or stay late for eggnog, hot cider and cookies.

The lovely, talented and tattooed alt. chanteuse Universalia Jane writes saying, "Jane here to let ya know that we (Universalia Jane and the Jet Set) are playing the Logger Bar with Tanuki (Tanuki is playing last) on the 15th of December. It will start directly after the Dell'Arte holiday show, The Hunting of the Snark, which probably, means around 9:30-ish." I've heard good things about Dell'Arte's musical adaptation of Lewis Carroll's strange nonsense poem and about Deric's new band Tanuki. And Jane is just plain great. The combination should make for a fine Saturday night.

More seasonality: The theatrical folks from Shake The Bard are taping Static and Starlight: A Holiday Radio Show by Tim McDermond at the Accident Gallery Friday and Saturday. If you miss it or want to relive the experience, tune to KGOE (1480 AM) or KKDS (97.7 FM) on Sunday, Dec. 16, at 4 p.m.

The Pearl Lounge celebrates its second anniversary on Saturday, Dec. 15, with a performance by the band that opened the place, Humboldt Time with Michael Curran on drums, Jim Wilde guitar, Sam Maez trumpet, Jimmy Durchslag trombone and Geoff Daugherty bass. If you haven't heard of them and can't figure it out from the array of instruments, Humboldt Time is a jazz band. They also play the night before at Cecil's. "The world tour," says Michael, who's feeling just fine a year after heart surgery laid him low. Since entertainment at the Pearl veers from jazz to alt. rock to DJ dance music, the second anniversary weekend also includes a Friday night party with DJ Danny and Zanapod.

More jazz? Are you a player? The Graves hosts another Sunday Open Jazz Jam Session on Dec. 17 (starting at 2 p.m.) with a core trio, Al Macy on piano, Shao Way Wu bass, Simon Lucas drums, and whoever else shows up. (They're looking for vocalists in particular.)

If you're a fan of the Compost Mountain Boys and have been jonesing for the return of their once-a-month bluegrass-Thursday at Humboldt Brews, well this is it. They're back Dec. 13. Friday at Humboldt Brews, it's a new band, Humboldt Buds (new name anyway) with the master guitar jammer Rubin Diaz, his old friend from Tunesmiths Tim Stretton on keys and a rhythm section with Marty Holland on bass, and Mike Meyers on drums.

Saturday Humboldt Brews jumps to another genre with a show featuring the fine local world beat/hip hop/funk fusion band WoMama with special guests Bloco Frimeza adding a spicy taste of samba. I got a couple of reminders about that show, one from WoMama frontman Jesse Jonathon and another from Bloco drummer Melody Walker. Melody was worried that I was "offended by [her] uppityness" last week re: the trouble at Muddy's (I wasn't) and says she's resigned to an end to music at Muddy's. "Now I'm trying to think of more creative long-term solutions to the ultimate problem of a lack of venues (esp. all-ages) in Arcata, and where the hell the Menstruals will wander along to now." And she wanted me to know about her senior recital this Thursday at Fulkerson Recital Hall (at 5 p.m.). "I'm doing a mix of classical art song and opera, and South Indian classical, plus a pre-looped presentation of Meredith Monk's "Panda Chant II". In the second half of the recital I will be joined by AkaBella and then Bloco Firmeza to do some folkloric singing and playing." Eclectic enough for you?.

Anna Banana Hamilton celebrates her 60th birthday Saturday at the Riverwood Inn singing and rabble rousing with her band, The Wild Cattahoulas, named for a breed of dogs that interbred with wolves. Joining in for the fun, local folkies The Hohstadts and SoHum swingers Off the Charts. Happy birthday Anna! (Are you still mad at me?)

Along with an announcement of Saturday's show at the Mateel, The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe (see calendar section for details), the Mateel sent along a teaser for next year's events, among them a Feb. 8, blast of psychedelic wildness from George Clinton and Parliament/Funkadelic. Tickets are on sale now.

Now that The Common Vice have moved from 19th century rock opera, bandleader Lord Brett Baily (of Que La fame) is celebrating the release of a Victorian Modesty as Performed by The Common Vice CD with a gala event at the Jambalaya Friday night (post-Arts! Arcata). They invite you to "party like it's 1899." And as noted on the poster, "In addition to their gracious performance you will be astounded by the musical delights of the stately gentlemen of Strix Vega." Sounds delightful. The Rubberneckers count down continues: Friday's show at Big Pete's is their third to last performance ever. (Didn't Led Zeppelin say they'd never perform again 27 years ago?) Joining the 'Neckers for the show at Pete's is Ghostwriter, aka Steve Schecter, a country blues/punk songwriter from Oregon/Texas. I dig his song "People," from a recent album he did with Boxcar Satan. It's a bit scary however as he growls, "People. You can't live with 'em and you just can't kill 'em 'less you want to go to prison."

Saturday night's show at the Alibi is the last rock thing there until next year. What with this being the year of the Portland invasion, it features a doom-psyche-metal trio from the City of Roses called Paranaut along with locals Dragged by Horses. The Arcata rockers have a new album in the can. Deep in the Woods is due out on Chicago's High Wheel Records (home of Walking Bicycles) on Feb. 5, and no, it's not a new CD — it will be pressed on 180g vinyl (that's heavy) and released as an MP3 collection. (For preview tracks check the DbH MySpace.)

The Vista continues its role as home of all ages punk and/or metal with a four-band show Thursday including This Moment In Black History from Cleveland, Kill The Switch, Sick Bitch, and Instant Asshole (mostly tending toward punk). Saturday they have a more metallic lineup with Slaughterbox, Conducting From The Grave, Killgasm, Fate and Dungeon Master. In between (on Friday) it's something slightly different, a show featuring SHIM from Seattle, a band with a neo-classic rock sound and vocals that are sung rather than shouted. There's a bit of grunge in there, a touch of metal, kind of garage rocky, but not lo-fi. Since no one goes to shows without a local opener (or so I'm told) the earthy Arcata/Manila-folk/punk quartet Henpecker is also on the bill. (Not that they are not worthy in their own right.)

It's the time of year for Xmas parties. The Metro is having theirs at Six Rivers Sunday, Dec. 16, and inviting friends and supporters. Gini (the owner) notes, "Our three in-house Djs: Itchie Fingaz, DJ Red and Masta Shredda will all take turns on the tables and battle for the title of best DJ. (They've been talking about doing this since they were all hired.) God only knows what they'll come up with to play, but no matter what it's gonna be fun!" Hey, isn't that what the holidaze are all about?

And as Little Jimmy from Henpecker says, "Merry Max Consumerism!" (Be careful with those credit cards.)

Pinback is a band comprised of two principal players: Armistead Burwell Smith IV (Zach) and Rob Crow. Pinback started as a part-time endeavor back in 1998, when Zach's band Three Mile Pilot went on an extended hiatus and Rob found time away from his other musical interests (mainly Thingy and Heavy Vegetable). After recording their self-titled debut, released by Ace Fu in 1999, Pinback became a fully realized project.

The next few years saw an increase in Pinback activity. The released a number of albums and EPs on a variety of record labels most notably Blue Screen Life in 2000 and Summer in Abaddon in 2003. Abaddon hit the scene like high tide gliding in, whirling around listeners, full of beautiful intensity. It found its place in the hearts of a crazy amount of people worldwide following the success of the single “Fortress,” and rightfully so. Between record releases, Pinback toured as a full band, hitting points across North America and Europe.

The bands latest release, Autumn of the Seraphs, pushes forward and upward. Its melodies are more dynamic and aggressive, while still gently pulling you back in again and again. While entirely recorded in the band’s home studios once again, this record is tighter, the drumming more immediate and crisp. Those duties were shared by Mario Rubalcaba (Rocket from the Crypt) and Chris Prescott (No Knife), and it’s a marked difference from Pinback’s previous releases. “Good to Sea” is the jam of Indian summer. “Walters” saunters its way to a buzzy guitar breakdown while “Subbing for Eden” works steadily toward each climactic chorus. It’s Pinback’s best yet, and it’s going to take you over.

Returning to Arcata from a recent sold out gig at Humbrews and warming up the stage is MC Chris. From voicing characters on the Cartoon Network (MC Pee Pants on Aqua Teen Hunger Force and various characters on Adult Swim amongst others) MC Chris is now one of the leading lights in the Nerd Core hip-hop movement.

For more information and credit card orders call CenterArts at 826-3928

Note: This event is restricted to those who are at least 18 years old or a current HSU student with ID

Iceage Cobra are known in and around Seattle for being rock purists. Always growing tighter as a band with each show, these guys are sure to inspire fist-pumpin' and drink-spillin' all over the place. And with "Brilliant Ideas from Amazing People", their debut full-length, released on Seattle-indie Heavy Soul Records, they plan to extend their reach and get people all over the U.S. talking up their ferocious, sweaty brand of rock.

Here's a bit more information on the bandŠ Iceage Cobra. The name alone evokes the sort of bent creativity and tongue-in-cheek self confidence you might hope to find in a new band, but it doesn't tell you everything you need to know... Iceage Cobra came roaring into Seattle from Spokane, WA like the other Northwest rock greats from outta nowhere. Melvins, Malfunkshun, Nirvana... Iceage Cobra. They don't grow this kinda stuff in the big city. Small towns often breed the bands that start modern revolutions - and Iceage Cobra has what it takes to incite a movement. Iceage Cobra could never have existed before now. Their influences span the decades before them, but their popular live show is far from being a retro revue. It's a blast of youth and rhythm and charisma and humor and overdriven riffs - an irresistible rock n' roll gumbo with fat chunks of soul that get stuck in your teeth and follow you home. Iceage Cobra. Revolution. Rock n' Roll. Soul.

One of the more entertaining new bands in Seattle, Iceage Cobra bring the rock in a big way with a high-energy mix of garage-rock, punk, metal, and even a bit of rap, powered by gonzo guitar riffs, multiple time changes, and ass-shaking beats.² - Don Yates, Music Director KEXP 90.3

". . . shamelessly spastic blend of classic rock riffage, '70s soul, and dance-inducing backbeats" -Hannah Levin, The Stranger

Thanks to the generous financial support of a collection of concerned community members who are underwriting expenses on these events without risk to MCC and for the full benefit of the Mateel, it is possible to present this Season even given the community center’s current financial and staffing status. Still a work in progress, many confirmed events are already on tap for 2008 and will offer a diverse array of arts and entertainment that is both local and world-renown. A sampling of these events includes:

- January 19- Just Another Hangover Tour (comedy from Seattle)

- February 8- George Clinton & Parliament/ Funkadelic (tickets on sale now)

- March 1- Delta Nove (Latin funk in a dual benefit for MCC & KMUD)

- March 15- 4th annual Irish Gold Peace Benefit & Brew

- March 21/22- Random People Monologues Project

- April 4- Katchafire & Tchiya Amet (indigenous reggae from New Zealand)

- May 2 or 3- Homegrown Hip Hop vol. 5

- May 9/10- Aging Project

- May 31/ June 1- 32nd annual Summer Arts & Music Festival (Benbow Lake)

More events, programs, and festivals are also in the planning stages now and will be announced as confirmed. Tickets are currently on sale for Just Another Hangover Tour with professional Seattle-based comedians, Heneghen, Scot Shields, and Roger Lizaola on January 19th. These tickets are available only at Redway Liquor, Wild Horse Records, and online at www.inticketing.com for a price of $10 in advance. Tickets for George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic on February 8 are also on sale now at the usual local outlets and online at www.inticketing.com for a price of $75. Mateel Community Center members receive a $5 discount when purchased in advance at the Mateel office only. This show is expected to sell out quickly so don’t delay if you want to guarantee your place in the audience when the legendary George Clinton and P-Funk “tear the roof off the sucka” in this exclusive North Coast appearance.

For more information on the events and programs of the Mateel Community Center, visit www.mateel.org or call 923-3368. To help in supporting Mateel’s $75,000 year end fundraising goal, mail your tax deductible donation to MCC, POB 1910, Redway, CA 95560 or make a deposit in the Mateel’s donation account (#13010) at the Community Credit Union in Garberville. Community support is critical to ensuring another successful year of Mateel rentals and programming in 2008.

THE ABOVE FREE SERVICE IS AVAILABLE UNTIL 6 AM ON THE 1ST,NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE AND THIS YEAR YOU AND YOUR CAR GOES HOME FOR FREE TAKE THIS HAND NUMBER WITH YOU

EVENT: Reggae on the River (festival)

DATE: August 3rd, 4th and 5th

CONTACT: 2b1 Multimedia Productions

(415) 861-1520 or Mateel Community Center

(707) 923-3368

REGGAE on the River Victory on Control of Festival Permit REGGAE on the River moves forward to save event for local community

[Humboldt County, CA May 4, 2007]

The Humboldt Planning Commissioners held steady in their support for the community last evening by confirming through actions, that the Mateel Community Center is still the applicant and holder of the permit for this year’s festival. “We appreciate the planning commission taking the action necessary to maintain the integrity of the decision making process to help guide the community through this controversy.” said Boots Hughston of 2b1 Multimedia, the producer for Reggae on the River. This clears the way for the Mateel, owners of the festival-- for over twenty three years, and its’ production partner, 2b1 Multimedia to successfully confirm its right to produce the festival this year and beyond.

The festival is a crucial part of the social and economic goodwill for the local Southern Humboldt community, a community which has much pride in their support over the years for building and maintaining a healthy nonprofit sector in a rural area with limited governmental services. For over twenty-three years the Mateel Community Center has used their largest fundraiser to distribute the goodwill of the festival by developing diverse cultural arts, theater, and music programs for the surrounding communities. Programming includes items like the Mateel Meal for those without resources and acclaimed theatrical performances by local youth through Recycled Youth.

Taunya Stapp, Executive Director of the Mateel Community Center said, “We are grateful to the commission and acknowledge the difficulty of the job, the changes requested, and we are fully up to the task. We have taken their words to heart and we hope to have any remaining issues resolved prior to the deadline set with the Mateel and Reggae on the River prevailing.”

Alright, so TONIGHT, as it's Thursday, there is free live jazz at Big Pete's at 8. There also is open mic at Sacred Grounds at 8 (come earlier to sign up), as hosted by birthday boy Chris Parreira. Youn Joo Sim is playing a free show at the Fulkerson at 6, and Afromassive is playing at Muddy's at 9 for $3. The Empty Bottle Boys are playing at Old Town Coffee and Chocolates at 7.

This FRIDAY The Bucky Walters in conjunction with The Freelove Circus is hosting a end-of-semester bash at Muddy's at 8 for $7. Skipper is playing at Sacred Grounds at 7:30 ($2 to $5 suggested donation), and Autumn Royals and The Little Still Not Big Enough are playing at Big Pete's at 7. I'll be out of town, but if I were around you could bet I'd be at the Six Rivers High School Ballroom Blitz benefit at the Bayside Grange. There will be auctions, booths, and music by The Rubberneckers, The Ravens, AkaBella, Power Toast, and 8/01 Warning. The event starts at 7 and costs $10 for adults and $3 to $5 for students. Seabury Gould is hosting another kirtan and sacred singing workshop at the Community Yoga Center at 7 for $8 to $12 on sliding scale. This is your last chance to see HLOC's "The Full Monty," which plays at the CR Forum Theatre at 7:30 for $12 general and $10 for students. Earlier in the day there the CR dance classes are giving their final starting at 3, and that performance is free. "Ghost of the Hart" continues at the Ferndale Rep, call 786-5483 for reservations and information. "But We Digress," a Bollywood performance, starts at the D Street Community Center at 8 for $5. Anslinger is playing with Tsu Tain Guu Faitaa at Out of the Sun at 7:30 for $5, and The Retroactives are playing at Mosgo's at 6:30. Plinny the Elder, Craig Peters, Paul Baribeau (last show before he moves!), Shelby Sifers, and more are playing at an end-of-the-semester beach party at Moonstone Beach at 7.

If you're looking for something to do this SATURDAY and you can't/don't want to go to a bar, check out Japanese band Bleach03, Lozen from Tacoma, and locals The Baby Arms at The Accident Gallery. Doors open at 8, music starts at 9, and admission is $7. The Dancing Outlaws are playing at Mosgo's at 6, and the Green Life Evolution Center is hosting a family concert with storytelling by Seabury Gould. That starts at 7 and costs $5. The Arcata Vet's Hall is hosting an Old Fashioned Square Dance at 8 with music by The Striped Pig Stringband and calling by Michael Ismerio. Earlier in the day Magnolia is playing Farmer's Market on the Arcata Plaza. Steve Lloyd is playing at Mosgo's at 7. Has Beans is hosting an open mic at 6:30, and Ali Harter and Ryan McClellan are playing at Sacred Grounds at 7:30.

From the title of the band's most recent album, Astor in Paris, I'd initially guessed that the concept might be something like tango nuevo master Astor Piazzolla teaming with the Hot Club of Paris.

Not exactly, according to accordionist Courtney Von Drehle, who explained that the album was named for a tune on the record. "For that tune, I imagined what it would be like if Astor Piazzolla were born in France, and played nuevo musette or something lie that."

In the beginning the band was a trio with Courtney on accordion, violinist/trumpeter Béla Balogh, and a cellist. Courtney and Béla had been playing together in Lobe, an "art rock" band, up until 1996. "We had learned some Eastern European tunes," said Courtney, "and I convinced Béla we should go out busking."

Truth is, if 3 Leg Torso reminded me of any bands I've heard, it would be the street bands that played for tips at various points on our Italian vacation. (The guys were relieved that I was not reminded of Borat.)

"I didn't really want to force our music on strangers," said Béla, but in a moment of weakness he agreed. For some reason while arranging the gigs, the guys would adopt faux accents in imitation on Béla's Hungarian grandmother.

"I'd call and say, 'Hello, meester,' and we'd go out. We'd dress in hokey clothing..." said Béla.

"And we'd use those accents whenever we'd talk with people," interjected Courtney.

"So we called it meestering," Béla noted.

Courtney continued, "It did have some Borat elements although this was way before Borat, and sometimes people would press us asking, 'Where are you from?'"

"Ve are not from here," concluded Béla.

They may not be from here, but 3 Leg Torso is coming here -- for a show at the Jambalaya on Tuesday, June 12. Be there. I will.

It's a grey drippy morning, doesn't really feel like summer (and technically it's still spring), but for nightclubs that rely on the college crowd, the post-graduation summer lull is kicking in. Humboldt Brews is closed until August, using the slow time for a remodel. Others are curtailing their hours. The Red Fox Tavern for example, is only open weekends except for special occasions. (There's one this week and we'll get to it.) It may not be summer-related, but Sacred Grounds is closing for good after one more week. Having said all that, there's plenty going on this week.

We'll start with Sacred Grounds, but first a correction: When I mentioned the pending closure in recent column, I suggested that former barista Deric Mendes (the talented musician who starred in the Hedwig thing) might be looking for other employment. Well, the day that Hum hit the street, I bought some books from Deric at Northtown Books, where he'd just started working. Without really complaining, he let me know that he has not worked at Sacred Grounds since last year.

Sacred Grounds has at least one more show, an all ages Placebo thing on Friday (early) with a couple of cool out-of-town bands. I caught Kickball last time they played Sacred Grounds and loved them. They're a bouncy alt. pop combo from Olympia with that Olympian kind of sound (and a great drummer) who suggest, "be your own fucking rainbow." They recently toured Europe with a French band, clara clara, who are now over here touring with them. That one's a trio: keys/drums/bass, with a semi-crunchy dance-friendly sound or as they put it, "Une basse, une batterie et un bontempi leur suffisent à distiller une noise bordélique et ma foi étonnamment dansante."

As noted above, the Red Fox Tavern is closed most of the week this summer (Sundays through Wednesdays) except for special occasions, and this Monday's show is truly special. Anyone who pays attention to country music has heard of The Tennessee Three, typically used as a suffix, as in: Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Three. Actually, in the very beginning it was the Tennessee Two, which was guitarist Luther Perkins and bassman Marshall Grant. Drummer W.S. Holland joined in 1960 making Three. Luther died in a fire in 1968, just before Johnny got his own network TV show and hit his second wind. Guitarist Bob Wootton took Luther's place, and that was the Cash band until Marshall left in 1980. Bob and W.S. were with Johnny until he died in 2003 (not long before they were supposed to play Arcata BTW). Today's "Three" still includes W.S. Holland on drums and Bob Wootton on guitar -- with help from Bob's wife Vicky Wootton on rhythm guitar and vocals, their daughter Scarlett on vocals, and Lisa Horngren on upright bass and vocals. The five of them play Johnny's material and some of their own including a song, “You Walked Tall,” which has gotten some airplay of late. Guess who it's about. The Rubberneckers open the show, and I imagine they're jazzed about it. Despite the student exodus, the café closest to campus, Muddy's Hot Cup, has an almost full schedule. This week it's improv comedy benefiting the Shakespeare company Shake the Bard on Thursday, Feminasti DJ Blancatron spinning house Friday (she's also at the Alibi Sunday), Rooster McClintock getting all twangy and shit on Saturday with Jay Dirt opening, Scatter the Mud's Celtic session Sunday, the usual Wandering Menstruals Monday and a songwriter night on Wednesday with Gregory Alan Isakov, Reed Foehl and Curtis Thompson from Kulica. Wait, what about the Tuesday jazz thing with Susie and Shao Way? That's moving to Thursdays.

What local musician do you suppose has had the most national (and international) press in recent months? My educated guess says it's Saint John Hunt, leader of the blues/rock outfit St. John and the Sinners, who play Friday at the Red Fox, and twice Saturday: at the veteran's North Coast Stand Down and at Blue Lake Casino. And no, he's not in the papers because of the band. It's because he knows who killed JFK, or at least he knows what his dad told him -- his dad being E. Howard Hunt, "a 27-year career CIA executive officer and covert operative most well-known his role in the Watergate affair," as St. John puts it on his website (www.saintjohnhunt.com), where you can buy his book, Bond of Secrecy, and a DVD interview revealing some big secrets. Not having heard the Sinners yet, I'm not sure what secrets are concealed or revealed in their music.

The Redwood Run is the ticket for power-packed rock/blues this weekend with Gregg Allman, Joe Bonamassa, Joan Jett and Molly Hatchet among those playing for bikers and just plain music fans down in Piercy.

You may have heard that young blues guitar ripper Corby Yates has taken up residency somewhere east of here out Highway 299. He's on the coast Friday and Saturday shredding at Cher-Ae Heights. (On second thought, is he still considered young?)

My favorite local shredders Dragged by Horses get heavy at the Alibi Saturday, joined by Santa Cruz psyche rockers, El Sonido, who describe their crashing sound as "liquid."

Jazzy/jammy guitarist Will Bernard plays that same night (Saturday) at the Red Fox. I signed up for Will's e-list at some show long ago and since have followed his rise in the jam world gigging with the heavies, Stanton Moore, Robert Walter, Lonnie Smith, John Medeski, guys like that. For this show he's fronting his own band, Motherbug. Should be good.

You'd think the Reggae biz would calm down, but it hasn't. I ran into Mateel board member Bob Stern at the Summer Arts Fest Saturday and asked him what's up with Reggae on the River vs. Reggae Rising. "They're going to try to put on a festival; we're going to try to stop them," is how he put it. Next salvos will be heard at the Planning Commish this Thursday.

The latest: Mateel supporters calling for boycotts of any nonprofit planning on having a booth at Reggae Rising. And how do you boycott a nonprofit anyway? Maybe when your house is on fire you don't call the local VFD? Sorry if this sounds like a broken record, but how about a little peace in the neighborhood?

People Productions and the Dimmick Ranch are pleased with the outcome of last nights Humboldt County Planning Commission meeting at which the Reggae Rising Music Festival was given the green light to move forward, despite the Mateel Community Center's attempt to have the planning commission revoke the CUP. "I'd just hate to see this thing die" stated Commissioner Bruce Emad.

Reggae Rising Music Festival is a benefit for the Southern Humboldt community and will carry on the 23 year tradition of being one of the largest fundraiser for its non-profits. To date there are 20 non-profits signed on including; all of the volunteer fire departments, Beginnings Montessori School, KMUD Radio, Schools Foundation, Garberville Town Square, Trees Foundation, Vets For Peace and the Veterans of Foreign War to name a few. In addition to the support of the local non-profits the festival also has been given the green light from county agencies including; the Mendocino and Humboldt County Sheriff's department, Cal Trans, California Highway Patrol, Army Corps of Engineers, Forestry Service and Cal. Fire (formerly known as CDF).

Reggae Rising Music Festival will take place on August 3rd, 4th, 5th and features 3-days of camping and world renowned reggae music on 100 acres that includes; The Dimmick Ranch and French's Camp, situated along the picturesque Eel River. This year's festival is dedicated to the "Music" and the lineup promises to be unparalleled, and includes:

FRIDAY AUGUST 3rd ANTHONY B FANTAN MOJAH COLLIE BUDDZ ABYSSINIANS HEAVYWEIGHT DUB CHAMPION QUEEN OMEGA STREETSTOTHEHILL WISDOM

SATURDAY AUGUST 4th SLY & ROBBIE AND THE TAXI GANG with HORACE ANDY ZIGGY MARLEY CHERINE ANDERSON MORGAN HERITAGE TANYA STEPHENS RICHIE SPICE SOUL MAJESTIC

SUNDAY AUGUST 5th DAMIAN MARLEY STEPHEN MARLEY STEEL PULSE FREDDIE MCGREGOR RICHIE STEPHENS ISHI DUBE

More Artists to be Announced!

TICKETS AND CAMPING ARE ON SALE NOW and can be purchased online with a credit card by visiting our website at www.reggae rising.com. For more information on Reggae Rising call the hotline at 707-923-4583.

Whild in the Streets

Whild Peach guitarist David Whild wasn't quite sure what the band was doing in Bozeman, Montana. "We're further and further from home everyday," he said when I called him at a Bozeman motel. Home is Atlanta, Georgia, and has been since Whild and his musical partner Peach moved there from Dallas in 1994. "The thing we did in Dallas, we were called Deep Elem, it was an original thing with our own songs, just totally alternative anything. At that time there was nobody doing what we was doing and we ran into a lot of resistance, people who didn't understand a black band playing this alternative rock funk kind of thing. It was funky, but didn't fit any certain category."

Whatever it was, someone at Capital Records liked it and the label brought the band to Georgia -- unfortunately the deal went south before there was a record in the can. "They had some changes, staff shakeups," said Whild, "so we got out of our deal, but we stayed in Atlanta."

The timing was right. While west coast and east coast hip hop factions still ruled, the dirty south was on the rise and Atlanta was at the heart of things with producers cranking out hits. "We started playing around town and evolved more toward hip hop and people started asking us to do sessions and that kind of thing. That's how we hooked up with Organized Noize and The Dungeon Family, then Goodie Mob and Outkast. We ended up playing on their records, writing with them and singing and touring. Once Outkast started going on tours and doing all these TV shows and going around the world, that took up two years at least, so we didn't do anything as Whild Peach for a while."

Whild and Peach worked with André Benjamin (aka Dre) and Antwan "Big Boi" Patton of Outkast from their second album on, a whirlwind period that culminated in the 2004 double-disc, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, which sold 5 million copies, and became the first rap album to win a Grammy as Album of the Year. It also marked a transition point for Outkast. "Once Speakerboxxx/ Love Below came out Dre didn't really want to tour," said Whild, "so we had to do our own thing. That's when we started gigging again. And here we are out on the road."

The road brings Whild Peach to Eureka this Thursday, June 14, to play some “slunky” music at Red Fox Tavern. If soul/funk/rock is what you're into you should check it.

The second year of Jazz In June At Benbow Inn begins this weekend. In some ways it's a direct descendent of something called the Rites of Spring Jazz Festival, put together almost three decades ago by the Backwoods Jazz Association, a group SoHum jazz fans and players. That evolved into Jazz on the Lake, a big event at Benbow that fell by the wayside a few years back.

"Last year the idea came back. John Porter asked about seeing Jazz on the Lake revived," said Jim Wilde, who works by day as accountant for the Benbow Inn and plays jazz guitar at nights, at least when there's somewhere to play. Needless to say, Jazz on the Lake was good for business at Benbow. Plans were hatched, and a major headliner was lined up, then the Backwoods Jazz folks got cold feet. No one was ready to put up the required cash. Instead, Wilde explained, "We decided to do music on the patio instead." It went well and this year it's back with two almost solid weeks in June and more to come in August.

Wilde handled the booking. "I just called my favorite people, they all said, 'Heck yeah,'" said the guitar player. Things kick off Saturday, June 16, with guitarist Bruce Forman leading a trio including scatting bassist with Kristin Korb and veteran drummer Joe La Barbera. The jazz keeps rolling Sunday, June 17, with the Sheldon Brown Quintet featuring Brown on sax and clarinet and guitarist Dave MacNab.

Tuesday, June 19, it's SoHum's own Humboldt Time with Wilde on guitar, Michael Curran on drums, Geoff Daugherty on bass, Jimmy Durchslag on trombone and Sam Maez on trumpet. The Sam Maez Quartet plays Wednesday, June 20, that's Humboldt Time minus the trombone, then next Thursday, June 21, catch the latest incarnation of Equinox, a combo drawing on Backwoods Jazz members, formed to open a Jazz on the Lake show years ago, which includes all of Humboldt Time plus Francis Vanek and Les Scher on saxophones. The jazz series continues every night except Mondays through the end of June. Wilde recommends reservations since some shows will sell out. Call the Inn for details.

Things are looking up for the building at 47 West 3rd Street, home of Synapsis, Empire Squared, and The Placebo. Plans are afoot to bring the currently shuttered warehouse up to code so it can once again become a performance space, and the city seems to be going along with their ideas. They take the plans to the planning commission some time this summer. Of course the work is going to cost money, thus the benefit this Friday, June 15, at 321 Coffee, something they're calling an "Instant Art Show" with a crew of artists creating (and selling) work on the spot while DJ Raj spins arty music. Bring cash so you can take some art home.

Live music in Fieldbrook? That's right, the Fieldbrook Store begins a summer series this Friday, June 15, with those ubiquitous youngsters Steel Toed Slippers. Next Friday, June 22, is open mic night, Wrangletown plays old timey June 29, and there's more to come. Saturday is the annual Arcata Bay Oyster Festival on the plaza with too many mollusks, and music by those ragin' Cajuns The Bayous Swamis, bluesman Earl Thomas (who is also singing at Holy Trinity Church on Sunday; see calendar for details) and Kulica. The always-groovy Kulica also plays Friday night at Red Fox Tavern opening for ekoostik hookah a relatively venerable jamband out of Ohio (15 plus years old) with the usual mix of psychedelic rock, blues, funk, jazz and bluegrass. The band is at the Fox for a two night run with local reggae rockers Mobile Chiefing Unit opening Saturday night. Alert all Scandinavian Celtic rock fans: Your favorite band, Tempest, is playing Saturday night at the Blue Lake Casino's Sapphire Palace -- for free.

Apple Barner from Gold Beach offer "cow-tipping, sheep-poking funk" Saturday at Six Rivers. They explain that growing up on the extreme southwest coast of Oregon in the shadow of the Siskiyou Mountains meant, "There is no underlying regional musical style such as those found in the Deep South, farm country, or the inner-city. It's kind of a no-man's land down here. The rest of Oregon forgets about us, and we don't belong to northern California. We just do our own thing." The result is music that they promise, "is somewhat based on reality or a form of it," including, "some songs you might find you even like."

Norm from Bad Kitty Productions is at it again, this time bringing Detroit-based psychobilly/gothabilly madmen the Koffin Kats to the Boiler Room Sunday, June 17. Wear black. With all due respect to KHUM-FM, the only local commercial station I tune in regularly, I have to say that the "radio without the rules" slogan is pretty much a relative thing. The deejays abide by less rules than most, but there's always the FCC regulations to think of and the potential fine for saying fuck or shit or some other arbitrarily banned word is huge. The pirates of the Humboldt Free Radio Alliance on the other hand ignore all rules. Fuck that. Since the low-power broadcasters at 99.9-FM don't have pledge drives like public stations, they throw the occasional benefit, typically at the Alibi, like the one Saturday night with renegade hillbilly Jay Dirt and Henpecker, who are either an anti-war folk punk band, an anti-folk war punk band or an anti-funk polka band, allegedly from Manila, but in truth from all over the map. Wherever they're from they're funny. Support your local pirates and be there.