Local food enthusiasts also into local music would do well to check out Food Nation with Bobby Flay February 1 at 7pm and February 2 at 5pm. The Robin Rogers Band is featured on the program, shot in and around Charlotte last fall. For more information, check out www.robinrogers.com or foodnetwork.com.
The Chad Lawson Trio recently appeared in an episode of Dawson’s Creek titled “All The Right Moves.” Lawson, along with bandmates Al Sergel and Zack Page, could be spotted in the episode, and three of Lawson’s compositions also made the cut: “Dear Dorothy,” “Are We There Yet?” and “Fair Sky in Wichita.” For more on Chad Lawson and his trio, log onto www.chadlawson.com.
Bellglide are currently rehearsing material and beginning pre-production for their debut CD with Mike Vagianos of Scrimshaw Studios. The actual recording is set to take place later this spring.
Those who caught the Wales-by-way-of-Charlotte act Dynamo Dresden when they were in town recently might want to check out the band’s first video, available at http://www.htvwales.com/shotgunslideshow/2003/dynamo.shtml. The band’s lead singer, Tara Busch, is perhaps best known around these parts as former vocalist for the group Sheva.
Charlotte singer-songwriter Sam Earnhardt has formed a new band (as yet untitled) that features Robert Sledge (Ben Folds Five) on bass and Ken Mosher (Squirrel Nut Zippers) on lead guitar. The band is currently doing some select dates around the Carolinas, and Earnhardt reports he’s currently in the studio with Sledge in Chapel Hill working on a new CD, GO!, which is set for a spring release.
Oh What a Nightmare is the name of a new band consisting of Scott Avett (vocals and guitar), Seth Avett (drums and vocals) and Derek Young (bass). Seth and Scott Avett are, of course, The Avett Brothers, the Loaf‘s pick for best country/roots act of 2002. Young has formerly spent time with the Atlanta band Gonzalez and Charlotte’s now-defunct Jennifer Strip. Scott Avett describes the band’s sound as straight-ahead rock & roll and adds that the group plans to record soon to give “those who are interested” a document of the live show. Speaking of live shows, Oh What a Nightmare plays February 15 at The Steeple Lounge.
The Newcastle Boys will play the Charlotte portion of a Bluegrass Show- case at the Visulite Theatre on January 31. Also appearing will be regional bluegrass acts Blue Bambooza and Sassagrass.
Country and Western Bill, a side project consisting of Bill Walpole, Bill Noonan (Rank Outsiders), Woody Dale Jones and Dillard Richardson, will trot out what they promise to be “New and Used Countrypolitan Classics” February 1 at Puckett’s Farm Equipment. Jesse “The Rebel” Smith will also be on hand, spinning old and obscure country vinyl throughout the evening.
Liquilab Records has recently signed two new artists: Ashley Robinson of Charlotte and K-Word out of Harrisonburg, VA. Both acts will be showcased at the Double Door Inn on February 13, says label head Mike Vagianos.
Reflection Sound Studios hosted members of Saliva prior to their recent show at Tremont Music Hall as part of WEND-FM/106.5’s “End Session” series. Lead singer Josey Scott and guitarist Wayne Swinny played a short acoustic set for approximately 30 guests, after which they took questions from the audience. The “End Session” series is a collaboration between Reflection Studios and the radio station.
The Steeple Lounge has a number of upcoming multimedia presentations in the works. The popular Artoxication series returns to the reconstituted old church Friday, January 31, and Saturday, February 1. The event features music from Etheric, Park Life (Durham), Gonzalez (Atlanta) and The Talk, turntable manipulation from Scott Weaver and Dallas Thunder, visuals and “Improv Art” from Dax, Will Goodyear, Nancy L. Prator and Annada Bushorn, and loads of other stuff, including belly dancers, a drag performance, and Erin and Stewey, the ever-popular “Naughty Ballerinas.”
In other Steeple Lounge news, on February 7, the venue is hosting an event called Cirque de Steeple. In addition to incidental music by the Chronic Carnies, there will be fire eating by Felix the Fire Eater, “Fans and Fannies” with Lola LaRue, “Bello Ben,” “The Riveting Writings of Rebecca,” “booty shakers,” and more. Interested parties may log onto www.thesteeple.com for more information.
This article appears in Jan 29 – Feb 4, 2003.
