Scotsman Martin Stephenson is headed back to NC for a visit and, of course, several performances. With the help of local Dolph Ramseur, Stephenson made his first pilgrimage here almost two years ago, and the two recorded a project titled Haint of the Budded Rose, which features the Scot interacting with some of the most noted pickers from across the state. The album is scheduled to be released this summer on Ramseur Records, but in the meantime, you can catch Stephenson on Thursday, March 7, and Wednesday, March 13, at The Evening Muse. Stephenson is also scheduled to make live in-studio appearances on WNCW (100.7) on Wednesday, March 6 from 5-6pm and on WFAE (90.7) Friday, March 8 at 9am (replay at 7pm). For more details, e-mail Ramseur at dddram@aol.com.
*The recently signed Justincase were recently back home, albeit briefly, after spending time in Los Angeles where they recorded eight songs with producer John Shanks (Michelle Branch, Stevie Nicks, Melissa Etheridge, Joe Cocker). While in town, the band spent some time at Reflection Sound Studios, recording a few more songs with producer Steven Haigler (Fuel, Oleander, The Nixons). Currently, they’re off to LA again to start mixing with Chris Lord Alge (Tina Turner, Keith Richards, Cowboy Junkies). There are also plans to shoot a video and publicity photos for the album and such. They’re hoping to return home, however, for a short break before Maverick Records sends them on the road as a support act. For more details, check out www.justin casefans.com.
* The Charlotte Folk Society has been selected to receive the “Community Tradition Award” from the NC Folklore Society. The local, all-volunteer organization is in its 20th year and was among three 2002 award winners. Also named to receive the Folklore organization’s Brown-Hudson Award were The Briarhoppers stringband and Charlotte artist and fiddle player Jim Scancarelli. The awards will be presented during the Folklore Society’s annual meeting, being held in Charlotte on March 23 at the Levine Museum of the New South. The Folk Society has also received several special program grants from the Arts & Science Council of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. For more details, visit www.folksociety.org.
* System Conflict will celebrate the release of their new CD titled Killer Is The Face Hide, with a Release Party on Saturday, March 16, at The Money in Rock Hill. The band recorded the material at Hyperactive Studio with Andy Gillian. The CD will have 14 tracks and will be sold for only $5 at the show. Clout, The Five L’s and Oblivion A.D. are also scheduled to perform at the show. For more info, check out www.systemconflict.com or e-mail systemconflict@yahoo.com.
* Bassist Allan Starnes (aka “Nasty”) has also started a communal band website at www.dirtylegpromotions.com. He says he created the site, which is free to “motivated bands,” in hopes of keeping local acts in touch with one another. He also says that after only eight weeks of being on the web, the site has steadily continued to grow.
* Musicomet has relaunched its website since the zine’s print edition has taken a hiatus. To take a peek at its new look, go to www.musicomet.com.
* The folks at Mojo Restaurant & Spirits will continue to host “Reggae Night” each Wednesday, but beginning this month, different groups will be brought in to play. Dub Axxess, the band who had been performing each week, will still continue to play on some Wednesdays as well.
* Chris Garges recently accompanied Deanna Campbell (Violet Strange) on drums and percussion for her latest project that was produced and recorded by Jamie Hoover at Hooverama.
* Taking over the engineering duties, Garges has recently worked with Chris Smith at Old House Studio, Calvin Richardson at Studio East and Ted Kynard at Jay Howard Productions.
* Suicide Watch Records will be presenting two shows this month: On Friday, March 8, Snagglepuss, Piedmont Charisma and Warlocks will perform at Tremont Music Hall. On the following Friday, March 15, Army of Ponch, My So-Called Band, Uzi Ari, Channel 43 and Amish Jihad will perform at The Boiling Point, 2109-B N. Graham St.
* The Humane Society of Charlotte is putting together a local compilation CD that will benefit the shelter’s homeless animals. Interested bands/performers can submit a high quality, final mix for Voices For The Voiceless to: Humane Society of Charlotte, 2700 Toomey Ave., Charlotte, NC 28203. Submissions will not be returned. Jay Howard Productions is also offering 50 percent off the standard studio rate time to record a submission for the CD. For more info, call 704-377-0534, ext. 104.
* FYI: As you know, Cityfest Live (formerly Center Cityfest) is holding a “Final Cut Contest” for local bands. The contest is being co-sponsored by Creative Loafing, but entries are being processed through Cityfest Live. Please note that music industry folks will be choosing the local bands for inclusion in the festival. No CL writers, critics or editors are involved in the selection or judging of the submitting acts. So, being chosen for the festival — even though it could be the thrill of a lifetime — will not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of a band by CL. So don’t bend our ear about getting onstage, OK? (And no, we won’t take the blame for the inclusion of Styx as one of the headlining acts, either.)
By the way, the initial March 1 deadline for local band submissions has been extended to March 16. Visit www.cityfestlive.com for more details.
This article appears in Mar 6-12, 2002.
