Sad news today, friends -- and news that hits close to home, as we've been following the rejuvenation of the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund on this blog and in print. Hang in there, Exene.
A statement today was issued from the headquarters of rural-Missouri-dwelling punk goddess Exene Cervenka of the legendary LA punk band X (and, more recently, the Original Sinners), announcing that the singer has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Here's the statement in full.
After some months of not feel
I'm scooping myself a bit here as I'm focusing on the story behind this event for my Wayward Son column next week, but I wanted to give you some early word regarding the Victoria Williams concert and Sweet Relief benefit show next Friday, April 10, at Liberty Hall in hopes that, frankly, you might buy tickets and go.
Pertinent Info-byte No. 1: It's going to be cool.
Not only will this be possibly your only chance to see the acclaimed California singer-songwriter live for the forseeable future
"The fact that we're sitting here on your birthday, having this conversation at all is a miracle."
Billy Brimblecom's comment is directed at birthday girl Abigail Henderson, but it applies to everyone at the table: Henderson and her husband and band mate Chris Meck, California singer-songwriter Victoria Williams and, last but not least, a doctor (anesthesiologist, actually) from St. Luke's named Mark Matthews.
Photo by Forester MichaelFrom left: Mark Matthews, Victoria Williams, Chris Meck, A
It wasn't hip, sexy, trendy or in anyone's idea of hot, but this past Friday's Sweet Relief benefit was an evening of excellent music for the best of causes, and, I'm sorry you weren't there to enjoy it. I won't lecture you. But it kinda sucked that more people didn't devote a few early evening hours and 20 measly bucks (plus fees if you bought through Ticketbastard) to enjoy the work of some very talented musicians and songwriters, and to support an organization dedicated to helping musicians p
The Midwest Music Foundation, a newly formed group dedicated to boosting homegrown music and helping musicians in need, is kicking off its Stay Tuned concert series next Friday, May 8, at Davey's Uptown Ramblers Club.
Readers who have been following our coverage of Abigail Henderson and her Apocalypse Meow cause will already be familiar with MMF.
As I reported in the Victoria Williams round table session a couple of weeks ago, the MMF has been working to establish its 501(c)3 status and also
Earlier this month, Seattle independent radio station KEXP presented their list of the best cover songs ever.
The top ten were, as follows:
10. Nirvana, "The Man Who Sold the World" (David Bowie)
9. Gary Jules, "Mad World" (Tears for Fears)
8. Cowboy Junkies, "Sweet Jane" (Lou Reed)
7. Devo, "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" (Rolling Stones)
6. Iron & Wine, "Such Great Heights" (Postal Service)
5. Dinosaur Jr, "Just Like Heaven" (The Cure)
4. Cloud Cult, "Mr. Tambourine Man" (Bob Dylan)
3.
