http://www.rvamag.com/ Articles from RVAMag.com en-us Tue, 13 May 2008 20:58:19 -0400 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss RVAMag.com http://www.rvamag.com/view_article.php?article_id=846
Mermaid Skeletons is shepparded by the sugary voice and whimsical song writing of Joshua Hryciak. His vocal range is almost encyclopedic, and is married perfectly with the masterful, diverse harmonies that are extensively used on "Darlings."

Influenced heavily by the Silly Symphonies series of animated shorts produced by Walt Disney Productions from 1929 to 1939, and Rogers and Hammerstein, who are best known for creating a string of immensely popular Broadway musicals in the '40s and '50s, Mermaid Skeletons have created an inspired tea room orchestra and have been writing what they refer to as their "attempt at beautiful song."

Darlings is the perfect introduction to the orchestra's romantic, innovative, and harmonic sound. Their diverse instrumentation includes dense layers of delicate guitars, piano, ganjo, mouth harp, glockenspiel, organ, bass, trumpet, accordion, and percussion.

For fans of Joanna Newsome, Rufus Wainwright, and Belle and Sebastian.

Mermaid Skeletons is:
Joshua Hryciak (vocals, guitar, piano)
Michael Satterfield (guitar, ganjo percussion, vocals)
Benjamin Nelson (guitar, mouth harp, glockenspiel, vocals)
Anne Spraker (organ, glockenspiel, vocals)
Grant Hunnicut (bass, ganjo, vocals)
Richard Bollinger (guitar, trumpet, vocals)
Mat Shelton (percussion, guitar, accordion, vocals)
Sarah Dyson (vocals)

Photo by PJ Sykes

To listen to the full album, go to www.triplestamp.com/darlings.html

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=5587731






]]> Tue, 13 May 2008 13:49:12 -0400 Doug http://www.rvamag.com/view_article.php?article_id=846 http://www.rvamag.com/view_article.php?article_id=845 Ace Frehley was, and forever will be, the coolest member of Kiss. You can make an argument that attempts to distinguish to what extent Kiss actually were or were not cool, sure. But within the given context, Ace Frehley was the coolest.

He had the coolest hair, he had the coolest guitars (smoking and/or flashing trumps shaped like an axe which is just trying too hard, a fair criticism of Kiss in general), and he had the coolest walk, a sort of half-stumble, fully-stoned forward lurch that always landed him right in to the middle of what were arguably the most widely air-guitard solos of the nineteen seventies. He was Space Ace, a multi-millionaire comic book rock and roll hero to millions.

What did you ever do?

Thirty years is usually an undefeatable distance to place between anyone and their prime, but you know what? Ace Frehley is still the coolest member of Kiss. The make-up is long gone, the moon boots put in to mothballs many moons ago, and the crushing mass of adolescence that once filled Anaheim Stadium to hear him run through Shock Me has morphed in to a mid-size venue (The National), on a Friday night in May, 2008, half-filled with the middle-aged.

But Ace is still the coolest guy in the room (not that the apparent meth-head who chose to celebrate the evening by painting his face LIKE GENE SIMMONS was offering much competition). With his leather jacket, receding hairline and wraparound shades, Frehley doesnt much look like an interstellar rock star, one whos seen fortunes rise and fall, and one whos lived to tell the tale - he looks more like a senior member of the Maryland-based biker gang The Pagans. Which is cool. Or if nothing else, cooler than wearing an awful wig that couldnt even charitably be described as Shatner-esque and managing to make a complete ass of yourself on not just one, but two reality shows.

Though, seriously: You know you would watch the Ace Frehley reality show. Someone get on top of that.

But do you need to watch the Ace Frehley live rock and roll show? As much as it pains me to say, the answer is, not really. You go because you dont have that many opportunities to see your childhood heroes in the flesh, standing six-feet in front of you (near as I can tell, Evel Knievel is dead and Han Solo still isnt on tour). You go because youre hoping that hell play some old Kiss songs (which he does, and does well just sandwiched between a dozen solo-album also-rans). You go out of some twisted sense of duty.

Leave that twisted duty, that warped and perverted fandom where it belongs: with comic book conventions, or with the juvenile memories you have of staring at the gatefold stage photo inside Alive II. The tired adherence to the traditional rock dogma is killing you, its killing rock and roll, and it very nearly killed Space Ace Frehley. Next time you go to a show, see something new.

Your children will thank you for it.





]]> Fri, 9 May 2008 11:05:55 -0400 Doug http://www.rvamag.com/view_article.php?article_id=845 http://www.rvamag.com/view_article.php?article_id=843
Klezmer, Yiddish and Gypsy Music graciously provided by My Son the Doctor.

Light refreshments to benefit United States Equine Rescue League.

Free and open to the public. Shellion continues through August 1, 2008.

More Information is available by calling Anne at (804) 644-1368. Thank you for your Support!

GALLERY HOURS: Tuesday - Friday, Noon - 6 P.M. Sat. Noon - 4 P.M.

Visual Art Studio
208 West Broad Street Richmond, VA 23220 (804) 644-1368


www.visualartstudio.org www.firstfridaysrichmond.com



]]> Thu, 8 May 2008 12:31:29 -0400 Doug http://www.rvamag.com/view_article.php?article_id=843 http://www.rvamag.com/view_article.php?article_id=842
Actors Remain Fully Clothed in Cabaret

The fingernails of Founding Artistic Director Carol Piersol have seen better days. She's nervous, and despite her calm exterior, her hands betray her.

"This is the most normal show we've done in years at the Firehouse," she says, over a cup of chamomile tea and a scone in a popular Fan District coffee house. The tea calms her nerves, she says, and the scone is a guilty pleasure. "I knew we might offend some patrons by doing this kind of show, but it was a risk I was willing to take. I think our audience can handle it."

She's talking about The Firehouse Theatre Cabaret, an entertaining assemblage of ten-minute plays and songs, accompanied by jazz music that opened April 24th and runs through May 17th. Unlike the generally expected Firehouse plate of edgy, thought-provoking drama however, "The Cabaret" dishes up a night of pure, unadulterated pleasure. "There's absolutely nothing to think about afterwards," Piersol says, "and that might disappoint some long-time season-ticket holders. But I've seen some leave the theater looking ten years younger, so I think people will come around when they realize the benefit."

Perhaps most surprisingly, there's no nudity in Cabaret - nor cross dressing, or dysfunctional family units; there's only clever acting and smart singing by a gifted cast of four. "It's like a big bowl of homemade mashed potatoes," said Cabaret producer Amy Wight, in an earlier interview. "It's warm, it makes your tummy feel good, and you just want more afterwards!" And so you don't confuse The Firehouse Theatre Cabaret with Theatre VCU's current production, you'll hear no "Wilkommen," during this show. "All the plays and songs are performed in English," Wight said.

Of course, the production of entertaining music and plays is nothing new to Richmond
- there are a couple of theaters that regularly present such fare - but it's relatively new for the less mainstream Firehouse Theatre. "I've had people come up to me after the show and say how surprised they were to see me in a suit and tie," said Firehouse Cabaret director and actor Scott Wichmann (who also sings, and very well). "You can see the confusion in their eyes."

On whether the sudden controversy might affect audience attendance, publicist Stacie Birchett said, "We knew we would be pushing the envelope with this one, but we're no strangers to that. I'm proud of The Cabaret, I think Carol made a gutsy decision to stage it, and I'd ask any skeptics out there to give this production a chance." She explained that the theatre will offer any offended patrons a ticket exchange to their next production, Reefer Madness, if desired.

Piersol seconds that. "Were not trying to push anything on anyone. We respect the personal views of all our patrons, but I think if they try it, they'll like it, when all is said and done." And with that, she finishes her scone and tea, and heads back to the theatre for another day's work.

The Firehouse Theatre Cabaret, starring Scott Wichmann, Alia Bisharat, Jude Fageas, and Lisa Kotula. Sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. W.E. Singleton. April 24 May 17. Tickets: Individual - $25; Seniors - $22; Student - $10 with valid ID. Showtimes: 8:00 p.m. Thursdays - Saturdays; Sunday matinees at 4:00 p.m. Doors open a half-hour before showtime. 1609 W. Broad Street, Richmond VA 23220. 804-353-2001. www.firehousetheatre.org

Top-Bottom: Jude Fageas, Alia Bisharat, Lisa Kotula, Scott Wichmann
Photo: Jay Paul Photography

]]> Wed, 7 May 2008 13:55:46 -0400 Doug http://www.rvamag.com/view_article.php?article_id=842 http://www.rvamag.com/view_article.php?article_id=841 Featuring: TECH N9NE &
PAUL WALL
With Special Guest ILL BILL
Sunday, May 11th

Doors: 8:00pm
all ages

General Admission: $25.00

Tickets: Any Plan9 or BK Music location or call 1-800-514-ETIX (3849)

For those of you NOTin the know:

Paul Wall is not Eminem. Comparing him to Bubba Sparxx will get you a bitch slap. Mention Vanilla Ice in the same sentence and you could be ducking bullets. There are quite a few other white boys flipping rhymes and walking with a limp (AesopRock and Necro) but in the big leagues Paul Wall doesnt have much competition. After working with Chamillionaire, Swisha House and Lil Flip, Paul Wall wassigned to Atlantic Records and released the platinum selling The Peoples Champ. Hes back, with a new album,"The Fast Life," and a killer tour with the legendary TECH N9NE along with Strange Music label-mate ILL BILL (Necros brother, yo!)

Come catch the show and see the fellas from BDC Entertainment and RVA Magazine or just stay at home and watch some shit on TV.



]]> Tue, 6 May 2008 12:23:34 -0400 Doug http://www.rvamag.com/view_article.php?article_id=841 http://www.rvamag.com/view_article.php?article_id=839
1. SAINT DIABLO "Lumberg" 4:22
cd "El Calambre EP"
2. NEW RITUAL AGE "Sick Machines" 5:16
demo
3. SPLIT OVER DRAPES "Dirty Girls and Wedding Dresses Off The Rack" 3:43
cd "The Devil In The Details"
4. SIN CITY REVIVAL "Red" 4:24
demo
5. JERRY JOE RENO AND THE RIVER CITY OUTLAWS "Bad Luck Joe" 3:15
cd self-titled

6. DOWN TO THIS "Broken" 4:56
cd "Down To This"
7. LORDS OF FUBAR "Message"
cd "Message"
8. IDENTITY "Clint Boss" 3:56
ep "Identity"
9. AT THE STARS "Forget" 3:59
cd "October/November/December"
10. JIMMY CATLETT "Come and See" 5:12
cd "Waiting To Fall Off The Earth"


Saint Diablo Photo by Michael Woodward Photography





]]> Mon, 5 May 2008 12:21:31 -0400 Doug http://www.rvamag.com/view_article.php?article_id=839 http://www.rvamag.com/view_article.php?article_id=836
Local celebrity, icon, and activist, Donnie Dirtwoman Corker, officially announces his/her candidacy for the office of Mayor for the City of Richmond. Running on the platform of ending gridlock in City Hall, reducing crime, improving our school systems, and creating regional unity with clear, effective communication and a proactive approach. Donnie Corker is ready to bring the voice of common sense to downtown. Its time to stop fighting each other and get the job done says Dirtwoman. You've gotta get out here and work with the people...not doing all this mudslinging...people don't want that, people want to know what you're gonna do for the city.

RVA Magazine has officially endorsed the candidacy of Corker. Parker, Cofounder and Managing Editor of RVA, has taken the role of Corkers Campaign Manager. In a statement made this morning, Parker says of Corker:

Donnie is completely dedicated to doing whatever it takes to make Richmond the best city it can be. For too long Richmond has been a city seen as committing cultural, governmental, and financial suicide because of our leaders that seem to be more concerned with their own pockets and self-serving schemes than with the hard working and caring citizens that reside here. Donnies vision of Richmond is a city that is not only representative of its citizens wants and needs but also a city that can be a shining example for other areas across the region, state, and nation. Mr./Ms. Corker is fed up with our money being squandered, childish fighting within our governmental infrastructure, and making unintelligent behind closed doors decisions. Its time for someone that truly loves Richmond and its people. Dirtwoman feels its time to stand up for the citys future by acting in the now. Its time we had a representative in office that could reverse the damage our city government has caused and propel Richmond in the right direction. Donnie Dirtwoman Corker is that representative.

Christian Detres, Marketing Director and Publicist for RVA Magazine had this to say about Dirtwomans run for office:

The top figures of authority in this town, Bill Pantele and Douglas Wilder, have put all of us in the middle of their incessant whining, like two children in a sandbox fighting over the same toy. All this while nothing gets done. The School Board is a mess. Abandoned city projects are all around us. There are so many problems that only a person who can see the forest for the trees has a chance of changing it all. Someone who wont get bogged down by unnecessary details and can see clearly what the right thing to do in any situation would be. We need someone who sees the right path and takes it. You dont need a law degree for that.

Dirtwomans candidacy will force many of the issues this city faces to the table. Donnie will examine these arguments through a selfless lens and take our citys leaders to task on their dismal performances as stewards of our economy, champions to our safety and promoters of our culture.

Its time to put the future of Richmond back into the hands of the people.

DIRTWOMAN in 08!!!!!

Parker
RVA Magazine
parker@rvamag.com
www.rvamag.com



]]> Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:35:57 -0400 Doug http://www.rvamag.com/view_article.php?article_id=836 http://www.rvamag.com/view_article.php?article_id=835 CHUCK SCALIN
5/2 - 6/21

On May 2, 2008 Quirk Gallery opens Rush: Explorations in Glass, an exhibition of work by Richmond artist, Chuck Scalin in the main exhibition space. The exhibition runs through June 21, 2008.

Rush showcases the recent creations of Chuck Scalin,Professor Emeritus, former Assistant Chair of the Communication Arts + Design Department at VCU. Since retiring in 2003 he has frequently taught courses at the VMFA Studio School. Continuing his career as a professional artist, in 2006 and 2007 he received artist residencies at the Cite International des Arts in Paris, France. He has been awarded a third residency at the Cite Internationale des Arts for 2008 and will be returning there this fall.

Scalin has always considered himself a gleaner and a collector who searches for inherent beauty within the urban environment. But over the past three years, he has expanded his work in assemblage and collage to incorporate kiln-fired glass. Scalin applies layers of rubbed powdered graphite to the glass surface enabling him to create pieces that resemble work fabricated from metal.

Scalin embraces the unpredictability of glass. The accidents and surprises that occur during the firing process have enabled him to create pieces with unique texture and color. It is the creative Rush that comes after removing a piece from the kiln that sparked the inspiration for the abstract compositions in this exhibition.

Images: Untitled #1 and Untitled #2 (diptych) by Chuck Scalin

AMY RICE: SERENDIPITOUS
5/2 - 5/30

On May 2, 2008 Quirk will open the shop show: Serendipitous: an exhibition of original paintings by Amy Rice. The exhibition will run until May 30, 2008, with an opening reception Friday, May 2 from 6 - 10pm.

Most of Rice's work is created using stencils that she designs and cuts herself. Although this medium is basically a form of printmaking, she has the freedom to experiment with color, surface texture and grouping of objects, and thus mood and tone, making each piece unique.

THE VAULT PROJECT 2008:
ALETA BRAUN

On May 1, 2008 Quirk presents the work of Aleta Braun.

The Vault Project 2008 is a yearlong series of exhibitions at Quirk Gallery curated by C. James Meyer, Emeritus Professor, Craft & Material Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University and Robert Ebendorf, Distinguished Professor of Metalwork and Jewelry at East Carolina University.

Braun's show is fifth in the series of The Vault Project 2008. Exhibition dates are May 1 - 31, 2008. Braun is inspired by a deep connection to nature. For her multimedia pieces, she gathers together materials such as leaves, pods, and petals. Her collection includes delicate drawings, paintings, and collages that convey the underlying themes of love and relationships.

The Vault is tucked away beyond the main exhibition space at Quirk. Its walls are brick. Its ceiling is concrete. In Quirk's open, exuberant space, the heavy, protective feeling of The Vault is entirely unexpected. Small exhibits and special installations such as Braun's are given the focused attention they require.

About Quirk Gallery:

Quirk features exhibitions of innovative work by both established and emerging American and international artists. Our artists are chosen for uninhibited use of materials and forms, for juxtaposition of tradition and experimentation, and for refinement of vision and skill.

The Quirk gallery shop offers year-round, one-of-a-kind gift ideas for a friend or just for you. Come in and browse our thoughtfully selected inventory of unique, practical and decorative items, sure to bring a little style into anyone's life for years to come.
skill.

Monday-Saturday 10-5, closed Sunday

311 West Broad Street
Richmond Virginia 23220
804.644.5450
quirkgallery.com



]]> Fri, 25 Apr 2008 13:29:59 -0400 Doug http://www.rvamag.com/view_article.php?article_id=835 http://www.rvamag.com/view_article.php?article_id=833
April 10, 2008 (Richmond, Virginia) Native Richmonders Mason Brothers have announced the official record release concert date for their critically-acclaimed debut album The Sun, the Moon & the Sea. The concert will take place at the Camel in Richmond, Virginia on Thursday May 8, 2008 at 8pm. Also performing at the show will be David Shultz, Pete Appleby (of Memorial), and Josh Scolaro (of Brice Woodall and the Positrons). For $10 at the door, attendants receive: admittance to the concert, a copy of The Sun, the Moon & the Sea, and a copy of James Mason's solo release from 2003, Carnival Sky. For those who may already have the albums, admission is just $5 at the door.

In February 2008, Mason Brothers' debut quietly became available online and a surprising number of CD sales and promo requests followed over the next several weeks, coming from all over the United States, as well as other countries across the globe, including France, England, Spain, Australia, Belgium and Canada. Early reviews of The Sun, the Moon & the Sea from music journalists and bloggers have been overwhelmingly positive, describing the album as "gorgeous cinematic folk music, rich and deliberately crafted, with guitars and voices woven tightly together. It's something a visionary movie director would do well to notice."

Brothers Christian and James have recently taken on jobs as instructors at Virginia Commonwealth University in Applied Mathematics and Writing, respectively. When asked if their advanced degrees and new jobs in academia influence their music, brother Christian replies, "I'm sure it figures in there somehow. The histories of mathematics and music intertwine consistently, and you could say there's a non-pretentious literary bent to the lyrics."

While finishing graduate school in 2007, brothers Christian and James Mason were also putting the finishing touches on their acoustic debut release The Sun, the Moon & the Sea. As Christian and James wrapped up their studies of Applied Mathematics and English Writing respectively, they would take weekend jaunts to nearby Centreville, Virginia to record their songs on the vintage, analog tape machines provided by longtime friend and collaborator Mike Reina.

Fans and reviewers compare the Mason Brothers work to artists such as Nick Drake, Elliott Smith, and Iron & Wine, but the brothers claim they're no one-trick pony, with two more albums' worth of material already in the tank which feature a variety of full band arrangements, including more up-tempo rock-oriented material. Says brother James, "for the next record, as well as for live shows, we have songs that run the gamut, from Pink-Floyd-style space rock, to singer-songwriter numbers in the vein of Sea-Change-era Beck, Neil Young and Ryan Adams."

This summer, Mason Brothers plan to do some touring, begin tracking for their follow up record, in addition to exploring recent offers and opportunities in television and film licensing.

www.masonbrothersmusic.com
www.myspace.com/masonbrothers
www.masonbrothers.blogspot.com


]]> Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:28:40 -0400 Doug http://www.rvamag.com/view_article.php?article_id=833 http://www.rvamag.com/view_article.php?article_id=831
04-20-08
Studio B


1. NO COMPROMISE "Restless" 4:25
cd "This Could Be You"
2. FULL MOON CIRCLE "Walk With Me" 3:49
cd "One Right Way"
3. TRUE LIBERTY "Don't Forget" 1:58
cd "This Is War"
4. BUCKET "Picture of the World" 5:00
cd "Cut"
5. THE INFLUENCE "The Following" 3:41
cd "Pig Radio"
6. PRABIR AND THE SUBSTITUTES "Bad Days Are A-Comin'" 2:45
ep "5"

7. RITES OF ASH "Fair" 4:45
cd "Epidemic of the Mannequins"
8. PROPERTY "Curse Of Life" 4:39
cd "Redemption"
9. superboot "Jack Ruby" 3:24
cd "Twenty-Five Eight"
10. THE MILES "Strange Math" 4:57
cd "The Story Of Yourself"
11. DARK LITTLE ROOMS "All That I Am" 2:30
cd "Foolish Beauty"

Photos:
Dave Kennedy
www.myspace.com/themilesthemiles
www.myspace.com/nocompromise








]]> Mon, 21 Apr 2008 18:29:03 -0400 Doug http://www.rvamag.com/view_article.php?article_id=831