Yesterday I was saddened to learn that Steve Drury, Mr. Fish of the Juggernaut Jug Band, had passed away. There will be a celebration of Mr. Fish's life on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. at Park Place Restaurant at Louisville Slugger Field , 401 E. Main St., 40202. Those interested can send letters of sympathy to the National Jug Band Jubilee, 218 S. Keats Ave., Louisville, KY 40206.
I met Mr. Fish several years ago when I was doing research for an article on the history of jug bands. He has always been a fountain of information and a big cheerleader for Louisville music. The last time I saw him was at the National Jug Band Jubilee in September which he and his daughter Heather put together. This year they raised funds to buy a tombstone for jug band pioneer Earl McDonald. I'd like to think Mr. Fish and Earl will be having some rip roaring jam sessions in the near future.
Most people know Darren Rappa either from his job as a clerk at Wild and Woolly Video or as the lead singer of the defunct punk rock group, Verktum. But lately Rappa has been wearing a different hat – a cowboy hat. He is the guitarist and vocalist for DR Country, a country barroom outfit that performs tonight (11/13) at The Lounge, 947 E. Madison St. The DR in the name does not stand for doctor, but Darren Rappa. The band is Rappa's own twisted take on country and it's not something you're likely to hear coming out of Nashville.
“I really didn't set out to play country songs,” Rappa said. “I just got these choruses in my head and I figured out how to write songs around them. For the first 20 years of my life I really hated country music. But in my early 20s I started to listen to like Hank Williams and Gram Parson. I've been a big fan ever since, but I never thought I'd be in a country band.”
Rappa started playing shows as DR Country last year. Originally, he was accompanied just by his own guitar and his girlfriend Caitlin Kannapell on banjo and co-vocals. They recently added drummer Jeremy Vessels and bassist Chris Matthews to the band. Rappa said the new members have given his songs a harder edge.
“It's starting to rock out a little since I got a band together,” he said. “At first it was just me and Caitlin playing acoustically. But now that it's electric, it's morphing into something else.”
Rappa is one of a long line of former punk rockers who have shifted to roots music. They include: former Rising Shotgun vocalist Brett Ralph, Dave Pajo from Slint, and Sean Garrison and Mike Bucayu, both former members of Kinghorse. “I use to make fun of my friends of my friends who were trying to rewrite the Hank Williams Sr. catalog,” Rappa, 42, admitted. “I guess we've all done it in our own way. For me, I thinks its kind of an alternative to being another aging white guy playing in a blues band. No one wants to be like Blues Hammer, that band in 'Ghost World.' ”
At least, Rappa can say country music is in his blood. His family hails from Muhlenburg County, Kentucky. His grandmother was a cousin of Country Music Hall of Famer Merle Travis, the man who gave us “Sixteen Tons” and “Dark as a Dungeon.” Country music was all around Rappa when he was growing up, but he drifted towards harder sounds. Bucayu first taught him to play guitar while they were both attending St. Xavier High School. Rappa's first band was called the Punk Skulls. Then he met former Slint bassist Ethan Butler through mutual friends and ended up joining Buckler's new band King Kong for about two years.
There was nearly a decade hiatus between Rappa's stint in King Kong and the founding of Verktum. He spent some time recharging his creative battery.
“I didn't play music for a long time, I was mostly just working in restaurants cooking,” Rappa explained. “I bought a drum kit and played around with it. I actually started writing some songs, but mostly I was just jerking around.”
In 2000, Rappa became the lead vocalist of the punk mayhem known as Verktum. That group lasted until 2007. Rappa went dormant again until the country songs started coming to him. “I had fun playing in all of my bands, but I enjoy having my own band more,” he said. “You get to write the songs and sort of set your own direction. I think I can do this for a while.”
DR Country is playing with special guests Jonathan Glen Wood and The Cutthroat Honky. The show starts at 10pm and the cover is $3. For more information call 502-889-5889 or visit, http://www.louisvillemojo.com/thelounge.
Other shows happening this week:
Company of Thieves, Harper Simons & Wussy, Nov. 14
Headliners Music Hall, 1386 Lexington Rd., $10.
This is a Dare to Care fundraiser, so help the people out.
Brother Ali, Evidence, Toki Wright, and others, Nov. 14
Uncle Pleasants, 2126 Preston St., $10-$12.
If you like hip hop fan Brother Ali is a must see. A true underground emcee.
Heavy Trash (featuring Jon Spencer) with the Ladybirds, Nov. 17
The Vernon Club, 1575 Story Ave., $10.
Meat Puppets and Lucky Pineapple, Nov. 17
Headliners Music Hall, 1386 Lexington Rd., $12.
Micah Chandler gets around a lot for someone who doesn't own a car. Although he lives on 43rd street in the West End, Chandler and his ever-present violin are fixtures all over town. He performs regularly downtown at Bearno's by the Bridge and at Clifton's Pizza. During the monthly trolley hops along East Market Street and Frankfort Avenue, on the first and last Fridays of each month respectively, Micah is usually in a gallery serenading patrons. Sometimes he just sets up on a corner along Bardstown Road. Chandler said his income depends on being flexible and going where the people are.
“On the day I'm doing anything, technically it is not official, it is not set,” he explained. “This is a side job so I can make some extra money. When I play at Clifton's Pizza or Bearno's by the Bridge they give me some money and free food, but most of what I make comes from tips. My goal is to bring in the people.”
Because he can carry his violin anywhere he wants, the only constraint on Chandler is the bus schedule because it is his main form of transportation. But the hassle of TARC is worth it to make money doing what he loves. Music has always been a bright spot in Chandler's life. As a child he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a loss of nerve function due to brain injury. Chandler, 40, often makes jerky movement when he talks and his speech is occasionally slurred. But the disease has never hindered his development as a musician.
“I kind of taught myself to play the violin,” Chandler said. “I think god gave it to me. I picked it up in 7th grade at Noe Middle School. I took a few lessons. After I played for a while, I got really good. When I went out for YPAS (the Youth Performing Arts School affiliated with DuPont Manual High School) I had to play viola. My teacher at Noe, William Sloane, he tutored me in violin and viola. He was retired but he became my private tutor.”
In high school, Chandler played with the All State Orchestra. He's also played with the Jefferson Community College Orchestra and the Indiana University Southeast Orchestra. In 1996, Chandler received a music degree from the University of Louisville. Because of his background Chandler's repertoire tends to lean towards the classical, but he also plays contemporary r&b, gospel, jazz, and even alternative rock.
“I'll basically play anything that comes out of my head, anything I hear on the radio,” Chandler said. “I am partial to songs from the '80s. No hard rock or rap, none of that. The hard stuff hurts my ears. I don't like heavy metal, I'm a churchgoer. I like the Rolling Stones, but I don't listen to them loud.”
Chandler still lives at home with his parents and they attend Christ Temple Apostolic Church, a Pentecostal congregation on 45th street. He accepted Christ in 2005 after a bout with cancer, which has since gone into remission. Chandler said the experience made him appreciate his life more.
“I feel blessed to be able to play my music for people,” he said.
Chandler works three days a week at Veteran's Hospital on Zorn Avenue, which is why he spends so much time in the Clifton Area. On Friday he'll be at Clifton's Pizza, 2230 Frankfort Avenue, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. On Saturday he will play at Bearno's by the Bridge, 131 W. Main Street, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Both shows are free.
Other shows going on this weekend:
The Bobby Falk Group, Nov. 5th
Stevie Ray's Blues Bar, 201 Main St., $5.
Great contemporary jazz and soul music that will have you dancing like crazy.
The Fervor with the Smug Brothers, Nov. 6th
Zanzabar, 2100 Preston St., $6.
This is the Fervor's 7-inch release party.
The Sirens, Troubadours of Divine Bliss, Nov. 6th
Lisa's Oak Street Lounge, 1004 E. Oak St., TBA.
The Troubadours are an awesome folk duo.
The Mandelbrots, Sandpaper Dolls, and Ryder McQueen Band, Nov. 6th
The Rudyard Kipling, 422 W. Oak St., $5.
The Sandpaper Dolls are a vocal trio featuring the amazing Suki Anderson formerly of AM Sunday.
Heather Bond, Brooks Ritter, Jonathan's Machete, Nov. 7th
Vernon Club, 1575 Story Ave., $7
Powerman 5000, Downtrend, Left With Scars, The Dead Hours, Factory Damage, Birth of A Zealot, Nov. 8th
Headliners, 1486 Lexington Rd., $12
The Black Dahlia Murder, Skeletonwitch, Toxic Holocaust, Trap Them, Nov. 8th
Uncle Pleasant's, 2126 Preston St., $15
He is a FAT Friday regular and I always enjoy hearing him play. I'm an apprentice at Pottery Rowe on Frankfort Ave. so I've had the opportunity to hear him many times. I remember one FAT Friday when the weather was awesome, how much I appreciated being in the artistic atmosphere of Frankfort Ave. on such a beautiful day while such sweet music was floating through the air. :) I stood on the front stoop of Pottery Rowe watching him play in front of the Crescent Hill Gallery feeling very happy to be alive. :)
Brett Holsclaw is going to have a busy Halloween weekend. On Friday, Holsclaw's band the Ladybirds will play a free show with Bad Blood at Longshots Tavern, 2232 Frankfort Avenue. On Saturday, the Ladybirds are part of a Halloween extravaganza that includes Johnny Berry and the Outliers, Woodrow on the Radio, and a costume contest at Headliners, 1386 Lexington Road. That'll set you back $10.
The heavy schedule is nothing new for Holsclaw. The 40-year-old drummer is known for being a member of multiple bands at the same time. His musical ventures have run the gamut from jazz to hardcore. At one time or another, Holsclaw has played with the Bangladesh Minors, Evil Twin Theory, the Glasspack, Crab Nebula, Trim, Litany's Last Call, and the Front Porch Campaign, to name just a few.
“I think they have 30 or 40 bands listed under my name on Louisville Hardcore, and that list is out of date because it ends with the Glasspack,” Holsclaw boasted. “Playing with different people, and in different styles, is just a way to grow as a drummer and not get stifled. That's been the idea all along.”
Holsclaw, who also plays bass and guitar, is currently playing drums in three bands: the Clawdads, Paul K and the Weathermen, and the Ladybirds. The Clawdads are a cover band Holsclaw started with his brother for fun. The Weathermen play infrequently depending on the whim of the band's leader, singer-songwriter Paul K. But Holsclaw says he's really committed to the Ladybirds, a band he joined only a few months ago.
“The first time I heard these guys they were playing a benefit for John Yarmuth outside of ear-X-tacy,” Holsclaw said. “I was driving down Bardstown Road when I heard 'Telestar' by the Ventures. It sounded so good that I pulled over in the parking lot across the street and listened to the rest of their set.”
The other members of the Ladybirds are Sarah Teeple (singer), Max Balliet (guitar), Anthony Fossaluzza (organ), and Jaxon Lee Swain (bass). Holsclaw joined the band after running into Sarah and Jaxon at a party. The group plans to record an album next year for the new indie label Departure Records.
“We are writing songs now, but most of the stuff we are playing is old,” Holsclaw said. “Classify it how you want, but I feel like every song is a hit single. I could hear them on the radio. I'm the oldest member of the group, the other members are in their 20s. I bring experience to the table, but they keep it interesting for me.”
Check it out for yourself.
A few other things happening this Halloween weekend and beyond:
Ingrid Michaelson with Matthew Perryman Jones, Oct. 30
Headliners, 1386 Lexington Road, $15
Michaelson is trying to repeat the success of her hit single, “The Way I Am.” She has a new album entitled, “Everybody.” Michaelson will also be playing Live Lunch on 91.9 WFPK on Friday.
Hambone, Oct. 30
Seidenfaden's , 1134 E. Breckinridge St., free.
I don't know anything about this band, but owner Jimmy Heck usually has good taste.
The Predators, Oct. 30 and 31
Stevie Rays, 230 E. Main St., $5.
If you like the blues, you'll like the Predators.
Wax Fang with special guest The Invaders, Oct. 30
Zanzabar, 2100 S. Preston, $7.
Wax Fang is a great local band that seems destined for bigger things. Catch them while you can.
The Monsters of Folk, Oct. 31
The Louisville Palace, , $33/$43.
This is a super group that includes Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes), Yim Yames (aka Jim James of My Morning Jacket), M.Ward (Her and Him) and Mike Mogis (Bright Eyes' producer). If you're into indie rock this is the place to be on Halloween. A dollar from every ticket goes to charity if that makes you feel better.
Zee Avi with Eremy-Jirvin, Nov. 2
Zanzabar, 2100 S. Preston St., $10.
Avi is Malaysian singer-songwriter and guitarist who toured with Peter Yorn. Her single “Bitter Heart” was a big hit in Japan and some of her music has appeared in “Private Practice,” the “Grey's Anatomy” spinoff.
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Louisville at night 3
Yesterday I was saddened to learn that Steve Drury, Mr. Fish of the Juggernaut Jug Band, had passed away. There will be a celebration of Mr. Fish's life on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. at Park Place Restaurant at Louisville Slugger Field , 401 E. Main St., 40202. Those interested can send letters of sympathy to the National Jug Band Jubilee, 218 S. Keats Ave., Louisville, KY 40206.
Most people know Darren Rappa either from his job as a clerk at Wild and Woolly Video or as the lead singer of the defunct punk rock group, Verktum. But lately Rappa has been wearing a different hat – a cowboy hat. He is the guitarist and vocalist for DR Country, a country barroom outfit that performs tonight (11/13) at The Lounge, 947 E. Madison St. The DR in the name does not stand for doctor, but Darren Rappa. The band is Rappa's own twisted take on country and it's not something you're likely to hear coming out of Nashville.
Micah Chandler gets around a lot for someone who doesn't own a car. Although he lives on 43rd street in the West End, Chandler and his ever-present violin are fixtures all over town. He performs regularly downtown at Bearno's by the Bridge and at Clifton's Pizza. During the monthly trolley hops along East Market Street and Frankfort Avenue, on the first and last Fridays of each month respectively, Micah is usually in a gallery serenading patrons. Sometimes he just sets up on a corner along Bardstown Road. Chandler said his income depends on being flexible and going where the people are.
Brett Holsclaw is going to have a busy Halloween weekend. On Friday, Holsclaw's band the Ladybirds will play a free show with Bad Blood at Longshots Tavern, 2232 Frankfort Avenue. On Saturday, the Ladybirds are part of a Halloween extravaganza that includes Johnny Berry and the Outliers, Woodrow on the Radio, and a costume contest at Headliners, 1386 Lexington Road. That'll set you back $10.
Michael L. Jones