No posts for the next few days, as I'm helping in an out of town family medical emergency.
See you in 2008.
Posts
11 years ago
Monday, December 31, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
A quick holiday trip today down to Oakland to take a few photos
at the Chihuly exhbit at the Phipps Conservancy (where my wife and I were married 9.5 years ago yesterday).
and then over to Squirrel Hill to watch my daughter spend Christmas loot at 10,000 Villages and then around the corner to Dozen for some vegan Lemon Gingerbread cupcakes. Nice.
This Saturday Newmen play Seneca's Brother Bean from 7-9 pm. No cover. They also have new merch and a new song CD for sale as well. They also want to know where fans want to see them play, so drop them a line at their MySpace.
NPR lists theTop 10 Great Unknown Artists of 2007
Butler's Art Center has announced their 2008 exhibits.
Not to be a jerk , but is it just me or is the Erie Times News most fascinating (local) people of 2007 pretty darn lackluster.
Another job for which I'm qualified disappears.
But I thought the Trib already printed fake news.
The Pittsburgh City Paper reviews Pittsburgh native Joseph Bathanti's new book.
Matt Croyle has announced he's planning an evening of two one-act plays called 'Darkness & Light' as well as a playwrighting competition.
Why is so hard to talk about art?
at the Chihuly exhbit at the Phipps Conservancy (where my wife and I were married 9.5 years ago yesterday).
and then over to Squirrel Hill to watch my daughter spend Christmas loot at 10,000 Villages and then around the corner to Dozen for some vegan Lemon Gingerbread cupcakes. Nice.
This Saturday Newmen play Seneca's Brother Bean from 7-9 pm. No cover. They also have new merch and a new song CD for sale as well. They also want to know where fans want to see them play, so drop them a line at their MySpace.
NPR lists theTop 10 Great Unknown Artists of 2007
Butler's Art Center has announced their 2008 exhibits.
Not to be a jerk , but is it just me or is the Erie Times News most fascinating (local) people of 2007 pretty darn lackluster.
Another job for which I'm qualified disappears.
But I thought the Trib already printed fake news.
The Pittsburgh City Paper reviews Pittsburgh native Joseph Bathanti's new book.
Matt Croyle has announced he's planning an evening of two one-act plays called 'Darkness & Light' as well as a playwrighting competition.
Why is so hard to talk about art?
Friday, December 21, 2007
Local History and HP Lovecraft
Happy Holidays
How to photograph the holidays.
The Art of Field Recording: Volume I,
Rufus Does Judy at Carnegie Hall
mark e smith from the Fall reads HP Lovecraft's "The Colour out of Space".
My wife's favorite museum, the Gardner has a proposed $60 million, 60,000-square-foot expansion
Cultural Elite? What cultural elite?
As of this month, the Metropolitan Opera is bringing its populist message to a new audience: schoolchildren.
How to photograph the holidays.
The Art of Field Recording: Volume I,
Rufus Does Judy at Carnegie Hall
mark e smith from the Fall reads HP Lovecraft's "The Colour out of Space".
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Arts listings and free music
Illness, car trouble, finals and holiday malaise has kept me from doing anything. Including shopping which is where I'm headed today - I'll report back on my success at buying locally which so far has been limited to tea, mugs, t-shirts, and gift certificates at Brother Bean (they also have fabulous games, but no one plays with me because I cheat). Depending on my mood (which has been foul lo these past two weeks), everyone may be getting ham loaf.
I'd also be remiss if I didn't mention another local crafter on Etsy, me? like whoa!. I purchased one of her pieces for my daughter. Don't tell.
Less than six months after being put in place, the state's new film tax credits are supporting $37 million in spending by movie-makers working on films in the Pittsburgh area,
The Village Voice looks at the year in comics.
22books is dedicated to the creating, sharing, and viewing of book lists.
Monday was Lawrence Lucie's 100 birthday:
He is the last living person to have performed with Duke Ellington at New York’s legendary Cotton Club. He played with Benny Carter at the Apollo Theater in 1934, the year it opened its doors to black customers. He played with Louis Armstrong for several years and was the best man at his wedding.
Remora Deign plays an acoustic show at Brother Bean this Saturday at 7 pm. No cover. Additionally, anyone wearing a "silly" Christmas sweater will get 50 cents off coffeehouse drinks all night. They're also looking for a volunteer to MC the Christmas sweater "fashion show".
Ironically, the NYTimes also covers Xmas sweaters today.
Abigail from the Psalters will be offering hand drumming lessons and poi (fire dancing) lessons over the holidays. $8 per class. Class times to accommodate your schedule. Call her at 814-657-6339
Pittsburgh City Paper is currently taking applications for Spring/Summer interns. We are looking for motivated, outgoing, & dedicated individuals majoring in Film, PR, Communications, Journalism, Film, Photography, and Graphic Design.
Email your Resume and Cover Letter to Laura@SteelCityMedia.com.
or sent to:
Pittsburgh City Paper
Attn: Laura Vrcek
650 Smithfield St., 22nd Floor
Pgh, PA 15222
PensEyeView interviews Gypsy Dave and the Stumpjumpers.
Belsapadore has forwarded a Christmas gift for venangago-go readers:
I present to you a brand new cover tune titled "Extraterrestrialistic" (originally performed by Dustin Miller).
To listen to this year's Christmas gift, please visit either one of these two sites:
http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LnJldmVyYm5hdGlvbi5jb20vdHVuZXBhay8xNTc2MDQ=>Belsapadore 2007 Christmas Gift Player
or
http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm15c3BhY2UuY29tL2JlbHNhcGFkb3Jl>Belsapadore @ Myspace
Belsapadore plays a free show with Dustin Miller Saturday at Edinboro's Eclectic Etceteras Coffee House (118 Erie Street, Edinboro, Pennsylvania 16412)
Poets, Musicians & Performers in the 60's, 70's, & 80's genre are wanted for the Age of Aquarius Exhibit at The Art Center... January 25th - February 15th, 2008.
Please email exhibit@nauticom.net or call 724-283-6922 with your talent and information!
Etsy has created a shop local function (which I think should actually be locally, but...)
Handmade 2.0
Pinball in St Louis.
Mexico’s country music stars are being killed at an alarming rate — 13 in the past year and a half, three already in December.
Anti Flag plays an all ages Erie Show on Monday with the Code, Bomb the Music Industry, and Frank Lloyd Hype at 6 p.m. at Perry Hi-Way Hose Company (8270 Peach St., Erie PA) $15
I'd also be remiss if I didn't mention another local crafter on Etsy, me? like whoa!. I purchased one of her pieces for my daughter. Don't tell.
Less than six months after being put in place, the state's new film tax credits are supporting $37 million in spending by movie-makers working on films in the Pittsburgh area,
The Village Voice looks at the year in comics.
22books is dedicated to the creating, sharing, and viewing of book lists.
Monday was Lawrence Lucie's 100 birthday:
He is the last living person to have performed with Duke Ellington at New York’s legendary Cotton Club. He played with Benny Carter at the Apollo Theater in 1934, the year it opened its doors to black customers. He played with Louis Armstrong for several years and was the best man at his wedding.
Remora Deign plays an acoustic show at Brother Bean this Saturday at 7 pm. No cover. Additionally, anyone wearing a "silly" Christmas sweater will get 50 cents off coffeehouse drinks all night. They're also looking for a volunteer to MC the Christmas sweater "fashion show".
Ironically, the NYTimes also covers Xmas sweaters today.
Abigail from the Psalters will be offering hand drumming lessons and poi (fire dancing) lessons over the holidays. $8 per class. Class times to accommodate your schedule. Call her at 814-657-6339
Pittsburgh City Paper is currently taking applications for Spring/Summer interns. We are looking for motivated, outgoing, & dedicated individuals majoring in Film, PR, Communications, Journalism, Film, Photography, and Graphic Design.
Email your Resume and Cover Letter to Laura@SteelCityMedia.com.
or sent to:
Pittsburgh City Paper
Attn: Laura Vrcek
650 Smithfield St., 22nd Floor
Pgh, PA 15222
PensEyeView interviews Gypsy Dave and the Stumpjumpers.
Belsapadore has forwarded a Christmas gift for venangago-go readers:
I present to you a brand new cover tune titled "Extraterrestrialistic" (originally performed by Dustin Miller).
To listen to this year's Christmas gift, please visit either one of these two sites:
http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LnJldmVyYm5hdGlvbi5jb20vdHVuZXBhay8xNTc2MDQ=>Belsapadore 2007 Christmas Gift Player
or
http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm15c3BhY2UuY29tL2JlbHNhcGFkb3Jl>Belsapadore @ Myspace
Belsapadore plays a free show with Dustin Miller Saturday at Edinboro's Eclectic Etceteras Coffee House (118 Erie Street, Edinboro, Pennsylvania 16412)
Poets, Musicians & Performers in the 60's, 70's, & 80's genre are wanted for the Age of Aquarius Exhibit at The Art Center... January 25th - February 15th, 2008.
Please email exhibit@nauticom.net or call 724-283-6922 with your talent and information!
Etsy has created a shop local function (which I think should actually be locally, but...)
Handmade 2.0
Pinball in St Louis.
Mexico’s country music stars are being killed at an alarming rate — 13 in the past year and a half, three already in December.
The Erie Times News takes a look at Shotgun Jubillee - the band that rose from the ashes of the Yankee Zydeco Company.
Anti Flag plays an all ages Erie Show on Monday with the Code, Bomb the Music Industry, and Frank Lloyd Hype at 6 p.m. at Perry Hi-Way Hose Company (8270 Peach St., Erie PA) $15
Thursday, December 13, 2007
In 1843, Danish Philosopher Soren Kierkegaard wrote Either/Or
-a book in which he attempts to answer the big question - the Aristotelian question, of “How should we live?’. In a wildly inaccurate and reductive synopsis, his argument goes a little something like this.
We go through stages in life. The first stage is the “aesthetic” – wine, sex, and sports cars. Eventually, such a life leads to existential despair. If things work out, and we don't get stuck doing keg stands with Peter Pan and the rest of the Lost Boys for the remainder of our lives, we make the leap to the “ethical” mode - commitment and consideration of moral responsibility. Finally, for Kierkegaard, we move past the aesthetic and the ethical to enter what he termed the “religious” mode - someone who in the face of absurdity keeps faith in themselves and a higher power.
Tim Pak and Sean Madigan Hoen’s latest album, Killed Our Darlings, is the soul weary cry of all those stuck between the aesthetic and ethical – people hanging between two worlds, legs and arms stretched in an X as they try desperately try to hold onto the past as the next stage of life pulls them inevitably, inescapable forward, not understanding that stages are neither beginnings or endings.
Buy (and stream) Killed our Darlings at CD baby
Buy (and stream) the Liquor Witch at CD baby
Speaking of Jerome Wincek and the Old Hats, they play Franklin's Summer House Coffee ((814) 432-5959. 1236 Liberty St Franklin, PA 16323 ) tonight (Friday, Dec 14th) at 7 pm. No cover, but buy some coffee, OK?
The Erie Times News takes a look at Shotgun Jubillee - the band that rose from the ashes of the Yankee Zydeco Company.
Anti Flag plays an all ages Erie Show on Monday with the Code, Bomb the Music Industry, and Frank Lloyd Hype at 6 p.m. at Perry Hi-Way Hose Company (8270 Peach St., Erie PA) $15
British fantasy and science fiction author Terry Pratchett has been diagnosed with a rare form of early onset Alzheimer's.
What makes a good literary prize judge?
Yale University on Tuesday launched its free, online archive of popular undergraduate courses — including not only syllabi, problem sets and course materials, but videos and audio files of the lectures themselves.
The FCC has shut down the low-wattage radio experiment "Sounds You Never Hear."
Gypsy Dave and the Stumpjumpers along with the Tiger Maple String Band play tonight at Pat's Edinboro Hotel at 6 p.m.
A student photographer chronicles finals week at SRU
Ike Turner has died.
Will Sheff of Okkervil River is sharing a collection of cover songs via the band's message board.
Did someone say more free and legal music? Well...OK. Here's Yo La Tengo from this Halloween.
It's never too late to pick up a 1983 OC Xmas ornamament.
-a book in which he attempts to answer the big question - the Aristotelian question, of “How should we live?’. In a wildly inaccurate and reductive synopsis, his argument goes a little something like this.We go through stages in life. The first stage is the “aesthetic” – wine, sex, and sports cars. Eventually, such a life leads to existential despair. If things work out, and we don't get stuck doing keg stands with Peter Pan and the rest of the Lost Boys for the remainder of our lives, we make the leap to the “ethical” mode - commitment and consideration of moral responsibility. Finally, for Kierkegaard, we move past the aesthetic and the ethical to enter what he termed the “religious” mode - someone who in the face of absurdity keeps faith in themselves and a higher power.
Tim Pak and Sean Madigan Hoen’s latest album, Killed Our Darlings, is the soul weary cry of all those stuck between the aesthetic and ethical – people hanging between two worlds, legs and arms stretched in an X as they try desperately try to hold onto the past as the next stage of life pulls them inevitably, inescapable forward, not understanding that stages are neither beginnings or endings.
Unless you’ve misspent your youth and fret time as much I have, those names may not mean anything to you. But Killed Our Darlings brings together two fantastic Midwestern songwriters from different generations. Sean Madigan Hoen is the former front man of the critically adored avant hardcore band Thoughts of Ionesco (and as a side note, Hoen's atmospheric first full-length album The Liquor Witch came out this year and as very listenable). Tim Pak, played in the 1980s punk band Angry Red Planet. I remember listening to Gawker's Paradise in someone’s basement, not realizing that they had broken up years before and thinking that must be huge stars -- their sound was that affecting.
They weren’t and they didn’t and now they're gone. But Pak remains, starting Woodshed Studio in the early 1990s, and helping to fan the flames for the Detroit underground music scene eventually playing live again in the early 2000s with the rootsy Salt Miners.
Killed Our Darlings, a split CD, starts off by showing off Pak's interest in roots music. The first track, "Going for Broke" showcases Pak’s vocal skills. For all he's seen, his voice is mature, but not world weary. He uses it for effect, to set the tone for his story here of Vegas with lyrics about old ladies in wheelchairs, combining stories of 21st century decadence with 19th century musical tropes. Even with the Disneyfication, Las Vegas remains an American image stuffed full of significance just as powerful as NYC or LA. In this number, Pak seems to be singing of the off the Strip casinos - the low rent ones ones where Keno is replaced with a waitress telling you, "I'm thinking of a number..." In "Going for Broke", redemption is found only in a Blakian level of excess – it’s only buy embracing risk that one is allowed to receive some sort of epiphany or redemption. That seems to be Pak's theory through out the who of his side of the album.
There are weak spots as well. Covers, although fun, take a lot of chutzpah especially when you're choosing a sacred Americana standards like "Lost Highway". Here Pak doesn't sound the clear eyed exhaustion that I’ve com to associate with the song – it sounds like he’s enjoying the ride a little too much to wind up dead in back seat.
Similarly, "Good Night Irene" is a clear eyed take on a much abused song. The backing vocals are lovely, but, overall, it lacks the heavy level of menace that the song needs. To most people who haven’t listened to "Good Night Irene", or have images of barbershop quartets singing away it seems like the sort of thing that should show up in a Capra movie ala “Buffalo Girls”, however it’s really the tale of a suicidal rejected love with nods given to morphine and (possibly) underage girls. However, to be fair, Pak's stylistic take on it is worthy of to be the last song at closing time at the honkey tonk that exists on only in the minds of roots-rook aficionados.
On the second half of the album, Sean Madigan Hoen takes an almost 180 turn away from the first five songs of Tim Pak (and a big step away from the sound of Thoughts of Ionesco). He creates a very approachable, glossy sound compared to Pak’s more stripped down production.
Ironically, it’s in the song the two perform together, a cover of Neil Young's "Like a Hurricane" where the promise of the two individual talents come together in full bloom. Their imagination and skill is showcased by the moment the claw hammer banjo meets the more soaring guitar sound at the beginning. That track, the last, leaves the listener longing to hear more of these two playing together. It's fascinating to see two artists who don't feel hemmed in by their past success, who are willing to take risks with their sound and brand in order to continue growing rather than resting on their laurels. "Killed Our Darlings" is recommended and the live show this weekend shouldn't be missed
Tim Pak and Sean Madigan Hoen along with Venango County’s The Old Hats, plays Seneca’s Brother Bean (2803 SR 257, Seneca, PA 16346 814-677-0232) Saturday Dec. 15th at 7 pm – no cover, but allow me to suggest the fine mint tea.
Buy (and stream) Killed our Darlings at CD baby
Buy (and stream) the Liquor Witch at CD baby
Speaking of Jerome Wincek and the Old Hats, they play Franklin's Summer House Coffee ((814) 432-5959. 1236 Liberty St Franklin, PA 16323 ) tonight (Friday, Dec 14th) at 7 pm. No cover, but buy some coffee, OK?
The Erie Times News takes a look at Shotgun Jubillee - the band that rose from the ashes of the Yankee Zydeco Company.
Anti Flag plays an all ages Erie Show on Monday with the Code, Bomb the Music Industry, and Frank Lloyd Hype at 6 p.m. at Perry Hi-Way Hose Company (8270 Peach St., Erie PA) $15
British fantasy and science fiction author Terry Pratchett has been diagnosed with a rare form of early onset Alzheimer's.
What makes a good literary prize judge?
Yale University on Tuesday launched its free, online archive of popular undergraduate courses — including not only syllabi, problem sets and course materials, but videos and audio files of the lectures themselves.
The FCC has shut down the low-wattage radio experiment "Sounds You Never Hear."
Gypsy Dave and the Stumpjumpers along with the Tiger Maple String Band play tonight at Pat's Edinboro Hotel at 6 p.m.
A student photographer chronicles finals week at SRU
Ike Turner has died.
Will Sheff of Okkervil River is sharing a collection of cover songs via the band's message board.
Did someone say more free and legal music? Well...OK. Here's Yo La Tengo from this Halloween.
It's never too late to pick up a 1983 OC Xmas ornamament.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Yesterday about 300 people stopped by to see the Gift Guide pt 1 in the first eight hours it was up. Thanks and continue to tell your friends about my little flea circus here.
Along those lines, Newmen contacted me yesterday to tell me that all their albums(Newmen ($5), The Infeild Hits ($8) and Adventures In The 5 Minute Moment ($7)) are now available for purchase on their Myspace page. All the more reason to pick some up for gifts.
I also was remiss in not mentioning the live Bruce2 CD. Part of the amazingly reasonable $6 price goes towards an African charity, so you're really giving two gifts. The CD is available at Brother Bean in Seneca.
Bands like Remora Deign that have a local following (or really any following I suppose) face a difficult decision. Do they play only for their fans, peppering the set with in-jokes and goofy antics or do they play for a wider public, chancing rejection for the reward of a bigger base . It was clear Saturday night that Remora Deign are interested in the latter. After the show, when I went to buy a CD, they were polite (even pleased) and stopped a conversation with a friend of the band to sell me the disc.
Remora Deign plays Brother Bean (2803 SR 257, Seneca, PA 16346) December 22 at 7pm. No cover.
Finally, some free and legal downloads:
Along those lines, Newmen contacted me yesterday to tell me that all their albums(Newmen ($5), The Infeild Hits ($8) and Adventures In The 5 Minute Moment ($7)) are now available for purchase on their Myspace page. All the more reason to pick some up for gifts.
I also was remiss in not mentioning the live Bruce2 CD. Part of the amazingly reasonable $6 price goes towards an African charity, so you're really giving two gifts. The CD is available at Brother Bean in Seneca.
Saturday, when I got home from a little family trip, I found a phone message from friends Candy and Justin that they were in the area and thinking about some coffee. It was already 6 pm, so instead of trying to prolong phone tag, the wife and kid and I took a chance and headed to Summerhouse in the hopes that the Parsons family would be there holding court whilst luxuriously slurping lattes. They weren't. But Remora Deign was there playing an hour long acoustic set.
For whatever reason, bands always play to the front of Summerhouse, even though a better place would be the back, where the comfy couches are. As it stands, patrons who aren't there to see the show walk through the front door to find dozens of beady eyed teens staring at them. The discomfort of these people as they walk to the coffee bar is palpable. They buy coffee and quickly scurry out. Meanwhile, at the back of house, where I was sitting, the view was largely obscured by a large Christmas tree. Bands, please talk to Aaron about setting up int the back. You and your fans will be happier.
It's no great secret that emo kids are an easy target (In this case, the audience was the strangest thing about the show. No one bought drinks. No one clapped at the end of songs; they just stared intently stopping only occasionally to snuggle (at least the case with the couple ahead of me, to be truthful, I suppose the overall snuggle factor was fairly low) each other. As a performer, I would have been creeped out; as an observer I was amused and fascinated in an anthropological sense; but the guys in the band were professional and soldiered through with smiles and solid songs.), and, Lord knows, I never pass up an easy target, but it was a well done show (although at about 50 minutes, more like an in-store appearance) albeit with some sound problems -- the bass was sludgy and the vocals ultra compressed sounding at times as if they were being sung into a tin can. (Interesting side note - although the Parsons weren't there. Remora Deign lead singer's Kyle Hoffman's deadpan delivery between songs shares in tone and timbre an almost 100% match to Justin's own stage patter.) They brightened up the show with a rockabilly-esque number, but alas, no holiday cover songs.
It may seem like a small thing, but bands that live to play only for their friends and extended circle build walls around themselves - their concerts become less and less welcoming and their "friends" take more and more liberties - plunking butts in prime locations only to spend the show texting and shouting cute things at their friends on stage. Eventually the friends move on to karoke or paintball for recreation and the band disappears only to resurface a decade later playing 38 Special covers in a local bar.
Remora Deign plays Brother Bean (2803 SR 257, Seneca, PA 16346) December 22 at 7pm. No cover.
Time lists the Top 10 graphic novels of 2007
Finally, some free and legal downloads:
Mogwai live in Vancouver from five years ago featuring their song "Xmas Steps".
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Wow. This list took me a lot longer than I thought it would to put together. Thanks to everyone who pointed me in the direction of some great locally made artsy-gifts. That said, these are just a few of my (and your) favorite things. If you're still not satisfied with this list, check this exhaustive list of local artists and contact them about gift ideas directly. And tell everyone that you saw it on venangago-go. Please. And thank you.
Without further ado:
Books:
Improved self-publishing has opened up a whole new world for writers and readers. In Venango County, we have a bounty of talented people who, for whatever reason, have chosen to publish directly.
For the local history buff, you can't go wrong with any of local, teacher, blogger, musican, thespian and all around Ren Man Peter Greene. Venango Tales($22.99 2002), Musical Service: The Life And Times of the Franklin Silver Cornet Band (24.99 2006), and A Good Idea At The Time: More Venango Tales ($21.99 2004)
A little bird told me that Venango Sci/Fi fantasy author Eric Day is the subject of a local student's senior project. I'll choke down my envy to recommend his book The Fifth Crystal for the nerds on your list ($22.99 2004).
Nothing says Christmas like steamy romance. With that in mind, pick up some stocking stuffers in the form of local Harlequin romance writer Jamie Denton ($4.00-$11.00), and, although you probably won't get it in time for the holidays, you can send a self addressed stamped 9x12 envelope with $1.14 postage to Jamie Denton, PO Box 39, Rouseville, PA 16344 for a free autographed bookplate, cover flats, magnet, bookmarks and other fun goodies.
Imagine a book of poetry that managed to enthrall a group of college first years as they dug deeper and deeper into the form and meaning of an artist's craft. Yeah, I wouldn't have believed it either if I hadn't used Southern Venango County resident Philip Terman's latest collection of Poems, Rabbis of the Air ($12.95 2007)this semester in my Comp I classes. It's sure to delight both black wearing absinthe sipping aesthetes and red blooded he-people with poems about life, death, and raccoon feces. In fact, why not put together a Terman box set and pick up his other books, Book of Unbroken Days($10.95 2005), and The House of Sages ($10.95 2005)
Art:
Thanks largely to the efforts of Oil City Arts Czar Joann Wheeler, local visual arts have a high profile than ever.
Whose office wouldn't look better with a local artist creating art of local landmarks in a distinct and delightful style? I'm speaking of course of my favorite local visual artist, Thomas Shreve. His City in Abstraction series continues to thrill me every time I look at it.
the great thing is that although some fo the original artwork is still for sale (I'm saving for El Santo, so hands off) Shreve is smart enough and business savvy enough to offer prints, tee-shirts, the whole sweet merch plum (multiple prices $10-$500.00).
In the same way that self-publishing has allowed local writers to reach a wider audience etsy.com has allowed artists and crafters to reach a world-wide audience from the comfort of Venango County. My name would be mud if I didn't mention that my daughter and I use etsy to sell upcycled projects and her jewelry and button projects($0.75.-$50.00)
But beyond the self serving, other local etsy users include Judy Leasure (who has a perfect artist name - it sounds like someone from Warhol's Factory) She specializes in pet portraits from photographs. You can also find her work at Slater's in Franklin and in the Transit Fine Art Gallery in Oil City(~50.00).
Meanwhile two Franklin area jewelry artists have found a home on etsy as well:
Allysart creates beautiful metal clay pieces($20-$167.00).
while Marybird creates cabochons from fused glass, enamels, ceramic and stone($45.00-$78.00).
Dr. John Karian's local nature photography makes a fine addition for the fine art lover and the outdoors person ($25-$135). If you don't want to order online, you can head to Slater Custom Framing & Fine Arts, 1252 Liberty Street, Franklin, PA 16323, (814) 432-8608 ;or Victorian City Art & Frame, 1273 Liberty Street, Franklin, PA 16323, (814) 437-9509
viccity@csonline.net; or Brown Stone Studio, 104 Diamond Street, Titusville, PA 16354, (814) 827-1277.
Spiritual gifts are often...well, tacky. But having Christians on your list doesn't mean that you are relegated to giving glow in the dark rosaries and (another) study Bible. Jim and Jessica Kronmiller not only take fantastic shots of local environs ($25-$135)but also offer prints with Bible verses printed with said photos, making them the perfect choice for the curmudgeon in your family who wont stop talking about how people left the "Christ" out of Christmas.
and I'd be remiss of course if I didn’t mention Jerry Sowden's book of photography that just came out ($22).
Music:
For the New Agey naturopath on your list head to Jill Mattson's site, Jill's Wings of Light. Jill is another local polymath (undoubtedly there was something in the water at Allegheny when both she and Greene attended). Jill sells it all, books, music, and art. You could complete your holiday shopping here alone (multiple prices).
The now defunct band Big Jack Earl probably has as much to do with this blog as I do. It was my stumbling upon one of their live shows that made me quit complaining and start gobbling local arts and culture. Their self titled first album (2004 $10) as well as their final album Peppercorn Rent (2006 $12) are both available from Meat and Potatoes Records. Meanwhile, Oil City's Jerome Wincek who was one third of BJE started The Old Hats. The album Astral Road ($10 2006) is also available from M & P records and all three discs would make a great gift for the intelligent roots music lover who enjoys some Fitzgerald references with his PBR.
Show the teen on your list that there is a scene in Venango and darn it, they should be supporting it. Although it's hard to track down, (and slightly out of Venango County), Titusville's Newmen have three albums of beautifully crafted pop soundscapes of the Oil Region ($5). Likewise worthwhile but difficult to track down is Remora Deign's album ($7). But, find them all, throw in a Newmen tee-shirt and a black hoodie and you've made some little emo kids Xmas a little brighter. Which will probably make them sad. Which is good. I guess.
Phew! Email me if I missed anything and next Saturday we'll conclude with Food and the ever poplar Misc section, so keep the ideas rolling in.
The NYTimes profiles a place where I misspent a good deal of my mid twenties - Webster Hall
Will Radiohead's pricing strategy change the industry?
It's the 7th Annual year in ideas. the good (Braille tatoos) the bad (indie rock muscials)
Spoken-word stocking stuffers
Drowned in Sound interviews Sufjan Stevens about Christmas Music
The Allegheny Chamber Singers will present a potpourri recital of solos, duets, trios and quartets from a repertoire of art song, opera and oratorio on Sunday, Dec. 16 at 3:15 p.m. in Ford Memorial Chapel at Allegheny College.
Without further ado:
The 2007 Venangago-go Gift Guide Part 1 (Books, Music, and Art)
Books:
Improved self-publishing has opened up a whole new world for writers and readers. In Venango County, we have a bounty of talented people who, for whatever reason, have chosen to publish directly.
For the local history buff, you can't go wrong with any of local, teacher, blogger, musican, thespian and all around Ren Man Peter Greene. Venango Tales
($22.99 2002), Musical Service: The Life And Times of the Franklin Silver Cornet Band (24.99 2006), and A Good Idea At The Time: More Venango Tales ($21.99 2004)A little bird told me that Venango Sci/Fi fantasy author Eric Day is the subject of a local student's senior project. I'll choke down my envy to recommend his book The Fifth Crystal
for the nerds on your list ($22.99 2004).Nothing says Christmas like steamy romance. With that in mind, pick up some stocking stuffers in the form of local Harlequin romance writer Jamie Denton ($4.00-$11.00), and, although you probably won't get it in time for the holidays, you can send a self addressed stamped 9x12 envelope with $1.14 postage to Jamie Denton, PO Box 39, Rouseville, PA 16344 for a free autographed bookplate, cover flats, magnet, bookmarks and other fun goodies.
Imagine a book of poetry that managed to enthrall a group of college first years as they dug deeper and deeper into the form and meaning of an artist's craft. Yeah, I wouldn't have believed it either if I hadn't used Southern Venango County resident Philip Terman's latest collection of Poems, Rabbis of the Air
($12.95 2007)this semester in my Comp I classes. It's sure to delight both black wearing absinthe sipping aesthetes and red blooded he-people with poems about life, death, and raccoon feces. In fact, why not put together a Terman box set and pick up his other books, Book of Unbroken Days($10.95 2005), and The House of Sages ($10.95 2005)Art:
Thanks largely to the efforts of Oil City Arts Czar Joann Wheeler, local visual arts have a high profile than ever.
Whose office wouldn't look better with a local artist creating art of local landmarks in a distinct and delightful style? I'm speaking of course of my favorite local visual artist, Thomas Shreve. His City in Abstraction series continues to thrill me every time I look at it.
the great thing is that although some fo the original artwork is still for sale (I'm saving for El Santo, so hands off) Shreve is smart enough and business savvy enough to offer prints, tee-shirts, the whole sweet merch plum (multiple prices $10-$500.00).
In the same way that self-publishing has allowed local writers to reach a wider audience etsy.com has allowed artists and crafters to reach a world-wide audience from the comfort of Venango County. My name would be mud if I didn't mention that my daughter and I use etsy to sell upcycled projects and her jewelry and button projects($0.75.-$50.00)
But beyond the self serving, other local etsy users include Judy Leasure (who has a perfect artist name - it sounds like someone from Warhol's Factory) She specializes in pet portraits from photographs. You can also find her work at Slater's in Franklin and in the Transit Fine Art Gallery in Oil City(~50.00).
Meanwhile two Franklin area jewelry artists have found a home on etsy as well:
Allysart creates beautiful metal clay pieces($20-$167.00).
while Marybird creates cabochons from fused glass, enamels, ceramic and stone($45.00-$78.00).
Dr. John Karian's local nature photography makes a fine addition for the fine art lover and the outdoors person ($25-$135). If you don't want to order online, you can head to Slater Custom Framing & Fine Arts, 1252 Liberty Street, Franklin, PA 16323, (814) 432-8608 ;or Victorian City Art & Frame, 1273 Liberty Street, Franklin, PA 16323, (814) 437-9509
viccity@csonline.net; or Brown Stone Studio, 104 Diamond Street, Titusville, PA 16354, (814) 827-1277.
Spiritual gifts are often...well, tacky. But having Christians on your list doesn't mean that you are relegated to giving glow in the dark rosaries and (another) study Bible. Jim and Jessica Kronmiller not only take fantastic shots of local environs ($25-$135)but also offer prints with Bible verses printed with said photos, making them the perfect choice for the curmudgeon in your family who wont stop talking about how people left the "Christ" out of Christmas.
and I'd be remiss of course if I didn’t mention Jerry Sowden's book of photography that just came out ($22).
Music:
For the New Agey naturopath on your list head to Jill Mattson's site, Jill's Wings of Light. Jill is another local polymath (undoubtedly there was something in the water at Allegheny when both she and Greene attended). Jill sells it all, books, music, and art. You could complete your holiday shopping here alone (multiple prices).
The now defunct band Big Jack Earl probably has as much to do with this blog as I do. It was my stumbling upon one of their live shows that made me quit complaining and start gobbling local arts and culture. Their self titled first album (2004 $10) as well as their final album Peppercorn Rent (2006 $12) are both available from Meat and Potatoes Records. Meanwhile, Oil City's Jerome Wincek who was one third of BJE started The Old Hats. The album Astral Road ($10 2006) is also available from M & P records and all three discs would make a great gift for the intelligent roots music lover who enjoys some Fitzgerald references with his PBR.
Show the teen on your list that there is a scene in Venango and darn it, they should be supporting it. Although it's hard to track down, (and slightly out of Venango County), Titusville's Newmen have three albums of beautifully crafted pop soundscapes of the Oil Region ($5). Likewise worthwhile but difficult to track down is Remora Deign's album ($7). But, find them all, throw in a Newmen tee-shirt and a black hoodie and you've made some little emo kids Xmas a little brighter. Which will probably make them sad. Which is good. I guess.
Phew! Email me if I missed anything and next Saturday we'll conclude with Food and the ever poplar Misc section, so keep the ideas rolling in.
The NYTimes profiles a place where I misspent a good deal of my mid twenties - Webster Hall
Will Radiohead's pricing strategy change the industry?
It's the 7th Annual year in ideas. the good (Braille tatoos) the bad (indie rock muscials)
Spoken-word stocking stuffers
Drowned in Sound interviews Sufjan Stevens about Christmas Music
The Allegheny Chamber Singers will present a potpourri recital of solos, duets, trios and quartets from a repertoire of art song, opera and oratorio on Sunday, Dec. 16 at 3:15 p.m. in Ford Memorial Chapel at Allegheny College.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Venangoland has been updated with another stellar local history post.
Allegheny College's annual “Senior Projects Exhibit,” an opportunity for graduating studio art majors and art and technology majors to present their senior projects to the public, will open with a public reception in the art galleries on Tuesday, Dec. 11, from 7 to 9 p.m.
The exhibit can be viewed through Tuesday, Dec. 18; please call (814) 332-4365 for special hours during this exhibit. The Art Galleries, which are wheelchair accessible, are located in Doane Hall of Art, east of North Main Street, between College and John Streets.
Kirk Nesset, this year's winner of the Drue Heinz Literature Award for short fiction, will read and discuss his work at Mercyhurst College tonight at 8 pm in Taylor Little Theatre. Nesset's talk will unofficially kick off Mercyhurst's annual Literary Festival. Other authors on the slate include science fiction and fantasy writer Terry Bisson and Native American poet Joy Harjo. For information, contact Dr Kenneth Schiff, coordinator of the Mercyhurst Literary Festival, at (814) 824-2461.
Can Christainty and the "indie" lifestyle peacefully co-exist?
Yes, there is Latin music in Western PA.
Zine culture is dead. Right?
More cello-rock? You know I won't say no.
Pittsburgh as the place for bagpipe culture? Why not?
And let's not forget the power of the kilt: Put one on, and suddenly everyone cares what you're wearing under it, even if nothing in that general vicinity has tempted anyone for a long, long time.
The Steal Phantom, a comedic documentary about a man trying to get the Steelers screens at the Dec. 11 installment of Pittsburgh's Film Kitchen series.
The Trib Review visits the set of George A. Romero Presents ... Deadtime Stories at Pittsburgh's Seton Hill University.
Go Scrooge Yourself
Blake Shelton will open for Gretchen Wilson at the Crawford County Fair on August 20, 2008. Still to be named are another country show, a rock show and a children's concert.
We will try to get a teenage act from Disney or Nickelodeon for young children...We want to get young people to attend the fair. They are our future.
Allegheny College's annual “Senior Projects Exhibit,” an opportunity for graduating studio art majors and art and technology majors to present their senior projects to the public, will open with a public reception in the art galleries on Tuesday, Dec. 11, from 7 to 9 p.m.
The exhibit can be viewed through Tuesday, Dec. 18; please call (814) 332-4365 for special hours during this exhibit. The Art Galleries, which are wheelchair accessible, are located in Doane Hall of Art, east of North Main Street, between College and John Streets.
Kirk Nesset, this year's winner of the Drue Heinz Literature Award for short fiction, will read and discuss his work at Mercyhurst College tonight at 8 pm in Taylor Little Theatre. Nesset's talk will unofficially kick off Mercyhurst's annual Literary Festival. Other authors on the slate include science fiction and fantasy writer Terry Bisson and Native American poet Joy Harjo. For information, contact Dr Kenneth Schiff, coordinator of the Mercyhurst Literary Festival, at (814) 824-2461.
Can Christainty and the "indie" lifestyle peacefully co-exist?
Yes, there is Latin music in Western PA.
Zine culture is dead. Right?
More cello-rock? You know I won't say no.
Pittsburgh as the place for bagpipe culture? Why not?
And let's not forget the power of the kilt: Put one on, and suddenly everyone cares what you're wearing under it, even if nothing in that general vicinity has tempted anyone for a long, long time.
The Steal Phantom, a comedic documentary about a man trying to get the Steelers screens at the Dec. 11 installment of Pittsburgh's Film Kitchen series.
The Trib Review visits the set of George A. Romero Presents ... Deadtime Stories at Pittsburgh's Seton Hill University.
Go Scrooge Yourself
Blake Shelton will open for Gretchen Wilson at the Crawford County Fair on August 20, 2008. Still to be named are another country show, a rock show and a children's concert.
We will try to get a teenage act from Disney or Nickelodeon for young children...We want to get young people to attend the fair. They are our future.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
The Derrick reports that one of my favorite local photographers, (and do you have idea how many there are around here? It's really quite stunning when you think about it...) Jerry Sowden, has a new book, Images - Through a Journalistic Eye, (yikes, what an awkward title) out just in time for gifting.
As an aside, although you can buy it at the newspaper offices, it appears to be cheaper when purchased online.
Sowden's old boss in Minnesota writes about him today as well:
Jerry is a great guy, a photographer I watched develop from a part-time shooter just out of high school to one of the most creative and hardworking photojournalists around. He was pretty fearless, and also pretty compassionate — ideal qualities in a job in which you've got to shoot at all sorts of events and a wide range of personalities. I remember him once hanging from a wind tower near Lake Benton to shoot a photo of a wind tower maintenance worker as the worker dangled to do his job.
Although I think a local grant-writing resource center is a great idea, I'd be behind it a little more if there were more specifics as to what it would actually do.
Village Voice writers choose their favorite books of the year.
As an aside, although you can buy it at the newspaper offices, it appears to be cheaper when purchased online.
Sowden's old boss in Minnesota writes about him today as well:
Jerry is a great guy, a photographer I watched develop from a part-time shooter just out of high school to one of the most creative and hardworking photojournalists around. He was pretty fearless, and also pretty compassionate — ideal qualities in a job in which you've got to shoot at all sorts of events and a wide range of personalities. I remember him once hanging from a wind tower near Lake Benton to shoot a photo of a wind tower maintenance worker as the worker dangled to do his job.
Although I think a local grant-writing resource center is a great idea, I'd be behind it a little more if there were more specifics as to what it would actually do.
Village Voice writers choose their favorite books of the year.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
A very wise reader wrote in to suggest that a gift guide that finishes on the 22nd of December really isn't very helpful. With that in mind, I'll be compressing the guide into the next two weekends. This weekend will be Arts and Crafts, the next, Food and Misc. You still have time to suggest ideas.
I've got finals coming up, so let's preview some of this weekend's shows now.
In a change of pace, Seneca's Brother Bean hosts William James and Friends for an evening of spoken word Saturday at 7pm. No cover.. Big show there next week, more to come.
Remora Deign plays an acoustic set at Franklin's Summer House Coffee Roasters on Dec 8 2007 5:00PM. No cover.
Happy Hanukkah everyone.
Do the Latke Flip -- The Klezmatics (2006)
Spin Dreydl Spin -- " . . . " Woody Guthrie's Happy Joyous Hanukkah (via)"Hanukkah Blessings"Barenaked Ladies - (via)
The Rankin Bass models for Rudolph and Santa will be at the Monroeville Mall Dec 15-16.
If Michael Jackson could have John Merrick's bones, why can't I have Gauguin's teeth for Christmas?
Why vandalize art?
Who needs book reviewers? Or any, for that matter.
Feast Of The Seven Fishes is an Eisner award nominee graphic novel. the book tour brings them to Erie's Borders on Dec 9th, and Youngstown's Jimmy’s Italian Food on the 10th
A buyer has been named for the Franklin Club who, no surprise, wants special treatment from local government so he can turn the Club into a bar. Because, you know, we don't really have enough of those.
Newsweek asks, "Is Photography Dead"?
Patterson Hood as Bruce Springsteen @ 40 Watt 12/1/07
Two longtime Edinboro University of Pennsylvania contributors have created a $1 million-plus endowment to continue bringing classical music presentations to future generations of university students.
How to be a Pennwriter
I've got finals coming up, so let's preview some of this weekend's shows now.
Signal Home, the Story Changes, Fairweather Fan, the Laundromat, and First to Fall play Meadville's The Union Room (287 1/2 Chestnut St., Meadville, Pennsylvania 16335) on December, 8 2007 at 6 pm. $6 cover.
In a change of pace, Seneca's Brother Bean hosts William James and Friends for an evening of spoken word Saturday at 7pm. No cover.. Big show there next week, more to come.
Remora Deign plays an acoustic set at Franklin's Summer House Coffee Roasters on Dec 8 2007 5:00PM. No cover.
Happy Hanukkah everyone.
Do the Latke Flip -- The Klezmatics (2006)
Spin Dreydl Spin -- " . . . " Woody Guthrie's Happy Joyous Hanukkah (via)"Hanukkah Blessings"Barenaked Ladies - (via)
The Rankin Bass models for Rudolph and Santa
will be at the Monroeville Mall Dec 15-16.If Michael Jackson could have John Merrick's bones, why can't I have Gauguin's teeth for Christmas?
Why vandalize art?
Who needs book reviewers? Or any, for that matter.
Feast Of The Seven Fishes
is an Eisner award nominee graphic novel. the book tour brings them to Erie's Borders on Dec 9th, and Youngstown's Jimmy’s Italian Food on the 10thA buyer has been named for the Franklin Club who, no surprise, wants special treatment from local government so he can turn the Club into a bar. Because, you know, we don't really have enough of those.
Newsweek asks, "Is Photography Dead"?
Patterson Hood as Bruce Springsteen @ 40 Watt 12/1/07
Two longtime Edinboro University of Pennsylvania contributors have created a $1 million-plus endowment to continue bringing classical music presentations to future generations of university students.
How to be a Pennwriter
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