PurrView #7 - Cain's Ballroom - Tulsa, Oklahoma

   Tuesday, April 19, 2011 marked the beginning of one of the most monumental music pilgrimages I’ve taken thus far in my life: Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa, Oklahoma.   

   As early as 1927, this historic building has been an influential hub of the dancing and music scene. Its roots took hold in the midst of the oil boom and the post-prohibition era, sprouted into the days of swing, grew on into the beginnings of rock and roll, and is still growing ever stronger into the present.  The sounds of Blues, Country, Jazz, Rag, Western Swing, and Rock and Roll have filled the walls of this social house in a way that no other venue in the Midwest can claim.  But above all else, Cain’s-- to this day-- is still known for the musicians it hosts.  

   Popularly known as “The Home of Bob Wills,” the nostalgia of the venue begins outside where-- on the sidewalk-- there are stars for such familiar names as Merle Haggard and Hank Williams, Jr. The inside of the venue filled me with overwhelming awe as I laid my eyes upon the walls. They were covered with old concert fliers of acts ranging from country to new wave to metal to punk; and portraits of performers who’ve graced the Cain's stage through its history, like Spade Cooley. I could just feel the history running through the veins of this place, and when I closed my eyes I could easily imagine all of the dancehall junkies and greaser-gangs who used to fill the venue in days of old.  And one important factor that I shall never forget about Cain’s is that, during the Sex Pistols’ only American Tour, Cain’s booked them in 1978!

   My pilgrimage to Cain’s Ballroom was primarily to check out The National on 04/19/2011. But I also stayed an extra night at The Mayo (a historic boutique hotel in downtown Tulsa) and checked out another one of my favorite acts, Interpol, at Cain’s on 04/20/2011.  Opening for The National on 04/19/2011 was Other Lives (who could’ve been caught at SXSW Festival this year, and whose tunes have been popularized on TV shows such as One Tree Hill and Grey’s Anatomy). Below is a picture of myself with Josh Onstott of Other Lives. The National played a magnificent 16-song set, plus an additional 4 encore songs.  They played some of their most beloved and emotionally moving songs such as “Mistaken for Strangers,” “Apartment Story” (Boxer, 2007), “Sorrow,” “Bloodbuzz Ohio,” and subsequently closed this riveting set with “Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks” (High Violet, 2010).  Matt Berninger-- lead singer of The National-- even walked all the way out into the crowd while singing in his velvety, distinct, baritone voice.  He embraced the crowd and the crowd embraced the band back. After the show, I had the opportunity of meeting, hugging (groupie-style), and paying homage to some of the members of The National, and personally thanked them for the beautiful music they make.

Me and Josh Onstott from Other Lives

   Cain’s Ballroom has changed hands through the years, but since circa 2002, Doc Roc Productions has been the booking talent/production team behind the Cain’s name. On the night of 04/20/2011 (during the Interpol show), it was my pleasure to be able to have a few moments to share a drink and have words with a talented young man-- Hunter Rodgers of Doc Roc. Hunter is one of the individuals responsible for much of the operations and much of the talent that’s passed through Cain’s as of late; acts like Bassnectar, Ghostland Observatory, Girltalk and Ween.  The Interpol show was a fabulous way to experience Cain’s Ballroom for one last night, celebrate 4/20, meet one of the men behind the current magic of Cain’s Ballroom, and also bid a farewell toast to Gerard Smith of TV on the Radio (who sadly passed away that morning).  Interpol played-- in their hypnotizing style-- an expectedly satisfying 18-song set for the phenomenal price of roughly $30.00, which is chump change in comparison to their ticket prices elsewhere in the country and the world!  

Myself, overlooking The National's performance at Cain's Ballroom

   Great value, great venue, great staff, great city... To say the least, Cain’s Ballroom lived up to its rich and vibrant history and reputation. The two nights I spent there seeing The National, Other Lives, Interpol and School of Seven Bells will not easily be forgotten, nor will I try. If you’re in the Tulsa area, or you just want to see some of the best indie, hip-hop, rock (and even some pop) acts in a venue with more soul in it than even the trademark bounce in its dancefloor, make it a point to check out Cain’s. You can even catch Social Distortion there on 04/29/2011 if you hurry. THANKS CAIN’S!!

~Meow~

Pennies

PurrView #6 - Arcade Fire at The Joint, Las Vegas

On Thursday, April 14, 2011, Arcade Fire graced The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel, Las Vegas.... and rock they did for a SOLD-OUT crowd!

Arcade Fire lived up to their reputation as a passionate, creative, and entertaining group of 7 musically gifted and versatile individuals (Win Butler, Regine Chassagne, Richard Reed Parry, Will Butler, Tim Kingsbury, Sarah Neufeld, and Jeremy Gara). There was also an 8th performer on stage, but admittedly, I'm not enough of an expert or insider to know who that was.  All I know is that they were magnificent; and they were preceded by another great act: opening for them was Local Natives http://youtu.be/yfSZspQwuws.

For the main event, Arcade Fire started out with the endearingly punk sound of "Month of May" from the latest album, The Suburbs (not to mention the Spike Jonze/Arcade Fire short film). Check it out!

They then led into "Rebellion (Lies)" from 2004's Funeral album.  Win Butler also integrated into their performance an announcement that they were actively raising money with donations and part of their tour proceeds going to help those in need, and devastatingly affected by the earthquake in Haiti. It's wonderful to know that not only does Arcade Fire bestow upon us some of the most beautiful, anthemic songs among our generation and tastes; but they also give hope to people in dire need of help and humanity in our world.

By the time the piano intro for "We Used to Wait" (The Suburbs, 2010) began, the crowd was hyped, smiling, and feeling the good Arcade Fire vibes. The band members were continuously displaying their versatility by changing their singing parts, positions and instruments throughout the set.

The band played over 12 songs before they psyched the crowd into thinking that "Wake Up" (Funeral, 2004) was their last song. After a short, dark break, they emerged for an encore of a couple more songs, including the hot-right-now hit, "Ready to Start" (The Suburbs, 2010).

If you've ever seen the video for Arcade Fire's latest anthem, "Ready to Start," you'll recall how the black and white, vaudeville theater setting of the video conjures up feelings of nostalgia and timelessness. Personally, it brings me back to many a memory that most of us can relate to: the gratifying feeling of seeing one of your favorite bands live in concert! Whether I was down near the stage or hovering in the back during Arcade Fire's set, I felt like I was in the "Ready to Start" video, having  a great time; singing and dancing around like a happy child.

 

I wasn't able to attend Coachella this year (where they are headlining tonight, April 16, 2011), but I'm so glad I got to catch this marvelous act live in my own hometown of Las Vegas-- the city that glitters like Regine Chassagne's shirt the night they performed at The Joint!  Hooray for Arcade Fire!!

~Meow~
Pennies

PurrView #5 - Artifice, Downtown Las Vegas

    Artifice, located just about two steps off the beaten path in Old Downtown Las Vegas (the beaten path being Charleston Blvd.& Main St.), is yet another addition to the area that denotes the progression and artistic passion that is flourishing in our local arts district. It took a bit of glancing around and a quick U-turn once I'd realized I'd past it, but it was right where everyone had said it would be. Its address being 1025 First Street, #A, Artifice's location was not recognizeable by my GPS, which hadn't been updated in about 5 months.... Talk about a fresh spot, eh? Well, upon approaching and entering, the feeling that it wasn't a fresh, new spot enveloped me. Rather, the joint felt like it already had an established soul, and from the outside had an inviting grimy appeal to it, perhaps largely in part because of the fluorescent sign with one letter burned out. Whether it burned out on its own, or the owner(s) meant to do that, it was definitely enough to make me want to turn the white metal door knob to open the big black, metal door and check this place out.

    When I walked in, a cool, collected gentleman looking very apropos and giving off a calm, yet strong energy was leaning with his back against the wall. He gave me a nod and asked how I was doing. I returned his salutation by politely flashing him my "friendly" smile and replying, "Good!.. Thank you". He then held his hands up to form the classic sign with the fingers that says, " 'Need to see your I.D."

   "Oh, of course! I couldn't tell if you were a patron or a staff member," I smiled. Carl introduced himself and courteously smiled and replied that that made him glad. I got the clear impression that this is how Artifice wants to be seen by their patrons: as one of them.

    I took a seat at the bar and feasted my eyes upon my surroundings in Artifice. The wooden (semi-weathered looking) floors, the black-on-black vintage wallpaper pattern on modern wall paneling, the hollowed out television sets, and of course, the paintings hung about the establishment made me feel like I was at a hot gallery-opening party. In conversing with a fellow customer, the buzz I heard was that the art hanging around us would subsequently change, as Artifice even has a curator of sorts. I hope that's true, because the great vibe I felt at this establishment would be wonderfully complimented by fresh, new art and works of area artists continuously moving through there. The DJ was on point for the general atmosphere, vibe, and clientele that comfortably filled the spaces of this lounge. Surrounding conversation pieces as well as friendly, attentive staff, such as bartender P.J. upheld the raw, yet polished; industrial, yet organic aura of the place.

    The wrap-around bar, a dance floor (that any hipster would be happy to shake it on), disco ball, separate room sound systems and many other attentions to detail were evident and kept a good flow of energy moving through the space. A lot of heart, ardor and character seems to have gone into this establishment. And even though I wish they stayed open later than 1am, I have a feeling I'll be spending quite a bit of my near future there. Whether I'm in the mood to grab a fairly priced cocktail, gaze at some art, or just socialize in a conversation area that provides good music, comfort, and style, Artifice can satisfy those moods. After all, as my personal "PurrView" is Music, Art, Eclecticism... I must say that Artifice beholds all three of these things, and does so in a tasteful manner.

~Meow~
Pennies

PurrView #4 - The National

I'm not referring to a political organization, per se. If only politics could bestow such magnificence upon the ears of listeners, as does (the band) The National; how great this nation could be!

http://www.americanmary.com/ <~~ official site of The National

The National is a five man band hailing from Brooklyn, New York by way of Cincinnati, Ohio roots. Fronted by the distinctly baritone, Matt Berninger, the band also consists of Aaron Dessner (piano, guitar, bass), Bryce Dessner (guitar), Scott Devendorf (guitar, bass), and Bryan Devendorf (drums). If you happen to be noticing some sort of pattern, that's because the name-matches are representative of two sets of brothers, adding yet another interesting element to this already-stimulating musical phenomenon of a band.

Their phenomenal chemistry began when they formed in 1999. And now, five full-length albums later in 2011 and currently signed with 4AD Records, they are constantly making cherished appearances at festivals worldwide (like Coachella, Bonnaroo, Reading & Leeds) on late night TV shows, at charity events, etc., all in addition to their (consistently sold out) own touring. Their sound encompasses such descriptive terms as bleak, joyful, traditional, non-conforming, radiant, dark, sensitive and masculine. Their collective cadence-- reminiscent at times of a strong, pumping heart and at others like a sick, down-trodden heart with a pained murmur-- guarantees that they unfailingly deliver modern day masterpiece after masterpiece. Matt Berninger's lyrics can be intricately deceiving; as a light, upbeat song that he seems to be singing with maybe a hint of a smile might consist of dreary words like, "...another uninnocent, elegant fall into the unmagnificent lives of adults...".

Upon first hearing The National (and Matt Berninger's murky yet velvety voice), one might be reminded of the sounds of Johnny Cash, or perhaps even Joy Division. But once a closer listen is taken to this band, you find that their own personalized sound; their mystical, hypnotizing sound takes you over like very few acts can, and you literally, clinically need MORE.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't biased. I am from the Cincinnati, Ohio area myself. But I am truthful when I say that no other Ohio-raised group has stolen my heart and captivated me as does The National. If you've never had a taste of The National, a good start would be to check out the video for "Mistaken for Strangers" or "Fake Empire."

Whether you decide to pick up Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers, Boxer, or any of their 5 albums (and at least 2 EPs), you can rest-assured that you will not regret paying even full price for the gift of their smooth-tasting, goosebump-giving indie sound. Though I have yet to see The National live myself, that thirst will finally be quenched on April 19, 2011 when I travel all the way from Las Vegas, Nevada to Tulsa, Oklahoma to see them. I can't say I've ever flown this far before just to see one band. And to top off the experience, the venue in Tulsa is the home of Bob Wills, the quintessential CBGB of the midwest; the historic, Cain's Ballroom. If you happen to see me there, please do come up and pinch me.... just so I know it's not a dream.

~Meow~

Pennies