Billy Bragg Keeps the Faith (and rocks) at The State Theatre

Man, I am still buzzing from the killer Billy Bragg (See my interview here) show at the State Theatre in Ithaca, NY this past Saturday. It was without a doubt one of my top shows. It was Billy playing his guitar—mostly electric, but some acoustic as well—on a simple black stage. And I want to say that his influence as a songwriter in general is never questioned, but his amazing guitar playing is not often singled out. He really has his own sound on the instrument and I can totally say that he didn’t need a backup band to rock the theater.

His set list was a mix of old, new, and a few covers (Woody Guthrie, The Clash, and Laura Nyro). Attending this show pre-election was really inspirational. Billy Bragg told great stories and really pushed the audience to realize that Election Day is not the end. It is the only the beginning and that we’re voting for the entire world that needs the change that an Obama Presidency has the hope of bringing. And to never loose hope and keep the faith.

One of the many powerful moments was his playing of “Levi Stubbs Tears.” Levi Stubbs, the lead singer of the Four Tops, had died the day before and you could tell that Billy was really affected by this.

He’s also very gracious. Billy came out and signed after the show, so I was able to thank him for the interview and get a CD signed for The Young Man and Miss T. He had picked up the Tompkins Weekly, which had my interview with him in it. There were quite a few people waiting to meet him and to get things signed and he said that he would stay as long as people wanted him to.

The Watson Twins opened the show with a lovely set. They also came out and met people and signed. They were super friendly and gracious as well.

Check out their hand written set lists and Billy Bragg singing Woody Guthrie's "Ain't Got No Home" below.



















Billy Bragg Set List on the top left. Watson Twins on the bottom right.

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State Theatre Plans a Stellar Season

This post originally apeared in the May 26 edition of the Tompkins Weekly.

It will come as no great surprise to anyone who has been reading my columns that I'm a great enthusiast for what has happened at the State Theatre since Dan Smalls took over as Executive Director. The shows have connected better with the community, ticket sales are up (way up), and the feeling of the State’s impending demise is really starting to lift. There’s a real buzz and enthusiasm about what’s happening in that beautiful theater on State Street.

So it was with great anticipation that I received my invitation to the State Theatre’s press conference to announce their 2008-2009 season. And I have to say I knew there would be some good choices and shows to get excited about. But the lineup Dan Smalls laid out is truly great. It also made some serious efforts to creating a diverse collection of performances reflective of Ithaca’s many communities. They’re also the kind of world-class performers the State Theatre deserves to have in the year celebrating its 80th birthday.

I got a chance to ask Dan a few questions about the new season after the press conference last Wednesday.

Tompkins Weekly: Are there any differences in your programming philosophy between your first and this your upcoming second year at the State Theatre?

Dan Smalls: Remember that I did inherit a bit of what happened last year so that may explain some of the differences. I think I followed the same general theme of more of what worked and less of what did not. We have a very educated town, culturally and especially musically. You cannot pull a fast one on an Ithaca music fan. Artists must be the real deal and I think this season’s acts fit that description to a t. I did take a few calculated chances—like Cassandra Wilson or Citizen Cope—but upon investigation, I believe that our audience will figure out who these acts are and decide they are worth their time and money. I hope that I am building trust among our concert and show going public and that they’ll occasionally take a chance on what I program.

TW: How about lessons learned from the first year?

DS: We certainly learned from the first two years that we are not yet ready for large scale theatrical productions. Our stage housing just isn’t there yet. I do want these to be staples of our seasons to come, but from past attendance and production difficulties, we just cannot take those risks or losses at this time. Its fiscally motivated, purely. I also think we learned that people are willing to pay higher prices for higher notoriety artists. Lyle Lovett proved that and I believe Crosby and Nash will follow suit.

TW: You talked about adding diversity to the 2008-2009 season, how did you go about making your choices?

DS: My history in Ithaca teaches me that our educated and diverse community will support extremely diverse programming. There has always been a huge world music scene here. College diversity helps, but educated people like educated music and I think some of the African acts really embody that. With diversity being such a hot button topic in Ithaca recently, we had to address that. I think the African Children’s Choir and their message and work with underprivileged children will ring true here. Plus it will be an amazing show.

TW: Can you talk about making personal taste versus market choices?

DS: The biggest mistake in this business is booking with your heart and not your pocketbook. Luckily, some of the shows I personally get excited about are also what have proven to do well here at the State. Aging punkers settle into the mainstream and become Alt-country and Americana fans. Steve Earle is a no brainer for Ithaca with his political leaning and incredible songwriting. Most people already know that. They’ll also see that in Billy Bragg and Citizen Cope. They realize that all music grew from gospel and field hollers, and the Blues Journey show starts that trip. The show from The Kennedy Center tells that story to kids and families. They’ll appreciate the throwback sounds of Sharon Jones and her incredible band. Even Andrew bird, and indie darling, is rooted in serious music. It may seem music heavy or too current at first glance, but everything this season is rooted in serious and historically important eras. There are also some serious selections here, like the 5 Browns and Ailey II. I hope we’ve found something for everyone this year. If not what’s announced, know there’s plenty more coming . . .

So as they say in show business: With out further adieu here is the State Theatre’s 2008-2009 line up. The season kicks off with comedy on September 4 and NBC’s Last Comic Standing Live tour. This is connected with the NBC series that just premiered on May 22. This tour features some comics from last season’s shows. Second City, Josh Blue, and Kathleen Madigan round out the comedy series.

September 11 is the beginning of what can only be described as the core of what makes the State Theatre arguably the most important venue in Ithaca: the music. Left of center political roots/county rocker Steve Earle will hit the stage with wife Allison Moorer to kick off the year of great music. It is pretty hard to top Steve Earle, but the music offerings are top notch for the whole season. Citizen Cope, afore mentioned Andrew Bird, Billy Bragg (another lefty musician who has been described as a one man version of The Clash), David Crosby and Graham Nash who need no introduction, soul revival band Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Cassandra Wilson who is arguably the most important jazz singer performing today, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, and the Flatlanders represent some more of the talent that will hit the stage. The Soweto Gospel Choir, Taraf de Haidouks, the African Gospel Choir, and Habib Koite and Bamada featuring local favorites the Sim Redmond Band will represent the world beat front. There will also be a classical performance by the 5 Browns, a group a piano playing siblings. Lastly, is the amazing combo performance by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and the Blind Boys of Alabama. The concert, billed as Down By The Riverside, will combine jazz and gospel music from these luminaries in their respective genres.

Other highlights during the 2008-2009 season will be the always-fabulous Light in Winter Festival that holds two performances at the State Theatre—Abracadazzle from the illusionist Jeff McBride and the PUSH Physical Theater. The Family series is returning featuring the Golden Dragon Chinese Acrobats, Haunted Illusions, Blues Journey, and the very popular Galumpha dance troupe. And certainly in the last but not least category is Ailey II from the Alvin Ailey Dance Company, coming as part of the Classics Series. Celebrating its 50th year, Alvin Ailey has been one of the preeminent American Dance Companies of the last half-century.

If you like what you are seeing, subscriptions go on sale June 9 and single event tickets go on sale July 14. It is important to note that this does not represent the entire season. As they State Theatre did this year, they will be adding many more concerts and comedy performers during the year, so keep reading the Tompkins Weekly to learn about what’s coming at the State Theatre.

Check out videos clips of some of the performers below.

Steve Earle with Allison Moorer


Billy Bragg


Cassandra Wilson


Blind Boys of Alabama

Andrew Bird


Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings


Taraf de Haidouks

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The New Pornographers and Okkervil River at the State Theatre

This post orininally appeared in the April 7 edition of the Tompkins Weekly.

If Neko Case’s January 26 show at the State Theatre didn’t give you enough of her incredible singing or if you just want to see a killer live show, you’re in luck. On April 13, The New Pornographers, featuring Neko Case on Vocals, will be performing at the State Theatre. This is important to note, because as most New Pornographers fans know, Neko Case does not always tour with the band.

Formed in 1997 in Vancouver, BC, The New Pornographers are often described as an indie-supergroup, as all of the members have other musical projects. And just in case you are wondering, leader and main songwriter, AC Newman came up with the band’s name after watching the 1966 Japanese film, The Pornographers. In addition to Newman (Lead Vocals, Guitar), the eight-member band is made up of John Collins (Bass), Dan Bejar (Vocals, Shakers, Guitars, Piano), Kathryn Calder (Vocals, Piano, Wurlitzer), Kurt Dahle (Drums, Percussion), Neko Case (Vocals), and Todd Fancey (Guitars, Banjo, Mandolin). It is this combination of instruments and vocals that makes the band’s music so memorable and worthy of all the accolades they have received, which have been many.

The New Pornographers have recorded four albums, each one gaining them a wider audience and further acclaim. They are currently touring behind 2007’s Challengers. This album was on virtually every best of list for 2007.

What is going to make this an extra special night is Okkervil River opening the show. Founded in 1998 in Austin, the band takes its name from a short story by Russian author Tatyana Tolstaya. The band really first started to make a buzz when it was admitted to play the SXSW Festival in 2000 based on their EP, Stars Too Small To Use. It has been onward and upward since then. To Date they have released four full-length albums. 2007’s The Stage Names is the record that has begun to bring them to a much wider audience. They even have a concert featured on the truly excellent music site from National Public Radio, npr.org/music.

Like the 8 piece New Pornographers, Okkervil River is a large band—made up of 7 members playing an eclectic array of instruments, including electronics. The band members are: Will Sheff (Vocals, Guitar), Scott Brackett (Trumpet, Keyboards), Brian Cassidy (Vocals, Electric guitar, Mandolin), Jonathan Meiburg (Vocals, Keyboards, Accordion), Travis Nelsen (Drums), Patrick Pestorius (Electronics). This combination of instruments and strong songwriting makes for some truly magical tunes.

There are times when the pairing of the opening band with the headliner is very awkward. Regardless of the intentions of the band whose name is in the large letters on the marquee to promote an up-in-coming group, the combination of the music does not always work in a macro sense. There is often no connectivity in the musical approach. Not so with The New Pornographers and Okkervil River. The approach to music making and the sonic nature of the two bands should add continuity to the evening that will enhance the experience for the audience. Additionally, it is not often, that two bands of this stature make it to Ithaca, so take this opportunity to see two great bands in your own back yard.

The concert starts at 8 PM and tickets can be purchased at the State Theatre Box office, online at www.stateofithaca.com, or by calling 27-STATE.

Also Noteworthy

New York City-based band The Slackers come to Castaways on Thursday April 10. This great band on the Hellcat Records label deftly blends old blues, 60s soul, rock, and R & B as well as reggae, rocksteady, dub, and Ska into a great rockin’ blend that the New York Times called, “The Sound of New York.” These guys have been playing together for a longtime and this is a not-to-be-missed show so you can say I saw The Slackers back when. . . .

Ticket information available at www.castawaysithaca.com.

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World Beat Comes Alive At State Theatre

This post originally appeared in the March 31 issue of the Tompkins Weekly.

World Beat is going to come alive at the State Theatre on April 3, when Angelique Kidjo and Samite hit the stage. This promises to be an incredible night of music from two of the preeminent figures in world music—and may well be one of the most compelling shows in the State Theatre’s already great season.

Angelique Kidjo will headline the evening. Born in the West African nation of Benin in 1960, she was performing with her mother’s theater troupe by the age of six. At age 22, due to political conflicts in her homeland, she relocated to Paris and later to New York City. She still resides in New York today. While broadly speaking she is considered an African singer, her influences and music encompass a much broader palette.

Citing influences as wide ranging as Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, George Gershwin, Aretha Franklin, jazz, Caribbean, Latin, and Afropop, Kidjo brings it all together into her own unique musical style. It is at once homage to her influences, at the same time it carries them forward in a new direction. In Addition to her wide range of influences, Angelique Kidjo has performed with the likes of Branford Marsalis, Carlos Santana, Joss Stone, Vernon Reid, Buddy Guy, and Peter Gabriel—to name a few.

She has won a Grammy Award, NAACP Image award, and the Antonio Carlos Jobim Award for an “artist distinguished in the field of world music whose influence on the evolution of jazz and cultural crossover is widely recognized.” If you aren’t familiar with her work, a quick trip to www.kidjo.com or YouTube will provide you with songs and videos to check out.

Beyond her music she has been a UNICEF ambassador since 2002 and founded the Batonga Foundation which works to give African girls the opportunity to attend secondary school and higher education. In addition, she has been outspoken about the need to respond to the genocide in the Darfur.

Also on the bill is Samite Mulondo. Samite, originally from Uganda, now lives in Ithaca. The fact this amazing musician lives in Ithaca is further evidence of what an incredible music scene we are blessed with. Samite sings in his native language of Luganda. He accompanies himself by playing a variety of instruments including the kalimba (finger-piano), marimba (wooden xylophone), litungu (seven-stringed Kenyan instrument) and various flutes; traditional and western.

Like Ms. Kidjo, Samite is also active in humanitarian work. He is the founder of the not-for-profit Musicians for World Harmony, “whose mission is to enable musicians throughout the world to share their music to promote peace, understanding and harmony among peoples, with a special emphasis on the displaced or the distressed who could benefit most from the healing power of music.” To learn more about Samite please visit www.samite.com or www.musiciansforworldharmony.org.

The concert starts at 8 PM and tickets can be purchased at the State Theatre Box office, online at www.stateofithaca.com, or by calling 27-STATE.

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Taj Mahal To Play State Theatre In Ithaca, NY

This post originally appeared in the Tompkins Weekly under the title, "Taj Mahal: A Man of Many Musical Styles"

Taj Mahal’s music is tough to describe. Broadly, it can be put under the rubric of Blues. But simply labeling his music as the Blues doesn’t do it justice. It doesn’t take into account the huge impact world, country, reggae, and gospel music has had on his sound. When asked about this he said, “I didn’t want to fall into the trap of complacency. I wanted to keep pushing the musical ideas I had about jazz, music from Africa and the Caribbean. I wanted to explore the connections between different kinds of music.”

Born in Harlem in 1942 as Henry St. Claire Fredericks, Taj grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts—picking up the guitar as an early teen. It was while in college at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst majoring in agriculture that he took on the name, “Taj Mahal.” As the legend goes—his stage name was inspired by a dream. He released his first album in 1968. Since then he has released more than 45 more, collaborating with artists such as Ry Cooder, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, The Rolling Stones, and Ali Farka Touré.

Among this diverse range of albums are two Grammy winners. Taj won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album for 1997’s Señor Blues and again for 2000’s Shoutin’ in Key. All in all he has been nominated for a Grammy nine times. Of his success Taj Mahal is pretty modest saying, “in the end, ultimately the music plays you, you don’t play the music.” While this may be the case, someone still has to pick up the guitar, woodshed, and develop the chops to play they way he does.

Perhaps, it is difficult to name one of his songs, but you have certainly heard them. For example his tune, “She Caught The Katy,” is the first song sung by John Belushi’s character at the beginning of the movie, The Blues Brothers.

Taj Mahal will be appearing at the State Theatre on February 21 for an 8:00 PM show. He will be playing with his trio. Taj is on vocals, guitar, keys, and banjo. Kester Smith playing drums and Bill Rich on the bass round out the band’s lineup.

Lastly, it must be said that we should all be paying close attention to the shows at the State Theatre this year. After many years, and numerous attempts, the State seems to finally be finding its voice. This is due in large measure to Dan Smalls coming on as Executive Director. With Dan in place—and upcoming show that include Medeski, Martin, & Wood; The New Pornographers; and Keller Williams—the State Theatre is positioning itself as the area’s most vital music venue. For a listing of additional upcoming shows or to order tickets online visit www.stateofithaca.com.

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Neko Case Live at the State Theatre in Ithaca, NY Januray 26, 2008

This post originally appeared in the Tompkins Weekly under the title, "State Audience Responds To Neko Case"

Even though it is an unusual way to start a concert review, I must first off thank my wife. She stayed home with our two sick kids, allowing me to attend Neko Case’s concert on January 26 at the Historic State Theatre in Ithaca, New York. Thanks, Love, I owe you!

That said, let’s just get it on the table right off the bat: I’m a huge Neko Case fan. And judging by the near-sold out show, I’m not the only one. Getting the opportunity to see her in a great venue like the State Theatre was a huge treat. The State is so intimate for a 1600 seat theater and even in the balcony the stage seems very close. But what made this show even more special, was the fact she was out for a very short tour to road-test new songs for her album that will, hopefully, be released later this year.

Listening to Neko Case’s voice on her records is great. To get to hear her live was fantastic. She could really fill the room with her voice. It almost seemed as though she didn’t need a mic. She proved she’s the real deal—no Auto-Tune for her. In addition, her band was rockin’! What a great group of musicians. The band was made up of Tom V. Ray on bass; Paul Rigby on electric and acoustic guitars; Jon Rauhouse on pedal steel guitar, banjo, and guitar; John Convertino on drums; and Kelly Hogan on backing vocals. She’s been playing with this group for several years, and it shows. Each musician’s part was integral to each song. And as a testament to the great sound of the show, you could clearly pick out each part in the mix. It was perfectly balanced. While the entire band was great, I especially enjoyed Jon Rauhouses playing. He really proved that the banjo could be pretty rock and roll. Kelly Hogan’s dog, Augie, joined the band on stage for most of the show. The dog, in fact, stayed on the stage after the final encore was played and only left with great prodding.

The show’s set was largely comprised of songs off her most recent album Fox Confessor Brings The Flood. The show opened with “Widow’s Toast,” which starts off acappella. What an amazing way to open. Neko’s voice just filled the place. It was really magical. There were, of course the six new songs, as well as two covers. One of the covers was a great version of Tom Petty’s “Listen To Her Heart.” The set was filled out by a few older songs, such as “Deep Red Bells” and “Favorite.” The new songs were killer. It is certainly going to be hard to wait until Neko Case’s new record comes out.

While the performance of the songs was tight, the band’s stage presence was loose and fun. They were easily able to handle the calls from the audience for songs as well as comments from members of the crowd who thought they were pretty witty. When one woman called out, “Neko you’re beautiful,” she responded by saying, “Thanks mom.” To my taste there was a little too much audience participation, not to mention the people near me who talked through the whole show. It may come as a surprise to these folks, but the vast majority of the audience didn’t actually come to the show to hear them yell from the audience or talk through the concert.

If you missed this show or just didn’t get enough of Neko Case, you’ll get another chance to see her when she returns to the State Theatre on April 13 with her other main band, The New Pornographers.

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