NRG danceProject- Coming Soon!

Merrimack Hall is hosting NRG danceProject for master classes July 30th thru August 3rd.

All dancers are welcome. The cost is $300 and includes 8 master classes as well as a audition workshop for a community piece, which will be performed at the 8th Annual Evening of Dance in January 2015.

For more info please go to:
http://www.merrimackhall.com/nrg.html

'So You Think You Can Dance' choreographer visits Huntsville

Jill’s Studio of Dance was electrified this past Wednesday afternoon with anticipation and excitement.  Tyce Diorio, an Emmy award winning choreographer who has worked with Taylor Swift and Janet Jackson, among others and is also noted for his work on Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance” was at the studio teaching two one hour long master class for dancers ages 9+. The classes were opened to all area dancers.

Area dancer Alana Nelson with Tyce Diorio.
(Photo credit: Adrianne Onder)

The class, which cost $25, started with a warm-up and went into several 8 counts of choreography. But it was not simply the choreography that was mesmerizing, how Diorio approached the dancers really showed through. 

It was a fun and enlightened class.  Diorio made corrections and critiques with laughter and interactions making the class a fun and safe learning environment filled with powerful choreography, to which the song, a classically contemporary piece that complimented Diorio’s high energy yet soft choreography that were accompanied by his words, “Soul," “Line of truth," and “Impress yourself” stood out and illuminated the environment around us.

Diorio is the second guest choreographer Jill’s had in April.  Earlier choreographer and dancer Blake McGrath who has danced with stars such as Britney Spears, Adam Lambert, and Destiny’s Child…guest taught and choreographed for the studio.

Other guest artist in the past have been Courtney Galiano, Twitch, Sonya Tayeh, and Albert Cattafi.

Jill’s Studio of Dance, an award winning studio in the Huntsville area opened it’s doors in 1995. Director, Jill McNew’s dancers have traveled all over participating in numerous high-powered competitions and events.

The studio will have its annual showcase May 30 and 31st at the VBC Concert Hall starting at 7pm with a matinee performance on the 31st containing the pre-schoolers to 5 years classes starting at 2. 

For more information about Jill’s Studio of Dance go to www.jills.com

Alabama Youth Ballet Theatre's Cupcakes & Characters

Transformed into a fun and adventurous land of young princesses and fairytale characters, Alabama Youth Ballet was the epitome of liveliness and joy.

Alabama Youth Ballet Theatre hosted their annual Cupcakes and Characters event. The event opened the studio to young kids to enjoy cupcake decorating, arts and crafts, and excerpts from their upcoming show next month, Snow White and Paquita, a Spanish influenced ballet. 

The event included fun costumes for the kids to put on while decorating their cupcakes at one of the stations or making a crown or other craft offered at the event. They were also treated to a fun fairytale inspired ballet lesson by AYB teacher Meg Hall.  

During the fun in the main studio downstairs, characters including Snow White came in to say hi and take pictures with the kids and at 11 am everyone ascended upstairs to watch excerpts from the upcoming show. Dances included both the female and male variation from Paquita, both a group and individual introduction solos by the dwarfs, a dance by the fairies, as well as a dance with Snow White and the prince, all of which contained background information about the fairytale story by AYB’s Artistic Director David Herriott.  

The event ended with the opportunity to take pictures with the cast from the event. 

Cupcakes and Characters was a great glimpse into the upcoming performance of Snow White and Paquita, which will be performed at the VBC Playhouse April 4th & 5th at 7:30pm and April 5th & 6th at 2pm. 

Tickets are $16-Adults $14-Students, Seniors, and Military and can be purchased online at www.FairyTaleBallet.org or by calling 256-881-5930.  

FAQS for LIT with Downtown Huntsville, Inc.

In anticipation for Saturday night's Light+Innovation+Technology event, I asked the people at Downtown Huntsville, Inc. to give me a little background about this first-ever downtown light show.

How long did it take the Liberal Arts department to create this, and did they collaborate with other colleges/departments for the finished product? 

This idea has been in the works for a while. DHI CEO, Chad Emerson brought the idea up when he first moved to Huntsville. The final collaboration with the Arts Council and UAH College of Liberal Arts to execute this event by Spring, began at the start of the year. The creative content behind the main light show was created all by the UAH College of Liberal Arts.

What was the inspiration behind this? 

Chad had visited two digital graffiti events in the past, one in downtown Orlando and one is Alys Beach. He wanted to bring the concept to downtown Huntsville since the buildings on the square are the perfect canvas for an event like this. 

Where are all of the light displays going to be projected? 

There will be light displays all over the courthouse square, but the biggest lights displays will be on 200 Westside Square (AL.Com building), 216 Westside Square (the old Regions bank building), and the down at the spring in Big Spring Park. 

Will this be a regular occurrence, i.e. a regular collaboration with the UAH Liberal Arts/Engineering Department?

We are hoping the success of this event will lead to an annual occurrence of LIT. After creating the model for an event like this, we are already in the works of making it even bigger next year. 

The light show will start at 7:00 pm this Saturday, March 8th, and run until 10:00 pm. Harrison Brothers Hardware Store will be extending their hours for this night only, and will be passing out glow necklaces for patrons to wear. 

More information can be found at their Facebook event page or website.

Get Glowing!!!

All Our Heroes

All Our Heroes

                                   

   ”All Our Heroes Live in Vans” is the title to the brand new album by Todd Farrell Jr & The Dirty Birds that is being released Today, October 31. Todd (guitar/lead vocals) and company: Eli Rhodes (guitar/vocals), Matt “Goose” Rewinski (bass), and Jack Whitis (drums). This 4 piece Americana punk Rock&Roll band are from Nashville, TN; in fact, three members attended Belmont University also in Nashville (Eli attended MTSU). The album was recorded, arranged, mixed, and pressed by the band. There is no label, no management, just these 4 guys and their combined drive to put out great music. But enough about that, you can look that up yourself, let’s get to the reason we are all here in the first place; the album. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Todd, personally, for a little while now and like many other friends/musicians I always question what influence (if any) does our friendship have on my love or hate for an album but on “All our Heroes Live in Vans” there’s no question; it’s just a damn good album. 

*Disclaimer: I’m not writing about this album in track order; I’m just talking about them as they come to me. Why? 1) because I can do it however I please & 2) they’re not gonna play the album front to back at the show so get over it, nerds.*

Todd Farrell Jr & The Dirty Birds launches a full emotional assault from beginnings to end with this new album. Happiness, grief, truth, want, desire, sadness, love, and regret are the targets. Target destroyed. Your heart is the target, get it? (Stay with me, told you it was a ramble.) The title of the album, “All Our Heroes Live in Vans”, is part of a lyric, which in all honesty gives me chills & for all of you similar to me, it is spot-on: “the hardest part when all your heroes play in bands, is finding out that all your heroes live in vans.” Is it dusty in here? Wow, what a line. Let that sink in….The name of this song is “Pawnshops” & if this doesn’t hit everyone, somewhere, check your pulse. This entire album is full of truth and emotion. The track “Better Men” is an honest track that we can all relate to because none of us are perfect; we’re merely searching for what makes us whole. It’s not about settling or giving in, it’s about accepting yourself and taking a chance (i.e. “I know there’s better men than me but no one’s better for you”). Rebuttals? I didn’t think so. “Bobby & Chipper” is a homage to the Atlanta Braves (i.e. Bobby Cox / Chipper Jones) and the baseball culture in the southeast. Although this song is strongly grounded in baseball, it’s a very emotional song. In fact, you don’t even have to like baseball or the Atlanta Braves to enjoy this track; you’ll hear & feel the raw emotion of doubt, disappointment, and excitement. WARNING: if you are like me, grew up in the Southeast following Braves baseball, grab a Kleenex or two before you listen to this song; it’ll bring back memories. “Take It Slow” touches on failed relationships and future relationships. Also, it’s a track that was previously on Todd’s solo release “Where Fake Cowboys Go to Drink**” but remixed and released on this album with the full band. It was great the first time around but with the band, it adds a whole different feel. “Year in Review” showcases many emotions at once but mainly a reflection of past experiences and hopes for better years to come (if this record is any indication, Todd and the boys already have a good jump on the new year). I’m not sure who “Plastic Knives” is directed at but damn girl, you did a number on him. It seems that he has since moved on and would like you know “you don’t exist to me anymore.” Boom.  "My Currency is Doubt" I think the title speaks for itself. It’s an honest, raw, track, full of sharp-edged lyrics; find out for yourself. “Liner Notes” is a heart-felt ballad about wanting to be wanted. You know what I mean; we’ve all been there, holding on to glimmers of hope. “If It’s Alright By You” touches many different levels of relationships. It also name drops famous couples like George & Mary (It’s A Wonderful Life) and Jack & Diane (Mellencamp). It’s a very catchy song with honest lyrics we can all relate to. Oh, and I do hear some pedal steel? Hell yes.

I had the pleasure of attending the Todd Farrell Jr and The Dirty Birds album release show in Nashville on 10/20; what a show! Not only are these guys great musicians, they are also some of the nicest people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. Todd repeatedly thanked everyone for coming and I was amazed at the crowd in attendance; friends, fans, and musicians (i.e. Kelly Smith of Glossary, Cory Branan, Blount, Andrew, & Nick of Great Peacock and Wess Floyd) were all hanging out, having a great time listening to these songs. Although Todd and The Dirty Birds haven’t been touring very long, it seems they already have established a pretty decent following. Many in attendance sang along with the band word for word and it was easy to see the joy that this brought the band; think Lucero fans but on a smaller scale (for now). Todd Farrell Jr and The Dirty Birds have hit a homerun (yes, I know) with “All Our Heroes Live in Vans.” It’s a gritty, honest rock and roll album that should be on everyone’s playlist and in everyone’s homes. Grab a copy on HALLOWEEN!

Track List:

1.     Year In Review

2.     Plastic Knives

3.     Bobby & Chipper

4.     Pawnshops

5.     Liner Notes

6.     Better Men

7.     If It’s Alright By You*

8.     Take it Slow

9.     My Currency is Doubt

*Dan Fernandez (Great Peacock) on Pedal Steel

**You can download “Where Fake Cowboys Go To Drink” here:http://toddfarrell.bandcamp.com/

Grab a copy of “All Our Heroes Live in Vans” Today, Oct 31^st wherever you buy music: iTunes, Amazon, cdbaby, personal check to me, etc, etc….

iTunes Link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/all-our-heroes-live-in-vans/id735911553

Wanna Know What It is Like Growing Up In The South? Ask PORTER AND THE POLLIES

Wanna Know What It is Like Growing Up in the South? Ask PORTER and the POLLIES

    Imagine a dim lit bar. Old, smoky, windowless, a jukebox in the corner, a real one; not one of these touch screen, we take debit cards contraptions, the ones you can barely read the names on the album. The beer is cold and cheap and the patrons are like an extended family. This is the kind of setting my mind takes me to when I listen to this album. It’s a hell-raisin’, foot-stompin’, alcohol-fueled southern anthem, of sorts, from a long haired country boy from Alabama. These tracks are raw, rough, fuzzy, live, and genius; it’s filthy. Whoever’s idea it was, or lack of motivation to do it “properly” is an intelligent SOB (looking at you TJ and Jay).

     The gruff and gritty voice that bellows out of Chris Porter (Some Dark Holler, Back Row Baptists) supported by the distorted, buzzy, rock & roll sounds of The Pollies (Jay Burgess, Reed Watson, Daniel Stoddard, and Chris James) have accomplished something that many can’t; successfully fusing country roots and rock & roll into something worth listening to again."I heard all of its quirks and twitches the first time I heard the mixes. I heard the quirks and twitches while we tracked it, and I love them," says Porter. It’s an honest, rugged, heartfelt album that only gets better the more you listen. (Could this album + Matt Woods’ “Deadman’s Blues” bring country music back to it’s rightful place? I don’t know but it’s a damn fine place to start.) 

*Before I go further, let me say, it’s hard for me to even think of The Pollies as a backing band; they are a phenomenal band as well who I think will also do big things in 2014. They have all the ingriedents to successfully become one of the south’s most popular bands and they deserve it. Daniel Stoddard is one of the best pedal steel players in the south; period. What else do you really expect though from a place that gave us Spooner Oldham? Stoddard is our generation’s Spooner; no question. *

     Oh yeah, the album. This album is honest, relatable, and perfectly descriptive of the southern culture that many of us grew-up in and some of us still live in today. I honestly can’t recommend it enough. There isn’t one song on this album that isn’t applicable to everyone in some way.  “Pabst Blue Ribbon and ammunition, broken hearts and bad decisions, she don’t talk and I don’t listen much.” That’s the opening line to “Fourth of July”, the second track on the album, probably my favorite too. It really captures the culture of growing up in the south perfectly. I would know; born and raised in bamalama! I can keep trying to persuade you to listen to this album by throwing around song lyrics and imagery of life in the south but you honestly just need to hear it for yourself; it really is that good. The worst way to end 2013 is by not listening to this album. All the great things you’ve done and all the great music you’ve heard/seen this year will not be enough to help you cope with the self-inflicted pain of missing this southern masterpiece. So grab your favorite whiskey, get comfortable, and let Porter and the Pollies take you on a ride through southern, blue-collar, America. “Because I don’t want my last words wasted on sad songs and air.” - JT

Track Listing:

1. Your Hometown
2. Fourth of July
3. Wood and Steel
4. Rest These Bones*
5. When I Get Home
6. Blood on My Hands

*Helen Gassenheimer - on Fiddle/Vox

Get it here:

http://somedarkholler.bandcamp.com/ 

http://vibedeck.com/thisisamericanmusic

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/porter-and-the-pollies-ep/id743118501

ThoseCrosstown Rival prove Rock n Roll is still very music alive with new album "Hell and Back"

Those Crosstown Rivals Prove Rock n Roll is Still Very Much Alive With New Album 

"Hell and Back"

Pumping fists, loud drums, squealing guitars, cold beer, stale smoke, blood, sweat, and tears. Not only does that describe the atmosphere of the last time I saw Those Crosstown Rivals (TCR) play a live show, it’s all the things that make Rock n Roll great. Add hard working, determined, passionate, and talented to the word bank; and you have all the right ingredients needed to make a REAL rock n roll band. Well, Those Crosstown Rivals have successfully met all of those credentials and their new album, Hell and Back, is proof that rock n roll will never die.

First and foremost, Hell and Back successfully does what a lot of records have trouble doing; it harnesses the energy, passion, and emotion of a live performance and seamlessly translates that through this album. It will only take you 35 seconds (check me, I tested it) into this album before you have to make a decision: One, play it safe and just stick to listening to your local “rock” stations, or buckle up and get ready for a ride through the southern streets of Kentucky at 200mph; leaving nothing behind but fire and smoke. TCR wastes no time in making it very clear what they’re bringing to the table on this album with the title track Hell and Back.Imagine a boxing match; round one, bell rings, gloves touch, BAM! Right outta the gate you get hit with a left/ right combo that leaves yours face numb and your ears ringing; you now know you’re in for one helluva fight. Oh, did I mention that your opponent is the devil? “The Devil stood before me, snarling, bloody grin, I said you picked you picked a fight, you ain’t gonna win. I’ll go to hell when the whiskey drowns me and I stop living fast, I’ll go when Kentucky sends me so you can kiss my ass.” Boom. Lights out, Lucifer; you just got knocked the f**ck out! This track isn’t about fighting with your demons or anything like that though, this is song is about fighting for your family, your loved ones, they’re lives. This track, like a handful of other TCR tracks (new and old) was written by Erica Minks, Bryan’s wife. Erica was literally fighting for her life most of last year during the making of the album. These lyrics are more than just words; they are the battle cry of someone refusing to give in, refusing to quit, and eventually coming out on top. You think these boys are tough? I wouldn’t bet against Erica either; she’s already proven you’ll lose.

This album, consisting of 8 tracks, is a beast of a rock n roll record from start to finish. Fast-paced, heavy, bass riffs lay the foundation for this rowdy album, while the drums hit with so much force you can feel it in your chest and the loud, squealing, decibel-busting guitars riffs perfectly weave in and out of the tracks like a man-possessed and running from the law. Technically speaking, this album is broken up into two sides: The first four songs show the fear of the unknown; when the sun comes up, are things going to be forever changed? Your nervous, anxious and angry; hanging by a thread not knowing what tomorrow brings and you refusing to accept anything different. The Ugly Side may be the most heartfelt, emotional song on this album. Look past the fuzzy, screaming guitars, and the deadly, piercing drums, and take a real hard listen to the lyrics; they are haunting, horrific, emotional, and beautiful. “I kissed your lips, before they took you away, looked you in the eyes but couldn’t find the words to say. I’ve never felt so alone laying in a hospital floor, covered in your blood, I can’t take this shit no more.” That’s pure emotion, pure heartbreak, because it’s real; TCR isn’t afraid to show there vulnerabilities, their real sides, I hope you’re prepared.

The second half of this album is more about remaining positive and acknowledging the fact that some things will never change; you just have to accept the facts, learn to deal, remain optimistic and continue living your life; “I live this day, I live it just for you, just to get by and to get on through” (Look at Me). You can’t forget to enjoy life either, whether it’s reminiscing about past memories like in The Diary: “I’ve got a Lucero record spinning on my mind, the one we fell in love to on those summer nights” or reiterating your feelings to the one you love like in the pedal steel driven ballad The Rain: “You know there ain’t no times like the good times. When it rains it rains for a while but leave me here today with one thing, just leave me here today with your smile.” Damn boys. Underneath all the hair, beards, tattoos, scars, and sweat-drenched clothing lies a heart; a big one at that. Who knew!? The final track on this album, Blood, Sweat and Tears, is a rock n roll anthem of sorts that I challenge you not to like. On a record where the track listing is laid out like chapters of a book, Blood, Sweat and Tears is the perfect conclusion. It’s a foot-stomping, fist-pounding tune that will leave you singing the chorus on repeat in your head after the first listen. It’s pure unabashed rock n roll at its finest.

This album isn’t very long, it only consist of 8 tracks but those 8 track mesh together so perfectly it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that Those Crosstown Rivals accomplished exactly what they set out to do with this album; play damn good, loud, wild, southern, rock n roll. Don’t be surprised when after the album ends, you catch yourself starting it right back over from the beginning; it’s that good and deserves its own place in any rock n roll or punk rock fan’s collection. Want to know how they were able to bring the heat to this album similar to the intensity of their live shows? All the instrumentation except for a couple leads, keys, and pedal steel were recorded live, in a room, with just the four of them present; every song was recorded in 1-3 takes. This album is definitely on my radar for a best of list of 2014; only one question remains for the boys from Kentucky, “Where we going from here?”

Those Crosstown Rivals are: Bryan Minks (guitar/vox) Cory Hanks (bass) Nick Walters (guitar) and TJ Taylor (drums). However, one person who doesn’t get enough credit for their part in this band (and putting up with this gang of misfits) is Erica Minks. As I said previously, Erica is responsible for writing a handful of the songs TCR has published. Grab a digital copy of Hell and Back now from any of the following and pre-order the album today!

Bandcamp – http://thosecrosstownrivals.bandcamp.com/album/hell-and-back

Itunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/hell-and-back/id827721851

Track Listing:
Hell and Back
The Ugly Side
Six Strings
Be a Man
The Diary (90 mph)
The Rain
Look At Me
Blood Sweat and Tears

Funky Pirates Jazz Band @ Straight to Ale Brewery

This evening marks the first annual Mardi Gras Parade in Downtown Huntsville, but after the floats have completed their maiden voyage and all of the beads have been tossed, what are the people of Huntsville to do?

Enter Straight to Ale Brewery. Their flavorful brews and spacious taproom make it the perfect place to host an afterparty, and this Saturday the people at Straight to Ale are doing just that with a Mardi Gras Afterparty held in the STA Taproom. What seems to be the centerpiece of this New Orleans-themed fun fest is the rowdy, raucous big-band group The Funky Pirates Jazz Band. Formed in Huntsville 2 ½ years ago by active duty soldiers, this group started out playing gigs in New Orleans (where they came up with the Funky Pirates Jazz Band to go with their rambunctious personality). Now led by Mike Agbee (who informed me that this was a non-traditional, conductor-less band) this group has played in Buloxi, Mobile, and Huntsville, and is staffed by local musicians. The Funky Pirates' musical styles range from Dixieland, to Swing, to the crazy party music of New
 
Orleans. 

Since forming the Funky Pirates Jazz Band, members have formed four adjacent bands, all specializing in a certain style of music. The Super Awesome Big Band performs classic 40's jazz, while Valley Brass explores every form of music imaginable as a brass quintet. Jazz for Robots is a trio straight from the future, delivering hypnotizing music resembling the chirps and squeaks of a machine, while the Brassadelic Brass Band plays straight from modern New Orleans; drawing on inspiration from the Youngbloods and the Dirty Dozen. But no matter what the style of music is, their vision remains the same. The main goal, as Agbee explained to me, is to make people dance. The Funky Pirates seem to fulfill that goal on a regular basis, whether it's playing gigs

for the Huntsville Swing Dance Society or parties at Straight to Ale, this sassy brass band is eager to get the people of Huntsville on their feet. The Funky Pirates Jazz Band plays at the Straight to Ale Mardi Gras Party tomorrow night starting at 7 pm, and admission is $5.

Check out The Funky Pirates Jazz Band on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FunkyPirates

or their website, http://www.funkypiratesjazzband.com/.

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!

England In 1819 at the Foyer in Huntsville, AL

England In 1819 at The Foyer in Huntsville, AL

England in 1819, a two guy musical duo Batman and Robin, from Baton Rouge, LA had the college crowd at The Foyer intrigued by their unique style of music. The music ranged from synths, programmed beats and tracks, to live guitars, keyboards, bass and French horn.  Very ethereal music almost operatic style vocals. Electronica meets midevil opera  some may say. In the 55 minute set there were songs very dirge like and others like a Moby house music, Electronica beat style music.   All songs in minor keys for the most part.  They ended the show with a song called "Lights" which starts with a synth mutted guitar and sampled programed drum loop and synth loop.  As the song progressed  with layers upon layers of synths and a change to a major key in the chorus almost made you think of some songs from Cold Play off their x and y album.  I could almost hum "lights will guide you home and ignite your bones and  I will try to fix you" over the chorus chord progression.   The duo hung around meeting and greeting with the crowd that enjoyed the music, the coffee and treats at the Foyer.  

We put together a smash up of 4 songs by England in 1819. Enjoy!

What's brewing at Below The Radar?

What's Brewing at Below The Radar?

Who's Ready for Terrapin!!!

Tomorrow Below The Radar will tap Mosaic Cask ale aged with oak chips. 6.6% abv. Mosaic is Terrapin Beer Co.'s new year round single hop rye ale. Terrapin Beer Company choses to age our cask with oak chips and cannot wait to try it!!

Courtney Kennedy with Terrapin will be at Below The Radar tomorrow with shwag and glassware giveaways.. the party starts at 5pm!!

Straight to Ale 6 Course Beer Dinner with Chef Wesley Walters

Sunday the 23^rd of February  2014 at 6pm

Appetizer

Mini Lump Crab Cakes w/ House Made Remoulade 

Paired with Sand Island Lighthouse Kölsch 5.1%

2^nd Course

Corn Meal Dusted, Bacon Wrapped Sea Scallops w/ Crispy Tobacco Onions & Charred Poblano & Pineapple BBQ 

Paired with Monte Sano Maibock 7.0%

Intermezzo

Humble Heart Honey Thyme Goat Cheese, Grilled Melon, & Roasted Almond Toast Point 

Paired with Monkeys Uncle Double IPA 7.8%

4th Course

Citrus & Mirin Marinated Chicken Skewers w/ a Sweet & Spicy Sesame Ginger Dipping Sauce 

Paired with Lily Flagg Milk Stout 5.0%

5^th Course

Unobtanium Braised Duroc Pork Cheek Sliders with

Granny Smith Apple Slaw

Paired with Whiskey Barrel-Aged Unobtanium English Old Ale 11.5%

Dessert

Super Vanilla Crème Brûlée 

Paired with Cognac Barrel-Aged Illudium English Old Ale 11.5%