Oscar Experience: Charlottesville offers local participants the chance to primp and pose like movie stars. Photo courtesy of Oscar experience.
Dream category
If you thought the Oscars were out of reach, think again. The Virginia Film Festival is offering a chance to get in the running for your own Oscar prize. The glitz, the glam, and an abundance of Hollywood-inspired dishes crafted by Glass Haus Kitchen come out at this year’s fourth annual Oscar Experience: Charlottesville. The night features raffle prizes, a silent auction, and of course the star-studded competition in high-def. So be sure to don your best celebrity look, because the paparazzi are ruthless on that red carpet.
Sunday 2/24 $45, 7pm. The Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. 979-1333.
Charles Thompson A.K.A. Black Francis and A.K.A. Frank Black plays a solo gig at The Southern. (Publicity photo)
Enigmatic Boston musician “Black Francis” played a leading role in the ’80s alternative rock scene. Art, darkness and angst defined Francis’ career with The Pixies and the solo years as Frank Black (and Frank Black and the Catholics) as did his unique, ranting howl vocals. The seminal Doolittle album ( The Pixies) is a time capsule-worthy work of perfection, and Kurt Cobain credited Francis’ work as an influence. The alt-grunge forefather is back on the road under the Black Francis moniker, and will play tonight at the Southern. He answered the following questions for C-VILLE via e-mail.
C-VILLE Weekly:You’ve had plenty of years to work on this one, but how difficult have you found it to separate your identity as a solo performer from your identity as a member of The Pixies? Or do you even feel compelled to do so? Black Francis: “I don’t feel these compelliatory-ish feelings! It’s all good. It’s all fun. I am a singer, a writer, a dude who likes to play and record and sing. I love playing in The Pixies, of course. It’s my first band. And it’s the band I am known for; I’m not in denial about that. It’s special for sure, but I don’t wear a different hat; I’m always the same guy whenever I perform.”
Do you have a favorite track (or few) to play live, whether a solo cut or a piece from The Pixies, Frank Black and The Catholics, etc.?
“Always like to play ‘When They Come to Murder Me’ from SVN FNGRS. I get obsessed with obscure covers, usually stage same song for a period of years. Lately it’s been this thing called ‘That Burnt Out Rock and Roll’.”
Your latest release was Paley & Francis. How was working with Reid Paley?
“Mr. Paley and I have officially begun working on a new record. I’m not sure when it will come out, but it will be very different than the last one. I can’t explain why, but let’s just say, ‘I Am The Walrus,’ O.K.?”
Who currently inspires you? Any recent releases or artists you’re really into?
“I’m really into a record by Baxter Dury (son of Ian) called “Happy Soup.” Love his vibe. Poetic. Gritty. Funny. Excellent production. Minimalist. Charming as hell.”
What do you think of Charlottesville? How do you like smaller venues like The Southern as opposed to larger shows?
“I love small shows. I get even more nervous for smaller venues. It’s exciting. Everyone right there looking at you, singing all the words (can’t fuck it up!). And the nightclub is where I am from. It’s the environment I relate to the most.”
The Flying Karamazov Brothers are an unrelated band of absurdly talented brothers. (Publicity photo)
Even by typical 21st century Vaudeville-style comedy act standards, the Flying Karamazov Brothers are unexpected and uncontrollable. A quick click-through of their website’s trivia page has the words “Bull’s Testicles” and a question about angels who count in Hebrew flashing across your monitor. As far as anyone can tell, this is only the beginning.
While the group has built an impressive theatrical résumé since 1973’s inception at the University of California, Santa Cruz, putting on loose Shakespearean adaptations, performing in countless widely renowned venues, and sharing the stage with individuals ranging from the Beat Generation’s Allen Ginsberg to McDreamy, these guys are also known for playing amped-up versions of themselves on shows like Seinfeld. They even had a major role in the Michael Douglas action vehicle/disaster The Jewel of the Nile, which says quite a bit about the group’s propensity for variety.
http://youtu.be/_nPpDBqXq5k
None of this implies that familiarity with the Flying Karamazov Brothers leads to fulfilled expectations. Classic acts such as their Terror Trick, which curiously involves dry ice, champagne, and a torch all at once, are sure to make recurring appearances, but nothing about this group of faux siblings is designed for predictability. With these guys, everything boils down to insane levels of comedy growing naturally out of such zaniness and audacity. Their typical wardrobe of kilts and tutus only serves to underscore their inherent eccentricity.
With this sort of a diverse background, it’s tempting to describe the target audience of the Flying Karamazov Brothers as eclectic. This, however, would be to miss the point altogether, for these men simply strive to appeal to everyone from prison inmates to the most refined theatregoer. It’s all about laughter and sheer absurdity. Target audience be damned.
Budding bluesman Micah Goska celebrates his first release at Rapunzel’s on Saturday. (Publicity photo)
Out of the blue
Since the age of 5, Micah Goska has taken classical lessons, studied the bass and violin, and even created a teenage rock group—all nurtured by his love of songwriting and the small venues that keep his passion for music alive. This weekend Goska hosts the release party for his first solo record, The Blue Sessions, and is finally setting his own stake in the ground. The show doubles as a chance to earn bragging rights over your hip friends when Goska hits the big time.
Local women go retro risqué at Firefish Gallery and the proceeds benefit the new cancer center at UVA. Image courtesy of Firefish Gallery.
Calendar girls
When a group of local women slide into sleek outfits for a retro-style pin-up photo shoot, they have more in mind than looking pretty. With all profits benefiting the University of Virginia’s Emily Couric Cancer Center, Firefish Gallery’s Pin Up Show offers more than meets the eye—it’s beauty with a purpose. It’s not often that the words “non-profit” and “pin-up” find themselves yoked together, but supporting a cause has never looked so good.
Through 1/4 $15, times vary. Firefish Gallery, 108 Second St. NW. 984-1777.
Three albums in and Sons of Bill remains true to its roots. Blending classic rock and traditional Virginian folksiness with emotional resonance, the brothers (and friends) have crafted their own sound. 2012’s Sirens opens with a quotation lifted from a William Faulkner speech, and sets the tone for a collection of powerhouse tunes poised to propel the band to wider recognition. The 5th Annual Rock and Roll Christmas captures a band on the rise in a heartfelt and raucous live show, with some of their friends joining them for the ride.
Saturday 12/22 $17, 8pm. The Jefferson Theater, 110 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. 245-4980.
The Mayan, end-of-the-world thing has its critics, but it’s better to err on the side of caution, and bring on the joy.
To stave off the buzzkill of a potential planet meltdown, the Jefferson is throwing a debaucherous blowout dubbed the End of the World Party. Erin Lunsford and the Smokey Bandits, karaoke (of course), Christmas movies on the big screen, a tacky Christmas sweater contest, and a selection of theme drinks will send off humanity with a classic rager. Bedazzle and be there.
Friday 12/21 Free, 9pm. The Jefferson Theater, 110 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. 245-4980.
The new age rock band Mannheim Steamroller takes its name from an 18th century German musical technique. Image courtesy of Sound Trak.
Roll with it
A reputation built almost entirely on Christmas music may not sound like the ideal career for a rock band. Then again, Mannheim Steamroller isn’t a typical group. Incorporating live music with stunning multimedia effects, Chip Davis’ Mannheim Steamroller Christmas has remained among the top holiday celebrations in America for over 25 years. Davis and his new age band changed the course of modern holiday music, adding a burst of fresh popularity when they came on the scene in 1984, swiftly defining a new genre—and stickin’ with it.
Sunday 12/16 $32.50-67.50, 7pm. John Paul Jones Arena, 295 Massie Rd. 243-4960.
A Blue Ridge Mountain holiday story unfolds in Four County Players’ The Homecoming. Image: J. Stoll
Yes, Virginia
The Homecoming, a play by Christopher Sergel based on the book by Earl Hamner (creator of T.V.’s “The Waltons”), takes place in a familiar location—a Virginia town lodged in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The play unfolds on Christmas Eve in 1933 and is centered around the Spencer family as they ready themselves for Saint Nick’s chimney trip while awaiting their father’s return home. Featuring period-appropriate tunes and lyrics, it’s another local offering you can feel good about.
Friday 12/14 $14-16, 8:30pm. Four County Players, 5256 Governor Barbour St., Barboursville. 540-832-5355.
Brother and sister “besties” Jessica Lea Mayfield and David Mayfield perform under their surname at the Southern. (Publicity photo)
Sibling revelry
Siblings who are best friends? It may seem like a cliché or an impossibility, but it’s remarkably true for Jessica Lea and David Mayfield. Growing up in a bluegrass family in Ohio, the brother and sister got their start in the family band One Way Rider. They’ve come quite a way since then, working with folks like The Avett Brothers and Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys on solo releases. All, of course, with one another’s help – David tosses out some bass for Jessica’s work, and the sister lays down some vocals and lyrics for her brother. Few siblings can boast of such a lack of sibling rivalry.
Wednesday 12/5 $12, 8pm. The Southern Café & Music Hall, 103 S. First St. 977-5590.
