Cool Blog Posts: Bakotopia

Sandrini's September 12th The Councilmen w/ Guest Larry Bagby, BigBang & Last American Buffalo

Should be a heck of a night. Not only are we hosting two GREAT bands Bigbang & Last American Buffallo, but the video crew from LP33, will be shooting footage for The Councilmen’s profile. LP33 is a new website, the brain child of Andrew Bentley (google him!) that helps artists without labels get their music out there. We have been chosen as featured artist! The site will launch early October.

Larry Bagby actor/singer/songwriter known for his part as the standup bass player in “Walk the Line” is also a LP33 featured artist and will be sitting in with The Councilmen on the 12^th, we’re doing some cross promotion.

So come out met Larry, musicians hear a little about what LP33 is and what it can do for you as an artist, get your faces on camera and show some SUPPORT for The Councilmen.

Hope to see you there!

Councilmen Management

Revisiting 9/11 Three Authors Share Stories

Revisiting 9/11
Three authors share stories...

By NL Belardes, Bakotopia.com contributor

With 9/11 around the corner again I thought it would be a good time to revisit a related manuscript I’d written a few years ago titled, “Thick White Crust.” It’s a memoir about moving to Bakersfield from Las Vegas on 9/11.

While the story is non-fiction based, it’s one of reality and dreams mixed with the horrors of 9/11 and the Mexican Day of the Dead. Tony O'Neill, author of “Down And Out On Murder Mile” recently said Thick White Crust has “a kind of dust-blown restlessness that manages to turn 9-11 into a backdrop for a much more interesting story."

Dust-blown for sure. It needed editing, more content and a decent dusting off. Sort of like our thoughts of 9/11 themselves.

I think it’s time many people confront their own stories of 9/11 before all the over-played election coverage makes everyone bury such thoughts.

I had started to write the manuscript just after September 11, 2001. It was just too close to tragic events to really do anything with it. I didn’t get the feeling that publishers would be interested in a West Coast 9/11 story. Besides, I was still living the story. It needed a rest.

Since I have revisited the book, I’ve begun serializing it online at LA Times Best-Selling Author Brad Listi’s TheNervousBreakdown.com. It’s been more than a good conversation piece. It’s been a way for people to share stories and talk about their 9/11 experiences.

Author Savannah Guz wrote her own piece titled, “9-11, Inside District Borders.” She worked at the Smithsonian at the time of the crash. She writes about the time just after 9/11:

In the mornings, I would watch the snipers pace the roof of the Justice Building across Constitution Avenue, disappearing behind the giant, wind-rippling flags, and then reappearing again. There were two that walked the periphery of the roof side that faced Natural History. They were dressed in navy blue, carried their rifles against their shoulders.

Writer Meghan Hunt, who attended a military college in Vermont as a civilian during 9/11 came forward with her own story, “I Wonder if Al Qaeda Knows Where Vermont Is…Or If They Even Know It’s a State.” Hunt writes:

I remember saying good-bye and grabbing a sweatshirt and bolting upstairs to find a TV and just as I arrived in that room, as I pushed my way past people to find my friend Nick, I turned and saw the second tower fall.

What I find fascinating is that conversations about 9/11 seem to outweigh those about the election over on TheNervousBreakdown. I think that says something about people having kept silent for so long. Just because people weren’t at 9/11 doesn’t mean their stories aren’t important, valuable, and necessary. Especially today.

Read five installments of "Thick White Crust" and stay tuned for more.

An interview on Thick White Crust will pe posted on L.A.'s GPod on 9/11.

Also printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue 36, 9-4-08

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N.L. BELARDES is a journalist, blogger and videographer. He writes several media blogs, including Noveltown’s Paperback Writer and Nick 2.0 (Formerly on ABC23). His work has appeared on the homepage of CNN.com and other news sites all over America.

"Baby" explores the miracle of life...with singing!

Having recently experienced a variation of the story ourselves, my wife and I jumped at the chance to see Stars latest show. Baby explores the consequences of life's most universal miracle...pregnancy. The musical follows three couples at different stages of their lives as they grapple with the task (successfully or not) of bringing a baby into the world.

The audience follows thre three plot lines as the couples encounter situations that range from comical to downright moving. The comedic style and awkward predicaments reminded me of films such as 9 Months and Father of The Bride Part II (both hilarious, by the way).

The on-stage conflicts are perhaps not quite as ground breaking as they would have been in 1983 (when the show debuted on Broadway) but the incredible musical numbers and biting comedy will certainly be a delight to anyone who has been a parent...or was raised by one.

Thank you, Stars, for all that and the delicious key lime pie as well.

Playing at Stars Theatre Restaurant through August 30th

Call 325-6100 for tickets

Jellies and Mini Skirts - a comeback?

Since my daughter has been born I’ve aged significantly.

I also completely acknowledge the fact that I’ve been somewhat removed and sheltered since I’ve been married. At one time in my life, well actually for most of my life, I was the one that had to have the latest fashion. Had to have hundreds of shoes giving former Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcosa a run for her shoe collection. Being voted Best Dressed and Most Popular were titles I had to live up to. My previous limited experiences prohibited me from seeing what was important in the world, in my life.

Since I am now currently considered unfashionable, I had to go shopping today. I was set to pick up a couple of items I had to get for my upcoming trip. Visiting a local big brand store, I noticed Jelly Shoes aka Jellies littered the shoe department. You know the ones, made of PVC plastic, transparent, no support shoes. In the back of my head I couldn’t help but ask, did Jelly Shoes pave the way for Crocs. That is a whole other discussion in itself. As I have a strong opinion on those plastic rubbery concoctions. Am I too old, or refined to think shoes need to be made of natural material and with some support? Not plastic. Can someone say Bisphenol A and feet absorption? Just a thought for a scientist to consider.

Then to top off my shopping extravaganza, I noticed in the woman's (not juniors department) that Mini Skirts hung on racks so playfully. As if I could get my fat 30 plus year old, dimply butt and legs in shred of that fabric and pull it off. Naturally, for a laugh and self amusement I had to try it on. Just as I figured, unless you’re a teenager, a stripper or if you haven't grown more than 3 pounds since high school you can’t pull of a mini skirt. That eliminates me wearing mini skirts on multiple levels.

When did Jelly Shoes and Mini Skirts come back into style? Did they ever go out of style? Did I miss the fashion boat again? Maybe seeing and wearing Jelly Shoes evoke some deep rooted childhood memory for some. For me and I would venture to say other woman who footed a pair in the 80s, the memory is painful. I can attest to a month long break in period. Accompanied with the reminder of the multiple red blisters covering your feet. Fashion over function!

For non-serious contemplation should I go back to my ol’ ways, declaring fashion over function? If I only saved my broken in Jelly Shoes and my Mini Skirt collection I would be an in style diva! What's next leg warmers and Madonna lace?

Back to being a married unfashionable mom.....

Also printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue 35. 8-21-08

All About Lulu: a novel of American angst

All About Lulu:
a novel of American Angst
NL reviews and interviews author Jonathan Evison - MEET THE AUTHOR ON 8/9 AT RUSSO'S!

By NL Belardes, Bakotopia.com contributor

Novels about broken American families are commonplace.

Mothers leave fathers, fathers leave mothers, and kids grow up with addictions as they come of age. Most people live through such stormy upbringings. Jonathan Evison’s inaugural novel “All About Lulu” is a little different from the common tale. His comedic story about a friendless geek surviving the 1970s in a bodybuilder family of failed dreams offers a refreshing glimpse of urban-American angst.

After all, it’s not everyday a boy falls in love with his stepsister. Or is it?

Evison’s story is spun around a central character, a pencil of a kid whose father aims at body-building stardom. Instead of the character worshiping his Schwarzenegger-like old man, the narrator is hooked on the idea of his stepsister—a girl he never accepts as part of his family.

If readers think they’ll be left feeling uncomfortable at such a scenario, they’ll rather feel the opposite as not only is Evison a masterful storyteller of teen angst and growing up in the 1970s, he’s a magician at making readers feel sympathy for a kid struggling with feelings in a family of misfits.

“I’m not even sure I see the Miller’s as all that messed up,” Evison said in a recent interview with N.L. Belardes. “Seems to me, deep down, they’ve all got their hearts in the right place. I think a lot of Americans are likely to recognize themselves in the Miller family."

Of course there’s comedy in the idea of a weakling not loving his bodybuilder father and in all the antics such a tale can provide. From the dinner table to bodybuilding competitions, and to angst-filled road trips, “All About Lulu” is a story of endless American ideals that is, well, sort of mindlessly American and comedic.

When asked about writing the novel, Evison said outlining was an effective way to achieve his goal, “As for writing Lulu, I pretty much knew what I was trying to achieve as far as a story. It was just a matter of finding the voice. I did a lot of outlining, but found a more effective way to achieve what I was trying to accomplish with the outline, so the outline itself was always sort of a work in progress.”

Book lovers can pick up a copy and meet Jonathan Evison at Russos Books at the Marketplace on Aug. 9, 2008 at 1 p.m.

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N.L. BELARDES is a journalist, blogger and videographer. He writes several media blogs, including Noveltown's Paperback Writer and ABC23's Nick 2.0. His work has appeared on the homepage of CNN.com and other news sites all over America. You can purchase Lords: Part One, which describes the infamous Lords of Bakersfield. They still creep the city long after they and a 1977 Central California dust storm ravaged the area. N.L. welcomes humorous notes and news tips to his MySpace.

Article also printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue 8/7/08

NEW dj mixes from ME

www.alienwarlock.org

Ted Nugent tonight at the Fox

I'm so stocked I won tix to see the MAD MAN himself tonight at the Fox. If anyone is going to the show tonight wants a ride to and from, give me a hollar. I'm allways the D-driver for my band and I don't mind doing it, all I ask for is no fighting and if you make a mess in my van you get to clean it. Richard 319-4774

Rocking out again..

Hiya Bako town...

This is Rock out To Knock Out RSD again. We have a few things going on around town and would love to share them with you. Come on out and support this wonderful cause.

First this weekend Firday, Sat. Sun. and Monday we will be a part of a community awareness event. that is being held at the Big Lots on Olive. We would love to see you out there, we will have shirts, pens, pins, food, candy and drinks. Come on by and say "hi" even, it will be great to see you.

July 1-4 we will be having a firework stand with Standard Jr. High Band. The booth will be on N. Chester and Day. Come help support those with RSD, and the music program at Standard Jr. High.

Aug. 3rd at the Nile Theater, we will be Rocking out with the Second Annual Rock Out To Knock Out RSD Concert. We have some great bands playing, it will be fun had by all. If you would like to be a vendor please let us know as soon as you can. We don't charge for vendor spots, just as for a donation of your stuff you sale.

Please spread the word about RSD, one word can turn into a million..

Peace,

Lorie

AKA Ashley's Mom

Just JEW and Me!

Just JEW and Me!
Interview with Zach Lind of Jimmy Eat World. Appearing live at Rabobank Arena, April 6^th with Paramore!

By Chase Brockett, Bakotopia Staff

Jimmy may have eaten world, but he’s still hungry for more.

Although they may not be directly in the public eye, they are at least sitting in the peripheral, keeping the music honest.

Formed in Mesa, Arizona in 1993, most bands that have been around this long have died out completely, stayed so far below the radar that their teeth are chipping the pavement, or opted to don eyeliner and flat-iron their new screamer’s hair.

Not these guys.

Despite the fact much of the music scene has shifted preference toward themes of ‘death and romance’, the quartet of Jim Adkins - load vocals, Rick Burch - bass, Zach Lind - drums, and Tom Linton – guitar have remained solid with genuine and unapologetically heartfelt music.

Returning to Bakersfield’s Rabobank Arena on April 6^th at 7:30pm for the first time since opening for Blink-182 and Green Day in 2002 - this is at least one tour in recent memory not chosen to use Bakersfield as its kick-off ‘practice show’.

Fans of emo music will no doubt include Jimmy Eat World's Clarity on their list of favorites. Although if Clarity was considered “emo”, 2001’s self titled release saw more flirting with the style than actual lovemaking, hitting old and new fans alike with more aggression and energy.

Fresh off a successful European tour, Bakotopia spent some time with Jimmy Eat World drummer Zach Lind via telephone to discuss drumming, politics, and the upcoming U.S. tour.

Bakotopia: Thanks for taking the time to do this.

Lind: No problem.

B: So how is the tour in Europe going so far?

Lind: It’s going good actually, we just got home last week so we’re home now but it went really well, and its definitely the best tour we’ve have in Europe so far to date, and we just feel lucky that you know, we have fans over there that we can play to.

B: Yeah. I actually hear a lot of bands mention that European crowds give more support than American ones, is that the same for you guys, or do you see a difference there?

Lind: I think that’s probably the case. I think what they do is they kind of give more of a tangible… they have more of like a physical response to your music, you know? They tend to move around a little bit more and show their enthusiasm. I don’t know if the support is any greater, but they definitely express it more implicitly I guess. Intent on having a good time, and really letting loose, whereas in the U.S. the crowds are a little bit more reserved and self-conscious.

B: So, as far as the songwriting process goes, being a drummer, do you find yourself being a critical part of writing the songs, or do the songs come to you after they’ve hammered them out?

Lind: You know, it kind of depends. Everyone in the band is really involved in coming up with the final product. I think that there’s certainly an element where Jim is the primary guy who will bring us ideas and bring us kind of things that he's done but, ultimately it’s a process where everyone's involved and everyone can put in their two cents, not only with instrumentation or, you know, parts, but also arrangement and song length and stuff like that, so I think it’s a pretty collaborative process, but there is certainly a lot of… Jim really brings a lot to the table when it comes to that kind of stuff. With vocal melodies and lyrics and chord progressions and um... there's some times where he brings in a song and it doesn’t change a lot, and it kind of remains in its original state, and then there's songs where it comes to the band and then it changes a ton. And then there are times when the song just starts with a drum beat and then you know we go from there and we try and then we add some more stuff, it just kind of builds that way. So I think there's multiple ways that songs come together. We've always tried to, as a band and everything, you know, whether its song writing or playing live, or what our T-shirt design look like, you know, everyone has a part in it.

B: Is that kind of how, and I know this is an older song, but is that how Lucky Denver Mint started? Did it start with the drum beat?

Lind: You know, I don’t even, I don’t remember.

B: Yeah, I know that was a while ago. Haha.

Lind: Yeah, you know I think it started with a loop - a drum loop - and we just stuck with that. We used it as a loop and then it went to... I think Jim had the basic idea for the song, we added a drum loop and I don’t know… I can’t really remember.

B: Yeah, it was a while ago, so that’s understandable. So, as far as recording your drums, are there any special processes you go through, or is it just typically set up play?

Lind: Typically it’s just set up and play and you put up the mics, and on this last record I would record the drums without the cymbals and then I would go back and record the cymbals later. It's just kind of a trick to get a particular kind of drum sound and I did that a few times. But for the most part it's not too tricky, you just get your drums sounding good, you put up the mics and you play.

B: Do you have any, or rather, who are your all time favorites as far as drumming goes?

Lind: You know, I love guys like, Stan Lynch (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) drummer, I’m a big fan of Glen Kotche who's from... he's a drummer of Wilco, he's really great. You know, obviously guys like Stewart Copeland (The Police) and guys like that are great. There's a lot of drumming legends that you can't go wrong trying to emulate and learn from.

B: So being part of the music industry for over a decade now, have you seen much change in the way things operate and the way things happen? Because there's been a shift from CDs - you’ve got the downloading coming into play - is that having a big effect on everything?

Lind: Yeah, it's having a massive effect on the way people get music and music is distributed. And it's pretty substantial how different the music industry is now from when we started in the mid 90's and it's interesting. I think we’ve, as artists tried to adapt and, you know, kind of figure out ways to where we can continue to be relevant with our audience and our fans. But it's certainly a difficult time. It’s not easy, in some regards, you know, especially in regards to selling records. But I think the good thing is that there's no shortage of music fans out there and people love music and ultimately, if bands are making good records and delivering a good live show, I think that they won't have anything to worry about. It's certainly changing the way that the music business is done and people are hearing music and I think we try to keep tabs with that.

B: Yeah. So you guys have definitely seen the effect of that. Because a lot of people, they get into the downloading thing and it's kind of this faceless thing. They just think it's up for grabs and they don’t realize that musicians are actually affected by it. So you guys have actually seen first hand how this goes down.

Lind: Yeah its funny, you know, quick story, we were in Italy and we were asking our label rep “How many records have we sold in Italy?” and they were like, “Well, we shipped 500 records in Italy,” and that’s like nothing, you know, haha! We were really bummed! But the funny thing was we played that night in a venue that was sold out and it was 700 people...and all these people were singing along to the words. And so, we haven’t even sold 500 records in the whole country of Italy, but then in one city we have over 700 people there singing every word. And it's hard because to go buy our records in Italy it's like 20 Euros which is almost like 35 dollars so you can't really expect people to buy the record when it's so freaking expensive! So we can certainly sympathize with the fans perspective in certain instances and, you know, we tend not to lose too much sleep over it. We're focused on being the best band possible and we feel like if we continue to progress and to, I don’t know, connect with our fans and do things that our fans really appreciate, than I think that we’ll be ok.

B: Awesome! So you guys are going to be in Irvine coming up in April right before you hit Bakersfield, and you guys are doing the Bamboozle Left Fest?

Lind: Yeah.

B: How are the big shows for you guys - the festival types?

Lind: Festivals are great! I think there's obviously a benefit and a downside to festivals, and also small club gigs, and I think with festivals we try to focus on sort of the mass of people rather than, you know, the more intimate crowd and we typically play a more rockin' set in the festival atmosphere. But yeah, it’s a great experience and we definitely enjoy the festival vibe and we’re looking forward to that.

B: Well, just shifting gears a little bit; we’ve got the election coming up, this historical thing going on. Do you have a preference, do you guys follow that much?

Lind: Yes, I follow it very closely! I’m a political junkie I guess. I'm rooting for Obama, I think he's by far the best candidate in the field from both parties and I’m certainly hoping he can hold on to his lead here.

B: He seems to be getting the support from a lot of musicians and a lot of, obviously the youth vote.

Lind: Yeah definitely, and I think that’s important and I think that’s something that... I think, with kids and the younger types, I feel like they really are thirsty for a different kind of language and a different kind of approach to politics in general. And I think that Obama has done a good job communicating that that’s what he is for and that’s what he wants to work toward. And it will certainly be interesting if he does end up winning. It will be interesting to see how successful he is in changing the political discourse and I think everyone wants to, or at least his supporters are hoping that, it's better to try than to just give in and say “things are just the way they are” and to be realistic about things and I think that people are wanting to take that risk and work toward a different kind of political discourse in general.

B: Definitely! So have you guys been a part of any sort of Rock the Vote-esque effort, any sort of political movement?

Lind: The only time we actually got directly involved in a campaign, we supported a state representative here in the Phoenix area, he's a guy named Harry Mitchell. He's a representative from the Tempe area, and he was running up against a guy name JD Hayworth, who was a real conservative kind of, you know, just a very brash - I would call him like a Rush Limbaugh conservative. And Harry ended up winning, and that was the first time we actually played a show where... it was a fundraiser for him and he ended up winning, and last time we played in DC he invited us to his office and we went to the floor of the House of Representatives and watched them vote on stuff. So it was pretty cool. It's cool being involved in a campaign and actually be able to hang out and catch what's going on in DC.

B: You guys have any plans to do anything like that for Obama?

Lind: Um... you know, I’m not sure. We haven’t talked about it specifically. I’m not completely... I would certainly be for it and I think it's just a matter of if everyone in the band is comfortable with it. Because we’re essentially a democracy. But I think it would be fun and I think that it will be a really important election and I hope that we get a chance to help out in some way.

B: So back to the music industry itself: A lot of people criticize the industry for being oversaturated and stale and because of that you have a lot of bands that are just trying to overhaul their image. But you guys have seemed pretty consistent in the way you present yourself, you're not reaching out into areas that don’t fit you, is that something intentional or does it just come naturally?

Lind: I think it's both. I think it comes naturally and it’s also intentional. We’re not interested in stylizing our music. I think we play music and we look like normal dudes and we don’t need to wear eyeliner, we don’t need mullets. I think a part of that is just kind of where were from, you know, Arizona is not a flashy place. We just look how we look. Half the time we do photo shoots they pick clothes for us and they bring them there, and we just usually end up wearing what we wore to the photo shoot. And for better or worse, obviously, there’s nothing wrong with some of the greatest bands of all time who have employed a certain style to enhance what they do - guys like David Bowie and Kiss, and stuff like that. But I think that there’s nothing wrong with that, it’s just not part of our personality and we’re just focused on the task at hand and not so much worried about trying to have a look that’s going to piss parents off.

B: So I think the last time you guys came through Bakersfield was with the Pop disaster tour is that right?

Lind: Yeah that might be true actually.

B: Because I remember seeing you guys with Green Day and blink 182 back in 2001 or 2002 - early in my high school career. So you guys are coming back this time headlining with Paramore. Have you guys done arena tours as headliners before?

Lind: No. We did a co-headlining tour with Taking Back Sunday that was in some arenas but we haven’t necessarily done a lot of arena stuff headlining. But we’ve done a ton of it opening up for bands like Green Day and the Foo Fighters, the Pop Disaster tour, like you talked about, so we feel pretty comfortable with the set up. I think we’ve done it a lot and I think we’ll be pretty much at home doing it just because we have a lot of experience opening up.

B: What can people expect this time around?

Lind: This time around you can expect a lot of old and new songs. We’ll definitely play a lot of songs from the new record but we’ll definitely play a lot of old old songs, that any old school fans would love to hear. So I think, we try to make a good mix and we’re looking forward to it I think its going to be an exciting show.

B: I know a lot of people are going to be wondering, are you guys going to be getting into Clarity at all?

Lind: Yeah, no we’ll play a few clarity songs, some Bleed American songs, some Futures songs, and maybe some rarities here and there but yeah, we definitely work in the clarity stuff.

B: Awesome. Well I appreciate you doing this for me

Lind: No problem man, thank you, thanks for writing us up

On the web: www.jimmyeatworld.com

Jimmy Eat World with Paramore, and Dear and The Headlights LIVE!
-Sunday, April 6^th-Rabobank Arena
-7:30pm
-Tickets: $30
-www.ticketmaster.com

Story originally printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue 25, 4-3-08

...Why We Drink It Here (memorium)

Unshaven sullen soldiers,
Razor burn legs in short skirts and sunglasses,
Denim vests and steel toed boots,
Bandanas and black ties,
Neon green mohawk (slicked back today) kneeling amongst the suits,
Mother Mary's crown over porkpies and chains,
All sharing tears of unyielding love and savage brotherhood.

All these blue jeans and broken dreams and souls that rarely see the light
braved the shining sun to wish you goodnight.
So we toast our spirits high enough to be with yours in heaven,
and make just enough noise to make sure God hears you coming.

Epitome of Sound: Coachella bound

Epitome of Sound: Coachella bound
Choice bands performing at this year’s Coachella Music Festival, April 25-27, 2008!

By DJ Moustache, Bakotopia.com contributor

The Teenagers
“Reality Check”
Beggars XL Recording 2008

You know when bands have started to run short on good names when they call themselves The Teenagers, especially since these three French guys are in their 20s.

Maybe it’s the lack of good names or maybe these guys are still holding onto their teenage thoughts and teenage memories. I know a lot of us wish we were still teenagers. I do. I would think they titled this album “Reality Check” because they know that those glorious years are over and the years to come mean responsibility, which usually sucks.

Musically, The Teenagers center themselves around a strong pop hook provided by both guitars and vocals. At times, the vocals are in talking form, but the ultra-poppy synths keep things from getting boring. I hear people calling them the new French pop, but being indie pop and French doesn’t qualify them as a French pop outfit.

They’ll be playing the second day of Coachella and I think they’re definitely worth checking out!

Cut Copy
“In Ghost Colours”
Modular Interscope 2008

Mixing sounds of the past with sounds of the future, Cut Copy are bringing us a classic but fresh form of dance music, not unlike New Order. Cut copy are doing what ‘80s new wave did by melding the best parts of disco, punk, and the many possibilities of the keyboard. I can’t help but go back to the New Order reference. It sounds so much like the “Technique” period of New Order’s career. If someone told me this was a new New Order album I’d believe it! Cut Copy will surely get the crowd of thousands grooving on the first day of Coachella!

Here is a list of bands I personally suggest you see if you’re attending this year’s festival. Although I don’t recognize a lot of the bands/artists that are performing this year, I do know none of the artists listed should be missed: Portishead (duh), Roger Waters, Kate Nash, The Verve, Redd Kross, Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks, Cut Copy, The Teenagers, Café Tacuba, Chromeo, Metric, My Morning Jacket, Hot Chip, Shout Out Louds, Spiritualized, The Breeders, Electric Touch, Vampire Weekend, Battles, Erol Alkan, The Bees, Kraftwerk, Santogold, Black Mountain, and of course.....PRINCE!

Article also printed in Bakotopia Magazine, issue 26, 4-17-08

Theater Preview: ‘The Bourgeois Gentleman’ at TES

Theater Preview:
‘The Bourgeois Gentleman’ at TES
Be prepared to laugh, laugh, and laugh even more, warns local actor - running through May 2, 2008!

By Julie Jordan Scott, Bakotopia.com contributor

Sometimes I wish I had just kept my big mouth shut.

I admit it, we “theatre people” are known for being wildly dramatic but if you had asked me a few months ago I would have said the same thing. I thought I was pretty darn good at not laughing on stage no matter what…

“I have never broken on stage - that is so ‘unprofessional,’” I say. (“Breaking” on stage referring to falling out of character and laughing in response to something that takes place in a scene.)

Then along came rehearsals for “The Bourgeois Gentleman.”

Nearly every rehearsal I was laughing, laughing and then laughing some more. I kept remembering my indignant “I never break on stage” proclamation and prayed that once I got used to both the script and the choices my fellow actors were making, my natural laughter would begin to slow down.

Molière’s “The Bourgeois Gentleman” is a seventeenth-century farce about a self-made man who tries to buy his way into society.

This light-hearted play tells the story of the wealthy Monsieur Jourdain, who spends extravagantly in an attempt to appear cultured and genteel. He can afford the finest clothing, the most precious jewels, and the most cleverly intelligent tutors Paris has to offer.

Unfortunately, he is preposterously out of touch with reality.

As Jourdain hires various instructors to train him in the arts (succeeding only in making himself appear foolish to everybody but himself), his long-suffering wife tries vainly to beat some sense into him - and protect her family from the greedy Count Dorante - while finding her daughter Lucile a good, middle-class husband.

The Bourgeois Gentleman was a social satire in its time, exploring the themes of class and wealth, but modern audiences can sit back, appreciate the satire, and take in the wacky hilarity of it all!

“The Bourgeois Gentleman”
-Directed by Ron Warren and Ryan Watts
-Performance dates: April 18, 25, 26 and May 2 and 3 at 8 p.m. with -Sunday matinees on April 20 and 27 at 2 p.m.
-Admission is FREE with a suggested donation of $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. The Empty Space is located at 706 Oak Street in the Pizzaville shopping center. Seating can only be guaranteed by making a reservation. To make a reservation or for more information, visit: www.esonline.org or call The Empty Space at 327-PLAY (327-7529).

Article also printed in Bakotopia Magazine, issue 26, 4/17/08