Psycho Depot Issue 394 Oct 20, 2004 Current # of subscribers: 190 (daily and digest) Subjects in this issue: blankets sound off! Cincinnati Post mention Sound Off/Pike 27 Sound Off City Beat article City Beat/Rob Fetters ++ psychodots ++ Date: Wednesday, October 13, 2004 5:32 AM From: George Cunningham Subject: blankets sound off! Dearest Graveblankets Friends, Rivals, Etc: Say what you will about our current Head of State; George W. Bush's Presidency has managed to serve as the catalyst for a very special Cincinnati music event. Sound Off for Kerry at the Southgate House Thursday, October 21 will feature more than twenty acts including Over the Rhine, Psychodots, Ass Ponys, Lens Lounge, Kim Taylor, Pike 27, and yes, us Graveblankets, coming together for one groovy night in the steadfast conviction that the fine people of Crawford, Texas need and deserve their Most Prominent Citizen back. Doors will open at 7pm. Psychodots will play in the Ballroom at 9pm. The Graveblankets play in the Parlour from 10:30 to 11pm, followed by 'Blankets George and Tommy with Pike 27. And, don't forget the Faux Frenchmen every Monday night at Tink's in Clifton, 6:30pm. Lots of new songs, swinging like nuts. Soon to come: www.fauxfrenchmen.com! Okay, Stumpingham ++ psychodots ++ Date: Thu, 14 Oct 2004 15:01:26 -0400 From: Mary Bosken Subject: Cincinnati Post mention Cincinnati Post Thursday, October 14, 2004 http://www.cincypost.com/2004/10/14/bird101404.html "And the beat goes on -- to get out the vote" by Rick Bird Things get much more partisan next Thursday [Oct. 21] with the "Sound Off for Kerry" concert at 8 p.m. at the Southgate House, Newport. Regardless of politics, this is one of the best lineups of local music legends in memory with such groups as Over the Rhine, psychodots and the Ass Ponys each playing half-hour sets. More than 20 rock, R&B and roots acts will perform on three stages, including the Kim Taylor Band, Freekbass, Venus Mission, Katy Laur, Annette Shepherd and Len's Lounge ($5 minimum, $10 suggested). Money raised will go to get-out-the-vote efforts on behalf of John Kerry. ++ psychodots ++ Date: Sun, 17 Oct 2004 20:37:37 -0400 From: Mary Bosken Subject: Sound Off/Pike 27 Below is an email update from Dave Purcell/Pike 27 (Purcell/Rhiney/Huesman/Cunningham/Messerly): _______________________ Thursday, October 21 Southgate House Please join us this Thursday at the venerable, historic, haunted Southgate House for Sound Off For Kerry. Our friend, vocalist Laura Chenault, has put together one of the best lineups we've ever seen and we're excited to be a part of it. It's great to see the music community turn out for what is obviously a very important cause. Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 8pm, we're on in the second floor parlour from 11:15-11:45, between The Graveblankets (with George & Tommy) and Abiyah. Suggested donation is $10 with a $5 minimum. Mike Breen interviewed me for an article on the show, so pick up this week's CityBeat on Wednesday for my usual mix of confusion, delirium, and apoplexy. Thanks again to everyone who came out for our Midpoint set. It was an amazing night. You couldn't have fit another body in the bar and we very much appreciated the love, alcohol, and ribbed condoms you sent our way. Ballroom 8:00-8:40 Over The Rhine 9:00-9:40 Psychodots 9:55-10:25 KimTaylor Band 10:40-11:10 Medic 11:25-11:55 The Kentucky Struts 12:10-12:40 The Assponys 12:55-1:10 The Four Track Allstars w/ Freekbass Parlour 8:15-8:45 Mojeno Daro 9:00-9:30 The Hiders 9:45-10:15 Wussy 10:30-11:00 The Graveblankets 11:15-11:45 Pike 27 12:00-12:30 Abiyah 12:45-1:15 Ruby Vilios Lounge 8:05-8:35 The Kenton County Regulators 8:50-9:20 Katie Laur/Ma Crow/ and Larry Nager 9:35-10:05 Venus Mission 10:20-10:50 Dave Hawkins 11:05-11:35 Annette Shepherd Band 11:50-12:20 The Haywards 12:35:1:05 Lens Lounge Be sure to vote on Nov. 2. Cheers, Dave, Sean, Tommy, George, & Mark -- dave purcell http://www.pike27.net/ Radio Free Newport: http://www.pike27.net/rfn/ ++ psychodots ++ Date: Wed, 20 Oct 2004 07:32:07 -0400 From: Mary Bosken Subject: Sound Off City Beat article City Beat October 20. 2004 http://www.citybeat.com/current/music.shtml Several local big name musicians sound off in support of John Kerry for president By Mike Breen In less than two weeks, voters in America will decide the direction this country will take for the next four years and beyond. Constituents are seemingly more passionate about supporting their choice for president this year than in any election in recent memory, and artists are no exception. When a musician asks, "What can I do to help?" the logical answer is often to participate in the process by doing what they do best, performing. The amount of voting-related benefits and awareness-raising concerts this election season has been staggering. If you're a supporter of the current commander-in-chief, your entertainment-benefit options are scarce. Given the more liberal makeup of artists, John Kerry has been the beneficiary of many more events. Along with non-partisan "get out the vote" events, concerts featuring a wide range of musical styles in support of the Democratic challenger have seemingly taken place every week since the race heated up. On Thursday, the "Sound Off For Kerry" concert at the Southgate House will feature the strongest local lineup of politically-motivated artists yet. Acts like Over The Rhine, psychodots, The Ass Ponys, Pike 27, Len's Lounge, wussy, The Graveblankets, 4 Track All-Stars (with special guest Freekbass), Ruby Vileos, The Kim Taylor Band, Abiyah, Mohenjo Daro and several others will show their support for Kerry and dissatisfaction with the current administration at the 8 p.m. concert, which is raising funds for the group Republicans For Kerry. Laura Chenault is the mastermind behind the project, which she says was designed to promote Kerry and get people active in an important part of the country that, if you believe polls, is up for grabs on Nov. 2. Chenault, a freelance producer working in commercial and video production (and also a "huge local music fan" who has sung with local bands like The Graveblankets and others), says she developed the idea in August after talking about politics with her musician friends. "We all felt strongly that Bush needed to be re-defeated but discovered that we all really liked John Kerry," she says of her inspiration. "I don't think this is choosing between the lesser of two evils. I learned there are a lot of us out there who feel the same way. They couldn't be more different when it comes to privacy rights, environment, civil rights, science, abortion rights, separation of church and state -- you name it. There was a lot of anger and anti-Bush stuff going on at the time. I made a decision to take my anger and channel it (into) actually doing something more positive." Chenault first made a "wish list" of artists she'd like to have involved and, as word spread, she says bands began approaching her to donate their time. She even had the Kerry campaign recommending musicians who were volunteering in the senator's campaign. "The response was overwhelming," she says, bemoaning the fact that she couldn't accommodate every artist eager to perform. Karin Bergquist, singer for major-label locals Over The Rhine, is one of the artists who approached the Kerry campaign to offer her and partner Linford Detweiler's services. Bergquist and Detweiler are passionate about their support for Kerry and the need for regime change. They offer a laundry list of reasons they support Kerry, but they say they do respect differing opinions. "We know good people, and even people that we love, who will vote for President Bush this November," Detweiler says. "We try to learn from them, and listen to their convictions and not just surround ourselves with people who tend to agree with us." "Domestically, we don't feel George Bush's team is taking us in the right direction," adds Bergquist. "The current deficit is troubling. The cost of our health insurance is troubling. Many of our friends don't have health coverage because they can't afford it. Simultaneously declaring war and haphazardly cutting taxes seems wrong." When asked if they are concerned about Bush-supporting fans turning their backs on the band, Detweiler and Bergquist agree that their close relationship with their fan base has allowed for open discussion about politics, religion and art without hasty, haughty reactions over disagreements. "We've tried pretty hard over the years to respect the intelligence of our fans, engage them in conversation, grow together," says Detweiler. "We have a very diverse audience, and we think most people who connect with our music appreciate that diversity." Dave Purcell of Pike 27 says that he feels fans of his band shouldn't be surprised by their participation, given the themes he addresses in his songs and onstage. Despite the hostile climate this election has facilitated, with reports of political yard signs being stolen and drivers being harassed for sporting bumper stickers on their cars, Purcell has yet to receive any negative feedback about his participation in Thursday's show. But he has received such responses in the past, particularly when he sent an e-mail out about another Kerry fund-raiser Pike played this summer. "I included a frighteningly moronic quote from Bush on 'tribal sovereignty' and said I preferred to have a more intelligent president than this," Purcell says. "I worded it politely but still got flak from a few folks, including a couple musician pals, one of whom said he was sorry I'd been brainwashed by the liberal media. OK then." There is a contingency of music fans who believe musicians and other entertainers shouldn't be involved in political issues -- the old "shut up and play" adage. Obviously, the "Sound Off For Kerry" participants strongly disagree. "They don't have to listen," says Purcell. "I've been told over the years that I've lost potential gigs because of my politics -- especially with my criticism of Clear Channel -- and I'm fine with that. The key is to find a balance. I think you can be earnest and political but not alienate people or lecture to them in the process. Many of my heroes -- Springsteen, U2, REM, Billy Bragg, Ted Leo -- strike a great balance between expressing their social and political concerns and having fun." "I think our culture affords celebrities and musicians a platform," says Bergquist. "The media scrutinizes the private lives of artists and people in the public eye. I think most artists feel like if they're given a platform, they might as well try to use it for something besides just furthering their own careers. Maybe we're damned if we do and damned if we don't. But I feel we're negligent if we don't engage in the debate. If we don't engage when it matters, we risk just being entertainment." Chenault echoes the artists' sentiments, saying that the biggest lesson learned in organizing the concert has been the realization that motivated people can unite and change society, a wholeheartedly patriotic notion if there ever was one. "I have always voted. I think it's a privilege that we take for granted," Chenault says. "With that said, I have not been an active participant in politics or in helping create changes locally. It has been too easy to let -- or hope -- someone does it for me. This administration changed that for me -- Bush, thanks for the kick in the pants -- and a whole lot of other people. I feel like this community of people -- who are playing in, volunteering for, supporting this event and the Kerry campaign -- has discovered that we can make a difference, and it feels good to be involved. Apathy is our worst enemy." ++ psychodots ++ Date: Wed, 20 Oct 2004 13:20:23 -0400 From: Mary Bosken Subject: City Beat/Rob Fetters City Beat October 20, 2004 http://www.citybeat.com/current/wherearetheynow.shtml Where Are They Now? Rob Fetters By Allyson Jacob Then: In 1997, CityBeat launched the Cincinnati Entertainment Awards, a local version of the Tony and Grammy awards rolled into one. The first performers to be inducted into the CEA Hall of Fame were The Bears, the Cincinnati band that hit it big in the 1980s. Comprised of Adrian Belew, Rob Fetters, Bob Nyswonger and Chris Arduser, the group went on a three-year tour, and then Belew left to pursue a solo career. Rob, Bob and Chris reformed as the psychodots, while Bob and Chris played in numerous other side projects. Around the time of the first CEAs they'd reunited with Belew to begin work on a new Bears CD. (Issue of Nov. 20, 1997) Now: By day, Rob Fetters is a commercial music composer, writing television spots for ABC and commercial music for the Cincinnati Museum Center and Newport Aquarium. But by night, this Bear still comes out to play. Fetters has made Cincinnati his home. "My life is great," he says from the confines of the studio. "I have four kids. I'm in love with my wife. I ran the Boston Marathon this year. I'm a lucky person. I get to play guitar for a living." When he's not composing, Fetters is playing and producing music. "This year I produced and played on an Afro-Pop CD for Baoku Moses," he explains. "It's very cool and very alternative." As for The Bears and psychodots, both groups have projects in the works. The psychodots play annually at the Southgate House around Thanksgiving time (this year's show is Nov. 26), and they're planning to play the Sound Off for Kerry benefit concert for John Kerry Thursday. "The 'dots haven't done the political thing before," Fetters says. The Bears are also have their paws full, so to speak. The group released a live concert DVD this spring "to gossamer coverage," Fetters states, commenting on the lack of publicity it received. "Not many groups release DVDs. At least not yet." The band is back in the studio, recording a new CD. "We're about 90 percent done," he says. "No idea when it'll be released. Maybe spring of 2005?" Ultimately, Fetters is happy. Both of his bands are active, and he's doing what he loves. "I'm not rich and famous," he says. "I'd like to be rich. But not famous. That's a burden." He catches himself. "But I'm not broke! All bills are paid." ++ psychodots ++ End of Psycho Depot 394 Oct 20, 2004 Comments, suggestions, postings, and administrative or the switch between digest and daily versions of the Depot (or be on both!): Mike Brown depot @ psychodots.com To order psychodot merchandise: contact Stan Hertzman of Umbrella Artists and Strugglebaby Records shertzman@cinci.rr.com 513 871-1500 Voice 513 871-1510 Fax and Hal Bernard Enterprises, Inc., 2612 Erie Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208 For back issues (2 ways): Email: Tony Nowikowski tony@nowikowski.com or Web Site: http://home.insightbb.com/~p-dots/ Check out the psychodot Home Page at: http://www.psychodots.com Check out the graveblankets Home Page at: http://graveblankets.com Check out the Bears Home Page at: http://www.thebearsmusic.com Check out the Ricky Nye Home Page at: http://www.rickynye.com