Bryan's List of Musical Happenings 5/27/13

Monday, May 27

Sutherland, Ankum and Thompson at Greenwood 7:00
Saint Anyway w/ Luke Fox at Gas Lamp 9:00

Tuesday, May 28

Rob Lumbard at El Bait 8:00
Dan Jones and Friends at Greenwood 8:00

Wednesday, May 29

The High Roller Express at Hull Avenue Tavern ($1 Beers too!)
Paige Harpin at Fire Creek, WDM 6:30
Bob Pace and the Dangerous Band at Zimm's 7:00
Chad Elliott at Raccoon River Brewery 7:00
The High Crest at Greenwood 8:00
David Zollo at El Bait 8:00
John Fulbright w/ Ruston Kelly at Vaudeville Mews 8:00
Scott Cochran, Jon Rowat, Jay Alcorn, Jon Hahn at Longest Yard, WDM 8:00
World Music Wednesdays at Star Bar 9:00
Adam Ezra Group at Gas Lamp 9:00

Thursday, May 30

Abby Normal at Music in the Junction, WDM 5:30
Decoy at Jasper Winery 6:00
Tim Stop at Coda Lounge, Savery Hotel 6:00
Don't Take the Baby at Confluence Brewing Co. 7:00
Heatbox CD Release Tour w/ Steve Pellow Trio at Wooly's 7:00
Songwriter Night: Steve Clark, Jesse Stewart, Anna Marie, Jordan Sellergren at House of Bricks 8:00
Lavonne Roberts w/ Patresa Hartman at Underground 9:00
Open Jam w/ Fat Tuesday and the Greasefire Keys at Gas Lamp 9:00
The Soul Searchers at Greenwood 9:00

Pony Bucket w/ Good Co. Family Band at the Underground on Friday

Friday, May 31

Tunes on the Terrace: The High Crest at Cafe Barratas State Historical Museum 11:30 AM
Work Release Party w/ Bob Pace and the Dangerous Band at Gas Lamp 4:30
Urbandale's Friday Fest: Final Mix Show Band at Walker Johnston Complex, Urbandale 5:00
Christopher the Conquered w/ H.D. Harmsen, Lesbian Poetry, Person Whale at Vaudeville Mews 5:00
King of the Tramps w/ The Young Funk at Stone Pier, Black Hawk Lake 6:00
Wheelhouse at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid 6:30
Dustin Blank w/ Emily Warren at Grapevine, Clive 7:00
David Zollo at Fire Creek, WDM 7:00
1st Annual Crittyfest in memory of Chris Nyberg with Chach at Wooly's 7:00
JJ Express at the 1st Avenue Speakeasy, Newton 8:00
Brother Trucker at Mullets (out back) 8:30
Fat Tuesday and the Greasefire Keys at Greenwood 9:00
Swingin' Udders and Goddamn Gallows at Gas Lamp 9:00
Good Company Family Band, Pony Bucket at Underground 9:00

Saturday, June 1

Ankeny Unplugged: The Giving Tree Band w/ Andy Fleming, Har-di-Har, The High Crest at Wagner Park, Ankeny 4:00
Cirrus Minor CD Release (early show) w/ Superchief, Come Unity at Wooly's 5:00
Bill Matykowski at Smokey Row Coffeehouse 7:00
Eric Kennedy and Stone Mills at Mars Cafe 7:30
Des Monks at Raccoon River Brewery 9:00
Studebaker John at Gas Lamp 9:00
Rudy York at Star Bar 9:00
The High Crest at Greenwood 9:00
Cirrus Minor CD Release (late show) w/ Descent of Man, Lesson 7 at Wooly's 9:00
Night Beds with Jenny O. at Vaudeville Mews 9:00

Sunday, June 2

Old School Band at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid 2:00
Sons of Gladys Kravitz at Summerset Winery, Indianola 3:00
Mighty Short Bus at Byron's, Pomeroy 5:00
Surf Zombies at Gas Lamp 8:00
Soap at El Bait 8:00
Murder by Death, Diamonds for Eyes, Derek Lambert & the Prairie Fires at Wooly's 8:00
World Music Sundays at Star Bar 9:00 

Drasbury to Play Reunion Show at Wooly's July 27

Jeff Banks announced today that Drasbury will be playing a reunion show at Wooly's on July 27. This will be the first time the band has played in public since 2009 when they reformed for a night in July at the House of Bricks. 

In the late '80s and the early '90s, it was pretty hard to find another band that encompassed the energy that Drasbury did. Their live shows were legendary, and were prone to sell out on any night of the week. Keep in mind, this was before the internet; shows were promoted by word of mouth, posting bills on telephone poles or through the Des Moines Register's Datebook section.

(L-R) Banks, Christie (front), Lehl, Donovan, and Jansen circa 1991

"With due respect to Slipknot, Drasbury is in my opinion the greatest band to come out of Des Moines," said Ned Rood, who for many years worked at Peeple's Records. "Slipknot is a tremendous band, but Drasbury had that little something that nobody else had." 

Now, years later, one can only assume that each band member is that much better at playing his respective instruments. As veteran musicians, it will be interesting to see if their styles have evolved over time. 

Drasbury is Shannon Christy (vox), Heath Jansen (drums), Mark Donovon (bass), Benjamin Lehl (guitar), and Jeff Banks (lead). Ticket information will be forthcoming. The James Biehn Band will kick off the party.

The Twisted Strange Tale of the Van Meter Visitor

It might be safe to say that the residents of Van Meter, Iowa were not prepared for the strange events that occurred in their town in late September, 1903. But then again, it's not every day that a giant bat-like creature emerges upon a town and terrorizes it's citizens.

That's exactly what reportedly happened in Van Meter shortly after the turn of the 20th Century. What makes this story so fascinating, and perhaps even more believable is the fact that the events took place downtown, right in the heart of the city in it's business district. Among the people who witnessed this strange creature were prominent members of the community; the town's  doctor, a banker (who shot at the creature through the bank window), and a couple of businessmen, one being the owner of a local hardware store. This wasn't a story that was concocted by a group of over imaginative kids from the outskirts of town... Based off the events and the people involved, it's clear that something extremely odd happened in Van Meter over a 5 night period in 1903.

But, what?

Meet authors Chad Lewis, Noah Voss and Kevin Lee Nelson. Having heard about the Van Meter "monster" while doing research on a different project, these three men became fascinated with the story. Through extensive research and from visiting with residents of Van Meter they were able to dig up enough information to write a book about the strange occurrences that happened in 1903.

The Van Meter Visitor was released on May 1st.
(This and all photos from the Van Meter Visitor Website)

The book, The Van Meter Visitor (A True & Mysterious Encounter with the Unknown), was released for publication on May 1st. It instantly received wide acclaim and has been discussed on paranormal radio shows throughout the globe. Most notably perhaps, it was talked about on Coast to Coast AM, the largest radio show of it's type in the world. It was from that conversation that I first heard about the incidents in Van Meter. Because the events happened so close to home, it was enough to jar me out of bed to do some late-night research of my own. That led me to the Van Meter Visitor Facebook page, which put me in contact with Kevin Lee Nelson. I fired some questions off to him, and he responded back right away. His answers were extremely detailed and informative, and he made it clear that he was willing to answer as many questions as I had. As a writer and a fan of the paranormal, it was a best case scenario. I am tremendously grateful  to Kevin for his friendly involvement and for taking the time to respond to me. 

The following is a transcript of our online conversation.

_________________________________________________________

How did you first hear about the Van Meter Visitor?

My co-author, Chad Lewis, came across a brief 1903 newspaper article about the incident while doing work for his book, The Iowa Road Guide to Haunted Locations.  It didn't really fit the haunted theme of his book at the time, so he filed it away to revisit later.  A few years later, while on a research-gathering road trip to Iowa, Chad pulled out the story and thought it might be a good idea to visit Van Meter to see what else we could dig up regarding the incident.  At first we didn't expect to find much, as the case was over 100 years old.  However, by the end of the trip we were amazed by how much information we had gathered.  Before long, we realized we had enough to write a book on the incident. 

In as much detail as you can muster, what happened on that fateful night in 1903?

The Van Meter incident actually happened over a series of 5 nights, from early morning Tuesday Sept 29th – October 3rd 1903.  On the first night, at about 1 am., respected businessman U.G. Griffith noticed what he thought was a spot light moving around on the rooftop of one of the downtown buildings.  At first he thought it might be a burglar, but when he approached it jumped to another rooftop across the street and disappeared.

The next night (again around 1 am.) Dr. Alcott, the town doctor, was sleeping in a room at his office when he was awoken by a bright light shining into his face through the window.  He rushed outside with gun in hand only to discover the source of the light was a tall humanoid with bat-like wings.  The blinding light came from a blunt horn in the creature’s forehead.  He fired five shots at the creature at close range.  After seeing the shots has no noticeable effect he fled.

The bank where Clarence (Peter) Dunn encountered the creature

The next night local banker, Clarence (Peter) Dunn, had an encounter with the Visitor.  After hearing about the previous night’s encounters, Mr. Dunn felt he should watch over the bank. Fearing burglars, he brought along his shotgun for the night’s watch. Around 1 am he heard a “strangling noise” outside.  Before he could investigate he was hit full in the face with a blinding beam that shone through the font window.  The light suddenly switched off and then back on again as if scanning the room, finally swinging back at him.  He could make out “some kind of great form” behind the light.  Dunn fired his shotgun at the mysterious being, right through the bank’s front window.  Then it vanished.  In the morning he noticed sets of large three-toed foot prints outside the bank and claimed to have made plaster casts of them.

By the following day the previous nights events had circulated around the town. Later that night local hardware store owner O.V. White had an encounter with the Visitor.  He was jolted awake by a metallic rasping sound outside his 2nd floor room above his hardware store on Main St.  He grabbed his gun and moved toward the window.  Outside he saw the Visitor perched close by on the crossbeam of a telephone pole.  White, a known marksman, took deliberate aim and fired at the creature.  It had no effect, and only seemed to awaken the Visitor.  The creature emitted a stupefying odor that overpowered White, knocking him unconscious. 

The shots awoke White’s neighbor Sidney Gregg, who raced outside to see what the commotion was about.  He watched in disbelief as the “monster” descended the telephone pole after the manner of a parrot, using its huge beak.  Upon reaching the ground it stood erect, and by Mr. Gregg’s estimates it was “at least eight feet high.”  Whatever it was, the light from its forehead was as “bright…as an electric headlight.” The light again darted about just as it had the nights before in a “searching” motion.  The creature paused only for a moment before taking off towards the old coal mine. 

The following night strange sounds were heard coming from the abandoned coal mine at the edge of town described by a local as “though Satan and a regiment of imps were coming forth for a battle.”  The Visitor, accompanied by a second creature, were spotted emerging from the mine and taking off into the night.  A large crowd of armed men gathered at the mine to ambush the creatures when they returned.  They were reported as having enough firepower to “have sunk the Spanish fleet”.  Shortly before dawn the creatures returned.  The crowd opened fire on the creatures.  To their bewilderment, the creatures were totally immune to their assault and only gave off the terrible odor as a response before they crawled back down into the mine.  The next day it was reported that “a force of men has been set to work to barricade the mouth of the mine” sealing the creatures inside.  The creatures were never seen again.

What about the mine? Is there currently any trace of it left in town?

The mine was an enormous operation.  It was was 257 ft deep and big enough to have stables underground for mules.  Sadly there is almost no visible trace of the mine today.  We stood at the site of the mine’s opening.  All that remains is a bowl shaped depression in the ground.  Who knows what remains underground.  It’s been sealed for over a century.  There are a few crumbling remains of the Brick and Tile factory next to the mine.   We include a few photos of these buildings in the book.  It’s a very haunting location and has more than its own share of ghost tales.

Van Meter, Iowa as it looked in 1903

What evidence, if any still exists in Van Meter?

Some of the locations and buildings still exist, like the remains of the Brick and Tile factory next to the old mine.  According to the original reports, a plaster case was made of the Visitor's footprint, described as being large and three-toed.  Unfortunately, it is unknown whether or not the plaster cast survived.  We're hoping that it has been stashed in someone's attic somewhere and that eventually someone will come forward with it.

Talking about it on Coast to Coast AM, John B. Wells sort of eluded to the fact that the creature might have been a UFO... More of a machine than an animal. He based this theory on the fact that while several people took shots at it, the "creature" seemed unaffected by the bullets. What do YOU think this "creature" was?

Artist's rendition

That's the big question: what was the Van Meter Visitor?  In the book we explore a wide variety of theories, from the mundane hoax, to mass hysteria, to more exotic ones, like a possible ultraterrestrial.  The odd part about the Van Meter Visitor is that it exhibited a number of bizarre and unearthly traits: a horn that projected a bright light beam, metallic sounds, and immunity to gunfire.  I can't speak for my co-authors, but I tend to put it in the ultraterrestrial category much like Mothman due to its seemingly paraphyscial nature.  In fact, the features of the Van Meter case are so similar to events of the Mothman case that one could consider it a proto-Mothman event, as it happened 60 years before the events in Point Pleasant.  The overpowering sulfur-like odor is also a a common trait associated with alleged ultraterrestrials, like Florida’s Skunk-ape, which got its name from its terrible smell.

Like John Keel and Jacques Vallee, one of our working theories is that many paranormal events and encounters may all fall under the umbrella of ultraterrestrial phenomena (a.k.a. hyperterrestrials, metaterrestrials, etc.), as it appears to be potential “unified theory” of paranormal phenomena.

Have you come across similar stories from elsewhere that reflect the events in Iowa in 1903?

While researching this case we immediately noticed that the Visitor’s description was similar in many ways to other mysterious flying creatures cases, like the Jersey Devil, the Baltimore Snallygaster, and of course Mothman.  This kind of phenomena has been going on for a long time; one only has to look at legends, folklore, and oral traditions to see similar stories going back hundreds of years.  For example the Ioway Tribe that once lived in the region of Van Meter, had tales of humanoid Thunderbirds that would shoot “lightning” from their eyes.


You mentioned that you were amazed at the amount of info that you were able to gather. May I ask how it was gathered? Are there accounts of it in a local museum, or were you able to talk with locals who had heard the stories passed down through the generations? Are there any historical markers etc?

We were able to dig up a decent amount of info at the Van Meter library, especially in regards to the town’s history. Jolena Welker, the Van Meter Public Library Director, was a great help too.  We hunted through town records and found a fair amount of useful background information.  Their archives were an essential resource.  It shows that with obscure cases like this one really has to get out into the field.  The internet is a great tool, but it’s only useful to a point; a lot of research still has to be done the old fashion way, that is, by hitting the road, visiting archives and sifting through old files, and interviewing people.  The three of us regularly go on research road-trips in order to uncover hidden stories, explore local legends, and investigate anomalous events.

Kevin Lee Nelson

I really have to give my co-author Chad Lewis credit on the historical info part in particular.  He was the point man in uncovering biographical information about the key witnesses.  As you can imagine, finding personal information about folks who lived over 100 years ago in a small Iowa town is a daunting task, to say the least.  I should also note that my other co-author, Noah Voss, did a wonderful job putting together a timeline of each encounter with the Visitor, which assisted in creating a full and clear narrative of what happened over those five nights.

As for local tales, we discovered that people in Van Meter had mostly forgotten about the incident.  A few people knew about here and there, but most were unfamiliar with the tale.  We were able to talk with the current landowners of where the mine once stood.  They were aware of strange stories associated with the site.  However, in general the tale was mostly forgotten in town.  We’re not entirely sure if the story was intentionally hushed up or what. Perhaps the townsfolk feared ridicule and quickly tried to put the strange events behind them.  This is another reason why we felt the need to write a book about it, as we didn’t want such a unique story to be forgotten.  There are no historical markers currently, but perhaps that will change.  I’m sure if Van Meter erected a statue of the Visitor, like Point Pleasant did with Mothman, it would become quite a draw.

How would you describe the "attitude" of the town's residents today in terms of the strange events that happened in 1903? Were people willing to talk about it? Would you say most brushed it off as fiction, or do you think that most think something actually happened?

We’ve encountered a tremendous amount of support from the people of Van Meter.  We held a presentation there a few weeks ago, and over 100 people showed up to hear the story about the Visitor.  Most had never heard the tale before, so they were very curious to find out about a hidden chapter of their town’s history.  People had a lot of questions, and many shared a number of odd stories about the area with us.  I got the impression that most believe something happened; they’re just not sure what exactly it was.

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Pertinent Links:

Buy the Book

The Van Meter Visitor Official

The Van Meter Visitor on Facebook

Another website operated by the authors: Back Roads Lore 

Dr. Evil Dissects the Drama that is Queensrÿche

Taterÿche

It’s been a rough 16 years being a Queensrÿche fan. Since the release of “Hear In The Now Frontier”, albums have progressively gotten worse in terms of sound, style, production. The latest album by Geoff Tate’s Queensrÿche, or as I call “Taterÿche” has reached an ultimate low and it signifies that the heyday of Queensrÿche has been dead since their first bad album. To me, the “Hear In The Now Frontier” album was the start of the band wanting to remain a radio band.

Geoff Tate during his infamous meltdown
during Rocklahoma in 2012
(Photo by Cveckian)

The latest album “Frequency Unknown” or “FU” to the other Queensrÿche band, that I call “Toddrÿche”, was rushed and poorly written. This is actually an understatement. It’s like Geoff Tate took on a new lineup to purposely upset the Queensrÿche fanbase just to amplify his attitude and personification. I don’t care if he’s trying to be hard-ass, this new album makes him look like a dumb-ass. Once again, Geoff Tate hiring back Queensrÿche’s old producer and ex guitarist Kelly Gray made the latest album sound horrible as expected. I’m actually glad former guitarist Chris DeGarmo left when he did after 1997, because if he was still on board—the last 7 albums wouldn’t have been hard on the ears and spirit. I did not make it through a full listen of “Frequency Unknown”. The last four songs are old Queensrÿche songs that the new lineup redid. These remakes sound like karaoke quality and I don’t know what Geoff was trying to prove. He can’t even hit those high notes anymore. Normally I don’t rate albums as a writer for the Bigfoot Diaries, but if I did—this album deserves a straight 0/100. Don’t buy this album. 

Toddrÿche

Not too many Queensrÿche fans were aware of new singer Todd LaTorre’s existence as the frontman of Crimson Glory, post Crimson Glory singer Midnight’s era and death. Crimson Glory would be considered a cult progressive power metal band that was under the radar for a bit even with Midnight fronting the first few albums. From what I’ve heard online, the other Queensrÿche, “Toddrÿche”, is going to release the new album as a self-titled album—“Queensrÿche”. The tracks that I have heard so far are very outstanding and what should’ve been released before “Hear In The Now Frontier” was even written. This album is going to be the album that puts the last 8 albums to shame (I’m not a fan of “Hear In The Now Frontier” whatsoever). Not only does Todd have the range that Geoff used to have, he’s a perfect clone of Geoff. Not to be biased, but Queensrÿche to me will always be the rhythm section before the vocals. There are metal fans that like Queensrÿche’s rhythm section and despise Geoff’s vocal style. I can guarantee that most Queensrÿche fans wanted the “Operation:Mindcrime” through “Promised Land” sound instead of what we had to deal with “In The Hear In Now” on out. The new self-titled album will deliver their old style, guaranteed. Check out the new songs “Redemption” and “Where Dreams Go To Die”. This is what we’ve been waiting for.

Todd La Torre

Turdrÿche

The fact that there are now two Queensrÿches to follow makes the band name seem a bit tarnished. There are two Great Whites, two Alcatrazz's, two Bang Tango’s, two Sweet’s, two L.A. Guns’, and I could probably go on. Geoff Tate has done solo work and “Frequency Unknown” still comes off as something that should’ve been a solo album. Hiring the Sarzo brothers (bass and lead guitar) and Simon Wright (drums) did not help make this album sound like Queensrÿche as we know them. Queensrÿche used to be a radio friendly band up to the mid 1990’s and then continued to try to be radio friendly with no real success. The attempt to continue to be radio friendly has complicated things for the band, caused emotional drama for band members, and has upset many traditional Queensrÿche fans. It’s going to be annoying seeing that Queensrÿche is going to be booked in your nearest city and we have to figure out which singer is involved. I have had enough of Geoff Tate’s attitude towards his former lineup, considering they are what most Queensrÿche fans enjoyed listening to initially before hearing the first vocal line. Whatever side you pick is up to you, but Geoff can continue to be a washed up vocalist trying be the radio sensation he used to be up until 1997. I feel the former rhythm section is making up to us Queensrÿche fans for the last 8 albums recorded. At least I was able to stomach the “Tribe” album from 2003 for its awesome rhythm parts and live show. Maybe things will look up with “Toddrÿche”.

-Dr Evil (Or the writer formerly known as Mr. Clean)

Cool Show Alert: Briar Patch Acoustic Kick-Off

The Briar Patch in Bevington is happy to announce their first concert of the 2013, the Briar Patch Acoustic Kick-Off, which will take place on June 14th. This summer marks the ten year anniversary of the first Bevington Bluegrass Festival, and to commemorate, tickets to this first event will only be $10.00 (with a donation of non-perishable food). As in the past, the price of admission does allow for primitive camping. 

The lineup includes the Dirty River Ramblers from Omaha, Nebraska, Jon Eric (the Banjo Ninja) from eastern Iowa and Ira Grace and the Bible Belt Prophets from right here in Iowa's capital city.

Omaha's Dirty River Ramblers will headline the Briar Patch's Acoustic Kickoff.
(Photo from their Facebook page)

Gates for this event open at 6:00 and Ira Grace takes the stage at 8:00. The party is for those who are 18 and over only, and one must be 21 to drink alcohol. Other shows are being planned for the summer, including the first annual RAGPATCH (RAGBRAI meets BRIAR PATCH) on July 13. Jerry Daze will take place on August 10, and another event is being planned for late August and then in the early fall. 

The Briar Patch Amphitheater continues to be the coolest little place in central Iowa to catch live music. It's good to see it back in full swing as it's legend continues to grow in 2013.

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Pertinent Links:

Dirty River Ramblers Official

Dirty River Ramblers on Facebook

Jon Eric at Reverb Nation

Ira Grace and the Bible Belt Prophets on Facebook 

The Briar Patch Acoustic Kickoff on Facebook 

Cannibal Corpse- The Observatory- Santa Ana, CA 5/16/13

I have many blogs to catch up on. Idk what it is. But I need to do 'em. This was the most recent one though. In November I told you how freakin' stoked I was to see Napalm Death for the very first time and how I praised their live performance and new album, "Utilitarian". I've missed a bunch of shows this year due to school, gas, money,etc. I had missed 2 shows I really wanted to go to so I thought to myself "Fuck it,I may as well spend $30 to see one of my favorite bands ever". Napalm didn't headline again (sad face), but the brutalness that is Cannibal Corpse did. And its been 3 years since I've seen them and I had forgotten how painful it was.

This was the Decibel Magazine Tour with Death Metal legends Cannibal Corpse, Napalm Death, and Immolation. Depending on the area you got some special openers. I envy the East coast for getting Grindcore dudes' Magrudergrind. But oh well,we got Cretin,who I was really stoked to see. But nope I missed 'em. Me and my buds got there early to be slapped in the face by a "CANNIBAL CORPSE IS SOLD OUT" sign. Well this 45 min drive wasn't a pain in the ass. And as we did the walk of shame back to the car,we decided to wait for scalpers. While on the wait we spotted no other than George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher, lead singer of Cannibal Corpse. We greeted him,shook his hand, and asked if we could just pay him to see the show. No dice,but I did get a pic with the dude, who for being in one of the most brutal bands ever,is a really nice guy.

More shame walking to the local Carl's Jr while eating burgers and planning to bribe the bouncers once it calmed down. We went and the line was bigger than ever. Right when me and the guys were about to give up some guy who knew my buds (and said I went to high school with him??) said he could get us in. After paying a bouncer $35 (show was like $28 so oh well) we went to through one door (where a Hip Hop mini show was going on, I think it was Big Boi from Outkast). and the bouncer wouldn't let us in. While we were furiously gonna go ask the big scary bouncer for our money back somehow it turns out we went through the wrong door. Ooops! We went through the back and I got in right when I heard "WE ARE NAPALM DEATH". Perfect timing. I went through a shitload of people to make my way to the front and sing along with the Grind pioneers.

Napalm Death did a put on a shorter set compared to the last time I saw em, but most of the song were different according to other set lists. They played some random stuff and Barney Greenway gave it his all as always. The crowed seemed to love it (it was a Death Metal crowd after all) and I was just jumping around with the dudes around me screaming at Barney. Some gems were thrown in the set I didn't get to scream along to last time. Such as "The Kill,Taste The Poison", "From Enslavement To Obliteration," and my personal favorite of the night, "Life?".

Napalm is still one o my favorite live bands ever and I couldn't resist, I had to pay that much to see them again. If these guys go to your area (with CC or not) I still recommend you see 'em. It's just a great freakin' show and you'll leave happy. I didn't meet them again this time, nor was the merch  different too much from the last time,but I'm seriously gonna try to catch em every time they're near me. Long live Napalm.

As you might expect Cannibal Corpse fans packed the whole floor up. So trying to find the people I came with was tough. I gave up but I found a nice spot on the left. The first song they played with was an old skool fan (and one of mine) favorite, "Skull Full Of Maggots." So I went from the side to somewhere in the middle (not by choice) a LOT of old gems were played and the crowd loved the hell out of it. Cannibal had the whole place in a big mess of a pit. I couldn't move and I was still having a blast at the show. Towards the middle of the set I crowd surfed my way out screaming along "PLAGUE LEADS TO DEATH". The rest of the show I hung out in the back with other friends and enjoyed watching people kill each other and Cannibal play the best set they've done in years. Cannibal just released their new album Torture last year. It was okay but I'd recommend Eaten Back To Life and Tomb Of The Mutilated first. Those are Death Metal classics. If you can handle insanity, pain,and Death Metal...I'd recommend a Cannibal Corpse show to anyone for a fun night.

Bigfoot Diaries Live! # 2 (3/24/13) with Jacob County and Brolester Records' Jeremiah Tuhn

Here is the Bigfoot Diaries Live! 2nd broadcast, recorded on March 24, 2013. It is straight off of the soundboard from the Webcast One Live Studios, and is an exact replica of the live version. This is the first time it has been released in it's entirety. We sincerely apologize for it's delay.

Jeremiah Tuhn (co-owner of Brolester Records) joins us and we talk about what it takes to build a record label from the ground floor, and how "success" is weighed when making and selling records in the digital age. He offers great insight in how his business plan changed over time to meet the demand of his product, and how operating a record company has affected the way he looks at the music scene.

Also joining us is the incomparable Jacob County who debuts a new song live in the studio called "My Time." He reminds us why is he one of the most regarded guitar players/ songwrirters to have ever come out of the state of Iowa. He then wraps it up with the rambunctious "Ice on my Sidewalk." Jacob County is an American treasure.  

Meanwhile, the host is a bit rusty... 

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Pertinent Links:

Brolester Records on Facebook

Jacob County and the Damaged Goods on Facebook

Stuttrin' Jimmy and the Goosebumps on Facebook

Bryan's List of Musical Happenings 5/20/13

Monday, May 20

Sutherland, Ankum and Thompson at Greenwood 7:00
Trapt w/ 3 Pill Morning, Corvus, Kick, Shatter, Medicinal at Wooly's 7:00
Ian Cooke at Gas Lamp 9:00

Tuesday, May 21

Motionless in White w/ Parasite, They Will Repent, Flood the Past, Ignore the Script at Wooly's 6:00
Ben Wantland at El Bait 8:00
Acousti-Beast at Greenwood 9:00

Wednesday, May 22

Highroller Exress at Hull Avenue Tavern 6:00 ($1.00 Beers too!)
Steve Kowbell at Fire Creek, WDM 6:30
Bob Pace and the Dangerous Band at Zimm's 7:00
Josh Sinclair at Raccoon River Brewery 7:30
Ben Wantland at Greenwood 8:00
Monday Mourners at El Bait 8:00
World Music Night at Star Bar 9:00
Gas Lamp's Writers Round at Gas Lamp 9:00

Thursday, May 23

Comfort Zone at Music in the Junction WDM 5:30
Euforquestra at Jasper Winery 6:00
Chad Elliott at Coda Lounge, Savery Hotel 6:00
Andrew W.K. w/ Little Ruckus, Pure Gut at Vaudeville Mews 6:00
The Jitz, Handlebar, Look Out Loretta w/ King of the Drunks at Gas Lamp 7:00
Stephen Simmons at Confluence Brewing Co. 7:00
Josh Sinclair at Confluence Brewery 7:00
Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers w/ Paul Thorn at Wooly's 8:00
The Lowdown at the Underground 9:00
Open Jam w/ Fat Tuesday and the Greasefire Keys at Gas Lamp 9:00
The Soul Searchers at Greenwood 9:00

Lady Soal plays the House of Bricks on Friday with
Jym Crow and The Candeez.

Friday, May 24

Tunes on the Terrace: Paige Harpin w/ Nick Leo at Baratta's State Historical Museum 11:30 AM
Work Release party w/ Bob Pace and the Dangerous Band at Gas Lamp 4:30
Mindrite's Final Show with Dead Horse Trauma, Index Case at Wooly's 6:00
Brian Holtz Band at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid 6:30
Rachel Sage at the Grapevine, Clive 7:00
Random Hubiak at Ritual Cafe 7:00
Kyle McCluer w/ Michael David at Mars Cafe 7:00
No Standards (Jazz) at Fire Creek, WDM 7:00
Sutherland, Ankum, and Thompson at Greenwood 9:00
Fistful of Ska at Gas Lamp 9:00
Fancy Pants at Underground 9:00
Lady Soal, Jym Crow, The Candeez at House of Bricks 9:30
Limbs w/ Mighty Shady at Vaudeville Mews 9:30

Saturday, May 25

Bill Matykowski at Smokey Row Coffeehouse 7:00
The Maw, Mad Monks, Jason Sturges, Aquamarine Dream Machine at House of Bricks 7:00
Shantel Leitner at Ritual Cafe 7:00
Jeremy Alverez & Rainbow Penley at the Grapevine, Clive 7:00
Hairball w/ Pop Rocks at Nitefall on the River, Simon Estes 8:00
Josh Davis at Raccoon River Brewery 9:00
Fistful of Ska 2 (2nd Night) at Gas Lamp 9:00
Can o' Worms at Star Bar 9:00
Brian Holtz Band (Recording live CD) at Greenwood 9:00

Sunday, May 26

Fat Tuesday at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid 2:00
Rumble Seat Riot at Gas Lamp 3:00
Slipstream at Summerset Winery, Indianola 3:00
Bobaflex, Mars on Fire, Numbered Existence, Dualing At Dawn at House of Bricks 5:00
Matthew Santos at the Grapevine, Clive 6:00
The Howling Brothers at Gas Lamp 7:00
Obsidian's Dream at El Bait 8:00
World Music Sundays at Star Bar 9:00

BFD LIVE! # 4 with Dead Horse Trauma (5/19/13)

Thanks to Seth Peters and BJ Forst of Dead Horse Trauma for being a part of the May edition of the Bigfoot Diaries Live! webcast. Due to strange weather and tornado warnings, musical guest Jeff Banks wasn't able to make it in. We hope to reschedule him very soon. 

Our live next webcast will air on June 23, and we will be joined by artist Tom Bolan of Artworx Design along with musical guests The King of the Tramps. Meanwhile, thank you for your support! 

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Pertinent Links:

Dead Horse Trauma Official

Dead Horse Trauma on Facebook

Dead Horse Trauma on Twitter

A Thousand Words: Featuring Painter Terry Rose

Terry Rose is an artist from Des Moines who specializes in acrylic abstract art. I've known him since the late '80s, and always thought that there was a psychedelic flair to his personality. Little did I know then that he was also an extremely talented painter, who was able to transpose that psychedelic flair to a canvas. His artwork is striking visually and it deserves a wide audience. Terry seems to have that rare ability to see a picture in his mind, and then create an exact replica on the canvas. His attention to detail is astounding. 

In this segment of A Thousand Words, Terry will share some of his favorite paintings, along with a paragraph or two about each one. It's an absolute pleasure to have him on board.

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"Under The Surface" 

Acrylic 22" by 28" (Click to enlarge)

This painting is going in the direction that I find myself today. I don't necessarily stick to a certain style but this is what I might call “abstract realism” or a play on words, “real abstraction.”

This is derived from an image that I thought would result in a good painting. I admittedly do this often. I search and find subject matter wherever I can. I usually know instantly if it has potential. I must like the image. I paint for myself. You could say I'm a collector of my own art.

If you paint you will create. Through color, texture and how you interpret the image slowly becomes your painting. In this picture I've found little animals or beings. When I do find something I take advantage of this “happy accident” as Bob Ross would say. I'm all about execution and an image that I  want people to like.

"One Lucky Indian" 

 Acrylic 24" by 36"
(Click to enlarge)

This cherry Tootsie Pop started a series for me. It had been an idea for several years before hand to paint an image of a tootsie pop wrapper and substitute my own characters for their original.

In this case it turned out to be somewhat of a self portrait. It includes things that I most like to do or that reflect me as a person. I kept the Indian as an iconic figure that represents Americana and is easily recognizable. This is a replication of an actual wrapper that I noticed was very unique indeed. The owls, the extra color combination of green and especially the symmetrical designs in the back round make it one of a kind. I in fact, with much searching, have never come across it again. This has been my template for all the succeeding tootsie pop paintings I've done. They all have themes and different flavors. The last three, blueberry. lime and blood orange don't exist as wrappers for tootsie pop. My first three, cherry, banana, and watermelon do.

"High Seas" 

Acrylic 24" by 36"
(Click to enlarge)

This is the fourth painting in the Tootsie Pop series. This was an idea given to me by my cousin who has collected all of the Tootsie Pop prints. Lime went with the theme in this case. Lime begged off scurvy for sailors. The challenge for me here as in all the tootsie pops is to get enough color combinations to make it appealing. This has three shades of green along with yellow. Themes seem to be much easier than creating a painting with enough colors that work together. I do use stencils for tootsie and the name of the flavor. I cut out a cardboard P and O for the POP. I use the plastic lid of a microwave plate for the circle. I transfer the character images free hand to the canvass in pencil and then paint them in. I can use up to four coats in some cases depending on the color being used and also admittedly the quality of paint. I have two more in mind to do. Grape and Pomegranate are both actual wrappers. I have themes in mind but as I said the colors, particularly Grape, can prove challenging.

"Chasing Butterflies" 

Acrylic 4 ft. by 5 ft. (Click to enlarge)

This is probably my best effort to date. It is the second canvass that I put together myself from a two by four and bulk canvass. That was progress in itself. It ended up costing about $20.

This is my largest canvass that includes some of my favorite elements. Trees are a favorite subject as well as the contrast between black and very bright colors. It's also an interesting vantage point.

"Magnetic Ink" 

Acrylic 24" by 30" (Click to enlarge)

This is abstract realism to me. This is something that actually exists in nature, albeit at the molecular level. It was fun to paint while animals and beings were created in the process. It is in the same vein as several other paintings I've done. A heat sensitive satellite image of  Mars, a polished rock at the microscopic level and”Water balloons,” which was derived from an image of pond fronds. I filled it in with bright colors and it became very abstract. This was the beginning of my quest for abstract realism. All these images lend to the creativity that I look for in the painting process. I come across something that reminds me of say, a face, and I take that to the next level by making it more and more recognizable.

"Temple Theater"  

Acrylic 18" X 44" (Click to enlarge)

This is my most current work and one that's in progress. This is a style I've come across and jokingly call "Historical Pop." It is  an Aztec  depiction with the feel of spirits intertwined in it. I found that for me it's all about details. There is no need to rush it to the end. I will continue on this for a period of time until I feel it's full. This minute detail leads to finding things within the picture. Faces are the most common find and when I do I will exaggerate them until the viewer sees them as well. In this case I feel it's not one of my stronger works but at the same time it's quite representative of what I do. That happens to be all over the place. I do have a sister painting of sorts that relates to this one and that is by chance. It's also Aztec  in origin and so I must  be drawn to their culture and art. What I paint is often by chance. What I come across or find that I feel  will make an attractive painting. It's all in nature of course and nature is truly magical in every form. I'm constantly looking for my next scene.

Please Support the Great March for Climate Action

It's no small endeavor organizing a Thousand Man March. Especially one that takes place across the entire nation. To put this into perspective, The Bigfoot Diaries Facebook page has been in existence for almost four years and it's  generated about 700 likes. Imagine each like being a person, and then asking each person to put  their lives on hold for 9 months to join on a walk from California to Washington DC.

The mastermind behind this massive undertaking is Ed Fallon, who made his announcement on March first of this year. It is exactly one year from that date that he, along with at least 999 other people will embark on what will be the largest coast to coast march in American history.

From the Great March for Climate Action's webpage:

The goal of the Great March for Climate Action is to change the heart and mind of our fellow Americans and our elected leaders. On March 1, 2014, 1,000 climate patriots will set-out from the west coast, walking across America to Washington, DC, inspiring and motivating the general public and elected officials to act now to address the climate crisis.

If you are interested in being a part of this, there are several things you can do. Money is always needed. Obviously an event of this magnitude is very expensive. Pledges will be accepted on a per mile basis, or you can make a one-time contribution. Pledges will be based on a 3000 mile scale:

1 cent per mile ($30)

2 cents per mile ($60)

3 cents per mile ($90)

4 cents per mile ($120)

5 cents per mile ($150)

10 cents per mile ($300)

25 cents per mile ($750)

33 cents per mile ($1,000)

66 cents per mile ($2,000)

$1.00 per mile ($3,000)

There are several other ways you can donate. Every little bit helps. A link is provided at the bottom of the page.

Another thing you can do is volunteer time. One can hang flyers and pass out brochures. On a less physical level, you can like the event's Facebook page, and share it's updates. You can also follow on Twitter. 

Thirdly, organize your own walk, bringing awareness to the the Great March for Climate Action. Currently, on Wednesday nights, Ed is meeting with like-minded people at various locations in Des Moines, and walking. To get this information, simply subscribe to the weekly updates. (All links will be provided below.)

The Great March for Climate Action will go down as one of the most important environmental events in American history. It's still in it's planning stages, but once this ball gets rolling, it should be featured on all the major news networks and talk shows. Now is your chance to be a part of history from the ground floor up.

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Pertinent Links:

The Great March for Climate Action Website

To Make a Donation

To Subscribe to the Weekly Updates

The Great March for Cimate Action on Facebook

The Great March for Cimate Action on Twitter

Thankful Dirt in the BFD Live Studios: Snapshots

                        Photography and mixology by Cveckian.

Bryan's List of Musical Happenings 5/13/13

Monday, May 15

Sutherland, Ankum, and Thompson at Greenwood 7:00
American Fang, Switchblade Saturdays at Wooly's 7:00
The Midnight Ghost Train at Gas Lamp 9:00

Tuesday, May 14

Lindgren & Lewis at Greenwood 7:30
Andy Fleming at El Bait 8:00
Spongecake & The Fluff Ramblers, Smoothsayers, Chick with Dick at Vaudeville Mews 8:30
Jen Allen, The Getaway Scene and Airport Novels at the Hull Ave. Tavern 9:00

Jeff Banks joins us in the studio Sunday night during Bigfoot Diaries Live!. 

Wednesday, May 15

The High Roller Express at Hull Avenue Tavern 6:00 ($1.00 Beers too!)
Brian Congdon at Fire Creek, WDM 6:30
Gurf Morlix CD Release Party w/ Andy and Mike from Brother Trucker at House of Bricks 7:00              
Bob Pace and the Dangerous Band at Zimm's 7:00
Stephen Simmons at Raccoon River Brewery 7:30
R.S.V.P. at El Bait 8:00
Stevan Robinson at the Greenwood 8:00
Opeth w/ Katatonia at Wooly's 8:00
World Music Wednesdays at Star Bar 9:00
Gas Lamp's Writer's Round at Gas Lamp 9:00

Thursday, May 16

Throwing Toast at Music in the Junction, WDM 5:30
Boomerang at Jasper Winery 6:00
David Zollo at Coda Lounge, Savery Hotel 6:00
The Iguanas at Gas Lamp 7:00
Stephen Simmons at Confluence Brewing Co. 7:00
The Sheet Duo at the Longest Yard, WDM 8:00
Open Jam w/ Fat Tuesday and the Greasefire Keys at Gas Lamp 9:00
The Soul Searchers at Greenwood 9:00

Friday, May 17

Nick Leo @ Cafe Barratas, State Historical Museum 11:30 AM
Work Release Party w/ Bob Pace & Dangerous Band at Gas Lamp 4:30
Ancients, Bloodtied, Junkienun, Violent Fade at House of Bricks 5:00
The Sheet Duo at West Cabaret 5:00
Stuart Davis at Vaudeville Mews 6:30
Bebad and his Case of the Blues at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid 6:30
Chad Elliott 2nd Annual UNSUNG Concert at the Grapevine, Clive 7:00
Kenny Stratton at Ritual Cafe 7:00
Thankful Dirt at Fire Creek 7:00
Insane Clown Posse at Val Air Ballroom 8:00
Infuzion at Greenwood 9:00
James Biehn at Gas Lamp 9:00
Justin Time, D-PHeKT, Kabuki at Underground 9:00
The Sundogs at DG's Tap House, Ames 9:00

Saturday, May 18

David Zollo & Brian Cooper at Maffitt Lake Equestrian Center, Cumming 5:30
Bill Matykowski at Smokey Row 7:00
Faith Thompson and Brad Meyers at Mars Cafe  7:00
The High Crest at Ritual Cafe 7:00
Noche Latina at House of Bricks 7:00
Relient K, Hellogoodbye, Bill Beckett, Mike Mains & the Branches at Wooly's 7:00
Craig Erickson at 1st Avenue Speakeasy, Newton 9:00
The Sundogs at Java Joe's 4th Street Theater 9:00
James Biehn & Band at Raccoon River Brewery 9:00
King of the Tramps w/ The Young Funk at DG's Tap House, Ames 9:00
Have Your Cake (Cake Tribute) at Gas Lamp 9:00
Sutherland, Ankum, and Thompson at Star Bar 9:00
Heath Alan Band at Greenwood 9:00
Randy Burke and the Prisoners at Vaudeville Mews 9:30

Sunday, May 19

Tony Valdez at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid 2:00
Bobcats at Summerset Winery, Indianola 3:00
The Sundogs at Byron's, Pomeroy 5:00
BeJae Fleming & Jackie Blount w/ Chad Elliott and Bonita Crowe at The Grapevine, Clive 6:00
Coco Montoya at Gas Lamp 7:00
Jeff Banks on Bigfoot Diaries Live! (Live stream from this website)
Chad Elliott at El Bait 8:00
World Music Sundays at Star Bar 9:00