May 2-8, 2007
The Home & Garden Issue: Life is Sweet for Vermont’s Pollinators, but Their Party Days May Be Numbered; Seeking Help From a One-Man Broom Squad; How do you Leave a Place You Love?; Noshing at Nectar’s During Sound Check
Going Six Feet Under
One would think an individual who spends an inordinate amount of time in front of his TV set would have a cable or dish package offering gazillions of stations. But I – who is (am? editor?) that individual, BTW – purchases only the minimum cable deal. The way I figure it, if I had 200+…
Checking out “Cake Mania”
Over the weekend, I tried out a computer game called “Cake Mania” in order to blog about it — tough job I have, eh? Apparently, I was the only person with a PC in my home who didn’t already know about it (it doesn’t work on Macs) — 35 million people have downloaded the game,…
Fusion/Acid Jazz/Funk/Etc.
[image-x] I feel that I must reply to the reader’s comment concerning fusion (Jill’s posting). I’ve been involved with college radio for nearly twenty years, so I think that I can speak with some knowledge on the subject of fusion, acid jazz, funk and smooth jazz. I have none of those genres in my music…
Summa Cum Plastered
For some reason, Champlain College holds graduation the first weekend in May, a full two weeks before UVM and St. Michael’s. Speaking of St. Mike’s, for the last few years they’ve moved to a Thursday graduation, to which I say, “What’s up with that?” I’m sure they have their logical rationale, as well, but could…
On the Festival Trail
[image-x] Jazz Mafia co-blogger L.J. Palardy is correct in thinking that I may be familiar with the annual FIMAV, which draws increasingly large crowds each May from all over the world (except Burlington). The small city of Victoriaville has incongruously become a magnet for proponents of the free jazz movement called musique actuelle, easier heard…
![Liminal Engagement [SIV24]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sevendaysvt.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/episode24.webp?resize=400%2C300&ssl=1)
Liminal Engagement [SIV24]
5/4/07, Soo Sunny Park’s installation at BCA’s Firehouse Gallery, “Liminal Engagement,” May 4–June 2, 2007: What do you get when you combine plastic cups, metal fencing, string and rocks painted brown? Dartmouth University art professor Soo Sunny Park’s “Liminal Engagement” opened its doors to a packed gallery on Friday, May 4th. Some plowed through the…
Can’t wait?
[image-x] Quickly, those who can’t wait until June 2 or are otherwise engaged on that date might want to know that Kenny Garrett and Pharoah Sanders are playing in New York at Iridium now through Sunday May 6. Look at it as a rehearsal, and get down there.
Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing
I just got a plea for help from a man in search of good, creamy blue cheese dressing. Here’s his missive: Suzanne: I went out to dinner at Loretta’s Restaurant in Essex Junction a month or so ago, ordered a salad and asked for blue cheese dressing. Imagine my surprise when they told me they…
Hope for a champion performance…
[image-x] I can’t disagree with anything Michael says! This is why it’s great Seven Days brought together such a varied group of jazz experts. My jazz knowledge springs from a passionate love of the music, and absolutely no real technical knowledge whatsoever. Michael’s educated opinion has given me hope for Chick Corea and Béla Fleck!…
Getting the Hives
As one grows older, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep up with the current music scene. I can’t even imagine how a newly-minted teenager of this era can begin to appreciate the 50 years of rock-and-roll. When I was coming of age, rock had been around for just over a decade, and I basically knew…
Detox on the Rocks?
Unsurprisingly, CNN reported today that experts are coming out against the wildly popular Master Cleanse regimen. The “cleansing fast” allows a laxative, saltwater and a beverage made of purified water, lemon juice, cayenne pepper and maple syrup. Nothing else. For 10 days or more. Some people do it for weight loss, some to detox. The…
Calling All Leprechauns
Writing the Hackie column comes with a built-in contradiction. On the one hand, I have great respect for the privacy of the folks I drive in my taxi. Hailing a Burlington cab should not and does not imply consent to have your business revealed publicly. On the other hand, I write stories – week-in and…
My Money is on Champions
[image-x] I have to say there isn’t a single show for which I’m more excited than the Chick Corea and Bela Fleck duet. As a jazz pianist, Chick has been a favorite of mine for a while, and I’ve seen him live twice, once with the Akoustic Band (John Pattituci and Dave Weckl) and the…
James Beard Foundation Woes
There was an interesting article in today’s NY Times about how the James Beard Foundation is struggling to bounce back from a 2004 scandal. The article comes out just ahead of the James Beard Award ceremonies, which take place next Monday. A bunch of Vermonters will be there to see if they’re the big winners.…
News Quirks 05.02.07
Curses, Foiled Again Howard Bradley Mayfield, 47, tried to spend four counterfeit $20 bills at a convenience store in Damascus, Va., police said, but the assistant manager spotted them and recognized Mayfield as a regular customer. He called police, who went to the mobile home where Mayfield lived. Mayfield tried to get rid of the…
Buzz Kill?
Life is sweet for Vermont’s pollinators, but their party days may be numbered
Stone Cold Roosters, Out Of The Woods
(Self-released, CD) If there can be such a thing as a modern old-school country band, central Vermont’s Stone Cold Roosters are it. The group’s debut, Out of the Woods, is righteously old-fashioned, yet the disc has a sonic richness more common to today’s rock and r&b records. Led by production guru, songwriter and sideman extraordinaire…
Page McConnell, Page McConnell
(Sony Legacy, CD) I don’t like Phish. There, I said it. That statement is close to sacrilege in these parts, but I really feel much better having written it. I know, I know: It’s my job to be objective, regardless of personal taste. But living in Burlington makes objectivity nearly impossible when it comes to…
![Urban Dance Complex [SIV23]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sevendaysvt.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/episode23.webp?resize=400%2C300&ssl=1)
Urban Dance Complex [SIV23]
Vermont and hip hop merge at Sarah Cover’s new dance studio in Williston, Urban Dance Complex. Says Sarah, “I … am trying to create a Vermont that I wish I had lived in when I was 13.” In addition to hip hop steps, students learn what it means to be a dedicated and successful dancer. …
Cheese fest or Champions? Béla Fleck and Chick Corea
[image-x] I’m breaking with the Eddie Palmeri kick. I really enjoy theidea of examining the Jazz Fest schedule an artist at a time, but ever since Iheard of this duo, I’ve been bursting with questions. Since my love affair with jazz fusion began, Chick Corea has been there. Thefirst jazz album I fell in love…
