Downtown Live

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Notes

by Jamie Manser

The Über Underground…

A couple of years ago while visiting Phoenix, my stepbrother was hassling me about “how boring it must be in that Podunk town.”

I smugly informed him that there was something to do every night of the week, cash flow capable. He claimed we have no music scene and I looked at him incredulously.

“Well fine,” he acquiesced, “if you like alt-country. But there is no electronica scene there.”

At the time, I suppose he was correct. Admittedly, I haven’t really followed local electronica. Though a fan of all types of auditory delights, my CD collection shows me to be more of a rock ‘n’ roller. However, I have been exposed to some really cool electronic music by friends and because of doing the music listings for this mag, I have noticed more activity in the genre.

Last summer saw Heart Five hosting a weekly DJ tournament and, more recently, AZSession.com and TucsonUnderground.com have showcased live electronica sets at the eclectic Vaudeville Cabaret.

Cia Romano of TucsonUnderground.com said the gigs feature musicians playing live electronic music as opposed to DJs spinning the tunes. They have seven shows under their belts and this month you will have two chances to check ‘em out at Vaudeville, 110 E. Congress St. Thursday, February 5 features String Theory, Skincage, Vesica Picses, Metrognome and Not Breathing. Saturday, February 14 is the AZ Sessions Valentine’s Day Soirée.

Log on to www.AZSessions.com or www.TucsonUnderground.com for more information.

On a somewhat similar note, Daniel Asia’s and Kip Haaaheim’s electro-acoustic work “Sacred and Profound” is making its world premiere at UofA’s Crowder Hall. According to the press release, the title “takes its origination from one way of dividing the nature of the universe as well as that of time.” The February 15 performance will also have a video accompaniment by video artist Janet Davidson Hues. Tickets cost $20 and the price of admission includes the CD. Further questions can be answered by calling the Fine Arts Box Office at 621-1162.

Bidding Wars

Competition is tough and Plush just upped the ante. Last month saw the first of several renovations with the expansion of their main stage area. The north end of the back bar was lowered to be even with the dance floor. This move freed up the room, making it more of a live music venue and gave the extra square footage needed for a higher occupancy nod from the fire department.

This month, the main room is hosting all-female Black Sabbath tribute band Mistress of Reality on Friday, February 6; national acts The Deathray Davies (power-pop-puck-garage, a lá The Kinks) with Say Hi To Your Mom (NY ambient-quirky-pop) playing Thursday, February 12; among many more shows. You can find those in Downtown Live listings or at www.PlushTucson.com or ring them at 798-1298.

Club Congress, another music bidder, will be featuring long loved Camper Van Beethoven with openers Cracker on Tuesday, February 3 and frequent visitor Richard Bucker with Rum Tenor on Friday, February 6. Check their full calendar in our listings or at www.ClubCongress.com. Call 622-8848 for more information.

Always enjoyable art gallery/live venue Solar Culture (who also has a kick-ass sound and listing system along with the aforementioned clubs) is hosting Mason Jennings, a show that is sure to be sold out. I saw him last spring at SC, thankfully alone as I was lost in his sort of roots/country-esque/indie/melodic rock. Jennings, who just released “Use Your Voice,” is touring the west coast with The Beautiful Girls. The show is scheduled for Friday, February 27. Find out more by clicking on www.SolarCulture.org or by dialing 884-0874.

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