Another great benefit show is upon us! This time around it's "I Might Be Wrong," a tribute to Radiohead featuring 21 acts each performing their take on one of the notoriously mercurial band's tunes this Saturday at The Mad Hatter.
I know what you’re thinking, so let’s just get it out of the way: Patrons will NOT be permitted to name their own admission price, because the proceeds are going to a great cause, Kids Count, Inc., a local non-profit that enables early intervention for kids with developmental delays. See below for more info on them, the organizer and the bands.
One critical piece of info: be sure to get to the show by 7 p.m.! If your clock is set to Rock time and you show up at 10:30, you’ll miss half the performances, and that would be really dumb because there’s not a throw-away act anywhere on the bill.
(photo: Kevin Westenberg)
More about The Artists:
Angels of Meth
Whenever I hear AoM it makes me think of Shannon Hoon singing for
Kyuss. We’ll get a taste of the first part of that formula Saturday, as
singer/guitarist Tony P. is performing solo-acoustic. Should be
beautiful.
Black Signal
Dark, creepy and sometimes heavy, this ambient instrumental trio
features Stephen Boyd (aka DJ Empirical) on guitar. It’s always
interesting to hear what consummate audiophiles like Boyd do when they
are on the other end of the microscope.
Creation Museum
This is a one-off collaboration of members of Angels of Meth (see
above), 1000 Arms (R.I.P. Oh, how I miss their perfect blend of Indie
and Prog Rock) and DJ/superhero/organizer Matt Ogden. Their myspace
page has no music, but you’ll definitely want to check out the photos.
Ghost Horses
A collaboration between Minimalist Techno/IDM artists Evan Scott and
Matthew Cooper (aka The Librarian), this performance is bound to test
the limits of the Mad Hatter’s PA, as well as the audience’s ability to
keep their asses stationary.
The Great Refusal
Probably the newest band on the bill (aside from the various one-offs),
these guys just started playing out a couple months ago. Their
singular online offering is a melancholy little ditty with kind of an
Iron & Wine vibe to it.
The Guild of Calamitous Intent
Members of Johnnytwentythree (enormous cinematic soundscapers) and
Malahida (also a mostly instrumental band dealing in dynamic
guitar-based experimentations) team up with members of acoustic duo
Ifitis.
Knife The Symphony
These guys (and gal) are loud. I think it’s drummer Jerry Dirr’s fault
for discovering that his drums sound awesome when he beats the shit out
of them. Their take on D.C. Hardcore is gut-wrenchingly precise and
graceful.
Lovely Crash
Beth Cheek & company have a style that stretches from Jefferson
Airplane to Bikini Kill and then snaps back and giggles. They’re one
of several bands with a strong duality that has me anticipating what
facet will be on display Saturday.
Mad Anthony
MA’s screaming Garage Punk gets a Psychobilly injection courtesy of
guitarist/singer Ringo Jones’ menacing vocals. Their recently released
(last weekend) five-song EP is full of soulful, sexy tunes that demand
sweat and booze.
Mala In Se
Another fantastic Andy Perkins/Joe Thompson (Hilltop Distillery,
24hourflu, etc.) project, this time with Keith Leeds on drums and Heavy
Metal mayhem on their minds. Post Rock with blast beats. Brutal.
Madras Lounge
The heavy riffing, precise instrumentation and charismatic vocals are
reminiscent of Monster Magnet or King's X, but their Pop sensibility
brings them closer to current acts like Circa Survive and Fall of Troy.
Mara
They’re apparently NOT the local Prog Rock band from the ‘90s, but they
do have impressive roots, sporting (so I’ve been told) former members
of Koan, one of the best area bands to ever roll their eyes at the Emo
tag.
Preston Long
This Blues-Rocker made a good show of one-man-bandmanship on his demo
CD. He’s got a smooth and powerful voice and a great ear for melodies
and composition. Here’s hoping he can find a group with the chops to
keep up.
7 Speed Vortex
If Linda Ronstadt had been backed by The Stooges instead of The Eagles,
it might have sounded like this. Syrupy, elastic, fizzy, jerky, thick,
distorted, slippery, tense, add ice and frappe. Vintage heartbreak
heavy on the ambivalence.
Signals Crossed
Any band that lists Death in Graceland as an influence gets an
automatic +25 points. Not surprisingly, SC is full of Punk energy with
lots of interesting Nu-Prog flourishes. Singer Phil Mineer has a
soprano that borders on chipmunk.
Steve Wethington
Having known Steve only from his work in Humans Bow Down, his “solo”
album is surprisingly sweet and limber while still retaining some
flashes of the Post Rock brilliance of his old band. Very uplifting
and summery.
The Strongest Proof
Judging by the preview tracks online, TSP’s upcoming album is going to capture the full weight of their live performances. The new tunes are brimming with a fresh intensity and confidence from the entire band.
Super Patrol Group
Another collaboration, this one features Tony Roth (The Strongest Proof) and Brian Deye (ex- Gunkel). Organizer Matt Ogden seems REALLY excited about this one. We’ll just have to wait and see why.
The Turkeys
Turkeys can’t fly, but they can rock. With their crystal clear singing and playing, remarkably flexible style and mixture of lighthearted and pensive tunes, these guys are Kentucky’s answer to Simon & Garfunkel.
Umin
Experimental Ukelelectronica? Yes. Sound and visual artist Kevin Poole has created a remarkable hybrid with a very cinematic, computerized foundation punctuated with odd-time plucking. His landscape is ever changing yet strangely soothing.
Wolfgang
Yet another collaboration, this one featuring Chris Wolf (drummer from Humans Bow Down), Ben Franks (Krinj bassist) and a member or two of The Turkeys.
More about The Organizer, Matt Ogden:
Matt Ogden always has that grin. It’s a vexing combination of mischief, intoxication and genuine high-on-life. It was always on display when he was sowing the darkest sonic discord with 24hourflu. It was there when he was DJing and asked if the segue from Judas Priest to Prince’s “Pussy Control” worked (it did). He’s probably grinning right now. He was surely smiling when the idea for this show was hatched.
CityBeat: Why Radiohead?
Matt Ogden: It sort of came up as a joke. We were snowboarding in Utah this February with some friends (local musicians). Somehow we started talking about Radiohead and everyone was kinda shocked to find out that Tony Bryant (drummer for The Strongest Proof) didn’t like them. We all thought it would be funny to have a tribute show where he would be forced to play because he would be out-voted by the other members of his band.
CB: Why a Kids Count benefit?
MO: Trying to split a cash pot between 21 bands is barely worth the gas it takes to drive to the show; but if we all donate the money? It really adds up. I was shopping for a beneficiary and I met Ginger Cumbee (Kids Count Inc.’s Development Director). I thought Kids Count had a great mission statement and they’re local, so it benefits our community immediately.
CB: Any fights over who gets to play what song?
MO: Not at all! Everyone is so cool about it; there were two bands who wanted to play the same song and they wound up collaborating on it. This is actually one of my favorite things about this show. So many people are collaborating it is going to be amazing. Aside from the standard songs (“Creep,” “High and Dry,” etc.), Radiohead is a pretty complex band. A lot of the local bands have teamed up with additional artists to pull off their songs more effectively. I am so proud of all the bands for this.
CB: Did you try to make this different from other ”lots of bands” shows?
MO: I never thought about it, just had some interesting ideas for the format. Like the programs for example; everyone gets one when they walk in. The program has the lineup and the song being played. If you like a band you can check out more stuff from the artist (if you like the song, you can check out the original by Radiohead). It also gives me ample opportunity to blurb about Kids Count and plug our sponsors, like the Village Pub donating a trip to Vegas to be raffled off at the end of the night! Thus keeping everyone happy so we can continue to do this.
I also like keeping Kids Count right up front. I hate to admit I’ve been to some large “benefit” shows before and I have no idea where the money went. Kids Count will have a booth at the show to pass out information, answer questions, etc.
CB: Are there any particular performances you’re really excited about seeing?
MO: Oh yeah! I’m excited to see everyone, of course, but in particular, Mala In Se is doing “We Suck Young Blood” and I know its gonna be ear shattering and double bass through the whole thing! The Turkeys are doing a Bluegrass version of “Let Down.” I’m sure that will be awesome as well. The entire show should be a very eccentric mix of music. I'm thrilled to see how everyone makes these songs their own.
CB: One more: How much did you pay for In Rainbows?
MO: Great question. I downloaded it for free but I bought the CD the first week it came out. I have issues with .mp3 quality vs. wav files.
More about The Cause; an interview with Kids Count Inc.’s Development Director Ginger Cumbee
CB: How did the idea for Kids Count come about?
Ginger Cumbee: Kids Count was established by Carolyn Rouse (M.A. Psychology) and Robert Rouse (M.A.
Education/Accounting). The couple have researched the cognitive development of young children and have been dedicated to education throughout their lives together. Research proves that working with babies is the foundation to them achieve to their fullest potential into adulthood. In 1990 Carolyn developed what is now Kids Count Inc.’s Childcare/Child Development Training Program, to pass this valuable knowledge on to the teachers who work one on one with our children everyday.
Carolyn began working with First Steps as a Primary Service Coordinator/ Independent Contractor in Northern Kentucky in 1997. She made it her personal mission to help others become certified therapists for First Steps and to increase the number of children who were served by First Steps in Northern Kentucky.
In 2002 Carolyn and Robert formed Kids Count L.L.C. to expand on the work Carolyn had already begun. Kids Count L.L.C. operated the Childcare/Child Development Training Program and the Early Intervention Programs successfully for many years. The aspiration was lingering to expand the program base to include a summer tutoring program, school at age zero and several other programs, however the money to implement them was just not there.
In 2006 the realization that Kids Count L.L.C. was just barely breaking even became painfully obvious. The drive to expand Kids Count’s mission to serve more children, families and teachers in Northern Kentucky, implement new programs and grow as an organization was the driving force to convert the business to a non-profit. On May 9, 2007, Kids Count Inc. was established as a 501(c)3 non-profit agency.
CB: Why focus on 0-3 years?
GC: Kids Count is a First Steps provider. First Steps is a statewide Early Intervention System which provides therapy services to children from birth to three with developmental delays/disabilities and their families. First Steps is Kentucky's response to the federal initiative called the Infant-Toddler Program (ITP) established by Public Law 99-457 Part C. First Steps offers comprehensive services through coordination with a variety of community agencies and service disciplines. First Steps is administered by the Department for Public Health within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
CB: Does Kids Count serve kids directly or do you primarily teach care givers?
GC: Kids Count does both. The Early Intervention Therapy Program is aimed at children who have developmental delays or other special needs that may affect their development. Early Intervention Therapy Services are performed for the purpose of teaching parents or caregivers activities and exercises to incorporate into the child’s regular daily routines. Early Intervention Therapy has proven to be highly effective in training the entire family and assisting the delayed child to meet and exceed developmental standards.
Kids Count is recognized by the State of Kentucky as an Accredited Training Organization. The Childcare/Child Development Training Program serves preschool, childcare and Montessori school teachers throughout Northern Kentucky in our monthly training seminars and conferences. We cover topics relevant to child development and pass on valuable, practical tools teachers can use to make a positive impact in our children’s lives.
CB: What are some of the most common developmental delays? Are there some less well known that you’ve encountered?
GC: Speech delays are the most frequently encountered problems we experience. We often find many children that need to be stimulated to develop basic skills such as crawling walking and talking. Autism is on the rise and we have encountered some rare chromosome syndromes.
CB: How do you make the determination if a child has a developmental delay (as opposed to a parent who just thinks their kid isn’t progressing fast enough)?
GC: There is a structured process developed by the state of Kentucky that each child referred goes through. The children are assessed individually by early childhood professionals, in their own home where they feel most comfortable.
CB: Does Kids Count serve anyone or do you have to qualify in some way?
GC: Every child is considered however it must be determined that they have a significant developmental delay in more than one area to qualify for services.
CB: How are kids typically brought to your attention?
GC: Anyone can find services by contacting First Steps directly, by contacting your child’s pediatrician or the Health Department. After referral you can ask for Kids Count, Inc. to be your provider.
CB: How is the expansion into Ohio going?
GC: The expansion effort into Ohio is currently a goal of Kids Count however neither the funding nor the manpower is in place at this time to do so. That is precisely what these fundraisers are to help us accomplish!
CB: How can someone donate to KCI if they can’t make it to the show?
GC: Please feel free to visit our Web site. Kids Count, Inc. is securely equipped to take donations there.
(EDITOR"S NOTE/SPOILER ALERT: Something I always enjoy about these kinds of shows is the element of surprise as far as who is playing what song. The organizers of this benefit have pre-released a list of artists with the song they will be performing. I'm not lookin' and you can choose not to either. But if you can't resist, here ya go — click on it to make it bigger:)
— Ezra Waller
Comments