Posts by Jennifer Kirk

It’s taken me a day or two to come up with a way to review the show I saw last Friday night in downtown Nashville. Lucero, a Memphis band I’ve been a fan of for a few years now, performed a two-night stand this past weekend.

I was a little late due to work obligations and then a car accident on the interstate. When I finally arrived, I found the place completely sold out and jam-packed. Don’t get me wrong – the large crowd was expected, that’s become the trend when Lucero travels to Nashville and their success is definitely a great thing for the band. I was able to catch the last three songs of what I believe to be a great up-and-coming band, The Dexateens.

The Dexateens are southern-garage rock from Alabama and I think (and hope for their sake) they become a band to reckon with in the near future. I was really happy I arrived in time to check out a few of their songs, so happy, I actually purchased one of their albums at the show. I can’t tell you the last time that happened.

READ ON for more of Jennifer’s thoughts on Lucero in Nashville…

Instant gratification. That’s the name of the game these days with music fans. With a few clicks of the mouse and a quick trip to Google one can go and find almost any album by any artist. And while today’s mainstream artists are hardly starving, it’s safe to say not many are making money off of albums and that’s the trend we’ve been seeing since Napster started.

I mean hell, look at Britney Spears’ most recent release Circus. She had to host an infomercial on MTV just to sell her CD (aptly titled For the Record). She played the “feel sorry for me” card quite well and guess what? It actually worked — she’s selling albums. So are infomercials the way to go? Artists as huge as Britney have to stoop to this level of salesmanship. Artists are struggling to find new and inventive ways to market their music. The industry is in knots trying to figure out how to market and distribute albums, but also do so at a minimal cost.

READ ON to find out just what sets UM’s Mantis apart from the pack…

May 3, 1999 might not be an important date to many of you, but it is to me. On this day, Oklahoma saw some of the worst tornadoes known to man. Along with my family and friends, I survived. But not everyone was so lucky…

The following day I traveled from Oklahoma City to Tulsa to catch a show of the String Cheese Incident and Gov’t Mule co-headline tour. Along I-44, I saw more destruction than I had ever witnessed — with the exception of the Federal Building. An entire outlet mall was demolished along with gas stations, homes, and everything else that was in the way of the F5 that struck that day.

Wind has an awesome power. I think we can all agree on that. My grandfather once told me a joke that goes something like this:

Question: Why is it so windy in Oklahoma?

Answer: Because Texas blows and Kansas sucks.

If you don’t get it, then you either know nothing about geograpy, or Big 12 sports. (Side note: I’m a OSU Cowboys fan, big props to the Pokes for almost handing it to the Sooners yet again — better luck next year!)

READ ON for more of Land of Confusion – Black Clouds > Restless Wind…

Over the past six months, we’ve been honored to run Jennifer Kirk’s engaging series about all sides of the presidential election: Land of Confusion. Today, she shares her final thoughts about today’s election…

[Image from RalphSteadman.com]

“This may be the year when we finally come face to face with ourselves; finally just lay back and say it — that we are really just a nation of 220 million used car salesmen with all the money we need to buy guns, and no qualms at all about killing anybody else in the world who tries to make us uncomfortable.”

This quote comes from the late, great Hunter S. Thompson. It was made in 1972 and sadly, it still rings true to this day. Today is a day, that no matter what happens, will remain in our memory for years to come. It is a day that we have to make a collective decision on how the direction of our country will go for the next four years, and perhaps longer. It is a day that we make a statement to the rest of the world as to who we are and who we aim to be. A day that no matter the outcome — we must still stand, united. I sincerely hope that our divisions can one day be mended come January 20 when one of the candidates takes office. Our country and our model of government are still very young in the eyes of the world. So late today, or most likely, tomorrow — we will find out what our statement will be to the world, but more importantly what that statement says of ourselves.

Over the past few months we have looked at several issues that are quite prevalent today, including: race and freedom of speech, military service, terrorist attacks and gun control, our countries crumbling infrastructure, poverty and the economics of touring, the economic and housing downturn, protests, faith in the youth of America, and finally, one of my personal favorites — who Johnny Cash would vote for in today’s election.

READ ON for more of the election day edition of LoC, and be sure to head over to Rebirth of Slack for HT Founder Ace Cowboy’s prediction…

Here we are, finally, less than two weeks away from the ‘big day.’ Judging by the numbers across the country for early voting, I think it’s fair to say that this election will be one for the history books. While I’m excited that so many people are participating, I’m also starting to get sick of it. I’m sick of the hate that we have on each opposing side. I’m sick of the ignorance on either side. I’m sick of receiving stupid, untrue forwards from family members and friends telling me why Obama is either the Messiah or The Beast.

Earlier this week, I drove through the local town square. It’s your typical southern town square complete with court house, law offices, local coffee shop, and did I mention that it’s actually located on Main Street? On this particular morning something struck me as out of the ordinary. You see, the GOP county office is located on the square and I noticed something particularly odd very early in the morning. Some jerks took it upon themselves to throw a brick through the window of their office. The funny thing was, I happened upon it before the police had even responded.

On a morning where I witnessed one of the most beautiful sunrises I’ve seen in a while — I also witnessed hatred and disrespect in its most idiotic form. Why is this? Why does something need to be vandalized to make a point? Why do people have to disrespect each other to try and anger the ‘other side’? I don’t get it. What happened to civilized discussion and debate? Hell, even the candidates crossed that line a long time ago. It seems that they are both banking on fear. Obama’s fear tactic is that we’ll have four more years of the same, McCain’s fear tactic is that we’ll move closer to socialism through Obama’s health care plan, among other things. Is this really what our fore fathers envisioned? Fear breeding hate breeding fear breeding hate.

READ ON for more of this week’s Land of Confusion…

As I write this piece, I’m on a bus returning back home from what has been a completely eye-opening experience. I had the opportunity to chaperone a trip for ten students over my university’s fall break. No, we didn’t go to the binge-drinking capital of the South — Panama City, but instead travelled to a little community called Cranks, Kentucky. Cranks, along with the rural communities of eastern Kentucky and western Virginia make up one of the poorest, most underdeveloped areas in our country. At the beautiful foothills of Appalachia we were on a mission to help along the construction of a home for someone who we had never met.

The group of students traveling on this trip represents, to my best guess, the patchwork quilt of America. They all come from very different walks of life. Pakistani, African American, small-town white kids, a young mother, and Christian. I could go on and try to pigeon hole these kids but there is simply no need as they all came together to do something constructive (quite literally) with their long weekend away from the hustle and bustle of their studies. This past weekend has single-handedly restored my faith in the youth of America, and I’m VERY proud to have been a small part of something this special. READ ON for more…

While I was away on my trip last weekend, I received a text message from a friend and fellow HeadCount volunteer letting me know that Andy Bernstein and Marc Brownstein were featured in a story about HeadCount on ABC’s 20/20. Instead of doing normal publicity for a non-profit, John Stossel decided to do a piece questioning the validity of HeadCount’s work over the past four years and also questioned if the youth of our country should have the ability to vote because they seem uninformed or uneducated.

Well, John Stossel — welcome to America! There are TONS of uneducated people that will be going to the polls on November 4th. They are uneducated not because of their age, but perhaps because of the education they received, the places they get their news, their ability to keep up with issues, or maybe even their ability to actually care about what is going on in our country and our world.

READ ON for the rest of Jen’s Editorial Rant…

I hardly even know where to begin this week. The financial crisis is just plain crazy — but expected. Phish has come back which is just plain crazy — but expected. Last week, I went on a mini-rant on artists coming out to show their support for a particular presidential candidate and I’d like to stick with that theme this week. It all started from a quote I found on my daily tear away calendar aptly titled “Stupid Things People Say”:

“I’m not very politically involved. And I don’t like to talk about it. I mean, if you say you’re a Democrat, that’ll turn off Republicans and that’s half your fan base.”

The quote comes from Lindsey Lohan, which I still have hanging on my office wall next to my George W. Bush quote of “The great thing about America is everybody should vote.” You know what though? She’s actually correct in my opinion. Granted, she has since decided to turn into a lesbian so I can only assume that’s turned off half of her fan base anyway.

READ ON for more of this special bonus edition of LoC…

No, we’re not gonna take it, we’re not going to take it ANYMOREEEEEE!

Finally, I get to use the Twisted Sister song! I really wanted to find a clip from the movie PCU when the “We’re not going to protest” protest occurred, but I couldn’t find any clips from that speech. Relax though, Jeremy Piven is still a genius.

On a serious note related to protests I’d like to introduce you to War Child.

War Child’s mission is the following:

War Child International is a network of independent organisations, working across the world to help children affected by war.

War Child was founded upon a fundamental goal: to advance the cause of peace through investing hope in the lives of children caught up in the horrors of war.

War Child works in many different conflict areas around the world, helping hundreds of thousands of children every year.

Under the Radar Magazine has teamed up with several musicians to make their own protest signs, have the artist autograph them and then auction off said signs for funds to go directly to the War Child organization.

READ ON to check out some of Jennifer’s favorite protest signs…

A few weeks ago John Rich, country music singer and host of the absolutely-horrible-but-I-still-watch-it-TV-show entitled Gone Country, stated the following at a McCain/Palin political rally:

“Somebody’s got to walk the line in the country. They’ve got to walk it unapologetically. And I’m sure Johnny Cash would have been a John McCain supporter if he was still around.”

He then went on to perform his rendition of I Walk the Line.

Unfortunately, Johnny Cash is not around — he passed away just over five years ago. Outraged by these comments, Rosanne Cash responded:

“It is appalling to me that people still want to invoke my father’s name, five years after his death, to ascribe beliefs, ideals, values and loyalties to him that cannot possibly be determined, and to try to further their own agendas by doing so…I knew my father pretty well, at least better than some of those who entitle themselves to his legacy and his supposed ideals…and even I would not presume to say publicly what I ‘know’ he thought or felt. This is especially dangerous in the case of political affiliation. It is unfair and presumptuous to use him to bolster any platform.”

So all of this drama got me thinking — who would Johnny Cash support in upcoming election? READ ON for more of this week’s LoC…

I thought it would be a wise decision to try out the product I’m actually reporting on. So yesterday during my lunch break, I went and purchased two new-to-Tennessee-but-not-new-to-me Magic Hat six packs (Lucky Kat and Circus Boy). I was happy when Fat Tire made it to the Volunteer state this summer, but Magic Hat […]

I’ve tried my best throughout my time here at HT to stay away from endorsing a particular candidate and even though I’ve alluded to who I like by making jabs or snide comments about other candidates (especially toward Hillary because growing up in a conservative Republican household in Oklahoma just made it that much easier) I have tried to stay away from partisan lines, but that’s why I’m registered as an Independent, because I don’t ever want to necessarily be associated with a ‘party’, I want to be associated with a country, or nowadays, a world.

Nevertheless, I think it’s a bold statement, but not too far from the truth when I say that this is the most important election to happen in my lifetime. We’ve seen history already — a woman almost got the Democratic nod, and a black guy who actually will next month in Denver. More people will vote in this election than any other in our country and it’s a damn good thing to see. READ ON for more…

I’m finding it a tad bit ironic that when I reported on Rothbury I used lyrics or titles of Talking Heads’ songs for each day to describe what I felt and saw from the festival. Little did I know I’d be able to use one more, much less be able to incorporate it into my Land of Confusion series.

Possible Photo Captions: It’s STILL the Economy, you idiot (or Where did you get your M.B.A. again?)

[ Photo courtesy of thepeoplesvoice.org ]

It all started when I read this article on the seizure of funds from the Rothbury Music Festival for the Double JJ Ranch. A court order came down to seize the funds because a bank was seeking foreclosure on the property for a $17.5 million loan for construction to pay for the indoor waterpark (the place where the hippies went to take a shower for $20). According to the local comments on the article, I’m thinking they just defaulted on payments on purpose — but who knows?

READ ON for more of this week’s Land of Confusion…

Last week, we reported on the funky limited edition Pollock and LEBO prints that HeadCount commissioned. Well, they upped the ante once again by launching their brand-spanking-new “Pledge to Vote” campaign and “Push the Button” contest. If you pledge to vote in the November election through the HeadCount website you are automatically entered for a […]

I’m feelin’ okay this mornin’
And you know,
We’re on the road to paradise
Here we go, here we go…

Here we are for my last post on Rothbury. I’ve not slept in over 24 hours, but I’m ‘feelin’ okay this mornin’ so to speak. I spent 4 hours of the 11 hour ride sleeping and the other 7 driving. During my driving shift I reflected a lot on this past weekend. With that in mind I’d like to focus this post on two things: the festivals greening efforts and Phish. I’ll also be giving a few pros and cons of the festival logistics and other things, so perhaps they can improve on for next year. Rumor has it that the Double JJ Ranch has already invited the promoters back.

[Trey & Mike, with Fishman in the background watching]

I don’t think I emphasized the greening efforts on behalf of the promoters. I don’t have the exact number, and I’m sure they will do a press release on it after the site is cleaned. But the festival was able to divert about 80% of waste produced each day into either recyclables or compostables. I also failed to mention that all the cups on site were made from corn. That’s right ladies and gentlemen, after enjoying your nice tasty Magic Hat Number 9 you can dispose of your cups by composting them. Who woulda thunk? I’ve already mentioned the trash cans, but the site also gave away free portable ashtrays for all the smokers in attendance. They also took several initiatives to offset carbon emissions. I must say I have NEVER seen a cleaner site, and most people were very good about cleaning up after themselves. Bravo Rothbury, job well done! READ ON for more…

Another day, another blog. As you can see from my titles I’m having a sort of Talking Heads themed weekend at Rothbury. It all started on the car ride here when This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) played as the sun was rising. That and I was doing my best David Byrne dances in order to successfully keep my driver awake.

Crosseyed and Painless describes how I feel at this point. Crosseyed because Sound Tribe played so late and Painless because even though I’m sleep deprived it was all very much worth it. Yesterday I wasn’t able to get out and about on the site until the evening. HeadCount had David Murphy and Zach Velmer from STS9 at their booth for some political discussion in the afternoon, so I decided to stick around and see what they had to say. After they were done and I finished my blog from yesterday, I headed over to Medeski, Martin and Wood for a rousing performance of acid-latin-funk-jazz.

Later I headed over to see Michael Franti so I could count how many times he said “How you FEEEEEEELIN?!?” (it was 5, but I was only there for 3 songs). Next, I went back to the Sherwood Court stage to catch Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi’s Soul Stew Revival, where Col. Bruce made a surprise appearance. After that, I headed over to the headliner for the evening — Dave Matthews Band. I’ll be honest, I’m not much of a fan, I enjoy some of their songs but they aren’t one of those bands that speaks to me. Jeff Coffin sat in for LeRoi (who was in an ATV accident recently) and he did a phenomenal job pushing the band as much as his little saxophone could. Finally, I headed over to Sound Tribe and they closed the evening out for me.

Overall, the experience has been great. Still no potable water (I’m convinced they don’t exist) and the security has tightened up worse than going through airport security (I don’t think there are terrorists here). I’m going to cut this blog a little short because I need to head over to Trey so I can take some photos and see how well he’s doing.

READ ON after the jump for some pics from Saturday for your enjoyment…

OTHBURY, the latest entry in the burgeoning U.S. concert festival scene got underway (July 3) in western Michigan. The rest of the weekend will see performances by the likes of the Dave Matthews Band, Widespread Panic, John Mayer, Modest Mouste, 311, Thievery Corporation, Primus Trey Anastasio, Snoop Dogg, Phil Lesh and Friends, Gov't Mule and other jam friendly artists– more than 70 acts playing in six performance areas. Jennifer Kirk provides the lowdown on each day.

So here I am again, a little later than I had planned but that happens when you spend the entire day running from stage to stage and back and forth to the camp site to grab some grub. Yesterday was fantastic, to the point that I’m almost speechless. I hadn’t realized until the fireworks that I had never seen a show on the 4th of July and a day long set of shows at that.

I still haven’t found the potable water and I doubt at this point I’ll buy any ice (thanks for lasting dry ice!), but I did find a few of the drink stations around the festival grounds. I saw TONS of music yesterday and did a little more exploring. I have a feeling that I’ve still not seen everything on the site yet — but that’s what is so nice about 3-4 day festivals (and much like the childhood trips to Disney World, where you explore a new park everyday). With the grounds and amenities I believe this festival to be the closest thing that we, as music fans, have to being a resort. Everyone has a choice of what to do, where to go, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be music. If I wasn’t typing this, I would be checking out the water park.

Being Independence Day, artists took the liberty to make their views known on certain issues and freedoms, and also pointed out things we should celebrate. The Wailers celebrated the music of Bob Marley, Snoop Dogg celebrated the freedom of gin & juice, Drive-By Truckers encouraged their fans to register to vote and exercise their independence, Yonder celebrated the return of Jon Fishman and objects turning brown, and Widespread got political, albeit poetically. I think it is no coincidence that they ended their 4th of July performance with a rousing rendition of Life During Wartime quite appropriate (but I’m not going to lie — also really fun to dance to).

Well, I’m going to wrap this one up as I need to get my laptop back to the campsite so I can go out and shoot some bands and enjoy the weather. Until then, READ ON after the jump for some more pics to tide you over:

Well, the Rothbury experience has been an adventure thus far. In order to help take part in the ‘green’ aspect of Rothbury (and not to mention the cost of gas), I carpooled from Tennessee with a HeadCount volunteer. We left on Tuesday night from Nashville and my friend and I drove straight through the night. It’s been a few years since I’ve pulled an all-night driving session (Big Cypress) in order to arrive on site on time. After experiencing a little bit of ticketing problems and witnessing a down pour of rain we were finally allowed on site. At first, I was a little scared because the mud I saw gave me a flashback to Coventry but then I realized it was supposed to rain on Wednesday only. By Friday, the site has mostly dried up.

[Percussion Monkeys!]

Thursday I spent time exploring the vast site that is Rothbury. This is by far the most interesting festival site I’ve ever seen. The Double JJ Ranch has everything from horseback riding, to a water park, and you can even catch 18 holes if you’re so inclined. The lake is beautiful, and while you’re there you can catch a game of volleyball or challenge someone to horseshoes. This is all the stuff that is part of the ranch, I haven’t even started on the actual festival amenities.

READ ON for more on the first day of the first-ever Rothbury Festival…

A few weeks ago, we held Political Celebrity Death Match Round 1 in which we partnered one musician with one ‘hero’ for each of the candidates. After all the votes were cast and polls closed we finally have a winner to announce! By a landslide Luke Skywalker and Stevie Wonder took the first round — congratulations Barack supporters! Though I must say I was disappointed that no one supported Arnold. I mean how many actors and actresses has he killed throughout his career? Come on, he could have taken Luke and Stevie by himself!

But I digress as we must prepare for battle in Round 2. Since Hillary dropped out of the race, she has been eliminated from the competition (until the VP’s are announced at least). This week we’re going to do another tag team match up featuring musicians and business persons. If you don’t remember, Political Celebrity Death Match is where we look at celebrities and who they endorse and then we let them battle it out in our head (imagination style). So, welcome HT readers, to round two of Political Celebrity Death Match 2008. READ ON for more…