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Artvoice Weekly Edition » Issue v6n20 (05/17/2007) » Section: Calendar Spotlight


Nullstadt

To many Buffalonians a Nullstadt reunion is a major event, bringing back together some of the driving talents behind the local music scene from the 1980s to the present. Original Nullstadt members (circa 15 years ago) Darren Burns, Greg Gizzi, David Kane, Don Kinsman and Kent Weber will play tonight (Thursday, May 17) at Hallwalls, in conjunction with a reading/book launch by Mark Nowak. Nowak is the author of “Music and Death in Zero City, 1982-1984,” an essay in the forthcoming anthology Goth: Undead Subculture, soon to be published by Duke University Press. Nullstadt, which translates as “zero city” in German, reached its peak at the now defunct Continental in the mid 1980s. Both the band and the club are the focus of Nowak’s essay, representing the cultural climate in post-industrial Buffalo during that time. This music/literary event begins at 7:30pm, and the $10 admission fee will be refunded with a purchase of Goth



Voice of Cheez

Following in the tradition of the undeniably influential Frank Zappa is Voice of Cheez, Buffalo’s long standing Zappa tribute band. Always entertaining and exciting, Voice of Cheez uses theatrics to keep the spirited feel of a Zappa show alive. Their song list extends throughout Zappa’s career, covering most of the eras and genres that Frank reached during his lifetime. However, those who are looking for a note-by-note reproduction are looking in the wrong place: Voice of Cheez plays in the spirit of Zappa with respect for his musical composition, creating an aura that is a must-see for all those Zappa fans who can’t get enough. Voice of Cheez will take the stage on Friday (May 18) at Nietzsche’s at 10pm, following a concert of jazz standards by Susan Peters from 6-9pm



Buffalo Choral Arts Society

The Buffalo Choral Arts Society has commissioned three custom medleys of Broadway and pop tunes to be debuted at their upcoming weekend performances of “An American Choral Celebration” (Friday, May 18 at 7:30pm and Sunday, May 20 at 3pm) at UB’s Lippes Concert Hall in Slee Hall. Under the direction of Marcia Giambrone, the chorus has grown to include the BCAS High School Master Chorale, inaugurated in 2006. Giambrone has strong roots in the field of music education, having been listed six times in Who’s Who Among American Teachers. She is now supervisor of student teachers at SUNY Fredonia. Giambrone has been with the BCAS since 1987, and during that time has led the group on three European concert tours and performed with the BPO and the Arts Nova Musicians, among others



Cursive

Cursive, the hot indie-rockers from Omaha, have stayed under the radar for the past few years. After careful deliberation as to the direction of the band, frontman Tim Kasher has brought Cursive back to create yet another hit album. Constantly formatting and molding their sound, each album that comes along seems to eclipse the previous one. The latest, Happy Hollow (Saddle Creek), has once again proved the brilliance of the band. The album features fast, tight rhythms, horn blasts and heartfelt lyrics sung with a raw, emotional force. Kasher’s range can sound downright haunting or can explode into heartbroken rage, piercing the hearts of listeners. The lyrical genius is showcased on this latest album, exploring and challenging religion, race and relationships. Cursive will play at the Icon on Sunday (May 20) at 7pm with special guests These Arms Are Snakes and the High Strung



Gurf Morlix

Gurf Morlix returns home to his native WNY for a house concert on Sunday (May 20) at 7pm. The Hamburg-born singer/songwriter (recently turned Texan) grew up playing in bands such as Cherry Blend and Rainbow Kitchen with Jim Whitford, a fellow Buffalo Music Hall of Fame alum, and Peter Case. A multi-talented musician, Morlix has played on, performed and produced records with an extensive and impressive list of music biz folks. He’s released four albums of his own and plays guitar, bass, mandolin, mandocello, dobro, lap steel, banjo, piano, drums, harmonica, etc. He recently took a “break”—to play with and produce two albums for Lucinda Williams. Playing alongside Morlix for this show is Troy Campbell, a past member of the Highwaymen and Loose Diamonds, whose new album Long in the Sun was also produced by Morlix. The concert is open to the public, but at a private home, so call 812-4671 for more info—laura masters





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