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Artvoice Weekly Edition » Issue v7n21 (05/22/2008) » Section: Calendar Spotlight


Juliet Dagger Acoustic Performance (May 23)

Kicking off a series of acoustic in-store performances at Barnes & Noble on Friday (May 23), is Buffalo-based punk-pop-rock band the Juliet Dagger. The first in the series of Good Charamel Records’ Spring Local Music Showcase, the Juliet Dagger heads off a line up that will include Agent ME (Friday, May 30), Last Conservative (Saturday, June 7), and Terry Sullivan (Friday, June 13). Good Charamel is a local recording label started in 2003 by the Goo Goo Dolls’ Robbie Takac, devoted to releasing music from Western New York and promoting local talent. The label has released many compilations to benefit area organizations, including the Music is Art Series. The Barnes & Noble Spring Local Music Showcase takes place at the store’s Clarence location, at 4401 Transit Rd. All shows will begin at 7pm



Scythian (May 23)

Scythian, whose name derives from a pre-Mesopotamian horse-riding, nomadic tribe, references more than just ancient nations of equestrian wanderers in its eclectic and lively blend of Celtic beats, peppered with influences as vast and diverse as the origins of the members itself. The four incredibly talented musicians that comprise Scythian have backgrounds that range from Ukrainian to Irish to Jordanian (and just about everywhere in between). Brothers Oleksander (“Leks”) and Danylo Fedoryka, alongside Josef Crosby and Mike Ounallah not only sport incredibly varied heritage, but are all also first generation sons of immigrants, making their latest album Immigrant Road Show as aptly named as it is musically impressive. Their album has soared since its release in 2007, earning a place in PaddyRock.com’s Top 20 Albums of 2007. The foursome certainly doesn’t disappoint in person either, with shows so incredibly riling that fans are usually left dancing, singing, and clinking glasses uncontrollably by the end of the night. Scythian plays at Nietzsche’s on Friday (May 23), at 10pm



The Helio Sequence (May 25)

The joint project of Brandon Summers and Benjamin Weikel (former drummer/keyboardist for Modest Mouse) is known as the Helio Sequence, an indie rock band out of Oregon currently signed to the Sub Pop label. A couple years back the duo was enjoying some success, touring with the likes of Modest Mouse, Blonde Redhead, Kings of Leon, and Secret Machines, when lead singer and songwriter Summers roached his vocal chords so badly he was intermittently unable to speak, let alone sing. A lengthy healing process ensued, a time of devoted vocal training and introspection. Helio Sequence’s third and latest EP, Keep Your Eyes Ahead, is the result of that process, a dynamic effort with a pop appreciation and a minimalist edge. They make a big sound for only two people, with trademark layered keyboards and Summers’ confident vocals. The Helio Sequence plays at Soundlab on Sunday (May 25) at 9pm



Handome Jack CD Release Party (May 28)

Handsome Jack’s CD Release Party takes place at Mohawk Place on Wednesday (May 28), starting at 9pm. In celebration of their newest release, 2008’s Heatseeker, the guys welcome special guests and fellow local rock bands the Thermidors, the Found, and Chylde. A straight up, no frills powerhouse of a rock album, Heatseeker pulsates with bluesy guitars and gritty vocals reminiscent of traditional influences like Hendrix and the Stones with no fear of acoustic harmony. The band is planning a string of upcoming tour dates that will take them along the east coast, through the south, as far mid-west as Iowa and as north as Minnesota. So catch them here while you can. $10 at the door includes admission and the CD.



Looking Ahead. . .

Calendar Spotlight: Upcoming Events





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