Friday, August 26, 2011

Friday's Rockin' Roundup - Natural Disaster Edition

This past Tuesday around 2:30 PM, the unthinkable happened. I actually experienced an Earthquake. Having lived in Northern New Jersey for most of my entire life, I’ve never felt an earthquake before. When my entire office building shook, I knew something was wrong, and an earthquake was my first thought. Then I laughed at myself for how silly that sounded. Turns out, it wasn’t so silly after all.

Although it originated in Virginia, the effects of the quake were felt as far north as Massachusetts. It was a scary feeling for a few moments, as no one around me was sure of what had happened. We quickly evacuated the building, but minutes later got the all clear to head back inside. Feeling the building shake (albeit mildly) made me wonder what people who have lived through large Earthquakes feel like. The one I experienced was a 5.9. I would never want to witness an 8.0.

And now there’s news of a huge hurricane heading our way. At least this is a natural disaster that I am used to…

Here’s what rocked this week:

The Great Kat - The World’s Fastest Guitarist?
Here’s an interesting piece. This article is on Long Island Native Katherine Thomas, known as the Great Kat. Her current CD, Beethoven Shreds, is available now. So, is the Great Kat the world’s fastest guitarist? I guess we’ll have to check out the CD to find out. In the meantime, read over this great article that will fill you in on all the details.

Say It Loud: The Genius of James Brown
Debuting at the Grammy Museum this September is an exhibit to none other than the Godfather of soul. The exhibit will focus on James Brown as the “Godfather of Soul” – blazing a trail in American music by blending gospel, pop and soul- as well as show Brown’s role as a trendsetter in both fashion and dance. The exhibit will also illustrate how Brown used his music and celebrity to positively impact the Civil Rights Movement and race relations of the 1960’s. The exhibit will open to the public on September 17, 2011.

Want To Go To An Indie Music Campout?
Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven will be rolling into the Joshua Tree region of California next month to co-host their 7th annual CAMPOUT music festival. CAMPOUT will take place September 15th, 16th and 17th at Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace in the High Desert of Southern California. The locale of this fest ties in perfectly with Cracker’s own history as their signature album Kerosene Hat was recorded there back in 1993 in the now-closed movie soundstage next to the Palace. This year’s edition of CAMPOUT looks to be one of the best ever. Tickets are available now.

Dave Matthews Band Caravan Postponed
The DMB Caravan was supposed to take over New York City this weekend. However, due to the impending hurricane, the governor of New York has declared a state of emergency for Saturday and Sunday. Therefore, the only festivities that will take place are on Friday night. The rescheduled dates of Saturday and Sunday will be announced in the near future. If you have tickets to these two nights, hang onto them. Single day ticket holders have also been invited to use their ticket for Friday night’s show.

Every Album Challenge Update
Albums Listened To: 267
Albums Remaining: 1,786

For more news, reviews, rants, raves, updates, and shout outs, you should follow me on twitter. www.twitter.com/ryovie

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