Coming Attractions:

The Nervous Eaters

I just saw The Nervous Eaters in Boston and they were great. I’ve read about how they were an old-school Boston punk band that got signed to a major label who tried to turn them into The J. Geils Band. Now, I love The J. Geils Band more than anybody reading this, but punk and Peter Wolf don’t need to meet. The Nervous Eaters have a new album called Monsters + Angels, so check it out. Mark Cutler is opening and has two new albums out – show up early for a special treat! 

The Nervous Eaters and Mark Cutler & the Men of Great Courage will rock the Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River on Mar 10. 

Blood Feeder

My new favorite (along with The Devil’s Twins) local band is going to kick out the jams with a potpourri of punk, metal, and hardcore. Yes, I used potpourri to describe a death punk band. Life is too short to review the album again.

Blood Feeder, High ‘n’ Heavy, and Cassie Lee kick out the jams at The Pour Farm in New Bedford on Mar 11.

Jerry Cantrell 

I was bummed last Columbus Day weekend when I couldn’t make the quasars connect to see Alice in Chains at Great Woods. But for all the darkness there is light, and I’m stoked to be able to see Cantrell come and hear all that magic as well as his solo stuff. I don’t think people realize that he was singing lead as much as Layne Staley. This will be a banger.

Jerry Cantrell and Thunderpussy bring the heat to The Strand in PVD on Mar 14.

LYSSAPALOOZA!

Alyssa Tuchon is one of the brightest spirits one could ever hope to meet. She lights up the room, loves music, and is always happiest when she is dancing. In January of 2022 the curtain dropped on a lot of that joy. Alyssa was stricken with an undiagnosed disorder that has left her in constant pain with limited mobility. It really sucks and isn’t fair. Alyssa’s friends have come together to put on this benefit to try and help her stay afloat. This is a great lineup for a great cause for an even greater person. I’d ask even if you can’t attend to buy a ticket.

LYSSAPALOOZA featuring performances by Beauquet, Tall Teenagers, Joy Boys, and Eric & the Nothing touches down at Askew on Mar 24. This is an early show with doors at 5pm so we can just pack that much more fun in! Suggested donation is $25, but whatever you can afford: There is a buffet and we’re really just trying to get Alyssa healthy.

The National Reserve and Happiness

I caught the second night of The National Reserve monthly residency at Askew and came away impressed. The National Reserve engage in fracking Creedence Clearwater Revival, Faces, and Flying Burrito Brothers swamps with surgical focus. And… it is pretty fucking good. Happiness is my favorite local power-pop / trash surf band within state lines. I’m guessing this is the first show since 2019 at The Cafe at the Par… nevermind, it just had too many names. The members have been busy as Happiness is composed of Rafay Rashid of Ravi Shavi and 3/4ths of Deer Tick. I’m putting it out there, if they don’t play “The Devil is Working Retail” we (I) riot. 

The National Reserve and Happiness rock Askew on Mar 25.

Rest In Power Holly – We Love You.

Email music news to mclarkin33@gmail.com

Okee dokee folks… I can’t believe that it’s already been a year that I have been hosting the Motif Roots Report Podcast. In that time, I have produced almost 60 episodes! I really didn’t know what to think when I started doing this, but honestly, I just wanted to be able to share the cool conversations that I am fortunate to have. I have talked to comedians, actors, musicians, promoters, and more. For years I had been doing interviews and transcribing them, or using a few quotes in a column, but I always thought that it would be so much better if you could just hear the conversations. When I started podcasting, I had never even listened to a podcast, I just made it all up as I went along! Creating the podcast it a lot of fun, but they are a LOT of work. I spend HOURS trying to arrange the interview, researching the guest, doing the actual interview, and finally editing, which is the longest part of the process. If you have not yet listened to one,what are you waiting for? I do this for you! LISTEN! Read on…

Get on board the “Runaway Train,” and head to the Greenwich Odeum on March 18 when Soul Asylum plays an all acoustic show. The band know for its Grammy Award-winning music will be performing as an acoustic duo for this performance. I had a chance to talk with original member, Dave Pirner about the band and upcoming show. You can listen to it on the Roots Report Podcast. Also coming up at The Greenwich Odeum: Roomful of Blues on March 10, Rumours: A Fleetwood Mac tribute on March 23, Pink Talking Fish will play a 50th anniversary set of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon and more on March 25, and Ska pioneers The English Beat will “Save It For Later” on April 1. For more, find “Somebody to Shove” and get to: greenwichodeum.com

Newport Live is presenting a Spring Solstice Record Release Party with Mark Erelli and company on Thursday, March 23 at the Jamestown Arts Center. Over his two decade-long career, the singer-songwriter-sideman-producer-writer has produced albums for artists like Grammy-winner Lori McKenna; served as guitarist for artists like Paula Cole, Marc Cohn, and Josh Ritter; as well as writing and producing his own material. For more, “Jimmytown” over to: newportlive.org

For years Anais Mitchell was just a folk singer like so many others. She wrote songs, played shows, went to the Folk Alliance conference, and tried to make it as a performer. She was doing fairly well, but then she had a stroke of genius and wrote a musical – a huge departure for any folk singer. Not only did this musical make it to Broadway, but it won EIGHT Tony Awards and a Grammy. Mitchell’s brilliant production, Hadestown will be at Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) March 21 – 26. Hadestown combines two mythic tales – Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone. It takes you on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back. You don’t want to miss this one! For more, go “Any Way The Wind Blows” to: ppacri.org

Also coming to PPAC is the The Simon & Garfunkel Story. This immersive concert-style show chronicles the journey of the folk-rock duo, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. The show uses state of the art projection photos and original film footage as well as a live band performing their hits including “Mrs. Robinson,” “Cecilia,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Homeward Bound,” and many more.

The United Theatre in Downtown Westerly has been featuring some great music in addition to films in recent months. The theatre has many multi-purpose event and gallery spaces, as well as a state-of-the-art music school. The United is a very active space. You may want to check out these upcoming shows at The United: Watchhouse (formerly known as Mandolin Orange) on March 2, The Wood Brothers on March 6, and The Cowsills (trio) on April 16 (watch for my podcast with Susan Cowsill). For more, “Love, American Style” over to: unitedtheatre.org

I love comedy, and Kathleen Madigan is in my ever-lengthening list of favorite comedians. I have been waiting for years to see her live and she is doing TWO area shows! If you are not familiar with her, then you mustn’t have watched her specials Bothering Jesus, Madigan Again, and her latest: Hunting Bigfoot on Amazon Prime. I spoke with Kathleen for my Roots Report Podcast about her specials and upcoming shows. She also has a podcast called Madigan’s Pubcast. She will be at Foxwoods on March 31 and at The Wilbur in Boston on April 1. Don’t look in the “Wrong Ocean,” just go to foxwoods.com or thewilbur.com for more.

I will be mortally wounded if I do not mention this show. My girlfriend, Lori Mars, came across a band called The Ritualists and managed to help them get a Providence show. She loves them and thinks that everyone should go to the show. They will be playing at Askew on March 31 along with Family Township and Dred Buffalo. For more, wham, bam, glam to: askewprov.com or theritualists.com. Am I safe now?

For those who didn’t get tix, or couldn’t afford tix to see The Boss in concert, the next best thing will be at the Park Theatre and Event Center in Cranston. The E Street Shuffle Springsteen tribute will appear on March 11. For more, hit “The River” and get to theparkri.com

Finally, my band, Forever Young – A Tribute to Neil Young, will be at the Narrows in Fall River on March 18. We had to reschedule our show from January because of COVID. If you had tickets to that January show they are good for the new date and if not, get your tickets now! narrowscenter.org Don’t forget you can listen to my podcasts at: motifri.com/rootsreportpodcast. You can also find my concert photographs at motifri.com/fuzeksfotos.

That’s it for now. Thanks for reading and listening. johnfuzek.com

With the 2023 music awards approaching this month, we are instituting a new guideline – starting this year, any band or performer that wins 5 times in the same category will receive a special award and will not be eligible in future years. A dynasty like that is extremely rare, so these legend awards won’t happen often – we can only think of only three or four over the 17 years these awards have been happening – but we were inspired to take a look back at some of the bands and performers that have won repeatedly over those years (even if it’s not 5 times – we won’t know who might qualify for that until voting concludes).

Here’s a random sampling of “Where are they now” updates on musicians that inspired some of our writers.

Kris & Tara Hansen

Kris and Tara Hansen have been local musical stalwarts for decades (though they definitely don’t seem old enough for that). Known for the band Viking Jesus and their more recent duo act, Man & Wife, their friendly and enthusiastic demeanor makes those around them feel welcome and supported. They are a consistent presence around town, whether as performers, supporters, or Kris working sound at numerous venues. They have won multiple Motif awards in various Alternative and Folk categories throughout the years.

“Winning multiple awards is still unbelievable,” Tara says. “Having your peers recognize the work you have done is a huge inspiration to do more. Being an artist is a constant struggle and we all want acceptance alongside authenticity.”

“To me, the nomination is everything,” Kris adds. “Winning means we have an actively participating fan base. It is great to be recognized. I will probably not be going to the Grammys at any point in my 40s so, to be recognized by the only publication in [Southern] New England that really focuses on art brings me great pleasure. We’ve been through a lot in all these years.”

Kris and Tara both credit Viking Jesus guitarist George Dussault and bassist Ian Pharo with developing their sound. They consider their songwriting a collaboration, with each member bringing important contributions.

“The whole VJ design is George Dussault and me, in his laboratory,” Kris says of his songwriting partner. “George is the producer! I have always written the core song and then George will write arrangements and other parts to fill it out.”

Both bands are currently writing new material and Tara is working on songs that she plans to record independently in the Spring. Kris says that Viking Jesus has a new single and a record of ballads that will be uploaded and available in the near future. They have not had a permanent drummer since Nick Iddon passed away in 2022, but they may have one on the horizon, which has them all hopeful for their future.

“I love our music scene and all of the musicians in RI,” Kris says when asked about the Motif Awards event. “The event is quite diverse and fun. It’s a great networking opportunity. You have every genre under one roof!”

“Rhode Island has such a vast network of talent as well as strong artistic ties within a small community,” Tara adds. “It is always unbelievable to see so much talent and love in one room together. Everybody wins when we all support each other.”

fb.com/manandwiferi

– Bobby Forand

SexCoffee

SexCoffee is a hard rock band that has been playing since 2007 (with a break from 2009-2014), releasing four albums and winning the trifecta of prestigious Motif Awards (Band of the Year, Best Female Vocalist, Rock Album of the Year). Cofounders and songwriters Ruth Charbonneau (vocals) and Sharlene DeNardo (bass) have seen five drummers, nine guitarists and one manager come and go throughout their time, but are thrilled with their current lineup, which features drummer Al Diaz (joined in 2017) and new guitarist, Phil Martelly, who joined in 2022. All members are excited to see the music they create in 2023. 

“We are ecstatic to have him on board,” Charbonneau says of Martelly. “With Al’s humor, Sharlene’s sarcasm, and my battling personalities, his chill attitude and professionalism is the perfect fit for our band family. We are excited to write some new music with Phil in 2023 and eager to see what creativity evolves with our new energy.”

Charbonneau says that it’s always an honor to be nominated for an award and to be a part of the tremendous original music scene in Providence. She comments that the camaraderie of everyone involved is one of her favorite things. She adds that she truly enjoys the “magical experience” of the award show itself, with “eclectic presenters, amazing performers and a professional photo shoot that makes everyone feel like a celebrity.”

“Winning multiple Motif awards in a span of 13 years, proves to us that regardless of what we endure as a band, we will always return to the music.”

Charbonneau says that SexCoffee is a musical autobiography of the trials and tribulations that she and DeNardo have endured for the past 21 years. She invites listeners to travel along with them.

“Our music has grown with us from our ridiculous college days to our current state of…well….mostly adulting,” Charbonneau says. “I’d say our music has progressed and it tells one hell of a story. It’s an honest and humbling journey!”

fb.com/sexcoffee

– Bobby Forand

Atwater & Donnelly

Aubrey Atwater and Elwood Donnelly met at the Stone Soup Coffeehouse in 1987 and have been playing music since. They have released 14 albums, several books of poetry, songbooks, and a documentary DVD. They’ve toured stateside and internationally and won multiple Motif awards in the folk / world / Americana zones. 

“It’s a very nice compliment and honor to be recognized for our work here at home,” Atwater says of the numerous awards they have won throughout the years. 

Atwater-Donnelly performs in many configurations: as a duo, a trio/band, solo, and with their gospel project, Jerimoth Hill. Their endeavors keep them busy throughout the year. A look at their agenda proves that they are some of the most active artists in the RI. Most of their acts have performances scheduled each month, mostly local with a few long-distance tours. 

“We are performing in concert series, festivals, libraries, etc., somewhat more locally after decades on the road,” Atwater, who also teaches music and dance classes at Blackstone River Theatre, explains. “And, as ever, we continue our therapeutic and educational work in nursing homes, Hasbro Children’s Hospital, schools, etc.”

In addition to their extensive calendar, Atwater-Donnelly’s website gives an in-depth history of all of their projects, along with workshops offered and a link to Donnelly’s handmade woven baskets webstore. There is also a hidden gem in The Lonely Things that is well worth your eyes, ears and time. 

“We like to think we have modeled a life of coloring outside of the lines, creating a unique career and making a solid living as full-time musicians for over 30 years,” Atwater says when describing their legacy. “We have taught, mentored and influenced many people over the years and have often been told our music is like a soundtrack for some families — in their childhoods, their weddings, at the ends of their lives.”

atwater-donnelly.com

– Bobby Forand

Steve Smith and the Nakeds

It’s 1973. A 22-year-old Steve Smith hops out of the ocean in the haze of a Matunuck Beach summer. He shags his hair, throws his longboard up over his head, and takes off at a gallop towards the special community that is Roy Carpenter’s Beach: a collection of “shacks” which features porch sittin’, beer drinkin’, guitar strummin’ men and women playing tunes and wailing notes into the sun-kissed night. Smith jogs through the place he’d spent every summer as a kid and stops quickly at the cottage he grew up in with his cousin (John Cafferty, of the Beaver Brown Band), to change into his night attire. As he waltzes to the fridge to grab a cold beer, he is struck by a fading childhood memory: Saturday night kitchen performances for his father and his uncles, a skinny 4-year-old swinging hips to a high-pitched rendition of “Love Letters in the Sand.” He sits reminiscing for a few minutes, allowing the memories to flow through him like the beer. Sweltering days at the beach, barefoot nights hopping between shack porches… a jukebox that ran in the corner of a crowded room, its bright lights whirling with each tune… a night of opportunity all under one chaotic musical roof…

Shit! Smith is now running late for his first gig with his new band The Nakeds at South Kingstown High School: a show that would solidify state-wide recognition for the 10-piece, Rhythm and Blues groove phenomena, Steve Smith and the Nakeds.

I crossed paths with our protagonist on a blustery winter afternoon, very far from his native beach vibe. A casual man in a black coat and blue jeans, Smith met me in the parking lot of Motif’s office in Pawtucket, and as we took the five million or so steps up to the third floor we talked about everything from surfing to the Ocean Mist to what CD he has in his car right now. Turns out Smith is a Spotify-er like the rest of us, but it did bring up an old memory of his father’s words after returning home with the first Beatles album: Listen to these guys, they’re going to be great.

“My father loved music,” Smith said. “He was a salesman, he was on the road all day… he listened to the radio constantly.” He smiled in his reverie. Smith appreciates his father for having the foresight to send him to voice lessons at a young age, endowing him with a skill he can reach for again and again.

Smith went to PC and was juggling a lot of extracurriculars, including his college band, Bloody Mary. He decided in his sophomore year to pull the trig’ and dedicate most of his effort to being “in the band,” a decision described by Smith as being a “pivotal moment.” By the time his senior year rolled around, he had formed The Naked Truths (a precursor to Steve Smith and the Nakeds) and was ready to hit the scene running. They began touring up and down the East Coast, rocking 7 nights a week at colleges when the drinking age was 18.

“We always focus on the music. When you’re younger, alcohol becomes involved, women become involved, drugs become involved… These things are temptations, they’re easily acquired, and we’ve had guys leave the band because they’ve lost their focus on the music. We have a reputation that you’re going to see good music, and there’s no bullshit.” 50 years later, Steve Smith and the Nakeds are as intrinsic to RI as coffee milk and Iggy’s doughboys. 

Steve Smith and the Nakeds are a show-stopping, foot-stomping, wreck of a time and the vast assortment of people at Steve’s shows will attest: from 70-year-old women to 16-year-old kids. Their consistent, athletic showmanship, larger-than-life attitude and frequent sweaty bare-chestedness has won the band renown in every corner of our state, throughout the region, and nationally – they are the only RI band to have appeared, in caricature, in Seth MacFarlane’s RI-based series Family Guy, and they’re one of the few still-performing bands to be inducted into the RI Music Hall of Fame. They have, you might imagine, picked up a few Motif awards as well over the years.

Next time (or the first time) you see Steve Smith and the Nakeds, and he roars “Hi Neighbor!” from the stage with a Narragansett can in hand, make sure to shout back “Howdy Neighbor!” congratulate him on the band’s 50th anniversary, and take a slug for our li’l corner of the world.

thenakeds.com

– Mara Hagen

The Silks

The Silks won Best Alternative Act back in 2016. The band is still the original trio of singer/guitarist Tyler-James Kelly, bassist Jonas Parmalee and drummer Sam Jodrey. In 2017, they added another guitarist to the group named Johnny Trama which they refer to as “the consummate professional six-string hitman.”

When reflecting on what the Motif Awards meant to the band, Parmalee said, “it felt great. What we had been working so hard on was recognized and voted on by our fans. People have always supported us, even today. It was a statement.”

Now a band with over ten years together, they are still on the road playing all of New England into Pennsylvania. “We keep busy [from] the spring through fall. Even in winter we play 3 to 4 shows a month,” said Parmalee. “COVID posed a problem for us like many other bands, but we managed to get through it.”

Front man Kelly has also seen recognition for his solo work both vocally and on strings, and Cowboy & Lady, the acoustic duo featuring him and partner/chanteuse Jess Powers. The Silks have performed at a past Music Awards event, garnering a standing ovation for one extended guitar solo jam

The band will be playing at The Met in Pawtucket on March 24, their first gig there since COVID. “We hope fill the place like we used to,” Parmalee said. Country artist Houston Bernard will be appearing as well.

thesilksmusic.com

– Trevor May

Ravi Shavi

Ravi Shavi, at this point, are annual nominees for the Motif Music Awards, being nominated every year in one rock category or another since 2018, most recently last year for Best Alternative Rock Music Act. Lead singer and guitarist Rafay Rashid was asked what the awards mean to him, “to be nominated is always a pleasant surprise… people thinking of putting our names in. Providing that support after all these years. It’s great to be acknowledged… To win, art is a very subjective medium. In some ways it’s hard to feel like you deserve it. But it’s awesome when a group can give you props like that… We’re extremely proud to belong to this city of Providence. We appreciate being acknowledged when there is such a vast amount of quality music in the city.”

Ravi Shavi formed in 2011 and continued with the same lineup until last year when drummer Nick Iddon suddenly passed away. Understandably, Rashid declined to say much about his friend’s passing. “We’re coming back with a new lineup. We were lucky to add John Ferron; a talented writer and drummer on his own. Bassist Chuck Perry from Joyboys. Nick Politelli (who has a solo album as well). We added guitarist Shahjehan Khan from the Muslim punk band The Kominas … It’s a lot, but we’re lucky to have the crew we have now.”

While the band have been adjusting and rehearsing with the lineup, Rashid has also been hard at work on his first solo album. Rashid didn’t want to give away too much about the album, but he did divulge that it was produced by bassist Christopher Ryan of Deer Tick, that they both are very excited about the album. Rashid is also part of local repeat-nominee Happiness with Ryan, Ian O’Neal and Dennis Ryan, a mash-up of Deer Tick and Ravi Shavi. Rashid intends to release the new solo album soon and to tour this summer. He also made it a point that the new lineup of Ravi Shavi will be going back in studio to work on a new album and tour soon. Stay tuned on their social media pages to get informed of updates.

ravishavi.bandcamp.com

– Trevor May

Brass Attack

After their 2019 Motif Music Award win for Favorite Wedding Band, perennial nominee Brass Attack continues to do what they do best – play as many small gigs as possible of their classic soul, rock, pop, and funk covers while juggling the demands of everyday life. They have a few concerts slated for summer 2023 as well as an early spring gig at The Met on Sunday, March 5, from 5 – 8pm. 

Now that they primarily play at private functions and local events instead of larger shows, band leader Tom Petteruti looks back fondly at some of their biggest and brightest gigs, which included opening for Earth Wind and Fire at The Dunk back in 2005 and performing for an annual reunion of World War Two Eighth Air Force pilots and personnel. 

“We have [also] played for two US Presidents (the first President Bush and President Clinton), which was fun. They were both very friendly and chatted with us and danced to our music,” he said. With lead singer Kate Winslow in tow for the last six years, Brass Attack continues to stick to cover songs, which they play at each gig on the spot without practicing beforehand. 

“Our fan base has continued to grow ever since [the Motif win], as a result of years of club and private party performances as well as the advent of the internet, our website, and social media,” said Petteruti. “I feel very fortunate that I get to play with excellent musicians who also happen to be really wonderful people. We make a really great sound together. I am the band leader and I feel lucky they let me play with them!”

brassattack.com

– LuzJennifer Martinez

The Copacetics

The Copacetics are living up to their name when it comes to making music. Their third album, which is the first being composed and written in the studio, is slowly in the works and the group is gladly taking the time to experiment and grow as songwriters. But their mission remains to create signature ska and reggae tunes that are fun and danceable for newer listeners and established fans alike. They’ve taken home Motif ska category awards multiple times.

“Usually, the music-making process goes one of two ways — I come in with a vocal melody and some lyrics, and the rest of the band has to figure out the chord progressions behind it,” said Matt Di Chiara, lead vocalist and trombone player. The second way is to come up with new material on the spot while jamming together. “I’ll start singing stuff and adding horn melodies over it. Eventually, it gets refined into a simple tune. From there we will add intros, outros, bridges, hits, etc. Both kinds of songwriting end up getting polished in that same way,” he said. 

Overall, The Copacetics like to keep their music live and fresh, playing throughout Little Rhody and sharing the stage with local artists. Their hope is to one day play with local punk legends Neutral Nation. “We also enjoy playing mixed bill shows with all the wide variety of styles that RI has to offer,” said Di Chiara. There are so many great bands in our small state. We need more local music festivals!”

fb.com/thecopacetics 

Check out The Copacetics at Narragansett Café in Jamestown on March 3, Scottish Dave’s Pub in Clinton, Connecticut on March 10, and Askew in Providence on March 18

– LuzJennifer Martinez

Roz Raskin/Nova One

Catching up with nova one’s roz raskin is like diving into an ethereal, welcoming and ever-expressive space. Since winning Motif Music Awards, roz has continued making music as nova one, with a new record — “create myself,” being released on March 31, 2023. They have also launched self luv records — a once-booking-entity-turned-record-label, described as “a vessel to support other artists and community events.” 

When asked about nova one’s third album with New Orleans label Community Records, the artist says, “A lot of the record is me talking to a queer closeted little roz.” The new record, written between 2020 and 2021, revealed itself to be a vehicle for their inner child to experience healing, certainly apparent in lyrics like, “Sometimes I cry about the way I used to hide myself…” In addition to releasing two singles off this new album, “dangerous” and “crying,” limited edition vinyl records — pressed in New Orleans in lilac translucent and crystal ball purple — have been made available for pre-order at novaonenovaone.bandcamp.com. 

Also happening in the nova one world is the planning and promotion of their upcoming northeast tour with Boyscott, a New London, Connecticut band. Want to see new nova one music live? You’re in luck, as the record release show will happen at the Columbus Theatre on April 22. In a nutshell, nova one has been busy since being a Motif Music Award winner — “I have a lot of eggs in a lot of baskets… (like any good Sagittarius, which roz is), but I’ve gotten better at setting boundaries. This is a year of a lot of strong yes-es, and a lot of strong ‘no’s.” 

Follow novaone: @novaone_  and @selfluvrecords on instagram. And if you want more self luv events, a few shows will be happening this summer in partnership with revive the roots.

– Mayté Antelo-Ovando

One of the positives that came out of the COVID pandemic was a collective comfort with admitting that there is a national mental health crisis. The stigma associated with mental health issues is slowly getting peeled away and more people are openly discussing their struggles. Individuals are more apt to reach out for help. 988 (Suicide and Crisis Hotline) is averaging 300,000 calls/texts/chats a month since transitioning to their new, easier-to-remember number.

Musicians of all genres tend to be open about their mental health struggles. Lyrics act as a window to their mindset, often serving as a way to help digest their personal battles. As therapeutic as making music can be, some aspects provide added stress, ultimately becoming a detriment to a musician’s mental health.

While some bands have a garage or basement to practice in, that is not always the case due to space, location, and noise issues. There are a few local spaces for bands to rehearse, assuming the members can afford the rent. Jam Stage is available for hourly rentals while the Music Complex has monthly and hourly rentals. Musicians without a place to create may be left scrambling to find a way to let their ideas loose to the world.

“Having a place to go with other people to make music, hang out, watch bands play and create art helped people keep going,” says Rick Scianablo, former owner of Studio Blue, a now-defunct artist commune that provided a creative space for 15 years. Since Studio Blue’s closing, one former resident attempted suicide while another committed suicide. “Artists are damaged maniacs. They need a place to let it out and let it go to make it through the week.”

Not having a place to perform or rehearse can have a huge negative impact on a musician. Musicians thrive on creativity, with most working best with their band of peers. While band practices may be enhanced with substances, the use can increase with idle time.

“There are kids struggling to find a place to rehearse,” Scianablo adds. “The amount of time you can spend with idle hands and free time is dangerous.”

Musicians are generally night owls, with nights ending well past 2 am. This can be a difficult time to finish work – there aren’t a lot of options for things to do in the middle of the night. There is usually an abundance of energy with artists trying to chase the high from ‘Post Gig Syndrome’ (Don Culp discussed this in last month’s article). Not having a productive place to go due to the time of day can lead to people succumbing more easily to damaging vices.

“No one wants to do bad cocaine,” Scianablo says of the nightlife. “They want to stay up and hang out, but they’re exhausted from the day and want to stay up. We want to devise a solution so people don’t have to do drugs, or do less drugs.”

Scianablo expresses that his hope is for musicians of RI to come together and pool their resources to advocate and assist their peers in need. His idea is to form a committee with people, including politicians, that are business-minded and economically responsible, to help improve the mental health of musicians. He is currently looking for a location or unique way for musicians to hang out and be creative with each other either after hours or without having to go to a bar.

“There are kids struggling to find a place to go,” Scianablo adds. “Kids get bored and turn to drugs. You can’t do too many drugs if you have to play an instrument or do a project. The solution is to have a community place for people to go. Without it, we’re losing the artists of the present and potential artists of the future.”

“I’m trying to promote anything that gives people a chance to become and stay creative,” Scianablo concludes. “We need a more supportive community for everyone. We’re [people] fighting for the right to be who they are.”

Welcome to the fourth installment of Stop, Rock, and Roll! Although February is the shortest month of the year, that didn’t stop it from being stuffed to the gills with amazing local releases. Here are five songs that deserve your attention!

Okee dokee folks… I was fortunate to be on the press list for last night’s Mandy Patinkin show at the Zeiterion in New Bedford and my plus one was mom! As usual, I attended to review and photograph the concert. My mother loves these types of performances and will usually take to Facebook immediately after and post her review. Since she wrote such a thorough review, I decided to use this for the content of the Patinkin piece. She has written a few reviews and interviews for Motif in the past, so why not now? Below is what she thought of Patinkin’s Zeiterion performance. Read on…

It was full house attendance at the Zeiterion Theater in New Bedford last evening in anticipation of Mandy Patinkin’s Being Alive tour stop. As a longtime fan of Mandy as a musical theater performer – and, may I admit? also “Yentyl,” he was so cute – I have many times enjoyed his local tour visits, each differing in content and style. It’s always an interesting event – sometimes merry, often silly, a lot of melancholy – and they are always pleasurable and an honor to have experienced.

Mandy was dressed in black and the darkened stage, illuminated by simple stage lighting or occasionally only by a ghost light, and sparsely furnished with a piano and chair. This was effectively drawing attention to Patinkin and Adam Ben-David, his fantastic pianist, without distraction. I’m always amazed at the physical stamina (a 1 ¾ hr. show with no intermission!) and his memory of all the very wordy lyrical choices. Patinkin is a visually-focused and physically descriptive singer/song stylist and a consummate story teller. He’s amusing and VERY quirky as well, often taking cues from the behavior of the audience. This audience, itself, was surprising in its enthusiasm and appreciation with shout outs, etc. At one point he had the audience on their feet doing the “Hokey Pokey!”

The evening’s loose story performance began with a medley of genuine oldies – “Inch Worm” (now I can’t get it out of my head), “School Days,” etc. Then, among others, Croce’s “Time in a Bottle,” “Easy Street” (not Annie’s), and Ella Fitzgerald’s “Tisket a Tasket.” A real Mandy workout was Music Man’s “Rock Island” traveling salesman song – a patter type. Whew! Take a breath. I was personally impressed by his emotionally wrenching “Wandering Boy” by Randy Newman. After that, came Lyle Lovett’s “If I Had a Boat,” displaying a childlike wistfulness. And, he said, “It’s Not Easy Being Green.” Some REAL crowd-pleasers were Freddie Mercury’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and from Rogers & Hammerstein’s Carousel, the beautiful story song “Soliloquy.”

I must include that Patinkin DID strike his Princess Bride Inigo Montoya “Prepare to Die” pose TWICE to the appreciation of fans of his many talent’s OTHER than music.

Mandy Patinkin, being fluent in Yiddish, performed a medley – “White Christmas,” “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,”, and “God Bless America” – in that language. He told a story about the meaning of the 18 quarters he had as change in a his pocket, and chai – a Hebrew word for life, or “good luck.” Coins and other items in quantities of 18 are often given as a gift. He went on to shake those 18 quarters as a percussive tool during one of his numbers.

He closed the set with “Being Alive,” by Sondheim from Company, another crowd pleaser. His encore was “Over the Rainbow,” performed partly in Yiddish. And, as suggested by his son Gideon, Mandy acknowledged the contributors of the music he sang by reading the song titles and composers of each. . A standing ovation was given, which these days seems almost obligatory, but in this case – WELL DESERVED.

There you have it, mom’s review. I must add that I was very surprised and pleased to hear the many “F bombs he dropped during the night. Not something I expected from him. Patinkin is quite funny and played off the rowdy crowd’s shout outs and at one point comparing it to Marjorie Taylor Greene and then symbolically flipping her (MTG) the bird! I was good to see the vast diversity of ages in attendance – from teenagers to seniors! Patinkin is surely a talent that can be and was enjoyed by all. If you missed this performance, don’t fret, Patinkin will be back in the area later in the Spring when he will be at the Garde Theatre in New London on Saturday, April 29. For more about this one, “Move On’ over to: gardearts.org.

You can find my Mandy Patinkin concert photographs at motifri.com/fuzeksfotos. Don’t forget that you can listen to my many podcasts at: motifri.com/rootsreportpodcast. That’s it for now. Thanks for reading. Mom says thank you as well!

johnfuzek.com

It’s 1973. A 22-year-old Steve Smith hops out of the ocean in the haze of a Matunuck Beach summer. He shags his hair, throws his longboard up over his head, and takes off at a gallop towards the special community that is Roy Carpenter’s Beach: a collection of “shacks” which features porch sittin’, beer drinkin’, guitar strummin’ men and women playing tunes and wailing notes into the sun-kissed night. Smith jogs through the place he’d spent every summer as a kid and stops quickly at the cottage he grew up in with his cousin (John Cafferty, of the Beaver Brown Band), to change into his night attire. As he waltzes to the fridge to grab a cold beer, he is struck by a fading childhood memory: Saturday night kitchen performances for his father and his uncles, a skinny 4-year-old swinging hips to a high-pitched rendition of “Love Letters in the Sand.” He sits reminiscing for a few minutes, allowing the memories to flow through him like the beer. Sweltering days at the beach, barefoot nights hopping between shack porches… a jukebox that ran in the corner of a crowded room, its bright lights whirling with each tune… a night of opportunity all under one chaotic musical roof…

Shit! Smith is now running late for his first gig with his new band The Nakeds at South Kingstown High School: a show that would solidify state-wide recognition for the 10-piece, Rhythm and Blues groove phenomena, Steve Smith and the Nakeds.

I crossed paths with our protagonist on a blustery winter afternoon, very far from his native beach vibe. A casual man in a black coat and blue jeans, Smith met me in the parking lot of Motif’s office in Pawtucket, and as we took the five million or so steps up to the third floor we talked about everything from surfing to the Ocean Mist to what CD he has in his car right now. Turns out Smith is a Spotify-er like the rest of us, but it did bring up an old memory of his father’s words after returning home with the first Beatles album: Listen to these guys, they’re going to be great.

“My father loved music,” Smith said. “He was a salesman, he was on the road all day… he listened to the radio constantly.” He smiled in his reverie. Smith appreciates his father for having the foresight to send him to voice lessons at a young age, endowing him with a skill he can reach for again and again.

 Smith went to PC and was juggling a lot of extracurriculars, including his college band, Bloody Mary. He decided in his sophomore year to pull the trig’ and dedicate most of his effort to being “in the band,” a decision described by Smith as being a “pivotal moment.” By the time his senior year rolled around, he had formed The Naked Truths (a precursor to Steve Smith and the Nakeds) and was ready to hit the scene running. They began touring up and down the East Coast, rocking 7 nights a week at colleges when the drinking age was 18. When it upped itself to 21 in 1984, they had to go down to only weekend nights and navigate the new world of the dry college campus.

“I remember playing Princeton University in the fieldhouse. This was a year after the drinking age turned 21,” Smith laughed. “We played to 20 people and it was a dry concert. The director came up to us and said, ‘You guys might as well pack up and leave, but if you want, go down to [Prospect Street] because there’s a keg party going on.’” 

I instantly imagined a group of 10 or so mullet-sporting, talented young men racing down to get a solo cup, no idea where the road would take them but feeling, in that starry-eyed night, that it was going to be good. 

“We always focus on the music. When you’re younger, alcohol becomes involved, women become involved, drugs become involved… These things are temptations, they’re easily acquired, and we’ve had guys leave the band because they’ve lost their focus on the music. We have a reputation that you’re going to see good music, and there’s no bullshit.” 50 years later, Steve Smith and the Nakeds are as intrinsic to RI as coffee milk and Iggy’s doughboys. 

Steve Smith and the Nakeds are a show-stopping, foot-stomping, wreck of a time and the vast assortment of people at Steve’s shows will attest: from 70-year-old women to 16-year-old kids, parents and infants; from a man called “hop-scotch” (seriously), to people laughing, kissing, hugging and howlin’ at venues from beer-sticky floors to suit-and-tie gazebo-based affairs. It is an experience that encapsulates Rhode Island — an honest, genuine allure that truly is, to quote Smith, “No bullshit.” 

Their consistent, athletic showmanship, larger-than-life attitude and frequent sweaty bare-chestedness has won the band renown in every corner of our state, throughout the region, and nationally – they are the only RI band to have appeared, in caricature, in Seth MacFarlane’s RI-based series Family Guy, and one of the few still-performing bands to be inducted into the RI Music Hall of Fame.

Next time (or the first time) you see Steve Smith and the Nakeds, and he roars “Hi Neighbor!” from the stage with a Narragansett can in hand, make sure to shout back “Howdy Neighbor!” and take a slug for our li’l corner of the world.

Steve Smith and the Nakeds celebrate their 50^th anniversary at Cranston’s historic Park Theatre,  with special guest appearances by The Cowsills and Family Guy Executive Producer (and Steve’s brother) Danny Smith, on Saturday, February 11, from 7pm – midnight.

Okee dokee folks… ‘Tis the season once again that shows we are at the mercy of Mother Nature and the dreaded COVID. If you have been paying attention there have been COVID and weather cancellations already this winter. I strongly advise that if you have tickets to anything that you double-check before you head out just to be sure the show will go on.

Some of the cancellations happen last minute. It is what it is. We are living in a whole new world now. Not only are weather and COVID to blame, but sometimes it is a staff shortage causing the closure. We have to learn to take this all in stride. I hate the expression “the new normal,” but this is where we are. Weather happens, people get sick, and there aren’t enough people willing to work for less than their worth anymore. Adjust.

Read on…

For those of you who worship at the altar of Robert Zimmerman, there is a new exhibit at the Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame (FARHOF), located in Boston’s Boch Center Wang Theatre. The exhibit features candid images of Bob Dylan during a historical point in his career. “Don’t Think Twice: The Daniel Kramer Photographs of Bob Dylan, 1964-65” showcases Dylan in an intimate collection of photos of his private and public life as he recorded songs like “Like a Rolling Stone,” “Mr. Tambourine Man,” and “It’s All over Now, Baby Blue,” and transitioned from acoustic to electric. “Don’t Think Twice” is curated by the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music and the Museum Collective. The display is open until the end of March. For more, take “a trip upon your magic swirling ship” to: folkamericanarootshalloffame.org.

“Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” This is the famous quote uttered many times during the film The Princess Bride. Inigo was portrayed by Mandy Patinkin who, besides his many movie roles, is also known to the general public for his characters in Criminal Minds and Homeland. Beyond films and television, Patinkin is a critically acclaimed, Tony Award-winning Broadway singer and actor. His theatrical roles include Evita, Sunday in the Park with George, The Secret Garden, The Winter’s Tale, and a myriad of others. Mandy will be bringing his Being Alive show to the Zeiterion Theatre in New Bedford on Thursday, Feb 9. This show is a collection of many of Mandy’s favorite Broadway and classic American tunes. The evening features musical monologues and multiple characters, brought to life with props and Patinkin’s unique flair — from Irving Berlin to Stephen Sondheim, from Cole Porter to Harry Chapin. For more, “Move On” to zeiterion.org.

If you liked the second season of You, you probably remember the character Henderson, the comedian who was described as “vacuum cleaner guy.” Joe, the main character, “offs” Henderson because of his threat to Ellie, who we all now know as the actress Jenna Ortega, who is also Wednesday in the new Netflix series. Did you get that? You probably also know that “Henderson” is the comedian and actor, Chris D’Elia who has a slew of TV and film appearances like Whitney, The Good Doctor, Undateable as well as his Netflix comedy specials “Man On Fire,” “Incorrigible,” and “No Pain.” He also hosts a very popular podcast, Congratulations with Chris D’Elia. He will be bringing his Don’t Push Me tour to the Veterans Memorial Auditorium on Feb 17. For more, Glory Daze over to: thevetsri.com.

Another comedian whose specials I have repeatedly watched is Tom Papa. If you don’t know his comedy, you should! He reminds me of Jack Benny in appearance (sans violin), and his jokes deliver the realities of day-to-day life in a side-splitting fashion. “There’s no such thing as fitting in. Life is a pair of skinny jeans and you are a big, fat ass!” Papa will be preaching his somewhat wholesome humor on Feb 18 at the Great Cedar Showroom at Foxwoods Casino. You can find his comedy specials, What a Day and You’re Doing Great, streaming on Netflix. For more, be a Winner and get to: foxwoods.com

Finally, here are a bunch of random shows for you all to check out! At the Greenwich Odeum, join 25 RI women as they recite their own Vagina Monologues on Feb 11, The Crash Test Dummies will be “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm”-ing on Feb 17, and Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes will be having a party on Feb 18! greenwichodeum.com.

The Americana roots-rock quintet Say Darling, who are out in support of their newest release, Before & After, will be at the Knickerbocker in Westerly on Feb 10 with the delicious-sounding Soggy Po Boys. knickmusic.com

At The Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River, Robert Cray brings his “Smoking Gun” and guitar blues bullets on Feb 28, An Evening with Tom Rush on Feb 18 demonstrates why the folk legend has been entertaining audiences for over 60 years, and modern fingerstyle guitarist Mikes Dawes dazzles with his performing of multiple parts simultaneously on a single guitar on Feb 11. narrowscenter.org.

The Moody Blues’ Days of Future Passed album will be performed in its entirety by MB bassist/singer/songwriter John Lodge at The Jane Pickens in Newport on Sunday, Feb 26. janepickens.com.

OK, I REALLY mean it this time! I have FINALLY gotten back to podcasting. Yes, there was a bit of a holiday pause, but then there was an additional unscheduled intermission when I learned the hard way that my phone doesn’t like water. I had to WAIT for a new FLIP PHONE to be delivered! That coupled with a bout of the flu and bronchitis lengthened that lapse. You can listen at: motifri.com/rootsreportpodcast. You can find my concert photographs at motifri.com/fuzeksfotos. That’s it for now. Thanks for reading.

johnfuzek.com

Hello, everyone, and welcome back to Stop, Rock, and Roll! Congratulations, you made it through the first month of the year! Hopefully some local music was the soundtrack to the past month, because there was a plethora of new releases throughout January. Narrowing it down to five entries was a challenge, but here are five recent RI releases that I think you ought to check out!

The Holiday season has come and gone, and with it goes all that Holiday cheer. New England winters can be brutal, so what better way to heat things up than with some new local music! Rhode Island has seen some truly great releases in the past month, so without further ado, here are five songs from RI bands that I think you all should check out!

The Proles – “Urban Legend – Pub on Park – 8.28.22”

The debut single by RI rock trio The Proles is also, as the title suggests, a live recording. Beautifully crunchy guitars, a groovy bassline, and energetic vocals all shine clearly through the no-frills production. With a vibe and sound that harken back to the heyday of the CBGB’s scene, the band’s new live album Real Time is sure to excite.

Kench – “Stop”

Kench first made a name for themselves as the organizers of 2021’s “KenchFest,” which was a huge success. Since then, they have released their debut album KENCH’D. The track “Stop” begins with haunting keys before a groovy bassline, off-kilter drumming, and tense guitar take over, with both whispered and shouted vocals bouncing around as well. Like the rest of the album, it’s a unique listen.

Maddie McGill – “Surrender”

Maddie McGill released her debut album Surrender earlier this month, and it’s a bluesy, soulful treat. The title track is a strutting tune featuring all the best blues ingredients: rumbling bass, cool organ tones, and languid, fluid guitar licks. McGill’s voice is smooth as butter, working well with both the punchy verses and the wider, fuller sounding choruses – a great take on modern blues.

Balloon Thief – “Crok Rock”

As the title suggests, this track by Balloon Thief is a joyously irreverent take on Elton John’s “Crocodile Rock.” Released solely to Bandcamp, the garage rockers’ latest single fits in well with their previous releases, featuring skittering drum machines, persistent bass, and lo-fi guitars. The band’s stripped down approach to recording is always interesting to hear.

The McAdams Brothers – “Roadside BBQ”

“Roadside BBQ,” one of two tracks released by The McAdams Brothers this past month, starts with vinyl crackle and distant harmonies before the song blooms into a full production. Banjo, slide guitar, and what sounds like mandolin pluck along under the duo’s lyrics detailing their love for the aforementioned Roadside BBQ. It’s an interesting blend of sounds to hear from Rhode Island, of all states.