Many is the musician who claims a rebellious youth. But few if any appear to have rebel roots quite as deep as Shutesbury's Naia Kete (naiakete.com).
"The Black Rebels [roots-reggae band] are my family," the acoustic-leaning rhythm and blues artist reveals. "Including my mother, stepfather, father and brother. I was practically born with the music of The Rebels ringing in my ears."
It didn't take long for Kete's passive listening to turn to active participation. She recalls joining the band for a concert in Cape Verde before an audience of 30,000 at age eight. By 13, she was a full-fledged member, not only performing onstage but also crafting compositions for the band.
Now, at 18, Kete has decided it is finally time to make some Sweet Music on her own. She celebrates her first studio effort this Friday, Dec. 5 at Florence's Cafe Evolution. The following day, Dec. 6, she says she'll attend an event by yet another entity that has been instrumental in her audio-heavy upbringing—IMA, the Institute for Musical Arts, and its first annual Rockgrl Day symposium in Goshen.
"I became involved with IMA when I was 11, when I took one of their first guitar workshops," Kete says of the organization aimed at promoting women in music and music-related businesses. "Since then, I always spend as much time as I can there, as I always walk away with valuable information."
For more information on Rockgrl Day, which will feature Robin Lane as keynote speaker and tackle the time-tested topic of surviving in the music biz, kindly point your browser to ima.org.
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In other news… now that we have the 411 on Kete and the IMA, how about a little FYI on a Valley artist heretofore considered all but MIA?
Local singer-songwriter Doc Iacovelli resurfaces for the first time in nearly two decades this Saturday, Dec. 6 at Northamp's cozy Yellow Sofa (24 Main St.). The good Doc, for those who don't know, boasts a musical resume that makes many of his contemporaries green with envy. He's opened for no less than Richie Havens, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Bill Staines in years past.
According to Iacovelli himself, at least two factors contributed to the Doc's sudden career resuscitation. Firstly, he's getting to work with Jerry Ellis—a renowned journeyman bassist who has held down the bottom for everyone from The Elevators to Ray Mason, Jim K., Ed Vadas and Stewart James.
Secondly, his daughters have grown up.
"I love them dearly," Iacovelli says, "but, yeah, [raising daughters] is a full-time job!"
The new duo bills itself as The Locozeros and is slated to take the stage at 8:30 p.m.
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Meanwhile, it's also been two decades since pop rockers Letters To Cleo burst upon the Beantown scene, and a solid eight years since they last performed.
In honor of the platinum artists' platinum anniversary, original members Kay Hanley (vocals), Greg McKenna and Michael Eisenstein (guitar) and Stacy Jones (drums) have signed on for three special reunion shows. The first occurred last month at The Roxy in L.A., and the last two go down this Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 8 and 9, at Boston's Paradise Rock Club. Perhaps best known for their two top-20 singles, "Here & Now" and "Awake," Letters To Cleo also garnered high profile exposure courtesy of some on-screen performances in the movie 10 Things I Hate About You.
Lastly, while both the good Doc and Letters To Cleo are resuming the rock, it appears that as of last Wednesday, Nov. 26, the music's over for a certain Somerville venue that has been featuring extensive live, local for nearly two decades. Adios, Abbey Lounge… you will be missed.
Send correspondence to Nightcrawler, P.O. Box 427, Somers, CT 06071; fax to (860) 698-9373 or email Garycarra@aol.com.
