As chronicled here over the past half a decade, all-female rockers Antigone Rising (antigonerising.com) have overcome many hurdles that would have rendered lesser bands down and out.
True, Antigone may have antagonized some of the heartbreak themselves—choosing to adhere to their artistic vision and music and passing on the proverbial brass ring that is a major label record deal. But the corporate mergers and industry personnel shifts that swept up some of the band's most ardent backers in the wake of the decision certainly didn't offer much reassurance.
"The bummer is the business part of the music world," explains Cathy Henderson, who shares vocal and guitar duties with sister Kristen. "The focus has shifted to the bottom line, and a lot of talented artists can't get a break. … There's simply no time for development."
Despite the setbacks and the current state of affairs, however, Antigone Rising has somehow managed to continue its industry ascent—landing a steady stream of high-profile opening slots including an impending May 29, Calvin Theater engagement with fellow "sister" act The Bangles, featuring Debbi and Vicki Peterson.
"Not only do we have that connection," notes Henderson. "But both are last names even end with 'son.' Coincidence? Who knows… but we're happy to be involved for this show and maybe they'll like us enough to do some more!"
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In other news, Windsor Locks' Savage Brothers celebrate a quarter century of sibling revelry this weekend with a special anniversary show. According to vocalist/brassman Tommy, the brothers Savage played their very first show on June 1, 1984 at a hometown club called J.D. Magnum's on Spring Street. That building is now called The Blackboard Cafe, and on Friday, May 29, that's exactly where Tommy, brothers Steve and Mike and fellow bandmembers Keith Kruser, Frank Cook and Les Haley will hold court in honor of the milestone.
"I don't know what else to attribute the longevity to aside from consistency in caring how we sound and look, and 'bringing it' every performance, no matter how many people are in the crowd," Tommy concludes.
While none of the band members would even hazard a guess as to how many people have experienced their cranking out a patented blend of "funkin', rockin' rhythm" live over the past 25 years, other career highlights are certainly more quantifiable. For example, one of the band's forays into original material, Population 6, has sold more than 5,000 copies to date, and the band has shared stages with Tower of Power, Dickey Betts and The Guess Who, to name a choice few.
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Last up, Pittsfield's newly opened Rebel Sound Records already appears to be living up to its somewhat maverick moniker.
According to a recent post on the store's Myspace (myspace.com/rebelsoundrecordsthestore), owner Andy Duguay reports that—in addition to becoming a brick and mortar haven for collectors of fine recorded punk, hardcore, ska, industrial, indie and assorted underground—his successful procurement of an entertainment license has also enabled him to host live performances in the facility's back room. A prospect which, he is quick to add, has been met with equal parts interest and ire.
Apparently, there was a "routine inspection of the new permit holders in town," Duguay, who also hosts a weekly, punk-themed radio show on 89.7 WTBR, continues in his blog. "They wanted to see my entertainment license, which I showed them, and after they couldn't argue that, they started to nitpick everything else."
While that show was allowed to go on, Duguay states that he is by no means complacent, and to the contrary, almost certain The Room (the official name of the performance space) at Rebel Sound and its license will be challenged again.
He has built some song strong alliances in town, he says, but may need everyone he knows to "pack City Hall" and show up "in force," should a dreaded permit review ever become reality. In the meantime, however, he is continuing to book an array of high-caliber talent, including May 30 appearances by Holyoke punksters Petulant Child, Troy, New York's Dead Aces, and a reunion show by ska-reggae-rockers The Blackouts."
Send correspondence to: Nightcrawler, P.O. Box 427, Somers, CT 06071; fax to: (860) 698-9373 or e-mail: Garycarra@aol.com.
