High gas prices have you thinking twice about road trippin’ this summer? Dennis Crommett (denniscrommett.com) may just have you covered.
Turns out his latest studio effort, In The Buffalo Surround, is awash in—and inspired by—regional imagery. So kick back on the couch, pop in the earbuds, and let Crommett do the driving.
“Let’s see—’Rocks of Deer Isle’ was written off the coast of Maine, ‘Bright Light of the Cape’ from photographs that take me from my last year at UMass to my first eight or nine years in Northampton,” Buffalo’s audio architect explains of the sonic field trip.
When it came to enlisting musicians for the CD release party that will occur this Friday, April 8 at the Iron Horse, however, it appears that Crommett the chronic wanderer didn’t have to venture much further than his own back yard. He’ll be capably backed by scene stalwarts Ray Mason, Dave Chalfant, Ken Mauri and Brian Akey with longtime friend/collaborator Will Beale on drums. Doors open at 8 p.m. and sometimes Spouse frontman/Valley veteran Jose Ayerve gets the opening nod.
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In other news, as reported here in a previous installment, actor-cum-cult icon Charlie Sheen has launched into what he calls My Violent Torpedo of Truth tour—replete with stops at Wallingford’s Oakdale April 9 and Beantown’s Agganis Arena (“Adonis DNA” at the Agganis?) April 12. According to insiders, the approximately one-and-a-half-hour performances feature the former Two And A Half Men star doling out assorted doses of vitriol, wisdom and stand-up comedy.
Sheen has since decided to continue his “winning” ways at the largest resort casino in North America, Foxwoods, and its MGM Grand Theater on April 17.
“[He’s] arguably the hottest ticket in town,” notes Foxwoods President and CEO Scott Butera, “and we’re committed to continually providing our guests with world-class, cutting-edge entertainment as well as once-in-a-lifetime experiences.”
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Speaking of which (coupled with the fact that we’ve veered out of the musical realm proper), at least two other pop culture-driven event opportunities of note will also be on the regional radar in the weeks to come. While a local appearance by comedian Ron White—Sunday, April 17 at the historic Calvin Theater—may not be considered a once-in-a-lifer in and of itself, the chance to meet said entertainer may very well rise to that mark. For an additional $99, ticket holders to the event can do just that courtesy of the Ron White 200 Proof Ticket Upgrade. The experience includes a post-show Q&A with White as well as a photo, autograph and collectible shot glass.
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Similarly, in what could possibly be the greatest Father’s Day present in the world (hint, hint, my girls!), three of the more prominent captains from the Discovery Channel’s flagship series The Deadliest Catch arrive at the Calvin June 16 for an evening of duck fart-fueled fish tales, touching tributes to fallen fellow fleet members and a lifesuit-donning competition. Tickets for Capt. Sig and The Hillstrand Brothers range from $29.50 to $39.50, or for $75, you can meet the barons of the Bering Sea.
For more information or to order tickets for Ron White or Deadliest Catch, kindly navigate your browser to iheg.com.
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Rounding out the national news, lo-fi heroes Sebadoh return to their native Massachusetts for an April 8 Pearl Street engagement. The current incarnation of the band features Lou Barlow, Jason Loewenstein and Bob D’Amico. And tickets are on sale now at ticketmaster.com for Eddie Vedder‘s first Pearl Jam-less trek in some time. The tour is called Ukelele Songs, and coincides with Vedder’s CD release of same name. As of press time, the closest local plays included Performing Arts Center of Providence June 15, Boston’s Wang Theater June 16 and the Bushnell in Hartford June 18.
Send correspondence to Nightcrawler, P.O. Box 427, Somers, CT 06071; fax to (860) 394-4262 or e-mail garycarra@aol.com.
