They've got more hooks than your dad's tacklebox. More harmonies than the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Set your stop watches to three minutes and 30 seconds, because the Poppies are coming, the Poppies.
No, not those poppies. In fact, the opium-bearing poppy plant is actually more conducive to the rockus maximus species of musician. We're talking pop stars—purveryors of instantly accessible ditties the world over. And this weekend, Nov. 7-9, they'll be pop-ulating The Elevens in Northampton for the fifth annual Popfest New England series.
"We love hosting the event here, as the venue and the music community are so wonderfully supportive," says Christine Jewell of Skipping Stone Records, who puts on the series. "The goal is always to incorporate a healthy mixture of Popfest standards with exciting new bands that we hope to bring to the attention of the Northeast."
Two acts that certainly fit neatly into the mission statement are Magnus Karlsson and Utah Rangers, both featured performers on what is now being dubbed "Swedish Night," Saturday, Nov. 8—who are flying across the pond to participate in Popfest.
One band that may not increase its local exposure is The Fawns, whose members are, of course, both Noho natives and regulars on the Valley circuit already. But they have been tapped with the honor of opening the series.
For a complete rundown on all Popfest performers, schedules and ticket info, kindly point your browser to skippingstonesrecords.com.
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In other news… leave it to former Slow Band-er Steve Westfield to edge out the studio tortoise Axl Rose with regard to releasing his latest recorded offering. After nearly 10 years since conceiving the album, the veteran musician will celebrate Steve Westfield: Alone With The Lonesome Brothers at Easthamp's Brass Cat on Saturday, Nov. 8.
Created with a unique amalgam of "sophisticated home studios" and "sympathetic friends," Alone boasts both special guests (including Dino Jr./Sebadoh's Lou Barlow and Cheri Knight of Blood Oranges infamy) and a nearly 50-50 blend of Westfield's original compositions and Lonesome interpretations. And, in keeping with the band whose music coaxed him out of semi-retirement, the founding member of regional punk icons the Pajama Slave Dancers is playing it close to the suede country vest these days.
A move inspired by the recent Nashvillian reincarnation of Jessica Simpson?
"I know it [country] was pure evil in the punk rock days," Westfield says. "But somehow it works. And punk rock was so elitist, it was that or nothing. You grow out of that and learn it's not the type of music that matters, it's the feel and attitude behind it."
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Last up… he may not be as fast as a locomotive or able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, but with his new multimedia presentation Filmusik: The Superman Orchestra soaring into the Northampton Academy of Music Nov. 7 and 14, Director Andrew Huckins has been able to restore a small piece of the American way… and secure some gainful employment for a few talented people in the process.
"Back in the early 20th century, theaters constituted half of the jobs held by all musicians," he explains. "[Things like] technology and copyright laws in music and film have had the contemporary effect of keeping money and opportunity in the hands of the few. Here, we are looking to create precedence for collaboration between artists outside of the corporate influence as well as provide a venue in which to show that work—and fairly compensate those involved."
Among those on Huckins' payroll are 12 orchestra musicians, who will perform new scores authored by seven composers—all of which will serve as an audio backdrop to 1940s Superman animations while three voice actors narrate.
Considering such overhead, tix for the live music "man of steel" are actually quite a steal at $15/general and $10/students and seniors. To purchase yours, go to nbotickets.com.
Send correspondence to Nightcrawler, P.O. Box 427, Somers, CT 06071; fax to (860) 698-9373 or email Garycarra@aol.com.
