As Far As I Can Tell


A show worth braving the cold

I haven’t been going to many shows lately, partly because Kalamazoo lacks in options, but that’s not it entirely. It’s true that I’ve become the guy who stands in the back, usually within the top ten percentile of ages represented, scowling at people when they bump into me. I really enjoy live performances, but being by the stage just isn’t worth getting sweaty and beer soaked anymore. Beyond that I’m looking for something a little more interesting than a standard rock show in Kalamazoo which always seems to feature the same local bands.

Last Sunday the Rocket Star hosted a night of “music, comics, and storytelling” that helped curb my growing cynicism of Kalamazoo nightlife. Josh MacPhee gave a slide show and talked about his book Stencil Pirates: A Global Study of the Street Stencil, now out on Soft Skull Press. Next, Erin Tobey played guitar and sang followed by Nate Powell giving a reading/slide show of his comic book. The finale (for me anyway) was the Claire Wood and Annette Merva All-State High School Sitting Band, an 8 piece band with all songs written by Mike Merva about his 15 month old daughter Penelope. It’s hard to explain without hearing the songs why that concept comes off as brilliant and not sappy, but trust me. Afterwards was a band called The Good Good, but I had to leave before they went on.

I’m glad to see more indie writers and artists going on tour with bands. It makes me miss living closer to Quimby’s. I think this sort of mixed show is perfect for the Rocket Star; I hope they consider hosting more of them.

Question: Do people who collect limited edition sneakers only buy them in their shoe size, or doesn’t that really matter?

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Comments

I saw your post from a couple years ago about someone wanting to start a punk barbershop. I’m looking to do the same thing, not sure where. Please contact me so we can further discuss this my e-mail address is on my website

Posted by: greg on January 26, 2005 11:38 PM

I don’t remember talking about this, and I’m certainly not in the position to start up a barbershop. Are you sure it was my weblog?

Posted by: Simon on January 26, 2005 11:51 PM


As far as who can tell?


Chicago, IL

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