Scorpius Dance Theatre Presents A Vampire Tale

Lisa Starry’s Scorpius Dance Theatre has been bringing their unique brand of contemporary performing arts to Phoenix since 1999. This past weekend I caught my first performance from the company during their annual run of A Vampire Tale, something of a cult classic here in the Valley for dance lovers and vampire lovers alike. Saturday night marked the close of 10th year for A Vampire Tale, an event I already have plans to see next year as well.

The story is a familiar one of minions and innocent young women being led into the dark lairs of hell

Photos by John Dea

fiends and then eaten. Conflicted love enters and adds a healthy dose of anguish to the storyline. The performance itself combines traditional and modern dance with aerial arts. This year also included aerial pole artistry which is as different from stripping as the name hopes to suggest.

This evening marked the final performance of David Starry, Lisa’s husband and company co-founder, as Viktor. He’s ready to turn the role over to another, feigning an aching back as the announcement was made to a packed house of disbelievers. After all, we just watched him descend into the theatre in a wicked display of physicality. But ten years is quite an impressive run for anyone.

Nicole Olson as the Vampire Queen and Alexis Stephens as Eve provided the perfect contrast of light and dark; striking innocence and alluring depravity. Jose Soto and Gavin Sisson were two of the most stand-out performances from the Vampire Klan for both their unholy athleticism and their commitment to their dark characters.  Lisa Hammond of the Vampire Klan captured my attention in group scenes with her nuanced humor in both movement and expression. Damon Dering was our “Strange Man” for the evening. He kept the audience on task and the narration lively… and he gave me candy.

ASU grad and accomplished composer Kristofer Hill wrote most of the pieces heard throughout the evening, the exception being a well-placed inclusion of Nine Inch Nails’ “Something I Can Never Have”.

I’ve decided to see every show Lisa Starry and her company put on, forever. Next February I’m looking forward to The Kick-A but really I can’t wait for Catwalk which combines dance, fashion, and Duran Duran in July. How will I not love it?

Scorpius Dance Theatre Studio offers classes for those that want to move beyond astonished audience member to active participant. There are plans for a new aerial studio as well which will open in November for the brave and muscular (or soon-to-be muscular).

For more information about Lisa Starry’s Scorpius Dance Theatre (company, studio, and performances included) head to their website here.

Photos by John Dea

Fairy Bones Unleashes New EP

Just a little over a month ago we heard the first single from Fairy Bones’ first recording project as a group. Since then we’ve been counting down the days until the EP dropped. We’re thrilled that wait is finally over. The Fairy Bones EP has arrived.

The 5-track EP opens with “Like, Like” – the aforementioned single – which sets a lively pace upheld throughout the remaining tracks. Fairy Bones definitely has their own sound which is something I don’t get to say quite as often as I’d like. Synth-pop infused garage-punk combined with the diva-worthy vocals of frontwoman Chelsey Louise.

Chelsey is fucking fierce. Bob Hoag of Flying Blanket did an amazing job of capturing the nuances of her voice without lifting them above the instrumentation in that awkward studio-style popularized by 90s lady crooners. Music is in her blood and she seems to embrace it in her every breath, even when sleeping. Roomate/bandmate Robert Ciuca claims Chelsey even sings in her sleep (thank you, Facebook). She has incredible range, power, and control. Just listen to “Filler, Baby” or “Anything”. Actually, just listen to any single track from Fairy Bones. Chelsey never disappoints. True story.

And, the band is able to back her up every step of the way. These musicians are tight. You can see it in their live shows and you can definitely hear it in The Fairy Bones EP.  When I called dibs on the new EP from the band the dialogue went something along the lines of “Say that they’re drummer is really good.”/ “And the guitarist.” / “Yeah, uh, they’re all really good.” Usually, it goes more along the lines of “Are you going to mention the hair / face tattoo / singular yet embarrassing live performance, etc. etc.?”

And did I mention that I love this band live? Their like this adorable family of miscreat elves. Or, excuse me, Fairies. Whatever you prefer. And they will rock the roof off the house every single time… even if they’re tired, or sick, or it’s their second show of the night, or all three at once. The real power of their live show is the one thing missing from their EP, but we can’t have it all. So go see them live.

I’m sure you’ll have plenty of opportunities; this band is on the rise. Recently signed to 80/20 Records which hosts local heavy weights like Zero Zero and Captain Squeegee and Fairy Bones is ready to move on to new projects. Next year, they plan to release a full-length album of all new songs, head out on tour, and celebrate their one year anniversary which doesn’t happen until January. They’ve been keeping busy since the get-go and it’s looks like they’re just getting started!

We’ll keep you posted. In the meantime, check out The Fairy Bones EP available for purchase through iTunes or for preview through Spotify.

More Fairy Bones links: Website, Facebook, Twitter.

Tom Cooper Answers the YabYum Seven

“Secret Agent Sputnik” Acrylic on panel. 12″x16″ 2012

1. Who are you and what do you do?

I am an artist and musician living and working in Phoenix, Arizona. Born and raised in Akron, OH, I graduated from Ohio University in Athens, OH with a BFA in studio arts. After a few years of  working and skateboarding most every evening in Venice Beach, I landed here. Years of commercial art ensued, including establishing and development of the art program for a Grateful Dead Merchandising licensee. In 2003 I began devoting more time to painting. Active in downtown PHX, I enjoy working in a variety of styles, often exploring new media, techniques and ideas. My “polynesian-pop” (tiki) works vary from pinatas and other unconventional objects to more traditional paintings and murals, such as the “Polly Rhythmic” mural at the Bikini Lounge in PHX and inclusion of a tiki pinata in the People’s Biennial, a 5-city touring museum exhibition. I am also a musician (Arabic and West African percussion), and was lead musician of the seminal music/dance troupe, Domba. Currently I perform with the Jamila Lotus Dance Carnival and with various projects in Phoenix, and at events across the U.S.

2. How did you get your start?

For my art, it was a postcard art show in 1987 at the Vox Gallery in downtown Akron, Ohio. That place was similar to downtown PHX at the same time, a “donut city” where artists were moving in to the fairly deserted city core for cheap rent and big spaces. For my music, it was at the Arizona Renaissance Festival in 1991 with a troupe named “Shahi Tukree”.

“Calling Captain Powers” Acrylic on panel. 12″x16″ 2012

3. What do you like about AZ?

The skies, the landscape and the weather. I moved to PHX on statehood day, 1990. The temperature hit 122 in June, then I got snowed on that December. I really digged being able to see the Meat Puppets at Hollywood Alley for 3 bucks. More broadly, I like the lack of preconception and room for growth here. You’re free to experiment, mutate and become something that might not be as easy in other places where identity and structures are more established.

4. What inspires you?

Vibrant color. Mundane object anthropomorphosis. Ralph Haver’s buildings. All the murals around town.

5. Where can we see you(r) work?

Grand Avenue Festival, the Bikini Lounge, Kooky Krafts. I have a large mural on the Wagon Wheel building on 7th Avenue south of Camelback. Occasionally at Second Fridays in downtown Mesa. The dance floor mandala at Plaza de Anaya studio in Tempe. Tiki Oasis in San Diego. Upcoming, a bowling bar in Hong Kong, that’ll be a hike though. Also tomsartproject.com.

“Oasis Pinata” #15 cardboard/paper/paint 2010

6. What would you like to accomplish before you die?

To make physical a lot of the ideas for art projects I have on my list. I’d love to do a series of sky paintings around the Sea of Cortez.

7. What is your mantra?

“everything’s gonna be alright”

~

“Field” Acrylic on board. 24″ x 36″ 2006

Echo mandala Acrylic on canvas. 48″ x 48″ 2009

Erica Cardenas: Star-Spangled Singer

The Star-Spangled Banner has long been tagged as the most difficult song to sing. Many have tried. And, judging by the number of people who are routinely shown singing it incorrectly, it may just well be.

Very few have mastered it. Whitney Houston nailed her performance of the Anthem and it became a Top Ten hit. Roseanne Barr’s rendition on the other hand was a massive fail. In fact, it was so atrocious the fans booed her throughout the song. And on her way off the field she gave the fans a one-fingered salute.

Here in Phoenix, there is one woman who has elevated it to an art form.

By day, Erica Cardenas is a mild-mannered owner of a PR firm. But some days and nights, she routinely sings the Anthem before events throughout the Valley.

I recently caught up with this very busy businesswoman, “Mrs. Phoenix” 2013,  and mother of three and asked her how she became the go-to singer to perform the song.

Frank Ippolito: When did you begin to find your voice?

Erica Cardenas: I’ve been singing as far back as I can remember. As a young girl, I was always singing around the house, in my room, in the shower. I remember as a little girl, probably around the age of 4 or 5, always singing and belting out the song, “Tomorrow,” from the 1980’s movie, “Annie.” That was one of my favorite songs! I never sang publicly, though, I was always too embarrassed and too shy, which I definitely regret now.

How did you choose a song, that historically is the hardest to sing?

I kind of like to say that the ‘National Anthem’ chose ME! I sang in my very first school talent show when I was 14-years-old. At the time a girlfriend and I sang “His Eye Is On The Sparrow,” still one of my favorite songs to this day. I believe that was my first ‘real’ public singing performance. Well, a few years later, as a Junior in high school, another girlfriend of mine remembered that very same talent show performance and that I could sing, and she asked me if I wanted to sing the National Anthem with her for the Senior high school graduation that year. I was hesitant, but I agreed. Little did I know that would be my first of literally more than 100 public National Anthem performances!

How long did you practice before you sang for the first time?

I remember my girlfriend and I practicing several times a week for about a month for that very first performance. The following year as a Senior in high school, we sang the National Anthem again, but for our own graduation. After high school, I took a National Anthem ‘sabbatical,’ and didn’t perform the song again publicly for about three or four years.

Ever forget the words?

I’ve never forgotten the words, although that thought often does cross my mind! I will say to this day, I still get butterflies before I sing, I don’t think those pre-performance ‘jitters’ will ever fully go away.

Ever take a crack at any other Anthem, you know, like the Mexican Anthem? Ever sing it in Spanish?

I’ve never sang any other Anthem, only the US Anthem in English. I actually have thought about learning the Mexican National Anthem, though, just for fun! Who knows, might come in handy one day…

What are some of the venues you sang the Anthem?

Boy, I’ve performed the National Anthem in probably more than 75 venues between the year 2007 and today. I’ve sang the song for every type of community event you could think of from business luncheons, to 5K Walks and sporting events, both big and small. I’m a regular National Anthem performer for the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Phoenix Suns, the Phoenix Mercury and more.

Do you sing any other song in public?

I’ve sang a song here and there publicly, other than the Anthem, but up to this point I’d have to say the National Anthem has been, and is, my signature piece! Actually, I’m going to start singing here in the next few weeks with the band from my church, so I’m pretty excited about that!

What would be your advice to someone who wants to sing this song? 

Practice makes perfect! Actually, there are so many variations and styles that one could sing the National Anthem, but my advice is to just make it your own and have fun. For me personally, singing the Anthem is really an honor and privilege, so I view it as such with each and every performance.
_

Visit her website to find out more about Erica Cardenas. You can also watch Erica perform the anthem here.

You can also watch Whitney Houston perform the anthem here and Roseanne Barr perform the anthem here.

by Frank Ippolito

Staff Writer

5 Top Show of the Week!!

So not everyone is at Apache Lake Music Festival this weekend which is awesome because we aren’t either. Thankfully, there are some eclectic happenings around town this week so everyone should find something to suit their fancy. For more Upcoming Shows, check out our Upcoming Shows page. 

Kick things off on Third Friday (tonight) at the A.R.T.S. Market this Friday and catch Animalogue: a multi-media production featuring dance with live music from RPM Orchestra. 

Also tonight, The Balacony Scene will be playing their last show at The Trunk Space along with Janelle Loes and Straight Straws Straight Straws. Eleanor Murray is in from the Northwest to headline the event.

Head to Yucca this Saturday for a rowdy good time as Gaby Kaos and Drea Doll, both of Venomous Pinks’ fame, will be celebrating their birthdays in true punk style – with a bunch of bands and a kick ass show.

More tapes coming your way this weekend! Saturday at The Trunk Space is the All-Ages event to be at. Tk and the Irresistibles, Hip Don’t Dance, and, well, you can just read the flyer. And, you can catch the Treasure Mammal Art Show to celebate the band’s 10 year anniversary!

Get weekday feisty at the Rogue this Thursday with Down by Fire, Skull Drug, and more. There or square, folks.

And, of course, we have to give a shout-out to the Grand Avenue Festival happening downtown this Saturday. Hope to see you there!

Artistas de Phoenix

Mexico has always been blessed with great artists who have devoted their lives to the pursuit of art. During the Spanish rule of Mexico their art bore that influence and reflected the Spanish culture and traditions. After the Mexican Revolution a new generation of artists emerged. These artists set the stage for new trends in art. Their large-scale murals depicting human life and carrying social messages gave an entirely new dimension to Mexican art.

Artists such as Diego Rivera, Jose Clemente Orozco, David Alfaro Siqueiros and Frida Kahlo, still had a European flavor, but they also portrayed elements of the Mexican culture and changed the artistic landscape of their nation forever.

Here in Arizona, we too are blessed with a lot of Latino artists who are making their mark on the artistic landscape. Thanks to a partner who is Latina, I have been introduce to Mexican art and have been very fortunate to spend several nights at benefits for Xico and ALAC, the Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center
meeting Latino artists and admiring their beautiful work.

I chatted with four Latino artists – Hugo Medina, Joe Ray, Frank Ybarra and Monica Robles – about their work, their passion and what it means to be Latino artists.

Frank Ippolito: What mediums do you work in?

Frank Ybarra: Primarily acrylic on canvas. Also printmaking: monoprint, mono silkscreen. Some (traditional) silkscreen and lithography.

Monica Robles: My favorite medium is working with reclaimed wood and scrap metal objects that I find on my treasure hunts through various junkyards and alleyways.

Joe Ray: Mostly acrylic and mixed medium stuff. Also monoprints. I tell people I’m a painter and a printmaker. Sometimes they actually believe me!

Hugo Medina: Metal, acrylics, various mediums for murals.

Hugo Medina

How early did the calling to art come to you?

FY: Since I was a child. I have always been interested in art. I was also very fortunate to have a wonderful grade school art teacher that taught me many techniques and mediums. A great experience!

MR: I wasn’t surrounded by art growing up so I wasn’t really pushed on learning or being involved in any art classes. It wasn’t until I attended college at the University of Arizona that I would find myself returning to my artistic roots. This is where I branched out and my creative mind kicked into full gear.

JR: I’ve always had the calling. I believe it’s one of the advantages of hearing voices! Growing up, the majority of my friends were visual.

HM: My parents tell me I entered my 1st art contest when I was 5. Been doing it ever since.

All artists are driven by passion, do you feel because of your heritage you feel a bit more of a tug?

FY: Yes, of course. We all have our cultural backgrounds that bring back memories of childhood, family events and experiences from our neighborhoods and communities. My art depicts many of my memories of growing up in east Phoenix. Not to mention the landscape.

MR: I feel every artist is driven by passion, that’s why he or she continue to do it even if they aren’t making millions of dollars.

JR: For me, it’s a visceral connection with the language, my roots, my imagination, and observations. My imagination and experiences run deeper in this river of heritage. It can’t be forced, or it’s fake. But if it’s honest and at times subtle, it’s much more passionate.

HM: Passion is fueled by love, the way I see it there are only four questions of value in life: What is sacred? Of what is the spirit made? What is worth living for, and what is worth dying for? The answer to each is the same: only love. My love and respect for my heritage plays a big part in what or how I create.

What are some of the lessons you learned along the way?

FY: Don’t give up! Follow your dreams! Even if it has to be on a part time basis.

MR: That it’s a process and it’s not something that happens overnight.  You create and create and sometimes you make mistakes but then those mistakes create something new.  You just evolve as an artist especially when you start meeting new artist and sharing ideas it’s a never-ending creative process.

JR: Be collaborative. I love collaborating with other creative people.

Monica Robles

Be open. Try new things. Only demons think in straight lines.

HM: Just keep working, if I run out of red, I use blue. Drips happen, just paint over it and keep pushing forward.

How important is it to infuse a cultural vibe into your work?

FY: Very important, because it is part of who we are.

MR: Even though my art isn’t “Latino” per se, I do want to be known as strong Hispanic woman in the art community who has inspired someone to do what they love.

JR: It just is. I don’t force it. It has to flow natural.

HM: I feel as an artist I can’t but help to “infuse” myself into my work, keeping true to myself means to infuse culture into what I do. Whether I choose to or not, it’s there.

Have you taken on any serious issues with your work – and if so, which ones?

FY: For the most part, my art is relatively “tame”. I like to show depictions of family life, my Mexican heritage and the desert and Arizona landscapes that inspire me. I don’t usually get into controversial topics. Some of my editorial illustrations may have depicted controversial subject matter. The most recent, an illustration about the SB1070 law.

MR: I haven’t taken on any serious issues with my work but I won’t say I will never do it.

JR: SB1070 raised a lot of ire for me. It brought back a ton of issues that I encountered growing up in western AZ. Also, I’ve recently started working with Hip Veggies, a group to fight hunger, promote healthy eating with a cultural insight. Collaborating with them, artists, and chefs we are getting ready for the second annual Nopalpalooza!.

HM: I just paint, what I see, what I feel. Just by doing so, I am making a statement. I don’t like to force my views on people through my work, I let my actions do that for me.

How does your work compare to the past generations?

FY: That is a tough question to answer. Although I have been trying and looking for a unique way of expressing my background and our desert way of life. Still working on it.

MR: I can’t really compare my work to past generations but there is an artist that really inspired when I moved to Tucson, Daniel Martin Diaz, I was and still am very fascinated with his beautiful artwork.

JR: I don’t dwell on that much. I respect previous generations, all of them. I have never been a radical though I know many who were, and it’s amazing how so many years later I still hold very dear what I learned from them. Maybe my work is a result of those teachings.

HM: I learn from the past, pay attention to history, live in the now, thinking of the future. All work evolves with the times – art is just a way of recording history as it happens. I am telling a story in my language for others to interpret what they see.

Joe Ray

What, if any, influence have you had on young Latino artists? 

FY: Younger artists that I admire very much have complimented me. It’s a good feeling and the ultimate compliment.

MR: The influence I have on the future…. I hope to inspire risk. Don’t just work with what you have, resources are available and take advantage of that. Be bold. Think of what you feel and explore.

JR: Collaboration. Being inclusive with younger artists. Getting involved in group arts and cultural projects allows me to get inspired by them. I’ve mentored a few through the years, in art, but mostly in the design and advertising arenas.

HM: I am hoping that future artists can see that through hard work, dedication, and integrity, they can be fight for their dreams as I am still pushing forward to achieve mine.

What are some of your past projects?

FY: One project I was involved in was the Arizona Centennial advertising campaign. They used 5 or so pieces of mine in ads, banners, billboards, posters etc., I was honored to have been chosen for this project.

MR: “5th Row Dance Studio”, Dance studios/Art Gallery (2012-current), “Inspired Soles”, 2012 & 2013, 6 x 6, “Benefit for Eye Lounge” – 2012, “944 Artist Challenge San Diego”, 2009, “Stand Up for Kids Charity”, 2009

JR: “Xico Arte y Cultural” (formerly Xicanindio) I’ve been involved with them for over 22 years. “Nopalpalooza!” last year. Promoting nopales, while helping educate and fight hunger via art. SB1070, I co-curated a juried exhibition that was pretty high profile.

“Fiestas del Desierto” – I participated in 2011 at the first one in my hometown of San Luis, Rio Colorado, Sonora, MX. It was a celebration of art, culture, cuisine, and ecological awareness for the lower Colorado River Delta.

HM: Co-founder of the Calle 16 mural project, various community-based murals and shows around the valley.

Current projects?

FY: I’m always working!

MR: After our relocation of the Lab from Roosevelt to Grand Ave in August, I decided to keep it as a Pop-up Gallery. I want to continue to provide a venue for artists to showcase their work without a great expense, and without having to undergo a time-consuming and lengthy application process for their work to be featured, such as that of museums and galleries.

JR: November 9 is Nopalpalooza! Plus, I’m in a group exhibit October 10 at the AZ Community Foundation with 7 other artists titled “Arizona Latino Voices: Constructing Identity”

What would be the most important thing to know about you and your art?

FY: I mentioned before, that I don’t take myself too seriously. I use humor in my art as well. I have more fun painting about the things that make us feel at home and show a sensitive side.

MR: That I love working with my hands and creating art with objects that have been discarded and giving them new life and meaning.

Frank Ybarra

JR: I’m collaborative and a lot of fun. I give a damn.

HM: I love what I do and live to create.

Is it true you put lime on everything?

FY: Maybe in a Corona or margarita!

MR: Actually ha-ha I don’t!

JR: No. But chiles have to be included. They can be dried, fresh, or pickled. It’s a required side, as well as a good start.

HM: HAHA Actually I put Sriracha on everything except desserts.

~

Here’s where you can find the art of these fantastic artists:

Monica Robles

Joe Ray

Frank Ybarra

Hugo Medina

Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center

by Frank Ippolito

Staff Writer

Behind Closed Doors: Cherie Cherie

Night of the Living Fest is nearly upon us and we at YabYum couldn’t be more excited. First of all, we’re about any upstart festival that brings together bands like The People Under the Stairs, Deerhoof, THEESatisfaction, and Shannon & the Clams with some of the best bands to emerge from the Arizona underground like the Meat Puppets, NOBUNNY, Lenguas Largas, and, of course, Cherie Cherie.

Cherie Cherie just so happens to be my favorite band from this great state. True story. And I’ve been editing this here publication for nearly half a decade so if right now you’re thinking I haven’t heard your album, I probably have. Personal preference, people, and Cherie Cherie is mine.

This leads me to the second reason I was super excited to hear about Night of the Living Fest. It gave me an opportunity to go “Behind Closed Doors” with the band as they get ready for the festival and their upcoming release due out later this year.

The band practices at singer/guitarist Lonna Kelly’s Phoenix digs. The home is colorful and cozy with a nod toward vintage that comes from keeping things rather than a cognitive style choice. The practice room is open and adorned with a spray painted banner reading “Neil Diamonds are Forever”. I am told that the band’s first performance was actually under this moniker and their first show was a performance of cover songs at the Crescent Ballroom wherein they performed Neil Diamond songs, naturally. Only then were they able to move forward into developing their own songs as Cherie Cherie.

Initially, Cherie Cherie started with just Lonna, Matt Wiser (lead guitar), and Ann Seletos (vocals/drums) but they recently filled out into a four-piece with the addition of Luke Mathers on bass and vocals.

Let’s just be honest right here from the get-go. It’s hard to think of bands that Lonna is in as anything other than “Lonna’s band”. Admittedly, she’s worked with some names (Giant Sand included) so there might be some exceptions when she’s only moonlighting rather than a regular fixture. For the most part, however, the audience will think of it as Lonna’s band. Some people are just like that, so compelling that everyone automatically assumes they’re the ringleader even when they’re not front and center. That’s just not the feel of Cherie Cherie. It has an almost familial atmosphere when the band plays together or even just hangs out with each other between songs. Ann and Lonna share the spotlight. They toss answers back and forth like they’re a family badminton game. One picks up the thread as the other trails off. There is a kindredness that comes across in conversation; a warmth.

This warmth carries through to the music in the vocals in Cherie Cherie’s songs. They are the uplifting force that draw the listener through the darker undertones of the instrumentation. The juxtaposition of voices and music, light and dark, inviting yet still threatening in the way night can feel obscurely threatening.

For a band that’s only been together roughly since March, Cherie Cherie works seamlessly together. They’re getting some covers ready for Night of the Living Fest (not Neil Diamond covers) to include in their mix of songs that will be available on their forthcoming release due out later this year. Rumor has it that Nico’s “Fairest of the Seasons” might make the set list. Somehow, the idea of Cherie Cherie performing this Nico song reminds me of an inverted image of the band’s own music wherein the music is light and slightly ethereal while Nico’s voice provides the darker element. I can’t wait to hear it.

Cherie Cherie’s five-song EP is tentatively titled Share and isn’t due out until December but festival go-ers will be able to score the album early (if you didn’t already have enough reasons to head to Night of the Living Fest). I got to hear an early track from the EP called “Down Down Down”. Recorded in just two days in the same rehearsal space where we listened to the song, Ryan Breen recorded the tracks that were later mastered by Roger of SAE Mastering. The band was unanimously effusive about the experience, describing Breen as “totally positive” and “super cool but down to earth.”

As for the decision to record all five tracks at Lonna’s home in just two days, the band was all in agreement: they wanted to capture their sound at a particular time in a particular place. The same space they gather every week to play together. It wasn’t about over-thinking things but about keeping things in the present.

And, at the present moment, Cherie Cherie is more focused on getting their set together for the festival only a few weeks away than they are about vinyl release looming ahead in December. We’ll be sure to keep you posted on Share. Until then, add catching the band live to your must-do list if you haven’t already.

Head out to Night of the Living Fest in Tucson on Saturday, November 2nd, and you’ll not only get to hear Cherie Cherie live but you’ll have your opportunity to buy an early copy of their forthcoming album before the rest of the schmucks who have to wait for the general release a month later. And you don’t have to pack up your camping gear and hot dogs for this one as it is a one-day-only event. Drive home that night or  you can stick around for Tucson’s annual All Souls Procession in honor of Day of the Dead also happening that weekend.

For more information, check out: 

Cherie Cherie

Night of the Living Fest

_

Spooks & Stories: A String Quartet Halloween

I love love love Halloween. I think it’s fitting we, as a society, celebrate our darker sides before launching full force into a holiday season filled with good, wholesome cheer. ASU’s Tetra String Quartet has a special show in the works for all you ghouls and seasonally-indulgent sinsters that should definitely make your Things-To-Do list for the weekend.

This upcoming Saturday (Oct. 19) the quartet will be joined by narrator Thor Mikesell for an evening of twisted tales and darker sounds. Shostakovich’s String Quartet No. 3 and Schubert’s ‘Death and the Maiden’ are on the program which also includes the debut of a new arrangment of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”. 

Enjoy an evening of music; classical and creepy. The event will be held in the Katzin Concert Hall at ASU’s School of Music as part of the Faculty Artist Series. For more information about the event, head here.

For more information on the Tetra String Quartet, I suggest checking out their website and YouTube page.

The Tetra String Quartet ready to unleash terror or music or both.

Cruise Over to Drive-Thru Gallery

This month take a cruise over to Drive-Thru Gallery owned and curated by Andrew Pielage. Drive-Thru is featuring the stunning black and white photography series The Near End: An Infrared Retrospective by local artist Brian Klein. This new series focuses on exploring the technical side of photography; Klein says, “the ability to record these images from a different part of the spectrum and to present them in aesthetically pleasing way turned into a passion and love for the film.” When creating his eye-catching black and white photographs he favors to shoot with a 35mm camera and Kodak infrared film. There is such beauty, drama and mystery in each of his photographs, striking places viewed through his black and white “lens” transporting the viewer into another time and place.

“Mueller Mausoleum”

An interesting exhibition, Klein uses “black and white photography to garner so many deep feelings from such a wide variety of society.” The poignant photograph titled “Mueller Mausoleum” is dramatic, somber, well executed and beautifully printed. The titles of his artworks are simply an indication of where or what the photograph is, but a closer inspection of the work reveals amazing shadows and incredible architecture. A majority of photographers focus on color nowadays, but he is drawn to black and white because “it’s more versatile and has a timeless look, plus we see everything in color all the time”. Exciting to view the world through his lens such as with his photograph “Villa Kiin” which takes the viewer to an exotic local minus the color and the viewer must imagine this world on their own. Klein went on to say, “I love the fact that reality can be presented this way, something different and dramatic.”

It is definitely rare for photographers to traditionally print their own pieces in this day and age. Klein loves the experience and the result stating “the process is tangible, I’m sticking my hands in the chemistry, and of course it’s nostalgic.” Looking back at photography through an art history perspective we think of the dark room, the nostalgia, and black and white. All these things are present in Klein’s work with the addition of his keen eye for detail. The simple black framing of the artwork keeps the viewers attention while enticing them in for a deeper look. When we spoke further about printing photographs he said “now that the norm has gone on digital overdrive, which I’m not entirely opposed to, I feel that the traditional photographic processes like print making has become bigger part of the aesthetic process rather than the status quo.” This is definitely apparent in his work.

“Villa Kiin”

Mr. Pielage chose a great artist to exhibit in his interesting and relatively new gallery. The simplicity of the gallery space and clean white walls make Drive-Thru Gallery a perfect pairing for Klein’s work. This is an intriguing exhibition, which takes the viewer into quiet places exposing the pure beauty of what is right in front of them. Take a stroll through Drive-Thru Gallery and explore Klein’s incredible imagery. Phoenix New Times recently voted Drive-Thru Gallery “Best First Friday Hangout” too! This exhibition will be open on October 18th for Third Friday from 7-10pm.

Links:

Drive-Thru Gallery

Brian Klein Website

by Nicole Royse

Staff Writer

5 Eclectic (and Amazing) Singles

Numb Bats

“Angry Woman“

The post-punk surf rock of Mo Neuharth, Emily Hobeheidar, and Isaac Porker (also known as the Numb Bats) made them an early favorite with the YabYummers (or Yummies, whichever you prefer). The long-awaited first single from the trio came out on a split with another band I’ve been spending some quality listening time with, i.e. Petty Things. Both are on the Rubber Brother Records label. “Angry Woman” has all the angst and call-it-out lyricism that marks Numb Bats’ distinctive sound. Listen here and make sure to stick around for “Doctor 5”, their second track from the split release. You won’t be disappointed.

Muscle

“True“

So we only had Muscle on our turf for a short time but they will be forever in our hearts…and maybe our stereos, too. Kate Feldmann and Abby Black moved to Mesa from Iowa City to attend the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Science before moving on to L.A. along with Zach “Coolzey” Lint. During their time in this great state, they did manage to sign to River Jones’ label and secure our fandom with their indie-punk rocknroll. “True” is the first single from their forthcoming full-length due to be released early next year. Everyone should check it out here and join me in the long wait for the next album from Muscle.

Pocket Leaf

“The Pacific Strange“

In my extensive tenure here at YabYum, I have never covered metal, personally. Just isn’t really my thing, but the instrumental sweater metal of Pocket Leaf really had me hooked from the first listen. I even like the term “sweater metal” which the band uses on their SoundCloud page to describe their music. “The Pacific Strange” is an early preview of their EP due out later this year. Rumor has it an album might be in the works for next year. Make sure you head out to hear these youngsters live. They’re all only 18 so don’t give them beer, just weed.* Until then, listen to “The Pacific Strange” here.

*We jest.

Kokopelli

“You/Me/Time“

Saddles just dropped their full-length album Shell Art last spring but it looks like the duo has been keeping busy over the summer. Charles Barth and George White (the duo behind Saddles) also have been recording under the moniker Kokopelli. “You/Me/Time” is a Space Age garage pop track that diverges unmistakably from the sound their other band projects in an experimental direction. After “You/Me/Time” make sure you listen to the second track titled “I Forget”. The latter song feels more like a traditional ballad and has us both confused and excited for what might await us on the “Extended Play” version. Listen to “You/Me/Time” here.

Correction: Yes, that’s right. We have a correction. Editors will be flayed and left to rot in an open ditch somewhere. YabYum will only continue if they can crawl their way back to civilization. That being said, the gentlemen from Saddles did, in fact, work on the aforementioned project but it was actually the brainchild of Preston Hitzler. Despite an unfortunate last name (sorry buddy), this is a talented person we’re excited to learn the name of… even if it’s (embarrassingly) a few days later than it should have been.

Monty O’Blivion

“Blue Moon (Blue Fuckin’ Moon)“

We super digging Monty O’Blivion’s cover of the classic popularized by The Marcels. Only Monty can make a xylophone-accompanied crooner ballad sound so punk rock. And he does have the crooner skills needed to throw down a proper “Blue Moon”, even when home-recorded on “drugs of an unknown origin.” Excuse me, “Blue Fuckin’ Moon”. I definitely suggest checking out the track here. While you’re at it, check out Monty’s other projects. He plays with both The Limit Club and Manual Sex Drive. See them both. Do yourself the favor.