UPDATE: This wonderful album is now available.  I’ve posted a Lala player below with the full album.  It will let you listen to the full tracks one time each after which it will reduce them to 30 second samples unless you buy them from Lala (or buy them somewhere else and upload/match them on Lala).

There are times when I buy and listen to music because it is local.  There are other times when I buy and listen to music and it just happens to be local.  The Bowerbirds squarely fall into the latter category.  Out this Tuesday is their latest effort, Upper Air, which I wholeheartedly recommend to everyone and would do so even if they weren’t based in Raleigh.  Listen to a song from the new album below and you’ll see what I mean.  It’s an acoustic affair, but just as edgy and interesting as anything out there.

For those who can’t wait another day, purchase the CD or LP here and you’ll receive immediate access to download a digital version of the album.

Once you’ve had a listen, let us know what you think in the comments below!

Bowerbirds – Northern Lights

06-Northern-Lights.mp3

But anyway, one thing SparkCon certainly has going for it is the recruitment of some of Raleigh’s best to organize and produce the events.  One of ’06′s more successful “Sparks” was the fashionSPARK fashion show.  It was well-attended and full of energy.  This year, I am expecting even better things now that the beautiful Allison Beale is one of the producers.  Certainly among the most fashionable people in Raleigh, Allison is the owner of George Public Relations and is a former writer/editor for SheSheMe (back when it was based in Raleigh and was cool).  I’m also happy to say she’s an occasional contributor to Raleighing!

Riviera

This Friday night, Allison and the rest of the fashionSPARK team will be hosting the premiere of the fashionSPARK 2006 DVD at Riviera.  Doors open at 9pm and the show will run from 9:15-9:30pm.  They will also have Guest DJ Keith Ward keeping the festivities hopping.  So, head out to your favorite galleries for First Friday events and then stop on by Riviera for all the fashionable fun.  Definitely need to go pick up all my Fluevogs tomorrow so I have something to wear!

The festivities will begin at 4:30pm and will include live music by the Arts Together Pre-school Children’s Chorus, kite flying (first 150 kids get a free redbird kite), and refreshments.  After the dedication, there will apparently be a “Redbird” procession which will end at a concert stage on which the Raleigh Concert Band will perform.

Redbird Sculpture

“Redbird” was created by Asheville artist Harry McDaniel.  While in the picture above it looks like a grouping of giant abstract flowers, viewed from the right angle the red shapes form a bird, the cardinal being our state bird.  The funds for this sculpture came from the money generated by the Red Wolf Ramble project, which is certainly good to hear.

The Colony Theater

Before Madstone, before Galaxy, before the idea of multiplex independent film cinema existed–back when the (still-great) art-deco Rialto was the only art house theater in Raleigh, the owner of the very same Rialto opened the Colony twin screen theater in an older real-type ordinary Raleigh suburban shopping center at Six Forks and Millbrook Rd, just outside the beltline (above North Hills, look for the Food Lion on your right).

The Colony is Raleigh’s unsung hero if a place can be a hero. Although from the outside it looks like the sort of theater that would have closed in some other city long ago when the multiplex giants took over, inside the Colony is an oasis. Everything from international and independent, little-known hard to find films, to popular indie sleeper films, shown on two wide screens in large auditoriums, with comfortable theater seating complete with cup holders, and most importantly excellent sound and lighting. In this theater, you will never fume because the film is out of focus, or the lights didn’t go off when the film began, making a glare on the screen so you can’t see the film, because the projectionist cares enough about film and about you, the viewer, to stay in the booth long enough to make sure everything works properly before running off (which I’m sorry to say is not the case elsewhere).

This kind of reliable care and attention over many years has been and continues to be due to the manager, Denver Hill, a former English major, a long-time fan of good cinema. He has been at the Colony for as long as I can remember, starting out as many do there, with a teenage-type job, then growing into a first-class manager who keeps his place running the way it should: brisk, courteous service, without sacrificing its unique comfy, laid back, “let’s just hang out” atmosphere. The Colony has about the most eager to please, friendliest crew I’ve ever seen in a theater, serving up draft and bottled beer, wine, and other beverages along with the usual movie snacks, and always with smiles and a welcoming attitude. There are plush arm chairs, plants, and an enormous sofa that is so welcoming, people often sink down into its softness and read from the great selection of books (yes, there’s a bookcase full of donated books with a sign that invites you to take one if you like, and/or donate one).

The Colony Theater

Other reasons to arrive early and lounge about: you will want to read the long, growing bulletin board that takes up an entire wall with community messages and happenings, and browse through the magazines and flyers on the counter below the bulletin board. Or view the art exhibited on the remaining walls by area artists. Or come early and ask that friendly crew about what is coming next; get questions answered about film, advice on what to see. They actually know lots and love to chat about movies and community events.

Which brings me to the unsung hero part (aside from just being an awesome place to see movies): what sets the Colony apart from other art house theaters is Denver’s and his girlfriend Michelle’s dedication to Raleigh’s nonprofit groups, helping their causes. For example, tomorrow night — grab your pen –

Tuesday May 22 at 7 PM —- MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW

The Colony is showing “Kundun”

– a rarely seen film by the acclaimed director Martin Scorsese, that tells the story of the Dalai Lama’s exile from Tibet. The score is by Philip Glass, the Oscar-nominated avant-garde composer. Don’t miss this opportunity to see an excellent Scorsese film you’d be hard pressed to find anywhere else. Feel good knowing your $5 ticket price goes toward helping out the Kadampa Center, a Tibetan Buddhist community in Raleigh that needs funds for a new space.

Denver Hill has been doing this sort of thing for years, quietly, and never for his own glory, just wanting to help, welcoming community nonprofits who need space to view a film, hear speakers, raise funds; bringing together many of Raleigh’s groups around a film that ties into their cause, often packing the house, making the Colony not only a great place to gather and and view a film; but also an important force in the community.

It’s not all serious issue stuff!!

Denver loves to bring in favorite fun films, new 35 mm prints of classics, and runs movie events. Last week, we all enjoyed “Easy Rider”

Other fun films coming up:

June 20	The Dark Crystal
July 18	2001 A Space Odyssey
August 15	Temple of Doom

Only 5 Bucks for these great films! You can call for other feature film showings, and prices, plus any other info: 856-0111.

One final tiny treat: if you are a lifetime lover of movies, look down at the carpet. It’s so cute.

Coming up soon —- Reason #2

The Art Market consists of ceramics, jewelry, painting, photography, woodworking, and textile creations from all over the country.  Kidsplosure is geared at entertaining the little one with flower making, bubbles, a painting station, and a variety of children’s acts on the stage throughout the weekend. 

Venture over to Exploris for interactive experiences from all over the world, a chance to learn about the India culture, and a host of other fun features from all across the globe.

The event officially runs from 11am-7pm on Saturday and 11am-6pm on Sunday.  Parking is available all around Moore Square, but get there early to park closer.  Come by and celebrate the start of summer with amazing art, great live music, and delicious food.

One last word on Bickett: Come on, you all are taking the “local color” of the piece far too seriously. Just reread the first paragraph, if you still don’t get the point. It’s not about me, it’s not about you, it’s not about Kings, it’s not about rock bands performing on schedule (by the way the tickets for Arcade Fire said 8, and by god, the opening band started at 8)—it’s about the Independent article and the quotes from Bickett’s owner. Raleigh as a whole was blamed for making the Bickett go out of business, and excuse me, I’m a part of Raleigh, and I will not be blamed or stand by and let the Independent- our only alternative newspaper that in my own opinion is so inaccurate and so sensationalized it is worse than the N & O [Editor's Note: As stated, the previous is the writer's own opinion, not a statement of fact. It is not necessarily the opinion of the other authors at Raleighing.]–mislead the public into thinking Bickett failed because we failed. No. Bickett failed because the owner or whoever ran the place failed. Come on, the article quotes the owner–and I’m paraphrasing her words here–it went under because she couldn’t get a license for an outdoor rock festival, and because the residents of Raleigh don’t buy art. Excuse me? We don’t? You mean we didn’t buy your art. That might suggest looking at why.

Admittedly I’m a new “insider” to the HL Roaming Gallery, which is an exhibit of Raleigh artists. The first show I attended was in November. I left kicking myself for having missed the first three. Don’t be among the few that miss the fifth and final show. And if you are, for your sake, I wouldn’t tell anyone.

What can you expect from this traveling collection of artists? –Expect to be wowed, but not surprised by the talent living and working in Raleigh. Expect to be drawn to their work. Expect to care about their inspirations, mediums and backgrounds. Expect to be moved. Don’t expect their work to be basic, bland, or ordinary. And, expect to hate that this clever type of gallery and art opportunity is coming to an end – at least for now.

Two and half years ago, Tracy Spencer, a Raleigh artist and key supporter of the local art scene, debuted her traveling gallery of artists, which helped enliven a struggling downtown. Every six months, the band of artists set up shop (literally cleaning, hanging their own work, fixing lights) for one month in one of Raleigh’s charming but unused buildings. Tonight the HL Roaming Gallery will come full circle; ending in its original location.

Tonight’s bittersweet (in my book at least) opening reception will be the last. Why? – We all know why, progress has come and the result is both good and band. Spencer sites less uninhabited buildings and a cumbersome process as the reasons behind the group’s hiatus. She and the artists love it though; and I would all but guarantee they’ll be back. And, in an even more interesting, progressive way.

Piqued your interest yet? Didn’t know Raleigh had such emerging and important artists? Well, we do. And we should, no must, support them. A little background on the participating artists is below.

See you there.

HL Roaming Gallery

Opening Reception, May 4th, 2007, 6 p.m. to midnight

Closing Reception, May 25th, 2007, 6 p.m.to midnight

Saturday hours in May: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

May 19th and 20th (Artsplosure): 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Also view the exhibit by appointment.

The artists

Andrea Donnelly draws from traditional textile processes to make the raw material she uses in her sculptures. Her current work addresses personal and cultural issues in a collection of six female forms. The Lady Series is an intimate exploration of internal and external space, of strength and vulnerability, of cloth and skin (see attached photo). Andrea is a recent graduate of the NC State College of Design. She is a 2007 recipient of the Windgate Fellowship, and her work is currently on exhibit at Fiberart International 2007 in Pittsburgh, PA.

Mollie Earls is a graduate of the NC State College of Design. She continues her exploration of early aviator portraiture and will also have some new lovely jewelry for sale.

Dimitri Gudgenov explores geometric, abstract forms. He uses a variety of construction methods to interpret 3D shapes created with modeling software into physical sculptures.

Jeremy Hauch’s paintings are large, colorful, usually square, and mixed in media. Often figures of humans or animals can be seen. The exact type of animal is usually in question, and what the animal is doing depends on the viewer. Humans are usually just there, not doing much in the way of action. Humans do appear with animals at times, usually in cooperation of some sort. Human to human cooperation is rare, and usually seen in earlier work. Ben Dautel is one year old and has been know to collaborate with Jeremy on recent work.

Andy Heymann, an NC State College of Design Graduate, takes his graphic style of painting to a new level in HL5. He brings iconography in to battle his usual, but still intriguing feminine figures. These new paintings could be described as mathematically graphic dichotomization.

Jackson Hodges, an artist living in Raleigh, graduated with degrees in both architecture and art from the NC State College of Design. Using drawing as his primary medium, Jackson creates pieces with dual focus. His aesthetic combines technicality enriched with emotion and creative non sequitur. He uses his affinity for objects, locations, and personas of interest to carefully compose vignettes reflecting his own interpretation of environments and experiences.

Lindsey Lynch is never without her lens. Her new series, “I see London, I see France,” provides an intimate portrait of women in situations that reflect their personality. Lindsey’s love of and talent for capturing the essence of people through natural progressions of the everyday led her to found Lindsey Marla Photography.

Tracy Spencer continues to explore the use of allegory in her paintings. Her new series plays on growth and the many stages of life. Tracy is the founding manager of Bonded Llama Artist Studios and coordinator of Morning Times Gallery.

For more information in the gallery, artists, or appointments to view the show, email hlartgallery@gmail.com.

David Connell, in addition to being a talented musician of The Connells fame, is a very accomplished painter as well.  His work is primarily North Carolina landscapes and cityscapes with interesting buildings and structures.  Having traveled most of North Carolina’s highways and byways myself, several of the scenes are familiar and comforting.

A portion of the proceeds are being donated to the Conservation Trust of North Carolina to help preserve our states rich natural resources.  If you can’t make it Thursday to meet the artist, you can still view the work until June 9.

The main stage will feature:

• Skeeter Brandon 10am-12pm
• The Embers 1-3 pm
• David Spencer 4-5 pm

The festival is this Saturday from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm on Salem Street in downtown Apex, and it’s free!

Anyway, I am here tonight to see the Physics of Meaning.  I’ve heard them on WKNC, and wanted to see them perform.  The opening band was due to start at 9 PM.  It is now 9:45, and no one is playing.  The last time I came here for music, a little over a year ago to hear a band from Asheville, the place was packed, but as I roamed the waiting crowd, talking to people, many were complaining and asking, when does the music start?  Why hasn’t it started yet?  Tonight there is a very small group here, and they all know each other.  They seem to be friends and family of the bands.  They seem to be having a small party amongst themselves.  I’m not sure this will be worth the long long wait, through two opening bands I’ve never heard of, to finally hear Physics of Meaning.  Maybe I am just tired.  Hmmm.  Outsiders are wandering in.  Clearly not with the party clique.  They look completely bewildered.  They are going from room to room with that look I’ve seen here before: asking themselves, what is this?  Why is this stuff on the walls? Why is there clothing for sale?  Where is the band?  Why isn’t there music?  Where is the bar?  (For those who have never been here–the actual bar is maybe about two or three yards long; Bickett offers a few varieties of beer and wine and liquor. Out of Guinness tonight).  The greatest thing about Bickett is the outdoor patio with beautiful Japanese lanterns and tables overlooking east Raleigh.  On a night like this–late spring, warmish with a cool breeze, low humidity–the patio is perfect.  However, Bickett has never served food, not even a package of peanuts, even though the many tables seem perfect for a restaurant (You cannot hear or see a band from out here, so tables are usually empty).  The friends and family have brought their own food:  cheese and crackers.  They also have brought a baby, the center of attention, dancing and squealing.  You know what Bickett Gallery is like?  It is like someone’s house.  Exactly like someone’s rec room or basement, with a teeny wet bar, where occupants are having over some friends.  Even the beautiful outdoor patio looks like someone’s backyard barbecue space, and the weird stuff on the wall–definitely the taste of individuals who live in this house.  Apparently there are some young musicians in the family–their friends and instruments are scattered here and there.  But the young musicians are more interested in talking to their friends, not playing.  Ever feel like you stumbled into the wrong house, the wrong party?  When Bickett closes, I hope someone fixes this place up, and turns it into what it really wants to be–a coffee shop, with simple food and great coffee and wireless internet (which Bickett already has, along with the tables outside, and comfy coffee shop style couches inside). 

Okay, it is now several days later–unfortunately, I just couldn’t stay.  The first band that finally went on around 10:30 PM, was pretty awful.  I went out on the patio and talked to two lone ladies having drinks.  Their first question to me?  "Have they started the music yet?"  Looked like they’d had many drinks waiting hopefully, and were now having many more to numb their disappointment and frustration.  I bought a Physics of Meaning CD, left (no Guinness, why stay?) and listened to them in my car on the way home.  Sorry I missed their show; I think they’d sound better live.