Saw a few wonderful concerts recently. One was at the Piedmont Cemetery, a rather magical event they do once a year on Solstice, that Sarah Cahill describes here. It’s a wander-about, with performers in the various nooks and corners of the vast and ornate Julia Morgan indoor/outdoor maze that is the Chapel of the Chimes. A highlight for me was hearing Paul Dresher‘s group and meeting him briefly afterward. I took a guitar lesson from Mr. Dresher at Cazadero when I was 12 or so, and my dad flipped out when he learned this way back then, as he had mad respect for Paul as a composer. And now, I do too! Full circle. Also heard the aforementioned Cahill and she was magnificent. And numerous other great musicians whose names I didn’t note, during the wandering about.
Another was just this week – a house concert in the Berkeley hills with Jonathan Segel of Camper Van Beethoven fame. I love his songs. And I so admire anyone who can step up to the mic with just a guitar and perform solo, which he did brilliantly. It’s sooooo different from performing with a band. No net. I keep saying I’ll try it but then I don’t. Maybe now I will, inspired by Mr. Segel. Damn you, sir. Ah, but he was joined by the magnificent Kelly Atkins, who sang harmony on some tunes, so he didn’t have to carry the whole set alone! Their voices blended like angels.
What else? Charlie Hunter and vocalist Lucy Woodward, at the Ivy Room a coupla weeks ago. Oh. My. Word. Charlie’s a lifelong friend and one of my favorite guitarists, and I really love this episode in his ever-changing musical adventures. Lucy’s voice and stage presence with Charlie and drummer Doug Belote was a winning combo. Check ’em on out.
Also last weekend, rock in peace blowout concert for Keystone Freddie. Freddie Hererra was a huge friend to music fans, the music scene, and musicians. As a Berkeley kid I used to walk by the Keystone and look at the band names on the marquee, thinking, “someday!” Someday came and it was our “home” club if you will, from when the UpTones got started until they closed. Of course the talent lineup at his memorial show was absolutely stellar, and it was great to see some friends from, wow, twenty and thirty years ago. There’s a nice write-up about the event and Freddie here.
Did I forget anything? Of course I did! Happy Caturday.
