The “Sibilance” staff was more than a little impressed with the turnout for the Geno memorial show last Wednesday. A truncated list of local scenesters in attendance: Darien Brahms, Lauren Wayne, Todd Bernard, Ricky Boy Floyd, Eggbot, Mark Belanger, Country Rhodes and the Fuge, Bebe Buell, Barb Moran (obviously), Eric Brackett, Reuben Little, Sontiago, Ryan Dolan, Johnny Lomba, and probably many more we knew but were unable to recognize once we were too deep into the PBR. It was a special night, with the great mix of people that always made Geno’s one of the most comfortable places to hang out in Portland. Everyone was always welcome and likely always will be. From the performances to the subdued air, people on Wednesday showed they appreciated it.
Thanks to a note from Pete Kilpatrick about his St. Patty’s day gig in NYC at the Baggott Inn, we’ve been clued into a new radio show on WCLZ hosted by Guster’s Adam Gardner. It’s called “Reverb” and plays at 6 pm on Thursday afternoons. Gardner won’t be stealing Mark Curdo’s or Charlie Gaylord’s thunder, but will likely lean toward the local. We’re very much in favor of these afternoon personalities at the Citadel stations.
Yes, the rumors are true. Muscle City Productions, the single-biggest promoter of all-ages shows in Portland over the past three years, is no more. An e-mail to organizer Chris Carleton was returned simply: “It’s over. I’m finally throwing in the towel.” No more explanation was given, but we can tell you from experience that promoting shows in Portland can get old pretty quickly and Carleton stuck with it for a good while.
Looking for rehearsal space? The Empty Space, at Riverdam Millyard in Biddeford, is putting on the full-court press. They got a write-up in this week’s Press Herald, and sent out e-mails to everyone in the Phoenix band guide, we think. Doesn’t sound like a bad place: 24-hour access, in-house recording studio, security cameras, and thorough soundproofing all sound like owner Steven Sobol has the right idea. Especially with the security cameras. We can’t tell you how many bands have been reluctant to reveal their practice space for fear of getting their stuff ripped off, which has happened more time than you can imagine. If you want in, e-mail ssobol@riverdammillyard.com
We’ve told you before that Haakon Kalweit, formerly of the Piners and Shanna and the Hawk, was back in town. Well, he’s having a little re-coming out party at Chicky’s on March 25, backed by Zach Ovington, who does that awesome Hot Club of Portland stuff at Shay’s, and bassist Marc Cousins. He’ll be performing new material, but don’t be surprised by some old Piners favorites.
