David Lovering is loving his life a lot. The 55-year-old drummer is touring the world with his famously dysfunctional band, Pixies, but any signs of the old acrimony have long dissipated. In fact, being a Pixie these days is downright fun.
“We’re getting along incredibly well, and that’s the best thing about it,” Mr. Lovering said.
Nostalgia can be a tricky business. Sure, there is joy to be found in re-living pleasant memories, but if you choose to stay in the past you run the risk of becoming a novelty.
Janet Klein, who appears tomorrow at Claremont’s Folk Music Center, has solved this conundrum. Ms. Klein, with her band the Parlor Boys, brings a charming authenticity to the music of the early part of the 20th Century.
THE BLACK WATCH PUB: 497 N. Central Ave., #B, Upland. Live music at 9 p.m. Friday, Saturday and occasional Sundays. No cover. Info: theblackwatchpub.com or (909) 981-6069.
—Saturday, December 31: British New Year with Paddy’s Pig, 3 p.m.
EUREKA CLAREMONT: 580 W. First St., Claremont. Open from 11 a.m. to midnight, Sunday through Thursday; closed at 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. “Hoppy” Hour daily from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Information: (909) 445-8875.
Join in ‘Messiah’ sing along with the Claremont Symphony Orchestra. Recent studies have shown that group singing can help reduce stress and increase pleasure-causing chemicals in the brain.
If one is lucky, time can bring an artist a certain degree of gratitude, and the decades spent striving and careering can give way to a moment of quiet where one takes stock of one’s blessings. Dave Alvin, the “King of California,” is there.
“I am a very lucky guy,” the 61-year-old guitarist, singer and songwriter said.
The legend of the Violent Femmes’ big break is a classic “Kid, I’m gonna make you a star” tale. It’s 1981, and Chrissie Hynde and the late James Honeyman-Scott happen upon the nascent Femmes busking on the street near the Oriental Theater in Milwaukee, where their band, The Pretenders, is playing that night.
The rockstars offer the upstart kids a slot on the big stage.
It’s not quite the story of Lana Turner being discovered at Schwab’s, but it’s still kinda neat.
“The flute came to me in an odd way,” recalled award-winning Native American flautist Steven Rushingwind. “About 14 years ago I was a painter, living in Joshua Tree, and every time I’d finish a painting I’d always play my flute. It kind of gave it a little blessing.”
Well-traveled troubadour Peter Case returned to Claremont in what has for some time been a favorite stop for the acclaimed singer-songwriter.
“I love the Folk Music Center,” Mr. Case said when the COURIER reached him this week at his San Francisco home. “It’s a great place to play.” Over the many appearances he’s made at the Folk, he’s grown fond of its unique qualities.
There is a sense of silliness that comes when you think of the film Footloose. The 1984 movie—starring Kevin Bacon as a teen who’s just gotta dance—is linked inextricably with the ‘80s, a time where fashion leaned to the extravagant (tight jeans, skinny ties and spiked hair, anyone?) and movies ran a bit melodramatic.
Still, the story of a newcomer who turns a closed-minded community on its head holds up surprisingly well in a stage production. The musical is playing at Candlelight Pavilion through August 27.
THE FOLK MUSIC CENTER: 220 Yale Ave., Claremont. Info: folkmusiccenter.com or (909) 624-2928. —Open mic night, last Sunday of every month. Sign-up at 6 p.m., performances 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. $2.
