Cello Shot Moon
As I noted in the overly-discursive Foreword to this stream of re-published newsletters, I found myself using the first-person plural in speaking for The Moonlight— or, the “royal we”, and there’s actually a literary term for that pompous grammatical charade: “pluralis majestatis”. Many kings and queens of olde tymes spoke of themselves not as individuals, but as heads of the state and all its subjects at once, as in “We are not amused”, upon being told an overly ribald tale involving some of those very subjects. A more self-exalted set of royals may have adopted their plural identities as expressing a partnership with the only entity they regarded above them, meaning “God and I”.
My (or our) use of the device was for different purposes. I hoped “we” could eventually build the venue into a true communal enterprise, with many hands working together in harmony— so as not to be tasked with steering the whole thing forever, like that poor Wizard of Oz, one guy behind a curtain yanking all the levers and valves en solo. Simply portraying the operation as a collective, I thought, might at least get us on the path to conjunction… and herewith commenced the loooong (and continuing) search for enthusiastic confederates.
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September 20, 2010
"HOW CAN I HELP THE MOONLIGHT?"
We hear those words every day and every night, from friends and supporters who want Moonlight on the Mountain to stay alive and healthy. In an effort to answer that question, we'll host an OPEN STRATEGY SESSION to discuss ideas and directions on TUESDAY night, SEPTEMBER 28th, at 7:30 pm---absolutely anyone who would like to make a suggestion or contribution is welcome to come and toss it out there. We'll discuss and explore various proposals, look for ways to marshall our resources, and examine how to tune up the operation altogether.... we'll have coffee and cake, you bring anything you want to.
We're off to a good start, but Moonlight can't keep going on one horsepower, please come and help us get it to the next level. We need you!
EVENTS THIS WEEK--->
Monday the 20th-- OPEN MIC NIGHT, $5
This has become more successful every time we do it--- maybe it's the unpredictable lineup, maybe it's the suspense, or perhaps it's the prize pot we give to the winner. Up to twelve different performers, each giving us their two best songs, and maybe securing a spot on Moonlight's regular schedule in the process. Early next year, all the winners will return to compete in a PlayOff, to win recording time at Higher Ground Studios, plus some other FABulous prizes we haven't quite lined up yet. Players sign up at 7pm, music starts at 7:30.
Tuesday the 21st-- SOUTHERN TRAIL TOUR, $12
In the format of the Hotel Cafe shows, or the Ten out of Tenn caravans, we welcome this group of four (well-- five, really) Southern folk/roots artists, as they roll through the region in search of new audience. Hailing from Atlanta, Asheville, and Nashville, they step up singly and in spontaneous combination to offer nuggets of their best work--
Jeremy Aggers, Tyler Lyle, Channing and Quinn, and Chelsea Lynn LaBate all hope you'll come give a listen. You're bound to like at least two of 'em! 7:30pm
www.jeremyaggers.com
www.chelsealynnlabate.com
www.tylerlyle.com
www.channingandquinn.com
Friday the 24th--- DOLORES HYDOCK & Flying Jenny, $15
After she enchanted us last month with her medieval tales, we had to invite Dolores back for another presentation--- this time, she spins a wagonload of yarns featuring the rough, raucous, remarkable women of the Wild West. Behind her will be the delightful music of old-time string band Flying Jenny, to give atmosphere and counterpoint to Hydock's animated accounts of a dozen delightful characters. We ask for RESERVATIONS for this show--- many seats have been taken, please click "Reply" to let us know how many of you will be coming. 7:30pm
www.storypower.org
Delores Hydock, September 24 2010, 62 present
Sunday the 26th--- MONTANA SKIES, $12
A late addition to the schedule, but one we are sure you will be talking about for a long time to come. Though they have literally covered the globe in their travels, they've only been seen in Birmingham one time, in a bombastic performance at City Stages some years ago. Jenn Adams attacks her cello, both acoustic and electric, with a fierceness that inflames her complete command of the material--- classical, rock, and unexpected original gems-- while husband Jonathan matches her intensity on steel-string guitar, his style ranging from blistering to sublime. Watch a few of these videos, and do NOT miss the opportunity to see this duo in action--- 7:30pm
www.youtube.com/user/montanaskies
www.montanaskiesmusic.ning.com
Montana Skies, September 26 2010, 31 present
A PEEK AT NEXT WEEK-->
Tuesday, September 28-- MOONLIGHT STRATEGY SESSION, your idea could help us keep this thing happening!
Friday October 1-- CAROLINE HERRING, our favorite Mississippi/Texas/Georgia hybrid--- elegant, timeless, a lil' gothic
Saturday October 2-- JENNIFER DANIELS, the essence of new Southern Folk, from the top of Lookout Mountain
Sunday, October 3-- DATRI BEAN, Southern-fried vintage jazz sounds, sweet tea and sassy... you KNOW this stuff
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