Down On The Corner
• While browsing Ye Olde Webbe recently, I happened across the site for KET's Mixed Media at http://www.ket.org/cgi/foxweb.exe/db/ket/dmps/Programs?id=MIXM . Regular KET watchers will be familiar with these weekly arts program, which regularly features musicians from around Kentucky as well as the occasional non-Kentucky act.
What might not be as well known is that Mixed Media stashes downloadable web videos of each program, so you can go back (or for the first time) and catch your favorite band's appearance on the show. Locating the specific program can be somewhat problematic, as the shows are listed mostly by number and in descending order by airdate. A short description accompanies the show id, which helps some. You can also try looking through their guest list alphabetically (first letter, then alphabetically). Of course, there is this problem: is Lamont Gillispie and 100 Proof Blues Band listed under "L" for Lamont or a "G" for Gillispie or maybe `"100"? (It's "G").
Still, it's an interesting music archive with lots of Louisville acts featured. Check it out.
• The Ohio State Fair has renewed its music production contract with Triangle Talent. Triangle has been handling the entertainment at the Ohio State Fair for the last six years, continuing the process of building up its business as a major booking company for state fairs throughout the country.
• Public Radio International's showcase program for America's best young classical musicians, "From the Top," hosted by Christopher O'Riley, will record another program for national broadcast on Saturday, February 5, 2004 at 8 p.m. at the Margaret Comstock Concert Hall at the University of Louisville's School of Music. Public Radio Partnershiop's WUOL 90.5 FM and the University of Louisville's School of Music are the presenters for this show, which will feature young musicians from Kentucky and the Cincinnati area.
• While we're on the topic of the Public Radio Partnership, take note the PRP has been awarded three of the four grants given to Kentucky stations by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to transition WFPL 89.3FM, WFPK 91.9FM and WUOL 90.5FM to digital radio transmission from analog radio transmission. Soon you'll be listening to your favorite public radio stations a byte at a time.
• Marvin Maxwell, though retired and living the life of the country gentleman up in Nabb, Indiana, continues to plug away at his Jammin' Johns business. If memory serves, he recently got the first container-load of toilet seats and now we get an email noting that the Jammin' Johns, acoustic and electric styles, are now available for sale online at http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=home/search/detail/base_pid/430161/. There's still time to get one for your favorite musician or music fan. They certainly will get comments from you friends who take a moment to visit the porcelain facility.
• From the irrepressible ukulele maven Mary Lou Dempler comes word that her two ukulele instruction books, published by Mel Bay, are "best sellers" on the Mel Bay site. Check it out for yourself at .
• Nate Thumas and Air Devils Inn will stage the "Townes Van Zandt Tribute" at ADI on New Year's Day, 2005. At this event, every player will perform his or her favorite Townes tune. Thumas hints that one or more very well-known Nashville musicians will be up for the event. (Townes fans are, um, exuberant. Ask Bill Ede.) The event will start earlier and go later than in the past, as the response has been enthusiastic. Check the January issue for the more-or-less final times and publishable lineup.
• Ray Yates of Flying Hands Music, a source of royalty free music for commercial use, sends notice of a new CD, A Walk In The Park, stylistically described as Acoustic-Guitar, Easy Rock, Acoustic Romance. Flying Hands currently has thirty-five CDs available.
• Didn't want to forget to mention that the former Galloglas but now Guilderoy Byrne "Annual Celtic Christmas Show & Dinner" at The Rudyard Kipling will happen on December 11. Guilderoy Byrne is new configuration that grew from the now-defunct Galloglas.
• Just because Wynonna is a Kentucky girl, you'll be thrilled - thrilled - to learn that a dance remix of her hit "I Want To Know What Love Is" entered Billboard's Dance Radio Chart at #16 in November. We're sure you understand that country music is not your frequent genre in the Dance demographic.
• The most recent "craze" to hit the music industry is , he genre-themed cruise. Holland America is now touting the 4th Annual "Legendary Rhythm and Blues," scheduled for a week-long cruise beginning on January 22. Performers set to be on board include Taj Mahal, Dr. John, Susan Tedeschi, Shemekia Copeland, Phantom Blues Band, The Derek Trucks Band, Anson Funderburgh with Sam Myers, Tommy Castro, Bernard Allison, Little Charlie & The Nightcats, Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials, Kenny Neal Band, Chubby Carrier, Rev. Billy C. Wirtz, Corey Harris and Zac Harmon Plus special guests. The cruise will feature concerts, workshops, autograph sessions and the occasional deck-side encounter with a blues star. Log onto www.BluesCruise.com for more info.
• As has been noted in this column before, Louisville produces so many musicians of every genre that it's well-nigh impossible to know who they all are. Appropriately, an email arrived last month announcing that Louisville native Donald Tubby Watkins has a new release, featuring a remake of the Edwin Hawkins tune "He Got Up," from GIA Music Group, with whom he recently signed.
• The Louisville Youth Orchestra has elected two new members to its Board of Directors. They are: Jonathon N. Amlung, Attorney and Marie Haley, District Sales Executive, Vice President East Central, National City Bank.
Codas
• Ramona Jenkins Garcia, 61, of Fairdale, died on November 13. She was a pianist.
• Mary Kinser Quirey Williams, 88, of Louisville, died Monday, November 8, 2004, in Hermitage, TN. She was a former member of the Louisville Orchestra, serving as concert mistress. She also performed in the Saturday morning quartet of sacred music at WHAS.