The Superpower Google

Last week, I was reading The Huffington Post, and one of the articles I read was entitled "In Antitrust Battle Against Google, Smaller Rivals Say Web Giant Is 'Trying To Kill Them'" by Bianca Bosker.

Google has been accused of cheating by manipulating search results to steer users to Google-owned sites and making it more unlikely that users will have reason to visit "third-party sites".

Google responded by saying that it ranks search results to deliver the best answers to its users and that it does not take action to hurt specific websites for competitive reasons. Other CEOs and entrepreneurs have described Google as "big traffic generator". These CEOs and entrepreneurs also said that they've benefited from Google launching products that would compete with their own.

I don't necessarily agree with those who are accusing Google of having anticompetitive behavior and manipulating the search results; however, I am biased because I blog via Blogger, which is owned by Google. Like some of the entrepreneurs have said, Google has been a huge contributor to the traffic to NIA SPEAKS. Thanks, Google!

But still...I can see why some people question whether or not the corporation is trying to become a monopoly. Google plays a significant role in the Internet world. I mean, the word "google" has been added as an informal verb to the dictionaries! Seriously. There's a plethora of information I probably wouldn't know if it wasn't for Google. It's the "main street" of the Internet, and it would be naïve for me to say otherwise. Almost all of the "real estate" of the Internet has been taken over by the corporation. Google powers two-thirds of all searches in the United States of America and claims three-fourths of all search ad-revenues.

I've been interested in Google's size, success, and effects on competing companies such as Bing, Yahoo, or Ask for a little while now, and this article has shown me that not everyone sees the company's dominance in a positive light.

What do you think? Do you think Google is too big?

Thanks for reading!

Majority of this information taken from huffingtonpost.com
Picture citation: google.com

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Interview with Ben Browning of Cut Copy for Barcode Magazine September 2011 Issue

Last month I connected with Ben Browning of the Aussie dance-rock collective Cut Copy for an interview for Barcode Magazine. The band had just returned to Australia for a quick rest before coming back to the U.S. to continue touring. Tonight they set up shop at Grand Central in Miami for a two night run, the second of which sold out weeks ago. I Live Music will be covering the dance party tonight, but this Q&A for Barcode Magazine should get you through the rest of the day.

Interview with Ben Browning of Cut Copy Page 1 | Barcode | September 2011

Interview with Ben Browning of Cut Copy Page 2 | Barcode | September 2011

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. .mengenali sifat lewat huruf depan

A:
Anda tak romantis tetapi lebih tertarik pada tindakan. Bersama Anda, apa yang dilihat adalah yang didapat. Anda tidak punya kesabaran untuk bermain mata dan tak mau repot meladeni seseorang yang malu-malu kucing, manis, pura-pura sopan dan amat memikat hati. Anda adalah seseorang digaris depan. Daya tarik fisik pasangan penting untuk Anda.

B:
Anda menyukai suasana romantis, penuh dengan suasana jamuan makan malam penuh dengan anggur. Anda senang menerima hadiah-hadiah sebagai tanda cinta dari pasangan. Anda ingin dimanja dan tahu bagaimana memanjakan pasangan. Anda dapat mengontrol hasrat dan puasa dari seks bila harus demikian. Anda membutuhkan sensasi dan pengalaman baru. Anda ingin bereksperimen.

C:
Anda adalah pribadi yang sangat sosial oleh karenanya penting untuk punya hubungan pribadi. Anda butuh kedekatan dan kebersamaan. Anda harus dapat bicara dengan pasangan sebelum, selama dan sesudah bercinta. Anda ingin obyek kasih sayang Anda dapat diterima secara sosial dan kelihatan
ganteng/cantik. Anda melihat kekasih sebagai teman dan pendamping.

D:
Sekali kepala Anda memberitahu bahwa Anda butuh seseorang, Anda mulai bergerak dengan penuh semangat untuk mengejarnya, siapapun orangnya dan dimanapun dia. Anda tak menyerah dengan mudah. Anda adalah tipe orang pengejar lawan jenis, punya semangat ngemong dan peduli bila orang lain punya masalah. Anda terdorong oleh hal eksentrik dan tak biasa, bebas dan terbuka.

E:
Kebutuhan terbesar Anda adalah bicara. Jika teman kencan Anda bukan pendengar yang baik, hubungan Anda bisa buruk. Pasangan Anda harus menarik secara intelektual. Jika tidak, Anda tak akan tertarik secara seksual padanya. Anda butuh teman untuk seorang kekasih sekaligus pendamping untuk teman tidur. Anda membenci ketidakharmonisan dan gangguan tetapi menikmati perdebatan sesekali.

F:
Anda termasuk orang idealis dan romantis serta seorang pemuja lawan-jenis. Anda mencari pasangan hidup yang terbaik. Anda senang main mata tetapi sekali berkomitmen, Anda sangat setia pada pasangan. Anda sensual, seksi dan bergairah secara pribadi. Di muka publik Anda tampak
senang pamer, mewah dan gagah.

G:
Anda orang yang sangat pemilih, mencari kesempurnaan pada diri sendiri dan kekasih. Anda hanya menanggapi kekasih yang secara intelektual sama atau lebih dan orang yang dapat meningkatkan status. Anda orang yang sensual dan tahu bagamana meraih puncak stimulasi erotis karena Anda
mengerjakannya dengan amat cermat.

H:
Anda mencari pasangan yang dapat menaikkan reputasi dan mendapatkan ketrampilan. Anda sangat baik terhadap kekasih sekali waktu menjalani komitmen. Hadiah-hadiah Anda sebenarnya merupakan investasi bagi pasangan. Sebelum menjalani komitmen, Anda adalah kekasih yang sensual dan sabar. Bila sudah menyukai seseorang akan ditunggunya sampai kapanpun untuk meluluhkan hati pasangan yang disukainya. Berani bersaing dan penuh


I:
Anda memiliki kebutuhan besar untukdicintai dan dihargai...bahkan keinginan untuk dipuja. Anda menikmati kemewahan, sensualitas dan kenikmatan ragawi. Anda mencari kekasih yang tahu apa yang dikerjakan. Anda tidak tertarik pada seorang amatir kecuali amatir yang membutuhkan seorang tutor. Anda cerewet dan menghabiskan banyak tenaga untuk membuat keinginan terpenuhi.

J:
Anda sangat romantis dan terkait dengan kemewahan cinta. Memiliki pasangan adalah hal yang sangat penting bagi Anda, tapi kadang sangat sulit untuk mendapatkan. Anda bebas dalam menyatakan cinta dan ingin mengambil kesempatan dengan banyak pasangan, mencoba pengalaman seks dengan pasangan baru, membuat semuanya terasa enak. Otak memicu Anda. Anda harus merasa bahwa pasangan mendorong secara intelektual.

K:
Tak ada kata lain Anda benar-benar luar biasa mengagumkan!!!!! (ah...masa sich ga pecaya..hehe)

L:
Anda sangat romatis, idealis kadang percaya bahwa mencintai berarti berkorban. Anda mengakhiri hubungan atau berhenti menarik hati orang yang punya masalah tak biasa. Anda melihat diri sendiri sebagai penyelamat kekasih. Anda tulus, penuh kasih, penuh nafsu dan mimpi. Anda mudah jatuh cinta. Anda berfantasi dan terdorong oleh film dan majalah. Anda tidak mengatakan rahasia hidup kepada orang lain. Tak juga fantasi seksual Anda.

M:
Emosional dan bersemangat. Ketika terlibat dalam sebuah hubungan, Anda melempar seluruh diri Anda di dalamnya. Tak ada yang bisa menghentikan Anda, tak ada satu palang pun yang menghalangi Anda. Anda habis-habisan dan mengidamkan seseorang yang sama penuh kasih dan bersemangat. Anda percaya pada kebebasan seksual total. Anda ingin mencoba semua. Pasokan energi seksual Anda tak ada matinya. Anda juga senang bertindak seperti ibu? bagi pasangan.

N:
Maaf ya...Anda payah di tempat tidur (upzzz....sorry)

O:
Anda sangat tertarik terhadap kegiatan seksual tetapi sangat tertutup dan malu mengakui hasrat ini. Anda dapat mengarahkan banyak dari energi seksual itu untuk menghasilkan uang dan atau mencari kekuasaan. Anda dengan mudah dapat memperpanjang periode lajang Anda. Anda penuh kasih,
penuh gairah, pecinta seks menuntut hal yang sama dan pasangan.

P:
Anda sangat sadar akan norma sosial. Anda tak akan memikirkan melakukan sesuatu yang membahayakan citra atau reputasi. Penampilan itu penting. Anda membutuhkan pasangan yang kelihatan tampan/cantik juga pandai. Anehnya, Anda kadang memandang pasangan sebagai musuh untuk mendorong getaran seks.

Q:
Anda butuh aktivitas dan dorongan konstan. Anda punya banyak sekali energi fisik. Tak mudah bagi seorang pasangan untuk tetap bersama dengan Anda, baik secara seksual maupun hal lain. Anda adalah kekasih yang antusias dan cenderung tertarik pada orang dari kelompok etnis lain. Anda butuh roman, jantung hati dan bunga dan banyak perbincangan untuk menaikkan gairah dan berlanjut ke kegiatan seks.

R:
Anda orang yang sangat logis dan sangat berorientasi pada tindakan. Anda butuh seseorang yang dapat mengikuti langkah dan secara intelektual menyamai, lebih cerdas lebih baik. Anda menjadi bergairah lebih cepat karena dorongan pikiran dibanding badan yang indah. Namun ketertarikan fisik amat penting bagi Anda. Anda harus merasa bangga pada pasangan.

S:
Anda sangat tertutup, menahan diri dan malu. Anda sangat seksi, sensual dan bengairah tetapi tak membiarkan hal ini. Hanya dalam keintiman pribadi Anda membiarkan alam membuka rahasia Anda. Ketika seks menjadi hal fundamental, Anda adalah seorang ahli. Anda tahu semua trik kecil, dan sanggup bersandiwara atau bermain-main dan membuat kehidupan cinta menjadi sangat serius. Anda punya kesabaran untuk menunggu orang yang tepat.

T:
Anda sangat sensitif, pribadi dan pasif secara seksual. Anda menyukai pasangan yang mengambil pimpinan. Msuik, lampu yang temaram dan pikiran romantis menaikkan gairah Anda. Anda berfantasi tetapi tidak mudah jatuh cinta. Ketika sedang kasmaran, Anda bisa romantis, idealis,menggelegak, dan amat bersemangat.

U:
Anda bersikap antusias dan idealis ketika sedang jatuh cinta. Ketika tidak sedang jatuh cinta, Anda jatuh cinta dan selalu mencari seseorang untuk dipuja. Anda melihat roman sebagai tantangan. Dorongan seks Anda kuat dan bernafsu untuk langsung dikagumi. Anda ingin menempatkan kesenangan pasangan di atas keinginan diri sendiri.

V:
Anda individualis dan butuh kebebasan, ruang dan kehebohan. Anda menunggu sampai kenal seseorang dengan baik sebelum berkomitmen. Mengenal seseorang berarti menjiwainya. Anda merasa butuh mengerti isi kepalanya untuk mengerti apa yang mambuatnya bergerak. Anda tertarik pada orang bertipe eksentrik. Seringkali ada perbedaan usia antara Anda dan pasangan.

W:
Anda sangat bangga, tekun dan menolak tantangan ketika mengejar cinta. Ego Anda dipertaruhkan. Anda romantis, idealis dan sering jatuh cinta dengan cinta itu sendiri dan tidak melihat pasangan sebagai dirinya sendiri. Anda merasa benar-benar melemparkan seluruh diri Anda ke dalam hubungan. Tak ada yang terlalu baik untuk pasangan. Anda menikmati percumbuan.

X:
Anda butuh stimulasi konstan karena mudah bosan. Anda dapat berpacaran dengan lebih dari satu orang dengan mudah. Anda tak dapat mematikan pikiran. Anda terus bicara selagi bercinta. Anda punya hubungan cinta yang hebat, semuanya oleh diri sendiri dan di dalam kepala.

Y:
Anda seksi, sensual dan sangat mandiri. Bila tak mendapatkannya dengan cara Anda sendiri, Anda menghentikan segala sesuatunya. Anda ingin mengontrol hubungan yang tidak selalu berjalan dengan baik Anda merespon dorongan fisik, menikmati sentuhan di leher dan menghabiskan berjam-jam hanya untuk menyentuh, merasakan dan mengeksplorasi.
Z:
Bagi Anda bisnis harus didahulukan dibanding urusan seks. Jika Anda diganggu urusan karir, bisnis atau urusan uang, Anda akan susah untuk rilek dan mendapat mood untuk bercinta. .

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Apa itu Alay??

Alay adalah singkatan dari Anak layangan, Alah lebay, Anak Layu, atau Anak keLayapan yang menghubungkannya dengan anak JARPUL (Jarang Pulang). Tapi yang paling santer adalah anak layangan. Dominannya, istilah ini untuk menggambarkan anak yg sok keren, secara fashion, karya (musik) maupun kelakuan secara umum. Konon asal usulnya, alay diartikan “anak kampung”, karena anak kampung yang rata-rata berambut merah dan berkulit sawo gelap karena kebanyakan main layangan.

Ciri2 anak alay

• Suka banget pake tulisan atau teks yang GedE keCiL-gEdEkeciL
• Sok bergaya Emo atau Harajuku tapi pas ditanya asalmulanya, gak tau sama sekali
• Kalo sms atau ngirim komentar memakai bahasa aneh seperti, “aQuWh, maNi3eZz..”
• Pokoknya gaya rambut si cowok persis kayak Kangen band (buset dah…)
• Terlihat memakai postman bag berjenis kulit tapi ga jelas merk dan beli di distro yang mana…
• Kurus kerempeng, suka memegang rambut dan bermuka bokat
• Beraninya kalo bikin ulah pasti barengan dan gak berani kalo sendirian
• Sok kaya, sok imut, sok cantik, sok keren, sok gaul, sok techno padahal waktu ditanya kode HTML aja gak bisa
• Untuk lagu barat, mereka tidak tahu lagu barat yang sedang nge-tren dan mereka(orang alay) hanya tahu lagu barat dari jaman eighty dan ninety doank (parah gak sih?)

Perilaku yang tidak mencerminkan dirinya sebagai manusia 'nggenah', setidaknya berbuat benar. Contohnya: tawuran antar kampung atau antar sma, nongkrong di halte bareng geng alaynya sambil godain cewek, bergerombol di stasiun, di mall jelek, di pasar sambil ngerokok terus bicara dengan nada yang tidak bisa disebut tinggi tapi lebih tepat cempreng sambil ngata2in temen se gengnya dan tentu saja sebagian masih menggoda cewek yang lewat, kalo di bioskop suka nyari perhatian dengan suara cemprengnya komentar gak jelas ketawa berlebihan dll. Ora 'nggenah wis..

Oke gayanya minta digampar, emang kebanyakan alay adalah supporter sepakbola yang fanatik atau berlebihan, sesuai dengan definisi kampungan dari seorang alay, yaitu tidak sportif kalo kalah, terus rusuh barang2 dirusakin.

Selera musik?
Tidak jauh2 juga dari band2 yang terkadang berbusana layaknya alay seperti radja atau republik (vokalisnya gaya alay parah), dan band2 yang berirama melayu yang easy listening dan tidak perlu menggunakan musikalitas yang tinggi, contoh : kangen band, matta. Kalo ada konser didaerah beberapa alay berpotensi menimbulkan kerusuhan seperti saat band nidji atau ungu sedang manggung,, padahal yang maen ungu, klo seringai gitu masih mending lagu2nya menaikkan adrenaline, lah ini ungu dengan lagu cinta2an dan kemarin baru kolaborasi ama rossa.

Karena mungkin efek sinetron atau apa saja yg mempengaruhi mental kita yg menjadi-jadi dan semakin parah, mungkin ada diantara kita semua sifat2 dibawah ini:

• selalu ngerasa paling tau tentang musik.
• tongkrongannya di pinggir pinggir jalan (yang cewek godain cowok,yang cowok godain cewe yang lagi lewat)
• kalo di mall selalu bawa headset buat dengerin lagu lewat handphone(suka pamer ga jelas & sok asik gitu deh). please deh, kan ada lagu2 yg d stel d mall
• sok EMO tapi ditanya sejarahnya emo ga tau.
• sok pengen ‘gaul’ mau ngikutin tren yang sekarang tapi LEBAY parah(cth: nge-mix baju ga kira kira ; baju ijo, celana kotak kotak, sepatu merah,kacamata biru! NORAK !)
• dimana mana SELALU ada acara yg namanya ‘putu putu narziz’ (entah itu di sekolah, WC, mobil, kamar, stasiun, angkot,dll).
• fotonya ga nahan smua! (dengan gaya di imut imutin,dideketin lampu biar ‘terang bgt’,foto deket bgt dari wajah *biar jeleknya ga keliatan*,foto dari atas *biar kelihatan keren kali ya*,dll..pokoknya yang bisa bikin 'neg' semua orang.kamera VGA aj sok sokan)
• buat cewek tiap hari kerjaannya ngomongin ttg cowooooooooo mulu! (cth: eh tau ga si A tadi gini loh sama gue hahaha lucu bgt ya? *ga lucu!)
• buat cowok..tiap hari kerjaannya cari musuh (ribut) mulu sama temen temen cowoknya yg lain *biar dianggep keren gitu*
• di fesbuk.. bagi yang cewek di friendlist nya majang cowok cowok ganteng semua *meski ga kenal,biar dianggep cantik & gaul*
• kalo yg cowok ya majang friendlistnya cewek semua*walau ga kenal* biar dikata cowok ganteng

TULISANNYA MEREKA
T U L I S A N > – iya : ia, iaa, ay,ea etc > – kamu: kamuh, kammo, kamoh, kamuwh, kamyu, qamu, etc > – aku : akyu,aq,akko,akkoh,aquwh,quh, etc > – maaf: mu’uph,muphs,maav,etc > – sorry: cowyie,cory,tory(?),etc > – add : ett,etths,aad,edd,etc > – for : vo,fur(zz),pols,etc > – lagi : agi,agy, etc > – makan: mums,mu’umhs,etc > – lucu : lutchuw,uchul,luthu,etc > – siapa: cppa,cp,ciuppu,siappva,etc > – apa : uppu,apva,aps,etc > – narsis: narciezt,narciest,etc > – anak mana? : naq mnah?, etc > – gw : w,wee, 9, 6, etc > – dong : dunkz,dungs, etc > – dan masih bnyak lagi!

• suka ngirim status ga jelas di fb :”akko onlenndh dcnniih” ato “ayokk perang cummendh cmma saiia” etc (paling parah lagi kalo ngirim status dengan judul “BAJINGAN” tapi isinya kosong!) ih kampret bner deh tu orang orang alay.
• kalo ada org yg cuman njempol status kita , kita bilang gini : “hey cuman jempol nih?” ato “heey jgn cuman jempol doang,komen dong!
• foto di friendster bisa nyampe 300 lebih padahal cuman foto DIRINYA SENDIRI, dan tdk sdg merantau
• kalo udah nemu lawan jenis biasanya jadi lebay, ngerokok2, ngelawak jayus,
• tulisannya GedE-kEcIL norak
• kemana-mana make boxer(biasanya gmbr ganja,biar di blg gaul),atasan sweater,ga lupa make topi gambar ganja jg biar d bilang petani ganja kali
• naek motor pada blaga kebut2an ambil goyangin pantat biar dikira kayak pembalap. motorny gk pake spion,knalpot racing yg bkn kuping lo budek parah,gk lupa jg stiker ’46′ (biar diblg valentino rossi ya). biasanya dilakukan dengan efek menggoyang2kan bokong
• klo jalan kaki psti rame-rame, trus tangannya ga bisa diem, suka metikin daon d pohon ato metik buah orang.
• tiap malem minggu suka sok mabok di pinggir jalan, pdhl cma minum anggur kolesom.
• rambutnya pirang matahari.dan gk nyeni n berkelas blasss...
• kalo cowok biasanya pake baju ketat, terkadang tanpa lengan yang tujuannya entah pamer otot atau bulu ketek. celana tanggung kotak2 dan sepatu yg diinjek belakangnya tanpa kaos kaki.
• kalo cewek biasanya pake baju yg sok2 kebuka warna ngejreng yang menarik perhatian(mau muntah), kadang pake sepatu plastik transparan.
• jika anda perhatikan aksesoris mereka, memakai kalung rantai yg biasa d pake anjing, gelang yg astaga bnyknya kayak dukun gypsi, dan kadang ada juga yang pake rantai dompet penghubung kemaluan dengan bokong mereka yang tujuannya entah untuk apa.

alay tingkat paling rendah

• nulis kata disingkat, seperti “lagi apa?” gi pha?? atau bosen banget jadi “bsen bgd nh”
• memakai simbol tambahan. “p@ k@bar L0e??” atau “~hha..~ y nh.. lg bosen~”
• menggunakan huruf Z dibelakang kata. “mlz bgtz!” atau “gurunya malezin yh”
• comment orang dengan minta balasan kaya “repp iah!” ato “blz dum” ato “reply dsini iiaaa”
• layoutnya yang super rame bahkan berfotmat gif (gerak) dengan warna ngejrenk pinkk fontnya yang anehlah

alay tingkat rendah

• aboutme panjaaaang banget pake isi gr-gr an kaya “aq tuh…. cntik…. lucu…. punya cowo ganteng…” zzz dan sebagainyalah lo tau kan
• penggantian kata! gue / gw / gua = w, lo / lu = lw / loe. dong = dumzz / dwunhh
• foto serba diediiiiit abis apalagi yang editnya emo emo pake tulisan gothic gitu
• mediabox dipenuhin dengan gambarrrrrr

alay tingkat sedang

• mamerin kebisaan dishotout, misalnya “eh w kan menang track motor lohh..” atau “eh w les nyetir dong..” dan yang lebih oon nya “eh w makin oke dan top ya tiap hari” (halah)
• rusuhin comment foto. misalnya cuma dicomment “cantik deh/ganteng deh” balesnya “emg gw gnteng gtuu… y krna trlahir dh ganteng kli ya?? hha. dan kyanya……….blabalabla”
• nickname digabung sama nama org yang disuka dengan cara gajelas. misalnya (kalo namanya sama maaf ya) “delita saiianks si luthuu..” atau “delita cinta dya” gitulah ya aezzz…
• bikin album yang isinya artis favorit mereka. contoh “kanjen band khuzuz loh!!” apalagi albumnya pake dikunci, yah capedeh!

alay tingkat PARAH:

• barang abal yang dipamerin ketemen terus dia ngaku beli di singapore. amrik . dan sbgainya. “eh liat nih gue beli gelang dijerman gituloh asli kalo ga salah sih dirupiahin 500 ribu ya.” padahal dia beli di itc aja!! yang 10 ribu 5 hahaha. 
• tulisan gede-kecil. “aLoW kLiAnZ hArUz ADd GwE YaH!!” atau dengan angggka “K4Ng3nZ dWEcChh” NNNNNZZZZZ 
• minta di add di shotout, “j9n lupa ett ghw”
• gaya dengan bibir monyong, telunjuk nempel bibir, gaya tangan dengan oke dipinggir kepala dan foto dari atas
• update status cuma buat kasih tau dia lagi online & minta comment

Read more: http://www.hajsmy.us/2011/09/asal-usul-sejarah-alay.html#ixzz1Z98LkqSE

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Zach Deputy 2011.09.24 Culture Room Fort Lauderdale, FL

Zach Deputy

Continuing the one-man-band week at the Culture Room, Zach Deputy and his big (trailer) full of sound goodies the likes of microphones, mixers, pedals, amps, elaborate lights, a sampler and guitar sat center on the stage.  The crowd was alive and ready to go following a warm-up set by the local boys in Bushwood. Deputy gave a clever teaser by sitting in on a cover of Clapton's "I Shot The Sheriff."

Solo acts with a "do it all" approach are nothing new in the improvisation rock scene, but no one seems to tackle the processing like Deputy. Where many fall short in smoothly building the layers of looped instrumentals, he uses this process to synthesize tension and fully engage the audience before dropping in the last missing piece that completes the song. The journey is the appeal and finished product is the reward for following the path.

Zach Deputy and company 

The first set embodied this method with a drawn out construction of The Jackson 5's "Shake Your Body" that was stripped down to the bassline before segueing into Ray Parker Jr.'s "Ghostbusters." The common thread, and well executed take on both, resulted in a feet shuffling groove party. Keeping the dance alive, the jam shed some of the 80's film theme and transitioned into a long percussion loop jam sprinkled with light classical guitar sensibilities. Not wanting to leave the crowd hanging the jam pushed even further when the spacey breakdown underwent osmosis right into some James Brown.

Zach Deputy at The Culture Room

The second set was a balance between the funk-heavy theme of the first set and the island soul that has made Deputy a staple of the South Florida music community. All skepticism about lacking a band is lost when watching how many triggers and changes are happening within the context of the sound. The loop pieces are creative and recorded perfectly each take - often on the first take. This allows him to build the track into inclining layers so as to not bore the crowd with repetition. Even more impressive is when he drops one, two or even three of the loops from the mix, adds a vocal fill, and then slams the missing bits back into the puzzle. Another noteworthy facet of the project comes from pre-recorded vocal samples. After building the beat till its just right, Deputy has the ear and confidence with his craftsmanship to infuse the packaged lyrical medium. There is a lot of room for error and a keen memory of rhythms is only the prerequisite to making this work.

Zach Deputy lights up 

Deputy's beat box tones do well as a pure percussion replacement, and once mixed in with other effects the drum sound comes off as pure and unique. The guitar skills are there, and come with a vast knowledge of effect manipulation he makes look much easier than it is in reality. The balance between genrea stirs up memories of a Brad Nowell mind mixed with a G. Love approach toward live music. After the 3 hour workout, Deputy returned to the stage to loud, stage slapping crowd chanting for an encore. Yet another funky creation following before Deputy walked into the elated crowd for am impromptu meet and greet and photo ops. A class act and a strong South Florida favorite, Zach Deputy is a standout performer and person.

Videos compliments of Adam Firtel of Cheesehead Productions: 

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The 18th Telluride Blues & Brews Festival Town Park, Telluride, CO

Day 1

“I love spontaneity” – Steve Gumble

My South Florida homecoming was a catapult back into reality with an initial trajectory of near perfect respite in Colorado. The interview with Steve Gumble upon my return was a proverbial icing on the cake, and by a combination of luck and good timing, four days later I was catching the last flight back into Denver. My sleek, yet ultra-compact rental puttered its way through the Western route on i-70 past a rising sun over Breckenridge, winding canyons beyond Vail and finally a wrap-around Grand Junction before coasting into the mountain oasis of Telluride. The town was noticeably more alive. A buzz was building from the kick off of the 18^th Telluride Blues & Brews Festival. Continued good fortune put me into town and a parking spot with ease. As I crossed the bridge into Town Park the delta blues preservationist, The Sugar Thieves, were busy warming up the main stage with a high-energy set that had a captive audience even in the early hour.

The Sugar Thieves

Noticeable differences from a typical mid-tier festival are apparent within the first few minutes of wandering. The topography facilitates a natural perimeter via a serene creek running parallel to jutting mountains. The peaks are constantly visualized in a choice 300 degrees in each direction. The main stage, the only one in the park, sits in front of the tall ridge that carves out Bear Creek Canyon. The crowd fills the space between with standing room in the front and back, while a substantial tarp and chair population is sandwiched in between. The stage is cleverly designed to fit the nature motif, complete with a wooden design accented by a smoke house and a make-shift Juke Joint on stage left and right. The dozens of vendors, beer tents and larger than normal kid’s play areas unobtrusively reinforce the perimeter.

Colorado Avenue 

Furthermore, recycling posts are manned by three volunteers responsible for sorting trash, recycling and compostable material. The temporary restroom facilities are plentiful and that annoying lull while waiting for a turn is nonexistent. At least to start, the fields are layered with handsome grass and defined paths allow for easy navigation from front, back and side to side. Well constructed water faucets encourage reusable liquid receptacles (water bottles were officially banned this year). Every logistical threat seems to be accounted for, solved and improved upon to the point of creating a near perfect environment specifically designed for one thing – the music.

Town Park 

24 hours of travel was an excuse for a noon libation, but justification seemed unnecessary with this crowd. I was simply catching up with those that came in through the gate first. I sprung for the made-for-festival Back Porch Lager, brewed by Sierra Nevada with the help of Blues & Brews officials. Altitude and susceptibility clashed and I was instantly buzzed. Mountain weather was playing its strong hand with the rain card, which was sporadic, but was not overly intense when Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights took up their instruments. The pure rock ‘n roll retrofitted group pumped out a clean, hammering set ranging from New Orleans soul to harmonica driven blues reminiscent of Jim Morrison to Robert Plant. The conventional sound was made fresh by well thought out song structures, technical bass rhythms and soaring vocal breakdowns. As a result the crowd grew near the front, and everything from swaying to two-step dancing was a common sight among the patrons. It was contagious and soon my own gyrations were in the mix. The bar had been set by the time Tyler and crew waved goodbye to their new fans.

Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights 

Another beer and set change brought out Blues & Brews veteran Reverend Peyton and his not so Big Damn Band. The combination trio of guitar, washboard and drums is an unlikely pairing for high-energy, blues-infused folk and gospel tunes. Regardless of that fact it somehow works - really well. The good Reverend was jovial and as charismatic as they come. He took a mid-set break to comically debunk circulating rumors that he used loops, triggers or programs to achieve his technical guitar results. To prove his case, he demonstrated his technique of thumbing low strings of his guitar to create a bass rhythm, while at the same time plucking the high strings for melodies. Impressing the crowd by soloing the "Peter Gun Theme", and even combining two songs at the same time, came off as an effortless endeavor. As the set returned to staple songs like "Everything's Raising" and "Sure Looks Like Rain", ironically the rain stopped and the cloud cover lifted. The soothing string plucking was cause for a quiet, attentive crowd that was lost in the aesthetics. The moment was intense, but short lived, as the Reverend's bursting version of the potation anthem "Two Bottles of Wine" gave way to an explosive finale. Let's just say a washboard was lit on fire and then smashed on stage.

Reverend Peyton

Switching genre gears, next came lounge funk specialist Fitz and his back ups The Tantrums. Smooth, danceable blends combined like the intonation of the Cure mixed with a tight horn section. Well rehearsed showmanship and theatrical choreography, both of which seem to have become a lost art in performance music, added a nostalgic flare in the vein of James Brown. Perfectly adapted covers of The Raconteur's “Steady As She Goes” and Eurythmics “Sweet Dreams” were only out done by a groovy rendition of crowd favorite "Rich Girls." The set closed with airtight big band peaks, and James King's soaring saxophone blasting through Town Park before bouncing off the mountains above.

Fitz and the Tantrums

The evening was settling as Dweezil Zappa and the Zappa Plays Zappa crew prepared for a sunset of epic proportions. Sound crews battled difficulties, but Zappa took the opportunity to gush over the setting. Seemingly inspired, he began emulating the soul of his father, Frank Zappa. For those who know, this is no easy feat. Playful teases of "The Twilight Zone Theme" and Deep Purple's "Smoke On the Water" were strewn throughout the off-beat, often purposefully chaotic tunes of Dweezil's patriarch. The tones were close enough, the execution right on and the feel of Zappa was there. Judging by the knowing looks and smiles of vibing experimental rock enthusiasts, it was not a figment of the imagination.   

Dweezil Zappa Plays Zappa

The Flaming Lips’ elaborate stage set up built anticipation among a packed out field. Even the pit was arm to arm with photographers and crew equally curious and excited to see what the Lips would do for their Telluride debut. True to form, lead man Wayne and the boys made quite an entrance - complete with a semi circle projection screen of psychedelic goodness, bright strobe lights, confetti canons, lasers and two dozen Telluride dancers dressed as bar maids. It was their typical spectacle, but put to the backdrop of Telluride’s non-synthetic visual appeal.

The Flaming Lips

The contrast was tastefully artistic and completely appropriate. Apparently unfamiliar with this level of performance art, the crowd seemed half shocked and half amazed. Deep cuts ranging from ambient instrumental to title tracks like "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots" took the the form of a trippy auditory journey. Witnessing Pink Floyd's "Eclipse" and an extended “Do You Realize” encore gave reason for a blissful confetti explosion. Before exiting the stage, a perplexed Wayne reasoned, “do you people do this for a weekend? A week? Forever?”

Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips

Downtown came alive and every bar was filled with boozed up festival-goers unable to quit just yet. Bands featured at the festival occupied a number of the Juke Joints, while blues artists from around the region played in others. Jonathan Tyler sparked a noteworthy set at Fly Me To The Moon, a basement venue with just enough square footage to facilitate perfect sound and room to boogie. Soul goddess Mo Brown tore the place down in between animated solos from guitarist Brandon Pinckard and more aggressive bass lines from Nick Jay. Going deep into the late night, this was the easy choice for a highlight selection. As if summoned by the Gods of Blues, a precipitation presence turned into an extended heavy storm that made for humorous, inebriated dashes from club to club. All in all, five different bands hit my ears through out the evening, and it was safe to say a music addict could overdose here.

Telluride Dance Troupe during The Flaming Lips

Day 2

“Beer is the cause of, and solution to, to all of my problems.”

The wet weather stayed consistent throughout the night and morning, but then took a turn for the worse in the early afternoon. Despite its efforts, the heavy rain proved to be no match for the droves of beer enthusiasts. The infamous Grand Tasting , featuring 50 breweries with over 150 beers, drew a respectable crowd at the noon hour. Patrons awkwardly danced to the classic funk of the Lionel Young Band while trying to remain as dry as possible. Whether it was the booze, or an attempt to pretend like the weather wasn’t a factor, the sporadic rush of contagious hoots, hollers and woots had everyone grinning and making the best of it. A particular loud response came when the rain slowly transformed into snowflakes. The white speckles clouded the sky and fell into tasting glasses. Yo Momma’s Big Fat Booty Band took the climate transition as their cue and dosed the crowd with a favorable breed of pseudo-psychedelic funk rock that was an odd, yet successful pairing for imbibing the best craft beers the area has to offer.

Banjo Man 

Anders Osborne took everyone back to the blues side of things with his heavy, solo-filled guitar craft work accented by thick rock bass drives and slow building drum cascades. A particularly well-executed version of “Knocking On Heavens Door” rose to an extended jam that crashed into a bass and guitar duel. The crowd was feeling the shredding Osborne and the beginning of some sunshine. With this, the aquaphobic were ready to come out and play as well. Attentive to the vibe shift, Osbourne transitioned to a feel good rock tone, and the crowd responded in kind by shedding rain gear and warming up their feet for an afternoon of mingling. Before letting the crowd pull their jaws off the floor, Osborne welcomed moe. guitarist Al Schnier on stage for a classic game of my solo is bigger than your solo. Both six string mavericks couldn’t help but wear a grin as the jam concluded.

Stilts in the mud

Much like experiencing all four seasons in a six hour vacuum, the sun was now high in the vividly blue sky when Bill Kreutzmann and the 7 Walkers brought out a circus of jesters on stilts, 15 foot tall Dancing Bears and a flag parade to complement their Grateful Dead reincarnation. Children stood side stage and flung beads into the crowd. The jazz infused improvisational rock from the famed Dead drummer and company showed symptoms of New Orleans funk and old school blues.  All preoccupations with weather were completely disregarded as the temperature rose to perfection. Homeostasis was achieved. Old and neo-hippies alike relived the days of Jerry via the best off shoot of the legendary jam band. To cap things off, an earth shattering “I Know You Rider” was the foundation for Matt Hubbard to show his chops on the ivory, but Kreutzman stole the show with his flawless, locked-in percussion work.

Bill Kreutzmann and the 7 Walkers Bring a Circus

Buffalo headquartered moe. sauntered on stage, gazing out into the crowd and picturesque backdrop. Bassist, Rob Derhak, sighed and said, “Its hard to play here, it's so distracting.” Being the professionals that they are, the accomplished jam quintet went deep this time. The end result was a statement show. The kind of set where it was apparent the band wasn’t playing to the vibe of the festival or even the energy of the crowd.

Rob Derhak of moe.

They were putting down a gold performance that would debated by moe. archivists and reflected upon by Telluride local music obsessed as a high light in the Brews & Blues history books. Keeping with the sit-in theme, Anders Osborne snuck on stage to accent a reaching “Happy Hour Hero”. The audience responded with full glasses in the air. A steady upward pace culminated into classic tracks “Spine of A Dog” melting into “Buster” to wrap the show everyone was talking about in the crowd and backstage alike.

Al of moe. and Anders Osbourne 

Schedule flow is a key component to the success of Blues & Brews. Whether the promoters of are aware of it or not, moe. is a guilty party in reviving 90s bands at their own namesake festival moe.down. Given that, the follow up headlining set with Big Head Todd and the Monsters made sense in the context of the day. The darkness of the sky allowed the stars to provide natural lighting on par with that seen on stage. Saturday night shenanigans were in full effect and it was evident that Friday was a beer drinker’s warm up and Saturday was the Iron Man Triathlon.

moe. late night 

Hanley Pavilion is an ice-skating rink in Town Park with an overtly obvious ability to facilitate a late night concert. Strategic mood lighting, natural air conditioner and a capacity for over 1,600; the room is what I consider to be a sister venue to the Summer Camp Music Festival’s “Interstellar Galactic Barn.” After a thick appetizer, the Buffalo boys would return to "gimme some moe.!" The first set took on the theme of a subterranean journey through the dark reaches of the mind. A segue series started with "Zed Naught Zed" into "Tubing The River Styx" into "The Pit" before a no huddle stop punctuated with "Deep This Time." A reality check came from a rocky twang in "32 Things," but the mental plateau was short lived when a prophesized "Sensory Deprivation Bank" stirred the pot. The second set that followed is up there among the best jam band performances this writer has been fortunate enough to witness. Consisting of only four songs played in continuity, the solo war was fought above breaks, build ups and incredible layers upon textures.

moe. lost in lights 

Day 3

“Tell her I am a dragon slayer in Telluride, yes, I slay dragons” - Random Brewser

Backstage Tapestry

Sunday morning upheld its end of the bargain and continued the pattern of impeccable weather. Reiteration of the atmospheric conditions occurs here because of how often it was vocalized during this experience. Stating the obvious seemed to be the only fitting way to make sense of how a place like this can even exist. A well-deserved slow start had me dashing down Colorado Avenue to catch the angelic vocalizations of Mavis Staples. The VIP lounge was setting a fine example with a Bloody Mary and Champagne Reception that guilt me into making my rounds at the beer tent. Staples put on a spiritual ceremony and self-declared church-like experience that was backed by a stellar group of bluesy brothers dressed to fit the part. It was empowering and beautiful to share the moment with an icon. The kicker being this was only the beginning.

Mavis Staples

Putting the blues in his own breed of stringy bluegrass, The Eric Bibb String Band set to work on creating a universal sound that told stories that everyone knows, but are impossible to grow tired of. In truth it didn’t even matter what he was saying, it was how he was saying it - music you feel more than you hear. Mental projections of deep-root blues artists living out of a case and playing smoky back room bars align perfectly with the auditory representation. Bibbs was not the only award winning talent billed for the vocal all-star Sunday.

Eric Bibb String Band

Next on the list was Marcia Ball, a masterful pianist delving into zydeco and swamp blues with a sultry range and Grammy nominated wrap sheet. Jason Isbell, former guitarist for the  alternative country clan The Drive-By Trucker, and The 400 Unit moved through tracks off their new self-produced record Here We Rest. The pace of the day was brisk as the end was now in sight. Indulging in as many microbrew ales and lagers as I could stand seemed to slow things down.

Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit

The purist inside had a strong inclination for the artist that truly represented the namesake of the weekend. The Robert Cray Band blanketed the auditory pallet with bliss licks of Deep South origin that translate flawlessly into the isolated context of the Western Slope setting. Each ringing note hung heavy as the five-time Grammy winner put on a clinic. He wasn't playing to the audience, he was playing into them. The 70 minute set was proof enough of why Clapton took him on tour and the Blues Hall of Fame inducted him. This is why the festival existed and the embodiment of the moment was reason alone to make the trip.

The Robert Cray Band

In between set changes the crowd size seemed to have doubled. Everyone was inching their way towards the stage in hopes of catching a glimpse of the living king of outlaw country. Willie Nelson would close the three day affair with a heart warming slur of sing-a-longs and western jukebox anthems. The mountain air mixed with the aroma of sweet charred plant buds. The Red Headed Stranger did not miss a beat and proved without a doubt he was not simply a nostalgia act, but the man for the job of cementing a sublime weekend in supernal town of Telluride.

Willie Nelson

A huge and special thanks to Steve Gumble and Alex Colville for being instrumental in making this happen for me. I am truly blessed to have been afforded the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing event in music history. Truly one of the best experiences I have had to date. Also thank you to Ariane B. Davis for the custom I Live Music logo.

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Interview with Dave Macklovitch of Chromeo - Barcode Magazine - September 2011 Issue

Last month I connected with Dave Macklovitch of the electrofunk super duo Chromeo to discuss their upcoming show in Miami. Beyond being a very interesting guy to talk to, he managed to point me in the right direction for how to approach the mission Chromeo set out to do. Click the image to check it out.

 
 

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Preview: Zach Deputy and Bushwood at The Culture Room Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, September 24th, 2011

Hailing from coastal South Carolina, singer, songwriter and guitar-over-loops genius Zach Deputy fits right in when translating his sole man routine in the Southern tip of Florida. Self-described as "island-infused, drum and bass Gospel ninja soul", a more appropriate identifier would be a Keller Williams in his prime injected with dance hall roots, beat box-able percussion and contagious charisma that catches the spirit of feel good, undeniable appealing attributes of positivity. Put him toe to toe with just about anyone and the guy will prove he isn't just a some island folk strummer - he can really put a hurting on a six string. Add in the texture overload that he supplies entirely himself and it is just a matter of realizing how brilliant one man has to be to pull it off. 

Zach Deputy

This weekend the BLP groove sheriffs have sent out an alert that the Deputy is coming to town, and he is employing some neo-buffalo soldiers from Bushwood to hold down the fort at the Culture Room. Adam Moskowitz and the guys are set to open the night with their sharp reggae-rock sound that was born, and now being raised, right here in South Florida. Get there for doors, and if you don't believe me, stream a few tracks off their new self-titled album here.    

The party continues once Zach's arsenal of intricate sound equipment is in place, and then its nothing but a night of improvised tropic-rock undertones fit for rum and coastal beer drinking shenanigans. Bring your dancing shoes (or flip-flops).

Zach Deputy and Bushwood tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Doors are at 9 PM. For more information visit the Culture Room website here. 
 

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Buckethead 2011.09.22 The Culture Room Fort Lauderdale, FL

Reposted from the NewTimes Broward/Palm Beach.

Live: Buckethead at Culture Room, September 21
By Adam Smith Thu., Sep. 22 2011 at 8:48 AM Comments (2)
Categories: Concert Review, Last Night Share 0digg

Buckethead
With Lynx
Culture Room, Fort Lauderdale
Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Better than: Buckethead on Guitar Hero.

The enigmatic, avant-garde metal guitarist Buckethead came out to a nearly sold out crowd for the mid-week billing at the Culture Room. Sporting the staple KFC bucket on his head and expressionless mask over his face, the one-man show is a spectacle even before the first note is played. Accompanying him on stage is a screen displaying a low budget Japanese film about fighting robots, his signature Gibson Les Paul and a slew of effect and pedal boards. A backtrack provided a heavy instrumental medley to which the six-string slayer wasted no time in beginning a session of speed fingerings and experimental precision. The testosterone-inclined crowd was packed into the room, and they stood in awe while wave after wave of flawless solos gave way to dark breakdowns and oddly arranged song structures.

Photo by Adam Smith

There are no choruses, no vocals and certainly no cheap thrills. Having over 34 solo albums and 50 more collaborative efforts, Buckethead truly has nothing to prove beyond being one of the few artists that can entertain a room for nearly 90 minutes simply by flexing his superior ability to manipulate a guitar, remix classic thrash riffs and get away with breaking out pop 'n lock maneuvers to unlikely rock anthems. He caters towards the bizarre, and oddly enough it was not surprising when he set down his guitar to pass out presents to audience members. Of course this all went down while the '90s alien-athletics anthem "Space Jam" blasted though the PA.

Half way through the set, the fretboard looked like it might not be able to take many more mutations of rock dogma featuring the likes of "Foxy Lady" and "Crazy Train." Mitigating the problem for the show-off was simple, he switched axes and picked up a bass guitar. An extended deep funk solo followed that got the crowd riled up. The beauty of the gesture being that even his secondary weapon never hits an awkward moment of repetition. The clinic in how to be a virtuoso came and went much too quickly. Although the prospect of disappointment would usually come with skipping out on returning for an encore, this time around it seemed to be a genuine act reinforcing the character that is Buckethead.

Critic's Notebook

Random Detail: He is very fond of our state's theme park Disney World, and wants to be buried there. Not sure how Walt would feel about that.

The Crowd: Almost entirely male and very attentive to every note played the entire set. For a metal show there was surprisingly not much in the way of movement besides the occasional light head banging.

Overheard: While the roadie plugged in a guitar, "Tune it or die!"

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Chromeo 2011.09.20 The Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theatre Miami Beach, FL

Chromeo | Photos by Tracy Block

Last night the new blue-eyed soul duo Chromeo brought their Canadian talents down to South Beach for a night of pendulum hipstering and mid-week dance partying. After a heat filled warm up with Mayer Hawthorne, Dave 1 and P-Thugg started putting the dance hall in Hall & Oates-flavored flare by tossing thick synthetic textures of modern electronic beats into a blender of sex and appeal. The result was a fast paced set of greatest hits, deep cuts and goofy throw back tunes. Highlights took form in renditions of flagship tracks like "Fancy Footwork," "Tenderoni" and "Don't Turn The Lights On."

Chromeo | Photos by Tracy Block

A particular nice break away from the studio version norm came during "When The Night Falls" that got the crowd pulsing to the sub driven beat. The boys flexed every keyboard, vocoder, loop and drum muscle before wrapping up just around midnight with "I Am Somebody," an ode to the recently fallen DJ Medhi (RIP). A fittingly cheesed up encore of "Grow Up" was a mix of smiles and noodling dance moves with intentions to leave it all on the floor. The much anticipated return to Miami by the band was a feel good shake down that is a reminder of why these guys are still alive and innovating in the current music environ.

Chromeo | Photos by Tracy Block

Side note: Correct me if I am wrong but it sounded like Dave 1 was teasing the Rick Ross calling card nomenclature sample "Rossss" during Bonafide Lovin' - giving the Magic City reppin' rap don a proper nod. Nice!

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Words Often Used and Abused: Friend

If you really wanted to, you could take this post as a brief follow-up to Nia's Reality of Friendship.

"Today, the word 'friend' gets tossed around way too often. Society now has made the idea or concept of friendship not as big of a deal." -Nia Langley

Yeah. I said that in the 'Nia's Reality of Friendship' post, and I still think it's true. I mean, I cannot tell you how many times I've heard the word friend...being abused! At this point, someone you haven't even met...someone you've never talked to...someone you saw yesterday can now be called your friend. The crazy part is, most people don't think that's crazy!

Except for me.

I just do not understand why people are so quick to bestow such a noble title on someone else.

There has been many a time where I've met someone and two days didn't go by before he or she called me "friend" or "best friend"...That's moving too fast! What happened to the 'Getting to know you' part?! Seriously.

Oh, by the way, Facebook clearly doesn't help with this issue either. You don't see something that says "acquaintances", "people I network with", or anything of the sort. It's just 'Friends'. WRONG!

People don't even bloody know each other anymore. These "friends" can't even hold a conversation with each other, yet they insist on naming the relationship a friendship.

If you know me, you know my circle of friends is rather tight right now. You also know that I am very slow to call someone 'friend'. I mean EXTREMELY slow...practically plodding, if you will. But, as I've said before, I'm not anti-friendship. I simply think people take the whole idea of friendship too lightly. I want REAL friends! Let's build some trust! Let's build a bond! Let's build the bloody friendship instead of holding hands, jumping in, and hoping everything works out.

I think that's sick. The term is so watered down now. It means nothing.

That's all I really have to say. This was kind of all over the place. Sorry, but I hope this post was somewhat insightful nonetheless.

What do you think about the word friend? Is it abused, or am I overreacting?

Photo citation: http://www.daily-quotes.net/life-quotes/friend-quotes

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Identity Festival: Miami Reschedule Date Canceled

The live electronica and multi-DJ traveling festival was put on hold last monthdue to inclement weather and was officially reported to be finding a rescheduled date. Now the folks at Ticketmaster have informed ticket holders that the Bay Front Park dance music event of the summer will actually be canceled. Coming on the heels of the recent Langerado cancelation, this news is only adding insult to injury for the South Florida music  base.

Two interesting points in this email are the 2-3 week wait for refunds on tickets, and the statement that Identity Festival will be held again next year. Here is the release from Ticketmaster:

Attention ticket holder!

Message sent on behalf of the Klipsch Amphitheater at Bayfront Park in Miami, FL:

We just learned that your upcoming event has been canceled:
Identity w/Kaskade & More
Klipsch Amphitheater at Bayfront Park - Miami
Friday, September 30^th at 1PM

Dear Valued Identity Fan,

Due to Hurricane Irene we were forced to postpone the original date of the Identity show on August 25^th to September 30^th. Unfortunately, we are unable to reassemble the confirmed lineup of a large number of artists from the original date to September 30^th due to prior commitments. As a result the September 30^th show has been canceled. If you did not attend the Tampa Identity show at the 1-800-Ask-Gary Amphitheater on August 24^th, a credit will be processed to your original account within 14 – 21 days. Identity will return, barring no Hurricanes, in 2012. We thank you for your understanding and continued patronage and look forward to seeing you in 2012.

We’ll automatically refund your order, including fees (except UPS and InStore Pick Up, if applicable) to your credit card within 14 – 21 business days.

Questions? Just hit reply and ask us or visit Ticketmaster.com!

Thanks for being a fan!

Ticketmaster Fan Support

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE:

This message contains information which may be confidential or privileged.  If you are not the intended recipient, be aware that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of the contents of this information is prohibited.  If you have received this transmission in error, please notify me immediately by telephone.

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Interview With Steve Gumble, Founder and President of The Telluride Blues & Brews Festival

Update: As of this morning, I Live Music will be on-site covering all the action!  

Two weeks ago I embarked on a welcomed respite from what has been a whirlwind of live music, writing and an intricate combination of the two. Back on the road with my travel companion of many years, we navigated West before settling in the mountain town of Telluride. A loosely sketched plan, if it could even be called that,  was to simply pass through after a night or two. Not wanting to face the reality of leaving, the pseudo-agenda organically transitioned into a 6 night extended stay. 

The quaint town of roughly 2,500 residents possesses such charm and appeal that I quickly felt myself becoming enamored, and on my way to falling in love. Until this point Telluride was a far off, almost unattainable location that encouraged continuous feedback bordering on a certain level of mysticism. It always seemed that it was too good to be true. Everything I pictured in my mind fell short, everything I heard was  only half the story and neither of the above senses could independently translate the realities of being in this region during the peak weather month of September. This might seem like exaggeration for effect, but in truth, words are actually a limitation in this instance.

As a matter of fate, or simply a statistically significant numbers game, I happened to cross paths with Steve Gumble, Founder and President of the Telluride Blues and Brews Festival on a particularly perfect sunny afternoon. Beyond being one of the cooler people I have had the pleasure of meeting, Gumble was completely open to exchanging words about his 18 year old baby. A man-child event that he has nurtured into one of the more dynamic festivals on the circuit.

Originally baptized as The Telluride Brewers Festival, Gumble started the annual event in 1994 as a rally point for the craft beer wave of popularity that was gaining momentum at the time. A crowd of over 1,000 showed up for the inaugural event and proved that Gumble was on to something. The String Cheese Incident, then in their infancy, graced the stage. Looking back on what would become a keen knack for scheduling talent, Gumble recalls, "I paid them $500, and I was pissed about it!"

Aeriel View of Town Park in Telluride, CO

Three years later the fitting addition of more artist to accompany the libation carousal came to form, and was rechristened The Telluride Blues and Brews Festival. Now in its fortitudinous 18th year, Blues and Brews boasts former bills marked by the likes of James Brown, The Allman Brothers Band, B.B. King, Joe Cocker, Lou Reed and Bonnie Raitt. In 2011 upwards of 26,000 patrons over three days are expected to descend upon the town of Telluride for a chance to continue the tradition. Veteran musicians returning this year are Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Robert Cray and Anderson Osborne, while new blood comes in the form of Willie Nelson, moe., The Flaming Lips, Fitz and the Tantrums, and Zappa Plays Zappa.

Just days away from kicking off the first night, Gumble found the time to sit down and talk in more detail about raising a festival in the current era.

  

I Live Music: How would you describe The Telluride Blues and Brews Festival in one sentence?

Steve Gumble: More fun in three days than some have in a lifetime!

ILM: How did the concept of Blues and Brews first come about? What sparked the idea for you to host the event?

SG: It started out as a beer festival. I used to own a liquor store and when the microbrewery scene exploded in the early nineties I exploded with it. Right time right place. It was an overnight hit but I quickly realized I needed to divert people’s attention from just drinking beer, so I added the music element in 1997. 

ILM: Are there any special arrangements made in preparation for Blues and Brews in terms of the venue Town Park or the City of Telluride? 

SG: Telluride has been doing festivals for 30 plus years, and the town knows how to do it right. We enter into a yearly contract with the town which provides us access to the park. It is a very thorough contract which results in well run festivals in Telluride.

ILM: Having one stage is uncommon in the current festival climate, is this on purpose to focus the attention on the artist performing? 

SG: Well space is an issue as the venue is in our Town Park, walking distance from the town. However, this year we are adding a stage at the town pavilion which is on the festival site. This holds 1800 people and this year will be just for night shows. We are going to determine if this venue can run simultaneously with the main stage, so expansion may be on the horizon. We also do 5 venues [Juke Joints] at night to add variety.

Main Stage at Telluride Blues & Brews Festival

ILM: Is the vibe looser than your standard festival? For example, is it common for artists to sit in with each other, roam around in the crowd or in town for the late night shows? 

SG: Yes very much so. I like to think of us as the intimate alternative to the big mega-festivals out there these days. This gives a warmer, friendlier environment for artists to play in. They tend to want to hang out. I find being surrounded by 13,000 foot peaks on three sides very inspirational to artists. I can’t count how many times people have come up to me and said I have seen "x" band many times and I have never seen them play like that. We also encourage them to sit in with each other, relax and make new musical connections. Also Telluride fans are chill and tend not to be star struck, so it is very easy for artists to roam around and “fit” in. Last year Bonnie Raitt took her entire entourage off tour for three days so that they all could rest and hike. That is the kind of place Telluride is, and the kind of vibe we hope to project on artists – we want them to feel welcome and treat them like family.

ILM: What are the constant themes or goals of the festival outside of providing a great party? 

SG: We try to project being environmentally and socially conscious. We require everyone to recycle and compost, we require all our vendors to carry compostable plates and silverware, we purchase carbon offsets that go towards building renewable clean energy such as wind farms, education and tree planting. Festivarians can purchase “green credits” to offset the carbon footprint of their travel to Telluride. Last year was our first year we banned bottled water. We provide hydration stations throughout the festival grounds and encourage people to bring in their own reusable water containers. This year we are working with Love Hope Strength, an international, music-centric cancer charity dedicated to saving lives one concert at a time, and they will be on-sight collecting mouth swab DNA samples for people who wish to be on their bone marrow database.

ILM: How are you feeling about this year's lineup and overall experience now that you are less than a week out?

SG: I am super excited about this year’s festival, and judging by ticket sales, so are a lot of other people. This is by far the most eccentric line-up we have had in a while, from The Flaming Lips to Willie Nelson there is something here for everyone.

ILM: How important is the setting to the overall vibe of the festival? Does the town benefit from hosting the event?

SG: The setting is what makes us so unique and one of the most scenic festivals in the country. Like B.B. King said once, “out of the 90 some countries I have been too, I have never seen anything as beautiful as you have here”. Telluride is the “vibe.” Blues and Brews marks the end of the Summer season for Telluride, and is one last economic boost to the town bringing in millions of dollars to the local economy.

ILM: Tell me about the how Telluride Acoustic Blues Competition started. Where did the idea come from?

SG: We are fortunate to be able to put up and coming people in front of 9,000 people. We wanted to give struggling musicians the opportunity to get their talent in front of a lot of people so what better way to do it than via a competition.

ILM: What efforts are made to ensure the town and festival grounds are kept clean, safe and intact? Is this mainly a self-policing dynamic? The greening efforts and recycling are impressive, how important is it that Blues and Brews gives priority to having reputation for being a low impact event?

SG: In addition to what I said before, we also man every trash/compost/recycling station with a human being to ensure we do not contaminate our program, and thus recycle and compost 100%. Many festivals attempt to do this but in the end throw most of their recycling into the trash because it is just too contaminated.

ILM: The town becomes a part of the festival with the additional late night "Juke Joint" shows. Do you find that the locals are welcoming to opening up their home and take part in the fun? 

SG: Yes, very much so. I am proud to say that most locals consider this to be their favorite festival of the year. I live here so it is important that we produce an event that is good for our community, and one that we all can be proud of. Do the math – we are a town with 5,000 pillows and 9,000 attendees. I think there is a lot of couch surfing going on and I love it, it’s a big party not just in the Park, but throughout the town and neighborhoods.

ILM: What is the Blues Train and how does that tie into Blues and Brews? Is this something that could grow or incorporated in the future?

SG: My best friend works for the Silverton/Durango Narrow Gauge and we have tossed around this idea for many years. Last year I spent a day on the train with him riding in a tiny little inspection car. It reminded me just how cool that train is, and rekindled the concept of the Durango Blues Train. June 4^th was our inaugural train and it was so well received we are planning on doing it again. I think it could really grow into a regular thing, and the train company wants us back! The smiles on people’s faces as they disembarked the train was worth every penny and I knew once again we were on to something!

ILM: What plans do you have for the future of the festival? Is there a need to grow or will the exclusive, low capacity standard remain a constant for Blues and Brews? Any chance for a sister festival during another season or in another location? 

SG: We are super spoiled and fortunate to have what we have. We constantly try to fine tune the experience but all in all we are very happy exactly how we are, and don’t have any big changes planned for the future. The intimate alternative is just fine with me. There is something about being able to walk up to the front of the stage anytime you want and see Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips pound confetti all over you – not something you can always experience at a super large festival. We did head down to Taos, NM to head up the Taos Mountain Music Festival and create our signature vibe there. Weather was not in our favor but the musically the event was a success…we shall see what the future brings.

ILM: As a festival founder and producer, how do you foresee the music event landscape changing? From a purist perspective, how do you resist the influence of major production companies that would be interested in taking over a seemingly hidden gem event? 

SG: Well this event is a lot of work. Most of the major production companies are used to hosting 50,000 to 75,000 people, and that is the kind of numbers they need to be economically viable. Telluride is a boutique venue with similar amount of effort needed as a mega festival – just a lot less economic return (laughs). The musical landscape changes constantly and we are having fun trying to change with it. As you can see we are not what you would call a traditional blues festival and I like that fact. It affords me the opportunity to stretch the boundaries, book bands outside of the traditional blues genre, and hopefully keep up with the ever evolving music scene. One thing we try to do is maintain some blues backbone. Every band we book can most likely say that the “blues” has somehow musically motivated or influenced them in their life and hopefully they let that shine on our stage. 

The 18th Telluride Blues and Brews Festival takes place this weekend, September 16th-18th, at Town Park in Telluride, Colorado. Limited tickets are still available.    

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