Death Sentence for Lulu...
Mood:  sad
The cello I've been playing at gigs for the past few years (Tallulah) has developed a disturbing crack on her neck, right where it curves upward from her body. Looking closely, I can see that it has cracked and separated in the past, and has been reglued.

Now, this is not the only issue the instrument has - it is what I (lovingly) call a "beater" and was purchased cheaply for the purpose of not risking my better instrument in chaotic environments. But I've become very attached to Lulu (as you can probably tell by the fact that I've given her a name,) and I don't really want to lose her...

Long story short - I finally was able to take Lulu in for an estimate today and the luthier shook his head and sent me packing. "I hate to have to tell you this," he said,"but there's nothing I can do for you." The he made a comment about my cello being a "strange old instrument."

I'm not going to give up just yet, because this fellow is obviously used to working on high-end instruments, which may be part of the reason that he wasn't able (or willing?) to help. But I am wondering if maybe it is a lost cause and I ought to start looking for another beater.

*sigh* Even if someone was willing to try fixing her, I'd probably get another year or so out of Lulu before she needed to be retired...But saying goodbye is not easy and I don't want to do it!

The Doctor!
Mood:  suave
So a few months back (October 2004 to be exact) I got up excruciatingly early one morning to do a little cameo in an Eskimo Films production called The Doctor. It was a surreal experience involving (among other things) a demonic ventriloquist's dummy with a pistol, and a whacked-out child psychologist "Doctor" in white pancake makeup. I played a 1920's looking vaudeville cellist who really just sits in the corner of the theater and makes horrible screeching noises on the strings...my specialty!

It was such a strange morning, I had almost thought it to be a dream...but...At 7:30 PM on May 26 at Coolidge Corner Theater in Brookline, MA the film will finally see the light of dusk! Although I will be unable to attend the world premiere, I'm sure it'll be a happening event...if you go, please let me know how it goes!! I am very excited to have been a part of the filming & hope to see a screening soon...

Saturday May 7th...
Mood:  vegas lucky
News Flash!

Next Saturday May 7th, I'll be playing an opening set at Skybar for some lovely/gothic/ethereal bands including:

Noah Maxner
Amber Spyglass
Cabiria

Skybar|518 Somerville Ave|Somerville,MA
21+Show|$6 Cover|Doors Open @ 7:30

Hope to see you there!!

Chase away the Ides of March...
Sunday March 27th at Middle East Upstairs, I'll sit in with 2 of the opening bands for Dreamchild's long-awaited cd release party!

First up, I'll join the drone-tastic duo of Rob Byrd & Kris Thompson for a set of soundscapely magic around 9PM. And then later I'll join Annette Farrington's new lineup for a set of her enchantingly moody songs. Ultra Plush are also on the bill - with their new band!

Dreamchild will round out the evening with a grand performance to celebrate the release of their (gorgeously lush) 3rd CD: 'Lullabies for the Dead'
Middle East Upstairs
572 Mass. Ave. | Central Sq. Cambridge
18+, $8.00 | doors at 8:45pm … music starts at 9pm!

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Double Header Thursday!
Mood:  special
This coming Thursday night, I'll be sitting in with 2 great bands on the same bill! So please come check it out...

February 17th @ TT the Bear's Place
10 Brookline St. | Central Square, Cambridge
$8 | 18+ | 9PM

I'll sit in with opening act Turkish Queen on a couple of numbers, and then later on, I'll join The Beat Circus Collective for a few tunes!
also playing are with: Cerberus Shoal, Alec K Redfearn & The Eyesores, Gloria Deluxe. Should be a fine evening all around!

after the ball...
The show at O'Brien's was quite lovely. Thanks so much to all of you who showed up and made it a great night! & Hats off to Purp the soundman - everything in my set was so crystal clear I could not believe my ears!

Goddakk ended up playing instead of Small Life Form, and I was totally wowed. Brilliant stuff!

Click here to see the photos by Bill T. Miller....

Showtime: Monday, Feb. 7th...

Long time no post...
Wow. I should've made a New Year's resolution to post to this blog more often. But instead, I spent New Year's Day at Headroom Studios recording with Bill T. Miller and Mr. Twink. The momentous event was documented on digital camera and PXL2000 by Sheri Hausey. Here's some visual evidence of the scene.

After mixdown, I will be very glad to share the audio evidence...I think it was the best New Year's Day EVER!!!

December and January gigs!
Friday December 3rd I'll be playing a set for a group show opening at Studio 19 gallery in Easthampton, MA. The reception is from 6-10PM.
Studio 19 is at 116 Pleasant Street
Easthampton, MA

Wisteriax @ ZuZu Nov. 10th
Mood:  a-ok
Just wanted to let you know that I'll be playing an intro set next week for my favorite mysterious, psychedelic, cinematic art punk band The Invisible Rays. Definitely check out their website if you have a few minutes, as it is one of the coolest covert operations on the Web!

Anyhow...if you are free Wednesday Nov. 10th around 10:30 PM, please stop by ZuZu in Central Square.

474 Mass Ave. Cambridge, MA | 21+ | no cover | 10:30PM