First published in  Lonely Goat Print Magazine Volume II - #7

July 1999 Goat Notes

OK this issue is really late, but I'm not apologizing. Word on the street is that I shouldn't be so humble when I'm running a little behind schedule. So here it is, but I think it is worth the wait. Lots to read in this issue including two pieces from J.D. Edwards, who miraculously appeared in the mailbox one day. I hear there are more of you out there who write and just have not sent anything yet. We goats are friendly folk and welcome any contributions. Mama K is responsible for editorial articles like CD Reviews, concert reviews, book reviews, etc. You can reach her via email at mamak@lonelygoat.com. Fine Arts contributions can be sent to me directly because Todd won't take the job. That includes cover art for which I again thank Seth Broadstreet - the reigning king of Lonely Goat covers featuring super-shegoat-models.

Henceforth...blah, blah, blah.....Lonely Goat Magazine will be published on the fifteenth of the month rather than the first. This will help to get some regularity into your diet of Lonely Goat material and allow me to be a real pain in the neck to all of my friends twice a month instead of just once. That means this issue is only a week late!

The website is slowly being revised. None of the prophecies from this month's Goatee have come true yet, however. A lot has been disabled and I've posted What's Happening, Venues, and Special Events in the new format. Look for more activity now that this issue is off press.

What would this issue be without a plug for the Jerry Garcia's Birthday Celebration being thrown by NFA Entertainment and Lonely Goat on July 28 at Ziggy's? You know all the background on the band from The Goatee, so I'll limit this to an update and an interesting tale. First the update. David Via & Corn Tornado will be opening the show, a perfect warm-up if you asked me. Now the interesting tale. I first saw DNB at Hookahville IX in Spring of 1998. David Nelson told us of his entry into the festival at the front gate. It seems he had no ID and no one recognized him. To prove he was who he was, he played the Peter Rowan classic, "Panama Red" backwards. Once his tale was told, he did it for us on stage too! I look forward to the show and hope to see all of you there. It's going to be a kicker!

This month's heads up band is Early Grace from Chapel Hill. They fronted me a copy of their recent six song EP entitled sinkorswim. The first track caught my ear and the rest was good listening as well. They display the urge to jam, but reign it in a bit for the studio. I think a live show would be a good investment if you get the chance. They are a blues rock band comprised of Erik Hanson on guitar, Kenny Lamb on keyboard, Ryan Davis on bass and Jeff Lindsey on drums & percussion. Early Grace's song list includes a few covers you might find exciting as well like Bob Dylan, Grateful Dead, The Rolling Stones and The Allman Brothers. Check out Early Grace. They may be, as they say, "The best band you've never heard."

From what I hear, I really missed out when I passed up the Dark Star Orchestra show at Ziggy's June 18. All accounts are that these guys are so Dead it's spooky. Multiple reports of shivers-down-the-spine moments have left me completely jealous and I've been checking their website quite often for new shows. I'm sure you're curious. Unfortunately, they are headed west for a long Smoky Mountain/ West Coast tour. Maybe we'll see them around hear again in the Fall. I hope so. So do the folks who jumped on the bus the day after the Ziggy's show to see DSO in Virginia the next night. Seems like old times.

Speaking of my favorite Labor Day pastime, the Hookahville Fall lineup has just been announced. Featured on the bill are ekoostik hookah both nights, NRBQ, Stir Fried with Vassar Clements, The Recipe and Keller Williams. Tickets are $33 in advance and $43 at the gate. It all happens in Ohio at a location to be announced over Labor Day weekend. stay in touch for updates.

Old friends Magellan have released a self produced CD entitled Live at the Pillsbury Filmore. It includes four original tracks and seven covers including the likes of The Beatles, Cream and Jimi Hendrix. All recordings are live from shows at Blind Tiger and Cue-N-Spirits in May of this year. You can find the CD on sale at their shows which are currently sparse until Marcus returns from across the ocean. Watch The Goatee for some new dates in August.

One more heads up for soundtribeSector9 who are going to be around a good bit in August. I really like their sound and if you are partial to The Disco Biscuits you probably will too. Check them out next month. Hopefully, we'll have a review of their CD in the August Lonely Goat.

Well Smilefest was a long time ago it seems, but this is my first opportunity to talk about it since the event. . Thanks to NFA Entertainment for another outstanding musical lineup and for putting on the quality festival we have all come to expect from the past five years. Attendance increased by 25% over any past Smilefest for which everyone who talked it up should be praised. Yes, there were a few problems that came with the growth. Music was shut down early Friday and Saturday night, but that didn't stop many of us from venturing into the woods for some amazing acoustic jams. The really amazing thing about Smilefest is that the bands are more than one time performers. They are among us and continually offering their talents for anyone to come and listen. The music truly never stops at Smilefest which is why it's like coming home once a year to see all of your old friends and neighbors still playing and enjoying good handmade music.

Speaking of Smilefest, I want to extend gratuitous thanks to everyone who helped put together the Lonely Goat Lounge. Wayne was project leader and was involved in everything from furniture appropriation to soliciting the donation of the silver tinsel from his mom. Thanks to Mama K for chipping in with the decoration disbursement. Thanks to Bob for the shelter. Thanks to Sue for the foliage that tied everything together. Finally, thanks to Todd Tyson for the incredible tapestry featuring the March Lonely Goat cover. Lots of folks have stopped me to comment on how much they enjoyed the lounge and what an impact it had on their festival. Thanks for the praise. Hopefully, the volunteers who made it happen are listening and it will happen again sometime.

So the question on everyone's mind seems to be, "What is happening with Harvestjam?" for those unfamiliar, NFA Entertainment has thrown this Fall festival at the same location as Smilefest for the past two years. Unfortunately, there will be no Harvest Jam this year. The NFA posse are taking some time off to plan for Smilefest 2000 and start a few other projects. Of particular interest is the intention of opening their own outdoor venue near Greensboro in 2000. Wow! A round of applause please for Bob Robertson for having the gumption to take this to the next level. The possibilities for growth within the NC scene are astounding and you can count on NFA Entertainment to continue to bring quality events for you to enjoy.

I want to take a moment to thank Bob Robertson directly for opening up all kinds of opportunities for Lonely Goat to work with NFA Entertainment. By working together to bring events to North Carolina, we are both realizing a shared dream faster than either of us expected. Bob is just one of those kind people who wants to one day wake up in a world that feels like "Eyes of the World" sounds. Keep on truckin' brother.

A few corrections and updates from the July Goatee. The Summer Session Tour also includes moe. I accidentally lost that while transcribing the dates. Quiver has been added to a July 23 show at Cue-N-Spirits with Mucis. I do not know anything about Mucis, so I did not list the date in The Goatee earlier this month, but I sure would like to catch Quiver again. They always put on a solid and relaxing show. Call the venue to see who opens.

be seeing you...