"Snazzy is as Snazzy Does!"
Gwen Joy is an artist who specializes in colorful folk art paintings.
Life experience is her subject matter which is translated in a lyrical/mythical fashion.
Follow Gwen's snazzy street reviews weekly here on Motorcityblog
Reach her directly at www.GwenJoy.com
Reach her directly at www.GwenJoy.com
Frankie Rose of the Vivian Girls started off the night. Her blend of sonic infused heartfelt appalachia, 60s sexpot long hair, black flowing dress, fun and sweet banter about who drove the farthest to see the show and who has dressed in a cow or banana costume made for an understated and seductive performance. She sounds a bit like Mazzy Star. During the fourth song her voice had more of a husky tone. Her drinking song "Last Pioneer" sounded earthy and voluptuous.
Spiritualized played for almost two hours. Spiritualized's stage dynamic is a throw back to the 60s Velvet Underground light show esthetic and the band and singers are dressed in either all black or all white. The backup singers have a gorgeous rich soulful tone which adds a delicious element and a spirited je ne sais quoi style of dancing. The multi textural slides kept the warm feeling coming and complimented the sonic fuzz.
The heart palpitating sound in the first song put me in the mood to hear their captivating space rock alt country hybrid collection of songs. Biblical references, playful breaks in harmony, interestinginstrumentation like a xylophone infused sound collage, soaring guitar solos, atmospheric lovely droning, and a colorful and varied list of references like Big Star, Iggy Pop's Raw Power, The Verve, light Frank Zappaesque accents and David Bowie pull the listener into a melodic yet complex sonic galaxy. The feel good musical glow of Spiritualized's "Come on" lyrics and "Good Dope Good Fun" lyrics are intoxicating.
On May 5th I watched Samuel Beckett's Endgame at The The Abreact Performance Space. Abreact who have produced eleven seasons of uncoventional and groundbreaking plays has a cozy space to showcase their plays, sell some beverages by donation, and display some artwork. The space is used in a admiringly economic and homey way. It is a lot like The Zeitgeist which was a detroit outsider/folkart and live performance venue. Endgame is an absurdist play with humorous and stark dialogue about the banality of life and routine. The characters are disconnected from each other to a comical and tragic degree. The acting, costumes, and stage set were superb. The next play will be in September. Please check out their website for more details http://www.theabreact.com/.
