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HE IS A “SHADY” SORT | FEBRUARY 19 - 25, 2004
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Yonder Mountain String Band’s tour stops at Urbana’s familiar Canopy Club
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PHOTOS | COURTESY OF YONDERMEISTER.COM
n Feb. 25, Yonder Mountain String Band comes to Canopy Club as part of their “Cabin Fever Tour 2004.” Our twin cities hold a special significance for two of the band’s members, mandolin player Jeff Austin and banjo player Dave Johnston, who grew up in the surrounding areas and met in Urbana. In fact, their former band—the amusingly monikered The Bluegrassholes—played here during the mid90s, ensuring that they remember Chambana fondly. “We’ve always had a good time there, we have tons of friends there. It’s definitely a cool fun place, the people treat us well. And we have a bunch of stories that I’d have to censor,” says guitarist Adam Ajiala. The band officially formed in December 1998 to open for a band at the Fox Theater in Boulder, Colo., at which point they immediately encountered their first problem. “We already had two gigs booked and they needed to run an ad in the local paper, and they didn’t have a name yet. So we had to come up with something, and we came to the conclusion that we wanted to be a quartet or a string band. Then there was this series of magazines from the mid-
to-late-60s called Sing Out, a compilation book of various folk artists and tunes, and there’s a song called “At The Foot Of Yonder Mountain” (by Barker Horton), so Jeff goes ‘How about Yonder Mountain?’ “ Due to the diverse backgrounds represented, Yonder Mountain has a fairly unique sound. “You can’t sum it up real quick. We are a bluegrass band but all our influences come from rock ‘n’ roll and heavy stuff, but all the energy is run through bluegrass instruments. We’re playing bluegrass but it’s not traditional,” states Adam, whose first cover song was Black Flag’s “Nervous Breakdown,” a result of his early infatuation with heavy metal and punk rock, the influences of which subtly remain with him today. Furthermore, Ben Kaufmann played rock music throughout high school, and it was only when he sat in as a sub in his father’s jazz band that he picked up the acoustic upright bass, which is now his instrument of choice. For the uninitiated, bluegrass music’s origins are shared with country music, in that both their roots lie in traditional string band music. Sometime in the 1940s, honky-tonk and country-pop became separate genres, but certain musicians, perhaps most notably Bill Monroe, remained faithful to the traditional style, while complicating the songs by making the music faster and more technically demanding. The genre was named after Monroe’s backing band The Blue Grass Boys. About 20 years later, several bands attempted to experiment with the standard structures and conventions, creating a plethora of sub-genres that would be dubbed “progressive bluegrass.” “Our music is definitely different, but not necessarily evolved,” says Adam, “because evolved is a forward motion and some people might think that what we do is a deevolution. Most traditional bluegrass consists of two- to four- minute songs with tight tunes wrapped up in a bundle. We extend things, we try different rhythmic patterns. Sometimes we’ll sandwich
songs. We’ll start with one song, go into anoth- a guitar in 1956, at the age of 11. His humble er song in the middle, then go back to the first demeanor and self-deprecating manner hide a devastatingly skilled guitarist, whose self-taught one.” Known to jam out for 20 minutes at a time, acoustic steel-string finger stylings have slowly Yonder Mountain String Band have often earned him a deserved reputation since his attracted a fan-base similar to that of a jam- debut LP, 1969’s Twelve String Blues. Arguably, though, it was Clone, his band. On the interac2002 collaboration with tion between jam Phish bassist Mike music and bluegrass, Gordon, that finally Adam shrewdly allowed him to be deduces that “it’s the heard by a larger audicommunity more so ence, after almost half a than the music. The century of playing guiterm ‘jam band’ – Adam Ajiala tar. encompasses so The band is always many genres. You “digging for the best” can say that the The when looking for someFlying Frog Brigade or Sound Tribe Sector 9 are jam bands, and we one to tour with, though they “like to find quiare not like those other bands. When I think ‘jam eter bands, because we don’t have drums,” band,’ I think of a bunch of folks that love all Adam said. The band boasts a considerable repertoire, kinds of music and love to come listen to all ranging from catchy tunes such as “Two Hits kinds of music.” To give a little background about the mem- And The Joint Turned Brown” to ambitious covbers, Adam was born in Worcester, Mass., and ers, including an 11-minute version of The took up the electric guitar at 13. He “studied Rolling Stones’ “No Expectations” and a stuntrees and stuff in college” with the intention of ning take on Pink Floyd’s “Goodbye Blue Sky,” becoming a forester, but a knee injury encour- among other covers of artists such as The aged him to concentrate on his music. Dave was Beatles, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Willie Nelson. born in Aurora, Ill., and was in an ensemble They have played in a variety of venues, and called Giblet Gravy within a year of deciding to will play Bonnaroo later in the year in a lineup learn banjo. Unlike some of his peers who chose that includes The Dead, Bob Dylan, Trey to finish school, he moved to Boulder, Colo., to Anastasio and Ani DiFranco. On Feb. 13, CNN pursue a musical career. Jeff was born in aired an interview with and a live performance Arlington Heights, Ill., and specialized in musi- by Yonder Mountain, and their album Old cal theater, voice and dance theater. He played Hands has been nominated for a Jammy for 2003 no instrument, but arbitrarily owned a man- Studio Album of the Year. All this hype is entiredolin, which Dave advised him to play, and so ly deserved, for seldom has there been a more he did. Finally, Ben was born in Pittsburgh, and enjoyable introduction to bluegrass for those was quite the prodigy, playing piano at 3. He not familiar with the genre. As for the rest, sureattended New York University’s prestigious ly little coercion will be required to get them out film school before also ending up in Boulder. to Canopy Club on Feb. 25. buzz Unfortunately, Ben will not be touring with Yonder Mountain due to a recent bereavement. However, the band is currently touring with Yonder Mountain String Band and Leo Kottke will perform Leo Kottke, one of the most revered folk gui- Feb. 25 at Canopy Club. Tickets are $15 and the show tarist of the last several decades. “We’ve all been starts at 10 p.m. fans of Leo Kottke for a while. Getting to meet him was great ... the guy was playing music before I was born.” In fact, Kottke first picked up
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When I think ‘jam band’ I think of a bunch of folks that love all kinds of music.
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FEBRUARY 19-25, 2004 | WANT TO GET YOUR EVENT LISTED ON OUR CALENDAR? Send your listings to calendar@readbuzz.com
CHICAGOVENUES
At the foot of Yonder Mountain BY SHADIE ELNASHAI | STAFF WRITER
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Abbey Pub 3420 W Grace, Chicago, (773) 478-4408 Allstate Arena 6920 N Mannheim Rd, Rosemont, (847) 6356601 Aragon 1106 W Lawrence, Chicago, (773) 561-9500 Arie Crown Theater 2301 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, (312) 7916190 Bottom Lounge 3206 N Wilton, Chicago, (773) 975-0505 Chicago Theatre 175 N State St, Chicago, (312) 443-1130 Congress Theatre 2135 N Milwaukee, Chicago, (312) 923-2000 Double Door 1572 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, (773) 489-3160 Elbo Room 2871 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, (773) 549-5549 Empty Bottle 1035 N Western Ave, Chicago, (773) 276-3600 Fireside Bowl 2648 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, (773) 486-2700 House of Blues 329 N Dearborn, Chicago, (312) 923-2000 Martyrs' 3855 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, (773) 404-9494 Metro/Smart Bar 3730 N Clark St, Chicago, (773) 549-0203 Old Town School of Folk Music 4544 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, (773) 728-6000 Park West 322 W Armitage, Chicago, (773) 929-5959 Riviera Theatre 4746 N Racine, Chicago, (773) 275-6800 Rosemont Theatre 5400 N River Rd, Rosemont, (847) 671-5100 Schubas 3159 N Southport, Chicago, (773) 525-2508 UIC Pavilion 525 S Racine, Chicago, (312) 413-5700 Vic Theatre 3145 N Sheffield, Chicago, (773) 472-0449
ART NOTICES National Biennial Ceramics Invitational ("Elevating the Utilitarian: Transforming the Vessel through Surface Decoration") – March 1April 9, the Parkland Art Gallery will host the 9th Biennial Ceramics Invitational. This year's exhibit includes nationally known artists Sam Chung of Michigan, Julia Galloway of New York, John Glick of Michigan, Michael Hunt of North Carolina, and others. A reception will be held Mar 16 from 6-8pm, with a gallery talk by Berti and O'Donnell at 7pm. For more information, call 351-2485. Creation Art Studios: Art Classes for Children and Adults – All classes use the spontaneous art process to demonstrate technical instruction and the exploration of materials. Personal interests, ideas, dreams and more are expressed and developed through collage and assemblage art, drawing, painting, sculpture and ceramics. CPDU's offered. Creation Art Studios, 1102 E Washington in Urbana. Call Jeannine Bestoso at 344-6955 or go to www.creationartstudios.com for information.
Creation Art Studios – Featuring original art by students and members of the studio. 1102 E Washington St in Urbana. Mon-Fri 3-5:30pm, Sat 14pm and other scheduled studio times. For more information, call Jeannine Bestoso at 344-6955. Country in the City – Antiques, Architectural, Gardening and Home Accessories. Custom designing available. 1104 E Washington St in Urbana. ThuSat 10am-5pm. 367-2367. Framer's Market – Frame designers since 1981. Ongoing work from local artists on display. 807 W Springfield Ave in Champaign. Tue-Fri 9:30am5:30pm, Sat 10am-4pm. 351-7020. Furniture Lounge – Specializing in mid-century modern furniture from the 1920s to the 1980s – retro, Danish modern, lighting, vintage stereo equipment and vinyl records. 9 E University in Champaign. Sun-Tues 12-4:30pm, Wed-Sat 115:30pm. 352-5150. Glass FX – New and Antique Stained Glass Windows, Lamps and unique glass gifts. Gallery is free and open to the public. Interested in learning the art of Stained Glass? Beginning, intermediate and advanced stained glass classes offered. 202 S First St in Champaign. Mon-Thu 10am-5:30pm, Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 9am-4pm. www.glassfx.com. 359-0048. Griggs Street Potters – Handmade functional and decorative pottery. 305 W Grigg St in Urbana. MonFri 11am-4pm, or call for appointment. 344-8546. Hill Street Gallery Inc. – Oil and watercolor paintings, hand painted T-shirts, handmade jewelry. 703 W Hill in Champaign. Sat 12-5pm or by appointment during the week. 359-0675.
LaPayne Photography – Specializes in panoramic photography up to 6 feet long of different subjects including sporting events, city skylines, national parks and University of Illinois scenes. 816 Dennison Dr in Champaign. Mon-Fri 9am-4pm and by appointment. 356-8994. Old Vic Art Gallery – Fine and original art, hand signed, limited edition prints, works by local artists, art restoration, custom framing, and periodic shows by local artists. 11 E University in Champaign. Mon-Thu 11am-5:30pm, Sat 11am4:30pm. 355-8338. Prairie Boatworks Gallery – Beautifully hand-crafted gift items and unique Valentine’s Day cards. Also, over 35 regional artist to choose from. 407 E Main St in Mahomet. Tue, Fri, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-4pm. 586-6776. For more information, contact Mary at 356-8228 or tangoradesigns@aol.com. Steeple Gallery – Vintage botanical and bird prints, antiques and framed limited edition prints. 102 E Lafayette St in Monticello. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm. www.steeplegallery.com. 762-2924. Verde Gallery – The work of local artist Sylvia Arnstein will be on display in the halls and café. 17 E Taylor St in Champaign. Cafe: Mon-Sat 7am-10 pm. Gallery: Tue-Sat 10am-10pm. 366-3204. Ziemer Gallery – Original paintings and limited edition prints by Larry Ziemer. Pottery, weavings, wood turning and glass works by other artists. Gallery visitors are welcome to sit, relax, listen to the music and just enjoy being surrounded by art. 210 W Washington in Monticello. Tue 10am-8pm, Wed-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm. www.ziemergallery.com. 762-9786.
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Introducing...
Midnight Movie SERIE S SERIE S
brought to you by
Boardman’s Art Theatre & buzz Boardman’s Art Theatre and buzz will be hosting special midnight screenings several times a month.
This weekend, come check out:
Larry Kanfer Gallery – European Collection featured in the gallery. Both limited and open edition prints by Larry Kanfer, nationally acclaimed photographer. 2503 S Neil in Champaign. Free and Open to the Public. Mon-Sat 10am-5:30pm. 3982000. www.kanfer.com.
Join Artists and Workshops at Gallery Virtu – The artist-owned cooperative Gallery Virtu invites applications from area artists. The gallery offers workshops for adults, teens and children in knitting, embroidery, photography, jewelry making, printmaking, papermaking, bookbinding and ribbon flowers. The gallery also offers original works by the members including jewelry, pottery, collages, sculptures, journals, hats, handbags and other textiles. Gallery Virtu, 220 W Washington in Monticello. Thu 12-4pm, Fri 12-8pm, Sat 10am6pm. For more information, call 762-7790, visit www.galleryvirtu.org or e-mail workshops@galleryvirtu.org. Collage for the Soul – Learn the many aspects of collage techniques while engaging your creativity and exploring your mind and heart. Scrapbookers, it’s time to branch out from craft to art! Sandra Ahten will teach the class, in which all materials will be provided. High Cross Studio, 1101 N High Cross Rd in Urbana. Feb 17- Mar 16, Tue 7-9pm. Other drawing and painting classes are also offered. For more information, call 367-6345 or go to www.spiritofsandra.com.
Feb. 19th & 20th at
ART EXHIBITS & GALLERIES Boneyard Pottery – Ceramic Art by Michael Schwegmann and others. 403 Water St in Champaign. Tue-Sat 11am-5pm. 355-5610. Broken Oak Gallery – Local and national artists, original art including photography, watercolors, pottery, oil paintings, colored pencil, and woodturning. Refreshments served by the garden all day Saturday. 1865 N 1225 E Rd in White Heath. Thu-Sat 10am-4pm. 762-4907. Café Kopi – “Digital Evolutions,” photographs by John Sfondilias on display through February. 109 N Walnut in Champaign. Mon-Thu 7am-11pm, Fri-Sat 7am-12pm, Sun 11am-8pm. 359-4266.
Boardman’s Art Theatre 126 W. Church St., Champaign 1-800-BEST-PLACE or 355-0068 tickets are $6