Contents
The Players PUBLISHER: Tom Price tom@thedlm.com ASSOC. PUBLISHER: Janna Rodriguez janna@thedlm.com CONTENT EDITOR: Nathan Quevedo nathan@thedlm.com WEB GURU: Kenneth Nelson kenneth@thedlm.com
Darren Carter
Fresno-born comedian returns to Valley for show at Merced Theatre. Page 8
DISTRIBUTION: Donna Nelson donna@thedlm.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & EDITORS: Nathan Quevedo, Jim Kocher, K Chico, Theresa Hong, Amber Kirby and Montse Reyes. CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER: Dan Hong.
Public House Beautiful new Downtown pub opens its doors. Page 12
The Cover COVER: Strawberry Music Festival
Les Miserables Playhouse revives a classic to kickoff its 20th season.
PHOTOGRAPHER: Dan Hong
Page 14
MODEL: The Good Luck Thrift Store Outfit
Strawberry
Music festival in the mountians has become major tradition. Page 22
Buster Blue
Issue 47 Volume 3
Reno band returns to Merced with new album and new look. Page 30
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AR T
MUSIC
CULTURE
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7 PAGE SEVEN Where am I? If you know the name of this Downtown business, email your answer to tom@thedlm.com or Tweet it with #WHEREAMI for a chance to win a $20 gift card to J&R Tacos.
Tip of the p Ca Did everybody head out to the July Art Hop? What a great turnout and another great job by the event organizers. The Merced Theatre recently hosted a screening of “Goonies.” Here’ hoping they keep bringing the classics for these great midweek screenings. Do you know a person or an organization who deserves at Tip of the Cap? Send us your tips to tips@thedlm.com
July Issue answers
S SHORTS
Merced College Art Gallery Darren Carter Third Thursdays Shenandoah Davis
COMEDY ALL STARS When:8 p.m., Sept. 6 Where: Merced Theatre Cost: $20-$25 Info: www.mercedtheatre.org
Contributed Photo Fresno native Darren Carter will be performing at the Merced Theatre Sept. 6.
Locally-grown comic to take Merced Theatre stage
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rowing up in Fresno Darren Carter says he always knew he was a funny kid. When he was 15, he says he would write jokes and work on his stories and share them with his friends.
he has become a regular at places like the Comedy Store and Laugh Factory. Carter, who during his 20-year career has appeared on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and performed on a Showtime comedy special, will return to his Valley Roots on September 6, for a show at the Merced Theatre. “My comedy is diverse, He cut his teeth in the really good for a lot of stand-up comedy business different people,” says working bars along Carter. “I will talk about Blackstone Avenue before things people in the Valley taking the leap and moving to Southern California where can relate to. Talk about the
neighborhood and high school memories.” Performing with Carter at Perico Productions’ Comedy All Stars will be Manny Maldonado, Justin Worsham and Phillip Medina. For more information, visit www. mercedtheatre.org.
The Jump visit www.thedlm.com for an expanded story and to see the video.
MC Art Gallery opens Fall semester with new exhibit Merced College Art Gallery will open the fall semester with an exhibit of drawing and wire sculpture by Fresno artist Evany Zirul. The exhibit will open August 13 and continue to September 5th. A reception for the artist will be held August 21 in the evening from 6 to 7:30pm. A combination of figurative wire sculptures along with drawings will be the subject of the upcoming exhibit “Life in Line” at Merced College Art Gallery. An artist in many ways, Zirul studied music as a child and played the violin for many years. Along with her studies in Visual Art she has experience with bronze casting, teaching Art and holds an M.F.A from University of Kansas. Zirul’s art work has been shown throughout the US and has won her many awards and prizes. The Art Gallery is located in the Theater Building at Merced College. Gallery Hours are Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and in conjunction with theater events. Visits to the gallery are free.
DLM presents Sunday Sessions at The Partisan The DLM and The Partisan are kicking off a new semi-regular concert series at called Sunday Sessions. The first of these will be at 7 p.m. on September 29 at the Partisan and will feature Seattle’s Shenandoah Davis and Anthonie Tonnon from New Zealand. Davis grew up in Colorado, studied classical piano and got her Bachelor’s Degree in opera performance. Since then, she has moved to Seattle and crafted her own brand of classically-influenced pop music, winning over audiences worldwide with her dynamic live performances and lushly orchestrated recordings. Tonnon, formerly of the band Tono and the Finance Company, was hanpicked by the band Beirut to open their New Zealand Tour and is now playing under his full name. For more information, visit www.thedlm.com
AUGUST EVENTS 10 Yoga for All Workshop Workshop on how you can use “Yoga for Health and Wellness” instructed byMax Natarajan Make it Happen, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Facebook Event
15 Third Thursdays
Cottonwood Creek will be performing live at the monthly community event in Downtown Merced. Bob Hart Square, Downtown Facebook Event
17 Buster Blue
Reno’s Buster Blue will be holding an album-release show at The Partisan. It’s the band’s second full length album. The Partisan, 9 pm Facebook Event
18 “Dreams” Bridal Fair
oin Local Event Vendors for an afternoon of entertainment and info to help make your special day magical. Merced Elks Banquet Hall, noon to 4 p.m. Facebook Event
24 Early Empires
Deriva frontman Carlos Pena’s new musical project, Early Empires performing with Dirty Limbs. The Partisan, 9 p.m. www.partisanmerced.com
For a complete listing of events visit www.thedlm.com/events 10
Cottonwood Creek featured artist at Third Thursdays Third Thursdays, the newest incarnation of the City of Merced-operated community event held in Downtown Merced, will feature locals Cottonwood Creek on Aug. 15. Cotton Creek, features the dynamic trio of Maggie Watkins, Scott Patrick Little and Scott Baltezore. The band is a high energy Americana/ Folk/Country group that entertains crowds all over the Valley and surrounding foothills. Watkins, a Los Banos native, started her public career with a country radio “Sing Like Taylor Swift” contest in which she was the top California contender. Little, from Mariposa, has emerged as a prolific solo performer with his folksy charm and incredible work ethic. Baltezore, out of Dos Palos, is a lifelong performer with great chops and crafted musicianship. Third Thursdays is centered in Bob Hart Square and runs from 5:30 to 9 p.m. The event features live music, food vendors and other entertainment. Event operator Karen Baker says it’s a great opportunity for the community to come out for some great family entertainment and then witness all that Downtown has to offer.
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Photos by Dan Hong Two of the four owners of the 17th Street Public House, RC Essig (left) and Vanessa Hofmann (right). The pub opened its doors on July 11.
If you build it Words by Tom Price tom@thedlm.com
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he only thing more diverse than the beer selection at the 17th Street Public House is the people who walk through the doors to consume it. The powerhouse purveyors of alcohol that brought The Partisan to Downtown Merced, launched their newest venture with another big 12
17th Street Public House opens its doors to diverse crowds of beer and wine connoisseurs idea: beer and wine for the beer and wine drinker without all the flash. “Merced is our home,” says Vanessa Hofmann, who owns the pub along with partners RC Essig, Tim Williams and Joey Essig. “You want something in Merced, you can just go do it. And we wanted a space where the people create the atmosphere and it’s a natural thing.” The Public House opened
its doors on July 11, with little-to-no advertising. They simply unlocked the doors and let the ornate bar, handcrafted cabinetry, intricate pillars and incredible beer and wine selection speak for itself. The result — a wowed crowd that grew with each passing day as word circulated and pictures of perfectly-poured craft beer popped up on Instagram and Facebook.
“We wanted to build something that was sturdy and would age well,” says RC Essig. “A place where people can come and network and hang out in a small and comfortable atmosphere.” Williams, the designer and muscle behind the project, is a local contractor with Williams and Sutton Construction. He estimates he spent upwards of 1,200 hours building the beautiful pub. He says there are more than 3,000 pieces of wood in nine different varieties built into the 700-squarefoot space. The bar consists of row after row of one-inch thick pieces of walnut wood lined up perfectly and laminated with a durable clear coat. The idea, Williams says, had been bouncing around in his head for years and he was excited to have the opportunity to see it through to execution. “I think when people come in and see the space they will be able to tell how much time and work went into it,” says Williams. “It’s not mine anymore it’s a public space, a living and moving project.” The result of the work is a space that has quickly become a hub of activity along with its neighboring businesses, Coffee Bandits and Forte Frozen Yogurt. Friday and Saturday nights in the 300 block of Main Street are electric, with the infusion of more nightlife. “We couldn’t ask for better neighbors, and I haven’t seen this many new faces since we opened our own
doors,” says Kurt Winbigler, co-owner of Coffee Bandits. “We’re very fortunate to get to work next door to friends, I think it really strengthens the community Downtown.” The beer selection is a rotating cast of hardto-find craft products that include names like Dogfish Head Sah’tea and 21st Amendment’s Hell or High Watermelon. There’s IPA’s, pilsners, sours, stouts, porters and ciders — literally something for any palette. “Why would you not have a drink if you are in the pub?” asks RC Essig, who says the bar has roughly 45 total beers with 18 on tap. “Getting this many beers has been a challenge because we are in a bit of a distribution
void. But we wanted to know that we can find a beer for anybody who walks in.” Hofmann, who is charged with most of the wine presentation, says they have chosen to forgo the route of promoting strictly California wines and supports an all internationally imported variety. Among the dozenor-so wines on the menu, there’s a New Zealand Chardonnay and an Austrian Terassen. “We wanted to push the envelope,” says Hofmann. “We will, however, feature a local wine in contrast to our international selection.” The 17th Street Public House is open seven days a week and you can learn more about the pub by visiting them on Facebook. THEDLM.COM
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LES MISERABLES When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. on Sundays Aug 30-Sep 15 Where: Playhouse Merced Info: www.playhousemerced.com or (209) 725-8587
Revolution starts
Playhouse Merced opens 20th season with ‘Les Misérables’ Words Joe Hypes jthypes@hotmail.com
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quarter century after its Broadway debut, rights to the international musical phenomenon ‘Les Misérables” have finally been released to community theaters across the country. This French Revolution will be the opener for Playhouse Merced’s celebratory 20th Season. Staged musicals don’t get much bigger, or more intimidating, than “Les Misérables.” The title summons images of epic grandeur, violent street revolution, and dozens of poor souls rallying the cry of “one day more” in 19th century 14
France. Written in 1862 by Victor Hugo, the novel follows Jean Valjean, known as Prisoner 24601, as he is released from prison, breaks parole to create a new life for himself while evading the grip of the persistent Inspector Javert. First produced on the West End in 1985 and then on Broadway in 1987, the musical version is written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg and contains hit songs like “I Dreamed a Dream,” “One Day More” and “Castle on a Cloud.” The movie musical version was released last year, starring Hugh Jackman and Jean Valjean and Russell Crowe as Javert. To bring these two iconic musical characters to life Playhouse Merced has cast two local actors who are no strangers
to portraying adversaries. Jim Kocher (Valjean) and Brad Reed (Javert) shared the stage and went toe to toe together in Playhouse’s production of “Sweeney Todd,” and they find themselves onstage together again to bring another huge musical to audiences. While taking a break from their “Confrontation,” I recently had a chance to sit down with these two musical powerhouses to get their thoughts and feelings on “Les Mis” finally coming to the Merced Stage.
be a huge group of people in the community who love Broadway shows, but a whole subset of people who love “Les Mis.”
Brad Reed: I love it! Sweeney and being onstage with Jim was such a pleasure, and because of that experience, I’ve been coming to “Les Mis” rehearsals already pretty prepared.
JH: This show is like a huge phenomenon; it’s the fourth-longest running Broadway musical, it ran about 30 years. What do you think are some of the risks for community theaters producing the show now?
BR: I’m a “Les Mis” fan. You couldn’t get the rights for so long because it was so popular it toured, and toured, and toured. JK: Yeah it was so popular.
southwest chicken salad
BR: The pros kept just kept doing it. From a layman’s perspective it’s really exciting to have a chance to get to sing some Joe Hypes: Guys! You of the songs that are in are back on stage again this show. as adversaries. How is it sharing the stage JK: Do they have names again in yet another for these “Les Mis” people? big Broadway musical? Les Misians?
Jim Kocher: I’m thrilled Brad is in it, I feel like I got my own safety net. JH: So how do you feel about Playhouse finally getting the opportunity to stage such a challenging show as “Les Mis”? JK: From a company perspective it’s very exciting. It’s gotten a lot of interest already, and there seems to not only
BR: Well the show is so well known and well loved, and its great for the community to finally get it see it locally, but just like most Broadway shows the vocal ranges are just incredible and the performances are so well known so there might be an expectation from some audience members coming to see it. THEDLM.COM
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JK: A theater company in Visalia produced the show in June, and then another group did three performances in June, we are the next company in the Central Valley to present it. JH: There is no doubt this show is huge. Even the auditions were pretty epic. JK: 110 people, as I understand. BR: Auditions were great because a lot of talent from all over showed up, and those of us in the community want to produce the best possible show, and to have all of these great singers show up and land in the various parts is going to help this show rise to the next level.
The Jump visit www.thedlm.com for an expanded interview and to see a video preview of the performance.
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THE MAGIC OF
Music festival celebrates its 60th show with big schedule that includes the GOOD LUCK THRIFT STORE OUTFIT Words Nathan Quevedo nathan@thedlm.com
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raditions have to start somewhere and camping is one of the best.
backdrop with any rustic experience. Started in 1982, the festival brings musicians and festivalgoers from throughout the world to the idyllic setting Children grow up looking forward to of Camp Mather, which borders Yosemite the warm California summer and the National Park. vast wilderness of the Sierra Nevada that The attendance varies between the serves as an ideal location for outdoor Memorial Day and Labor Day festivals activities. primarily based on the weather, though Most kids who go camping at an early there are 4,000 adult tickets available age are going to carry this tradition on with their children, and so on and so forth. at each festival with all of the Labor Day What goes hand-in-hand with camping? festivals selling out. The spring festival Games, swimming, fishing, smores ‌ and can be cold; some years it snows. The coming four-day festival starts on music. Depending on how someone grew Thursday, Aug. 29 and concludes Sunday, up camping, music may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but if you grew Sep. 1 with 4-day and 3-day tickets that up going to the Strawberry Music Festival, include camping and some single day tickets available. it would feel wrong not to have that as a THEDLM.COM
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Photos by Dan Hong The Good Luck Thrift Store Outfit from left, Matt Cordano, Chandler Pratt, Willy Tea Taylor, Taylor Webster, Chris Doud and Aaron Burtch.
Evergreen Lodge and Camp Mather are a destination for summer vacations and travelers, but when Strawberry moves into town for a week, everything changes. However, the festival wasn’t always at the campgrounds near Hetch Hetchy that are owned by the city of San Francisco. “The first festival was above (the town) Strawberry in a site called Leland Meadows,” says festival owner and co-founder Charlie Cran. He says that festival in 1982 had an attendance of about 2,200 and Leland Meadows was quickly outgrown. “After our first year, it 24
was already too small,” says Cran. So he and the original founders searched for another campground that would fit the needs of a large music festival. “We didn’t have any idea how we were going to use it,” he says of his first time visiting Mather. They liked the idea of the big ball field and the lake. Because of contract negotiations every five years and a rotating cast of characters in San Francisco’s parks and recreation department, the festival was nearly forced to find another location. Cran, who’s 67 and a straight shooter, says the
political chest puffing was the largest issue. “When you’re dealing with a big bureaucracy like that … we work on five-year contracts and when that contract expires, it’s time to negotiate a new one and there’s always a new group of people,” he says. “They were really, really giving us a hard time by trying to scrape every penny out of us.” Strawberry publicly pressured the parks department as a last option and they were able to agree on terms. “I’ve been dealing with them for 30 years, but I can’t really establish a working relationship with
them because there’s always someone new,” he says with a chuckle. Strolling through the many areas of Camp Mather during Strawberry, one can see the history of the festival with camps ranging from little more than makeshift huts to sites that go all out with chili cook-offs, tequila tastings and one constant: jam sessions. From the average folk/ bluegrass instrumentation of guitar, fiddle, mandolin and stand-up bass to the more eclectic mix of the saw, accordion and other less-than-conventional instruments, the jam sessions at Strawberry are epic. Approaching the music meadow, the aroma of food fills the air. The food court, which has retained many of the same vendors for more than a decade, serves the normal pizza and burgers to the more cultural flavors of Ghanian food with plantains and skewers and Greek food with gyros covered in tzatziki sauce. It’s fortunate this is a four-day festival because picking what to eat could be as difficult as picking the best band in the lineup. Just past the food court is the expansive music meadow, which is used as a baseball field for the camp — the bases and homeplate are visible when there isn’t a large crowd. Nestled next to a horse pasture with a backdrop of enormous
pine trees, there could not be a more perfect place for a main stage. Near the front of the stage are rows of chairs that campers wait in line to snag. The line for the Strawberry Stroll starts before dawn and even at that early hour, music is in the air. “You can go at 2 or 3 in the morning and hear all kinds of musicians throughout the campground,” says Aaron Burtch, drummer for The Good Luck Thrift Store Outfit who is scheduled to play Saturday evening — a coveted spot at the festival. “It’s an amazing spot. It’s right before Jerry Douglas and Patty Griffin,” says GLSTO bass player Taylor Webster. In a speaker phone interview with nearly the entire band, they discussed growing up at the festival and how intimidating it was to play the main stage for the first time three years ago. “The music I play is highly influenced by Strawberry,” says frontman Willy Tea Taylor, who started going to the festival when he was 18 in 1994. “The songs that come out of me are definitely Strawberry and Oakdale.” Webster and Taylor have both worked back stage at the festival for more than a decade and made some amusing observations about their role as an artist and not as a roadie. “We’ve always worked
Schedule Thursday, Aug 29
5:15 p.m.: Strange on the Range 6:45 p.m.: Chicago Farmer 7:15 p.m.: Sarah Potenza and Tall Boys 9 p.m.: Hot Buttered Rum
Friday, Aug 30
11:15 a.m.: 10-String Symphony 12:30 p.m.: Haunted Windchimes 1:45 p.m.: Masters of the Fiddle AFTERNOON BREAK 5:45 p.m.: Mary Gauthier 7:15 p.m.: Big Twang Theory 8:45 p.m.: The Mavericks
Saturday, Aug 31
11:15 a.m.: Sam Baker 12:30 p.m.: Ray Bonneville 1:45 p.m.: California Honeydrops AFTERNOON BREAK 5:45 p.m.: Good Luck Thrift Store Outfit 7:15 p.m.: Jerry Douglas Band 8:45 p.m.: Patty Griffin
Sunday, Sep 1
9 a.m.: Revival at Birch Lake 1 p.m..: The Hillbenders 2:15 p.m..: Kathy Kallick Band AFTERNOON BREAK 5 p.m.: Chris Webster & Nina Gerber 6:30 p.m.: Marley’s Ghost 8 p.m.: The Dell McCoury Band
For more information visit the Strawberry website @ www.strawberymusic.com THEDLM.COM
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back stage, so we feel like we should be working,” says Taylor. “I think we may be the only band to hang their own curtain.” The interesting part about GLSTO is how most of the members played in rock bands before. Chris Doud, singer and guitarist for GLSTO, played in the Modestobased band Fiver in the ’90s and early 2000s, and then in Oakdale-based Built Like Alaska after that. Both are considered indie rock. “Before all that Built Like Alaska stuff I kind of grew up on folk music,” he says of his childhood. “The jam stuff definitely influenced our style.” Chandler Pratt, who plays mandolin, among other instruments, also played in a rock band, Fat Skeleton, before the GLSTO. “I’ve been going since 2001 and for the longest time it was the Fat Skeleton camp. … A couple festivals later, we joined up both camps,” he says. “Without Strawberry, I wouldn’t be in the band.” In addition to the Saturday main stage spot, the band will play at Amy’s Orchid Café on Friday night and perform a gospel set on Sunday morning at Birch Lake. Among some of the other acts to perform at the festival are Hot Buttered Rum, Peter Rowan’s Big Twang 26
Theory, Marley’s Ghost among many others. There are also a variety of kids’ activities at Birch Lake at bands to cater to youngster’s taste. Cran fondly remembers some of biggest and most talked about acts that performed at the festival. Lyle Lovett and K.D. Lang were the first he named, but the one that is always talked about is Newgrass Revival, a band with Sam Bush and Bella Fleck, among others. “Their shows at Strawberry are legendary,” he says. The Labor Day weekend festival will mark the 60th for Strawberry, a milestone that Cran says “makes me feel kinda old.” When asked what the best thing about the festival is for him, Cran says the year after year support and the Strawberry community. “When I see the folks that are supporting us with their ticket purchase and I see them having a really good time, it makes me have a really good time,” he says. And there is no end in sight for Strawberry. “I’m not gonna be around here forever, but what I’m hoping happens is someone else can take it on and it does goes on forever.” Check out strawberrymusic.com for a full lineup and information on how to get tickets.
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Photo by Dan Hong Bus Stop Boxer from left, Kyle Tassey, Aaron Febres, Nathan Beardsley and Bennett Widyolar. They will be performing at the Partisan Aug. 31 with Feather Moon.
Bus Stop Boxer Local ‘bandit rock’ band set to release first album Words by Montse Reyes montse@thedlm.com
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estern bandit rock.” It sounds vaguely like the soundtrack to a cowboy flick set in an arid Texas town, one that may or may not star Clint Eastwood.
Beardsley, who plays bass, is joined by Kyle Tassey (vocals/guitar), Arron Febres (vocals/guitar) and Bennett Widyolar (drums) who, after a few lineup changes, have banded together to form the country-tinged rock outfit, Bus Stop Boxer. Despite dubbing it Perhaps not the first thing “western bandit rock” there is no campiness to be found that comes to mind when in the group’s repertoire. you think about catching a Instead, their songs walk show on a Friday night at The Partisan. And yet, those the delicate balance between skillful musicianship and are precisely the words Nathan Beardsley chooses to heavy yet relatable lyrical content. The band has describe his band. 28
cultivated their brand of music by melding together classic rock sensibilities with country twangs, and a songwriting style bent on telling a story. The idea of a band wasn’t even in its infancy when Tassey and Febres began playing together. The two friends met at Starbucks, and soon after started playing around town, mainly a steady gig at J&R Tacos. Their sets consisted of covers, with a couple original tracks here and there. Upon the realization they had not
written any new material in a year, Tassey and Febres knew it was time for something more. So they called up a few friends and Bus Stop Boxer was born. Though Tassey professes his love for experimental metal, there appears to be an innate tendency within him to adopt a country music style of songwriting. “It’s in the story—that’s what I like about country. I like people with stories, I like creating stories,” Tassey explains. In fact, before writing the lyrics to a song, Tassey sets out to write a story and then writes the lyrics based upon the story. Tassey feels this method allows him to fully encompass the emotion or message he is trying to express in the song. His band mates agree that Tassey’s universal approach to emotion works. “The way Kyle writes — he has that element of realism,” Febres says. “He can take something that is specific to his life and make us or whoever else relate to it.” Despite the deeply emotive lyrics, the band makes it a priority to engage
their audience at their live shows. “My brother used to tell me that the biggest problem with having a good time [at a show], is that everyone is always afraid they are going to look like an idiot,” says Beardsley. “But if you try to be the stupidest guy out there, then people won’t be afraid of dancing or doing something stupid.” Beardsley is unafraid to be “that guy,” giving Bus Stop Boxer the extra shot of adrenaline needed to deliver an energetic and upbeat performance. Bus Stop Boxer’s journey appears to be far from over. They’ve just wrapped up recording their first EP at The ARK with the help of Christopher Casuga and Merced-based Nyx Records. The untitled record will feature both live and studio recordings of their songs. If you’re interested in catching the band live, they will be celebrating the release of the album with a show at The Partisan on Saturday, August 31. They’ll be playing alongside San Diego’s Dead Feather Moon. Tickets are $5 and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.
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B U S T E R
B L U E
Reno band returns to Merced with new album, a new drummer and a new sound Words Theresa Hong theresa@thedlm.com
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fter almost a year, Buster Blue is returning to Merced on Aug.17 to promote the folk band’s new album, “Sleep Less Where the Heart Is” at the Partisan. I remember the first time I heard about Buster Blue. It was last October and the band — Bryan Jones, Andrew Martin, Brendon Lund, Rachael McElhiney and Billy Dohr — were scheduled to headline a DLM Live show at the Multicultural Arts Center. A month before their gig, the anticipation was already building, and I had absolutely no idea why. In fact, I lost count of how many times I heard people say, “I can’t wait to see Buster Blue!” And I won’t even start with the looks I received from people when I admitted I wasn’t familiar with the band confusion, pity, even disgust — their looks said one thing without saying a word: “You don’t KNOW Buster Blue?” Nope. I sure didn’t. But I do now. And these Merced fan boys and fan girls who looked as if I had kicked their dog when I confessed I had no idea who Buster Blue was were right. Buster Blue is brilliant and I, like so many other Mercedians, instantly became a fan girl. And while most bands have one or two qualities that melt a fan’s heart — eloquent and meaningful prose or even that sound that makes
the band distinctly their own – Buster Blue offers this and much more. They create a tapestry of musical colors, combining the art of storytelling, voice and instrumentation, creating a sound that entertains, provokes and transcends. But what really makes Buster Blue Merced’s adopted house band isn’t necessarily the innate and incredible talent they bring to each of their songs, but their genuine love for each other, as well as for their fans. They are humble but hungry while constantly striving to become better, they remain grounded. I spoke with McElhiney about Buster Blue’s upcoming release, what it’s like to be the only female in the band and how the band continues to evolve. Theresa Hong: So what’s it like being the only chick in the band? Rachael McElhiney: You know, the guys are all like brothers to me, but it’s funny what you take for granted with the whole guy and girl thing. Like, I didn’t think anything of it [being a woman] until we started going out on the road and the guys needed to pee — I was like, “No way am I peeing at the side of the road! Find me a gas station!” It definitely doesn’t come up much, but when it does, it normally has to do with peeing. TH: You have an incredible voice. Have you always had that sound or was it something you
developed for the band? RM: Well, I was classically trained, so when we first started Buster Blue, Brian would always tell me, “You’re singing too nice. You’re playing too nice. You have to sing dirtier.” And I was like, I don’t know how to do that. But Brian continued to push me and I pushed myself — it really forced me out of my comfort zone, but taught me how to hold my own. So we all have these really different voices, but they all have personalities, which I think make our songs so much more interesting — and I don’t think I would have developed mine without Brian. TH: In addition to having some pretty impressive pipes, you also play several different instruments. Which ones do you play and how the hell did you learn to play so many? RM: (Laughing) Well our sound never stops evolving and we’re constantly trying new things and with those new things, it always seems like one of us picks up another instrument during the process, which is really cool. Right now, I play trombone, clarinet and accordion, to name a few, and if something is needed that we don’t currently play, I’m always like, “I’ll learn it!” But everyone brings something — I mean, in “Sleep Less Where the Heart Is” has banjo to accordion and everything in-between. THEDLM.COM
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TH: How long did it take to produce “Sleep Less Where the Heart Is”?
much that the title really was literal. We had been on the road so much and we wanted to do an album that focused on home themes. RM: Our last album we We also didn’t sleep much recorded in less than 24 during the process; so hours. That’s how fast it was. again, it has a very literal With this album, we really meaning. wanted to take our time, so it took about a month. And TH: What’s your what was so cool about it favorite song from the was we had a lot of friends album? coming in and playing different instruments — it RM: I would say was truly a collaborative “Sleeplessness” and effort. “Hallucinating in C# Minor.” TH: How did you come up with the album title? RM: We didn’t come up with the title until after all of the songs were in place. We had been on the road so
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TH: You are a really cool chick and I’m superexcited to meet you. Do you get a lot of that in Merced? People who talk to you for a bit and then automatically assume
because they talked to you, you’ll remember them? TM: (Laughing) The funny thing is, when it comes to Merced, I really DO love all of the people. It’s our home away from home, and I am always excited to come back. TH: But you will remember me, right? Right?? Listen to “Sleep Less Where the Heart Is” at www. busterblue.com. Buster Blue performs with Strange Vine at The Partisan on Aug. 17. The 21 and older show starts at 9 p.m. and there is a $7 cover.
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LAB TOUR
Dr. Christine Isborn
Isborn does research in everything from solvation to photochemistry, most simply put, the chemistry of light. Photochemistry is what leads us to advances in solar cells, and to understanding and making use of fluorescent proteins, like in jellyfish or the reactions of fireflies.
The Jump visit www.thedlm.com to learn more about the lab and the work they are doing. 34
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