Almost exactly a year ago last week, I saw Ed Burch and Viper and his Famous Orchestra play a house show at Hotel S'n'S. Last Friday, I saw another house show featuring Burch and Viper. This one was a release party of sorts (minus some delayed CDs) hosted by a familiar friend and musical collaborator of Edward's in Chicago. Ed was up first, with some songs in honor of Jay Bennett. He played selections from Jay and Ed's old band the Kennett Brothers, a couple off Jay's upcoming release Kicking at the Perfumed Air, a Courtesy Move song, and a lovely version of "Venus Stopped the Train" with full instrumentation and harmonies. Last year's show was very soon after Jay's passing, so it was nice to hear a set this year when things didn't feel so heavy and sad. It felt more like a celebration of Jay's music.
After a break (everyone was encouraged to try scones and watermelon), Viper and His Famous Orchestra came up. In addition to the numerous Wisconsin references in Viper originals, which I always enjoy, plenty of cover songs were sprinkled into the mix. From Miley Cyrus to Michael Jackson, Alex Chilton and Arthur Lee, much singing and dancing took place. There was even a song called "Uncle Bud," verses collected by Zora Neale Hurston. Woven throughout the set was a new song called "Sharkin'," only about forty seconds long at present. The band opened with it, and it was repeatedly requested for the rest of the evening. For good reason!
Sharkin' (#3):
Also last weekend, back home in Madison: Art Fair on the Square and a hilarious Patton Oswalt show at the Majestic. Viva summer!
Accomplishment 1 for today: above. This is my contribution to an upcoming charity auction at work, framed at last. I made the collage from some photos I took right here in Wisconsin. Clockwise: chair and table on my patio in winter, tree blossoms at Owen Conservation Park in spring, brown-eyed susans at the park in the summer, and grasses at the park in autumn. Hopefully, someone will want it.
Accomplishment 2 for today: a purchase. Of plane tickets. For a late spring trip. To a new country! Holy crap, I actually pulled the trigger. Now, to begin brushing up on my language skills. Ahora, mi español es muy mal. Hace muchos años yo lo estudié. Cuando yo quiero hablar en español, con frecuencia digo una palabra en el ruso. ¡Ruso estúpido!
