Music Monday

Septemeber 27

Hello my dear readers,

I hope no one missed a show due to the absence of updates last week, but there really wasn't much going on. I also hope that my readers in North Cackalacka made it to the Carrboro Music Festival, an annual event put on by the city of Carrboro, NC with 25 stages and over 100 acts. Unfortunately, because of rain, a lot of outdoor stages were closed and great bands like the Straight 8s didn't get to play. One such canceled band, Rough Cut, decided to take a chance and ask some neighbors if they could set up on their porch. The neighbors were happy to host and as soon as the band started to play, a crowd started to form. An americana bluegrass band, Rough Cut's harmonies are as sweet as their picking. Since they don't play very often, you should really see them whenever you get a chance. This band has serious talent. Another great band I discovered at the music festival is the String Machine. This bluegrass quintet has a bluesy, rockin' edge that appeals to a wider crowd than the regular bluegrass listeners. String machine is made up of talented vocalists and amazing musicians, plus there is eye candy for most types, so they're easy on the eyes and the ears. They cover well-known songs, like Bob Seger's "Turn the Page" (Metallica also had a turn at it) and put a lively bluegrass spin into it, but they also have some good original songs, each taking their turn to write and sing. I was impressed and would recommend them to anyone who enjoys outlaw country, rockabilly, bluegrass, roots or folk.

And now for the week in Rockabilly, Pychobilly and everything similar*:

Tonight, Monday, September 27, 2010
Public Assembly in NYC hosts the Memphis Morticians (psychobillY), Tracer Bullet (soulful rockabilly), and the Brains (psychobilly) at 9pm.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010
The legendary Koffin Kats (psychobilly) play with Tex Railer's Doomtown (psychobilly) @9pm at the Midway Cafe in Boston, MA.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Blood Red River (rockabilly) play at the Pinhook in Durham, NC @10:30pm.

Thursday, September 30, 2010
Nothing really going on Thursday, but if you are in the Wilmington, NC area and you are interested in modeling, or if you are an actor needing photos, Belindabilly is looking for models for a photo shoot September 30 or October 6.

Friday, October 1, 2010
Carrboro, NC's Artscenter hosts Killer Filler (surf) at 8pm.
At 9pm James Hunnicut and the Revolvers (rockabilly) play in Charlotte, NC at the Milestone.
Also in Charlotte, at Puckett's Farm Equipment the Straight 8s (rockabilly) and the Tremors (rockabilly) play at 10pm.
In Durham, NC, Near Blind James and Harmonica Bob (ragtime/blues) play at the Broad Street Cafe @8pm.

Saturday, October 2, 2010
Mad tea party ("uke-abilly") and the Straight 8s (rockabilly) play at the Pour House in Raleigh @9pm.
Johnny Carlevale and His Band of All-stars (rockabilly) play at Boston's Midway Cafe @9:30pm.
Then back in Charlotte, NC, The Tremors (rockabilly) and the Transylvania Transport Co. (psychobilly) play Puckett's Farm Equipment @11pm.

Sunday, October 3, 2010
Kelley & the Cowboys (rockabilly) play an outdoor show as part of Durham, NC's Warehouse Blues Series in Durham's Central Park @5pm.

*Right now, I only cover North Carolina, Chicago, and Massachusetts, but will add more places if I get requests. So, if you live somewhere else and want to know what's going on in your neck of the woods, give me a holler and I'll add your city or state to my list. Also, if your band or venue isn't listed and it should be, make sure to add it in the comments so everyone knows!

Lastly, Belindabilly is giving away a free t-shirt to one lucky contest winner. To enter fill out this quick survey now! The winner will be notified October 10th by email. See you on Friday!

Fashion Friday

Dear Reader,

You may have noticed that the Belindabilly blog has not been updated as frequently as it should have lately. I apologize especially to those of you who missed having the Music Monday post this week; luckily it was a quiet week in the world of rockabilly and psychobilly. However, there was some hoopla lately in the world of fashion...by the name of New York Fashion week.

Were you as excited as I that the runway was finally broadcast for the whole interweb to see? The fashion industry is finally realizing that elitism isn't a good look for anyone. My favorites were Carlos Miele, Nanette Lepore, and of course Betsey Johnson always puts on a good show. Now you don't have to buy a magazine to find out what's in for the spring. In case you didn't get to see, I'll tell you right here and right now, that sparkles are hot now, and in 2011. Sequins, costume jewelry, shimmering fabrics, glitter, studs - it's all in (but hopefully not all on the same garment). If your wardrobe looks to drab to you, just buy a few sparkly accessories - maybe a studded belt and a glittering necklace - to add into each outfit and, voila, you're back in the game. I'll also tell you another secret: purple is always in. Always. It's the exact shade of purple that you have to get right. Last year it was eggplant (which I still love), but this year it seems to be wavering between an amethyst and a lilac. I never condone lilac (the color, I mean - the flower is wonderful), but if you do like it, you can get away with it this spring. Fall purples are always dark or jewel tones, so stick with amethyst until the end of 2010. Plaid is also very hip this season, which brings me to my next point: the Belindabilly fall collection, "Beauty and the Beast" will be available next Fashion Friday, October 1.

I can't show you anything yet, but I can tell you there is a lot of plaid and some toile, and the women's outfits are very curvy and the men's very square (but certainly not plain!). I also guarantee that even those of you in Chicago will stay warm with these beauties (and beasts), so check back next week for the exciting unveiling!

Lastly, who doesn't like a free t-shirt? Belindabilly will give away a t-shirt to one lucky winner (choice between our two signature tee designs or a one-of a kind)! To enter, fill out 8 quick survey questions here and enter your email address. The survey ends October 7 at 11:45pm and the winner will be notified by October 9.

Come back on Monday for Music Monday's calendar of rockabilly, psychobilly and everything similar for next week.

Thanks for visiting!
<3 Belinda P.S. You can still view a lot of the runway shows at Lincoln Center's website.

Music Monday

Septemeber 13

This week is pretty slim pickins for psychobilly and rockabilly music. That is, unless you live in Bristol Tennessee/Virginia, where the 2010 Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion festival takes place this Friday through Sunday. The festival showcases bluegrass, folk, country, rockabilly, and everything in between with 4 outdoor stages, a dance tent, and indoor venues with vendors, food and such. Check out their website for more information, including the full line-up.

Tuesday September 14, 2010
Pearls Mahone and the One-eyed Jacks (rockabilly) play at the Horseshoe in Chicago with Jason and the Punknecks (outlaw country) @9pm.

Wednesday September 15, 2010
Not a band, but the Horseshoe in Chicago hosts subculture Karaoke; have a few drinks and belt out some Nekromantix...

Thursday September 16, 2010
In Chicago, Reggie's Music Joint hosts Happy Talk Band, The Numbers, and J.B Ritchie @10pm. They aren't rockabilly, more of a bluesy rock'n'roll, but I would recommend it if you're around.

Friday September 17, 2010
In Bridgeport, CT, Amy Rose and Her Troublemakers (rockabilly), along with Soul Reapin' 3 (psychobilly), and The Long Goodbyes (rockabilly) at Two Boots @8:30pm.

The Go Devils (psychobilly) play at Stella Blue in Asheville, NC @9pm.

The wonderful, legendary Marti Brom plays at Public Assembly in NYC with Teri Joyce & the Tagalongs, and Li'l Mo & the Monicats @9pm.

Saturday September 18, 2010
The Go Devils (psychobilly) play again in Oakley, NC at the Fairview Tavern @4pm.

The Cave in Chapel Hill, NC hosts Blood Red River (surf/rockabilly) @10pm.

And thats about it. See you on Friday for a special fashion surprise!

Fashion Friday

Ok, so it's actually Saturday, but it's still the Second Saturday, which means it's time for

How To...

I have two how-tos for you today to make up for it.

First, How To watch Fashion Week without a ticket. This one is easy. The Lincoln Center, the venue for NYFW has a live web cast of almost the whole thing. You can also go to NY Mag's article that lists all of the shows that will be streaming online and when with links. You can still catch Alexander Wang and Altuzzara today, but in case you missed your favorite, the NYFW website has photos and videos from the runway.

My second how-to is How To Get Rid of Stains (the old fashioned way). This isn't a complete list, just some of the things you wouldn't guess; if you have a stain that I don't mention here that you want to know how to remove, leave a comment for me or send me an email.

For grass: soak for 30 minutes in a solution of one gallon water and two tablespoons of vinegar. Rub gently and rinse.

Mildew: For washables, add a few drops of household ammonia. Otherwise, dry clean.

Chewing gum: rub with an ice cube, then scrape with a butter knife.

Some other warnings about stains you may not know -

• Some stains like alcoholic beverages and citrus may dry invisible but yellow with age; sponge with bleach to remove.
  
• Don't add water to grease stains - this will make it harder to remove. Instead use a combination of dry cleaning solvent, detergent and bleach (one at a time).
  
• Don't melt candle or crayon wax to try and get it out, but scrape it away like for chewing gum. Heating it may cause the color to set in the fabric.
  

Happy Fashion Week!

Music Monday

Septemeber 6

Happy Monday, everyone! Today I wanted to list some rockabilly/psychobilly radio stations for you to listen to online; please add to the list in the comments section if you know of any more. But first, did anyone go to the Psychobilly Sideshow in Fayetville last week? I was tricked into staying home by Earl the Hurricane, who then stood us all up. By the way, how about that for a band name - Earl and the Hurricanes? Anyway, today I've been listening to Garage 71 Radio, which has a psychobilly show every Monday night 8-10pm, as well as great rockabilly, psychobilly and other rock n roll music all day every day. This Retro Radio Locator from Atomic Magazine is a pretty cool tool to help you find out if there is a station near you that plays rockabilly and the like. Some others include Rock-it Radio, which is cool if you can get it to work, Rockabilly Radio, and Wreckhouse Radio. The last one is podcasts only, but they play some pretty good music when they're not talking.

And now for the week in Rockabilly, Psychobilly, and the like:

Today, Monday September 6, 2010
It's the last day of the Coney Island Rockabilly Festival, with bands all day at Cha Cha's on the boardwalk, Coney Island, NYC.

Tonight PA's Lounge in Somerville, MA hosts the Mission Creeps at 9:30

Tomorrow, Tuesday September 7, 2010
The Chop Tops, Tex Railer's Doom Town, and Viva Le Vox play at 8pm at Public Assembly in Brooklyn, NY. There will also be vendors, DJs and "go-go".

Wednesday September 8, 2010
Reggies Rock Club/Music Joint in Chicago hosts is 3 Year Anniversary Party @ 6pm. I would go to the Music Joint part to see Divebar, a Chicago alt-country band, and Kent Rose and the Remedies, a kind of Hank Williams brand of Rockabilly.

In Charlotte, NC, Hellbound Glory is playing first at the Evening Muse at 8, then later at 10:30 at Thirsty Beaver.

The Cave in Chapel Hill, NC hosts the Mission Creeps and Killer Filler @ 10pm/

Thursday September 9, 2010
Lincoln Theater in Raleigh, NC will have the alt-country/rockabilly bands Lucero, American Aquarium, Max Indian, and John Howie & The Rosewood Bluff.

Hellbound Glory, Flat Tires, and Crank County Daredevils play @9pm at Stella Blue in Asheville, NC.

At 10pm, the Whiskey Daredevils play Quenchers in Chicago.

Friday September 10, 2010
The 16th Annual NC Tattoo Convention, hosted by Little John's Tattoo starts at the Marriot in Greensboro. I'm not sure what time the Tremors go on, but it's an all day all weekend thing and they promise live music. Find more info here.

The Independents play @9pm at Reggie's 42nd Street Tavern in Wilmington, NC.

Saturday September 11, 2010
Raleigh, NC is very busy with Live at the Dive (The Divebar), hosting Crank County Daredevils, Beitthemeans (southern rock), Hellbound Glory, She Rides (Horrorpunk), Jay Berndt (classic Country), and Flat Tires. Then over at Volume 11 Tavern, they're having a parking lot show starting @1pm, with a free BBQ @6pm, and Motorbilly goes on inside @9pm. Last but not least the Dex Romweber Duo plays at Slim's @11pm.

Sunday September 12, 2010
Frankensexxy, The Heavies, The Gravetones, Johnny Murder and the 25 to Life, and the Chop Tops play at Reggies Rock Club in Chicago @7pm.

The Dex Romweber Duo play in Charlotte at Snug Harbor @10pm.

Please, drop me a line if you want me to add your city or state, and make sure to leave a comment if I forgot something!