Musician magazine is currently accepting entries for the 1998 Best Unsigned Band (BUB) competition. Open to all unsigned bands and artists of every genre, this is an opportunity for local and regional acts to secure national recognition and have their music heard by people in the music industry — from top music critics and editors to established artists. Entries must be postmarked by December 31, 1997, and interested bands and artists can receive information, rules and an official entry form by calling a toll free hotline at 1-888-Song98 (1-888-766-4798). Entry information can also be accessed on the internet at http://www.musicianmag.com/bub.
Bands are judged on a 2-song cassette of their best material. After a preliminary round of judging by editors and writers of major music publications, twelve BUB winners will be chosen by a panel of artist-judging featuring Aerosmith’s Joe Perry, funk folkstress Ani DiFranco, Everclear’s Art Alexakis, contemporary bluesman Keb’ Mo’, and guitar virtuoso Eric Johnson. The twelve winning bands will be featured in Musician magazine and appear on the “Best of the BUBs” CD compilation, manufactured by Atlantic Records and serviced to all major and indie label A&R contacts. A grand prize winner will win all of the above plus a premium gear package worth over $10,000 from Yamaha and Fostex. Call the toll-free number above if you’re interested in receiving the rules and an official entry form.
The Howlin’ Wolf will once again host the Rock-for-Tots benefit on Dec. 13 beginning at 6 p.m. The brainchild of Jimmy Ford, Rock-for-Tots will feature 12 bands from various genres playing three to four tunes with the last selection being a Christmas song. Last year, Ford recorded the session and has put together a Rock-for-Tots Vol. 1 compilation sampler that includes music from Woodenhead to Weedeater. This year’s line-up includes Leigh Harris, Irene Sage, Rigid, Egg Yolk Jubliee, Big Slim Hazard, Ben Hunter — The Soul Avenger, NailBoss, Alexander Fly, Tri City Six, Dang Bruh Y and a special performance featuring Kim Carson, Kim Davis and Theresa Andersson. Admission is either $5 or a toy.
On December 6, Tipitina’s will unveil its New Orleans Music Walk of Fame by inducting the first two honorees: Professor Longhair and Art Neville. The Walk of Fame medallions are circular, decorative steel plates commissioned by Tipitina’s and designed by local artist, Luis Colmenares, incised with logos commemorating each of the musicians to be honored. Once installed, the medallions will be bottom-lit with beams of light shining through the logos.
Victor Wooten, bass player for Béla Fleck and the Flecktones and recently named Bass Player of the Year in Bass Player magazine’s 1997 reader’s poll, plays a solo gig with drummer J.D. Blair on December 11 at Howlin’ Wolf.
The Saya Saito Trio will play Snug Harbor on Dec. 3 with shows at 9 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Jimmy’s Music Club will hold a “Benefit for Underground Sounds” on Dec. 5 which will feature Calvin & The Snobbs (7:15 p.m.), Hotchkiss (8 p.m.), Royal Pendletons (9 p.m.), Persuaders (10 p.m.), Supaflies (11 p.m.), Secondhand (12 midnight) and Eye Hate God (1 a.m.). It’s an all ages show with the doors opening at 7 p.m. A $5 donation is requested and contributions will gratefully accepted.
NBC‘s highly-acclaimed Homicide: Life on the Streets used an extended portion of Charlie Miller‘s “Lullaby Peace Dreams,” from his solo effort Peace Horn on its Nov. 21 episode.
The New Orleans Music Industry Foundation (NOMIF) has just released Jazz: The Language of New Orleans (Vol. 2), a 15-track compilation CD that showcases some of the finest modern jazz artists in the city today. NOMIF has once again teamed up with Louisiana Red Hot Records to commercially release the CD to the public for a promotional price of $11.99. The CD features, among others, Astral Project, Kevin Clark, Tom McDermott, Victor Goines, Entourage and many, many more.
Dash Rip Rock will begin recording their ninth record this month at the Boiler Room Studio. Ex-Dash member Fred LeBlanc will produce with Mark Bingham on the board. After the record is completed, guitarist/singer Bill Davis will begin recording his solo record and he will also begin recording the new Swingin’ Haymaker‘s record with his wife, Kim.
Tipitina’s and WWOZ will play host to a star-studded benefit on December 3 to raise money for Johnny Adams to help him alleviate some of his medical bills that have been mounting during his fight against cancer.
During December, catch these local acts on Louisiana Jukebox (Cox Ch. 10, Thursdays @ 10:30 p.m.): Zachary Richard, The New Orleans Klezmer All-Stars (Dec. 4); Keith Frank (Dec. 11); and a holiday Christmas special (Dec. 18).
The Fredy Omar con su Banda will record live at Tipitina’s on Dec. 13 beginning at 10 p.m. This recording will be used to produce the band’s debut CD. Later in the month, the band is hoilding a Fiesta de Navidad at Cafe Brasil on Saturday, Dec. 20 from 11 p.m. until 3 a.m. Andy Wolf (from Royal Fingerbowl) will sit in on bass for Sam Price, who will be out on holiday.
In nearly 58 years of singing gospel music, the Zion Harmonizers have never recorded a Christmas collection. Until now. This month the Harmonizers released A Gospel Christmas, a collection of sacred and secular Christmas songs. The CD is available at record stores and specialty shops throughout the great New Orleans area.
Three of New York’s hottest third wave ska bands will play the Maple Leaf Bar on Dec. 10. The Slackers, Skinnerbox and The Stubborn All Stars will also play in Houma (at Main Street) on Dec. 11.
The 12th annual South By Southwest Music and Media Conference will be held this year from March 18-21 in Austin, TX. Long recognized as one of the premiere music conferences in the world, SXSW also holds a concurrent Interactive Festival (March 14-17).
