Last Thursday in Parima’s Acoustic Lounge, APR (Andrew Parker Renga) was joined by Peter Day and Clint Bierman of The Grift. Songwriters’ Night has returned to Parima this month after a short hiatus, and is back stronger than ever. Last week, Pete and Clint brought in one of the best crowds yet – let’s keep with the momentum!

APR began this songwriters’ night to allow songsters in this community a place to be openly creative. The Deli has teamed up with APR to support him in creating a local space for self-expression. These evenings showcase an array of styles and dynamic. Many of these songwriters are not normally solo performers; they come from local bands with hardcore, punk, indie, folk or jazz influence. This time, they’ve got no one to hide behind!

This Thursday, July 24th, APR is joined by The Goshen Ramblers. Actually one-time students of The Grift’s Clint Bierman who graced Parima last Thursday, The Goshen Ramblers are a fast-pickin duo. Experienced musicians out of UVM, Ethan West and Mark Daly have only put this project together less than a year ago. In these months, though, they’ve already toured around the country playing in the ‘hot spots’ for Bluegrass, and recorded at Chakra-5-Studios in Colchester.

Come expecting great harmonies and harmonica. The doors will open at 8:30, and the music usually starts at 9 p.m. Local DJ’s will spin before after and in-between! The show is free, with a suggested donation. Come check out the new scene, and hang with the Deli!!

Nuda Veritas will play at the 1/2 Lounge tonight at 7:30 p.m. And that's the truth.

"Songwriter Rebecca Kopycinski (aka Nuda Veritas) out of Burlington, whose haunting yet stunningly beautiful vocals and minimalist approach to music force the listener into hearing pure sound: plain and simple. The experience of listening to music can be, under certain circumstances of course, truly transcendent to some; Nuda Veritas attempts to achieve the same transcendence through her music, and surely succeeds. She uses an array of instruments, most notably her voice, looped creatively and methodically to create a sound distinguishable among many. Fans of Sufjan Stevens or Imogen Heap will rejoice; while everyone else will be simply amazed by the Goddamned gorgeous sounds she creates."

Maine is close enough to Vermont – by saying this I mean we’re all part of the dirty south community that got stuck in the far north, and sister states have to support each others’ music! Sidecar Radio, a trio out of Portland, Maine, will be in the Higher Ground Ballroom tomorrow night with Sick Puppies at 8:30.

Sidecar Radio has been together for six years, and they’ve got a strong fan base is southern Maine and New England. They are no strangers to Vermont; actually they were Higher Ground’s band of the month for December of ’07. They’ve released a new album this March called “Wave Principle” off of indie record label, Labor Day Records.

Sound-wise, they pull from influences like Sublime, 311, and fellow Maine-iacs the Rustic Overtones. Listening to their singles, I’d say they sound a bit like Pepper with some darker rhythms that remind me of Pearl Jam. For sure they’ve got a ton of energy, and are tight musically.

Headlining are Sick Puppies - a hard-rocking trio from Sydney Australia. They are on their first North American tour, promoting their new album, “Dressed up as Life.” They’re certainly not rookies, though – they’ve been playing together for over 10 years, and have been signed by Virgin. Welcome to Vermont!

So, again, the show is Monday, July 21st, in the Ballroom at Higher Ground. Doors open at 8 p.m., and tickets will be $15 day of.

Who’s down for a punk rock show? Whatever that means, there’s nothing better on a sweaty July eve than hearing to some raw and real music. Ya’ll know I love Nosebleed Island, and tonight they’ll be at the 5th Element with two other interesting acts, brought to Burlington by TickTick.

Nosebleed Island is a well-known local act – one of the other two acts, Monotonix, “formed in November of 2005 with the mission of redefining the rock show.” This is another reason I’ll be there – revolution!

Imaad Wasif will also be there, playing with his new band, Two Part Beast. “So just exactly who is this crazed outpatient, this lover, this recluse, this megalomaniac, this weirdo, this elusive puss-in-boots, this paranoid, this self-saboteur, this true believer?” I’ll be there to find out, tonight at 9 p.m. – truth and love – that’s what I call a punk rock show.

Who is evilhero, and what are your musical backgrounds? evilhero is Ian Ferris (Guitar and Vocals), Shawn Patrick Rice(Guitar) , Nick Rosato(Bass) and Corey Wilhelm (Drums and Beardlessness). We have all been playing music for in one capacity or another for 10+ years, we came together as a band almost a year ago.

Try to describe your sound in 3 words: we're not evil

Who and what are you influences – and has this caused you to struggle to find a unique sound? From metal to jazz and everything in between, our sound is a collision of styles. We focus on song structures and chord progressions that develop organically. We don't force anything.

How long has evilhero been a project, and did this group get its start in Vermont? We've been playing almost one year. We started in Vermont, all of us found our way to VT somehow and were brought together through the miracle of craigslist. Our first gig was at Metronome on 10/21/2007.

Why do you choose to be based out of Burlington, and what are your thoughts on the scene? We live in the Burlington area so... We are discovering a variety of styles in this area and have made connections with other bands whose sound is similar to ours. We want to try to help create a scene separate from the norm that has saturated burlington, a second wind you could say.

Could you briefly describe the music-making process? some songs come from a riff or chord progression during a jam, most are brought in by one of us almost complete. We all bring something to the table and create our own parts. and a lot of practice.

What has been your biggest challenge so far as a band, and how have you overcome this? getting gigs, and mostly getting people to go to them. we're not a jam band or metal or indie, so people don't know what to make of us. people say they want more rock shows, then like 5 people show up. we could blame it on a lot of things, but what Burlington needs is a rock venue. not a bar, restaurant or club, just a small place with a decent stage & sound, and small minimal bar (242 main with a liquor license). no dj dance party nights or 80s nights, just bands. burlington needs our own version CBGB's (circa early 80's). some place to hear new exciting music, and a place for new bands to develop and gain fans, without having to bring in 50+ people to get a spot. if you want a nice dinner or martini's go somewhere else.

Where do you perform most often, and do you play any covers? Nectars and Metronome most often, but we really enjoyed our sets at Radio Bean & Higher Ground. Occasionally we play 1 cover in a set, but don't steadily play covers. we have covered Killer Cars by Radiohead and Monkey gone to heaven by the Pixies.

Where can we see you next? We'll be playing the Hub in Johnson july 19th, the Monkey House August 14th, and Higher Ground August 27th. www.evilhero.ne

Thanks, guys! - Adena

Tonight Higher Ground brings us another edition of Northern Exposure – a series of Wednesday night events that showcase new Vermont and New England acts.

Tonight, the bill includes a very eclectic bunch of musicians.

Tub, currently out of Plymouth, NH (though Vermont natives!) is a punk and dub style trio. Tub’s sound is as simple as their name entails, but don’t take that as an insult – they know what they want to do, and they do it well – stemming from influences such as Bad Brains and Tosh and the Specials.

Local folk trio, Fall Line, make their debut at this venue tonight, claiming to bring with them “music you can eat asparagus to.” I think that means they've got some country-style tunes, that are also rap-influenced.� But I could be wrong. Let’s just say these guys know how to write a tune. Also, catch them at the country-songwriters' competition coming up at the Lincoln Inn. They'll make you tap, tap, tap your toes.

Two other bands grace the Showcase Lounge tonight – Perfect Norm out of Ohio bring a taste of jazz and funk fusion to your evening, and Flood in the Fizzy Factory, well, you’ll just have to find out – because I have no idea.

See ya there at 8 p.m. – the show only costs five bucks.

Last Thursday in Parima’s Acoustic Lounge, APR (Andrew Parker Renga) was joined by the hobo’s poet, Rik Paleire, and local lyrical lady, Rebecca Padula. After a month-long power nap, Songwriters’ Night has re-awoken, bringing with it Burlington’s best songwriter’s together on every Thursday night.

APR is a New England singer/songwriter with Midwestern roots who began this songwriters’ night to allow songsters in this community a place to be openly creative. The Deli has teamed up with APR to support him in creating a local space for self-expression. These evenings showcase an array of styles and dynamic. Many of these songwriters are not normally solo performers; they come from local bands with hardcore, punk, indie, folk or jazz influence. This time, they’ve got no one to hide behind!

This Thursday, APR is joined by Peter Day and Clint Bierman; two members of well-known local group, The Grift. Peter plays bass, and Clint is lead guitar and vocals. The Grift tours New England often, with large followings in Middlebury and Manchester, VT, where they were showcased at the 8 Days in April Festival, earlier this spring.

The doors will open at 8:30, and the music usually starts at 9 p.m. Local DJ’s will spin before after and in-between! The show is free, with a suggested donation. Come check out the new scene, and hang with the Deli.

So, I've heard through our gossiping grapevine that The Jugtown Pirates will be playing tomorrow night, that is Saturday, at Parima for a special birthday celebration. And that the make-up will be the original members...what?! and Ahoy!

For those of you who don't know - Jugtown is a fantasical group of pirateous folk (and I say this with the most positive of connotations) who have been the colorful backbone of this town's music and art scene for a few years, always in and out. And, of course, they're dear to my heart.

Jugtown always seem to come around when fair weather flies - last year they played a reunion show on the Lake Champlain Ferry, after being on the road for almost a year, touring the country in their veggie-oil bus. At the same time, they released there first full-length album, self-titled "The Jugtown Pirates of Lake Champlin," which got well-deserved great reviews.

Get your a$$ down to Parima tomorrow if you didn't make it out to the awesome Songwriters' Night last night (you missed some awesome Hobo poetry jams) and see a bit of history - a group that I think is close to being as much a Burlington legend as Phish.

Maneuvers are an outfit from Burlington, who are doing exciting things with fast, electric rock music. The band has a promising sound which seems to be pointed towards finding some new territory beyond the conventions that often stifle groups working with the energetic, loud and heavy tunes. With only three members, Maneuvers produce a healthy amount of noise. The steady, melodic bass and throaty vocals work along with intricate guitar riffs and rhythms parts to create a dynamic, powerful live performance. Their songs are unique, but for a reference you might consider an At The Drive In or Refused with hearty esteem for 70’s guitar rock classics.

This Wednesday Maneuvers will share the stage at 242 Main with an extensive and impressive lineup of like-minded touring acts, featuring Victor! Fix The Sun, Native, Eroica, Heads Held High and Run Riot.

This exceptional evening of potent electric music will go down on Wednesday the 9th – 7pm at 242 Main - Bring a canned good donation and get and you can get in for 4 bucks! It’s all ages, too.

-Bill Jandl

Unless you’ve had your ear to the underground, you may have missed an important sub-scene that has been brewing in Burlington since February. Some of Burlington best musicians have been hiding out in that quiet back room in Parima on Thursday nights.

These Thursday’s in Parima’s Acoustic Lounge are not your normal weeknight singer/songwriters’ nights; where one by one, solo artists struggle for attention over conversation and clinking glasses. Parima’s lounge is an intimate and unique space where local songwriters are showcased while playing alongside APR.

Andrew Parker Renga (APR) is a New England singer/songwriter with Midwestern roots who began this songwriters’ night to allow songsters in this community a place to be openly creative. The Deli has teamed up with APR to support him in this creation of a space for self-expression. Another unique thing about these evenings are the array of styles and dynamics the chosen musicians bring. Many of these songwriters are not normally solo performers; they come from local bands with hardcore, punk, indie, folk or jazz influence. This time, they’ve got no one to hide behind!

Gracing the Lounge this Thursday, July 10th, are Rik Paleire and Rebecca Padula. Rik is a very special guest –Host of "Song Writer's Notebook on VCAM channel in Burlington, he has recently returned from a tour through Germany, ready to share his stories. Rebecca Padula has just released an album called “Fire & Water.” Rik and Rebecca are no strangers – they have collaborated on artistic projects in the past, including the recently released documentary on Margaret MacArthur, called “Margaret’s Waltz.”

Come mingle with the Deli staff, APR, Rik and Rebecca at Parima this Thursday evening at 9 p.m. and see what’s really going on in Burlington.

Gracing the stage at Nectar’s on Saturday, sporting bright shorts that teeter on the tiny edge lying between hot pants and acceptable, was Joshua Panda. Panda, (who apparently has had his own Vermont Teddy Bear made for him) is an eclectic singer/songwriter with a passion for performing.

Meandering the well-worn trail between Brooklyn and Burlington, Joshua Panda is a 22 year-old Charlotte native who won’t let go of his roots. He is politically passionate as well, as in to say his lyrics are aware and intelligent when it comes to our generation. At Nectar’s on Saturday, he held a small but intent crowd. As I have seen from his photo albums, he’s been known to don drag – thought we were only lucky enough to get the short shorts, his natural ability as a performer will surely draw more people in next week.

Joshua Panda will be at Nectar’s every Saturday this month and even into August, playing in the early evening from around 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

"The palm at the end of the mind,
Beyond the last thought, rises
In the bronze distance..."

Who is Lowest Of Tides and what are your musical backgrounds?

Lowest Of Tides is a joint effort from the four members of the band . Michael Costello plays drums and has been playing basically his whole life running the gamut of many different styles, and loves a good sandwich ! Eric Gordon is the guitarist and feeling of this band . Shaolin axeman ! We can all write a bit, but he had the vision, so to speak for the songs and body in the music .He's also a hell of a gadget's guy/ problem solver! Matt Schoop is the vocalist and lyricist ,and is the youngest of the group by a combined 30 years. His lyrics for this record are more so a story about a man going on a journey to basically the end of the earth and eventually his mind ! Jeremiah "REGGIE " Regimbald , is the resident utility all around guy ! hailing from deep inside the ghetto's of Hubberdon VT ...He's the full time bassist but also fills as a keyboardist and saxophonist as well . He is a music teacher by occupation so he is some what of a mad scientist when it comes to adding different instruments and sounds to the music

Try to describe your sound in 3 words :

Truthful, Emotional, Vulnerable

Who and what are your influences- and has this caused you to struggle to find a unique sound?

The easiest part of the whole process actually WAS finding our own sound. Sure there's way way too many influences , goes without saying, but we all came into it with preconceived desires about what we wanted to come out .What worked was the fact that all of us come from very different backgrounds and had a lot of similar but very different tastes in music.This allowed us to toy with different ideas as well as give each of us a reason to expand and progress our thinking and playing. We all add a little piece of ourselves in the music , but we really are more of a collective than any one member being the most pivotal , and we really think it shows in the music.Basically whether others like it or not , we do , and plan on just continuing for as long as we can.

How long has Lowest Of Tides been a project , and did the group get it's start in Vermont?

God almost a year now , we started jamming as a 3 piece of guitar , drums, and vocals in November 2007. Jeremiah came in on bass around April 2008 . We did get our start here in VT . In a forest of bands we are but a sapling !

Why do you choose to be based out of Burlington and what are your thoughts on the scene ?

Well , we pretty much all live here .Matt lives about an hour away basically in the woods ...in Morrisville's radioactive sector. The scene here is pretty small here, Burlington isn't by any means Chicago or N.Y.so it's to be expected .What ever we can do to give our little drop in the bucket ....is all we'd like to do for the scene here.

Could you briefly describe the music -making process?

Eric usually plays some riffs or passage he's been working on while we warm up before practice. This usually leads to a slightly inebriated Matt to say "dude put that in the next song" Which also leads to Mike and Miah going ok let's write this sucker out We'll all either piece together the parts or most of the time Eric will go record it and send mp3's back and forth until everyone is happy. Michael will usually write the drum parts on the spot and practice it alone until its consistent as well as Jeremiah . Matt will write the words while the rest of the guys figure everything out and eventually bring them to practice . We really haven't had any problems yet in the writing area , everything each person has contributed so far has really inspired all of us in some way . We are just taking our time to make a great sounding , good record we like ,and maybe people will like it as well .

What has been your biggest challenge as a band , and how have you overcome this?

Finding time to practice is tough sometimes but we manage. Scheduling and playing shows around or jobs . We just find the time to come back to our happy place so to speak . We do tell each other frequently to relax and regain a little objectivity from any crazy thing that goes on . We just all love each other as brothers and love playing the stuff we are ..that sorta comes before any thing .

Where do you perform most often ,and do you play any covers ?

We just started playing out doing little mini tours this summer , mostly in the northern VT area , we have played in Bennington and we are setting up to play in New Hampshire , Mass, New York and Maine , so our schedule is getting busier by the minute . Covers actually we just broke out You Lied by Peach .. later played by Tool , we just dug the song ..We are actually working on Set the Controls For The Heart Of The Sun .an early Pink Floyd song ...just really fun crazy stuff to play .

Where can we see you next?

The next show is July 10th at The Hub in Johnson VT . Different crowd there or us so we'll see what happens . they do have really good food ...so come out and buy us a round !!

Thanks guys!

-Adena

Radio Bean brings us special music. When you’re there, you’re there for the music -however raw, real and radical. Holy Fucking Ghost - a Burlington-based band who has just recently crossed my path - will be performing at the Radio Bean on the 28th.

Apparently ‘back from the beyond,’ I guess the reason you may not have heard of Holy Fucking Ghost is that they have been on a two-year hiatus. You’re in for a grungy evening, if not necessarily due to their sound, but perhaps because they haven’t performed for such a long time. By grungy, I’m not trying to imply ‘bad,’ except if you like solid and controlled vocals. I prefer a little of the ‘looseness’ that I think these guys will bring to the Bean this weekend.

If you miss them at Radio Bean, they’re playing the next night at The Monkey at 8 p.m., again with their friends starfish H.Q. from New Jersey.

The Deli's true purpose is to expose the newest and best music from Burlington’s scene. Burlington is a small city with a permeable and receptive music scene. Another of my goals is to spread throughout the community news of good music, so I won't stop myself when something awesome gallops into town.

Tomorrow night, Jose Gonzalez will play at Higher Ground’s Showcase Lounge. Gonzalez will prove to you it’s worth it to look all the way to Goteborg, Sweden to find your next singer-songwriter obsession. His latest recording, "In Our Nature" was put out in 2007 by Imperial Recordings. Gonzales’ dangerously truthful voice will grow on you at every listen.

Gonzalez is on his first world tour, smartly hitting up all the major festivals, as well as small and famous venues around the US. The above video was recorded live at the end of May for Pitchfork Magazine.

When you're on a world tour, you know you've made it – but at the same time, get a chance to wallow in Gonzalez's art before you have to sit in the back row of a packed 10,000 seat stadium. The show begins at 8:30 p.m., and will be $17 day of.

Check this stream...