Becky's Greatest Hits Vol. II

 I was kinda amazed to recently see that all of my old "My City" articles are alive and well over at My City Magazine's site .   You have to click on the individual articles to access a PDF (and it's easier to do on a desktop or laptop computer than a phone) but you can see the pics and read the actual articles from the last 10 years.   Tiff Tantrum David Childers Paint Fumes Leisure McCorkle Felicia Castelow  (now known as Finn Castelow) The Menders   Benji Hughes (my only cover story but sadly incomplete on this link) And there are some, that I've got to be honest about now 10 years later, that I can barely remember because they were typically written as a favor or filler.  Sorry.  And there are also a few that I dearly loved (Dust & Ashes) that don't seem to be there.  Again, sorry. It was a good ride.  And 10 years later, I still get asked about it and even (weirdly) recognized for my work over there.  And for that, I'...

 Let's start with confessions...... Confession #1: I was never a Riot Grrrl.  Even though I was the perfect age and demographic, it just wasn't my thing.  I didn't have that kind of anger.  Confession #2: I never really dug Kathleen Hanna.  And I'm actually still on the bubble with her. Confession #3: As a writer myself, I understand how a memoir will always be your way of telling  YOUR side of the story. Confession #4: As wacky as she is, I'm Team Courtney for life. All this being said, this is a great memoir.  I recommend listening to the audiobook instead of reading to hear Kathleen's voice and raw emotion in some parts.   Her difficult 70's childhood, late 80's college education and 90's punk rock Pacific Northwest lifestyle are either relatable, memorable or terrifying. I had a different kind of life myself.  I grew up and went to college as more of Lilith Fair feminist.....let's all hold hands and sing "Closer to Fine" with the I...

Kathy Valentine is a great storyteller.  I have read very few memoirs in which a person could truly tell a story from such an unemotional, honest level.  It makes for a great read as you travel with the narrator through their catharsis.  And Kathy definitely had a lot of those!   As she walks us through two abortions (one at the tender age of 12), her early drug and alcohol use, both a fun and tumultuous relationship with her mother, her sobriety.....it's really a lot to take in!  But Kathy is not one for rest or self-pity.  I guess the most heartbreaking thing of all is how much she just really, really wanted to be in a band.   Thus the title of the memoir. Her famous name-dropping from the Vaughn brothers to The Police to Clem Burke and Carlene Carter also adds a lot a spice to a tale that never winds down to boredom.  (Kathy was friends with Rob Lowe.....whaaaaatttt????) I actually think there's a few different kinds of fans that love...

Jazz Workshop & Improv hosted by John Shaughnessy. Bring your axe, flute, horn, whatever and play some music, sing, bring your jazz and improvised music charts and have them performed by some of Charlotte's best jazz musicians. PA, baby grand piano, drum kit, amps provided.

Bless These Sounds Under the City with Dinner Rabbits and Sam the Lion Petra's 1919 Commonwealth Avenue 9 pm

Valient Thorr with No Anger Control and Planet Creep Tonight at Snug Harbor 1228 Gordon Street 10 pm

Had the opportunity to get the sneak preview of the new record from Bless These Sounds Under the City .  Check it out over here at My City .  This is truly beautiful music that I can help but call "twinkly".  Keep them on your radar for upcoming dates and prospects for bigger things.  I can't help hearing them on some future soundtrack of a lovely indie film.  Or maybe in my own dreams......

Halloween Fiasco Night 2: The Dead Men as EMINEM Knowne Ghost as DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE Tiny City as MILEY CYRUS Rothschild as BRAND NEW fat geoff as R. KELLY Porch Mob (ft. Lil Skritt & Enyo Phase ) as DIE ANTWOORD Tom, Hanks as THE CLASH Suit City as AT THE DRIVE-IN   It's like....it can't all be contained in one night!!!!! 

Halloween Fiasco Night 1: The Bleeps as MADONNA Automatic Fantastic as ZZ TOP Van Huskins as SUPERCHUNK Glimpses as OASIS October as CELTIC FROST Tom, Hanks as TOM WAITS plus Gore Gore Luchadores wrasslin' for charity as YOUR FAVORITE WRESTLING ICONS Are you kidding me?????  What a line-up!!!

Probably my favorite local songwriter.... Check her out!

Carolina Gator Gumbo & David Childers tonight at Petra's...... 1919 Commonwealth Avenue

Farwell Albatross with Mercury Dimes, The Menders & Smelly Felly tonight at Petra's 1919 Commonwealth Avenue

Here are my recent review picks to check out over at the ever-awesome My City Magazine : Farwell Albatross (photo by Stephen Arce) Temperance League (photo by fan)