Kids and Guitars, 10/24/09

Saturday night at the Democracy Center in Harvard Square, Mama Bird Recording Company put on a sea-songs-themed hootenanny.

The event, which had previously found its home in an attic in Allston, was held in a VFW-hall-style, historic, public space. And it was pouring. The rain made it difficult to trek all the way over to Cambridge, but it was well worth it. The dim chandeliers with electric candles and wood paneling lent itself perfectly to the sea-inspired folk. Acts like Vikesh Kapoor, Old Hannah, Barna Howard and Spitzer Space Telescope, were coupled with other kids who just wanted to sing some songs, touting their guitars, voices, violins, and banjos. Theses acts, associated with Mama Bird Recording, put on fantastic performances. Red-faced and shaking Spitzer Space Telescope belted out (a cappella) a powerful traditional sea shanty. Old Hannah performed some originals that loosely fit the theme. Vikesh and Barna also put on solid performances. And what's more, there were some gems performed by nameless kids who showed up just with a song to play.

The next hootenanny could be anytime and anywhere. You’ll have to keep your eyes peeled for posters at Espresso Royale, ask around with those kids who ride fixies and wear flannel, or ask that cute girl who you’ve always had a crush on. You know, the one that wears all those grandma dresses and rings. You always see her smoking cigarettes outside Allston Café and Urban Renewal. She’ll know where it is.

For now, you can catch Vikesh Kapoor at the YMCA theatre (820 Mass. Ave.) October 26 with Faces on Film at 7 p.m.

-Joe DiFazio

Lonesome Vince's Grand Ole Hoot

It seems these days that every local show under $10 follows the same format: You go to the venue of choice, you watch the 3-4 band lineup, you tap your foot, drink a beer, catch up with friends, perhaps meet someone new, and then the show ends and you leave. But how do you feel when you leave? Has your mood changed? Was the show worth its price? Were you entertained? People need to ask themselves such questions in order to assess the quality of the shows they attend. People should expect talented performers and an energized atmosphere that is unique to each show. Local shows sometimes lack such characteristics, and instead feature familiar bands and audiences on weekday nights when less is happening. The “wow” factor is lost and so are expectations.

Lonesome Vince and his folk friends will bring you something more.

On September 10, the Central Square YMCA Family Theater will house a foot-stomping, hand-clapping, mouth-humming, body-rocking, and entertaining event. Lonesome Vince, a Boston University grad known for the monthly clandestine hootenannies he hosts in his Allston attic, is grouping together an eclectic mix of folk artists from Boston to host a different kind of show. It will incorporate musicians from Mama Bird Recording Company, a record label Vince recently started with some of his favorite Boston folk acts including Vikesh Kapoor, Barna Howard, and Old Hannah. Spitzer Space Telescope, a current BU student, will also be performing.

The show is an attempt to revive the notion of an event as a spectacle, and the YMCA Family Theater is the perfect place to do so, as it boasts wooden chairs, chandeliers, and an old-fashioned box office. The tickets and fliers are handmade and silk screened in classic western font, adding to the show’s aesthetics. Vince will host the show while joining some of the musicians on stage between sets. He wants the event to evoke a feeling of “old-time radio,” reminiscent of Garrison Kiellor’s live broadcasts in the 1970s. He’s even including cornbread and lemonade to accompany the folk feeling.

“It’s about making an experience. It’s more than just watching people on stage—it’s participatory.”

Vince and his friends are moving to the west coast in the fall, so the Grand Ole Hoot will be one of the last opportunities Bostonians will have to "participate" in one of Vince's spectacles. Tickets are $5 in advance and 7 at the door. The doors are at 7 P.M. and seats are first-come, first-served.