Just Say No, Talkin' Smooth Jazz, and more

Who goes around, comes around
We knew that Ewok village in the sky shit was too good to be true! Pete Hoeffecker (Megalon Esquire, Army vs. Navy, etc., etc.) never made it to sunny California but has been cooling his heels in Chattanooga after a brief road trip through Memphis and Arkansas. He’s ready to come home, though, and it looks like he’s going to be as prolific as ever, with homecoming shows at the brand new South Knox School of Sound on July 27 and a night of music at Pilot Light, as well as an art show at the Birdhouse, both on Aug. 3. As predicted, he seems to have started at least two new musical projects, which he will, no doubt, be unveiling soon. If you see him out say ‘hey,’ buy him a beer or ask him for any money he might owe you.

Just Say No
The Birdhouse performance/art/etc. space in Fourth and Gill would like you to know in no uncertain terms that you should not bring alcohol to their establishment. In order to keep the venue all ages, avoid expensive permits and insurance and generally keep unpleasantness to a minimum, no drinking will be allowed on the premises. So you can try seeing a show sober for once, stop in Sassy Ann’s for a quick one before or between sets or wait until the generally early shows are over before you initiate the night’s carousing. No whining, and please respect their request, as they are providing a valuable service as a much-needed multi-purpose DIY venue. The Birdhouse is a community space open to all types of endeavors, and they encourage you to drop them a line at
birdhouse.laboratories@gmail.com and offer suggestions of how the space might best be utilized.

I’m Talkin’ Smooth Jazz
Local label Laboratory Standard Recordings has released its second 7-inch, a recording by Chicago jazz/improv upright bass and drum duo Lay All Over It, comprised of a single song spread over both sides of the record. Augmented with Tim Haldeman’s sax, “Never Too Far to Fly” is a much more relaxed, easy going tune than their usually manic live sets.  Not surprising, considering Jason Ajemian (bass) and Nori Tanaka (drums) are prolific in any number of avant-garde projects around Chicago, always stretching and testing themselves with new directions. It’s a cool sounding record that surprises in its accessibility and pleasantness — not what you’d expect from the usually more abrasive and experimental offerings from LSR.  Available from  
www.myspace.com/laboratorystandardrecordings.

BOO!-hoo
The Ghosts need a new drummer. Their Sidestreet Tavern show on Saturday, July 21 was drummer Jason White’s last. If you think you’re man- or drunk-enough for the gig, contact Ghosts representative He Who Cannot Be Sober, I mean Named, at www.myspace.com/hwcannot.