Redecorating an Institution

A cloud of smoke still hangs thick in the air, tattooed love boys still shoot pool in the back room, and the same surly bartender (actually, he's nice if you treat him like a human being) still serves beer here.

But something is definitely different about the Longbranch. An expanded stage is located where the bar used to be, which was moved across the room next to the staircase.

In the past year, the Cumberland Avenue bar has become a hotspot for live music, hosting Todd Steed's Apelife, 30 Amp Fuse, Pegasi 51, subbluecollar, Beeswax, the Ghosts, Glowplug—heck, just about every Knoxville band has played the Longbranch, and all for free. And since it's something of a musicians' hangout, you never know when a slightly tipsy R.B. Morris or Mike Harrison (V-Roys) or Tom Pappas (Superdrag, Flesh Vehicle) might be coaxed on stage for a little impromptu jamming.

The new set-up sacrifices some intimacy, but it's much more accommodating for shows, and the loft area now offers a great bird's eye view of the stage. Still, you'd better be nice to the bartender, or he won't serve you.

Break Out

A couple of local fixtures are getting recognized out there in the big, bad world. First, the historic Tennessee and Bijou theaters graced the pages of every soccer mom's favorite magazine, Southern Living. The pictures alone prove that these two pieces of Knoxville culture are well worth the investment, and just may convince quite a few downtown-phobes and/or tourists to come experience the old-time grandeur in person.

Second, our own V-Roys got a rave review in every audio-phile's favorite magazine, Audio. "All About Town, " says writer Bob Gulla on page 95 in the January '99 edition, "doesn't have a single weak moment, even though it traverses a wide range of styles. The album is held together with honesty, sincerity, and promise, not to mention a nudge-nudge sense of humor—all reflected in Scott Miller's songwriting and the band's raw, charming performance." With such accolades, it's no wonder that the 'roys have been selling out shows across the country and most recently in Arlington, Va.

Despite the love that has been surrounding the band and All About Town, Miller and company did almost get themselves thrashed by some alt.country-hating punkers in the Magic Stick, a Detroit club. Details are still hazy, but it would appear that a tussle broke out after the pierced, punk hooligans heckled and flung a beer mug at the band. The gig, however, continued, after security broke the whole thing up. The boys got a much friendlier gig courtesy of National Public Radio, who invited them to play and talk in NPR's Washington, D.C. studio for an episode of Weekend Edition. You can tune in this Sunday on WNCW 96.7 FM, from 8 to 10 a.m.

And finally, Sevierville comedy duo Holy Mackerel, AKA Torry Martin and Joe King, will be playing the prestigious Big Stinkin' Improv Festival 4, which takes place in Austin, Texas, April 5-10. The BSIF routinely draws some of the top comedy talent from around the globe and is attended by industry reps from Comedy Central, Fox, and Carsey Warner. Mackerel is the only troupe from Tennessee that was invited to attend, and will be playing two—count 'em, two—sets at the marquee venue, the Paramount Theatre. Not bad, not bad at all for a little sketch comedy duo from the mountains of East Tennessee.

Wanted

Plague Records is putting together a compilation of tunes from local punk and rock bands. While nothing in this world, particularly in the music biz, is certain, it looks like the disc will be out in the next couple of months. Now here's where y'all fit in. Plague will "listen to anything" and is currently accepting submissions. So pack up your demos and send them to PO Box 10911; Knoxville, 37939 or email [email protected] for more info.

Also, Superdrag's manager Jake is looking for an intern. He's looking for a "music freak, computer-hacker, spends-too-much-time-at-the-record-store type." If interested, email him at [email protected].

On the Hill

The UTK Department of Music will take a big step forward on July 1, when it becomes the School of Music. The new "school" will perform much as it has in the past and will still be a member of the College of Arts and Sciences but, according to music department head Wayne Bailey, "the designation 'school' indicates to the music world a unit that offers a wide range of degree programs, an excellent music library, and a world-class facility." This year the department of music had over 330 student majors and an artist faculty of 51.

Some of these students had the chance to compete in the department's Second Annual Celebration of Excellence, which was coordinated by professor David Northington. The contest itself was full of great musicians, who were competing for a cash prize that could buy a lot of ramen for an undergrad. The winners were pianist Un-Jin Kin and soprano Susannah Biller, who will perform at an awards ceremony on April 1 at 4 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom.

Unfinished Business

Last summer Zippy was informed about the theft of Richard Puncsak's guitars, fax machine, and microphones. The good news is that the thief was recently caught, and the guitars and fax machine were rescued from Charlie's Pawn Shop. The microphones, however, weren't recovered.

In other Puncsak news, Coma Toaster is now back among the living and with a new line-up—Sam Holden on drums, Wesley Moore on bass, and Puncsak on just about everything else. They perform all original "alterblock" music, which is a strange amalgam of alternative and blues rock with a twist. Keep your eyes peeled for their return to a venue near you.

Knox Nightlife

Quick! Copy these events into your life-planner, show up, and you just may have a rare (but not unheard of) Zippy-spotting.

Thursday: The Sadies with Ramblin' Roy and Greg Siedschlag at Patrick Sullivan's. The Sadies are on Bloodshot records, from Toronto, and play "country tang, rabid monkey swang, and a tick-tight boom-chicka-boom-chicka-bang,"which is vibrantly written PR hype that was too good for Zippy to pass up. Ramblin' Roy are local rockers who like to break stuff, and Siedschlag is the MP singin' intern with the impossible-to-pronounce last name.

Friday: Microskapic at New City Café. If you dig local hard-core Christian rock fusion, this is the place to be.

Saturday: Fred Eaglesmith with Caroline Aiken at Bird's Eye View. Eaglesmith plays smart-alecky, soul-stirring songs from his poet's heart, as does Aiken, come to think of it.

Sunday: Benny Skyn Open Mic at McGhee's. You just never know who is going to show up.

Monday: Jodie Manross at The Tomato Head. Manross has the voice of an angel with devil-sized lungs.

Tuesday: Finger 11 with Virgos Merlot and Cutters at Moose's Music Hall. Is it just me or is Finger 11 here every other weekend? Go see their cookie-cutter brand of hard alt. rock so they'll go away.

Wednesday: Blue Jam at Sassy Ann's. Again, you never know who is going to show up.

—Zippy "Waiting for the Night Train" McDuff