Metro Pulse/Music/Eye on the Scene

They're Taking Manhattan

Robinella and the CCstringband arrived in New York City last week to two surprises. The first was that their gig that night opening for Kasey Chambers was canceled because the Aussie alt-country siren had blown out her vocal chords. The second was that it was time for their national TV debut, ready or not. "That was a rush," reports Cruz Contreras. "We had just pulled our bus into New York, we're hoping we can even turn the corners, and we get a call saying 'Hey, we want you on the Conan O'Brien Show.' They rushed us into the NBC studios."

On air, Knoxville's official favorite band appeared as loose and tight and unflappable as ever, with Robinella crooning "Man Over," an original number from their forthcoming major label debut. (If you missed it, you can hear a snippet from the performance at the late-night talk show's website).

They then headed downtown to the TriBeCa district, where they played a reportedly well-received showcase set attended by assorted Columbia Record and Sony honchos, as well as Knoxville uber-promoter Ashley Capps (who was in NYC pursuing big things of his own, about which we may or may not be able to tell you more later).

Robinella, Cruz and co. were back in the Big Apple this Tuesday for yet another milestone in their transition to the big leagues: a photo shoot. Their as-yet-untitled Columbia release is due in May. If the response to the Conan appearance is any indication, this could be a very busy year for the East Tennessee quintet. "The phones were ringing off the hook," Cruz says, "everybody's cell phones. We got tons of emails."

Now a word from our globe-trotting musicians

Sarah Lewis of Jag Star dropped us a line recently in the middle of their tour of military bases in the Middle East. Here's what she had to say:

"We are currently in Pakistan! Our schedule has been CRAZY and I'm behind on keeping in touch w/ people. I wanted to let you know what's up! So far we have been to Bishkek, Kyrgystan, Bagram and Kabul in Afghanistan, and now J-Bad in Pakistan. The first week was hard—I got very sick. I think the sickness was from the jet lag mixed w/the Malaria pill side effects. I was hallucinating every night and sick to my stomach every day. Yuck!!

The shows have been great, and the soldiers have been very appreciative. We've made some life-long friends and hopefully fans too."

Go.

Thursday: Go hear the unique sounds of Stinking Lizaveta at the Pilot Light.

Friday: If you don't have a ticket to see Willie, you can check out King Kong at the Pilot Light. Or if you're up for a roadtrip, drive to Asheville and see Godspeed You Black Emperor!

Saturday: Check out the Celtic and bluegrass sounds of Tim O'Brien at the Laurel Theatre. Bring a six-pack or a bottle of wine (and don't forget to share).

Sunday: Make yourself an omelet just the way you like it. Then drink Irish coffee and read poetry. I recommend some Seamus Heaney, Emily Dickinson or Auden.

Monday: Take an American dollar, soak it with rum and burn it. Mix this with the modeling clay. Liquids must be shown to the four corners before libations are poured. Nails can be driven into the heads so only the flat, shiny metal tops can be seen. Hair should be attached.

Tuesday: Catch two African films—Ahlam El Banat and Woibi Cheri—at UT's Hodges Library. Then head to the Pilot Light for Trailer Bride, alt-country the way it should sound.

Wednesday: Read this week's Secret History then see for yourself what the new Corner Lounge on Central Avenue is like.

—Madame "that rusty, scratchy little wreath" Georgie with Jesse Fox Mayshark