Music on Saturday
May 20th, 2006 . by mattKiki played Asheville, NC the other day; as part of a fundraiser for the Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance. Not only did we have a blast and raised some money for the Theatre’s two upcoming performances (the first of which features both the Dole and Kiki… holy split personality, Batman!), but I was introduced to an army of Asheville’s finest entertainers. We knew and loved Holiday Childress, lead singer of the Goodies, a band that Jump used to play with often, but for some reason I had never been introduced to Holiday’s gorgeous friend Stephanie, of Stephanie’s Id. She sang an appropriately silly song for the fundraiser but made her mark on my easily crushed (crushy? crushable? crush-prone??) heart, and the next day when I returned home I bought their CD “Spiral In” on iTunes. And it’s beautiful. Critics hear Bjork, Jim Morrison, and Portishead… I’d agree on most points, but in general it’s just a lovely piece of work. Shirley Manson of Garbage likes them, so you should too.
We met two members of the Rebelles, Asheville’s all-female burlesque troop, quite a formidable bunch. In many ways they’re the Kiki of Asheville, but have been doing it a lot longer; they mix in political jabs and skits to their creative undressing, and from what I saw it’s a show worth seeing. We’re trying to work out a coastal-mountainous collaboration in the coming months; stay tuned.
It was a night that will be hard to beat. I’m learning so much about myself, by being someone else for an evening. There is freedom in that… freedom in being able to stretch myself so much all at once. The learning curve is so much sharper than it was in a rock band, at least for now, and that’s pretty intoxicating. Now I just have to start taking yoga or something so I can do all the ridiculous stunts I try as Jonny and not wake up with a stiff back. Fucking hell.
Before I go, I’d like to mention that my buddy David Mead’s new album, Tangerine, is yet another masterpiece of luscious pop, perfect songwriting craftmanship. Does that guy ever stink? Ever? He’s coming to Charleston this week, so I guess I’ll have to leave the house for a good cause.
Yoga is good shit, Matt. Do it.
I am loving Tangerine. I thought for sure I would have to order it, but my local shop actually had two copies (!!), so I lucked out. “Hallelujah, I Was Wrong” = fabulous. Enjoy the show this week.
You and your crushes. Jeez.
i think it’s only fair for you to be prone to crushes when so many girls crush on you! now you know what it’s like!!
also, the phrase “coastal-mountainous collaboration” makes me giggle, and i don’t know why.
I’m sure that working with as many artists as you are that the experience is both really cool but the kind of crazy one rarely sees. I know my theater days were off the wall. Ye gods I’m looking forward to seeing ya’ll perform Kiki’s Cabaret. I want to come up to Asheville for the June showing. Any chance that we’ll get to see you in Atlanta or Athens? Oh, please!
First of all, Kiki was absolutely amazing. I think I sat there the most of the time with my jaw on the floor because I couldn’t get over how great Miss Hearst sounded or laughing hysterically at Jonny and his crazy antics. With that said, you and your group of characters are truly talented artists and Kiki is a representation of creativity at its absolute best.
Next, as a huge fan of Jump, and a definite supporter of Matt Bivins: the artist, I will follow your career where ever it takes you! (reverting back to a much earlier entry) I love Charleston, couldn’t imagine not living here- but I certainly agree with you- the stage is not as recognized as it could be, should be. SO, if you had (keyword being had, I mean seriously we’ll take out a loan and build a theatre :0) to find a new city so that your creative juices would flow openly and honestly I would support you because I am inspired by your projects and understand your need for an outlet. I just need more Matt, more of what makes you- you.