Saturday, March 29, 2008

I Have Your Day Planned Out for You

I don't know about you, but sometimes I just hate making decisions. And sometimes on your days off, the last thing you want to do is think. Wouldn't it just be easier if someone told you how you should spend the day? Well, The Ghost wants to help you out. That is why I am telling you exactly how to spend the day.

The first thing you need to do is set your VCR or TiVo or however you record your television shows. The program you want to record is the Gordon Keith Show, and it comes on tonight at 11:35 p.m. on Channel 8. Tonight's musical guest is Lovie, and they will be performing "Mindreader".

The reason you need to set your VCR is because you will probably not make it home in time to see Lovie on television. Why not, you ask? Because you're headed to Opening Bell Coffee for a wonderful night of music, hosted by yours truly. There will be a $5 "suggested donation", so don't forget to bring money for that, as well as for any beverages you feel like consuming (whether it be coffee, tea, soda, or something stronger).

You need to arrive absolutely no later than 8 p.m. because that's when the first act, Klickitat, takes the stage. Lead by Michaela Kuenster, her music sounds like a unique mixture of Aimee Mann and Ani DiFranco, and it definitely pushes the boundaries of what you'd typically expect at a coffee house. The sound is unique, and the lyrics and witty yet tell stories that will hold your attention.

The next band on the lineup is Tonite Tonite. I have known lead singer Andres Negrete for about five years now. When I first met him, he was just a young lad who spent weekend after weekend at shows by the likes of Sorta, Peter Schmidt, Chomsky, and Salim Nourallah, among others. It was if he was a student of fine Dallas music. If that's the case, then consider Tonite Tonite his doctoral thesis. Don't let that mislead you, because while it is clear that Tonite Tonite views these artists as influences, the sound is clearly his own. Andres and the band hit full stride on the slower numbers like "These Flowers Aren't For You", which is equal parts haunting and catchy. Tonite Tonite may have been influenced by past Dallas artists, but I foresee them playing a critical part in present and future Dallas music.

Tonight's showcase is headlined by none other than Lovie. I have spent a lot of time talking about the band's victory in Quick magazine's Battle of the Band contest. That's all good and well, but here's the important question: why did Lovie win the competition? It's very simple. Lovie makes good music. It's music that rocks, and at the same time, puts a smile on your face and in your heart. Their CD Harshmellow is filled with great pop melodies like "Mindreader", "Take A Ride", and the title track. There is often a stereotype that accompanies all girl bands, suggesting that the bands get by on their looks. The truth is, all the members of Lovie are pretty enough that they could have chosen that path. But they didn't. Instead, the band has worked hard and proven themselves as musicians and songwriters. I love this band, and look forward to their set tonight.

Once you wrap up with my Opening Bell Coffee showcase, if you still have a little party left in you, head over to Expo Park Cafe for seconds of Klickitat and Tonite Tonite. Then, once you get home, watch the Gordon Keith show that you taped and see Lovie's performance. There it is, the perfect ending to a perfect day. Oh, and no need to thank me for planning out your day. I'm always happy to help my readers out.

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