Tagged: KVC-Arts

Writers on the Block started off as pretty much an open mic for writers ... mostly poets. It soon became mainly an online Facebook presence where people could share their works, as well as give and receive feedback. It then became a live event once again — the first Wednesday of every month at The Vault Martini Bar Redlands (which turned 20 years old this year!).

There's a sign-up sheet starting at 8, and by 9 be ready for, well, readings and recitations. I got there as someone was reading from a short story. Many, many poems followed as we went through the sign-up sheet. I heard some very personal pieces, and some which were designed for a laugh. I heard some works which adhered strictly to meter and form ... and others were a rant on paper. And all of which I enjoyed thoroughly.

The main driving force behind Writers on the Block these days is the combination of Alfred Valdivia Jr., Jamie Lee Musser, and Jose Nevarez AKA Vill Ain. Jamie and Villain join me to talk about Writers on the Block — past and present — and more.

Entertainment to experience … or to see!

Whatever branch of service you might have served in, you may recall just how much they molded you into being a soldier, sailor, marine, etc ... but they didn't do a WHOLE lot to prepare you for being a civilian once again.

Enter Mil-Tree, and their program, "Tapestries of Transformation." The purpose of which is connecting veterans back to their community and reducing chronic loneliness and isolation.

The culmination of the program will be a theatrical performance in the spring, which comes together as the culmination of several workshops — drumming, writing and storytelling, acting, and movement. The workshops are coming up QUITE soon — running through February. AND — they're not JUST for veterans.

More at mil-tree.org.

John Jorgenson grew up in Redlands (and while at University of Redlands, actually played clarinet with Benny Goodman conducting!!!), and at one
point worked at Disneyland — playing in three different bands comprised of the same four guys. He was in The Desert Rose Band, along with Chris Hillman of the Byrds and Herb Pederson, who's played with more people than I can name in one breath. He was also in the award-winning Hellecasters, and was invited by Elton John to be part of an 18-month tour, which turned into a 6-year stay. John Jorgenson is also one of the forerunners in the world of Gypsy Jazz.

I interviewed him just over a decade ago when he was getting ready to perform in Redlands, though this was before the creation of KVC-Arts. About time I included this one! John is still touring and performing in a number of configurations. More at johnjorgenson.com.

On this edition of KVC-Arts, we'll hear from Johnny A. Hickman about this region of California as well as bands from the area (Cracker's roots are indeed Redlands, San Bernardino, Highland, Riverside ... ), another phrase or three talking about the songwriting process for Cracker, several REALLY cool tunes from Hickman's early solo release, Palmhenge — as well as the origin of that name, and yes — Cracker's breakout hit — "Teen Angst."

The core of Cracker has always been Johnny A. Hickman and David Lowery. Before moving to Virginia, Cracker was VERY much steeped in The Inland Empire region of Southern California (The Dangers, Camper Van Beethoven & more). So, in early November when they were getting ready to wrap up their 2023 tour in Highland (a literal 10 miles from where I sit), I happily grabbed a chance for an interview. It was very much at the 11th hour, and David was teaching that day, but I was quite happy to speak with Johnny. Either one would have been wonderful. LOTS of GREAT material with both these guys!

Even though there wasn't room in a KVC-Arts prior to their performance, we still spoke for just under an hour, so I could grab a snippet of the conversation to be used as a feature during Morning Edition and All Things Considered to promote their appearance and use the rest of the conversation for a KVC-Arts in the relative near future.

So — taking us into the new year, it's Cracker for the next TWO KVC-Arts. Some of the items for the first show ... The songs "Low," "San Bernardino Boy," "Eurotrash Girl," "March of the Billionaires" and more ... and of course Cracker as a name for the band. These days it sometimes gets a person dinged on Facebook.

Last year I thought I'd just pad the KVC-Arts falling on Christmas with music from someone who'd been a guest on KVC-Arts in the past... to just kind of round out the show. Then I decided there were more than enough past guests to fill and entire program. So that's what I did. And this year we're getting it again. Not a repeat of last year's program, but again it's music for the season… all from folks who’ve been guests on KVC-Arts in the past, and some who live in this region!

Quite fun... and at times quite beautiful. Music from (in order): Benjiphonik, Chris Thayer, Jonathan Karrant, Kenny Vance, Peter Curtis, and Apryle Dalmacio.

Near the end of October 2023, Chris Thayer put together a poster which represents - in order - bands and projects going from great 90’s rock, to love songs and lullabies, to the blues bands - both jump swing show bands and grittier, greasier explorations. An album with a guest or two on every track, and more introspection with other releases… 20 albums over the last 29ish years.

When David Fleming and Chris spoke recently about his novels - and graphic novels, they also took the time to address the poster - in order - hearing about each band or project represented.

We’ll hear about Stillwater Black, Chris Thayer Band, Chris Thayer and the TCB, Depravity Brothers, The Storybook Villains, C. W. Thayer and music to accompany a haunted pumpkin patch… personal music, and music share and to celebrate…

David Fleming welcomes back Chris Thayer. Generally when Chris is on the program it's to talk about music, with many projects (always) going on. On this visit we'll hear about a couple of Novels out - "Summers, Weekends, Nights & Holidays," and "The Perfect Man." We'll also hear about a fascinating novel ABOUT to be out, some graphic novels and more.

David Fleming speaks with Yngwie Malmsteen once again. On this edition of the program they touch on his newest, called "Parabellum." A PHENOMENAL release. We spoke a lot about his release prior to "Parabellum," "Blue Lightning." Three original tracks, the rest being covers which were not traditional blues tunes, but rather rock and pop tunes which leaned heavily in that direction. As he said, "It's not blues per se, but it's BLUESY," with covers of The Beatles, Clapton, ZZ Top, Hendrix and more. All with a hard, heavy drive, with an Yngwie stamp (to say the least). Just incredible! We also spoke about a really cool night sharing the stage with Steve Vai, an evening filled with incredible talent, and at time great humor.

Jazz vocalist Jonathan Karrant will be in the region QUITE soon! He'll be at Herb Alpert's Vibrato Grill Jazz on Thursday the 30th, and will be in San Diego in early December. His CD releases are all wonderful, wonderful, wonderful... and his latest, called "Eclectic," continues in the same vein - beautiful jazz arrangements on pop tunes, and thoughtful and moving arrangements on some of the standards. To see him live is special as well, with the delivery of just as much a storyteller as a singer. David Fleming continues his conversation with Jonathan focusing mainly on his newest release, and a couple singles out there as well. More at jonathankarrant.com.