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Out & About: Your Guide to the Lively Arts
Linthicum Walks, a historic Crofton landmark |
A Brush with History:
Annapolis Watercolor Club presents art show at Linthicum Walks
By Karen McLaughlin
As fall foliage turns to brilliant red and orange, the Annapolis Watercolor Club wants to display color's softer side in its third annual art show, on October 14 and 15 at Linthicum Walks in Crofton. Organized in conjunction with Anne Arundel Heritage, Inc., the show will host more than sixty paintings by local and nationally known artists. "It's a lot of fun," says Ardythe Jolliff, the show's organizer, who is an artist and Annapolis Watercolor Club president. "It was like a fair last year."
At this free event you can see and buy the work of some of Anne Arundel's finest watercolor artists while discovering a quiet local treasure: Linthicum Walks.
A historic Crofton landmark that dates back to the 18th century, Linthicum Walks was named by its owner, Thomas Linthicum II, who inherited the property from his father. Located next to Crofton Middle School, along Davidsonville Road, the property includes an original colonial-era house that was added onto in the mid-1800s and became home to generations of the Linthicum family.
"Taos Garden" by Ardythe Jolliff |
The property passed from the original family to Benjamin King in 1924 and was later sold to Anne Arundel County. Linthicum Walks and 160 acres of surrounding land are now owned by the Anne Arundel County Board of Education. Currently under a joint-use agreement with the county Department of Recreation and Parks and Anne Arundel Heritage, Inc., the property includes acres of trees and landscaping.
Anne Arundel Heritage, Inc., the property's fundraising organization, strives to solicit operational funds for the house's daily expenses and the improvements it needs. "We hope to maintain the integrity of the property," Anne Arundel Heritage president Kathryn Callahan explains.
The Annapolis Watercolor Club, a nonprofit educational organization, is thrilled to help out. Thirty percent of the commissions on paintings sold during the show will benefit Linthicum Walks through Anne Arundel Heritage, Inc. "They need funding . . . lots of help," says artist and Annapolis Watercolor Club show organizer Mary Kay Honeycutt. "We want to help all we can."
According to Jolliff, the artists benefit too. "The show gives the Annapolis Watercolor Club an opportunity to show their work in an unusual setting and benefit the community," she says. The show attracted more than 200 visitors last year and the club hopes to see even more this time. "It has become very interesting. People have started looking forward to the show," Jolliff adds.
As a bonus to the artists, first, second, and third place prizes of $50, $30, and $20 will be awarded as a result of the generosity of club member Mildred Anderson. Juror Kathy Daywalt, an artist at the Benfield Gallery in Severna Park, will make the selections.
"One Day Only" by Mary Kay Honeycutt |
This year's show will feature art demonstrations each day, as local artists explain how they create their works. "People don't really know how art is made . . . how we do it," says Jolliff. "We thought that would be an added attraction."
With the house's significant daily operational expenses and the constant costs of improvements to such an old and historic structure, the future of Linthicum Walks may depend on its charm as a regional culture and art center. Annapolis Watercolor Club's art show is one of the creative events that help defray expenses.
Anne Arundel Heritage has several exciting events planned. The Pen Women Society show organized by local artist Candy Bigelow, is scheduled for November 11 and 12 and features the work of composers, authors and artists. Cooking shows, gardening seminars, and weddings are all possible uses of the space. "We want it to be a center where people can come, enjoy nature, and enjoy the house," says Katie Dentler, an Anne Arundel Heritage volunteer.
The Annapolis Watercolor Club is a 31-year-old nonprofit organization committed to the education, practice, and promotion of watercolor art. Their members, currently numbering approximately 120, paint a variety of subjects in a multitude of styles. The one requirement is that the medium be watercolor.
To see their work in person visit the:
Annapolis Watercolor Club Art Show
Saturday, October 14 and Sunday October 15
Linthicum Walks, 2295 Davidsonville Road, Gambrills 21054
Admission: Free
Refreshments served
For more information contact: Mary Kay Honeycutt (410) 721-2228 or Katie Dentler (410) 562-3161
Oyster Hand-Tonging in Winter, 1980 |
Marion Warren: In Full Color
Known best for his stunning yet simple and introspective black-and-white photographs, renowned local photographer Marion Warren will present a different side of his work this October at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts-or rather, a different spectrum of work.
In the Balcony Gallery through October 20, rarely exhibited color photographs shot by Warren during his illustrious career will be on display. You could say that the photographs represent the Maryland way of life-more specifically, that of the waterman. He's taken many beautiful still shots on the water, of skipjacks, oyster tonging, and serendipitous workboats. ]. Now you get to experience Warren's eye for such subjects in vivid color. A handful of black-and-white photographs will also be included in the exhibit.
Lady Katie Dredging Oysters, 1980 |
Ghost tours of Annapolis |
As Halloween Approaches, Are You Ready for a Ghostly Encounter?
Do you believe in ghosts? Nancy Smith, a veteran tour guide for Three Centuries Tours in Annapolis, says, "I personally have had no experience with ghosts." But on a recent tour, when telling her group about the Civil War-era ghost who lives upstairs at the Maryland Inn, she says, "One of the women surprised me by saying, 'Oh, yes, my son just stayed there and he saw the ghost.' That really got everyone's attention.
"Part of the fun of leading the ghost tours is that the people are really interested and they want to hear everything you're saying," says Smith. To start out the evening she hands out garlic and sage. "There's an old saying: 'Sage and garlic in the air. Evil spirits beware.' If they get frightened I tell them to shake the herbs."
While Three Centuries and Capital Colonials offer a number of walking tours that focus on the historic aspects of the city and the lives of the residents, Ghosts of Annapolis tours focus on the supernatural.
"The stories are real," says owner Mike Carter, who did all the research to create his tours. Describing himself as a skeptic, Carter says he is convinced of the sincerity of those who have had firsthand experiences with ghosts. Using eyewitness interviews, the Maryland State Archives, information collected by the Maryland Ghost and Spirit Association, and newspaper archives, he has crafted a ghost tour that is always evolving to take in new stories. He recommends that if you go on a ghost tour you keep an open mind. "Why don't you see a ghost? Maybe it's because you're not looking for them."
Fright Fest |
Identified by the glow-in-the-dark wristbands, participants are led through the streets of historic Annapolis by professional guides who take on a persona to bring to life the tales they tell, of restless spirits who met an untimely death. The subject matter can be adjusted depending on the age group. Children are always welcome.
The ghost tours take place all year long, with a heavier schedule during October. But there are several other ways to get scared that only take place a few weeks before Halloween, the one day of the year when the laws of space and time are suspended, according to Celtic beliefs. Halloween Happening at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds starts off with a hayride that delivers participants to a haunted barn that can surprise you with unexpected visits from witches, ghosts, and demons.
Six Flags America Amusement Park stays open weekends through October with its Flight Fest. Included in the regular price of admission is the Midnight Express Haunted Train, and for the younger set, Looney Tunes Spooky Town where children will be able to board the Not-so-Scary Hayride and go trick-or-treating. Bennett's Curse Haunted Attractions located in Arundel Mills Mall is a medieval themed haunted attraction that features the House of the Vampyres . For young children and families, try the Pumpkin Walk, held annually at the Hammond Harwood House. Taking place on October 20, from 4-6, the early evening event includes apple bobbing, storytelling, and a costume parade. This season Halloween takes place on a Tuesday night, so be prepared for trick-or-treaters and disembodied spirits over the preceding weekend.
--Nadja Maril
The Live Wire: Concert Previews
Charlie Hunter |
The Who, Where, and What You'll Dig
by j.s. houck
10/3 Charlie Hunter Trio at Rams Head OnStage, Annapolis
(410) 268-4545
A great catch at Annapolis's own, Rams Head. Hunter is a progressive jazz guitarist who gets most of his licks on a custom-made eight stringer, featuring bass and guitar strings-he's a phenom. Joining him are two newcomers to the band, pianist Erik Deutsch and drummer Simon Lott.
10/5 Don McLean at the State Theatre, Falls Church
(410) 547-SEAT
Can you get any more American that Mr. American Pie himself, Don McLean? The tunesmith has recorded more than 20 albums since 1971 and has scored major success with numerous songs.
10/9 Steve Winwood at the Warner Theatre, D.C.
(410) 547-SEAT
Winwood is a gifted pianist, guitarist, singer, songwriter, etc., etc., who has accomplished quite a lot. He was a member of such amazing bands as the Spencer Davis Band, Traffic, and Blind Faith. More recently he created the exceptional album About Me-an inspiring mix of rock and ethnic-influenced tunes. You'll likely hear Winwood play old chestnuts and new faves of his.
10/10 Eric Clapton at the Verizon Center, D.C.
(410) 547-SEAT
The Blind Faith alum keep showing up in D.C. Clapton, one of the best known guitarists in the biz, makes a stop in D.C. during his world tour. With a new album of original material, Back Home, on shelves now, he has even more material for fans to chew on. Joining his band this tour is renowned slide-guitarist Derek Trucks.
Steve Winwood |
10/12-13 Leo Kottke at Rams Head OnStage, Annapolis
(410) 268-4545
For two nights, Kottke is yours. This guitarist-singer-songwriter is a favorite performer at Rams Head. He matches six- and twelve-string acoustic guitar wizardry to well-penned lyrics and song structures almost effortlessly. His music is lush, warm, sometimes humorous, and always appealing.
10/13 James Blunt at Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia
(410) 547-SEAT
An autumn show at Merriweather? You bet, and who finer than one of pop/rock/folk music's hottest rising stars, James Blunt? The angelic voice that sang "You're Beautiful" in 2004 earned him a spot among elite contemporary performers. Should be a comforting evening with the Brit.
10/14 Peter Frampton at Rams Head Live!, Baltimore
(410) 244-1131
Rock legend Frampton continues to deliver the good stuff. He just released Fingerprints, a collection of purely instrumental cuts that showcase his ability to play in many idioms, such as jazz, blues, and his staple, rock. This should be a great performance from one of the most proficient and enduring rock guitarists of our time.
10/19 Buju Banton at Sonar, Baltimore
(410) 547-SEAT
Controversial musician Banton arrives in Baltimore for a night of inspired reggae. Known for his gravelly voice and strong Rastafarian beliefs, which are echoed in his music, Banton found popular success in 1992 after a life lived in a slum just outside of Kingston, Jamaica. He is now one of Jamaica's most popular musicians.
Gregg Allman |
10/21 Gregg Allman & Friends at Rams Head Live!, Baltimore
(410) 244-1131
Allman and company return to Rams Head Live! for what is sure to be a satisfyingly southern rock 'n' roll show-this is workingman's rock at its best. Last go-round at Rams Head Live! was a blast for audience and band alike, as Allman visited the Allman Brothers' catalogue as well as plenty of material from his solo career.
10/22 moe. at Rams Head Live!, Baltimore
(410) 244-1131
moe. is en fuego. The five-man jamband is one of the most energetic, rocking outfits touring today. These upstate New Yorkers have been going strong since 1995 and show zero signs of letting up. They played Wolf Trap this past summer and are already back in the region, proving that supply meets demand.
10/24 Alice in Chains at Rams Head Live!, Baltimore
(410) 244-1131
Rams Head continues its run of great shows with this bittersweet reunion show. Alice in Chains, off the mark for the better part of 10 years, since the untimely death of lead singer Layne Staley, has decided to honor its legacy. The remaining members, including renowned guitarist Jerry Cantrell, hit the road this fall. Don't miss this one (also at the 9:30 Club 10/25).
10/28 The Fray at DAR Constitution Hall, D.C.
(410) 547-SEAT
Whew-the steps this four-member rock outfit has taken in the past 6 months-from obscure indie band to club-circuit hit to MTV mega fame. You can't turn on the radio (or TV for that matter) without hearing these guys. Their smooth delivery of melodic 'n' hip rock is intoxicating.
moe. |
10/29 Cypress Hill at Rams Head Live!, Baltimore
(410) 244-1131
Cypress Hill on tour?! Insane in the membrane! There, I said it. How could one resist quoting one of rap's most memorable lyrics? CH continues to blow minds (and smoke) with heavy beats, potent lyrics, and widespread appeal.
10/31 Richard Thompson at the Avalon Theatre, Easton
(410) 547-SEAT
One of the most warmly received musicians to grace the Avalon's stage, Thompson returns. The guitarist-singer-songwriter has produced a wealth of acoustic and electric gems throughout his storied career. The former Liege & Lief member is one of folk rock's most capable and enjoyable musicians.
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Museums and Galleries
Can't Miss Exhibits
Joseph Stella's Brooklyn Bridge, 1918-20, oil on canvas. Yale University Art Gallery. Gift of Collection Société Anonyme. |
The Société Anonyme: Modernism for America
October 14 through January 21, 2007
The Phillips Collection, D.C.
(202) 387-2151
www.phillipscollection.org
Declaring themselves an "experimental museum of art," the Société Anonyme was founded in 1920 by a dedicated group of artists-Katherine Dreier, Man Ray, and Marcel Duchamp-to bring a new vision of art to America. This exhibition will feature 130 rarely seen works by major 20th-century avant-garde artists, including Constantin Brancusi, Marcel Duchamp, Max Ernst, Wassily Kandinsky, Piet Mondrian, and Ray. Each was crucial to the emergence of modern art in America.
Gustave Courbet's, The Gust of Wind (Le Coup de vent), ca. 1865, oil on canvas. Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Gift of Caroline Wiess Law. |
Courbet & the Modern Landscape
October 15 through January 7, 2007
The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore
(410) 547-9000
www.thewalters.org
This major traveling exhibition is devoted exclusively to the landscape paintings of Gustave Courbet (1819-1877), one of the leading painters of the 19th century. These landscape paintings are intense, dramatic, and radically innovative yet they have been largely neglected by art historians for more than 100 years-even though they represent a significant part of Courbet's overall output. The exhibit will feature thirty-seven landscape paintings and bring attention to this aspect of the artist's career and its importance to the history of modern painting. The Walters Art Museum is the last, and exclusive East Coast, venue of this touring exhibition.
John Constable's Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows, 1831, oil on canvas, private collection. |
Constable's Great Landscapes: The Six-Foot Paintings
October 1 through December 31
National Gallery of Art, D.C.
(202) 737-4215
www.nga.gov
English artist John Constable (1776-1837) regarded the 6-foot-long landscapes that he began to paint in 1818as his most serious and significant achievements. To create such large-scale works, Constable found he needed an intermediate stage between his small oil studies and the final painting, and he chose to work out the diverse elements of the large compositions on a full-size canvas. Some of Constable's greatest and most famous paintings are in this exhibition.
Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot's Sèvres-Brimborion, View Towards Paris, 1858/64. The Baltimore Museum of Art: George A. Lucas Collection, BMA 1996.45.66. |
A View Toward Paris: The Lucas Collection of 19th-Century French Art
October 1 through December 31
The Baltimore Museum of Art, Baltimore
(443) 573-1700
www.artbma.org
Édouard Manet, James McNeill Whistler, and Mary Cassatt, as well as Barbizon masters Théodore Rousseau and Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot are represented in this exhibition culled from the Baltimore Museum of Art's acclaimed Lucas Collection of French art. Approximately 200 paintings, sculptures, works on paper, and artist palettes will be presented. Baltimorean George A. Lucas was an expatriate who spent 5 decades in Paris as an art dealer and friend to many of the leading French artists. He amassed more than 20,000 works of art that capture the artistic spirit of the 19th century, and he saw to it that his collection returned to his native city of Baltimore.
Free Fall Baltimore
Throughout October and November 2006, you can experience the excitement of live music, dance, theater, museum exhibitions, classes, lectures, and more for free in venues throughout Baltimore. The highlight of the Free Fall Baltimore program is the elimination of admission fees by the Baltimore Museum of Art and the Walters Art Museum. Free Fall Baltimore is a promotional collaboration designed to make art and culture more accessible to area residents and visitors while introducing young adults and families to a wide variety of cultural experiences. For more information visit the Baltimore Office of Promotions or call (410) 752-8632.
On Stage In September
Joe Urla plays Dr. Thomas Stockmann in Shakespeare Theatre Company's production of Ibsen's "An Enemy of the People," October 1-22 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Carol Rosegg) |
12 Angry Men. Twelve Jurors in a murder trial are corralled in a room for the duration of their deliberation. As prejudices are tested and evidence weighed, the entire jury is forced to look past the show of the courtroom to unearth the shocking truth. Faced with playing the hangmen, these dozen men must first face themselves. At the Hippodrome at the France Merrick Performing Arts Center, Baltimore. October 24 through November 5. $25-60. Call for tickets. (410) 547-SEAT; at the Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C. October 3-22. $25-78. Call for tickets. (800) 444-1324.
A Midsummer Night's Dream. Lovers fall prey to lunacy and the trickery of puckish fairies in this magical romp through the Athenian woods. At the Folger Theatre, Washington, D.C. October 19 through November 26. $25-49. Call for tickets. (202) 544-7077.
An Enemy of the People. When Dr. Stockmann discovers that his city's baths are contaminated, he sets out to warn his fellow citizens. Terrified of losing the baths' tourist dollars, the citizens refuse to accept Dr. Stockmann's claims. At Shakespeare Theatre, Washington, D.C. October 1-22. $51-58. Call for tickets and times. (202) 547-1122.
A Prayer for Owen Meany follows John Wheelwright and his relationship with Owen Meany, a man of diminutive stature who claims to be a messenger of God. A childhood little league baseball incident forever links the pair, thus begins a spiritual journey for Wheelwright's faith which reveals that Meany just may be God's instrument. At Round House Theatre, Bethesda. October 1-8. Call for tickets. (240) 644-1100.
Cabaret. Young American journalist Bradshaw lands at the notorious Kit Kat Club, home to the social rebels and bohemians of Europe, where he falls madly in love with English entertainer Sally Bowles-but their affair is tested as her wild and reckless lifestyle overwhelms him. At Arena Stage, Washington, D.C. October 1-29. $49-68. Call for tickets. 202-488-3300.
Deathtrap is a modern-day thriller full of tension, shocks, surprises, and bursts of laughter. At the Bay Theatre, 275 West St., Annapolis. October 5 through November 4. Call for tickets. (410) 268-1333.
Jake's Women enters the mind of Jake, a writer, and his habit of thinking and conversing with important women in his life: his deceased first wife, Julia; his current wife, Maggie, who is leaving him; his daughter, Molly, at age 12 and at age 21; his sister Karen; and his therapist Edith. As he argues, explains and ruminates on his fate with them, he gradually comes to terms with the losses that have kept him from trusting them. At Colonial Players, 108 East St., Annapolis. October 20 through November 18. $10-15. Call for tickets. (410) 268-7373.
My Fair Lady. Henry Higgins, an opinionated linguistics professor and confirmed bachelor, makes a wager with a colleague that he can transform a cockney flower seller, Eliza Doolittle, into a high society lady. He wins the bet, but doesn't bargain on the profound effect she has on his life. At Signature Theatre, VA. October 1 through November 19. Call for tickets. (703) 218-6500.
Nine Parts of Desire introduces nine extraordinary women-eight Iraqi, one American of Iraqi descent-who share true and intimate stories of how their lives have been irrevocably affected by the war. At Arena Stage, Washington, D.C. October 1 through November 12. $49-68. Call for tickets. 202-488-3300.
Opus. With only a few days to rehearse Beethoven's Opus 131, a renowned string quartet struggles to prepare for their highest profile performance ever. At Everyman Theatre, Baltimore. October 1-15. Call for tickets. (410) 752-2208.
Rumors. Hilarity abounds when four couples meet at the home of a NYC Deputy Mayor, only to find that he has shot himself in the head (it's only a flesh wound) and his wife is missing. Each couple tries to outdo the other as they can't remember who knows what. At the Bowie Playhouse, Bowie. October 6-21. $10-12. Call for tickets. (301) 805-0219.
Shear Madness is Washington's hilarious whodunit that lets the audience solve the crime. At the Kennedy Center Theater Lab, Washington, D.C. Continues indefinitely. $34-45. Call for tickets. (800) 444-1324.
State of the Union is a story of a charismatic and idealistic businessman who is being groomed for the presidency. Like candidates of our own time, he must answer the age-old question: does he trust the people or trust his handlers? At Fords Theatre, Washington, D.C. October 1-22. Call for tickets. (410) 547-SEAT.
The Complete Works of Shakespeare features three actors who present all of Shakespeare's 37 works in less than two hours. At The Elizabethan Theatre at St. Mary's Outreach Center, Baltimore. October 6-29. $15-25. Call for tickets. (410) 366-8596.
The Piano Lesson. Boy Willie needs money to buy the land once worked by the Charles family. The only solution is to sell the family heirloom, an intricately carved piano depicting their rise to freedom from slavery. Tensions reach a dissonant crescendo when his sister Bernice refuses to part with this icon of family history. At Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, College Park. October 12-22. $7-20. Call for tickets. (301) 405-ARTS.
The Three Sisters is a moving study of a family caught between a vanishing past and an impossible future. At Centerstage, Baltimore. October 1-29. Call for tickets and times. (410) 332-0033.
Quick Six: Rock Legend Peter Frampton
Peter Frampton visits Rams Head Live! in Baltimore on October 14 (Photo by David Dobson) |
Rock legend Peter Frampton took our questions and ran with them, explaining to us everything from his current tour to an in-depth analysis of his new album, Fingerprints, released this past September. It's a collection of instrumental takes, many of which feature prominent guest musicians. His most enduring and, perhaps, well-known work was 1976's Frampton Comes Alive!, which has sold over 16 million copies and is arguably the most successful live recording of all time. So why does Frampton consider Fingerprints his most personally satisfying effort to date? Only the Quick Six can deliver. This is the abridged transcript. For the unabridged version, click here.
What's Up? Annapolis: How has the tour been going for you? Has it been going well?
Peter Frampton: Yes. This is the first time we've been out continuously since before I started the new record. It's been phenomenal. It's a phenomenal five-piece band. The crowds have been eating it up. I can't wish for anything better right now with the band.
WUA: So have you been performing a lot of the new material this tour?
PF: We've been doing two and we're working up a third one. Every time we get a nice long soundcheck, we try to work up something else. Right now we're doing "Black Hole Sun," "Float," and we're working up "Boot It Up" today because we've got two days in the same venue.
WUA: Have you had a favorite moment this tour?
PF: Oh gosh. It must have been . . . yeah, Sauble Beach, Canada. It had been pouring rain all day and it was an outdoor show-it was a 3-day festival. So I called up my production manager and asked, "Is anybody even there? It's been pouring." He says, "Oh, there's 10,000 people here and they're not leaving." I said, "You're kidding me!" So as we drove from the hotel to the venue, it cleared up, unbelievably so. And it was 10,000 people, 2000 of which I would say were the people you would expect to be at one of my concerts. But 8000 were between the ages of 18-23, I'm guessing, just from the look of them. And it was the first time I've ever had any body surfing at one of my concerts [laughing]. That was a very, very special moment. I said, "Oh my god, I've got another life here!" It's a wonderful by-product of classic rock I guess. It seem to me that there's countless stories of people my age saying that their teenage sons and daughters and folks younger than me are listening to, say, Pink Floyd. And it's like, "Excuse me, shouldn't you be listening to, uh, you know, rap music?"
WUA: Well, that's like one of the timeless characteristics of music. You get to expose it over and over again.
PF: I think if there's musical content in you that for whatever reason is generational (however you want to put it), that you just keep going and you'll gather up new fans. I couldn't be any more thankful for the fact that Comes Alive has been one of those records that's made me perennial. I'm sort of like a cat with nine lives. I've used up about seven, but I'm still going strong.
WUA: Well if the proof is in the pudding, this new album is a great listen, a fun one, too. There are so many styles and collaborations. Was that a fun record to make?
PF: It was probably one of the most enjoyable records. This is everything, on the record, that I've touched on in my career or have been interested in. So it was just a factor of each different style that just pushed my personal bar. Each track really helped me as a guitar player. I've been guilty of playing it safe sometimes in my career. But this was not a safe move for me. It made me realize that you really have to push yourself, always. This definitely pushed me to a different level as a guitar player, which is what the record is all about.
WUA: Well it is certainly a departure from your last record, Now. Could you explain a little bit about the genesis of this project-how it all came together and why you decided to record only instrumental tracks?
PF: Yeah, on the record, Hank Marvin and Brian Bennett, of the Shadows, were the "instrumental Beatles" right before the Beatles, sort of '58 to whenever. They were still having number-one hits when the Beatles were. And throughout all the old commonwealth countries they became like God. And for me, Hank Marvin was the actual reason why I started playing guitar.
And so about 11 years ago at one of my concerts he scared me to death by turning up as a surprise. And I asked him, "Would you ever think about joining me when I do an instrumental record? I've always wanted to do one." He said, "Absolutely." So 10 years later I called him and said, "Are you still up for it?" And he said, "I thought you'd never ask." So when I knew that Hank Marvin and possibly some of the Shadows were going to play with me, the starting pistol went off then. Ever since I learned my first Shadows tune, I always wanted to be a lead guitarist. And shortly after that I always wanted to do an album of instrumentals. It's taken a few decades to get there, but that's really it.
WUA: You mentioned performing "Black Hole Sun." How did you and the two from Pearl Jam-Mike McCready and Matt Cameron-decide to record that song?
PF: Well that was the one track that I wanted to do as a cover. Chris Cornell [of Soundgarden, who originally wrote and recorded "Black Hole Sun"] is probably one of my favorite songwriters for that kind of thing. So I knew I was going to do that one and then I met up with Mike McCready because of the Almost Famous film. And he had come to see my show and I've been to see one of their shows and then I ended up sitting in with Pearl Jam in Akron [Ohio] right before the last [presidential] election. I spoke to Mike and said, "Would you be up for a track or two? Maybe we could write one. And I've always wanted to do 'Black Hole Sun.'" And then it dawned on me that Matt played in Soundgarden and on the original. I had to be careful [whether or not] he wanted to recut it. But he just gave this big beaming smile and said, "Absolutely." So, I've got the original drummer on there. It's pretty phenomenal when you think about it.
WUA: Well, you also recorded a song with the original rhythm section of the Rolling Stones, in Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts. Did you feel a good connection with them?
PF: I've known them since I was 14. So Bill Wyman was actually sort of my first producer with a band I was in when I was still in school. He's sort of been one of my mentors. We e-mail every day. He sends me jokes every day-still to this day. He keeps us in stitches on the road. And Charlie had just got out of hospital. Unfortunately he had that little bout with throat cancer. And he was pronounced fit and well and jumped at the chance of playing drums with Bill again. I have to say, the mutual admiration between the two of them is still there. And it was a very, very emotional day . . . for me anyway. Because if anybody should have been on that record, it was Bill Wyman. So I was just thrilled that the two of them were on it.
WUA: What are you most proud of with this album?
PF: [laughing] That I finished it. The fact that I actually did it-that is a reality. I'm very proud of what's on there. I don't think there's too much on there that I'd like to redo. There's still a couple of things, there always will be on anything I do. You can always be better. But it was fun.
WUA: Well, you certainly have been a huge influence upon many guitarists and musicians. Is there any one lesson or piece of advice that you've learned over the years, that maybe aspiring musicians should know?
PF: Yeah, I think so. If you've got the talent and the drive, there are a lot of people out there who will take advantage of you, or could. All I can say to up-and-coming players that want to do this for a living is try not to bow down to what you think other people would want or what the business people tell you they think you should do. You have to go with your gut instinct. And sometimes it's extremely hard not to do something because the carrot is rather large sometimes. There will be decisions you make every day, no matter what level of career you're in, especially in music or the entertainment industry, where you can make the wrong decision. I've made a few and it's been detrimental to my career. I'll be the first to admit that and, boy, are those big lessons. So that's all I would say. The only time I've made mistakes is when I've gone against my internal feeling of what's good for me.
WUA: It sounds like this album of yours it a culmination of those lessons learned, of being true to yourself and your music.
PF: Yeah, it's definitely a departure [from previous work]. It's not what people expect and if I was to say to a room of 100 people or an audience, "the next record is instrumental"-I don't know what the percentage is-but some of them will go, "ugh," and some of them will go, "Ahh!" So you can't please all of the people all of the time. You have to please yourself first.
Street Talk
by Kimi Raspa and Ashley Raymond
So the first time you hear the concept of Halloween when you're a kid, your brain can't even process the idea. You're like, "What is this? What did you say? Someone's giving out candy? Who's giving out candy?"-Jerry Seinfeld Aside from the tradition of jumping from house to house, collecting hordes of cavity-inducing treats that may last for a few days or up to a month, Halloween also serves as a day where everyone can dress in the most outrageous and unusual costumes but still be considered normal. Whether it's a celebrity, superhero, common object, or animal, the quest for the perfect Halloween costume can be difficult. So we asked you for some Halloween inspiration by asking this month's question: What was your most memorable Halloween costume?
 Laura Zang, 73, of Harwood-"I was Raggedy Ann. I had the stockings that were striped, tennis shoes, and a red wig. I had someone make me the dress and it had bloomers-it was really very cute." |
 Chris Wilkinson, 14, of Harwood, Student-"One year my mom spray-painted my hair and dressed me up like a punk rocker. I was 10." |
 Jessica Kociolek, 18, of Severn, Student-"A three musketeer." |
 Brenda Conti, 57, of Arnold, Herbalist-"The year my mother dressed my sister as Miss USA and I was Raggedy Ann." |
 Bobby Kaizar, 18, of Edgewater, Student-"A ninja turtle when I was 4." |
 Matthew Kalb, 17, of Edgewater, Student-"I used to be a vampire a lot." |
Questions about Street Talk? Contact Kimi Raspa at kraspa@whatsupmag.com or (410) 267-9390 x117.
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