The Local Spin: Shoot for August

S c h u t e f u r m u n d e: (Pronounced Shoot for Monday)

1. A group of musicians, none of which are able to rehearse on the same day.

2. A favorite German ice cream flavor.

3. The Swiss translation for The Jeff Poremski Band

4. The newest water park ride at Six Flags.

5. All of the above?

Where could you see such a band? This year’s Rutland Long Trail Festival — which takes place Aug. 15-17 right here in Rutland.

Those of you who made it to last year’s festival know not only what an impressive lineup of bands were there, but also how pleasant it was overall.

But don’t trust me; here’s what Andrew Carter said about the festival on its Web site: “I admit to some skepticism when I learned that a festival to celebrate Vermont’s Long Trail would be held at the Rutland Fairgrounds. I pictured (wrongly) tents in the infield of the racetrack and sitting in the aging grandstand looking out at McDonald’s as I listened to garage bands play cover songs. Not a particularly appealing way to spend a summer afternoon and evening with my family. I am very happy to say that I could not have been more off the mark. What I enjoyed all day Saturday was simply the best summer music festival that I have attended in many, many years …”

Read the rest of his thoughts on the festival and find out more at www.rutlandlongtrailfestival.com. (Keep checking back as we will keep updating the site.)

This year’s festival not only features Schutefurmunde (did I spell it right yet, Casey?), but also a host of other bands, handpicked by “Yours Truly,” (that would be me, of course).

In one of the most blatantly shameful moves of my admittedly shameless career, George’s Back Pocket will kick off the event in a collaborative show with Friday Night Live — also featuring The Starline Rhythm Boys.

The “après” show at the fairgrounds will be my friend Jake Geppert’s band. Saturday and Sunday will be local music smorgasbord featuring more than 10 acts on the main stage, a splendid second stage — hosted by the fabulous Phil Henry — and a Sunday gospel brunch.

Before I get too far, thanks to Tom Irish for covering for me last week. He always does a fantastic job and I know The Spin’s in good hands with him.

Tom’s band, Ziggy Jagger, will be at CJ’s from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Friday.

I have always enjoyed seeing this ever-changing cast of characters do their thing. Ross Edmunds will be the special guest this week, filling in on the drums. CJ’s looks great these days, after recent renovations. Go check it out for yourself and thank Tom for keeping the Spin spinning.

Duane Carlton will at South Station on Tuesday for a benefit to raise money to fight child abuse. On Wednesday he’ll be in at the Main Street Park with the Backwoods Messiahs.

Duane’s been plugging away, putting finishing touches on his next album, and he let me know that Me’Shell Ndegeocello, (who played bass and sang with John Mellencamp on “Wild Nights” as well as touring with David Bowie and Lou Reed), just played on a track for his soon to be released CD. Her new solo album was up for a Grammy this year.

By George V. Nostrand

Duane’s also selling tickets for the Freaker’s Ball (for a mere $10) at The Paramount Theatre on Halloween following the parade. And he’s also putting together a party bus out of Rutland to go see his show in Burlington, Conn., at K.C. Dubliner (just outside of Hartford), on Nov. 15. Tickets are $45 for the round-trip bus ride. And I thought I was busy …

The Fearless Leader of The Proctor Connection, Aaron Audet, will be at the Iron Lantern with bassist Tori Scarzello from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and then at The Lakehouse in Bomoseen with Tori from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday.

Aaron seems to fall into the category of tireless characters in our local music scene who seems to not only pop up everywhere but to do so with a smile and willingness to help make things happen. Go show your support.

This week’s “Local Song In My Head” is from Bow Thayer’s “Spend it All” album, available at www.bowthayer.com. The song is track 1, “Got My Attention.” It’ll get yours, along with all of Bow’s fine material. Check him out!

… and by George, keep supporting live, local music!

George Nostrand is a local Rutland musical mover, shaker and trouble maker who writes a weekly column keeping you in the spin …

Give me some Spin! What’s going on with your band, your venue, or your cousin’s uncle’s brother’s band? If it’s musical and it’s happening in the Rutland area I want to hear about it. Send me an e-mail at localspin@gmail.com.