WEAKEND PLANNER WORKS ITSELF INTO A PARTY MOOD

This week I’m writing from Phoenix, where I’ll be celebrating my father-in-law’s 62nd birthday with my wife and her family. Happy birthday, Jerry! In my second week back at the helm of Weakend Planner, I once again ask those who read this to please send feedback. I’m always interested in knowing what cool things are happening, and admit I don’t know it all, so if I leave out something, please shoot me an email at [email protected].

THE HOTTEST SHOWS OF THE WEEKEND:
This section will be different than before--from now on, we’ll just highlight what we think are the cool shows of the weekend that you may or may not know about. Please check your local listing for times.

Friday, April 18th
Ash Grove 50th Anniversary featuring Taj Mahal, Ry Cooder, Michelle Shocked, Mike Seeger, Dr. Demento, Dave Alvin, Rod Piazza and more @ UCLA’s Royce Hall, Westwood. Runs through Saturday
Flyleaf and Seether @ The Wiltern, L.A.
Spoon @ Vanderbilt University, Nashville
Theory of a Deadman w/Safety Suit @ A1A, Lexington, KY

Sat., April 19th
The Bravery w/Your Vegas & Fiction Plane @ Metro/Smart Bar, Chicago
3 Doors Down w/Red @ Rabobank Arena, Bakersfield, CA
Skillet @ The Grand Ballroom, N.Y.

Sun., April 20th
Green Apple Festival featuring Ricky Skaggs, Big Head Todd & the Monsters, Vienna Tang and more @ Central Park, N.Y.
Cat Power @ Stubb's BBQ, Austin
Mudcrutch (featuring Tom Petty, Heartbreakers Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench and two old friends from Gainesville) @ Majestic Ventura Theatre, Ventura, CA

JE-C’S NEW-MOVIE WEEKEND SPOTLIGHT:
Forgetting Sarah Marshall: Starring Jason Segel, Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis, Russell Brand, Bill Hader, and Paul Rudd. Peter Bretter is the loyal and adoring boyfriend to TV star Sarah Marshall, who has his heart ripped from his chest when she unceremoniously dumps him for a trendy rock star Peter. After wallowing in self-pity for a few months, he takes a trip to Hawaii to cheer himself but winds up staying at the same resort as Sarah and her boyfriend. Things improve dramatically, though, once he starts dating one of the hotel’s hot employees. I think this movie has all the makings to be this year’s Knocked Up.

Also Opening this week:
The Forbidden Kingdom: Jackie Chan and Jet Li are on the big screen together for the first time ever… The pairing may be all this flick has going for it, but that should be enough to make it pretty bad-ass.
88 Minutes: This one’s starring Al Pacino, but it doesn’t look very good at all.

JE-C’S NEW MUSIC TO CHECK OUT
16 Frames: This week I’m highlighting a band I was lucky enough to get to stumble over, and it’s one many of you may not know about it. The L.A.-based group is quite similar to The Fray, and after listening to the whole album several times, I’ve gotta say that it’s one of the best I’ve heard in ages. Loaded with really good songs, the album has a great feel to it, and I think it will appeal to people who like all different genres of music. You can sample some tracks at http://www.myspace.com/16frames, and the album is available at the iTunes Store.

BEER WITH AN ARMO
Jesse Beer and Barrett Yerestsian discuss all things music

Barrett: So, my faithful Jewish friend, what makes an artist stand out amongst all the clutter?

Jesse: Well, my trusted Armenian comrade, it starts with a unique sound that breaks the mold.

Barrett: Wow man, you made me TiVo the Lakers game for this? I’m falling asleep over here…you’re almost as dull as a Mike Dunleavy press conference…

Jesse: No but seriously, you can have great songs and even have a label backing you but unless you are doing something different to separate yourself from everything else out there, you will get lost in the fold.

Barrett: That’s still incredibly vague, my friend…

Jesse: Well, given that you Armenians think you know it all, what’s your answer?

Barrett: Did you know that Armenians and Jews have a lot in common? We have a similar history, we have the facial hair of a Nova Scotia highland ox and we both hang out at Jerry’s Deli at 1 a.m.

Jesse: All right, Professor Yeretsian…you’re getting off topic. And frankly, since when did you become the authority on the anatomy of North American wildlife?

Barrett: Look man, no need to get testy.

Jesse: Yes, you’re right. Perhaps we should go on a meditation retreat with your beloved Coach Phil Jackson after this.

Barrett: Seriously, I agree with your point about an artist being different, but there is much more to that answer…

Jesse: And that’s why, my friend, there is so much mediocrity out there—because that special “something” is so hard to come by, and those who are lucky enough to have it usually lack direction.

Barrett: If you have that special “something,” then the dots can connect if you are properly guided and are willing to do what it takes to succeed. The fact that music is so readily available and accessible nowadays is both a blessing and a curse.

Jesse: Well Mr. Producer Extraordinaire, how does someone achieve that special “something”?

Barrett: That’s the million-dollar question, and normally I charge for my answer, but since you and Lenny bribed me with tickets to the Lakers-Clippers game, I will share some insight.

Jesse: Aha! The moment of truth…

Barrett: Assuming you have a great song, it starts with a distinct voice (Amy Winehouse, Tom York, Duffy—or Bob Dylan for the older generation), which has to draw the listener in with a unique combination of confidence, vulnerability, imperfection and attitude.

Jesse: Interesting, while the industry focuses on making the singer sound perfect and almost robot-like, you’re saying that vulnerability and imperfection are important?

Barrett: Not just important…absolutely necessary…

Stay tuned as the dynamic duo continues their weekly rant on each other and all things music.

Barrett Yeretsian is an established producer, songwriter, composer, and drummer with countless credits to his name. He is also an avid Lakers fan. You can contact him at www.barrettyeretsian.com.

Jesse Beer is a manager, independent A & R consultant and a die-hard Clippers fan. You can contact him at [email protected].