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Street music festival returns, featuring The Roots, Moth and more
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Photo By Ryan Greis
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Moth
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A lot has happened in the world and our city since the last edition of PEPSI JAMMIN' ON MAIN, way back in 2000. Due to the tensions following last April's riots, there was no Jammin' fest last year. Following the cancellation, the festival ownership switched from Cincinnati Arts Festival, Inc. to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, with Clear Channel remaining the booking force behind the event.
The changing of the guard hasn't rendered the fest unrecognizable -- there's still a lot of Rock bands, a smattering of artists of other genres and the usual Jammin' beer 'n fun motif. Rumored possibilities of appearances by Elvis Costello and India.Arie didn't happen, but grabbing top-notch Hip Hop headliners The Roots was a major coup (assuming they don't cancel due to the boycott). The rest of the national acts booked are hit and miss -- a Steve Perry-less Journey and '80s wonders The Romantics seem more appropriate for a county fair. But hot newcomers John Mayer and Jack Johnson, plus increasingly popular regional Jam band, O.A.R., and Gospel greats, The Harlem Gospel Choir, should keep things interesting.
The real show is the local artists, who seem to be better represented this year. Locals MOTH get a triumphant homecoming, following the critical praise lauding their recently released major label debut, Provisions, Fiction and Gear, joined over the course of the two-day event by fellow rockers Promenade, The Sweet Impala, Lazy Rocket, Ben Walz, The Ryan Adcock Band, The Lusters, Youngfellow, Readymaid, Tonefarmer, Clabbergirl, Thee Shams and East Arcadia.
But it's not all Rock & Roll: Hip Hop from Watusi Tribe, Blues from Greg Schaber and High Street, Latin grooves from Tropicoso, Rockabilly from Star Devils, Bluegrass from the Comet Bluegrass All Stars, Indie Pop from Opi Yum Yum and Ruby Vileos, and a strong Jazz contingent with Steve Schmidt, William Menefield and singer P. Anne Everson, round out the two-day event On Friday and Saturday. For a full schedule, check www.pepsijamminonmain.com. 513-562-4949. -- MIKE BREEN
THURSDAY 09
Following the long-long list of raw, kick-ass Rawk & Roll bands burning up the Columbus, Ohio, club circuit (from the New Bomb Turks to Bob City), GRAFTON take no prisoners on their latest, self-titled disc from Cowtown's Derailleur Records. The band's swampy, adrenalized sound is skillfully pulled off on the disc, thanks largely to the heart and energy the band pours into the concrete mixer. The end result is a brick through the window of the notion that Rock music is on its last leg. The band will be joined by local greats Heevahava (featuring Mark Perry, Paul Brumm and Blaine Fisher) and Chicago's The Means at Newport's Southgate House Parlour. 9 p.m. Thursday. 859-431-2201. (See Music.) -- MIKE BREEN
FRIDAY 10
University of Cincinnati's WORLDFEST 2002 winds up this weekend with a visit from social activist and author ANGELA Y. DAVIS on Friday night. Davis, who became a national political figure in 1969 when she was dismissed from her teaching position at UCLA because of her affiliation with the Communist Party, will discuss her experiences in gender, race and activism as well as being a former member of the FBI's Ten Most Wanted List. The lecture is free and begins at 7 p.m. in UC's Zimmer Auditorium. 513-556-5860. (See Events.) -- JASON GARGANO
SATURDAY 11
Feeling a little anxious? Yeah? Well, talk to comedian RICHARD LEWIS. Actually, don't. He probably won't let you get a word in edgewise. If a particular subject -- or any subject, as a matter of fact -- strikes his fancy, he's off on a diatribe about it. It's the same way he performs his stand-up routines. Whatever is on his mind prior to taking to the stage is what he runs with, thus making sure no two performances are ever the same. In simple math that equals four wildly disparate shows this weekend at Go Bananas comedy club in Montgomery. For an interview with Richard Lewis, go to www.citybeat.com. 513-984-9288. (See Onstage.) -- BRANDON BRADY
SUNDAY 12
Spunky Téa Leoni is the spark in Woody Allen's latest comedy, a show biz jab called HOLLYWOOD ENDING. Allen, as washed-up director Val Waxman, is so desperate for a hit he accepts a directing offer from his ex-wife Ellie (Leoni) and the studio chef (Treat Williams) who stole her away. Hollywood Ending is thin on storytelling, replacing attempts at solid narrative with a series of comic skits, but that's something we've come to expect from Allen's filmmaking over the years. Luckily, Allen has his comic equal in Leoni; she's the best reason to see Hollywood Ending. (See Film.) -- STEVE RAMOS
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Previously in To Do
To Do
(May 2, 2002)
To Do: Frontier Filmmaker: Russ Johnson
(April 25, 2002)
To Do: Dig It
(April 18, 2002)
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