There are a lot of items that demand closure. Now is the time. This is the forum:
• I finally got around to reading the very lengthy article on Merle Haggard by Jason Fine in October’s Rolling Stone magazine (Megan Fox is on the cover).
This is not Merle Haggard, but he’s in this magazine.
It’s a pretty revealing and in-depth read about our famous neighbor, who has lived in Palo Cedro since 1980. I believe this story has been in the works for well over two years if my sources have it correctly. I couldn’t find the exact magazine version online, although a lot of the story can be found here .
This is Merle Haggard.
It’s pretty impressive that Fine was able to quote Bob Dylan in the article (excellent quotes, by the way). Dylan rarely talks to anyone. The story includes nice tidbits about Cash, Kristofferson, Hank Williams Jr., Keith Richards and others. You’ll even read about Silverthorn Resort and Lulu’s (where Haggard often eats). I like the fact that Fine calls Haggard’s band, The Strangers, “the longest-running, most exciting band in country music, a wiry, daredevil outfit that specializes in a swinging hybrid of country and jazz.” It’s a great nod to a sublime group of artists that includes locals like Scott Joss, Doug Colosio, Kevin Williams and, now, Benion Haggard, Merle’s youngest son.
• Long overdue is a mention about unfortunate passing of Amy Farris, the talented fiddler, singer, songwriter and member of Dave Alvin and the Guilty Women. Farris death was being investigated as a suicide, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Amy Farris
When my band opened for Alvin and the Guilty Women in June, we remembered Farris as being the warmest person in the Cascade Theatre. Lisa Redden, who sang with us that night, told me that Farris gave her a pep talk about not being nervous before she took the stage. Alvin and X’s Exene Cervenka and the Guilty Women played a benefit concert for her last Wednesday at the Continental Club in Austin, Texas. A short interview with Alvin about Farris can be read here . Here’s a link to Farris’ website .
• I love to quote the esteemed Oaksong Society concert promoter Pete Angwin. He says don’t miss the 8 p.m. Friday concert by John Wort Hannam at Bernie’s Guitar (3086 Bechelli Lane in Redding, 223-2040). Tickets are $15.
John Wort Hannam
Here’s what Pete has to say: “John is an amazing singer-songwriter from Alberta, Canada. I first heard him at the Far West Folk Alliance two years ago. I was on my way out the door to see two of my absolute favorite performers (Lowen and Navarro) in another room when John literally stopped me in my tracks as he started his set. It was riviting! I’ve worked on bringing him to Redding ever since.”
• My gosh there’s more mountain bike news. The Jefferson State mountain bike team is hosting its first-ever cyclocross race from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Enterprise Park. There will be classes for all levels and ages of riders including beginners (9 a.m.), kids (9:45 a.m.), intermediates (10 a.m.) and advanced (11 a.m.). Cyclists are encouraged to dress in costume (which should be interesting for a cyclocross race).
• And finally, for vehicles with two wheels and motors: An event called the Platina Putt-Putt is taking place at 10 a.m. on Saturday (Halloween). Motorcyclists will ride head out for a ride before daylight savings kicks in. Riders will meet at the Dutch Bros. Coffee on South Market Street for a route to Bowman Road, Highway 36 to Platina (for hamburgers at the Platina Store), and back on Platina Road through Ono, and Igo to Redding. For more information, click here .
