You couldn’t grow up on the Upper West Side in the 1960’s and 70’s, attend peace marches and progressive schools and not know Odetta. She was a fact of life – a marvel of nature. She will be at Metro Tech today. Last time I saw her she was singing at BAM while Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dancers performed the incredible Still/Here.

Odetta/Catherine Russell
Thu, Jun 22 at 12 noon
In a career spanning half a century, the celebrated singer and guitarist Odetta has combined folk, work songs, spirituals, blues, and gospel in a repertoire that highlights her versatility and underscores her dramatic performance style. One of the most celebrated figures in music, she has inspired several generations of musicians, most famously Bob Dylan. Odetta will be joined by vocalist Catherine Russell, whose musical prowess encompasses jazz balladry, jump blues, and soul.
More info at BAM.org

Someone sent this to me today. I remember The Shirts. Turns out I know someone in the band. Didn’t even know she was in the band.

If you already know this information, ple-a-se forgive me!

THE SHIRTS ARE BACK!!!

This is news regarding "The Shirts," the band that emanated from Park Slope in the ’70s. For quite a long while, they were known as THE BROOKLYN BAND; for some, they continue to be thought of this way.

Although they have evolved, they have not lost that incredibly multi-dimensioned, driving force their fans first enjoyed in such tunes as "Teenage Crutch" and "Poe." One listen to the title track will confirm this, although their range of songs is not restricted to only those that require rest and liquid to revive one’s composure after some mysterious force has led all of their body parts to convulse in mad gyrations. The Shirts sensibly provide other tunes to regroup by, with jazz, blues, and, some that just lead you to sigh, as if the Universe has granted you a moment of solace.

Still preforming in 2006, they are gearing up for the release of their newest CD, "Only The Dead Know Brooklyn," at CBGB’S on June 28th at 8pm–produced, once again, by the masterful Mike Thorne.

Robert Racioppo wrote the title song some years ago, inspired by–well, I guess I don’t have to tell you. If you do indeed know Bob, I need say no more about his incredible mind.

Considering there is a chance that there may still be SHIRT enthusiasts who would be excited to know they still exist, I thought I would pass this information along to you.

I got this invitation from Abigail Ramsay of Theatre For A New Audience .
She asked me to spread the word about a

I go to A Brooklyn Life every day because it so  full of fun info about Carroll Gardens and environs. Like, what’s happening on Court Street – is everything closing? Today, ABL weighs in on where to get Brooklyn T’s.

Says ABL: "My go-to place for Brooklyn T-shirts and sweatshirts is Enamoo on Smith Street, but the other day I wandered down Atlantic Avenue and into Artez’n. Moderately silly name aside, the store stocks some great Brooklyn T-shirts including this new addition to my wardrobe." READ MORE AT A BROOKLYN LIFE

At Issue Project Room on Monday night, Steve Buscemi read passages from William Burroughs’
"Queer." It’s a novel he’s been trying to make into a movie of for years, he said.

Incredible. Funny. Hysterical, really. Crazy. Wild.

Buscemi told a funny story about visiting William Burroughs in Lawrence, Kansas. Burroughs showed him his collection of guns, which made Buscemi a little nervous. "They’re not loaded,’" said Burroughs, who years before had accidentally shot and killed his wife Joan.

Anne Waldman and Bob Holman, legends of beat poetry, also read poetry by Allen Ginsberg, Gregory Corso, Diane DiPrima, and others.

Singing, yelling, scatting, acting, emoting with language, they were both AMAZING accompanied by a sax player and a pianist.

A GREAT night at a former storage silo on the banks of the Gowanus Canal. A benefit for Issue Project Room.

Become a member and find out about all this great stuff.

ON FRIDAY:

GET UP AND BOOGIE AT ROLLER DISCO ON ICE!
Third Annual Skating Under the Stars Party at Prospect Park! Friday, February 10, 2006 9:30 p.m.