(lr) School of Rock GM Huntley Hornback, franchise owner Bob Durham, Bevis M. Griffin and Alex Vallejo (Photo by Adrienne Lake)
Known as a 70s glam rock innovator from Austin, Bevis M. Griffin still holds.
In the wake of the 2020 racial justice protests, Griffin took note of Jackie Venson deposit the Blues on the Green lineup, inspiring discussion of inequitable opportunities for artists of color. Observing also the debate within the Austin Music Commission on city funding for black art, Griffin sought a way to “take it out of a bureaucratic reach and move it into a grassroots direction”.
“I want school of rock to create young musicians who have the proper foundation for creativity,” says Griffin. “I know music is a compelling force and if you can get a generation of kids on the right page based on respect for black culture, then that’s going to evaporate a lot of that anxiety in our community. .”
Drawing inspiration from his early years on the Austin music scene with artists like Franklin’s Mast and skyscrapers, Griffin is launching a collaborative program with franchises Round Rock and Southpark Meadows School of Rock. The initiative, called “The Deep Roots of Rock & Blues,” teaches young students about integral African-American cultural contributions to the evolution of rock & roll.
“It struck me as odd that they were offering music like ‘Seven Nation Army’ by The White Stripessays Griffin. “Similarly, these children have no idea who muddy waters Where howling wolf East. They have nothing to do with what I call the genuine black inspiration that brought Jack White focus.”
After practicing songs by founding blues artists like Robert Johnson and Sister Rosetta TharpeSchool of Rock house band Round Rock open for famed Austin singer-songwriter Ruthie FosterSaturday, February 19, at Cedar Park’s High Spot. The following evening, the entire Southpark Meadows School of Rock students, ages 6 through adult, perform at at Antoine’s. Alongside other class categories like Movie Songs and Punk, the “Evolution of Blues” class is making headlines with surprise guests.
“When I walk into the rehearsal room and see the kids playing ‘Sweet Home Chicago’ or ‘Crosscut Saw,’ I understand that they’re basically focused on getting that song to end without a mistake,” Griffin says. “But over time it will come to a point where they will play this music with emotion. The blues is based on emotion, on feeling. That’s why it will never die.”
The effort debuts in Griffin’s educational youth program as Two Voices Apex Solutions SARLdeveloped with his sister Stephanie Negriff. Griffin works with the School of Rock’s Director of Operations Alex Vallejoalso known as Austin act drummer Vallejo. The two hope to expand Griffin’s program to other School of Rock franchises.
“Everyone learned blues songs, digging really deep into the rock & roll songbook,” Vallejo explains. “It’s a great way to enrich their musical palette, and they’re having so much fun with it. Not just this month, it’s something we always want to be part of the School of Rock education. “
Griffin and Vallejo connected through the Austin Music Foundation, where Vallejo serves on the board. Last year for black history monththe foundation has published a series of essays on Griffin, including one in which an influential black cultural critic Greg Tate writes: “In retrospect, [Griffin] was perhaps the most provocative challenge to the hierarchy and status quo of rock imagery at the time.” Tate, who died in December 2021, worked alongside Griffin and bands like living color and bad brains as part of New York Black Rock Coalition.
For more on Griffin’s Texas roots, check out the Chronicle writer Tim StegallThe 2020 piece “Austin’s Glam Punks of the 70s rise for their gypsy tricks”.
C3 presents and Live Nation buys Stubb’s
C3 presents and nation live purchased Red River Cultural District concert hall Stubb’s. As announced in a short press release Tuesday morning, the sale includes the entire block between Eighth and Ninth streets, which includes the BBQ restaurant and Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater. The press release also announced that C3 and Live Nation will “immediately begin improving the site and surrounding grounds, while maintaining the beloved Stubb experience.”
Managing Director of Stubb Ryan Garretta 22-year veteran on the site, declined to comment on the the Chronicle. Main C3 Charles Attal has been involved with Stubb’s since it opened in 1996 and was part of the partnership that sold the business and property to the concert promotion company he co-founded, which became part of Live Nation as part of a deal in 2014. The press release included the following quote from the promoter of C3 Presents Amy Corbinnoting the decades of new owners reserving the main venue.
“The C3 team has handled reservations for the past 26 years, and many of the dedicated employees have worked there for most of their careers. It’s part of our DNA as Austinites, and we have the intent to continue the exceptional legacy and experience that fans have come to know and love over the years. We are so excited to get to work to improve the current space to improve the overall experience. artists and fans.
Crosstalk
Daniel Daniel speak with the Chronicle writer austin powell last week, just before the release of Spoonthe 10th album of Lucifer on the couch to Matador Files. On the recent 2022 Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame nominees for induction, without Spoon, Daniel said: “If Iron Maiden hasn’t happened yet, I’m not surprised we haven’t been nominated. I think we should, but I don’t know the odds.” To hear the conductor shout El Rancho de Matt and more, find the full interview on our Daily Music Blog.
Mohawk held the “Rally for Our Future” last Sunday to secure the vote for the candidate for Congress Greg Casarafter a stop at the San Antonio Concert Hall paper tiger. In addition to featured speaker Alexandria Ocasio-Cortezmusical styles were provided by Austin’s Selena tribute band Bidi Bidi Banda and Tape 512including members of the Austin FC supporters section Austin’s Murga. AOC posted a video dancing to “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” with the caption: “Ted Cruz could never.”
Old Settlers Music Festival announced its full lineup last Tuesday, adding accordionist Tejano Flaco Jiménez play with Los Texmaniacs. Austin’s talents as voltage droplatin funk, Mr Womanhis gentle soul, and Brennen LeighFolk compositions from join the 35th anniversary lineup, taking place April 21-24 at Tilmon, about an hour south of Austin. Single-day tickets are on sale now, including previously announced headliners Del McCoury Group, railroad land, Galacticand Leftover salmon.
SXSW announced new keynote speakers for Music Creation Lizzo and beck Tuesday morning, with wristbands also on sale for Austin residents. Music wristbands (March 14-19) are $169, while movie wristbands (March 11-21) are $120. All attendees of the in-person event will be required to provide proof of full vaccination or a recent negative test “in order to collect and maintain their identifying information.” The festival also recommends that all accredited participants use the CLEAR App Health Pass for easy entry.
The Blind Café experiencean all-in-the-dark interactive experience, returns to Austin February 17-19 at American Legion Charles Johnson House. In 100% darkness, each night includes a “social impact talk” with blind ambassadors, as well as a community dinner and listening experience – including music from Richie Flores and Rosh and the Blind Cafe Orchestra. $85 tickets are on sale now at theblindcafe.com.
