CU Sound Review

I-SHAG, you shag, we all shag for a good cause

4:00 am Mar 12 - by Mike Ingram – buzz Writer

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I-SHAG Benefit Show to benefit sexual awareness »The Tossers w/ special guests The Mighty Stef »Sunset Stallion »Bonnie Prince Billy »Larry Gates & Jesse Greenlee vs. Brandon T. Washington & Ian Shepard »80s Night w/ DJ Mingram »

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I have to say before diving into yet another one of these things that the new New Ruins album is absolutely fantastic. I was mortified to have had to be elsewhere for the release show (which I’m sure was great) but am still smitten with the effort (which I’m also incredibly happy to see on vinyl). If you haven’t picked up this gem, get to Parasol or Exile on Main Street quickly, or visit http://www.myspace.com/newruins if you need some more convincing.

So it would seem that things are changing with the Local Music Awards this year. Finally. In fact, they won’t even be called that anymore, apparently. Having been a big supporter of the idea of a more lighthearted approach to the whole thing, it’s nice to see it moving in that direction — less about the “best” as voted by people on the Internet and more about giving the whole scene a nod. Let’s all give them a go next month and watch some great local acts perform and drunkenly bro-hug each other. This issue should be the launch of the whole campaign, so please check out the site for easy access to music from right here in our backyard.

Canopy Club comes out swinging this week, again staging multiple shows on one night. Kicking things off at 6 p.m. is a benefit show for I-SHAG. If you’re wondering just what the hell I-SHAG is, well, me too. The only info that I was able to track down online is that it’s a benefit for sexual awareness. Alright. So ... do sexually unaware people get the money? “Here, use this money to make yourself aware!” Oh wait, of course I should have checked http://last.fm — always the place with the most info. I-SHAG = Illinois Sexual Health Awareness and Guidance. Got it. Sponsored by the Sexual Health Peers on campus, I-SHAG is taking a week to promote positive sexuality on campus. That seems like a worthy cause ­— everyone should feel good about sex. Clearly, it would have made too much sense for the Canopy’s Web site to contain any sort of info. So 6 p.m. starts with acts John Krane (6 p.m.), Carl Hauck (6:45), The Brother Whys (7:45) and Organic Flow, who embrace the golden age of hip-hop at 8:45 p.m. But now I’m being told that Neoga Blacksmith is also participating, so maybe just go and lay down your $7 and stay the whole time.

With so many sexually aware people milling about, it’s possible that everyone will just head directly home following show No. 1, but just in case you’re not quite ready for that, stick around for a 10:30 p.m. show featuring Sunset Stallion, Ohtis and Yossarian (also $7).

Don’t want to give your money to all of those damn kids with all of their sex-having (or already do because you’re sending kids to college)? Well, there are other options. The Highdive is hosting the always dependable Tossers on Thursday for what will surely be a most raucous, alcohol-fueled evening for many. The Mighty Stef is set to open, having traveled all the way from Dublin. These guys could teach you a thing or two about St. Patrick’s Day, unofficial or not. Tickets are $12, and you might want to get them in advance just in case. (Tickets can be purchased at http://www.highdive.com or Exile on Main). Showtime is 9 p.m.

I can safely assume that most rabid music fans are already aware of the Bonnie “Prince” Billy show taking place at the IMC in downtown Urbana on Friday. People have been clamoring about it since it was announced and for good reason — the dude makes great records. For those who have not yet stumbled across Will Oldham’s stripped-down project, you might want to do a quick Google search or check out a tune or two from Amazon or iTunes before Friday so you know what you might be missing if you skip it. It should be a great night. The show will start at 8 p.m., and advance tickets are available at the usual spots (or check the Canopy Club’s Web site for more info).

Saturday, you have several choices, but I’d strongly recommend heading to Bentley’s to catch a collaborative evening from Larry Gates, Jesse Greenlee, Brandon T. Washington and Ian Shepherd. Things get crazy when you put a bunch of guys like this together in the same room. Covers will be pulled out of nowhere to various results! Drums will be made to sing! Drummers will be made to sing! Someone will request the Funky Butt Drum Club classic “Breakfast.” For $2, you probably can’t find better entertainment. The downbeat is at 9:30 p.m.

Wading into a bit of shamelessness, I’ll mention that the Highdive’s regular Monday ’80s night with the horribly named DJ mingram will this week be augmented by an early performance from The Brat Pack (at 8:30 p.m.). Videos will roll while The Brat Pack plays, and they will be followed by the regular ’80s night. It’s all free and is part of a re-launch campaign that will also, in April, feature an ’80s Prom Night.

Mike Ingram can be reached at forgottenwords@gmail.com.

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