Leon Redbone at Appel Farm

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Plus Trevor Carlton at Ocean Galleries, The Avett Brothers and Blue Öyster Cult at Rocktoberfest

Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Oct. 6, 2010

Leon Redbone at Appel Farm

With HBO’s Boardwalk Empire highlighting the music of the 1920s (and even earlier), it would only make sense that a long-time carrier of the torch of early American music — Leon Redbone — should put out an album of songs from the era. “It’s a good idea,” Redbone, in his trademark nasaly voice tells AC Weekly. “I’ll make a call.” Of course you never know when Redbone, who has successfully kept his music career and private life separate, is joking. After first appearing in Toronto clubs in the early 1970s playing old blues, country, ragtime, jazz, Tin Pan Alley and other assorted tunes from the early 20th century, he was approached by legendary producer and talent scout John Hammond. Redbone, a fiercely private person, gave Hammond, who discovered stars like Bob Dylan and Billie Holiday, a number for a dial-a-joke service. He would go on to record some fantastic records, including his 1976 debut On the Track, and its two follow-up albums Double Time and Champagne Charlie. 1981’s Branch to Branch, recorded 30 years ago, was the first of Redbone’s infrequent releases, the last of which was 2005’s live album from Paris, France. Redbone will kick off Appel Farm Arts and Music’s fall concert series Saturday, Oct. 9, (8pm, $30) in Elmer. For more information visit appelfarm.org.Read an interview with Redbone from a few years back here. — Jeff Schwachter

Ocean Galleries Gets Disneyfied

Andy Warhol may have been the only painter that achieved real rock-star fame, but performance artist Trevor Carlton, who paints classic Disney images, is making his bid by actually painting like a rock star. Carlton is bringing his quick-draw techniques to Ocean Galleries in Stone Harbor on Sat., Oct. 9, at 8pm. The performance is part of the gallery’s Disney Fine Art Collection opening Oct. 9-10. Carlton presents “Disney Fine Art Live,” where he transforms oversized canvasses into Disney art while dancing, rocking, and entertaining live crowds. And he does it in minutes. Carlton’s studio work uses a variety of techniques to give his paintings a vintage feel. “I want people to imagine they found my artwork in some old run-down movie theater basement,” says Carlton. The gallery will debut pieces from Carlton’s new studio collection “American Vintage – The Denim Collection,” which taps into classic Disney nostalgia. Other highlights of the exhibit includes signature Disney artwork by numerous artists and a collection of interpretive, artist-inspired work derived from Disney’s classic characters and stories. Ocean Galleries will host a reception from 7-10pm on Saturday, featuring Carlton’s performance at 8pm. The gallery will also host a reception from 1-4pm on Sunday. For info, call 368-7777 or go to oceangalleries.com. — Mike Pritchard

Raves and Faves

The Avett Brothers

‘Live, Volume 3’

Featuring songs from their decade-long career, and a glimpse into the band’s rowdy and popular country-rock shows, the latest album from Scott and Seth Avett features a live recording from their homestate of North Carolina — at Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte on Aug. 8, 2009. Produced in part by Rick Rubin.