HubArts.com

Let's get a grip

The latest chapter in the Brad Delp story is terribly sad, of course, but some perspective is needed. Fran Cosmo's maybe-maybe not exclusion from the summer Boston tour is not the reason Delp killed himself. Emotional and psychological issues, likely longstanding, are the reason. Delp was a troubled soul, no doubt, and perhaps this latest band upset precipitated his action. But his suicide can't be blamed on Tom Scholz or anyone else, no matter what kind of assholes they're being. Suicide is not a rational response to intra-band strife. Instead, blame Delp's personal demons, which died with him.

Readings

It never occurred to me that the new ABC series "October Road" wouldn't have paid some dues to J.T., but it turns out not. (Second item.) ... And here's a loss worth acknowledging.

Earbud issues

Two important stories today for fans of digital music via iPod and the net: Joan Anderman on sound quality and Hiawatha Bray on a royalty hike that could end Internet radio as we know it.

Rodrigo y Gabriela? Not Tuesday

This just in from LiveNation: ATO Records recording artist Rodrigo y Gabriela will unfortunately be unable to honor their immediate upcoming American performance commitments -  including the scheduled Boston performance March 13 at The Roxy. Due to U.S. immigration policies and procedures, guitarist Rodrigo Sanchez's visa renewal has unexpectedly been delayed.  ATO Records and artist management are diligently working to expedite and resolve this issue. The situation is being evaluated daily, and we will keep you abreast of developments as information becomes available as to how this may affect future scheduled dates.

***UPDATE*** The concert has been rescheduled for April 17.

When I think Celtic, I think Garfunkel

Please to enjoy my Celtic Woman review in this morning's Globe.

"Souvenir" worth keeping

Finally got over to see "Souvenir: A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins" last night at the Lyric Stage. It was funnier than I suspected when I profiled star Leigh Barrett for the Globe last month. Jenkins was the oblivious William Hung of her day, her love for music mercifully deafening her to the sound of her own voice. When Barrett opens her mouth, the sounds that come out are so ghastly that everyone starts laughing, and cringing, immediately. A pretty neat trick for an accomplished veteran of the musical stage. But playwright Stephen Temperley has smartly built the piece around accompanist Cosme McMoon, played by Will McGarrahan. His transformation from appalled opportunist to Jenkins' protector becomes the audience's vehicle for experiencing the story. He brings us around to the poignance of Jenkins' folly, if folly is what it was. His own journey from frustrated young artist to reconciled man is a big part of that, although here Temperley has taken liberties with the facts, I think; in reality, McMoon was a nom de Jenkins for a skilled and successful pianist of the day.  Jenkins herself, bless her heart, changes comparatively little - you wouldn't want her to, anyway. This is a wonderful two-handed piece and runs through the 17th.

I'd like to find an open source of that much cash...

Dan Kennedy noticed what I don't think anyone else did...namely that Chris Lydon and the "Open Source" team were just awarded a $250,000 MacArthur Foundation grant to continue their "innovative use of internet-based tools in the production of a daily public radio program." That postpones the uncertainty that came when UMass Lowell decided that keeping "Open Source" going wasn't the best use of its budget. ... It doesn't solve the long-term question of whether this show can pay for itself in the marketplace. But Lydon fans, and they are legion on this side of the Charles anyway, can breathe easier for a while.

Mark your calendar

The day of excellent (usually) Esplanade fun known as the WBOS EarthFest is set for May 26 this year, noon to 6 p.m. at the Hatch Shell. Band lineup isn't due till April.

Granite State strings

How often does the phrase "New Hampshire orchestra" enter your life? Me neither. But yesterday two unrelated items came my way... First was this AP story in the Globe, about the New Hampshire Symphony canceling this season and maybe next due to lack of funds, which is sad. But then I got an email from Boston cabaret singer extraordinaire Will McMillan who will be singing in the Timberlane Pops Concert on March 18. Timberlane is a high school in Plaistow, N.H., but the band on hand will be a "shoulder-to-shoulder" ensemble of "professionals, teachers, Timberlane alumni, and current Timberlane students all performing together in an energetic 'pick-up' orchestra" in their new performing arts center. Tix are only $15, $10 for students and seniors. Details: 603-382-6541 x 243 or http://www.timberlanepac.org/events.html.

Ready to Rumble?

The WBCN Rock n' Roll Rumble starts April Fool's Day at Harper's Ferry with the finals on April 20 featuring a guest performance by Sick Puppies. The grand prize includes the usual $3,000 cash and a music career starter kit including studio time, publicity - and a tattooing session. Deets at harpersferry.com or wbcn.com. On name alone, HubArts' early favorite is the Self-Righteous Brothers. ... Concert update featuring Roger Waters at the Garden is here.