Notes from a Genius

"Rites of Spring" starring: AJ Bowen, Anessa Ramsey, Sonny Marielli, Katherine Randolph, James Bartz, Shanna Forrestall, Skylar Burke written and directed by: Padraig Reynolds This is an interesting albeit bizarre indie horror film in the same vein as "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" and its progeny. As per opening titles, Mississippi since 1984 has seen a rash of unsolved disappearances, and it’s soon clear why: A farmer (Marco St. John) has been abducting young women and feeding them to the thing (Amile Wilson) that lives in the gooey lair beneath his barn; his latest catch includes Rachel (Ramsey), who’s not going down without a fight. Meanwhile, Ben (A.J. Bowen), Amy (Katherine Randolph) and Paul (Sonny Marinelli) kidnap the daughter (Skylar Burke) of a local tycoon (James Bartz), taking their captive to an abandoned factory — into which the creature eventually chases Rachel. Execution is first-rate; logic is absent. There isn't really anything gri...

Friday night, I got to see my buddy (who plays the saxophone) and his band Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds (for the 4x, I believe), as they ended their tour here in Portland, at Port City Music Hall. Their shows are always amazing and fueled by so much great, positive energy that emanates from the band and the crowd, equally. They are such an incredible band to watch and listen to (especially live) and this show certainly was no different, this time around. I grabbed their setlist from the stage after the show, too. Their opening band, KOLARS, was also really good. Check them out. ........................................................................... And then, Saturday night was reserved for Brand New. This was my 4x seeing them, but this was going to be a show to rival all shows because they were celebrating the 10th anniversary of their 3rd album and my favorite, "The Devil and God are Raging Inside of Me." They started their set with two ...

Last Sunday, I travelled down to Boston (after watching a disappointing Patriots game against the Bills) to see Taking Back Sunday at the Paradise (a much smaller venue than I've seen them in prior to this). They wanted to take things back to earlier days for this tour, which was great because the energy in smaller venues is way better in my opinion. Louder. Sweatier. Hotter. More intense.  The band has been playing their new album in its entirety on this tour, as well as all of their hits.  Tidal Wave Death Wolf Play Video Tidal Wave Play Video You Can't Look Back Play Video Fences Play Video All Excess Play Video I Felt It Too Play Video Call Come Running Play Video Holy Water Play Video In the Middle of It All Play Video We Don't Go in There Play Video Homecoming Play Video I'll Find a Way to Make It What You Want Play Video Intermission Cute Without the 'E' (Cut from the Tea...