Static Live Magazine July 2020

COBAIN’S
HAUNTED GUITAR
SEMPER
MUSICA
ON THE BLOCK
A Powerful Lesson
“DAYDREAMS AND DOODLES”
THE ART OF JAMIE POHL

Oh My...Goddess
2
Colby
One of the many perks of modeling is international traveling! I have been
able to travel to places like Peru,Mexico and England. One of my favorite
international jobs was shooting for ASOS in London last year. Personally, it
was so exciting using the Tube to get to work and traveling around the city on
my own. I worked with an amazing team at ASOS and was able to do some
exploring as well, like seeing Buckingham Palace and riding the London
Eye. I also got to see the play, Hamilton, live after a day of work, which was
a dream of mine. Modeling has given me the experience to not only travel
around the world, but to meet amazing people I never would have. Thank
you ASOS!
A Day in the Life of a
Gigging Musician
By Adam Floyd
SPLASH! I jump into the deep end of my pool, not bothering to dip a toe first.
Helps me come to full consciousness when I get up, usually around 11 am. I don’t
drink coffee so I use a wake-up swim to get going. Lots to do in the pandemic. Concerts
and festivals, clubs and bars - everybody is booking and I need to prepare for a full
summer schedule after a couple months of isolation. The time off was refreshing. The
opportunity to kick back and chill a little has brought some benefits but living life in
the frenetic world of performance is how I keep sharp.
Once more into the gap! I charge forward with new material. Cover songs to choose
for the bands I front. Pretty standard fare, as all I need is some taste and discernment.
The more challenging part is composing originals. It’s time to get down to it but
creative juices flow to their own rhythm. You can’t force it and expect good results.
I can get some not-so-good songs out of the way though. It cleans out the pipes so
the good stuff can come to the fore. Writer’s block isn’t a big problem since I’ve been
songwriting since I was a boy. The main approach I use is to come up with a melody
over some chords. Then the syllables reveal themselves and I fit in a story for the
lyric content. I also write the other way around. I’ll come up with a story and write a
song to match or express the main idea. Bridges are tough for some but I lean on my
composing education to help me flesh something out.
Wedding gigs have been sparse. I guess people are doing a more intimate ceremony
with smaller events at home to avoid spreading the plague. I feel sure things will
pick up as the world finds the new normal. Love always finds a way. I usually do the
ceremony, not the reception anyway. I’ll play violin or classical guitar during the vows
and that part isn’t going away. Dates are starting to trickle in.
Touring from Florida up to the mountains of Appalachia is great fun and my annual
ritual. Orlando, Daytona and Jacksonville. Savannah, up the coast and across the
Carolinas to Asheville. Through the Gap and into Tri-cities. You get a nice cultural
exchange as drawl and twang overtake the easy coastal vibe. I go with the flow and
give the people what they want wherever I play. Makes no difference to me, I like
it either way. I haven’t played out West in a while so am considering a tour across
Highway 10 to Cali next year. The only question is which band to bring. Coyotes and
Towndogs, my jump-jive act, is smooth and crowds love us. I’d also like to tour my jug
band, The Potlikkers. I’ll have to work out which players want to and are able to tour
for a few months, before I decide which band to bring along. Either way we are sure
to make a SPLASH.
3
Photo Credit: Premiere Photographer Jonni Nicole

“I want to be remembered as iconic
and different” ~ The Weeknd
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35
36
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Oh My Goddess
A Day in the Life of a Gigging Musician
Looking Forward to The Weeknd
A Powerful Lesson
Musical Activism in 2020
Musician’s Cookbook
A Word from the Throne
Semper Musica
Art Feature - Jamie Pohl
Cobain’s Haunted Guitar
Runway Chronicles
Lights Out in C-Villa
Behind the Mic
Rocktails
Become a Music Critic
Rare Earth Reviews
Snap It
Static Live Media Group, LLC
STUDIOS
DREAM. CREATE.
927 S. Ridgewood Ave., Suite A5
Edgewater, FL 32132
386-847-2716 www.staticlivemag.com
Sean Impara, Publisher
Billy Chapin, Co-Publisher
Jenny McLain, Editor
Jamie Lee, Graphic Artist
Lindsay Kroman, Graphic Artist
COVER ART BY GARY KROMAN
© 2020, Static Live Media Group, LLC. All rights
reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form by any
means electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording or otherwise without the prior written
permission of the authors.
Making great music since 1999
For scheduling, Contact Sean at (386) 847-2716

By The RelucTanT Genius
6
With so much that is going on in today’s world
it’s nice to know that one of the things we have in
common is the love of music. Recently there’s been
an influx of young talent that has proven that, for
the future, things are well in hand when it comes to
creating new and exciting beats and lyrics.
This month’s featured artist has gained enormous
popularity, so when it comes to making hits
he has quickly climbed up the charts. Over the last 3
to 5 years he’s proven that his words and music are
meant to be shared with the world.
Here’s a little more about The Weeknd and why he
will be at the top of the charts for the foreseeable
future.
The Weeknd, born Abel Tesfaye on February 16,
1990. His parents had moved from Ethopia to
Canada, although his father left the family when he
was a toddler and he was raised in large part by his
grandmother. In a 2015 interview with Vanity Fair, he
described Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop ‘til You Get
Enough” as the song that helped him find his voice. He
began recording while in high school. After dropping
out, he continued to pursue his music. He uploaded
several songs to YouTube anonymously and released
House of Balloons, a free download, in 2011. Tesfaye
initially had an air of mystery surrounding him and
used the aliases “Kin Kane” and “The Noise”.
He began a tour of Toronto at a venue called Mod
Club. Drake was in attendance and approached him
about a potential collaboration. He was often the
opening act for Drake and they worked together on
the 2011 album Take Care, featuring several tracks
from House of Balloons. This landed him a deal with
Universal’s Republic Records. His first US tour began
in April of 2012 at Coachella.
Tesfaye has collaborated with many artists, including
Justin Timberlake, Sia, Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Kanye
West, Kendrick Lamar, Lana Del Rey, Daft Punk and
Ariana Grande in addition to frequent collaborator
Drake. In September of 2015, he became the first
male artist to simultaneously hold the top three
spots on the Billboard Hot R&B chart with three
singles that preceded the release of the album.
Tesfaye grew up listening to a variety of music with
an admiration for the era before he was born. His
lyrics often express pain and include subject matters
such as partying and sex. He has launched his own
XO branded merchandise. In 2018, Marvel released
the comic Starboy, based on his chart-topping song
from the multi-platinum album of the same name.
Tesfaye has won three Grammy Awards, eight
Billboard Music Awards, two American Music Awards,
nine Juno Awards, and has been nominated for one
Academy Award. In April, he relaunched XO’s nonmedical
cloth facemasks in an effort to raise money
for MusiCares Coronavirus Relief Fund, a campaign
launched by the Grammys to help musicians affected
by the COVID-19 pandemic, with 100% of the proceeds
from the sale of the masks to be donated to the relief
fund.

ON THE BLOCK
A Powerful Lesson
By Jenny McLain
On April 5, 1968 American school teacher Jane Elliott first
conducted her now famous “Brown Eyes/Blue Eyes” exercise for her
third grade class. It was the day after Martin Luther King Jr. was
assassinated. She decided after watching the madness that it was
time to try the eye color exercise she had thought about many times
but had not introduced to her students. She created a microcosm
of society in a third grade classroom. The local Iowa newspaper
published the compositions the students had written about the
experience and it put Ms. Elliott on the path of becoming a public
speaker as an antiracism activist.
The third time she held the classroom exercise with her third graders
in 1970, it was filmed and became the documentary “The Eye of the
Storm”. This also inspired a retrospective fifteen years later called “A
Class Divided” on an episode of the PBS series Frontline, revisiting
the students at their High School Reunion. She has conducted the
exercise with college students, which is the subject of the 2001
documentary “The Angry Eye”. In the episode of Frontline, she
conducted the exercise with a group of employees from the Iowa
Department of Corrections, which includes the “debriefing” of the
group at the end of the exercise.
If you are not familiar with it, Jane Elliott taught at a school in
Riceville, Iowa, a town with an exclusively white Christian population.
It must have been difficult for the people there, and especially the
school children, to understand what was going on in other parts
of the United States. She began the day by talking about what
kinds of people are treated differently and why, and she asked
the students if they could understand how it would feel if they were
treated differently based on the color of their skin. They quickly
said they could, but she wanted them to FEEL it. Then she asked
them what was different about them individually that might be used
to separate them into groups. They split the class according to eye
color. Since she, the teacher, has blue eyes, she decided that the
blue eyed people would be on the top first.
The kids with brown eyes were given collars by the kids with blue
eyes so they could be easily identified from a distance and the class
was told that blue eyed people were smarter, cleaner, and more
civilized than brown eyed people. They were given examples of bad
things that people who happened to have brown eyes had done
and good things that were done by people with blue eyes and she
made the argument that they behaved a certain way because of the
color of their eyes. For that day, the blue eyed people would have
5 extra minutes of recess; the brown eyed people could not use the
drinking fountain and had to use paper cups. The blue eyed people
could not play with the brown eyed people at recess, because the
brown eyed people were not as good. The blue eyed people sat at
the front of the room. The kids started owning the situation, treating
their classmates differently, coming up with punishments if the brown
eyed people got out of hand. Ms. Elliott says in the documentary
that the transformation happened within 15 minutes of beginning the
exercise. She called them “ghastly”.
The tables were turned the next day and the brown eyed people
were on top. She again gave examples of bad things done by blue
eyed people and good things done by brown eyed people. The
collars were switched and the same privileges given to the blue
eyed people the day before were given to the brown eyed people.
The expressions on the faces of the children is agonizing; you can
see the frustration of feeling helpless when judged by the color
of their eyes by kids who were their friends the day before and
the euphoria of being considered superior. The kids who wore the
collars did worse during lessons but did better when not wearing
collars, simply because they were treated a certain way.
After the two day exercise, Ms. Elliott talks to the students about
how they felt while wearing the collars. One boy said he felt like a
dog on a leash and another said it was like he had been locked
in a prison. There is a powerful image of one of the blue eyed
kids taking his collar off and tearing at it with his hands and teeth.
In the end, they came together again as a class, with their arms
around each other because they were released from the idea that
they were better or worse based on the color of their eyes, each
understanding the feeling of being judged unfairly. During the
retrospective, they said they continue to feel a certain bond with
each other because of the lessons they learned over those two
days, fifteen years earlier.
Also during the Frontline retrospective, the employees from the Iowa
Department of Corrections talked about the frustration of being
labeled inferior. When asked why they let a few of the people
wearing collars stand up for themselves alone instead of joining
forces they said that if the attention was on those few, it would be
away from them. If those few had been successful, they would have
joined them in the protest, but they felt that resistance was pointless.
I first became aware of the exercise when I was working at Procter
& Gamble, a company that was very focused on teambuilding. My
job was to travel to various locations and conduct training classes
for sales reps who were being issued laptop computers. I had
worked as a district secretary before joining the IT department so
I was familiar with their jobs as sales reps. Most of them were
older and more experienced than me, except that they had never
used a laptop. For the most part, they didn’t want the change that
was being forced on them and they especially didn’t want a young
woman who looked even younger than she was to be a symbol of
the change. But, because of the teambuilding efforts of the company,
we understood our roles and I can honestly say that I always felt
respected, even if not always appreciated. And I was fine with that.
I didn’t understand at the time what an impact it would have on my
life. It gave me confidence in myself, my knowledge, and my abilities.
Imagine how different the world would be if every third grader
were taught this lesson, however harsh. Now lament the fact that
no school today would be allowed to teach it.

MUSICAL ACTIVISM
“Songs can speak to a movement or an individual or even evoke a sense of community among a group but what does it do if we don’t get out there and DO something
in 2020
By Candice Beu
“Let’s take musicaL
activism to new heights
in 2020 and take some
reaL action rather than
simpLy repeating history.”
with it? With the knowledge we have about the problems our society faces today there also comes a sense of responsibility. We must lean in and meet our
problems with a humility and openness to respond to humanity’s actual needs, responses based in educated actions that back up our words or in this case, our
music. I do believe musical activism in the form of songwriting is a necessary tool.”
Are you mad? Are you frustrated with the current state
of the world? Are you feeling the need to speak up,
make your voice heard and do your part to bring about
change? A lot of us are feeling this way. So what do we
do with overwhelming anger and upset? How do we use
these emotions more proactively? As civil rights activist,
memoirist and poet Maya Angelou said “You write it.
You paint it. You dance it. You march it. You vote it. You
do everything about it. You talk it. Never stop talking it.”
She explains that we should be angry right now but we
must not let our anger turn bitter. She says “Bitterness
is like cancer. It eats upon the host.” We can’t push it
down or bury it, we have to use its energy productively,
as a propellant forward. Let us not merely burn with an
inner fire that could scorch us and everyone around us
but instead let this momentum fuel our creativity, spark
our inspiration and energize our motivation to repair
our world. Good art rarely comes from happy people.
Art is always an expression of our own questions,
experiences, insights and most often, our pain. So how
can we best use what we have to offer as Artists to move
society forward?
We could sit behind our screens, behind our instruments,
behind our keypads contemplating life from a distance
and channeling our feelings into a song, but I ask
you this…to what end will that song actually create
systemic change? I’m not denying that music can play a
pivotal role in activism. Songs can speak to a movement
or an individual or even evoke a sense of community
among a group but what does it do if we don’t get out
there and DO something with it? With the knowledge we
have about the problems our society faces today there
also comes a sense of responsibility. We must lean in
and meet our problems with a humility and openness
to respond to humanity’s actual needs, responses
based in educated actions that back up our words or
in this case, our music. I do believe musical activism in
the form of songwriting is a necessary tool. However,
currently there are a ton of amazing civil rights/protest
songs that have already been written by relevant
sources. There are so many Artists from all walks of life
who are supporting the Black Lives Matter movement
on the worlds stage. Black Comedians, Musicians and
Filmmakers are using their visibility to come out against
injustice hard right now. Hip Hop and R&B’s response
to the death of George Floyd has been prolific. Songs
such as J Cole’s “Be Free”, Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright”,
Beyonce’s “Freedom” (feat. Lamar), Jay Z’s “Spiritual”,
Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power”, “This is America” by
Childish Gambino and “Hands Up” by Daye Jack (feat.
Killer Mike) are all having viral revivals lately. Even
classics like Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come”,
Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song” and Marvin Gaye’s
“What’s Goin On” are finding new significance. The
emotional impact and relevance of these songs (and
many more like them) exude the power and credibility
of today’s issues. Getting an unknown “protest song”
heard in this climate may be an uphill battle in an
already flooded market. Perhaps the musical efforts
and artistic skills of the rest of us may be better put to
use elsewhere, for the highest good, for the time being.
Sure it’s awesome to write music and feel like we’ve
done our part, but right now that seems more like the
musical equivalent of saying “my thoughts and prayers
are with you”. Let’s not confuse sitting on a couch
writing a song with getting off the sofa and helping
someone. If we are honest with ourselves there are
probably more selfless ways we could use our talents
to join the cause and impact lives. What if we forged
ahead with a different kind of musical activism instead?
Lets go beyond aspirational or resonant songwriting
and venture into a new kind of ACTION based musical
reform that sets out to work from the ground floor
up, one on one, with real people, people who would
benefit from an interaction with someone who
knows music. If you have a stage and spotlight,
use it wisely to educate and disseminate accurate
information. Create new platforms that shine a light
on silenced voices so that they may bring awareness
and education to others through their stories and
experiences. Offer a price break to help someone
create tracks, record vocals, and produce their own
songs of protest and awareness. Better yet, try
teaching them how they can do that for themselves.
Raise folks up by helping them rise through the
ranks. Give a leg up. Offer a job or opportunity. Be a
connector to booking agents, managers and higher
ups. If you are ‘in the know’ then show someone the
ropes and how to make the real money in some of
the various entertainment industries. Start up music
programs for the young, old or underprivileged in
your area. Support music and art programs that are
already in progress. Anonymously donate to causes
that help the oppressed or to individuals you suspect
may be in need. Personally pay for music therapy
for someone by buying them an instrument and
lessons, getting them a vocal teacher, a producer or
a songwriting coach to work with. If you are artistic
and knowledgeable about racism, culture or social
psychology you could assist others in learning more
about the nuances of equality, privilege and history by
way of writing, music and art. There are so many ways
to aid in advancement, innovation and expression
while addressing the challenges of our time. Art in all
its forms can voice dissatisfaction and dissent within
any oppressive societal regime and it can also offer
fresh solutions, comfort and connectivity through
finding common ground.
Anyone who understands the power of music, who can
direct musical self expression, and support people in
telling their story would be beneficial to the cause.
It’s the perfect time to model non-defensiveness,
humility, and selflessness by being open to learn from
and collaborate with diverse groups of youths and
adults while taking steps towards justice, equality
and healing together. I’m not saying not to write
or perform your own musical expressions, but in
addition to that we could also look for ways to back
up what we sing about. If you are going to create a
sonic experience about current events then perhaps
you can do what songstress Madison McFerrin did
with her evocative “Can You See”. The proceeds from
this acapella masterpiece, which you can find on
bandcamp.com, go 100% towards Breonna Taylor’s
Family GoFundMe. We can all figure out fresh ways
to reach out, donate, address real problems and help
real people. Dive in there, grassroots style, with eyes,
hearts, and minds wide open. Sure, it might be nice
to be seen as the next John Lennon but he already
wrote “Imagine”, so now why don’t we imagine what
else we can do and go do that instead. We can all find
ways to do better by this world, be it interpersonally,
individually or globally. Let’s take musical activism to
new heights in 2020 and take some real action rather
than simply repeating history.
“I did then what I knew how
to do. Now that I know better,
I do better”
-Maya Angelou
11

MUSICIANS COOKBOOK
Let’s face it – cooking can be troublesome. Most people have very busy
schedules and can’t commit to frequent home cooked meals. Go to work,
participate in an activity, and then cook? No thanks. Getting busy in the
kitchen can be especially daunting for entertainers. Since we get a food/
beverage tab at most venues, we tend to favor that route instead… sometimes
we even enjoy a liquid dinner (I’m looking at you, 8 Bud Lights). Going
forward, the purpose of my articles will be to shed some light on the joys
of sautéing some veggies, perfecting your favorite meats, and entertaining
guests with good old-fashioned FOOD.
Before I begin, I can’t say enough great things about having a stash of glass
or plastic Tupperware to store your creations. Pyrex makes quality, long
lasting storage options in all shapes and sizes. The freezer is your friend and
you should pack it full of everything you make. Always cook more than you
intend to eat in a single night. Why do the work and dishes twice or three
times or more?
Let’s cook! Our first recipe is going to be Red Panang Curry. This is a superfast,
easy, and delicious meal that serves 2 – 4. You can easily double this
recipe and save yourself a bunch for later. Red Panang Curry has a lovely
level of spice and a sweet finish. If you don’t like spicy food, this might
not be the one for you. To reduce the spiciness, simply use less Panang
Curry Paste. I used to order this dish ALL THE TIME from my local Thai
restaurant. During the initial response to the COVID19 crisis, they were
closed indefinitely. I desperately wanted the meal, so I decided to find
some recipes and combine attributes of my favorite ones to create my own
perfectly balanced curry. Not only does this taste amazing, but it’s also a
fraction of the cost of eating out. Support your local Asian food stores and
you will find that they have the best authentic items and usually the best
prices as well.
Cooking Oil
INGREDIENTS:
1 Onion (Chopped)
2 Green Bell Peppers (Sliced)
2 Red Chili Peppers (Chopped)
1 4oz can Panang Red Curry Paste
1 13.5oz can coconut milk
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
1 Head Cauliflower (Riced) or Frozen
1 Tbsp Peanut Butter
2 Cloves Minced Garlic
Optional Chicken (sliced into small bits)
Watch my full cooking video for this recipe on my
Facebook page
“Ian Opalinski Music”
or follow the link:
facebook.com/ianopalinskimusic
RED PANANG CURRY
Let’s get to work! Heat your oil in a wok or pan on medium high heat.
I prefer to use an avocado oil for this dish, but any cooking oil will work
just fine. Sauté onions for 1 minute. Add peppers and garlic and sauté for
an additional 3 minutes. Stir frequently so the garlic does not burn. Push
your veggies aside because the magic is about to begin. Add curry paste
and peanut butter. Mix these two together and let fry up for a minute.
Now would be a great time to add chopped chicken if you’d like. Mix
everything together and add coconut milk slowly. Enjoy that slow pour
and watch the curry take shape. After stirring once more, bring it to a boil,
then simmer 15 minutes. Garnish your curry with chopped basil leaves. If
you don’t already own a basil plant, get one next time you are at a grocery
store or home improvement store, it will be a good long term return on
investment. Basil rules the world. Chop your cauliflower and rice it using a
food processor or other blender. If you don’t have these, buy yourself some
frozen riced cauliflower. You can also use traditional rice if you please.
Cook in separate pan for 5-10 minutes and taste to make sure it is the
right consistency. Pour a few scoops of curry into a large bowl and use a
separate small plate for the riced cauliflower.

Semper Musica
By Jamie Lee
It’s fitting that the most mundane and least visible
component of any stage denotes the truly powerful nature
of a band’s least heralded but most important member.
For most it is easy to assume that the drummer is simply
sitting on a stool in the corner, appendages flapping away,
adding onomatopoeia to otherwise musical moments
provided by the REAL MUSICIANS—we’ve all heard the
jokes. (What do you call a drummer without a girlfriend?
Homeless)
Well, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my duty to help set the
public straight and help rehabilitate the image of music’s
most important position. We’ll start the reeducation with
simple semantics. A drummer doesn’t sit on a chair, stool,
or bench although all work in a pinch. The place where a
drummer rests his or her booty is called a THRONE. The
drummer presides over any given evening with a list of
demands that can be difficult to balance. To righteously
command such a position is an immense responsibility.
Before we dive deeper we must make it clear that
restaurants, bars, night clubs, and all other venues hire
live musicians to create an enjoyable atmosphere for their
patrons. More enjoyment experienced by patrons equals
more time and money spent at the venue. A drummer is
in the perfect position to either facilitate or hinder that
dynamic. If the drummer is kind and just they will play at
an appropriate volume that allows for free communication
between all people in the building. If people have to shout
to each other across the table or—even worse—the bar,
overall enjoyment is decreased. In this way drummers
affect tips for bartenders, servers, busboys and gals, and
even the rest of the band. Time after time this idea has been
reinforced by nervous managers looking for reassurance
that I’ll be quieter than I look.
To play at an appropriate volume is a choice to place other’s
enjoyment over our own.
BY BILLY DEAN
To continue, it is important that we shed light on the true
social/musical role of the drummer. The most ancient
responsibility of the drum THRONE is the inducement of
dance. Dance is the natural effect of drumming and has
been since the first caveman started banging away at a log
in rhythm.
However, the drummer’s setting dictates the level of kinetic
ecstasy that is possible. Unabashed dance is becoming
a thing of the past, at least in bars and restaurants.
Furthermore, prospects for dancing are reduced when
dining is the main purpose of an outing.
However, if a drummer does a good job at reading the
crowd even the table hiding in the back of the room will
be toe tapping or least chewing in time. We drummers
create a hypnotic pulse that bodies can’t deny. We can gain
acceptance from even the most motion resistant, fun averse
folks. I’ve seen the transformation many times. A quiet
room of hungry statues loosens into their humanity after
30 minutes of good grooves and ultimately makes their way
to band stand for some rhythmic wiggling. By the second
set bodies are pulsing next to each other and drinks are
flowing—someone’s night is going to end well.
Again, the drum THRONE is able to directly affect the
enjoyment of an entire room for the night and may turn
your first date into a second.
Drummers in their natural habitat are loud creatures.
Holding drumsticks is an invitation to hit something
HARD. To say there isn’t tension between what we
drummers would LIKE to do and what we SHOULD
do would be a lie. I am always ready to break into a selfindulgent,
chop-laden tangent like an unhinged, impulsive
tweet. But, I respect the THRONE and choose to use my
powers for the greater good.
The next time you find yourself enjoying a night out take
note of the drummer and how they are making your night
better.
With our nation’s Independence Day around the corner,
I wanted to talk about our country’s providers of security,
the blanket of freedom we all live under - the United
States Military. I want to bring to light a non-traditional
part that most do not know about and only happened as
of last year. You have heard of the Marine Corps Band;
however - they have added an MOS (Military Occupational
Specialty - their daily job) of vocalist to be signed
on contracts in 2019. There have been vocalists in the
past but, last year a woman named Megan Lynn Browning
was the first to sign a Marine Corps contract with the
MOS ‘vocalist’ attached.
Lance Corporal Megan Lynn Browning has been a professional
singer since 2008, and has been a US Marine
since 2018. She was trying everything to supplement her
music career - working in amusement parks, etc but, it
wasn’t fulfilling her as a complete person or giving her
the monetary means to be a success. She wanted more
and so she moved on to the Marine Corps. (Read all
about Megan Lynn Browning on her blogSemperVocalis.
com)
The Corps offered a Musician Enlistment Option Program
and, by no means are these talented people who
qualify any less of a Marine. First, you must audition and
qualify for a placement in the music program. Once you
are qualified for the program, you will then be required
to pass the Initial Strength Test - basic enlistment protocol
and then enter into the Delayed Entry Program,
during which, your recruiter will prepare you for recruit
training. You will then attend 13 weeks of recruit training
- you know-‘boot camp’ at Marine Corps Recruit
Depot Parris Island or San Diego, this is based on where
you live in the country, east or west, simple right? After
surviving and graduating boot camp, you will attend
your schooling, as Marines do, only in this case it is the
Naval School of Music where you will receive advanced
musical training; instrumental, vocal (if applicable) as
well as academics, all before you are assigned to one of
the 10 Marine Corps bands.
You see, music is truly everywhere and I am thankful
that they are starting to recognize that just because you
do not play an instrument, a voice is just as powerful in
the music community. You may think that this is a cushy
job for the Marine Corps however, they are still required
to hold the same physical and mental standards as any
Marine. I feel that the integration of music into
our military is vital to our
nation’s security. I mean, has
anyone ever heard of Bob
Hope? The USO? For 200
hundred years the Marine
Corps (and the other
branches) have had music
within their elite walls,
following in the
footsteps of
legendaryMarine
musicians like John
Philip
Sousa to jazz musician
and Ellis Marsalis whom
was referred
by the mayor of New
Orleans, Mayor LaToya
Cantrell, “He was the
prototype of what we
mean when we talk about
New Orleans jazz.”
Musicality brings hope,
a reminder, a feeling of
belonging, our freedom
fighters need talented people
around them to make sure
in the thick of it they
remember what they are
fighting for and to instill the
hope needed for them to
return home safely. Music
can heal and in the current
situation that our nation
faces the military are
not the only ones in
need ofthe power
of music.
Semper Musica

“DAYDREAMS AND DOODLES”
THE ART OF
Jamie Pohl
By Bartholomew Betelguese III
I think at one time or another all of us have doodled on a piece of paper,
most likely starting at an early age and then progressing. Human beings
have always liked to create art with just a simple pen and paper, or
charcoal and wall, or feather and paper, or pencil and paper, perhaps paint
and paper and so on. It’s one thing we all have in common; at one time
or another, we like to doodle. This month’s artist not only created some
unique pieces of art while doodling, but he was also talented in many
other aspects of the arts. We here at Static Live are not only proud to show
off Jamie.‘s works of art, but we were also happy to know and have worked
with him during the last 10 years. As you can see in the pictures before
you, he was a creative soul and an inspiration to all that knew him.
“The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long” Lao Tzu
Here’s a little bit more about Jamie ...
Jamie Allyn Pohl was born November 18th, 1975 in New Brunswick,
New Jersey. As a young boy, Jamie’s interests were piqued by many
things. He was a Cub Scout and played soccer for Tom’s River Youth
Soccer. At the age of six, Jamie’s grandmother bought him an acoustic
guitar for $19.95. As a result, Jamie fell in love with music and began
taking lessons right away.
Besides guitar, Jamie took an interest in other musical instruments. In
elementary school, he played saxophone and would virtually play any
instrument he got his hands on. Jamie was also an incredible artist and
created a comic strip called “Mushroom Pirates” for his little brother
Drew.
Jamie and his family moved to Florida in 1989. He attended Flagler
Palm Coast High School from which he graduated in 1994. While at
FPCHS, Jamie played bass in the jazz band and took part in forming
the band “Young Men of Jazz”. He also performed in and designed
for the musical productions of “Bye Bye Birdie” and “Fiddler on the
Roof” when he wasn’t out skateboarding.
Jamie’s interest in music and the arts kept growing as he attended
FCC Jacksonville on scholarship. He soon left there to attend Full Sail
University in pursuit of a degree in music production and
recording in early 2000.
After graduating from Full Sail, Jamie started playing bass in
different rock bands throughout Central Florida. He was
always noticed for his high energy and playing style and was
never overlooked. With his distinctive sound, you could
hear many of Jamie’s musical influences at the strike of a
note.
In 2002, Jamie became one of the original partners that
started Manta Ray Records, Radio and Studio. During that
time, Jamie used his talents and skills inside the studio
recording and producing different bands and hip-hop artists.
In Loving Memory
1975- 2020
In early 2005, Jamie crossed paths with a band known as Breaking
Ground. They were looking for a bass player. At the suggestion of the
band’s lead singer, the group met up with Jamie, hung out and played
a few songs together; it didn’t take long for them to realize it was a
perfect fit.
17

ARTIST FEATURE
Jamie Pohl
continued
By mid-2005, Jamie and the guys were ready to hit
the studio and record their first album. It was during
that time that the band changed its name from
Breaking Ground to Orange Avenue. Jamie is one of
the founding members of Orange Avenue and their
affiliated record label, Lovelamp Records.
Jamie and the band went on to release their first
record in 2006 followed by another full-length album
and 2 EP’s up until 2014. Jamie played hundreds of
shows to thousands of fans while touring the country
with Orange Avenue. In his spare time, Jamie could
be found drawing, sketching, making funny videos,
listening to podcasts, watching YouTube, hanging with
friends and talking up any one of his many fans.
Jamie inspired and touched many lives through his
amazing talents, generous spirit and artful personality.
His untimely death on May 20th, 2020 was a shock to
all who knew and loved him. He is so very missed.
19

20
21

COBAIN’S HAUNTED GUI
COBAIN’S HAUNTED GUITAR
BY HANK HARRISON WITH CATRIONA WATSON
22
KURT COBAIN
BY HANK HARRISON WITH CATRIONA WATSON
If your daughter gets married and doesn’t invite autistic spectrum… but he was also a g
If your daughter
you to the
gets
wedding,
married and
it doesn’t
doesn’t
mean
invite
you’re autistic not spectrum… her music
but he
and
was
art
also
and
a genius,
blessed
gifted
with
in
good
you to the father. wedding, If your it doesn’t son-in-law mean is you’re murdered, not her even music though and you art and most blessed important with good guitar looks. just Now sold his for a bra
father. If your never son-in-law met him, is murdered, do you have even though a right you to mourn? most important If that guitar and just we must sold for ask a brain-buster ourselves why? price
never met same him, do son-in-law you have creates a right to a mourn? haunted If that guitar, and one we must that’s ask ourselves why?
same son-in-law appraised creates for a more haunted than guitar, two one million that’s dollars, are you First of all, what is the history of this g
appraised automatically for more than precluded two million dollars, from writing are you about First of it? all, I ask what is really the history knows of for this sure. guitar? Is Nobody it akin to Th
automatically precluded from writing about it? I ask really knows for sure. Is it akin to The Red Violin?
these questions because all of these things happened Many rumors have circulated since Kur
these questions because all of these things happened Many rumors have circulated since Kurt’s passing. Is it
to Hank Harrison.
haunted by his spirit? Is it cursed? Bu
to Hank Harrison.
haunted by his spirit? Is it cursed? But whatever the
legend of your choice, the intrigue grow
legend of your choice, the intrigue grows.
In 1993, while
In 1993,
between
while
gigs,
between
Kurt Cobain
gigs,
popped
Kurt Cobain
into
popped into
Voltage Guitar Voltage at 7529 Guitar West at Sunset 7529 West Blvd., Sunset Hollywood Blvd., During Hollywood the MTV During Unplugged the show MTV in Unplugged New York, Kurt show in N
— they are — no they longer are selling no longer from selling that shop from — and that sang shop and — played and a sang song and on this played guitar a called song The on this Man guitar c
purchased purchased a 1959 Martin a 1959 Dreadnaught Martin Dreadnaught D-18E, one Who D-18E, Sold one the World, Who considered Sold the World, by many considered to be a by
of only 302 of copies only 302 ever copies made. This ever was made. not the This fancy was not reference the fancy to the famed reference dark to spirited the famed billionaire dark David spirited b
model like model the one like David the Crosby one David gifted Crosby to Phil Lesh gifted Geffen to Phil and Lesh the conflict Geffen between and the them. conflict between them.
of the Grateful of the Dead Grateful for playing Dead on for his playing 1972 solo on his 1972 solo
album, but it has a really nice folksy boom to it, and Cobain was probably murdered, but we won’t go
album, but it has a really nice folksy boom to it, and Cobain was probably murdered, but
somebody did a great job installing the Bartolini into that here, except to say that, like the Kennedy
somebody did a great job installing the
3AV sound hole pickup. This was the guitar Kurt was assassination, Bartolini into that here, except to say that, like
the case is still in full flight decades
seen playing
3AV
on
sound
a famous
hole
and
pickup.
controversial
This was
MTV
the
Live
guitar after Kurt the death. was assassination, the case is still in full
Kurt, like Elvis and John Lennon, upset
Acoustic show seen playing which was on recorded a famous at and Sony controversial studios the MTV Hollywood Live apple-cart after the setting death. an Kurt, unprecedented like Elvis and John
in New York Acoustic City, November show which 18, 1993. was Almost recorded three at Sony standard studios for rebellion the Hollywood and causing apple-cart fans setting and an u
decades later, in New on June York 18th City, 2020, November that same guitar 18, 1993. sold Almost criminologists three alike standard to dig deeper for into rebellion the whys and causi
for more decades than 6 million later, clams on June before 18th an 2020, astonished that same wherefores guitar sold of showbiz criminologists and the details alike to of dig his death. deeper into
audience for of antiquarians, more than rock-and-roll 6 million clams journalists, before fans an But astonished money, angels wherefores and bad of karma showbiz aren’t and the only the detail
and extended family. The price broke a world record things propelling this auction through the roof. There
audience of antiquarians, rock-and-roll journalists, fans But money, angels and bad karma a
for acoustic guitars and set an all time standard for is a cast of characters backstage fit to drive an oldschool
Shakespearian director to the madhouse. Let’s
and extended family. The price broke a world record things propelling this auction through
haunted musical instruments of any kind.
for acoustic guitars and set an all time start standard with Hank’s for is a cast of characters backstage fit to
Harrison’s daughter, Courtney Love.
haunted musical instruments of any kind.
school Shakespearian director to the m
Any astute hipster might mention Charlie Parker’s Everybody knows Courtney operates from somewhere
Selmer alto sax as a similar treasure but there are too left of center. When start Hank’s with Hank’s granddaughter, Harrison’s Frances daughter, C
many to mention, Any astute one in hipster every junkie might pawn mention shop in Charlie Bean, Parker’s married Isaiah Everybody Silva in knows 2014 Courtney freaked operates fro
every jazz Selmer town. Or alto you sax might as want a similar to mention treasure Harpo but there out, she are pretended too left to of be center. supportive When but Hank’s she didn’t granddau
Marx’ famous many harp, to which mention, went one auction in every for a junkie bunch pawn like competition…from shop in Bean, future married babies? Isaiah Maybe Silva she in just 2014 Co
of money every many jazz years town. ago Or in an you estate might sale. want But to I mention couldn’t Harpo deal with out, the concept she pretended of grandparenthood! to be supportive
doubt anything Marx’ is famous going to harp, surpass which Cobain’s went on haunted auction for a bunch like competition…from future babies?
Martin… unless another long lost Stradivarius comes But what the heck! Why would one more rock star in
of money many years ago in an estate sale. But I couldn’t deal with the concept of grand
on the market.
the family make a difference?
doubt anything is going to surpass Cobain’s Isaiah, haunted who’s band the Eeries, a millennial grunge-like
Martin… unless another long lost Stradivarius
Cobain, lead singer for Nirvana, had a habit of sitting group out comes But what the heck! Why would one m
of Fullerton, California, was making waves
down before on the a performance market. and communing with his in Hollywood. Courtney the family didn’t make see a difference?
way to control
angels. He called them angels, but actually they were them. Love’s hipster Isaiah, cadres who’s thought band the the Eeries Eeries, were a millenn
spirits of various Cobain, types. lead People singer who for knew Nirvana, him in had high a habit poseurs of sitting and the cool group suburban out of kids Fullerton, thought they California, were was
school think down he might’ve before been a performance autistic suffering and communing from all the with rage. his Anyway, in Hollywood. Isaiah and Hank’s Courtney granddaughter didn’t see a
Aspberger angels. syndrome He called or at least them somewhere angels, but in actually the got they along were swimmingly. them. It must Love’s have hipster been a cadres love match thought t
spirits of various types. People who knew him in high poseurs and the cool suburban kids tho
school think he might’ve been autistic or suffering from all the rage. Anyway, Isaiah and Hank’s

COBAIN’S HAUNTED GUITAR
from the start because Frances gave her new beau her
father’s already famous Martin guitar as a token of her
love, and part of her dowry, when they got engaged in
2014.
Was it the fact that Frances would no longer be under
Courtney’s control, or that Kurt’s guitar (estimated even
then to be worth a fortune) would now be beyond
her reach? Perhaps both… In any case, Courtney
descended into a long-term and unrelenting rage
which only intensified when the marriage collapsed
after three years, leaving Silva with the guitar and
Courtney, still fuming, demanding it’s return.
Despite all protests, the Martin was officially granted
to Silva under the terms of the divorce, apparently
causing Courtney to increase her efforts to redeem the
guitar whatever the cost.
Even though ownership was ruled no longer in dispute,
the court stipulated that Silva’s continued ownership of
the Martin was contingent on his leaving the residence
he had shared with Frances Cobain. However, Silva did
not comply. Courtney saw this as a slap in the face to
her real estate fantasies.
Flash forward to June 2016. A black Escalade, with
tinted windows, pulls up outside Isaiah’s West
Hollywood home late at night. Three men exit the
car and enter the home via the front door (we must
assume they were supplied with a key by somebody!)
and proceeded to bang on Isaiah’s bedroom door,
claiming to be police. As soon as Isaiah recognized
Lutfi (controversial bodyguard of Britney Spears and
Courtney’s current manager), he realized they weren’t
police and had probably been sent by Courtney.
The trio, Osama (Sam) Lutfi, Ross Butler (remember
Ross the Intern from the Jay Leno Show?) and Yan
Yukhtman (a local thug), dragged Silva to the car all the
while yelling and threatening to kill him in a hideous
manner if he didn’t tell them the whereabouts of the
guitar. It was then that the real police arrived, thanks to
a visiting friend who called 911, and Isaiah was set free.
(Rumors persist that the friend who called the cops was
in fact Silva’s mother.) Fearing for his life, he agreed
to the Lutfi scenario that it was all a prank, but filed a
criminal complaint a few days later. This is the basis of
the ongoing criminal lawsuit.
However, this wasn’t the only event of intimidation
recorded in the ongoing saga. Silva’s ex wife and baby
mama, Jessica Sullivan, was also accosted by thugs of
a similar ilk, long before the Black Cadillac incident.
According to the complaint filed in Los Angeles
County, Courtney and Lutfi engaged in “stalking and
emotional distress.” Following failed attempts to bribe
Sullivan to take Frances’ side in the divorce, the duo
resorted to a barrage of abuse. Text messages, phone
calls and face-to-face verbal confrontation ensued,
mostly filled with foul language and sexist comments,
including death threats to Sullivan and Silva if the guitar
wasn’t returned to Courtney. Comments like: ‘your
daughter will be orphaned’ that led Sullivan to fear for
her life. Some of the harassments were infantile, like
advertising her dog as “free” on Craigslist, listing her
private phone number.
So who will buy Kurt’s Axe? Will it be an already
famous musician? An up-and-coming star who wants
to see his name in lights? A famous restaurant/
casino conglomerate well known for rock-and-roll
memorabilia? An eccentric private collector? A
museum in some far-off land? Will fraudulent clones be
made and offered for sale? Will it be heard once more
by adoring fans or forever be silenced as a monument
to what might have been?
It’s June 2020 and a beautiful day on Canal
Street, downtown New Smyrna Beach.
Usually known for its local hustle and bustle...
but today three worlds will collide. Three
very different lives are coming together to
create an unbelievable fantasy of a future in
the fashion world.
It’s a big day for Premiere Model Management,
the 27 year old local model agency. We are
polishing the windows and modern glass
furniture in the old brick, open beam wood
ceiling loft, at 137 Canal Street, above the
iconic Jason’s corner restaurant. The agency
must look beautiful for our big casting. Today
we are expecting one of the world’s top
modeling agencies Elite Model Management,
who is coming all the way to little New Smyrna
Beach to see our top 25 models, and consider
them for representation around the world.
We purchase fresh flowers, water bottles, and
mints to have out, get the clipboards ready
for the models to sign in, lights and music on
to create the ideal atmosphere in hopes this
global firm will offer a contract to one of our
local hopefuls!
It’s also a big day for the new faces.. the day
most have been dreaming of. A chance for a
personal interview with the star makers of
our industry. It’s like graduating from college
with a finance degree and being requested
for a personal interview with top Wall Street
investors. An opportunity that only knocks
once if you are lucky. The new faces are from
14- 22 years young, all tall, beautiful, lanky
figures, with the most beautiful faces and
fresh skin. Each one of them is getting ready
at home in their sleek black outfits and heels,
and applying only mascara, and lip gloss to
the most gorgeous sculpted faces you have
ever seen. Each model is on their way to be
early to the office and meet someone for
5 minutes that can possibly make dreams
come true!
For the third component, Elite Director of
new faces and CEO of the conglomeration
have decided to drive up from Miami, to our
little town in search of the next Supermodel.
It’s imperative for these top world agencies
to always find the fresh new faces to develop
and groom to 10k earning daily booking
rate models. They have seen a proven track
record with Premieres models, and are happy
to make the trip. They sit inside the cafe with
myself and my daughter, who is in college
and training to run the agency in the future,
and watch the new beauties walk by as they
sip their cappuccino. A huge window seat in
the cafe ,perfect place to admire the beauties
strutting by to Premiere’s front door to attend
the casting. “wow”, they say, “You have so
many gorgeous new faces! How do you find
them?”. I tell them I am blessed beyond
belief of a flow of referrals and incoming new
prospects.
The casting is about to start, and all three
parts of a future have come together to find
a new future star. This is how it all happens.
What a day we had, super successful, and
three contracts offered out of the 25 hopefuls.
What a fantastic day of business on the Canal
Street NSB.
25

Lights Out
in C-ViLLa
By Randy Pepper
On March the 11th my wife and I were on our way
to Asheville, North Carolina for a Guitar Show and a
weekend away. When we got 30 miles from Asheville
I received a call from the show promoter saying
that the show had been canceled due to the current
Coronavirus. We went on and checked into our
hotel and the next morning got up and we had an
impromptu guitar show with about 30 dealers getting
together in a small conference hall. We made the best
of what we had, knowing that this virus could go on
for months and months and could kill us as retailers.
But some others didn’t have the luxury of a last minute
Guitar Show to make some very needed cash to ride
the storm out, Guitar shops and music stores all over
the country have now shuttered their doors because
of the virus and many didn’t know how to adjust to
selling online to ride the storm out or they just said
“this is the last straw” and ended up closing.
Guitar sales have suffered the last few years (as well
as most music retail) as the decline of the rock star
persona has shifted to DJs and rappers, making most
musical instruments a thing of the past. Then the
C19 virus came and many thought this would be the
end for many shops, including the Guitar Center,
since they have been in deep debt for a while. They
have survived but many other small shops have not,
and every day we see a new store closing. Plus, many
more stores are saying they cannot survive any longer
and are throwing in the towel. I’m not saying it was
just music related places there were affected by the
coronavirus; there are many other forms of retail that
did not survive as well. You see, many places were
considered essential but unfortunately music was not
one of them. So while pawn shops and hobby stores
were able to stay open, guitar shops and music stores
were not. Local places like Z music in Flagler Beach
closed their doors, as well as McCabe music in Santa
Monica California both citing the pandemic as the
cause or the final blow. This makes it very important
to support your local small independent music shops
during this time because unfortunately the virus is still
out there and the longer it lives, the closer we are to the
end of brick and mortar music retail.
Randy Pepper is the owner of the Guitar Attic in Holly Hill
and a freelance guitarist for hire.

Behind the Mic: Riggs
95.7 the Hog, Daytona Beach
Just prior to starting in radio in the ‘90s, I listened
to Atlanta radio on a daily commute to the gridlocked
extended city. I was a writer/ producer for a
television production house and loved the job but
did little else. I had been dateless for over a year
following a bad live-in breakup, a key factor here.
I had seen Prince live from the front row a year
before, the most I’ve ever paid for a concert ticket. It
was worth every penny. So when my morning commute
soundtrack told me that Prince was playing
a private show and they had tickets, I knew I had
to make it happen. It was a morning radio dating
game, and Trixie selected me over the other single
dude callers. It was on. I was ecstatic! I won a blind
date to see Prince in a tiny club and then go on the
radio show after to discuss the details. Such a simple
formula, it seemed.
I worked all my contacts to help make this a special
night for my blind date. The crown jewel was a limo
company that I had produced some commercials for
offered to give me transportation for the night. So
I stocked that bitch with champagne and pizza, ‘cuz
I’ve got CLASS. I dressed to impress, black suit and
shoes, open collar and a fistful of flowers. It’s probably
fair to point you now to the picture of me on this
page as I was working a “unique” look at that time
in my life. After only two conversations, there she
was: Trixie. Attractive, intelligent. Perhaps it’s also
important to point out that I picked her up from her
parents’ house. That may explain some things later. I
was a nervous blabbering nerd as I poured her some
bubbly and offered her a choice of pepperoni or
veggie, ‘cuz again… CLASS.
As the driver navigated Atlanta traffic, we talked
about our favorite Prince songs and more. It was
exciting and enlightening. As the limo exited the
interstate, her champagne flute slid from its holder
spilled on her shirt and the seat. I quickly attempted
damage control but I could tell she was off-put.
I apologized profusely as we rolled into what was a
jammed parking lot, a line hundreds of people long
snaking around the venue. She seemed even more
annoyed at the potential wait in the cold.
I saw the eyes of our driver and his partner in the
rear view as he shook his head and headed past the
barricaded area and into the backstage lot. An attendant
stopped the car and he spoke briefly to them,
then waved us around. My limo pals opened the rear
door and we stepped out, approached by a man with
a headset and clipboard. Now I know things are
getting official. And just then, the driver leaned in
toward my ear and murmured something… I asked
him to repeat what he said and he quietly whispered
back, “I told them you were Kenny G”. Before
I could process those words that just slammed
into my gut, the headset dude steps up and says,
“Great to meet you, Mr. G” and shook hands with
me and Trixie. Yup…. “Mister G”! That’s who I now
was expected to be on this night. We were whisked
through the backstage door and into the private VIP
balcony. I quickly realized that if I said I wasn’t who
they think I was, we would be bounced. And that is
a bad impression on a first date. And perhaps they
would find a picture of Kenny G and realize I look
nothing like him, which also would end with us
missing the show. Another important note that this
was pre-smartphone, so there was no instant google
image search. Ahhh, the simpler times. So since I
am non-confrontational by nature, I rolled with it. I
was Kenny G.
A line formed outside this VIP area over the next 30
minutes, many of them women who were coming in
and getting wind of the “celebrity” in their midst.
I was terrified of being exposed, scared of losing
this dream date, and generally nervous about the
whole scene. But I channeled the energy into meeting
some of my “admirers”, several very attractive
women who told me which album of mine was their
favorite, and I signed several autographs. I went
with a “K” and a tailing squiggle. It seemed the best
way to get through this uncomfortable situation.
Thankfully, I worked at Turtles Records for a dozen
years and was well-versed in Kenny G album knowledge.
There was even one beautiful woman who told
me what my music did to her during private hours
and handed me a hotel key card. I was overwhelmed
with nerves, excitement, and a desperate need to
see Prince. I thought certainly there was no way all
these people are looking at and talking to me and
were convinced that I was the saxophone legend.
Apparently I was mistaken. Then it all went south.
The headset/clipboard man returned and gently
interrupted, “Excuse me, Mr. G; The Artist would
like you to join him for the encore.” Again, ZERO
exaggeration or enhancement in this story. It happened.
And I felt cold. I felt like the human embodiment
of the scene from THE SHINING when the
blood pours from the elevator doors. It seemed all
the blood had rushed out of my body and I was an
empty shell. I fumblingly told him that Trixie needed
to leave before the end of the show and turned to
her to get confirmation of this hasty lie that would
prevent me from having to jam with the greatest
musician of my time. But she was gone. Really gone,
like no sign of her, no one recalling seeing her, nothing.
Was she a mirage of my shitty dating world?
Did she bail after I got the hotel key? Perhaps the
ladies room? I checked the latter, but no dice. I had
nothing other than her home phone number and
with cell technology as huge and clunky as it was,
there was no accessing her whereabouts. I managed
to delay answering my headset/clipboard
friend long enough to race around the club looking
for her.
So now I am alone as the show begins. My mind
races between thinking of an escape plan and not
wanting to abandon this poor girl who, for all I
knew, could be trapped in a stairwell or something.
Also, Prince was awesome. Just killing it,
long ripping guitar solos, dancing, singing his ass
off, deep cuts, hits, it was an amazing set. And
the entire time I am thinking, “I’ve never played
a saxophone, I don’t own one, I am about to puke
from nerves, I cannot possibly carry this charade
that I didn’t create all the way to the damn
stage.” So I called the limo guys between songs
but no answer. I now knew I had to leave before
the last song. But Prince doesn’t like to tell
you the set is ending. And all of a sudden in the
middle of a song, I see him walk off stage. Panic
set in. I hustled to the door we entered through,
right next to the stage. Headset/Clipboard was
there and I made no eye contact as I scurried for
the exit, hoping he would figure that I was just
headed out to get my horn out of my trunk. My
giant cell rang and I answered to hear my limo
pals telling my they were out back and that Trixie
had her mom pick her up. I grabbed the door of
the white stretch and ducked in the back seat and
closed the door. Whew! Safe. Then I fixed my
gaze on what was in front of me… Prince and 2
women, sitting opposite of me in the limo.
28
29

CONTINUED...Behind the Mic: Riggs
The Weeknd Crossword
6
10
The following Tuesday morning I received a call from
the morning host asking me to come to the studio,
that Trixie was ripping me apart and they wanted my
side. I jumped out of work and headed to Atlanta. I
got a flat. I arrived late to the radio station frazzled,
nervous, dirty and sweaty with an audience of 20-30
loyal listeners who were in-studio looking on. The
morning hosts laughed hysterically at the details of
this absurd story and one took particular sympathy
on me as Trixie (she made up that name, go figure)
divulged her plan to ditch me as soon as she saw me. I
was cotton-mouthed dehydrated, nervous as hell and
embarrassed beyond reason. But the details of the
story served as radio gold. So good, in fact, that they
used it on their “Best Of ” shows for 3 years after. I got
to relive it over and over.
3
1
9
5
7 8
2
4
He spoke a gentle “Hello” and I freaked out,
immediately apologizing and grabbing for the
door handle. I climbed out and saw my driver
waving his arms, just one car ahead. As the driver
and his pal laughed hysterically at the exploits
they presented, I hopped through the details, but
defaulted every minute or two to the stunning
feeling of being that close to Prince. How did his
security just let me jump into his car? Did they
think I was Kenny G? When he headed back into
the venue for the encore was he to be disappointed
at the lack of a jazz sax icon? Why were these
limo guys who set me up such dicks? Whatever. I
just wanted to hide and process it all.
I made a vow from the moment I got my first morning
show that applies today to The Morning HOG
show… NO dating game bits. So apologies to Kenny
G for the bad impersonation, to the lady with the hotel
key that I never used, to the late, great Prince, and
to Trixie, whom I hope thinks of me every time she
hears a Prince song.
CHEERS!
Catch RIGGS, GUY, & INTERN STEVE
The Morning HOG / 95.7 The HOG,
Weekdays 5-10 AM
& SATURDAY NIGHT LOUD 9- midnight
@saturdayloud on Twitter
The Morning Hog on FB
Riggs@TheHOG.com
ACROSS
1.What is his birth name?
2.Because his grandmother was
an Ethiopian native, __________
was the first language he learned
when he was a kid.
3.What was name of his secondalbum?
4.How many number one
singles came from his second
album?
5.In a 2015 September
photoshoot for GQ, he
modeled a preview of
Kanye West’s new
collection of what?
DOWN
6.What day of the week did his Trilogy
album hit stores?
7.The 2015 Victoria’s Secret Fashion
Show in NYC featured musical guests;
The Weeknd, Lady Gaga, and… ?
8.What was the first song he up
loaded to YouTube in 2011?
9.What hairstyle describes his
do?
10.Who is the featured artist
on his song “Sidewalks”?
31

ROCKTAILS
By Bekka A. James
1.1987 - The Grateful Dead’s “__________”
LP was released.
2.In 1976 – who purchased Buddy Holly’s
entire publishing catalog from Norman Petty?
3.For his 54th birthday, Lionel Richie receives
a special gift: a star on the Hollywood
Walk of Fame in what year?
4.In 2001The Cult return with their seventh
studio album, and first new recording in
seven years, what is the title?
5.1969 David Bowie records “
-_____________,” which he wrote after seeing
the 1968 Stanley Kubrick movie 2001: A
Space Odyssey.
6.In 1987, Tiffany starts her Mall Tour at
the Bergen Mall in Paramus, New Jersey,
performing what in November will be her #1
hit, “I Think We’re Alone Now,” How old was
she?
7.In 2019, Dave Bartholomew, who cowrote
many of Fats Domino’s hits,
dies at what age?
34
8.In 2006, Kevin Richardson of what band
leaves the group to pursue other interests?
9.In 1992, Barenaked Ladies release their
debut studio album?
10.In 1996, what bass player for Pennywise
dies from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at
age 28?
11.In 1985, What concerts take place in
Philadelphia and London to raise money for
the hungry in Africa? The Beach Boys, The
Four Tops, Paul McCartney, Tina Turner,
Elton John, David Bowie, The Who, Queen,
Eric Clapton and Bob Dylan all take part.
12.In what year was Glee star Cory Monteith
is found dead in a Vancouver hotel room
after accidentally ingesting a toxic combination
of heroin and alcohol?
13.In what year was a US patent is granted
to inventor Guglielmo Marconi for transmitting
electrical signals, leading to the invention
of radio?
14.In 1973, who released Pat Garrett &
Billy The Kid, the soundtrack album for the
Sam Peckinpah-directed movie of the same
name?
The 4th of July kickoff probably started already since the
4th falls on a Saturday but, even through this year is going
to be a bit different for the music and firework loving
people of the United States. One way we can get through
it is to tell the crazy 4th of July stories of the past and do
it over cocktails of the same color as the flag.
A stellar 4th of July was in Las Vegas, Nevada. I was
working as a cocktail waitress at the Hard Rock Casino
pool (yes, we wore purple bikinis to work... I really
miss that 6 pack I had...) anyway, being a holiday and
Las Vegas, the Hard Rock was packed and full of celebrities.
I was lucky enough to be catering to the nu band
Korn. They were in town for their Ballroom Blitz Tour
to support their ninth studio album, which they said was
“recreating their early sound.”
The pools are open from 10am-6pm and Korn did the
celeb thing and got a cabana, food, alcohol, and more
alcohol later, mostly silver Patron being drunk by James
‘Munky’ Shaffer co-founder and guitarist of the band and
my new best friend. There was talk of all the places they
have been and all the wild concerts they have played and
a small mention that I had not seen them live and “poof ”
four VIP tickets (box seats) to the show and backstage
passes.
After the work day and a quick change of wardrobe we
found ourselves (my date Jeff, the cabana boy for the
day, Jeremy and his date, and me) at the Pearl Concert
Theatre at the Palms Resort. We were greeted by clipboard
man and normal, ‘halt who goes there?’ But, after
looking at his notes he raised his head and changed his
expression and tone of his voice, welcoming us and stating
that we were special guests of the band.
Buffet tables with anything you wanted and all the alcohol
you could drink. We had some dinner and drinks
and chatted with the band, took our seats in our very
own box, (well, Jeff and I did, but Jeremy and his lady
stood stage-right the whole concert.
We could have but chose to have the box to ourselves if
you know what I mean...)
Opening acts included 2 Cent, Big Jay Oakerson, Dimmu
Borgir, Rise to Remain, and Shihad, and then Korn
hit the stage and killed it! I remember looking at Jeff and
saying, “I have no idea how Munky is even playing- as
much tequila as I served him today; it’s a wonder he can
stand, let alone shred that guitar!”
The whole day was super killer and it was one one of the
best 4th of July holiday weekends ever! So cheers to you
and your yours this holiday and cheers to Munky and all
of Korn, remember to raise your glasses after you make
the delish red, white, & blue beauty to our nation’s Independence
Day and have a fabulous 4th of July
The layered look of this vodka-based spritzer is perfect
on the fourth.
Pro tip: Pour each element over the back of a spoon so
they don’t mix.
• 1 PART PINNACLE CITRUS VODKA
• 1 PART DEKUYPER BLUE CURACAO LI-
QUEUR
• 2 PARTS LEMON SODA
• 1 PART GRENADINE
• LEMON FOR GARNISH
• BLUEBERRIES FOR GARNISH
• MINT SPRIG FOR GARNISH
Lightly mix the vodka and lemon soda in a cocktail shaker
with ice and set aside. In a tall glass, add the grenadine
slowly to the bottom.
Fill the glass with crushed ice. Strain the vodka soda
mixture over the back of a bar spoon, followed by the
blue curacao. Garnish with fresh mint, lemon rind star
and berries (optional).
35

TRIVIA & CROSSWORD ANSWERS
1. 1987 - The Grateful Dead’s “__________” LP was released. “In The Dark”
2. In 1976 – who purchased Buddy Holly’s entire publishing catalog from Norman Petty?
Paul McCartney
3. For his 54th birthday, Lionel Richie receives a special gift: a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in what year?
2003
4. In 2001The Cult return with their seventh studio album, and first new recording in seven years, what is the title?
Beyond Good and Evil
5. 1969 David Bowie records “ -_____________,” which he wrote after seeing the 1968 Stanley Kubrick movie 2001: A
Space Odyssey. “Space Oddity”
6. In 1987, Tiffany starts her Mall Tour at the Bergen Mall in Paramus, New Jersey, performing what in November will be
her #1 hit, “I Think We’re Alone Now,” How old was she? 15
7. In 2019, Dave Bartholomew, who co-wrote many of Fats Domino’s hits, dies at what age? 100
8. In 2006, Kevin Richardson of what band leaves the group to pursue other interests? Backstreet
Boys
9. In 1992, Barenaked Ladies release their debut studio album? Gordon
10. In 1996, what bass player for Pennywise dies from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at age 28? Jason
Thirsk
11. In 1985, What concerts take place in Philadelphia and London to raise money for the hungry in Africa? The Beach
Boys, The Four Tops, Paul McCartney, Tina Turner, Elton John, David Bowie, The Who, Queen, Eric Clapton and Bob Dylan all
take part. The Live Aid
12. In what year was Glee star Cory Monteith is found dead in a Vancouver hotel room after accidentally ingesting a
toxic combination of heroin and alcohol? 2013
13. In what year was a US patent is granted to inventor Guglielmo Marconi for transmitting electrical signals, leading
to the invention of radio? 1897
14. In 1973, who released Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid, the soundtrack album for the Sam Peckinpah-directed movie of
the same name? Bob Dylan
36
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B E A U T Y B E H I N D T H E M A D N E S S
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Y E E Z Y S
R O 7 B
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I O R H
C S U A
K E N T
1
A B E L M A K K O N E N T E S F A Y E
A N M O
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A M H A R I C U
A L R N
R E S
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F I V E
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overkill by chris rajotte
teD nugent by the reluctant genius
R ARE EARTH REVIEWS
Darren Dowler (Paul revere anD the raiDers)
by ranDy PePPer
BY ANDY MINOR
jeff Pilson (foreigner) by ranDy PePPer
FLASHBACK TR ACK
RUN-D.M.C - “Tougher Than Leather”
R ARE EARTH RECORD
OF THE MONTH
LABEL - Profile Records
RELEASE DATE – May 17, 1988
PRODUCERS – (RUN-D.M.C.) Davy D., Rick Rubin INFLUENCES
– (Guitar Track) David Shulman (Artist)
I believe that we all have had certain musical tracks that
take us back in time when we hear them. To me, these
“Flashback Tracks” hold a very special place in our hearts
by tapping into those deep-rooted moments. One of
my personal favorite Flashback Tracks is RUN-D.M.C.’s
“Tougher Than Leather”.
Released May 17, 1988, on Profile Records, it is considered
by many to be a very underrated album. The blend of
heavy guitar riffs mixed with ‘70s funk style has always
been my favorite aspect of this track. Daniel Shulman
nails the optimum tone for the mix, in my opinion. There
is also the fact that Rick Rubin co-produced this title
track. Rick Rubin, over the years, has become one of my
personal all-time favorite producers. His musical insight
can be heard on a multitude of recordings covering artists
such as Slayer, Johnny Cash, Beastie Boys and countless
others.
If one has not yet heard this track, do yourself a favor and
listen to it today!
R
RE – Metal Album of the Month:
**SLIPKNOT** “We Are Not Your Kind”
Release Date – August 9, 2019 (6th Studio Release)
Label – Roadrunner Records Producer – Greg Edelman/
Slipknot
Albums:
1. Slipknot (1999)
2. Iowa (2001)
3. Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses) (2004)
4. All Hope Is Gone (2008)
5. .5 The Grey Chapter (2014)
6. We Are Not Your Kind (2019)
Powerful, precise and on point is how I would describe
Slipknot’s latest album “We Are Not Your Kind”. Cory
Taylor and Slipknot, along with Greg Edelman, have
produced a heavy LP full of tightly honed arrangements.
There is no mistaking the diversity and depth displayed
on this album, the 6th studio release for these tried and
true counterculture counts of chaos.
Tracks such as “Nero Forte” along with “Critical Darling”
perked my ears up and are definitely worth checking out.
As a side note, kudos to Slipknot for releasing “We Are
Not Your Kind” on August 9th, which also happens to be
my date of birth.
blake anD jessica abbey
by the reluctant genius
russ Pahl by the reluctant genius
snaP
it
38
39

WED/THURS 5-9 PM
FRI/SAT 6-10 PM
SUN 2-6 PM
Live Music
JULY 2020
1st – Laree app
2nd – HannaH WiLson
3rd – casey picou
4tH – tHe cycLones
5tH – tHe vibe
8tH – Laree app
9tH – corey sHenk
10tH – jonny odis
11tH – mudd rooster
12tH - are friends eLectric
15tH – Laree app
16tH – casey picou
17tH – reed foLey
18tH – tHe WaverLys
19tH – jay paski
22nd – Laree app
23rd – corey sHenk
24tH – bradford buckLey
25tH – off tHe road trio
26tH – are friends eLetric
29tH – Laree app
30tH - cHuck moreL
31st - jeff WHite