soundground #128

“I’ve been asked to do this before, in one way or another, and have always had the smarts to respectfully decline,” says Bill Johnson of Honcho Overload in the preface to his personal history of independent music in Champaign-Urbana.

He wrote the feature for the WPGU/Buzz Music Awards 2006, but it did not go on the Web site until voting was over. The six short chapters, which span 25 years, will entertain and enlighten you. Go to http://www.cumusicawards.com/2006/pages/history

May 26 at Cowboy Monkey, Lanterna performed as a full band for the first time since 2002. Although it was Lanterna featuring Hector Zazou, as advertised, bassist Nick Marci and drummer Eric Gebow are due acknowledgment and accolades. On the strength of the show, Henry Frayne ought to be grand marshal of some parade in CU in 2006. He also ought to tour with W.G. Snuffy Walden.

May 27 at The Iron Post, The Beauty Shop had CDs for sale for the first time in years … at least in North America. New album Yard Sale and several singles were available. The Beauty Shop plays next June 24 at Brass Rail.

Salaryman’s 3, the long-awaited follow-up to Karoshi, has a street date of July 25 and may become available early in CU. Salaryman is the instrumental alter ego of Poster Children.

Tomorrow at The Iron Post, Tractor Kings and The Chemicals appear with Midwestern Death. Show time is 10 p.m., and cover is $5.

Saturday in both showrooms at The Canopy Club, fireflies celebrates the release of its Goodnight, We’re Only Here to Help EP. Openers are Shipwreck, Bailey, The Old Faith and Monte Carlos. This is the last show for The Old Faith with singer Emily Thompson and drummer Mike “Too Smooth” Schmitt. Show time is 9 p.m., and cover is $5.

Strictly my observation: Saturday at The Iron Post looks like a Mud Records showcase, with Mad Science Fair, Rob McColley & The Heather and Angie Heaton. Apart from a radio show January 9, this is the first public performance by Rob McColley & The Heather in 2006. Show time is 10 p.m., and cover is $3.

Sunday at Cowboy Monkey, Tummler and Terminus Victor perform with American Heritage. So ends a six-day, five-state tour by Tummler. Show time is 10 p.m., and cover is $5.

Todd J. Hunter hosts WEFT Sessions and Champaign Local 901, two hours of local music every Monday at 10 p.m. on WEFT 90.1 FM. Send news to soundground@excite.com. Support your scene to preserve your scene.

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