Local Spin: The healing power of music

I received an e-mail from a friend who works at Lenny Burke’s farm in Wallingford. A woman who lives there used to be a promising violinist but was in a terrible accident and lost most of her ability to move her body. The miracle is that she can still move her right arm (bow arm) and her left hand (fret hand). She is looking for someone to donate a violin to be used for therapy. Any old fiddle that plays would be greatly appreciated. If you can help out with this in any way please call Gary Miller-Wade at 446-3782.

Here’s another chance to get involved. Rutland has been actively involved in a public planning process under the Creative Economy Initiative and a public forum will encourage residents to help create a number of alternatives for development of the Center Street Alley, which has fallen into disrepair. This could certainly include how we could use this space for music or other performances. The meeting is tonight at 5:30 p.m. at the Rutland Free Library’s Fox Room at 10 Court St. (corner of Center and Court Streets) in Rutland. Contact Tara Kelly at 775-0871 for more information. As musicians and lovers of music we all need to be involved in our community. And remember — if you don’t speak up, don’t complain.

Richard Nordmeyer asked me to help him do a little braggin’ about the Curbstone Chorus who apparently captured not only the “Best Performing Group” award, but also the prized “Best Overall Performance” trophy in Rutland’s “Really Big Show” last week. From what I hear, they really rocked out “Zip-A-Dee Doo-Dah”… while I could have some real fun with this one, I’m gonna be nice ’cause I know these guys work really hard and really do sound top notch.

The Subdudes are at the Paramount on Saturday with their New Orleans influenced sound. I checked out a live recording on their Web site and they do justice to their roots. This should be another example of the Paramount bringing great shows here to Rutland. Show your support and take in the show.

November can be a slow month for musicians in this seasonal, tourist driven world of ours. I surfed the Web for some of my “regulars,” many of whom aren’t playing a lot right now. One man who never seems to stop is Rick Redington. He will be up in Rochester this Saturday at Seasoned Books & Bakery at 6:30 p.m. and then Sunday at Jax in Killington for his regular gig there. Rick got the spread in last week’s paper, so I shouldn’t have to tell you much about him. I will say that Rick was a good big brother to me when I was getting going in this area, and helped me get my first CD off the ground. I know he’s taken a few licks in the local “scene” but whenever I see him he’s got a smile and a big hug for me that makes me feel warm and fuzzy (OK, I’m always fuzzy). Oh yeah, the dude can sing and play too, if you’ve been living under a rock and haven’t seen him. Check him out and tell him I said hi.

This week’s “Local Song In My Head” is the first track off of Mr. Rick Redington’s most recent CD, “Those Changes” – “Caught up in the Rain.” He rocks it out with The Samples on this album. You can find it on CD Baby, or buy a copy from the man himself.

Keep supporting live, local music

George

George Nostrand is preparing to throw his own Shameless 35th Birthday at Sidelines Tavern on Sat. Nov. 24, featuring The Dubois, The Bona Fide Dregs, and many special guests. You’re all invited!

What’s your spin? E-mail George and let him know about your band’s upcoming gig or just your thoughts in general about the Rutland music scene at localspin@gmail.com or for more information go to www.georgebygeorge.com/LocalSpin.html.