I just watched an enjoyable documentary called ‘American Hardcore’ about the heyday of the American Hardcore punk scene from 1981 - 1984. While one could quibble with some of the choices the filmmakers made as well as some of the omissins (legal snags kept the Dead Kennedys from the film, and, as a consequence, there’s also no mention of Jello Biafra’s seminal Alternative Tentacles label), it’s generally a well-informed portrait of the movement produced by people who were a part of it.

The usual suspects (Hank Rollins, Ian MacKaye, Greg Ginn, etc…) are there and represent themselves well. A special treat, though, is watching Chicago’s own Vic Bondi speak. The former Articles of Faith frontman is a passionate and articulate social critic, and his interview scenes are among the most compelling in the film. He’s seen briefly in the official film trailer.

By the way, I still have my copy of Articles of Faith’s What We Want is Free 7 inch. I think it’s time to put it on and annoy my neighbors. Vic Bondi has a very good band with former Jawbox guy J Robbins called Report Suspicious Activity.

Due to our recent success on our Hawaii tour in February, the Chicago Music Comission has asked me to join this months Musicians at Work Forum about touring with an ensemble. The event is part of their monthly series highlighting different aspects of the music industry at the Cultural Center. This months event will be held from 6:00 -7:30 Monday April 16th. For more information contact the CMC. www.chicago-music.org

Confirmed Panelists:

Susan Voelz - Violinist, Poi Dog Pondering, tours with Alejandro Escovedo, and Author of “The Musician’s Guide to the Road: A Survival Handbook & All-Access Backstage Pass to Touring”

Ken Waagner - Webmaster, Wilco

Paul Wargaski - Musician, Tangleweed, violin maker