The Fearless Fools LIVE!

What is sweeter than the sound of a person heartily laughing? How about a whole cafe full of people heartily laughing?!

This Friday, May 2nd, The Vintage Theatre Company's comedy troupe, The Fearless Fools, will take the stage at The Main Street Cafe to fill the place with laughter. Starting at 8 p.m., $5 will get you roughly 2 hours of professional-quality improv comedy.

The Fearless Fools is a branch of the Bridgeport-based entertainment collective entitled The Vintage Theatre Company. Formed a little more than a year ago, The Fools specialize in a unique blend of  short form and long form comedy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHnihmPYHPo

"Short form improv comedy is the type of 'games' that have been made popular by the Whose Line television shows hosted by Drew Carey," said Jason Young, founding producer and artistic director of The Vintage Theatre Company.

Young, who is also a member of The Fools' show, said that the majority of the acts consist of this short form improv, but before the night is over they treat the audience with something a little different. Long form improv doesn't center around a simple game or premise, but it is a longer, developing improvisation scene.

"Usually it takes audiences a little while to realize what they are laughing at," Young said.

The Fools is headed by Steve Goff, a comedic veteran who has trained at the nationally renowned comedy enterprise, Chicago Second City.

"He is really the heartbeat of the team and the one who shapes how we play and what our shows look like," said Young.

In addition to Goff, aka Papa Fool, there are eight actors who make up the troupe.

The Fools have brought their impromptu theatre to many venues throughout North Central West Virginia. From the Uptown Event Center in Clarksburg to the Monongalia Arts Center in Morgantown, this young comedy troupe has been actively refining their craft of performing hilarious live skits.

This Friday will mark not only The Fools' first encounter with The Main Street Cafe, but also the first comedy-themed event to ever be held there.

Manager Daniel Bonner said, "I've been asked by a lot of people if we were going to have comedy at the cafe.  The answer was always the same, 'I want to do it, but I don't know any comedians.'"

When Young contacted Bonner to set up a night of comedy, it was as if things just fell into place.

"Needless to say I was stoked!" said Bonner.

When The Cafe isn't casually serving customers quality coffee, beer and smoothies, it primarily functions as a music venue. Although no one is complaining about the music, which has been incredible, a different form of entertainment adds a nice twist for the locals.

"A change of pace is always a good thing. Not only for us, but for the community and our regulars at the cafe," said Bonner.

$5 for a night of high-grade live comedy is a steal. Grab some friends and forego that overpriced movie ticket to come see a hilarious performance you won't forget.

 

 

Metal Madness at The Main Street Cafe

This Friday at 5 p.m. prepare yourself for an evening of brutality. This is no show for the weak minded.

The Cafe has hosted open mics and evenings of eclectic rock, but there has yet to be a show with the ferocity that is to come this Friday.

Five bands with five different varieties of "heavy" are coming together to provide an evening of free music.

The Danger of Falling and A Gentleman's Sport, two bands that have been making their rounds at the local venues, will be joined by Mandalorian, In Hills We Thrive and Fifth Column.

This Friday is special for multiple reasons.

1. It's Fifth Column's first show in Clarksburg in over eight years.


2. It's Mandalorian's first show ever.


3. It's In Hills We Thrive's first show in the area.


4. The Danger of Falling and A Gentleman's Sport are filled with beautiful, talented men.

Manager Sissy Broadwater grew up around hardcore shows, and she understands the unique atmosphere that comes with them.

"It's a completely different energy," she said, "When someone knows they are going to a metal show, they stretch, get their muscle milk on, wear the appropriate clothing, it's an art. People come to these shows pumped and ready to enjoy themselves and it's a really fun environment to be around."

Fifth Column frontman Michael Triviso goes deeper, describing hardcore music as something more than just a good time.

He said, "I think loud, fast and heavy music is therapy for the soul."

He continued, "Pain, anger, and disappointment - these are emotions humans feel at the lowest times in their lives and sadly most people have no outlet for these feelings ... Heavy music to me, is my outlet and my release. I make sure to let it all out on stage so I can go on and live a normal happy life in my day to day interactions."

Whatever vein of metal melts your face and soothes your soul, there's a good chance you can catch it on Friday.

Whether you want some passionate hardcore (The Danger of Falling), in-your-face metal (A Gentleman's Sport, Mandalorian), finely tuned heavy metal (In HIlls We Thrive), or a melting pot of loud, hard music (Fifth Column), look no further than The Main Street Cafe to satiate your needs.

"Heavy, it's not only the way for us it's the only way, period. It's pure, unadulterated high emotion and feeling. It's the realest emotion on earth," said In Hills We Thrive frontman Sam Linville. 

The show is free, I'll say it again, free! This Friday is your opportunity to release all of your tension and pent up anger by moshing to five incredibly talented and incredibly brutal bands.

Why should you come to this show? If the free admission and night full of raging metal doesn't sway you, listen to Sissy.

She said, "All of these bands deserve a crowd. Seriously, all the men and woman who play our stage are stars and they need all the recognition they can get. That and I just started making RedBull smoothies at the cafe and I promise you, this drink will give you wings."

Stay metal.

 

Meet the Musician: Lance Waste (Darling Waste)

Chances are, if you're from Clarksburg you've heard of Darling Waste. The Cleveland-based indie rock outfit, in addition to being a longtime favorite of local music fanatics, has made a name for themselves with their DIY attitude and relentless pursuit of success. The passion has paid off as the band has seen their music featured on MTV and VH1 as well as countless radio stations across the world. From international tours to nationwide treks, Darling Waste has been churning out emotion-laden rock anthems for over a decade. Because of this, they have sold thousands of records and have become a well-respected name in the indie rock movement.

Lance Waste, the creative force behind Darling Waste, has been playing solo acoustic shows as part of the Heart Riot Tour. In addition to the cities he already hit, which includes Myrtle Beach, Lance will make his way to Pittsburgh, Chicago, Indianapolis and more.

This Saturday he will be bringing the arsenal of Darling Waste songs to The Main Street Cafe for a laid back evening of acoustic jams. Joining him is Deerbourne, Tomorrow to Forever and Ryan Glaspell (aka your beloved blogger).

The show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Come down to the cafe today or tomorrow to get the pre-sale price.

I caught up with Lance via Facebook for a chat about the band, the show on Saturday and his relationship with the bearded beauty known as Daniel Bonner.

[caption id="attachment_264" align="aligncenter" width="570"] Photo from Darling Waste's Facebook.[/caption]

How has the Heart Riot tour been so far?

So far so good. I’m doing the shows acoustically right now and I had to cancel a few of them because of a family emergency, but I’m back on track now and excited to playing some old songs for longtime fans.

What is your relationship like with WV?

WV has been great to us. We started out playing in a church basement years ago and have always had special shows there. Particularly in the Clarksburg area.

When was the last time you’ve played in the area?

We've been playing Charleston a lot the past year or two because there wasn’t a venue in the area. It's great to see one open again. We played a pizza place in Clarksburg last year and I do shows a couple times a year at Almost Heaven when my touring schedule permits.

You’re playing by yourself, right?

That is correct. Solo acoustic all tour doing requests and telling stories.

I hear we might see some Lance-Daniel interaction on stage. Is that true?

I'd say it's up to him haha.

Want to say a little bit about your past relationship and ties with Daniel?

We go way way back. He's been in and out of the band a couple of times. We've been locked up in foreign maximum security prisons together haha. There's really not much we haven't done or accomplished together. He's definitely like a brother to me.

What are you most excited about playing the show this Saturday?

I like doing all request shows because its a lot less preparation. When we bring the whole band we usually have a set list that we are doing the entire tour with the string and drum machine backing tracks and all that. So there really isn’t a lot of room for spontaneity or changing how the song goes. I like to improv and play different versions of songs acoustically. Plus just seeing old and new friends singing along is always fun.

What can listeners expect?

Hopefully just a good time and revisiting a great scene with some really great people. Come sing along.

Anything else you'd like to say?

Most of our discography is now on Spotify. Check it out!

A final random question: if you could duet with any musician on any song, who would it be, what song, and why?

It's hard to say, I've done a bunch of cool features lately and had people feature on my stuff as well. We just finished a remix with Kitty Pryde and I'm working on some stuff with Freeway and some other guys.

As far as someone I haven't yet, I really love the way my slow stuff sounds with spoken word. So I'd love to work with someone like Mos Def or someone really lyrical. I just love producing with other people so it's hard to think about duet as in both of us singing. I think Dolly Parton is a national treasure and I'd love to work with her. I just love being in the room with creative people so who every is creative and wants to create something special, I'm always down.

Check out Darling Waste on Bandcamp for a free mixtape or listen to their Spotify below!

[spotify id="spotify:track:0RUJS3zsmSboebJFIjEEkb" width="300" height="380" /]

Meet the Artist: Justin Lee Williams

Justin Lee Williams, also known as J.L.W., is a native of Clarksburg. He is an artist emphasizing in painting acrylic on canvas. If you have ever been to The Main Street Cafe you have probably seen the art that lines the walls of the cafe. Most of those pieces are works of J.L.W.

This Saturday, April 5th, there will be an art show and sale. This evening of fine art is free to attend.

Check out a Q&A with J.L.W. below.

 

[caption id="attachment_257" align="aligncenter" width="577"] Photo from J.L.W.'s Facebook page.[/caption]

When did you start making art?

I started drawing as a kid but didn't really get in to it until I was about 15. At 15 I started painting so I have been doing that on and off for almost 17 years.

What style of art/painting draws you in most and why?

I paint acrylic on canvas. All different styles from realism to abstract.

Do you have a favorite piece that you’ve done?

My favorite piece is usually the most recent piece because I'm not sick of it yet and haven't had as long to pick it apart.

Tell me a little bit about this show on Saturday, how many pieces will you have, what can we expect?

The show is my first big solo show.

Will all the pieces on display be for sale?

Everything is for sale. I just want people to come and enjoy themselves. I want them to see what I have worked so hard on, and maybe bring a smile to some faces. If people buy that is surely a bonus.

Where do you draw inspiration from in your art?

Inspiration is drawn from everything in life. I appreciate art in all forms and take advantage of times to see others work. I draw inspiration from those artist today and the greats from the past.

What do you want people to know about you as a person and artist?

I guess I want people to know that I'm a regular guy with big dreams. I want to inspire people to follow their dreams. I'm very passionate about what i do and hopefully that shows in me and through my art.

Anything else you’d like to say?

Just one more thing I would like to say is that let's try to keep art alive because I feel it can play a huge role in the growth of an individual.

Come out Saturday and support J.L.W, as well as the local arts community.