Marchese said Nesmith can be a polarizing figure among Monkees fans.
Michael Nesmith
Hey, hey, it's the new year.
Well, it's not quite 2013 yet, but just before the calendar turns over, an all-star cast of local musicians will pay tribute to original Monkees member Michael Nesmith on his 70th birthday.
The celebration will take place at The Elevens on Sunday, Dec. 30, at 7 p.m. and according to one the gig's organizers, Brian Marchese, there will be “some good folks playing a song or three by Nez, be it one of his country-psych hybrids circa his Monkees time, or something from one of his nine solo albums he released in the '70s post Monkees-—or a song he wrote made famous by someone else."
Marchese corralled such local luminaries as Ray Mason, Philip Price, Stephen Desaulniers, Ken Maiuri, Matt Silberstein, Bruce Mandaro, Henning Ohlenbusch, Lord Russ, Lesa Bezo, Jeff Steblea, Josh Sitron, Eric Cunha, Jonathan Caws Elwit and Jason Bourgeois (in other words, a lot of people the sought-after drummer plays with and plenty of others). Marchese said even more may be added.
While Nesmith was certainly one of better musicians and songwriters of the group (which was created originally for TV) Marchese said he also can be a “polarizing figure in Monkee fan land.”
“Many (like me) love him for his songwriting and his voice, and for being like Neil Young in CSNY—i.e., the cool and unpredictable quotient goes from zero to 100 with the addition of him. Otherwise, it's family entertainment,” Marchese said. “Some, the Davy (Jones)-inclined, kind of hate him for basically having a life outside Monkee reunion tours.”
So if you're a fan of “Mary, Mary,” “Joanne” or “Tapioca Tundra" and the like, head over to The Elevens, which is located at 140 Pleasant St. in Northampton.
Scouting Report
Still deciding on where to spend New Year's Eve? Here are a few ideas:
Also at The Elevens: Two shows as part of the first night events. The early show runs from 2 to 8 p.m. and features Chris Scanlon and the Other Guys, Fancy Trash, and Rick Murnane. The late gig, beginning at 9 p.m., showcases the talents of Giraffes? Giraffes!, Bunnies, Speedy Ortiz, and Godard, along with DJ Ames Woods.
Maximum Capacity in Chicopee will throw a New Year's Eve party featuring a buffet and champagne toast. Music will be provided by a Top 40 DJ and the cover charge is $5. Maximum Capacity is at 116 School St.
The Waterfront Tavern's New Year's Eve festivities includes a masquerade ball with six DJs throughout the night. The Waterfront is at 920 Main St. in Holyoke.
The Northampton Brewery Will will hold its annual New Year's Eve bash from 10 p.m. To 2 a.m. With a a champagne toast at midnight. Music will be provided by Go Gadget Go, and there is no cover charge for this event. The Brewery is at 1 Brewster Court.