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Showing posts with label Jon Langford. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jon Langford. Show all posts

Thursday, May 2, 2019

OPENING: World Premiere of TAKE ME Via Strawdog Theatre Company May 10 – June 22, 2019

ChiIL Live Shows on our radar

World Premiere!
Strawdog Theatre Company Presents
TAKE ME
Original Book by Mark Guarino
Original Music and Lyrics by Jon Langford
Orchestrations & Arrangements by Anabelle Revak
Directed by Anderson Lawfer
Music Direction by Chuck Evans
May 10 – June 22, 2019


As a longtime fan Jon Langford's work, I'm particularly jazzed to catch this production, featuring his original music and lyrics. I'll be out for the press opening May 20th, so check back soon for my full review.

Strawdog Theatre Company is pleased to conclude its 31st season with the world premiere of TAKE ME, a musical comic fantasia written by Mark Guarino, with original music and lyrics by Jon Langford (The Mekons, The Waco Brothers), orchestrations and arrangements by Anabelle Revak, direction by ensemble member Anderson Lawfer* and music direction by Chuck Evans. Based on real events,TAKE ME is the story of a woman struggling with trauma who finds solace in the world of alien conspiracy theories. TAKE ME will play May 10 – June 22, 2019 at Strawdog’s new home at 1802 W. Berenice Ave. in Chicago’s Northcenter neighborhood. Tickets are currently available at www.strawdog.org.  

TAKE ME features ensemble members Nicole Bloomsmith*, Kamille Dawkins*, Carmine Grisolia*, and Michael Reyes* with Kristen Alesia, Megan DeLay, David Gordon-Johnson, Loretta Rezos and Matt Rosin.

Inspired by true events, TAKE ME is the story of Shelly, a woman trapped by the trauma of a husband in a coma and the chaos that followed. Looking for solace, she finds herself pulled in to the realm of wild alien conspiracy theories. Voices from the sky tell her the answer to all her problems is to build an alien themed amusement park in Roswell, New Mexico. TAKE ME is a comic fantasia, a story about having faith in a world where there are more questions than answers.  It's the second collaboration between Guarino and Langford since their hit play All the Fame of Lofty Deeds, produced by The House Theatre of Chicago.  

The production team for TAKE ME includes: John Ross Wilson (scenic design), Rachel M. Sypniewski (costume design), John Kelly* (lighting design), Heath Hays* (sound design), Lacie Hexom (props design), Tony Churchill (projections design), Jenn Thompson (stage manager) andEmily Ioppolo (assistant stage manager).

*Denotes Strawdog ensemble member

Cast (in alphabetical order): Kristen Alesia (Ensemble), Nicole Bloomsmith* (Shelley), Kamille Dawkins* (Doggie), Megan DeLay (Nurse), David Gordon-Johnson (Doctor), Carmine Grisolia* (Travis), Michael Reyes* (Matt), Loretta Rezos (Mother) and Matt Rosin (Father).

Location: Strawdog Theatre Company, 1802 W. Berenice Ave., Chicago
Dates: Previews: Friday, May 10 at 7:30 pm, Saturday, May 11 at 7:30 pm, Sunday, May 12 at 4 pm, Thursday, May 16 at 7:30 pm, Friday, May 17 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, May 19 at 4 pm
Board Night Performance: Saturday, May 18 at 7:30 pm 
Press performance: Monday, May 20 at 7:30 pm
Regular run: Thursday, May 23 – Saturday, June 22, 2019
Curtain Times: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 pm; Sundays at 4 pm.

Accessible Performance: Sunday, June 9 at 4 pm, includes a pre-show touch tour at 2:45 pm, audio description and open captioning.
Industry Performance: Monday, June 3 at 7:30 pm
Tickets: Previews $18. Regular run $35. Seniors: $26. Board Night: $55. Tickets are currently available at www.strawdog.org. Half price rush and student tickets available at every performance and other discounts available. Call (773) 644-1380 for details.

About the Artists
Mark Guarino’s (Original Book) plays have been produced by The House Theatre of Chicago, Walkabout Theater, the Curious Theater Branch, Chicago Dramatists, Zebra Crossing, among other companies. This is his second collaboration with Jon Langford following All the Fame of Lofty Deeds, produced by the House. He is a recipient of fellowships from the Byrdcliffe Arts Colony in Woodstock, NY, the Vermont Studio Center, and the Sewanee Writers Conference at the University of the South. He has an MFA from Bennington College in Vermont and is under contract for his first book for the University of Chicago Press. Also a journalist, he covers news/culture for the Washington Post and he was the Midwest Bureau Chief for The Christian Science Monitor for six years. Visit mark-guarino.com.

Jon Langford (Original Music and Lyrics) Welsh-born Jon Langford, the original drummer for the punk band the Mekons, stands as a leader in the movement to incorporate folk and country music into punk rock. Langford has released numerous recordings as a solo artist and with other bands, most notably the Waco Brothers, Skull Orchard, Four Lost Souls, The Three Johns, Men of Gwent and The Pine Valley Cosmonauts. Since moving to Chicago, Langford has been active in the music scene nurturing label mates on Bloodshot Records, lending his services as a musician, producer or visual artist, or collaborating with like-minded artists (Dave Alvin, The Sadies, Otis Clay, Bonnie Prince Billy, Steve Earle, Andre Williams, Neko Case). Langford is also a prolific and respected visual artist best known for his striking portraits of country music icons. In 2015, Jon was the artist in residence at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, TN.  Nashville Radio a book of Jon’s artwork and writings was published by Verse Chorus Press in 2006 and was followed in 2011 by Skull Orchard Revisited, a book and CD about his roots in South Wales. The Executioner’s Last Songs, a multimedia music/spoken word/video performance has been performed across the United States, Europe and Australia and two of his solo albums Gold Brick and All the Fame of Lofty Deeds were adapted for theatrical productions in 2009. Langford also illustrated the comic strip Great Pop Thingsunder the pseudonym Chuck Death. From 2005 to 2013, Langford was a host of a weekly radio program, "The Eclectic Company," on Chicago’s WXRT 93.1 FM and has been a contributor to NPR’s This American Life. This year, Jon will be touring Europe and America with the Mekons, taking a musical train ride through Alaska with Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Dave Alvin, working with Marty Stuart on his new museum in Philadelphia Mississippi and lurking backstage at performances of Strawdog’s Take Me, which he wrote a bunch of songs for.

Anabelle Revak (Orchestrations/Arrangements) is a composer, music director and pianist currently based in Chicago. Her original musical Notes and Letters will receive a workshop at Underscore Theatre Company in July 2019. MD credits include: The Incredible 6,000 Foot Ladder (Best Music Director, CMTF 2019), Something Blue, The Bone Harp (CMTF 2019), The Last Five Years (JPAC). Orchestrations/Arrangements: Make Me Bad (Drew Gasparini), Abduction! The Musical (Becky Toth), Wife Material (Jamie Shriner). Annabelle is the literary manager at Underscore Theatre Company. www.annabelleleerevak.com. 

Anderson Lawfer (Director) also worked with Guarino and Langford on the House Theatre's All The Fame of Lofty Deeds. Lawfer served as Artistic Director in Strawdog's Hugen Hall from 2012-16, focusing on new works and adaptations. Lawfer served as Co-Artistic Director of Strawdog from 2016-19. He was a creator and director of Masque Macabre, the immersive Halloween experience at Strawdog last fall. 

Charles "Chuck" Evans (Music Director) is a Chicago-based musician and music therapist. This is Chuck's first time working with Strawdog and second opportunity working as a music director. He can normally be found performing in various theatrical performances in orchestras on violin, viola, and/or bass guitar. Chuck most recently performed in pits for Spring Awakening with Theatre Nebula (Palatine, IL) and Jekyll & Hyde with Next Gen. (St. Louis, MO).

About Strawdog Theatre Company
Since its founding in 1988, Strawdog Theatre Company has offered Chicagoland the premiere storefront theatre experience and garnered numerous Non-Equity Jeff Awards with its commitment to ensemble acting and an immersive design approach. The celebrated Company develops new work, re-imagines the classics, melds music with theatre, asks provocative questions and delivers their audience the unexpected.

Strawdog Theatre Company is supported in part by The MacArthur Fund for Arts & Culture at the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, the Alphawood Foundation, The Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation and the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

Friday, May 23, 2014

FESTS ON OUR RADAR: Art Meets Science at Pivot Arts Fest May 28-June 14

“Art Meets Science” themed festival brings adult shows & family friendly fun to Chicago




Pivot Arts Festival is an amazing and affordable celebration of improvisation, film, dance, theater, music and much, much more compacted into two-and-a-half weeks starting May 28. 

ChiIL Mama will be there... will YOU?!  Book your tickets today! Full schedule is below.


2 Fab Fam Friendly Picks:


*Storytown is presenting an improv show at Lickity Split Custard and Sweet Shop specifically for kids dubbed “Ice Cream & Science Improv” on June 1st at 12 p.m. 

Mmmmm.  Here at ChiIL Mama, we came from an improv background and founded a troupe at Miami University in Oxford that lasted over 20 years!  So, we dig improv. It also doesn't get much more chill than custard & ice cream. We are SO there.


*Next is The Dance COLEctive’s 13, which explores the authentic and hilarious transition from childhood to teenage years through character based dance. The show is recommended for kids ages 10 and up with a parent/guardian. This plays May 31st and  June 1st at 3 p.m. at Swift Elementary school.

I used to joke about life with toddlers and young kids as endless theatre in the round. Now with 11 & 13 year olds, we're living this scenario -- the authentic and hilarious transition from childhood to teenage years. Can't wait to check out The Dance COLEctive's 13!



PIVOT ARTS 
SECOND ANNUAL FESTIVAL CELEBRATING INNOVATIVE THEATER, MUSIC AND DANCE, “ART MEETS SCIENCE,”
MAY 28 – JUNE 14 IN LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT FAR NORTH SIDE

The Performance Festival Features Numerous Companies/Artists Including BAATHHAUS, the dilettantes, Gashlycrumb Orphanage, The Honeypots, Jon Langford, The Seldoms and More, with Range of Science Themes and Events

Pivot Arts launches its second annual celebration of innovative performance events, May 28 – June 14, throughout Chicago’s Uptown, Edgewater and Rogers Park neighborhoods. The PIVOT ARTS FESTIVAL serves to bring audiences together for unique performance events. This year the festival’s focus highlights the intersection between the performing arts and science. Tickets are currently on sale for “Art Meets Science” with a range of free events and entrance fees no higher than $15 per event. To purchase tickets and for complete festival information, visit www.pivotarts.org/festival or call 773.609.0782. 

Over three weeks, audiences have the opportunity to attend inventive performances and events curated around science themes as diverse as acoustics, climate change and chaos theory.  Programming includes: live music, theater, dance, a House music dance party, a participatory science experiment, discussions and performances for children.

Participating groups/artists in the 2014 Pivot Arts Festival include: 
The artists lineup looks amazing. We've highlighted some of ChiIL Live Shows top picks and long time favs in red.

6018NORTH, About Face Theatre, Greg Allen, Ayako Kato/Art Union Humanscape, BAATHHAUS, Seth Bockley, Chicago Architectural Foundation, Chicago Filmmakers, The Dance COLEctive, the dilettantes, Lisa Dillman, Gashlycrumb Orphanage, High Concept Laboratory, Andrew Hinderaker, The Honeypots, Knife and Fork, Kristina Isabelle, Jon Langford, Ruth Margraff, Shannon Matesky, Bonnie Metzgar, Brett Neveu, The Seldoms, Chuck Smith, Storytown, Tanya Palmer and Vanessa Valliere.*


The 2014 Pivot Arts Festival “Art Meets Science” takes place throughout Uptown, Edgewater, and Rogers Park including: Alternatives, Inc., FLATSstudio, Francesca’s Bryn Mawr, Lickity Split Custard and Sweet Shop, and Loyola University’s Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts.

*Artists and venues subject to change.

“We founded Pivot Arts last year as a home for innovative performance on the far north side of Chicago. Our festival continues as a celebration of unique performance events that bring people together and enhance our community. The exploration of ‘art meets science’ this year builds off our focus on innovation and discovery,” said Julieanne Ehre, director of Pivot Arts.



WEDNESDAY, MAY 28
THE BIG BANG!
A Kick-Off Celebration
Francesca’s Bryn Mawr • $30
1039 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue • 6 p.m.
The festival’s opening celebration includes a special drink in beakers, silent auction, food, wine, beer, performances, and science-themed fun. 

FRIDAY, MAY 30
ECOLOGY OF EATING
Alternatives, Inc. • $15
4730 N. Sheridan Road • 7 p.m.
Two shows about food and the stories of Chicagoans whose voices often go unheard.

Pivot Arts presents We Gotta Eat 
Written and Performed by Shannon Matesky
Directed by Chuck Smith
Actress Shannon Matesky (Hit the Wall) weaves together a potluck of humorous and moving stories about the underclass that will engage your heart in the practice of understanding.

Knife and Fork presents Worthy
Created and Directed by Dani Bryant. Devised by Knife & Fork
The empowering stories of Uptown’s Alternative Youth teens inspire this newly devised piece.

SATURDAY, MAY 31
The Dance COLEctive presents 13
Swift Elementary School • $10
5900 N Winthrop Avenue • 3 p.m.
Through movement and text, 13 creates an authentic and humorous exploration of the transition from childhood to the teenage years.  Recommended for ages 10 years and older and their parents/guardians.

ECOLOGY OF EATING
Alternatives, Inc. • $15
4730 N. Sheridan Road • 7 p.m.
Two shows about food and the stories of Chicagoans whose voices often go unheard.
(See descriptions of We Gotta Eat and Worthy from Friday, May 30.)



Chicago Filmmakers presents GROWING CITIES
Chicago Filmmakers  • $8 suggested donation
5243 N. Clark Street • 8 p.m.
A documentary film that examines the role of urban farming in America and asks how much power it has to revitalize our cities and change the way we eat.

Pivot Arts presents The Acoustics Of House!
Recreating the House music scene of the 1980s, this unique event is part performance, part dance party.  Food and drinks available for purchase. 
FLATSstudio • $15 must be 21+ with valid ID to enter. 
1050 W. Wilson AvenueDoors open at 8 p.m.
Performances include:
8 p.m. DJ with live music

8:30 p.m. The Honeypots present Juke Cry Hand Clap
A House music-inspired dance performance by the Honeypots.
9:30 p.m. DJ with live music
10 p.m. BAATHHAUS
The queer-performance-art-group-band combines popular music with glitter and gore – creating an electrifying performance.

SUNDAY, JUNE 1
Storytown presents Ice Cream & Science Improv
Lickity Split Custard and Sweet Shop - $7
6056 N. Broadway • 12 p.m.
Enjoy traditional custard and a hilarious, science-themed improv show for kids.

The Dance COLEctive presents 13
Swift Elementary School • $10
5900 N Winthrop Avenue • 3 p.m.
(See descriptions above of 13 from Saturday, May 31.)

ECOLOGY OF EATING
Alternatives, Inc.  • $15
4730 N. Sheridan Road • 7 p.m.
Two shows about food and the stories of Chicagoans whose voices often go unheard.
(See descriptions above of We Gotta Eat and Worthy from Friday, May 30.)
Special Event: On The Table. You are invited to share dinner with the artists of Knife & Fork and engage in lively conversation following the 7 p.m. performance.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4
6018NORTH, Pivot Arts and Sustain Edgewater present Art, Architecture And Energy: What Is To Be Done? 
6018NORTH • FREE
6018 N. Kenmore Ave. • 7 p.m.
A free panel discussion on the arts, architecture and energy efficiency. Three fields with the potential to shape and transform our world will move across issues from recycling as art to the local impact of climate change to large scale energy initiatives.


THURSDAY, JUNE 5
DARK MATTER
Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts • $15
1020 W. Sheridan Road • 8 p.m.
Two shows combine for an exhilarating evening of original theater.



Gashlycrumb Orphanage
Devised by Lacy Katherine Campbell and Jeff Trainor. 
Directed by Halena Kays. 
Inspired by Tim Burton and Edward Gorey, this macabre clown show has the orphans running the orphanage.  A thrilling, theatrical ride that plunges into questions of identity and origin through dance, music, rhyme and a whirlwind of styles.



Pivot Arts presents Mystery. Science. Theatre.
Curated by Julieanne Ehre and Tanya Palmer, director of new plays from the Goodman Theatre, these shorts include premiere playwrights, writers, and performers responding to a variety of science themes.  Confirmed writers as of press: Greg Allen, Seth Bockley, Lisa Dillman, Andrew Hinderaker, Ruth Margraff, Bonnie Metzgar and Brett Neveu.  Full line-up TBA.


FRIDAY, JUNE 6
DARK MATTER
Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts • $15
1020 W. Sheridan Road • 8 p.m.
Two shows combine for an exhilarating evening of original theater.
Gashlycrumb Orphanage and Pivot Arts presents Mystery. Science. Theatre.
(See descriptions above of Gashlycrumb Orphanage and Writers on Science from Thursday, June 5.)

SATURDAY, JUNE 7
Chicago Architectural Foundation presents UPTOWN WALKING TOUR • $15 or FREE for members
Wilson Avenue Theater 1050 W. Wilson Avenue • 10:30 a.m.
A special two-hour walking tour in the heart of Uptown includes the artistry of terra cotta ornamentation and Jazz Age entertainment venues.

LAWS OF MOTION
Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts • $15
1020 W. Sheridan Road • 3 p.m.
Two dance/theater pieces combine for an exhilarating promenade afternoon as art and science collide.
AYAKO KATO/ART UNION HUMANSCAPE presents The Incidents
Ayako Kato explores the ripple effect of chaos theory as well as mirror combinations of Euclidian geometry in her stunning dance work that highlights necessity vs. chance.

THE SELDOMS present Exit Disclaimer: Science And Fiction Ahead

A dance theater work that surveys our rancorous national debate over climate change, and divergent positions ranging from denial to urgency. The Chicago Reader said of its 2012 premiere, "[Artistic Director Carrie] Hanson’s satirical, deadly serious piece bursts a lot of bubbles on a high-stakes subject.”
THE DILETTANTES present Science Night
Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts • $15/$10
1020 W. Sheridan Road • 3 p.m. & 5p.m.
Is it life or is it art? Audiences participate in a game of science and strategy set inside a competitive laboratory.  Players compete for the title of “Pre-Eminent Scientist of the Lab” and experience first-hand the exhilaration of discovery.  Play or observe the game in action!

DARK MATTER
Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts • $15
1020 W. Sheridan Road • 8 p.m.
Two shows in Loyola’s Underground combine for an exhilarating evening of original theater.
Gashlycrumb Orphanage and Pivot Arts presents Mystery. Science. Theatre.
(See descriptions above of Gashlycrumb Orphanage and Writers on Science from Thursday, June 5.)

SUNDAY, JUNE 8
LAWS OF MOTION
Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts • $15
1020 W. Sheridan Road • 3 p.m.
Two dance/theater pieces combine for an exhilarating promenade afternoon as art and science collide.
AYAKO KATO/ART UNION HUMANSCAPE presents The Incidents
THE SELDOMS present Exit Disclaimer: Science And Fiction (See descriptions above of The Incidents and Exit Disclaimer: Science and Fiction from Saturday, June 7.)
THE DILETTANTES present Science Night
Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts • $15/$10
1020 W. Sheridan Road • 3 p.m. & 5p.m.
(See description above from Saturday, June 7.)
DARK MATTER
Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Arts • $15
1020 W. Sheridan Road • 7 p.m.
Two shows in Loyola’s Underground combine for an exhilarating evening of original theater.
Gashlycrumb Orphanage and Pivot Arts presents Mystery. Science. Theatre.
(See descriptions above of Gashlycrumb Orphanage and Writers on Science from Thursday, June 5.)
About Face Theatre presents LESBIANS AND LITERATURE
Curated by Paul Oakley Stovall
Location TBA • 7 p.m. • $15
Lesbians have had a lasting, but often unsung, impact on English literature.  About Face Theatre, led by Artistic Associate Paul Oakley Stovall, hosts a panel discussion/performance exploring Sappho; the lesbian couple behind James Joyce's Ulysses; and beyond.

the dilettantes present SCIENCE NIGHT
Location TBA • 9 p.m. • $15
A late night game of science and strategy set inside a competitive laboratory.  Players compete for the title of “Pre-Eminent Scientist of the Lab” and experience first-hand the exhilaration of discovery.

FRIDAY, JUNE 13
GRAVITY!
Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts • $15
1020 W. Sheridan Road • 8 p.m.
Performers defy physics in these two exciting shows.
Vanessa Valliere presents NICE TRY/THE SISTERS: A Vaudeville, Clown Teaser
Everybody has problems: sometimes your parasitic twin wants her own solo career and sometimes your toys are really critical of your artwork. This hilarious clown show by Vanessa Valliere (Mucca Pazza) will warm you up giggling before Kristina Isabelle’s stunning LEVELS AND LINES.

Kristina Isabelle Dance Company presents Levels And Lines
The festival culminates in a weekend of performances by esteemed Julliard Dance Graduate, Kristina Isabelle, whose company performs an elegant dance work – on stilts!

SATURDAY, JUNE 14
GRAVITY!
Performers defy physics in two exciting shows.
Vanessa Valliere presents NICE TRY/THE SISTERS: A Vaudeville, Clown Teaser
Kristina Isabelle Dance Company presents Levels And Lines
Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts • $15
1020 W. Sheridan Road • 8 p.m.
(See description above of Nice Try/The Sisters and Level and Lines from Friday, June 13.)

ABOUT PIVOT ARTS
Pivot Arts develops new work and presents performances throughout the year culminating in a multi-arts festival. Their vision is that of a vibrant community where unique collaborations between artists, businesses and organizations leads to the support and creation of innovative performances.  Pivot Arts was founded in September 2012.

Pivot Arts Board includes Alyssa Berman-Cutler, Uptown United; April Browning, Loyola University Chicago; Julieanne Ehre Pivot Arts; Dr. Mark E. Lococo, Loyola University Chicago; Gretchen Halpin, Hewins Financial Advisors; Summur Roberts, Loyola University Chicago and Kathy Van Zwoll, marketing consultant.

The Pivot Arts Advisory Board includes Alderman James Cappleman, 46th Ward; Sarah Gabel, chair of Department of Fine Arts, Loyola University Chicago; Peter Kuntz, arts consultant; Kristin Larsen, executive director, Stage 773; Jay Michael, chief creative officer, FLATS Chicago; Alderman Harry Osterman, 48th Ward; Michael Rohd, artistic director, Sojourn Theatre and Steve Scott, associate producer, Goodman Theatre.

Premiere Pivot Arts Festival 2014 “At Meets Science” Sponsors as of press release include FLATS Chicago, Francesca’s Bryn Mawr, Loyola University Chicago and Uptown United.

Social Media:
Facebook: /pivotarts
Twitter: @PivotArts
Web: pivotarts.org

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

The New York Times Premieres Jon Langford's New Album Here Be Monsters - Out April 1 #FreeStreaming #AlbumStreaming #NewRelease


Here at ChiIL Live Shows & ChiIL Mama, Jon Langford has been a favorite of ours for decades! He's a musician, artist and Chicago legend with international appeal and an alt-country-punk-folk sensibility.  And now he's got a new album out!  Check out Here Be Monsters.  We're grocking the album art already and can't wait to review the new tunes.






Flavorwire Premieres Paintings by Langford Inspired by Each Song

Here Be Monsters, the new album by Jon Langford & Skull Orchard, finds the band scanning the outskirts of popular culture, its title born of medieval cartographers’ term for the dragons, sea serpents, and other mythical beasties that reside beyond the boundaries of the known universe.  Earlier today, The New York Times premiered the full album stream a week before its release date on April 1st.  Check it out HERE.


“There’s a lot of explosive stuff on the record,” Langford said.  “I don’t know if I was fashioning songs to exploit that, but I definitely wanted to make a band album.  It’s not just me strumming an acoustic guitar, sitting ‘round in my basement."  Jon continued, “It just turned into a really great band.  We existed and it seemed like a time to get everybody fully involved rather than it just being me.”

Langford plots a clear-eyed, sharp-elbowed course through such far-flung subjects as alternative hierarchies and astronomy, perpetual war for perpetual profit, the culture of detachment, middle age, fatherhood, fame, and the fleetingness of love.  Songs like “If You Hear Rumors” and the rather glorious power ballad, “Sugar On Your Tongue” are provocative and playful, with the hard-charging Skull Orchard kicking out genre-agnostic rock ‘n’ roll as rich and surprising as anything found in Langford’s far-reaching canon.  Added sonic color comes courtesy of New Orleans’ Bonerama Horns, who contribute big brass to “What Did You Do In The War?,” while Leeds’ own Barkley McKay (The Waco Brothers, The Pretty Things) adds Hammond B3 licks to the cheeky “Lil’ Ray O’ Light.”  A seething, stem-winding broadside, “Drone Operator” suggests that raining death from Unmanned Aerial Vehicles named “Reaper” and “Predator” might create a few “boundary issues” in their joystick-wielding, computer-jockey pilots.  It reaches its own frontier with “Don’t Believe,” a declaration of true faith penned and first performed by Langford’s longtime friend, musician/filmmaker/punk icon Viv Albertine.

“She’s a pal,” says Langford. “I just thought it was such a great song, it said a lot of things that really fit with my subject matter for this album.  It’s kind of like a star map of things not to believe in alongside a star map of things that are solid and tangible and real.  ‘I believe in corrugated iron’ – just fantastic.”

Best known for his work in The Mekons and the Waco Brothers, Langford has been a leading pioneer in the assimilation of folk/country music into punk rock since the genre's first evolution over 30 years ago.  Also a renowned and prolific visual artist, he will include individual artwork images specific to each track on the album, marking this release as the most complete unification of his dual creative careers.

Last week, Flavorwire premiered the full artwork along with the track "Sugar On Your Tongue."  Check it out HERE.

For the upcoming seventh annual Record Store Day on April 19, Jon will release an exclusive 7" titled Days & Nights which will feature two brand new studio tracks, "Days & Nights" along with B-Side "Here's What We Have."  Langford also recently released a FREE EP via Noisetrade that includes demo tracks from both releases and the studio version of the first single from Here Be Monsters, "Mars."

In celebration of the new releases, Langford has extended his US tour well into April and May. 

US Tour Dates
March 13 - Austin, TX @ Gingerman (SXSW)
March 14 - Austin, TX @ Rowdy's Saloon (SXSW)
March 15 - Austin, TX @ Yard Dog Gallery (SXSW)
March 21 - Madison, WI @ Kiki's House of Righteous Music
March 22 - Carbondale, IL @ The Old Feedstore
March 23 - Chicago, IL @ The Hideout (Hometown Record Release Party)
April 3 - Cambridge, MA @ Atwoods Tavern
April 4 - Brooklyn, NY @ The Bell House
April 5 - Rehoboth Beach, DE @ Dogfish Head Brewing and Eats
April 6 - Arlington, VA @ IOTA Club & Cafe
April 7 - Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Tavern
April 8 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Thunderbird
April 9 - Newport, KY @ The Southgate House Revival
April 14 - Berwyn, IL @ FitzGerald's w/ Dave Alvin
April 15-17 - Chicago, IL to Portland, OR @ Roots on the Rails w/ Dave Alvin
April 18 - Portland, OR @ White Eagle co-headline w/ David Olney
April 19 - Seattle, WA @ The Stables
April 20 - Vashon Island, WA @ The Cone Gallery (Free Acoustic show with art)
April 21 - Port Townshend, WA @ The Cellar Door
May 1 - New Orleans, LA @ Le Mieux Gallery (Free show)
May 17 - Portland, ME @ Last Church on the Left
May 18 - Peace Dale, R.I. @ Roots Hoot House Concerts

Here Be Monsters is available for CD pre-order HERE and LP pre-order HERE.

iTunes pre-order is available HERE and includes "Drone Operator" as instant grat for those who purchase.

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