Annuals and The Bowerbirds Talk 2008, Coachella and SXSW

Read the full article, written by me, HERE

Asylum Street Spanker Berkeley Review and Video

From the opening comments of making sure that everyone in the packed Berkeley Cafe turn their cell phones off, to the last words of the night “Beer, Beer, Beer, Beer, We Love Beer”, Asylum Street Spankers ushered in the new lineup of shows at the venue in style. Songs ranged from My Baby’s in the CIA, Breath, My Favorite Record (with a Zeppelin interlude), Antifreeze, What’s in my LunchBOX (emphasis on the box), “Leaf Blower, Leaf Blower, Good Thing I Don’t Have a Gun!” A couple of the Spankers were under the weather, but whiskey took care of the cold pretty quick. Wammo and Christina passed the lead vocal back and forth throughout the evening. A harmonica duel between Wammo and Charlie King was the highlight of the evening. As well as Christina’s saw playing, which was as gorgeous as ever. The Spankers are a not to be missed live band. Marianne Taylor Music seems to have a good relationship with them, which means they’ll be back in the near future. As mentioned, the venue was packed with all types. Some on the floor, some standing, some sitting at table, but all singing choruses such as “Now put your hands on the roof, We’re Winning the War on Drugs.” Berkeley looks to be one the guiding forces in the 2008 Raleigh live music scene. Below is video from the show.

Asylum Street Spankers at Berkeley Cafe in Raleigh tonight!

Imagine this. Snoop Dogg driving a 1945 Ford pick-up truck through a tobacco field, hanging out the window and singing a children’s nursery rhyme. Now add some vaudeville twang and satirical lyrics that parallel the war on drugs, dysfunctional relationships and circus freak shows. Mix it all up with some clips of your favorite Charlie Chaplin film and you have Austin’s Asylum Street Spankers. Straight off of their 10 day (way) Off Broadway show Asylum Street Spankers: What? And Give Up Show Biz, The Spankers will bring their irreverent humor and music to the newly revamped Berkeley Cafe on Tuesday night....

More Spankers Madness

Band of the Week - Vampire Weekend

Vampire Weekend are one of the most talked about bands so far in 2008. Their new album (self-titled) which came out today is fantastic and the below video is proof. Although, it is a bit reminiscent of the Canadian band Born Ruffians newest video "Hummingbird." Check them both out below.

Hindsight is 20/20

Short video I did a year or so ago.War, Big Brother, Plastic Surgery, Room 101, name it, this films about it....

May not be suitable for those who are scared to touch their eye. Film by Formotion Films (me)

The Avett Brothers remix by The Wogs

A remix I did with The Wogs of an Avett Brothers song called A Lover Like You. Video by Formotion Films (me)

Tir Na Nog

Here are a couple of flyers I did last year for Tir Na Nog's local beer, local band night (click for larger images)

A Rooster for the Masses - Cat's Cradle Flyer

A Rooster for the Masses have been one of my best free lance clients over the past couple of years (and one of the finest NC bands in my opinion). Below is a flyer I did for their show with The Howling Bells at Cat's Cradle almost a year ago. February 2008 they should be back. As usual, click for a larger version.

AIA Headquarters Winner Announced in Raleigh - Frank Harmon

I wasn't able to attend the awards reception and announcement (sick sick sick) so I didn't see all the boards, but from a design standpoint, Tonic's entry (image below) still takes the cake from what I have seen. Sucks that there were no design architects on the board (Mack Scogin dropped out) and it was left to sustainability and "regionalism." Nevertheless, I hope Harmon's gets built. Raleigh has few structures downtown that are worth a shit (design-wise) from the past 20 years. (click images for larger versions)












Frank Harmon's Entry Below:
















Dave at New Raleigh's photos and winners HERE

Jimmy - Of Montreal

Two of the best live shows (that I saw) of 2007 come together into one song. Of Montreal has released a cover version of M.I.A.'s Jimmy. It's justice well done.

MP3 HERE
(right click and save as....)

Stream HERE

AIA North Carolina Competition Reception and Announcement

Tonight is the AIA Headquarters Competition Announcement. Although I am a bit sick, I will try to make it out to at least see the entries and the awards announcement. Can't wait to hear all the responses to the winners. Earful.

More info HERE

The Design Competition Reception and Announcement is tomorrow!
Progress Energy Center - Fletcher Opera Theater begins @ 6:30pm

If you are planning to attend, please note:
- Light hors d'oeuvres
- Cash Bar

The program will be open for a reception with light snacks and a cash bar at 6:30 pm. The doors to the auditorium will not be open until 8:00pm for seating.

WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU HAVE DINNER PRIOR TO ATTENDING.
Program
6:30 - 8:00pm: Public Recpetion, Fletcher Theater
8:00pm: Doors open to theater for seating.
8:45pm: Announcement of Winners
9:30: Concluding remarks

Fancy a Pint? Landmark Tavern Opens in Raleigh

Landmark opens tonight and New Raleigh has the scoop HERE.

Yesterday's Designs Part 01

Since I have just recently started this site for imagery, I thought I would add a couple of old images per day of projects I have done in the past. I'll start with an image I did for a party that Stacy and I hosted in the Spring (Labor Day to be exact). We played Nintendo (8bit and 64) and grilled some food with some friends at the house.

This is the flyer for it.

C.R.E.A.M.

When Banking and Bar Branding Collide.
The George Plus The Mint Equals CREAM

Jed and Stacy Logo

Stacy and I now have a collective blog and I decided to make a logo for the header (click for larger image).

The Rosebuds Announce Remix Album and Cover Salt & Pepa

The Rosebuds announce Night of the Furies Remix Album and a video of their Salt and Pepa Push It Cover! More info HERE

The Great Give-Back of 2008

Vince Pall will be hosting the Great Give-Back of 2008 at Jackpot next Wednesday night. A bunch of CDs and LPs will be given away. Check it out. More info HERE
From VP: "So, after 5 years of getting paid to drink and play records, I figured I'd take this night to give back....bottles and records. That's right. I'm buying some beer and I've bought some records to give out FOR FREE. Yes, I'm throwing my own birthday party and bringing you the gifts. You are invited."

Recent CD cover designs

Two (actually three) recent designs for CD covers. The first large image is actually two different CDs for Stacy's sister for a holiday gift (will post last year's, Rock N Roll soon). The second image is a CD that Stacy and I put together for friends and colleagues for a holiday present as well. It is a loose compilation of "best of" 2007. It is based off of a lot of bands we were able to see live within the past year who also released a fantastic album within that year. We didn't see all on the track list, but over half. (click on images for larger versions)

Save the Date

Design for our Save the Date cards.
Website: Smith Gant 2008 or Jed & Stacy

Raleigh 2008 Resolutions

Raleigh could be a better city in 2008. Wanna know how?

Go here: Raleigh 2008 Resolutions: Part 1.