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John Lindsay with John Heart Jackie and Jesse Morrow

Sun, February 20, 2011

Doors: 9:00 PM / Show: 9:30 PM

$6.00

This show is 21+, proper I.D. is required for admission

John Lindsay

“One of the best records to come out of the Southeast over the course of the decade” -Performer Magazine, December 2010

“Coming off like a synthed-out version of the DBs, this is weird, wonderful stuff. A keep! And a treasure” -Ken Stringfellow (REM, The Posies, Big Star, Minus 5, The Disciplines)

"What Sufjan Stevens did for Chicago, Jon Lindsay just might pull off for Charlotte." - Charlotte Magazine

“Though Escape From Plaza-Midwood is the first full-length from 29-year-old Charlotte bandleader Jon Lindsay, it’s hardly his first foray into music, which is apparent in the kaleidoscopic LP’s remarkable cohesiveness. A songwriter since age 3, Lindsay fronted power pop units Carlisle, The Young Sons and The Catch Fire and has performed or recorded with neo-soul crooner Benji Hughes, indie folk singer-songwriter Nicole Atkins and former bandmate Justin Williams’ vintage pop project Twelve Thousand Armies. The shimmering, dreamy tunes on last year’s self-released solo EP, Magic Winter & The Dirty South, hinted at Lindsay’s savvy craft. But on Plaza-Midwood, Lindsay finally folds those myriad experiences into a sprawling opus of pop-rock splendor. Other than the lush orchestration, rich textures and offbeat lyrical fragments, few threads tie these 15 eclectic tracks together. “Indie Prince Paul” is a Hughes-style, soul-pop number drenched in organ and synths, while Beach Boys-inspired harmonies, sputtering drumbeats, swinging horns and soaring solos splash the record elsewhere. “If I could rewind, I would storm your castle/ I would Bernie Makeoff with your heart today,” Lindsay offers during the stream-of consciousness ramble that accompanies the nonchalant, string-abetted jangle of “These Are The End Times.” It’s clear that Lindsay is having a blast on this record, though never at the expense of the song. To wit, it’s not all smiles and winking lyricism. On the frenetic power pop anthem “My Blue Angels,” Lindsay contemplates choosing the church of rock ‘n’ roll—complete with archangel Randy Rhoads—rather than following in the footsteps of his preacher father. The jazzy, piano-led ballad “I Take Care Of You Now” has a tender core of devotion amid its down-and-out love story.” -Indy Weekly

John Heart Jackie

Dearest John,
For you a book. Le Balloon Rouge. From world of impossible probabilities. A world of the very young and the very old. Those that have time for imaginings and who possess young hearts. In this world "a king properly wears a beggar's rags and a cracked heart of lead and a dead bird are the most precious things in a city. Is this too strange? Or, have you, in fact, always known it to be true?"

This world is to be entered into whenever the COLD REALITY 20th century intellects are always referring to (and I guess it is pretty frigid) becomes too much for the human spirit. A world, as the song says, over the rainbow where troubles melt like lemon drops.

And this from your morning-grouch, evening-idiot-laughter of a roommate.

-Jackie

Jesse Morrow

Originally from Michigan, Jesse Morrow stepped onto the stage when he moved to Nashville and began playing in the local scene. Jesse gained a steady following and soon recorded his first album, New Beginnings. Rooted in life experiences, relationships and the world around him, New Beginnings is replete with warmth and depth. Each track has lyrics to get lost in and a melody that you’ll quickly be singing along with.

With the success of his first album, Jesse began filling his schedule with shows both in Nashville and back home in the Midwest, most recently gaining an enthusiastic fan base in the indie-infused Pacific Northwest. These live shows are full of life with Jesse’s comfortable stage presence, captivating music, and devoted audience.

Jesse’s newest release, Come On Speak Up (Dec. 2010), carries over the artistry and personality of his earlier songs while showcasing a new level of songwriting and musical composition. Featuring a full band, the album holds a strong sense of presence as well as a contagious energy. Fans will enjoy following Jesse’s journey as these songs continue to reflect his life and the people he love