Yes, But Its a Dry Apocalypse!

This evening a tropical depression sits outside the window forcing me to pay closer attention to things that happened on August 24th past. On this date in 2006 the International Astronomical Union declared Pluto was no longer a planet, which was a grim proposition for those of us who were raised using clever mnemonic devices to master the universe. Arguably worse was the 79 AD eruption of Mount Vesuvius which destroyed the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum with a fury of fire and volcanic ash. Sometimes it takes a mini-hurricane to send you on a trip down memory lane. But for you in Prescott...memories will be made in the days to come.

Monday: Tonight's movie will be "Better Off Dead." This movie was our first real glimpse into the genius that is John Cusack, and the basis for a string of one liners like, "I want my two dollars." Among 80's cult phenomena in cinema, "Better Off Dead" definitely rests in the top 10. See you at 8:30pm


Tuesday: Tony is going Mediterranean and your menu is filled with all the fixins you'd be looking for if you were stuck on a little island just off the coast of Greece.

Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb
Almond Chicken
Pork Tenderloin with Sage and Capers
Spaghetti Puttanesca
Kalmata Olive and Caper Crostini
Summer Squash Patties
Arancini
Baked Eggplant with Tomato and Mozzarella

Thursday: On our last attempt to book this band there was some conflict with the schedule. Now, we've finally gotten a date nailed down and we could not be more excited. Michael Krassner and Try Me Bicycle return. Michael Krassner has worked with members of everyone in the progressive music world including Wilco, Sonic Youth, Bonnie "Prince" Billy and Tortoise. He is trying out his newest material exclusively at The Raven. Try Me Bicycle is a Phoenix based band discovered and produced by Krassner. Currently they've been getting a lot of hype on NPR. You will not want to miss this show. 8pm

Friday: Local songsmith Pat Beary returns with a full band and a dazzling set. If you know Pat, you are already making plans to be here. If you don't...imagine a more hopeful version of Elvis Costello and you'll be close to the mark. 8pm

Saturday: Continuing our mining the Jazz scene of Prescott, we will be joined by Milt Cannon and The Cannonfire Quintet. I've seen Milt play before and he's dynamite. This will be his first show at the Raven, and if you're into jazz you'll love this one. 8pm

Your Album of the Week: If you find yourself turning over rocks looking for the latest great band you may have never heard of...Dr. Dog will not disappoint you with their new album "Fate". It's my favorite thing to listen to while I'm riding my bike these days.

Until Again

Raven

Now Just Where Is His Raven Tattoo?

By now many of you have heard of Michael Phelps insane domination of the Olympic games and his record setting achievements. He's an uber-athlete, an unwavering patriot, and until we are told to cease and desist by his attorneys, an ardent supporter of the Raven Cafe.

We've actually been in charge of putting together a playlist for his iPod, and if you look closely, you'll notice him sporting his Raven Cafe gear throughout his interview sessions.

All we can say is, "Thanks, and congratulations on a job well done." You may not be able to hop the next flight to Beijing, but you can rest easy in knowing the rest of the world is talking about Prescott, Arizona and The Raven Cafe right now.

Things to do this week between Track and Field events:

Monday: Pizza, Pitcher and a Picture night continues with "Heathers". This twisted classic achieved cult status the day it arrived on VHS. Shannen Doherty and Christian Slater...together in one definitive cinematic masterpiece. It's like "Beverly Hills 90210" meets "Very Bad Things" with a dash of "Friday the 13th" and a shake of "Revenge of The Nerds". 8:30pm

Tuesday: Tony is putting together a Chef's Choice Menu. Technically that means he's still working out the details and I have to go to press. Fear not...he's always on top of his game and sometimes your stomach needs a good surprise.

Also on Tuesday...Jed is going to be in to play a set during Happy Hour (4-6pm)

Thursday: Our monthly Jazz Jam Sessions are becoming quite popular amongst the players in town. It's an opportunity for musicians of all ages to get on stage together and show their best improvisational skills. 8pm

Friday: Headline Bluegrass Band from Phoenix is making their first appearance at The Raven. We know you love the bluegrass, and we're happy we found these guys. Come out and show them some support. 8pm

Saturday: Local jazz merchants, Bob Shimizu and Beginner's Luck will be playing their first show with us. This local jazz scene is so dynamic and we couldn't be happier to provide a venue for the diversity and talent of local players. 8pm

Sunday: Jonathon Best returns to the Old-Upright for a Brunch set. Remember, brunch is the most important meal of the week.

Your Album of the Week: Drivin' N Cryin' frontman Kevn Kinney released his first solo album, "MacDougal Blues" in the late 1980's. It was also his best. Not just his best, but actually a great album. I've never owned a copy because it has been out of print since the early 90's. I did have a taped copy though, and I wore it out a few months ago. Then, just last month, they rereleased the album. It's a must have (especially for you Greg).

Until Again

Raven

Elle est venue de Tucson

The great thing about Sunday is that in most cases it's an opportunity to have a rest, make plans with friends, and cook a pot of rabbit gumbo. At least, that's what's happening around my house today.

You may be thinking that sounds a little weird...you may be thinking something like, "Rabbits. That's crazy talk. I only use squirrel or nutria in my kitchen." Well, I'm not going to say a pot of squirrel gumbo isn't something special, but there's just something about rabbit in August.

This week there may not be any rabbit on the menu at the Raven, but we've got plenty of other great things in store for you.

Monday: Pizza, Pitcher and a Picture night continues with "Three O'Clock High". Now I have to be honest here...I've never seen or heard of this film. I do, however, get the sense that it is filled with actors who were almost famous and may have made it big had they not gotten trapped in the localized fame of the 80's. Is it an overlooked classic? You be the judge and let me know what you think. 8:30 pm

Tuesday: Chef Tony Burris loves fast cars and time travel. As a result he's put together an inspired menu of Thai fusion.

Lemon Grass and Coconut Chicken
Steamed Veggies with Peanut Sambal
Duck with Red Curry, Pineapple and Tomatoes
Fried Tilapia with Ginger and Garlic
Sauteed Beef and Chilis
*all over White Rice and Sesame Greens
Wonton Chips with Fresh Veggies
Spring Rolls with Peanut Sambal

Wednesday: Verde Watershed Wednesday returns to inspire you, educate you, and empower you to make a difference with important issues facing our local watershed.

Thursday: From Tucson... Chris Black is an amazingly dynamic musician that can play most any instrument and commands the stage with a presence and sound that seems to blur the line between Johnny Cash and Nick Cave. He's played the Raven a few times now and has dazzled with each performance. This is one of those shows that makes going out on a Thursday night worthwhile. 8pm

Friday: From Tucson, Music Video? I'm not asking...that question mark is part of their name. They're like a lo-fi Radiohead mixed with a little Flaming Lips and a dash of the Postal Service. They're getting a lot of attention on NPR right now, and I think deservedly so. 8pm

Saturday: From Tucson (are you noting a theme here?)... Marianne Dissard and Will Elliot. This is one of those amazingly special shows that you will not want to miss. Marianne Dissard is a native of France who moved to Tucson following in the footsteps of Howe Gelb, and the guys who would become Calexico. Her new album was produced by Joe Burns and features members of Calexico and Willie Nelson's band throughout. The album plays like a 30's french western version of Bob Dylan's Pat Garret and Billy the Kid soundtrack. Will Elliot, her support for this show, was voted best local songwriter in Tucson this year and will delight you with his uncompromising uniqueness of presence. 8pm

Your Album of the Week: This week I'm all about Marianne Dissard's L'EntreDeux. She sent me an advance copy of the album and it is phenomenal. Come down to the show and get your own copy...maybe she'll even sign it.

Until Again

Raven