Is It Gator Time, Again?

Weird things are happening out there: ice on mars, cougars and alligators on the perimeter of Chicago, and the discovery of a mathematical formula for the perfect cheese sandwich. In Prescott, you can rest easy in the knowledge that The Raven Cafe remains constant while always tossing in a little of the unexpected to keep things exciting. This week:

Monday: Pizza, Pitcher and a Picture night continues with "Thelma and Louise." It's like Sex and the City meets the Dukes of Hazzard with an M. Knight Shyamalan twist at the end. 8:30pm



Tuesday: Chef Tony Burris is putting together a Mediterranean themed menu for you featuring:

Appetizers:
Babaghanoush Plate
Tapas of Almonds, Olives & marinated Manchego
Garlic Shrimp

Entrees:
Ratatouille
Salad Nicoise
Spiced Duck w/ Pomegrante & Walnut Sauce & Fresh Pear
Lamb Sausage with Romesco Sauce
Chicken Thighs w/Garlic & Lemon
Fennel, Date & Orange Salad with Spinach & Almonds

Also on Tuesday Night...Music by The Porchlights of Cortez, Colorado. We really enjoyed them last time they came through and are happy to have them back again. 7pm
Thursday: Local band Smoot Mahooty will make their first appearance at the Raven. We've been hearing really good things about them and are excited to have them in. 7pm

Friday: We kick off another weekend of blues and grooves with The Denise Allen Band. Denise Allen has a great voice and a magnetic sort of stage presence that just pulls you out onto the dance floor. 8pm

Saturday: After a Friday night warm-up with Denise Allen, it's time to see just how long you can hold out on the dance floor...Shri takes the stage for a full night of inspired blues and slinky grooves. 8pm
Your Album of the Week: Tonight I'm in Houston to see Tom Waits. This week's album, Tom Waits "Heart Attack and Vine". It's a transitional album between his lounge singer work of the 1970's and his more eclectic experimentation of the 1980's. Because it fits in between these two periods it is often overlooked and under-appreciated. For my money, it's definitely one of his best. Enjoy!!!

Until Again

Raven

Careful With That Fire, Eugene

This past weekend was filled with all sorts of excitement: Tsunami on the Square, the approximate incineration of the building, etc... Still, as said Twain, "The reports of our demise have been greatly exaggerated." It's business as usual at 142 N. Cortez...We'll just be keeping a closer watch on the voltage meter.

Monday: Pizza, Pitcher and a Picture Night continues with Cody's divine culinary creations and my favorite film of the 1980's next to "Raiders of the Lost Ark"....."Airplane." This film is a masterpiece of politically incorrect humor and divinely inspired one-liners. 8:30pm


Tuesday: Dinner and Dancing with the Prescott Playboys. Put on your fanciest boots, your tallest hat, and your denimest denim. Tony will be putting together a menu of home-style country cookin'. Music starts at 7pm.

Wednesday: From Akron, Ohio...Patrick Sweany makes his first appearance at the Raven. Patrick grew up with The Black Keys, has played with the Black Keys, and his newest album was produced by the Black Keys. Would it be surprising if I told you he sounds a lot like the Black Keys? Haven't heard of the Black Keys...? Imagine a bluesier version of The White Stripes. 8pm

Thursday: Our Jazz Jam Session has been building steam over the last two months, and we couldn't be more excited. This is our goal...to provide a venue where the youngest jazz musicians in town get the opportunity to play with the most seasoned. If you love great improvised jazz music, this is your night. 8pm

Friday: It's that time again...Fire Ridge Bluegrass is back in town for a night of finger smokin' pickin' and grinnin'. Every time these guys play they pack the house. 8pm

Saturday: The Jacob Koller Jazz Band has been making waves in Phoenix for some time. They will be making their first appearance in Prescott at the Raven on Saturday night. Jazz lovers, this is a great band, and a great opportunity to help spread the word about the growing jazz scene in our community. 8pm

Sunday: Jonathon Best on the old-upright. An amazing brunch menu. Summer inspired mimosas. Need I say more?

Your Album of the Week: I'm thinking "Moby Grape" by Moby Grape. This is the debut album by the greatest band of the 1960's that you've probably never heard of. Think a bluesier version of "Working Man's Dead". It's good for the season.

Until Again

Raven

Tsunami's in the House

I'm on the road with not much yet to report. You'll get a full update next sunday on New Orleans. In the meantime, let me introduce you to our new manager, Brian Spencer. Brian is a dynamite chef with 20+ years restaurant experience, a father, and beyond that, a great guy. He will be working with Tony in the kitchen a bit, but his will be the face you are seeing more of in the front of the house. You will be getting to know him better over the next few weeks, and he is putting together a little bio for me to work into the e-mail next week. Until then, know you are in great hands.

This week also marks the departure of another two of our own. Brian Scavone and Dara Cantor are both moving on to pursue school and other adventures. They have both been with us since the beginning and will be missed immensely. Stop by, visit, and see them off before the end of the week...they'll love to see you.

Monday: Pizza, Pitcher and a Picture night continues with "Smokey and the Bandit." In case you forgot why Burt Reynolds is the man, definitely come check this one out. 8pm



Tuesday: Duo Sabaku, a classical ensemble from Phoenix will be on hand for a dinner performance as part of the Chaparral Music Festival. 7pm

Wednesday: Three bands, Birds and Batteries from San Francisco return for a stellar performance. Imagine Neil Young with hints of light ambient electronic music. Then Ramona Cordova returns with his blend of american gypsy folk and Francois Virot, from France, performs his take on new european folk. 8pm

Thursday: Austin favorites, The Just Desserts return to the Raven. They are the best at what they do...infectious Southwestern-Tango dance music. If you love dancing and an amazing stage show...this is your night. 8pm

Friday: Tsunami on the Square kicks off at the Raven. This years theme...The Lucky 13 Cabaret. Every year Tsunami puts on an amazing weekend of performing arts for the local community. Please come out to support this wonderful event. Friday at the Raven, Saturday on the Square. 8pm

Saturday: Flamenco guitarist Chris Burt Jacome performs at 4pm as our second part of the Chaparral Music Festival. Then...Jack Norton returns. Jack's performance as an archivist of historical music, and a magical presence on stage is unparalleled. He is a mix of Vaudville, Woody Guthrie and Ramblin' Jack Elliot. If you are down at Tsunami and you feel like taking a break, come down for a bit...you won't be disappointed...I promise. 8pm

Sunday: After Tsunami Brunch. What better way to relax the morning after?

Your Album of the Week: I'm in El Paso right now, so I'm going with "Gunfighter Ballads" by Marty Robbins. This could be the first concept album of the modern era. Is it good? Oh, Yeah.

Until Again

Raven

Say It Ain't So!

As many of you may or may not know, I (Newt Lynn) am leaving the Raven at the end of the week. Fear not, I tell you. Change is in the air, but it is all for the better. I've loved being a part of The Raven from its conceptualization to the present, and will remain with you into the future. How? Well, first let me start by telling you where I am headed. I will be starting graduate school at Tulane this fall....That means....New Orleans. The stars just lined up in such a way, and so I go. However, aside from daily in-house operations, which will be turned over to a new management team, I will continue with all of the work I do behind the scenes. That means you will still be getting the weekly e-mail from me, and I will continue booking music and designing ads. Only thing is, I won't be in town to get all of your input, so I'm hoping you will take the time to e-mail me (newt@ravencafe.com). Let me know what you are thinking about music and entertainment, and keep me apprised of anyone you would like to see booked. I'll be making the occasional appearance, and you'll know when I am coming to town, so if I don't get to see you this week, we will still have an opportunity to connect. Okay, that's enough about that. There's plenty of other stuff happening this week.

Monday: Pizza, Pitcher and a Picture night continues. Ty has been holding us on the edge of our seats with this weeks pick. He promises it will be a top classic. I'm guessing 1980's. Maybe "Spies Like Us", "Caddy Shack". Chevy Chase? Bill Murray? There are obvious hints at what I'm hoping for. Let's see if I guessed it right. 8pm

Tuesday: It's a going away party. Ben, Beth and I are all leaving together this weekend. Tony is putting together a Southern-Creole-Cajun-Soul menu as a way of sending us off in style. We hope you can come down, hang out, eat some great food, and visit. This is also a great way to gauge how Tony is going to do for you regarding Southern cooking. He's from Nebraska, but he's got spirit, he's a great chef, and we've known each other long enough to have had some serious meals together. Dave Manning will be on the Old Upright, and we will be around all evening. Hope to see you there. 7pm

Wednesday: Verde Watershed Wednesday. Education and Information was never put forth with such an eye toward entertainment, fun, and great atmosphere. 8pm

Thursday: Jonathon Best, Matt LaVoire and Jesse Pursley perform as Jigabe. It's like an old-time medicine show performed by the alien band in "Return of the Jedi." 8pm

Friday: A very special night of music. The local JNG Band will make their first appearance at The Raven. Then, from Phoenix and Chicago, Michael Krassner will be on hand for a rare solo performance. Krassner is best know for his work with The Lofty Pillars and Boxhead Ensemble, which may not mean much to you save the stellar group of musicians he put together for both of these groups (Jim O'Rourke from Sonic Youth, members of Dirty Three, Jeff Tweedy of Wilco, Will Oldham aka Bonnie "Prince" Billy, Edith Frost, several members of Tortoise, David Grubbs of Gastr Del Sol, and Ken Vandermark). You may not know all of those names, but you've probably heard of at least one, and if not, know this...These folks are the whose who in the world of progressive music today. Following Michael Krassner, Try Me Bicycle, a new group he is producing and promoting will be performing. Imagine a dreamy, contemplative and stripped down version of Calexico. We are definitely looking forward to this show.

Saturday: O. Allen Huddleston's "Evolving Art Show" comes to a close. Details are still in the wings, but I hear rumors of a couple of DJ's coming up from Phoenix for a dance party. Will let you know more when I know.

Don't Forget Lunch and Brunch at the Raven. Shaina has taken our lunch, brunch, and daily specials to a new level. If you are looking for the perfect place to meet a friend, have a meeting, or just relax for a bit...It's all about the Raven in the afternoon.

Your Album Of The Week: Eddie Bo "The Hook and Sling" ... Listen to it and fondly think of me...It will be your next favorite.

Until Again

Raven

Okay, Now We Know Who to Blame!

Seems like little Puxatony Phil had the last laugh on those of us who thought winter was over. Still, he's a Groundhog, so I'm figuring Mother Nature's got his ear.

Spring is still right around the corner, and we couldn't be more excited.

Monday: Pizza, Pitcher and a Picture night with the best school skipping movie of all time...Ferris Bueller's Day Off...8:30pm




Tuesday: Chef's Choice with Tony Burris. Alaska's Piano Man, Dave Manning will be at the Old Upright Piano.; 8pm

Wednesday: Burger Night, and local band Shady Grass will be opening for The Black Hollies from New Jersey. If you liked last weeks show of Asteroid #4 and The Quarter After, this show should be right up your alley...Imagine the Who singing My Generation under a black light. 8pm

Thursday: From Phoenix...The Via Maris returns for an evening of well-crafted americana. 8pm

Friday: Jackson-Jones Jazz Trio returns to the Raven stage for a night of classic jazz music. 8pm

Saturday: Dennis Garvey and Remedy. Southern-style dance and blues. 8pm

Your Album of the Week: If My Morning Jacket and Neil Young were to get together to make an album it might sound something like the new album from Tulsa "I Was Submerged". Check it out.

Until Again

Raven

There is a Cat and a Small Child in This Picture

4:46…Sunday…87 degrees…there is a small child eating weather stripping off the corner of the house. The cat sits by, lazily eyeing the child and wondering, “How is it that I’m smarter than this critter?” There is no answer to that question.

We’ve not yet come to the understanding of the age at which our intelligence supercedes that of other mammals…or if we ever reach that point. Still, we have wonderfully organized meeting places like the Raven, so that gives us some kind of leg up.

Monday: Pizza, Pitcher and a Picture night continues with “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure.” You remember the film…Keanu Reeves and another guy travel through time in a phone booth. The adventure that ensues…priceless. 8pm



Tuesday: Tony Burris is back as our kitchen manager.

We’ve loved having Ben, but he’s moving back east to pursue music. If you’ve seen him play, you know it’s what he should be doing. In the meantime, we’ll have Tony and Ben working together for a few weeks. What this means for you…good food. This week, Chef’s Choice.

Wednesday: Burger Night, and …From Salt Lake City…Band of Annuals return to the Raven with Golden Boots from Tucson. Classic Alt-Country with a sandy twist. 8pm

Thursday: From Philadelphia…The Asteroid #4 and From Los Angeles…The Quarter After. Last time the Asteroid #4 played we had so many people say it was their favorite show they had seen, we immediately set to work on getting them back…your demands have been met. Imagine Syd Barrett era Pink Floyd meets the Byrds. 8pm

Friday: Laura Gibson has been a dear friend of ours since she first began touring the Southwest. Now, 2 years later, she’s been featured in the New York Times, on NPR (several times), and has just finished touring with Colin Meloy of The Decemberists. She is definitely the next big thing on the folk music circuit. Ben Dickey and Drew Mills will be opening the show with an intimate performance of Blood Feathers music. 8pm

Saturday: King Bee and The Snappin’ Turtles make their final appearance at The Raven Café. This almost legendary band has developed a cult following amongst those who love to move their body parts in rhythmic ways. It’s a little bit blues, a little bit rock-n-roll, and a whole lotta goodness. 8pm

Sunday: Brunch with Dave Manning…Alaska’s Piano Man, and an amazing performer. 10am

Your Album of the Week: “The Land Where The Blues Began”…It’s part of the Alan Lomax Collection. If you are looking for a great launching point for your understanding Blues Music…this is it.

Until Again

Raven

Furrrrrrocious Thoughts

If wild animals could talk, what would they say? I imagine they would say things like, "I'm not going to eat you, but your pet looks like it might want to go on a picnic with me." Or maybe, "I've heard good things about that Raven Cafe...I'd like to meet you there for coffee and a salad." For the time being, we'll just be living with suppositions, but suppositions are fun and fill us with hours and hours of entertainment...Just like the Raven.







Monday: Pizza, Pitcher and a Picture night continues. Bike Month comes to an end with our showing of "............. ....... ......." It's a surprise, and you'll love it. One thing I can tell you...Lot's of bikes. 8pm



Tuesday: Ben is whipping up an evening of "Bayou Great-Times." Etouffee, Gumbo, She-Crab Soup, Po-Boys (Oyster and Artichoke), Collard Greens, Corn Bread, and Swamp Green Salad. Sounds good? Sounds Good! Music by The Porchlights from Dolores, Colorado. Fill a cocktail shaker with 2 parts Grateful Dead, 1 part Allman Brothers, a dash of Joni Mitchell, and some Johnny Cash to taste. Shaken, not stirred. 7pm

Wednesday: Burger Night...Plus...From San Diego, The Smart Brothers bring their mix of vaudeville, harmony, great instrumentation, and a phenomenal stage show...but that's not all...Then, Eric Fresia and the Offspring from Nova Scotia will be on hand. A must see band of a father being backed by his two children (ages 9 and 11). Imagine Bob Marley if the Wailers were in grade school and from Canada. 8pm

Thursday: Slightly-Soul Food night and our second Jazz Jam Session. We provide the house band...the rest is up to you (all ages welcome). 8pm

Friday: Jonathon Best and Matt LaVoire are returning for an evening of well-rehearsed improvisational-jazz-funk-jam-fusion. Good for moving your bending parts. 8pm

Saturday: From Pennsylvania...The Raven is proud to present Amanda Jo Williams and Matthew O'Neill for an evening of entirely original music. How do I explain? Country, Rock, Georgia, Lightning, Deliverance, Flannery O'Connor, Rudolph Steiner, and the Mayan Calendar. I know, it's hard to scern through all of that, but come see them and tell me if I'm wrong. Ben Dickey, Newt Lynn, and Adam Schrader will be the backing band. 8pm

Sunday: Brunch with Jonathon Best on the old-upright.

Your Album of the Week: The Black Hollies "Casting Shadows" is new to me and in heavy rotation right now. They are a little like the first album by Pink Floyd, The Who, and The Stones all mixed together...Maximum "R n B" in a classic garage style. Plus...They will be playing at the Raven on May 28th.

Until Again

Raven

Mayor Wilson and PAAHC President Agree - The Raven Cafe is a great example of Prescott Ambiance!

When The Raven Cafe and Coyote Radio were both on the drawing boards, there were a lot of naysayers who said the community would never embrace either; that Prescott was a small town that really didn't care too much about its culture and wasn't in the mood for swanky chow and libations.

If you ever needed proof how wrong those "stick in the muds" were, click on the Prescott Arts Beat radio show player below.

About 10 minutes, 50 seconds into the Prescott Arts and Humanities Council Interview - Part 1, PAAHC President Deb Thurston relates a conversation. During a recent meeting of one of the City of Prescott's 2050 Visioning Committees, Ms. Thurston and Mayor Wilson cited The Raven Cafe as a great example of old and new Prescott coming together in a new sense of Prescott community ambiance.

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In For Questioning talks with Edgar-winning Noir writer Megan Abbott

Can we pick 'em or can we pick 'em? Angie Johnson-Schmit's radio show on Coyote Radio, "In for Questioning" brings in hot shots of contemporary crime fiction and puts them under the hot lights for a little Q and A about what makes them tick. If you click on the link below and choose the Megan Abbott interview, you'll hear what this inkslinger of Modern Noir had to say shortly before being tapped this week for the Edgar award in Best Paperback Original.

That's right, Angie called it, we put it out over the airwaves. If you Dig the Darkside when it comes to action-packed writing, tune in to "In for Questioning," Coyote Radio's most popular interview show, recorded in Studio A in The Raven Cafe building.

"There are two kinds of people in the world, my friend. Those who have a loaded gun and those who dig. You dig!"

71 degrees, Sunny, Light Breeze...This is called, "Too Nice for Typing Weather," so I'll keep it short, and focus on the facts at hand.












Fact:

Monday: Pizza, Pitcher and a Picture night continues with "Breaking Away." Dennis Quaid stars in this OSCAR winner. Think "Bad News Bears" on bicycles with an eye toward college girls with European ideologies. 8pm



Tuesday: It's Spaghetti Western night with a Raven-Style Italian Menu, and music by The Prescott Playboys. 7pm

Wednesday: We have the best burgers in town. Lesser known television personalities agree. Non-disclosure agreements prevent us from name dropping, but suffice it to say there was a talking car involved.

Thursday: An evening of comfort and soul based foods.

Friday: From Boston, Jon Waterman is an americana-roots-folk-rock-country kind of performer performing for the second time on our stage. We're expecting a big turnout, so plan on coming out early if you want to guarantee a table. 8pm

Saturday: The Matt Jackson Trio returns. This is not Jackson-Jones mind you, but a side project Matt has started working with. Should be a fun night of great jazz. 8pm

Sunday: Brunch at the Raven with Jonathon Best returning to the old upright piano.

Your Album of the Week: The Gourds from Austin, Texas are in their own category when it comes to fusion. They are a little zydeco, a little southwestern, a little tex-mex, a little rock, and a little country. In summation, they are always awesome. I recommend "Heavy Ornamentals" as a good starting point.

Until Again

Raven