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

It's Not a Cliche if It's This Good Lookin'

Today I discovered that cream is great on a blackberry snowcone, that nothing really beats a summer sunset, and that Louisiana was an independent nation from 1861 to 1862 (or so they claim).

In Arizona, you'll be happy to know the Raven is moving ever closer to opening the rooftop deck. Labor Day Weekend? Could be...Stay tuned as the date nears.

Monday: Pizza, Pitcher and a Picture night continues with "The Fisher King" starring Robin Williams and Jeff Bridges. It's like "Mork and Mindy" meets "The Big Lebowski" with a moral lesson...nanou, namaste...8:30pm

Tuesday: Tony is sharpening knives and opening the secret recipe book...his menu for Tuesday evening:

Apps.

Endive with Crab & Blood Orange
Diced Beet & Bleu Cheese Bruschetta
Fontina Cheese Skewers wrapped in Prosciutto
Flatbread Pizza, Pesto, Pinenuts, Artichoke Hearts, Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella

Entrees'

Chicken Roulade
-Stuffed with Salami, Spinach, Roasted Red Pepper & Feta
-Served with Potato Lyonnaise, Grilled Asparagus & Red Onion Marmalade
Beef Tornadoes
-Burbon Demi-Glace
-Served with Potato Lyonnaise, Grilled Asparagus & Portabello Mushroom Tapenade
Southwest Succotash
-Roasted Corn & Jalapeno Sauce
-Served on Seared Rice Cakes & with Grilled Asp.
Salmon Pasta
-Orzo Pasta, Salmon, Mint Cream sauce, Pickled Cucumbers
Spinach & Quinoa Salad
-Roasted Walnuts, Goat Cheese, Red Quinoa, Balsamic Vinegar

Also on Tuesday...Holy! Holy! Holy! markets themselves as traveling gypsy folk bluegrass. They will be joined by Leila Lopez and Courtney Robbins from Tucson. 8pm

Thursday: Michael Krassner and Try Me Bicycle return. Michael Krassner has worked with everyone from Wilco to Sonic Youth and is trying out his new material exclusively at The Raven. Not to be missed. 8pm

Friday: The Adam's Family Jazz Show. Local wonder-youth Nicki and Patrick Adams will showcase their jazz talent with support from Steve Annibale and Carlos B. Jones. 8pm
Saturday: From Merced California, El Olio Wolof makes their first appearance at The Raven. This is quintessential dreamy jazz-influenced indie rock. A great band on their way up. 8pm

Sunday: The Groovin' High Jazz Trio plays for brunch. Is there really anything better than Jazz and Brunch on Sunday? 10am

Your Album of the Week: Professor Longhair..."Mardi Gras in Baton Rouge". It makes you feel good in all the right ways.


Until Again

Raven

We Hold These Truths to Be Yummy

Fact 1: There are 18 different animal shapes in the Animal Crackers cookie zoo. Fact 2: The names of Popeye’s four nephews are Pipeye, Peepeye, Pupeye and Poopeye. Fact 3: The Raven Café has a lot of great things happening this week. Coincidence? Maybe, but however you slice the pie you’ve still learned three important facts to carry with you until next Sunday.

This Week:

Monday: Pizza, Pitcher and a Picture night continues. This month’s theme is Terry Gilliam, and tonight’s feature is his most acclaimed expression of insane genius…”Brazil.”8:30pm


Tuesday: Tony is in the kitchen for a French Themed Menu:

Apps:

Roasted Garlic Custard with Roasted Hazelnuts, Salsa Fresca & Warm Baguette Pieces

Sauteed Crab with white wine & Cream

Brie & Potato Dumpling with Strawberry Jam

Entrees:

Salada Mimosa

Butter Poached Chicken Breast

Beef Wellington with Sauce Madere

Duck A L'Orange

Herbed Shroom

(Except for the salad & the Herbed Shroom, all dishes will be served with Boursin Mashed Potatoes & Haricot Verts (Green Beans))

Thursday: We’ve been getting so much great feedback about our monthly Jazz Jam Session . We’re excited to provide this opportunity for Jazz players of all ages to come together for a big night of music and fun. 8pm

Friday: One of our favorite bands from Phoenix has to be Farewell Review . They’ve asked if we could provide the venue for their cd release party, and we couldn’t be more honored. The album is produced by Jon Rauhouse, and they are every bit deserving of his attention and yours. You’ll be moved to dance…Imagine Tom Petty fronting Crazy Horse with a little Hank Williams-style harmony. 8pm

Saturday: Dennis Garvey and Remedy return for an evening of grooving to the blues. 8pm

Sunday: Don’t forget about Brunch…it’s the most important meal of the week…Jonathon Best will be on the Old Upright Piano.

Your Album of the Week: Tony Joe White “Black and White” … I can’t stress how important this album is to your collection. It’s what good swamp music sounds like.

Until Again

Raven

That Makes It Officially Summer

This week I learned about aggressive flying cockroaches...Turns out they live in my neighborhood too. تFirst rule of thumb: تDon't run. ت

For now, I've taken shelter in a secure facility...still connected to the outside world through the miracle of the internet...and filling you in on all you have to look forward to this week.

Monday: تIt's "Mystery Movie Monday"...with a great selection of personal pizzas and draft pitchers. تFun starts at 8:30pm

Tuesday: تIt's an evening of dinner and dancing with
The Prescott Playboys. ت



Chef Cody will be back in for Chef Tony this Tuesday. ت

His menu:ت

Entrees:

• Lamb- Bone in Lamb Medallions served with a Mint/Basil Pesto, Bamboo Rice, andVeggies.
• Ahi Tuna - Coriander Crusted Ahi under local/organic greens and served with Asparagus, Wasabi Creme, and Bamboo Rice
• Snapper- Princess Snapper served with a olive/mint tapenade, Bamboo Rice, and Veggies
• Scallops- Served in a pool of citrus sauce and layered with asparagus puree
• Arugula Salad - Spinach/Arugula, Roasted Pine Nuts, Parmesan Cheese, Lemon Vinaigrette, Cherry Tomatoes, and Avocados

Apps:

• Brie/Potatoe Dumplings - Served with Strawberry Jam
• Spicy Cucumber Boats - Cucumber boats stuffed with Spicy Red Quinoa and topped with Chipotle Creme

Thursday:

Benefit for Darfur:

• When: Thursday, July 10, 6:00 dinner, 7:00 Music by Jonathan Best
• Honored Guests: Lost Boys of Sudan
• What: This is a benefit to support Drumbeat for Darfur, the Arizona Lost Boys Center and World Children's Relielf, a Prescott-based organization partnering with countries in Africa to build schools and hope. Come early for dinner and conversation with our honored guests. Stay to enjoy the music and fun.
• Where: The Raven Café (142 N. Cortez)

Please note:

Raven Cafe is creating a great selection of African-inspired foods and contributing a portion of all food and beverage proceeds to the benefit. The music will start around 7, but come earlier if you want a quieter setting for dinner and conversation with the Lost Boys (though both will be available throughout the evening).

Jonathan Best and other local musicians will be featured entertainment.
Maria Flurry will join in with some lively percussion and the Lost Boys
are going to show us some of their drumming styles.
If you have drums,tambourines, maracas or other rhythm instruments, bring them along. And, with all that drumming, you can be sure there will be dancing.

This is not an evening for speeches. Instead you can expect a celebration of hope: good food, great people, lots of rhythm, raffles and, of course,displays and
print material to connect to the humanitarian crisis that persists in Darfur.

All proceeds from this benefit will be divided among three groups: UUSC's Drumbeat for Darfur project, the Arizona Lost Boys Center and World Children's Relief.

Friday: Patrick Sweany is back. Patrick's new album was produced by the Black Keys, and perhaps unsurprisingly he sounds a lot like the Black Keys. If you missed his last swing through the Raven, you missed an amazing show. You should definitely see this if you are a fan of The White Stripes, RL Burnside, TheBlack Keys, Junior Kimbrough or John Lee Hooker. 8pm

Saturday: Jonathon Best is performing another of his amazing solo looping shows. It's like Young Einstein meets The Beatles in the back of Michael J Fox's Delorean. 8pm

Your Album of the Week: You should be listening to
"Florida Funk" Funk 45's from the Alligator State 1968-1975.

Until Again

Raven

Calling All Artists!

This is something new we've got going on, so I wanted it to have its own e-mail. We're excited about "Art Bar" at the Raven Cafe, and our new art manager, Travis Patterson, who is putting all of this together. If you know anyone else who might be interested in this project, or any artists who should be a part, please forward this e-mail to them.

Thanks

Raven

Art Bar

Art Bar is a new initiative at The Raven Café that aims to display the production of artwork as an art form in itself. We believe that seeing an artist’s intensity and process leads to a more intimate connection with his or her product. In full support of our mission statement, Art Bar is yet another way in which our artists continually make our customers question the meaning of art and how itis done.

Tables are now positioned outside of our wine room for our patrons to sit and enjoy their meal or beverages while absorbing the bold impact that Art Bar is already having at our space. We encourage dialogue between our clientele and these energetic artists, as they are continually available to speak about their products and their work flow.

We are currently seeking artists of all mediums interested in creating in this space free of charge while gaining valuable publicity and wall space at The Raven Café. Finished pieces will be available for sale and may even be sold while in production. Artists are open to negotiations and our friendly bar staff will be happy to facilitate the transaction. Works not sold during production are professionally presented and exhibited at The Raven Café.

For more information, please contact our Art Coordinator, Travis Patterson, at travis@ravencafe.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

(No English People Were Harmed in the Making of This Blog)

In 1776 we celebrated our independence by ruthlessly hunting down Englishmen. Cut to 2008...The intentional maiming of those in service to the Royal throne has become less acceptable, and even, by some standards, politically incorrect. At the Raven we've managed to reach a happy medium: "Down with King George," we like to say, but since he's long gone we don't really run the risk of offending too many people while staying ahead of the curve by celebrating what we like to call, "Vintage Patriotism."

We've got an event coming up next week that we want to give you a heads up on:



When: Thursday, July 10, 6:00 dinner, 7:00 Music by Jonathan Best
Honored Guests: Lost Boys of Sudan
What: This is a benefit to support Drumbeat for Darfur, the Arizona Lost Boys Center and World Children's Relief, a Prescott-based organization partnering with countries in Africa to build schools and hope. Come early for dinner and conversation with our honored guests. Stay to enjoy the music and fun.
Where: The Raven Café (142 N. Cortez)

More details next week.

This week:

Monday: Pizza, Pitcher and a Picture night continues with the ultimate film about freedom..."Easy Rider." How much do you know about Venutians? Jack Nicholson, Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper search for the answers to this question and many others while they chase the American dream from the back of custom-made Harley Davidson motorcycles. 8:30pm.



Tuesday: Tony is out of town and Cody is being given his first chance to take on Tuesday Night. Cody is an amazing cook, and he would love to have your support. His menu as planned so far:

Entrees:
Citrus Poached Salmon coated in a mango buerre blanc sauce. Served with Coconut Rice and Sauteed Veggies.

Seared Duck cooked in a Berry Bourbon Sauce over cooked greens, garlic, and sauteed mushrooms

Blue Cheese stuffed Pork Tenderloin coated in Parmesan and served over cooked greens and sauteed mushrooms

Zucchini/Feta Pancakes topped with a berry yogurt and served with Lemon (RED) Quinoa

Appetizers:
Potato Brie Dumplings. Served with Strawberry Jam.

Ahi Tuna seared in Chinese Five Spice and Brown Sugar. Served under Cabbage with wasabi soy sauce

Thursday: From Los Angeles...El Ten Eleven makes their first appearance at The Raven Cafe. This drum and bass duo creates lush soundscapes reminiscent of Tortoise, Radiohead, and Sigur Ros, but with a little more drive to the beat. They've been getting great write ups in Spin, Filter and the LA Times.


Friday: It's the 4th of July with Blue Wail. If you are looking for the best spot in town for dancing, eating, and plotting to overthrow the English throne...The Raven is where you want to be at 8pm.

Saturday: From Asheville, North Carolina and Colorado Springs, Colorado...Sven Hooson and Cahalen David Morrison are both super-talented acoustic musicians. They have that high-mountain John Denver meets Doc Watson sort of thing going on. You can preview their music online at: www.supersolarsounds.com

Your Album of the Week: John Lee Hooker "That's Where It's At"...This is what late night blues should sound like.



Until Again

Raven

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