Mountain Views News          Saturday, April 26, 2014

Mountain Views News Saturday, April 26, 2014 
B3THE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 
SEAN’S SHAMELESS 
REVIEWS: 


By Sean Kayden 

APRIL’S PLAYLIST 

Vacationer – “The Wild Life” – Vacationer features Kenny Vasoil former 

frontman of emo pop-punk band, The Starting Line. Their new song, “The Wild 

Life,” is officially the first estival jam one can really get behind. It features tropical 
beats and a glazed lazy summer vibe. It’s very similar to something off their first record, “Gone,” which 
debuted two years ago. That album was solid and a nice departure from Vasoil’s previous venture. If 
“The Wild Life” is any indication of what the entire album (“Relief,” due out June 24th) may sound like, 
we’re once again in for a treat. The soundtrack to the upcoming summer may just belong to Vacationer. 

The Antlers – “Palace” – The Antlers’ new glowing single, “Palace” is delicate and somber. The track, 
which is off the forthcoming record, “Familiars,” features a soft piano, horns, and Peter Silberman’s 
wispy, tender croon. This marks the band first LP since 2011’s “Burst Apart,” which was one of the best 
records of that year. Comparative to songs off their previous two LPs, The Antlers have crafted another 
gorgeously compose gem. If you’re looking for a meditative experience then look no further. The third 
full-length album is due out June 17th. It may not be the idyllic summer record, but there is no denying 
the sheer beauty that lies within their songs. 

Wye Oak – “Shriek” – Wye Oak has ditched guitars for their fourth record, “Shriek.” Lead singer 
Jenn Wasner now plays bass whilst singing in this duo. The title track is extremely melodic with the 
band’s new shift in direction. With their latest endeavor, the rhythmic elements thrive. The bass and 
keyboards combination are infectious along with Wasner’s breezy vocals. This new passageway finds 
Wye Oak in 80s snyth-pop stimulated territory. I’m totally on board with the lane change and “Shriek” 
hits shelves April 29th. 

Fear Of Men – “Decent” - Brighton’s Fear Of Men specializes in sweet-pop music. Their latest single, 
“Decent” offers a darker foray into the lyrics department. The track is razor sharp. It’s absolutely 
glorious from start to finish. The surprisingly upbeat approach is unusual given the haunting lyrics. 
This trio (one girl, two guys) just released their debut LP, “Loom,” on April 22nd via Kanine Records. 
These newbies have a bright sound that makes them the dark horse pick for rising up and comers. Be 
sure to check “Loom” from Fear of Men if you’re in need of a fresh start on the music forefront. 

The Crookes – “Outsiders” - Sheffield rockers, “The Crookes” recently released “Soapbox” this month. 
“Outsiders” is a typical rock jam from young lads from Britain these days. Comparative to mega 
successful band, Arctic Monkeys, “Outsiders” has big hooks. The aforementioned track has great 
melodies and is fairly magnificent in the way it plays out. From what I could tell, this new record has 
the group pushing past their previous limits for a more cohesive effort. Perhaps with this new release the Brits 

will find more success stateside. The Crookes’ third album “Soapbox” is a worth seeking out if British rock n’ roll satisfies your eardrums. 


FRIENDS OF THE SIERRA MADRE 
LIBRARY ANNUAL ART FAIR 

The 52nd annual Friends of the Sierra Madre Library’s Art 
Fair will be held in Memorial Park, 222 West Sierra Madre 
Blvd, Sierra Madre, on Saturday, May 3, 2014 from 9:30AM to 

6:00PM and Sunday, May 4, 2014, from 9:30AM to 5:00PM. More than 95 artists will be displaying 
and selling their fine arts throughout the weekend. Mediums include oil painting, jewelry, water 
colors, glass, wood, metal, photography, pottery, ceramics, mixed media, and weaving. Our featured 
artist is Beverly Jones whose wow-inspiring designs, meticulous craftsmanship and attention to 
detail made her the obvious choice as the first jeweler to be given this honor. Make sure to stop by 
her booth to admire her lovely creations and to purchase a unique piece of jewelry. 


Live music will be featured throughout the weekend in the band shell and on the south lawn. 
Guests will enjoy an eclectic selection of music that’s sure to please even the most discriminating 
ear. In the band shell on Saturday from 11:00AM-1:00PM you’ll be treated to world class guitarists 
Steve Trovato and Tim Kobza playing a fusion of country, rock, jazz, and blues. Accordionist and 
composer Nick Ariondo will be playing world music at its finest from 2:00-4:00PM on Saturday. 
Larry Tuttle and Novi Novog known as String Planet will be in the band shell on Sunday from 
11:00AM-1:00PM offering their cunningly creative classical rock fusion. Later that afternoon from 
2:00PM-4:00PM Cow Bop, Bruce Forman and Pamela Forman, the hottest Western bebop band 
on earth will be playing for your listening pleasure. At other times during the day a bit of strolling 
music will undoubtedly occur. On the south lawn Flower of the Flock will be playing Irish music 
on Saturday from 10:00AM to noon and Banna Beag Mall will be performing eclectic Irish music 
on Sunday from 10:00AM to noon. Each day on the south lawn at 1:00 music chair Jean Sudbury 
has an exciting new happening planned, the Green Room, where she will share some of her favorite 
music and invite special guests to join in. 

 Food trucks will be on hand to offer you many tempting choices for lunch or for a delicious snack. 
On Saturday you’ll be able to purchase tortas, wraps, salads, and tacos, with many vegetarian options, 
at Tortas 2 Die 4. The Hurricane Kitchen will offer street food like you never imagined, such dishes 
as duck confit, barbecue salmon, panko crusted catfish, pulled pork, and sriracha chicken just 
to name a few. The Schmuck Truck offers authentic New York deli food, need we say more. Neri 
Curbside serves barbecue and burgers as well as traditional Filipino dishes such as tapsilog, tocilog, 
and crispy dinuguan. And the Wafl Truck offers waffles with more toppings than you could ever 
imagine. On Sunday you won’t want to miss the many ways the Patty Wagon serves burgers. Or 
check out the Farmers Belly offering salads, sandwiches, and burgers made with organic heirloom 
ingredients. The Currywurst LA truck will be serving German brats and grilled cheese. The Chili 
Philosopher doesn’t just offer the usual chili; you’ll want to try their chili infested burger or their 
chili cheese fries, or their turkey chili with coconut sour cream. To quench your thirst stop by the 
Mambo Juice truck for a smoothie made with healthy juices. This year there will be a wine and 
beer garden both afternoons where you can sit and relax a little. And, of course, the Friends of the 
Library will have a booth selling their famous sweet breads and quick breads. 

For the children, the Creative Arts Group has planned an imaginative craft activity from 10:00am4:
00pm both days. Participants will have an opportunity to have fun creating a design on the wings 
of a butterfly. 

This year we will again have a silent auction. Many of the artists who are displaying and selling their 
creations at this year’s fair have donated lovely, one-of-a-kind pieces for the auction which means 
that you’ll have a chance to bid on some really beautiful artwork. 

So come early and stay all day. Browse through the wonderful displays of artwork, relax in the wine 
garden and listen to music, have a little lunch, check on your silent auction bids, and then go back 
and purchase those lovely pieces of art that have been calling your name ever since you spotted 
them. Proceeds from the Art Fair benefit the Sierra Madre Library. For more information, visit our 
website at sierramadrelibraryfriends.org or call 626 355-7186. 

Jeff’s Book Picks By Jeff Brown 

CAFFEINATED: HOW OUR DAILY HABIT HELPS, HURTS, 
AND HOOKS US by Murray Carpenter 

The most popular drug in America is a white powder. No, not that 
powder. But an additive under the radar. This is caffeine in its most 
essential state. And Caffeinated reveals the little known truth about this 
addictive,in that it is a largely unregulated drug found in coffee, energy 
drinks, teas, colas, chocolate, and even pain relievers. We’ll learn why 
caffeine has such a powerful effect on everything from boosting our 
mood to improving our athletic performance as well as how brands such 
as Coca Cola have ducked regulatory efforts for decades. We learn the 
differences in the various ways caffeine is delivered to the body, how it is 
quietly used to reinforce our buying patterns, and how it can play a role in 
promoting surprising health problems like obesity and anxiety. Drawing 
on the latest research, Caffeinated brings us the inside perspective on this 
additive. 


THE SIXTH EXTINCTION: AN UNNATURAL HISTORY by Elizabeth Kolbert 

This is a book about the future of the world, blending intellectual and natural history and field 
reporting into a powerful account of the mass extinction unfolding before our eyes. Over the last 
half a billion years, there have been five mass extinctions. Scientists are currently monitoring the 
6th extinction, predicted to be the most devastating extinction event since the asteroid impact that 
wiped out the dinosaurs. This time around, the cause is us. Kolbert draws on the work of scores 
of researchers in half a dozen disciplines, accompanying many of them into the field: geologists 
who study deep ocean cores, botanists who follow the tree line as it climbs up the Andes, marine 
biologists who dive off the Great Barrier Reef. She introduces us to a dozen species, some already gone, 
others facing extinction, including the Panamian golden frog, staghorn coral, the great auk, and the 
Sumatran rhino. Through these stories, Kolbert provides a moving account of the disappearances 
occurring all around us. The sixth extinction is likely to be mankind's most lasting legacy; it compels 
us to rethink the fundamental question of what it means to be human. 

CORRUPT PRACTICES: A PARKER STERN NOVEL by Robert Rotstein 

A Los Angeles church, considered by some to be a powerful cult, charges Rich Baxter with 
embezzling millions. Rich reaches out to former colleague and star trial attorney Parker Stern to 
come to his defense. Parker despises the cult, but he hasn’t entered a courtroom since developing 
severe stage fright after his mentor, Harmon Cherry, committed suicide. Rich claims that Cherry 
did not kill himself, he was murdered by someone connected to the church. At first, Parker doesn’t 
believe it until disturbing events force him to question what’s really happening. As the case takes 
an unexpected turn, Parker surprises himself and agrees to take on the church. But to represent his 
client and uncover the truth he must overcome his own long buried secrets. "This is a terrific book. 
A first rate job on this legal thriller. The story is beautifully structured for maximum intrigue and 
suspense.” SUE GRAFTON, #1 NY Times bestselling author. 


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