Dave doesn't let madness keep him down

Been There, Done That

By Dave Childers

(Updated Monday, March 27, 2006, 8:11 AM)

I'll be back

By the time you read this, March will be on its way out, which means one thing for me -- life can get back to normal soon. No such luck when March Madness is in the air. Once the NCAA Tournament starts approaching I spend more time on the couch than Jenny McCarthy trying to make a Hollywood comeback.

Shaping up

Let's not beat around the bush here -- I have a new favorite local band -- The Same Shape. More on them in a minute, but I would like to point out that the fact that I have CHOICES for my favorite local band and that it sometimes CHANGES is a great sign. Seriously. Fresno bands are getting better and it's fun to watch happen.

Take one

OK, back to The Same Shape. Saw a great show at their CD release party. The Sleepover Disaster was great as ever, Mynis was solid and the crowd was easily the biggest I have ever seen at Starline. And I knew right away that The Same Shape was something special because lead singer Thomas Delgado had no voice -- which is slightly challenging -- and they still rocked.

Take Two

But when I REALLY figured out how much I liked The Same Shape was at the Rogue Festival when I got to see them with a fully recovered Delgado singing. I don't have the CD yet, but I would be willing to bet that this is a band that is tremendously better live. Find out for yourself. And soon.

Look what we're missing

Every single year Coachella puts together an incredible two-day music festival down south. And every single year I somehow miss it. This year I could have seen Matisyahu live -- worth the trip alone -- plus some incredible hip-hop from Atmosphere and Common. Plus Coheed and Cambria. Plus Tool. Plus She Wants Revenge. Plus...well...you get the idea.

My idea

If they can put something like this together in the middle of the Coachella Valley where the average temperature in April ranges from "sweating out of your eyeballs" to "fatal heat stroke," then why not around here? Say it with me people and say it with conviction -- The Orange Cove Music Festival. Hey, it could happen.

No Fear

I saw some good stuff at the Rogue Festival, but there was only one performance that made me forget I was in Fresno completely -- "Fear of a Brown Planet." It was a one-man comedy show starring Nile Seguin. He is a French-Canadian of Rwandan descent. And, no, you did not read that wrong.

Oh Canada

His socially conscious yet hilarious mixture of storytelling was nothing less than incredible. It was the type of performance I would expect to see Off Broadway. Assuming, of course, that I ever see an "Off Broadway" performance. And it was reminder No. 1,278 that Fresno NEEDS a legitimate comedy club. If we had one, then we would be talking about performers like Nile all year round.

Speaking of Rogue

Before I forget, props to the folks who made the Rogue Festival happen this year. Seriously. It is awesome to have something so unique in our own backyard. Props to the organizers, volunteers, performers and audience members. Fresno should be proud.

Very special thanks

To my own personal Rogue babysitters -- from the bartender at the Starline to the Rogue venue manager at the Starline -- much love. It was an even better experience for your efforts. The check is in the mail.

Dave Childers is a freelance writer from Fresno (OK...Madera) who thinks that "Crash" was the most overrated movie of last year. To suggest an exciting location and/or event for Dave to cover, drop him a line at freelance@davechilders.net or visit www.davechilders.net or www.myspace.com/fresnobtdt for more information.

City Procamation
	Fresno Bee, March 27, 2006
	Dave is in no way affiliated with The Same Shape or any of its known subsidaries ... he just digs their music. Photo: Ryan Weber Dave doesn't let madness keep him down Been There, Done That By Dave Childers (Updated Monday, March 27, 2006, 8:11 AM) I'll be back By the time you read this, March will be on its way out, which means one thing for me -- life can get back to normal soon. No such luck when March Madness is in the air. Once the NCAA Tournament starts approaching I spend more time on the couch than Jenny McCarthy trying to make a Hollywood comeback. Shaping up Let's not beat around the bush here -- I have a new favorite local band -- The Same Shape. More on them in a minute, but I would like to point out that the fact that I have CHOICES for my favorite local band and that it sometimes CHANGES is a great sign. Seriously. Fresno bands are getting better and it's fun to watch happen. Take one OK, back to The Same Shape. Saw a great show at their CD release party. The Sleepover Disaster was great as ever, Mynis was solid and the crowd was easily the biggest I have ever seen at Starline. And I knew right away that The Same Shape was something special because lead singer Thomas Delgado had no voice -- which is slightly challenging -- and they still rocked. Take Two But when I REALLY figured out how much I liked The Same Shape was at the Rogue Festival when I got to see them with a fully recovered Delgado singing. I don't have the CD yet, but I would be willing to bet that this is a band that is tremendously better live. Find out for yourself. And soon. Look what we're missing Every single year Coachella puts together an incredible two-day music festival down south. And every single year I somehow miss it. This year I could have seen Matisyahu live -- worth the trip alone -- plus some incredible hip-hop from Atmosphere and Common. Plus Coheed and Cambria. Plus Tool. Plus She Wants Revenge. Plus...well...you get the idea. My idea If they can put something like this together in the middle of the Coachella Valley where the average temperature in April ranges from "sweating out of your eyeballs" to "fatal heat stroke," then why not around here? Say it with me people and say it with conviction -- The Orange Cove Music Festival. Hey, it could happen. No Fear I saw some good stuff at the Rogue Festival, but there was only one performance that made me forget I was in Fresno completely -- "Fear of a Brown Planet." It was a one-man comedy show starring Nile Seguin. He is a French-Canadian of Rwandan descent. And, no, you did not read that wrong. Oh Canada His socially conscious yet hilarious mixture of storytelling was nothing less than incredible. It was the type of performance I would expect to see Off Broadway. Assuming, of course, that I ever see an "Off Broadway" performance. And it was reminder No. 1,278 that Fresno NEEDS a legitimate comedy club. If we had one, then we would be talking about performers like Nile all year round. Speaking of Rogue Before I forget, props to the folks who made the Rogue Festival happen this year. Seriously. It is awesome to have something so unique in our own backyard. Props to the organizers, volunteers, performers and audience members. Fresno should be proud. Very special thanks To my own personal Rogue babysitters -- from the bartender at the Starline to the Rogue venue manager at the Starline -- much love. It was an even better experience for your efforts. The check is in the mail. Dave Childers is a freelance writer from Fresno (OK...Madera) who thinks that "Crash" was the most overrated movie of last year. To suggest an exciting location and/or event for Dave to cover, drop him a line at freelance@davechilders.net or visit www.davechilders.net or www.myspace.com/fresnobtdt for more information.