Employing tactics inclusive of serfdom, slavery, addiction, crime family enforcements and even the kiss of death! Don't get me started. Whoops, I already have.

The great Jimi Hendrix spoke to us posthumously on this subject. "They'll wrap you in cellophane and sell you,” he sang from the grave, cluing us on how hard the majors (labels) play. The list of great players who have suffered foul play as a result is huge and scary. Just this past week a bait and switch undercover scheme was pulled on T.I. Take care ya homework, children!

The great strides that music history tells us were made by Satchmo, Diz, Bird, Monk, Max Roach, Miles, King Cole, Belafonte, Gordy, Ruth Brown, Ray Charles, Little Richard, Sly, Fela and Marley, among others, are continually relegated to mere asterisked glitches of accidental genius by some chroniclers of this rich lore.

If I can borrow the title of one of Lester Chamber's joints in this compilation. The whole system of music dispensation in America, historically has been Evil And Wrong.

Enter the maverick Davis Brothers. Not the blues brothers, they bear no resemblance to Amos and Andy either. Get it? If you hear any noise ...

I can only imagine the obstacles Soul-Patrol has had to face and will continue to overcome as long as it's breathing. What is clear is the Digital/Virtual Album concept is a brilliant stroke of marketing that presents the music responsibly to the people who then have a real say in defining our culture by supporting the artists. No American Idol Simon says Gospel this or that is ho hum but your dress size wins the prize, etc. ad nauseam.

I'd like to mention every artist that contributed to the Soul-Patrol.Com Digital/Virtual Album, but because of space and time constraints I can't. I will say that every artist contained therein deserves to be there and has the chops to prove it. I did listen to every song at least twice.

Got to give it up to the Groovemeister Chico Hamilton for all he has given and discovered along the way. From his first band in high school with the likes of Charles Mingus, Dexter Gordon and Illinois Jacquet, his Chamber Jazz Groups in the 1950s, his groundbreaking work in the 60s with Gabor Szabo and Charles Lloyd, Mr. Hamilton worked with everyone from Lionel Hampton, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, T-Bone Walker, through Billie Holiday, Lena Horne and Shuggie Otis. Chico Hamilton, like his octogenarian percussive peers Max Roach and Roy Haynes is truly a conquistador of layin' down that groove.

Must give praise to Public Enemy for not losing a step, beat or rhyme. The One Son Lion Ra & Lotus for a vision of what Hip Hop can be. The Mighty Dells for continuing to be the champions they are. The Coasters for showcasing the fact they they are not just a novelty act from the 50s. Lester Chambers for being a survivor. Ditto Mr. Waldo Weathers. Cutting edge Soul Patrollers Nadir and Marlon Saunders. Angel Risoff for being down with his sound. Jill Sharp for that Southern Soul Ann Peebles thang. Me'na for elevating. I want to compare her to June Tyson but I won't.

Lastly to all that funk that was represented; Munkeez Strikin' Matchez, Mike Calhoun & The Holy Ghost, Mandrill still on the front line, Neftali funkin' for the Lord. Now that I've started namin' names, I can't stop of my own accord. Just like the music. I'd like to go back and listen to the SOUL-PATROL.COM DIGITAL/VIRTUAL ALBUM one mo' gin just to get it scraight fo ya. But those darn Davis Brothers have moved the files and I kain't get back in. Y'all will have to check it out for yourself.

T. Watts writes about music and culture for Lake County News.

{mos_sb_discuss:5}

When we invited the community to share their art in the bookstore, we thought we would meet a few talented artists. We found out that there is an enormously creative community of artists in our community and we want to celebrate it! This is your chance to meet one of the artists that have their art in the bookstore. You can ask questions about their art and art process. You will see some unfinished pieces and works in progress.

The artists currently showing and selling their art in the bookstore are:

• Constance Blackwell's Japanese folk tale art are currently being shown in the Bay Area, but her prints and other mediums are available for view and purchase.

• Mary Beth Alternader’s art selections show the range of this artist moving from watercolor to oil and acrylic paints, but also in themes as well, you will see still life, landscape and many local birds.

• Cathy Davis, her giftable items range from decorative wine bottles to delicate sculptures.

• Donna Crawford, known to many as the “Bag Lady,” her one-of-a-kind purses, bags and totes are made from amazing fabrics and colors.

• Rosemary Dontje’s polymer clay creations can be special ordered for amazing conversation piece gifts.

• Raul Gilbert, photographer has captured photos of Lake County and more.

• Andi Gletty currently is displaying gift cards from her colored pencil prints, many with a spiritual theme.

• Local gourd artists Queenie Moon and Rebecca Stark have many fine creations.

• Doug Marble’s wooden inlaid sculptures have made great bookend gifts for book lovers.

• Internationally known weaver Sheila O’Hara’s The Flockettes, Egyptian dogs and stunning landscapes are on display.

• Zack Peters is the book store muralist and current window painter, his tie-dye shirts are currently for sale.

• Amanda Rawlings is our Enchanted Lass whose dragonfly and fairy jewelry and bookmarks are wonderful gifts.

• Robert Roberts, local cowboy artist, you may recognize a barn or two from his pencil or pen and ink drawings of barn art.

• JP Sarlande’s watercolor drawings are breathtaking showing the color brilliance of our Lake County skies.

• Thomas Yuhas is a well-traveled photographer who is currently showing photo art he has taken over the years.

Wild About Books will host an artists reception beginning at 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 22, at the bookstore, 14290 Olympic Drive, Clearlake.

If you want to experience art in different mediums all in one location, join us in celebrating our local talent. This wonderful event will bring community together in sharing art.

For more information, please call 707-994-WILD (9453).

If you are interested in selling your art through Wild About Books, please contact Ellen Lundquist at 707-994-9453.

{mos_sb_discuss:5}

There will be music and art and a drum circle for hand drummers.

All musicians, poets and artists are welcome at no charge.

Come by for a fun day in historic Lower Lake.

Call William at Inner Skies, 995-5093, or Phil at the Lake County Sing a Long Society, 263-3391.

Tuscan Village is located at 16175 Main St., Lower Lake.

{mos_sb_discuss:5}

You can tell Halloween is just around the corner when gory, bloodthirsty vampire movies seek to take a big bite out of the box office. “30 Days of Night,” for those unaware, is a miniseries of horror comic books that tells the tale of vampires enjoying a month long buffet in Barrow, Alaska, which is the northernmost hamlet in the Western Hemisphere. Due to its geography, this isolated village is plunged into total darkness for at least 30 days during the winter. This, of course, makes the place the ideal vacation spot for hungry vampires, who have no fear of imminent sunlight.

Legendary horror film producer Sam Raimi, who also has a long resume of writing and directing movies in the genre, employs the services of David Slade (“Hard Candy”) to direct “30 Days of Night.” The press notes say that Slade started his career as a journalist, later moving into directing. One is tempted to ask where he went wrong. Apparently, he didn’t go wrong with this movie, unless the director gets the blame for hiring some of the actors, particularly the lead character of Sheriff Eben Oleson (Josh Hartnett).

Hartnett has the unfortunate distinction of having even less thespian skill and charisma than Ben Affleck. His wooden style of acting is not a complete hindrance here, where his primary function is to remain somewhat stoic and laconic in carrying out his police duties. But then it works against him when having to sort out his marital problems with estranged wife Stella (Melissa George), involuntarily stranded due to the missing the last flight out of Dodge.

The premise of “30 Days of Night” is as simple as the graphic novels upon which it is based. The vampires show up in Barrow as if they had 30 day passes to Disneyland. The first telltale sign of something amiss in the tranquil frozen tundra of Alaska are the brutal slayings of all sled dogs and a smoldering pile of cell phones. As darkness falls, only the hardiest band of citizens stays behind in Barrow for a month long candlelight vigil. The cunning, bloodthirsty vampires, led by ultra creepy Marlow (Danny Huston), relish a month of free rein, and they quickly set things in motion by snacking on a few people whose disappearance won’t be noticed right off.

A scraggly, mysterious stranger (Ben Foster) wanders into town, babbling incoherently in apocalyptic terms and issuing vague threats that increasingly rattle some of the townsfolk. This guy looks like he spent a couple of months wandering aimlessly on Skid Row, drinking Jack Daniels by the case and without once taking a hot shower. Even when ensconced in a cell, the Stranger unnerves Sheriff Eben’s younger brother Jake (Mark Rendall) with psychobabble that makes Charles Manson practically coherent by comparison. It doesn’t take long for you to wish that the vampires might turn on their informant.

The fun parts of this movie are when the vampires go absolutely bonkers in their full-scale attacks on hapless victims. For the most part, they are virtually indestructible and possess physical strength normally reserved to superheroes. Because they appear invincible, you are left to wonder when the townsfolk will figure out their Achilles heel. Maybe it has something to do with grandma growing medical marijuana in a potting shed. In any case, Sheriff Eben and Stella fitfully try to keep alive the dwindling population, as they hide Anne Frank-style in an attic.

Sluggish at times, “30 Days of Night” nevertheless overcomes some of its dull spots by turning out some terrific vampire action. The undead creatures really do look menacing, unlike vampires seen in other movies. The vampires here don’t look like fashion models in GQ, wearing nicely tailored suits. These guys mean business, bearing their fangs in the ultimate bloodlust. For the horror freaks, blood and gore are rampant in “30 Days of Night,” and the film works well enough to elicit some real emotions and passion. You could do worse in this Halloween season, like seeing the umpteenth version of “Saw.”

DVD RELEASE UPDATE

The Pink Panther cartoon character is one of the coolest ever. There, I said it.

Thus, I am looking forward to the November 6th DVD release of “The Pink Panther: A Pink Christmas.” The coolest feline in cartoon history stars in this family favorite holiday special, which debuted in the final days when the cartoon series ran from 1969 to 1979.

Along with other features on the DVD, there’s “Pink Panther: Pink at First Sight,” when our penniless hero takes a messenger job on Valentine’s Day.

Tim Riley writes film and television reviews for Lake County News.

{mos_sb_discuss:5}

Celebrate, with other members, 26 years of the Lake County Arts Council bringing art and culture to Lake County.

This is a good afternoon to learn more about the many activities of the Arts Council, become a member or volunteer for one of the activities.

Lake County Poet Laureate Sandra Wade will grace the group with a reading and Mel Taylor on keyboard will enhance the afternoon's festivities.

For additional information, please contact the Main Street Gallery at 263-6658.

{mos_sb_discuss:5}

From 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 15, Wild About Books will host lunch with Lake County Poet Laureate Sandra Wade.

Bring a sack lunch and listen to the spoken word. After hearing poetry for lunch you'll be invigorated and energized, ready for the rest of your day.

Wild About Books is located at 14290 Olympic Drive, Clearlake. For more information call the store, 707-994-9453.

{mos_sb_discuss:5}