Dave Alpert: I Know Where You’re Going with That

What happens when you leave your hoodie unattended around Boston rock stars???

Sons of bitches….

Ps: Ulrich… your ass is mine!

Next Thursday (June 3), the band and I have the distinct pleasure of opening for Dennis Brennan at Atwood’s in Cambridge, MA.  Rob, Mariana, Chri$ and I hit the stage at 8:30pm, so come early and stay late!

Hope to see you there!

Whenever you put yourself out there, you’re taking a risk.  If you are a performer, musician, artist or writer, you come to expect harsh criticism, snarky comments, mean-spirited rumors, etc.  Still, you rarely expect to have your life threatened.  Death threats are generally reserved for popes, presidents and high profile superstars.  As a performing musician, I’ve never felt threatened.  There have been a few times when I’ve had to duck out of the way of a fight in progress.  In a bar or rock club, you expect to see more of that–fueled by drugs, alcohol and jealousy.  Ironically, I’ve only felt threatened while blogging in coffee shops.

The first time was when I brought attention to the Boston Chargers scam–first with this article and then this one.  Eventually, Fox 25 News broke the story with this report.  Still, I had received some emails and comments not-so-politely requesting that I stop writing  And given the outpouring of emoton on my blog and emails I received after the Fox 25 report, it was abundantly clear that team members and people involved were following the posts and comments all along.

Today, as I sat here trying to decide on the topic de jour, it presented itself in the form of a 375 lb guy brandishing a knife.  He started opening the blade as he approached me, but suddenly stopped a few feet away and said, “Wanna buy it?”  Then, he approached two girls sitting at the next table as I got up to alert the manager.  He left.  Apparently, we weren’t the first because as the manager ran out the door to find the guy, he found the man surrounded by police near the corner of Huntington Ave.

I said to a friend, “Doesn’t he know I love homeless people?”

He just replied, “Or that you can’t afford a knife?”

Ha ha.

I think I’m going to stick to dive bars and rock music.  It’s too dangerous out here!

Dave Alpert (Dave, Rob, Mariana, Chris and Mark) is in the running for “best emerging artist 2009″ in the Deli Magazine, a cool region-based online music magazine.  Please take a moment and lend us your support.  It literally takes than 30 seconds.

Here’s what you do:

1. go to http://newengland.thedelimagazine.com/

2. find the list on the right site of the page.  You’ll see “Dave Alpert”.

3. click the ‘vote’ button at the bottom of the entire list.

4. vote for us

Thanks for all the love in 2009.  We look forward to rocking you in 2010!!!

Peace,
Dave, Rob, Mariana, Chris and Mark

Scene: Chris and Dave finish a song and a large Irishman approaches the stage with a piece of paper.

Irishman: Can you play the Plains of Kildare?

Chris: No.

Irishman: But this is an Irish bar.

Chris: But I’m Itailan and he’s Jewish.

Scene: Irishman rolls his eyes and walks away

Dave (in mic): An Italian and a Jew playing at an Irish bar… TROUBLE!

Scene: Dave and Chris play A New England by Billy Bragg

THE END 

Upcoming
The next chance to heckle this dynamic duo will be the first 3 Sundays in December at Toad in Cambridge, MA.  We’ll be playing with the full band, including Chuck Vath filling in on bass and backing vocals.  All shows begin at 8pm, right after Sunday Spins. No cover.  So, come early, spin some vinyl and hear us ROCK!

On Saturday, we played another rocking show with our friends–The Organ Beats, Gretel and Tommy Dempsey.  Thanks to everyone who came out and made it a really fun time and a great hang.  Here are some photos for your viewing pleasure.

Dave Alpert (aka me) backed up by Rob, Mark and Joe

Joe Klompus filling in ON HIS BIRTHDAY!!!

Reva Williams from Gretel sitting in on backing vocals

Rob wetting his whistle on stage.

Reva drinking on stage, seems to be a common theme.

Mark Purrington–our go-to guy when Shuffles can’t make the gig. ROCK!!!

this band rocks!

Come check us out in December at TOAD in Porter Sq.  We’re playing every Sunday (except the 27th) at 8pm with special guests performers and bands.  Come early with your favorite vinyl for Sunday Spins (3:30pm-7pm), and be primed and ready by the time we hit the stage.  Oh, and at TOAD, there is NEVER A COVER–EVER!!! 

Calling all Boston-area music lovers… This is going to be a great night of music with The Organ Beats, Gretel, Tommy Dempsey and Dave Alpert!

Saturday, November 14th, 9pm
Club Bohemia (Cantab Lounge downstairs)
21+. Tickets $8

Lineup:

9pm - Tommy Dempsey

10pm - Gretel

11pm - Dave Alpert

Midnight - The Organ Beats

I’ve discussed public restrooms previously.  While I’m not obsessed with the subject, I couldn’t help but ponder them again today as I graced the Panera Bread restoom in Coolidge Corner with my “presence”.

Why is it that almost all restrooms have coat hooks in the stalls?

but they NEVER put them in the wash area…

Inevitably, you either have to throw your coat on a bathroom floor, or, more likely, wash your hands with your coat on.  Why not put a hook near the sink?  It will encourage better hygiene and allow patrons to comfortably wash their hands without getting their sleeves wet.  Just some food for thought.  And while you’re contemplating that…

Come hang out tonight!

DAVE ALPERT
Wednesday, Oct 14, 7:30pm
TOAD
1920 Mass Ave, Cambridge, MA (Porter Sq T)
This is the first of 3 early residency shows.  2 sets of acoustic songs–one solo, the other joined by Rob Sistare on guitar.  21+. NO COVER.  Find out more on davealpert.com or on myspace.

During the summer, the band and I had some very memorable shows–including a fun show at TT’s with the Everyday Visuals and some fun solo and duo sets at Toad.  The only problem has been getting all of us on stage at once.  Chris spends his summers living up to his nickname–Shuffles–playing on Martha’s Vineyard with his blues band.  And Mariana spent a month traveling in Europe. 

So, that is why we are particulary looking forward to our show at Club Bohemia on Thursday.  The band is back together and we’re ready to bring it!  Oh, and we are sharing the bill with our good friends in the Wild Sea, the Organ Beats (feat. Noelle LeBlanc of Damone) and Stephen Konrads & Katie Von Slicher.  Doors are at 7:45pm, so come early and see 4 great bands.

Here are some shots from our last Toad show.  Thanks again to Michael Spencer for taking the pics.  (See Michael’s contact info below)

The next show is this coming Sunday (8/23) back at Toad–1920 Mass Ave, Cambridge, MA - Porter Sq.  It’s the same format–one solo set, one band set.  We start at 8pm and it’s FREE.

Dave Alpert - what’s he thinking right now?

Mariana Iranzi - and what is she thinking about?

Mark Purrington - and what’s he thinking?

If I am wondering where my wallet and keys are, they’re right here…

Woo-hoo!  I found them!!!

All photos by Michael D. Spencer at ViscerevieW Photography.