Miss Q, a Sorceress, and Kishi Bashi

Smoke billows in a slit of blue stage light. There is a gypsy on the stage with delicate feet that tap on a guitar pedal. She sways in a chair behind a mass of brown curls. She is singing just for me and I’m debating if I crawl on stage and lay my heart at her feet if she’ll teach me the ways of a true siren.

Look at that face.

     Thayer Sarrano, as she is known by, is at the Cox Capitol Theatre on a Thursday to open for Kishi Bashi. Brian Whitley turns to me and says, “What a sweet, dreamy sound.” I think her lyrics are utter poetry. One line states “You are nothing like your father so take off your clothes and jump in the water”. And yes, I’m in love.

What I’m trying to tell you is that if you weren’t at the Cox last Thursday, you missed a real sorceress. Sarrano is from Athens, Georgia and has just released an LP Shaky. I suggest you go pre-order it and support a Georgia musician.

During the set change, I try to sneak up to my favorite smoking spot in Macon, Georgia. If you didn’t know, there used to be a way to get on top of the marquee at the Cox. I’m assuming some one at Moonhanger figured out that was my spot and locked it. Instead I was segregated to tables with straight edge kids turning up their noses. I get it, kids. Smoking is bad. But I’m glad you are here for the show.

I think a lot of people in Macon (except for Heidi Clinite who should be recognized – she has been repping Kishi for quite some time) discovered Kishi Bashi when he opened for Guster. I remember distinctly the response in the Cox that night – the front of the stage was empty, most people were milling about, getting drinks, chatting, the general feel when an opener begins. My friend and I were in the balcony, trying to pound PBRs so we wouldn’t have to cart them around when Guster went on. However, as soon as Kishi’s bow hit his violin strings, we looked at each other and made a mad dash to the stage like the rest of the crowd. As a solo act he was breathtaking – this time, he brought a full band, and his set kept us all moving for hours.

Photo courtesy of Molly Wilkins

                Kishi Bashi has opened for Regina Spektor and worked with of Montreal. As he leans in to his banjo player to tune up, I hear a few people in the crowd voice skepticism quietly. Be still the doubts, crowd. As the pace picks up and the loops they record in front of us all come together, the mood changes. The band lacks the usual banter to fill up the time, simply because they are a well oiled machine producing what I consider art right in front of us. They layer sound upon sound to blend their instruments in a unique meld that brings many to tears and then laughter. You know the show is good when you can run through a gamut of emotions in a single set. The crowd has thickened but honestly, not enough for the greatness happening.

                At the end of the show, I go to sneak backstage. The bouncers are at the curtain leading back, polite but stoic. I shrug them off – find a different way in. I settle down on a couch backstage and wait. The band trickles in and sit around me. K—as his band mates call him, looks at me, “What are you doing here?”

I stop. I’m not prepared for this actual interaction. I’ve built it up and made a huge deal about sneaking in, including posting look-outs (you guys know who you are, thanks) and now they are all standing here, sober and bright eyed from a show, while I’m a little tipsy and yes—a little star struck. I’m actually a poet, believe it or not. I’ve never taken a journalism class, I don’t know the rules. Am I back here legally? I feel a little skeezy, all of a sudden. Almost as if I walked into a painter’s studio as he is in mid-stroke. The phrase, “I’m press” is on the tip of my tongue, but it dies as they all shake my hand and introduce themselves. We talk about touring, they are on the way to Chattanooga. Kishi keeps offering me a beer, even though none of them are drinking. Their manager sits quietly behind a Macbook. When I ask what he is doing, he laughs, “Trying to book more shows.” Their level of professionalism and décor was wonderful. They are kind and gentle with me and walk me back out. I get a little gutsy and kiss K on the cheek, despite his first protests. I end up hitting his jawbone and he turns to me and gives his soft laugh. This is what you missed.

What I’m asking you now is this: to keep these great bands coming into town, do your research and come watch the bands you find interesting. I know it was a Thursday, but the concert was over by 10. You don’t have to get trashed, just enjoy the show. The Cox and many other venues are working hard to provide the Soul of the South (our town) known for music more good music and they need our support. This year I’ve seen Family and Friends, Guster, and now Kishi Bashi (for less than one concert in Atlanta). All of which did not disappoint. All of which were on Thursdays.

Thanks for tuning in Macon.

Until next time – Miss Q

Want to make sure you don’t miss the next show? American Aquarium is coming to the Cox Capitol this Friday August the 28th. And we’ve got a giveaway for you- but only if you went to Kishi Bashi and got photos! Be sure to post your photos of the Kishi Bashi concert at the Cox Capitol Theatre to our Facebook page and you will be entered to win!