Wanda Jackson at Musichall of Williamsburg Jan 21st!

Wanda Jackson. Gorgeous woman. Perfect voice!

One of Jack White's guitars.

Jack's pedal board.

Jack's pedalboard again with amp!

Another show, the week before. Here's Luke's pedalboard from the band The Devil's Broadcast.

Put a bird on a bird...

First full episode of Portlandia airs tonight.

4 Highly Recommended Documentaries I watched this week

"Until the Light Takes Us": is a documentary about the Norwegian black metal subculture of the 1990's famous for church arsons and with-in band murders. If you don't know the stories, this documentary is for you. Also features Varg "Count Grishnack" Vikernes interviews from jail where he has a 21 year sentence for killing the singer of another band (when he was merely a baby-faced 19 year old). There's some shocking album art and coverage of the eventual exploitation and mockery of a music scene. But Fenriz, from the clip below, steels the show and my heart. (on NETFLIX)

"Exit Through the Gift Shop, a Banksy Film": The public STILL doesn't know who Banksy is. Could we all love this guy more? But this story is not centered around our favorite modern artist. Banksy follows the filmmaker Thierry Guetta through a series of steps that bring him from L.A. trendy thrift store owner to self made millionaire copy-cat artist. We get a nice dose of Shepard Fairey and Space Invader who's aesthetic and passion is inspiring...long after the film ends. But Banksy's fine art drawing talent and applications still make me gasp. Anyway, this film is not what you think it will be about, but I believe the end brings up the greatest question the modern art world has to offer.

"Who is Harry Nilsson? (And Why is Everyone Talking About Him?)": is a documentary about the 1960's/ 70's songwriter/singer Harry Nilsson. Undeniably artistic, self-abusive, and witty, Nilsson inspired the Beatles songwriting and more. He wrote great pop songs for the Monkees, films, television shows, cartoons, and others. I learned that his biggest hit "Everybody's Talkin'" from the movie Midnight Cowboy isn't actually written by him, just sung by him! Huh... Also learned that the song "One (is the Lonliest Number)" took its pulsating rhythm from the sad busy signal of a phone's dial tone. The songs are beautifully crafted but left me with mixed childhood memories and feeling desperate for a laugh. But probably worth watching for every musician and music fan. Here's a clip from the beginning of Midnight Cowboy. Look how much Jon Voight looks like his daughter Angelina Jolie!!!!!

Midnight Cowboy Intro

"Joan Rivers, A Piece of Work": is a documentary about Joan Rivers, now 75 years old! This film touches on pieces throughout her long career to the present day, when her career couldn't be higher. I LOVE JOAN. She is The GODMOTHER of all female entertainers, truly. I think I'm too gurgling over in passion to review this film or come up with riveting words. TWO clips of the darkly humored and way-ahead-of- her- time Joan.

New coffee mug from student Glitch! Thank you!

Ari Up Punk Reggae Birthday Party at Musichall of Williamsburg

Last Sunday January 16th at Musichall of Williamsburg was a party in the memory of Ari Up, lead singer of pioneering girl punk band The Slits. I couldn't get over how much the songs sounded like the originals, and with just as much energy, but in a great sounding live room - huge warm chords were hitting the walls and echoing back like a true reggae punk beat should. (versus low-fi original recordings). Great sound, stylish crowd, excellent rhythms. Where else are men going out and ordering drinks in their Vivienne Westwood sweaters? Love it. Also, glancing over the guest list was like a Girls Rock Camp who's-who of women in rock: "Palmolive +2....etc."

From Musichall's website: WHO: Participating artists include original and current members of the Slits, including Tessa Pollitt, Hollie Cook, Neneh Cherry and Anna Ozawa; Bruce Smith of PiL and the Slits; members of the Slackers, Brave New Girl, and Band Droidz; legendary Beefheart guitarist Gary Lucas, Afro-Punk avatar Tamar-Kali, King Django, Honeychild Coleman, Barbara Gogan, Sherelene Nubro, Lisa Samuels and many luminaries from the punk and reggae worlds backed by the True Warriors performing classic Slits hits and dancehall originals by Ari Up.

Ladies Rock Camp, February 2011 weekend

Ladies Rock Camp at Willie Mae -2011 Winter Edition

Open to all women ages 19+, Ladies Rock Camp features instrument lessons, songwriting, band practice, live performances, and workshops, all culminating in a showcase at a cool music venue…plus hot chocolate karaoke parties. Ladies Rock Camp will take place Presidents’ Day weekend (February 19 -21, 2011) at Willie Mae Music Lab in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. NYC

I'll be teaching guitar and band coaching. Here's a direct link:

Willie Mae Rock Camp for LADIES

First hand experience from Elle Magazine writer:

http://www.elle.com/Life-Love/Society-Career-Power/School-of-Rock

CBGB's with Erasers and Cramps

Before I worked there.

Amps from two of my favorite guitarists

Billy Zoom's amp. No volume knob....

Monotonix' guitarist Yonatan Gat's amps.

The Julie Ruin

This is a new song from our up and coming album. This particular song is about celebrating the little things in life. We've been listed in Flavorwire's 30 Most Anticipated Albums of 2011

Pedal Board gallery

Be sure to check out all the past photos of pedal boards. I've been a bit behind but here's a couple more. Liz Phair's guitarist, Chris Brokaw, "Jimmy Page" from Lez Zeppelin, and some jam band.

Inspiring Female Surrealist Artists 2

Elsa Schiaparelli (1890-1973) Italian Surrealist Designer

Lobster Dress and Tear Dress 1937, painted by Salvador Dali

Feather Sunglasses 1930's

Inspiring Female Surrealist Artists

Meret Oppenheim (1913-1985) Swiss surrealist artist

Object 1936
My Nursemaid 1936
Table With Bird Legs 1939

My New Studio

....Too bad its not in NYC area!! I love how literal this is. For the past several years I've been looking at old beauty salons in the hopes of turning one into a guitar shop and moving my teaching studio in the back. It would be a place run by women. Girls and women need a place to try out pedals and instruments where they can feel comfortable. This would be perfect!! Too bad its over the pond. Any leads, please send my way!

Rockin Holiday Cheer

More Happy Holidays!!

Just had to throw this one in....

Happy Holidays!

and the new band is..."The JULIE RUIN"!

We played our first show last Saturday night, December 11th, at the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn, Nyc. The show was being filmed for a documentary about Kathleen. Look for it soon!

Each band/and or performer took on KH song to cover, and truly, they were ALL great. Of course I was kinda jittery since it was our first show (aren't first shows supposed to be for 13 drunk friends in a stupid bar?), and I was nervous because I've become super obsessive and picky about my amp sound and pedals. There was also a camera following Kathleen everywhere, inches from her face, so when I went to ask her if my panty lines were showing or if I had shoveled on so much makeup I looked like Christopher Walken (KH's joke...hehe), I couldn't. And well, thankfully...insecure babble doesn't help anything. Here's some pics that include everyone in the band - KH on vocals, Kenny, Carmine, Kathi :-)

I was mostly impressed and half in love with the MC's. There is something about comedians when they're good....I think its a ying/yang thing - its something that terrifies me more than anything (stand up) so I am drawn to others who have it. Anyway.......

Christmas Gift Certificates for Guitar, Bass, or Drum Lessons

Okay, so a little promotion...but maybe this will help your xmas shopping load? I give out a lot of GIFT CERTIFICATES for guitar, drum, or bass lessons at Christmas time. Its a great gift for your daughter, mother, girlfriend...etc....and they can just contact me anytime they want to start. Begin with 1, 2 or 4 lessons - or as many as you want. The certificate comes in a neatly addressed handmade card.

Please email me if you are interested! info@saralandeau.com or see WEBSITE.

10 Women in History. By December 31st.

Hannah Hoch (1889-1978), the 2nd woman in my "ten illustrations of women" series, was a German Dada artist, best known for her photomontage work, and being the only female among the Berlin Dadaists in the 1920's. Women and racial discrimination were often themes among her works, as well as political and social messages. The Dadaists were a self labeled anti-art movement which aimed at breaking the bourgeois painting convention typical at the time. She influenced further art styles including constructivism, surrealism, and futurism.

(Illustration by me....next drawing I'll challenge myself with more clothing depicted, my weakness)

And Hannah Hoch's work:

10 Women in History. By December 31st.

As a challenge to learn more about women in history, and in the process work on my illustration skills, I've decided to put up on my blog 10 women in history I've heard of but no very little about over the course of the rest of 2010. There will be a small explanation of what the particular woman has done, and a sketch by me that I'll spend only 1/2hour or so on. My drawing skills are extremely rusty. I look forward to this challenge and plan to find diverse interesting women in history in the process!

EMMA GOLDMAN

(drawing by me taken from her mugshots)



Emma Goldman was born in 1869 in Russia. She emigrated to the U.S. at age 17 and became a writer, revolutionary, and leading figure in the anarchist movement. She was imprisoned several times for inciting riots, distributing birth control literature, and for being associated with anarchists in a plot to kill President McKinley (she was released on the last one for lack of evidence). She believed drastic and sometimes violent actions were necessary, although distasteful, for the sake of revolution. She was vociferous in her campaign to advocate freedom of expression, equality and independence for women, education, union organization, and worker's rights.

The Girl Effect

Share. This cause is beyond what us Americans are familiar with. And a perfectly genius simple concept animated.

Music in Art - modern mix

Claes Oldenburg
1969
Minature Drums
more info

Music in Art - modern mix

Tatiana Blass at CIFO Art Space in Miami http://www.knightarts.org/

Another Hero: 9 year old Chicci - Japanese surf guitar superstar

Student of the week -8th Grader Webb

Here is 8th grader and long time guitar student Webb playing a Chet Atkins song (!) and a Gene Vincent song "Race with the Devil". She is all lead guitar and I am backing her up on acoustic guitar (rhythm) for the Gene Vincent song. WAY TO GO WEBB.

TO HEAR HER, CLICK AND SCROLL DOWN TO THE AUDIO RECORDER.

AND look at the floating bridge on her guitar! Yes, a butterfly AND a heart!! Where did they make those!?

Songs relating to OUTER SPACE this week

A few classic songs written (sorta....ha) about outerspace.... All these from 70's/80's

Louise Bourgeois

Inspring artist Louise Bourgeois lived to 98 years old. Always reminds me that there is no such thing as age limit.

Make a Shirt for Julie Ruin!

Friends, fellow artists, and creative folk. The T-Shirt Design Contest for Julie Ruin is coming to an end! Hurry and enter something! Here's the details: make a t-shirt logo for Julie Ruin. Check out examples at http://kathleenhanna.wordpress.com and send it to:

tshirtcontest@kathleenhanna.com

I bet you can do better than the Pool Doctor....

Work

Photo by my friend Josh Wertheimer in his photo series titled "Work." Very old spotlight used...

I also do some work at this place, and here's my pictures from the show (not titled "work" since taking photos of pedal boards is not my job description): (to see all the pedals boards, click on the side tab...Sonic Youth, Raveonettes, Melt Banana etc...)

Tom Tom Magazine, a Magazine about Female Drummers

Tom Tom Magazine, created by Mindy Abovitz, fellow Willie Mae Rock Camp teacher. "Technique Tuesdays" being one of my favorite parts....

Kristeen Young!

www.facebook.com/kristeenyoung

Bass Appreciation Week

My friend Matt and I send each other emails called "weekend updates" where we discuss what we did this week and what we've learned (everything from 'there's a conspiracy behind the ipod shuffle' to 'Six Point Sweet Action is not actually sweet"...etc...it gets more hilarious and intellectual than that, I swear.) This week has turned to Bass Appreciation Week, beginning with seeing Mike Watt play bass with Iggy Pop on Wednesday. I also learned this week that I am the only person who is not a huge Fleetwood Mac, nor Stevie fan (I know, I've lost all my friends now), but I can easily say that John McVie's BASS parts are TRULY my favorite part of those songs! Matt suggested trying the bassline in "Ramble On" and whoa...! Its not so easy... I'm excited about bass appreciation week.

Of course NUMBER 1 bassist is CAROL KAYE. She holds the record of the most recorded bassist, male or female, OF ALL TIME. She's on HUNDREDS of hit songs, in fact there's SO MANY I can't even list them all here or you'd get overwhelmed and just hit something in your menu bar quick to get the hell-outta here. Here's some:

The Beach Boys, Phil Spector, Ritchie Valens, Frank Sinatra, Nancy Sinatra, Glen Campbell, Leon Russel, Sonny & Cher, Joe Cocker, Barbara Streisand, Ray Charles, Frank Zappa, Ike & Tina Turner, Johnny Mathis, Simon & Garfunkle, The Righteous Brothers, Herb Alpert, Paul Revere & the Raiders, The Monkees, Bill Withers, The Crystals, The Temptations, Wayne Newton, Frank Black (!!), Quincy Jones.

TV show bass lines include: Hawaii Five-O, Mission Impossible, Kojak, Love Boat, Peyton Place, ,The Adams Family, Bonanza, Wonder Woman.

Carol Kaye official WEBSITE

Carol Kaye in WIKIPEDIA

And a Dusty Springfield video...just for THAT AMAZING BASS LINE...by Tommy Cogbill (Elvis, Aretha, Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson, Neil Diamond...etc). Listen to how unbelievable the guitar, vocals, and bass play off each other....! (sorry, I'm a teacher, can't help myself.)

Dio (a stray from female inspiration, but wth)

"Ronnie & the Redcaps", Ronnie James Dio's first band in 1958!! Just goes to show you can change into whoever you want to be, anytime in your life. RIP... singer of Elf and Black Sabbath, yeah.... a notable career.

Ivy and The Cramps

Since I'm getting all emotional today about my favorite musicians, inspiring women, nostalgia, and the things that "saved" my life, here's one more fun clip. Great guitarist Ivy.

Mary Ford with Les Paul

I've watched this clip so many times over the past years and I never get tired of it! Two of my favorite guitarists "duel" it out and Mary Ford outshines the master. I've used her strong image on my guitar lesson flyers and website since I started teaching 8 years ago.

Annie Fischer

I came across a show on Ovation channel last night about classical pianists and discovered Annie Fischer. I wish this clip had better sound.

For Aziza