What’s Funnier
January 10, 2012
For me, it’s this.
Cass McCombs Band, January 13th, 8 PM
December 3, 2011
We’re extremely proud to present a second show with Cass McCombs, at Padres, on Friday, January 13th, at 8 pm.
His show at the Crowley Theater a few months back was fabulous, uncompromising, quiet, stunning. Other words.
We’re also waiting for the world to catch on to the range of this guy’s work.
Hear him perform his latest single, “Bradley Manning” on Democracy Now!
Check out his two most recent albums, “Wit’s End” and “Humor Risk” at Domino Records.
Charles Mary Kubricht / “The Figure is Always Ground”
September 29, 2011
Our exhibition for Fall 2011 is an installation by Texas and New York based Artist, Charles Mary Kubricht, entitled “The Figure is Always Ground”. The work, which covers four walls, the ceiling and the floor, features a painted dazzle, a form of nautical camouflage used, primarily, during the First World War.
Here’s an image, taken at an angle:
Here’s another image, taken more or less directly, of the same wall:
This one really requires a visit to fully comprehend, as the spacial/optical effects can only be experienced while standing in the room, in which the corners have seemed somewhat to disappear.
“The Figure is Always Ground” opens October 1st, between 6 and 8 Pm, and the exhibition will be on view through January 15th, 2011.
(Update: Here’s an interview with Charles Mary Kubricht, published at BOMBLOG in early 2012.)
Cecilia Thompson: The History of Marfa and Presidio County
August 10, 2011
We’re exceptionally happy to announce the imminent arrival of Cecilia Thompson’s The History of Marfa and Presidio County, Texas, 1535-1946 in a newly reprinted, slip-case format. This edition is limited to 250 copies and we expect them to sell quickly. Retail price is $50 + shipping. Order yours by calling 432-729-3906. Here’s a look at the set.
From the Forward to the Reprint Edition:
Cecilia Thompson is a true daughter of the Texas Big Bend. She was raised on a family ranch near Ft. Davis and received her early education in the town. Her sojourn through secondary schools ultimately led her to the University of Iowa, where she remained through graduate school. Dr.Thompson completed her doctorate in theater arts there in 1954. Her long professional career has included university faculty positions in the theater arts, directing and acting in community and summer stock theaters, and scholarly writings on the history of the Texas Big Bend. Of the latter achievements, her magnum opus is unquestionably History of Marfa and Presidio County.
Dr. Thompson’s research for and writing of the book spanned three years. A Presidio County Historical Commission press release dated November 25, 1985, announced the upcoming publication of History of Marfa and Presidio County, Texas, 1535-1946, to the Big Bend community. Dr Thompson’s chronicle received immediate praise from reviewers and high recognition by the Texas Historical Commission. The book was chosen as “best county history” and was extended the Fehrenbach Book Award for 1985. Mike Cox (More Texas Basic Books, 2001) observed, “This county history, really a regional history, is an impressive accomplishment and a fundamental work.”
“Books Do Furnish A Room, For James Laughlin”
July 16, 2011
We’re proud to announce our new permanent installation, “Books Do Furnish A Room, For James Laughlin”, which consists of The Promises of Glass by Michael Palmer, one shelf, two screws, and some glue. Here’s an image:
Here’s another, more recent:
Here’s a brief backstory: when I first visited Marfa, ten years ago, I also visited the Marfa Book Company. Upon entering, I did what I normally do in bookstores: I walked directly to the poetry section, curious to see, and probably also to judge, the selection. I don’t remember most of what I saw, naturally, but I do remember seeing The Promises of Glass by Michael Palmer. How could such a book appear in a town of 2000 people? I was immediately and deeply impressed. And, at that moment, I thought, “This is a great place,” or something similar.
Ten years later, it’s still a great book, a great bookstore, and thanks to the knowledge I have as the store’s owner, I can also say, no one ever bought the book. Now no one ever will.
*
Postscript:
As many of you will know, James Laughlin founded New Directions Press, the publisher for Palmer’s book, in 1936. And to this day, at the bottom of the colophon of every book they’ve printed, you’ll find the line, “New Directions Books are published for James Laughlin”.
-Tim Johnson
Cass McCombs Band, July 8th, 2011
June 23, 2011
It’s exciting to say that we’ll be hosting Cass McCombs on July 8th, at the Crowley Theater, in a show co-presented with our friends at Ballroom Marfa. Cass McCombs is, in our estimation, one of the best songwriters we’ve got, one whose work we find very difficult to parse, and yet all the more compelling for this very reason. There always seems to be something lurking in McCombs’ work, something unstable that haunts a first impression. It’s got a lot of loveliness, also, those chilling “oohs” and “aahs”, that draw you in, and draw comparisons with Ricky Nelson and Bobby Darin. And hey: you don’t need to listen to me, just listen. $10, tickets.
Austin artist, Pink Nasty opens the show. Don’t miss this, either! Doors open at 8:30 pm.
“Marfa Rocks”
June 13, 2011
Please join us as we celebrate the release of “Marfa Rocks”, the second book in the Chef Brett Marfa Mystery Series with a reading and signing with author John DeMers on Friday, June 24th, at 6 pm.
What’s Past / The Future
May 28, 2011
I’m the laziest of all bloggers.
Here’s thanks to those who have visited us in recent weeks: White Fang, Kevin Young, Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor, Pillars and Tongues, the whole CineMarfa crew, including Glenn O’Brien, Amos Poe, Larry Clark, Christopher Wool, Blank City people, and all those who are coming to visit soon: Lower Dens, Jesse Malmed, Cass McCombs, Ben Lerner, Allison Hedge Coke, A. J. Verdelle, Adrian Matejka, John DeMers, and who knows, maybe you?
