Thursday, February 27 2003

Chris Cates Evil Genius

by Sarah Lee

Chris Cates, evil genius behind Mealtime Brown Studios and Dust Bunny Records is also the Dr. Evil behind one of Athens' wackiest, funkiest, most confusing and always entertaining bands: Parakeet Nelson.

Along with Cates, who plays guitar, harmonica and sings, the band is comprised of former Day By the River drummer Dave Brockway, bassist Dwayne Wallace and lead guitarist John Wayne. Special guests at the few-and-far-between Roadhouse gigs can include alto saxophonist John Kell (who's known for his work with Fuzzy Sprouts) and Yugoslavian-Russian Conservatory-trained violinist/fiddler Andrej Kurti.

According to Cates, Parakeet will soon be releasing a new album entitled "Risky Biscuits", finally complete after two years of broken wrists and crashed hard drives. "Now the end is finally near with me battling my perfectionism as a producer," says Cates. A Dust Bunny release is being planned for mid-April.

As for the Roadhouse show, Cates says patrons can expect the usual high-energy rock and roll madness they've come to expect from the band.

"Every Parakeet show is a celebration of great original music, otherworldly improv and whatever pops out of an incredible repertoire of favorite classic and new songs from all genres," Cates offers.

"We're dedicated to making each show unique... and will always bring the rock, soul, bluegrass, jazz, hip hop, funk and ridiculous jams to keep audiences begging for more."