Hear & Now: Local punk scene gets some flashbacks with documentary, book

X-Raves bassist Kelly Miltier used to count on roadie Pete Desnoyers to keep a steady flow of beer bottles coming his way on stage, and change an occasional string on his bass.

They were part of a vibrant subculture in the 1980s centered around a new wave in music that was all the rage for a small-but-passionate contingent in Norfolk and Virginia Beach.

Miltier and Desnoyers are working together again to produce a two-part documentary film covering the local underground punk rock scene. The first film will feature the bands, clubs, scenesters, fashion and fanzines from 1979 through the late '80s. The second edition will focus on the '90s.

The films will be titled "Make Room to Dance," paying homage to an early compilation album called "No Room to Dance," which featured local bands that played the Taj Mahal.

Miltier estimates the project may take nearly two years to complete. He and Desnoyers made a "call to arms" to one-time scene members and have collected hundreds of photos and fliers, as well as band recordings and video footage.

Much of this will be compiled into a coffee-table book, "Table Scraps: A Pictorial History of the Alternative Music Subculture in Tidewater."

Miltier is hoping others involved with the music scene will get involved by calling (757) 373-6964 or e-mailing desnoyp@yahoo.com.

A reunion of sorts is planned for June 29 at Headlights in Chesapeake on George Washington Highway. The occasion will be used to interview people on film and gather more information.

"The idea is for us all to get together and have a few beers before any more of us keel over," said Miltier.

A second, full-fledged reunion of the music scene - open to the public - is being planned for October and will feature reunited bands for a one-time performance.

Unexpected twist

Could notable drummer Jae Sinnett be hanging up his recording career as a jazz artist?

"As far as me recording jazz as a leader, I've pretty much accomplished what I set out to do, and that was to create a body of work that showcases my sound, compositions and drumming," said Sinnett. "I've done that now, and the story is complete with 'It's Telling... A Drummer's Perspective.'"

Sinnett has released nine albums in a lead-role capacity. His debut came in 1986 with "Obsession."

For Sinnett, who also hosts a jazz music program on 89.5 WHRV-FM, jazz will continue to be a passion, and his current creative restlessness has given him a new insight.

"It's funny because now I understand why Miles Davis wanted to do something different. I didn't like it when he did, but now I understand."

Sinnett was raised on classic soul and rock. This is a possible new direction for him on the composition and recording front.

"From a position of experience I think I could bring something fresh to the proverbial soul and rock table. This thinking appeals to me because it's forward moving. I'm not interested in repeating history."

Attucks jazz

Virginia Arts Festival  Executive Director Rob Cross said he had received a lot of requests for two things: to use the Attucks Theatre more and to feature local jazz artists. He immediately called upon a local expert.

"I went to John Toomey and said, 'Would you be willing to curate a kind of jazz club series?'"

The resulting jazz series presented by the arts festival begins Saturday, with the Chuck Redd Quintet with Woody Beckner, and continues with the John Toomey Trio with Laura Martier and Eddie Williams on May 3; John D'earth Quintet with Jeff Smith on May 10; and Jae Sinnett Trio on May 17. The performances, however, won't be on the main stage.

"We're putting it at a small room in the Attucks and setting it up with tables and chairs so people can sit there and have a drink while they're listening to jazz," said Cross. "It's a more appropriate feel than at a big concert hall."

World tour

Don't expect to see local drummer Scott Travis around town much this summer. Judas Priest, the legendary British metal band, which Travis records and performs with as a member, will release "Nostradamus" on June 17. The band embarks on a three-month world tour beginning in early June. The nearest scheduled gig is Aug. 7 at the Nissan Pavilion in Bristow.

Jeff Maisey, (757) 222-3934, jmaisey@pilotonline.com