Kurt Schauppner is known as the acclaimed journalist and editor behind Twentynine Palms newspaper “The Desert Trail.” What I didn’t know is that he’s also a musician. Though he rarely plays live, this weekend you’ll have two chances to see him play his music with a full backing band.
I sat down with Schauppner for a conversation about his music and the show, called “Stories, Excuses and Alibis.”
Jef: “Most people would know you from the Desert Trail, right?”
Kurt: “Correct, I just finished my 25th year here. I’m the Editor.”
Jef: “What people might not know is that you’re also a musician?”
Kurt: “I’ve been playing guitar for most of my life. Got my first guitar when I was 10 years-old, and since the mid-80’s I’ve been writing songs, trying to record them. It’s been a hobby. A lot of the songs will be a debut, this is going to be the first really full length concert I’ve ever done.
For each song, I’ll tell a little story about how it was written. And sometimes about the person who it was written about. It’s basically me and the group. We’ve got Psychic Black playing and Tom Merrick of Hunter and the Wicked. We’ll have a great time playing music and telling stories about the songs.
It’s eclectic. I like all different types of music, and I like to try to do all kinds of music. So it’s going to be some blues, some folk, some rock, some pop. I try to vary it all. The arrangements are pretty basic. But I’ve got these great musicians backing me up. So you’re going to hear some wonderful things. Guy plays violin on a few songs, and he’s classically trained, so it’s going to be achingly beautiful.”
Jef: “Is there going to be any accompanying album?”
Kurt: “I don’t think so.”
Jef: “So if you want to hear these songs, this is your chance!”
Kurt: “This is it for you! If you blow it, you blow it!”
The shows are Saturday and Sunday night at Theatre 29. Both shows are $20 with discounts for seniors and military. You can get tickets online at theatre29.org or call 760-361-4151.
