Sharp Notes May 16 2001

As of now, word is R.E.M. will not tour behind the band’s latest album, Reveal — at least according to his Stipe-ness. The vocalist is taking time to add his literally phoned-in voice to a handful of tracks on the new Utah Saints album, a project that came about when the singer cited the Saint’s 1992 debut as one of his favorite discs. Occasional Atlanta resident, Public Enemy’s Chuck D., is sampled on the Saints’ first single. Those who want to see R.E.M. live (and free) better book a flight to Toronto, where the band is doing a one-off outdoor album-release show Thurs., May 17.

The Atlanta Ballet will present the world premiere of The Indigo Girls Project, a collaboration between choreographer Margo Sappington and the Indigo Girls, Oct. 18-21 at the Fox Theatre. For the production, the duo performs on stage with the dancers. See www.atlantaballet.com for more details.

Fire in the hole. Nashville Pussy’s fire-breathing former bassist Corey Parks, currently fronting her own band The Lizzies, has been approached by Courtney Love to work with the Hole-ster’s new Bastard side project. Parks hasn’t officially hooked up with Love — whom she already turned down when asked to join Hole — but the invitation to work in the new AC/DC-inspired group seems more along her career path.

Take the ATL train. Atlanta’s Lovett School is one of 15 national finalists (out of 163 entries) in the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival, produced by Jazz at Lincoln Center. A panel of judges comprised of such jazz notables as Lalo Schifrin and Wynton Marsalis will choose finalists during two shows, May 18-19, at New York City’s Avery Fisher Hall