Joseph Locatelli - Home

We Follow the One Bright Star...

2011-02-01T20:20:00Z

Wheat Montana was good to me. Kathy (owner) had given me a job when I most needed it; that is something I will never be able to forget. Good people with whom to work, they gave me a raise, the work was tolerable, but it still just wasn’t enough to make ends meet. The money was not coming in as fast as it was going out and my student loans were imminently nearing the end of deferment. The little deli/bakery was a sanctuary but not for much longer. After working there for three months or so I began to look for a second job or a singular full time replacement.

The search for employment is much more tolerable when the urgency of poverty doesn’t haunt your dreams and follow you to interviews like a dark cloud. I took my time and only applied for jobs that would be either a good complement to Wheat Montana as far as hours and commitment or a replacement that, if offered, I would be unable to pass up. I interviewed at a few places, oncoming summer had employers more hopeful than they had been through the winter. Most eliminate you as a possibility the minute they realize that they will have to share you with another job. I’m certain that past experiences have taught these managers and owners that employees working two or more jobs are unreliable and burn out quickly. I can agree, but how is one to pay the bills on low wages and few hours?

I had some promising leads. Two interviews with the Montana Food Bank Network. I thought I it was mine; my search would finally be over. They seemed to be very busy, expanding in the Missoula atmosphere of closing businesses and empty buildings. I’m sure any company based on poverty in this particular time and place has a certain degree of security. I was qualified. It was a warehouse position, driving forklifts, picking orders. They may not have fully realized this, but I was a perfect fit. I have worked in a lumber yard (forklifts), and a food warehouse (picking orders). They went a different way. I don’t hold it against them. It was a bad mistake on their part. I comfort myself thinking that they have probably filled that position two or three times by now. True or not it makes me feel better about the rejection.

I had another interview. This time with a company called Northstar Jet, fueling planes, catering to the needs of the wealthy. I got a call one morning as I was trying to sleep away my depression. It sounded promising. Through the good graces of a friend’s mother I had once worked at an airport. In a less technical capacity I checked in passengers and loaded them and their luggage onto aircraft, an occasional deicing. With this under my belt I was somewhat qualified and they called me for an interview. It would be my first group interview of this job search, I fended off questions from four individuals trying to find reasons not to hire me. I left the room feeling that I would never hear from them again. I did, however, it was only to tell me that they had chosen someone else.

I was beginning to feel the urgency and desperation that only a pile of unfulfilled bills can instill. I decided that two low paying jobs are better than nothing and ended up getting a second minimum wage position at a place called Freemo’s Pizza. Probably the cheapest place to eat in town, the manager took a liking to me and granted me an interview, then another, then a job. I really appreciated it. I would be able to meet my obligations and run myself ragged at the same time. They gave me my official Freemo’s uniform: polo shirt with pizza pack-man emblem, one size poorly fits-all baseball cap, and black apron. I worked my first day and quickly realized I was be manager material at this establishment.

My first day at Freemo’s proved to be my last. I was truly grateful for what they did for me. However, I got a phone call that I had not expected. It was from Northstar. The guy that they had hired instead of me had not worked out. They never told me what happened, but I expect that it had something to do with the hours. The position they now offered would involve working Thursday through Saturday graveyard shift 10pm to 8 am. I didn’t care; I accepted. The pay was far and away better than the pizza place and the work more enjoyable. I would be able to continue at Wheat Montana, and I could finally meet my short-term financial goals, maybe even have a little bit left over, sometimes. Best of all I could say good-bye to applications, resumes and interviews for the foreseeable future; I had been playing this game for the better part of four months. My first day with Northstar Jet was April 4, 2010. I was sick of the job hunt. It was now over.

Zoology

2010-12-29T16:41:00Z

Once again the little Nissan pulled through, and I arrived in Missoula, Montana in a cold post-thanksgiving rain storm. I found myself depressed rather than optimistic. The faces of friends frequented my mainframe. I was homesick for a place that was never supposed to be home. I had decided to leave abruptly and questions about that fact would not subside. That’s how it goes I guess.

Also of great distress was the task at hand, employment. Zoo-town is a notorious employers market. I was not looking forward to this challenge. I had been very fortunate in Wyoming; I had not had to seriously look for work for over five years. I had forgotten how humbling and at times demeaning the job search can be. I was a beggar, nearly friendless. I was unsure of my skills and their value in this environment that felt completely alien.

I made the mistake of honesty. Employers don’t want to hear it. They want someone who lies, telling people how great they are, exaggerating the positive and conveniently omitting the negative. I feel like I don’t want to work for anyone that just wants my to go through the motions, telling them what I think they may want to hear. It makes it easier to fire the person when the truth surfaces. I reject that game; it would be a long cold winter. I would become very familiar with the streets of this town as I chased down the dream of self-sufficiency.

I’m certain I make it sound worse than it was. It is a good thing to be reminded from time to time just how small one person is. I had a place to sleep and I never went hungry. I just had to swallow my pride for a while. As I would daily leave our crusty trailer house to search for work I passed Wheat Montana, a deli bakery that brings the fruits of Montana farmers efforts to some of its people. I grew up in a bakery; I thought this may matter here, and I made it a habit to stop by and beg for work as I struck out on my search for gainful employment.

Winter in Montana is the worst time to look for a job. I delivered countless undesired and unsolicited resumes to uninterested managers and supervisors. I didn’t even get an interview. However, my persistence eventually yielded returns. The owner operator, Kathy, eventually took pity on me and offered me an interview and a position. A weight was lifted.

It had been a month long struggle coming to and end. It wasn’t the highest pay or my ideal position, but it was a start. My bank account had become all too familiar with the subtraction sign and the addition symbol had become a distant memory. I began work at Wheat Montana in the last week of December 2009. I was beginning to feel slightly more positive; depression and negativity are a difficult coat to shed.

Hasta nunca Laramie!

2010-11-21T10:06:00Z

I return! My electronic universe has been neglected for entirely too long. Stuff I add to later may just be stuff to which I never add. Maybe someday I’ll become neo-nostalgic, but for now I feel like letting those memories fade. I must look ahead, but first I must bury the past.

There is severe damage to my soul. I ripped it away from Laramie, a berg that forever will deserve my love. So many friends I had to leave; so many good times and places that shrank into the distance. I had to go; I was treading water, wasting my energy going nowhere. I wanted to find new opportunities and experiences. My love had turned black on the vine.

Patti, I gave you what I had. It wasn’t enough. You meant far more to me than I did to you. I was filled with excitement when in your presence; that is until I realized the uneven nature of our relationship. The shit slides downhill, and one can only stand the smell for so long. Of course you had to put a cherry on top of it after I was fed-up and absent. No hard feelings though, none at all.

So with the truth of my love so painfully evident, I pried my eyes from the past and turned to the unknown future. Remorseful and hopeful at the same time. I pushed my four cylinders of Nissan fury to Powell, Wyoming. Once there I relied upon the good graces of old friends for work; I saved up some money. Once again with the generosity of friends and Mario and Kim Locatelli, I burned rice across yet another state to establish a new path in Zoo-town, Missoula, Montana. It was the day after Thanksgiving, 2009.

Stuff I add to later

2009-04-02T06:43:00Z

I’m gonna post this though it is in progress. I like to watch process. Additions will be frequent and saving as a draft is far from satisfying.

New band already in my brain; i hope the Neo-nostalgics reembrace. Something tells me they will. I feel introspective but ineloquent. I gonna just create chapters for now.

What we’ve been up to recently:

07 March 2009 Naughty Pines Benefit with the Neo-Nostalgics and The Upbeat Project. My favorite band the Neo warmed the atmosphere with friendly assistance. Sea of fishnets, pillowfights improvise. A full, sober arena thanks to the competent staff of JJ’s. CiRcUsMoBoRg. With the Patti Fiascco at the helm all hell threatened to break loose; if not for the quick thinking of Dee, Alysia and Scott violence was inevitable.Unfortunately, Abe and Joe were rendered useless by the effects of strong drinks procured by the conniving. Oh yeah! Alysia was pretty much naked, a mere micron or two of superhero strength spandex obscured her. The Upbeat followed with music that I’d love people to fill in the blanks for me.

10 March 2009 Jamnesty University of Wyoming Union Gardens with The Neo-Nostalgics

17 March 2009 Saint Patti Fiasco Beartrap Encampment, Wyoming

14 March 2009 Glovetrucker CD release Road 34 Featuring the phantasmagorical Halden Wofford and the Highbeams!!

27 March 2009 Live at Lunch

All of us have jobs and some are students too. This is a headful to embark upon. Many of these memories are hazy for a variety of reasons. Disclaimers aside.

The Brandin Iron

2009-03-11T00:00:00Z

Today, Bridget Wilson was kind enough to publish an article about the Jamnesty concert tonight , The Patti Fiasco and The Neo-Nostalgics. I thought for recording keeping purposes I’d post the original content that we sent to her via e-mail and the text from the published article. The Patti Fiasco responses were provided by Miss Alysia Kraft and those for the Neo, despite how they appeared, were provided by Marko, Carter and I. Next time I will certainly be more clear. I learn as I go like everyone else in this world.

The Neo-Nostalgics 1. What style is your music? 98% Circusmoborganic Eclectic clusterfunk.

2. Have you recorded before? Yes, by the good graces of Will Ross at CHITT Productions. Our 1st album ‘Natural Assumptions’ is now available @ local independent retailers.

3. What inspires your music? Music inspires us. Focus on frequency.

4. Have you played in the area before? Yes, all over the place.

5. What do you like about playing in the Laramie area? The Naughty Pines. Playing music in Laramie revolves around an open and enthusiastic community. We owe everything to the best.

6. How did the band form? Bands like ours don’t form, they just are.

7. Who writes the music? Ours songs write themselves.

8. Who are the members of the band and what instruments do they play? Adam “Man Dude” Johnson. Drummer, guitarist, songwriter. Car“Trouble”ter Parks. Keyboardist, songwriter. Joseph Anthony Locatelli. Bassist, guitarist, songwriter. Marko “El pollo loco” Ruble . Guitarist, bassist, drummer, songwriter.

9. Who are some musical influences for the band? La música mariachi, Willie Nelson, Hildegard Von Bingen, The Roots, The Talking Heads, Spencer Bohren, The Four Tops, James Brown, Mozart, Vilivaldi, Aphex Twin, Aqua…et all.

10. Where are some other places you have performed? The Filling Station, Bozeman MT, various street corners and sidewalks, outside the Buckhorn Bar, inside the Buckhorn Bar, A grange hall in Kalispell MT, The Boot and Bottle Club Cody WY, The Silver Dollar Bar Cody WY etc.

The Patti Fiasco

1. What style is your music? I’d say, rock and roll with (pink) cowboy boots on. Country friendly, rock driven, good timin’, hard dancin’, heart breakin’ sounds.

2. Have you recorded before? We’re in the process of recording a demo with Will at Chit Productions.

3. What inspires your music? Howls of the lone wolf, hot pangs of love and longing, the restless undulations of our rock and roll ancestors.

4. Have you played in the area before? Yes, we’ve been burning down the city since November.

5. What do you like about playing in the Laramie area? The crowds are receptive, ready to dance. And, everybody’s so damn good looking.

6. How did the band form? The Patti Fiasco formed in November of 2008 when five strangers, born to wolves and raised by outlaws, congregated over amber shots of whiskey at the Buckhorn Bar. The five drew dollars like pistols from their pockets (Alysia, from a holstered skirt), and drowned their spirits in strange synchronization. Coincidence has denied responsibility for the band’s formation, and instead points a crooked finger at Fate. Since, they’ve been composing original tunes as restless and wild as their respective histories.

7. Who writes the music? Alysia and Dee.

8. Who are the members of the band and what instrments do they play? The quintet features Scott Clabby, drums; Joe Locatelli, bass; Dennis Abramson, banjo; Dee Tyler, vocals, lead guitar; and Alysia Kraft, vocals, guitar.

9. Who are some musical influences for the band? Alysia speaking: (Not certain this would be a consensus). Lucinda Williams, Ryan Adams, Brandi Carlile, Tom Petty.

10. Where are some other places you have performed? Centennial, Encampment, soon-to-be Fort Collins.

Jamnesty concert raises human rights awareness Written by Bridget Wilson Monday, 09 March 2009 17:25

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the Tibetan uprising against China and the flight of the Dalai Lama. Amnesty International will be celebrating with Jamnesty in the Wyoming Union Gardens from 8-10 p.m.

“Jamnesty is a concert series that raises awareness for human rights,” Emily May, organizer for the event, said.

This event is free, but donations will be accepted.

“It’s a time for people to listen to music and have a good time and be aware of human rights,” May said.

Bands that will be playing at Jamnesty this Tuesday are The Patti Fiasco and the Neo-Nostalgics.

The Patti Fiasco is a fairly new band, formed in November 2008 while congregating at the Buckhorn Bar. The band has played in Centennial, Encampment and will soon play in Fort Collins. They said they truly enjoy playing in Laramie.

“The crowds are receptive and ready to dance,” Kraft said. “And everybody’s so damn good looking.”

The Patti Fiasco is composed of Scott Clabby on drums, Joe Locatelli on bass, Dennis Abramson on banjo, Dee Tyler on vocals and lead guitar and Alysia Kraft on vocals and guitar. Although all the band members take part in creating the music, Tyler and Kraft are the primary songwriters.

Kraft said the band’s music style is “rock n’ roll with [pink] cowboy boots on. Country-friendly, rock driven, good timin’, hard dancin’, heart breakin’ sounds.”

Kraft said their musical influences include Lucinda Williams, Ryan Adams, Brandi Carlile and Tom Petty. The Patti Fiasco is currently in the process of recording a demo with CHiTT Productions.

The music will only just begin with The Patti Fiasco, as the Neo-Nostalgics will follow that performance.

The Neo-Nostalgics are composed of Adam Johnson on guitar and drums; Marko Ruble on guitar, bass and drums; Joe Locatelli on bass and guitar and Carter Parks on keyboard.

All the members are involved in the song writing, though Locatelli said their songs write themselves.

The Neo-Nostalgics have played in Cody, all over Laramie, and Montana.

“Playing music in Laramie revolves around an open and enthusiastic community,” Locatelli said. “We owe everything to the best.”

Some of the band’s musical influences include James Brown, Willie Nelson, the Four Tops, the Roots and numerous other musicians. Though they have several different influences, Locatelli said, the band’s music style is 98 percent “Circusmoborganic Eclectic Clusterfunk.”

The Neo-Nostalgics have already released an album with CHiTT Productions.

“Our first album, ‘Natural Assumptions,’ is now available at local independent retailers,” Locatelli said.

!!Jamnesty!!

2009-03-08T21:16:00Z

My three favorite bands played a rockin show last night at JJ’s to benefit the newly formed Laramie roller derby team The Naughty Pines. I’ve never played for as large a crowd…some 400 paying the cover at the door. Next up Jamnesty on tuesday. Organized by Daniel May, I’ve participated in one way or another in three out of the four years of its existence. Prompted by a suggestion from Andrew Hays, Adam, Marko, Carter, Alysia and I put together this press release which I hope to use as a template for future events:

Jamnesty Press release for Tuesday March 10, 2009

Where: University of Wyoming Union Gardens

When: March 10th 8-10 pm

What: Jamnesty. Amnesty International at the University of Wyoming has been active on campus for at least 25 years, and they have sponsored many large events, including film festivals, speakers and concerts. This academic year, the main focus of the group has been to convince the University of Wyoming to adopt the Designated Supplier Program, which would provide further protection beyond current University policy that clothing bearing UW logos does not come from sweatshops.

Each of the past 4 years, UWAI has sponsored Jamnesty, a concert featuring local bands and musicians. Jamnesty has always featured a wide variety of musical styles, and this year is no different. This spring, Jamnesty is a series of Tuesday night shows throughout the semester, in the Wyoming Union Gardens. For a full Jamnesty schedule, please visit www.uwyo.edu/amnesty

Who: The Neo-Nostalgics… i.e. Adam Man Dude Johnson, Joseph Anthony Locatelli, Carter Cartrouble Parks, Abe Abramson, assorted Meanderer’s, Drifters, Pariahs, Martyrs, Vagabundos, Usually no Thieves, Big Country, C-Murda, Sassqueezy and the Squatch, Marko el pollo loco, Mes and Wegan Isbell; CiRcUsMoBoRg. We are excited to participate in this year’s Jamnesty. Many thanks to Amnesty International and Daniel May for their efforts and enthusiasm. We are Hardworking.Diligent.Serious.Well Behaved! House Broken. Almost free of Disease. Adam: I am a neon Cobra. Tired. Hopeful. Tricky, clever; well versed, well coifed, Joe: Yes we are well coifed. We are emanations. We live in Laramie we all play our own instruments…No outsourcing: life is good…enjoy one’s self. For more information about The Neo-Nostalgics please visit www.neonostalgics.com

Who: The Patti Fiasco… The Patti Fiasco formed in November of 2008 when five strangers, born to wolves and raised by outlaws, congregated over amber shots of whiskey at the Buckhorn Bar. The five drew dollars like pistols from their pockets (Alysia, from a holstered skirt), and drowned their spirits in strange synchronization. Coincidence has denied responsibility for the band’s formation, and instead points a crooked finger at Fate. Since, they’ve been composing original tunes as restless and wild as their respective histories. The quintet, featuring Scott Clabby, drums; Joe Locatelli, bass; Abe Abramson, banjo; Dee Tyler, vocals, lead guitar; and Alysia Kraft, vocals, guitar; is known for making crowds shake a leg and shake a room with their moon howling, fast riding, train robbing tunes.

I hope that the Branding Iron sees fit to use even part of this; if not it was a good exercise that obviously still needs fine tuning. Alysia wrote the Patti bio which to me is the most catching section. It is difficult to distinguish the line between not taking this too seriously and being professional enough that it has a chance in hell of being printed.

Translation

2009-02-24T03:16:00Z

I have discovered translation. It plays like a game; I take a thought or idea from one frame of mind to another. The challenge is preserving meaning in the face literal conversion. Words are uncooperative creatures that resist being pulled from one perspective to another. I volunteer as a translator for the website Watching America the purpose of which is to find articles from sources not readily available in the United States that express perspectives and/or opinions about the actions etc. of the U.S. This post is dedicated to my latest translation for Watching America. The original Spanish language version of the article can be viewed at La Rebublica

The translation that I submitted to the editor of Watching America appeared as follows:

Meeting between President García and Obama will be negotiated by ambassador in the U.S.

The ambassador of Peru in Washington, Luis Valdivieso, announced that upon taking the presentation of that diplomatic seat he will negotiate a meeting between the presidents of Peru and the United States. The intention, he said, is that both leaders hold a meeting in Washington or in Lima, in order to have a dialogue about the bilateral relationship and the future challenges of the Peru-United States relationship. “The idea is to initiate the negotiations for the visit of President García to the United States or, alternatively, of President Barack Obama to Peru,” he stated.

Nevertheless, he mentioned that this objective could be delayed a bit due to the fact that President Obama and the Democratic administration have recently assumed command last January. He related that, as corresponds, in those the aforementioned negotiations are the responsibility of the Peruvian embassy in Washington.

Valdivieso remarked that during his management at the front of the Peruvian Embassy he will seek to “study more in depth” the fact that Peru is not only “trustworthy partner” for the United States, but also shelter country for northamerican and international capital in general.

He said that this situation will improve with the coming into effect of the bilateral free trade agreement from the first of February.

“It is very important to spread the kindness and the fortitude that Peru and Peruvian society has; that it is a good partner, a shelter country for capital, those which will permit to help, as a supplement to our internal saving and in that manner advance in the objectives put forth as a nation,” he pointed out.

The designated ambassador insisted en that he will seek, amongst other topics, to consolidate “very good relations” with the United States and extend the northamerican collaboration of the fight against drugs to combat organized crime.

Likewise, that during his management at the head of the Peruvian Embassy in Washington he will seek for Peru to make the most of the maximum of the benefits of this good relationship in other topics like technology, knowledge and cultural relations. (With information of Andina)

The version of the article that appeared online today, 23 February, 2009 can be found at US Ambassador Negociates US Peru Meeting or one can go to the ‘translators’ section of the aforementioned Watching America website, scroll down to the Spanish section, click on my name ‘Joseph Locatelli’ and here can be found all of the translations I have done thus far in my volunteership with the project.

I have enjoyed my experience in this endeavor. I find the idea of making available international sentiment about the United State appealing and I am excited to be able to contribute in any way. To translate is a puzzle that turns my brain upside down, inside out. I always wonder if I capture adequately the original sentiment. To do is to learn.

The beginnings of all things are small -Cicero

2009-02-10T19:26:00Z

Welcome to my newly acquired internet world. The title of this post is ringing especially true to me these days. Tasks and obligations accumulate quickly; it is difficult to keep in mind that one must focus on the initial steps. That is what this, the first addition to my ongoing, internal, electronic dialogue. This abstract space will, I hope, help me in the organization of my thought, goal, current battles and whatever else happens to materialize. First, however, I must overcome my technical inadequacies and find out if I can make this work. As far as current events go, it’s my birthday; it seems fitting that I embark on this electronic excursion. I am twenty-nine and my blog is zero. Happy Birthday to us both!!