Category Archives: music
A Fine Guitar Performance
This was another show that I attended based on a friend’s suggestion. I had heard of Pierre Bensusan, the French-Algerian guitarist who is celebrating his 40th anniversary as a musician, but had never seen him perform or even heard more than a few numbers.
Pierre performed to a sold-old crowd last week at Club Passim, which I knew would be the perfect place to see him.
An Italian Star Shines
I had not heard of Zucchero before a friend mentioned this concert to me and how much she wanted to see him. I decided to attend without so much as watching a YouTube video of him.
Zucchero is a huge star in Italy and, judging by the reaction of the audience, he’s big here as well.
Another Week Of Newport Folk Festival Lineup Announcements!
The 11th week started off with an interesting announcement, as has every week before this week!
This additions to the Festival lineup are:
Kurt Vile and the Violators – a folk-rock guitar-playing singer-songwriter from Philadelphia about whom I’ve heard good things, so I’ll get an opportunity to see him
Mandolin Orange – a duo from North Carolina who are garnering a lot of excellent press
Ages and Ages – they are not familiar to me, but after listening to a video clip I’m excited to see them!
John Reilly and Friends – I had no idea this fabulous actor is also a musician! I hope I get a chance to tell him that one of my most memorable theatre experiences (and I’ve had a lot of great ones) was seeing him and Philip Seymour Hoffman in Sam Shepard’s play ‘True West’ in which they switched roles every two days.
The lineup, so far, includes:
Friday: The Devil Makes Three, Band of Horses, Death Vessel, Jenny Lewis, Phox, Robert Hunter, Reignwolf, Jimmy Cliff, Lake Street Dive, Tall Tall Trees, Noah Gundersen, Ryan Adams, Anais Mitchell and Jefferson Hamer, Sun Kil Moon, Mandolin Orange
Saturday: Shakey Graves, The Oh Hellos, Benjamin Booker, Nickel Creek, Shovels and Rope, Houndmouth, J. Roddy Walston & The Business, The Milk Carton Kids, Aoife O’Donovan, Willie Watson, Puss n Boots, Lucius, Deer Tick, Kurt Vile and the Violators, John Reilly and Friends
Sunday: Hurray for the Riff Raff, Mavis Staples, Thao & The Get Down Stay Down, Trampled by Turtles, Gregory Alan Isakov, Lucero, Caitlin Rose, Conor Oberst, Dawes, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Leif Vollebekk, The Lonesome Trio, Jeff Tweedy, Valerie June, The Deslondes, Ages and Ages
Lowell Summer Music Series Keeps Hitting Home Runs
The most recent announcement is, I believe, a first for the Lowell Summer Music Series – a true co-bill. I’m pleased to announce that Howie Day and Carbon Leaf will each perform full sets on Saturday, August 2.
Alejandro Escovedo Speaks To Our Hearts
I am a relatively new fan of Alejandro Escovedo; a couple of years ago, a friend suggested I might enjoy him so I got a ticket to the first show I could. That first show hooked me – I now try to see him every time he swings through the Boston area.
Alejandro appeared with the Sensitive Boys at Tupelo Music Hall last week to a woefully undersold room; fewer than half the seats of the 250-seat venue were sold (and a fair number of seats that I believe were sold were empty).
Simon Townshend Stands Well On His Own
Some friends of mine who are huge fans (and whose opinions I trust) turned me on to Simon Townshend a couple of years ago.
Simon is Pete’s younger brother and he plays with The Who when he’s not touring on his own. I love The Who but I would rather see Simon on his own; his deeply personal songs shine in the small venues where I have seen him perform.
I Love Me Some Old-Timey Music
One of my favorite venues, Johnny D’s, started a Free Friday series within the past year, and it took my friend Laney Jones to get me to one of those events.
This was going to be my first time seeing her with her full band The Lively Spirits (which ended up being not quite true – her fiddle player was not playing with them this night), and I was excited!
Week 10 Of Newport Folk Festival Lineup Announcements Started With A Bang!
The 10th week started off with an amazing announcement, as has every week before this week!
This additions to the Festival lineup are:
Ryan Adams – he’s finally playing the Festival!!!
The Deslondes – this band is incredible! I saw them last fall and was blown away – they’re going to be perfect for the Festival
Anais Mitchell and Jefferson Hamer – I’ve heard good things about these singer-songwriters and look forward to catching their set
Sun Kil Moon – another artist of whom I’ve heard only positive opinions so I’m excited to have the opportunity to see them at the Fort
The lineup, so far, includes:
Friday: The Devil Makes Three, Band of Horses, Death Vessel, Jenny Lewis, Phox, Robert Hunter, Reignwolf, Jimmy Cliff, Lake Street Dive, Tall Tall Trees, Noah Gundersen, Ryan Adams, Anais Mitchell and Jefferson Hamer, Sun Kil Moon
Saturday: Shakey Graves, The Oh Hellos, Benjamin Booker, Nickel Creek, Shovels and Rope, Houndmouth, J. Roddy Walston & The Business, The Milk Carton Kids, Aoife O’Donovan, Willie Watson, Puss n Boots, Lucius, Deer Tick
Sunday: Hurray for the Riff Raff, Mavis Staples, Thao & The Get Down Stay Down, Trampled by Turtles, Gregory Alan Isakov, Lucero, Caitlin Rose, Conor Oberst, Dawes, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Leif Vollebekk, The Lonesome Trio, Jeff Tweedy, Valerie June, The Deslondes
An Ethereal Performance By A King
Carole King, that is…
Let me start by saying that this is not going to be a review but rather an expression of the high esteem in which I hold Carole.
Huge Announcement from the Lowell Summer Music Series
Wow! When John Marciano, the man who books the talent for the Lowell Summer Music Series, said that there was going to be a huge announcement, he wasn’t kidding! I’m pleased to announce that Gregg Allman with guest Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band will perform on Saturday, August 9.
This an incredibleaddition to the already wonderful lineup.
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