Category Archives: music
Dancing with The Gipsy Kings
I have enjoyed listening to the Gipsy Kings for a number of years, but never had the opportunity to see them in person until this show at the Lynn Memorial Auditorium.

The band is touring this year for their 25th annivesary, and has released a new album, Savor Flamenco, as well.
Carrie Rodriguez Bares Her Soul
Several years ago, a friend who has worked in the music business for many years told me that I would enjoy seeing Carrie perform. I had not been able to attend any shows up to now, so I made sure not to have any conflicts when this show was announced.
From the moment Austin-based Carrie Rodriguez took the stage with Luke Jacobs at Johnny D’s last Sunday evening, the audience was completely captivated by her. Read the rest of this entry
Recent Concert Announcements!
I’ve slacked off the last couple of weeks – blame it on going to many shows and keeping up with the reviews!
Stanley Clarke at Tupelo Music Hall – Saturday, February 22
The Infamous Stringdusters at The Paradise – Wednesday, March 26
Shawn Colvin and Steve Earle at Berklee Performance Center – Friday, March 28
Girls, Guns & Glory/Sarah Borges at The Narrows Center for the Arts – Friday, March 28
Carolina Chocolate Drops at The Narrows Center for the Arts – Monday, March 31
Lake Street Dive at The Royale – Sunday, April 6
The Psychedelic Furs at The Sinclair – Sunday, April 13
Alejandro Escovedo and the Sensitive Boys at Brighton Music Hall – Friday, April 18
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings at House of Blues – Saturday, May 31
Newport Folk Festival – July 25 – 27
2013 By The Numbers
A friend thought that it would be fun to put together some statistics about my year in music. When I do 2014 statistics, I will add the average cost of the shows I see (I did not track that in 2013).
If any reader has a suggestion for other interesting statistics, please leave a comment for me!
14,801 – Largest-capacity venue I was in (TD Garden)
214 – Most expensive show I saw (Prince on 12/29 at Mohegan Sun Arena)
205 – Different bands I saw
146 – Bands I saw for the first time in 2013
129 – Shows I saw
101.29 – Miles to the furthest venue (Mohegan Sun Arena)
86 – Age of the oldest performer I saw (Tony Bennett)
80 – Smallest-capacity venue I was in (Lizard Lounge)
42 – Different venues in which I saw shows
25 – Most bands I saw in one venue (Lowell Summer Music Series)
20 – Performers I saw more than once
14 – Venues I was in for the first time in 2013
14 – Age of youngest performer I saw (Quinn Sullivan)
13 – Most shows I saw in one venue (Lowell Summer Music Series)
5 – Most times I saw one band (Great Big Sea)
5 – Least expensive show I saw that wasn’t a free show (Bap Kennedy on 1/6 at Club Passim)
3.94 – Miles to the closest venue (The Sinclair)
0 – Least expensive show I saw (Outside the Box Festival shows and Roberta Flack concert)
Trombone Shorty, Long on Talent
Admittedly, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue is one of my favorite musicians, live or recorded. I have been following him for at least four years and this was his first headlining show in Boston! You know I bought tickets the day they went on sale…
His brand of New Orleans funk is wonderfully engaging both to listen to and to watch.
Finally, A Cracker That’s Interesting!
Usually crackers are merely the vehicle to get the flavor into your mouth. The band Cracker is the flavor itself!
I had no idea what to expect from this show, and I’m really glad I went! Read the rest of this entry
I Love Zydeco but…
After seeing Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys last week at Johnny D’s, I realize I don’t love ALL zydeco.
I’m trying to give the band the benefit of a doubt. They might have been having an off night. They might have been tired or sick. Read the rest of this entry
A Bugg You Won’t Want to Squoosh!
We bought tickets to Jake Bugg‘s show at the House of Blues as soon as they went on sale; last time he was in Boston, he played at a much smaller venue and sold that out fairly quickly. We didn’t want to be left out of this show.
And what a show it was! Jake is a young (19 years old) talent who has tremendous stage presence for his years. Read the rest of this entry
Simon Phillips, A Jazz Fusion Powerhouse
I love it when I go to a show not really knowing the artist (therefor having no expectations), and having my mind blown. That happened last night with Simon Phillips on his Protocol II tour stop at Scullers Jazz Club.
My friend asked if I wanted to see this show; since I wasn’t familiar with Simon’s name (although I of course know Toto, the band he’s probably best known for), I listened to a clip of his music. It took me less than 30 seconds of listening to know that I needed to see this show.












