Blog Archives

Fabulous Return to New England by The Iguanas

I have been waiting almost twenty years to see The Iguanas, one of my favorite bands, at Johnny D’s again and they did not disappoint!

The Iguanas

The Iguanas

Sure, I saw them last summer at the Green River Festival, but seeing them in their own show was what I needed. My patience was rewarded.

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Tribute to Linda Ronstadt Rocked (Yes, Rocked)

I know it’s hard to believe that a tribute to the songs of Linda Ronstadt, the fabulous singer whose career has been cut short by Parkinson’s disease, could rock, but rock it did at Johnny D’s last week.

Amy Fairchild, Jenny Dee, Susan Cattaneo, Jenee Halstead (l to r)

Amy Fairchild, Jenny Dee, Susan Cattaneo, Jenee Halstead (l to r)

People danced throughout the show, even, as Jenny Dee noted, to ‘Carmelita’ which is a song about heroin! Read the rest of this entry

An Excellent Roots Rock Party Kickstarted The Weekend

The Bottle Rockets, a roots rock band currently based in St. Louis, is yet another band that did not get onto my radar during the past twenty or so years.

Bottle Rockets

Bottle Rockets

They have toured through New England over the past year but I did not have the opportunity to see them until their show this weekend at Johnny D’s. A friend whose opinions I value had an extra ticket so I jumped on it. Read the rest of this entry

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 Townshend

Simon Townshend

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.

Simon

Simon

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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.

Laney Jones

Laney Jones

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!

JC, Laney and Matt Tonner

Jacy Anderson, Laney and Matt Tonner

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Bluesy Soul Was In The House

I was not familiar with John Németh & The Bo-Keys before this show; to be honest, I went because I wanted a table for the late show that followed.

John Nemeth

John Németh

Whatever the reason, I’m glad I went to Johnny D’s early because I was introduced to a terrific blues/soul harmonica player and singer, as well as to The Bo-Keys.

The Bo-Keys

The Bo-Keys

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Soul Queen Bettye LaVette Amazes!

A friend told me that Bettye LaVette brought her to tears at a concert last year and that impressed me, so I was very excited to see her perform at Johnny D’s last night.

Bettye LaVette

Bettye LaVette

This was a monumental show! She poured her heart and soul into each note than emanated from her and the very large crowd appreciated every one of them!

Bettye

Bettye

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An Evening of Hard-Driving Blues

I saw an unexpectedly excellent blues show at Johnny D’s on Friday night! If I’d been familiar with all the acts, I would not have been as surprised.

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Of course I am familiar with Charles Neville, saxophonist for The Neville Brothers. I love their music and their spirit, together and separately (the band as it existed for many years is no longer). I was not familiar with Jeff Pitchell & Texas Flood, other than by name and reputation.

Charles Neville

Charles Neville

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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.

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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

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.

Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys

Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys

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