W♥M

We♥KC- September 26-October 2, 2022 Upcoming Shows (Kansas City / Lawrence KS)

Read More The Cult starting off with the sing-along chorus of "Wild Flower". The great energy between the two original two original band members, singer Ian Astbury and guitarist Billy Duffy …

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

Rocktober! Traditionally, this Fall month has been one of the busiest of the year, with so many tours trying to work in those last cities in, before the holiday season and Winter slows things down again.

This year, seemingly everyone went back on the road after the pandemic lessened, making for a very busy September (& summer) as well, but several days this week, and in October (notably the 8^th, 14^th) are downright packed with shows. Choose wisely!

Shawn Mendes, as you probably heard, canceled his entire arena tour to focus on his mental health, indie rockers Girlpool were scheduled in KC this week, but released a statement last month that they had broken up, and Pale Waves found themselves with transportation issues. 

Here’s what’s happening in the Kansas City/Lawrence, KS metro September 26th-October 2nd.

(Several artists are still requiring precautions for entry, so check with the venue and/or assume vaccination proof, might still be required)

Monday Sept 26

Beach Boys, Lied Center. $24-$65

Fun, fun, fun will undoubtedly be had as the band plays hits from six decades of music. We caught the band’s good vibrations back in 2019 and it was literally hit after hit after hit (don’t expect Brian Wilson with this version of the band though).

Shawn Mendes with Tate McRae, Sept. 26, T-Mobile Center CANCELED

Tuesday Sept 27

The Cult, Uptown, $45-$125

Ian Astbury, Billy Duffy, and co. have returned and with new music! “Give Me Mercy” is the brand-new single, ahead of their latest album, Under the Midnight Sun which drops on Oct 7, so expect a couple cuts from the upcoming record, along with four decades of rock classics. We caught the band on the opening date of their summer tour (where they debuted the single live), mentioning how strong Astbury’s voice still remains.

San Fran band King Woman to open, self-described as “hypnotic and breathy vocal dramatics” and “brooding, ethereal doom-rock.”

Rodney Crowell, Knuckleheads, $55

A musician’s musician, Crowell put out Triage just over a year ago, but in addition to his own many songs, he’s been playing some Emmylou Harris collaborations and a Townes Van Zandt classic, in recent sets.

Apocalyptica w Wheel, Leprous, Liberty Hall-Lawrence, $39.50-$75

The Finnish symphonic legends are approaching their 20^th anniversary as an ensemble and are out on their Cell-0 Tour, which we caught early on, in April in Minneapolis. Expect their own instrumentals, Franky Perez joining them on vocals, and of course, a couple Metallica covers for an entertaining evening.

Duckwrth, Bottleneck-Lawrence, $22

LA rapper aka Jared Lee out on his Chrome Bull Tour. Singles “Kiss U Right Now” and “No Chill” have been making waves since the end of last year. Expect a multimedia performance.

Pale Waves, recordBar, POSTPONED / CANCELED info here

Wednesday Sept 28

In Flames, Fit For An Autopsy, and Orbit Culture, Granada- Lawrence, $39.50-$129

The Swedish melodic death metallers have re-signed with label Nuclear Blast and have a new single, “State of Slow Decay” out now. Frontman Anders Fridén says the new song “includes everything that In Flames are known for. But it’s more than just a song, it’s a ...statement. I couldn’t be happier to release this as a taste of what’s to come.”

Openers and Jersey City deathcore band Fit for an Autopsy is on the label as well, and has The Sea of Tragic Beasts, out now.

BoomBox, recordBar, $15

The electronic DJ act has been around about 15 years and is self-described as “A little house, a little blues, a little funk, a little rock, and a whole lot of soul”.

ETHNO, the project of Jeffrey James Franca of Thievery Corporation, is also on the bill.

Thursday Sept 29

Keith Urban with Tyler Hubbard Ingrid Andress, T-Mobile Center. $29.50-$169.50

Australia’s favorite country music export is out on his Speed of Now World Tour and bringing along two solid support acts- half of Florida Georgia Line and a rising singer-songwriter. Expect some virtual duets, a John Denver acoustic cover, some guitar fireworks and Urban to keep energy high.

Giveon, The Midland, $32.50-$49.50

Out on his Give or Take Tour, the 7x Grammy nominated R&B star is out in support of the album of the same name. He may be best known for his contribution on Justin Bieber’s “Peaches” and “Chicago Freestyle with Drake, and another collab with him is on the way on a film soundtrack, according to Epic Records.

Kaivon, RecordBar. $20-$25

Making an immediate impact in 2016 with debut single, “Rebirth”, the EDM artist has made a unique impact on the genre.

Jamey Johnson, Prairie Band Casino-Mayetta, SOLD OUT

The multi-Grammy Award winner just contributed a cover for a John Anderson tribute album and released single, “Music Cities Killing Me” (w/Julie Roberts) and has over fifteen years of his own songs to draw from.

Firewater Festival – Blackberry Smoke, Old 97s, Nikki Lane, Reed Southall Band, Whiskey Myers, more, Sept 29-Oct 1, Lacygne, KS, $154.97

Road warriors Whiskey Myers are taking their live show to the next level with their second annual curated three-day event and a stacked lineup, all happening a bit south of the JoCo metro. The grounds are described as “surrounded by hills, lake water, and acres and acres of forest. You have a ton of options to make the most of your experience which could include floating the pond, exploring the Emerald Forest, and of course checking out the music at one of the stages.” Camping packages available.

Friday Sept 30

Hairball, Topeka Performing Arts Center, $25

Few do the hair band/heavy metal tribute better than this longtime act, now in its 22nd year of bringing blasts from the past. With their beginnings being first in the Minneapolis area, we’ve seen them over the years and their costumes/routines, and setlist of familiar jukebox songs, are all top-notch to make for a fun and very entertaining concert experience.

Verivery, Granada- Lawrence, $55-$60

K-Pop fans unite! The seven member Korean pop band is coming to middle America likely with unforgettable coordinated dance moves and sugary sweet songs. With BTS on indefinite hiatus, they might be the next to break even bigger.

Chris Lane, Homecoming Rock Chalk Block Party, downtown Lawrence, Free

Undefeated?! No one would have guessed this 4-0 start for Jayhawk football, defying the odds, and bringing all kinds of fairweather fans back into the fold. Great timing for the inaugural Homecoming Rock Chalk Block Party taking place downtown on the night before the Iowa State game, on Mass St. between 10th/11th St. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. with music, games and activities. A Pep Rally is around 7:50 p.m. followed by country artist Chris Lane starting around 8:15. We caught Lane live this summer at Country Stampede in Topeka.

Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, Knuckleheads, $30-$105

The Tennessee Americana band are out in support of 2019’s Dragons, with new music on the horizon soon. He and wife Ellie toured together earlier in the year, and we caught them outdoors, back in 2015.

Kansas City Jazz Orchestra, “The Horn” featuring Sean Jones, Kauffman Center. $33.50-$68.50

From the moments Buddy Bolden and Louis Armstrong released their golden, burnished tones into the world, jazz music has in large part developed through the clarion call of wind instruments. In modern music, there is no more essential practitioner of the brass arts than trumpeter Sean Jones. From intimate whispers to spirited shouts, Mr. Jones will evoke the previous masters of the craft through his own inimitable voice.

Saturday Oct 1

Iceage w/Earth, recordBar, $25

Iceage are back with a new single, “All The Junk On The Outskirts,” which was recorded during the same sessions as their 2018 album Beyondless. "I consider this one of the better cuts off the Beyondless sessions, but it ended up being a misfit that wouldn't quite fit in with the other songs as we put together the track listing. Like a piece belonging to a different puzzle,” says frontman Elias Bender Rønnenfelt. “Much like it wasn’t welcome with the others on Beyondless, it's an anthem for those on the outside looking in.” We caught them live back in 2019. Drone metallers Earth co-headline this Fall tour.

The Black Angels, Bottleneck. $26

Austin TX psych-rock legends are back on tour in support of new album Wilderness of Mirrors, just out this month via Partisan Records. We caught them most recently in the California desert in 2019 and their 2014 show with the late Roky Erickson was one for the memory books.

Russell Dickerson, KCLive!, $25-$65

The rising country star had his second album, Southern Symphony released in late 2020 and also just guested on a recent Thomas Rhett single. He’s been playing new songs, “Big Wheels” and “Just Like Your Mama” so expect a new album soon.

Sunday Oct 2

Winterlude: Vine Street Rumble, Yardley Hall. $17-$35

Formed to honor the legacy of the “golden era” of Kansas City’s world-renowned jazz history, the band exclusively performs the same exciting music that made KC the place to be in the 1930s/’40s. The band personnel are the area’s “top call” musicians, who faithfully recreate the KC jazz scene. Accurately performing the swing music of Count Basie, Jay McShann, Andy Kirk and the 12 Clouds of Joy, Harlan Leonard and His Rockets, Mary Lou Williams, Joe Turner, Pete Johnson and others.

Girlpool, Bottleneck- Lawrence, CANCELED

john c ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

We♥KC - February 1-15 Upcoming Shows (Kansas City / Lawrence KS)

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

February is upon us and other than a mostly mild winter, there’s not too much to celebrate.

Our KC Chiefs were bounced out of the playoffs in an overtime thriller and the pandemic is still putting a lot of tours on hold, but the good news is that many acts are still carrying on and the season is starting to get busier.

Luke Bryan, Slipknot, Decemberists, and Poppy all have had recent show announcements, though navigating through the postponements and cancellations is like being an air traffic controller, but everything below is current as of press time.

02/01 Elton John at T-Mobile Read More Elton John Two of the world’s biggest recording artists, Ed Sheeran and Elton John, just released their charity single “Merry Christmas”, via Atlantic Records. Watch the official music video on YouTube (directed by …

Given the current public health state, assume masks and/or vaccination proof are required for entry.

Here’s what’s happening in the Kansas City/Lawrence area for the First half of February:

Tuesday February 1Elton John, T-Mobile Center. $66-$1,038

Despite the piano man recently catching Covid and having to cancel his Dallas shows, the Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour is determined to continue (look at that top ticket price!) and the show is on (as of this writing), with attendees recommended to arrive early and be seated by 8pm. 

El Ten Eleven, RecordBar. $15

Wednesday February 2

02/02 Magic City Hippies w courtship at Madrid Read More Magic City Hippies Miami’s Magic City Hippies is currently on tour in support of their forthcoming album Water Your Garden. This new album is the first album that the trio were in various locations in the USA …

Wale, Uptown. $30-$40

UPDATE: CANCELED Magic City Hippies w courtship, Madrid

The Miami trio’s new AM rock/poolside pop record, Water Your Garden was just released, with member Robby Hunter saying, “Water Your Garden is the first album we created while all three of us were in separate places around the US. Completely remote and sending songs back and forth throughout quarantine- while everyone was locked down in their respective homes. Pat finally moved out to LA- locked down in his studio. Robby moved out into the mountains of Montana, and John held down the home base in Miami.”

Make sure to arrive early for courtship, who we caught last fall with Dayglow.

Thursday February 3Gabriel Iglesias, Cable Dahmer Arena. $48-$79

The extra fluffy comedian hits the road once again, playing this small suburban arena. 

UPDATE: POSTPONED to Feb. 18 Josh Abbott Band, Granada – Lawrence, $22-$25

Friday February 4

02/04 Hembree with Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear and Dreamgirl at The Truman Read More Hembree Kansas City’s hometown indie-rock heroes return for a Black Friday headlining show, that is the perfect palette finisher after a day of shopping for holiday deals. Latest album is 2019’s House on Fire … …

Hippie Sabotage, Uptown, $35

This Sacramento EDM duo should maybe collaborate with Magic City Hippies, but in the meantime have brought along Daisy Guttridge and promise some fun Covid-era dancing. 

UPDATE: CANCELED Hembree with Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear and Dreamgirl, The Truman. $15-$20 (postponed from Nov. 26)

Hometown heroes’ second album, It’s a Dream! Is finally released this coming Friday and the band has a solid three-act release party to celebrate.  Of the new record lyricist Isaac Flynn says“This album is a fully-realized vision for the band. I want this record to lift people up, and for the music to be a positive experience in their own lives.”

Sounds like the affirmation we can all use. 

Galactic, Knuckleheads. $28-$38.50

Augustana (solo tour), Granada Lawrence, $22.

Iliza Shlesinger, Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland POSTPONED TO APRIL 8

Smile Empty Soul, Bottleneck - Lawrence POSTPONED
Saturday February 5

02/05 The Wombats w/ Clubhouse at The Truman Read More The Wombats Fix Yourself, Not The World is the forthcoming album from The Wombats. The popular band will be heading out on tour to promote the record in 2022 ...

The Wombats w/ Clubhouse, The Truman. $25-$50.

WHM loves this Liverpool trio and we’ve had them on our radar since 2006, when they only had secured a small record contract in Japan.  Flash forward a decade-and-a-half and the band is still going strong, despite being located in separate corners of the world. 

The new album is Fix Yourself, Not the World, a result of files being shared back and forth, and a handful of producers including Jacknife (U2, Killers) Lee putting their finishing touches on things.  A previous Oliver Nelson remix went viral on TikTok as well, introducing them to an even wider audience. 

Rising openers Clubhouse are Columbus, OH-based (and probably itching to tell the KC crowd how the Bengals are Super Bowl-bound and the Chiefs are not). 

Hailey Whitters , Knuckleheads, $17-$20

(Your) Baroness, Bottleneck- Lawrence POSTPONED to APRIL 2

                                                               Tuesday, February 8
UPDATE: Canceled Devotchka,  recordBar, $25

Marcus King, Uptown Theater, $35-$59

Set It Off, Granada- Lawrence. $25

Jamestown Revival with Robert Ellis Knuckleheads POSTPONED (?)

02/10 Dark Tranquillity with Kataklysm and Nailed to Obscurity at Granada Read More Dark Tranquillity Fans of Scandinavian death metal will want to check out Swedish band Dark Tranquillity on their USA 2015 tour, in support of 2013's Construct. … 02/09 Everything Is Terrible! at RecordBar Read More Everything is Terrible! I can’t tell you if I’ve seen the first Everything is Terrible! movie, I’ve either seen a knock off or another Everything is Terrible! film, but I can tell you that they’re a collection of weird found VHS footage. …

Wednesday, February 9Dark Tranquillity with Kataklysm and Nailed to Obscurity, Granada- Lawrence. $25

Sweden comes to the heartland as the Gothenburg death metallers are out in support of their seventh studio album, Moments, which was mixed/mastered by the acclaimed Jens Bogren. 

The band brings with them Canadians Kataklysm and Essen, Germany’s Nailed to Obscurity for a rare and truly international head-banging affair.

The Beach Boys, Kauffman Center. $54-$104

Fun, fun, fun will undoubtedly be had as the band plays hits from six decades of music. 

We caught the band’s good vibrations back in 2019. 

The Black Angels, Bottleneck - Lawrence POSTPONED

Thursday February 10Beth Hart w/Quinn Sullivan, Uptown. $35-$227

Blues rock with a touch of Zep – the lauded singer takes on Robert Plant and company as she releases A Tribute to Led Zeppelin on Feb. 25, via Provogue/Mascot Label Group, so expect some familiar classics. 

Arrive early for the talented and Buddy Guy-mentored young guitarist Quinn Sullivan. 

Everything Is Terrible! RecordBar, $15 

Now this might be the ideal remedy for any Covid blues we’re all having- the video and performance art collective has unearthed thousands of forgotten DVD & VHS tapes aimed at yesterday’s youth to bring you their most mind-melting movie to date.

Watch in awe as all colors of the rainbow join forces to destroy the tyranny of adult civilization!  A feature film, live performance (with likely life-size puppets) and need we say, the unexpected, make this potentially the most talked-about show of the new year. 

Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets, Kauffman Center POSTPONED

Friday February 11Lee Brice, Ameristar. $78-$95

Kyle with Col3trane and Leven Kali, Granada. $29

Todd Barry(comedian),  recordBar, $20

Skillet, Tauren Wells, KB, Colton Dixon, T-Mobile Center, $10/door

                          Saturday February 12

Anat Cohen Quartetinho, Folly. $20-$55

Sleigh Bells, The Truman. $30-$60 UPDATE: Postponed to August 10

Kolby Cooper, Uptown. $22

Rosanne Cash, Lied Center. POSTPONED TO MAY 5

02/14 The Backseat Lovers w Over Under at The Truman Read More Backseat Lovers We caught The Backseat Lovers in Oct 2021 and was blown away at their massive fanbase. We even talked about how they sold out with many fans outside the venues, looking for a way ...

Monday February 14The Backseat Lovers w Over Under, The Truman. $25-$50

The Salt Lake City quartet recently released a new live record, Live from the Troubadour recorded at the legendary LA venue and bring their guitar-heavy indie rock style to songs like “Kilby Girl” and “Heavy” and the young band has already played festivals like Lollapalooza, ACL, Ohana, and others.  Nothing says a Valentine’s night out like a Backseat Lovers show.

Opening are friends and fellow Utah-based indie rockers Over Under.

Guardin, Bottleneck-Lawrence, $20-$23

Wednesday February 15Hot Tuna (acoustic), Knuckleheads. $35

Erasure, Uptown. POSTPONED

The Kid Laroi, Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland POSTPONED TO AUGUST 31

john ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Beach Boys at PACER Annual Benefit, Convention Center, Minneapolis (11 May 2019)

Beach Boys Minneapolis Convention Center Pacer program cover Beach Boys Setlist Do It Again Surfin' Safari Catch a Wave Little Honda Surfin' U.S.A. Surfer Girl Don't Worry Baby Little Deuce Coupe 409 Shut Down I Get Around Be True to Your School God Only Knows Sloop John B ([traditional] cover) Wouldn't It Be Nice California Girls Do You Wanna Dance? (Bobby Freeman cover) Help Me, Rhonda Barbara Ann (The Regents cover) Kokomo Good Vibrations -- Encore -- Fun, Fun, Fun Tour Dates May 26 Altoona, PA The Jaffa Shrine Center May 30 Huntington, NY The Paramount May 31 Carlton, MN Black Bear Casino Resort Jun 14 Bizkaia, Spain Legends Festival Jun 16 Prague, Czech Republic Lucerna Jun 18 Hannover, Germany Swiss Life Hall Jun 20 Roskilde, Denmark Roskilde Congress Ctr Jun 21 Bournemouth Bournemouth International Ctr Jun 22 Hull, UK Hull Bonus Arena Jun 24 London, UK Royal Albert Hall Jun 25 London, UK Royal Albert Hall Jun 26 Festival Printemps de Perouges Jun 27 Paris, France Olympia Jun 28 Antwerp, Belgium Stadsshouwberg Jun 29 Frankfurt, Germany Jahrhunderthalle Jun 30 Abenberg, Germany Burg Abenberg Jul 2 Dusseldorf, Germany Mitsubishi Electric Halle Jul 3 Rotterdam, Netherlands Nieuwe Luxor Theatre Jul 5 Rotterdam, Netherlands Port of Rotterdam Jul 6 Brighton, United Kingdom Brighton Centre Jul 7 Oxfordshire, Cornbury Music Festival Jul 9 Zurich, Switzerland Theater 11 Jul 11 Marbella, Spain Starlite Festival Jul 12 Barcelona, Spain Pedralbes Festival Jul 13 Monte-Carlo, France Sporting Club Jul 16 Berlin, Germany Verti Music Hall Jul 17 Dresden, Germany Junge Garde Jul 19 Halle, Germany Freilichtbühne Peißnitzinsel Jul 20 Munich, Germany Cirkus Krone Jul 21 Stuttgart, Germany Liederhalle Jul 22 Freiburg, Germany Zelt-Music-Festival Jul 25 Asheville, NC Biltmore Estate Jul 27 Atlantic City, NJ Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena Jul 28 Whitehouse Station, NJ QuickChek NJ Festival Aug 1 Grand Rapids, MI Meijer Gardens Amph Aug 2 New Buffalo, MI Four Winds Casino Aug 3 Highland Park, IL Ravinia Pavilion Aug 4 Highland Park, IL Ravinia Pavilion Aug 14 Hampton Beach, NH Hampton Beach Casino Aug 15 Lowell, MA Boarding House Park Aug 16 East Providence, RI Bold Point Park Aug 18 Ridgefield, CT Ridgefield Playhouse Aug 21 Chautauqua, NY Chautauqua Institution Amph Aug 22 Canandaigua, NY Constellation Brands–Marvin Sands Aug 23 Lancaster, PA American Music Theatre Aug 24 Selbyville, DE The Freman Stage at Bayside Aug 25 Vienna, VA Wolf Trap Aug 30 Huron, SD South Dakota State Fair Aug 31 Salem, OR Oregon State Fair Sep 2 Puyallup, WA Washington State Fair Sep 4 Jacksonville, OR Britt Festival Sep 6 Lincoln, CA Thunder Valley Casino Resort Sep 8 Saratoga, CA The Mountain Winery Oct 16 San Diego, CA Humphreys Concerts Oct 17 San Diego, CA Humphreys Concerts Dec 1 Palm Springs, CA McCallum Theatre Mar 4 Mesa, AZ Valle De Oro Read More PACER Proceeds from the Annual Benefit support PACER’s programs for children with disabilities and PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center, which was founded in 2006 so that bullying is no longer considered an accepted childhood .... The Beach Boys Wilson, Jardine and Marks have carried on for a brief 7-city summer tour, following a successful 50th anniversary album/73-show tour under The Beach Boys name which fizzled after singer Mike Love …

After seven consecutive months of snow and an extraordinarily long winter, summer has officially come early--

courtesy of The Beach Boys who brought warmth, sunshine, and almost sixty years of hits to PACER Center’s 37th Annual Benefit, presented by Starkey Hearing Technologies, held this past weekend at the Minneapolis Convention Center, to support the work PACER does for families of children with disabilities and children who are bullied.

The mission of PACER Center is to enhance the quality of life and expand opportunities for children, youth, and young adults with all disabilities and their families, so each person can reach his or her highest potential.

PACER, headquartered locally, serves families nationwide, as well as those in-state and operates on the principles of parents helping parents, supporting families, promoting a safe environment for all children, and working in collaboration with others.

The current incarnation of the legendary group is a tight nine-piece band, fronted by original vocalist Mike Love and Bruce Johnston (keys/bass/vocals) who joined in 1965. Love’s son Christian is on rhythm guitar and sings lead on a few songs, and Apple Valley, MN native Brian Eichenberger has re-joined on guitar and high vocals, replacing an ailing Jeff Foskett.

With a stage decorated appropriately with several palm trees, a video screen behind them, and supporting screens on each side, the band entertained the convention center auditorium crowd with a jukebox-like hit parade of twenty-two songs spanning six decades, in just over sixty-five minutes.

The band got the crowd in the mood with a short video montage before opening with 1968’s ‘Do it Again’ (which the band remade in 2011 when Brian Wilson briefly rejoined for their 50^th) with 1962’s ‘Surfin’ Safari’ following close behind.

Love, with silver beard and mustache wore his own Beach Boys cap and a shirt with numerous peace signs emblazoned on it, still the signature voice in a unique musical sound that is so much a part of our lives, it’s hard to imagine a time when it didn’t exist.

As the hits continued, more and more people stood, several in tropical shirts, to dance in the aisles, bop inflatable beach balls around the crowd, and head up front to get a closer look. For ‘Surfer Girl’, Love had everyone hold their cellphone lights in the air, creating a firefly look to the crowd (“it looks like the Milky Way” Love remarked), as he recalled their early area appearance at a ballroom on Lake Minnetonka in the early 60’s.

Eichenberger took lead vocals for a swinging ‘Don’t Worry Baby’ resulting in some hometown applause, and Love introduced ‘Be True to Your School’ as dedicated to people in uniforms… cheer-leading uniforms. Classic ‘God Only Knows’ was performed with Christian Love on lead, taking over the original vocals from late drummer Dennis Wilson and the last third of their set kicked things higher with nothing but monster hits, beginning with ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’.

‘California Girls’ was changed to ‘Minnesota Girls’ a few times on the chorus and Johnston took the lead over for 1965’s ‘Do You Wanna Dance’. The crowd sang back to the band on ‘Help Me Rhonda’ and the band urged everyone to be snowbirds next year and escape the Minnesota chill, to travel to ‘Kokomo’. The trippy electro-theremin of 1966’s ‘Good Vibrations’ still shows how revolutionary that song was fifty-plus years later, and everything ended on a high note with 1964’s ‘Fun, Fun, Fun’, with everyone on their feet, dancing and clapping along.  

Almost sixty years on, the California Sound is still alive and well with The Beach Boys, able to bring warmth and sunshine to even the coldest corners of Minnesota; and on this night supporting a great cause of anti-bullying and promoting a safe environment for all children and young adults and enhancing the lives of people with disabilities, courtesy of the efforts of PACER Center.

(click on any photo below to enlarge and see full image)

Beach Boys at PACER Annual Benefit, Convention Center, Minneapolis (11 May 2019)

john ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ facebook.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

Minneapolis: May 10 to May 11, 2019

Here are some shows taking place in the Minneapolis/St Paul area from May 10 to May 11, 2019.

Read more: Minneapolis Music Guide.

The Lemons: Varshons II Read More The Lemonheads Originally, The Lemonheads were scheduled to play in the closet-sized 7th Street Entry, but seeing as tickets sold-out, they upgraded the band to the full-sized room at First Avenue. … Tommy Stinson This Tommy Stinson (bass player for this little known band called The Replacements) with Milwaukee's Midnight Reruns and Philadelphia's Beach Slang is sold out. .…

THE LEMONHEADS
+ Tommy Stinson
First Avenue
Sat 05/11/2019 (7pm/$25)
first-avenue.com

The original laidback Evan Dando is returning as The Lemonheads to First Avenue this May 11th in support of their 10th album Varshons 2.

Growing up in the 90s, you absolutely own the Lemonheads’ album, It’s a Shame About Ray. The record had the hit title track, and some fun songs like “Rockin Stroll” and “Alison's Starting to Happen” … and who could forget the Simon & Garfunkel cover “Mrs Robinson”?

We last saw Dando in Oct 2011 and wrote how popular the show was: “Originally, The Lemonheads were scheduled to play in the closet-sized 7th Street Entry, but seeing as tickets sold-out, they upgraded the band to the full-sized room at First Avenue.”

Special guest will be Tommy Stinson, you know, from the Minneapolis-legendary band The Replacements? This should be an amazing show.

Tour dates:

05/04: Brooklyn, NY Brooklyn Bowl
05/06: Cleveland, OH Grog Shop
05/07: Detroit, MI St. Andrews Hall
05/08: Toronto, ON Lee's Palace
05/10: Chicago, ILThalia Hall
05/11: Minneapolis, MN First Avenue
05/12: Omaha, NE The Waiting Room Lounge
05/14: Denver, CO Bluebird Theatre
05/17: Seattle, WA Tractor Tavern
05/18: Vancouver, B.C. Rickshaw Theatre
05/19: Portland, OR Doug Fir Lounge
05/21: San Francisco, CA Slim's
05/22: Petaluma, CA Mystic Theatre
05/24: Los Angeles, CA Teragram Ballroom
05/25: San Diego, CA Casbah
05/26: Tempe, AZ Marquee Theatre
05/27: Albuquerque, NM Launchpad
05/29: Oklahoma City, OK Tower Theatre
05/30: Dallas, TX Granada Theatre
05/31: Austin, TX Barracuda
06/01: Houston ,TX White Oak Music Hall
06/03: New Orleans, LA House Of Blues
06/04: Atlanta, GA Terminal West
06/06: Nashville, TN Exit/In
06/07: Charlotte, NC The Underground
06/08: Charleston, SC Music Farm
06/09: Carrboro, NC Cat's Cradle
06/11: Lancaster, PA Chameleon Club
06/12: Pittsburgh, PA Mr. Smalls Theatre
06/13: Washington, D.C. 9:30 Club
06/14: Philadelphia, PA The Foundry At The Fillmore
06/15: Boston, MA Paradise Rock Club

Other shows in the area:

THAD at Turf Club Lucius at Fitzgerald Beach Boys at Convention Center Albert Castiglia at Hook & Ladder TR/ST at 7th Street Read More The Beach Boys Wilson, Jardine and Marks have carried on for a brief 7-city summer tour, following a successful 50th anniversary album/73-show tour under The Beach Boys name which fizzled after singer Mike Love … Lucius At their Rock the Garden show, Lucius previewed a new song (“Dusty Trails”), which just appeared on their latest album Good Grief. … Pure Bathing Culture Pure Bathing Culture opened up the show, playing a forty-minute set of songs like "Dream The Dare" from their debut Moon Tides album, out now on Partisan Records. Their sound is often compared to …

THAD
+ Savannah Smith, Martin Devaney
Turf Club
Fri 05/10/2019 (8pm/$15)
turfclub.net

Singer-songwriter Thad (known for being the lead singer of Leagues) will be playing the Turf Club on Friday, May 10th. His debut album is set for release this Fall 2019 on ATO Records.

Tour dates:

May 9 – Milwaukee, WI – Colectivo Coffee Lakefront
May 10 – St. Paul, MN – Turf Club
May 11 – Chicago, IL – Schubas Tavern
May 12 – Detroit, MI – The Crofoot
May 14 – Toronto, ON – The Drake Hotel
May 16 – Washington, D.C. – Pearl Street Warehouse
May 17 – Brooklyn, NY – Rough Trade
May 18 – Philadelphia, PA – World Café Live
May 21 – Charlottesville, VA – The Southern Café
May 22 – Durham, NC – Motorco Music Hall
May 23 – Asheville, NC – Grey Eagle
June 4 – Seattle, WA – Tractor Tavern
June 5 – Portland, OR – Doug Fir
June 7 – San Francisco, CA – Café Du Nord
June 8 – Los Angeles, CA – Gold Diggers

LUCIUS
+ Pure Bathing Culture
Fitzgerald Theater
Fri 05/10/2019 (7pm/$36.75)
Sat 05/11/2019 (7pm/$36.75)
thefitzgeraldtheater.com

Lucius is doing a two-night residency at the Fitzgerald Theater in St Paul, on May 10 and May 11th, as part of their Live Nudes Tour. The tour may be in support of their acoustic album Nudes… but expect some beats and guitars, and, of course, harmonizing vocals of Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig.

Once again, Lucius is bringing along Pure Bathing Culture (who we last caught together on the same bill in March 2016).

Pure Bathing Culture’s new album Night Pass is out now on Infinite Companion.

Tour dates:

May 04 | Ann Arbor, MI at The Ark
May 07 | Bloomington, IL at Castle Theater
May 08 | Madison, WI at Barrymore Theatre
May 10 | Minneapolis, MN at The Fitzgerald Theater
May 11 | Minneapolis, MN at The Fitzgerald Theater
May 12 | Des Moines, IA at The Franklin
May 15 | Santa Fe, NM at Meow Wolf
May 17 | Tucson, AZ at The Rialto Theater
May 18 | Pioneertown, CA at Pappy & Harriet’s

BEACH BOYS
Minneapolis Convention Center
Sat 05/11/2019 (6pm/$75+)
pacer.org

Fun, fun, fun for a good cause--

This year's PACER Annual Benefit features classic band The Beach Boys featuring Mike Love

This event celebrates PACER’s work on behalf of families of children with disabilities and children and youth who are bullied, with all proceeds supporting PACER’s many worthwhile programs.

The evening also features the largest silent auction in the metro (this year with Mobile Bidding via your smartphone) with items from all categories and the live auction offers unique travel and VIP special experiences.

A popular raffle and wine pull as well as extravaganza bags, are also part of the pre-performance evening.

SCHEDULE
Silent auction: 6 pm
Live auction: 8 pm
Benefit performance: 8 pm
Patron party: After the performance
Performance will be ASL interpreted.

Ticket link: bidpal.net

Tour dates:

May 4 Oklahoma City, OK OKC Civic Center Music Hall
May 5 Enid, OK Central National Bank Center
May 7 Topeka, KS Topeka Performing Arts Center
May 8 Ames, IA Stephens Auditorium
May 9 Sioux City, IA Orpheum Theatre
May 10 Mahnomen, MN Shooting Star Casino
May 11 Minneapolis, MN Minneapolis Convention Center
May 26 Altoona, PA The Jaffa Shrine Center
May 30 Huntington, NY The Paramount
May 31 Carlton, MN Black Bear Casino Resort

ALBERT CASTIGLIA
Hook and Ladder
Sat 05/11/2019 (7:30pm/$12)
thehookmpls.com

Originally scheduled at Famous Dave’s, this Albert Castiglia album release show has moved to the Hook and Ladder Theater & Lounge. The Miami-based singer/songwriter is promoting his new album Masterpiece (coming out May 24th on Gulf Coast Records).

Tour dates:

May 8---Memphis, TN---Rum Boogie Café
May 10—Kansas City, MO---Knucklehead’s Saloon
May 11---Minneapolis, MN---
May 14---Lincoln, NE---Zoo Bar
May 16---Omaha, NE---Chrome Lounge
May 17---Chicago, IL---Buddy Guy’s Legends
Jun 14-16---Key West, FL---Green Parrot
Jun 21---Ft. Myers, FL---Buckingham Blues Bar
Jun 22---Ft. Lauderdale, FL---LauderAle Brewery
Jun 28---Jupiter, FL---Double Roads Tavern
Jun 29---Sarasota, FL---Sarasota Sky Bar & Club
Jul 27---Pomeroy, OH---Big Bend Blues Bash
Aug 9---Charlotte, NC---US Natl. Whitewater Center
Aug 10---Wheeling, W.VA---Heritage Blues Festival
Aug 16---Wausau, WI--- Big Bull Falls Blues Festival

TR/ST
+ Lydia Ainsworth
Fine Line Music Café
Sat 05/11/2019 (8pm/$17)
finelinemusic.com

TR/ST (pronounced as “trust”, not “trist”), will be headlining the Fine Line Music Café this Saturday, May 11th. TR/ST decided to change his name from the hard-to-Google name Trust.

TR/ST’s new LP The Destroyer - Volume 1, available now on Grouch Via House Arrest.

Lydia Ainsworth to open.

Tour dates:

05/04 - Philadelphia. PA | Underground Arts
05/05 - Washington, DC | U Street Music Hall
05/09 - Detroit, MI | El Club
05/10 - Chicago, IL | Lincoln Hall
05/11 - Minneapolis, MN | Fine Line Music Cafe
05/14 - Portland, OR | Wonder Ballroom
05/15 - Seattle, WA | Neumos
05/17 - San Francisco, CA | Great American Music Hall
05/18 - Los Angeles, CA | The Fonda Theatre
06/07-09 - Austin, TX | Austin Terror Fest

vu ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ facebook.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

Minneapolis: August 24 to August 31, 2018

Here are some shows taking place in the Minneapolis/St Paul area from August 24 to August 31, 2018.

Read more: Minneapolis Music Guide.

MN State Fair Read More Minnesota State Fair Despite my protests, we end up going to the Minnesota State Fair every year. This is the "Great Minnesota Get-together", where everyone goes to enjoy eating something on a stick…

MINNESOTA STATE FAIR
MN State Fairgrounds
Thu 08/23/2018-Mon 09/03/2018
mnstatefair.org

It’s that time of the year again. The annual gettogether called the Minnesota State Fair.

As usual, in additional to the Fair’s entrance fee, there may be extra cost to get to the Grandstand music events. Personally speaking, sometime the free music is good enough!

Grandstand:

Aug. 23, 2018 · Niall Horan ($49)

Aug. 24, 2018 · Sugarland ($57)

Aug. 25, 2018 · Trampled by Turtles with Lord Huron and Lissie ($35)

Aug. 26, 2018 · Earth, Wind and Fire ($39)

Aug. 27, 2018 · The Beach Boys ($38.50)

Aug. 28, 2018 · Jason Mraz ($39)

Aug. 29, 2018 · Old Dominion ($25)

Aug. 30, 2018 · Tenderloins ($50)

Aug. 31, 2018 · 311 and Offspring ($49)

Sep. 1, 2018 · Hairball: A Bombastic Celebration of Arena Rock ($15)

Sep. 2, 2018 · Minnesota State Fair Amateur Talent Contest Finals (Free)

Sep. 3, 2018 · Culture Club and B-52s ($35)

Leinie Lodge Bandshell Stage (Free):

August 25 BoDeans

August 27 En Vogue

August 28 En Vogue

September 2 The Secret Sisters

Full schedule at mnstatefair.org/schedule

Chuck Prophet 2018 Poster Lil Baby 2018 Tour Read More Chuck Prophet Other shows in the area: 03/15/2017 Chuck Prophet will be at the Turf Club in Saint Paul. 03/15/2017 The Revivalists is headlining Fine Line Music Café. .…

Other shows in the area:

CHUCK PROPHET
+ Jeremy & the Harlequins
Turf Club
Fri 08/24/2018 (8pm/$17)
turfclub.net

Chuck Prophet will be playing the Turf Club in St Paul in support of his latest album Bobby Fuller Died For Our Sins.

Jeremy & the Harlequins to open.

Tour dates:

08/18/2018 Levitt Pavilion Denver Denver, CO
08/21/2018 Off Broadway Nightclub St. Louis, MO
08/22/2018 SPACE Evanston, IL
08/23/2018 Shank Hall Milwaukee, WI
08/24/2018 Turf Club Saint Paul, MN
08/25/2018 Orton Park Festival Madison, WI
08/26/2018 The Waiting Room Omaha, NE
08/31/2018 San Jose Improv San Jose, CA
09/01/2018 San Jose Improv San Jose, CA
09/02/2018 San Jose Improv San Jose, CA
10/06/2018 The Venue Hammond, IN
10/21/2018 Hopmonk Tavern Novato, CA

LIL BABY
Varsity Theater
Fri 08/24/2018 (7pm/Sold Out)
varsitytheater.com

Atlanta’s fastest rising star Lil Baby will be headlining the Varsity Theater in support of his Harder Than Ever project, out now on Quality Control Music / Motown Records / Capitol Records / Wolfpack Global.

Tour dates:

8/13 Phoenix, AZ @ The Pressroom
8/15 Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
8/16 Houston, TX @ House of Blues
8/19 Denver, CO @ Cervantes' Masterpiece
8/21 Kansas City, MO @ The Truman
8/22 St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
8/24 Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater
8/25 Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
8/26 Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
8/28 Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews Hall
8/29 Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues
8/31 Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club
9/01 Providence, RI @ The Strand
9/02 New Haven, CT @ Toad's Place
9/05 New York City, NY @ Irving Plaza
9/06 Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre of Living Arts
9/08 Washington DC @ The Filmore
9/09 Richmond, VA @ The National
9/11 Norfolk, VA @ The Nova
9/12 Raleigh, NC @ The Ritz
9/13 Charlotte, NC @ The Filmore

vu ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ facebook.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

Christmas 2016: Michael Angelakos, L.E.J., and Knox Hamilton

Here are some new Christmas / Holiday songs for 2016.

Read more Christmas.

>>>

Read More Passion Pit More than a year has passed since Cambridge, MA-based Passion Pit’s breakthrough album, Gossamer (French Kiss Columbia Records) has been released and the indie pop band’s …

MERRY CHRISTMAS, MR FIELDS

Merry Christmas, Mr. Fields is the “video-album” and Original Soundtrack, created by Michael Angelakos (of Passion Pit), Brent Katz (formerly of Harlem Shakes), and director Hana Haley. The album is available now via AKH Productions and Frenchkiss Records.

AKH Productions will be donating all of the proceeds to charity, as well as the Nichols SchoolArts Department.

Merry Christmas, Mr. Fields Track listing:

1. Overture
2. Meet Me at Daphne's
3. Evergreen
4. Weather the Storm
5. Permission to Audition
6. Footprints in the Snow
7. December to Remember
8. O Holy Night
9. Stained Glass Windows
10. Answer Me, Harry
11. And Never Be Afraid
12. Wake Up, It's Christmas
13. Christmas in Your Arms
14. Merry Christmas, Mr. Fields
15. Stained Glass Windows (End Credits)

Read More L.E.J. En attendant l'album L.E.J. Fantastic trio of friends who make music together - they have incredible voices and talent! Impressive range of musical style and ability - refreshing and fun! …

L.E.J.
Christmas Hors D’oeuvre

Classically-driven French pop trio L.E.J. (Elijay) just released their Christmas Hors D’oeuvre EP. L.E.J. consists of three childhood friends: Lucie, Elisa, and Juliette, all studied classical music and orchestration while attending conservatory in their native France together.

The trio added pop music with their classically trained sound on their En attendant l’album, following the the international success of the breakthrough online hit “Summer 2015.” L.E.J. opened up for Pharrell and sold 200,000 albums in less than three months.

Christmas Hors D’oeuvre EP is available now on Republic Records.

Track listing:

1. Game of Bells
2. Carol of the Bells
3. The Sound of Silence (Simon & Garfunkel cover)

Read More Knox Hamilton Here are some quick Knox Hamilton facts: from Little Rock, Arkansas, and their new single "Work it Out" was #2 on SiriusXM’s Alt18 (for at least four weeks straight). ..…

KNOX HAMILTON
The Man With All The Toys
knoxhamilton.com

Knox Hamilton, with help from Team Coco, recently premiered their Beach Boys cover song ‘The Man With All The Toys’.

When asked why, singer Boots Copeland said, “We always felt that The Beach Boys Christmas (1964) album deserves more recognition than it gets, so we figured what better band to carry the torch than Knox Hamilton.”

Of course, the Knox Hamilton cover will feature their falsetto-singing and harmony vocals.

Listen to the song yourself at soundcloud.com

vu ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ facebook.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

Brian Wilson w/ Al Jardine & David Marks - MN Zoo (07/27/13) live review

Setlist California Girls Catch a Wave Hawaii Dance, Dance, Dance Little Deuce Coupe Girl Don't Tell Me In My Room Surfer Girl Please Let Me Wonder Then I Kissed Her Don't Worry Baby Cottonfields Little Bird Do it Again Summertime Blues Do You Wanna Dance? I Get Around Heroes and Villains Your Imagination Goin' Home That's Why God Made The Radio God Only Knows California Saga Sail On, Sailor Marcella Darlin' Pet Sounds Wouldn't It Be Nice Sloop John B Good Vibrations Encore: All Summer Long Help Me Rhonda Barbara Ann Surfin' USA Fun, Fun, Fun Summer's Gone Tour Dates 10/20/13 Greek Theatre - Los Angeles CA Read More The Beach Boys Die-hard Beach Boys fan will want to take a look at the deluxe 50th Anniversary edition called Made in California, coming out August 27, 2013, from Capitol/Universal. The six disc release will contain 60 previously…

The sounds of summer could be heard emanating from the Weesner Amphitheatre at the Minnesota Zoo, even if the weather was doing anything but cooperating. On a brisk and very fall-like Saturday night, over 1,450 fans jammed into the outdoor venue to witness two solid sets of mostly Beach Boys songs performed by Brian Wilson with Al Jardine and David Marks and a 9-piece backup band.

AL JARDINE DAVID MARKS

Wilson, Jardine and Marks have carried on for a brief 7-city summer tour, following a successful 50th anniversary album/73-show tour under The Beach Boys name which fizzled after singer Mike Love took the band and name in a different direction following. Of the split acts, Wilson’s version can be described as the more ‘authentic’ one, as he wrote/co-wrote most of the bands hits and sidemen Jardine and Marks were there in the mid-60s, just as the surf band was making musical waves everywhere.

The 71 year-old Wilson seemed to be in good spirits and fairly engaged, perched on the stool behind his ivory piano, opening strong with ‘California Girls’ which got the crowd immediately into the summer spirit on a chilled misty evening. Hits followed- ‘Catch a Wave’, ‘Little Deuce Coupe’ and ‘Surfer Girl’, the first song Wilson ever wrote, still sounding of the beachfront comfort and west coast harmonies it had a half century prior.

The large backing band (most from the Wondermints Plus, who performed with Wilson on the SMiLE Tour) proved more than musically able, each member having a turn in the spotlight; especially Jeff Foskett providing that needed Beach Boys falsetto and Darian Sanaja, who carried the vocals on a nice version of ‘Darlin’.

SETLIST PHOTO

After a 50 min. first set, the band took a short break before returning for their 75 min closing set, the rain by then past, and audience primed to hear the band’s biggest hits.

Beginning solemnly with the quiet ‘Our Prayer’, it quickly built momentum, highlighted early on by the 1-2 punch of the recent Beach Boys reunion single, ‘That’s Why God Made the Radio’ (from their highest charting album to debut) and a powerful ‘God Only Knows’, dedicated to Wilson’s late brother Carl and which brought an extended and well-deserved standing ovation following. Al Jardine, still blond haired in a white suit, led a spirited ‘Sloop John B’, sandwiched between mega hits ‘Wouldn’t it Be Nice’ and ‘Good Vibrations’, which ended the 2nd set.

A six-song encore followed, anchored by ‘Surfin USA’ and ‘Fun Fun Fun’ which really got the crowd moving and singing, before Wilson came out again saying ‘the rock and rolling is done’ and ending with the melancholy but appropriate ‘Summer’s Gone’.

BRIAN WILSON

The sound was mixed well and clear from our upper vantage point, though the crowd in our section were constantly up and down the stairs mid-song (young people and their multiple beer runs and baby boomers and their weak bladders), which proved more than an annoyance when trying to forget the October-like evening and assimilate into the endless summer of the lyrics and melodies.

All in all though, a satisfying reminder of Wilson’s impact on music history in creating a defining sound; and with word of an upcoming album back on Capitol Records featuring Jeff Beck on guitar, proof that this aging legend, still has more than a little gas left in the tank.

Brian Wilson (with Al Jardine & David Marks) at Weesner Family Amphitheater, Apple Valley (07/27/13)

john () ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ brianwilson.com

Life's a Beach

Read More The Beach Boys So this song is from their only Christmas album, The Beach Boys' Christmas Album, released in 1964. It topped out at number 6, although the single "Little Saint Nick" faired …

THE BEACH BOYS
thebeachboys.com

Die-hard Beach Boys fan will want to take a look at the deluxe 50th Anniversary edition called Made in California, coming out August 27, 2013, from Capitol/Universal. The six disc release will contain 60 previously unreleased songs (consisting of home demos, alternative mixes, and live recordings), all presented in a nice yearbook-inspired hardbound book.

I'm lusting over the photos and the tracklisting, but with these things, I cannot afford it. Still, I'm left thinking, "wouldn't it be nice…?"

Anyway, seems like The Beach Boys are continuing touring - minus Brian Wilson. This version of the band features Mike Love (who holds an exclusive license for the use of touring and playing as The Beach Boys).

06/13 Lemoore, CA Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino 06/14 Wendover, NV Peppermill Concert Hall 06/15 Wendover, NV Peppermill Concert Hall 07/06 Oostende, Belgium Kursaal Oostende 07/07 Hyde Park British Summer time 07/08 L'Olympia Bruno Coquatrix 07/10 Henley-On-Thames, UK Henley Festival 07/12 Delaware County Fair 07/13 Greenville, WI Greenville Lions Park 07/14 Lake Superior Big Top Chataqua 07/18 Tampa, FL Hard Rock Casino 07/19 Chesapeake, VA Chesapeake City Park 07/20 Baltimore, MD Pier 6 07/26 Big Flats, NY Summerstage 07/27 Ocean Grove, NJ Great Auditorium 07/28 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun 08/01 Grand Rapids, MI Meijer Gardens 08/02 Detroit, MI Freedom Hill 08/03 Bowling Green, OH Wood County Fair 08/04 Cleveland, OH Nautica - Jacobs Pavilion 08/06 Cancun, MX Moon Palace 08/08 Verona, NY Turning Stone Casino 08/11 Presqu'ille du Lac Osisko 08/13 Kennett Square, PA Longwood Gardens 08/14 Ramapo, NY Provident Bank Park 08/16 Hampton Beach, NH Hampton Beach Casino 08/17 Hyannis, MA Melody Tent

08/17 Cohassett, MA South Shore Music Circus 08/09 Chautauqua, NY Chautauqua Institute 08/10 Montreal, QC Maddie's Place 08/18 Toronto, ON Canadian National Exhibition 08/22 Nanaimo, BC Port Theater 08/23 Vancouver, BC Pacific National Exhibition 08/24 Manson, WA Mill Bay Casino 08/25 Snoqualmie, WA Snoqualmie Amph 08/28 Charlottesville, VA nTelos Wireless Pavilion 08/29 Supply, NC Odell Williamson Auditorium 08/30 Asheville, NC Biltmore Estate 08/31 Anderson, IN Hoosier Park 09/01 Elkhorn, WI Walworth County Fair 09/06 Lincoln, CA Thunder Valley Casino 09/20 Frederick, MD Great Frederick Fair 09/21 Ocean City, MD Ocean City Sunfest 09/22 Charleston, WV Clay Center For The Arts 09/26 Easton, PA State Theatre 09/27 Williamsport, PA Community Arts Center 09/28 Atlantic City, NJ Borgata 09/29 West Springfield, MA The Big E 10/05 Galveston, TX The Grand 1894 Opera House 10/06 Galveston, TX The Grand 1894 Opera House 10/11 Biloxi, MS Beau Rivage 10/12 Biloxi, MS Beau Rivage 10/17 Tuscaloosa, AL Tuscaloosa Amph 10/18 Hampton, GA Atlanta Motor Speedway

Read More Brian Wilson Instead, what ended up happening was walking to the Hyatt to hopefully see Brian Wilson (Beach Boys) get his NOW Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award. The waiting and buildup time was incredible, only to have Wilson…

BRIAN WILSON
brianwilson.com

You may remember us seeing Brian Wilson at NXNE in 2011 or that the Beach Boys reformed on their 50th anniversary to do that one last tour… Well, the Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson has returned to Capitol Music Group and he is currently recording and self-producing his 11th solo studio album.

So why the new record? Wilson commented, "I was really moved by the fans' excitement about The Beach Boys' album and tour last year (That's Why God Made The Radio). It charged me up and my head was full of music - I just couldn't wait to get back into the studio to let it out."

Brian Wilson will be performing select shows this summer with Al Jardine and David Marks, both former Beach Boys bandmates:

July 20 – Atlantic City, NY Grand t
July 21 – Pittsburgh, PA Stage AE
July 23 – Interlochen, MI Kresge Auditorium
July 25 – Kettering, OH Fraze Pavilion
July 26 – Highland Park, IL Ravinia Festival
July 27 – Apple Valley MN Weesner Family Amph
Oct 20 – Los Angeles Greek Theatre

BEACH DAY
facebook.com/Beachdayband

Florida-based trio Beach Day has a debut album called Trip Trap Attack coming out on June 18, 2013, via Kanine Records. Nylon claimed that the album is "sun-washed, '60s-inspired album", which actually fits right in there with the Beach Boys theme.

Look for this 60s-inspired girl group on tour, which incidentally kicks off today:

06.11 - Kansas City, MO @ The Riot Room
06.12 - Chicago, IL @ Schuba's
06.13 - Detroit, MI @ Garden Bowl
06.14 - NXNE (Urban Outfitters at 2pm)
06.15 - Handle Bar (NXNE)
06.16 - Kops Records (NXNE)
06.19 - Brooklyn, NY @ Glasslands
06.20 - Philadelphia, PA @ North Star Bar
06.21 - Washington, DC @ IOTA
06.22 - Raleigh, NC @ The Pour House
06.23 - Asheville, NC @ Double Crown
06.25 - Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
06.26 - Jacksonville, FL @ Underbelly
06.27 - Orlando, FL @ Will's Pub

BEACH
bitchmusic.com

Karen Mould, otherwise known as Bitch, and recently, as BEACH, will be releasing In Us We Trust on July 16th, 2013, via Short Story Records. Mould describing the project BEACH as "a place where everything shifts. Rocks become sand, water meets earth, birds screech, tides turn and colors collide."

Check out the violinist' video for "Ibuprofen" on YouTube.

Expect even more touring for BEACH, in the meantime, these dates are confirmed:

6/29: Cleveland, OH @ Pride
8/23: Chicago, IL @ City Winery

vu () ♥ weheartmusic.com

NXNE Preview

Can't get enough of NXNE news? I know you're jealous.

I am leaving in two days for NXNE, so this is my only day that I'll have time to do a preview. I have set up a special url (nxne.weheartmusic.com) to quickly access all-things NXNE on W♥M.

I have downloaded two applications to help navigate and scheduling. See below for details.

To start off first, there is a NXNE welcoming party/opening party that is happening on June 15^th. I'm not sure if it's actually open to the public, so I won't tell you where it's located, but I'm sure if you're resourceful, you'll figure it out.

In NXNE news, Brian Wilson will receive the inaugural NOW Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award on June 16 at the Hyatt Regency Toronto (370 King Street West) as part of the NXNE Festival. This is a bit of a last-minute addition, I wasn't even aware that the Beach Boys legend was even in the Toronto area! It's not made clear if he will be performing on the 16^th, but as facts will have it, he will be doing a live gig at Massey Hall on June 18^th via a "rush line". Spots are pretty limited (limited to 50 NXNE pass holders), and since I do want to see him, I will try and wait it out in line.

M for Montreal and Brooklyn Vegan presents a free NXNE show on June 18th called Bruise Cruise. Check it out: "I'm on a boat! Look at the motherf***king boat!"

Looks like loads of fun, the cruise departs at 2pm and if you miss the boat, you miss the show! Bands scheduled to play are:

Ty Segall (headliner)
Young Governor
Uncle Bad Touch
Jesuslesfilles

I don't know any of the bands, outside of Ty Segall, because artie reviewed his 2009 album. Also, Young Governor is basically Ben Cook from the punk band F**ked Up.

The instructions I got was: get to 207 Queens Quay and walk down the boardwalk to the left of Sobey's towards the lake and it's located at the Captain Matthew Flinders. The boat holds about 575 people, so arrive early. It's FREE.

Here are some bands that I may, or may not, check out. But they are on my radar because people send me emails! You can do the same too. Please have the words "NXNE" in your subject header for the next week, so I can filter things accordingly (it'll help me manage my 200 emails a day! Thanks!)

The Worst Thing (Whitey Jam)

STARS
www.youarestars.com

Since I can't stop loving Stars (some of my favorite albums are Nightsongs and Set Yourself on Fire) and I'll always cherish their show at the 400 Bars many, many, years ago. I have kept up with them, even buying their In Our Bedroom After The War with the DVD, although not one of my favorite Stars album, I still love them.

Arts & Crafts is releasing The Bedroom Demos, so it suggests to me that they had so many songs from their Bedroom album that they are finally releasing the demos (14 tracks!)

The digital pricing is right for a release like this, under $6, and you can download a free track "The Worst Thing (Whitey Jam)" at Pitchfork now.

They are doing some limited dates, including headlining one NXNE show (which you know I'll be there):

June 17, 2011 - NXNE - 7:00 pm Toronto, Canada Dundas Square
July 16, 2011 - Canada Kulth Music Festival - 7:00 pm Parksville
August 6, 2011 - Wolfe Island Music Festival - 5:00 pm Kingston, Canada Wolfe Island
August 21, 2011 - Canada Squamish Festival - 5:00 am Squamish

The Postelles: 123 Stop

THE POSTELLES
thepostelles.com

The Postelles' debut self-titled album came out last Tuesday (June 7th) and for a limited time, you can download their free new single song "123 Stop" at Rolling Stones. The song and album were produced by the band and The Strokes' Albert Hammond Jr.

There is a limited edition vinyl available at Insound until July 6th. I wonder if you can also purchase the vinyl at their live show - which incidentally they are playing NXNE at The Garrison on June 15.

6/10 || Philadelphia, PA || Kung Fu Necktie*
6/11 || Washington, DC || Red Palace*
6/15 || Toronto, ON, Canada || The Garrison/NXNE
6/17 || Chicago, IL || Schubas*
6/18 || Milwaukee, WI || Summer Soulstice Music Festival
6/23 || San Francisco, CA || Popscene @ Rickshaw Stop
6/28 || Los Angeles, CA || The Echo || Kitten, Pageants, Pan Am
7/2 || Las Vegas, NV || Beauty Bar
7/7 || Boston, MA || T.T. the Bear's Place*
8/5 || Southhampton, NY || Escape to New York Festival
8/27 || Montauk, NY || Benefit Show for Music Unites at The Surf Lodge

* with The Dig

SMOKE FAIRIES
www.smokefairies.com

Smoke Fairies are from the UK and their US debut album, Through Low Light and Trees, is coming out next week (June 14th via 453 Records).

I did get a chance to listen to it, and I'll tell you what I like about it: it has great atmosphere. Through Low Light and Trees, with its quiet low-key analog sound and acoustics sounds like it's an album that was recorded in the past.

It's sometime bluesy ("Strange Moon Rising", "Feeling is Turning Blue") and dark ("Devil in my Mind") and sometime a bit too fantasy and fantastic ("Dragon"). Still, it's definitely different and refreshing from the usual indie rock bands that dominates NXNE. Smoke Fairies are worth checking out at The Dakota in Toronto on June 18th. Head over there to find out why Time Out New York noted that Smoke Fairies are "Top 5 Must See Bands".

They'll catch up with Rasputina in July. I suspect if conflicts and scheduling made me miss their NXNE appearance, I will likely see them in August at 7th Street.

June 18 /// The Dakota /// Toronto, ON
June 20 /// Passim Folk and Cultural Center /// Boston, MA
June 21 /// Rockwood Music Hall /// New York, NY
June 22 /// Rock Shop /// Brooklyn, NY
July 29 /// Key Club * /// Los Angeles, CA
July 30 /// SLO Brewing Co * /// San Luis Obispo, CA
July 31 /// Great American Music Hall * /// San Francisco, CA
August 4 /// WOW Hall * /// Eugene, OR
August 5 /// Doug Fir Lounge * /// Portland, OR
August 6 /// Tractor Tavern * /// Seattle, WA
August 8 /// The Railyard * /// Billing, MT
August 11 /// Bourbon Theater * /// Lincoln, NB
August 12 /// Blue Moose Tap House * /// Iowa City, IA
August 13 7th Street Entry * Minneapolis, MN
August 14 /// Shank Hall * /// Milwaukee, WI
August 16 /// Underground * /// Sandusky, OH

Child Bite: Odd Inn

CHILD BITE
childbite.com

From Detroit, Michigan, Child Bite is heading up to Toronto to play some shows at NXNE. The most interesting thing about the band, that I've read, is that they use a gaming joystick on stage. I guess I'll have to check them out to see what that is all about.

They are playing with DD/MM/YYYY on June 16th at Sneaky Dee's. Technically DD/MM/YYYY isn't even on until 1am! Yikes!

They are also playing with Peelander-Z on June 18th, also at the same venue. I know for a fact that I will be at Sneaky Dee's on June 18th, so I'll definitely will catch Child Bite.

I am told that I should look to get some nachos there. Done.

Free download of "Odd Inn" at bandcamp.com

EXTRA ARMS
extraarmsmusic.com

Extra Arms is an indie rock band from Brooklyn, New York. They are playing at The Boat at 10pm on June 16th. Their debut single is called "Race to Sleep", which you can listen on Soundcloud. The song is mixed by Bryce Goggin (who worked on Pavement - and you know how we love our Pavement and recently Antony and the Johnsons, who "scared the crap out of me"). If you end up listening to the song, it does have that Alternative 90s sound, and there's some epic guitar-playing towards the end. I'm pretty certain if the song is done live, it'll be at the end of their set and it'll also be a jamfest.

A full length album, to be produced by Grammy-winner Alex Newport, is due out this fall.

You can keep up with them on facebook and their official website, extraarmsmusic.com.

MYNXNE
www.shweet.com

Screenshots from mynxne Artist Summary

News Feed

The two one NXNE application that will help me navigate are: NXNEi and mynxne.

Mynxne application looks great. It's basically an all-in-one solution, but since I don't live in Canada (and don't have Rogers), it might not be that useful if the data aren't cached from wifi*. I'm probably not going to pay for the AT&T international charges, so I'll turn off cellular data when I'm in Canada.

I like that there are NXNE-related news and complete event listing. Seems like a lot of work to put into this application that will be used maybe a few times a year!

* Update: I did more testing of mynxne last night at the Architecture in Helsinki show. Without data service, I was still able to see event listing overview and was able to add some to my calendar without any problems. The application did warn me that I was not online, which was nice to know in case things have changed since the last time the data was cached. Worked great on wifi and it looks great. One annoyance was I often have to click on "full story" because of lack of formatting (but this is expected because the blurbs are there to give you only a glimpse of the actual news article). Can't wait to use this on the field in a few days.

The NXNE Interactive sessions and workshops are all located at Hyatt Regency Toronto (370 King W, M5V 1J9). It lasts two days (June 15 and 16), and it looks like they are in the daytime, so I don't think it'll conflict with any of my shows. Most of the events on the 15th are workshops, which means you generally need a laptop to work with (and since I'm travelling light, these sessions might not be for me.) I didn't know a lot of the speakers, but there are some things I'm interested in - in particular website designs and social media.

Just realized that the NXNi app is from 2010!

Here are some Interactive Section that stood out/sparked my interests:

Interview with Steve Anderson of OpenMedia.ca June 16 @ 4:50 PM Speaker(s)/Panelists: Steve Anderson Jesse Brown Over the past few years our freedoms to access the internet in an open and fair way have been continually challenged. From selective throttling of bandwidth to anti-competitive billing schemes the major service providers have been trying everything they can to squeeze every last penny out of Canadians. OpenMedia.ca and SaveOurNet.ca have helped raise awareness about these issues to unprecedented levels, resulting in positive results for internet users across the country. Join Jesse Brown of the Search Engine podcast as he interviews Steve Anderson, the National Coordinator for OpenMedia.ca and learn what you need to do in order to preserve our future freedom to access and use the internet in open and innovative ways. Produced by Interactive Ontario		The Black Hole of Facebook June 16 @ 12:00 PM Location: Speaker(s)/Panelists: Lee Dale and Jay Goldman How fans disappear on your Pages and ways to engage beyond Like Facebook maintains the largest single social network on the Web, presenting a huge win for marketers who can tap into even a fraction of this population. Yet the majority of campaigns get stuck at Like, losing the engagement of fans following that initial connection.		Wheel Of Fortune/Misfortune: Conversations About Music & Stuff June 16 @ 2:15 PM Speaker(s)/Panelists: Jeff Waye Meghan Currier Jake Gold Joseph Patel The craziest stories from the road; how promoters really feel about tube socks on riders; the digitization of music and the rebirth of vinyl. Worst mistake ever made. Best advice ever given. Worst artist encounter. Damn kids and their torrents. Why doesn't the entertainment business get with the times... Watch as this group of panelists spins the wheel on a wide range of topics sure to insight hilarious, interesting, insightful, and irreverent ranting conversation. Come be a part of the conversation as additionally we'll be adding the Panel Hi-Jacker chair. Someone from the audience always tries to take over the conversation... so now we're making it official and inviting members of the audience to partake. Good times promised... we might even get the panel drunk!

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Christmas Songs, Part 1

 

 

W♥M Video #4: Special Holiday Gift Guide

With only a few days left for the Christmas holiday, I'm compiling some Christmas songs for you. There's so many holiday songs that I might do a part two and three, so watch this space.

First off, I've edited together a few video sessions and we're going to call it a Holiday Buyer's Guide or interesting music boxsets and stuff I thought was cool. They weren't necessary released this year (and in fact, I'm pretty sure you couldn't buy some of these items). Anyway, check out the video. The format will change after this, so it'll be the last of this longer format.

So, let's start with some Christmas songs:

Twelve Girls Band - Last Christmas www.12girls.org     Twelve Girls Band - Last Christmas These girls can sure play, but they obviously cannot count, as Twelve Girls Band actually consists of 13 women (see for yourself, count them on the cover!). Apparently they were formed by Wang "father of Chinese rock music" Xiao-Jing through a contest in 2001 and assembled twelve girls, each representing Chinese mythology of twelve hairpins. Looking at their overwhelming discography, it would seem that they released quite a few live albums (usually with a DVD). Anyway, their Christmas-themed album, Twelve Girls of Christmas (2005), was released as Merry Christmas To You in Japan. All the familar Christmas songs are done with traditional Chinese instruments, such as the Mandolin and the Gao-Hu (Fiddle), but they are wonderfuly interpretted. Check out this version of "Last Christmas". Wham! never sounded better, right?	Enya - Adeste, Fideles www.enya.com     Enya - Adeste, Fideles If you haven't heard of Enya, then I'm afraid you haven't been in any elevators in the past decade. She bursted onto the charts in the late 80s with that "sail away" song (it's actually called "Orinoco Flow" but who can remember that?) She's recently resurfaced again in the popular Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings series, and once again secures herself as the queen of New Age music. This song, "Adeste, Fideles" originally does not appear on Amarantine (2005). After a year, the record company decided to boost its sale by re-releasing the album as Amarantine Special Christmas Edition with a bonus second disc. The second disc is an all Christmas EP, originally released in the states as Sounds of the Season, and in Canada as the Christmas Secrets EP.
They Might be Giants - Santa's Beard www.tmbg.com     They Might Be Giants - Santa's Beard I first heard of this rocking song off their sophomore album, Lincoln (1988), and it's about a jealous husband. The song is about how every year his buddy puts on a red suit and hangs out with his family. Then he would spot his wife wearing his beard and kissing him, etc. Although the song is old, it resurfaced on Then: The Earlier Years (1997) and again in a special Christmas EP called They Might Be Giants in Holidayland (2001). Technically this isn't a very traditional Christmas song, but whenever I think of Christmas songs - this is the one that comes to my mind first and foremost because it's so fun and different.	The Beach Boys - Little Saint Nick www.thebeachboys.com     The Beach Boys - Little Saint Nick I can't overlook the fact that this winterly Christmas song is suddenly transformed to a fun Summer Beach party (with Gidget). It's not one of my favorite Christmas tunes, probably because it's basically the same song as their previous hit "Little Deuce Coupe". So this song is from their only Christmas album, The Beach Boys' Christmas Album, released in 1964. It topped out at number 6, although the single "Little Saint Nick" faired a little better at #3 on the charts (although this singles version is different than the album version).
Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers - Christmas Without You Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers - Christmas Without You www.dollyparton.com ♥ www.kennyrogers.com   I'll be honest with you: I love Country music. I grew up with pop music and one of the songs that I loved when I was a kid was "Island in the Stream", performed by Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton. This was a single from Kenny Roger's album, Eyes That See in the Dark (1983). These two only released one album together, Once Upon a Christmas (1984), with two singles from this album: "Christmas Without You" and "The Greatest Gift of All". Their last duet was "Love Is Strange" (1990), which I've never heard.	The Dandy Warhols - The Little Drummer Boy The Dandy Warhols - The Little Drummer Boy dandywarhols.com   According to allmusic, this is one of the Dandy Warhols' first EP release (if not the earliest). Strangely the single/EP is not listed on their wikipedia page. The popular Christmas song tells the story of a young boy who was so poor, he couldn't afford a gift for the baby Jesus. So instead, he wrote and played the drums in tribute as the baby smiles... I guess, not really much to add to this, except that the Dandy Warhols song was also included on XFM's Cool Cool Christmas Album (2000). I think this album sold very well when it was released and contains a wonderful version of "Feliz Navidad" by El Vez and "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" by Belle & Sebastian.

 12/19/2007 21:01:09  vu my♥posts www.weheartmusic.com