W♥M

ZZ Top w/ Uncle Kracker at Starlight Theatre, Kansas City MO (2023-08-16)

ZZ TOP SETLIST Got Me Under Pressure I Thank You (Sam & Dave cover) Waitin' for the Bus Jesus Just Left Chicago Gimme All Your Lovin' Pearl Necklace I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide I Gotsta Get Paid My Head's in Mississippi Sixteen Tons (Merle Travis cover) Just Got Paid Sharp Dressed Man Legs Encore: Brown Sugar Tube Snake Boogie La Grange UNCLE KRACKER SETLIST Nobody's Sad on a Saturday Night All Summer Long (Kid Rock cover) Follow Me The Gambler (Don Schlitz cover) Reason to Drink When the Sun Goes Down (Kenny Chesney cover) Smile Drift Away (Mentor Williams cover) Read More ZZ Top The Houston blues rock group aka “That Little Ol’ Band from Texas” (also the title of their recent Netflix doc) returns to the road, just ahead of a co-headlining tour with Lynyrd Skynyrd....

Out on their Raw Whisky Tour, legendary Texas blues rock trio ZZ Top hit Starlight Theatre in Kansas City for an express set of hit-filled favorites, a couple deep cut tracks, and a soundtrack to the hell raisin', beer drinkin' good time, they've come to be known for. 

Instead of huge video screens, laser lights, and synchronized dance steps, the focus was primarily on the music of their previous five decades and counting, making for a more intimate feeling show (though a 15-string bass, fur guitars, and an fun ending complete with bubble machines and a disco ball, were all part of the show.)  

The trio remains in fine musical form and plays just a few more headlining dates, before joining Lynyrd Skynyrd for a co-headlining tour to take them into the Fall.  

Opener Uncle Kracker entertained the early evening crowd, with a short set that included his own familiar songs ("Follow Me") and the loudest audience response saved for some smart covers from the likes of his pals, Kid Rock and Kenny Chesney, along with a timeless "Drift Away" to end his supporting set.  

More details to come!

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The Houston blues rock group aka “That Little Ol’ Band From Texas” (also the title of their recent Netflix doc) returns to the road, just ahead of a co-headlining tour with (what remains of) Lynyrd Skynyrd. When bassist Dusty Hill died in his sleep recently at age 72, fans thought the band might be over, but even after 51 years of the core trio, replacement Elwood Francis has fit in remarkably well.

They formed way back in 1969 when two rival bands joined forces: Moving Sidewalks with guitarist Billy Gibbons and American Blues with Hill and drummer Frank Beard. Their mainstream breakthrough was 1983’s Eliminator album, receiving Diamond certification (sales over 10 million units) which included hit tracks “Gimme All Your Lovin’” “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Legs” and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Keith Richards in 2004. We saw them last, fifteen years ago at a radio festival with The Pretenders and Stray Cats, and know they still put on an entertaining show.

Arrive early for opener Uncle Kracker, the one-time Kid Rock cohort, to hear his big hit, “Follow Me”.

BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) will also present Billy F Gibbons, the centerpiece and one third of ZZ Top, with its coveted Troubadour Award during a private reception at BMI's Nashville office on Monday, Sept. 18th. The prestigious accolade recognizes a songwriter who has made a profound impact on the creative community as their craft continues to set the pace for generations to follow.

As the chief songwriter for ZZ Top, Gibbons' credits include iconic hits such as "Sharp Dressed Man," "Legs," "Cheap Sunglasses" and "La Grange," the lead single from ZZ Top's Tres Hombres album that catapulted the trio into mainstream success fifty years ago.

"With a career spanning several decades, Billy has penned an array of timeless hits that have left an inedible mark on the music industry," BMI's VP of Creative Nashville, Clay Bradley said. "His ability to craft lyrics that resonate with audiences across generations is a testament to his songwriting prowess and he is the epitome of what the BMI Troubadour Award represents."

Dubbed "Nashville's most glorious low-key party" (Rolling Stone), the night will include unforgettable tribute performances and commemorative speeches by special guests during cocktail reception and dinner. Gibbons joins the ranks of past Troubadour Award recipients including John Hiatt, John Prine, Robert Earl Keen and Lucinda Williams. Falling on the eve of AMERICANAFEST, the night serves as a homecoming for BMI's Americana family of artists and is sponsored by George Dickel Bourbon and WP Global.

 

 

ZZ TOP Tour Dates

 

AUG17 Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre Maryland Heights, MO
AUG19 Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre Tinley Park, IL
AUG20 Ruoff Music Pavilion Noblesville, IN
AUG24 Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center Canandaigua, NY
AUG25 Riverbend Music Center Cincinnati, OH
AUG26 Pine Knob Music Theatre Clarkston, MI
AUG27 Budweiser Stage Toronto, ON
AUG29 Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom Hampton, NH
AUG30 Toyota Oakdale Theatre Wallingford, CT
SEP1 PNC Music Pavilion Charlotte, NC
SEP2 Merriweather Post Pavilion Columbia, MD
SEP3 The Pavilion at Star Lake Burgettstown, PA
SEP6 Capital Theatre Port Chester, NY
SEP8 Broadview Stage at SPAC Saratoga Springs, NY
SEP9 Hersheypark Stadium Hershey, PA
SEP10 PNC Bank Arts Center Holmdel, NJ
SEP15 Coastal Credit Union Music Park Raleigh, NC
SEP17 Freedom Mortgage Pavilion Camden, NJ
OCT5 Muckleshoot Casino Events Center Auburn, WA
OCT10 Peavey Mart Centrium Red Deer, AB
OCT11 Grey Eagle Resort & Casino Calgary, AB
OCT12 Edmonton Expo Centre Edmonton, AB
OCT14 Abbotsford Centre Abbotsford, BC
OCT15 Yakama Nation Legends Casino Toppenish, WA
OCT17 Gallo Center for the Arts Modesto, CA
OCT18 Humphreys San Diego, CA
OCT20 Arlington Theater Santa Barbara, CA
OCT21 Fantasy Springs Resort Casino Indio, CA
OCT22 In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip Pomona, CA
OCT26 River Spirit Casino Resort Tulsa, OK
OCT27 Stride Bank Center Enid, OK
OCT28 Firelake Arena and Event Center Shawnee, OK
OCT30 Majestic Theatre San Antonio, TX
OCT31 Majestic Theatre San Antonio, TX

     (Click on any image to enlarge and see in full, apologies to uncle Kracker fans as our late arrival prevented us from any photos of him)

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

We♥KC! August 14-23, 2023 Upcoming concerts / shows (Kansas City / Lawrence, KS)

Read More: Sylvan Esso Sylvan Esso have sold out. The band was recently in Minneapolis at the second annual 10 Thousand Sounds Music Festival, which we caught the "up-and-coming dreamy indie-folk duo" last year.…

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

Two Icons, One Night--

Arrowhead Stadium again takes center stage this week for the big Billy Joel/Stevie Nicks extravaganza and fingers crossed, that any late August rain stays away for the night. Headliner Lil’ Durk was supposed to hit T-Mobile Center this week, but medical issues have kept him from the road, and our collective heart goes out to everyone in Maui.

School starts August 21 at KU, so expect Lawrence to come alive more, with additional shows heading into the Fall.

Let’s take look at the Kansas City/ Lawrence KS metro musical happenings from August 14th to 23rd.

MONDAY AUGUST 14

Dave Wakeling with The English Beat, Knuckleheads CANCELED/RESCHEDULED

TUESDAY AUGUST 15

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 16

ZZ Top w Uncle Kracker, Starlight, $35-$99.50

The Houston blues rock group aka “That Little Ol’ Band From Texas” (also the title of their recent Netflix doc) returns to the road, just ahead of a co-headlining tour with (what remains of) Lynyrd Skynyrd. When bassist Dusty Hill died in his sleep recently at age 72, fans thought the band might be over, but even after 51 years of the core trio, replacement Elwood Francis has fit in remarkably well.

They formed way back in 1969 when two rival bands joined forces: Moving Sidewalks with guitarist Billy Gibbons and American Blues with Hill and drummer Frank Beard. Their mainstream breakthrough was 1983’s Eliminator album, receiving Diamond certification (sales over 10 million units) which included hit tracks “Gimme All Your Lovin’” “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Legs” and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Keith Richards in 2004. We saw them last, fifteen years ago at a radio festival with The Pretenders and Stray Cats, and know they still put on an entertaining show.

Arrive early for opener Uncle Kracker, the one-time Kid Rock cohort, to hear his big hit, “Follow Me”.

THURSDAY AUGUST 17

The Wallflowers w Will Dailey, Uptown, $35-$75

Can it be this long already?! For the past 30 years, Jakob Dylan has led his ever-changing line up of The Wallflowers, who broke through with 1996’s Bringing Down the Horse sophomore album. Dylan has also done some solo work and even the 2018 film Echo in the Canyon whose accompanying soundtrack also featured Neil Young, Eric Clapton, Beck and Fiona Apple.

Outlaw country singer Shelby Lynne is featured on three tracks of the band’s newest album, 2021’s Exit Wounds, (produced by a fave, Butch Walker) and KC missed them on the recent Matchbox Twenty tour (Matt Nathanson opened the local stop), but this is a chance to see a few headlining set.

Arrive early to catch Boston area singer-songwriter Will Dailey, who we interviewed ahead of this show (link here) and be sure to stop at the merch booth for a chance to listen (and leave your thoughts) to a song only available there.

FRIDAY AUGUST 18

Sylvan Esso with Indigo De Souza, The Midland. $29.50-$49.50

A double bill worth the wait- the “No Rules Tour” makes a Kansas City stop on its way to wrapping up next month at Red Rocks in Colorado. The eclectic electronic duo (Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn) has a new album, No Rules Sandy, which features the singles “Your Reality” and “Didn’t Care.” When we caught them live as openers a decade ago, we knew they were headed to bigger and better things (and larger venues too).

Live, expect their handful of alternative radio hits, a healthy helping of the new record, and even digging deep for a not well-known cover from Chicago’s Califone.

Arrive early for another Carolina-based artists, Indigo De Souza whose third full-length, All of This Will End, dropped earlier this spring (via Saddle Creek). We caught her live last, opening for a bedridden Lucy Dacus in Lawrence last year. The new record signals a confident artistic turning point, encompassing eleven songs that are described as” raw and radically optimistic” that “grapples with mortality, the rejuvenation that community brings, and the importance of centering yourself now.”

Kidz Bop, Starlight. $29.50-$79.50

Not to be denied, they are the #1 kids brand for music- The KIDZ BOP Never Stop Live Tour introduces four new KIDZ BOP Kids- Jackson, Kiya, Shila, and Tyler performing today’s biggest hits live on stage. The family-friendly show will feature new songs, choreography, special effects, and the return of the Daddy Dance Off, giving dads the chance to show off their own dance moves on stage.

SATURDAY AUGUST 19

Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks, Arrowhead. $54.50-$354.50

“Two Icons, One Night”- two rock radio titans join forces at the stadium level for a night of songs we all know by heart. Despite their stylistic differences, their catalogs share the commonality of depth and endurance.

Hopes are quite dim that Fleetwood Mac will ever play together again after the passing of Christine McVie (and thoughts go out to Mick Fleetwood, whose Maui restaurant was completely burned down), so this might be one of the last chances to hear their hits, along with Nicks’ own radio classics (prepare for tears during “Landslide”.)

Joel recently announced an end to his fabled Madison Square Garden run (next July) and at the age of 74, (Nicks is 75), chances become fewer and far between to see them on the road, never mind together. As he has previously at recent baseball stadium solo shows, Joel performs on a rotating platform so all can get a good look at the Piano Man and remains in relatively good voice.

In addition to their own full sets, they join forces on the dueling vocals of “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” and there’s been a touching Tina Turner tribute, though not a part of the regular setlist.

Incubus w Badfinger, Paris Jackson, Azura Amph, $24-$149

Incubus are back for another summer of touring, with a package that includes Aussie rockers Badflower and Michael’s daughter, Paris Jackson opening on a trek that goes to the end of the month, wrapping Aug 29 in Grand Junction, CO.

Incubus last released a full album with 2017's 8 but returned in 2019 with single "Into the Summer" and in 2020 with "Our Love" from the Trust Fall (Side B) EP. Badflower's most recent offering was 2021's This Is How the World Ends, and Jackson issued the lost ep last February.

Trey Kennedy (comedian), The Midland, $45-$95

A social media sensation, Kennedy never expected to enter the entertainment industry but found fame while in college on Vine, amassing more than 2.5 million followers. Kennedy has continued his social media success on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, YouTube (his self-produced comedy special “Are You For Real?” is on there) and TikTok where he has a combined 10+ million followers and also has a podcast titled “Correct Opinions”.

Lil Durk w Kodak Black, NLE Choppa, and DD Osama T-Mobile Center CANCELED

SUNDAY AUGUST 20

Soulja Boy, The Truman, $30-$60

It's SouljaWorld as the rapper is heading out on tour to celebrate the 15th anniversary of his “SouljaBoyTellem” album. To kick off the anniversary tour, he took the stage alongside several music icons, including Usher, Missy Elliot, Mariah Carey, Pitbull and Christina Aguilera, during the Lovers and Friends Festival back in May. S.O.D. and Money Gang listed as support.

MONDAY AUGUST 21

TUESDAY AUGUST 22

Johnny Booth, Thoughtcrime, and Earth Grones, Encore at Uptown, $15

The NY five-piece metalcore outfit is out in support of their latest studio album, Moments Elsewhere, released just last month. The Moments Elsewhere Tour just kicked off, with the band saying, “We'll be hitting the road with our friends in Thoughtcrimes and Earth Groans We'll see you out there!”

Kings Kaleidoscope, The Truman, $29.50

The Seattle faith-based alternative band has released 4 EPs to date, all musically curious and building upon the mainstay sounds of drums, bass, keys and guitars, adding an array of orchestral violins, cellos, woodwinds, trombones, trumpets and vibraphones. There’s also a strong hip-hop influence and a Mars Volta-like energy that makes them both eclectic and ones to watch. Tyson Motsenbocker listed as support.

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 23

Friendship Commanders, miniBar, $15

The Nashville heavy duo is vocalist/guitarist Buick Audra and drummer/bassist Jerry Roe, out in support of upcoming new full-length, MASS, a ten-track concept record about memory, language, and the state of Massachusetts and the album will be accompanied by a memoir of essays by Audra, both released on September 29^th, so this should be a preview of the new work.

The ten-track body of work was co-produced, engineered, and mixed by Kurt Ballou at his Salem, MA studio. Last year’s EP, RELEASE THE REST, is a limited vinyl compilation of the singles they released throughout the pandemic, also mixed by Ballou. HEELS and Buzzard Fight also featured on the bill.

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

We♥KC - August 1-15, 2021 Upcoming Shows (Kansas City / Lawrence, KS)

Jackie Venson at Knuckleheads   Wynonna & the Big Noise at Knuckleheads   Foo Fighters at Azura Amphitheater   Paul Cauthen at Knuckleheads  Slash and Bash Horror and Sci-Fi Movie Festival   Garth Brooks at Arrowhead Stadium   Wilco and Sleater-Kinney at Arvest Bank Theatre   Soul Asylum and Juliana Hatfield at Grinder's  Read More Jackie Venson Austin-born Jackie Venson will be playing the 7th Street Entry on Saturday, July 20th. Tour dates: 07/11/2019 Smith's Olde Bar Atlanta, GA … Sleater-Kinney What are you doing on V-Day? If you're a Sleater-Kinney fan, you'll be at this sold out show. According to my bad memories and physical ticket stubs, I've seen Sleater-Kinney at least three times, and have expressed sadness ...

Despite a virus resurgence (especially in southwest Missouri), live shows have gladly made a return for what will be no doubt, some celebratory shows.  In theKansas City / Lawrence, KS area, concerts are getting more frequent with about every venue re-opened and plenty of outdoor concerts, despite the recent triple-digit heat.

As always, check the venue websites and social media to verify the show goes on as scheduled, and for any virus protocols or mask mandates, that may be required.  As examples, Jason Isbell’s August 3^rd show was recently canceled and The Decemberists postponed their entire tour, though the show still appears on the local venue’s website. ZZ Top is continuing onward, despite the recent death of bassist Dusty Hill, who had previously bowed out of the tour, with shoulder and hip issues.

Here’s what’s happening in the area for the first half of August (a few recommended shows are highlighted below):

Sun 08/01/2021

Jackie Venson, Knuckleheads.  $12
We thoroughly enjoyed seeing Venson opening for Gary Clark, Jr in 2017and she is in her element live, as evidenced by two live albums out in 2020, as well as her latest self-released studio album, Vintage Machine. Expect guitar fireworks from the Austin-based singer-songwriter.

Gucci Mane with Lil Tjay, Yung Bleu, more, Liberty Memorial North Lawn. $49.50-$150

Tue 08/03/2021

Cody Ko and Noel Miller, Uptown. $35-$142
Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit, Azura Amphitheater. CANCELED.
Jason Mraz, Starlight. $30.50-$99.50

Wed 08/04/2021

Wynonna w Big Noise, Knuckleheads. $49.50-$74.50
A timeless entertainer, Judd kept pretty busy during the lockdown, recording the live special Concert from My Place with husband Cactus Moser and guests Brandi Carlile and Waylon Payne that you may have seen on PBS, and now’s the chance to see her live.

Thu 08/05/2021

Foo Fighters with Radkey, Azura Amphitheater $49-$105
Tickets surprisingly still remain for this show (on the lawn) for one of rock’s biggest and most enduring acts who get inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame later this fall.  Medicine at Midnight(on RCA/Roswell Records) is the band’s latest and Grohl and co. have brought along opener Radkey,led by three brothers from St. Joseph and who were featured in Grohl’s recent doc, What Drives Us.

Paul Cauthen w Leah Blevins, Knuckleheads. $25
Cauthen has gradually built up his reputation as an Americana folk singer with a distinctive baritone voice, both as a member of Sons of Fathers and solo, and his recent collaboration with opener Leah Blevins, led to her debut album, First Time Feeling (on Crabtree Records), out this week.

Slash and Bash Horror and Sci-Fi Movie Festival, Topeka Perf Arts Center Thurs-Sat, $20.
On the pop culture front, anyone in the Topeka area might enjoy this three-day film festival featuring dozens of movies showing, guests like Victoria Price (daughter of Vincent Price), a game room, vendor selling area, and more.  More info: Here

Greyson Chance, Bottleneck-Lawrence. $25-$65

Fri 08/06/2021

Lady A w/ Carly Pearce, Niko Moon, and Tenille Arts, Azura Amphitheater. $20-126
The good news is that Lady A (no longer Antebellum) both has a new record out, What a Song Can Do (Chapter One) (on Big Machine Records) and are back on tour with three other acts, for a full evening.  At last word, promo lawn tickets for just $20 were still available.
Tanya Tucker with Erin Enderlin, Knuckleheads. $48.50 sold out

Sat 08/07/2021

Garth Brooks, Arrowhead Stadium,  $94.95
The best-selling solo artist in U.S. history brings his show to Arrowhead Stadium and broke the entertainment box office record there- selling out 74,500 tickets in an hour. The show is also encouraging virus protocols, with a vaccination station on-site for those still needing a shot.
The Decemberists, Grinders CANCELED.
Dermot Kennedy, Uptown. $35-$277
Tech N9ne, Kansas City Live! $27.50-$100

Sun 08/08/2020

ZZ Top w Willie Nelson, George Thorogood, Azura Amphitheater, $34.50-$249.
A formidable triple-bill is somewhat sullied by the recent death of ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill, but the show must go on, according to singer Billy Gibbons.  Hill had bowed out after two shows of the tour, citing hip and shoulder issues, so their longtime bass tech is stepping in.

Mon 08/09/2021

Struggle Jennings with Brianna Harness and Caitlynne Curtis, The Truman. $20-$40

Tues 08/10/2021

My Baby, Knuckleheads. $15
(hed) pe, Cafe Acoustic- St. Joseph, $20-30

Wed 08/11/2021

Shakey Graves with Tré Burt, The Truman. $27-$54
Dropkick Murphys / Rancid / The Bronx, Grinder's, $45-$99

Thu 08/12/2021

Wilco and Sleater-Kinney, Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland. $35-$87.50
Previously scheduled for Aug 2020, It’s Time!as the name of their tour proudly announces. 

This co-headlining show is an alt-rock lover’s dream (w/NNAMDÏ opening), with Wilco taking song requests via their website, and an exclusive 7” available at the merch stand, with the two longtime bands covering a favorite song of the other’s.

Fri 08/13/2021

The Dead South, Grinders. $25-$75
Jackopierce, Knuckleheads. $20
All Time Low with The Maine and Grayscale, KC Live! $25-$85

Sat 08/14/2021

Eddie Griffin, Uptown. $39.50-$127
Mike Zito’s Big Damn Band with Tito Jackson, Knuckleheads. $25
DaBaby, Azura Amphitheater. $49.50-$199.50
Bryce Vine, Liberty Hall Lawrence. $30-$50
Unlikely Candidates, Bottleneck- Lawrence, $15

Sun 08/15/2021

Soul Asylum w Juliana Hatfield and Local H, Grinder's, $30-$60
On their Back in Your Face Tour, this triple-bill might have played arenas twenty-five years ago, so be grateful to see them in slightly smaller venues.  Prince covered Soul Asylum’s Stand Up and B Strong on the just-released Welcome 2 America, and Juliana Hatfield released latest album Blood last year, as did Local H with their latest, Lifers. 

Maks & Val: Stripped Down Tour, Kauffman Center. $39.50-$74.31

John5 w Jared James Nichols, Black Satellite, Bottleneck- Lawrence. $22.50

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

Minneapolis: August 22 to August 31, 2019

Here are some shows taking place in the Minneapolis/St Paul area from August 22 to August 31, 2019.

Read more: Minneapolis Music Guide.

Phantogram at Palace Read More Phantogram This Sunday's show is sold out, marking Phantogram's triumphant return to Minneapolis, in support of their new album Voices. … Bob Moses Canadian duo Bob Moses (also Grammy winners, btw) came out with guitars and keys a’ blazing with a badass drummer joining them (who’s name I never caught). Lead singer/guitarist Tom Howie was an ...

PHANTOGRAM
+ Bob Moses
Palace Theatre
Sun 08/25/2019 (6:30pm/$39.50)
palacestpaul.com

New York duo Phantogram (Josh Carter and Sarah Barthel) is back with their summer headlining tour. We’ve always liked these guys, and fairly excited about their new song “Mister Impossible”, which was a song that they’ve had an idea of it for a long time. After building their studio called Harmony West in Laurel Canyon, they put together the song in their own space. The song finalized last spring when they took it to Joshua Tree.

Bob Moses to open.

Tour dates:

August 16 Reno, NV Grand Theatre *
August 17 Ogden, UT Twilight Concert Series*
August 18 Denver, CO The Mission Ballroom
August 19 Estes Park, CO Stanley Hotel
August 20 Bellvue, CO Mishawaka Amphitheatre*
August 22 Council Bluffs, IA Stir Cove at Harrah’s*
August 23 Kansas City, MO KC Live!*
August 24 Chicago, IL The Riviera Theatre*
August 25 St. Paul, MN Palace Theatre*
August 27 Madison, WI The Sylvee*
August 28 Columbus, OH Express Live!*
August 29 Detroit, MI The Fillmore*
August 30 Toronto, ON Danforth Music Hall*
August 31 Clifton Park, NY Upstate Concert Hall
September 3 Boston, MA House of Blues*
September 4 New Haven, CT College Street Music Hall*
September 5 Brooklyn, NY Kings Theatre
September 6 Washington, D.C. The Anthem*
September 7 Raleigh, NC Hopscotch Music Festival
September 9 Atlanta, GA Tabernacle*
September 10 Birmingham, AL Avondale Brewing Company*
September 12 Houston, TX White Oak Music Hall*
September 13 Dallas, TX The Bomb Factory*
September 14 Austin, TX Stubb’s*
September 15 El Paso, TX Lowbrow Palace*
September 16 Phoenix, AZ The Van Buren*
September 18 Tucson, AZ The Rialto Theater
September 21 Pomona, CA The Fox Theater Pomona
September 22 Las Vegas, NV Life Is Beautiful
November 22 San Diego, CA Wonderfront Music Festival

* with Bob Moses

Other shows in the area:

MN State Fair 2019 Iron Maiden 2019 Tour Hovvdy/Lomelda at 7th Street Alex Lahey at Turf Club Demons & Wizards at Skyway Nathaniel Rateliff at Surly Brewing Fest 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… Nathaniel Rateliff I think Nathaniel Rateliff and his band The Night Sweats have finally made it. It's hard to believe that we've been writing about him since 2013....

MINNESOTA STATE FAIR
Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Thu 08/22/2019-Mon 09/02/2019
mnstatefair.org

The annual Minnesota State Fair is back, this year running August 22 to Labor Day, September 2nd. I won’t be listing every bands set to attend, but the major ones. Please note in addition to the concert ticket, you’ll also need to spend an entry fee into the fair.

We don’t go every year, as it’s very expensive to attend. On top of the entry fee, the fried foods are marked up - so for a family of four, you’re looking to drop over $150 easily. Personally speaking, I rather take that money and go to smaller concerts or buy yourself some CDs or DVDs.

The last time we went was on Labor Day in Sep 2017, because we had the day off work.

Schedule:

Thu 08/22/2019 Barenaked Ladies, Hootie & The Blowfish

Thu 08/22/2019 Belinda Carlisle

Fri 08/23/2019 Max, Why Don't We, Eben

Sat 08/24/2019-Sun 08/25/2019 Herman's Hermits Starring Peter Noone

Sat 08/24/2019 Dierks Bentley, Caylee Hammack

Sun 08/25/2019 Clint Black, Trace Adkins, Terri Clark

Mon 08/26/2019 The Classics IV, "The Happy Together Tour", Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Turtles, Tommy James & The Shondells, The Cowsills, Chuck Negron, The Buckinghams

Tue 08/27/2019 "Weird Al" Yankovic

Wed 08/28/2019 Daryl Hall & John Oates, G. Love & Special Sauce

Thu 08/29/2019 Logic, Prof

Fri 08/30/2019 Lauren Jauregui, Lionel Richie

Sat 08/31/2019 Mavis Staples, Savannah Conley, Brandi Carlile

Sun 09/01/2019-Mon 09/02/2019 Dessa

Mon 09/02/2019 ZZ Top, Cheap Trick

IRON MAIDEN
+ The Raven Age
Xcel Energy Center
Mon 08/26/2019 (6:30pm/$35)
xcelenergycenter.com

Iconic band Iron Maiden is back, and they’re headlining the Xcel Energy Center in St Paul.

Show up early to check out English melodic metalcore band The Raven Age, a band founded by guitarists Dan Wright and George Harris in 2009.

Tour dates:

Aug. 17 - Pittsburgh, Pa. @ PPG Paints Arena
Aug. 19 - Nashville, Tenn. @ Bridgestone Arena
Aug. 22 - Chicago, Ill. @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Aug. 24 - Indianapolis, Ind. @ Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center
Aug. 26 - St Paul, Minn. @ Xcel Energy Center
Aug. 28 - Winnipeg, Manitoba @ Bell MTS Place
Aug. 30 - Edmonton, Alberta @ Rogers Place
Aug. 31 - Calgary, Alberta @ Scotiabank Saddledome
Sept. 03 - Vancouver, British Columbia @ Pepsi Live
Sept. 05 - Tacoma, Wash. @ Tacoma Dome
Sept. 06 - Portland, Ore. @- Moda Center
Sept. 09 - Sacramento, Calif. @ Golden 1 Center
Sept. 10 - Oakland, Calif. @ Oracle Arena
Sept. 13 - Las Vegas, Nev. @ MGM Grand Garden Arena
Sept. 14 - Los Angeles, Calif. @ Bank of California Stadium
Sept. 17 - Phoenix, Ariz. @ Talking Stick Resort Arena
Sept. 19 - Albuquerque, N.M. @ Isleta Amphitheater
Sept. 21 - Dallas, Texas @ Dos Equis Pavilion
Sept. 22 - Houston, Texas @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell
Sept. 25 - San Antonio, Texas @ AT&T Center
Sept. 27 - Mexico City, Mexico @ Sports Palace
Sept. 29 - Mexico City, Mexico @ Sports Palace
Sept. 30 - Mexico City, Mexico @ Sports Palace
Oct. 04 - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil @ Rock In Rio
Oct. 12 - Buenos Aires, Argentina @ Velez Sarsfield Stadium
Oct. 15 - Santiago, Chile @ Estadio Nacional

HOVVDY and LOMELDA
+ Nadine
7th St Entry
Tue 08/27/2019 (7pm/$13)
first-avenue.com

Lomelda and Hovvdy are on a co-headlining tour for their Covers split EP (Double Double Whammy Records). Both bands are longtime friends from Texas.

Nadine to open.

Tour Dates:

8/22 - Oxford, MS - Proud Larry's
8/23 - Nashville, TN - DRKMTTR
8/24 - Columbus, OH - Big Room Bar
8/25 - Milwaukee, WI - The Back Room
8/26 - Chicago, IL - Empty Bottle
8/27 - Minneapolis, MN - 7th Street Entry
8/29 - Omaha, NE - Reverb Lounge
8/30 - Columbia, MO - Cafe Berlin
8/31 - Norman, OK @ Opolis
9/1 - Denton, TX - Andy's Bar

ALEX LAHEY
+ Kingsbury
Turf Club
Wed 08/28/2019 (7pm/$16)
turfclub.net

Australian songwriter Alex Lahey is headlining the Turf Club in support of her new album The Best Of Luck Club (Dead Oceans).

Los Angeles’ Caroline Kingsbury, billed as Kingsbury will open.

Tour Dates:

Tue. Aug. 13 - Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour
Wed. Aug. 14 - Phoenix, AZ @ Valley Bar
Fri. Aug. 16 - Austin, TX @ Antone’s
Sat. Aug. 17 - Dallas, TX @ Deep Ellum Art Co.
Mon. Aug. 19 - Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
Tue. Aug. 20 - Nashville, TN @ Exit / In
Thu. Aug. 22 - Washington, DC @ U Street Music Hall
Fri. Aug. 23 - Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
Sat. Aug. 24 - Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s
Sun. Aug. 25 - Allston, MA @ Great Scott
Tue. Aug. 27 - Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
Wed. Aug. 28 - St. Paul, MN @ Turf Club
Sat. Aug. 31 - Seattle, WA @ Bumbershoot
Sun. Sep. 1 - Vancouver, BC @ Biltmore Cabaret
Tue. Sep. 3 - Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge

DEMONS & WIZARDS
+ Lizzy Borden & TYR
Skyway Theatre
Thu 08/29/2019 (6:30pm/$39.50)
skywaytheatre.com

Legendary metal band Demons & Wizards is headlining the Skyway Theatre in Minneapolis this August 29th. This is the band’s first shows in 19 years.

Lizzy Borden and TYR to open.

Tour Dates:

August 17 - Los Angeles, CA - The Wiltern
August 20 - Seattle, WA - Showbox SODO
August 21 - Vancouver, BC - The Commodore
August 22 - Portland, OR - Roseland
August 24 - Denver, CO - The Summit Theater
August 26 - Dallas, TX - Gas Monkey Live
August 28 - Chicago, IL - Concord Music Hall
August 29 - Minneapolis, MN - Skyway Theater
August 31 - Toronto, ON - Danforth Music Hall
September 1 - Montreal, QC - Corona Theatre
September 4 - Worcester, MA - The Palladium
September 5 - New York, NY - Playstation Theater
September 7 - Atlanta, GA - Progpower

NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS
+ Hiss Golden Messenger
Surly Brewing Co. Festival Field
Fri 08/30/2019 (5:30pm/$49.50/Sold Out)
surlybrewing.com

The very popular Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats sold out the Surly Brewing show on August 30th, thanks to being the #1 most played artist and #1 most played song (“You Worry Me”).

Special guests Hiss Golden Messenger to open.

Tour Dates:

August 19—Vail, CO—Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater
August 21-22—Morrison, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre
August 25—Columbia, MD—Merriweather Post Pavilion
August 29—Moorhead, MN—Sister Cities Smokeout
September 11—Forest Hills, NY—Forest Hills Stadium
September 14—Fredericton, Canada—Harvest Jazz
September 17—Philadelphia, PA—Mann Center
September 20—Louisville, KY—Bourbon & Beyond
September 22—Franklin, TN—Pilgrimage Music
September 29—Dana Point, CA—Ohana Fest

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

Blackberry Smoke w/ Temperance Movement at First Avenue, Minneapolis (27 Feb 2015)

show poster Blackberry Smoke Setlist Six Ways to Sunday Let Me Help You (Find the Door) Like I Am Pretty Little Lie Fire in the Hole Rock and Roll Again Good One Comin' On Sleeping Dogs / Your Time is Gonna Come (Led Zeppelin cover) Rollin’ and Tumblin’/Sanctified Woman Lay it All on Me Ain't Got the Blues Up in Smoke One Horse Town Holding All the Roses Crimson Moon Keep On Keepin’ On Living in the Song Too High Leave a Scar -- Encore -- California Man (The Move cover) Who Invented the Wheel Ain't Much Left of Me Tour Dates 03/05/15 Milwaukee, WI The Rave 03/06/15 Chicago, IL Joe's Bar 03/07/15 Detroit, MI The Fillmore Detroit 03/11/15 Green Bay, WI Meyer Theatre 03/12/15 Madison, WI Majestic Theatre 03/13/15 Indianapolis, IN Egyptian Room 03/14/15 Louisville, KY Mercury Ballroom 03/19/15 Cleveland, OH House Of Blues 03/20/15 Philadelphia, PA Electric Factory 03/21/15 Munhall, PA Carnegie Library Music 03/22/15 Buffalo, NY The Town Ballroom 03/24/15 South Burlington, VT Higher Ground 03/26/15 Portland, ME State Theatre 03/27/15 Boston, MA House Of Blues Boston 03/28/15 New York, NY Webster Hall 04/08/15 Norfolk, VA NorVa 04/09/15 Richmond, VA The National 04/10/15 Silver Spring, MD Fillmore Silver 04/11/15 Columbus, OH The LC Pavilion 04/16/15 Raleigh, NC The Ritz 04/17/15 Charlotte, NC Fillmore Charlotte 04/18/15 North Myrtle Beach, SC House Of Blues 04/22/15 Columbia, SC Music Farm Columbia 04/23/15 Charleston, SC Music Farm 04/24/15 Dothan, AL Peanut Festival Fairgrounds 04/25/15 Lake Buena Vista, FL House Of Blues 04/30/15 Austin, TX Emo's 05/01/15 New Orleans, LA House Of Blues 05/02/15 New Orleans, LA House Of Blues 05/07/15 Houston, TX House Of Blues 05/08/15 Dallas, TX House Of Blues 05/09/15 San Antonio, TX The Aztec Theater Read More Blackberry Smoke Blackberry Smoke announced their DVD called Live at the Georgia Theatre (pre-sale started November 23rd, to ship December 6, just in time for Christmas). The show was originally sold .... Temperance Movement British blues rock band The Temperance Movement (named after the 19th century social movement urging us to moderate our alcoholic consumptions) will be touring with ....

There are places at the table.

With veteran southern rock bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Molly Hatchet losing original members, the Robinson brothers’ saying The Black Crowes are over, and the Allman Brothers calling it a day, the echelon of bands sitting on the southern rock table has some openings—enter: Blackberry Smoke.

The Atlanta band, active for fifteen years, has been slowly building an audience and with its latest album, Holding All the Roses (Rounder Records), has truly hit the big time, surprising everyone when it hit not only #7 on the Billboard Rock chart but #1 on the Billboard Country chart last week.

Ben Miller Band

The evening began with a short set by the Ben Miller Band, an Ozark-fuelled mud-stomping Joplin, MO threesome that takes everything back to basics.  Miller plays banjo, guitar and harmonica through an old telephone receiver and cord, percussionist Doug Dicharry plays traditional percussion as well as washboard and spoons, and Scott Leeper plays a self-constructed bass, made from a weed eater string strung up a wooden pole on a metal washtub.

After opening for ZZ Top in 2013, the band returned with New West Records release, Any Way, Shape or Form last year. Set highlight was probably the ending medley which featured a sped-up mix of BMB originals and standards like Ram Jam’s ‘Black Betty’, all whirled about in a hootenanny hoedown.

There’s space at the table of classic-sounding British blues rock as well.

The Temperance Movement

Bands like Free, The Faces, and early Rolling Stones, Who and Led Zeppelin, helped set the tone of UK artists influenced by American blues originators like Howlin’ Wolf, Son House, and Muddy Waters. London-based The Temperance Movement refreshingly resuscitates that sound with its just released self-titled debut on Concord Music/Earache Records.

Temperance Movement: Phil Campbell

Singer Phil Campbell looks a little like a backwoods Thom Yorke and moves like a manic Mick Jagger.  Storming out of the gate with the new ‘Modern Massacre’, the song’s high-revv’d tempo lived up to the band’s description of it being a “real smack in the chest”.  The growly Campbell sounds a little like Chris Robinson, who himself channels those UK bands and earlier blues greats, but Campbell and co. mesh it all into a sound of their own, that looks forward with a nod to the past.

‘Pride’, done midway into their 40 min. set, is a slow building romp and the title track of their initial EP.  Last song, ’Take It Back’, started casually like ZZ Top’s ‘La Grange’ with Campbell wailing on harmonica and repeating the line, “it’s all gone, but it’s all right now” before drums and bass kicked it, with guitars following, for a restlessly ideal finish.

The band clearly won over the mostly unaware-of-them-previously audience who supported everything about them except the origin of their name - a social movement urging us to moderate our alcoholic consumption- as most held drinks and beers high as they left the stage.

The ‘Smoke has definitely been rising.  Since leaving Zac Brown’s Southern Ground Records last year, expectations were high for their new record, and as the chart positions show, they delivered.  The full crowd that was present for Blackberry Smoke’s 100 min. set was a good cross section of their fan base- motorcyle riders, country types, older classic rock fans, college students, and others.

Blackberry Smoke: Charlie Starr

Though the band doesn’t talk much between songs, its tight southern rock sound, ever-changing setlist, and choice covers, make them an entertaining watch.  The Georgia five-piece (Charlie Starr – Vocals/ Guitar; Richard Turner-  Bass; Brit Turner-  Drums;  Paul Jackson- Guitar; and Brandon Still – Keyboards) started their Friday night with ‘Six Ways to Sunday’, a not-so-subtle declaration of affection, then followed it up with the new album’s opener and band’s own declaration of independence, ‘Let Me Help You (Find the Door)’.

Starr and Jackson’s guitars alongside the Turner’s rhythm section provided a wall of deep-fried sound, while Still’s keyboards were mostly in the background, putting the seasoning on each of the tracks.  “Everybody feeling loose now?” Starr asked before slowing it down for ‘Sleeping Dogs’, from previous album, The Whippoorwill, which melded into a pitch-perfect refrain of Led Zeppelin’s ‘Your Time is Gonna Come’.   A verse from the 1929 blues classic ‘Rollin’ and Tumblin’ led seamlessly into their own ‘Sanctified Woman’.

Setlist: Live Long and Prosper

Things slowed mid-set with the knee-slappin’ ‘Lay it All on Me’ and acoustic ‘Aint Got the Blues’, which had the crowd singing along with the chorus, causing Starr to mention, “you kick Kansas City’s a$$!”.  ‘Keep On Keepin’ On’, a song from 2003, was noted by Starr as the band finished as it being the first time it was played live, which seems surprising.

‘Leave a Scar’ the title of the band’s recent live double album, seemed an appropriate end to the main set;  then after a break, they re-emerged with an unexpected cover of ‘California Man’, a 1971 song by The Move, featuring co-lead vocals by ELO’s Jeff Lynne on the original.  The Allman-esque ‘Who Invented the Wheel’ followed, and the band wrapped with ‘Ain’t Much Left of Me’ which after 100+ min, is maybe what they were feeling, being spent after giving so much.

Southern Blues Rock has a band on a new level, as evidenced this night, and maybe UK blues rock has its newest shining star as well—places at the table have been assigned.

Blackberry Smoke at First Avenue, Minneapolis (27 Feb 2015)

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