Music Blog
The final night of the Jazz Fest the crowd was somewhat light. I was surprised, it being so nice out and a Saturday night. It did pick up a bit later but not by much. My first stop was at the Jazz Street Stage to see The Lawnmowers. The band is
Music Blog
Self-described "obsessive-compulsive" record collector Tom Kohn introduced the duo Susanna & the Magical Orchestra at the Lutheran Church Friday night. I tried to like it. I really did. Susanna Karolina Wallumroed had a Bjork and Tori Amos type of voice. For the first song I couldn't see keyboardist Morten Qvenild,
Music Blog
It was the smallest crowd I've seen this year at Harro, but it wasn't anywhere close to empty Thursday night at the Pablo Menendez and Mezcla show. There were still prime seats to be had, including in the first and second rows and some throughout. Garth Fagan et al was
Music Blog
Das Contras is an anomaly. There is not much written up about the band. The photos show four members while there are clearly six. And it's described as a "pop, soul, funk, and Latin band" although the members are from Scotland. I really didn't know what to expect, but I
Music Blog
It's very strange when an artist is introduced -- whose name is the same as the band -- and she doesn't come out on stage. After a bit of piano into, Viktoria Tolstoy sidled on to the stage at the Lutheran Church Monday night. And yes, there is a connection.
Music Blog
When I arrived at Harro East to see Catherine Russell at 5:40, just 10 minutes past the start time, the venue was already full and things were in full swing. And I mean swing, with the brave few already up dancing. I did a double-take when I saw the guitar
Music Blog
I'll start with a scoop: Davey Jones 0- yes, that Davey Jones, of The Monkeys -- may sing on Earl PIckens' new children's CD. But it's not quite official yet. Maybe Monday. But still! Earl Pickens & Family really should add the word "Show" to the group name. This act
Music Blog
I'll be checking out the new tent at Abilene's Roots & Americana Stage - one of the new Jazz Fest venues. Pity I've lost my normal parking spot, but it's worth it for a chance to see Earl Pickens & Family (7:45 & 9:45 p.m.). Then I'll pop
Music Blog
As soon as I slid in the new CD, "Honky Tonk Hair," I was hooked on Girl Howdy's song of the same name. The chorus of "Land sake's alive, no, I can't behave when I got my beehive" has been playing in my head ever since, a testament to its
Music Blog
First, let me come clean. When someone says the words "jam band," I inwardly roll my eyes and insert a finger down throat. Gag me. I have no desire to listen to another half-hour of the same riff over and over again, with a few minor alterations
Entertainment Blog
I grew up with Michael Jackson. I pre-teeny-bopped to "ABC," school danced to "Stop, The Love You Save May Be Your Own," and ran the make-out bases to "I'll Be There." I defy anyone to watch old footage of the Jackson 5 and not notice there was something special about
Music Blog
It's not easy being the foreplay act for a headliner with fans that have been waiting for many, many years. Even harder is walking out on that great big stage with just you and an acoustic guitar. I imagine a lot of thought goes into the set list. Should you
Music Blog
The Jazz Fest really messes with my sleep schedule. I'm up until at least midnight, and those are the nights I don't hit the nightly jam at the Plaza. And I'm sure I'm not the only one already looking forward to sleeping in on Saturday morning. Some people I've talked
Music Blog
I slipped into my mackintosh and galoshes and slipped my City umbrella into my bag. That necessitated donning a garment that, once shed for the summer, I don't usually reapply until that white stuff begins to fall: socks. But the sky was crying like the blues and I was out
Music Blog
It's challenging to listen to jazz. It is almost the thinking person's music. And it's not everyone's cup of tea. Which is why I commend the Jazz Fest for bringing in a smattering of musical acts that appeal to a broader audience. And how it makes every night of the fest
Music Blog
I wonder if Neil Crowley ever considered being a meteorologist. Christ Church may have been a bit warm and stuffy Sunday, but his music took me on a tour of the atmosphere. He pounded his piano like the rough-and-tumble thunderstorms of the high plains. Then his music swirled like
Music Blog
I pulled myself away from messin' with The Chief at the Chestnut Street Stage. I had found me a job, and in that moment, my job was to get funky. I rounded the corner to the Jazz Street Stage and what to my wondering eyes should appear? He's ba-ack! Dancing
Music Blog
Being a David Byrne fan could easily be a full-time endeavor. He's an artist that has worked in a list of media a lifetime long; really, he's an "artiste" in the most expansive definition of the word. His life is a work of art, his art is a work of
Music Blog
It was a celebratory crowd that nearly filled Blue Cross Arena for Fleetwood Mac Monday, March 16. And I think most of them had filled their bellies at the Dino prior to the concert. The rib-running-jam was so backed up that the hostess pleaded via loudspeaker for patrons to exit
Events Blog
What is up with parking downtown? I arrived at Blue Cross Arena at 6:15 p.m. for the 7 p.m. "Disney on Ice" show. I figured 45 minutes gave me more than enough time to park, get my ticket, and find my seat, but the lines for the Civic Center
