Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Yes, Umphrey's, Radiators, Shelby Lynne

Not a bad week for shows in Richmond.

Wednesday sees the best of the progressive art rock bands, Yes, come to the National. Tix range from $30 (general admission) - $125 (VIP Fan Access) and the show starts at 8 with no opener. Yes's configuration this time (they have had quite the convoluted personell history) is Steve Howe (guitar), Chris Squire (bass) and Alan White (drums) with keyboardist Oliver Wakeman (son of classic Yes keyboardist, Rick Wakeman, who is ailing) and vocalis Benoit David, filling in for original vocalist Jon Anderson. There was some drama around the band touring without Jon Anderson, who is recovering from acute respiratory failure earlier this year. (Man, these classic rock bands used to have problems with drug and alcohol addiction. Life was simpler then.) The band didn't tell Jon they were going to tour and he felt disrespected but all seems to be okey-dokey now and Jon will return next time if he is able. All I know is that Chris Squire is one of the best rock bassists ever and he is worth the price of a ticket alone.

Here's Chris doing The Fish > Amazing Grace in '91:


Thursday night at The National is jam band Umphrey's McGee. Doors open at 7, show starts at 8 with The Heavy Pets opening. Tix are $20 in advance and $22.50 day of show. Umphrey's has started to gain some critical acclaim along with their growing fan base with their latest album, Live at the Murat, getting four stars from Rolling Stone.

New Orleans favorite The Radiators bring their 30th Anniversary tour (has it really been that long?) to Toad's Place on Friday night. Doors open at 8, tix are $20 and this is a benefit for SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now). It seems like only yesterday I saw them at Tipitina's during Mardi Gras (was actually 1990). I just wish I could remember that show. But it was Mardi Gras. All I can remember is leaving Tipitina's at dawn and the band was still playing.

Next Tuesday, Americana singer/songwriter Shelby Lynne is at Toad's. Doors open at 7:30 and tix are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, and $30 in the Gold Circle of hell. If you dig people like Ryan Adams, Lucinda Williams, Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, you'll probably dig Shelby. I believe she is still out promoting her well recieved album, Just a Little Lovin', her tribute to Dusty Springfield.

A few other shows of note:

Mark Erelli at Ashland Coffee & Tea on Thursday night. $15 advance, $20 day of show. Think Ben Harper, Chris Smither, Dylan, Allmans.
Chris Knight at Ashland Coffee on Friday night. $15 advance, $20 day of show. Think Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams, Rodney Crowell, Dwight Yoakam, John Prine.
Sunday at the Canal Club: an Alt-Pop/Rock, Punk show featuring Aiden, Civet, God or Julie, Halflit Halo and Reasons. 6:00 show time, $11 in advance, $13 at the door. If you go to the show, get there in time for God or Julie (a name inspired by a friend who always writes songs about God or about his wife Julie). Think Stone Temple Pilots, Bowie, Beatles, Queen.

That's all for now. Have a great weekend, Richmond!

Tony Jordan

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