Check out Jammuary on Concert.TV: http://concert.tv/channels/#/11/video/867.
Live videos of Phish, Allmans, Black Crowes, My Morning Jacket, moe., Disco Biscuits, Phil Lesh and more.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Robert Randolph, Delaney Bramlett, New Year's Eve
Happy 6th day of Christmas! Hope you are all resting up to party on New Year's Eve or if you are like me starting Tuesday night with a great concert.
Robert Randolph & The Family Band come to the National on Tuesday night. Doors open at 7, show starts at 8, tix are $23. Robert Randolph is the best blues guitar player since Stevie Ray Vaughn and I do not use SRV's name lightly. Robert & the band opened for Eric Clapton, played at Clapton's Crossroads festivals and Clapton plays on their latest album, Colorblind. So he has been annointed by the king. Robert plays a 13 string pedal steel guitar and when I saw him last year at Innsbrook there were some literally jaw-dropping moments. He mixes rock, blues, funk and gospel and its sure to make you dance. So join me at the show on Tuesday night. You won't be disappointed. And thanks to Phil B. for the ticket, a most excellent Christmast present.
Speaking of Clapton, Delaney Bramlett passed away on Sunday at the age of 69. The name may not pop out at you, but Delaney was instrumental in getting Clapton grounded after star project Cream and Blind Faith dissolved. Clapton joined Delaney, Bonnie & Friends and was able to be part of a band again where he wasn't the center of attention. Bramlett also produced and co-wrote songs on Clapton's first album, Eric Clapton.
If you are looking for some music on New Year's Eve, you have a full range of options from gore theater metal to down-home bluegrass.
Richmond's own GWAR will be playing at the National. Doors open at 7, show starts at 8 and tix are $25. Don't wear your good tuxedo to this show as GWAR has been known to spew fake(?) body fluids well into the audience. No word on whether you'll get a free champagne toast at midnight or will have to drink blood. Oderus Unrungus will make sure you have a splendid time.
On the opposite side of the musical specturm, the Canal Club will host a Richmond Roots Music New Years Eve Spectacular with Special Ed & The Shortbus, A Good Natured Riot, Jackass Flats and Fox Hunt. Show starts at 8 and tix are $20. No word on whether you'll get a free champagne toast at midnight or a jar full of moonshine. Note that this will be the final show for Special Ed & The Shortbus. Well, at least under that name. They are changing their name to the Hot Seats for these reasons (as posted on their website):
"Why The Hot Seats? A few reasons, thanks for asking! 1. This name still connotes the frenetic and jerky nature of the music we have chosen to play.2. The new name is not offensive to those who care about special needs issues.3. The band now is very different from the ragtag bunch who slapped together sets for a weekly gig at the Cary Street Cafe.4. "SEATS" is an acronym for Special Ed And The Shortbus, so, for any die-hard fans who care, the name remains intact, in spirit, anyway."
You can also head down to Carytown for the big Carytown New Year's Celebration. There will be a bunch of bands playing and the whole thing starts at 7 and ends with the ball "rising" over the Byrd Theater. It will cost you $2 to get in and bring your gloves. Its going to be chilly.
If you are still up to party on Friday, Moshe Dayan bring their hard rock to the National with three other bands. Doors open at 6:30, show time at 7 and tix are $13.
Have a Happy, Peaceful and Prosperous New Year!
Tony Jordan
Robert Randolph & The Family Band come to the National on Tuesday night. Doors open at 7, show starts at 8, tix are $23. Robert Randolph is the best blues guitar player since Stevie Ray Vaughn and I do not use SRV's name lightly. Robert & the band opened for Eric Clapton, played at Clapton's Crossroads festivals and Clapton plays on their latest album, Colorblind. So he has been annointed by the king. Robert plays a 13 string pedal steel guitar and when I saw him last year at Innsbrook there were some literally jaw-dropping moments. He mixes rock, blues, funk and gospel and its sure to make you dance. So join me at the show on Tuesday night. You won't be disappointed. And thanks to Phil B. for the ticket, a most excellent Christmast present.
Speaking of Clapton, Delaney Bramlett passed away on Sunday at the age of 69. The name may not pop out at you, but Delaney was instrumental in getting Clapton grounded after star project Cream and Blind Faith dissolved. Clapton joined Delaney, Bonnie & Friends and was able to be part of a band again where he wasn't the center of attention. Bramlett also produced and co-wrote songs on Clapton's first album, Eric Clapton.
If you are looking for some music on New Year's Eve, you have a full range of options from gore theater metal to down-home bluegrass.
Richmond's own GWAR will be playing at the National. Doors open at 7, show starts at 8 and tix are $25. Don't wear your good tuxedo to this show as GWAR has been known to spew fake(?) body fluids well into the audience. No word on whether you'll get a free champagne toast at midnight or will have to drink blood. Oderus Unrungus will make sure you have a splendid time.
On the opposite side of the musical specturm, the Canal Club will host a Richmond Roots Music New Years Eve Spectacular with Special Ed & The Shortbus, A Good Natured Riot, Jackass Flats and Fox Hunt. Show starts at 8 and tix are $20. No word on whether you'll get a free champagne toast at midnight or a jar full of moonshine. Note that this will be the final show for Special Ed & The Shortbus. Well, at least under that name. They are changing their name to the Hot Seats for these reasons (as posted on their website):
"Why The Hot Seats? A few reasons, thanks for asking! 1. This name still connotes the frenetic and jerky nature of the music we have chosen to play.2. The new name is not offensive to those who care about special needs issues.3. The band now is very different from the ragtag bunch who slapped together sets for a weekly gig at the Cary Street Cafe.4. "SEATS" is an acronym for Special Ed And The Shortbus, so, for any die-hard fans who care, the name remains intact, in spirit, anyway."
You can also head down to Carytown for the big Carytown New Year's Celebration. There will be a bunch of bands playing and the whole thing starts at 7 and ends with the ball "rising" over the Byrd Theater. It will cost you $2 to get in and bring your gloves. Its going to be chilly.
If you are still up to party on Friday, Moshe Dayan bring their hard rock to the National with three other bands. Doors open at 6:30, show time at 7 and tix are $13.
Have a Happy, Peaceful and Prosperous New Year!
Tony Jordan
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Worst Band Names of 2008
AV Club has posted the worst band names of 2008: http://www.avclub.com/content/feature/2008_the_year_in_band_names. Thanks to the miracles of MySpace and YouTube, you can actually view some of the videos and hear the music of these bands and even more dreadfulness will ensue. Just check out the videos they have posted in the list. I think the longest I made it was 90 seconds with any one of them.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Jazz Fest, Bonnarumors
Before you know it the weather will be warming up and festival season will be upon us. If you are looking to do some travelling to the Crescent City, the New Orleans Jazz Fest has announced their lineup of typical Jazz Fest artists and a decided trend toward mainstream/MOR. Though its usually the less heard of bands at this fest and the hardcore New Orleans stuff that make it worthwhile anyway. So while the masses are watching James Taylor warble "Fire & Rain" for the 8000th time, you can check out some more interesting stuff on the smaller stages.
40th ANNIVERSARY JAZZ FEST MUSIC LINEUP ANNOUNCED!
April 24-26 & April 30-May 3, 2009
Tickets On Sale Now, Special Hotel Rooms & Rates Available!
Wynton Marsalis
Aretha Franklin
Dave Matthews Band
James Taylor
Sugarland
Wynton Marsalis, Aretha Franklin, Dave Matthews Band, James Taylor,
Sugarland, Joe Cocker, Ben Harper, Tony Bennett, Earth, Wind & Fire,
Kings of Leon, Neville Brothers, Wilco, Bonnie Raitt, Allen Toussaint,
The O'Jays, Erykah Badu, Dr. John
Among hundreds scheduled to appear at historic edition of Festival
In other fest news, Rolling Stone reports that Phish will be headlining two nights at Bonnaroo. Not much of a surprise there as Phish's yearly festivals paved the way for Bonnaroo and all the others that have cropped up in the last decade. This give Phish all the benefits of their own fest without the responsibility.
More interestingly, Bruce Springsteen is rumored to be Sunday night's closer. Bruce has dipped his toe in the festival waters recently playing the New Orleans Jazz Fest when he debuted his Sessions Band and closing his last tour at the Harley Davidson fest in Milwaukee. The NO Jazz Fest was somewhat unique as that band was playing NO and gospel influenced music and almost all covers. The Harley fest was a situation where it was easy for Bruce fans to go on a single day and not have to camp so not much different than a regular show. It would be interesting to see Bruce do a festival with the E Street Band where he wouldn't be the main attraction. I have no doubt he could and would pull it off brilliantly because rock n' roll is rock n' roll. But it would be interesting seeing him work a crowd who wouldn't know/sing every word or know the usual crowd participation spots of a Bruce show. That probably hasn't happened since he was opening for bands when his first album came out. Well, just a rumor for now. Whoever plays, Phish and/or Bruce lets hope they are on the webcast.
Tony Jordan
Tony Jordan
40th ANNIVERSARY JAZZ FEST MUSIC LINEUP ANNOUNCED!
April 24-26 & April 30-May 3, 2009
Tickets On Sale Now, Special Hotel Rooms & Rates Available!
Wynton Marsalis
Aretha Franklin
Dave Matthews Band
James Taylor
Sugarland
Wynton Marsalis, Aretha Franklin, Dave Matthews Band, James Taylor,
Sugarland, Joe Cocker, Ben Harper, Tony Bennett, Earth, Wind & Fire,
Kings of Leon, Neville Brothers, Wilco, Bonnie Raitt, Allen Toussaint,
The O'Jays, Erykah Badu, Dr. John
Among hundreds scheduled to appear at historic edition of Festival
In other fest news, Rolling Stone reports that Phish will be headlining two nights at Bonnaroo. Not much of a surprise there as Phish's yearly festivals paved the way for Bonnaroo and all the others that have cropped up in the last decade. This give Phish all the benefits of their own fest without the responsibility.
More interestingly, Bruce Springsteen is rumored to be Sunday night's closer. Bruce has dipped his toe in the festival waters recently playing the New Orleans Jazz Fest when he debuted his Sessions Band and closing his last tour at the Harley Davidson fest in Milwaukee. The NO Jazz Fest was somewhat unique as that band was playing NO and gospel influenced music and almost all covers. The Harley fest was a situation where it was easy for Bruce fans to go on a single day and not have to camp so not much different than a regular show. It would be interesting to see Bruce do a festival with the E Street Band where he wouldn't be the main attraction. I have no doubt he could and would pull it off brilliantly because rock n' roll is rock n' roll. But it would be interesting seeing him work a crowd who wouldn't know/sing every word or know the usual crowd participation spots of a Bruce show. That probably hasn't happened since he was opening for bands when his first album came out. Well, just a rumor for now. Whoever plays, Phish and/or Bruce lets hope they are on the webcast.
Tony Jordan
Tony Jordan
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Bill Kirchen, with no brown M&Ms, Xmas Disco
Merry, Merry, Merry 8 shopping days until Christmas!
The concert scene is slowing down for a couple weeks while musicians head home for the holidays. Their roadies will set up the Christmas tree, their personal chefs will make wassail, they'll kiss (and do other things) to groupies under the mistletoe and they'll hope Santa brings them a new guitar and a spot on an iPod ad.
We do have a holiday show coming to town on Thursday. King of Honky-tonk & Dieselbilly Bill Kirchen brings his Honky Tonk Holiday show to Ashland Coffee & Tea. Show starts at 8 and tix are $25. Bill is best known for his work in the band Commander Code & The Lost Planet Airmen ("Hot Rod Lincoln"). He's also played with Nick Lowe. You'll dig bill if you like those bands, Dave Alvin, Joe Ely, Rockpile, Dave Edmunds, or J0hn Hiatt.
In other news, the Smoking Gun has found the Holy Grail of all concert riders. Yes, its the Van Halen concert rider that stipulated that they get M&Ms backstage and that all the brown M&Ms had to be removed. For years a legendary tale of rock star excess, VH later claimed that they put that in the rider because they would be able to tell immediately if the other items in the rider would be taken care of. If the brown M&Ms were gone, it looked good. If they were in the bowl, they knew other things might not be up to snuff. Whichever story you care to believe, here it is: http://www.thesmokinggun.com/backstagetour/1982vanhalen/1982vanhalen1.html.
Note that the Van Halen tour rider from the last tour contains demands such as a study room for Wolfgang, no liquor, and that David Lee Roth's dressing room be as far away from the other bandmember's dressing rooms as possible.
And just in case you weren't in the Christmas mood yet, here is some free Christmas disco courtesy of radio station WFMU: http://blog.wfmu.org/freeform/2008/12/more-christmas.html. Nothing gets me in the Christmas mood like a funky version of Hark, The Herald Angels.
Have a great weekend.
Tony Jordan
The concert scene is slowing down for a couple weeks while musicians head home for the holidays. Their roadies will set up the Christmas tree, their personal chefs will make wassail, they'll kiss (and do other things) to groupies under the mistletoe and they'll hope Santa brings them a new guitar and a spot on an iPod ad.
We do have a holiday show coming to town on Thursday. King of Honky-tonk & Dieselbilly Bill Kirchen brings his Honky Tonk Holiday show to Ashland Coffee & Tea. Show starts at 8 and tix are $25. Bill is best known for his work in the band Commander Code & The Lost Planet Airmen ("Hot Rod Lincoln"). He's also played with Nick Lowe. You'll dig bill if you like those bands, Dave Alvin, Joe Ely, Rockpile, Dave Edmunds, or J0hn Hiatt.
In other news, the Smoking Gun has found the Holy Grail of all concert riders. Yes, its the Van Halen concert rider that stipulated that they get M&Ms backstage and that all the brown M&Ms had to be removed. For years a legendary tale of rock star excess, VH later claimed that they put that in the rider because they would be able to tell immediately if the other items in the rider would be taken care of. If the brown M&Ms were gone, it looked good. If they were in the bowl, they knew other things might not be up to snuff. Whichever story you care to believe, here it is: http://www.thesmokinggun.com/backstagetour/1982vanhalen/1982vanhalen1.html.
Note that the Van Halen tour rider from the last tour contains demands such as a study room for Wolfgang, no liquor, and that David Lee Roth's dressing room be as far away from the other bandmember's dressing rooms as possible.
And just in case you weren't in the Christmas mood yet, here is some free Christmas disco courtesy of radio station WFMU: http://blog.wfmu.org/freeform/2008/12/more-christmas.html. Nothing gets me in the Christmas mood like a funky version of Hark, The Herald Angels.
Have a great weekend.
Tony Jordan
Flight of the Conchords returns, DMB returns to C'ville
You can find the Flight of the Conchords season 2 premiere on the Funny or Die site. Flight of the Conchords is one of the funniest shows on TV and has a gathered a large cult following. They return to HBO for season 2 on Jan. 18. If you haven't seen them yet, here is "Business Time":
Also, Dave Matthews Band comes back to John Paul Jones Arena. Here is the official type annoucement:
Dave Matthews Band returns to John Paul Jones Arena for two concerts, Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18. Old Crow Medicine Show will open both performances. Tickets will go on sale on Saturday, January 17, 2009 at 10 a.m. The band previously performed at the Arena as the Grand Opening Event in September 2006. Tickets will be available at John Paul Jones Arena Box Office, all Plan 9 outlets, the Charlottesville Visitors Center and www.johnpauljonesarena.com, or charge-by-phone at 1-888-575-8497. Tickets may also be requested through the Warehouse, the official Dave Matthews Band fan association, beginning Monday, December 15, 2008 through Sunday, January 4, 2008. New for the 2009 tour, Warehouse members may request up to four (4) tickets per show. The ticket request period is not first come-first serve, the time at which you place your ticket request does not matter. Warehouse confirmations will be issued by the end of the day on Thursday, January 15, 2009.
Also, Dave Matthews Band comes back to John Paul Jones Arena. Here is the official type annoucement:
Dave Matthews Band returns to John Paul Jones Arena for two concerts, Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18. Old Crow Medicine Show will open both performances. Tickets will go on sale on Saturday, January 17, 2009 at 10 a.m. The band previously performed at the Arena as the Grand Opening Event in September 2006. Tickets will be available at John Paul Jones Arena Box Office, all Plan 9 outlets, the Charlottesville Visitors Center and www.johnpauljonesarena.com, or charge-by-phone at 1-888-575-8497. Tickets may also be requested through the Warehouse, the official Dave Matthews Band fan association, beginning Monday, December 15, 2008 through Sunday, January 4, 2008. New for the 2009 tour, Warehouse members may request up to four (4) tickets per show. The ticket request period is not first come-first serve, the time at which you place your ticket request does not matter. Warehouse confirmations will be issued by the end of the day on Thursday, January 15, 2009.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Hamaganza, Ghost of Pop, Larry Keel, Parade of Lights
Hey there, hi there, ho there! Even though this is a music blog, I must give out a shout out to a movie and a TV show to start.
I watched "Children of Men" a few days ago and I'm still thinking about it. A haunting, troubling, moving movie with great action scenes too and a great soundtrack. It takes place in 2027 and humanity has been infertile for 18 years. All world governments have collapsed excpet for Great Britain ,where the movie take place, though GB is mired in decay, terrorism and the brutal round-up of illegal immigrants who are flocking to GB from the rest of the world. But in all that, a glimmer of hope appears and our hero must help deliver that hope from evil.
"The Wire: The Complete Series" is out on DVD. I'm not saying you buy it because its 23 discs. But set your NetFlix to pick it up or rent it. It is one of the greatest shows in the history of TV. Here is the review from Paste Magazine. They gave it a 96 out of 100 which is one of the highest ratings I have ever seen them give anything; TV, music, film or video game.
Now for this week's music. Ghost of Pop IV happens at Gallery 5 on Friday night. Gallery 5 is at 200 Marshall St in downtown Richmond. Ghost of Pop IV features a nice sampling of local bands: Prabir & the Substitutes, David Shultz and the Skyline, The Awesome Few, Palominos, Hot Lava, Orioles, and Zac Hryciak & the Jungle Beat. You get all that for just $5. The show starts at 7 and is an all ages show and it should be a cool atmosphere too.
Larry Keel & Natural Bridge come to Ashland Coffee & Tea on Friday night. Tix are $21 and the show starts around 8. Here is how they describe themselves on their web site: "Connecting traditional songs of yesterday with their own original and inventive sounds of today, Larry Keel and Natural Bridge create astonishingly powerful acoustic music rich in heritage, heart and hot picking!" Larry Keel & the band combine bluegrass, folk, jazz, and reggae into an excellent potpourri of music.
If you want some holiday stuff to do with the kids (or without) check out the James River Parade of Lights. This starts at Libby Hill Park around 6 and heads down river to the Varina-Enon bridge. The best viewing sites are Libby Hill and Dock Street in the City of Richmond, Osborne Park and Boat Landing in Henrico County, and Henricus Historical Park and Dutch Gap Boat Landing in Chesterfield County.
If you want to do something later without the kids, check out Hamaganza at the Capital Ale House Music Hall Downtown on Saturday night. This starts at 9 and I believe this may be the first time they are doing it somewhere other than Poe's Pub. While the atmosphere of Poe's will be missed (they are doing a friend and family of Hamaganza preview ther on Friday night) the larger venue means they can collect more money and hams (thus the name) for the Central VA Food Bank, a great cause. If you are wondering what Hamaganza is, its like a weird talent show in which you'll see music, poetry and some more bizarre acts (I remember seeing a champion whistler one year), all hosted by the hostess(?) with the mostess, and I do mean the mostess, the 500 lb. drag queen, Dirtwoman.
Alright, I'm outta here. I'm going to get the Christmas music out since we are officially 2 weeks from Christmas. But here, just the heck of it, Ween's "Mutilated Lips":
Have an excellent weekend!
Tony Jordan
I watched "Children of Men" a few days ago and I'm still thinking about it. A haunting, troubling, moving movie with great action scenes too and a great soundtrack. It takes place in 2027 and humanity has been infertile for 18 years. All world governments have collapsed excpet for Great Britain ,where the movie take place, though GB is mired in decay, terrorism and the brutal round-up of illegal immigrants who are flocking to GB from the rest of the world. But in all that, a glimmer of hope appears and our hero must help deliver that hope from evil.
"The Wire: The Complete Series" is out on DVD. I'm not saying you buy it because its 23 discs. But set your NetFlix to pick it up or rent it. It is one of the greatest shows in the history of TV. Here is the review from Paste Magazine. They gave it a 96 out of 100 which is one of the highest ratings I have ever seen them give anything; TV, music, film or video game.
Now for this week's music. Ghost of Pop IV happens at Gallery 5 on Friday night. Gallery 5 is at 200 Marshall St in downtown Richmond. Ghost of Pop IV features a nice sampling of local bands: Prabir & the Substitutes, David Shultz and the Skyline, The Awesome Few, Palominos, Hot Lava, Orioles, and Zac Hryciak & the Jungle Beat. You get all that for just $5. The show starts at 7 and is an all ages show and it should be a cool atmosphere too.
Larry Keel & Natural Bridge come to Ashland Coffee & Tea on Friday night. Tix are $21 and the show starts around 8. Here is how they describe themselves on their web site: "Connecting traditional songs of yesterday with their own original and inventive sounds of today, Larry Keel and Natural Bridge create astonishingly powerful acoustic music rich in heritage, heart and hot picking!" Larry Keel & the band combine bluegrass, folk, jazz, and reggae into an excellent potpourri of music.
If you want some holiday stuff to do with the kids (or without) check out the James River Parade of Lights. This starts at Libby Hill Park around 6 and heads down river to the Varina-Enon bridge. The best viewing sites are Libby Hill and Dock Street in the City of Richmond, Osborne Park and Boat Landing in Henrico County, and Henricus Historical Park and Dutch Gap Boat Landing in Chesterfield County.
If you want to do something later without the kids, check out Hamaganza at the Capital Ale House Music Hall Downtown on Saturday night. This starts at 9 and I believe this may be the first time they are doing it somewhere other than Poe's Pub. While the atmosphere of Poe's will be missed (they are doing a friend and family of Hamaganza preview ther on Friday night) the larger venue means they can collect more money and hams (thus the name) for the Central VA Food Bank, a great cause. If you are wondering what Hamaganza is, its like a weird talent show in which you'll see music, poetry and some more bizarre acts (I remember seeing a champion whistler one year), all hosted by the hostess(?) with the mostess, and I do mean the mostess, the 500 lb. drag queen, Dirtwoman.
Alright, I'm outta here. I'm going to get the Christmas music out since we are officially 2 weeks from Christmas. But here, just the heck of it, Ween's "Mutilated Lips":
Have an excellent weekend!
Tony Jordan
Friday, December 5, 2008
IMDB for Music
I've been waiting for someone to do something like the Internet Movie Database (IMDB) for music. And now its here. Check out Soundunwound, the new music site from, well, IMDB & Amazon. The timeline feature for bands is pretty slick. Also, links to videos, web sites, member bios, etc. Me likee alot!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Grace Potter, Christmas Delights, Black Cash
After a little Thanksgiving break, we are back and ready for action. Though I'm still eating turkey sandwiches and I'm still enjoying it. Mmmmmm! Loves me some turkey!
There is a whole host of Holiday festivities in downtown Richmond this weekend. On Friday night, Celebrate Illuminate begins with the Grand Illumination at the James Center, the Holiday Market at the 17th St Farmer's Market, Main St. Station Holiday Open House, and the Capitol Square Tree Lighting. For the full dope on all the family friendly activities check out this site: http://www.venturerichmond.com/events/vrevents.html#illuminate.
Also Friday night, while you are downtown, you can check out First Fridays Artwalk on Broad St. Here is more info on that: http://www.firstfridaysrichmond.com/.
And finally on Friday, after all that holiday cheer, change into your black clothes, head to the Cary Street Cafe, grab a beer and enjoy Black Cash & The Bad Trips, the excellent Johnny Cash tribute band. That show starts at 10 and tix are $7. Perhaps they'll do Johnny Cash doing the "12 Days of Christmas":
If you are still in a holiday mood on Saturday, the Ukrop's Richmond Christmas Parade heads down Broad St from the Science Museum to 7th Street. We'll be down at the 7th Street end so if you are down there, be sure to look for us. Zach is pretty excited this year even for the large balloons. When he was 2, we went to the parade and this is what happened when he saw the giant Alvin (of Chipmunks fame) balloon:
There is a whole host of Holiday festivities in downtown Richmond this weekend. On Friday night, Celebrate Illuminate begins with the Grand Illumination at the James Center, the Holiday Market at the 17th St Farmer's Market, Main St. Station Holiday Open House, and the Capitol Square Tree Lighting. For the full dope on all the family friendly activities check out this site: http://www.venturerichmond.com/events/vrevents.html#illuminate.
Also Friday night, while you are downtown, you can check out First Fridays Artwalk on Broad St. Here is more info on that: http://www.firstfridaysrichmond.com/.
And finally on Friday, after all that holiday cheer, change into your black clothes, head to the Cary Street Cafe, grab a beer and enjoy Black Cash & The Bad Trips, the excellent Johnny Cash tribute band. That show starts at 10 and tix are $7. Perhaps they'll do Johnny Cash doing the "12 Days of Christmas":
If you are still in a holiday mood on Saturday, the Ukrop's Richmond Christmas Parade heads down Broad St from the Science Museum to 7th Street. We'll be down at the 7th Street end so if you are down there, be sure to look for us. Zach is pretty excited this year even for the large balloons. When he was 2, we went to the parade and this is what happened when he saw the giant Alvin (of Chipmunks fame) balloon:
Yes, we were there all of 10 minutes.
On Saturday night, the Hackensaw Boys play at the National. Doors open at 8, show starts at 9 and tix are $15. The Hackensaw Boys hail from Charlottesville and play rollicking contemporary bluegrass.
Sunday night the beautiful and talented Grace Potter and her band, The Nocturnals, comes to Toad's Place. Doors open at 7, tix are $14 in advance and $16 day of show. Sons of Bill will be opening. If you are a fan of blues rock like Janis Joplin, Bonnie Raitt, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, or Lucinda Williams, do yourself a favor and see Grace and the band. Just in case you missed it, here is my review of her show from the last time she played Toad's: http://handfulofbrains.blogspot.com/2008/03/review-grace-potter-nocturnals-11508.html.
And gentlemen, if great rock n' roll alone isn't enough to get you out to the show, here is a patriotic picture of Grace:
Finally, instead of me remembering the Philly Spectrum this week, how about Trey Anastasio, once & future guitarist for Phish and fellow Flyers fan, remembering the Spectrum:
I knew that Trey was a Flyers fan. In the late 90s, he was interviewed on a show on Philly's local Comcast sports station. The interviewer, Michael Barkann, seemed to have no idea who Trey or Phish was. However, once the interview started and Barkann saw that Trey knew the Flyers and hockey and knew what he was talking about, Barkann completely warmed up to him and the two of them had a great time. I think Trey had fun because he wasn't answering questions about the band, he was just talking hockey as a fan.
Have a great weekend!
Tony Jordan
Friday, November 21, 2008
Moshe Dayan at The Canal Club
My friend Tom wanted me to mention these guys so in Tom's words: "Would you mind doing a special post on the blog about Moshe Dayan playing Saturday the 22nd @ the Canal Club? They are a hard core Christian band formed by some of the members of the ROC (Richmond Outreach Center) band. I do love this kind of head banging hard core stuff. They are in the same vein as bands like Disturbed, Stained & Drowning Pool. There should be about 200 sold out ROC Christians down there for the show. Hope you can make it.
You can check them out at http://www.myspace.com/moshedayanrock."
Moshe Dayan will have the middle spot between headliners Hollywood Undead and openers Against Grace. Doors open at 7 and tix are $13.
You can check them out at http://www.myspace.com/moshedayanrock."
Moshe Dayan will have the middle spot between headliners Hollywood Undead and openers Against Grace. Doors open at 7 and tix are $13.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Sleeveface
Here's something fun you can do with your old albums.
Sleeveface: one or more persons obscuring or augmenting any part of their body or bodies with record sleeve(s) causing an illusion.
Enjoy!
http://www.sleeveface.com/
Sleeveface: one or more persons obscuring or augmenting any part of their body or bodies with record sleeve(s) causing an illusion.
Enjoy!
http://www.sleeveface.com/
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
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
Friday, November 14, 2008
Robert Earl Keen, Amy Ray, Kelly Joe Phelps, Maxwell
Good day or evening, depending on when you read this.
Saturday night, great Texas singer-songwriter and rockin' country dude, Robert Earl Keen, comes to Toad's Place. Doors open at 8, tix are $20 advance and $25 day of show. REK always puts on a great show, at least all the times I've seen him. If you want to check out a show, he has a free download of a show from January 2008 available on his web site if you sign up for his email list. In a random REK note, I am finally catching up on watching Generation Kill, the HBO mini-series about Marines in Iraq. While the Marines are parked in their convoy, two Marines are singing with each other, trying to figure out the words to REK's "Merry Christmas from the Family". Since its almost the holiday season, and since the song is a classic, here it is for your listening pleasure.
Also on Saturday night, Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls performs at the Capital Ale House Downtown. Doors open at 8 and tix are $15 in advance, $18 day of show.
Kelly Joe Phelps plays at Ashland Coffee & Tea on Friday night. Kelly (a dude) is a blues singer/songwriter and according to the Ashland Coffee & Tea web site, is "Portland's Blues King".
If you are in the mood for some smooth R&B check out the neo-soul artist Maxwell Saturday at the Landmark Theater. Tickets are $49.50 - $125 and the show starts at 8 with up and comer Jazmine Sullivan.
That's it for now. Have a great weekend.
Tony Jordan
Saturday night, great Texas singer-songwriter and rockin' country dude, Robert Earl Keen, comes to Toad's Place. Doors open at 8, tix are $20 advance and $25 day of show. REK always puts on a great show, at least all the times I've seen him. If you want to check out a show, he has a free download of a show from January 2008 available on his web site if you sign up for his email list. In a random REK note, I am finally catching up on watching Generation Kill, the HBO mini-series about Marines in Iraq. While the Marines are parked in their convoy, two Marines are singing with each other, trying to figure out the words to REK's "Merry Christmas from the Family". Since its almost the holiday season, and since the song is a classic, here it is for your listening pleasure.
Also on Saturday night, Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls performs at the Capital Ale House Downtown. Doors open at 8 and tix are $15 in advance, $18 day of show.
Kelly Joe Phelps plays at Ashland Coffee & Tea on Friday night. Kelly (a dude) is a blues singer/songwriter and according to the Ashland Coffee & Tea web site, is "Portland's Blues King".
If you are in the mood for some smooth R&B check out the neo-soul artist Maxwell Saturday at the Landmark Theater. Tickets are $49.50 - $125 and the show starts at 8 with up and comer Jazmine Sullivan.
That's it for now. Have a great weekend.
Tony Jordan
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Conor Oberst at the National
Hello, hello.
Conor Oberst (aka Bright Eyes) comes to the National on Wednesday night. Tickets are $25, doors open at 7, show starts at 8 with two openers, Rig 1 and Ben Kweller. Conor's indie pop rock has been critically acclaimed since he started his Bright Eyes project in the late 90s. I'll actually be attending this show thanks to the good folks at Jambase.com, who I won tickets from. Yay me. So if you are going drop me a line or call me and we'll hook up.
If you are interested, you can listen to Conor's entire show from the 9:30 Club in DC on Monday night. It was recorded and is available at NPR.
Just wanted to get that one out there. More on Thursday.
Tony Jordan
Conor Oberst (aka Bright Eyes) comes to the National on Wednesday night. Tickets are $25, doors open at 7, show starts at 8 with two openers, Rig 1 and Ben Kweller. Conor's indie pop rock has been critically acclaimed since he started his Bright Eyes project in the late 90s. I'll actually be attending this show thanks to the good folks at Jambase.com, who I won tickets from. Yay me. So if you are going drop me a line or call me and we'll hook up.
If you are interested, you can listen to Conor's entire show from the 9:30 Club in DC on Monday night. It was recorded and is available at NPR.
Just wanted to get that one out there. More on Thursday.
Tony Jordan
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Kathleen Edwards, John Doe, Atkinsons, Rev. Horton Heat and more
Not a whole lot going on this week. I heard there was some kind of vote going on today (Tuesday). Did American Idol start again?
On Wednesday night at The National, Kathleen Edwards plays with John Doe (of X) opening. Tix are $15, doors open at 7 and show starts at 8. Kathleen plays singer-songwriter, alt-country and you'll like her if you like Shawn Colvin, Lucinda Williams, Aimee Mann or Emmylou Harris.
Richmond's own, The Atkinsons play the Highwater Restaurant at Toad's Place on Friday night. That's a FREE show and will start at 6:30. The Atkinsons play great Americana music so check them out.
After the Atkinsons, you can step next door into Toad's Place proper for a raging rockabilly (or psychobilly or punkabilly or whatever you want to call it) show featuring The Reverend Horton Heat, Nashville Pussy and Reckless Kelly. Doors open at 8 and tix are $22.
The Dropkick Murphys bring their celtic-punk sound to Toad's on Saturday night. Doors open at 7 and tix are $28.
Its time for the next installment of my "Tony Remembers the Spectrum" series. I went to see Rush on the Grace Under Pressure tour on either November 5 or 6, 1984. This show wasn't so memorable as far as the band goes, though I'm sure Rush played great as they always do consistently. This show was more memorable for my friend Jim's violently drunk brother. Jim was one of the nicest guys I knew at the time. He went to a different high school then I did but we lived in the same neighborhood and had been hanging out for a couple of years. Jim's brother was two to three years older than Jim and I and had pretty much been a f**k-up since I had known him. He was an alcoholic stoner and a bully.
Somehow he had talked Jim into going to the show with us. Jim wasn't too keen on the idea but reluctantly agreed. The concert went well, though Jim's brother (sorry I can't remember his name so we'll call him Frank) produced a bottle of Jack Daniel's from his jacket shortly after we got in, mixed it with a cup of Coke and finished it the whole bottle off during the show.
After the show, Jim had to call his grandfather to come pick us up. It was about a 15 - 20 minute drive from our neighborhood to the stadiums. As we waited next to the Connie Mack statue outside of Veterans Stadium, Jim and I spent that 15 - 20 minutes fending off Frank who kept trying to start fights with us. However, he was so drunk that we were able to contain him by pushing him to the ground where he would usually sit for a minute or two before getting up and trying to start a fight again. I wasn't really scared as much as annoyed by Frank, though he was stronger than Jim & I when sober, so I was a little worried that he could get a lucky shot in or grab a bottle or something he could use as a weapon. Needless to say, it was a great relief when Jim's grandfather finally showed up and Frank passed out for the ride home.
Jim and I lost touch after that, but not because of that night. We were both getting more involved in things in our high schools. Then, I moved to a different neighborhood, only a couple miles away, but enough that we couldn't do the casual stop-by when time permitted. Unlike his brother, Jim had it together and was in a pre-ROTC program for the Navy. I suspect Jim probably joined the Navy after high school and/or college and is doing well for himself. Unfortunately, Jim has a common last name so Googling him is pointless as you end up with 20+ pages of hits. Hopefully, his brother got it together too, before he hurt himself or someone else.
Anyway, sorry to end on such a somber note but that's the story. The next "Remembering the Spectrum" will be much more fun as it was Prince on the Purple Rain tour on Thanksgiving night.
Until then, have a great weekend!
Tony Jordan
On Wednesday night at The National, Kathleen Edwards plays with John Doe (of X) opening. Tix are $15, doors open at 7 and show starts at 8. Kathleen plays singer-songwriter, alt-country and you'll like her if you like Shawn Colvin, Lucinda Williams, Aimee Mann or Emmylou Harris.
Richmond's own, The Atkinsons play the Highwater Restaurant at Toad's Place on Friday night. That's a FREE show and will start at 6:30. The Atkinsons play great Americana music so check them out.
After the Atkinsons, you can step next door into Toad's Place proper for a raging rockabilly (or psychobilly or punkabilly or whatever you want to call it) show featuring The Reverend Horton Heat, Nashville Pussy and Reckless Kelly. Doors open at 8 and tix are $22.
The Dropkick Murphys bring their celtic-punk sound to Toad's on Saturday night. Doors open at 7 and tix are $28.
Its time for the next installment of my "Tony Remembers the Spectrum" series. I went to see Rush on the Grace Under Pressure tour on either November 5 or 6, 1984. This show wasn't so memorable as far as the band goes, though I'm sure Rush played great as they always do consistently. This show was more memorable for my friend Jim's violently drunk brother. Jim was one of the nicest guys I knew at the time. He went to a different high school then I did but we lived in the same neighborhood and had been hanging out for a couple of years. Jim's brother was two to three years older than Jim and I and had pretty much been a f**k-up since I had known him. He was an alcoholic stoner and a bully.
Somehow he had talked Jim into going to the show with us. Jim wasn't too keen on the idea but reluctantly agreed. The concert went well, though Jim's brother (sorry I can't remember his name so we'll call him Frank) produced a bottle of Jack Daniel's from his jacket shortly after we got in, mixed it with a cup of Coke and finished it the whole bottle off during the show.
After the show, Jim had to call his grandfather to come pick us up. It was about a 15 - 20 minute drive from our neighborhood to the stadiums. As we waited next to the Connie Mack statue outside of Veterans Stadium, Jim and I spent that 15 - 20 minutes fending off Frank who kept trying to start fights with us. However, he was so drunk that we were able to contain him by pushing him to the ground where he would usually sit for a minute or two before getting up and trying to start a fight again. I wasn't really scared as much as annoyed by Frank, though he was stronger than Jim & I when sober, so I was a little worried that he could get a lucky shot in or grab a bottle or something he could use as a weapon. Needless to say, it was a great relief when Jim's grandfather finally showed up and Frank passed out for the ride home.
Jim and I lost touch after that, but not because of that night. We were both getting more involved in things in our high schools. Then, I moved to a different neighborhood, only a couple miles away, but enough that we couldn't do the casual stop-by when time permitted. Unlike his brother, Jim had it together and was in a pre-ROTC program for the Navy. I suspect Jim probably joined the Navy after high school and/or college and is doing well for himself. Unfortunately, Jim has a common last name so Googling him is pointless as you end up with 20+ pages of hits. Hopefully, his brother got it together too, before he hurt himself or someone else.
Anyway, sorry to end on such a somber note but that's the story. The next "Remembering the Spectrum" will be much more fun as it was Prince on the Purple Rain tour on Thanksgiving night.
Until then, have a great weekend!
Tony Jordan
Friday, October 31, 2008
Reduced Price for Nine Inch Nails tix
It looks like the economy is starting to cut into ticket sales. This is the second time in three days I have recieved an announcement regarding reduced ticket prices. Good news for the ticket buying consumer and perhaps we'll see all concert tix coming down in price in the future.
Here is the announcment re: Nine Inch Nails:
NINE INCH NAILS
Special weekend offer from Friday, Oct. 31 @10am until Sunday, Nov. 2 @10pm tickets for Nine Inch Nails are only $10.60 (plus service charges and fees).
This offer is only valid in specific sections and not valid on previously purchased tickets or in combination with any other discounts or special offers. Ticket limit is 8.
John Paul Jones Arena Charlottesville, VA November 5, 2008 @ 7:00 PM
Tickets for this special offer may be purchased online at www.johnpauljonesarena.com, by phone at 1-888-JPJ-TIXS (575-8497), in person at the John Paul Jones Arena box office or by visiting any of the Plan 9 Music outlets listed below.
Select Plan 9 Music outlets (for locations and hours click here.) -
Charlottesville: 214 Albemarle Sq - in the Albemarle Sq Shopping Center -
Richmond: 3012 W Cary St - in Carytown -
Harrisonburg: 1790-96 East Market St - in the Kroger Shopping Center -
Williamsburg: 200 M Monticello -
Roanoke: 1314 Grandin Rd - Grandin Village -
Lynchburg: 3700 Candler's Mt Rd Suite 200
Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau (within the Transit Station) Downtown Visitor Center 610 East Main St Charlottesville VA 22902
Crossroads Music & Movies:
Staunton - 856 Statler Blvd
Waynesboro - 117 Lew Dewitt BlvdM
Here is the announcment re: Nine Inch Nails:
NINE INCH NAILS
Special weekend offer from Friday, Oct. 31 @10am until Sunday, Nov. 2 @10pm tickets for Nine Inch Nails are only $10.60 (plus service charges and fees).
This offer is only valid in specific sections and not valid on previously purchased tickets or in combination with any other discounts or special offers. Ticket limit is 8.
John Paul Jones Arena Charlottesville, VA November 5, 2008 @ 7:00 PM
Tickets for this special offer may be purchased online at www.johnpauljonesarena.com, by phone at 1-888-JPJ-TIXS (575-8497), in person at the John Paul Jones Arena box office or by visiting any of the Plan 9 Music outlets listed below.
Select Plan 9 Music outlets (for locations and hours click here.) -
Charlottesville: 214 Albemarle Sq - in the Albemarle Sq Shopping Center -
Richmond: 3012 W Cary St - in Carytown -
Harrisonburg: 1790-96 East Market St - in the Kroger Shopping Center -
Williamsburg: 200 M Monticello -
Roanoke: 1314 Grandin Rd - Grandin Village -
Lynchburg: 3700 Candler's Mt Rd Suite 200
Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau (within the Transit Station) Downtown Visitor Center 610 East Main St Charlottesville VA 22902
Crossroads Music & Movies:
Staunton - 856 Statler Blvd
Waynesboro - 117 Lew Dewitt BlvdM
Thursday, October 30, 2008
PHILS WIN!, Carbon Leaf, Lotus, Ratdog, The Bridge
Oh, man, this will be kind of short tonight. I am tired from a night last night unlike any night I've had in 28 years. Yes, my Phillies finally made it to the top of the heap for the first time since 1980. Little did I know when I was watching them win it in '80 with my parents that the next time I saw them win it all, I would be a parent watching with my wife and son. But that's how long it took. I jumped and danced around like a madman, letting out whoops and hugging and kissing my wife and son (and the cat). Then I stayed up until almost 12 drinking a few victory beers, calling friends and family members, watching all the post-game interviews and that great final strike over and over again. I wanted to savor it for as long as possible just in case it takes another 28 years.
Onto this week's music. If you are looking for something to do on Halloween night, you can head to Toad's Place to see the Haunted Halloween Party with Carbon Leaf. Tix are $20 and doors open at 8. Carbon Leaf is a great band from right here in Richmond and they have achieved some national exposure. They are always fun to see. You'll dig them if you like stuff like REM, The Waterboys, Psychedelic Furs, Dave Matthews Band, Rusted Root and David Gray.
At the Canal Club on Halloween night is The Bridge. Tix are $10 and the show starts at 9:30. These guys hail from Baltimore and have started to make a name for themselves on the festival scene. They are a bluesy jam band and what I've heard sounds pretty good.
If you are at home for Halloween, you can check out Widespread Panic's Halloween gig on a live webcast from UNO Lakefront Arena in New Orleans on iclips.net. The show will get underway at 9:15 PM.
On Saturday, head down to the Brunswick Stew Festival at the 17 St Farmers Market for to sample the yummy stews and beverages (adult and otherwise). That's FREE and goes from 11 AM to 4 PM.
On Saturday, hip indie band Of Montreal plays at The National. Doors at 8, show at 9 and tix are $18. This theatrical, indie psychedelic pop band is being compared to David Bowie on the most recent issue of Paste magazine. Here's what a recent review on blog Muzzle of Bees had to say: "Kevin Barnes (lead singer) is officially my newest hero. Not only does he have incredibly sexy dance moves with his hops and skips, but the dude’s got a set of lungs on him that can out-howl the wildest beast. He looks damn good in hot-pants and has got some pretty extravagantly freaky visions. Who the hell else can get away with leaping out of a coffin full of shaving cream, being escorted on stage in a golden prison carried by a pack of buddahs, singing in the midst of a self-executed hanging, and meanwhile never losing a beat skipping amongst children, ninjas, soldiers and creepy animal people? "
On Sunday at the National, Lotus will play with doors opening at 8 and tickets $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Lotus plays atmospheric, jazzy indie pop (if that makes any sense). You might dig them if you like Sound Tribe Sector 9, Disco Biscuits or Air.
On Monday, Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead comes to the National with his band, Ratdog. Doors open at 7, show starts at 8 (no opener!) and tix are $30. As a Deadhead in good standing, I would usually go to this show however I will probably pass this time due to lack of funds. Its not like I haven't seen the Dead or their various offshoot solo bands probably upwards of 100 times now, so I can miss one.
But if I'm home I will be watching the Headcount "Get Out The Vote" Concert live webcast on iclips.net. Robert Randolph, ?uestlove (The Roots) and Stanton Moore (Galactic) will share the stage with musicians like Joe Russo and Marco Benevento of The Duo, Chris Barron of The Spin Doctors, Dave Dreiwitz of Ween, Reid Genauer of Assembly of Dust, Tom Hamilton and Scott Metzger of American Babies, and Aron Magner and Marc Brownstein of The Disco Biscuits. Should be a great show and the webcast starts at 8 PM.
Hopefully that will get you all psyched up to vote on Tuesday. Not only do we get to pick a new president but Tuesday means the end of candidate commercials and the end of what seems like a two-year campaign.
Have a HAPPY HALLOWEEN and a great weekend!
Tony Jordan
Onto this week's music. If you are looking for something to do on Halloween night, you can head to Toad's Place to see the Haunted Halloween Party with Carbon Leaf. Tix are $20 and doors open at 8. Carbon Leaf is a great band from right here in Richmond and they have achieved some national exposure. They are always fun to see. You'll dig them if you like stuff like REM, The Waterboys, Psychedelic Furs, Dave Matthews Band, Rusted Root and David Gray.
At the Canal Club on Halloween night is The Bridge. Tix are $10 and the show starts at 9:30. These guys hail from Baltimore and have started to make a name for themselves on the festival scene. They are a bluesy jam band and what I've heard sounds pretty good.
If you are at home for Halloween, you can check out Widespread Panic's Halloween gig on a live webcast from UNO Lakefront Arena in New Orleans on iclips.net. The show will get underway at 9:15 PM.
On Saturday, head down to the Brunswick Stew Festival at the 17 St Farmers Market for to sample the yummy stews and beverages (adult and otherwise). That's FREE and goes from 11 AM to 4 PM.
On Saturday, hip indie band Of Montreal plays at The National. Doors at 8, show at 9 and tix are $18. This theatrical, indie psychedelic pop band is being compared to David Bowie on the most recent issue of Paste magazine. Here's what a recent review on blog Muzzle of Bees had to say: "Kevin Barnes (lead singer) is officially my newest hero. Not only does he have incredibly sexy dance moves with his hops and skips, but the dude’s got a set of lungs on him that can out-howl the wildest beast. He looks damn good in hot-pants and has got some pretty extravagantly freaky visions. Who the hell else can get away with leaping out of a coffin full of shaving cream, being escorted on stage in a golden prison carried by a pack of buddahs, singing in the midst of a self-executed hanging, and meanwhile never losing a beat skipping amongst children, ninjas, soldiers and creepy animal people? "
On Sunday at the National, Lotus will play with doors opening at 8 and tickets $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Lotus plays atmospheric, jazzy indie pop (if that makes any sense). You might dig them if you like Sound Tribe Sector 9, Disco Biscuits or Air.
On Monday, Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead comes to the National with his band, Ratdog. Doors open at 7, show starts at 8 (no opener!) and tix are $30. As a Deadhead in good standing, I would usually go to this show however I will probably pass this time due to lack of funds. Its not like I haven't seen the Dead or their various offshoot solo bands probably upwards of 100 times now, so I can miss one.
But if I'm home I will be watching the Headcount "Get Out The Vote" Concert live webcast on iclips.net. Robert Randolph, ?uestlove (The Roots) and Stanton Moore (Galactic) will share the stage with musicians like Joe Russo and Marco Benevento of The Duo, Chris Barron of The Spin Doctors, Dave Dreiwitz of Ween, Reid Genauer of Assembly of Dust, Tom Hamilton and Scott Metzger of American Babies, and Aron Magner and Marc Brownstein of The Disco Biscuits. Should be a great show and the webcast starts at 8 PM.
Hopefully that will get you all psyched up to vote on Tuesday. Not only do we get to pick a new president but Tuesday means the end of candidate commercials and the end of what seems like a two-year campaign.
Have a HAPPY HALLOWEEN and a great weekend!
Tony Jordan
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Cheap tix for Man Man
Check out the offer on Ticketmaster for Buy One, Get One Free tix for Man Man at the National tomorrow night (10/30): http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0100410DDCA86E93?dma_id=369.
This essentially makes the ticket price $6.25 each.
I've caught these guys a few times on some of the festival webcasts and they are definitely a trip. Here's what the National site says about them: "Man Man is quickly becoming legendary for its live shows, which feature the band playing a whirlwind of songs that flow seamlessly from one to the other on a jumble of swapped instruments and found objects while fans--clad in real and fake mustaches, war paint and white clothes--rock out."
If you like Tom Waits, Frank Zappa or other theatrical, experimental rock bands, you'll probably like these guys.
This essentially makes the ticket price $6.25 each.
I've caught these guys a few times on some of the festival webcasts and they are definitely a trip. Here's what the National site says about them: "Man Man is quickly becoming legendary for its live shows, which feature the band playing a whirlwind of songs that flow seamlessly from one to the other on a jumble of swapped instruments and found objects while fans--clad in real and fake mustaches, war paint and white clothes--rock out."
If you like Tom Waits, Frank Zappa or other theatrical, experimental rock bands, you'll probably like these guys.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
10 Commandments of Concert Behavior
Found this great blog(s) regarding the "10 Commandments of Concert Behavior". I couldn't agree more specifically with Number IX. And as far as I know, I have only violated one. http://myoldkyhome.blogspot.com/search/label/10%20commandments
I got the Commandments link from one of my favorite blogs, the Live Music Blog. Check it out.
Tony Jordan
I got the Commandments link from one of my favorite blogs, the Live Music Blog. Check it out.
Tony Jordan
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Trey Anastasio, Rev. Peyton's Big Damn Band, Roger McGuinn and more
Good evening. This looks like the biggest weekend muscially in Richmond in a long time, at least as far as the clubs are concerned.
Richmond blues guitarist Terry Garland plays at Toad's Place's Wednesday on the Water series. Show starts at 6 PM and is FREE.
Thursday night at Toad's is Conspirator featuring members of the Disco Biscuits. Here is what the Toad's site says about them: "Featuring Disco Biscuits' Marc Brownstein and Aron Magnor, Conspirator has quickly made a name for themselves in the Psy-trance scene. Getting their feel from their jam/funk counterpart, Marc and Aron recruited long time friend Omen to help create this Trance-Fusion supergroup." Doors are at 8 PM and tix are $22.
Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band bring their southern gutbucket blues to the Capital Ale House on Friday night. Doors open at 9:30 and tix are $8 in advance and $10 the day of the show. Here's what the Capital Ale House site says about them: "The Rev. Peyton swings country blues like a velvet hammer, its impact cloaked in rural tones and a timeless simplicity. Yet in an unassuming folk/Americana way, Reverend Peyton is capable of riling the same beast he soothes. It is this type of raw and immediate blues that addresses the human urge directly. It is this type of blues that justifies and chronicles the human condition. It is this type of blues that, in all its secular glory, can move the spirit, no matter how weak the flesh." And you have to like a band that has a song called "Your Cousin's on Cops"
If you want to sample Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band for free, you can check them out at Plan 9 in Carytown on Friday night when they do a FREE in-store performance at 6 PM.
If you prefer your guitar work a little slicker, guitar wizard Joe Satriani will be at The National on Friday. The opener will be Mountain ("Mississippi Queen"). Doors at 7, show at 8. Seating is mostly reserved for this show with Orchaestra Gold Circle $75. Orchestra $45, Balcony $35, Standing General Admission $25.
And if you want to swing, Squirrel Nut Zippers will be at Toad's Place. Doors open at 8, tix are $18.50 in advance and $22 day of show.
Saturday night at the National, once and future Phish guitarist, Trey Anastasio brings his other band in for two sets of music. Doors open at 7 PM, show at 8 and tix are $35.50. Seeing as how the Phish comeback shows at Hampton in March sold out in about 2 minutes, this may be as close as you get to Trey for a while. Unless you want to spend $700 on ebay for a pair of tix for a Hampton show.
While checking over the last few days to see if any Phish tix magically appear, I realized that you can come up with some good band names from the two seemingly random words that Ticketmaster makes you type in to prove you aren't an automated ticket buying program. I just checked for tix (still none) and got these two potential band names, "Upsilon Beach" and "Curve Millie". I kind of like Upsilon Beach. Sounds like a good prog-rock band.
Also Saturday night, head Byrd, Roger McGuinn, flies into the Glen Allen Cultural Arts Center. Tickets are $35 and the show starts at 7.
Finally, when you are at home this weekend, check out The VooDoo Experience festival live webcast from New Orleans on iclips.net. They haven't posted a schedule yet but things should run from 11:15 AM until midnight on Friday, Saturday & Sunday. They have an excellent lineup including (no guarantees on who you will see on iclips) Stone Temple Pilots, Nine Inch Nails, REM, Lil Wayne, Erykah Badu, Joss Stone, Wyclef Jean, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Zydepunks, Man Man, Mars Volta, Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, Fishbone, Walter "Wolfman" Washington, Marc Broussard, Treme Brass Band, N*E*R*D, Lupe Fiasco, Butthole Surfers, Sharon Jones & Dap Kings, Cowboy Mouth, Blind Boys of Alabama, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, The Lee Boys, and the ever popular much, much more. You'll also be able to see highlights on FuseTV on Monday night at 8 PM.
That's it for me, have a great weekend and
GO PHILLIES!!!!
Tony Jordan
Richmond blues guitarist Terry Garland plays at Toad's Place's Wednesday on the Water series. Show starts at 6 PM and is FREE.
Thursday night at Toad's is Conspirator featuring members of the Disco Biscuits. Here is what the Toad's site says about them: "Featuring Disco Biscuits' Marc Brownstein and Aron Magnor, Conspirator has quickly made a name for themselves in the Psy-trance scene. Getting their feel from their jam/funk counterpart, Marc and Aron recruited long time friend Omen to help create this Trance-Fusion supergroup." Doors are at 8 PM and tix are $22.
Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band bring their southern gutbucket blues to the Capital Ale House on Friday night. Doors open at 9:30 and tix are $8 in advance and $10 the day of the show. Here's what the Capital Ale House site says about them: "The Rev. Peyton swings country blues like a velvet hammer, its impact cloaked in rural tones and a timeless simplicity. Yet in an unassuming folk/Americana way, Reverend Peyton is capable of riling the same beast he soothes. It is this type of raw and immediate blues that addresses the human urge directly. It is this type of blues that justifies and chronicles the human condition. It is this type of blues that, in all its secular glory, can move the spirit, no matter how weak the flesh." And you have to like a band that has a song called "Your Cousin's on Cops"
If you want to sample Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band for free, you can check them out at Plan 9 in Carytown on Friday night when they do a FREE in-store performance at 6 PM.
If you prefer your guitar work a little slicker, guitar wizard Joe Satriani will be at The National on Friday. The opener will be Mountain ("Mississippi Queen"). Doors at 7, show at 8. Seating is mostly reserved for this show with Orchaestra Gold Circle $75. Orchestra $45, Balcony $35, Standing General Admission $25.
And if you want to swing, Squirrel Nut Zippers will be at Toad's Place. Doors open at 8, tix are $18.50 in advance and $22 day of show.
Saturday night at the National, once and future Phish guitarist, Trey Anastasio brings his other band in for two sets of music. Doors open at 7 PM, show at 8 and tix are $35.50. Seeing as how the Phish comeback shows at Hampton in March sold out in about 2 minutes, this may be as close as you get to Trey for a while. Unless you want to spend $700 on ebay for a pair of tix for a Hampton show.
While checking over the last few days to see if any Phish tix magically appear, I realized that you can come up with some good band names from the two seemingly random words that Ticketmaster makes you type in to prove you aren't an automated ticket buying program. I just checked for tix (still none) and got these two potential band names, "Upsilon Beach" and "Curve Millie". I kind of like Upsilon Beach. Sounds like a good prog-rock band.
Also Saturday night, head Byrd, Roger McGuinn, flies into the Glen Allen Cultural Arts Center. Tickets are $35 and the show starts at 7.
Finally, when you are at home this weekend, check out The VooDoo Experience festival live webcast from New Orleans on iclips.net. They haven't posted a schedule yet but things should run from 11:15 AM until midnight on Friday, Saturday & Sunday. They have an excellent lineup including (no guarantees on who you will see on iclips) Stone Temple Pilots, Nine Inch Nails, REM, Lil Wayne, Erykah Badu, Joss Stone, Wyclef Jean, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Zydepunks, Man Man, Mars Volta, Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, Fishbone, Walter "Wolfman" Washington, Marc Broussard, Treme Brass Band, N*E*R*D, Lupe Fiasco, Butthole Surfers, Sharon Jones & Dap Kings, Cowboy Mouth, Blind Boys of Alabama, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, The Lee Boys, and the ever popular much, much more. You'll also be able to see highlights on FuseTV on Monday night at 8 PM.
That's it for me, have a great weekend and
GO PHILLIES!!!!
Tony Jordan
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Joe Bonamassa, Zoso, Sheryl Crow, Broken Social Scene
Hope you all enjoyed your weekend. We spent two great days at the Folk Fest enjoying the music, the kids and the beautiful weather.
Wednesday night at The National, blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa plays. Doors at 7, show at 8 and tix are $30. I saw Joe when he was 15 or 16 and playing in a band called Bloodline with Berry Oakley Jr. (son of the Allman Brothers bassist), Robbie Krieger's (guitarist for the Doors) son Waylon, and Miles Davis' son Erin. I remember thinking then that he was technically very good but seemed to be more interested in soloing than playing as a member of the band. However, that was 16 years ago and all the reviews indicate that he has matured into an excellent blues player. He should definitely be worth checking out.
Since it doesn't look like the Led Zeppelin reunion will be happening any time soon, if at all, you might want to see Zoso, the Led Zep tribute band. They'll be at the National on Friday night. Doors open at 7, show is at 8, tix are only $12. I am somewhat ambivalent about an actual Zep reunion. While I have no doubt they would be excellent (I saw Page/Plant and liked it so much I went back the next night), I just think the tour would be so huge, with so much hype that tix would be so expensive, certainly more than I would be willing to spend and then I would just be bummed that I couldn't see them.
Sheryl Crow comes to the VCU Siegel Center on Saturday night. The show starts at 8 PM and tickets run from $35 to $125. You may think that a bit pricey but this is a benefit show for the Genworth Children's Advantage Classic. All proceeds benefit the following local youth charities: Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Club of Metro Richmond, Communities In Schools, FRIENDS Association for Children, Richmond Ballet - Minds In Motion, VirginiaFIRST, and the William Byrd Community House. My friend, Mike, has scored VIP tix and may meet Sheryl. I told him to give her my number in case she wants to hang out after the show. Mike, I will have my cell phone ready.
P.S. - Did you know that Lite 98 cuts out the line "I like a good beer buzz early in the morning" when they play Sheryl Crow's first hit, "All I Wanna Do"? Lite 98 sucks.
Broken Social Scene play at Toad's Place on Tuesday night (10/21). Doors open at 8 and tix are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Here's what the Toad's site says about them: "If there’s ever been a definition of what a supergroup is, Broken Social Scene surely fits the bill. The 15+ members credited in the band also contribute to numerous other successful bands or solo projects, including: Fiest, Metric, Apostle of Hustle, Do Make Say Think, Jason Collett, American Analog Set, and Stars, just to name a few. BSS is well known for an almost chaotic composition of music influenced by the eclectic backgrounds of the musicians, but to most the soundscape they create is nothing short of masterful, beautiful, and fun."
Time for another segment in my "Tony Remembers the Philadelphia Spectrum" series. Friday, September 14, 1984, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band on the Born In The USA tour. (Tickets were just $16!) I went with my parents and my friend, Dave. We had seats on the side/rear of the stage in the second level. I got into Bruce about a year earlier, a short while prior to the release of Born In The USA. The first thing that struck me about the show was the length of the show. I remember the first set being over and already feeling I had got my money's worth (er, well, my parent's money's worth). The other thing that struck me was the connection Bruce and the band had with the fans. This was unlike anything I had seen in my previous shows. People on their feet almost the whole show, singing along and Bruce and the band pushing everything up, up, up, up. I got my own little taste late in the second set during Jungleland.
My friend, Dave, & I, went to the bottom of the second level and sat along the rail for most of the second set. This being a looser time, security didn't care as long as we weren't in the aisle. Bruce would roam all around the stage as he still does and during Clarence's sax solo, he walked around the back of the stage, getting the crowd to pump their fists with the beat. He walked right over to the corner Dave & I were hanging from and I think he looked right up at us and made that connection, even in a room full of 18,000 people. I became a Bruce fan forever on that night. I remember leaving The Spectrum at about 12:30 AM, elated and exhausted. That has since been the feeling I look for in all great Bruce shows and all great shows in general.
Here's the setlist. I've got this show on CD and the show is as great as the setlist looks:
BORN IN THE USA / PROVE IT ALL NIGHT / OUT IN THE STREET / ATLANTIC CITY / OPEN ALL NIGHT / MY FATHERS HOUSE / I'M GOING DOWN / DARLINGTON COUNTY / GLORY DAYS / THE PROMISED LAND / POINT BLANK / DARKNESS ON THE EDGE OF TOWN / BADLANDS / THUNDER ROAD / HUNGRY HEART / DANCING IN THE DARK / CADILLAC RANCH / 10TH AVENUE FREEZE OUT / NO SURRENDER / I'M ON FIRE / COVER ME / GROWIN' UP / BOBBY JEAN / RACING IN THE STREET / ROSALITA / JERSEY GIRL / JUNGLELAND / BORN TO RUN / DETROIT MEDLEY / TWIST AND SHOUT - DO YOU LOVE ME
Audience tape - features Miami Horns on 10th Ave, and the last two encores.
Have a great weekend!
Tony Jordan
Wednesday night at The National, blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa plays. Doors at 7, show at 8 and tix are $30. I saw Joe when he was 15 or 16 and playing in a band called Bloodline with Berry Oakley Jr. (son of the Allman Brothers bassist), Robbie Krieger's (guitarist for the Doors) son Waylon, and Miles Davis' son Erin. I remember thinking then that he was technically very good but seemed to be more interested in soloing than playing as a member of the band. However, that was 16 years ago and all the reviews indicate that he has matured into an excellent blues player. He should definitely be worth checking out.
Since it doesn't look like the Led Zeppelin reunion will be happening any time soon, if at all, you might want to see Zoso, the Led Zep tribute band. They'll be at the National on Friday night. Doors open at 7, show is at 8, tix are only $12. I am somewhat ambivalent about an actual Zep reunion. While I have no doubt they would be excellent (I saw Page/Plant and liked it so much I went back the next night), I just think the tour would be so huge, with so much hype that tix would be so expensive, certainly more than I would be willing to spend and then I would just be bummed that I couldn't see them.
Sheryl Crow comes to the VCU Siegel Center on Saturday night. The show starts at 8 PM and tickets run from $35 to $125. You may think that a bit pricey but this is a benefit show for the Genworth Children's Advantage Classic. All proceeds benefit the following local youth charities: Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Club of Metro Richmond, Communities In Schools, FRIENDS Association for Children, Richmond Ballet - Minds In Motion, VirginiaFIRST, and the William Byrd Community House. My friend, Mike, has scored VIP tix and may meet Sheryl. I told him to give her my number in case she wants to hang out after the show. Mike, I will have my cell phone ready.
P.S. - Did you know that Lite 98 cuts out the line "I like a good beer buzz early in the morning" when they play Sheryl Crow's first hit, "All I Wanna Do"? Lite 98 sucks.
Broken Social Scene play at Toad's Place on Tuesday night (10/21). Doors open at 8 and tix are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Here's what the Toad's site says about them: "If there’s ever been a definition of what a supergroup is, Broken Social Scene surely fits the bill. The 15+ members credited in the band also contribute to numerous other successful bands or solo projects, including: Fiest, Metric, Apostle of Hustle, Do Make Say Think, Jason Collett, American Analog Set, and Stars, just to name a few. BSS is well known for an almost chaotic composition of music influenced by the eclectic backgrounds of the musicians, but to most the soundscape they create is nothing short of masterful, beautiful, and fun."
Time for another segment in my "Tony Remembers the Philadelphia Spectrum" series. Friday, September 14, 1984, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band on the Born In The USA tour. (Tickets were just $16!) I went with my parents and my friend, Dave. We had seats on the side/rear of the stage in the second level. I got into Bruce about a year earlier, a short while prior to the release of Born In The USA. The first thing that struck me about the show was the length of the show. I remember the first set being over and already feeling I had got my money's worth (er, well, my parent's money's worth). The other thing that struck me was the connection Bruce and the band had with the fans. This was unlike anything I had seen in my previous shows. People on their feet almost the whole show, singing along and Bruce and the band pushing everything up, up, up, up. I got my own little taste late in the second set during Jungleland.
My friend, Dave, & I, went to the bottom of the second level and sat along the rail for most of the second set. This being a looser time, security didn't care as long as we weren't in the aisle. Bruce would roam all around the stage as he still does and during Clarence's sax solo, he walked around the back of the stage, getting the crowd to pump their fists with the beat. He walked right over to the corner Dave & I were hanging from and I think he looked right up at us and made that connection, even in a room full of 18,000 people. I became a Bruce fan forever on that night. I remember leaving The Spectrum at about 12:30 AM, elated and exhausted. That has since been the feeling I look for in all great Bruce shows and all great shows in general.
Here's the setlist. I've got this show on CD and the show is as great as the setlist looks:
BORN IN THE USA / PROVE IT ALL NIGHT / OUT IN THE STREET / ATLANTIC CITY / OPEN ALL NIGHT / MY FATHERS HOUSE / I'M GOING DOWN / DARLINGTON COUNTY / GLORY DAYS / THE PROMISED LAND / POINT BLANK / DARKNESS ON THE EDGE OF TOWN / BADLANDS / THUNDER ROAD / HUNGRY HEART / DANCING IN THE DARK / CADILLAC RANCH / 10TH AVENUE FREEZE OUT / NO SURRENDER / I'M ON FIRE / COVER ME / GROWIN' UP / BOBBY JEAN / RACING IN THE STREET / ROSALITA / JERSEY GIRL / JUNGLELAND / BORN TO RUN / DETROIT MEDLEY / TWIST AND SHOUT - DO YOU LOVE ME
Audience tape - features Miami Horns on 10th Ave, and the last two encores.
Have a great weekend!
Tony Jordan
Friday, October 10, 2008
Sheryl Crow, Jack Johnson, Beastie Boys, Santogold, and Norah Jones coming to Richmond Colisuem
See VA, it pays to be a battleground state. I just saw this announcement. Coming to Richmond Coliseum on Tuesday, October 28 is Sheryl Crow, Jack Johnson, Beastie Boys, Santogold, and Norah Jones for Get Out The Vote '08. Tickets go on sale on Saturday, October 11 and are only $35. Here is the link to Ticketmaster: http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0100414896D8284E.
They'll also be doing the following shows:
Nov 1 St. Paul, MN - Roy Wilkins Auditorium: Beastie Boys/Ben Harper/Tenacious D
Nov 2 Milwaukee, WI - U.S. Cellular Arena: Beastie Boys/Ben Harper/Crosby & Nash/Tenacious D
They plan on announcing more shows soon.
They'll also be doing the following shows:
Nov 1 St. Paul, MN - Roy Wilkins Auditorium: Beastie Boys/Ben Harper/Tenacious D
Nov 2 Milwaukee, WI - U.S. Cellular Arena: Beastie Boys/Ben Harper/Crosby & Nash/Tenacious D
They plan on announcing more shows soon.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Folk Fest, Buckethead, Danzig, Sam Bush, Wailers and more...
A big music weekend here in Richmond so let's jump right in.
Even if your 401K has been decimated and you are now eating Ramen noodles every night for dinner, you can still go to the Richmond Folk Festival because its FREE! Last year was the last of three years for the National Folk Festival's stay in Richmond but Richmond will try and keep the tradition going. (Is it a tradition if its only been four years? Discuss.) As of Wednesday night, the weather looks like it will be beautiful (70s and mostly sunny) so that won't stop you.
For those of you that haven't gone to any of the previous ones, the Folk Festival is held down at the Brown's Island. Click here: http://www.richmondfolkfestival.org/ for all the event info and schedules and bios on the bands. Most bands play at multiple times on multiple days so there are multiple times to see them. Do the math.
Some of my picks:
- Vieux Farka Toure - Saharan blues. Son of Saharan blues legend Ali Farka Toure.
- Dan Tyminski Band - Bluegrass. Dan is in Allison Krauss' band, Union Station. He was also the singing voice of George Clooney (Everett of the Soggy Bottom Boys) in "O Brother Where Art Thou".
- Beausoleil avec Michael Doucet - Cajun. Beausoleil is a great band who will get your butt movin' one minute (Rolling Stone once called them "the best damn dance band you'll ever hear"), then sing a weeper which is somehow doubly sad because he sings it in Cajun. I believe they also sing some stuff in English just in case you don't know Cajun/French.
- The Itals. Reggae.
- Dale Watson. Honky-tonk country.
- E.U. Go-go dance music from DC. Not sure if this is folk music, but it may be worth it just to see a bunch of white, folky types try to dance to "Da Butt".
Part of the fun is also just to walk around and check out the music from around the world. One year we stumbled upon a kick-ass Bulgarian gypsy band. No kidding.
There is also a Family Stage with stuff for the kids, workshops, crafts, food and beer & wine. Just to clarify, the beer & wine isn't at the Family Stage but is throughout the fesitval. Though if you have kids, it might be good to have beer & wine for the parents at the Family Stage. Just a thought, Folk Fest people.
We're going to try and get down there on Saturday & Sunday. Hope to see you there.
As for paid events, the intriguing combination of Sam Bush (new grass) and the Original Wailers (of Bob Marley fame) play at The National on Thursday night. Doors open at 7, show starts at 8 and tix are only $20. Sam says on his site "Three great shows this week in Virginia as Sam and the band co-headline their first shows with the newly reformed Original Wailers. Anyone who has followed Sam and the guys through the years know that Sam is a big Bob Marley fan and has often included his music in his shows. This is a great musical match and will be a great evening of music." The National web site says "Each band will play a full set and will play an extended jam session together to end the show." So you are guaranteed to get some cross-pollination that should be very cool. Even though I won't be able to make it, I will have to search out a recording to hear the jam session.
Friday night, Galactic bring their New Orleans funk/R&B/rap/jam thang to Toad's Place. Doors open at 8 and tix are $22.
Saturday, jam band Perpetual Groove come to The National. Doors open at 8, show starts at 9, tix are $16.
Monday night, muscly heavy metal guy Danzig comes to Toad's. Doors open at 6 and tix are $30. You'll get four other bands too so its a bargain. I'm pasting in the poster because its close to Halloween.
Also, if you want to read an interesting story about Danzig check out "The Night the Lights Went Out On Danzig" from Crawdaddy online magazine.
Finally, Buckethead is playing at The National on Tuesday night. Who is Buckethead you ask? Well, no one really knows for sure. He wears a Michael Myers (from Halloween) mask and a KFC bucket on his head when he plays. You must check out his web site, Bucketheadland. Very twisted. OK, well people do know who he really is but its more fun to pretend we don't. Buckethead is a killer guitarist who has played with Guns N' Roses (Axl-only version), Les Claypool, Bootsy Collins, Bernie Worrell, Iggy Pop, and Serj Tankian. Ozzy Osbourne said "He plays like a motherf**ker" but Ozzy found him too weird to let him join his band. Let me repeat that, Ozzy f**kin' Osbourne found him to be too weird after only a couple hours with him. So you know this will be a good show. Doors open at 7, show starts at 8, tix are $23.
Have a great weekend and I'll see you at the Folk Festival.
Tony Jordan
Even if your 401K has been decimated and you are now eating Ramen noodles every night for dinner, you can still go to the Richmond Folk Festival because its FREE! Last year was the last of three years for the National Folk Festival's stay in Richmond but Richmond will try and keep the tradition going. (Is it a tradition if its only been four years? Discuss.) As of Wednesday night, the weather looks like it will be beautiful (70s and mostly sunny) so that won't stop you.
For those of you that haven't gone to any of the previous ones, the Folk Festival is held down at the Brown's Island. Click here: http://www.richmondfolkfestival.org/ for all the event info and schedules and bios on the bands. Most bands play at multiple times on multiple days so there are multiple times to see them. Do the math.
Some of my picks:
- Vieux Farka Toure - Saharan blues. Son of Saharan blues legend Ali Farka Toure.
- Dan Tyminski Band - Bluegrass. Dan is in Allison Krauss' band, Union Station. He was also the singing voice of George Clooney (Everett of the Soggy Bottom Boys) in "O Brother Where Art Thou".
- Beausoleil avec Michael Doucet - Cajun. Beausoleil is a great band who will get your butt movin' one minute (Rolling Stone once called them "the best damn dance band you'll ever hear"), then sing a weeper which is somehow doubly sad because he sings it in Cajun. I believe they also sing some stuff in English just in case you don't know Cajun/French.
- The Itals. Reggae.
- Dale Watson. Honky-tonk country.
- E.U. Go-go dance music from DC. Not sure if this is folk music, but it may be worth it just to see a bunch of white, folky types try to dance to "Da Butt".
Part of the fun is also just to walk around and check out the music from around the world. One year we stumbled upon a kick-ass Bulgarian gypsy band. No kidding.
There is also a Family Stage with stuff for the kids, workshops, crafts, food and beer & wine. Just to clarify, the beer & wine isn't at the Family Stage but is throughout the fesitval. Though if you have kids, it might be good to have beer & wine for the parents at the Family Stage. Just a thought, Folk Fest people.
We're going to try and get down there on Saturday & Sunday. Hope to see you there.
As for paid events, the intriguing combination of Sam Bush (new grass) and the Original Wailers (of Bob Marley fame) play at The National on Thursday night. Doors open at 7, show starts at 8 and tix are only $20. Sam says on his site "Three great shows this week in Virginia as Sam and the band co-headline their first shows with the newly reformed Original Wailers. Anyone who has followed Sam and the guys through the years know that Sam is a big Bob Marley fan and has often included his music in his shows. This is a great musical match and will be a great evening of music." The National web site says "Each band will play a full set and will play an extended jam session together to end the show." So you are guaranteed to get some cross-pollination that should be very cool. Even though I won't be able to make it, I will have to search out a recording to hear the jam session.
Friday night, Galactic bring their New Orleans funk/R&B/rap/jam thang to Toad's Place. Doors open at 8 and tix are $22.
Saturday, jam band Perpetual Groove come to The National. Doors open at 8, show starts at 9, tix are $16.
Monday night, muscly heavy metal guy Danzig comes to Toad's. Doors open at 6 and tix are $30. You'll get four other bands too so its a bargain. I'm pasting in the poster because its close to Halloween.
Also, if you want to read an interesting story about Danzig check out "The Night the Lights Went Out On Danzig" from Crawdaddy online magazine.
Finally, Buckethead is playing at The National on Tuesday night. Who is Buckethead you ask? Well, no one really knows for sure. He wears a Michael Myers (from Halloween) mask and a KFC bucket on his head when he plays. You must check out his web site, Bucketheadland. Very twisted. OK, well people do know who he really is but its more fun to pretend we don't. Buckethead is a killer guitarist who has played with Guns N' Roses (Axl-only version), Les Claypool, Bootsy Collins, Bernie Worrell, Iggy Pop, and Serj Tankian. Ozzy Osbourne said "He plays like a motherf**ker" but Ozzy found him too weird to let him join his band. Let me repeat that, Ozzy f**kin' Osbourne found him to be too weird after only a couple hours with him. So you know this will be a good show. Doors open at 7, show starts at 8, tix are $23.
Have a great weekend and I'll see you at the Folk Festival.
Tony Jordan
Monday, October 6, 2008
Richmond in the 50's
The Library of VA has posted some very cool pictures of Richmond life in the 1950s on www.flickr.com/commons (click on the Library of Virginia logo. Its the multicolored book looking thing under the Smithsonian logo). Some of my favorites include the Byrd Airport terminal in '56, a school Valentine dance, a country band, an aerial view of Parker Field (?), a Richmond Dept. of Public Works display at a show at the Mosque telling people how to keep their fence nice and neat and many other cool shots. Also check to see the aerial view of Broad & Staples Mill and there is nothing there.
Here is the LVA's press release:
An exciting new exhibition, Richmond by Rice, opens at the Library of Virginia on October 6, 2008 and runs through January 3, 2009. The exhibition features a selection of images from the Adolph B. Rice Photograph Collection documenting Richmond in the 1950s.
A prolific photographer and active member of the Virginia Professional Photographers Association, Rice maintained a commercial studio in Richmond for more than a decade. His assignments ranged from studio portraits, to aerial views to advertising shots for local department stores.
While individual images from the Rice collection have occasionally appeared in publications and exhibitions, it was not until recently that a large percentage of the 16,000 negatives in the collection were printed for study and use by the general public. The Library has exact dates for many of the photographs, but most of the individuals and places featured in Rice’s images remain unknown. In addition to the exhibition, the Library will also take its place alongside such institutions as the Library of Congress, the Powerhouse Museum (Australia), and Bibliotheque de Toulouse (France) by making a selection of its photographs available to millions worldwide through the online photo-sharing Web site Flickr. Putting Adolph Rice’s photographs on Flickr offers history enthusiasts the chance to help identify and provide captions for the photographs. “Sometimes solutions come from unexpected places,” said Dale Neighbors, coordinator of prints and photographs at the Library. “We need help identifying these Richmond photographs taken in the 1950s. By using Flickr we’re hoping to harness the power of the crowd. Everyone can contribute their individual knowledge about Richmond history and together we can accomplish something we would never do otherwise.”
The Library invites the public to identify the images and provide captions for the more than 200 Rice Studio photographs on Flickr. Log on to "The Commons" www.flickr.com/commons, click on the Library of Virginia logo, and see if you recognize scenes of Richmond from 50 years ago.
Here is the LVA's press release:
An exciting new exhibition, Richmond by Rice, opens at the Library of Virginia on October 6, 2008 and runs through January 3, 2009. The exhibition features a selection of images from the Adolph B. Rice Photograph Collection documenting Richmond in the 1950s.
A prolific photographer and active member of the Virginia Professional Photographers Association, Rice maintained a commercial studio in Richmond for more than a decade. His assignments ranged from studio portraits, to aerial views to advertising shots for local department stores.
While individual images from the Rice collection have occasionally appeared in publications and exhibitions, it was not until recently that a large percentage of the 16,000 negatives in the collection were printed for study and use by the general public. The Library has exact dates for many of the photographs, but most of the individuals and places featured in Rice’s images remain unknown. In addition to the exhibition, the Library will also take its place alongside such institutions as the Library of Congress, the Powerhouse Museum (Australia), and Bibliotheque de Toulouse (France) by making a selection of its photographs available to millions worldwide through the online photo-sharing Web site Flickr. Putting Adolph Rice’s photographs on Flickr offers history enthusiasts the chance to help identify and provide captions for the photographs. “Sometimes solutions come from unexpected places,” said Dale Neighbors, coordinator of prints and photographs at the Library. “We need help identifying these Richmond photographs taken in the 1950s. By using Flickr we’re hoping to harness the power of the crowd. Everyone can contribute their individual knowledge about Richmond history and together we can accomplish something we would never do otherwise.”
The Library invites the public to identify the images and provide captions for the more than 200 Rice Studio photographs on Flickr. Log on to "The Commons" www.flickr.com/commons, click on the Library of Virginia logo, and see if you recognize scenes of Richmond from 50 years ago.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Real Spinal Tap moments
Real "Spinal Tap" moments from real rock stars. Further proving that Ozzy is an insane freak of nature. Thanks to Pollstar for the link.
http://www.guitarworld.com/article/what039s_your_most_spinal_tap_moment
http://www.guitarworld.com/article/what039s_your_most_spinal_tap_moment
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Hard Rock Park, Black Crowes, Okkervil River
Gettin' back on the blog horse here. I was away last week, travelling to San Antonio for a conference. The hotel was on Riverwalk so I hung out there each night. Obviously, its a bit touristy though they have avoided having cheesy t-shirt shops and neon signs. Enjoyed sitting at a table by the river and watching the people/ducks/tour boats go by while enjoying a fine margarita or two. Went looking for live music in the Riverwalk and Downtown area on my last night there on Wednesday and all I found was a terrible classic rock cover band at Dick's Last Stand on the Riverwalk. It was three guys who seemed like they had decided to start a band the day before. Dick's actually had a decent band there on our first night, Sunday. It was a funk/blues/classic rock band and the singer and guitarist were very good. If you ever go to Riverwalk, be sure to walk north, away from the tourist stuff. Its a beautiful walkway along the river and I went for some nice walks there on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.
Anyway, onto this week's music. At the National on Saturday night, is Okkervil River. Okkervil River play a folk/indie rock kind of thing. Doors open at 7, show starts at 8, tix are $16 in advance, $18 day of show.
At the National on Tuesday & Wednesday, The Black Crowes come to town. The new album "Warpaint" has been getting great reviews. I saw them last August and they were excellent, mixing bluesy jams with some of the hits you know and love. I totally recommend them. I will unfortunately have to miss them as we are currently trying to save some $, unless someone wants to give me a free ticket (hint, hint). Bums me out, but I gots to do, what I gots to do. I believe Howlin' Rain is opening and their psychedelic heavy blues rock is worth checking out. Doors open at 7 both nights, show starts at 8 and tix are $35.50.
Other events you may want to check out this weekend:
First Fridays Art Walk - Friday (duh)
2nd St. Festival - Friday through Sunday
Richmond Italian Festival - Sat. & Sunday
Carytown Wine Festival - Sunday
Check out the Weekly Rant for more stuff to do.
In case you missed it, the first rock n' roll theme park, Hard Rock Park in Myrtle Beach filed for Chapter 11 after just one year. When I first saw the plans for this a few years ago, I thought it would be really cheesy. Then, I saw the Led Zeppelin roller coaster and I thought it might be cool. Then I saw the rest of the attractions and knew it would be cheesy. A kids section with giant teddy bears kind of dressed like Kiss? Creepy. A punk rock moon bounce? GG Allin is rolling in his grave. A ride based on an acid trip? OK, that might be cool if you were high, but I wondered, if you took acid and went on the ride would it be more intense or would the real acid trip and the simulated acid trip cancel each other out and make things appear normal?
However, I thought I would try to help them out and suggest some new attractions guaranteed to bring in those fickle tourists.
- A companion to the Nights in White Satin: The Trip ride: the Sid Vicious Heroin Experience. Travel through ghettos while trying to score. Don't get stabbed by those crazy junkies! Enough toilets so everyone can puke! Lie around on a skanky bed in a crappy hotel room with a 40-year-old hooker who's missing a few teeth for hours, lost in an opiate oblivion.
- The Keith Moon Cadillac Flume. Hop in a car that looks like a vintage 1967 Cadillac. Travel through out your American tour, from one drunken party to another. Finally take the exciting plunge into the Holiday Inn pool and get banned from the hotel chain for life!
-Yacht Rock Lagoon Cruise. Cruise to the soft rock sounds of Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, the Doobies and Steely Dan. Not too exciting but strangely satisfying and the the ride will stick in your head for weeks to come.
- Some new restaurants
-- Jerry Garcia's Pies of The World. "Wake up to find out that you are at Pies of the World / We've got blueberry and apple and also key lime."
-- Mama Cass' Hamaganza. Mmmmm. Ham sandwiches. And Heimlich Maneuver posters prominently displayed on every wall.
-Some new carnival games
--Keith Richards TV Drop. Hit the bullseye from 12 stories up and win a stuffed syringe for your honey.
--Record Industry Shoot 'Em Up. Shoot lawsuits at the housewives and college kids who illegally downloaded the latest Jack Johnson song. Ruin there lives for a guy they won't even be listening to in five years.
Have a great weekend.
Tony Jordan
Anyway, onto this week's music. At the National on Saturday night, is Okkervil River. Okkervil River play a folk/indie rock kind of thing. Doors open at 7, show starts at 8, tix are $16 in advance, $18 day of show.
At the National on Tuesday & Wednesday, The Black Crowes come to town. The new album "Warpaint" has been getting great reviews. I saw them last August and they were excellent, mixing bluesy jams with some of the hits you know and love. I totally recommend them. I will unfortunately have to miss them as we are currently trying to save some $, unless someone wants to give me a free ticket (hint, hint). Bums me out, but I gots to do, what I gots to do. I believe Howlin' Rain is opening and their psychedelic heavy blues rock is worth checking out. Doors open at 7 both nights, show starts at 8 and tix are $35.50.
Other events you may want to check out this weekend:
First Fridays Art Walk - Friday (duh)
2nd St. Festival - Friday through Sunday
Richmond Italian Festival - Sat. & Sunday
Carytown Wine Festival - Sunday
Check out the Weekly Rant for more stuff to do.
In case you missed it, the first rock n' roll theme park, Hard Rock Park in Myrtle Beach filed for Chapter 11 after just one year. When I first saw the plans for this a few years ago, I thought it would be really cheesy. Then, I saw the Led Zeppelin roller coaster and I thought it might be cool. Then I saw the rest of the attractions and knew it would be cheesy. A kids section with giant teddy bears kind of dressed like Kiss? Creepy. A punk rock moon bounce? GG Allin is rolling in his grave. A ride based on an acid trip? OK, that might be cool if you were high, but I wondered, if you took acid and went on the ride would it be more intense or would the real acid trip and the simulated acid trip cancel each other out and make things appear normal?
However, I thought I would try to help them out and suggest some new attractions guaranteed to bring in those fickle tourists.
- A companion to the Nights in White Satin: The Trip ride: the Sid Vicious Heroin Experience. Travel through ghettos while trying to score. Don't get stabbed by those crazy junkies! Enough toilets so everyone can puke! Lie around on a skanky bed in a crappy hotel room with a 40-year-old hooker who's missing a few teeth for hours, lost in an opiate oblivion.
- The Keith Moon Cadillac Flume. Hop in a car that looks like a vintage 1967 Cadillac. Travel through out your American tour, from one drunken party to another. Finally take the exciting plunge into the Holiday Inn pool and get banned from the hotel chain for life!
-Yacht Rock Lagoon Cruise. Cruise to the soft rock sounds of Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, the Doobies and Steely Dan. Not too exciting but strangely satisfying and the the ride will stick in your head for weeks to come.
- Some new restaurants
-- Jerry Garcia's Pies of The World. "Wake up to find out that you are at Pies of the World / We've got blueberry and apple and also key lime."
-- Mama Cass' Hamaganza. Mmmmm. Ham sandwiches. And Heimlich Maneuver posters prominently displayed on every wall.
-Some new carnival games
--Keith Richards TV Drop. Hit the bullseye from 12 stories up and win a stuffed syringe for your honey.
--Record Industry Shoot 'Em Up. Shoot lawsuits at the housewives and college kids who illegally downloaded the latest Jack Johnson song. Ruin there lives for a guy they won't even be listening to in five years.
Have a great weekend.
Tony Jordan
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Tea Leaf Green & Drive-By Truckers
A couple concerts of note this weekend.
Tea Leaf Green plays a free show at Plan 9 (the greatest music store in Richmond) in Carytown at 5 PM on Thursday. Then they'll play their full show at Toad's Place that night. Doors open at 8. Tickets are $17. TLG is a jam band in the blues/classic rock tradition. If you like bands like The Jayhawks, Widespread Panic, Phish, moe., Disco Biscuits or Hot Tuna, you might dig these guys. I saw them once a couple years ago and thought they would good, definitely good enough to check out again sometime.
The Drive-By Truckers will be at the Charlottesville Pavilion on Saturday with the Avett Brothers opening. Doors open at 6, show at 7, tickets are $30. I've heaped enough praise on the Truckers in past blogs. Check 'em out if you can. If I wasn't leaving for a conference early the next morning, I'd be tempted to head out to C'ville myself.
That's it for this week. Have a great weekend!
Tony Jordan
Tea Leaf Green plays a free show at Plan 9 (the greatest music store in Richmond) in Carytown at 5 PM on Thursday. Then they'll play their full show at Toad's Place that night. Doors open at 8. Tickets are $17. TLG is a jam band in the blues/classic rock tradition. If you like bands like The Jayhawks, Widespread Panic, Phish, moe., Disco Biscuits or Hot Tuna, you might dig these guys. I saw them once a couple years ago and thought they would good, definitely good enough to check out again sometime.
The Drive-By Truckers will be at the Charlottesville Pavilion on Saturday with the Avett Brothers opening. Doors open at 6, show at 7, tickets are $30. I've heaped enough praise on the Truckers in past blogs. Check 'em out if you can. If I wasn't leaving for a conference early the next morning, I'd be tempted to head out to C'ville myself.
That's it for this week. Have a great weekend!
Tony Jordan
Thursday, September 11, 2008
The Cult, Cosmic Charlie, Louis CK, Robert Earl Keen
OK, I need to do a quick blog tonight. I am travelling to Philly this weekend with my 4-year old, Zach. We are going to the Phillies game on Saturday with my dad. It will be Zach's first big league game and it should be a crazy one. It will be a sold-out, day game on Fox with playoff implications. Look for us. We'll be behind home plate near the top of the stadium.
Didn't do a blog last week because my grandmother passed away. She was 88 and I was glad to have her for as long as I did. She was in good mind right up until the end. The funeral was weird because everyone seemed to be a cousin I had never met. She lived in Springfield MA her whole life and the Italian community is very close-knit. As someone said, "In those days, when you got married, you moved upstairs or next door". The funeral was held in the church she was baptized in and went to her whole life. Its pretty rare to live your whole life in one place these days.
The Cult plays at The National on Friday night. The Cult were one of my favorite rock bands from the 80s and they could rock. One of my favorite albums is The Cult's "Electric", produced by Rick Rubin, with a great blend of bombast and heaviness but with a beat that could get the chicks dancing. Doors open at 8, show starts at 9 with local band Ki:Theory opening. Tix are $29.
Also Friday night, jam band Cosmic Charlie plays at the Canal Club. They'll be doing their "Dark Side of the Dead" show. From their web site: "Dark Dide Of The Dead is a hybrid show featuring the music of both the Grateful Dead and Pink Floyd. The centerpiece of the show is a live performance of Pink Floyd's legendary "Dark Side Of The Moon" album. The album is performed start-to-finish, by the Cosmic Charlie "big band" that includes backup singers & saxophone." Show time is at 9 and tix are $12.
Comedian Louis C.K. plays at University of Richmond on Friday night. Louis was the star of the short-lived but much beloved (at least by me) HBO series, "Lucky Louie" (clip is not work friendly). He also had a great HBO comedy special and I laughed more than I have to an HBO special in a while. He's lewd. He's crude. And he's f'in hilarious. The show is at The Modlin Center for the Arts Camp Concert Hall, University of Richmond. Tix are $15. Show starts at 7:30.
Finally, Texas alt-country troubador, Robert Earl Keen is at the Charlottesville Pavilion on Saturday night. Sons of Bill are opening. Doors open at 5, show starts at 6. Tix are $27. Go see him because he's awesome. Though FYI, he'll be at Toad's Place on 11/15 according to his web site.
Have a great weekend.
Tony Jordan
Didn't do a blog last week because my grandmother passed away. She was 88 and I was glad to have her for as long as I did. She was in good mind right up until the end. The funeral was weird because everyone seemed to be a cousin I had never met. She lived in Springfield MA her whole life and the Italian community is very close-knit. As someone said, "In those days, when you got married, you moved upstairs or next door". The funeral was held in the church she was baptized in and went to her whole life. Its pretty rare to live your whole life in one place these days.
The Cult plays at The National on Friday night. The Cult were one of my favorite rock bands from the 80s and they could rock. One of my favorite albums is The Cult's "Electric", produced by Rick Rubin, with a great blend of bombast and heaviness but with a beat that could get the chicks dancing. Doors open at 8, show starts at 9 with local band Ki:Theory opening. Tix are $29.
Also Friday night, jam band Cosmic Charlie plays at the Canal Club. They'll be doing their "Dark Side of the Dead" show. From their web site: "Dark Dide Of The Dead is a hybrid show featuring the music of both the Grateful Dead and Pink Floyd. The centerpiece of the show is a live performance of Pink Floyd's legendary "Dark Side Of The Moon" album. The album is performed start-to-finish, by the Cosmic Charlie "big band" that includes backup singers & saxophone." Show time is at 9 and tix are $12.
Comedian Louis C.K. plays at University of Richmond on Friday night. Louis was the star of the short-lived but much beloved (at least by me) HBO series, "Lucky Louie" (clip is not work friendly). He also had a great HBO comedy special and I laughed more than I have to an HBO special in a while. He's lewd. He's crude. And he's f'in hilarious. The show is at The Modlin Center for the Arts Camp Concert Hall, University of Richmond. Tix are $15. Show starts at 7:30.
Finally, Texas alt-country troubador, Robert Earl Keen is at the Charlottesville Pavilion on Saturday night. Sons of Bill are opening. Doors open at 5, show starts at 6. Tix are $27. Go see him because he's awesome. Though FYI, he'll be at Toad's Place on 11/15 according to his web site.
Have a great weekend.
Tony Jordan
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
LL Cool J, Moe.Down, Roger Waters
I'm trying to scarf down some food and getting crumbs all over the keyboard. I have to get a blood test tomorrow (cholesterol, etc., standard checkup stuff) and can't eat after 10 PM so I figured I better stock up now. But hard pretzels are rather crumbly.
Not much going on this weekend. I guess the Richmond entertainment world feels that everyone is cooking out or going to the beach so they don't do too much. You can see LL Cool J at Brown's Island on Saturday night. I've always dug LL and you have to admire the guy. In a rap world dominated by singles, where artists come and go with the change of seasons, this guy has managed to stay on top for almost 25 years. Just for the hell of it, check out "Goin' Back to Cali".
If you are are staying home this weekend, you can check out the Moe.Down Music Festival web cast on iClips.net. This is moe.'s festival so you get a number of nice, fat sets from moe. Besides moe., other acts include Sparrow Quartet featuring Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn, Fishbone, Yonder Mountain String Band, The Presidents of the United States of America, and Levon Helm. And because moe. chooses the bands there is always a lot of mixing and matching of musicians. iClips hasn't posted their schedule yet but the fest goes from 5 PM - 1 AM on Friday, noon - 2 AM on Saturday, and noon - midnight on Sunday.
I've been inundated with emails and phone calls asking for another installment of Tony Remembers The Spectrum. Well, maybe not, but I'm going to do one anyway. We pick up with Roger Waters of Pink Floyd on his first solo tour on July 24 or 25 (can't remember which), 1984. Roger was touring behind the "Pros & Cons of Hitchhiking" album which featured Clapton on guitar not just on the album but in his band. I may be wrong about this but this was probably the first time Clapton played in someone else's band since he played with Delaney & Bonnie in 1970. The setup for the show also featured quadrophonic sound in the Spectrum which was pretty cool. The first set was all Pink Floyd stuff. Highlights were "Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun" in which they really kicked in the quad sound and "Money". During "Money", they had a nice jam in the middle and I remember Clapton sitting on the drum riser, cigarette stuck on the guitar string at the top of the guitar and ripping off a great solo and then looking at Waters and they both grinned from ear to ear. Here you can check them out playing "Wish You Were Here".
The second set consisted of "Pros & Cons" in its entireity. During the intermission, a backdrop came down on stage that made it appear as if you were lying in bed (you could only see the foot of the bed) watching TV (they showed an old movie on the TV). There was a large picture window with stars in sky also. As the intermission came close to ending, one of the stars slowly (and I mean over a matter of minutes) became larger until it suddenly rushed into the "room" setting off an explosion and starting the album. The performance had videos, blow-up props and caricatures designed by "The Wall" artist Gerald Scarfe. It was really an amazing show.
Until next time, have a great Labor Day weekend!
Tony Jordan
Not much going on this weekend. I guess the Richmond entertainment world feels that everyone is cooking out or going to the beach so they don't do too much. You can see LL Cool J at Brown's Island on Saturday night. I've always dug LL and you have to admire the guy. In a rap world dominated by singles, where artists come and go with the change of seasons, this guy has managed to stay on top for almost 25 years. Just for the hell of it, check out "Goin' Back to Cali".
If you are are staying home this weekend, you can check out the Moe.Down Music Festival web cast on iClips.net. This is moe.'s festival so you get a number of nice, fat sets from moe. Besides moe., other acts include Sparrow Quartet featuring Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn, Fishbone, Yonder Mountain String Band, The Presidents of the United States of America, and Levon Helm. And because moe. chooses the bands there is always a lot of mixing and matching of musicians. iClips hasn't posted their schedule yet but the fest goes from 5 PM - 1 AM on Friday, noon - 2 AM on Saturday, and noon - midnight on Sunday.
I've been inundated with emails and phone calls asking for another installment of Tony Remembers The Spectrum. Well, maybe not, but I'm going to do one anyway. We pick up with Roger Waters of Pink Floyd on his first solo tour on July 24 or 25 (can't remember which), 1984. Roger was touring behind the "Pros & Cons of Hitchhiking" album which featured Clapton on guitar not just on the album but in his band. I may be wrong about this but this was probably the first time Clapton played in someone else's band since he played with Delaney & Bonnie in 1970. The setup for the show also featured quadrophonic sound in the Spectrum which was pretty cool. The first set was all Pink Floyd stuff. Highlights were "Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun" in which they really kicked in the quad sound and "Money". During "Money", they had a nice jam in the middle and I remember Clapton sitting on the drum riser, cigarette stuck on the guitar string at the top of the guitar and ripping off a great solo and then looking at Waters and they both grinned from ear to ear. Here you can check them out playing "Wish You Were Here".
The second set consisted of "Pros & Cons" in its entireity. During the intermission, a backdrop came down on stage that made it appear as if you were lying in bed (you could only see the foot of the bed) watching TV (they showed an old movie on the TV). There was a large picture window with stars in sky also. As the intermission came close to ending, one of the stars slowly (and I mean over a matter of minutes) became larger until it suddenly rushed into the "room" setting off an explosion and starting the album. The performance had videos, blow-up props and caricatures designed by "The Wall" artist Gerald Scarfe. It was really an amazing show.
Until next time, have a great Labor Day weekend!
Tony Jordan
The Motels at Capital Ale House Downtown
The Motels play tonight at the Capital Ale House Downtown. They have a new CD, This, out now. I always liked the way lead singer Martha Davis' breathy vocals sounded. Their big hit was "Only The Lonely" but I always preferred "Suddenly Last Summer". That one has a great late-night, melancholy, love-lost kind of feel.
Doors open at 8 tonight and tix are $25.
Doors open at 8 tonight and tix are $25.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Springsteen review, SCI (virtually), The Gambler, John Fogerty
First things first, the Bruce show was excellent. I got into the pit and it was very easy, not too time consuming and soooooooo worth it. Got a numbered wristband at around 3:30 at the Coliseum. Headed down to Capital Ale House. There was a line so we went back to Penny Lane. I hadn't been there in a long time and I remembered how much I liked it. Will have to get back there more often. Had a beer then walked back to the Colisuem where they lined up those with wristbands in groups of 100 (0 - 99, 100 - 199, etc.). We had four numbers in the 560s. They told us that 700 people would get into the pit. There were 1100 people with wristbands so that was pretty good odds. They grabbed someone from a line to pull a number and he pulled ...... 007. Yes! We were in along with everyone else who had a number from 007 to 707. Then more lines as we waited to get a pink wristband to get in the pit, then another line to wait to get into the arena. Lines would be a theme of the night for the Coliseum. In all, process was very well run and we were into the arena around 6:15.
I must say that the Coliseum is absolutely horrible for lines. The people who work there were trying their best and they tried to put beer or food vending in as many nooks and crannies in the hallways as possible. But this place is ill-equipped for a sold-out crowd. As the place filled up, every food or beer line was a minimum of a 30 minute wait. Me and the three guys I was with kept rotating so there was usually a fresh beer coming within a few minutes of running out. But if they aren't going to tear this place down and build a new one, they really need to knock out the outer walls, widen the concourses (which feel like they are as wide as my living room) and add more refreshment vending.
Onto the show. They purposely did not pack the pit completely full, so it was nice and roomy with room to dance. We positioned ourselves in front of Clarence and toward the back of the pack because we didn't need to get crushed right up front. Even that put us at the equivalent of about the 10th row. If Bruce comes back, I will definitely go for general admission again and try to get in the pit. Even if I didn't get in the pit, I would rather be in the general General Admission area than up in the second level where half the lame-o's were sitting on their fat asses for most of the show.
Bruce opened with one of his greatest songs, "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out", working the crowd from the moment he got on stage to get to their feet. He then didn't let up through a blistering six-pack of songs to open:
Tenth Avenue Freeze-out
Radio Nowhere
Out in the Street
Prove It All Night
Lonesome Day
Spirit in the Night
Then came the first request of the night. On the second leg of this tour, Bruce has begun to ask for signs from the audience. He then collects the signs (and he got at least 20 on the first try) and goes through them. Finally, he picks one out, shows it to the band and away they go. What's amazing is that other than some looks between the band and questions of what key something is in, they nail it. Tonight, the first request taken was for "Stand On It", a rockabilly song originally the B-side of "Glory Days", then showing up on the "Tracks" box set. Next up another request, another rocker, "Cadillac Ranch". It occurred to me that though we must switch to more fuel-efficient cars, no one will ever write a song about a Camry Hybrid. Next up another request and one of the highlights of the night for me, a thrilling rendition of "Backstreets".
I put together as much of the Richmond show as I could get on video, in order, from roulette909 & DevDev’s videos in one of my playlists on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=A4C74103ADE13138. Once you get there, scroll down until you get to the first one, Lonesome Day, and click it. Once that one ends, you can look to the Playlist section to the right of the video and then click Play Next to work your way through if it doesn’t Autoplay. Sound varies depending on the vantage of the videographer (roulette behind the stage, DevDev dead center in the front) but generally isn’t too bad. DevDev captures Bruce close-up and roulette provides a nice vantage of the audience, especially during Mary's Place.
If you only have a little time, be sure to check out DevDev’s videos of Backstreets and Crush on You and roulette's Mary's Place.
Anyway, after "Backstreets", Bruce did the song that I totally didn't want him to do, "For You". This is not one of my favorite songs, and he has done it in the last four shows I have seen. And its not like he plays it a lot. But it did give me a chance to go on a beer run. I found a short line, and "For You" is a fairly long song, but as was the course for the night, even a short line at the Coliseum is a long line and I missed the next song, "Youngstown" and Nils Lofgren's killer guitar solo.
Next, more of my favorites, "Murder Incorporated" and "She's The One". "Livin' In the Future" from the Magic CD was next, then a reclaimed "Mary's Place". "Mary's Place" was a centerpiece on the Rising tour, but when they did this in C'ville, it seemed somewhat lackluster. This version was absolutley kick-ass with Bruce getting into rock n' roll preacher mode and the crowd going nuts.
"I'll Work For Your Love" from the Magic CD was next and was fine, but it seemed the audience and the band were taking a breather on this mid-tempo number. It did provide the crowd and Bruce to congratulate Clarence on his recent marriage.
Finally, the set closing four pack that has remained constant throughout the tour:
The Rising
Last to Die
Long Walk Home
Badlands
This captures Bruce's message of hope and political change both implied (Rising, Badlands) and overt (Last To Die & Long Walk Home, both from the latest CD, Magic). Long Walk Home really seems to have been adopted by the fans. Badlands closed the set in typical sing-along, fist-pumping fashion and then, after about a two minute break, it was onto the encores.
And that's were the fun really began. The eight-song (!) encore opened with a request for a song last played in 1980, "Crush On You". Bruce said ""We firmly believe this is the worst song we ever put on a record," Bruce laughed, also revealing that he took the riff from the Car 54, Where Are You? theme." After a few seconds with the band figuring out the riff and what key (it has been 28 years after all), they launched into it with passion and it was a lot of fun, with Bruce remarking when it was done, "That wasn't bad, not bad at all".
Then, a song that used to close shows back in the 70s, "Quarter to Three", a song originally by one of Bruce's main influences, Gary "U.S." Bonds. This was another blast to sing and dance with and the band and audience were really having fun. Then the obilgatory "Born To Run", which is still great to hear and still provides a chill when the house lights come on for the whole song and you watch the whole arena sing-along.
Rosie came on out, with an awesome version of "Rosalita", then "Bobby Jean" with Clarence nailing the solo (he was dead-on all night). "Dancing in the Dark" brought back some good memories of 1984, and Bruce came about a half-inch from accidentally nailing Little Steven in the face with his guitar, when Bruce swung his guitar around his body to start the song (watch the video). Little Steven couldn't help but keep showing the rest of the band how close Bruce had come, holding his fingers thisclose together as they had a good laugh during the song. The Celtic-influenced ode to the immigrants that built this country "American Land" was next. Finally, Bruce brought out Richmond's own Robbin Thompson, who was also in one of Bruce's early bands, Steel Mill, (see last week's blog), for a rousing rendition of "Twist and Shout". We left the show exhausted, hoarse, amazed and aglow as we once again felt the power that is a Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band show.
Not a lot going on in Richmond this weekend as things slow down until after Labor Day. At the Capital Ale House Downtown, its not String Cheese Incident but its as close as you'll get since they broke up. Its the String Cheese Incident Virtual Concert Hi-Def from Red Rocks. Doors open at 9:30 and tix are $10. This is a "a life size and on-stage premiere screening of The String Cheese Incident's final two performances at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on August 11th & 12th, 2007."
Out at Charlottesville Pavilion, on Saturday night is The Gambler himself, Kenny Rogers. Show starts at 7 PM and tix range from $34.50 - 61.50. On Sunday night at the Pavilion is CCR founder and roots rock master, John Fogerty. Show starts at 7 and tix are $37 (GA) and $69 (reserved).
Finally, another festival webcast, this one from the Outside Lands festival, taking place in beautiful Golden Gate Park in SF, CA. The webcast will be on the AT&T Blue Room on Friday (starting at 8:30 PM ET), Saturday (starting at 4 PM ET) and Sunday (starting at 4 PM ET). We unfortunately won't get to see Friday headliners, Radiohead, or Saturday headliners, Tom Petty. But highlights will include Bela Fleck, Steve Winwood, Ben Harper & Innocent Criminals and Primus on Saturday and Sharon Jones & Dap Kings and Cake on Sunday. You can see Sunday's headliner, Jack Johnson, at 10:40 PM on Sunday so if you are having trouble falling asleep that will be like a big glass of warm milk and about as exciting.
And on that note, I am outta here. Have a great weekend!
Tony Jordan
I must say that the Coliseum is absolutely horrible for lines. The people who work there were trying their best and they tried to put beer or food vending in as many nooks and crannies in the hallways as possible. But this place is ill-equipped for a sold-out crowd. As the place filled up, every food or beer line was a minimum of a 30 minute wait. Me and the three guys I was with kept rotating so there was usually a fresh beer coming within a few minutes of running out. But if they aren't going to tear this place down and build a new one, they really need to knock out the outer walls, widen the concourses (which feel like they are as wide as my living room) and add more refreshment vending.
Onto the show. They purposely did not pack the pit completely full, so it was nice and roomy with room to dance. We positioned ourselves in front of Clarence and toward the back of the pack because we didn't need to get crushed right up front. Even that put us at the equivalent of about the 10th row. If Bruce comes back, I will definitely go for general admission again and try to get in the pit. Even if I didn't get in the pit, I would rather be in the general General Admission area than up in the second level where half the lame-o's were sitting on their fat asses for most of the show.
Bruce opened with one of his greatest songs, "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out", working the crowd from the moment he got on stage to get to their feet. He then didn't let up through a blistering six-pack of songs to open:
Tenth Avenue Freeze-out
Radio Nowhere
Out in the Street
Prove It All Night
Lonesome Day
Spirit in the Night
Then came the first request of the night. On the second leg of this tour, Bruce has begun to ask for signs from the audience. He then collects the signs (and he got at least 20 on the first try) and goes through them. Finally, he picks one out, shows it to the band and away they go. What's amazing is that other than some looks between the band and questions of what key something is in, they nail it. Tonight, the first request taken was for "Stand On It", a rockabilly song originally the B-side of "Glory Days", then showing up on the "Tracks" box set. Next up another request, another rocker, "Cadillac Ranch". It occurred to me that though we must switch to more fuel-efficient cars, no one will ever write a song about a Camry Hybrid. Next up another request and one of the highlights of the night for me, a thrilling rendition of "Backstreets".
I put together as much of the Richmond show as I could get on video, in order, from roulette909 & DevDev’s videos in one of my playlists on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=A4C74103ADE13138. Once you get there, scroll down until you get to the first one, Lonesome Day, and click it. Once that one ends, you can look to the Playlist section to the right of the video and then click Play Next to work your way through if it doesn’t Autoplay. Sound varies depending on the vantage of the videographer (roulette behind the stage, DevDev dead center in the front) but generally isn’t too bad. DevDev captures Bruce close-up and roulette provides a nice vantage of the audience, especially during Mary's Place.
If you only have a little time, be sure to check out DevDev’s videos of Backstreets and Crush on You and roulette's Mary's Place.
Anyway, after "Backstreets", Bruce did the song that I totally didn't want him to do, "For You". This is not one of my favorite songs, and he has done it in the last four shows I have seen. And its not like he plays it a lot. But it did give me a chance to go on a beer run. I found a short line, and "For You" is a fairly long song, but as was the course for the night, even a short line at the Coliseum is a long line and I missed the next song, "Youngstown" and Nils Lofgren's killer guitar solo.
Next, more of my favorites, "Murder Incorporated" and "She's The One". "Livin' In the Future" from the Magic CD was next, then a reclaimed "Mary's Place". "Mary's Place" was a centerpiece on the Rising tour, but when they did this in C'ville, it seemed somewhat lackluster. This version was absolutley kick-ass with Bruce getting into rock n' roll preacher mode and the crowd going nuts.
"I'll Work For Your Love" from the Magic CD was next and was fine, but it seemed the audience and the band were taking a breather on this mid-tempo number. It did provide the crowd and Bruce to congratulate Clarence on his recent marriage.
Finally, the set closing four pack that has remained constant throughout the tour:
The Rising
Last to Die
Long Walk Home
Badlands
This captures Bruce's message of hope and political change both implied (Rising, Badlands) and overt (Last To Die & Long Walk Home, both from the latest CD, Magic). Long Walk Home really seems to have been adopted by the fans. Badlands closed the set in typical sing-along, fist-pumping fashion and then, after about a two minute break, it was onto the encores.
And that's were the fun really began. The eight-song (!) encore opened with a request for a song last played in 1980, "Crush On You". Bruce said ""We firmly believe this is the worst song we ever put on a record," Bruce laughed, also revealing that he took the riff from the Car 54, Where Are You? theme." After a few seconds with the band figuring out the riff and what key (it has been 28 years after all), they launched into it with passion and it was a lot of fun, with Bruce remarking when it was done, "That wasn't bad, not bad at all".
Then, a song that used to close shows back in the 70s, "Quarter to Three", a song originally by one of Bruce's main influences, Gary "U.S." Bonds. This was another blast to sing and dance with and the band and audience were really having fun. Then the obilgatory "Born To Run", which is still great to hear and still provides a chill when the house lights come on for the whole song and you watch the whole arena sing-along.
Rosie came on out, with an awesome version of "Rosalita", then "Bobby Jean" with Clarence nailing the solo (he was dead-on all night). "Dancing in the Dark" brought back some good memories of 1984, and Bruce came about a half-inch from accidentally nailing Little Steven in the face with his guitar, when Bruce swung his guitar around his body to start the song (watch the video). Little Steven couldn't help but keep showing the rest of the band how close Bruce had come, holding his fingers thisclose together as they had a good laugh during the song. The Celtic-influenced ode to the immigrants that built this country "American Land" was next. Finally, Bruce brought out Richmond's own Robbin Thompson, who was also in one of Bruce's early bands, Steel Mill, (see last week's blog), for a rousing rendition of "Twist and Shout". We left the show exhausted, hoarse, amazed and aglow as we once again felt the power that is a Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band show.
Not a lot going on in Richmond this weekend as things slow down until after Labor Day. At the Capital Ale House Downtown, its not String Cheese Incident but its as close as you'll get since they broke up. Its the String Cheese Incident Virtual Concert Hi-Def from Red Rocks. Doors open at 9:30 and tix are $10. This is a "a life size and on-stage premiere screening of The String Cheese Incident's final two performances at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on August 11th & 12th, 2007."
Out at Charlottesville Pavilion, on Saturday night is The Gambler himself, Kenny Rogers. Show starts at 7 PM and tix range from $34.50 - 61.50. On Sunday night at the Pavilion is CCR founder and roots rock master, John Fogerty. Show starts at 7 and tix are $37 (GA) and $69 (reserved).
Finally, another festival webcast, this one from the Outside Lands festival, taking place in beautiful Golden Gate Park in SF, CA. The webcast will be on the AT&T Blue Room on Friday (starting at 8:30 PM ET), Saturday (starting at 4 PM ET) and Sunday (starting at 4 PM ET). We unfortunately won't get to see Friday headliners, Radiohead, or Saturday headliners, Tom Petty. But highlights will include Bela Fleck, Steve Winwood, Ben Harper & Innocent Criminals and Primus on Saturday and Sharon Jones & Dap Kings and Cake on Sunday. You can see Sunday's headliner, Jack Johnson, at 10:40 PM on Sunday so if you are having trouble falling asleep that will be like a big glass of warm milk and about as exciting.
And on that note, I am outta here. Have a great weekend!
Tony Jordan
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Art 180's Change for a Ten @ Highwater Restaurant
FYI about a benefit show tonight at Toad's and get free tickets to a Toad's show with your donation:
Art 180's Change for a Ten @ Highwater Restaurant
When
Wednesday, August 20, 2008, 5:30 – 8:30pm
Where
140 Virginia St. Richmond, VA 23219
Event type
Concert
Contact
804.648.toad (8623)
Note
Doors: 5:30pmAll ages
ART 180’s Change for a Ten project asks you to make money. Literally. Create your own $10 bill about what you would change in the community and submit along with a real $10 donation to ART 180, giving young people in challenging circumstances a voice through art. Visit www.art180.org/ten to download the template or make your bill on the spot.
For each “Change for a 10” bill (and $10 donation) that you submit, Toad’s Place will give you 2 free tickets to select shows. There will be no additional fee for the select shows (one of which will be performing on the evening of the event, Strange Design). You MUST present your “Change for a 10” bill (and $10 donation) to receive your tickets!
Toad’s Place will also make available additional tickets that can be purchased at a reduced rate with the $10 donation going toward that ticket purchase.
So go ahead and make your own $10 bill and express the change you’d like to see in the community. Give $10 to help ART 180 run after-school art programs for at-risk youth. And get free tickets to a concert!
You don’t have to be an artist. You just need something to say. And we know you’ve all got that.
Live music on the canal from 6:00-8:00pm, complimentary hors d’oeuvre from 5:30-6:30pm in the restaurant.
Link
www.toadsplacerva.com
Art 180's Change for a Ten @ Highwater Restaurant
When
Wednesday, August 20, 2008, 5:30 – 8:30pm
Where
140 Virginia St. Richmond, VA 23219
Event type
Concert
Contact
804.648.toad (8623)
Note
Doors: 5:30pmAll ages
ART 180’s Change for a Ten project asks you to make money. Literally. Create your own $10 bill about what you would change in the community and submit along with a real $10 donation to ART 180, giving young people in challenging circumstances a voice through art. Visit www.art180.org/ten to download the template or make your bill on the spot.
For each “Change for a 10” bill (and $10 donation) that you submit, Toad’s Place will give you 2 free tickets to select shows. There will be no additional fee for the select shows (one of which will be performing on the evening of the event, Strange Design). You MUST present your “Change for a 10” bill (and $10 donation) to receive your tickets!
Toad’s Place will also make available additional tickets that can be purchased at a reduced rate with the $10 donation going toward that ticket purchase.
So go ahead and make your own $10 bill and express the change you’d like to see in the community. Give $10 to help ART 180 run after-school art programs for at-risk youth. And get free tickets to a concert!
You don’t have to be an artist. You just need something to say. And we know you’ve all got that.
Live music on the canal from 6:00-8:00pm, complimentary hors d’oeuvre from 5:30-6:30pm in the restaurant.
Link
www.toadsplacerva.com
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Springsteen & Richmond - The Complete History, Smashing Pumpkins, Gongzilla
Been watching a ton of Olympics or at least trying to in between all the commercials. Is it just me or does it seem like they show about three minutes of games and then five minutes of commercials?
Saturday, out at the Charlottesville Pavilion, Smashing Pumpkins or whatever is left of them, will be playing. Doors open at 6, show starts at 7 and tix are $41. It looks like its Billy Corgan and Jimmy Chamberlain so they do meet my 50% original band member rule to call them by the band name.
Saturday night here in Richmond at the Capital Ale House Downtown, is Gongzilla. According to the Captial Ale House site: "Journalist Bill Milkowski called GZ “simply mind-boggling”. The group is a mass of contradictions in perfect balance. A band with international roots (USA, Quebec, Philippines); GZ has a reputation for concise songs and transcendent jams. All this emanates from the fusion origins of Bon Lozaga and Hansford Rowe who met while playing in one of the idioms seminal groups – Gong. Bon and Hansford decided to tinker further with the Petri dish that was Gong, and begat a further evolution. They formed Gongzilla and released a series of Mahavishnu-esque improvisational rock albums featuring second guitarists on each one, including jazz fusion legend Allan Holdsworth, David Torn and David Fiuczynski, and a number of drummers, including Pierre Moerlen and Gary Husband. " Doors open at 9 and tix are $7.
I did get to check out the Capital Ale House Downtown Music Hall for their free Blues N Brews Happy Hour last week. The beers, as always, were excellent. The venue is very nice with the front windows opening up almost from floor to ceiling to let a nice breeze in. If you are going to talk, however, plan to do it between the band sets. The place isn't very big and even though we sat toward the back, it was still very loud.
Last and certainly not least, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band are coming to the Richmond Coliseum on Monday. Show starts at 7:30. As of right now (Wednesday 10:43 PM), the show is completely sold out. However, if you don't have tickets yet, but want to go, keep checking that Ticketmaster site. Tickets, and often good ones, have been known to pop up as the show date approaches. I once scored second row tix to see Bruce on the Tom Joad tour on the day of the show.
In honor of that, here is the info on every show Bruce has played in Richmond. This comes from the Brucebase site, a great site for Bruce setlists. The only thing that would make this better would be a search engine ala the excellent Grateful Dead Setlist Program. But I did the searching for you so here it is. This will help show Bruce's long connection to Richmond. If anyone out there has any recollections of these shows, please post them in the Comments.
UPDATE: The Richmond Times-Dispatch has an article today with Bruce memories from Richmonders and many of the shows below are mentioned: http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/entertainment.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2008-08-14-0009.html.
Hope to see you at the Bruce show and I hope to see you up front in the pit. Bruce, if you read this, please play "Kitty's Back"!
Tony Jordan
Note that the dates are European style - day/month/year
01/06/69 - MONROE PARK, RICHMOND, VA
VOODOO CHILD / JENNIFER / CROWN LIQUOR
Complete set details are not known, although the three above-mentioned songs are from a fan recollection that's deemed reliable. "Jennifer" is a known Springsteen composition from the period that has yet to circulate on any tape. This is CHILD's (Bruce's band) first trip to Richmond and this is a free outdoor concert. New Jersey band BROTHER DUCK also makes the trip and opens the show. CHILD's performance here has huge impact and many more trips to Richmond will follow over the next 18 months. MERCY FLIGHT drummer Davy Hazlett is in the audience.
19/09/69 - FREE UNIVERSITY, RICHMOND, VA
No set details known. One show, with CHILD having sole billing. Held indoors at the University's "Center" (a venue that would later change it’s name to “The String Factory” in May 1970)
20/09/69 - FREE UNIVERSITY, RICHMOND, VA
SISTER THERESA (3:52) / RESURRECTION (8:05) / GARDEN STATE PARKWAY BLUES (19:34, end cut) / THE WAR IS OVER (11:10) / KT-88 (3:45) / GOIN DOWN SLOW (15:22)
ONE show, held indoors at the University’s “Center”, with CHILD the lone act on the bill. The above-mentioned setlist is taken from a circulating 62-minute indoor audience recording of only fair sound quality. This is currently the earliest known CHILD-STEEL MILL audio in circulation. This audio first surfaced over 27 years ago but quickly became cannibalized in the tape trading pool. In 1977 two of these tracks (“Sister Theresa” and “Resurrection”) appeared on the vinyl boot “RESURRECTED” without any source information. The remainder of the audio has never been issued on any mainstream LP (or CD) boot and since the early 1980’s has tended to circulate with tracks missing. Fortunately it has begun to circulate again in recent years on CDR in its original 62-minute edition. There are discernable edits between tracks and this is not the complete show, which is likely to have lasted about 90 minutes and included 2 or 3 additional songs. However it is all the audio from this gig that is known to exist. All songs are complete except for “Garden State Parkway Blues”, which is faded out prematurely and could be missing several minutes. “KT-88”, an instrumental, is introduced by Bruce as a new creation. This is the only circulating performance of “Sister Theresa” and the flute-like sound heard on this track (and others in this show) is a recorder being played by Vini Lopez.
Over the years there has been considerable speculation regarding the time and location of this audio. The earliest traded specimens of this audio identified the source as a date-unspecified 1969 gig a Richmond club called “The String Factory”. Since no verified gig date at The String Factory was found in any early timeline sources, some collectors began assigning the audio to other gig dates. Consequently this audio has been linked to a plethora of shows from 1969 and 1970. It turns out that the early source identification was fairly accurate. This material is indeed from 1969 in Richmond – but it’s from “The Center”, which changed its name to “The String Factory” in the fall of 1970. This performance is prior to March 1970, as it features Vinnie Roslin on bass and background vocals. Although there were several shows at The Center during the Vinnie Roslin era, the sound of a heavy thunderstorm can be heard outside the building during “Garden State Parkway Blues” - this allows the candidate gigs from the winter months to be eliminated. Note: this audio may be from the previous evening’s performance on the 19th.
01/11/69 - VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY, RICHMOND, VIRGINIA
No set details known. ONE show, double bill, held in the VCU Gym, with CHILD headlining and Richmond band RAIN opening. Following this show the band returned to New Jersey only to learn that another progressive rock band from Long Island, NY was not only using the name “Child”- they’d also just released an album under that name on the Roulette Records label. Consequently this Nov 1st gig is believed to have been the last gig performed prior to the band’s decision to change its name from Child to “Steel Mill” (a name suggested by a friend of Vini Lopez). For the remainder of November and December the group’s promotional material tended to incorporate both names in order to minimize confusion.
20/11/69 - FREE UNIVERSITY, RICHMOND, VA
RESURRECTION
No set details known. One show, with STEEL MILL headlining and MERCY FLIGHT opening for them for the first time (as substitutes for the billed MORNING DISASTER, who cancelled). Held indoors at the University's "Center".
21/11/69 - RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE, ASHLAND, VA
No set details known. One show, triple billing, held in the school's 3,500-seat Crenshaw Gymnasium. CHILD-STEEL MILL (who were paid $650) have second billing to headliner, CHICAGO TRANSIT AUTHORITY (who were paid $3,000). Richmond band NATURAL WILDLIFE opens the show. This concert had an unusal "alternating sets" structure. CHICAGO performed two 45-minute sets and CHILD-STEEL MILL played about 45 minutes AFTER each of CHICAGO's sets. Very strange indeed. The concert was not a sellout. Note: press surrounding this show used the name "Child", not "Steel Mill", although posters may have been adjusted to accomodate the new band name.
22/11/69 - RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE, ASHLAND, VA
No set details known. One show, triple billing, held in the school's 3,500- seat Crenshaw Gymnasium. This concert (the second in two nights) was part of a major sporting and cultural activities weekend at Randolph-Macon. CHILD-STEEL MILL (who were paid $650) have second billing to headliner IRON BUTTERFLY (who were paid a whopping $7,500 - that's substantial for this time period). Richmond band NATURAL WILDLIFE opens the show. Unlike the previous night this concert had a traditional performing structure. CHILD-STEEL MILL played about 60 - 70 minutes. The concert was not a sellout and lost money. Note: press surrounding this show used the name "Child", not "Steel Mill", although posters and handbills may have been adjusted to accommodate the name change.
27/02/70 - FREE UNIVERSITY, RICHMOND, VA
No set details known. ONE evening show, held at ‘The Center’ (note: this venue would be re-named ‘The String Factory’ in May 1970), with STEEL MILL the sole act on the bill. The band drove non-stop from California to Richmond to make it on time to this gig – and they just made it. In a 1979 interview in the fanzine ‘Thunder Road’ Vini Lopez commented: "we had to get back to Richmond in 3 days to do a gig. We made it. But that was a delirious show. I drove most of the way back, me and Tinker".
28/02/70 - FREE UNIVERSITY, RICHMOND, VA
GUILTY / JEANNIE I WANT TO THANK YOU / YOU SAY YOU LOVE ME / CALIFORNIA BLUES / I AM THE DOCTOR / GOIN’ BACK TO GEORGIA / AMERICA UNDER FIRE / THE WAR IS OVER / ON THE ROAD / SWEET MELINDA / CROWN LIQUOR / LADY WALKIN’ DOWN BY THE RIVER
ONE show, held in the school’s “Center” (this venue will soon be renamed “The String Factory in May 70), with STEEL MILL the sole act on the bill. The above-mentioned 12-song setlist is culled from a 90min+ audience tape of the show that is in extremely limited circulation. This is likely to represent most if not the entire show and it includes the only known audio of “You Say You Love Me” and “On The Road”, plus a rare performance of Billy Chinnock’s composition “Crown Liquor”. This gig is believed to have been bassist Vinnie Roslin’s final performance as a member of Steel Mill. His replacement will be Steve Van Zandt.
27/03/70 - HULLABALOO, RICHMOND, VA
No set details known. ONE show, with STEEL MILL the sole act on the bill. This is the earliest verified public performance to feature new member Steve Van Zandt on bass. By 1970 the once-hip national Hullabaloo chain of discothèques had veered in a decidedly top-40 direction - far removed from the progressive rock of Steel Mill. Tom Yolton, guitarist for Richmond band Mercy Flight, has jokingly commented….."when word came out that STEEL MILL was playing Hullabaloo everyone said….where the hell is that? It turned out it was well away from the VCU campus. It was a club with mirrors on the walls. I remember asking someone in the band about it later and getting some reply like “Oh man did that suck...nobody was there and they wanted us to play dance music"
28/03/70 - HULLABALOO, RICHMOND, VA
No set details known. ONE show, with STEEL MILL (featuring new band member Steve Van Zandt on bass) the sole act on he bill.
01/05/70 - HULLABALOO, RICHMOND, VA
No set details known. ONE show, with STEEL MILL the sole act on the bill. A return weekend engagement at the club (the group had first played here in late March).
02/05/70 - HULLABALOO, RICHMOND, VA
No set details known. ONE show, with STEEL MILL the sole act on the bill.
23/05/70 - VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY, RICHMOND, VA
MC Introduction – KT 88 (4.13) / JEANNIE I WANT TO THANK YOU (9:07) / I AM THE DOCTOR (7:31) / SOMETHING’S GOTTA BREAK (8:00) / TEMPORARILY OUT OF ORDER (6:49) / SWEET MELINDA (5:47) / COME ON (4:30) / RESURRECTION (11:10) / AMPLIFIER BLUES (9:29) / FOR WHAT IT’S WORTH – RUN SHAKER LIFE – TWENTY MORE MILES (12:59, end cut)
ONE show, double bill, held in the VCU Gym, with STEEL MILL headlining and MERCY FLIGHT opening. This gig is infamous because it ended with Vini Lopez arrested for unruly behavior. The above-noted setlist is culled from a circulating 80-minute audience recording of only fair quality. There are continuity cuts between most songs. This is not the complete show, which contained at least 20 minutes more music (2-4 songs). This audio has never appeared on any mainstream bootleg but does circulate via various custom sources – some with between-song chatter deleted or songs missing. This audio is sometimes attributed to an alleged gig at VCU Gym on May 16, 1970. However VCU’s archives don’t indicate any show on the 16th. Comments made by Springsteen during the show point to the audio as being from the documented May 23, 1970 VCU gig. Mercy Flight’s co-manager, Russell Clem, can be heard introducing STEEL MILL. During the middle of the country-rock inspired “I Am The Doctor” Springsteen tells crowd “we went swimming today down in the James River (outside Richmond) and we took our surfboards with us”. During the intro to “Resurrection” Springsteen mentions canoeing earlier that afternoon. Bruce sings, “here we are back in Richmond, Virginia again” as the opening line of “Amplifier Blues”.
From the outset of this show there were problems with the school’s generators. There was a power outage during MERCY FLIGHT’s opening tune, “Mississippi Queen” and the problems continued intermittently for the remainder of the evening. This, combined with VCU officials’ complaints about the loudness of STEEL MILL’s performance, caused tension between the band and officials. Springsteen and Lopez can be heard making related comments during the show. Following “Jeannie I Want To Thank You” Bruce remarks to the crowd “there’s a weird thing going on between your officials and us”. At another point Bruce can be heard extorting: “there should be no restrictions on me”. At another point Bruce tells the crowd “we’re gonna finish this one with you guys and split to the middle of the road and play”. Despite the drama the audience is enthusiastic and the band’s performance is excellent. The MC’s comments and opening instrumental are in the correcting performing order. The rest of the audio is in its likely running order. Although it has not surfaced as part of the circulating audio, there’s attendee recollection that “Guilty” was performed following the opening instrumental “KT-88” (there’s an edit so this is plausible). All songs are complete except for the final song, which is cut prematurely close to its true conclusion. It is likely there was another song played after “Twenty More Miles” that’s missing from the audio source – and it would seem it was during that point that VCU officials shut the band’s power off as they overran the 11PM curfew. Lopez in an act of defiance continued playing his drums, which resulted in him being hauled way for disorderly conduct – an incident that Vini has jokingly referred to in several interviews.
19/06/70 - THE STRING FACTORY, RICHMOND, VA
No set details known. ONE show, with STEEL MILL the sole act on the bill. This venue had previously been owned and operated by Free University under the name ‘The Center” and Child-Steel Mill had player here several times (see listings). It was sold in March 1970 and re-opened, revamped and under private ownership, in May 1970 as ‘The String Factory’.
20/06/70 - THE STRING FACTORY, RICHMOND, VA
No set details known. ONE show, with STEEL MILL the sole act on the bill.
14/08/70 - 7TH AND MARSHALL STREET PARKING DECK, RICHMOND, VA
MC Introduction - DANCING IN THE STREETS (8.20) / COME ON (4.30) / KT88 (3.50) / THE WAR IS OVER (14.28) / WHY DO YOU DO THAT (6.14) / SHERLOCK GOES HOLMES (9.46) / GOING BACK TO GEORGIA (5.18) / RESURRECTION (13.52) / GUILTY (7.58) / WE'LL ALL MAN THE GUNS (11:26) / RUN SHAKER LIFE - TWENTY MORE MILES (14.43) / GOOD LOVIN' WOMAN (9:34)
ONE show, triple bill, with blues band MARLO MAYS & THE STINGERS opening, MERCY FLIGHT performing second and STEEL MILL headlining and closing. Held under the stars on the upper deck of the parking complex. The general concept for this show was modeled after The Beatles memorable rooftop performance in the film “Let It Be” (which was in theatres at the time). This is one the most famous of all Steel Mill’s gigs and it’s now firmly a part of Richmond folklore. Promoter Russell Clem provides the immortal MC introduction. This was Steel Mill’s first gig in about a month and their performance actually starts off somewhat ragged as a result – something both Bruce and Vini Lopez apologize for this during the show.
The above-mentioned 12-song setlist is culled from audio from this show that circulates in several variations. An audience tape of only fair quality has been in circulation for many years. Fortunately a substantially better (very good) quality and more complete specimen of this audience recording has emerged in the collector market over the past couple of years – and it is absolutely worth obtaining. In addition to the new audience source, some soundboard audio has also recently emerged from this show. The soundboard audio is missing two tracks (“The War Is Over” and “Guilty”) found on the audience recording and the soundboard quality isn’t nearly as good as the better of the two audience sources. Importantly though, the soundboard audio includes the show’s encore “Good Lovin’ Woman”, which is not found on the audience audio. None of the above-mentioned audio has ever been released on any mainstream bootleg.
The 12-song, 110-minute setlist is not the complete show. It would appear that the audience audio is complete up to an including “We’ll All Man The Guns”. There is then a 2 – 4 song segment of the show that has never circulated from any source. One of the songs definitely performed during this “missing” segment was “The Wind And The Rain”. Both "I Am The Doctor" and "Sweet Melinda" have cropped up in attendee recollections and may have also filled this gap in this show. From an historical standpoint the two most important tracks are “We’ll All Man The Guns” (Bruce introduces it as just written) and Bruce’s 1969 song “Good Lovin’ Woman” (Bruce introduces it as “an old song”). Neither of these two songs are available elsewhere. NOTE: A day or so after this show Springsteen met privately with Mercy Flight's lead singer Robbin Thompson and offered him a position in Steel Mill. After a few days of deliberation Thompson accepted the offer, resigning from MERCY FLIGHT on Aug 23, 1970 and relocating to New Jersey to join Steel Mill the following week.
11/10/70 - THE MOSQUE, RICHMOND, VA
I CAN’T TAKE IT (8:35) / WHY’D YOU DO THAT (5:58) / SHERLOCK GOES HOLMES (10:02) / GOIN’ BACK TO GEORGIA (4:50)
ONE show, double bill, with STEEL MILL opening for headliner THE IKE AND TINA TURNER REVUE. A soul band and a progressive rock group was a strange billing combination – consequently it’s perhaps not surprising that less than half the tickets to the 3,000-seat Mosque were sold. Former ‘Back Door Club’ owner John Richardson, who orchestrated the event, has stated that he lost a fair chunk of money on this show. The above-mentioned setlist is taken from a circulating 29-minute audience recording of only fair quality. This audio has not been issued on any mainstream commercial boot but is circulating via custom sources, sometimes with the venue-date unidentified. As undercard STEEL MILL would have played about 60-70 minutes, so there are likely 3 to 5 songs missing from the circulating audio. The audio evidence supports reports that the venue was half empty. The crowd reaction to Steel Mill is polite but indifferent – an indicator the band wasn’t headlining. “Why’d You Do That” includes a customized refrain mentioning the town of Woodland Falls that seems to have been used only when playing in Virginia. “Goin’ Back To Georgia” features Bruce and Robbin Thompson alternating the lead vocal.
23/10/70 - UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, RICHMOND, VA
Set details unknown. One show. STEEL MILL headline. New Jersey folk singer JEANNIE CLARK is the support act.
25/10/70 - RICHMOND ARENA, RICHMOND, VA
No set details known. ONE show, quadruple billing, featuring STEEL MILL, BIG BROTHER, FEAST and S.R.C. The headliner, SRC, was a Detroit-based outfit that, at the time, had three weak selling LPs out on Capitol Records, as well as a classic 60’s garage-type single "Black Sheep, Black Sheep". SRC is probably best known via its earlier mid-60's incarnation called ‘The Fugitives’.
18/07/71 - MONROE PARK, RICHMOND, VA
No set details known. ONE daytime outdoor show, with the 10-piece BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN BAND headlining. Support act was SUNNY JIM. This was the first known gig a Springsteen-led band had played in Monroe Park since his Richmond debut (with CHILD) on June 1, 1969. Apparently after their show some of the BSB and its entourage went to see an outdoor concert by ‘The Byrds’ somewhere in the general vicinity (possibly the State Fairgrounds in Richmond).
23/10/71 - UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, RICHMOND, VA
No set details known. ONE show, triple bill, with The Bruce Springsteen Band headlining. Undercards were New Jersey-based outfits TUMBLEWEED and BLACK FORREST RHODES, both of who had recently become involved with Tinker West’s Blah Productions. The 3-member, acoustic-orientated TUMBLEWEED deserve special mention. They had recently returned from studio sessions in Nashville (booked under the name MONTANA FLINTLOCK) – events orchestrated by Mike Appel. TUMBLEWEED would turn out to be the original connection between Tinker West and Appel, one that would soon see Tinker drive Springsteen to New York to meet Mike.
Although pre-concert promotional material for this Oct 23rd performance specifies a 5-member BSB lineup (see below), this show probably included three of the part-time members of the group – Harvey Cherlin (trumpet) plus Delores Holmes & Barbara Dinkins on background vocals. In interview Cherlin has mentioned this specific 8-member lineup as performing au gratis gig at University Of Richmond in October 1971 that Cherlin further states was his final-ever gig with Springsteen. NOTE: An audience recording (see the 30/10/71 listing for details) is often linked to this show but it does not feature either Cherlin or Barbara Dinkins.
30/10/71 - VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY, RICHMOND, VA
MC’s introduction / GOT MY MOJO WORKING (6:14) / LIVIN’ ROCK AND ROLL (4:06) / TALKIN’ ABOUT MY BABY (8:26) / HOOCHIE COOTCHIE MAN (8:29) / DON’T YOU WANT TO BE AN OUTLAW (8:07)
ONE show, triple bill, with the BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN BAND supporting headliner CACTUS. The Paul Butterfield Blues Band was originally scheduled to headline with Cactus 2nd billed. However Butterfield cancelled a couple of weeks beforehand and Springsteen was substituted. Though not mentioned on the gig Poster (below), also on the bill and opening the show with a 45-minute performance was local band MORNING SON (John Mulkins, David Waddle and Steve Knopp). Audio evidence suggests the BSB lineup for this show was the core 5-piece band, plus the vocal duo of Delores Holmes and Francine Daniels (who’d recently replaced vocalist Barbara Dinkins).
The above-mentioned setlist is taken from an audience recording of only fair quality that started circulating in the early 80’s and then widely propagated after it was booted on the LP “BRUCE 1971”. The original boot correctly identified the audio source venue as the VCU Gym. However, because no 1971 VCU gig had been identified by 1980’s concert history sources, some people began linking this audio to other shows. This 40 minutes of audio (which is only about half the total performance) now circulates via homemade CDR, sometimes with material from other shows. Bruce would later utilize the melody from “Talkin’ About My Baby” for his far superior 1972 composition “Janey Needs A Shooter”. The ladies are heard on the three Springsteen compositions but not the two cover songs.
04/02/72 - THE BACK DOOR, RICHMOND, VA
DOWN TO MEXICO / I REMEMBER / ALL I WANNA DO IS DANCE / BLESS MY SOUL / MAGIC LOVING / LOVE IS A CRAZY THING / THE BAND’S JUST BOPPIN’ THE BLUES / JUST CAN’T CHANGE / WHEN YOU DANCE / LIKE A STRANGER / MAKE UP YOUR MIND / COWBOYS OF THE SEA / SOMETHING YOU GOT / DARKNESS DARKNESS / IT’S ALL OVER NOW, BABY BLUE / DOWN THE ROAD APIECE / BRIGHT LIGHTS BIG CITY / SITTING ON TOP OF THE WORLD / I’M INTO SOMETHING GOOD – TAKE OUT SOME INSURANCE
ONE show, with THE BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN BAND the sole act on the bill. This was opening night of 9-show residency that encompassed three of the four weekends in February. The above-mentioned 19-songs are culled from circulating audience audio from the 9-show residency that would seem to encompass parts of four of these nine shows – consequently there are multiple performances of some songs (a total of 25 recordings encompassing 229 minutes). Most of these 25 recordings have been in circulation since the mid 1980’s and more than half have been issued on various mainstream bootleg titles. The remainder of the audio is only circulating via private CDR sources. The overall sound quality is good.
The so-called “Backdoor Club Tapes” represent some of the most perplexing live audio to sort out, primarily due to the fact that nearly all the between-song audio appears to have been cut by the original taper prior to the audio entering into collector circulation. Because of the lack of audio continuity it is extremely difficult to tell which recordings emanate from which shows - and virtually impossible to decipher the correct running order. Although the shows of Feb 4th and 26th are often cited on trade lists, these two dates appear to based on the fact that for many years these were the only two dates known to have been played at the club. It is now known the residency was much longer, so this material could be from any of the shows. However it is more likely that most of it comes from the final weekend’s performances.
Southside Johnny was a guest on the first weekend. However Southside’s harp playing is only heard on one track, “Bright Lights Big City”. Bruce handles the harmonica on “Just Cant Change”, one of his better songwriting efforts of 1971. Two other standout songs are “Like A Stranger” and “Make Up Your Mind”. The most interesting track is the full band version of “Cowboys Of The Sea” – a song that clearly foreshadows the change of lyric style that Bruce was adopting at the time. NOTE: For complete details on all the various Backdoor Club audio click HERE.
05/02/72 - THE BACK DOOR, RICHMOND, VA
ONE show, with the BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN BAND the sole act on the bill. The 2nd of 9 shows held at the club during February. Note: see 04/02/72 listing for details on circulating audio from this residency.
06/02/72 - THE BACK DOOR, RICHMOND, VA
ONE show, with the BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN BAND the sole act on the bill. The 3rd of 9 shows held at the club during February. Note: see 04/02/72 listing for details on circulating audio from this residency.
18/02/72 - THE BACK DOOR, RICHMOND, VA
ONE show, with the BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN BAND the sole act on the bill. The 4th of 9 shows held at the club during February. Note: see 04/02/72 listing for details on circulating audio from this residency.
19/02/72 - THE BACK DOOR , RICHMOND, VA
ONE show, with the BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN BAND the sole act on the bill. The 5th of 9 shows held at the club during February. Note: see 04/02/72 listing for details on circulating audio from this residency.
20/02/72 - THE BACK DOOR, RICHMOND, VA
ONE show, with the BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN BAND the sole act on the bill. The 6th of 9 shows held at the club during February. Note: see 04/02/72 listing for details on circulating audio from this residency.
25/02/72 - THE BACK DOOR, RICHMOND, VA
ONE show, with the BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN BAND the sole act on the bill. The 7th of 9 shows held at the club during February. Note: see 04/02/72 listing for details on circulating audio from this residency.
26/02/72 - THE BACK DOOR, RICHMOND, VA
ONE show, with the BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN BAND the sole act on the bill. The 8th of 9 shows held at the club during February. Note: see 04/02/72 listing for details on circulating audio from this residency.
27/02/72 - THE BACK DOOR, RICHMOND, VA
ONE show, with the BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN BAND the sole act on the bill. The 9th of 9 shows held at the club during February. Note: see 04/02/72 listing for details on circulating audio from this residency
17/03/72 - RICHMOND ARENA, RICHMOND, VA
DO IT WITH A FEELING (10:30) / COMING HOME (7:42) / CHEROKEE QUEEN (5:57) / LOOK TOWARDS THE LAND (10:43) / NOT FADE AWAY – BO DIDDLEY’S A GUNSLINGER (8:47) / MOUNTAIN JAM – WHEN YOU DANCE (13:01, start-end cut) / GOIN’ BACK TO GEORGIA (6:10) / GOT MY MOJO WORKIN’ (7:48) / IT’S ALL OVER NOW, BABY BLUE (12:01)
ONE show, quadruple bill, with the Bruce Springsteen Band opening the evening’s festivities for BANG, THE MIKE QUATRO JAM BAND and MITCH RYDER & DETROIT. This was a festival-styled show, with each act allocated 80 – 90 minute time slots. Although Mitch Ryder was top-billed it was electronic space music favorite Mike Quatro (70’s rocker Suzi Quatro’s brother) who performed last. In an attempt to minimize the 6,500-seat Richmond Arena’s notorious echo problems the promoter revamped the seating layout to 4,500. However an article in the following day’s paper noted a turnout of only about 1,000. A newspaper review of the show briefly mentions Springsteen and notes the wide variety of styles performed in his set. The audio evidence certainly supports that assessment.The above-mentioned 9-song setlist, some of it not necessarily in the correct performing sequence, is culled from 83 minutes of good quality soundboard audio. Most of this audio has been in collector circulation since the early 1980’s, although it tended to circulate in bits and pieces and only “Cherokee Queen” has appeared on any mainstream bootleg. “Cherokee Queen” (the only circulating audio rendition) was pressed on acetate as a Sioux City publishing demo later in 1972. Recently (in 2007) a veteran collector discovered an old tape, long overlooked in his collection, that contained a previously undocumented, additional song from this show (the Springsteen-written “Coming Home”) that is one of the performance highlights.
For many years this show’s audio was incorrectly attributed to a Nov 1970 Steel Mill gig in Richmond. However this is not Steel Mill, as Robbin Thompson is not present, Springsteen and Van Zandt share lead guitar duties and David Sancious is on keyboards. Springsteen plays piano on both “Cherokee Queen” and “Look Toward The Land” (with Sancious handling organ). Unfortunately both the opening and closing couple of minutes of “Mountain Jam – When You Dance” is cut and not circulating complete. Although bottom billed some loyal Springsteen fans were present at this show. For the first encore voices can be heard near the front of the stage yelling for “Resurrection” (a song Bruce stopped playing when Steel Mill folded). Bruce doesn’t oblige, but instead delivers “Goin’ Back To Georgia” – itself rarely played by the BSB. Bruce performs a condensed arrangement, without any band harmony vocals.
14/02/73 - VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY, RICHMOND, VA
LOST IN THE FLOOD / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / 634-5789 (SOULSVILLE, USA) / MARY QUEEN OF ARKANSAS (5:12) / FOR YOU (4:58) / DOES THIS BUS STOP AT 82ND STREET (5:02) / BLINDED BY THE LIGHT / THUNDERCRACK (12:20) / ROSALITA - FUN FUN FUN (12:45) / announcements (0:25)ONE show, double bill, with Bruce and the boys opening for headliner DAN HICKS & HIS HOT LICKS. Springsteen was allowed to present a headliner-length performance of nearly 90 minutes – and he stole the show from Hicks. The above-mentioned setlist represents Springsteen's entire song presentation from this show in the correct sequence, as sourced from a newspaper review of the show in conjunction with a recently circulating (but very poor quality) 45-minute audience tape encompassing 5 of the show’s 9 songs. The taper apparently did not record Bruce’s opening three numbers and “Blinded By The Light”.From an historical standpoint the significant performance is "Rosalita". This is a unique arrangement that not only features a near-complete rendition of The Beach Boys "Fun Fun Fun" sandwiched in the middle, but also incorporates a cosmic story-rap that finds an 8yr old Springsteen locked in an Alabama jail with Dennis Wilson, James Brown and Wilson Pickett (whose “634-5789” Bruce covered earlier in the show). The subtle audio edit heard after "Thundercrack" (the end of the main set) and before "Rosalita" (the encore) merely eliminates several minutes of cheering as the audience coaxes Bruce and the band back for a final song. Following "Rosalita" the MC can be heard announcing that Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks will follow. Grateful thanks to Jeff Crossan for the news article, photos and additional information
31/05/73 - RADIO STATION WGOE-FM, RICHMOND, VA
SATIN DOLL (1.10) / DOES THIS BUS STOP AT 82ND ST? (4.54) / CIRCUS SONG (4.58) / GROWIN’ UP (3.18) / NEW YORK SONG (5.34) / YOU MEAN SO MUCH TO ME (6.39) Bruce’s 2nd known radio show – but this one is unusual because it took place at Richmond’s Alpha Sound Studios, not at the station itself. It was broadcast live by WGOE-FM via a remote link. In addition to the DJ the small audience heard in the studio included Mike Appel, Jim Cretecos, Albee Tellone and David Sancious (who had yet to join the band but who was employed at the studio at the time). The above-mentioned 6-song setlist is the complete performance. After the show Mike Appel took possession of the Master Tape, so none of the performance was ever re-broadcast by the station. Fortunately a fan taped the entire show from their radio, although the sound quality result was weak. Although this audience audio had been in circulation since the mid 1970’s it had never appeared on any mainstream bootleg, exception for the track “You Mean So Much To Me”, which first surfaced on the 1976 vinyl LP boot “RESURRECTED” in poor quality. This later appeared in better quality on the CD “RADIO WAVES” (Great Dane). The entire fan-recorded version is now available on a custom CDR boot entitled “STRICTLY PROHIBITED”.A low generation copy of the entire original master tape (noted above) first surfaced (in very limited hands) in the early 1990’s. Then the recording of the track "You Mean So Much To Me" from this source emerged on the 1998 boot ‘DEEP DOWN IN THE VAULTS’ (E Street)" and in 1999 on ‘MISSING TRACKS, VOL ONE’ (Thrill Hill). The complete master tape in perfect sound quality finally emerged into the wider collector community in early 2007. This performance (which features all the band in cameos except for Vini Lopez) is highlighted by what many consider the definitive available version of “You Mean So Much To Me”. During the show a fan calls into the radio station and requests Bruce’s old Steel Mill chestnut “Resurrection” – but Bruce doesn’t play it. Interestingly as Bruce takes his seat to perform a song solo at the piano one of the entourage can be heard saying “Janey?” – apparently thinking Bruce was going to perform the recently composed “Janey Needs A Shooter” to which Bruce replies “no” and instead delivers a fine version of his then-new “New York Song”.
31/05/73 - COLISEUM, RICHMOND, VA
SANTA ANNA / SECRET TO THE BLUES / TOKYO / THUNDERCRACK
ONE show, double bill, with Springsteen opening for headliners CHICAGO. The 2nd of 12 consecutive shows opening for them. The above-mentioned 4-song partial setlist is culled from a weak quality 35-minute audience tape of the show that circulates among collectors. This is not the complete performance, which lasted about 60 minutes and included 3 or 4 additional, but undocumented, songs. This audio appears to capture the last half of Springsteen’s set. The audio of "Thundercrack" is incomplete - the last several minutes are missing. From a historical standpoint the most interesting track here is "Secret To The Blues" - one of only two circulating audio performances and the better of the two.
30/11/73 - VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY, RICHMOND, VA
Due to last minute venue/contractual difficulties at VCU, this concert was POSTPONED and RE-SCHEDULED to 25/01/74 at The Mosque. This concert was to have featured Springsteen headlining and GOOSE CREEK SYMPHONY as the opener and, indeed, this was the lineup that performed at the 25/1/74 show (see listing in BRUCEBASE)
25/01/74 - MOSQUE, RICHMOND, VA
SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / NEW YORK CITY SERENADE / BLINDED BY THE LIGHT / LET THE FOUR WINDS BLOW / KITTYS BACK / FOR YOU / ROSALITA / TWIST AND SHOUT
ONE show, double bill, with Springsteen headlining and local outfit GOOSE CREEK SYMPHONY opening. This was a rescheduled show, originally booked for 30/11/73 at the VCU Gym but postponed. The above-mentioned 8-song (90-minute) setlist is from a circulating audience recording of only fair quality.
13/04/74 - RICHMOND COLISEUM, RICHMOND, VA
CANCELLED concert, never re-scheduled. Information is sketchy but it’s believed Springsteen was the scheduled undercard for this gig – anyone who has further details please contact Brucebase.
01/08/75 - MOSQUE THEATRE, RICHMOND, VA
INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET / 10TH AVENUE FREEZE OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / E ST SHUFFLE / SAINT IN THE CITY / SHES THE ONE / THUNDER ROAD / GROWIN' UP / UP ON THE ROOF / KITTYS BACK / NYC SERENADE / ROSALITA / 4TH JULY ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / A LOVE SO FINE / CAROL / QUARTER TO THREE
Audience tape - includes the first confirmed version of Up On The Roof. Available on CDR "At The Mosque Theatre"
06/03/03 Richmond Coliseum, Richmond, VA
S/C:- includes GUILTY / LOCAL HERO
THE RISING / LONESOME DAY / NO SURRENDER / PROVE IT ALL NIGHT / EMPTY SKY / YOU'RE MISSING / WAITIN' ON A SUNNY DAY / YOU CAN LOOK ..... / TWO HEARTS / WORLD'S APART / BADLANDS / SHE'S THE ONE / MARY'S PLACE / COUNTIN' ON A MIRACLE / FOR YOU / INTO THE FIRE / LET'S GO, LET'S GO, LET'S GO / GLORY DAYS / BORN TO RUN / MY CITY OF RUINS / BORN IN THE USA / LAND OF HOPE AND DREAMS / DANCING IN THE DARK
Audience tape - Bruce was joined on-stage by Richmond native and former Steel Mill vocalist Robbin Thompson and Southeastern Virginia native Bruce Hornsby for the Hank Ballard song "Let's Go, Let's Go, Let's Go," which was premiered in Jacksonville. "Mary's Place" includes brief snippets of "Rescue Me" & "I Can't Turn You Loose". According to an Interview with Robin Thompson in "Upstage News" (December 2003), when he arrived at the venue the band were trying to play Guilty, an old Steel Mill number. He enquired of Bruce if that was what they were gonna do, but Bruce replied that they couldn't remember it. If anyone was taping the soundcheck - we sure would like to hear this one.
24/10/05 - Richmond Coliseum, Richmond, VA
MY BEAUTIFUL REWARD / REASON TO BELIEVE / DEVILS AND DUST / LONESOME DAY / LONG TIME COMING / SILVER PALOMINO / YOU CAN LOOK... / THE RIVER / TOUGHER THAN THE REST / JOHNNY 99 / PART MAN PART MONKEY / ALL I'M THINKING ABOUT / RENO / NOTHING MAN / INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET / THE RISING / DARKNESS ON THE EDGE OF TOWN / JESUS WAS AN ONLY SON / THIS HARD LAND / THE NEW TIMER / MATAMOROS BANKS / GROWIN' UP / 4TH JULY ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / THE PROMISED LAND / DREAM BABY DREAM
Audience tape. [Note from Tony: This was the solo Devils & Dust tour.]
Saturday, out at the Charlottesville Pavilion, Smashing Pumpkins or whatever is left of them, will be playing. Doors open at 6, show starts at 7 and tix are $41. It looks like its Billy Corgan and Jimmy Chamberlain so they do meet my 50% original band member rule to call them by the band name.
Saturday night here in Richmond at the Capital Ale House Downtown, is Gongzilla. According to the Captial Ale House site: "Journalist Bill Milkowski called GZ “simply mind-boggling”. The group is a mass of contradictions in perfect balance. A band with international roots (USA, Quebec, Philippines); GZ has a reputation for concise songs and transcendent jams. All this emanates from the fusion origins of Bon Lozaga and Hansford Rowe who met while playing in one of the idioms seminal groups – Gong. Bon and Hansford decided to tinker further with the Petri dish that was Gong, and begat a further evolution. They formed Gongzilla and released a series of Mahavishnu-esque improvisational rock albums featuring second guitarists on each one, including jazz fusion legend Allan Holdsworth, David Torn and David Fiuczynski, and a number of drummers, including Pierre Moerlen and Gary Husband. " Doors open at 9 and tix are $7.
I did get to check out the Capital Ale House Downtown Music Hall for their free Blues N Brews Happy Hour last week. The beers, as always, were excellent. The venue is very nice with the front windows opening up almost from floor to ceiling to let a nice breeze in. If you are going to talk, however, plan to do it between the band sets. The place isn't very big and even though we sat toward the back, it was still very loud.
Last and certainly not least, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band are coming to the Richmond Coliseum on Monday. Show starts at 7:30. As of right now (Wednesday 10:43 PM), the show is completely sold out. However, if you don't have tickets yet, but want to go, keep checking that Ticketmaster site. Tickets, and often good ones, have been known to pop up as the show date approaches. I once scored second row tix to see Bruce on the Tom Joad tour on the day of the show.
In honor of that, here is the info on every show Bruce has played in Richmond. This comes from the Brucebase site, a great site for Bruce setlists. The only thing that would make this better would be a search engine ala the excellent Grateful Dead Setlist Program. But I did the searching for you so here it is. This will help show Bruce's long connection to Richmond. If anyone out there has any recollections of these shows, please post them in the Comments.
UPDATE: The Richmond Times-Dispatch has an article today with Bruce memories from Richmonders and many of the shows below are mentioned: http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/entertainment.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2008-08-14-0009.html.
Hope to see you at the Bruce show and I hope to see you up front in the pit. Bruce, if you read this, please play "Kitty's Back"!
Tony Jordan
Note that the dates are European style - day/month/year
01/06/69 - MONROE PARK, RICHMOND, VA
VOODOO CHILD / JENNIFER / CROWN LIQUOR
Complete set details are not known, although the three above-mentioned songs are from a fan recollection that's deemed reliable. "Jennifer" is a known Springsteen composition from the period that has yet to circulate on any tape. This is CHILD's (Bruce's band) first trip to Richmond and this is a free outdoor concert. New Jersey band BROTHER DUCK also makes the trip and opens the show. CHILD's performance here has huge impact and many more trips to Richmond will follow over the next 18 months. MERCY FLIGHT drummer Davy Hazlett is in the audience.
19/09/69 - FREE UNIVERSITY, RICHMOND, VA
No set details known. One show, with CHILD having sole billing. Held indoors at the University's "Center" (a venue that would later change it’s name to “The String Factory” in May 1970)
20/09/69 - FREE UNIVERSITY, RICHMOND, VA
SISTER THERESA (3:52) / RESURRECTION (8:05) / GARDEN STATE PARKWAY BLUES (19:34, end cut) / THE WAR IS OVER (11:10) / KT-88 (3:45) / GOIN DOWN SLOW (15:22)
ONE show, held indoors at the University’s “Center”, with CHILD the lone act on the bill. The above-mentioned setlist is taken from a circulating 62-minute indoor audience recording of only fair sound quality. This is currently the earliest known CHILD-STEEL MILL audio in circulation. This audio first surfaced over 27 years ago but quickly became cannibalized in the tape trading pool. In 1977 two of these tracks (“Sister Theresa” and “Resurrection”) appeared on the vinyl boot “RESURRECTED” without any source information. The remainder of the audio has never been issued on any mainstream LP (or CD) boot and since the early 1980’s has tended to circulate with tracks missing. Fortunately it has begun to circulate again in recent years on CDR in its original 62-minute edition. There are discernable edits between tracks and this is not the complete show, which is likely to have lasted about 90 minutes and included 2 or 3 additional songs. However it is all the audio from this gig that is known to exist. All songs are complete except for “Garden State Parkway Blues”, which is faded out prematurely and could be missing several minutes. “KT-88”, an instrumental, is introduced by Bruce as a new creation. This is the only circulating performance of “Sister Theresa” and the flute-like sound heard on this track (and others in this show) is a recorder being played by Vini Lopez.
Over the years there has been considerable speculation regarding the time and location of this audio. The earliest traded specimens of this audio identified the source as a date-unspecified 1969 gig a Richmond club called “The String Factory”. Since no verified gig date at The String Factory was found in any early timeline sources, some collectors began assigning the audio to other gig dates. Consequently this audio has been linked to a plethora of shows from 1969 and 1970. It turns out that the early source identification was fairly accurate. This material is indeed from 1969 in Richmond – but it’s from “The Center”, which changed its name to “The String Factory” in the fall of 1970. This performance is prior to March 1970, as it features Vinnie Roslin on bass and background vocals. Although there were several shows at The Center during the Vinnie Roslin era, the sound of a heavy thunderstorm can be heard outside the building during “Garden State Parkway Blues” - this allows the candidate gigs from the winter months to be eliminated. Note: this audio may be from the previous evening’s performance on the 19th.
01/11/69 - VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY, RICHMOND, VIRGINIA
No set details known. ONE show, double bill, held in the VCU Gym, with CHILD headlining and Richmond band RAIN opening. Following this show the band returned to New Jersey only to learn that another progressive rock band from Long Island, NY was not only using the name “Child”- they’d also just released an album under that name on the Roulette Records label. Consequently this Nov 1st gig is believed to have been the last gig performed prior to the band’s decision to change its name from Child to “Steel Mill” (a name suggested by a friend of Vini Lopez). For the remainder of November and December the group’s promotional material tended to incorporate both names in order to minimize confusion.
20/11/69 - FREE UNIVERSITY, RICHMOND, VA
RESURRECTION
No set details known. One show, with STEEL MILL headlining and MERCY FLIGHT opening for them for the first time (as substitutes for the billed MORNING DISASTER, who cancelled). Held indoors at the University's "Center".
21/11/69 - RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE, ASHLAND, VA
No set details known. One show, triple billing, held in the school's 3,500-seat Crenshaw Gymnasium. CHILD-STEEL MILL (who were paid $650) have second billing to headliner, CHICAGO TRANSIT AUTHORITY (who were paid $3,000). Richmond band NATURAL WILDLIFE opens the show. This concert had an unusal "alternating sets" structure. CHICAGO performed two 45-minute sets and CHILD-STEEL MILL played about 45 minutes AFTER each of CHICAGO's sets. Very strange indeed. The concert was not a sellout. Note: press surrounding this show used the name "Child", not "Steel Mill", although posters may have been adjusted to accomodate the new band name.
22/11/69 - RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE, ASHLAND, VA
No set details known. One show, triple billing, held in the school's 3,500- seat Crenshaw Gymnasium. This concert (the second in two nights) was part of a major sporting and cultural activities weekend at Randolph-Macon. CHILD-STEEL MILL (who were paid $650) have second billing to headliner IRON BUTTERFLY (who were paid a whopping $7,500 - that's substantial for this time period). Richmond band NATURAL WILDLIFE opens the show. Unlike the previous night this concert had a traditional performing structure. CHILD-STEEL MILL played about 60 - 70 minutes. The concert was not a sellout and lost money. Note: press surrounding this show used the name "Child", not "Steel Mill", although posters and handbills may have been adjusted to accommodate the name change.
27/02/70 - FREE UNIVERSITY, RICHMOND, VA
No set details known. ONE evening show, held at ‘The Center’ (note: this venue would be re-named ‘The String Factory’ in May 1970), with STEEL MILL the sole act on the bill. The band drove non-stop from California to Richmond to make it on time to this gig – and they just made it. In a 1979 interview in the fanzine ‘Thunder Road’ Vini Lopez commented: "we had to get back to Richmond in 3 days to do a gig. We made it. But that was a delirious show. I drove most of the way back, me and Tinker".
28/02/70 - FREE UNIVERSITY, RICHMOND, VA
GUILTY / JEANNIE I WANT TO THANK YOU / YOU SAY YOU LOVE ME / CALIFORNIA BLUES / I AM THE DOCTOR / GOIN’ BACK TO GEORGIA / AMERICA UNDER FIRE / THE WAR IS OVER / ON THE ROAD / SWEET MELINDA / CROWN LIQUOR / LADY WALKIN’ DOWN BY THE RIVER
ONE show, held in the school’s “Center” (this venue will soon be renamed “The String Factory in May 70), with STEEL MILL the sole act on the bill. The above-mentioned 12-song setlist is culled from a 90min+ audience tape of the show that is in extremely limited circulation. This is likely to represent most if not the entire show and it includes the only known audio of “You Say You Love Me” and “On The Road”, plus a rare performance of Billy Chinnock’s composition “Crown Liquor”. This gig is believed to have been bassist Vinnie Roslin’s final performance as a member of Steel Mill. His replacement will be Steve Van Zandt.
27/03/70 - HULLABALOO, RICHMOND, VA
No set details known. ONE show, with STEEL MILL the sole act on the bill. This is the earliest verified public performance to feature new member Steve Van Zandt on bass. By 1970 the once-hip national Hullabaloo chain of discothèques had veered in a decidedly top-40 direction - far removed from the progressive rock of Steel Mill. Tom Yolton, guitarist for Richmond band Mercy Flight, has jokingly commented….."when word came out that STEEL MILL was playing Hullabaloo everyone said….where the hell is that? It turned out it was well away from the VCU campus. It was a club with mirrors on the walls. I remember asking someone in the band about it later and getting some reply like “Oh man did that suck...nobody was there and they wanted us to play dance music"
28/03/70 - HULLABALOO, RICHMOND, VA
No set details known. ONE show, with STEEL MILL (featuring new band member Steve Van Zandt on bass) the sole act on he bill.
01/05/70 - HULLABALOO, RICHMOND, VA
No set details known. ONE show, with STEEL MILL the sole act on the bill. A return weekend engagement at the club (the group had first played here in late March).
02/05/70 - HULLABALOO, RICHMOND, VA
No set details known. ONE show, with STEEL MILL the sole act on the bill.
23/05/70 - VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY, RICHMOND, VA
MC Introduction – KT 88 (4.13) / JEANNIE I WANT TO THANK YOU (9:07) / I AM THE DOCTOR (7:31) / SOMETHING’S GOTTA BREAK (8:00) / TEMPORARILY OUT OF ORDER (6:49) / SWEET MELINDA (5:47) / COME ON (4:30) / RESURRECTION (11:10) / AMPLIFIER BLUES (9:29) / FOR WHAT IT’S WORTH – RUN SHAKER LIFE – TWENTY MORE MILES (12:59, end cut)
ONE show, double bill, held in the VCU Gym, with STEEL MILL headlining and MERCY FLIGHT opening. This gig is infamous because it ended with Vini Lopez arrested for unruly behavior. The above-noted setlist is culled from a circulating 80-minute audience recording of only fair quality. There are continuity cuts between most songs. This is not the complete show, which contained at least 20 minutes more music (2-4 songs). This audio has never appeared on any mainstream bootleg but does circulate via various custom sources – some with between-song chatter deleted or songs missing. This audio is sometimes attributed to an alleged gig at VCU Gym on May 16, 1970. However VCU’s archives don’t indicate any show on the 16th. Comments made by Springsteen during the show point to the audio as being from the documented May 23, 1970 VCU gig. Mercy Flight’s co-manager, Russell Clem, can be heard introducing STEEL MILL. During the middle of the country-rock inspired “I Am The Doctor” Springsteen tells crowd “we went swimming today down in the James River (outside Richmond) and we took our surfboards with us”. During the intro to “Resurrection” Springsteen mentions canoeing earlier that afternoon. Bruce sings, “here we are back in Richmond, Virginia again” as the opening line of “Amplifier Blues”.
From the outset of this show there were problems with the school’s generators. There was a power outage during MERCY FLIGHT’s opening tune, “Mississippi Queen” and the problems continued intermittently for the remainder of the evening. This, combined with VCU officials’ complaints about the loudness of STEEL MILL’s performance, caused tension between the band and officials. Springsteen and Lopez can be heard making related comments during the show. Following “Jeannie I Want To Thank You” Bruce remarks to the crowd “there’s a weird thing going on between your officials and us”. At another point Bruce can be heard extorting: “there should be no restrictions on me”. At another point Bruce tells the crowd “we’re gonna finish this one with you guys and split to the middle of the road and play”. Despite the drama the audience is enthusiastic and the band’s performance is excellent. The MC’s comments and opening instrumental are in the correcting performing order. The rest of the audio is in its likely running order. Although it has not surfaced as part of the circulating audio, there’s attendee recollection that “Guilty” was performed following the opening instrumental “KT-88” (there’s an edit so this is plausible). All songs are complete except for the final song, which is cut prematurely close to its true conclusion. It is likely there was another song played after “Twenty More Miles” that’s missing from the audio source – and it would seem it was during that point that VCU officials shut the band’s power off as they overran the 11PM curfew. Lopez in an act of defiance continued playing his drums, which resulted in him being hauled way for disorderly conduct – an incident that Vini has jokingly referred to in several interviews.
19/06/70 - THE STRING FACTORY, RICHMOND, VA
No set details known. ONE show, with STEEL MILL the sole act on the bill. This venue had previously been owned and operated by Free University under the name ‘The Center” and Child-Steel Mill had player here several times (see listings). It was sold in March 1970 and re-opened, revamped and under private ownership, in May 1970 as ‘The String Factory’.
20/06/70 - THE STRING FACTORY, RICHMOND, VA
No set details known. ONE show, with STEEL MILL the sole act on the bill.
14/08/70 - 7TH AND MARSHALL STREET PARKING DECK, RICHMOND, VA
MC Introduction - DANCING IN THE STREETS (8.20) / COME ON (4.30) / KT88 (3.50) / THE WAR IS OVER (14.28) / WHY DO YOU DO THAT (6.14) / SHERLOCK GOES HOLMES (9.46) / GOING BACK TO GEORGIA (5.18) / RESURRECTION (13.52) / GUILTY (7.58) / WE'LL ALL MAN THE GUNS (11:26) / RUN SHAKER LIFE - TWENTY MORE MILES (14.43) / GOOD LOVIN' WOMAN (9:34)
ONE show, triple bill, with blues band MARLO MAYS & THE STINGERS opening, MERCY FLIGHT performing second and STEEL MILL headlining and closing. Held under the stars on the upper deck of the parking complex. The general concept for this show was modeled after The Beatles memorable rooftop performance in the film “Let It Be” (which was in theatres at the time). This is one the most famous of all Steel Mill’s gigs and it’s now firmly a part of Richmond folklore. Promoter Russell Clem provides the immortal MC introduction. This was Steel Mill’s first gig in about a month and their performance actually starts off somewhat ragged as a result – something both Bruce and Vini Lopez apologize for this during the show.
The above-mentioned 12-song setlist is culled from audio from this show that circulates in several variations. An audience tape of only fair quality has been in circulation for many years. Fortunately a substantially better (very good) quality and more complete specimen of this audience recording has emerged in the collector market over the past couple of years – and it is absolutely worth obtaining. In addition to the new audience source, some soundboard audio has also recently emerged from this show. The soundboard audio is missing two tracks (“The War Is Over” and “Guilty”) found on the audience recording and the soundboard quality isn’t nearly as good as the better of the two audience sources. Importantly though, the soundboard audio includes the show’s encore “Good Lovin’ Woman”, which is not found on the audience audio. None of the above-mentioned audio has ever been released on any mainstream bootleg.
The 12-song, 110-minute setlist is not the complete show. It would appear that the audience audio is complete up to an including “We’ll All Man The Guns”. There is then a 2 – 4 song segment of the show that has never circulated from any source. One of the songs definitely performed during this “missing” segment was “The Wind And The Rain”. Both "I Am The Doctor" and "Sweet Melinda" have cropped up in attendee recollections and may have also filled this gap in this show. From an historical standpoint the two most important tracks are “We’ll All Man The Guns” (Bruce introduces it as just written) and Bruce’s 1969 song “Good Lovin’ Woman” (Bruce introduces it as “an old song”). Neither of these two songs are available elsewhere. NOTE: A day or so after this show Springsteen met privately with Mercy Flight's lead singer Robbin Thompson and offered him a position in Steel Mill. After a few days of deliberation Thompson accepted the offer, resigning from MERCY FLIGHT on Aug 23, 1970 and relocating to New Jersey to join Steel Mill the following week.
11/10/70 - THE MOSQUE, RICHMOND, VA
I CAN’T TAKE IT (8:35) / WHY’D YOU DO THAT (5:58) / SHERLOCK GOES HOLMES (10:02) / GOIN’ BACK TO GEORGIA (4:50)
ONE show, double bill, with STEEL MILL opening for headliner THE IKE AND TINA TURNER REVUE. A soul band and a progressive rock group was a strange billing combination – consequently it’s perhaps not surprising that less than half the tickets to the 3,000-seat Mosque were sold. Former ‘Back Door Club’ owner John Richardson, who orchestrated the event, has stated that he lost a fair chunk of money on this show. The above-mentioned setlist is taken from a circulating 29-minute audience recording of only fair quality. This audio has not been issued on any mainstream commercial boot but is circulating via custom sources, sometimes with the venue-date unidentified. As undercard STEEL MILL would have played about 60-70 minutes, so there are likely 3 to 5 songs missing from the circulating audio. The audio evidence supports reports that the venue was half empty. The crowd reaction to Steel Mill is polite but indifferent – an indicator the band wasn’t headlining. “Why’d You Do That” includes a customized refrain mentioning the town of Woodland Falls that seems to have been used only when playing in Virginia. “Goin’ Back To Georgia” features Bruce and Robbin Thompson alternating the lead vocal.
23/10/70 - UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, RICHMOND, VA
Set details unknown. One show. STEEL MILL headline. New Jersey folk singer JEANNIE CLARK is the support act.
25/10/70 - RICHMOND ARENA, RICHMOND, VA
No set details known. ONE show, quadruple billing, featuring STEEL MILL, BIG BROTHER, FEAST and S.R.C. The headliner, SRC, was a Detroit-based outfit that, at the time, had three weak selling LPs out on Capitol Records, as well as a classic 60’s garage-type single "Black Sheep, Black Sheep". SRC is probably best known via its earlier mid-60's incarnation called ‘The Fugitives’.
18/07/71 - MONROE PARK, RICHMOND, VA
No set details known. ONE daytime outdoor show, with the 10-piece BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN BAND headlining. Support act was SUNNY JIM. This was the first known gig a Springsteen-led band had played in Monroe Park since his Richmond debut (with CHILD) on June 1, 1969. Apparently after their show some of the BSB and its entourage went to see an outdoor concert by ‘The Byrds’ somewhere in the general vicinity (possibly the State Fairgrounds in Richmond).
23/10/71 - UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, RICHMOND, VA
No set details known. ONE show, triple bill, with The Bruce Springsteen Band headlining. Undercards were New Jersey-based outfits TUMBLEWEED and BLACK FORREST RHODES, both of who had recently become involved with Tinker West’s Blah Productions. The 3-member, acoustic-orientated TUMBLEWEED deserve special mention. They had recently returned from studio sessions in Nashville (booked under the name MONTANA FLINTLOCK) – events orchestrated by Mike Appel. TUMBLEWEED would turn out to be the original connection between Tinker West and Appel, one that would soon see Tinker drive Springsteen to New York to meet Mike.
Although pre-concert promotional material for this Oct 23rd performance specifies a 5-member BSB lineup (see below), this show probably included three of the part-time members of the group – Harvey Cherlin (trumpet) plus Delores Holmes & Barbara Dinkins on background vocals. In interview Cherlin has mentioned this specific 8-member lineup as performing au gratis gig at University Of Richmond in October 1971 that Cherlin further states was his final-ever gig with Springsteen. NOTE: An audience recording (see the 30/10/71 listing for details) is often linked to this show but it does not feature either Cherlin or Barbara Dinkins.
30/10/71 - VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY, RICHMOND, VA
MC’s introduction / GOT MY MOJO WORKING (6:14) / LIVIN’ ROCK AND ROLL (4:06) / TALKIN’ ABOUT MY BABY (8:26) / HOOCHIE COOTCHIE MAN (8:29) / DON’T YOU WANT TO BE AN OUTLAW (8:07)
ONE show, triple bill, with the BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN BAND supporting headliner CACTUS. The Paul Butterfield Blues Band was originally scheduled to headline with Cactus 2nd billed. However Butterfield cancelled a couple of weeks beforehand and Springsteen was substituted. Though not mentioned on the gig Poster (below), also on the bill and opening the show with a 45-minute performance was local band MORNING SON (John Mulkins, David Waddle and Steve Knopp). Audio evidence suggests the BSB lineup for this show was the core 5-piece band, plus the vocal duo of Delores Holmes and Francine Daniels (who’d recently replaced vocalist Barbara Dinkins).
The above-mentioned setlist is taken from an audience recording of only fair quality that started circulating in the early 80’s and then widely propagated after it was booted on the LP “BRUCE 1971”. The original boot correctly identified the audio source venue as the VCU Gym. However, because no 1971 VCU gig had been identified by 1980’s concert history sources, some people began linking this audio to other shows. This 40 minutes of audio (which is only about half the total performance) now circulates via homemade CDR, sometimes with material from other shows. Bruce would later utilize the melody from “Talkin’ About My Baby” for his far superior 1972 composition “Janey Needs A Shooter”. The ladies are heard on the three Springsteen compositions but not the two cover songs.
04/02/72 - THE BACK DOOR, RICHMOND, VA
DOWN TO MEXICO / I REMEMBER / ALL I WANNA DO IS DANCE / BLESS MY SOUL / MAGIC LOVING / LOVE IS A CRAZY THING / THE BAND’S JUST BOPPIN’ THE BLUES / JUST CAN’T CHANGE / WHEN YOU DANCE / LIKE A STRANGER / MAKE UP YOUR MIND / COWBOYS OF THE SEA / SOMETHING YOU GOT / DARKNESS DARKNESS / IT’S ALL OVER NOW, BABY BLUE / DOWN THE ROAD APIECE / BRIGHT LIGHTS BIG CITY / SITTING ON TOP OF THE WORLD / I’M INTO SOMETHING GOOD – TAKE OUT SOME INSURANCE
ONE show, with THE BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN BAND the sole act on the bill. This was opening night of 9-show residency that encompassed three of the four weekends in February. The above-mentioned 19-songs are culled from circulating audience audio from the 9-show residency that would seem to encompass parts of four of these nine shows – consequently there are multiple performances of some songs (a total of 25 recordings encompassing 229 minutes). Most of these 25 recordings have been in circulation since the mid 1980’s and more than half have been issued on various mainstream bootleg titles. The remainder of the audio is only circulating via private CDR sources. The overall sound quality is good.
The so-called “Backdoor Club Tapes” represent some of the most perplexing live audio to sort out, primarily due to the fact that nearly all the between-song audio appears to have been cut by the original taper prior to the audio entering into collector circulation. Because of the lack of audio continuity it is extremely difficult to tell which recordings emanate from which shows - and virtually impossible to decipher the correct running order. Although the shows of Feb 4th and 26th are often cited on trade lists, these two dates appear to based on the fact that for many years these were the only two dates known to have been played at the club. It is now known the residency was much longer, so this material could be from any of the shows. However it is more likely that most of it comes from the final weekend’s performances.
Southside Johnny was a guest on the first weekend. However Southside’s harp playing is only heard on one track, “Bright Lights Big City”. Bruce handles the harmonica on “Just Cant Change”, one of his better songwriting efforts of 1971. Two other standout songs are “Like A Stranger” and “Make Up Your Mind”. The most interesting track is the full band version of “Cowboys Of The Sea” – a song that clearly foreshadows the change of lyric style that Bruce was adopting at the time. NOTE: For complete details on all the various Backdoor Club audio click HERE.
05/02/72 - THE BACK DOOR, RICHMOND, VA
ONE show, with the BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN BAND the sole act on the bill. The 2nd of 9 shows held at the club during February. Note: see 04/02/72 listing for details on circulating audio from this residency.
06/02/72 - THE BACK DOOR, RICHMOND, VA
ONE show, with the BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN BAND the sole act on the bill. The 3rd of 9 shows held at the club during February. Note: see 04/02/72 listing for details on circulating audio from this residency.
18/02/72 - THE BACK DOOR, RICHMOND, VA
ONE show, with the BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN BAND the sole act on the bill. The 4th of 9 shows held at the club during February. Note: see 04/02/72 listing for details on circulating audio from this residency.
19/02/72 - THE BACK DOOR , RICHMOND, VA
ONE show, with the BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN BAND the sole act on the bill. The 5th of 9 shows held at the club during February. Note: see 04/02/72 listing for details on circulating audio from this residency.
20/02/72 - THE BACK DOOR, RICHMOND, VA
ONE show, with the BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN BAND the sole act on the bill. The 6th of 9 shows held at the club during February. Note: see 04/02/72 listing for details on circulating audio from this residency.
25/02/72 - THE BACK DOOR, RICHMOND, VA
ONE show, with the BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN BAND the sole act on the bill. The 7th of 9 shows held at the club during February. Note: see 04/02/72 listing for details on circulating audio from this residency.
26/02/72 - THE BACK DOOR, RICHMOND, VA
ONE show, with the BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN BAND the sole act on the bill. The 8th of 9 shows held at the club during February. Note: see 04/02/72 listing for details on circulating audio from this residency.
27/02/72 - THE BACK DOOR, RICHMOND, VA
ONE show, with the BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN BAND the sole act on the bill. The 9th of 9 shows held at the club during February. Note: see 04/02/72 listing for details on circulating audio from this residency
17/03/72 - RICHMOND ARENA, RICHMOND, VA
DO IT WITH A FEELING (10:30) / COMING HOME (7:42) / CHEROKEE QUEEN (5:57) / LOOK TOWARDS THE LAND (10:43) / NOT FADE AWAY – BO DIDDLEY’S A GUNSLINGER (8:47) / MOUNTAIN JAM – WHEN YOU DANCE (13:01, start-end cut) / GOIN’ BACK TO GEORGIA (6:10) / GOT MY MOJO WORKIN’ (7:48) / IT’S ALL OVER NOW, BABY BLUE (12:01)
ONE show, quadruple bill, with the Bruce Springsteen Band opening the evening’s festivities for BANG, THE MIKE QUATRO JAM BAND and MITCH RYDER & DETROIT. This was a festival-styled show, with each act allocated 80 – 90 minute time slots. Although Mitch Ryder was top-billed it was electronic space music favorite Mike Quatro (70’s rocker Suzi Quatro’s brother) who performed last. In an attempt to minimize the 6,500-seat Richmond Arena’s notorious echo problems the promoter revamped the seating layout to 4,500. However an article in the following day’s paper noted a turnout of only about 1,000. A newspaper review of the show briefly mentions Springsteen and notes the wide variety of styles performed in his set. The audio evidence certainly supports that assessment.The above-mentioned 9-song setlist, some of it not necessarily in the correct performing sequence, is culled from 83 minutes of good quality soundboard audio. Most of this audio has been in collector circulation since the early 1980’s, although it tended to circulate in bits and pieces and only “Cherokee Queen” has appeared on any mainstream bootleg. “Cherokee Queen” (the only circulating audio rendition) was pressed on acetate as a Sioux City publishing demo later in 1972. Recently (in 2007) a veteran collector discovered an old tape, long overlooked in his collection, that contained a previously undocumented, additional song from this show (the Springsteen-written “Coming Home”) that is one of the performance highlights.
For many years this show’s audio was incorrectly attributed to a Nov 1970 Steel Mill gig in Richmond. However this is not Steel Mill, as Robbin Thompson is not present, Springsteen and Van Zandt share lead guitar duties and David Sancious is on keyboards. Springsteen plays piano on both “Cherokee Queen” and “Look Toward The Land” (with Sancious handling organ). Unfortunately both the opening and closing couple of minutes of “Mountain Jam – When You Dance” is cut and not circulating complete. Although bottom billed some loyal Springsteen fans were present at this show. For the first encore voices can be heard near the front of the stage yelling for “Resurrection” (a song Bruce stopped playing when Steel Mill folded). Bruce doesn’t oblige, but instead delivers “Goin’ Back To Georgia” – itself rarely played by the BSB. Bruce performs a condensed arrangement, without any band harmony vocals.
14/02/73 - VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY, RICHMOND, VA
LOST IN THE FLOOD / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / 634-5789 (SOULSVILLE, USA) / MARY QUEEN OF ARKANSAS (5:12) / FOR YOU (4:58) / DOES THIS BUS STOP AT 82ND STREET (5:02) / BLINDED BY THE LIGHT / THUNDERCRACK (12:20) / ROSALITA - FUN FUN FUN (12:45) / announcements (0:25)ONE show, double bill, with Bruce and the boys opening for headliner DAN HICKS & HIS HOT LICKS. Springsteen was allowed to present a headliner-length performance of nearly 90 minutes – and he stole the show from Hicks. The above-mentioned setlist represents Springsteen's entire song presentation from this show in the correct sequence, as sourced from a newspaper review of the show in conjunction with a recently circulating (but very poor quality) 45-minute audience tape encompassing 5 of the show’s 9 songs. The taper apparently did not record Bruce’s opening three numbers and “Blinded By The Light”.From an historical standpoint the significant performance is "Rosalita". This is a unique arrangement that not only features a near-complete rendition of The Beach Boys "Fun Fun Fun" sandwiched in the middle, but also incorporates a cosmic story-rap that finds an 8yr old Springsteen locked in an Alabama jail with Dennis Wilson, James Brown and Wilson Pickett (whose “634-5789” Bruce covered earlier in the show). The subtle audio edit heard after "Thundercrack" (the end of the main set) and before "Rosalita" (the encore) merely eliminates several minutes of cheering as the audience coaxes Bruce and the band back for a final song. Following "Rosalita" the MC can be heard announcing that Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks will follow. Grateful thanks to Jeff Crossan for the news article, photos and additional information
31/05/73 - RADIO STATION WGOE-FM, RICHMOND, VA
SATIN DOLL (1.10) / DOES THIS BUS STOP AT 82ND ST? (4.54) / CIRCUS SONG (4.58) / GROWIN’ UP (3.18) / NEW YORK SONG (5.34) / YOU MEAN SO MUCH TO ME (6.39) Bruce’s 2nd known radio show – but this one is unusual because it took place at Richmond’s Alpha Sound Studios, not at the station itself. It was broadcast live by WGOE-FM via a remote link. In addition to the DJ the small audience heard in the studio included Mike Appel, Jim Cretecos, Albee Tellone and David Sancious (who had yet to join the band but who was employed at the studio at the time). The above-mentioned 6-song setlist is the complete performance. After the show Mike Appel took possession of the Master Tape, so none of the performance was ever re-broadcast by the station. Fortunately a fan taped the entire show from their radio, although the sound quality result was weak. Although this audience audio had been in circulation since the mid 1970’s it had never appeared on any mainstream bootleg, exception for the track “You Mean So Much To Me”, which first surfaced on the 1976 vinyl LP boot “RESURRECTED” in poor quality. This later appeared in better quality on the CD “RADIO WAVES” (Great Dane). The entire fan-recorded version is now available on a custom CDR boot entitled “STRICTLY PROHIBITED”.A low generation copy of the entire original master tape (noted above) first surfaced (in very limited hands) in the early 1990’s. Then the recording of the track "You Mean So Much To Me" from this source emerged on the 1998 boot ‘DEEP DOWN IN THE VAULTS’ (E Street)" and in 1999 on ‘MISSING TRACKS, VOL ONE’ (Thrill Hill). The complete master tape in perfect sound quality finally emerged into the wider collector community in early 2007. This performance (which features all the band in cameos except for Vini Lopez) is highlighted by what many consider the definitive available version of “You Mean So Much To Me”. During the show a fan calls into the radio station and requests Bruce’s old Steel Mill chestnut “Resurrection” – but Bruce doesn’t play it. Interestingly as Bruce takes his seat to perform a song solo at the piano one of the entourage can be heard saying “Janey?” – apparently thinking Bruce was going to perform the recently composed “Janey Needs A Shooter” to which Bruce replies “no” and instead delivers a fine version of his then-new “New York Song”.
31/05/73 - COLISEUM, RICHMOND, VA
SANTA ANNA / SECRET TO THE BLUES / TOKYO / THUNDERCRACK
ONE show, double bill, with Springsteen opening for headliners CHICAGO. The 2nd of 12 consecutive shows opening for them. The above-mentioned 4-song partial setlist is culled from a weak quality 35-minute audience tape of the show that circulates among collectors. This is not the complete performance, which lasted about 60 minutes and included 3 or 4 additional, but undocumented, songs. This audio appears to capture the last half of Springsteen’s set. The audio of "Thundercrack" is incomplete - the last several minutes are missing. From a historical standpoint the most interesting track here is "Secret To The Blues" - one of only two circulating audio performances and the better of the two.
30/11/73 - VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY, RICHMOND, VA
Due to last minute venue/contractual difficulties at VCU, this concert was POSTPONED and RE-SCHEDULED to 25/01/74 at The Mosque. This concert was to have featured Springsteen headlining and GOOSE CREEK SYMPHONY as the opener and, indeed, this was the lineup that performed at the 25/1/74 show (see listing in BRUCEBASE)
25/01/74 - MOSQUE, RICHMOND, VA
SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / NEW YORK CITY SERENADE / BLINDED BY THE LIGHT / LET THE FOUR WINDS BLOW / KITTYS BACK / FOR YOU / ROSALITA / TWIST AND SHOUT
ONE show, double bill, with Springsteen headlining and local outfit GOOSE CREEK SYMPHONY opening. This was a rescheduled show, originally booked for 30/11/73 at the VCU Gym but postponed. The above-mentioned 8-song (90-minute) setlist is from a circulating audience recording of only fair quality.
13/04/74 - RICHMOND COLISEUM, RICHMOND, VA
CANCELLED concert, never re-scheduled. Information is sketchy but it’s believed Springsteen was the scheduled undercard for this gig – anyone who has further details please contact Brucebase.
01/08/75 - MOSQUE THEATRE, RICHMOND, VA
INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET / 10TH AVENUE FREEZE OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / E ST SHUFFLE / SAINT IN THE CITY / SHES THE ONE / THUNDER ROAD / GROWIN' UP / UP ON THE ROOF / KITTYS BACK / NYC SERENADE / ROSALITA / 4TH JULY ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / A LOVE SO FINE / CAROL / QUARTER TO THREE
Audience tape - includes the first confirmed version of Up On The Roof. Available on CDR "At The Mosque Theatre"
06/03/03 Richmond Coliseum, Richmond, VA
S/C:- includes GUILTY / LOCAL HERO
THE RISING / LONESOME DAY / NO SURRENDER / PROVE IT ALL NIGHT / EMPTY SKY / YOU'RE MISSING / WAITIN' ON A SUNNY DAY / YOU CAN LOOK ..... / TWO HEARTS / WORLD'S APART / BADLANDS / SHE'S THE ONE / MARY'S PLACE / COUNTIN' ON A MIRACLE / FOR YOU / INTO THE FIRE / LET'S GO, LET'S GO, LET'S GO / GLORY DAYS / BORN TO RUN / MY CITY OF RUINS / BORN IN THE USA / LAND OF HOPE AND DREAMS / DANCING IN THE DARK
Audience tape - Bruce was joined on-stage by Richmond native and former Steel Mill vocalist Robbin Thompson and Southeastern Virginia native Bruce Hornsby for the Hank Ballard song "Let's Go, Let's Go, Let's Go," which was premiered in Jacksonville. "Mary's Place" includes brief snippets of "Rescue Me" & "I Can't Turn You Loose". According to an Interview with Robin Thompson in "Upstage News" (December 2003), when he arrived at the venue the band were trying to play Guilty, an old Steel Mill number. He enquired of Bruce if that was what they were gonna do, but Bruce replied that they couldn't remember it. If anyone was taping the soundcheck - we sure would like to hear this one.
24/10/05 - Richmond Coliseum, Richmond, VA
MY BEAUTIFUL REWARD / REASON TO BELIEVE / DEVILS AND DUST / LONESOME DAY / LONG TIME COMING / SILVER PALOMINO / YOU CAN LOOK... / THE RIVER / TOUGHER THAN THE REST / JOHNNY 99 / PART MAN PART MONKEY / ALL I'M THINKING ABOUT / RENO / NOTHING MAN / INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET / THE RISING / DARKNESS ON THE EDGE OF TOWN / JESUS WAS AN ONLY SON / THIS HARD LAND / THE NEW TIMER / MATAMOROS BANKS / GROWIN' UP / 4TH JULY ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / THE PROMISED LAND / DREAM BABY DREAM
Audience tape. [Note from Tony: This was the solo Devils & Dust tour.]
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