Friday, March 13, 2009
The Dead Give In
Hate to say I told you so but it looks like The Dead are having some trouble selling tix at the high prices they have asked for. Relix reports "The Dead has released some additional “specially priced” tickets for both its upcoming shows at East Rutherford, NJ’s Izod Center. As previously reported, The Dead will perform at the Meadowlands venue on April 28 and 29 as part of an extended spring tour. These new, more economically-friendly tickets will be available for a reasonable $53.00. The group’s tour is scheduled to kick off at Greensboro, NC’s Greensboro Coliseum on April 12."
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Toad's Place Troubles, We Love Wyatt Jam, St. Pat's Day Fun
The big news in the Richmond music scene this week was the temporary (we hope) closing of Toad's Place. Now before you naysayers chime in with your, "See, I told you Richmond couldn't support two mid-size music venues", this looks like a case of bad management, not lack of attendence. Here is a comment from a Times-Dispatch article by Bill Reid, owner of the National: ""Our business has been really good, but we attribute that to good decisions we've made along the line," he said. "This [venue] is our single focus. This is what we do, day in and day out.
"We have a lot of respect for everybody [at Toad's Place], but with a business with a lot of money on the line, it's about running the business as much as it is who is on stage."
Less cryptically was this quote in Style Weekly from David Bess, owner of Verbena, Cha Cha's Cantina & Lucky Buddha, who was contracted three weeks ago to reposition the Highwater restaurant on the property. "Past management just didn't have structure. There was a great team, but they didn't have goals; they didn't have budgets." Uh, doesn't sound like a very great team to me.
Here's the latest comments from Toad's owner: http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/article/TOAD13_20090312-221406/230484/
The site owner is currently looking for new management for the club and will hopefully find someone soon. The couple shows I went to at Toad's were moderately (Grace Potter) to heavily (Zappa Plays Zappa) sold. They also had a sell out coming up in a couple weeks with Lady Gaga (dance pop) and a near sell out with Neko Case. The venue has great sound and sightlines and though not as asthetically pleasing as The National, still was a fine venue in which to see a band.
If someone puts up the money, I will be happy to manage the place. Please contact me through this blog.
If you were planning on going to any shows at Toad's this weekend, no luck as they have canceled the Busta Rhymes show on Friday, Oregon Hill Funk All Stars on Saturday and Maceo Parker (who puts on a great show) on Sunday.
On to happier news. Friend Wyatt Brewer is getting better after reconstructive heart surgery but like many these days, he doesn't have health insurance so his friends are getting together at Cary Street Cafe on Saturday from 1 PM - 8 PM to lend a hand. Here are all the details:
Also on Saturday, there are many early St. Pat's day celebrations going on. Shamrock the Block will be happening from noon - 6 PM for FREE at the 17th St. Marketplace. Local bands E3, Against Grace, The Secret Cool, Boss Keen's Ditch, and Sludge's Build-A-Band will play. There will be a kids area, you can bring leashed pets and there will, of course, be beer. Proceeds will benefit SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now).
At Sine Irish Pub on Friday night, Richmond's own U2 cover band Even Better Than the Real Thing will play. I didn't even know we had our own U2 cover band, but there you go. The show starts at 9:45 and the cover charge is $2.
Saturday at Sine, there is more live music with William Walter & Company, Naughty Little Monkey, The Havers and Broken Monday. Rain or shine the party goes on inside and outside in the Patio Pub under the tent. The festivities start at 11:30 AM and go on until 2 AM. There is a $5 cover after 1 PM.
Saturday at the Richmond Coliseum its the Richmond Blues Fest. The starts at 8 PM and tix are $43.50 - 50.50. The show will feature featuring Mel Waiters, Roy C., Latimore, Marvin Sease, Sir Charles Jones, Clarence Carter (best known for "Strokin'") and Big G. Here's the article from the Times-Dispatch: http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/entertainment/music/article/W-BLUE12_20090311-211802/229330/
On Sunday, after all the partying you have done somewhere on Saturday, you can chill out, light up a big spliff mon and head to The National for The Wailers. Tix are just $5 in advance and $10 the day of show. Show starts at 8 PM. I caught The Wailers a couple years ago at the Canal Club and was pleasantly surprised. They were good. The dude who sang did his own thing and wasn't trying to imitate Bob Marley but wasn't completely doing his own thing so as not to sound like Marley. I don't know if that made sense. Perhaps I need to go smoke a big spliff myself. Here is a video so you can see for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzQVyo0jgUE. (Sorry, couldn't embed that one.)
Friday at The National, the king of mope, Morrissey. Doors open at 7, show starts at 8 and tix are $40.
Also on Friday & Saturday, Black Cash & The Bad Trips, the Johnny Cash tribute band, play at the Tobacco Company. Show starts at 9:30 both nights. No cover charge. Sweet.
That's a whole lot of music this weekend and I'm damn happy for that.
I leave you with the meeting of Ricky Gervais and Elmo. Don't show this one to the kids.
Have a great weekend and a Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Tony Jordan
"We have a lot of respect for everybody [at Toad's Place], but with a business with a lot of money on the line, it's about running the business as much as it is who is on stage."
Less cryptically was this quote in Style Weekly from David Bess, owner of Verbena, Cha Cha's Cantina & Lucky Buddha, who was contracted three weeks ago to reposition the Highwater restaurant on the property. "Past management just didn't have structure. There was a great team, but they didn't have goals; they didn't have budgets." Uh, doesn't sound like a very great team to me.
Here's the latest comments from Toad's owner: http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/article/TOAD13_20090312-221406/230484/
The site owner is currently looking for new management for the club and will hopefully find someone soon. The couple shows I went to at Toad's were moderately (Grace Potter) to heavily (Zappa Plays Zappa) sold. They also had a sell out coming up in a couple weeks with Lady Gaga (dance pop) and a near sell out with Neko Case. The venue has great sound and sightlines and though not as asthetically pleasing as The National, still was a fine venue in which to see a band.
If someone puts up the money, I will be happy to manage the place. Please contact me through this blog.
If you were planning on going to any shows at Toad's this weekend, no luck as they have canceled the Busta Rhymes show on Friday, Oregon Hill Funk All Stars on Saturday and Maceo Parker (who puts on a great show) on Sunday.
On to happier news. Friend Wyatt Brewer is getting better after reconstructive heart surgery but like many these days, he doesn't have health insurance so his friends are getting together at Cary Street Cafe on Saturday from 1 PM - 8 PM to lend a hand. Here are all the details:
All Day Benefit Jam at Cary Street Café
On Saturday, March 14th
Cary
Street Café will be rockin thanks to some of Richmond’s finest
musicians and CSC
owner Robyn Chandler who will host the:
WE ♥ WYATT
BENEFIT JAM
Wyatt Brewer, a fixture around the Richmond music scene for
many years,
underwent reconstructive heart surgery at MCV Hospital last
month. He is now
going through a somewhat lengthy recovery period and his
many friends have all
graciously agreed to help out. The party begins at
1:00 p.m. on March 14 and is
scheduled to run till 8:00 pm. Five bands are
on the bill and there may be other
guest appearances throughout the day. It
promises to be one helluva jam so mark
your calendars and get there early so
you won’t miss any of these featured acts.
In order of appearance the
scheduled bands are:
THE SPACEHEATERS
Katelyn Wyszynski of richmond.com writes:
“The Spaceheaters,
a psychedelic jam band, has been firing up the streets of Richmond since 1997
but
the band's popularity really began to flare in 2005, booking more shows
in one
year than in all of the previous ones combined. With noticeable
influences drawn
from country, blues, metal, rock and techno, this band is
guaranteed to fire up
a fun time.”
If you like hard edged rock and
roll, this band will not
disappoint you!
EL PRESIDENTE
El
Presidente’s sound has been
described as “a heavy guitar laden metal-rock,
flecked with gloom, doom, and
southern charm.”
Kate Bredimus of
richmond.com writes that despite
variations in musical tastes within the
band, they are all heavily influenced by
the “trinity that is beyond
reproach”: Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Black
Sabbath.
‘Nuff said.
These guys rock!!
ACOUSTICATS
World
renowned guitar pick-up
guru Lindy Fralin, his cousin Gary, Brad Tucker (Burnt
Taters), Charles
"Toby" Willing and Dan Roberts come together for what looks to be a great show.
With
musical influences ranging from rockabilly to zydeco these guys will
cook up a
musical stew that should not be missed!
THINK
Think, originally
formed in 2003, feature an interesting fusion
of jazz, funk, rock and blues with
a little Latin groove thrown in for good
measure. The band members Dylan Barrows
(guitar), Tommy Booker (keys), Bobby
Hudson (drums), and Zach Hudgins (bass)
come together for a hot sound and
infectious groove that is bound to rock the
crowd!
HARRISON DEANE BAND
The Harrison Deane Band has been
rockin' Richmond for over 10
years now. It all started in1995 when
singer/songwriter/guitarist Harrison
Deane joined up w/ lead guitarist John
Leedes to form an acoustic duo. Band
members came and went over the first 5
years but Harrison's consistent
songwriting and musical chemistry with Leedes
developed to near telepathic
levels. The band crystallized into its current form
at the onset of the new
millennium when Richmond music veterans Bobby
Jorgenson{bass} and Joe
Conner{keyboards} joined the band. With the most recent
addition of Rocky
Orndorff on drums, The HDB is on top of their game and
sounding better than
ever. The band has remained a fixture at the Cary St. cafe
and countless
other Richmond nightspots as well as playing at a wide variety of
private
parties and functions ranging from weddings to political rallies from
2001
to the present time. In addition to the original material HDB plays scores
of familiar and obscure cover songs. Their extensive repertoire will take
listeners on a varied emotional ride and keep them dancing all the while.
Folks, this is going to be a great day of music and fun for a good
cause. Ten bucks will get you in the door for seven hours of primo music
from
some of the best musicians this area has to offer. Come on out. You’ll
be glad
you did and our friend Wyatt will too!!
Peace, love and
music to all!!!
Also on Saturday, there are many early St. Pat's day celebrations going on. Shamrock the Block will be happening from noon - 6 PM for FREE at the 17th St. Marketplace. Local bands E3, Against Grace, The Secret Cool, Boss Keen's Ditch, and Sludge's Build-A-Band will play. There will be a kids area, you can bring leashed pets and there will, of course, be beer. Proceeds will benefit SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now).
At Sine Irish Pub on Friday night, Richmond's own U2 cover band Even Better Than the Real Thing will play. I didn't even know we had our own U2 cover band, but there you go. The show starts at 9:45 and the cover charge is $2.
Saturday at Sine, there is more live music with William Walter & Company, Naughty Little Monkey, The Havers and Broken Monday. Rain or shine the party goes on inside and outside in the Patio Pub under the tent. The festivities start at 11:30 AM and go on until 2 AM. There is a $5 cover after 1 PM.
Saturday at the Richmond Coliseum its the Richmond Blues Fest. The starts at 8 PM and tix are $43.50 - 50.50. The show will feature featuring Mel Waiters, Roy C., Latimore, Marvin Sease, Sir Charles Jones, Clarence Carter (best known for "Strokin'") and Big G. Here's the article from the Times-Dispatch: http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/entertainment/music/article/W-BLUE12_20090311-211802/229330/
On Sunday, after all the partying you have done somewhere on Saturday, you can chill out, light up a big spliff mon and head to The National for The Wailers. Tix are just $5 in advance and $10 the day of show. Show starts at 8 PM. I caught The Wailers a couple years ago at the Canal Club and was pleasantly surprised. They were good. The dude who sang did his own thing and wasn't trying to imitate Bob Marley but wasn't completely doing his own thing so as not to sound like Marley. I don't know if that made sense. Perhaps I need to go smoke a big spliff myself. Here is a video so you can see for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzQVyo0jgUE. (Sorry, couldn't embed that one.)
Friday at The National, the king of mope, Morrissey. Doors open at 7, show starts at 8 and tix are $40.
Also on Friday & Saturday, Black Cash & The Bad Trips, the Johnny Cash tribute band, play at the Tobacco Company. Show starts at 9:30 both nights. No cover charge. Sweet.
That's a whole lot of music this weekend and I'm damn happy for that.
I leave you with the meeting of Ricky Gervais and Elmo. Don't show this one to the kids.
Have a great weekend and a Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Tony Jordan
Monday, March 9, 2009
U2 Coming to C'ville & DC
U2 announced their 360 tour today and its coming to Charlottesville and DC in late September or early October.
For some really cool visuals of what the stage will look like after it is set up in the center of the stadium, go HERE. According to the official tour announcement, "85% of the seats are priced at less than 95 Euro ( 119.37 USD at current rates), general admission floor seats priced at 55 Euro (69.11 USD), and at least 10,000 tickets at every venue priced at around 30 Euro (37.69 USD)".
Confirmation of the C'ville date comes on the tour pre-sale page: "The European tour will be followed by dates in North America beginning at Chicago’s Soldier Field on September 12th, 2009. In September and October, U2 360° Tour will also visit: Atlanta, GA; Charlottesville, VA; Dallas, TX; Houston, TX; Las Vegas, NV; Los Angeles, CA; Norman, OK; Phoenix, AZ; Tampa, FL; Washington, DC and Vancouver, BC. Complete Tour and ticketing information to follow."
Check out the Dates/Venues section to get an idea of the size of this stage. The area covered inside the four legs of the stage cover from the back of the end zone out to the 50 yard line at Giants Stadium and all the way to the seats along the sidelines.
At those prices, I think the GA floor seats are definitely looking good. You want to be up on your feet and bouncing and screaming for a U2 show. U2 is really one of the last of the stadium rock bands. Because of the fragmentation of the rock audience, we will probably never see a new band that can fill football stadiums. And U2 is one of the few bands that can control a stadium. With their stage shows, anthemic music, personality and loyal fan base, they know how to reach the top of the stadium and make the audience move as one. (yes, that's a lame U2 pun)
I'll keep you posted when we get onsale dates for the C'ville show. You can sign up for a U2.com subscription now for $50 if you want to get in on the pre-sale for tix.
Tony Jordan
For some really cool visuals of what the stage will look like after it is set up in the center of the stadium, go HERE. According to the official tour announcement, "85% of the seats are priced at less than 95 Euro ( 119.37 USD at current rates), general admission floor seats priced at 55 Euro (69.11 USD), and at least 10,000 tickets at every venue priced at around 30 Euro (37.69 USD)".
Confirmation of the C'ville date comes on the tour pre-sale page: "The European tour will be followed by dates in North America beginning at Chicago’s Soldier Field on September 12th, 2009. In September and October, U2 360° Tour will also visit: Atlanta, GA; Charlottesville, VA; Dallas, TX; Houston, TX; Las Vegas, NV; Los Angeles, CA; Norman, OK; Phoenix, AZ; Tampa, FL; Washington, DC and Vancouver, BC. Complete Tour and ticketing information to follow."
Check out the Dates/Venues section to get an idea of the size of this stage. The area covered inside the four legs of the stage cover from the back of the end zone out to the 50 yard line at Giants Stadium and all the way to the seats along the sidelines.
At those prices, I think the GA floor seats are definitely looking good. You want to be up on your feet and bouncing and screaming for a U2 show. U2 is really one of the last of the stadium rock bands. Because of the fragmentation of the rock audience, we will probably never see a new band that can fill football stadiums. And U2 is one of the few bands that can control a stadium. With their stage shows, anthemic music, personality and loyal fan base, they know how to reach the top of the stadium and make the audience move as one. (yes, that's a lame U2 pun)
I'll keep you posted when we get onsale dates for the C'ville show. You can sign up for a U2.com subscription now for $50 if you want to get in on the pre-sale for tix.
Tony Jordan
Sunday, March 8, 2009
U2 to begin world tour in Barcelona on June 30
U2 will be touring in support of their new album. They'll be playing stadiums, which is not the greatest, but it sounds like they are going to have a really cool stage (as usual) in the center of the stadium. Also, the ticket prices are low with "with the floor seats -- the closest to the stage -- the lowest priced. In fact, playing larger capacity venues allows for more conservative pricing overall. Field level is going to be $55, and there will be 10,000 tickets a show, every show, at $30. The price points are $250, $90-$95, depending on the market; $55 and $30." Thank you, U2!
They'll be hitting the states in the fall and then again next summer. I doubt they'll be hitting Richmond but you can count on DC and maybe C'ville as a long shot. I would definitely like to go to this one, especially at those prices.
For the full story, click HERE.
They'll be hitting the states in the fall and then again next summer. I doubt they'll be hitting Richmond but you can count on DC and maybe C'ville as a long shot. I would definitely like to go to this one, especially at those prices.
For the full story, click HERE.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Free Downloads of Phish Hampton shows
If, like me, you couldn't score tickets to the sold out Phish shows at Hampton this weekend, Phish is offering free downloads of the shows at their web site, LivePhish.com. Free soundboard recordings? Sign me up. Oh, I just did sign up.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Disco Biscuits, Buckwheat Zydeco, Unknown Hinson
Hey now, everybody!
The Michael Franti & Spearhead show on Friday night at The National was quite excellent. Not only did we get a show that had the whole crowd jumping ("I wanna see you jumpinnnnnn!) and dancing but we got:
- a wedding proposal during a song (she said yes) and the couple slow dancing on stage during a song.
- a ten year old kid who took over on the mic for Michael while the kids friends rocked out on stage. Michael got them some guitars (not plugged in) and had the kids doing metal rock star poses. It was funnier than it sounds.
- Courtney John and Cherine Anderson, the openers, joining the band often throughout the set. Cherine especially was a great addition to the band with her amazing voice and enthusiasm. Her duet with Michael on Nobody Right Nobody Wrong was a definite highlight.
- A nice cover of Jimmy Cliff's "Don't Look Back" segueing into the Dead's "Casey Jones".
- I can't remember the song (sorry) but there was a point in the show where the band went into a drum/bass dance groove, the lights went crazy and the crowd went absolutely ballistic dancing. Totally intense.
- Speaking of the bass, Carl Young was bringin' the bass deep and loudy loudy all night.
Onto this week's highlights:
At the National on Wednesday night, electronica jam band Disco Biscuits take over. Doors open at 7, show starts at 8, tix are $25. This band is starting to get big. They have recently announced that they'll be headlining at Red Rocks in Denver, Red Rocks being Mecca for all jam bands. I would love to see a show out there someday.
A little band called Phish is coming back after four years off. They'll be playing three sold out shows at nearby Hampton Coliseum Friday - Sunday.
Closer to home and not sold out, you can get some of that lingering Mardi Gras feeling with Buckwheat Zydeco (perhaps one of the greatest band names ever) at the Capital Ale House Downtown on Saturday night. Doors open at 8 PM. There are few better ways to spend a Saturday night than with great beer and a great zydeco band, especially with the warmer weather expected this weekend. Here's what the Ale House web site says about BZ:
"As Buckwheat Zydeco looks forward to celebrating its 30th Anniversary in 2009, the band can also look back with pride on an amazing three decades for Louisiana's barnstorming musical ambassadors.
The well-known leader of Buckwheat Zydeco is the first zydeco artist signed to a major record label, the first zydeco artist to perform on a national television show, the first zydeco artist to release a children's album, the first zydeco artist to launch his own record label, and the first zydeco artist to win an Emmy award. Now the Bayou's barnstorming bandleader is back with Jackpot!, his first studio disc since the acclaimed, Trouble, in 1997. The album is Dural's fourth for Tomorrow Recordings (distributed by Alternative Distribution Alliance), the label he and longtime manager and collaborator Ted Fox co-founded in 1998."
Unknown Hinson will play at the Canal Club on Saturday. Show time is at 9 PM and tix are $16.50. Here's what his web site says: "Looking somewhat like Dracula's nasty little brother who spent some hard years drinking and working as a carnival barker for a second-rate freak show, Unknown Hinson translates that vibe to his style of country and western-tinged psychobilly. Hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina, this red-necked crooner gained regional popularity with a self-produced television show in 1992 and soon was touring nationwide, wowing audiences with his outrageous and campy, white-trash persona and freewheeling, sleazy tone. "
Richmond band The Palominos are having a CD Release party at The National on Saturday night. You can listen to the new CD by going to their web site (linked above). Doors open at 7, show starts at 8. Also playing will be Farm Vegas, Exebelle and The Rusted Cavalcade, and Buff Shaggy. Tix are available for just $10 and The Palominos want you to buy directly from them. Why? "The benefits of buying a ticket from us are many:
1. This show will more than likely sell out. Getting them early ensures that you aren't left out in the cold.
2. Buying from the band helps the band by letting the venue know that we have many great fans that are willing to come out and support us, which will help us be invited back for more shows.
3. If you buy a ticket from us we will GIVE you a copy of the new cd free of charge.
4. Pre-sale tickets are only $10. The day of the show they will not be that price [they'll be $13]nor will you get a copy of "Egos".
So plan on getting a ticket from us. We look forward to seeing ya'll at the show. Thanks again for the support. "
Just for fun, here is the Indian George Michael:
Enjoy the weather this weekend. We are going from frigid snow to 70 degrees in four days. Gotta love Richmond weather.
Tony Jordan
The Michael Franti & Spearhead show on Friday night at The National was quite excellent. Not only did we get a show that had the whole crowd jumping ("I wanna see you jumpinnnnnn!) and dancing but we got:
- a wedding proposal during a song (she said yes) and the couple slow dancing on stage during a song.
- a ten year old kid who took over on the mic for Michael while the kids friends rocked out on stage. Michael got them some guitars (not plugged in) and had the kids doing metal rock star poses. It was funnier than it sounds.
- Courtney John and Cherine Anderson, the openers, joining the band often throughout the set. Cherine especially was a great addition to the band with her amazing voice and enthusiasm. Her duet with Michael on Nobody Right Nobody Wrong was a definite highlight.
- A nice cover of Jimmy Cliff's "Don't Look Back" segueing into the Dead's "Casey Jones".
- I can't remember the song (sorry) but there was a point in the show where the band went into a drum/bass dance groove, the lights went crazy and the crowd went absolutely ballistic dancing. Totally intense.
- Speaking of the bass, Carl Young was bringin' the bass deep and loudy loudy all night.
Onto this week's highlights:
At the National on Wednesday night, electronica jam band Disco Biscuits take over. Doors open at 7, show starts at 8, tix are $25. This band is starting to get big. They have recently announced that they'll be headlining at Red Rocks in Denver, Red Rocks being Mecca for all jam bands. I would love to see a show out there someday.
A little band called Phish is coming back after four years off. They'll be playing three sold out shows at nearby Hampton Coliseum Friday - Sunday.
Closer to home and not sold out, you can get some of that lingering Mardi Gras feeling with Buckwheat Zydeco (perhaps one of the greatest band names ever) at the Capital Ale House Downtown on Saturday night. Doors open at 8 PM. There are few better ways to spend a Saturday night than with great beer and a great zydeco band, especially with the warmer weather expected this weekend. Here's what the Ale House web site says about BZ:
"As Buckwheat Zydeco looks forward to celebrating its 30th Anniversary in 2009, the band can also look back with pride on an amazing three decades for Louisiana's barnstorming musical ambassadors.
The well-known leader of Buckwheat Zydeco is the first zydeco artist signed to a major record label, the first zydeco artist to perform on a national television show, the first zydeco artist to release a children's album, the first zydeco artist to launch his own record label, and the first zydeco artist to win an Emmy award. Now the Bayou's barnstorming bandleader is back with Jackpot!, his first studio disc since the acclaimed, Trouble, in 1997. The album is Dural's fourth for Tomorrow Recordings (distributed by Alternative Distribution Alliance), the label he and longtime manager and collaborator Ted Fox co-founded in 1998."
Unknown Hinson will play at the Canal Club on Saturday. Show time is at 9 PM and tix are $16.50. Here's what his web site says: "Looking somewhat like Dracula's nasty little brother who spent some hard years drinking and working as a carnival barker for a second-rate freak show, Unknown Hinson translates that vibe to his style of country and western-tinged psychobilly. Hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina, this red-necked crooner gained regional popularity with a self-produced television show in 1992 and soon was touring nationwide, wowing audiences with his outrageous and campy, white-trash persona and freewheeling, sleazy tone. "
Richmond band The Palominos are having a CD Release party at The National on Saturday night. You can listen to the new CD by going to their web site (linked above). Doors open at 7, show starts at 8. Also playing will be Farm Vegas, Exebelle and The Rusted Cavalcade, and Buff Shaggy. Tix are available for just $10 and The Palominos want you to buy directly from them. Why? "The benefits of buying a ticket from us are many:
1. This show will more than likely sell out. Getting them early ensures that you aren't left out in the cold.
2. Buying from the band helps the band by letting the venue know that we have many great fans that are willing to come out and support us, which will help us be invited back for more shows.
3. If you buy a ticket from us we will GIVE you a copy of the new cd free of charge.
4. Pre-sale tickets are only $10. The day of the show they will not be that price [they'll be $13]nor will you get a copy of "Egos".
So plan on getting a ticket from us. We look forward to seeing ya'll at the show. Thanks again for the support. "
Just for fun, here is the Indian George Michael:
Enjoy the weather this weekend. We are going from frigid snow to 70 degrees in four days. Gotta love Richmond weather.
Tony Jordan
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Michael Franti & Spearhead, Zoso
Doing the blog a little early this week. Wednesday night is "Lost" night while there are new episodes being shown. Gotta keep up on what's going on on the crazy, time-shifting island. Thursday night I want to try to get to sleep early because I'm going to be up late on Friday to see Michael Franti & Spearhead at the National.
Doors open at 7 and the show starts at 8. Tix are $26. If you aren't worried about them selling out (I was) and can wait to buy them at the door, then you can avoid the Ticketmaster surcharges which came out to an additional 40% on top of the ticket price. I hate Ticketmaster.
I'm not totally sure if there is an opening band. The show is listed as "Featuring Cherine Anderson and Courtney John" so I don't know if they are opening and/or playing with Spearhead. Get there early just in case. You don't want to miss a minute of Spearhead's blend of reggae, hip-hop, funk and world music. I have seen very few entertainers who can have a whole crowd on their feet dancing and hugging complete strangers by the end of the show. If you want to check out some Spearhead, here is a link to video of his complete show at All Good this year: http://www.iclips.net/content.php?content_id=21192. If you are going to the show, let me know and I'll keep an eye open for you.
If you are totally bummed that it looks like Led Zep will never be getting back together, you can check out Zoso, the Led Zep tribute band at The National on Saturday night. Doors open at 7, show starts at 8 and tix are $12.50.
That's about it for this week. I'll leave you with a little ditty called "Head Over Heels" by Tears for Fears. Only this version of the song shows what would happen if they just sang about what was happening in the music video. Enjoy.
Have a great weekend and I'll see you at Spearhead!
Tony Jordan
Doors open at 7 and the show starts at 8. Tix are $26. If you aren't worried about them selling out (I was) and can wait to buy them at the door, then you can avoid the Ticketmaster surcharges which came out to an additional 40% on top of the ticket price. I hate Ticketmaster.
I'm not totally sure if there is an opening band. The show is listed as "Featuring Cherine Anderson and Courtney John" so I don't know if they are opening and/or playing with Spearhead. Get there early just in case. You don't want to miss a minute of Spearhead's blend of reggae, hip-hop, funk and world music. I have seen very few entertainers who can have a whole crowd on their feet dancing and hugging complete strangers by the end of the show. If you want to check out some Spearhead, here is a link to video of his complete show at All Good this year: http://www.iclips.net/content.php?content_id=21192. If you are going to the show, let me know and I'll keep an eye open for you.
If you are totally bummed that it looks like Led Zep will never be getting back together, you can check out Zoso, the Led Zep tribute band at The National on Saturday night. Doors open at 7, show starts at 8 and tix are $12.50.
That's about it for this week. I'll leave you with a little ditty called "Head Over Heels" by Tears for Fears. Only this version of the song shows what would happen if they just sang about what was happening in the music video. Enjoy.
Head Over Heels: Literal Video Version - watch more funny videos
Have a great weekend and I'll see you at Spearhead!
Tony Jordan
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Jason Isbell, Wrinkle Neck Mules, Prabir & The Substitutes
Hello, hello, hello.
Jason Isbell (formerly of the Drive-By Truckers) comes to the National on Saturday night heading up his new band, The 400 Unit. Doors open at 7, show starts at 8, tix are $15. Be sure to get there early because Richmond act DJ Williams Projekt is opening and the always get the party started right. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit just released their self-titled new album this week. The album got a 7.4 (out of 10) on the Pitchfork web site. Here is Jason and the band doing one of my favorite songs from his DBT days:
Wrinkle Neck Mules will be at Toad's Place on Friday night. Doors open at 7:30, tix are $15 and 6 Day Bender and The Hotdamns are opening. Wrinkle Neck Mules play bluegrass influenced roots rock. You might dig them if you like The Silos, The Eagles, Wilco or The Jayhawks.
Local act Prabir & The Substitutes play at Plaza Bowl on Saturday night w/openers You Guys Are Girls and David Sholtz & The Skyline. Plaza Bowl is at 521 E Southside Plaza and featurs duckpin bowling, bands and beer. Show starts at 8 PM. You'll dig Prabir & The Subsitutes if you like The Beatles, Flaming Lips, The Kinks, Elvis Costello, Ben Folds Five, or Tom Petty.
That's about it for this week. I'm tired so I'm out of here.
A heads up for next week: Michael Franti & Spearhead will be at the National on Friday night. I already got my ticket so I hope to see you there.
Tony Jordan
Jason Isbell (formerly of the Drive-By Truckers) comes to the National on Saturday night heading up his new band, The 400 Unit. Doors open at 7, show starts at 8, tix are $15. Be sure to get there early because Richmond act DJ Williams Projekt is opening and the always get the party started right. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit just released their self-titled new album this week. The album got a 7.4 (out of 10) on the Pitchfork web site. Here is Jason and the band doing one of my favorite songs from his DBT days:
Wrinkle Neck Mules will be at Toad's Place on Friday night. Doors open at 7:30, tix are $15 and 6 Day Bender and The Hotdamns are opening. Wrinkle Neck Mules play bluegrass influenced roots rock. You might dig them if you like The Silos, The Eagles, Wilco or The Jayhawks.
Local act Prabir & The Substitutes play at Plaza Bowl on Saturday night w/openers You Guys Are Girls and David Sholtz & The Skyline. Plaza Bowl is at 521 E Southside Plaza and featurs duckpin bowling, bands and beer. Show starts at 8 PM. You'll dig Prabir & The Subsitutes if you like The Beatles, Flaming Lips, The Kinks, Elvis Costello, Ben Folds Five, or Tom Petty.
That's about it for this week. I'm tired so I'm out of here.
A heads up for next week: Michael Franti & Spearhead will be at the National on Friday night. I already got my ticket so I hope to see you there.
Tony Jordan
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Out O Blue Stage Revue, CJ Chenier, Mae, Prince
Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I guess because V-Day falls on a Saturday this year, its a pretty slow weekend for music.
But if you feel like heading out on Sunday afternoon and showing your honey you support good causes, go on down to the Canal Club for the Out O Blue Stage Revue to benefit The Positive Vibe Cafe, the Central VA Food Bank, the Eric E Stanley Foundation and Page Wilson. The show runs from 2 - 1o PM and costs $20 donation. Here is the musical lineup:
2:30 - Page Wilson with Reckless Abandon (Billy Lux, Charles Arthur, Jim Skelding, Jay Gillespie), 3:20 - Kip Williams Quartet featuring James "Saxsmo" Gates & Anthony Dowd, 4:10 - Susan Greenbaum, 5:00 - Terry Garland with Bruce Courson, 5:50 - Janet Martin Band, 6:40 - Brad Spivey & the Honky Tonk Experience, 7:30 - Gary Gerloff Band, 8:20 - L'il Ronnie & the Grand Dukes, 9:05 - Bruce Olsen & the Offenders.
Should be some great music. A lot of you are off on Monday and its going to get chilly again this weekend, so get warm by moving your butt and warm someone's heart with your kind donations. There will also be a Raffle & Live Auction.
Tuesday night, get ready for Mardi Gras with CJ Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band at the Capital Ale House Downtown. Doors open at 7 and tix are $15. Here is what the Ale House site says about CJ: "C.J. Chenier was literally born into the musical tradition of southwest Louisiana and Texas Zydeco, a chugging, accordion-led blend of French Creole and African-derived influences. Born the son of great Zydeco king Clifton Chenier, the first Grammy Award winning musician of his genre, C.J. was totally immersed in R&B, funk and jazz from childhood.
Coming into adulthood, C.J.'s interest in the music of his ancestors grew and after college graduation he joined his father's legendary Red Hot Louisiana Band on the road. After his father's death in 1987, C.J. assumed leadership of the band. While he continued to develop his personal accordion style, C.J. also gradually began grafting on influences from his boyhood. As C.J. explains, "I play it the way I play it. All my father really told me was to do the best I could do with my own style.""
On Wednesday night at the Canal Club, Mae plays with Conditions, Against Grace, The Bigger Lights and We The Living opening. Show starts at 6:30 and tix are $15. Mae play alt-pop and hail from the Norfolk/VA Beach area.
Since its a slow week its time for another installment of Remember the Spectrum. For this one we go to a historic tour, Prince's Purple Rain tour, pulling into Philly on Thanksgiving night, November 22, 1984. I had been a Prince fan for a few years beginning with the 1999 album and of course 1984 was Prince's biggest year with the release of the Purple Rain movie and album. The tour was sold out but my girlfriend, Jennifer (also a big Prince fan), and I had managed to get seats in the third level but on the railing and close to stage so they weren't bad. If I remember her brother went with us, which was good because we weren't driving yet and the show was a late start due to the holiday, 9 or 10 PM, I think. The parts that stand out in my mind were the opening song, "Let's Go Crazy", when Prince rose from underneath the stage surrounded by smoke and light as he delivered the opening monologue ("Dearly beloved....").
The other moment that stands out was the "I Would Die For You/Baby I'm a Star" finale with Sheila E. (the opener) and her band. Must have gone on for 15 minutes with Prince conducting his giant funk orchestra and dancing and whirling about the stage. This show solidified my Prince fandom, with Prince extending and manipulating songs with one of the tightest bands EVER (The Revolution) and moving non-stop for the length of the show. I would not miss another chance to see him over the next 25 years.
Couldn't find video of either (Prince is pretty notorious for keeping his videos off of the web), but here is one of underrated songs from Purple Rain, live from the Purple Rain tour, "Computer Blue". This feature Wendy simulating fellatio on Prince, great Prince guitar work, band choreography and some typical Prince weirdness (the voiceover stuff at the end) all in less than five minutes. Enjoy!
We thought they were dead and gone but the band that ruined rock music for a good five years is making a comeback. Yes, its Limp Bizkit. Does anyone really want this? Couldn't someone put a stake into these guys before they play again?
Now I couldn't leave you on that note, especially on this holiday of love. In the spirit of the day, please enjoy this video from Finland's Armi & Danny, "I Wanna Love You Tender".
Have a great weekend!
Tony Jordan
But if you feel like heading out on Sunday afternoon and showing your honey you support good causes, go on down to the Canal Club for the Out O Blue Stage Revue to benefit The Positive Vibe Cafe, the Central VA Food Bank, the Eric E Stanley Foundation and Page Wilson. The show runs from 2 - 1o PM and costs $20 donation. Here is the musical lineup:
2:30 - Page Wilson with Reckless Abandon (Billy Lux, Charles Arthur, Jim Skelding, Jay Gillespie), 3:20 - Kip Williams Quartet featuring James "Saxsmo" Gates & Anthony Dowd, 4:10 - Susan Greenbaum, 5:00 - Terry Garland with Bruce Courson, 5:50 - Janet Martin Band, 6:40 - Brad Spivey & the Honky Tonk Experience, 7:30 - Gary Gerloff Band, 8:20 - L'il Ronnie & the Grand Dukes, 9:05 - Bruce Olsen & the Offenders.
Should be some great music. A lot of you are off on Monday and its going to get chilly again this weekend, so get warm by moving your butt and warm someone's heart with your kind donations. There will also be a Raffle & Live Auction.
Tuesday night, get ready for Mardi Gras with CJ Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band at the Capital Ale House Downtown. Doors open at 7 and tix are $15. Here is what the Ale House site says about CJ: "C.J. Chenier was literally born into the musical tradition of southwest Louisiana and Texas Zydeco, a chugging, accordion-led blend of French Creole and African-derived influences. Born the son of great Zydeco king Clifton Chenier, the first Grammy Award winning musician of his genre, C.J. was totally immersed in R&B, funk and jazz from childhood.
Coming into adulthood, C.J.'s interest in the music of his ancestors grew and after college graduation he joined his father's legendary Red Hot Louisiana Band on the road. After his father's death in 1987, C.J. assumed leadership of the band. While he continued to develop his personal accordion style, C.J. also gradually began grafting on influences from his boyhood. As C.J. explains, "I play it the way I play it. All my father really told me was to do the best I could do with my own style.""
On Wednesday night at the Canal Club, Mae plays with Conditions, Against Grace, The Bigger Lights and We The Living opening. Show starts at 6:30 and tix are $15. Mae play alt-pop and hail from the Norfolk/VA Beach area.
Since its a slow week its time for another installment of Remember the Spectrum. For this one we go to a historic tour, Prince's Purple Rain tour, pulling into Philly on Thanksgiving night, November 22, 1984. I had been a Prince fan for a few years beginning with the 1999 album and of course 1984 was Prince's biggest year with the release of the Purple Rain movie and album. The tour was sold out but my girlfriend, Jennifer (also a big Prince fan), and I had managed to get seats in the third level but on the railing and close to stage so they weren't bad. If I remember her brother went with us, which was good because we weren't driving yet and the show was a late start due to the holiday, 9 or 10 PM, I think. The parts that stand out in my mind were the opening song, "Let's Go Crazy", when Prince rose from underneath the stage surrounded by smoke and light as he delivered the opening monologue ("Dearly beloved....").
The other moment that stands out was the "I Would Die For You/Baby I'm a Star" finale with Sheila E. (the opener) and her band. Must have gone on for 15 minutes with Prince conducting his giant funk orchestra and dancing and whirling about the stage. This show solidified my Prince fandom, with Prince extending and manipulating songs with one of the tightest bands EVER (The Revolution) and moving non-stop for the length of the show. I would not miss another chance to see him over the next 25 years.
Couldn't find video of either (Prince is pretty notorious for keeping his videos off of the web), but here is one of underrated songs from Purple Rain, live from the Purple Rain tour, "Computer Blue". This feature Wendy simulating fellatio on Prince, great Prince guitar work, band choreography and some typical Prince weirdness (the voiceover stuff at the end) all in less than five minutes. Enjoy!
We thought they were dead and gone but the band that ruined rock music for a good five years is making a comeback. Yes, its Limp Bizkit. Does anyone really want this? Couldn't someone put a stake into these guys before they play again?
Now I couldn't leave you on that note, especially on this holiday of love. In the spirit of the day, please enjoy this video from Finland's Armi & Danny, "I Wanna Love You Tender".
Have a great weekend!
Tony Jordan
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Your ticket price just doubled
Listen.... Listen..... What's that I hear? Its the cost of arena & amphitheater tickets doubling:
http://money.cnn.com/2009/02/10/news/companies/ticketmaster_live_nation/?postversion=2009021013
It may not be a done deal though. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-NY said, "As the Springsteen bait-and-switch shows, even on its own, it is very hard to trust Ticketmaster," Schumer said in a statement Tuesday.
"This merger would give a giant, new entity unrivaled power over concertgoers and the prices they pay to see their favorite artists and bands. It must be viewed skeptically and scrutinized with a fine-toothed comb by the Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission," he added.
It will be interesting to see what will happen if the deal goes through. Could large acts who aren't under the Live Nation umbrella band together and start a new ticketing service? Would they then be shut out of all venues Live Nation/TM own or control forcing them to play in open fields and high school gyms? Would new bands be forced to kowtow to Live Nation/TM or risk never being able to move above the theater level?
http://money.cnn.com/2009/02/10/news/companies/ticketmaster_live_nation/?postversion=2009021013
It may not be a done deal though. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-NY said, "As the Springsteen bait-and-switch shows, even on its own, it is very hard to trust Ticketmaster," Schumer said in a statement Tuesday.
"This merger would give a giant, new entity unrivaled power over concertgoers and the prices they pay to see their favorite artists and bands. It must be viewed skeptically and scrutinized with a fine-toothed comb by the Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission," he added.
It will be interesting to see what will happen if the deal goes through. Could large acts who aren't under the Live Nation umbrella band together and start a new ticketing service? Would they then be shut out of all venues Live Nation/TM own or control forcing them to play in open fields and high school gyms? Would new bands be forced to kowtow to Live Nation/TM or risk never being able to move above the theater level?
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