Philadelphia Extreme Super Metro Area May Concert Previews

Time for another update on the ol' concert calendar.   Although based in Philly, I check out shows from Boston to DC.  In April, I managed to see shows in Lancaster, PA & Boston, but I keep my eyes out for great shows that shouldn't be missed.   

As always I want to share my finds!  Hopefully you can find your town on the list as well.

I've taken the liberty of highlighting shows I'd go see if I had the freedom and time to travel more!!

WHO I WANT TO SEE IN PHILLY!!!!

First, I'll mention two local Philly bands

The Lawsuits have two major dates:

5/11 with Big Fat Marker @ Hard Rock Philly – show @9pm.. just $7

5/23 playing with the Steel Wheels @World Café Live – Wilmington, DE @9pm

The Levee Drivers also have some big dates:

5/9 – Silk City – Philadelphia, PA 8:00pm

5/16 – North Star Bar – Philadelphia, Pa 8:00pm

5/31 – The Fire – Philadelphia, Pa 9:00 pm 

National act, HoneyHoney, comes to town!  

This fantastic up & comer has a great new album.  I'm away for the weekend, otherwise I'd tell you if it was a debut!  No matter, it's fantastic.  I found a few free tracks along the way, gaining "My Old School Friends', and 'L.A. River', but the daytrotter.com session sealed the deal for me.  This band is as far on the country side of the alt-folk side as you can be, without officially being country.  Whatever you want to call them, just don't miss them!

With: James Morrison
May 8	Boulder, CO	Fox Theatre	BUY
May 9	Lawrence, KS	Granada Theater	BUY
May 10	St. Paul, MN	Fitzgerald Theater	BUY
May 12	Nashville, TN	Cannery Ballroom	BUY
May 14	Philadelphia, PA	World Cafe Live	BUY
May 15	New York, NY	Webster Hall	BUY
May 16	Washington, DC	9:30 Club	BUY
May 19	Boston, MA	Royale	BUY

May 25 George, WA Sasquatch Music Festival

Under the category of who I'd want to see if I had some more travel $$$$$
Charles Bradley  & Menahan Street Band
If you don't know that Charles Bradley story by now, head to his site and read up @http://thecharlesbradley.com!   This James Brown facsimile, has a timeless sound and personally, is an inspiration to all of us struggling to find their way in this crazy economy or on this bigger scale of things, that marathon many of us call "life".

May 18 • Nelsonville Music Festival • Nelsonville, OH

May 20 • Great Googa Mooga • Brooklyn, NY

May 26 • Sasquatch • George, WA

Jun 2 • Mountain Jam Festival • Hunter, NY

You obviously don't read the blog if you don't know about Spirit Family Reunion.  At this point in their career the powder trail is lit and the keg is not to far away from exploding!  Will it be the new album?  Will it be their Newport Folk Festival appearance?  At some point the Spirit Family Reunion explosion will go off!
Spirit Family Reunion!
May 11 TomTom Festival   Charlottesville, VA
May 12 Mercury Lounge, New York, NY
May 21 Jammin' Java, Vienna, VA



Punch Brothers
May 7, Scala, London, UK  TICKETS
May 9-10, White City Music Festival, Tel Aviv, Israel  TICKETS
June 2, Appalachian Uprising, Scottown, OH  TICKETS
June 7-10, Bonnaroo, Machester, TN  TICKETS
June 16, Clearwater Festival, Croton-on-Hudson, NY  TICKETS
June 22, Red Rocks, Morrison, CO  TICKETS #
June 24, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Telluride, CO  TICKETS
June 30, ROMP: Bluegrass Roots & Branches Festival, Owensboro, KY  TICKETS



BLIND PILOT
May 25, Les Schwab Amphitheater, Bend, OR 
May 25-28, Sasquatch!, George, WA
May 28, Red Butte Garden Amphitheater, Salt Lake City, UT 
May 29, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, CO
May 31, Harrah's Council Bluffs, Council Bluffs, IA +
June 2, Molson Amphitheatre, Toronto, ON *
June 3, Blossom Music Center, Cuyahoga Falls, OH * 
June 5, Webster Hall, New York, NY
June 6, The National, Richmond, VA
June 7, Neighborhood Theatre, Charlotte, NC 
June 7-10, Bonnaroo, Manchester, TN 



Brown Bird
(supporting Horse Feathers)
5/06 - Providence, RI - The Met   - TICKETS
5/07 - New Haven, CT - Cafe Nine   - TICKETS
5/09 - New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom  - TICKETS

(supporting Trampled By Turtles)
5/16 - Lawrence, KS - Granada  - TICKETS
5/17-Boulder, CO - Boulder Theater  - TICKETS
5/18 - Denver, CO - Ogden Theater   - TICKETS
5/19 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Depot   - TICKETS
5/21 - Solana Beach, CA - Belly Up Tavern   - TICKETS
5/22 - Los Angeles, CA - Henry Fonda Music Box   - TICKETS
5/24 - Yosemite, CA - Strawberry Music Festival - TICKETS
5/25 - Portland, OR - Crystal Ball Room  - TICKETS
5/26 - Vancouver, BC - Vogue   - TICKETS

5/27 - Spokane, WA - Carrs Corner


Under the category of I have no clue if this will happen?   The Barr Brothers come back from Europe and have a Philadelphia gig.  But their Philly show is part of Non-COMMvention,  "an annual gathering for radio programmers from adult album alternative radio (AAA) and public radio stations from across the country, giving them a chance to preview new music from artists angling for airplay." (xpn.org)


At this point public tickets sales are not open, so we'll see if this gets to happen for this lowly blogger!

May 15Brighton Music Hall Boston, MA May 16Le Poisson Rouge New York, NY May 17World Cafe Live Philadelphia, PA   May 18Mauch Chunk Opera House Jim Thorpe, PA May 20The Hamilton Washington, DC May 22SPACE Evanston, IL May 23Shank Hall Milwaukee, WI May 24Bryant-Lake Bowl Theater Minneapolis, MN May 26Bluebird Theater Denver, CO May 27Meadowgrass Festival Colorado Springs, CO
The amazing Regina Spektor, has a few North East shows prior to the release of her fourth major label album!  I have been incredibly impressed with her, since getting 'Fidelity' as a free iTunes download several years ago!
Thursday, May 10, 2012 at 7:30pm, Orpheum Theatre,   Boston, MA Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 8:00pm, Tower Theatre, Upper Darby, PA (Philadelphia) Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at 7:30pm, United Palace, New York, NY Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at 12:00am  Album Release Day: What We Saw from the Cheap Seats
Annie and the Beekeepers / Kelly and the Hermanos One of my favorite indie troubadours, Annie Lynch has re-assembled Annie and the Beekeepers and has been putting the finishing touches on their third album!  If you are in the NYC area and want a preview.  This is your chance! Annie and the Beekeepers / Kelly and the Hermanos Date: Fri, May 11, 2012, 8 pm Venue: 92YTribeca MAINSTAGE Location: 92YTribeca, 200 Hudson Street Event Code: TW12D41127   Annie and The Beekeepers formed in Boston's notoriously brutal December of 2006. The stillness and simplicity of New England's slow-paced winter resonates in the evolving sound created by the band, now located in Brooklyn, NY. "Together with her folk- and country-influenced bandmates, Annie and the Beekeepers create symphonic, slow-burning tunes that strike a lovely balance between heavy emotion and light, sparse sound." -Paste Magazine     Brooklyn-based   Kelly and the Hermanos draws from an eclectic mix of old country and soul, yielding a singular sound they call "Underwater Western." Their fan-funded debut album, recorded at Montrose Studios in Virginia, will be released at the end of May, followed by a summer of regional touring. Keep your ears out! Tickets: $10
I thought long and hard about catching this tour, but I've been a slacker lately, and I'm not even in Pennsylvania while I write this.  So tonight is out.. But great news.  Mike Doughy was announced as part of the 2012 XPoNential festival in late July!  So my compromise, is that I am buying the book to read on my trip to LA this month, and I'll see him in July!
Mike Doughty & “The Book of Drugs” Tour continues!!
05/06/12 Sellersville, PA Sellersville Theater Buy tickets 05/08/12 Alexandria, VA The Birchmere Music Hall Buy tickets 05/09/12 Annapolis, MD Ram’s Head On Stage Buy tickets 05/10/12 Charlottesville, VA The Southern Music Hall Buy tickets 05/11/12 Durham, NC Casbah Buy tickets 05/12/12 Knoxville, TN The Square Room Buy tickets 05/15/12 Indianapolis, IN Irving Theatre 05/16/12 Columbus, OH Ace of Cups Buy tickets 05/17/12 Buffalo, NY Asbury Hall (@ Babeville) 05/18/12 Hoboken, NJ Maxwell’s Buy tickets 05/19/12 Westhampton Beach, NY Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center The Devil Makes Three tour continues!  The Devil Makes Three's seemingly never ending tour crosses the country on new dates with  Flogging Molly and Gogol Bordello while they continue to bring their  live power to Festivals and headlining dates. The Devil Makes Three's true power is best experienced live and their latest release Stomp and Smash is a live LP recorded over a two night, sold out stand at the Mystic Theater in Petaluma by Kark Derfler, best known for his work with Tom Waits.
May 10 - Stage AE - Pittsburgh, PA *  May 11 - Lupo's at the Strand - Providence, RI *  May 12 - State Theater - Portland, ME *  May 17 - Cain's Ballroom - Tulsa, OK *  May 19 - Hangout Music Festival - Gulf Shores, AL   &&  May 20 - Variety Playhouse - Atlanta, GA ^^  May 21 - Maverick's at the Landing - Jacksonville, FL *  May 22 - The NorVa - Norfolk, VA *  May 23 - Capital Ale House - Richmond, VA    May 24 - Delfest - Cumberland, MD    May 25 - Grog Shop - Cleveland, OH    May 27 - Summercamp - Chillicothe, IL  &&  May 30 - Wooly's - Des Moines, IA    May 31 - Crossroads - Kansas City, MO    June 1 - Wakarusa Music Festival - Ozark, AR  &&  w/ Flogging Molly * w/ Gogol Bordello ^^ Festival Date &&
One last mention, for yet another great band I won't get to see this month is the David Wax Museum!  They hit the road with Joe Pug, going to several of my favorite cities!  Pittsburghers, if you don't go to this show.  I'm never telling you about another show again! 5/19/12 – Lincoln Hall – Chicago IL 5/20/12 – The Bishop Bar – Bloomington, IN 5/22/12 – Rumba Café – Columbus, OH 5/23/12 – Beachland Ballroom & Tavern - Cleveland, OH 5/24/12 – Club Café – Pittsburgh, Pa 5/25/12 – The Blind Pig – Ann Arbor, MI 5/26/12 – Horseshoe Tavern – Toronto, ON 5/27/12 – Mavericks –Ottawa, ON 5/29/12 – Brighton Music Hall, Allston, MA 5/31/12 – Bowery Ballroom – New York, NY 6/2/12 – 9:30 Club – Washington, DC

Spirit Family Reunion @the Brunch Session - Boston Mass

The Boston area + greater Massachusetts area is a hot bed for out of the box live music opportunities.  Entities such as Billsville, Sleepover Shows, and Kitchen Sessions have been helping bands that I adore for quite some time.

A few weeks ago, I was planning out a trip to Boston to catch my first Fenway Park game.  It was going to be me, the wife, my brosef, his g-friend and NO KIDDO!  It was also an afternoon game for the Red Sox, so I started stalking the net to see what else might be available that weekend.   


Cherubs started strumming their harps and a choir of angels starting singing, as I found the Brunch Session!   Not only did I find a Boston house concert, but it was Sunday, for Brunch, and Spirit Family Reunion was the feature band!


Unlike Newport Folk Festival last year where I had to leave before getting to see The Head and the Heart, and The Civil Wars, I would be able to do this full event and make it back to Jersey to pick up the child!  It was going to be perfect.  For those of you who didn't peep the session page.  $12 included craft beer, from scratch waffles and two bands!  I know I was thinking, where the heck could I get breakfast in Boston for $12, but to get to see one of the BREAK OUT BANDS of 2012 in a living room included with that sweet breakfast was heaven.

Spirit Family Reunion - On That Day


According to the Brunch session flyer, "This event has been a long time coming.  It all began last year after the Dawes/Blitzen Trapper show at Royale, the Brewery Sessions crew and the Music Savage crew were talking about how awesome it would be if we had a daytime session, specifically one with waffles."

The Brunch Session was at NewMusicCo  writer Jessica's apt.  None of my entourage had any idea what to expect, but were impressed when we arrived.  The sun was shining beautifully through a two story window of Jessica's apartment and the smell of waffles took us immediately.  The apartment was incredibly well laid out to pull of this brazen idea.  90ish people fit into the apartment with the help of an excellent floor plan.  New friends in the main room and close friends in the loft bedroom above.

The chillaxed atmosphere was exactly what I needed for a Sunday morning.  The room was filled with hip young adults eager for the acoustic sets enjoying the fantastic from scratch brunch with yummy beverages.  Even the event friends and bands were chill.  There was no chaotic running around  There were no frantic sounds of a sound check.  The bands filtered in, ate, and met their friends.  Clearly, Jessica must have sacrificed her favorite vinyl to the music gods, for this to have worked out so well!

Most people grabbed a spot on floor, which might not have ever been considered for an evening set.  But it totally fit the mood.  Even better, it totally fit the sound of Summer Cult's sleepy Sunday acoustic set.  

Summer Cult's Dylan, Marissa, Alex, and Steven fresh from a show the night before played 8 songs for the attentive crowd including 'Black River Driving', the harmonious 'Ship To Sail, and new 'Touch Me'!






Spirit Family Reunion went on a short while later.  Dressed for bluegrass success, the Brooklyn based band was intent on getting everyone moving.  Little fan fare surrounds them, but the unassuming band, it seems, would rather win fans over one song at a time rather than a talking about themselves. 

With no set list planned Spirit Family Reunion was represented by Nick Panken on vocals and Maggie Carlson on banjo, Ken Woodward on upright bass, Mat Davidson on fiddle, and I believe Stephen Weinheimer taking the drums.

For about half of the set, the crowd stayed on the couches and floor resisting the urge to get up and party to Spirit Family's uplifting revival feel.  You would think Mat's killer vocals on 'Green Rocky Road' and the uproarious 'Leave Your Troubles at the Gate' would make anyone move around, but it's hard to blame them with such lovely peaceful beauties as 'On That Day' and 'Gazebo Song'.

Dancing finally broke out and took over during 'I want to be Relieved'.  The band rewarded the now-afternoon crowd with 'When My Name is Spoken' and true sing-along 'I'll Find A Way'

Spirit Family Reunion is working to release their new album No Separation sometime in the next month or so. 

To learn more about the band, here's some of the best I found on the net:
http://usedfurniturereview.com/  or http://www.980wcap.com/

If you've got some time, watch the feed from the show (the show starts @11:10)



Spirit Family Reunion "Green Green Rocky Road"


Special thanks to the Brewery Sessions crew for pulling off the inaugural Brunch Session!  Thanks to the bands for being awesome and Jessica for being a great host!

Concert Review - Clutch @ the Chameleon Club - Lancaster, PA

Neil Fallon - vocals, rhythm guitar CLUTCH

A year ago, I started this blog to find an outlet.  I needed a voice, I needed a hobby, and I needed to leave my wife alone while she wrapped up some important research.  Since then, I have had a great time writing about bands, writing about memories, meeting folks, and overall just enjoying the music along the way.  Every once and a while, all the stars align and everything comes together.

About a month ago, when I saw the lineup for Forecastle Festival in Louisville, it finally started coming full circle.   Many of my favorites were there, but not just from the indie/folk genres.  Most excitedly, Clutch was going to be there!

I wasn't going to pull off the festival, but why couldn't I review Clutch locally?  Who cares if they aren't the folksy/indie stuff I've been listening to for the last few years?  Who cares if I haven't been to a metal show in years?  I love Clutch; most of my friends already know it, why not tell everyone else!

Well it happened, I was hooked up with a press/photo pass for a local show and all the wonderful memories started flooding back.  Watching 'Shogun Named Marcus' for the first time, back in high school.   Going to my first Clutch show only to be surprised that half of my high school football team seemed to be there, mainly because one of my all time great friends had taken the disc I gave him to the gym with him to my surprise!   How about hearing 'Spacegrass' live for the first time.  I had never really soaked in that song like I did that day.  Lights out, bass up, crowd pumped singing it word for word, for a drawn out incredible version.  Or, the last tour I saw them over a decade ago, for Pure Rock Fury when they co-headlined with Corrosion of Conformity.  They came through twice on that tour.  The first time, it they headlined and put on a hell of a show.  The second time, they squeezed that full of energy set into an opener spot.  WOW!

Clutch 'Shogun Named Marcus' from Transnational Speedway League: Anthems, Anecdotes & Undeniable Truths



Nearly 20 years from when I first heard Clutch, the foursome from Germantown, Maryland, set forth on yet another tour!   Touring in support of the re-release of their mythology themed epic album, Blast Tyrant, on vinyl for the first time, Clutch hit Lancaster, PA!

Kingsnake from Philadelphia

Three bands graced the stage before Clutch went on late in the evening!  The openers hailed from LA, Atlanta & Philadelphia.   Fortunately for me, between, MonstrO, Kyng, and Kingsnake; I liked Philly based Kingsnake the best with their bluesy Clutch influenced sound.

Finally, the moment life got in the way of for the last decade.  CLUTCH @ The Chameleon!  Ironically, as if to remind me that this great band wasn't going anywhere, they started off with 'Immortal'.  The irony continued to follow the set, as two lines into the beginning of the scream along 'The Mob Goes Wild', they had to stop to allow security to escort some fighting fans out of the venue.  

With no time for such shenanigans, the band showed why they have such lasting power.  Through 'Profits of Doom' and Escape From the Prison Planet' they just seemed so relaxed, yet they rocked so hard.   I had to wonder just how many times they played 'Prison Planet', as they weren't stale at all.  Whammy pedal, lengthy guitar riffs and all, it was as fresh as when I heard it the first time.  The epic 'Spacegrass' with its signature bass line was slightly up-tempo, but the crowd liked it all the same.  

Tim Sult - CLUTCH

The band intricately weaved through a great set list.  They ranged from mosh worthy to slow bobbers.   They mixed in some less common tracks, such as 'King of Arizona' only from the 2009 version of Slow Hole to China: Rare and Unreleased, might have been less familiar to the whole crowd, but allowed more time to soak in the incredible guitar n bass.  And, they added in new track 'Crucial' to practice what they've been writing the last 2 months.

Bassist, Dan Maines was totally energized on 'Crucial's speedy bass lines.  I'm assuming it's a keeper, as singer Neil Fallon judged "that went very well""

Jean-Paul Gaste

The set included songs from seven of their albums.  Often songs blended from one to the other.  'Soapmakers' had a drawn out rockin' instrumental bridge and drum solo right into 'Burning Beard.  The bluesy Electric Worry melted right into 'One Eyed Dollar'

Finally the original set was complete and the band went back stage to pick their encore songs.  The wait was torturous as the light man toyed with the crowd.  The crowd agreed when Neil asked "how 'bout a few more ... geographically appropriate tunes", treating Lancaster to ''I Have The Body John Wilkes Booth' & third album lead title track 'Elephant Riders'

SET LIST - Clutch

The Chameleon, Lancaster, PA April 11th, 2012

Dan Maines

1.   'Immortal'                                              Pure Rock Fury
2.   'Child Of The City'                                From Beale St. To Oblivion
3.   'Soapmakers'                                        The Elephant Riders
4.   'Burning Beard                                      Robot Hive: Exodus
5.   'House That Peterbilt'                            Clutch
6.   'Mob Goes Wild'                                  Blast Tyrant
7.   'Profits Of Doom'                                  Blast Tyrant
8.   'Spleen.Merchant'                                 Blast Tyrant
9.   'Escape From The Prison Planet'           Clutch
10.  'Spacegrass'                                         Clutch
11.  'Crucial'                                               Unreleased
12.  'Animal Farm'                                       Clutch
13.  ' Texan Book Of The Dead'                  Clutch
14.  'King Of Arizona' Slow Hole to China: Rare and Unreleased('09)

15.  'Electric Worry'/'One Eyed Dollar'    From Beale St. To Oblivion
Encore
17.  'I Have The Body John Wilkes Booth"  Clutch
18.  'The Elephant Riders'                            The Elephant Riders

 If you haven't witnessed Clutch yet, find them on tour while you still can.  Though immortal in my mind, nothing lasts forever!


Clutch - "Burning Beard" from Robot Hive: Exodus

Molly Song of the Week - Laura Veirs - Tumble Bee

Part of the ongoing series of 'Molly Songs': a weekly look featuring songs that our children will love, but more importantly parents can enjoy as well.

I've had a chance to talk to a lot of parents about this and I'm not the only parent to have this dilemma.  It's either subject yourself to the crap that's called kids' music or torture your child with your stuff, right?  Not so, has been my position.  Seems it's shared by indie artist and first-time mom Laura Veirs.  She and her husband, music producer Tucker Martine, took matters into their own hands and made an incredible folk-children's album.

The thought was, per Tucker Martine, @5;18 in the video below, "Kids love the Beetles! You know, they just like if you put good music in front of them.  So, we definitely kept that in mind that we just need to make something that we enjoy ...  maybe speaking to our child-like nature."

Inspired by the birth of her son and by countless fans who’ve told Laura over the years how much their kids love her records, Veirs became curious about the history of American children’s music. She and Martine listened to hundreds of songs from the past several centuries, including Harry Smith’s famous Anthology of American Folk Music. They selected what Veirs calls, “a sampling that reflects our richness as a people.” Tumble Bee was recorded at home in the spring of 2011.  (see Laura Veirs.com for more bio)

On Tumble Bee, Laura did some recruiting, gatherin collaborator Colin Meloy of the Decemberists, Luke Ydstie, Kati Claborn, and Israel Nebeker of Blind Pilot, Elizabeth Mitchell, and Béla Fleck, amongst others. 

Tucker Martine speaking to his wife Laura Veirs in the video mentioned above and embedded below, says "I'd like to think that those fans of your music that don't have children will also enjoy it!"


Truth be told, I barely had known Laura Veirs beyond 'July Flame' and 'Carol Kaye, but when I heard about her album I thought she'd be perfect.  Tucker was right and then some.  There are many kids' albums out there, that reach new heights of silliness and many that are child like, but not many hit the mark as a great album overall.  Elizabeth Mitchell, Jack Johnson, and Medeski Martin & Wood have all succeeded where many have failed.  Laura Veirs & Co. have joined those ranks with Tumble Bee!

Laura Veirs & Tucker Martine discuss the making of Tumble Bee

To hear full samples of Tumble Bee try these tracks ** FREE DOWNLOAD ALERT ***

Now that you've had a chance to sample some songs, head over to The Laura Veirs store!  The album, besides sounding great, is a great package.  It will make a great Mother's or Father's day present.  Not to mention a cool present for any lucky kid you might know!

Philadelphia Extreme Super Metro Area April Concert Preview PART 2

the marquee @ Tower Theatre

Time for an update on the ol' concert calendar.   As always I look at who's coming from Boston to DC.  I've managed to hit Baltimore and Philly so far this season, adding Lancaster tonight & Boston this Sunday.  But as always I wanted to share my finds!  Hopefully you can find your town on the list as well.

I've taken the liberty of highlighting shows I'd go see if I had the freedom and time to travel more!!



 CLUTCH - Tonight
I head to Lancaster to catch one of my all time favorite bands back in action.  I haven't see Clutch in over 10 years.  But I don't anticipate their intensity diminishing in anyway.

Take a look at these tour dates for Clutch and many other bands coming through Philly in the 2nd half of April.  It is a really, really great time to see a band right now.  If you aren't going to a show in April or May this year, something is wrong!!!  Bands are everywhere right now!!

Let's start of with the release from CLUTCH::

"Maryland rockers CLUTCH are kicking off their North American tour tonight in Norfolk, VA at The Norva. CLUTCH's upcoming tour features headlining shows, co-headlining dates with HELLYEAH and a radio festival appearance. A complete list of dates can be found below.

CLUTCH is hitting the road in support of their double vinyl edition of Blast Tyrant which is available via Weathermaker Music. This 180+ gram expanded vinyl contains 16 songs and includes six mini-posters taken straight from Blast Tyrant's "Atlas of the Invisible World".   Each illustrated poster is sized (8.5" x 11") and depicts one of the various characters featured within the Blast Tyrant storyline. CLUTCH will also be releasing a picture disc single of the new track "Pigtown Blues" on June 19^th. This is the first new studio material from CLUTCH since 2009's Strange Cousins From the West."

CLUTCH AND HELLYEAH CO-HEADLINING NORTH AMERICAN TOUR

4/11 Lancaster, PA @ Chameleon Club* - TICKETS 

4/12 Clifton Park, NY @ Northern Lights* - TICKETS 

4/13 Providence, RI @ Lupo's - TICKETS 

4/14 Atlantic City, NJ @ House of Blues - TICKETS 

4/15 Huntington, NY @ Paramount Theater - TICKETS 

4/17 Stroudsburg, PA @ Sherman Theater - TICKETS 

4/18 Rochester, NY @ Water Street Music Hall - TICKETS 

4/20 Traverse City, MI @ Ground Zero - TICKETS 

4/21 Ft. Wayne, IN @ Piere's - TICKETS 

4/22 Toledo, OH @ Headliners - TICKETS 

4/23 Dayton, OH @ McGuffy's House of Rock* - TICKETS 

4/24 Madison, WI @ Barrymore Theater - TICKETS 

4/25 Des Moines, IA @ Wooly's - TICKETS    

4/27 Fargo, ND @ The Venue - TICKETS             

4/28 Lincoln, NE @ Bourbon Theatre - TICKETS 

4/29 Boulder, CO @ Boulder Theater - TICKETS 

5/01 Springfield, MO @ Gillioz Theater - TICKETS 

5/02 Wichita, KS @ The Cotillion - TICKETS 

5/03 Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom* - TICKETS 

5/04 Sauget, IL @ Pop's - TICKETS 

5/05 Chattanooga, TN @ Track 29 - TICKETS 

5/06 Raleigh, NC @ Lincoln Theatre* - TICKETS 

5/08 Libertyville, IL @ The Fuel Room at Austin's Saloon - TICKETS 

5/09 Sioux Falls, SD @ WH LYON Fairgrounds - "Krrofest"** - TICKETS 

5/10 Rock Island, IL @ Rock Island Brewing Company* - TICKETS 

5/11 Joliet, IL @ Mojoes - TICKETS 

5/12 Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews Hall* - TICKETS 

5/13 Flint, MI @ The Machine Shop* - TICKETS

Spirit Family Reunion!
http://www.spiritfamilyreunion.com/#shows

Not since college have I been to a house concert, but it's finally happening.  I'm heading to Boston to catch a Sox game with some great friends.  And lo and behold, I fit in a concert.  Ironically enough it's for one of the bands that is making me consider going to Newport Folk Festival the most!!

This Sunday, the ultra cool Brewery Sessions in Boston features the Spirit Family Reunion and Summer Cult for brunch

Apr 06  Knitting Factory Brooklyn Brooklyn, NY
Apr 14  Brown Folk Festival  Providence, RI
Apr 15  Brunch Session, Boston, Ma

Apr 16 Bowery Electric New York, NY
Apr 20 The Kenmore Inn  Fredericksburg, VA
Apr 21 Rhythm n Blooms Festival   Knoxville, TN
Apr 26 House Concert  Providence, RI
Apr 27The Oak and the Ax   Biddeford, ME
Apr 28 Belfast Free Range Music Fetival Belfast, ME






Sharon Van Etten -
The indie/media darling comes back through!  For once she is not coming to Philly, but there are some real intriguing venues on this short list! 

April 19, 2012 : Ottobar : Baltimore, Maryland - United States  

April 20, 2012 : Jefferson Theatre : Charlottesville, Virginia - United States TICKETS

April 21, 2012 : Grey Eagle : Asheville, North Carolina - United States TICKETS

April 22, 2012 : Bottletree Cafe : Birmingham, Alabama - United States TICKETS

April 24, 2012 : The Square Room : Knoxville, Tennessee - United States TICKETS

April 25, 2012 : The Earl : Atlanta, Georgia - United States TICKETS

April 26, 2012 : Mercy Lounge : Nashville, Tennessee - United States TICKETS

April 27, 2012 : Mayday Northside : Cincinnati, Ohio - United States TICKETS

April 28, 2012 : Carnegie Lecture Hall : Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - 

May 3, 2012 : BAM : Brooklyn, New York - United States TICKETS

PEARL AND THE BEARD
If you've been reading the blog, you know I love this band!  Check their tour dates, as they are  playing with super cool chicas Ingrid Michaelson or Ani DiFranco on some dates.  Plus they found some cool places to play in between.  One of those places is the ThunderBird Cafe in Pittsburgh!  For my hometown folks, someone please tell me how the ThunderBird Cafe is!!
 http://pearlandthebeard.com/shows/

04.12 *SOLD OUT* Vic Theatre w/Ingrid Michaelson, 7:30pm (Chicago, IL)

04.13 St. Olaf College w/Ingrid Michaelson, 8pm (Northfield, MN) [ TIX ]

04.14 *SOLD OUT* Capitol Theater w/Ingrid Michaelson, 8pm (Madison, WI)

04.15 Cafe Carpe, 7pm (Fort Atkinson, WI) [ TIX ]

04.17 Rumba Café, 7pm (Columbus, OH) [ TIX ]

04.18 Thunderbird Cafe, 8pm (Pittsburgh, PA)

04.19 The Egg w/Ani Difranco, 8pm (Albany, NY) [ TIX ]

04.20 Funk 'N Waffles, 8pm (Syracuse, NY)

04.21 Winter Garden Theatre w/Ani Difranco, 8pm (Toronto, ON) [ TIX ]

04.22 Asbury Hall at Babeville w/Ani Difranco, 8pm (Buffalo, NY) [ TIX ]

05.11 The Winchester Tavern, 8pm (Cleveland, OH)

05.17 Acorn Theater, 8pm (Three Oaks, MI) [ TIX ]

Deer Tick
Alt-Country turned kick-ass rockers  a playing some dates with the Turbo Fruits
The Philly show has moved from the intimate First Unitarian Church to the awesome Union Transfer creating a co-bill with Lucero, and also featuring J Roddy and the Business

 04/19 – John Boyle O’Reilly Club – Springfield, MA !
04/20 – The Stone Pony – Asbury Park, NJ
04/22 – Union Transfer – Philadelphia, PA
04/23 – Rex Theatre – Pittsburgh, PA
04/24 – Mercy Lounge – Nashville, TN
04/27 - Double Decker Festival - Oxford, Ms
04/28   The Loft , Dallas TX
04/29 - Atone's , Austin TX
04/30 - Korova , San Antonio, TX
 4-21-12 RECORD STORE DAY:
THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS:
"TMBG's FREE CONCERT April 21st in Princeton NJ
6pm in front of the public library. All are welcome.
We are celebrating Record Store Day with
Princeton Record Exchange.
After the show we will be signing at the store."


Main Street Records

Here's the release!
"We will be opening at 10 a.m.
We have a VERY exciting line up of live music in store for you!

12:30 - Shark Tape
1 PM - Cheers Elephant
2 PM - Megan Reilly
2:30 - John Wesley Harding
3:30 - Anthony D'Amato
4 PM - Jesse Malin
5 PM - Spinto Band

We hope you’ll come and celebrate with us!!  If you haven't seen the full list check them out at http://www.recordstoreday.com/SpecialReleases"


Neither one of those catch your fancy.. How about Morrisville, PA based Levee Drivers?  They play the Newtown Book & Record Exchange!

• Sat Apr 14 Dog & Bull Brew & Music… Croydon, PA, US | 8:00pm
• Fri Apr 20 PhilaMOCA  Philadelphia, PA, US | 9:00pm
• Sat Apr 21 Newtown Book & Record E…  Newtown, PA, US | 12:00pm
• Fri Apr 27 LAUNCH Music Conference…  Lancaster, PA, US | 8:00pm
• Sat Apr 28 Roxy & Dukes Roadhouse Dunellen, NJ, US | 9:00pm

You can hit any of these Record Store Day event, and still make it to one of these shows, in the Philly area!


Brett Dennen
Brett Dennen returns to Philly, having opened in November for Amos Lee
 

04/20/12 Supporting Rodrigo Y Gabriela Radio City Music Hall  New York, NY
04/21/12 Supporting Rodrigo Y Gabriela Tower Theater   Philadelphia, PA 

04/28/12 University of Colorado Boulder – Macky Auditorium  Boulder, CO  

Trampled By Turtles supporting the brand new Stars and Satellites

Apr-11	First Avenue	Minneapolis, MN
Apr-12	Exclusive Company,In-store@6pm	Madison, WI
Apr-12	Barrymore Theatre	Madison, WI
Apr-13	The Metro	Chicago, IL
Apr-14	Mr. Smalls Theatre	Pittsburgh, PA
Apr-15	Lee's Palace	Toronto, ON
Apr-17	Webster Hall	New York, NY
Apr-18	Paradise Rock Club	Boston, MA
Apr-19	The Westcott Theater	Syracuse, NY
Apr-20	9:30 Club	Washington, DC
Apr-21	Sound Garden - In Store @ 1pm	Baltimore, MD
Apr-21	Union Transfer	Philadelphia, PA
Apr-22	Jefferson Theater	Charlottesville, VA
Apr-24	Cat's Cradle	Carrboro, NC
Apr-25	Neighborhood Theatre	Charlotte, NC
Apr-26	Orange Peel	Asheville, NC
Apr-27	Variety Playhouse	Atlanta, GA
Apr-28	The Taft Theatre	Cincinnati, OH

Portugal The Man... Great show back in October.  It was good enough, that although they won't be in Philly, I'm heading to NJ to catch them with the Lonely Forest

























Are Local shows your forte? 
This Sunday @ MilkBoy - Philadelphia

LADY'S NIGHT w/ the Music of Bjork on Sunday Night -- The unique and talented Philly band LADY will be interpreting the music of their favorite female artists for this very special monthly MilkBoy residency. This week, Lady will be performing the beautiful music of Bjork! The band announced that they will also debut a brand new song. The show will feature a spirited performance by opening act JosiahWise/GodBodi.  

Or straight from their MilkBoy Hot Love EP Release Party success.  The Lawsuits continue to play some local shows!

• Apr 14 Puck Doylestown, PA
• Apr 26 Maxwell's on Main Doylestown, PA
• May 11 Hard Rock Café - Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA
• May 23 World Cafe Live at the Queen Wilmington, DE

Another big day on the concert calendar is April 24th.  Three very worthy bands are in town, with the Kopecky Family Band, Punch Brothers, and the Right Now!  I'm taking the exciting route and catching The Right Now who are released their debut LP Gets Over You this week!

Kopecky Family Band

Tour: Kopecky Family Band w/ The Lumineers

April 11th, 2012 Minneapolis, MN 7th Street Entry Time: 8:00pm. Sold Out

April 12th, 2012 Madison, WI The Frequency Time: 8:00pm.

April 13th, 2012 Evanston, IL Space Time: 8:00pm. Sold Out

April 15th, 2012 Buffalo, NY Mohawk Place Time: 8:00pm. Admission: Free!!.

April 17th, 2012 Burlington, VT Higher Ground Time: 8:00pm.

April 18th, 2012 Northampton, MA Iron House Time: 8:00pm.

April 19th, 2012 Fairfield, CT Stage One Time 8:00pm.

April 20th, 2012 Berkley, MA Cafe 939 Time: 8:00pm. Sold Out

April 21st, 2012 Brooklyn, NY Music Hall of Williamsburg Time: 8:00pm. Sold Out

April 22nd, 2012 Vienna, VA Jammin Java Time: 8:00pm. Sold Out

April 24th, 2012 Philidelphia, PA Johnny Brendas Time: 8:00pm. Sold Out

April 26th, 2012 Chapel Hill, NC Local 506 Time: 8:00pm.

April 27th, 2012 Nashville, TN The Basement Time: 8:00pm.

Punch Brothers

April 14, A Prairie Home Companion, New York, NY  LISTEN LIVE
April 15, Mountain Stage Radio, Morgantown, WV  TICKETS
April 16, Rex Theatre, Pittsburgh, PA  TICKETS
April 17, Kentucky Theatre, Lexington, KY  TICKETS *
April 19, Bijou Theatre, Knoxville, TN  TICKETS *
April 20, Cannery Ballroom, Nashville, TN  TICKETS *
April 21, Variety Playhouse, Atlanta, GA  TICKETS *
April 22, Track 29, Chattanooga, TN  TICKETS *
April 24, Theatre of the Living Arts, Philadelphia, PA  TICKETS *
April 26, Town Hall, New York, NY  TICKETS *
April 27, 9:30 Club, Washington, DC  SOLD OUT *
April 28, MerleFest 25, Wilkesboro, NC  TICKETS
April 29, Music Farm, Charleston, SC  TICKETS



The Right Now

The Right Now's siren front woman Stefanie Berecz

Apr 20 - Thunderbird Cafe - Pittsburgh, PA
Apr 21 - MOTR - Cincinnati, OH
Apr 23 - Bullfrog Brewery - Williamsport, PA
Apr 24 - World Cafe Live - Philadelphia, PA
Apr 25 - Comet - Washington, DC
Apr 27 - Rockwood Music Hall - New York, NY
Apr 28 - Frankie's - Toledo, OH
May 3 - Record Bar - Kansas City, MO
May 4 - Old Rock House - St Louis, MO
May 12 - Lincoln Hall - Chicago, IL
May 17 - Redstone Room - Davenport, IA
May 25 - Jazz Kitchen - Indianapolis, IN
May 26 - The 5 Spot - Nashville, TN

Elizabeth Mitchell
Children's folk superstar Elizabeth Mitchell comes through town at the end of the month. She has a deep catalog of incredible children's songs, that just flat out are great to listen to with you kids. I've been listening to them since my little one was born! She's a measuring stick for all children's artists, and has been invited back to Newport Folk Festival this year. Just to give you an idea of her quality, she's been signed to Smithsonian Folkways label!  For more info, check out one of my older posts!

• 04/14/12  Brooklyn, NY
  
• 04/22/12  Bronx, NY
  
• 04/28/12  Wilmington, DE
  
• 04/29/12  New York
  
• 05/05/12  Amherst, MA
•  

Brown Bird

Photo by Mikael Kennedy

3 of my favorite finds of 2011 are on tour right now.  Since discovering Brown Bird last summer, I've now had the joy of watching them 3 times.  Now I'm not expecting you to catch up, but go see them while you have a chance!!!

4/13 - San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore (supporting Yonder Mountain String Band) - TICKETS
4/14 - San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore (supporting Yonder Mountain String Band) - TICKETS
4/15 - Chico, CA - Chico Women's Club - TICKETS
4/17 - Sacramento, CA - Harlow's (supporting Yonder Mountain String Band) - TICKETS
4/18 - Arcata, CA - Arcata Theater (supporting Yonder Mountain String Band) - TICKETS
4/19 - Eugene, OR - McDonald Theater (supporting Yonder Mountain String Band) - TICKETS
4/20 - Bend, OR - Midtown Ballroom (supporting Yonder Mountain String Band) - TICKETS
4/21 - Seattle, WA - Showbox (supporting Yonder Mountain String Band) - TICKETS
4/24 - Minneapolis, MN - 7th St. Entry (supporting Horse Feathers) - TICKETS
4/25 - Madison, WI - High Noon Saloon (supporting Lambchop and Horse Feathers) - TICKETS
4/26 - Chicago, IL - Lincoln Hall (supporting Horse Feathers) - TICKETS
4/27 - Ann Arbor, MI - The Ark (supporting Horse Feathers) - TICKETS
4/28 - Grand Rapids, MI - Founder's (supporting Horse Feathers) - TICKETS
4/29 - Toronto, ON - Horseshoe (supporting Horse Feathers)




Finally for the mega concert fiends, that are bothering to read this far down on the post.  Here's some special news for you

Just Announced!!!!!

WILCO at the Newport Folk Festival with Blitzen Trapper and Megafaun 5PM on Friday, July 27th

The gates to Fort Adams State Park will open at 4PM and the music starts at 5PM. Tickets are $45.00 in advance (service charges apply) and will be $50.00 at the gate (if available).

As one of the folk, you can participate in the fan-only presale that starts Thursday, April 12th at 10AM and ends Friday, April 13th at 11AM. Get your tickets before they go on sale to the public and while supplies last.

Finally REEL BIG FISH
May 5th – Xfinity Live! – Philadelphia, PA
*Free event
http://www.xfinitylive.com