Singer-songwriter and Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame member Jackson Browne launches his 2012 acoustic tour at Charlotte's Belk Theater Saturday, July 14. Singer-songwriter and fiddler Sara Watkins of Nickel Creek will join him as a special guest. Browne, who will alternate between piano and guitar, promises a career spanning set list.
The month-long tour hits several spots in Virginia and the Carolinas including Charleston, Durham, Richmond, and Floyd, Virginia's Floyd Fest.
Watkins' sophomore solo album, "Sun Midnight Sun," is out Tuesday, May 8. The pair have shared the stage before and Browne speaks highly of her as an instrumentalist, vocalist and songwriter.
Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. Prices are $49.50 to $84.50 and are available at the Blumenthal Arts box office, by calling 704-372-1000 or online at www.carolinatix.org. One dollar from each ticket will be donated to charity and special VIP and benefit seating (which includes a larger charitable donation) is also available.
Sugarland made a name for itself as a country act, but the duo of Jennifer
Nettles and Kristian Bush demonstrated their love for all sorts of styles
Friday during its “In Your Hands” concert at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre.
First off the pair didn’t opt for typical established opening acts that are
already well known to country fans. Instead rising country artist Canaan Smith
(whose sound straddles adult contemporary acoustic rock and country) and the
Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart warmed up the crowd. More on the latter, who delivered
a set of bluesy new songs and old favorites, later.
Sugarland casually opened its set
with a stripped down rendition of “Wide Open” with Bush on guitar and Nettles
banging a drum and singing her heart out loudly in front of the curtain that
hid its five-piece band. As the whole band launched into “Stuck Like Glue” the
curtain rose to reveal a simple stage set. The band gathered on one level with
only the drums and keys on risers a couple of feet off the stage. The setup was
indicative of the nature of the show which centered on music and fans not
glitz and props. Nettles in tight red pants and a shiny gold tank and Bush in
a baby blue t-shirt and vest, led the band through a string of hits beginning
with “Settlin’,” “Everyday America,” “It Happens” and “Tonight.” The singer
turned down the twang on the latter although her homespun charm and thick as
molasses accent remained the most country thing on stage all night.
The bulk of Sugarland’s set list referenced the concert tour’s
title, “In Your Hands." Fans were asked to scrawl their favorite tracks on
cardboard or, in one case, a professionally made banner that Nettles compared to
something from “Game of Thrones,” and submit requests by text and online. The
first request? Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” which the group a blast with.
It followed that with “Little
Miss," “Every Girl Like Me," “Already Gone,” and “Run.” Bush
sang Nettles’ duet partner Matt Nathanson’s parts on the latter. His voice didn’t
soar over the band as well as her powerful pipes do, but the harmonies were
nice. Nettles’ voice is a powerful instrument that rises above everything with
ease. She completely captivated the crowd during the ballad “Stay,” a tearjerker-meets-independent woman anthem written from the perspective of “the
other woman.” Women in particular joined her in sisterly salute.
She stopped midway into “Baby Girl” to invite a nine-year-old girl on stage (the second such guest of the night). Nettles was right when she described the scene - with the girl singing as expressively as Nettles - as “cute overload.”
“All I Want To Do” was another hit with the ladies (kudos to the creators of the “Do Not Disturb” sign that Bush wore around his neck during part of the song). The biggest surprise of the night was the band’s own request for “Ice Ice Baby.” “I’m not afraid,” Nettles shrugged before launching into a rapid fire first verse and chorus of the Vanilla Ice hit before veering back into “All I Want’s” “Oohoohooohoooh” refrain. The crowd went crazy. It was yet another moment that illustrated the vast musical pool Sugarland pulls from.
It ended its regular set with the bouncy `80s ska/new wave throwback, “Find the Beat Again” (which sounds very No Doubt) before encoring with a stark rendition of fellow Georgians R.E.M.’s “The One I Love.” In their hands, with only acoustic guitar and chiming mandolin, the song seemed like a letter from a soldier going off to war. The feel good spirit elevated again another peak - “Something More” - before it ended the set with the song that bears its name.
Sugarland’s rocking ways are no surprise considering their history. Both were in alternative folk-rock and bluesy folk-rock outfits that toured the Southeast before joining forces in Sugarland. Charlotteans may remember his Billy Pilgrim or her Jennifer Nettles Band and Soul Miner’s Daughter. Both played here.
I don’t know when Stewart last graced a Charlotte stage. His performance was quite a treat for Eurythmics fans that got to hear different versions of “Here Comes the Rain Again,” “Missionary Man,” and “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This).” Keyboardist Dana Glover (wiping streams of mascara from her cheeks at one point - I'm assuming she had something in her eye) took on Annie Lennox’s big, soulful vocals on those tracks.
Stewart must surround himself with beautiful women with powerful voices because both she and bassist/soul singer Nik West were gorgeous, talented figures on stage. What was more than Stewart’s rendering of Eurythmics’ favorites as well as Tom Petty’s “Don’t Come Around Here No More” (which he wrote), was his original solo material and introductions. He talked about falling in love with Lennox prior to “Magic in the Blues," for instance. Those moments gave the amphitheatre show an intimate feel. I hope he’ll return for a solo headlining gig after the release of “The Ringmaster General” in September.
HRVRD, the Charlotte-based band formerly known as Harvard, announced yesterday that it has signed a deal with Equal Vision Records. The Albany, NY independent label is home to bands like Eisley and Say Anything and is distributed by RED, which also distributes labels like Victory, Fat Wreck Chords, Fat Possum, Razor & Tie, Metal Blade, and other well known indies. That means you should be able to find HRVRD's upcoming album almost anywhere.
The band recently finished up recording the follow-up to 2009's "The Inevitable and I" at Baltimore's Salad Days Studios with producer Brian McTernan. It's the group's second album with McTernan, who is known for his work with bands like Circa Survive and Senses Fail (although I remember him best for his late `90s work with Hot Water Music, the Explosion, Converge, and Cave In).
HRVRD consists of Jesse Clasen, Lee Herrera, Jason Shaw, Tim Cossor, and Garret Leister (those shadowy figures pictured above). Shaw and Herrera founded the group in 2004. For anyone that has followed HRVRD from early on this announcement is a long time coming. Like a handful of young local bands, HRVRD has grown up in the Charlotte scene. In that time it's evolved from a scrappy post-hardcore band into a more experimental and more original group boasting complex and inventive arrangements. Imagine a collaboration between Minus the Bear and Explosions in the Sky with a vocalist as soulful as Adam Levine or Jay Kay from Jamiroquai.
The group has also grown in popularity as its matured drawing a few hundred fans to shows locally, which isn't always an easy feat for a local band.
Equal Vision Records, in partnership with Enjoy the Ride Records, will release HRVRD's new album later this year. HRVRD headlines Neighborhood Theatre May 25. For more information on the band check out http://hrvrdmusic.com/ or http://www.facebook.com/harvardband.
The chart topping Atlanta duo kicks off the summer concert
season with its blend of twangy country, rootsy pop, rock, and even a little
reggae. With Dave Stewart (of the Eurythmics) and Canaan Smith open.
The Soulive drummer leads his latest project - a `70s organ
trio and jazz-funk throwback with guitarist Danny Mayer (On the Spot) and
organist Beau Sasser. Charlotte’s Groove 8, who worked with Evans on its last
album, is readying a new one, “Curious Poses,” for summer release.
Hope for AGoldenSummer
9 p.m. Saturday, April
28, Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St. $5. 704-333-9799.
The Athens trio showcases the sweet sisterly harmonies of
Page and Claire Campbell, which float on dreamy chamber folk arrangements and
stir the soul with raw, gospel-tinged a cappella. Jason Herring & the Mystery
Plan and Melissa Burgher also play.
After over a decade in Nashville the Sumter, SC-native
finally has a number one hit (after writing others for Eli Young Band and Garth
Brooks) and a brand new album, “Hard 2 Love,” that’s brimming with potential
chart toppers.
Steve Earle & the
Dukes
8:30 p.m. Wednesday,
May 2, Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th St. $25/VIP $40.
704-358-9298.
With the Dukes and Duchesses (which includes his wife
Allison Moorer, whose live voice is a beautiful force), the outspoken
country-rock songwriter makes a long awaited return. The Mastersons open.
After opening for Flogging Molly at The Fillmore, Lewis and
his crack band returns for a headlining set that promises more of the fire and
energy the soul-rock throwback has built its reputation on.
Rise Against
7 p.m. Wednesday, May
2, Time Warner Cable Uptown Amphitheatre, 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd. $38-$50. www.livenation.com
The politically active rock band makes post-modern anthems
in the tradition of inspiring, motivational punk. And while its ticket prices
don’t scream punk, the group puts its money where its mouth (and music) is
backing countless causes.
The blues duo tackles life in a crashing economy with all
the brush-yourself-off positivity they can muster with Foley delivering raspy
lines like Annie Potts’ “Pretty in Pink” character leading a rock band.
The second annual Treasure Fest takes place May 18 and 19 at eight venues in the Plaza-Midwood neighborhood. The festival boasts a whopping 60-plus acts. With two-night passes at just $25 each festival organizers and local bands are throwing a benefit concert Friday, April 27, to help offset costs and pay bands.
Charlotte bands One Another, Pullman Strike (which includes festival creator Joshua Robbins), Moenda, Meat Group, and AM/FMs play the Tuckaseegee Road venue tomorrow. Robbins says the eclectic lineup which covers roots rock to garage to experimental, is intended to reflect the wide spectrum of genres that Treasure Fest covers. Tickets for the benefit are $8-$10. 8 p.m.
Treasure Fest's lineup includes the Emotron, My Captain, Red Collar, Naked Gods, 1994!, Appalucia, 2013 Wolves, Old Flings, Alex Kastanas, Blossoms, Chemical Peel, Temperance League, Hungry Girl, Secret Hospital, Towering Pyre, Little Bull Lee, Jr. Astronomers, Sinners and Saints, and many others. The full lineup and ticket and venue information can be found here. Bands play Plaza-Midwood venues that are all within walking distance of each other. These include Twenty-Two, Snug Harbor, Common Market, The Thirty Beaver, Lunchbox Records, Studio 1212, Kickstand, and Thomas St. Tavern.
If you don't want to spring for a two-night ticket, venues will also be charging at the door. Prices range from $5 to $10 per venue per night. Some venues are by donation. Times vary (see schedule here), but music starts at 5 p.m. Friday and 4 p.m. Saturday. So you could spend all evening bouncing back and forth between spots getting a taste of numerous local artists and many national and regional ones as well as experience how varied neighborhood nightlife in P-M can be from the stylish gallery space of Twenty-Two to the Beaver's down home honky-tonk atmosphere.
Saturday morning my family and I will be getting up earlier than usual. It's the third annual Record Store Day, which means tons of exclusive limited edition releases. Here Lunchbox Records will be carrying many, many of these releases. Record Store Day's official website also lists The Record Cellar in Rock Hill, The Birdsnest in Davidson, and Armada Music in Statesville as also participating.
Record stores were a big part of my life at one time. I worked at Charlotte's Record Exchange during the mid to late `90s and I made some of my best friends in Charlotte there.
One of the founders of Record Store Day was my first editor - Carrie Colliton, who at one time edited The Record Exchange's "Music Monitor." She got me my first interviews (Frente, Letters to Cleo, and Kristin Hersh) and let me review acts as obscure as Winston-Salem's Squatweiler, actress Kerri Kenney's ("The State," "Reno 911!") band Cakelike, and one of my all-time favorites Sleater-Kinney (who did eventually get popular). That record store changed my life in a lot of ways.
While we were fighting the big box Media Plays and Best Buys at that time, independent record stores today are simply fighting for survival given the popularity of digital downloading. Luckily vinyl is back, which gives those stores another niche to fill.
It's been exciting to see how many artists have jumped on board in support of Record Store Day in the last three years. Everyone from Jimmy Fallon (who is putting out a "Tebowie" 7" single) to big name artists like Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, and Katy Perry have official RSD vinyl releases.
Many releases feature unusual covers including the Carolina Chocolate Drops doing Run DMC's "You Be Illin'" on Coke bottle green vinyl, the Civil Wars covering Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" (check it out on YouTube), Feist and Mastodon covering each other (Mastodon also does a Flaming Lips song on another release), and Amanda Palmer taking on Nirvana's "Polly" (which was originally released on a "Spin Magazine" compilation) and Radiohead's "Idioteque."
There are lots of live releases from artists like Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, the Grateful Dead, and Taking Back Sunday (to name but a few). "Rockabye Baby" - the series that turns songs by the Pixies, the Beatles, Metallica, and Queens of the Stone Age into baby-friendly instrumental versions - is releasing its Smiths' lullaby album on vinyl. There are several older albums getting the vinyl treatment. The "Pretty In Pink," "The Breakfast Club" and "Empire Records" soundtracks are being reissued on vinyl, which sounds pretty irresistible if you want to fire up some `80s and `90s nostalgia on the turntable.
The list of releases is ridiculously vast. There's an official list here and Lunchbox Records has compiled a comprehensive list of both official and non-official releases that will (cross your fingers) be in stock at least when doors open at 9 a.m. Keep in mind that some of these are very limited though.
Everything at Lunchbox Records, aside from exclusive RSD releases, will be 15 percent off as well.
I'll be on the look out for School of Seven Bells' 7" cover of Siouxsie & the Banshees' "Kiss Them For Me," although it's not on Lunchbox's list. I may have to settle for that download next week.
Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Tito Jackson are back on tour again, reuniting on stage for the first time since 1984's Victory Tour. Four of Michael Jackson's five brothers will play Raleigh's Amphitheater Friday, July 6 and Time Warner Cable Uptown Amphitheatre in Charlotte on Saturday, July 7.
Tickets for the Charlotte concert go on sale Friday, April 27 at 10 a.m. at www.livenation.com, www.ticketmaster.com, select Walmart stores, the Fillmore box office, and by calling 1-800-745-3000.
The Unity Tour begins in Louisville on June 18 and ends in Snoqualmie, Washington July 29. Dates are here. Earlier this week E!'s Marc Malkin reported on the likelihood of a Michael Jackson hologram accompanying the group on tour following the reanimated (hologram) Tupac Shakur's performance at last weekend's Coachella Festival. Jackie Jackson says it probably won't happen this summer, but it's not out of the question down the road. Read Malkin's article here.
Courtney Devores has been writing about music and entertainment in Charlotte for 16 years and has been a regular contributor to The Charlotte Observer since 2003.
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