Going on this Week
Tonight one of the original industrial metal bands – Powerman 5000 – is at Southport Hall. Also tonight, Khris Royal (the extraordinary local saxophone player) and his band Dark Matter are the Free Friday show at Tipitina’s check out their track “Funkin In Denial” below. If you’re downtown Friday Corey Henry and The Treme Funktet are at Blue Nile while the Pinettes Brass Band play over at Bullet’s Sports Bar. Tomorrow night Mothership – a very cool hard rock trio from Dallas—invades Tipitina’s while the Soul Rebels take a late turn at d.b.a. Sunday, local pop rock ensemble The Breton Sound are at Gasa Gasa while the Hot 8 Brass Band play their usual show at the Howlin’ Wolf – I still maintain that the Hot 8 are the best in terms of their blend of tradition and innovation. Monday, experimental techno producer Container is at Gasa Gasa – his deep beats will sound outstanding in this space. Also Monday, local eccentric and pop diva Valerie Sassyfras will be at the Live Oak Cafe. Tuesday you can catch the Treme Brass Band at d.b.a. while the Scatterjazz series at the SideBar continues with Charles Pagano, Cyrus Nabipoor and Will Thompson. Wednesday you can catch the Iguanas standing gig at The Circle Bar early with the Mikayla Braun Trio following and of course The Tin Men and Wolfman Washington are continue their Wednesday routine at d.b.a. Thursday, local rapper Kevin Gates kicks off Essence at the Saenger. You can also catch the Jason Marsalis Trio for two sets at Snug Harbor.
Stay tuned next week for all of my Essence set recommendations and after-party ideas.
Bonnaroo in Review
There is something refreshing about setting setting foot back on The Farm for another year of Bonnaroo. Born out of the New Orleans founded Superfly production studio and named for one of Dr. John’s seminar records – the festival has changes much since its origins but the sense of camaraderie among attendees and the positive vibes they share persist from year to year. Despite The Farm’s location in Manchester, Tennessee, the hallmarks of the New Orleans music scene are all over the place from the Soul Rebels’ set to the replica of Snake n’ Jakes Christas Bar (dubbed the Christmas Barn).
From a practical perspective a lot went right at The Farm this year. The lineup was well balanced with a good blend of legacy, emerging and electronic acts. On top of that, the festival benefited from the best weather I’ve ever personally experienced out there – for the first three days the high temperatures hovered around what in other years were the expected lows. It was cool without being cold at night and perfect during the day. When conditions are just right, you can watch a festival really come to life as folks can focus solely on the business of enjoyment. All of this was accented by three headlining sets from Phish, which I always consider to be a great festival core – not because I am a huge fan – but because the Phish faithful always represent a steadily generous element among the larger festival population. This year we took the time to check in on a few established artists while looking out for exciting new voices.
It seems like Bonnaroo has found the perfect formula to bring folks out to The Farm for great music and memorable experiences. Each year I look forward to what surprises it has in store for us. Of course, no matter how carefully you plan your time there is always something that will draw you off course into the realm of pure experience. Clearly the spirit of Dr. John is alive and well out in Manchester. Check out the our gallery review below.
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To Listen This Week
- King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard share the new track “Organ Farmer” via Youtube
- Check out Lucy Dacus’ new anti-patriotism track “Forever Half Mast” via Youtube
- Check out two great new tracks from Julien Baker via CoS
