This month we have a fantastic lineup of women that, when taken together, represent the best moments and impulses of contemporary music. They all have excellent new albums out and are touring at the top of their game.
Things get underway with Lizzo at the Fillmore on the 7th and 8th. This multitalented performer released her wonderful debut record, “Cuz I Love You,” in January to critical acclaim and commercial success. This album and tour represent the culmination of several years of work for Lizzo, who has found a remarkable balance between her sincerity and humor, and managed to situate it within a melange of genre styles that work holistically. As a live performer, she has a natural feel for and rapport with her audience. Her music is fearless and supremely confident.
On Friday the 13th, we are faced with a difficult choice as Jenny Lewis and Tash Sultana both perform that night. Lewis, who is at The Civic, is touring on her fourth studio record “On the Line.” This album features some of Lewis’ best songwriting and features contributions from an All Star group of guests including Beck, Ringo Starr, Don Was and Benmont Tench, among others. I’ve been a great fan of Lewis’ live performances for a while now. They are career-spanning affairs that somehow remain perfectly seamless.
If you are looking for something a bit more psychedelic that night, Tash Sultana is at the Orpheum. Sultana is an Australian multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter. I’ve had the good fortune of seeing this show a couple of times. The performance consists of Sultana constricting each of these intricate songs loop by loop, and instrument by instrument. It is an absolutely mesmerizing thing to experience in person. Sultana’s sound is an airy, low-fi psychedelic rock that rolls over the listener. This is going to sound great in the Orpheum.
Finally, you’ll want to end the month by catching at least one of Kacey Musgraves’ two shows at the Fillmore (27th and 28th.) When her first record was released in 2013, there was a general feeling that Musgraves was going to be a massive success. As a songwriter and singer she is in very exclusive company. Her latest record, “Golden Hour,” took home four Grammys including album of the year. Her performances are emotional explorations of her music in the style of Stevie Nicks or Florence Welch. This is a show that will make you feel, above all else.
These women represent some of the best music you can see on the scene right now and they’re all dropping in to see us. Amazingly, there is a ton of other legendary stuff going on this month as well. I’ll see you out there.
MUST-SEE MUSIC
September 1
George Clinton funks up The Fillmore.
September 3
King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard rock The Joy.
September 7
‘Lil Wayne Fest moves Lakefront Arena.
September 12
Boogarins rocks One Eyed Jacks.
September 15
Lord Huron rocks The Orpheum.
September 17
Whitney brings indie folk to Tipitina’s.
September 18
Sinkane moves Gasa Gasa.
September 24
Deep Purple rocks The Saenger.
September 26
Die Antwoord moves The Fillmore.
September 27
Kishi Bashi pops into Republic.
September 28
Hiss Golden Messenger rocks Tipitina’s.
Dates are subject to change; email Mike@MyNewOrleans.com or contact him through Twitter @Minima.
