5 Live Music Musts - January 16, 2015
Ken Abrams, GoLocalProv Music Critic
5 Live Music Musts - January 16, 2015
We’re kicking it up a notch this week on “5 Live” as we present a serving of some blistering Blues along with a spoonful or two of Rock and Roll. Read all about it in "5 Live Music Musts."
Motown at Twin River
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTStop! In the name of Motown ... for a classic show tonight at the Twin River Events Center starring Mary Wilson of the Supremes and The Four Tops. Both acts were a major part of the Motown revolution in the 1960's and continue to influence young artists today. The fun begins at 8PM tonight at Twin River. Tickets range from $42 - $85.
Winter Blues Fest at The Narrows Center
We’re halfway to our favorite time of the year … the summer festival season. This weekend, a rare winter festival is upon us in Fall River where the Narrows Center presents its Winter Blues Festival. Saturday’s show is already sold out, but tonight you can catch Dana Fuchs, Delta Generators, Selwyn Birchwood and Neal McCarthy. Tomorrow’s line-up includes Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds, Young Neal and the Vipers, Mark Small, Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish, and Mike Zito and The Wheel. Music begins at 6PM tonight and 5PM tomorrow. Tickets are $45 in advance, $50 day of show.
John Cafferty and Beaver Brown
Many remember the 80’s as a decade sorely lacking in genuine rock and roll. Not here in the Ocean State, where many fondly recall those "Wild Summer Nights" with Beaver Brown tearing up the joint wherever they performed. Tomorrow night, catch the band, who’s songs were featured in the cult favorite Eddie and the Cruisers, at the Ocean State Theatre, 1245 Jefferson Blvd. in Warwick. Show is at 8PM, tickets start at $27.00.
Pearl and the Beard at The Met
Also tomorrow night, check out popular folk infused trio, Pearl and the Beard at The Met. The quirky band from NYC has gained a major following with their “distinct voices amidst a powerfully delicate orchestra of cello, guitars, keyboard, bells, and percussion, offering songs that speak to joy and sorrow, love and loss.” Two local bands poised to break out on the scene open - The Sugar Honey Iced Tea and Haunt the House go on stage at 9PM. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door.
Reverend Horton Heat at Fete
Reverend Horton Heat promises to … well ... bring the heat when they arrive at Fete in Providence next Wednesday. The punkabilly band, formed in the mid-80s in Dallas, brings a high energy show whenever they play. Special guests Rosie Flores and Dale Watson, major artists in their own right, open the evening. Tickets start at $20, music starts at 7:30PM. Look for a review of the show next week on GoLocal.
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Top 5 Winter Concerts
Fleetwood Mac at the Dunk
Fleetwood Mac, one of the original super groups of the 70s, returns to the area with a show at the Dunkin Donuts Center on January 28. The band totally killed it at two sellout shows this fall in Boston and we expect the same from the legendary group when they play the Dunk. Of course, the highlight for many fans will be the return of Christine McVie, who had been on hiatus since 1997. Check our review of the Boston show here for a little of what you can expect. Meanwhile, don’t stop thinking about this show.
Indigo Girls at PPAC
The Indigo Girls were in the forefront of the folk-rock revival in the 1980s. They’ve continued to develop artistically with fresh harmonies and ever relevant lyrics. With over 14 million albums sold, they’re the only duo to have Billboard Top 40 titles in the 80’s, 90’s, 00’s and 10’s. We’re looking forward to seeing how their usually stripped down sound plays when they are joined by the RI Philharmonic Orchestra at the Providence Performing Arts Center. The show is Friday the 13th of February, but we guarantee good fortune!
Nick Lowe at The Narrows
The absolute coolest holiday show around comes to the Narrows Center on Wednesday December 17 as Nick Lowe brings his “Quality Holiday Review” to Fall River. Along for the ride and backing Lowe will be Los Straitjackets, known for their Mexican wrestling masks and jammin’ guitar chops. Lowe is a well known producer and songwriter having penned hits like “Cruel to be Kind” and “What’s So Funny ‘bout Peace, Love, and Understanding.” Don’t miss this show next week at the Narrows Center.
George Clinton at Lupo's
The spectacle that is George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic is our funkiest pick for the Winter concert season. Clinton has been touring with a diverse group of musicians since the late 60s. He’s a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (the largest band ever inducted) and is coming to Lupo's on Friday February 20. They're even bringing along a new release – First You Gotta Shake the Gate. Good times are guaranteed for this one.
Mardi Gras Ball at Rhodes
Laissez les bon temps rouler! Boogie down to Rhodes on the Pawtuxet on February 28 for the 23rd Annual Cajun and Mardi Gras Ball. The biggest party of the season is always a sell out and this year should be no different with headliners Beau Soleil with Michael Doucet and Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys. Can’t wait another six months till Rhythm and Roots? Then don’t miss the Mardi Gras Ball.
Honorable Mention I
Did we mention that it’s a really busy winter concert season? The Dunkin Donuts Center has a rock show with Linkin Park, Rise Against, and Of Mice and Men on January 24. Another legend, Mr. Neil Diamond, will shake up the Dunk on March 10. Mother Falcon returns to the Columbus Theatre on January 11 and Uncle Tupelo co-founder Jay Farrar is there on February 8. And catch rocker George Thorogood at Cranston's Park Theatre on March 8.
(Pictured: Neil Diamond)
Honorable Mention II
Acclaimed Indie artist St. Vincent, who’s 2014 album made numerous “Best Of the Year” lists is coming to Lupos on Sunday March 7th. Dianna Krall is at PPAC on March 4, on her “Wallflower” tour where she will re-interpret classic rock tunes. Other highlights include legendary party rockers NRBQ, who arrive at the Narrows Center for a pre-New Years Eve show on Tuesday December 30. The Narrows Center also has a Winter Blues Festival over MLK weekend with artists including Selwyn Birchwood, Yound Neil and the Vipers and Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds.
(Pictured: St. Vincent)
Coffeehouse Highlights
Common Fence Music in Portsmouth has its popular "Gathering of Fiddlers and Fishermen" on January 24 hosted by John Fuzek. You can also find folk-rocker Patty Larkin there on February 7. Stone Soup in Pawtucket has Marc Douglas Berardo with Tracie Potochnik and Steve Allain on February 7 and Roots performers Atwater-Donnelly visit on March 7. And Sandywoods has a Celtic holiday concert with Matt and Shannon Heaton on December 20.
(Pictured: Patty Larkin)
