5 Live Music Musts - January 2, 2015
Ken Abrams, GoLocalProv Music Critic
5 Live Music Musts - January 2, 2015
Happy New Year! The first “5 Live” column of 2015 features some leading local artists at some popular local venues. Read all about it in “5 Live Music Musts.”
Girls, Guns, & Glory at Narrows Center
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTAcclaimed Boston Roots/Country band Girls, Guns & Glory have a special show tomorrow night at the Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River. It’s their annual Tribute to Hank Williams show and this year includes guest Amy Black. They’re the real deal - the band was recently picked by Rolling Stone as one of “10 artists you need to know.” You can get to know them Saturday at 8PM. Tickets only $20 in advance, $23 at the door.
Rock at Dusk
Also tomorrow night, rock out at Dusk with four bands that span the spectrum of Rock and Roll. Dusk is a popular spot for local artists located at 301 Harris Ave. in Providence. Saturday, you can catch the Little Compton Band, Morris and the East Coast, Western Star, and Plastic Horse. Music begins at 9PM, tickets are $5 at the door.
Rock at The Parlour
The former Penalty Box in Providence has turned into a hipster hangout known as The Parlour. Tomorrow night, you can see four local bands - The Reflexes, Young Pandas, Swanpoint, and Bros. The Parlour is located on the edge of the East Side of Providence, 1119 North Main St. Tickets are $5 – music begins at 8PM.
Mallett Brothers at the Met
Shake off those New Year's cobwebs tonight at the Met with country rockers the Mallett Brothers Band leading the bill. The Brothers are a popular Portland, Maine based act, known for the high energy shows and their authentic Americana sound. Local artists Cactus Attack and Viking Jesus open at 9PM – tickets are $10.
Bob Kendall Residency at Salvation Cafe
Next Thursday January 8, Newport rocker Bob Kendall begins a month long residency at the Salvation Café in the City by the Sea. Each week, Kendall welcomes top notch area musicians along with a unique art installation. This week, Kendall presents his electronic Stanatron experience along with Kraig Jordan. Multi-dimensional artist Luke Randall will also be featured and Long Trees, a new band from Rafael Attias and Dan Wright, opens. The series is part of the 1 of 52 Hunger Network and food donations are encouraged. Doors at 7PM, show begins at 8PM, tickets are $10.
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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)
