5 Live Music Musts - January 23, 2015
Ken Abrams, GoLocalProv Music Critic
5 Live Music Musts - January 23, 2015
Fleetwood Mac at The Dunk
There’s another major show coming to the Dunk next week when legendary 70’s hero’s Fleetwood Mac arrive on Wednesday January 28. If the September Boston show is any indication, Mac fans won’t want to miss this one. Of course, the tour highlight has been the return of Christine McVie, who has been away since 1998. Be assured, the rest of the band is also in great form. Some tickets remain starting at $55 – click here for details. Show begins at 8PM.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTChoro Bastardo at Sandywoods
World music fans should head to Sandywoods tonight for a show from Brazilian folk band Choro Bastardo. Choro is traditional Brazilian instrumental music that dates from the beginning of the 20th century. The Choro based band is influenced by Baroque, early Jazz and Contemporary Classical sounds. Tickets are $15 – children under 12 free. Concert starts at 7:30PM.
Fiddlers and Fishermen
Common Fence Music in Portsmouth has their annual Fiddlers and Fishermen show tomorrow night with well known local musician John Fuzak serving as Master of Ceremonies. The show brings together fiddlers, fishermen and various others for a traditional Irish jam session. Food and drink available - the event is a lot of fun and regularly sells out – tickets are $15 and the music starts at 6:30.
Copacetics at Firehouse 13
Firehouse 13 in Providence is the scene of great local shows. Saturday night, it’s a record release show with Providence Ska/Reagae band The Copacetics. Even better, the band’s self-titled debut album will be free for all who attend. It’s a full bill with openers Riki Rocksteady, The Pomps, Out of System Transfer & Heavy Manners Sound System. Tickets are $10. Doors at 8PM.
Songwriting Challenge at Ciara Restaurant
A unique local competition is coming to the Ciara Restaurant & Lounge in Johnston next Thursday January 29. Vangeli Entertainment and Sully’s Café present a multi-week competition featuring four original songwriters singing three songs each week. This is a great chance to discover some up and coming talent. Songwriters scheduled to perform next Thursday are Anthony Contillo, Dave Alves, Steve Ryu and Christian Dunham. There’s no cover charge and the music begins around 9PM.
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)
