Barenaked LadiesWe've reached the height of the summer concert season. This week we highlight some big shows in some big venues. Read on for this week’s top picks on 5 Live Music Musts.
Barenaked Ladies at Newport Yachting Center
Tonight, Barenaked Ladies appear in Newport at the Newport Yachting Center. The Canadian band, who once asked about having a million dollars, has sold over 15 million albums. They've recently released a new one, Grinning Streak. Local fav Bob Kendall, who promises to be a fully dressed man, opens at 6PM on the Point Stage. Tickets start at $29.50.
NRBQ at The Met
Also tonight, old favorites NRBQ will be playing at the Met. The New Rhythm and Blues Quartet, founded in 1967, has just released a rockin’ new album, Brass Tacks, which features an updated version of their classic sound. They've always been a great party band - If you've never seen the Q, get out there tonight. Tickets are $20 for the 8:30 show.
Tomorrow night, Mohegan Sun has the first of two shows by Queen (the second show is July 25). Queen is simply one of the greatest rock bands ever, so don't miss this rare opportunity to see them. It's the original band, with American Idol star Adam Lambert rising to role of the late great Freddie Mercury. Tickets are $79.50 and $99.50 and the show starts at 8PM.
Jimmy Buffett at XFinity Center
We suspect they’ll be some tailgating tomorrow night at the XFinity Center in Mansfield where we welcome the annual visit from Jimmy Buffett and his Coral Reefer Band. The singer recently released a new studio album, Songs From St. Somewhere, which includes a duet with Toby Keith. There are still a few tickets available for the 8PM show starting at $49.50. Rock on Parrot-Heads!
La Traviata at the Columbus Theatre
Finally, we switch up musical genres and recommend you head to the Columbus Theatre to experience Opera Providence presenting Verdi’s La Traviata. Performances are scheduled for Friday July 18 at 8PM and Sunday July 20 at 3PM. It's among the most famous and most recognized operas and tickets are $35 and $60.
Boston Calling Music Festival is a three-day, two-stage festival featuring some of the biggest and best acts in live music. The event will be one big party with easy access to both stages, food, services and more. All ages are welcome and children under 10 are free.
Presented by the Wormtown Trading Company, the Strange Creek Campout features live music, on-site camping, disc golf, yoga, a holistic village, and the Strangers Helping Strangers Food Drive.
For a free music festival in Central Massachusetts, check out Leominster’s Starburst, hosted by the Leominster Cultural Council. Everyone in your family will enjoy this day of music and fun, topped off with a firework show in the evening.
Now entering its seventh year, the mission of Paulie's New Orleans Jazz & Blues Festival is to provide quality New Orleans & Louisiana jazz, blues, country, funk & zydeco music & food within an urban setting.
The New Bedford Folk Festival brings together over 70 renowned and emerging folk performers and 90 juried arts and crafts vendors in New Bedford's authentic historic district during the first weekend in July.
The Green River Festival is a premier Pioneer Valley Music event that takes place every July. The event attracts national talent, the great local food and fine crafts, and even hot air balloons.
The North Atlantic Blues Festival is an annual two-day blues music festival featuring national blues performers and considered one of the most prestigious on the East Coast.
One of the largest free folk festivals in the country, the Lowell Folk Festival attracts thousands of people over three days. The event features traditional music, food, crafts and good vibes.
The Pine Leaf Boys – Cajun
Bud Hundenski & the Corsairs – Polka
James Kelly, Donna Long, & Sean Keane – Irish
Kevin Doyle – Irish Step Dance
Marquise Knox – Blues
Seichi Tanaka & the San Francisco Taiko Dojo – Taiko Dojo Drums
Nikki D & the Browns – Sacred Steel Gospel
Sonny Burgess & the Legendary Pacers – Rockabilly
Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers – Bluegrass
Samba Mapangala & Orchestre Virunga – East African Rumba
E.U. – Go Go
Hassan Hakmoun – Moroccan Gnawa
Seizmos Band – Greek
Thomas Maupin, Daniel Rothwell, & Overall Creek with Kory Posey – Appalchian Buck
Gathering of the Vibes is an annual music, arts and camping festival now in its 19th year. Vibes has grown into a four-day festival that has featured such world-class talent as Crosby, Stills and Nash; all original members of the Grateful Dead; the Allman Brothers Band; Jane's Addiction; James Brown; the Black Crowes; Buddy Guy; Elvis Costello; George Clinton and P-Funk; Bruce Hornsby; Les Claypool; and many, many more big names, while continuing to showcase extraordinarily talented, young, up-and-coming bands to the 20 thousand people who attend each year.
Folk music has been a presence in Newport since 1959, when the Newport Folk Festival was founded by George Wein. Backed by board members Pete Seeger, Theodore Bikel, Oscar Brand, and Albert Grossman, the Festival became renowned for introducing a number of performers who went on to become major stars, most notably Joan Baez (who appeared as an unannounced guest of Bob Gibson in 1959), and Bob Dylan, whose first Newport appearance, as a guest of Joan Baez in 1963, is generally regarded as his premiere national performance.
Established in 1954, the Newport Jazz Festival begins its 60th year this August, one week after its sister event, the Newport Folk Festival, takes place. The first event was originally billed as "First Annual American Jazz Festival" and featured many notable jazz musicians, including Billie Holiday.
Lineup Features:
Bobby McFerrin
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
The Peacham Acoustic Music Festival is also a blend of the old and the new - roots music from the Celtic traditions, old time fiddle tunes, and a touch of blues and bluegrass - not to mention The Dance. Smoke and alcohol free.
Entering it's 18th year, the Boogie and Blues Festival features award-winning blues artists, food vendors, craft vendors, a climbing wall, and many fun activities for children --including Saturday night fireworks.
The 17th Annual Rythym&Roots Festival features award-winning roots music artists on the Main Stage and at two big tented dance floors, plus intimate one-of-a-kind workshops and kids activities.