5 Live Music Musts - March 6, 2015
Ken Abrams, GoLocalProv Music Critic
5 Live Music Musts - March 6, 2015
Rumor has it that it’s safe to go outside. We promise the snow has left us for now. So why not catch one of the shows that we’ve selected as among the five best this weekend and beyond…
St. Vincent at Lupos
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTSunday at Lupo's, Indie sensation St. Vincent will be appearing. St. Vincent is singer-songwriter Annie Clark, and she just won a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Act. Blending about 5 different genres, St. Vincent has become an icon, with a sound that is truly unique. Tickets are $30 GA, and $35 reserved for the 8PM show. Jenny Hval opens.
Sasquatch and the Sick-a-Billy’s at Fatt Squirrel
Tonight, it’s a Rock, Rock, Rockabilly show at the Fatt Squirrel in Providence with local legends Sasquatch and the Sick-a-Billy’s. Joining the band will be NYC’s Little Leslie and the Bloodshots. The Sick-a-Billy’s promise “songs about sin, love, murder, tornadoes and drinking until you wake up under a random barstool.” They’ll be some serious ass-kickin’ at a RI landmark; the Squirrel is located in the old Century Lounge in downtown PVD. Music starts around 9PM. Tickets are $10 at the door.
Allman, Neville, Pitchell at Chans
Also tonight, a super-group of sorts will be at Chan’s. Michael Allman (son of Gregg), Charles Neville (of the Neville Brothers), and Jeff Pitchell will be coming together for a rare show. Rock and Blues fans won’t want to miss this one. Two shows are scheduled, 8PM and 10PM at Chan’s – ticket information here.
George Thorogood at Park Theatre
There’ll be song serious rock and roll Sunday night at the Park Theatre in Cranston when George Thorogood and the Destroyers pull into town. We interviewed the legend a couple weeks ago – click here for our preview. As always, its non-stop touring for George and the boys, who have played over 8,000 live shows. A few tickets remain starting at $35, show is at 7:30.
Neil Diamond at the Dunk
Next week, Pop/Rock legend Neil Diamond visits the Dunkin Donuts Center. With 37 Top 40 singles, and 16 Top 10 albums to his credit, we know Neil will be bringing down the house next Tuesday March 10. The Grammy award and Golden Globe winning artist promises all the classics along with songs from his latest studio album Melody Road. Good seats still available starting at $76 – Show starts at 8PM.
Got ideas for "5 Live?" E-Mail Ken Abrams here.
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)
