5 Live Music Musts - October 23, 2015
Ken Abrams, GoLocalProv Music Critic
5 Live Music Musts - October 23, 2015
"5 Live Music Musts" is our weekly column of the best in live music for the GoLocal area. This week has a blues-rock feel to it – check out our top picks below.
Tonight, its down and dirty blues as the Narrows Center welcomes The Nighthawks and Bob Margolin for a special Muddy Waters Tribute. Margolin played guitar in Muddy Waters’ band from 1973-80 and appeared alongside the legendary bluesman in The Band’s film “The Last Waltz.” He brings his own award winning band to the Narrows Center at 8PM tonight. Tickets are $25 at the door.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTJane Lee Hooker at Dusk Tonight
Jane Lee Hooker is an all-girl group from NYC described as “not a traditional blues group.” The band plays blues inspired rock and roll nice and loud, the way it was meant to be. That should more than fit the bill tonight at Dusk in Providence. The Worried and Greg Allen’s Fringe Religion open the rock show– music starts at 9PM. Details here.
Sugar Ray and Bluetones at Blackstone River Theatre Saturday
The Blackstone River Theatre in Cumberland has RI blues great Sugar Ray and the Bluetones tomorrow night. Grammy nominated Ray Nocera, who has played with Roomful of Blues, Ronnie Earl and J. Geils, leads a band with top notch performers including “Monster” Mike Welch on guitar, drummer Neil Gouvin, bassist Michael "Mudcat" Ward and pianist Anthony Geraci. They’ll bring their #1 Blues album Living Tear to Tear to the Theatre Saturday night at 8PM – tickets are $15.
Crystal Bowersox at Courthouse Center Sunday
Crystal Bowersox is perhaps best known as runner up on American Idol in 2010 . She has since become a recognized star and has been described as “bluesy and soulful,” with “a keen, finely honed pop instinct all her own.” Fans should head to the Courthouse Center for the Arts in Kingston Sunday at 7PM. Details here. And for more on Bowersox, read our interview with her from November 2014 here.
Dan Moretti and the Hammond Boys at Sandywoods
Dan Moretti is an internationally known jazz sax player who recently toured with Nile Rogers and Daft Punk. Tonight, he brings his band The Hammond Boys, Dave Limina (keyboards) Marty Richards (drums) and Steve DeConti (guitar), to Sandywoods in Tiverton for what will be a top night of Soul, Jazz and Blues. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
Have ideas for “5 Live?” E-Mail Ken Abrams here.
Top Fall Concerts
The Zombies
British invasion rockers The Zombies are best known for hits "She's Not There" and "Tell Her No." In 1968, they recorded a critically acclaimed album Odessey and Oracle which including the hit "Time of the Season." A special show in Cranston has them scheduled to play the complete album and more at the Park Theatre on October 10th. Ticket information here.
Chicago
Chicago ranks high among the all time great bands. According to Billboard magazine, they were the top charting band in the 1970s, and have sold over 100 million albums since forming in the late 60's. They'll bring their timeless harmonies and powerful horns to PPAC on October 16th. Ticket info here.
Badfinger
Badfinger was a beloved power pop band famous for tunes like "Baby Blue," and "Day After Day." The band saw its heyday in the early 70's, but the untimely deaths of two members led to the demise of the group. Led by founding guitarist Joey Molland, the present incarnation the band is heading to the Stadium Theater in Woonsocket on October 9th. Ticket information here.
Mavis and Joan
The "Solid Soul Tour" brings Mavis Staples and Joan Osborne to the Vets in Providence on November 8th. The one two punch with Staples, formerly of the legendary gospel act The Staples Sisters, along with modern R&B/Folk star Osborne, will make for a great night of music. Ticket information here.
Lupo's Turns 40
The oldest continuous rock club in Providence is celebrating 40 years over the Columbus Day Weekend. The multi night event which will be held at Lupo’s sister club, The Met, features RI music royalty with Duke Robillard, The Schemers, Rizz, Ken Lyon, James Montgomery, Neutral Nation and a rumored final appearance ever of the legendary Young Adults. Click here for tickets and more information. (Pictured: Rudy Cheeks of the Young Adults)
Coffeehouse Scene
A number of small concert venues in the area have some big acts coming this Fall. The Courthouse Center for the Arts, South County’s leading performance center, has legendary bluesman John Hammond Saturday September 26th. Ticket info here. We'll also be checking out shows at Common Fence Music in Portsmouth and Stone Soup in Pawtucket all year long.
Indie Scene at Columbus
Things really heat up this time of year at the Columbus Theatre in Providence. Top indie bands like Mother Falcon, David Wax Museum and Shannon and the Clams (pictured) are due this Fall. Also, don't miss Revival 2015 on November 7th, an annual event with some of the best area artists. Check the web site for all the details.
Roots Scene
The Dave Rawlings Machine featuring Gillian Welch leads the roots-rock line up this season appearing at Lupos on November 14th. Originally from North Smithfield, RI, Rawlings is an in-demand performer playing with artists like Welch, John Paul Jones, Old Crow Medicine Show and Ryan Adams. Roots fans will not want to miss this one. Click here for ticket information.
Jazz at Chan's
Chan's in Woonsocket is the area's premiere jazz and blues club. As always, the line up this Fall will not disappoint. Highlights include Greg Abate (pictured) on October 3rd, James Montgomery Blues Band on October 9th, and Daryl Sherman Octiober 17th. Click here for more details.
RI Philharmonic
The Rhode Island Philharmonic has a great season planned. The series kicks off on September 26th with Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto #1. On October 17th, they present Beethoven's 6th Symphony (Pastorale) and on November 14th, don't miss a modern classical program featuring selections from West Side Story. The Philharmonic is always a remarkable experience - ticket information here. (Pictured: Music Director Larry Rachleff)
