5 Live Music Musts - September 25, 2015
Ken Abrams, GoLocalProv Music Critic
5 Live Music Musts - September 25, 2015
This week on “5 Live” we’ve got a couple of guitar greats and a jazz singer who can be labeled as a local legend. Sprinkle in a little modern folk and you’ve got the best in local music this weekend.
Kansas at Lupo’s Tonight
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTIf you rocked out to “Carry on Wayward Son” and mellowed down to “Dust in the Wind” in the 70’s, you’re already familiar with Kansas. They are one of the top selling rock groups of all time and recently celebrated their 40th anniversary as a band. With most original members intact, they visit Lupo’s in Providence tonight. Show is at 8PM – tickets start at $40.
John Hammond at Courthouse Center - SHOW POSTPONED
NOTE - This show has been postponed - Check the web site for details. John Hammond is a blues guitarist of the highest order. He’s been touring since the early 1960’s and has received frequent recognition including a Grammy Award in 1985. Expect to hear originals and classics on his National Resonator guitar at the Courthouse Center for the Arts in West Kingston tomorrow night. Tickets are $35 and should be available at the door. Music starts at 8PM.
Tommy Emmanuel at The Vets Sunday
Speaking of guitar heroes, Tommy Emmanuel is one of the world’s greatest, excelling in a number of styles on both acoustic and electric guitar. The Grammy nominated Australian native performs over 300 shows a year and brings his solo show to The Vets (Veterans Memorial Auditorium) in Providence on Sunday September 27. His live show, full of his good natured humor and fingerstyle expertise, is highly recommended. Good seats are still available starting at $29.50 – music starts at 7PM.
Ballroom Thieves at Fete Saturday
A bunch of “new roots” artists will be tearing up the lounge at Fete Saturday night. Ballroom Thieves, a Boston based folk rock group who played Newport Folk and Boston Calling also recently released their first album A Wolf in the Doorway tops the bill. Opening acts include area favorites Ian Fitzgerald, Haunt the House and Consuelo’s Revenge. Doors open at 7PM – tickets are only $10.
Carol Sloane at The Marriot Sunday
Jazz great and RI native Carol Sloane returns to the Marriot in Providence Sunday for a special afternoon show. Sloane sang at the Newport Jazz Festival for the first time in 1961 and has since become a well known performer, appearing on the Tonight Show numerous times. She’ll be joined by pianist Mike Renzi with Marshall Wood on bass. Tickets are available here for $25.00 in advance, $30 at the door. Show begins at 4:30.
Got suggestions 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)
