Lowell Folk Festival -- at various sites in Lowell from Friday-Sunday, July 27-29. The annual roots music treasure, this year starring neo-honky-tonker James Hand and many others. Check Lowellfolkfestival.org for details.
Mr. Butch tribute -- at Harpers Ferry on Friday, July 27. Renowned Kenmore Square/ Allston character Mr. Butch just passed away and will be remembered by the Ramoniacs, Unnatural Axe, Barrence Whitfield & the Savages, and more.
James Montgomery -- on a concert cruise leaving from Long Wharf at 8 p.m. on Friday, July 27. Bluesman Montgomery will be rocking, preceded by Charlie Farren of Farrenheit fame.
The Police -- at Fenway Park on Saturday and Sunday, July 28-29. I'm tempted to say, "Beg, borrow or steal a ticket to this," but if you're a Police fan, you're probably already going. If you're on the fence, please note that a limited number of extra tickets have been made available this week.
Andrea Gillis -- at the Plough & Stars on Sautrday, July 28. For pure, rock/R&B energy, no one does it better than the Boston-based Andrea. She can wail.
Sugar Ray & the Blue Tones -- at the Sea Note in Hull on Saturday, July 28. With hot weather on tap, it's time to hit the beach. Hang around and catch the Blue Notes at the Sea Note. Should be a great party.
311, Matisyahu, and the English Beat -- at the Tweeter Center on Sunday, July 29. A great triple bill with a reggae-rock tinge, along with ska-rock in the form of the English Beat.
Moody Blues -- at the Bank of America on Monday, July 30. Hey, they're still good after all these years. No joke.
Dave Matthews Band -- at the Tweeter Center on Wednesday, Aug. 1. Dave is a summer fixture and he almost never disappoints. And the talented Xavier Rudd opens up.
STEVE MORSE
Thursday, July 26, 2007
The Beehive is Boston’s coolest club in eons. You may have read some hype about it – the Boston Globe has written a couple of major pieces – but the praise is justified, as long as you don’t go when the crowd is bulging out of the room. In other words, go during the early week if you can. If you can only go on weekends, there’s an upstairs part of the Beehive which is a decent holding pen, but the downstairs is where you want to be.
The Beehive is located in the first floor and the basement of the Boston Center for the Arts on Tremont St. The basement is where the action is, but it doesn’t feel like a basement, since there are high ceilings and even some windows amid an uptown décor that feels like an industrial loft in Manhattan. Plus, there are two rooms – one a large restaurant/bar area, the other a cozy nook with live music every night, much of it provided by acts that also play Bob the Chef’s up the street. (Bob’s owner Darryl Settles, one of the nicest guys in town, is a co-owner of the Beehive.) There are tables and chairs in the music room, but I’ve seen a lot of dancing there, as well, especially from some rowdy, office-party folks who certainly won’t be getting to work early the next day.
I went one Friday night and it was the hottest singles action I’ve seen since the opening of Saint. The owners are targeting an over-30 crowd, which is easier said than done in the eternally collegiate Boston, but the mix is impressive. And people seemed friendly, which isn’t always the case at Saint.
Otherwise, I’ve been early in the week – a Monday or Tuesday, especially late, around midnight when the action has tapered off a bit, but not the spirit. The cool, modernistic art work on the walls and the curtains dividing the two rooms and flanking the stage, lend an urban elegance. And the music has been sensational. I caught the Afro-Cuban All-Stars one night, and recently I saw the Elan Trottman Quintet. Elan is a music teacher in the Boston public schools who also is the music director of Bronson Arroyo’s band – Bronson being the former Red Sox pitcher who skillfully performs hard-rock, grunge-era cover songs, though Elan on his own is more jazz and R&B flavored.
Elan has a Friday residency at Bob the Chef’s, where he tends to play chill-out jazz, but at the Beehive, he stepped it up with exciting, all-instrumental covers of such tunes as James Brown’s “I Feel Good,’’ the Motown classic “My Girl,’’ Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl’’ (which had the dance floor swinging) and the Police’s “Every Breath You Take.’’ It was a dynamic performance and Elan even stood on a chair in the middle of the floor, blowing some sax riffs over the dancers like a primal rite of summer. The crowd ate it up. And his band was phenomenal as well, including guest trombonist Derrick White, whose solos were sublime.
And this was just on a Monday night! Elan isn’t at the Beehive that often, but when he is, check him out. And just get down there anyway. Every night of music has been a good one in my experience. The people-watching is obviously a nice bonus, but this place is building a vital musical reputation that is a joy to see.
The Beehive is located in the first floor and the basement of the Boston Center for the Arts on Tremont St. The basement is where the action is, but it doesn’t feel like a basement, since there are high ceilings and even some windows amid an uptown décor that feels like an industrial loft in Manhattan. Plus, there are two rooms – one a large restaurant/bar area, the other a cozy nook with live music every night, much of it provided by acts that also play Bob the Chef’s up the street. (Bob’s owner Darryl Settles, one of the nicest guys in town, is a co-owner of the Beehive.) There are tables and chairs in the music room, but I’ve seen a lot of dancing there, as well, especially from some rowdy, office-party folks who certainly won’t be getting to work early the next day.
I went one Friday night and it was the hottest singles action I’ve seen since the opening of Saint. The owners are targeting an over-30 crowd, which is easier said than done in the eternally collegiate Boston, but the mix is impressive. And people seemed friendly, which isn’t always the case at Saint.
Otherwise, I’ve been early in the week – a Monday or Tuesday, especially late, around midnight when the action has tapered off a bit, but not the spirit. The cool, modernistic art work on the walls and the curtains dividing the two rooms and flanking the stage, lend an urban elegance. And the music has been sensational. I caught the Afro-Cuban All-Stars one night, and recently I saw the Elan Trottman Quintet. Elan is a music teacher in the Boston public schools who also is the music director of Bronson Arroyo’s band – Bronson being the former Red Sox pitcher who skillfully performs hard-rock, grunge-era cover songs, though Elan on his own is more jazz and R&B flavored.
Elan has a Friday residency at Bob the Chef’s, where he tends to play chill-out jazz, but at the Beehive, he stepped it up with exciting, all-instrumental covers of such tunes as James Brown’s “I Feel Good,’’ the Motown classic “My Girl,’’ Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl’’ (which had the dance floor swinging) and the Police’s “Every Breath You Take.’’ It was a dynamic performance and Elan even stood on a chair in the middle of the floor, blowing some sax riffs over the dancers like a primal rite of summer. The crowd ate it up. And his band was phenomenal as well, including guest trombonist Derrick White, whose solos were sublime.
And this was just on a Monday night! Elan isn’t at the Beehive that often, but when he is, check him out. And just get down there anyway. Every night of music has been a good one in my experience. The people-watching is obviously a nice bonus, but this place is building a vital musical reputation that is a joy to see.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Crit tips
Critic's Tips:
Detroit Cobras -- at T.T. the Bear's on Friday, July 20. All-out energy from one of the finest garage-rock bands on the planet.
Shaun & Suzy's 14th annual Bastille Day A-Go-Go at the Lizard Lounge on Saturday, July 21. Bastille Day was last week, but Shaun & Suzy revive it at their annual, hard-to-beat party.
Goo Goo Dolls and Lifehouse -- at the Tweeter Center on Sunday, July 22. A smart rock 'n' roll double bill with the Goos and the comeback-in-the-making Lifehouse.
Richie Furay Band -- at the Paradise Rock Club on Sunday, July 22. Anyone remember Buffalo Springfield? They had Neil Young and Stephen Stills, but also Furay, who hasn't been heard from in years, so this should be a fascinating night. And Chris Hillman (Byrds) opens up.
White Stripes -- at Agganis Arena on Monday, July 23. Jack and Meg White bring their color-coordinated, but wildly explosive, sound into this BU arena. Their new album kicks butt.
Chris Cornell -- at the Bank of America Pavilion on Tuesday, July 24. Cornell has fronted Soundgarden and Audioslave -- and brings the best of both acts to his solo tour. He played Avalon not long ago and was terrific.
Swell Season -- at the Brattle Theatre on Wednesday, July 25. The indie film "Once'' has been a pleasant surprise. It stars Glen Hansard (of the Frames), who anchors Swell Season.
The Cat Empire -- at the WBOS Copley Square series on Thursday, July 26. Bring your dancing shoes to this twilight, 5:30 p.m. free concert in the square with these Australian revelers.
STEVE MORSE
Detroit Cobras -- at T.T. the Bear's on Friday, July 20. All-out energy from one of the finest garage-rock bands on the planet.
Shaun & Suzy's 14th annual Bastille Day A-Go-Go at the Lizard Lounge on Saturday, July 21. Bastille Day was last week, but Shaun & Suzy revive it at their annual, hard-to-beat party.
Goo Goo Dolls and Lifehouse -- at the Tweeter Center on Sunday, July 22. A smart rock 'n' roll double bill with the Goos and the comeback-in-the-making Lifehouse.
Richie Furay Band -- at the Paradise Rock Club on Sunday, July 22. Anyone remember Buffalo Springfield? They had Neil Young and Stephen Stills, but also Furay, who hasn't been heard from in years, so this should be a fascinating night. And Chris Hillman (Byrds) opens up.
White Stripes -- at Agganis Arena on Monday, July 23. Jack and Meg White bring their color-coordinated, but wildly explosive, sound into this BU arena. Their new album kicks butt.
Chris Cornell -- at the Bank of America Pavilion on Tuesday, July 24. Cornell has fronted Soundgarden and Audioslave -- and brings the best of both acts to his solo tour. He played Avalon not long ago and was terrific.
Swell Season -- at the Brattle Theatre on Wednesday, July 25. The indie film "Once'' has been a pleasant surprise. It stars Glen Hansard (of the Frames), who anchors Swell Season.
The Cat Empire -- at the WBOS Copley Square series on Thursday, July 26. Bring your dancing shoes to this twilight, 5:30 p.m. free concert in the square with these Australian revelers.
STEVE MORSE
Friday, July 13, 2007
Critic's Tips
Carbon Leaf -- at Lowell National Historical Park on Friday, July 13. The Virginia band plays rootsy, summer-breeze rock that should be ideal in this outdoor setting.
Nickelback -- at the Tweeter Center on Friday, July 13. Nickelback has been a hit machine second to none in recent years. And Bay State band Staind opens up, along with Daughtry.
Kashmir -- on a Rock On Concert Cruise Friday, July 13. The excellent Led Zeppelin tribute act (admit it, you might have a weakness for them) sets sail from Rowes Wharf at 8 p.m.
Buffalo Tom -- at the Paradise Rock Club on Saturday, July 14. Many folks are surprised that Buffalo Tom finally released another album. They'll celebrate it with this hometown gig.
Trisha Yearwood -- at the South Shore Music Circus on Saturday, July 14. The fine country singer, who also happens to be Mrs. Garth Brooks, remains a standout stage act.
Alternative Country Extravaganza -- at Harpers Ferry on Saturday, July 14. That's what they're calling this benefit for Horizons for Homeless Children, featuring Lucky 57, the Molenes, Dave Smamarco Band, and more.
Bellevue Cadillac -- at the Sea Note in Hull on Saturday, July 14. Known as the Johnny D's of the South Shore, the oceanside Sea Note is a hot spot on summer weekends. And Bellevue Cadillac's blues-swing will only enhance the vibe.
STEVE MORSE
Nickelback -- at the Tweeter Center on Friday, July 13. Nickelback has been a hit machine second to none in recent years. And Bay State band Staind opens up, along with Daughtry.
Kashmir -- on a Rock On Concert Cruise Friday, July 13. The excellent Led Zeppelin tribute act (admit it, you might have a weakness for them) sets sail from Rowes Wharf at 8 p.m.
Buffalo Tom -- at the Paradise Rock Club on Saturday, July 14. Many folks are surprised that Buffalo Tom finally released another album. They'll celebrate it with this hometown gig.
Trisha Yearwood -- at the South Shore Music Circus on Saturday, July 14. The fine country singer, who also happens to be Mrs. Garth Brooks, remains a standout stage act.
Alternative Country Extravaganza -- at Harpers Ferry on Saturday, July 14. That's what they're calling this benefit for Horizons for Homeless Children, featuring Lucky 57, the Molenes, Dave Smamarco Band, and more.
Bellevue Cadillac -- at the Sea Note in Hull on Saturday, July 14. Known as the Johnny D's of the South Shore, the oceanside Sea Note is a hot spot on summer weekends. And Bellevue Cadillac's blues-swing will only enhance the vibe.
STEVE MORSE
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Ratdog resurgence
Who knew that Bob Weir & Ratdog would blow the roof off the Bank of America Pavilion this summer? I've sat through some cerebral Ratdog shows, and some not-so-cerebral ones. This was simply the best one that I've seen -- hitting a party groove most of the way.
Former Grateful Dead co-singer Weir has had numerous ups and downs with Ratdog, which was once his side project but is now his main focus. He seems to have finally just tossed caution to the wind and is enjoying himself (critics be darned) and that buzz swept through a nearly sold-out crowd that boogied in the aisles like the days of yore.
Weir continued to mine the Dead catalog -- starting with "Feel Like a Stranger'' and moving through the Jerry Garcia-identified "Black Peter,'' "Loose Lucy,'' and encoring with the transcendent "Brokedown Palace.'' His voice hit soulful peaks on all of them -- and he also took a heavy plunge into Bob Dylan's catalog, touching upon the graceful "She Belongs to Me,'' the challenging "Silvio'' (which began with a tease of the Dead's "Bertha'' and later went into a crowd-pleasing "Tequila'') and protest song "Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall,'' though it was a rare lowlight because he sang it too softly, without the needed edge.
But Weir generally stayed on a crowd-pleasing plane, encouraging the dancers with two covers that the Dead also popularized: the New Orleans classic "Iko, Iko'' and Buddy Holly's "Not Fade Away,'' given a Bo Diddley beat. And his cover of "The Mighty Quinn'' was boosted by with harmony vocals from ever-improving opening act Keller Williams. Another highlight was hearing psychedelic-jazzer Steve Kimock on guitar (who has replaced Mark Karan for the tour because the latter is ill).
A further treat: Weir & Ratdog will return to play a tribute to Jack Kerouac's "On the Road'' at Lowell's Boarding House Park on Aug. 12. It will also feature the Dead's longtime aide de camp, Dennis McNally (who is now Ratdog's tour manager) reading from Kerouac's text. For tickets and information, go to Lowellsummermusic.org.
Former Grateful Dead co-singer Weir has had numerous ups and downs with Ratdog, which was once his side project but is now his main focus. He seems to have finally just tossed caution to the wind and is enjoying himself (critics be darned) and that buzz swept through a nearly sold-out crowd that boogied in the aisles like the days of yore.
Weir continued to mine the Dead catalog -- starting with "Feel Like a Stranger'' and moving through the Jerry Garcia-identified "Black Peter,'' "Loose Lucy,'' and encoring with the transcendent "Brokedown Palace.'' His voice hit soulful peaks on all of them -- and he also took a heavy plunge into Bob Dylan's catalog, touching upon the graceful "She Belongs to Me,'' the challenging "Silvio'' (which began with a tease of the Dead's "Bertha'' and later went into a crowd-pleasing "Tequila'') and protest song "Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall,'' though it was a rare lowlight because he sang it too softly, without the needed edge.
But Weir generally stayed on a crowd-pleasing plane, encouraging the dancers with two covers that the Dead also popularized: the New Orleans classic "Iko, Iko'' and Buddy Holly's "Not Fade Away,'' given a Bo Diddley beat. And his cover of "The Mighty Quinn'' was boosted by with harmony vocals from ever-improving opening act Keller Williams. Another highlight was hearing psychedelic-jazzer Steve Kimock on guitar (who has replaced Mark Karan for the tour because the latter is ill).
A further treat: Weir & Ratdog will return to play a tribute to Jack Kerouac's "On the Road'' at Lowell's Boarding House Park on Aug. 12. It will also feature the Dead's longtime aide de camp, Dennis McNally (who is now Ratdog's tour manager) reading from Kerouac's text. For tickets and information, go to Lowellsummermusic.org.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Careening about: Rush, Wilco, Providence
Talk about a great week. This could be my early peak of the summer. I'm thrilled to see my piece on Buddy Holly in the Boston Globe travel section today. I spent four days last month tracing Buddy's roots in his hometown of Lubbock, Tx. and the Norman Petty Studio in Clovis, N.M. where he laid down his greatest hits with the Crickets. A trip of a lifetime for me. No one is a bigger Holly fan than yours truly. To think he died at age 22 is incredible. Hope you can check the story out.
Because I work part-time for WBOS (I've enjoyed every Thursday show I've done with afternoon jock John Laurenti), I still have ample time to pursue my passion for travel stories. This past Tuesday, I also went to Martha's Vineyard to interview Carly Simon for a series that the Globe has done on notable people showing us around their favorite places near their home. Carly was her chatty, convivial self, leading me and a photographer to such sites as a pancake restaurant in Vineyard Haven, a shipyard (where they built a boat for her ex, James Taylor), an art gallery, and a wild 'n' crazy, eclectic store called Midnight Farm (she's an investor in it, but what the hey; it's a deserving place). That piece should run in a couple of Sundays.
As for the concert beat, I hit the Rush show at the Tweeter Center on Wednesday. I was kidded about it by 'BOS program director David Ginsburg (who apparently wouldn't be caught dead at a Rush gig), but darned if Rush didn't give an excellent performance, at least to my warhorse-tarnished ears. Rush remains a definitive power trio with singer Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson, and drummer Neil Peart, whose drum solos rank among the few in rock where you don't rush for a bathroom break. The 13,000-plus crowd (yes, about 75 percent guys on a boys-night-out bender) went delirious on the deep catlalog tunes (even esoteric stuff from the "Hemispheres'' album) and the light show was nothing short of Pink Floyd-like, including lasers, smokebombs, and triple Jumbotrons screens with enough crazy animation to induce flashbacks whether you were on psychedelics or not. Sure, it was a time warp, but a fun one.
On Thursday, I enjoyed a rootsy change-of-pace with Wilco at the Bank of America Pavilion. Some acts are having trouble packing seats this summer, but not Wilco. The sold-out audience was rabid from the get-go and I can't emphasize enough how much better Wilco is in concert rather than in the studio. Too many of their latter-day records have suffered from artsy pretension and simply too much Mensa Society fussiness. But live, these guys are at the absolute pinnacle of the biz right now. Singer Jeff Tweedy, another former miscreant who is now sober, has a renewed focus that easily made this one of the best shows of the year. He and gifted guitarist Nels Cline (who plays with a gutsy muscularity missing from some of cerebral studio work) drove the band all night and hit a head-rattling crescendo on "Handshake Drugs,'' which was the finest song on their live album from a couple of years ago and fulfilled the same role here. I can't wait to see this band again, but spare me the talk about how great their records are. They're most believable when on stage, pure and simple.
On Friday, I was back in the travel trenches, heading to Providence for a story on that city's nightlife for another upcoming Globe piece. I was blown away by how much Providence has changed in recent years. I used to go there a lot in the heyday of the Providence Civic Center (now Dunkin' Donuts Center), but there are far fewer shows there now (the Tweeter Center has grabbed many of them), so I didn't realize how much the nightlife scene has exploded. New dance clubs, live music venues, and the great AS 220 (a non-profit arts center with a music room, playhouse and outdoor cafe) have been added to the always-solid infrastructure of Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel. Get down there sometime. Just don't speed on Rt. 95. I got pinched by a robo-cop State Trooper for a speeding ticket (a $150 fine) and that stung. But, all in all, an exhilarating week.
Because I work part-time for WBOS (I've enjoyed every Thursday show I've done with afternoon jock John Laurenti), I still have ample time to pursue my passion for travel stories. This past Tuesday, I also went to Martha's Vineyard to interview Carly Simon for a series that the Globe has done on notable people showing us around their favorite places near their home. Carly was her chatty, convivial self, leading me and a photographer to such sites as a pancake restaurant in Vineyard Haven, a shipyard (where they built a boat for her ex, James Taylor), an art gallery, and a wild 'n' crazy, eclectic store called Midnight Farm (she's an investor in it, but what the hey; it's a deserving place). That piece should run in a couple of Sundays.
As for the concert beat, I hit the Rush show at the Tweeter Center on Wednesday. I was kidded about it by 'BOS program director David Ginsburg (who apparently wouldn't be caught dead at a Rush gig), but darned if Rush didn't give an excellent performance, at least to my warhorse-tarnished ears. Rush remains a definitive power trio with singer Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson, and drummer Neil Peart, whose drum solos rank among the few in rock where you don't rush for a bathroom break. The 13,000-plus crowd (yes, about 75 percent guys on a boys-night-out bender) went delirious on the deep catlalog tunes (even esoteric stuff from the "Hemispheres'' album) and the light show was nothing short of Pink Floyd-like, including lasers, smokebombs, and triple Jumbotrons screens with enough crazy animation to induce flashbacks whether you were on psychedelics or not. Sure, it was a time warp, but a fun one.
On Thursday, I enjoyed a rootsy change-of-pace with Wilco at the Bank of America Pavilion. Some acts are having trouble packing seats this summer, but not Wilco. The sold-out audience was rabid from the get-go and I can't emphasize enough how much better Wilco is in concert rather than in the studio. Too many of their latter-day records have suffered from artsy pretension and simply too much Mensa Society fussiness. But live, these guys are at the absolute pinnacle of the biz right now. Singer Jeff Tweedy, another former miscreant who is now sober, has a renewed focus that easily made this one of the best shows of the year. He and gifted guitarist Nels Cline (who plays with a gutsy muscularity missing from some of cerebral studio work) drove the band all night and hit a head-rattling crescendo on "Handshake Drugs,'' which was the finest song on their live album from a couple of years ago and fulfilled the same role here. I can't wait to see this band again, but spare me the talk about how great their records are. They're most believable when on stage, pure and simple.
On Friday, I was back in the travel trenches, heading to Providence for a story on that city's nightlife for another upcoming Globe piece. I was blown away by how much Providence has changed in recent years. I used to go there a lot in the heyday of the Providence Civic Center (now Dunkin' Donuts Center), but there are far fewer shows there now (the Tweeter Center has grabbed many of them), so I didn't realize how much the nightlife scene has exploded. New dance clubs, live music venues, and the great AS 220 (a non-profit arts center with a music room, playhouse and outdoor cafe) have been added to the always-solid infrastructure of Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel. Get down there sometime. Just don't speed on Rt. 95. I got pinched by a robo-cop State Trooper for a speeding ticket (a $150 fine) and that stung. But, all in all, an exhilarating week.
Critic's tips
For those of you who need to get out and enjoy this full moon/post-full moon week, then I hope these tips help. And happy 4th of July to all.
BOB AND RAE ANN DONLIN TRIBUTE -- at Club Passim through Tuesday, July 3. This married couple ran Passim for a couple of decades and Bob received some notoriety by being mentioned in Jack Kerouac's "On the Road.'' This tribute to them (both are now deceased but proceeds will go to a scholarship in their name) features enduring Passim friends such as Scott Alarik and Geoff Bartley (playing this Sunday); Bill Morrissey and David Buskin (on Monday); and Chris Smither, Vance Bilbert, and Mason Daring & Jeannie Stahl on Tuesday.
MITTENS, DEAD TREES -- at the Middle East Upstairs on Tuesday, July 3. The Mittens are among Boston's best pop bands, while the Dead Trees (formerly Furvis) have a rootsy, rowdy streak that can fire up the snooziest Scrooge.
JAMES HUNTER and ROBERT CRAY -- at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom on Thursday, July 5 (and the South Shore Music Circus on Sunday, July 8). Hunter and his rockabilly/swing/blues splashed on the scene bigtime last year, while Cray remains the Crown Prince of the Blues no matter what anyone says. A connoisseur's bill.
STREET DOGS -- at Axis on Thursday, July 5. If you like the Dropkick Murphys, you'll like the Street Dogs. They are musically aligned with the Dropkicks (their singer used to be in the band before opting for a fire-fighter job in the city of Boston!) and they can stir it up.
WBOS SHOWCASE ON THE WATER -- on the Rock and Blues Concert Cruise on Friday, July 6. A smash double bill of garage-rock kings the Gentlemen (if you haven't seen them, you need to get out more often) and the dynamic Eli "Paperboy'' Reed, a retro soul man who has been tearing it up in the clubs. The cruise leaves from Long Wharf. Should be a great party.
ANGELINE -- at the Lizard Lounge on Friday, July 6. This female-fronted group -- and we're talking a couple of powerhouse singers -- has been coming on strong lately. Asa Brebner produced their recent album and it's filled with great, rock-edged songs.
ARETHA FRANKLIN -- at the South Shore Music Circus on Saturday, July 7. Speaking of soul, the Queen of Soul is back. She is sometimes a pot-luck act these days -- she can cut her sets short -- but when she's on, she's still the unchallenged Queen.
STEVE MORSE
BOB AND RAE ANN DONLIN TRIBUTE -- at Club Passim through Tuesday, July 3. This married couple ran Passim for a couple of decades and Bob received some notoriety by being mentioned in Jack Kerouac's "On the Road.'' This tribute to them (both are now deceased but proceeds will go to a scholarship in their name) features enduring Passim friends such as Scott Alarik and Geoff Bartley (playing this Sunday); Bill Morrissey and David Buskin (on Monday); and Chris Smither, Vance Bilbert, and Mason Daring & Jeannie Stahl on Tuesday.
MITTENS, DEAD TREES -- at the Middle East Upstairs on Tuesday, July 3. The Mittens are among Boston's best pop bands, while the Dead Trees (formerly Furvis) have a rootsy, rowdy streak that can fire up the snooziest Scrooge.
JAMES HUNTER and ROBERT CRAY -- at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom on Thursday, July 5 (and the South Shore Music Circus on Sunday, July 8). Hunter and his rockabilly/swing/blues splashed on the scene bigtime last year, while Cray remains the Crown Prince of the Blues no matter what anyone says. A connoisseur's bill.
STREET DOGS -- at Axis on Thursday, July 5. If you like the Dropkick Murphys, you'll like the Street Dogs. They are musically aligned with the Dropkicks (their singer used to be in the band before opting for a fire-fighter job in the city of Boston!) and they can stir it up.
WBOS SHOWCASE ON THE WATER -- on the Rock and Blues Concert Cruise on Friday, July 6. A smash double bill of garage-rock kings the Gentlemen (if you haven't seen them, you need to get out more often) and the dynamic Eli "Paperboy'' Reed, a retro soul man who has been tearing it up in the clubs. The cruise leaves from Long Wharf. Should be a great party.
ANGELINE -- at the Lizard Lounge on Friday, July 6. This female-fronted group -- and we're talking a couple of powerhouse singers -- has been coming on strong lately. Asa Brebner produced their recent album and it's filled with great, rock-edged songs.
ARETHA FRANKLIN -- at the South Shore Music Circus on Saturday, July 7. Speaking of soul, the Queen of Soul is back. She is sometimes a pot-luck act these days -- she can cut her sets short -- but when she's on, she's still the unchallenged Queen.
STEVE MORSE
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