Happening This Week

Happy Memorial Day!

05/30 Keith Brown @ Barley's
          The Woes, The Honeycutters @ Preservation Pub
05/31 Ami Dang, Palatheda, Daniel Scott @ Pilot Light
          Pete Stein, Sydney Grigg, Roman Reese @ Preservation Pub
06/01 KJO Jazz Lunch: Music of Pat Metheny Group @ Square Room
          I-Vibes @ Preservation Pub
06/02 New Mastersounds, Deep Fried 5 @ Cider House Free Show!
          illicitizen @ Barley's
          Earthquaker, New Power Trio @ Preservation Pub
          Chatham County Line, Ian Thomas @ Relix Theatre
06/03 ZZ Top @ Tennessee Theatre Sold Out!
          Dave Matthews Cover Band @ Cider House
          Hip Hop Gospel Summer Jam @ Square Room
          James Justin & Co. @ Barley's
          Roman Reese & the Cardinal Sins, Matrimony @ Preservation Pub
          Billie Joe Royal, BJ Thomas @ Civic Coliseum
06/04 Those Crosstown Rivals @ Barley's
          Birdlips, Dolphin Mouth, Joseph and His Brothers @ Pilot Light
          Madre, Stephanie's Id, The Fathom @ Preservation Pub
          Fine Peduncle, Hanzelle @ Relix Theatre
          Mic Harrison & the High Score, Kevin Abernathy Band @ the Shed
06/05 Knoxville's Got Talent! Regional Talent Show @ Bijou Theatre
          Jordan Burris @ Barley's

SoundCloud City

D/R/U/G/S - Love Lust (Keep Shelly in Athens remix) by Keep Shelly in Athens

Adele - Rolling in the Deep (DeathStar Remix feat MartyParty & Minnesota) by MartyParty

Alex Metric & Steve Angello Ft. Ian Brown - Open Your Eyes by alexmetric

Donae'o, "Check My Swagga Out (Skream Remix)" by The FADER

James Taylor

Coming from a family of musicians, James Taylor is regarded as perhaps the premier singer/songwriter of any generation. The five time Grammy award winner has been writing and covering timeless songs for over four decades now, and shows no signs of slowing. Born in Massachusetts and raised a few hours away in Carrboro, NC, Taylor started by playing the cello as a child, but later switched to guitar. James' style draws heavily from legends like Woody Guthrie and traditional religious and secular music.

Moving to New York in the 60s, Taylor would not have his first breakout hit until 1973's "Fire and Rain." His first number one hit came with a cover of Carole King's "You've Got A Friend." Taylor's success would not come without struggle and hardship as the singer/songwriter became addicted to heroin during the late 60's and was involved in a motorcycle accident that left both hands and feet broken.

Since Taylor's hey day in the 70s, he has continued to pursue the very thing that makes himself and fans happy- classic, timeless songs that touch on the most basic of human emotions. James Taylor has maintained his popularity through the years and saw a resurgence in the early 00s. Tonite, James Taylor and his Legendary Band bring their unique, classic style to the Civic Auditorium for a very special evening of songs and stories. If you haven't already purchased tickets, they will set you back $85.00. The show starts promptly at 8p so make sure to arrive early! Enjoy!

Happening This Week

05/23 James Taylor @ Civic Auditorium
          Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., Generationals @ Pilot Light
          Dead Ringer @ Barley's
          The Madeline's @ Relix Variety Theatre
          Iggy & the Kesstronics @ Preservation Pub
05/24 Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers @ Tennessee Theatre
          Coolrunnings, Hear Hums, Persona La Ave @ Pilot Light
          Kelsey's Woods, New Vernacular @ Preservation Pub
05/25 Little Feat @ Bijou Theatre
          Us Christmas, Black Skies, Generation of Vipers @ Pilot Light
          Viva de Concini @ Preservation Pub
05/26 Defibulators @ Barley's
          The Cleverly's, King Super & The Excellents @ Square Room
          Dangerous Ponies, Hey Ok Fantastic @ Relix Variety Theatre
          The Fustics, Mac Comer @ Preservation Pub
05/27 Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, Futurebirds, Gary Clark Jr. @ Tennessee Theatre
          Wanda Jackson @ Bijou Theatre
          Polish Ambassador, Kidsmeal, Meatball Madness @ Cider House
          Matt Woods @ Barley's
          Elam Blackman @ Relix Variety Theatre (Early Show)
          Gyan Riley & ShanePerlowin, Senryu @ Relix Variety Theatre
          Dead Language, Oh No No, Lovely Goodby @ Preservation Pub
05/28 The Black Lillies, Tift Merrit @ Bijou Theatre
          Tokyo GoGo w/ DJ Slink @ Valarium
          Skeleton Coast, George Middlebrooks, Dubb Nubb @ Pilot Light
          Doco, The Theorizt, Willie 3rd Street @ Preservation Pub
05/29 The Johnson Swingtet @ Preservation Pub

Friday Flavor: Bonnaroo Late Nite

Ratatat- Falcon Jab


Bootsy Collins- Stretchin' Out


Scissor Sisters- I Don't Feel Like Dancin'


Fine Peduncle- Glen

Another Wild Thursday...

Is it me or is everyone super busy right now? I was expecting things to slow down for these summer months, but instead it seems like everything is picking up. Today is another busy Thursday for you Knoxville Muvers (music + lovers?). For the second consecutive week Market Square hosts another awesome band for our city's Sundown concert series. This week's featured band is none other than Umphrey's McGee. Considered part of the jam circuit for ever evolving setlists, improvisation, and show-recording policy, the Chicago band is actually far more. Taking cues from legends such as the Beatles and Led Zeppelin, along with Prog Rock progenitors King Crimson, Yes, and Zappa, the boys have created their own unique style and sound that has gained quite the following since the bands formation over a decade ago. The band has featured a revolving door of musicians since its inception, but has never lost the passion and musical direction that fans have come to love and expect.

A stone's throw away, at the Valarium, another very special show is taking place. Tonite, Shpongle and the Shponletron experience invades Knoxville under Western Ave. If you don't know about Shpongle already, be prepared for one of the most interesting audio/visual experiences ever. Hailing from the United Kingdom, the band consists of Raja Ram and Simon Posford as well as other musicians and artists. Considered down-tempo, ambient/psychedelic trance, Shpongle takes from all genres of music and art and blends them together create a one of a kind experience.

As always, Knoxville, stay safe and have fun. After Sundown, make sure to catch Kevin Hyfantis doing his best Rod Stewart impersonation. Read more for what to expect...

SoundCloud City: Dexfest 2011 Edition

 

Cat Rats by Skrillex

The World Is Yours by Big Gigantic

Whisker Tits (Rough) by Truly Grimy

Mindwerk (DRM.VS.SPKR RMX) by Ziggurat Records

Happening This Week

05/16 Big Bad Jukebox @ Barley's
          Vegabonds @ Preservation Pub
          Marina Orchestra @ Relix Variety Theatre
05/17 Jonathan Sexton @ Preservation Pub
05/18 Xavier Rudd @ Bijou Theatre
          Chris Thile, Michael Daves @ Square Room
          Pegasi 51, Black Jet Radio @ Preservation Pub
          Eliza Rickman, Roman Reese @ Relix Variety Theatre
          Marina Orchestra, Bandname @ Pilot Light
05/19 Umphrey's McGee, Zach Deputy @ Sundown in the City
          KSO: Rachmaninoff Paganini Rhapsody @ Tennessee Theatre
          Shpongletron Experience, Random Rab, Magma Blood @ Valarium
          David Vandervelde @ Barley's

          Kevin Hyfantis & the Bishops Band 

          as Rod Stewart and the Faces @ Preservation Pub

          Distant, Gentlemen Conspiracy, Stool @ Pilot Light

05/20 Hangout Festival @ Gulf Shores, AL
          KSO: Rachmaninoff Paganini Rhapsody @ Tennessee Theatre
          Jubilee! w/ Dirty Dozen Brass Band @ Bijou Theatre
          Escape the Fate, Aiden, Eyes Set to Kill, Get Scared,
          Vampires Everywhere @ Valarium
          Ian Thomas @ Barley's
          Dinner Concert w/R.B. Morris, Robby Hecht @ Square Room
          Delta Saints, Efren, Blackfoot Gypsies @ Preservation Pub
          Boca Chica, Nik & the Central Plains @ Relix Variety Theatre
          Tatsuya Nakatani @ Pilot Light (Early Show)
          Three Man Band, White Greg @ Pilot Light (Late Show)
05/21 Hangout Festival @ Gulf Shores, AL
          Monty Python's Spamalot @ Tennessee Theatre (2 shows!)
          Tokyo GoGo w/ DJ Slink @ Valarium
          Blair Crimmins & the Hookers @ Barley's
          Bo Steele, Ben Rubino, Hot Shot Freight Train @ Square Room
          Slow Motion Centerfold @ Preservation Pub
          Madre CD Release w/ Enigmatic Foe, Gnarly Whals @ Relix Variety Theatre
05/22 Hangout Festival @ Gulf Shores, AL
          Monty Python's Spamalot @ Tennessee Theatre
          Girls, Guns, and Glory @ Barley's
          Evan Stone, Mary Hines @ Preservation Pub

Friday Flavor

Lana Del Rey- Video Games


My Morning Jacket- Circuital


Battles- Ice Cream


The Malah- Back ft. Dominic Lolli (Live at Dexfest 2010)

So Much To Do, So Little Time

Tonite, Knoxville has all kinds of shows for everyone. First, Georgian guitarist Leo Kottke brings his unique style of finger picking to the Bijou Theatre. Kottke is considered a master of craft and one of the most renowned players in the world. Making it even more impressive is Leo's bout with tendon damage to his right hand and a partial loss of hearing. His mixture of blues, folk, and jazz has garnered him quite a following and since the late 70s he has teamed up with artists as diverse as Jack Nitzsche and Mike Gordon. The show starts at 8p and is gonna set you back $25.00 plus fees.

A couple blocks down, on Market Square, 90s rockers Better Than Ezra are headlining this week's Sundown in the City. Based out of New Orleans, BTE was formed in 1988. After releasing a few demos and an EP on their own label, the Louisianans eventually caught the attention of Elektra Records who signed them and released their debut album Deluxe and the single "Good" which would go on to take the number one spot on Billboard charts. Knoxville Ezralites should be ready for a rowdy show tonite as locals Johnny Astro and the Big Bang are opening up.

Everyone have a good time tonite and make sure to stay safe. Also, after Sundown, one of the best new bands in Knox, Sons of the Southside, are playing at Preservation Pub, so make sure to show the boys some love. On another note, this is my 100th post and I just want to say thanks to everyone for reading! Here's to a hundred more....

Knoxville Summers...

Today marked the end of finals for UT students. That means a large portion of the student population is leaving town. Below are a couple tracks to get everyone in the mood for the months ahead...

SoundCloud City

Erotic Robotics by Polish Ambassador

Hooray For Earth - True Loves (The Hood Internet Remix) by The Hood Internet

GRIMES - HEARTBEATS (LAUREL HALO REMIX) by LAUREL HALO

Metric - Gold Guns Girls (NiT GriT & Stephan Jacobs Remix) by NiT GriT

Happening This Week

05/10 Alter Bridge, Black Stone Cherry, Like a Storm @ Valarium
          Canago @ Preservation Pub
          Milk Drive, Valley Young @ Relix Theatre
05/11 Pujol, Big Bad Oven @ Pilot Light
          We Were the States, My Name is Michael, King Arthur @ Preservation Pub
          Blushin Roulette's, Gwyneth & Monko, Jessica Wilson @ Relix Theatre
05/12 Better Than Ezra, Johnny Astro & the Big Bang @ Sundown in the City
          Leo Kottke @ The Bijou
          Devil Driver, Downslave, Scent of Remains, His Name Was Yesterday
          @ Valarium
          Ulaanbastards, Badger Cannon @ Pilot Light
          Lotus Blake, kRi Hettie, Corey Brumbeck @ Barley's
          Big Deuce, Sons of the Southside @ Preservation Pub
05/13 The Breakfast Club, Dream on Alice @ Valarium
          Down From Up, Dangerous New Machine, Luminoth @ Cider House
          Ed Shrader's Music Beat, Dope Body, Wyld Fukken Stallyns @ Pilot Light
          White Cosby's @ Barley's
          Brockefellers, Taylor Brown & Co. @ Preservation Pub
          Discordian Society @ Downtown Grille
05/14 Paul Thorn Band @ The Bijou
          Tokyo GoGo w/DJ Slink @ Valarium
          Chuck Cleaver, Angela Faye Martin, Tim Lee 2, Wil Wright @ Pilot Light
          Sleepy Eyed Fox @ Barley's
          Stereofidelics, Sirsy @ Preservation Pub
          Jody Manross & Casey Jones, Laith Keilany
05/15 Rotary Club Breakfast Concert w/ Logan Murrel @ The Bijou
          Pillars and Tongues, Double Muslims @ Pilot Light
          Allison Williams @ Barley's

Friday Flavor

Justice- Civilization


Handsome Furs- What About Us


Tom Vek- A Chore


Frank Ocean- Swim Good

Soundcloud City

Damon Albarn, Dan the Automator, Kid Koala - "Untitled" by One Thirty BPM

Everyday (Netsky Remix) by maddecent

Needle feat. Sirreal (Original Mix) by Dirtyloud

Sweet Light by The Chapin Sisters

Happening This Week

05/02 Rumbledore, Joseph Gillenwater @ Pilot Light
          Brown Sugah @ Barley's
          The Weird Andys, Antique Scream @ Preservation Pub
05/03 Open Mic @ Preservation Pub
05/04 Abigail Washburn, Wood Brothers @ Bijou Theatre
          KJO Jazz Lunch: Tribute to Joe Henderson and Wayne Shorter starring
          William Boyd @ Square Room
          Grandma's Dildos, Distant @ Preservation Pub
          The Riot Before, Your Favorite Heroes, High Tide @ Patrick Sullivans
05/05 Wolfgang Gartner @ Valarium Canceled!
          Paleo, Will Fist @ Pilot Light
          Sideshow Tragedy @ Barleys
          Angel Zuniga Martinez & the Lovers @ Preservation Pub
05/06 Ben Solee @ Bijou Theatre
          Bass Church 12 feat: Mindelixir, Somni Suite, Fast Nasty, Spooky Jones, and
          Stereotonin @ Valarium
          First Friday feat. DJ Nyce One, DJ PrymeTyme @ Cider House
          Vaygues, Faux Ferocious @ Pilot Light
          Space Capone @ Barley's
          Classic Albums Night @ Preservation Pub
          Brian Flake, Wild Mountain Nation, Bill Miller @ Patrick Sullivans
05/07 Tokyo GoGo w/ DJ Slink @ Valarium
          Jennifer Nicely, The Altered Statesmen @ Pilot Light
          Oh No Fiasco, Skytown Riot, Sugarglyder @ Square Room
          Cutthroat Shamrock @ Barley's
          Madre, Vanity Theft, Kovacs & the Polar Bear @ Preservation Pub
05/08 KSO Chamber Orchestra: Baroque Masters @ Bijou Theatre
          Moss Xiques @ Barley's

Osama Bin Laden Confirmed Dead

Another chapter of American history has come to end, however the book continues to be written. Yesterday, American forces killed Osama Bin Laden in a firefight in Pakistan. Former president George W. Bush's statement sums it up best:

...American forces killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of the al Qaeda network that attacked America on September 11, 2001. I congratulated him (President Obama) and the men and women of our military and intelligence communities who devoted their lives to this mission. They have our everlasting gratitude. This momentous achievement marks a victory for America, for people who seek peace around the world, and for all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001. The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done. -W.