Happening This Week

11/29 Keith Brown and the NuJazz Fourtet @ Barley's Taproom
          Ian Thomas, John Francis @ Preservation Pub
11/30 Gnarly Whals @ Preservation Pub
          J Mo, Bitch Please, The Dream Team, Matth3w J3ts0n @ 90 Proof
12/01 Kevin Hyfantis & Friends @ Preservation Pub
          Allstar Weekend: Scene Asthetic, Stephen Jerzak, Action Item @ The Bijou
          Sound Off Round 3 @ Square Room
12/02 Megan Jean Band, Kristen Cothron @ Preservation Pub
          John Cowan @ Square Room
12/03 Ford Theatre Reunion, Ian Thomas @ Preservation Pub
          Cold War Kids, Cave Singers @ The Bijou
          Stool, So To Speak, K Villians @ 90 Proof
          WUTK Exam Jam: Ga-Na-Si-Ta, Coolrunnings, The Young, Teams, Fine
          Peduncle, Axis of Evil @ The Valarium
12/04 Us Christmas, Generation of Vipers @ Pilot Light
          Midnite Voyage Live @ The Cider House
12/05 The Brockerfellers, Suite C @ Preservation Pub
          Dave Barnes & Drew Holcomb @ The Bijou

Happening This Week

11/22 Donovan Frankenreiter w/Ximena Sarinana @ The Bijou
          Ian Thomas @ Preservation Pub
11/23 NeedtoBreathe w/ The Daylights @ The Tennessee Theatre
          Grandpa's Stash @ Preservation Pub
11/24 Taylor Brown, Gabrahm Vitek, E.S. Guthrie @ Preservation Pub
11/25 Danksgiving with EOTO and Fast Nasty @ Southbound
          Cruz Contreras & Friends @ Preservation Pub
11/26 The Dead Ringers @ Preservation Pub
11/27 WUTK presents The Midnite Voyage Live @ The Valarium
          Paranoid Android, Vinyl Ipod @ Preservation Pub
          Webb Wilder @ Barley's Taproom
11/28 Mannheim Steamroller @ The Civic Auditorium

Perpetual Groove w/ Arpetrio Tonite

Tonite at the Valarium, Perpetual Groove brings their unique brand of jam band to Knoxville. Opening for the Athens, Ga natives will be local livetronica trio, Arpetrio. The show starts at 10p.

"The genre-spanning band Perpetual Groove has had a “record” year in 2010. With the release of two new studio projects, Heal, a full length record, and Honey Cuts, an EP and a slew of sell out performances, the band has been reinvigorated with the addition of new keyboardist, John Hruby. Hailing from Athens, GA, this legendary band has once again reinvented their sound. A line-up adjustment and a change in scenery have given way to a beautiful, timeless set of recordings that signifies the rebirth of a band that’s carved out their own unique sound by performing nearly 1000 live shows in their brief career." -From P-Groove's Website

New Girl Talk Album

Last week AC announced that Girl Talk will be playing the Valarium on January 24. Earlier this week, Girl Talk released his latest, massive mash-up album All Day. You can download it for free here. What do you think? Is Greg Gillis evolving as a mash-up musician? Is it more of the same? Are mash-ups old news? Can anyone do it? Are you going to the show? Is the show worth $25 + fees?

Sub Swara @ 90 Proof Tonite

Sub Swara is playing at 90 Proof (upstairs of Southbound) down in the Old City tonite. Opening for the Brooklyn dubsteppers will be Spooky Jones and This Is Art.

"Sub Swara creates, constructs, produces and plays genre-bending bass music that parallels the diversity of their home town of Brooklyn, NY.  Consisting of Dhruva Ganesan and Dave Sharma, Sub Swara’s musical genome brings together a wide assortment of DNA – from dub to hip-hop, dancehall to punk rock, and all the global sounds in between.  Meticulously crafted for both dancefloor intensity and cerebral curiosity, Sub Swara’s music and live sets bridge the gaps that divide, uniting all tribes.  Sub Swara combines electronic production, live instrumentation, and 3000% of recommended energy levels to bring to life an inclusive, human experience that creates an inviting space for anyone and everyone." -from Sub Swara's website

You can check out their new digital album, Triggers, here. Below is a small sample...

Signal Path @ 90 Proof Tonite

"Signal Path bends musical genres and deep melodic ideas around a core of unrelenting rhythm and massive low-end. They create a depth and intricacy of sound that become more commanding every time it’s heard, and by blending live instrumentation into their production they create a live experience that is as beautiful as it is intense. Born in the unlikely mountain enclave of Missoula, MT, Signal Path has released six full-length albums to date." -taken from Signal Path's Website where you can download some of their newest album for free.

Opening for Signal Path tonite will be BlueTech and Dialectic Sines.

Future Islands @ Pilot Light Tonite

Future Islands are playing at the Pilot Light tonite. Just coming off their European tour earlier this year, it will be good to see the boys again. Based out of Baltimore, the Wham City members released their latest full length album back in May. On their stop tonite, Future Islands will be playing with Lonnie Walker, with whom they also released a split 7".

Happening This Week

11/15 Eleanor Dubinsky @ Relix Theatre
          Ian Thomas @ Preservation Pub
          Die Job @ Pilot Light
          Pete Weiss and the Weisstronauts @ Barley's Taproom
11/16 John Butler Trio, The Beautiful Girls @ The Valarium
          Punch Brothers feat. Chris Thile @ The Bijou
         Future Islands, Lonnie Walker @ Pilot Light
         King Super and the Excellents @ Preservation Pub
         Signal Path, Bluetech, Dialectic Sines @ 90 Proof
         Robert DeMaine and Andrew Armstrong @ Clayton Center for the Arts
11/17 Reverend Horton Heat & The Shack Shakers, Split Lip Rayfield @ Valarium
          Liturgy, Kunniggulus @ Pilot Light
          Discordian Society @ Preservation Pub
11/18 Shortwave Society, Stephaniesid @ Pilot Light
          Sub Swara, Spooky Jones, This is Art @ 90 Proof
          Blair Crimmins & the Hookers @ Preservation Pub
         The City Champs @ Barley's Taproom
11/19 Perpetual Groove, Arpetrio @ The Valarium
          Evans Blue, Taddy Porter, Rains @ The Cider House
          SK 3 @ 90 Proof
          Jessie Payne, Only Living Boy, Marvin and the Cloud @ Preservation Pub
         The Drunk Uncles @ Barley's Taproom
11/20 Margaret Cho @ The Bijou
          Faux Ferocious, Non Commissioned Officers @ Pilot Light
          Mike McGill @ Preservation Pub
          Jamie Cook & the Blue South, New Vernaculars @ Barley's Taproom
          Samantha Crain & the Midnight Shivers, Aly Tadros @ The Square Room
11/21 JC Haun @ Barley's Taproom

Big Boi @ Knoxville Coliseum

I know its only a couple hours before showtime, but Big Boi, a.k.a. Sir Lucious Leftfoot a.k.a. Sgt. Slaughter, is playing the Knoxville Coliseum this evening. The show starts at 8 and indie rockers Vonnegutt will be opening.

Big Boi recently released his first solo album, Sir Lucious Leftfoot: The Son of Chico Dusty, to much critical and commercial acclaim. Big Boi recently performed at Moogfest in Asheville to a packed house. Hopefully tonite will be much of the same: old school Outkast classics mixed with Big Boi's new material. The show is for UT's homecoming taking place this weekend and is sponsored by the Black Cultural Committee. Enjoy the show.

The Features @ Valarium Tonite

Tennessee indie heroes, The Features, are playing a benefit show tonite at The Valarium. Tickets are $10 and are only available at the doors so make sure you get there early. The show is sponsored by WUTK and will be helping pay for local musician Brock Henderson's recent medical bills. Along with the Features will be the Brockefellers, Ian Thomas, and J.C. and the Dirty Smokers.

The Features have been around for a while now, but are just recently getting the recognition that they deserve. Their first album, the self-titled six song EP, was released in 1997. Since then they have released 3 EP's and 2 Lp's. In 2001, they recorded and released Contrast EP. All of the touring and buzz surrounding the band led to a record deal with Universal. However, after refusing to cover the Beatles' "Love" for a credit card commercial, the label dropped the features. Recently, Matt Pelham (guitar, vocals), Roger Dabbs (bass), Mark Bond (keyboards), and Rollum Haas (drums, percussion), were signed to the Kings of Leon's imprint label and released their latest album to date, Some Kind of Salvation.

New Deal and Toubab Krewe @ The Valarium Tonite

The New Deal is a "livetronica" trio from Toronto. Consisting of members Darren Shearer (drums), bass guitarist Dan Kurtz (also of Dragonette), and Jamie Shields (keyboards), the trio has been around since an impromptu jam in 1998. Playing at festivals such as Bonnaroo and Langerado, headlining over 400 shows in the last 4 years, and opening for legends such as Herbie Hancock, the New Deal blends drum n bass, house, and other brands of electronica for a sound uniquely their own. You can sample past live shows at their audio archive here.

Toubab Krewe has been blending American and African influences to create their own sound since 2005. The Asheville natives have toured the world, including shows at Bonnaroo and the Festival of the Desert in Essakane, Mali, bringing their unique sound to the masses. Members Teal Brown (drums), Drew Heller (electric guitar and soku), Justin Perkins (kora, kamelengoni, and electric guitar), David Pransky (bass), and Luke Quaranta (percussion) will be performing at the Valarium tonite before continuing an extensive Southern tour. If you can't make it tonite, don't worry because the boys will be back around finishing their tour in Asheville just in time for the new year.

John Oates @ The Square Room Tonite

At first, I thought this sounded like a really good idea. John Oates. Square Room. 300 capacity. Probably the most intimate place you'll ever get to see someone like John Oates, right? Well that was before I realized that tickets to the show are gonna cost you at least $50.00. Now, that's appropriate for a Hall and Oates show but not half of them!

That being said, John Oates is playing at the Square Room tonite. Oates has released two solo albums since his extensive career beside Darryl Hall. In 2004, Oates released Phunk Shui, and in 2008, 1000 Miles of Life. John has also worked alongside artists such as Handsome Boy Modeling School and The Bird and the Bee. He has also been credited with having one of the sweetest mustaches ever.

Social Distortion @ The Valarium Tonite

 

Social Distortion has been around since 1978. In the last 32 years, the D has released six studio albums, battled drug addiction, and continued on through a revolving door of members. Perhaps best known for their single, Story of My Life, the Orange County natives are playing the Valarium tonite. Having released a greatest hits album in 2007, Social Distortion have finished a new studio album due out in early 2011. Currently consisting of members Mike Ness (vocals, guitars), Jonny Wickersham (guitars), Brent Harding (bass) and David Hidalgo, Jr. (drums) they will be touring into the beginning of next year before heading overseas. Along with Social D will be openers Lucero and Frank Turner (Epitaph). Orange Peel tickets sold out so be sure to get yours Knoxville!

Mumford & Sons Tonite

Mumford & Sons continue their sold out American tour tonite in Knoxville. The English folk band got together back in 2007 and their debut album, Sigh No More, came out earlier this year. Consisting of members  Marcus Mumford (vocals, guitar, drums, mandolin), Ben Lovett (vocals, keyboards, accordion), "Country" Winston Marshall (vocals, banjo, dobro), and Ted Dwane (vocals, string bass) the guys are known for their energetic live shows, even switching instruments when convenient. Hope you got your tickets early because this show along with the rest of their tour has been sold out for a while. Don't forget about the unofficial after party at Preservation Pub with Ian Thomas. Here's the video for The Cave...

Happening This Week

11/8 Mumford & Sons, Cadillac Sky @ The Valarium
        Mumford & Sons After Party w/ Ian Thomas @ Preservation Pub
11/9 Social Distortion, Lucero, Frank Turner @ The Valarium
        Antimagic, Fine Peduncle, Yung Life @ Pilot Light
        John Oates (of Hall and Oates), John McEuen @ The Square Room
11/10 The New Deal & Toubab Krewe @ The Valarium
          Crash Kings, American Bang @ The Cider House
          Jennifer Nicely @ Preservation Pub
11/11 The Features, The Brockefellers, Ian Thomas @ The Valarium
          Knoxville Slideshow w/ Freq Mods, Drum vs. Speaker @ 90 Proof
          Brothers Burn Mountain @ Preservation Pub
          Today the Sun Tomorrow the Moon, Gnarly Whals, Gamenight @ Pilot Light
11/12 Breakfast Club @ The Valarium
          Big Boi @ Knoxville Civic Coliseum
          Lightnin Malcom & Cedric Burnside @ 90 Proof
          Brian McGhee and Hollow Speed @ Preservation Pub
          Parlour @ Pilot Light
          Lord T & Eloise @ Barley's Taproom
          Paul Thorn @ The Square Room
11/13 WUTK's Midnite Voyage Live @ The Valarium
          The Bearded, Ian McFeron & Alisa Milner @ Preservation Pub
          Pegasi 51, Johnny Astro and the Big Bang @ Pilot Light
11/14 Get Some Rest Knoxville!

Big Gigantic and Ana Sia

Electronic fans be ready. One of my favorite electric duos and the rowdiest chick I've ever seen are double headlining at the Valarium tonite. Big Gigantic consists of Dominic Lalli (sax/producer) and drummer Jeremy Salken. Their unique brand of live electronica brings funky dance beats mixed with live sax. They've played Knoxville quite a few times in the past (all the way back to the Grotto days) and always bring the heat.

Ana Sia is a one woman wrecking crew. She brings energy that some of the boys can't compete with. With brain-phasing beats and multiple genre experimentation, Princess Slay-uh will definitely keep you on the dance floor. She has also been to Knoxville a couple times playing 90 proof and the Grotto. Each time left the audience wanting more.

Sufjan Stevens Tonite!

If you don't already have tickets tonite, then you're probably out of luck. The Detroit native is playing at the Bijou and tickets have been sold out for a couple months now. Sufjan came out with his new album, The Age of Adz, a little less than a month ago. His first album since Illinois, Sufjan boasts a new electro sound that some fans may not be used to. Hopefully he'll still break out some of his old tunes for everyone. Have fun and enjoy they show!

Tons To Do Tonite

Alright Knoxville, there is a ton of stuff going on tonite for all of you music lovers....

First up, at the pilot light at 10p, a fourth of animal collective is playing. Josh Dibb, otherwise known as Deakin (or Deaken or Deacon) is playing along with locals coolrunnings. It'll be interesting to see what he's got going on compared to all of the other animals that have gone solo since Merriweather Post Pavilion. I caught a little bit of Panda Bear's show at Moogfest over the last weekend (which was fantastic) and it will definitely be exciting to see what the collective is up to as solo artists.

Second on the agenda, at Barley's, two members from Wu-Tang Clan will be performing. Inspectah Deck (Jason Hunter) and Masta Killa (Jamel Arief) will hopefully bring some of the energy that only the Wu possess. Although its not Method Man, ODB, or Ghostface, it will still be fun to see part of the clan, especially at an intimate (can you use that word for a hip-hop show?) venue like barley's.

Tonite at 90 proof (upstairs of Southbound) Israeli dubstep wizard Borgore will no doubt tear it up with some middle east wobble. Part of the Mad Decent camp (along with others), Asaf Borgor has remixed Passion Pit and My Favorite Things (that's right, dubstep Sound of Music). Opening for the Tel Aviv native will be locals Spook Nasty (Spooky Jones/Fast Nasty) and Meatball Madness. Womp kids be prepared.

I'm sure i missed something, if I did, please let me know. Luckily all of these events take place on the same city block down in the Old City. Hope to see all of you audiophiles tonite. Enjoy the shows!

Happening This Week

11/02 Danzig, Possessed, Marduk, Toxic Holocaust @ The Valarium
          Skeleton Coast, Quiet Hooves @ Pilot Light
          Open Mic @ Preservation Pub
11/03 Punch Brothers feat. Chris Thile @ The Bijou
          The Autumnation, Brass Bed, David Vadervelde @ Longbranch Saloon
11/04 Deakin (of AnCo) @ The Pilot Light
          Ben Maney and Countless Sheep @ Preservation Pub
          Borgore @ 90 Proof
11/05 Holy Ghost Tent Revival, Now You See Them @ Barley's
          Sufjan Stevens @ The Bijou
          Rasputina @ The Cider House
          Ana Sia, Big Gigantic, Archnemesis @ The Valarium
          First Friday Dance Party @ Pilot Light
          The Vibraslaps @ Preservation Pub
11/06 The Brockerfellers @ Preservation Pub