Why Music?

Two years ago at Bonnaroo, I was separated from friends during the Passion Pit show Thursday nite. As I wandered through the crowd I found the perfect spot to view the show right in front of the sound board. In front of me was a group of 5-6 girls, probably no more than 18 years old. Every time the band started a new song, the group of girls would jump in the air and scream at the top of their lungs like they had just won the powerball. As I witnessed this take place for every new song throughout the entire show, I could only help but wonder, "Will I ever be this excited about anything in my life?"

What is it about music that brings out so many different emotions in different people? After all isn't it just an arrangement of different sounds and notes that happen to "sound good" together? What is it about the Beatles that makes them the greatest rock group ever? Aren't they just four working class kids from Liverpool? How do acts like Bassnectar and Pretty Lights draw sold out crowds every nite throughout their tours? Don't they just play music created on their laptops?

There have been hundreds if not thousands of studies on the psychology of music. Why certain notes, keys, or songs bring out different emotions in so many people. What is it about music that brings out these emotions or feelings in humans? Why are humans the only species that respond to music? Does music help us express things that as humans we simply cannot communicate? I can ask a hundred more questions, but what really got me thinking about this are two artists that have recently been speaking to my heart and saying things that for some reason I have not been able to express.

Happening This Week

02/28 Odd Order (Free Show) @ Pilot Light

          Chris Castle & the Womack Family Band @ Preservation Pub

03/01 The Batemans, Marina Orchestra, Lawrence @ Pilot Light

03/02 KJO Jazz Lunch: Music of Dave Pell with Don Hough Octet @ Square Room

          Sound Off Finals (Here for Artists) @ Square Room

          Say You Swear, Sugar Glyders, The Better Letters @ Preservation Pub

03/03 DrumLine Live! @ Tennessee Theatre

          DNAE Beats, Truly Grimy, New Planet @ Cider House

          Tommy Lee & DJ Aero, Kill the Noise, DJ Slink @ Valarium

          Cloudland Canyon @ Pilot Light

          Mike Willis Showcase @ Preservation Pub

03/04 Mardi Gras Bash featuring Lord T & Eloise, Space Capone, 4matiks

          @ Cider House

          Holy Ghost Tent Revival, Valley Young @ Square Room

          Fine Peduncle, Dumb Lunch, NDN @ Pilot Light

          Cristabel & the Jons @ Preservation Pub

03/05 Tokyo GoGo with DJ Slink @ Valarium

          Midnite Voyage feat. Noise (Org), Bassphreak, Tommy Gunz and

          Danny LaPointe, JennyGo @ Cider House

          The Jompson Brothers, The Bar Stool Romeo @ Preservation Pub

          Brendan James & Matt White @ Square Room

          Coolrunnings, Tiny Victories @ Pilot Light

03/06 KSO Presents: Opera Passion! @ Bijou Theatre

          Monsters of Bass feat. Marty Party, Freq Nasty, Opiuo, This is Art @ Valarium

          Binary Marketing Show, Old Blaine Band, Animal Suit @ Pilot Light

Nik Bartsch's Ronin @ The Bijou

Photo by: Mark Wetli

It's hard to pigeon-hole an artist as eclectic and talented as Nik Bartsch. Currently based out of Zurich and Berlin, Bartsch composes and performs not only as a solo artist, but with his acoustic group, Mobile, and more recently, Ronin. Beginning his study of classical piano at age 9, Nik has also studied topics ranging from psychology to linguistics. Along with musicology, these diverse disciplines have helped mold his unique sound which has earned the term "zen-funk."

Jazz legend Anthony "Chick" Corea is largely credited with being one of Bartsch's main influences. However, his studies of modern classical music, as well as ethnic musics from around the world, have influenced Nik's uncommon sound. Evolving from his first group, Mobile, Ronin is a collection of musicians that Bartsch has worked with for years. Originally including long-time collaborator and drummer, Kasper Rast, as well as bassist Bjorn Myer, Ronin expanded to a quintet after signing to ECM records. The addition of percussionist Andi Pupato and saxophonist/bass clarinetist Sha completed Ronin's current lineup.

Tonite, Nik Bartsch and his talented cast of musicians drop by Knoxville for what will be an unquestionably stimulating evening. The show takes place at the Bijou and starts at 8p. Tickets are $16.50.

WDVX Dinner Concert w/ The Greencards Tonite

The Greencards at WDVX's Merlefest 2009. Photo by Robert J. Goodwin

The Greencards are a multinational bluegrass/americana band formed in Austin and currently located in Nashville. Formed by Eamon McLoughlin and Australians Kym Warner and Carol Young, the group has been creating music for five years gaining the attention of critics and fans everywhere with their unique brand of traditional music. Their 2005 sophomore album, "Weather and Water," was named one of the top 10 bluegrass albums of the year by Country Music Television.  The trio's third release, "Viridian," would go on to claim the #1 spot on Billboard's Bluegrass music chart, making them the first ever international band to do so.

In 2009, founding member, Eamon McLoughlin, left the band to pursue other opportunities. He was replaced by fiddler, Tyler Andal. Guitarist Carl Miner joined the group in 2010. The Greencards' most recent full-length album, "Fascination," was released in 2009, and in late 2010, the group launched their Buy a Brick Campaign. Instead of taking an advance from a record company, the group, along with the help of fans, will self-finance their newest release, giving fans a chance to purchase a personalized, advance copy of the album.

Tickets to the show tonite range from $61.00-$48.00 (plus service fees), and includes a four-course meal prepared by Cafe 4. Doors are at 6:30p and the first course will be served at 7:00p with the band taking the stage as dessert is served. Below is a video of the Greencards performing their Grammy-nominated tune, "Crystal Merchant."

Kraddy: Labyrinth Tour @ New Amsterdam Tonite

 

Los Angeles based producer, Kraddy, has an extensive resume. As one of the founders of Glitch Mob, Matthew Kratz has been bringing his unique mixture of glitch, dubstep, and dancehall to the masses. Now known as the glitch-hop movement, Kraddy is credited as being one of its founding members and his breakout single "Android Porn," has been hailed as the anthem. His newest release, "Labyrinth," is the first release on his new label, Alpha Pup, which also houses artists Nosaj Thing, !!!, and former band mate, edIT.

Opening up for the show will be duo Archnemesis (Curt Heiny and Justin Aubuchon) as well as North Carolina native, Mindelixir, who has been turning heads since the release of "Mindelixir Presents Music for Funerals and Banks."  Doors are at 9p and the show will probably start a little after 10p.Below are videos for Kraddy's single "Android Porn" and Mindelixir's "Higher" featuring Bree Sharp.

The Civil Wars @ Pilot Light

The Civil Wars is a singer/songwriter duo consisting of John Paul White and Joy Williams. In 2008, after a chance meeting in Nashville and forming an instant, musical bond, the two began writing songs. Their second show ever, at Eddie's Attic, drew a sold out crowd, was recorded, and released as a digital album which has sold over 100,000 copies since. Their debut EP, "Poison and Wine," debuted at #4 on the ITunes Singer/Songwriter Top Album chart. The Civil Wars stripped-down, original sound has since gained the attention of critics, fans, and artists alike, including Taylor Swift, who included it on her official ITunes playlist.

The Civil Wars debut, full-length album, "Barton Hollow," was released earlier this month and the duo will be touring nonstop to support it. Paste Magazine called the duo the "Best of What's Next" and gave "Barton Hollow" an 8/10.  It is currently #50 on Amazon's top sellers and #3 in the folk category. The show tonite will no doubt be a very intimate, acoustic performance showcasing the talent of these two artists. Opening up will be Mountains of Moss so make sure to get there early as the show begins at 9p. Included below is the official video for The Civil Wars breakout song, "Poison and Wine."

Happening This Week

02/21 Thank You, Yung Life @ Pilot Light
          Pulse @ Barley's
          Mr. Baby, The Deep Dark Woods, Chris Castle and the Womack
          Family Band @ Preservation Pub
02/22 The Civil Wars, Mountains of Moss @ Pilot Light (Early Show)
          Kevin Hyfantis, Mike Mains and the Branches @ Preservation Pub
02/23 The Westside Daredevils, Econopop, Stolen Sheep @ Preservation Pub
02/24 Underoath, Thursday, A Skylit Drive, Animals as Leaders @ Valarium
          Kraddy, Archnemesis, Mindelixir, @ New Amsterdam
          Lee Baines @ Barley's
          Cosmo's Cosmic Party @ Preservation Pub
          The Royal Buzz, Kirk Fleta, Camillo the Ocean @ Patrick Sullivan's
02/25 Copper, Dead Language @ Valarium
          Kilowatts, Kyle Geiger, Futexture @ Cider House
          R.B. Morris, Angela Faye Martin @ Pilot Light
          Fundamental Elements, The Theorizt, 2nd String @ Barley's
          The Fustics, Scissormen @ Preservation Pub
          Matt Woods @ Downtown Grill
          Big Country's Empty Bottle, The Playlists @ Patrick Sullivans
02/26 Tokyo GoGo feat. DJ Slink @ Valarium
          Midnite Voyage Live feat. Freq Mods, Lane Shuler, Tetsu @ Cider House
          The Vaygues, Die Job, Unicobra @ Pilot Light
          WDVX Dinner Concert feat. The Greencards @ Square Room
          Johnson's Crossroad @ Barley's
          The Brockefellers, Roman Reese and the Cardinal Sins @ Preservation Pub
          Kevin Hyfantis @ Downtown Grill
02/27 Nik Bartsch's Ronin @ The Bijou
          The Lonetones @ Barley's

Erick Baker @ The Bijou Tonite

Tonite, local singer/songwriter, Erick Baker, will play to a sold out crowd at the Bijou. The show will be celebrating the release of a new live dvd, "Stay Awhile." A relatively new artist, Baker released his debut EP, "It's Getting Too Late to Say It's Early," in 2008. Since then he has shared the stage with artists such as John Legend, James Blunt, and performed at Bonnaroo and VooDoo fest. His newest album, "Holding the Pieces in Place," was released in September of last year.

Bonnaroo Lineup Announced!

Today, AC entertainment finally released the initial Bonnaroo 2011 lineup. Included below the lineup are links to other notable festival's lineups.

Eminem, Arcade Fire, Widespread Panic, The Black Keys, Buffalo Springfield (feat Richie Furay, Stephen Stills, Neil Young, Rick Rosas, Joe Vitale), My Morning Jacket, Lil Wayne, String Cheese Incident, Robert Plant & Band of Joy, Mumford & Sons, The Strokes, The Decemberists, Ray Lamontagne, Bassnectar, Iron  Wine, Girl Talk, Primus, Dr. John and The Original Meters performing Desitively Bonnaroo, Alison Krauss and Union Station, Pretty Lights, Florence & the Machine, Superjam ft. Dan Auerbach and Dr. John, Explosions in the Sky, STS9, Gogol Bordello, Beirut, Big Boi, Scissor Sisters, Gregg Allman, Ratatat, Global Gypsy Punk Revue curated by Eugene Hütz, Robyn, Warren Haynes Band, Deerhunter, Opeth, Atmosphere, Old Crow Medicine Show, Bootsy Collins & the Funk University, Wiz Khalifa, Matt & Kim, Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, The Del McCoury Band and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Mavis Staples, Béla Fleck & the Flecktones, Chiddy Bang, Javanotti, Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers, Loretta Lynn, Cold War Kids, The Walkmen, Devotchka, Wanda Jackson, Neon Trees, Portugal. The Man, Sleigh Bells, Amos Lee, Best Coast, Dãm-Funk, The Sword, The Drums, The Black Angels, School of Seven Bells, J. Cole, Nicole Atkins & the Black Sea, Wavves, !!!, Junip, Freelance Whales, Justin Townes Earle, Ryan Bingham, Deer Tick, Band of Skulls, Sharon Van Etten, Abigail Washburn, Omar Souleyman, Twin Shadow, Kylesa, Man Man, The Low Anthem, Alberta Cross, Railroad Earth, Jessica Lea Mayfield, Smith Westerns, The Head and the Heart, Karen Elson, Beats Antique, 22-20s, Phosphorescent, Clare MaGuire, Hayes Carll

Coachella Indio, CA April 15-17

Hang Out Festival Gulf Shores, AL May 20-22

Sasquatch Festival George, WA May 27-30

Wakarusa Ozark, AR June 2-5

Jazz Fest New Orleans, LA April 29-May 8

Wanee Live Oak, FL April 14-16

Bumbershoot Seattle, Wa September 4-6

Bamboozle East Rutherford, NJ April 29-May 1

Lollapalooza Chicago, IL August 5-7

Happening This Week

02/14 KJO Jazz is for Lovers w/ Carmen Bradford @ The Bijou
          Justin Haynes Trio @ Barley's
          Grandma's Dildos, Grandpa's Stash, The Blow Jays @ Preservation Pub
          The Sniff, Chore Boys, Burning Itch, Dude Fuckin' Whatever @ Pilot Light
02/15 The Sextons Showcase @ Preservation Pub
02/16 The Movement, Villanova, Freak Owls @ Preservation Pub
02/17 Clay Aiken @ The Bijou
          Frankie B. and the New Chronic Dream @ Barley's
          Fools and Horses, Alroquin @ Preservation Pub
          Backseat Dreamer @ Pilot Light
02/18 42 (Coldplay Tribute) @ The Valarium
          The Werks, Ga-Na-Si-Ta, Afro America @ The Cider House
          Erick Baker @ The Bijou
          Dishwater Blonde, Avery Sunshine @ Barley's
          JC and the Dirty Smokers, Matrimony @ Preservation Pub
          Pop Rox @ Downtown Grill
02/19 Tokyo Gogo w/ DJ Slink @ The Valarium
          Midnite Voyage Live w/ Dan Wall vs. Miss Nix, Bass Disciples, DJ Melt,
          DJ Ghibli ft. Kurse Smith, John Cougar @ The Cider House
          The Coveralls @ Preservation Pub
          Shortwave Society, How I Became the Bomb @ Pilot Light
          Earthquaker @ Downtown Grill
          Oh No Fiasco, Lovers & Liars, Dead Language @ Square Room
02/20 Excision, Downlink, Antiserum, iRell @ The Valarium
          David Grisman Sextet @ The Bijou
          Y'uns @ Barley's
          Evan Stone @ Preservation Pub

Happening This Week

02/07 Girls, Guns, and Glory @ Barley's
          Ian Thomas, Aaron Berg @ Preservation Pub
02/08 Those Lavender Whales @ Pilot Light
          The Brockaroos, Portley Tubbs, Little Sure Shot @ Preservation Pub
02/09 Justin Kalk Orchestra @ Preservation Pub
02/10 White Chapel, The Acacia Strain, Veil of Maya, Chelsea Grin,
          I Declare War @ The Valarium
          Two Man Gentleman Band @ Barley's
          Vinyl Ipod @ Preservation Pub
02/11 The Breakfast Club @ The Valarium
          Nit Grit, Spooky Jones, Fast Nasty @ The Cider House
          Madre, Plainclothes Tracy, Jake Windstrom @ Pilot Light
          Black Cadillacs, Avery Set @ Preservation Pub
          Mac Comer and the Coo Cool Kidders @ Downtown Grill
02/12 Tokyo GoGo w/ DJ Slink @ The Valarium
          Paper Tiger, Digital Butter, Fine Peduncle @ The Cider House
          Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band @ Barley's
          The Bearded Band of Humans @ Preservation Pub
          The Smoking Section @ Downtown Grill
02/13 Crossfade, Down From Up, Skytown Riot @ The Valarium
          Cherohala @ Barley's

NOFX @ The Valarium Tonite

Tonite at the Valarium, old skool punk dreams come true. Since 1983 NOFX has been keeping true to  tradition all while hosting a revolving door of members, releasing 11 full-length studio albums, 16 EPs, a slew singles, and touring constantly. Based out of San Francisco, but formed in LA, NOFX has been through multiple members since its inception.  Currently consisting of  vocalist and bassist, Fat Mike, guitarist Eric Melvin, and Drummer Erik Sandin, El Hefe (Aaron Abeyta) joined to play lead guitar and trumpet in 1991. Last summer the band released their compilation, "The Longest EP" and have been touring since to support it. Opening tonite will be Bouncing Souls, Cobra Skulls, and Old Man Markley, doors are at 7p and show begins at 8p.  

Kyp Malone & Jolie Holland @ Relix Theatre Tonite

Tonite at the Relix Variety Theatre, AC Entertainment presents Kyp Malone and Jolie Holland. Most people will know Kyp from his work with critically acclaimed indie stars, TV on the Radio. However, Kyp also has a solo project called, Rain Machine. The self-titled album was released back in 2009 and since he has toured to support it, as well as guest on others' albums.

Jolie Holland is a Texas-born singer songwriter. Label mates with folks like Tom Waits and tour mate Kyp Malone, Holland has been creating deep, emotional americana for years now. Debuting with the Be Good Tanyas, Jolie has been composing solo since the beginning of the 2000s. In '03 she signed with Anti- records, began recording, and was nominated for the ShortList Music Prize by new labelmate Tom Waits. Her most recent album, "The Living Dead" appeared in 2008.

Not only is this going to be an awesome show, it will finally be able to showcase Knoxville's newest music/entertainment venue. The Relix Theatre is located down in Happy Holler on Central Avenue. This part of town has been doing a lot of special things lately and it will be nice to finally have a large crowd down at this incredible new venue. Hope to see everyone out tonite!

Dr. Dog @ The Bijou Tonite

Hailing from the City of Brotherly Love, Dr. Dog is a psychedelic rock outfit including members Toby Leaman (bass), Scott McMicken (lead guitar), Frank McElroy (rhythm guitar), Zach Miller (keyboard), and Eric Slick (drums). Forming around the beginning of the millennium, Dr. Dog got their start rocking around Philly and in 2004 opened up for My Morning Jacket. In 2009 the boys signed with Anti-Records and released their full-length album "Shame, Shame." They continue touring to support their most recent release. Opening up tonite will be The Head and the Heart. Recently signed to Sub-Pop records, the Seattle natives have quickly gained the notoriety that they deserve. Taking cues from the Beatles, CSN&Y, and adding their own folk twist The Head and the Heart create a collage of sounds old, new, pleasing, and inspiring.

Happening This Week

01/31 Dr. Dog, The Head and the Heart @ The Bijou
          Ian Thomas @ Preservation Pub
          Zero Point @ Barley's
02/01 Robin Trower @ The Bijou
          Langhorne Slim, Bobby Bare Jr. @ Square Room
          Jolie Holland & Kyp Malone (of TV on the Radio) @ Relix Theatre
02/02 KJO Jazz Lunch: The Music of McCoy Tyner feat Barry Roseman
          @ Square Room
          Sound Off Round 5: Tribute to Madonna
          Jesse Payne, Graham Wilkinson and the Underground Township
          @ Preservation Pub
02/03 NOFX, Bouncing Souls, Cobra Skulls, Old Man Markley @ Valarium
          Brantley Gilbert, Tyler Bryant @ The Bijou
          Brain Dead Morons @ Pilot Light
          Six Day Bender, The Whiskey Gentry @ Preservation Pub
          Spencer Cordon @ Barley's
02/04 First Friday Funk feat. Deep Fried Five, Jaystorm Project, Soulfinger
          @ Cider House
          Ron White @ Tennessee Theatre (2 Shows @ 7p and 10p!)
          Argentinum Astrum, Inter Arma @ Pilot Light
          The Vibraslaps, Angel Zuniga Martinez & The Lovers @ Preservation Pub
          Hackensaw Boys, New Vernacular @ Barley's
          Scott W. Lee, Laith Keilany, Kym Hawkins @ Relix Theatre
02/05 Tokyo GoGo feat. DJ Slink @ Valarium
          Mountain Heart, Monroeville @ Square Room
          Wolf at the Door, Winter Sounds @ Pilot Light
          Bob Marley Birthday Bash feat. Natti Love Joys @ Preservation Pub
          Christabel & the Jons, Blair Crimmens & the Hookers
02/06 Hurricanes of Love, Criswell Collective @ Pilot Light

Happening This Week

Sorry I'm late ya'll... Here's what's going on the rest of the week...

01/19 Frontier Ruckus, Whistle Pigs @ Preservation Pub
          Distant, Mount Caramel @ Pilot Light
01/20 Two Fresh, Mux Mool, Body Language, Meatball Madness @ Cider House
          Whiskey of the Damned, Uncle Mountain @ Preservation Pub
          Family Psychic, Empress Hotel @ Pilot Light
          Shortwave Society @ Barley's
01/21 Boombox, Heyoka, Magma Blood @ Valarium
          Doco, Milele Roots @ Preservation Pub
          Faux Ferocious, Black Painter @ Pilot Light
          Beardsley Farm Benefit @ Barley's
01/22 Midnite Voyage Live feat. The Malah and J Mo @ Cider House
          Tokyo GoGo w/ DJ Slink @ Valarium
          Black Lillies CD Release @ Bijou Theatre
          Madre, Sons of the Southside, Oh No No @ Preservation Pub
          Hush Arbors, Jason Ajemian, Bear Hands @ Pilot Light
          Drunk Uncles @ Barley's
01/23 Evan Stone, The Mumbles @ Preservation Pub
          No Age, Rene Hell, Dirty Knees @ Pilot Light
          Naughty Knots @ Barley's

Happening This Week

01/10 Blue Man Group @ The Tennessee Theatre
          Caspian Hat Dance @ Preservation Pub
01/11 Blue Man Group @ The Tennessee Theatre
          Woody Pines, Pete Stein @ Preservation Pub
01/12 Blue Man Group @ The Tennessee Theatre
          Sound Off Round 4: Run DMC Tribute @ Square Room
          Hilary Hawke and the Flipsides, The Itchy Hearts @ Preservation Pub
01/13 Railroad Earth, Greensky Bluegrass @ The Bijou
          Channing & Quinn, Now You See Them @ Preservation Pub
          BallyHoo! @ The Cider House
01/14 Soft Opening, Fecal Japan @ Pilot Light
          Ralphie May @ The Tennessee Theatre
          Stereofidelics, Overzealous @ Preservation Pub
          The Black Cadillacs, Jonathan Sexton & The Big Love Choir, Gnarly Whals
          @ The Cider House
01/15 Tabula Rasa, Atheling @ Pilot Light
          Tessla Rossa, Jompson Brothers, Cadillac Saints @ Preservation Pub
          Midnite Voyage Live w/ Spook Nasy, Freq Mods, Bassel, KRRS24
          @ The Cider House
          Tokyo GoGo w/ DJ Slink, DVDJ Toro, DJ Mask @ The Valarium
01/16

Ferd Moyse @ Barley's

Ferd Moyse brings his fire fiddle skills to Barley's Taproom this evening. Being one of the latest additions to the Hackensaw Boys and also a guest on The Mayhem String Band's latest album, Ferd has been tearing up the Americana circuit for awhile now. Ferd has played Knoxville numerous times, most notably are the Ferd's Friday appearances made on WDVX. This will be a great opportunity to see the fiddler live and solo, showing off the skills that have made him and underground, Americana icon.

K.J.O. Jazz Lunch: Tribute to Dexter Gordon

Dexter Gordon was a California-born tenor saxophonist, as well as an actor. Playing with the likes of Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker, Gordon is regarded as one of the finest jazz musicians ever. The "Sophisticated Giant's" career spanned over 50 years and he has been largely credited with establishing the modern jazz sound.

Today, the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra will play a lunchtime concert celebrating Gordon's life and career. Tickets are $15.00 and includes the price of a box lunch. Tickets to the lunch concerts usually sell pretty fast so make sure to get yours.

Happening This Week

01/03
01/04 Open Mic @ Preservation Pub
01/05 K.J.O. Jazz Lunch: Tribute to Dexter Gordon @ Square Room
          Brock Henderson's Brockaroos, Jennifer Nicely @ Preservation Pub
01/06 Spencer Cordon @ Barley's
          We Are the States, Brenn, Kopecky Family Band @ Preservation Pub
01/07 Opiate (TOOL cover band), Luminoth, Interdimensional @ Valarium
          New Power Trio @ Barley's
          Cutthroat Shamrock, Children of Spy @ Preservation Pub
01/08 Midnite Voyage Live w/ Sour Kandi, Dr. Steam, Squarewave @ Cider House
          Medford's Black Record Collection (Farewell Show) @ Barley's
          Elvis' Birthday w/ White Lightnin' Burlesque, Bar Stool Romeo's @ Preservation Pub
01/09 Ferd Moyse (of the Hackensaw Boys) @ Barley's