Colin Hay @ The Square Room

Who can it be now? Forever linked to the land down under, Colin Hay is originally from Scotland, moving to Australia at the age of 14. Hay is best know for his work with 80's pop sensation, Men at Work. After the group's breakup in 1985, Colin continued writing music, releasing several solo albums. His songs have appeared in the television show Scrubs, as well as the movie, Garden State. Colin got his start as an acoustic performer and in his later years has returned to that. Although his set will more than likely be acoustic and consist of his solo material, Hay has been known to break out some of the Men at Work tunes that made him famous. The show features limited seating, but is general admission, so get there early if you want a seat. Enjoy!

Merle Haggard & Kris Kristofferson

For one night only, two country legends will be coming together at the Tennessee Theatre. Merle Haggard and Kris Kristofferson stop by Knoxville to share some songs and stories during what will be an intimate, acoustic set. Merle Haggard got his start playing music after his family moved from Oklahoma to California during the great depression. In and out of trouble at an early age, due to his father's untimely death, Merle got his start in music after seeing Lefty Frizell in concert. Frizell heard Merle singing along with his songs and enjoyed it so much he asked Haggard to join him on stage. Shortly after, Merle was back in trouble and heading to prison, San Quentin specifically. There, Merle decided to turn his life around and dedicated himself to music. Since then Merle has acquired 38 #1 hits and a slew of awards and honors including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the JFK Center for Performing Arts.

Texas native and Rhodes Scholar, Kris Kristofferson, was pushed towards a military career by his father and grandfather. After his service, Kristofferson decided to become a full-time musician. Kris moved to Nashville and began working as a janitor at Columbia Records where he met a number of country music stars, including Johnny Cash. Having a flair for writing, many artists began performing Kristofferson's songs which led to him being signed with Monument Records. Many fans had a hard time accepting Kris' rough voice and simple, outlaw style compared to the polished, honky-tonk sound of Nashville at the time. His career began to pick up however as more and more artists covered his songs resulting in major country hits for acts such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Bobby Bare, and Ray Price. In 1985, Kristofferson teamed up with Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings to form the country super group, The Highwaymen, which resulted in the Academy of Country Music's single of the year. Since then Kris Kristofferson has been inducted into the Singer/Songwriter's Hall of Fame as well as the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Marc Broussard @ The Bijou Theatre

What makes Marc Broussard unique? Many would argue that its his undeniable tendency to stick to the basics and keep it simple. Born and raised in the south, Louisiana specifically, Marc's sound has hints of country, gospel, and soul mixed with good, old-fashioned rock n' roll. The son of swamp-pop guitarist Ted Broussard, of The Boogie Kings, Broussard has been around music his whole life. His solo career began after he split ways with the Louisiana christian band, Y. Releasing his first EP, Momentary Setback, in 2002, Broussard has released three full-length albums since and toured constantly supporting acts such as O.A.R., Dave Matthews Band, and Willie Nelson. Below is a video for Marc's single "Home."

What's Happening This Week

03/07 Prince Rama, Quiet Hooves, Walsh, Psychic Baos @ Pilot Light
          The Defibulators @ Barley's
          Izzy & the Kesstronics, The Kingston Springs, Miniboone @ Preservation Pub
03/08 Marc Broussard @ The Bijou
          Merle Haggard, Kris Kristofferson @ The Tennessee Theatre
          The Fishsticks @ Preservation Pub
03/09 Hurricanes of Love, Many Mansions, Headface and
          the New Blaine Band @ Pilot Light
          Colin Hay (of Men at Work), Chris Trapper @ Square Room
          Stereofidelics, Sean Ashby @ Preservation Pub
03/10 Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings @ The Bijou Theatre
          Burning Itch, Vein Cranes @ Pilot Light
          Grace Adele and the Grand Band @ Barley's
          Delta Saints, Diana Catherine and the Thrusty Tweeters @ Preservation Pub
03/11 Jason Johns' CD Release Party @ The Valarium
          Shriek Operators, Die Job, Buffalo Bangers @ Pilot Light
          Livid @ Downtown Grill
          The Coveralls @ Preservation Pub
03/12 Nitty Gritty Dirty Band @ The Bijou Theatre
          Midnite Voyage w/ Drumcell, Oliver Dodd, The Funnel, Freq Mods,
          Greg Alan @ The Cider House
          Height, Grandchildren, TBA @ Pilot Light
          Wolfe Jam (Benefit for Joy of Music School) @ Barley's (Artists)
          The Small Ponds, My Cousin the Emperor, Silver Jubilee @ Patrick Sullivan's
          Ringers @ Downtown Grill
          Brian McGee & Hollow Speed, Coralee and the Townies @ Preservation Pub
03/13

Mardi Gras Weekend

For all of you Knox-Villains that don't have the resources to head down south to the Big Easy this weekend, Knoxville has plenty to offer for your Mardi Gras festivities. First up is the official Mardi Gras Bash at the Valarium tonite. Lord T and Eloise, along with Space Capone and 4matiks, drop by the Blackstock Ave. for a Friday nite throwdown. Hailing from Memphis Lord T and Eloise are a hip hop duo whose orignial style has attracted quite the following here in the Southeast. Dressing up as an 18th Century aristocrat and a 24 karat gold man, their unique crunk style speaks for itself.

Not only is it Mardi Gras, but today also happens to be First Friday here in K-Town. Along with all the other festivities happening about town, Holy Ghost Tent Revival will be performing tonite at the Square Room. The sextet includes banjo, guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and whatever else the Greenesboro natives feel like playing. Their eclectic style has won the hearts of fans and critics alike. If you didn't catch the HGTR's performance on Knoxville's 11 O'clock rock, make sure to catch them tonite down on the Square.

A couple doors down at Preservation Pub, local favs, Christabel and the Jons will be taking the stage here in town before embarking on a spring tour. Embracing their distinct sound and style, Christabel and the Jons have been touring and performing since 2005. Having released two full-length albums since, Christabel and the Jons have stayed busy opening for natinoal touring acts such as Brazillian Girls and The Be-Good Tanyas. All the while Christa DeCicco's smooth, sultry voice has earned her recognition as one of the best up and coming singer/songwriters around.

Valarium/Cider House Double Header Tonite

Tonite, underneath Western Avenue, the Valarium and Cider House host dueling electronic shows for one nite of what's sure to be electro-mayhem. Coming fresh off a February tour with Skrillex, Tommy Lee and DJ Aero will be hosting the party at the Valarium along with supporting acts Kill the Noise and DJ Slink. When I first heard about this show, I assumed that Tommy Lee would be drumming live along with Aero. However, after a little more research, I found that Tommy's gonna be on the decks, not behind the kit. Tickets are going to run you $20.00 plus a $3 fee for those under 21.

Next door at the Cider House, Po 'n Crunk presents DNAE Beats along with one of my favorite up and coming producers, Truly Grimy. Based out of San Francisco, DNAE knew music was his calling from a young age. Beginning in classical style, DNAE was first introduced to hip-hop and electronic music when his tour manager let him listen to Aphex Twin and Digable Planets. Although DNAE is perhaps best known for his production work with Gift of Gab from Blackalicious, his live sets have recently been turning heads earning him the recognition the DJ/producer deserves. Opening tonite will be East Tennessee's own Truly Grimy whose mix of glitch, crunk, and just about everything else has quickly taken him from bedroom producer to being one of the region's best electronic performers. The show begins at 10p and will set you back $10. Below are videos of what to expect tonite.

KJO Jazz Lunch: Music of Dave Pell

Born in New York City, Dave Pell is a saxophonist, band leader, and producer whose career has spanned six decades. The jazz legend got his start in big bands helmed by leaders and composers such as Tony Pastor and Bobby Sherwood. Transplanting himself to the west coast, Pell began forming his own bands, as well as playing as a sideman for legends such as Benny Goodman and Gene Krupa. Moving on to studio production in the 60's and 70's, including work with Gary Lewis and the Playboys, the late 80's and 90's saw Dave revisit his roots with his signature octet.

This afternoon at the Square Room, the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra presents the Don Hough Octet playing tribute to Dave Pell. Trombonist Don Hough has been performing in Knoxville for over 40 years and received the Humfeld award by the International Trombone Association in 2009. Not surprisingly, KJO's monthly jazz lunch has become a popular event and usually sells out pretty fast. The price of the ticket includes a box lunch prepared by Cafe 4.

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!