Coachella 2019: Weekend 2 Roundup

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

The 20th anniversary edition of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival offered up an incredible experience over Weekend 2 (April 19-21) at the Empire Polo Club in Indio. Event-goers were completely immersed in a world of stellar music and larger-than-life art installations, with dozens of groundbreaking artists performing each day of the fest. 

Those attendees who only arrive at Coachella late in the afternoon miss some of the incredible up-and-coming artists who perform. This writer tried to soak in as many complete performances as possible.

Here is a chronological run through my favorite sets of a magical Coachellafest weekend:

Let's Eat Grandma performing in the Gobi tent.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

The British duo known as Let's Eat Grandma has an interesting name to be sure. In addition, long-time musical pals Jenny Hollingworth and Rosa Walton were able to unleash the musical magic and muscle to match their curious moniker with a spellbinding 40-minute set in the Gobi tent on Friday afternoon. Both have winning soprano voices that work alone or when joining forces with harmonies. While mostly using their twin Novation electronic keyboards, both showed off skills with different instruments and even the use of choreographed hand claps and a recorder on the ambitious art damage opus "Donnie Darko." 

Hurray for the Riff Raff singer Alynda
Segarra, left, with keyboardist Sarah
Goldstone. Photo: Robert Kinsler

Turning things on a dime in the same concert space was Hurray for the Riff Raff, a terrific Americana-meets-Latin rock band headed by arresting singer-songwriter Alynda Segarra. The New Orleans-based group's inspired and energetic approach was bolstered by memorable songcraft, Jordan Hyde's tasty lead guitar work and Segarra's passionate vocals. The band's 40-minute set was filled with songs tackling hot topics with equal parts protest and hope including "The Navigator," "Rican Beach" ("First they stole our language / then they stole our names" Segarra sings) and the wonderful closer "Pa'lante" (Spanish for the idea  "to move forward"). 

Brooklyn, New York rock quartet Beach Fossils attracted a huge crowd to the Gobi with their mix of dream pop, melodic rock and lo-fi atmospheric soundscapes. Standouts included the faraway "Sugar," driving New Order-minded "What a Pleasure," shoegaze gem "Sleep Apnea" and otherworldly sortie "May 1st."

Kacey Musgraves at Coachella on April 19, 2019.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Coachella

Kacey Musgraves brought her multi-Grammy winning album Golden Hour to the Coachella Stage for a fast-moving 50-minute set weighted mostly from that already-classic 2018 disc. Musgraves opened with the acoustic-styled "Slow Burn" (track one on "Golden Hour") before turning things up a notch via the uptempo sheen of "Wonder Woman." Looking around at the massive crowd during her performance there was a palpable sense of Musgraves' authentic style and burgeoning star power. One young Coachella-goer I saw was in tears for much of the set, clearly moved by the singer's brand of modern country. Musgraves' signature vocals soared in the expansive late afternoon, with the wistful "Lonely Weekend," the tender "Rainbow," bona fide country favorite "Family Is Family" (from her Pageant Material LP) and super-catchy set closing "High Horse."

The Frights performing in the Sonora tent.Photo credit: Courtesy of Coachella

What fun The Frights offered up a blistering turn inside the colorfully-decorated Sonora tent, including the use of large balloon arrangements cast into the air to enhance the cool atmosphere. From the time the Poway, California-spawned punk rockers took the stage with "Crutch," fans were moving (some clearly enjoying the mosh pit and even a few brave souls stage diving later on) in time with the hard-edged punk rock. Another  highlight was the irreverent "Whatever," with the four member band clearly having a ball at the high-profile gig.

Manchester, England's The 1975 lit up the main Coachella Stage with dance-minded electropop brew including the uptempo opener "Give Yourself a Try," slower "I Like America & America Likes Me," and monster indie rock dance cut "Chocolate." 

Dylan Minnette of Wallows at Coachella.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Saturday brought another slew of standout performances, beginning with Los Angeles-based Wallows. The emerging melodic rock outfit proved to be the perfect outfit to welcome the day, recalling all that is great about power-pop, indie rock and the '80s strains of the Psychedelic Underground via great originals like "Ice Cold Pool," "Are You Bored Yet?" and "I'm Full." Singer-guitarists Dylan Minnette and Braeden Lemasters give Wallows an obvious one-two punch; the group's official full-length debut Nothing Happens was released by Atlantic Records in late March.

A R I Z O N A performing on the Coachella stage.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

New Jersey's A R I Z O N A were many more times as powerful when I was positioned in front of the Coachella stage in person than when I had caught the band on Weekend 1 via the YouTube live-stream. One of the most exciting discoveries I've made courtesy of Coachella 2019, the band tore it up across 40 minutes; lead singer Zachary Charles, guitarist Nate Esquite and keyboardist David Labuguen (assisted by a touring drummer) were on fire throughout. So many highlights: the anthemic "Find Someone," R&B/pop brew "Electric Touch" and blistering "Let Me Touch Your Fire," the latter which included Esquite smashing one of his guitars on the stage. The finale was a beautiful take on "Cross My Mind," one of the single best moments at Weekend 2 of Coachella 2019.

Los Angeles' The Interrupters brought a fun-filled mix of ska and punk rock to their 45-minute outing on the Outdoor Theatre stage. Capturing the spirit of the weekend was the hard-edged "Take Back the Power," with lead singer Aimee Interrupter noting the song is both a song of protest and a call for unity. The band also tore through great songs like "Title Holder," "Gave You Everything," "Family" and set-ending "She's Kerosene."

Vancouver, Canada-based duo Bob Moses (featuring Tom Howie and Jimmy Vallance) conjured up a mix of dream pop, electronica and alternative music during an immersive appearance on the Outdoor Theatre stage. The swirling intro "Heaven Only Knows," alt rock dance groove that played out via "Talk," textured "Like It or Not" and dance-heavy "Enough to Believe" were among the tracks that hit the mark.

Weezer performing at Coachella in Indio on April 20, 2019.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Coachella

Weezer mixed things up a bit when performing Weekend 2. While the Los Angeles rockers had played with several guests the previous week (including the two members of Tears for Fears), singer-guitarist Rivers Cuomo, drummer Patrick Wilson, bassist Scott Shriner and guitarist-keyboardist Brian Bell used this turn to handle things on their own. The results and new track listing definitely pleased the massive crowd. After offering up an a Capella vocals-only version of "Buddy Holly," the band then went on to offer the classic version of that 1994 hit via a full-on electric take. The band's set list featured a bunch of great Weezer classics ("Hash Pipe," "Undone - The Sweater Song," "Island in the Sun," etc.) as well as outstanding covers of some of the tracks off the band's 2019 Teal Album." Takes on the Turtles' "Happy Together" (with so many fans singing along) and Toto's "Africa" were especially memorable.

Emily King at Coachella.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Because there are so many stages at Coachella, it is often difficult to see everything on a "wish list." That proved to be the case for yours truly on Sunday morning; I opted to catch all of Mansionair in the Mojave tent knowing full well that I could only catch a little of Emily King in the nearby Gobi tent. The good news is I was able to catch Mansionair thrill listeners with a shimmering style of guitar- and keyboards-layered synthpop-rock. The Australian trio was outstanding across its 40-minute set, particularly on the lovely "Falling" and driving "Violet City." The group finished things off with the captivating "Astronaut - Something About Your Love."  

I quickly made my way to the Gobi where Emily King was conjuring up magic of her own. A wonderful singer, I watched her lead a band and two backing singers through several tracks including the dance-fueled "Remind Me" and R&B-funk ride "Can't Hold Me."




I stayed put in the Gobi for two more unforgettable performances. First up was boy pablo, a terrific and fun-minded indie pop group from Norway. Singer-guitarist Nicolás Muñoz and his four-man band had a blast, and so did the audience. Faves like the hyperactive "Feeling Lonely," breezy "Everytime" and aptly-pegged "Dance, Baby" were a true reason to move. 

Alice Merton at Coachella.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Rising rock singer Alice Merton impressed with her dynamic soprano and '80s-flavored rock attack, including the ferocious "Learn to Live," "dance-tinged rocker "Trouble in Paradise" and even better "Lash Out."





Soccer Mommy draws positive comparisons with a range of greats including Mazzy Star and Moonpools & Caterpillars, but the artist (a moniker for Sophie Allison) is something special on her own. The mix of three textured guitars, some keyboards and hypnotic rhythm section elevated the dreamscapes created in "Try," "Cool," "Wild Flowers" and a great new track titled "Lucy."

My last stop was to check out CHVRCHES in the Mojave tent. The Scottish trio comprised of singer Lauren Mayberry, Iain Cook and Martin Doherty was simply incredible, performing its fun, high-energy synth-pop with artful persuasion for an adoring and massive crowd. The soaring "Get Out," introspective "Graffiti," driving "Forever" and electronica dance cut "Leave a Trace" were among the incredible works offered up with power and perfection in the desert late Sunday night.

An artist working on a colorful
recycling bin at Coachella.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Robert Kinsler


Editor's Note: This column was originally published in the April 24, 2019 print edition of  The Desert Star Weekly newspaper.

2019 Coachella Preview

A huge crowd greets Northern Ireland's Two Door Cinema Club at Coachella in Indio, CA on 
April 22, 2017. Photo: Greg Noire courtesy of Goldenvoice

Several impressive art installations loom over Coachellagoers as dusk arrives in Indio
 in April 2017. Photo credit: Christine Spidell

After a seemingly-forever wait, the SoCal music festival season kicks off with the arrival of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio over the next two weekends. Weekend one is April 12-14, 2019 and weekend two is April 19-21, 2019.

The highly-anticipated event will feature headliners Childish Gambino, Tame Impala and Ariana Grande, with the event's diverse lineup also hosting appearances from Janelle Monáe, the 1975, Kacey Musgraves, Kid Cudi, Khalid, Zedd, Dillon Francis, CHVRCHES, Aphex Twin and Weezer.

This column will highlight a number of performances that I hope to catch at Coachella. With more than 160 acts performing, it is simply impossible to see every artist at the festival. And it would be criminal to not carve out some time to enjoy the always-impressive art installations from the celebrated likes of Poetic Kinetics, Office Kovacs, Do LaB and NEWSUBSTANCE that inhabit the expansive festival grounds during the event.


Fridays, April 12 and 19

Hurray for the Riff Raff singer Alynda Lee Segarra
performing at the Stagecoach Festival in 2014.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Hurray for the Riff Raff, a New Orleans collective fronted by singer/guitarist/banjoist Alynda Lee Segarra, was an emerging newcomer when I saw them at the Stagecoach festival in April 2014. Fast forward five years and the collective is one of the leaders of the celebrated Americana music scene, having released two potent titles with ATO Records (2014's Small Town Heroes and 2017's The Navigator). Segarra has a wonderful voice and uses that potent alto soprano in the service of songs that are literate and often address issues related to social justice.

Kacey Musgraves performing at the Stagecoach
Festival in 2015. Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Kacey Musgraves has lassoed a slew of prestigious awards (six Grammys along with Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music honors) since releasing her stellar debut Same Trailer Different Park in 2013. Musgraves' winning fourth studio album Golden Hour, released in 2018, helped the Texas songstress nab all four of its nominated Grammy Awards categories earlier this year. Musgraves' sound blends contemporary country and pop artfully, and the singer-guitarist's ability to connect with multiple generations of fans makes her a strong candidate to remain relevant for decades to come. Among the hits the artist is likely to deliver in the desert are the beautiful "Butterflies," shining "Golden Hour" and introspective "Space Cowboy."

What would a music festival be without some melodic sounds from across the Pond? The 1975 are an English pop-rock outfit from Manchester that has scored success in the United Kingdom and here in the U.S. via hit singles including "Chocolate," "Sex" and "Robbers." Other favorites include "Somebody Else," "Love It If We Made It" and . The 1975's most recent album "A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships" is the band's most challenging and acclaimed album release to date, with the group's modern-day sound blending pop, indie rock and dance in increasingly creative ways.

Beach Fossils are a Brooklyn, New York-based band formed in 2009 that offers up original songcraft hewed out of indie pop, rock, lo-fi shoegaze and other modern styles. Among my faves from the band is the hypnotic "Down the Line," longing "Sugar" and chamber pop sortie "St. Ivy."




Saturdays, April 13 and 20

A R I Z O N A will make their Coachella debut in 2019.

A R I Z O N A is a fast-rising trio whose enticing brand of electro-pop should go over big at Coachella. Comprised of Zach Hannah (lead vocals), Nate Esquite (guitar) and David Labuguen (keyboards), A R I Z O N A has amassed more than a billion worldwide streams via a string of strong singles and remixes. Not bad for a musical trio that only released their debut album (Gallery) in May 2017. The Atlantic Records recording artist blends the best of '80s electronica and 21st century pop as evidenced by the reflective "I Was Wrong," inspired "Running,"  retro-mining gem "What She Wants" and hypnotic "Freaking Out." 

Billie Eilish is only 17 but already a major name on the crowded Coachella lineup. The Los Angeles-based teen's full-length debut album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? was released on March 29 on the heels of a string of well-received advance singles including "Bury a Friend," "You Should See Me in a Crown" and "When the Party's Over" that are featured on the disc alongside many previously-unheard originals including the new single "Bad Guy." Coachella will be a tremendous stage to introduce the rising singer-songwriter to an even larger audience.

Aphex Twin is the stage moniker for British musician Richard David James, a groundbreaking artist who has pioneered sounds in the electronic genres of ambient techno, experimental and dance music during the 1990s. Like Radiohead and Blur, Aphex Twin is one of the most important and influential U.K. artists to emerge that decade. The range of moodscapes created by James in his sonic creations defies easy categorization but Coachellagoers will definitely respond to an artist who has influenced subsequent heroes such as Daft Punk and Atoms for Peace. After releasing the studio LP Drukqs in 2001, James went into hiatus as Aphex Twin (although he continued to release new music under alternative aliases). However, in 2014 Aphex Twin returned with Syro, which won a Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Album.

Rivers Cuomo performing in Costa Mesa, CA, in
August 2011. Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Weezer is coming to Coachella in the wake of the release of not just one, but two terrific albums this year. In January, the Los Angeles quartet surprised the world with the release of Weezer (the Teal Album), a previously-unannounced album of wide-ranging covers. Weezer injected its signature sound into shining versions of Toto's "Africa,"  the Turtles' intoxicating '60s classic "Happy Together," ELO's masterpiece "Mr. Blue Sky" and other favorites. In early March, the modern rockers released Weezer (the Black Album), a 10-track disc featuring material penned by lead singer Rivers Cuomo. Featuring some of the band's most catchy songs in memory, standouts on that newer disc include the dance-minded "Can't Knock the Hustle," wistful High as a Kite" and sardonic "I'm Just Being Honest." I caught Weezer at my first Coachella (back in 2005) and it's great to see the band is returning to the event in 2019.

Four Tet is the stage name for Kieran Hebden. The English artist's music is electronic and involving enough to imagine it will make for an interesting visit in the desert. Having explored the musical universe via experimental, alt rock, jazz and other styles, Four Tet's set promises to be fun.

Coachella 2012 at dusk. Photo: Robert Kinsler

Sundays, April 14 and 21

CHVRCHES is a Glasgow, Scotland-spawned band whose synth-pop and indie pop sound is sure to keep Southern California's premiere event moving on Sunday. The group's parade of solid releases (Recover, The Bones of What You Believe and Every Open Eye) has yielded a string of infectious material.

Emily King will perform at Coachella on Sundays,
April 14 and 21. Photo courtesy of the artist.

ATO Records recording artist Emily King is an R&B and soul singer who has connected with audiences via striking and original material including her debut album East Side Story, sophomore EP Seven and this year's full-length stunner Scenery. The New York-based artist is a wonderful and expressive singer, as evidenced by her affecting tracks "Distance" (off 2015's The Switch) and "Remind Me" (from Scenery). Don't miss her.



H.E.R. (an acronym for Having Everything Revealed) is a Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter who first found fame as Gabriella "Gabi" Wilson as a participant in Radio Disney's Next Big Thing a decade ago. At the mere age of 14, she was signed to RCA Records. But it was her artistic renewal as H.E.R. in 2016 that has yielded bona fide interest in the artist, included five Grammy Awards nominations earlier this year (she won Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Album).



Robert Kinsler

Editor's Note: This is an expanded version of the story also available on the Desert Star Weekly site here.

Sights and Sounds: Styx, Lindsey Buckingham, Sarah Brightman, more...

There is exciting news from many corners of the musical universe to share, starting with details about Styx having just announced plans to perform their The Mission in its entirety at a special event coming to Las Vegas in January 2019.

Styx performing at the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa, CA on July 15, 2016. From left: James "J.Y." Young, Tommy Shaw, Chuck Panozzo and Ricky Phillips. Photo: Kelly A. Swift

STYX to Perform Special Two-Act Concert Featuring THE MISSION in its Entirety and a set of The Classic Hits at The Pearl at Palms Casino Resort

Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019 at 8 p.m.

Tickets on sale – Friday, Oct. 12 at 10 a.m.

LAS VEGAS – Oct. 8, 2018 – Legendary rock band STYX—Tommy Shaw (vocals, guitars), James “JY” Young (co-founder, vocals, guitars), Lawrence Gowan (vocals, keyboards), Todd Sucherman (drums) and Ricky Phillips (bass), along with the occasional surprise appearance by original bassist Chuck Panozzo—return to the Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019 at 8 p.m. where they will perform two sets in one night. Tickets start at $49.95 plus applicable fees and go on sale Friday, Oct. 12 at 10 a.m. 

After 14 years, STYX’s sonically sweet 16th studio album and its most ambitious, most challenging, and most rewarding album to date, THE MISSION, was finally released June 16, 2017 on the band’s label, Alpha Dog 2T/UMe. Now, for the first time ever, STYX will perform the album that critics have called “a masterpiece” in its entirety for the first time as part of a two-act concert event. The second act will feature all of STYX’s classic hits.

“The idea of performing THE MISSION live in its entirety for you is something we’ve envisioned ever since we recorded it,” says guitarist/singer Tommy Shaw. “That time is here! We’ve set the date! And we can’t wait to get our hands on the wheel of that rocket-mobile!”

THE MISSION debuted on various Billboard charts, including: No. 6 Top Rock Albums, No. 11 Physical Albums, No. 11 Vinyl Albums, No. 13 Current Albums, No. 14 Billboard Top Albums, No. 16 Retail, No. 17 Mass Merch/Non-Traditional, No. 29 Digital Albums, and No. 45 Billboard 200 (includes catalog and streaming). A special two-disc reissue of THE MISSION was released on July 27, 2018 via Alpha Dog 2T/UMe, which includes a CD of the original album, as well as a Blu-ray of THE MISSION mixed in 5.1 Surround Sound by singer/guitarist Tommy Shaw and producer Will Evankovich accompanied by stunning visualizations for each of the album’s 14 songs based on the album artwork. Other extras on the Blu-ray include: “The Making of The Mission Documentary” of exclusive interviews of SHAW and Evankovich, four music videos—“Gone Gone Gone” (official video), “Gone Gone Gone” (video created by NASA), “Radio Silence” (lyric video) and “Radio Silence” (live video from Syracuse, NY)—and three hi-res audio playback modes.

The six men comprising STYX have committed to rocking the Paradise together with audiences far and wide by averaging more than 100 shows a year every year since (yes) 1999, and each one of them is committed to making the next show better than the last. Founded in Chicago in 1972, STYX has the unique distinction of being the first band in rock history to have four consecutive certified multimillion-selling albums in a row: 1977’s The Grand Illusion, 1978’s Pieces of Eight, 1979’s Cornerstone, and 1981’s Paradise Theatre.

STYX draws from over four decades of barn burning chart hits, joyous singalongs, and hard-driving deep cuts. Like a symphony that builds to a satisfying crescendo, a STYX set covers a wide range of stylistic cornerstones. From the progressively sweeping splendor that is “The Grand Illusion” to the hunker-down fortitude of all that is the “Blue Collar Man,” from the majestic spiritual love for a special “Lady” to the poignant rumination on the fleeting nature of fame in “Miss America,” from an individual yearning for true connection as a “Man in the Wilderness” to a soul-deep quest to achieve what’s at the heart of one’s personal vision in “Crystal Ball,” from the regal reach-for-the-stars bravado of “Come Sail Away” to the grainy all-in gallop of that rugged “Renegade” who had it made, STYX draws on an unlimited cache of ways to immerse one’s mind and body in their signature sound.

Tickets for STYX are $49.95, $69.95, $79.95 and $129.95, plus applicable fees and go on sale Friday, Oct. 12, 2018 at 10 a.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. and guests under 21 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets can be purchased at the Pearl Concert Theater box office, any Station Casinos Rewards Center or online at Ticketmaster.com. For more information, please visit www.stationcasinoslive.com or www.palms.com. For exclusive ticket pre-sale information connect with Palms Casino Resort and the Pearl on Twitter @Palms and @PearlatPalms, Instagram @Palms andFacebook.

About Pearl Concert Theater

The Pearl is Las Vegas’ premier concert theater boasting accommodations for up to 2,500 ticket holders. The newly renovated venue features a stage just four feet from the floor with the farthest seat a mere 120 feet back, offering the utmost in intimate concert viewing. Private and semi-private skyboxes are located on each side of the venue offering private bars, lounges, and restrooms. The Pearl is a marvel of modern technology boasting top-of-the-line sound and video equipment throughout. Hard wired to Studio at the Palms, The Pearl allows artists to create a cost-effective live album with efficiency. For more information, please visit www.palms.com.

About Live Nation Las Vegas

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation & House of Blues Concerts, LN Media and Artist Nation Management. Live Nation Las Vegas produces residency shows from Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Lopez, Lionel Richie, Backstreet Boys and Florida Georgia Line at Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino; Lady Gaga, Aerosmith, Bruno Mars, Stevie Wonder and Queen + Adam Lambert at Park Theater at Park MGM; Mariah Carey at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace; Blink 182 at Pearl Concert Theater at the Palms; and Il Divo, Rascal Flatts, Styx & Don Felder, Chicago, ZZ TOP and Earth, Wind & Fire at The Venetian Las Vegas. Live Nation Las Vegas also brings other world-famous artists to many of the city’s other premier concert venues including T-Mobile Arena, Mandalay Bay Events Center, MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas Village, House of Blues, Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, and more. For additional information, visit www.livenation.com. Find Live Nation Las Vegas on Facebook, Instagram and follow us on Twitter.

About Station Casinos Entertainment

Station Casinos’ concert and entertainment lounge venues include: The Railhead at Boulder Station, a 650-seat venue; Grand Events Center, a 2,000-seat venue, and The Backyard, a poolside venue accommodating up to 4,000 guests, at Green Valley Ranch; Club Tequila at Fiesta Rancho, a 380-seat venue; Rocks Lounge, a 350-seat venue, The Sandbar, a poolside venue accommodating 4,000 guests at Red Rock Resort; Chrome Showroom at Santa Fe Station, a 550-seat venue; Club Madrid, a 500-seat venue, and Sunset Amphitheater, an outdoor venue accommodating up to 5,000 guests, at Sunset Station; Dallas Events Center, a 1,800-seat venue and South Padre, a 300-seat venue, at Texas Station and Pearl Concert Theater, a premier concert theater accommodations for up to 2,500 ticket holders, and The Lounge at Palms Casino Resort. For up-to-the-minute news, connect with Station Casinos on Facebook or follow on twitter @stationcasinos.

LIVE FROM HERE WITH CHRIS THILE
SEASON THREE PREMIERES

Lindsey Buckingham / Photo: APM

WATCH PERFORMANCES BY
LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM AND
HURRAY FOR THE RIFF RAFF

Hurray for the Riff Raff / Photo: APM

Live from Here with Chris Thile’s season three debuted on Friday, October 5 at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in San Francisco, featuring guest performances from Lindsey Buckingham and Hurray for the Riff Raff.  

Listen to the complete episode here: https://bit.ly/2PjeTfd

Watch Lindsey Buckingham’s performance of “Never Going Back Again” here: https://bit.ly/2C4cAJ5

Watch Hurray for the Riff Raff’s performance of “Pa’lante” here: https://bit.ly/2C0VsUO

The next Live from Here episode will air on Saturday, October 13 at the Palace Theatre in St. Paul and feature a performance by the Dirty Projectors.

Live from Here is produced by American Public Media. Audio and video clips, along with scripts, photos and from information about Live from Here with Chris Thile can be found at www.livefromhere.org.

Fathom Events Presents Exclusive One-Night U.S. Screening of ‘HYMN: Sarah Brightman In Concert’ on Thursday night, November 8, 2018

Full Length Theatrical Performance Features Brightman’s New Music From the Highly Anticipated Album “HYMN” with Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Content

International Screening Dates To Be Announced in the Coming Months

  

DENVER – October 9, 2018 – From Fathom Events, “HYMN: Sarah Brightman In Concert” full length theatrical performance will hit cinemas in the U.S. on November 8 for a special one-night screening, including exclusive behind-the-curtain content. The cinematic event will coincide with the global release of Brightman’s new album “HYMN,” available beginning Friday, November 9 (Decca Gold/ Universal Music Group). The album is the first new recording in five years for international superstar and world’s best-selling soprano Sarah Brightman.

Tickets for “HYMN: Sarah Brightman In Concert” can be purchased at www.FathomEvents.com and participating theater box offices.

Sarah Brightman on Nov. 2, 2013. Photo: Kim Kinsler

Fathom Events presents “HYMN: Sarah Brightman In Concert” in nearly 500 select domestic movie theaters on Thursday, November 8 at 7:30 p.m. local time through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network (DBN). For a complete list of theater locations, visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change). Fathom will also distribute the feature to theaters in the UK, Ireland, Europe, South America and Australia in the coming months.

“I am delighted to share my special and new album ‘HYMN’ with moviegoers around the country,” said Sarah Brightman. “To me, ‘HYMN,’ suggests joy – a feeling of hope and light, something that is familiar and secure, and I hope that sentiment resonates through the music and this cinema special.” 

“HYMN: Sarah Brightman In Concert” was captured for the big screen from the Festspielhaus in the enchanted Bavarian Alps, known for its magical lakes, mountains, castles, ‘cuckoo clock’ houses, and the historic and captivating Neuschwanstein Castle. Conceived and created by Sarah Brightman, Anthony Van Laast (“Mamma Mia”, “Beauty and the Beast”), and Frank Peterson (“Enigma”), the 90-minute performance is a hybrid of a musical film, a classical-crossover program and a large-scale concert production. Sarah is accompanied by her band, the Bavarian Philharmonic orchestra, a 50-voice choir and the Ludwig Ensemble of dancers, Special guest performers include Yoshiki, Vincent Niclo, Mario Frangoulis and Narcis.

“As a continuation of Fathom’s dedication to provide exciting cinematic experiences for moviegoers everywhere, we are thrilled to have ‘HYMN: Sarah Brightman In Concert’ join our lineup,” said Ray Nutt, Fathom Events CEO. “Our international capabilities, vast domestic movie theater distribution footprint and in-theater marketing assets are some of the key unique elements we provide to give this prestige content the exposure it deserves.” 

About Fathom Events
Fathom Events is the leading event cinema distributor with theater locations in all top 100 DMAs® (Designated Market Areas) and ranks as one of the largest overall theater content distributors. Owned by AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC), Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK) and Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC), Fathom Events offers a variety of unique entertainment events in movie theaters such as live performances of the Metropolitan Opera, top Broadway stage productions, major sporting events, epic concerts, the yearlong TCM Big Screen Classics series, inspirational events and popular anime franchises. Fathom Events takes audiences behind the scenes for unique extras including audience Q&As, backstage footage and interviews with cast and crew, creating the ultimate VIP experience. Fathom Events’ live Digital Broadcast Network (“DBN”) is the largest cinema broadcast network in North America, bringing live and pre-recorded events to 941 locations and 1,496 screens in 181 DMAs. The company also provides corporations a compelling national footprint for hosting employee meetings, customer rewards events and new product launches. For more information, visit www.FathomEvents.com.

About Sarah Brightman
Known for her three-octave range and for pioneering the classical-crossover music movement, Sarah Brightman has amassed global sales of more than 30 million units. The only artist to have simultaneously topped Billboard’s dance and classical music charts, Brightman has racked up more than 180 gold and platinum awards in over 40 countries. She is also known for her iconic star turn in The Phantom of the Opera, whose soundtrack has sold more than 40 million copies worldwide. Her duet with Bocelli, “Time To Say Goodbye,” became an international success selling 12 million copies worldwide. Brightman’s albums Eden, La Luna, Harem, and Symphony were each chart-topping Billboard hits and accompanied by world tours. Additionally, Brightman has performed at such prestigious events as the 2007 Concert for Diana, the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games and the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

New singles roundup: Hollis Brown, elbow, Hurray for the Riff Raff

Happy Wednesday everybody! Ready to check out some great new music? Below are links and information on highly-recommended tracks from Hollis Brown, elbow and Hurray for the Riff Raff.

First up, listen to the latest single from Hollis Brown, "Run Right To You," a rousing and rollicking rocker that is infectious and authentic. It bristles with the spirit and energy of '60s blues rockers such as the Yardbirds and Kinks, as well as modern-day Irish rockers the Strypes. "Run Right To You" is available via a limited edition 7" with the B-Side "She Don't Love Me Now," an affecting Americana track. Listen to "Run Right To You" via YouTube below:



Get more information on New York-based rockers Hollis Brown at http://www.hollisbrown.com/.


It is great to have English alternative rock troupe elbow is back. Earlier this year, it was announced that long-time drummer Richard Jupp was leaving the group and their upcoming 2017 album would be recorded without him. Check out the first single, aptly-titled "Magnificent (She Says)," from the band's forthcoming album Little Fictions (set for release on Feb. 3, 2017) on the band's YouTube page embedded below: 



In other new music news, Hurray for the Riff Raff is set to return with the new concept album The Navigator on March 10, 2017. According to a media release, Hurray for the Riff Raff singer-songwriter "Alynda Segarra tells an interwoven, cinematic story of a wandering soul at a crossroads of identity and ancestral weight. It finds a street kid named Navita traversing a perpetually burning city in search of herself." The first single "Rican Beach" blends Latin rhythms, Kate Bush-styled experimental rock and other sounds with perfection. Watch the lyric video for "Rican Beach" off the upcoming album below:



Robert Kinsler

Sights and Sounds: Gary Calamar, Americana Music Association, Justin Currie

Happy Tuesday morning everybody! Here is a quick roundup of several items pulled from my inbox first thing today...

NOTED MUSIC SUPERVISOR AND KCRW DJ GARY CALAMAR’S DEBUT RELEASE YOU ARE WHAT YOU LISTEN TO CONFIRMED FOR OCTOBER 14, 2014 VIA ATLANTIC RECORDS

True Blood, Dexter, Six Feet Under Music Supervisor as well as Disc Jockey, Author and Former Record Store Manager’s Musical Evolution Continues with Solo Debut From a Rock and Roll Wordsmith

LOS ANGELES, CA (TUESDAY AUGUST 26, 2014) – Five-time Grammy nominated music supervisor and noted KCRW Disc Jockey Gary Calamar (www.garycalamar.com) announced today that his debut E.P. You Are What You listen To will be released October 14 via Atlantic Records.

You Are What You Listen To is Gary Calamar’s debut as a musician & songwriter of gloriously catchy, sparkly rock and roll songs, filled with abundant wit and melody. Drawing inspiration from his rock heroes, his tunes alternately crunch as well as caress. Produced by John Would (Fiona Apple), the six songs that compromise the E.P. jam their way directly into your head. They are:

1. I Got An Idea

2. Giddy

3. Minimum Day 

4. She’s So Mid-Century 

5. The Last Revolution

6. Back Door Man

So how does one go from music industry soldier to simply musician? Well, it’s actually more like an evolution than a career change. Known primarily as a five-time Grammy nominated music supervisor on shows like True Blood, Dexter, Six Feet Under as well as KCRW DJ, Gary Calamar has always been a songwriter. None other than Iggy Pop recorded his tune “Let’s Boot and Rally”. So after years of being a closeted songwriter with no time to record, up stepped Atlantic Records who heard a few demo tracks and asked to put the record out. And here we are, You Are What You Listen To. 

Gary’s humble beginnings in the music business began behind the counter at LA’s finest record stores: Licorice Pizza (RIP), Moby Disc (RIP) and Rhino (RIP). He managed the criminally underrated L.A. band, The Balancing Act who released 3 indie classics on IRS Records. From there he was offered a job at one of the world’s most influential radio stations, KCRW. He also co-authored the book Record Store Days: From Vinyl to Digital and Back Again. But all the while he’s been entertaining his inner circle of music pals with his own compositions. Catchy, sparkling, glorious bursts of rock and roll mischief and majesty, they are. Real, live, can’t-get-them-outta-yer-head songs that will be released in on October 14. 

Live dates to be announced shortly. 

Americana Music Association announces its 13th Annual Honors & Awards Performers and Presenters

(Nashville, Tenn.) August 26, 2014 – The Americana Music Association reveals an initial presenter and performer lineup for its 13th annual Honors & Awards Show. As anticipated, the list reflects Americana’s “spirit of eclecticism” (New York Times) through its diverse production/curation.

Hurray For The Riff Raff
is Alynda Lee Segarra /
Photo: Josh Shoemaker

In addition to previously announced performances by Loretta Lynn, Flaco Jimenez, Taj Mahal and Jackson Browne, the tastemaker event will feature Buddy Miller, Cassandra Wilson, Hard Working Americans, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Jason Isbell, Jim Lauderdale, Marty Stuart, Parker Millsap, Patty Griffin, Robert Ellis, Rodney Crowell, Rosanne Cash, Ry Cooder, Sarah Jarosz, St. Paul & Broken Bones, Sturgill Simpson, The Devil Makes Three, The McCrary Sisters, The Milk Carton Kids and Valerie June with presentations by Amy Ray, Carlene Carter, Elizabeth Cook, Emmylou Harris, JD Souther, Joe Henry, John Paul White, John Ritter, Keb Mo, Rhett Miller, Shovels and Rope, Todd Snider and Vince Gill.

The 13th Annual Honors & Awards Show — held at the historic Ryman Auditorium on Wednesday, Sept. 17th — will be hosted by Jim Lauderdale and feature a house band led by Buddy Miller that includes Don Was, Joachim Cooder, Tim Lauer, The McCrary Sisters and legend, Ry Cooder.

Broadcast live with radio partners SiriusXM "Outlaw Country" and online via NPR's Folk Alley, and edited for television for PBS that will air November 22 in the Austin City Limits time slot. The Americana Honors & Awards, for the first time, will also air on Australia's CMC (Country Music Channel). The show kicks off the 15th Annual Festival and Conference that runs Wed. Sept, 17 through Sunday, Sept 21.

For a full list of performers, panels, and ticket and registration information, please visit americanamusic.org.

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The 15th annual Americana Music Festival & Conference, a “smaller, rootsier version of South by Southwest” (New York Times) will take place September 17-21, 2014 in Nashville, TN, kicked off by the 13th annual Americana Honors & Awards Show on Sept. 17 at the historic Ryman Auditorium.

The Americana Music Association is a professional non-profit trade organization whose mission is to advocate for the authentic voice of American Roots Music around the world. The Association curates events throughout the year including the annual Americana Music Festival and Conference, presented by Nissan, the acclaimed Americana Honors & Awards program and most recently “Americana NYC” Aug. 4th – 11th — a partnership with Lincoln Center. For more information, please visit www.americanamusic.org.

JUSTIN CURRIE US TOUR IN SUPPORT OF LOWER REACHES

Justin Currie will tour the U.S. in September and October of 2014.

Justin Currie, the lead singer and songwriter of Scottish pop-rock band Del Amitri, is pleased to announce U.S. dates this fall in support of his newest release, Lower Reaches.

Watch Justin Currie's Video "Bend To My Will" here Visit Justin Currie's website here The new album is the follow-up to Currie's 2010 critically acclaimed project The Great War which garnered 4 star reviews and earned Currie the moniker of "a songwriter's songwriter" from Mojo.  On Lower Reaches, Currie's pop sensibilities and radio ready vocals are ever present, but it's his songwriting that is perhaps most striking.  The new set of self-penned songs show Currie emerging as a writer of great depth and sensitivity, deftly examining life, relationships and the human condition, albeit delivered with the healthy dose of cynicism and wit that his fans have come to count on. Currie wrote most of the songs on Lower Reaches during a solitary songwriting retreat on the Isle of Skye off the coast of Scotland.  Hunkered down in a remote cottage in the shadow of The Cuillins, the mountain range that dominates the Hebridean island, Currie had no internet and no mobile phone, just an acoustic guitar, a piano, and a ghetto-blaster on which to record his ideas.  "I suppose it was a bit like my Brill Building", he smiles. "You're being your own boss and putting yourself under pressure to write."  Currie wrote fifteen songs in eleven days, something of a personal best in terms of rapid-fire delivery. When it came time to capture the music in the studio Currie traveled to Austin, Texas to work with producer Mike McCarthy (Craig Finn [The Hold Steady], Spoon, Patty Griffin, …And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead).  The process was, in Currie's words, "a brilliant experience" and the resulting tracks have been heralded by the UK press as among the songwriter's recent best. Watch Justin Currie's Video "Bend to My Will" here As singer and main songwriter in Del Amitri, formed in Glasgow in 1983, Currie wrote many of their biggest hits including ‘Roll To Me’, ‘Always The Last To Know’, and ‘Nothing Ever Happens’. During their long and distinguished career, Del Amitri released four Top 10 albums, including ‘Waking Hours’ (1989), which sold over a million copies in the UK alone.

About Compass Records Billboard Magazine has touted Compass Records Group as one of the leading independent labels of the past decade. The label group is home to more than 500 releases across the Compass Records, Green Linnet and Mulligan Records imprints with a roster that boasts a variety of artists including Colin Hay, A.J. Croce, Victor Wooten, Claire Lynch, the Farewell Drifters, Peter Rowan, The Gibson Brothers, Darden Smith, BeauSoleil, Michael Cleveland, and label co-founder Alison Brown. For more information, visit www.compassrecords.com.