New music: Japanese Breakfast, Ricky Byrd, Jimmy Vivino, Jeremy Graeff

In this column I focus on a diverse field of outstanding new releases available now.

Artist: Japanese Breakfast
Title: For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women) (Dead Oceans)
You might like if you enjoy: Florence + the Machine, Mazzy Star

Tell me more: Sonically sumptuous, lyrically rich and never less than bewitching, the fourth album from Japanese Breakfast — For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women) —  is a captivating full-length release showcasing the singular talents of singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Michelle Zauner. The aptly-titled album finds Zauner delving headlong into melancholy, which she notes "as a kind of anticipatory grief, one that comes from an acknowledgement of the passage of time, from the recognition of mortality and finitude." There is dreamy quality across the disc even while each track is enhanced by a unique place in the album's thematic arc. Standouts include the lush opener "Here is Someone," single "Orlando in Love" examining the cost of desire, driving "Honey Water" with its hypnotic-fueled experimental rock drive, the baroque acoustic gem "Little Girl," infectious "Picture Window," country-flavored "Men in Bars" (the latter featuring duet vocals with Jeff Bridges) and lovely closer "Magic Mountain." Japanese Breakfast will perform at the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival on April 12 and April 19 in Indio. Information:  japanesebreakfast.rocks.

Artist: Ricky Byrd
Title: NYC Made (Wicked Cool Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Jeff Beck, Raspberries, Jim Carroll, Stevie Van Zandt

Tell me more: Singer-songwriter-guitarist Ricky Byrd's latest album NYC Made (available courtesy of Little Steven's Wicked Cool Records) is an authentic celebration of the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer's far-flung influences and rock and roll heroes as well as his own winning musical instincts. From catchy riff rock and tuneful power pop to heartland rock and instrumental virtuosity, the long-time lead guitarist of Joan Jett & the Blackhearts presents a wide-ranging selection of outstanding originals across the LP. The mix of material includes the infectious opener "(Ya Get) 1 Life," aptly-titled "Glamdemic Blues" (the latter recalling the stylings of Mott the Hoople and T. Rex), confessional "Sweet Byrd of Youte," celebratory "Then Along Comes You" and the emotive closer "Best Of Times." "Rhapsody in Blues (One For Jeff)" is a dazzling and emotive tribute to the late guitar master Jeff Beck — who sadly passed away in early 2023. NYC Made is a terrific album sure to please long-time fans of Byrd as well as those discovering his signature sound for the first time. Information: Rickybyrd.com.

Artist: Jimmy Vivino
Title: Gonna Be 2 of Those Days (Gulf Coast Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Joe Bonamassa, Billy F Gibbons, John Sebastian, Tab Benoit
Tell me more: While singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Jimmy Vivino is best known as a long-time member of Conan O'Brien's TV show house band, his wide-ranging career has included work ranging from radio and film to Broadway. Now Gulf Coast Records has released Vivino's full-length label debut Gonna Be 2 of Those Days, a rousing celebration of his formidable talents. The 11-track disc kicks off with the catchy blues-rocker "Blues In The 21st," featuring guest guitar great Joe Bonamassa. Vivino's own skills as a songwriter, virtuoso guitarist and great vocalist shine on that opener as well as across the entire album. The nuanced 1960s-mining "Ruby Is Back," New Orleans-styled title track (the latter featuring guest John Sebastian on harmonica and acoustic guitar), driving blues rocker "Beware The Wolf," swinging romance-themed "Crossed My Mind" and Delta blues acoustic foray "Back Up The Country" are among the album's other highlights. Information: gulfcoastrecords.net.

Artist: Jeremy Graeff
Title: Live From The Wandering Bard [featuring Mark Williams] (Jeremy Graeff Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Owain Phyfe, Renaissance music
Tell me more: Jeremy Graeff' is a top-notch singer-guitarist who tours around the nation as a featured performer at Renaissance Fairs and Festivals; in the fall of 2023 he invited Mark Williams (recorder, flute, harmony vocals) to be his guest on a weekly livestream session. Now five of those bewitching selections appear on the new EP Live From The Wandering Bard, a powerful celebration of Renaissance-styled acoustic music. The opener "A La Una, Yo Naci" (translated to "At One I Was Born") is a powerful and haunting song where Graeff's lead vocals are enhanced by Williams instrumental and vocal talents. The driving "Quen A Omagen" is a work from the Middle Ages from the features a driving rhythm and Williams' dazzling musicianship. Similarly impressive is the duo's version of "Ai Vist Lo Lop" ("I Saw The Wolf"), a medieval song that dates back to the 13th century that is bolstered by Graeff and Williams' elevated harmony vocals. The evocative take on Esther Ofarim's "Una Matika De Ruda" is drenched in melancholy and otherworldly magic. The collection concludes with "Pastimes With Good Company/Quand Je Bois," a captivating medley that concludes with an astonishing display of the powerful vocal interplay between the two singers. Information: jeremygraeffmusic.com.

Robert Kinsler

New Music: The Smithereens, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Lions & Ghosts

Three unearthed treasures make for fantastic listens, including the latest titles from The Smithereens, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Lions & Ghosts.

Artist: The Smithereens

Title: The Lost Album (Sunset Blvd. Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Beatles, The Who, Buddy Holly

Tell me more: When Pat DiNizio passed away in December 2017, it appeared that the Smithereens' aptly-titled 2011 would serve as the final statement from the original lineup of the top-tier band. Fast forward to 2022 and the release of the truly miraculous The Lost Album (set for release on Sept. 23 via Sunset Blvd. Records). Recorded in the fall of 1993 when the New Jersey-spawned quartet was between record labels, the full-length set of songs is a bona fide masterwork featuring a dozen melodic rockers courtesy of the aforementioned DiNizio on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, lead guitarist Jim Babjak, bassist Mike Mesaros and drummer Dennis Diken. The parade of great originals includes the tender "Dear Abby," melodic rocker "A World Apart" (bolstered by an especially tuneful guitar solo), heavy "Stop Bringing Me Down," fiery garage rocker "Monkey Man," Beatlesque "Face the World With Pride" and confessional closer "All Through The Night." My favorite track on the album is the wistful and haunting "Don't Look Down," with DiNizio's signature baritone probing self-doubt with the stylish candor that fueled many of the Smithereens' most beloved classics. Information: OfficialSmithereens.com.

Artist: Creedence Clearwater Revival

Title: At The Royal Albert Hall (Craft Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: John Fogerty, Creedence Clearwater Revival

Tell me more: The long-awaited release of Creedence Clearwater Revival's legendary April 14, 1970 performance at London's Royal Albert Hall is an absolute joy. Grammy-winning producer Giles Martin and engineer Sam Okell mixed and restored the original multitrack tapes; the result is a recording that spectacularly captures the legendary quartet (singer-lead guitarist John Fogerty, rhythm guitarist Tom Fogerty, drummer Doug "Cosmo" Clifford, bassist Stu Cook) at the height of their powers. The fast-moving 12-song set on At The Royal Albert Hall finds the El Cerrito, California-spawned outfit tearing through a mix of timeless hits and lesser known nuggets with bona fide zeal. While casual rock fans will love the powerful takes on "Born on the Bayou," "Green River," Travelin' Band," Bad Moon Rising" and "Proud Mary," aficionados will be equally thrilled by the Lew Herman-penned blues-rock juggernaut "The Night Time Is the Right Time," rollicking take on Little Richard's "Good Golly Miss Molly" and the ferocious Southern-fried closer "Keep on Chooglin'," the latter bolstered by John Fogerty's impressive work on both blues harmonica and lead guitar. In addition to the concert recording being available on audio CD and vinyl, Netflix subscribers can view the full concert that anchors the excellent Jeff Bridges-narrated documentary "Travelin' Band: Creedence Clearwater Revival at the Royal Albert Hall." Information: CraftRecordings.com.

Artist: Lions & Ghosts

Title: Velvet Kiss, Lick of The Lime (Sparkle Plenty/Deko Entertainment)

You might like if you enjoy: Simple Minds, Altered State, The Replacements, The Church

Tell me more: Signed to EMI for two albums that were issued in the late 1980s, Los Angeles-based Lions & Ghosts' wonderful 1987 debut Velvet Kiss, Lick of The Lime has been reissued digitally with bonus tracks and even a new single (the shimmering "Gurl I Luv You"). Thirty five years after it was originally released, Velvet Kiss, Lick of The Lime delights and will leave listeners wondering why the quartet didn't garner more attention. The enthralling opener "Passion," bouncy "Man In A Car," driving '80s-styled rocker "Mary Goes Round," and harpsichord-anchored chamber pop gem "Stay" are early standouts on the reissue. The jazzy detour "Girl On A Swing," propulsive "Love & Kisses From The Gutter," yearning "Wilton House" and funky "Contradiction" keep up the disc's power in its last half. Lions & Ghosts featured the talents of singer-songwriter Rick Parker, guitarist Michael Lockwood, bassist Todd Hoffman and drummer Micheal Murphy. Information: DekoEntertainment.com.

Robert Kinsler

Blu-Ray Essentials: 'Masked and Anonymous' and 'CMA Awards Live Greatest Moments: 2008-2015'

Those who have Blu-ray systems and love great music will want to get two newly-available titles on the format. The Bob Dylan-starring "Masked and Anonymous" and "CMA Awards Live Greatest Moments: 2008-2015" provide top-tier entertainment for discerning music audiences.

Title: Masked and Anonymous (Shout Select / Shout! Factory)
Tell me more: What do actors Jeff Bridges, Penélope Cruz, John Goodman, Jessica Lange, Luke Wilson, Angela Bassett, Val Kilmer and Bruce Dern have in common? All are among the Hollywood greats who appear alongside legendary Bob Dylan in the genre-defying cult classic "Masked And Anonymous." The newly-released Blu-ray edition features the film in high definition and immersive 5.1 audio. Seventeen years after its release, "Masked and Anonymous" remains a groundbreaking and revealing film that works on a myriad of levels. Dylan portrays folk singer-songwriter Jack Fate, a one-time traveling troubadour who is released from jail by his desperate manager to headline an ill-fated benefit concert. The 2003 Larry Charles-directed masterwork ultimately provides a deep appreciation of Dylan's music and mythos amidst a storyline that was far ahead of its time in terms of its look at a nation in decline, the unethical music business, brutal governments and a less-than-objective press. Performing alongside a long parade of acting greats, Dylan is an arresting presence on camera and that palpable on-camera command is enhanced when he performs with his band throughout the movie. In addition to the brilliant feature film, bonus features on the title include a new interview with the director, deleted scenes, a "making of" feature and theatrical trailers. Information: ShoutFactory.com.

Title: CMA Awards Live Greatest Moments: 2008-2015 (Time Life)
Tell me more: For more than 50 years, the CMA Awards have featured performances featuring the top names in country music. Now "Country Music's Biggest Night" is showcased for the first time on the blu-ray format in high definition via "CMA Awards Live Greatest Moments: 2008-2015." The parade of performances are strong from the get-go; the title begins with a tender acoustic-flavored "More Like Her" from Miranda Lambert and winning collaboration featuring Brooks & Dunn with Reba McEntire ("Cowgirls Don't Cry") captured at the 42nd Annual CMA Awards in 2008. The evolution of contemporary country music where traditional stylings are fused with pop, rock and urban tinges is showcased as the telecasts move forward through to the 49th Annual CMA Awards presented in 2015. My favorite performances on the fast-moving 139-minute compilation include the melodic "Need You Now" from Lady Antebellum, "As She's Walking Away" (with the Zac Brown Band and Alan Jackson joining forces), Alan Jackson and George Strait paying tribute to George Jones via an emotional performance of "He Stopped Loving Her Today" and a soulful collaboration where Chris Stapleton and Justin Timberlake performing the mini-medley of "Tennessee Whiskey/Drink You Away." Bonus features on the title include an interview with CMA Awards Executive Producer Robert Deaton, and chapters focused on songstress Miranda Lambert and hit-maker Blake Shelton. Information: TimeLife.com.


Robert Kinsler

Sights and Sounds: Whitney Matheson, Austin City Limits, Idina Menzel, Ziggy Marley

Good morning everybody. A sad note that after 15 years of entertaining readers, pioneering Pop Candy blogger Whitney Matheson has been laid off by USA Today. I hope she can continue to inspire and use her wealth of creativity and passion for her countless fans somewhere else soon! I've been reading her column on a daily basis for as long as I can remember and been introduced to not only new music, but other pop culture-related content via her great posts...Now on with today's top music news!

Austin City Limits Celebrates 40 Years

Two-Hour Primetime 40th Anniversary Special Premieres October 3, 2014 on PBS-TV

Star-Studded Broadcast Features Jeff Bridges, Sheryl Crow, Matthew McConaughey, Willie Nelson, Foo Fighters, Bonnie Raitt, Alabama Shakes, Kris Kristofferson, Emmylou Harris, Buddy Guy, Lyle Lovett, Gary Clark Jr. & many more

Austin, TX—September 4, 2014—The landmark PBS series Austin City Limits (ACL) highlights four decades as a music institution with Austin City Limits Celebrates 40 Years, a primetime special honoring the program's milestone 40th anniversary, airing Friday, October 3rd, 9-11pm ET on PBS Arts Fall Festival. With guest hosts Jeff Bridges, Sheryl Crowand Matthew McConaughey, the two-hour broadcast features memorable moments from the trailblazing show's remarkable run, while the brightest stars in the series' history return to the ACL stage for dream duets and choice collaborations. Ready to write the next chapter in its storied history, ACL’s Season 40 premieres on October 4 with an epic hour from an American original, musician/songwriter Beck.

An all-star lineup of ACL royalty pays tribute to the show's enduring legacy with unforgettable music performances in Austin City Limits Celebrates 40 Years. Highlights of the special include the show opener as Bonnie Raitt, Alabama Shakes' Brittany Howard, Jimmie Vaughan and Gary Clark Jr. team up for the Sam & Dave classic “Wrap It Up”. Incredible pairings include ACL Hall of Fame legend Willie Nelson and Emmylou Harris on the Nelson-penned classic “Crazy” and Kris Kristofferson and Sheryl Crow's moving take on his signature “Me and Bobby McGee”. The Foo Fighters honor ACL with a wild rendition of Texas cult hero Roky Erickson's "Two Headed Dog," recorded at the show's original television studio especially for the occasion. Host Jeff Bridges performs the late singer-songwriter Stephen Bruton's song “What A Little Bit of Love Can Do” as a tribute to the influential Austin musician who inspired Bridges’ Oscar-winning portrayal in Crazy Heart. Local legends Joe Ely and Robert Earl Keen showcase their troubadour roots and significance to the Austin music scene. Breakout artists and ACL alumni Alabama Shakes and Gary Clark Jr. give blistering performances that forecast the future of the series. Blues titan Buddy Guy brings it all home with an electrifying take on his “Mary Had A Little Lamb”. The special comes to a close with an all-star reading of two Lone Star classics—a stellar lineup of guitar slingers blaze through the Stevie Ray Vaughan standard “Texas Flood” and the biggest names in music trade verses on the Buddy Holly classic “Not Fade Away", as ACL embraces its past and hints at what is to come.

"This is a huge milestone for us,” says ACL executive producer Terry Lickona, “and this show captures the essence of what Austin City Limits is all about. We set the bar high for this celebration, and we exceeded it! The lineup of talent speaks volumes about the respect that artists have for ACL.”

Artists performing on the special are: Alabama Shakes, Doyle Bramhall II, Jeff Bridges, Gary Clark Jr., Sheryl Crow, Double Trouble, Joe Ely, Mike Farris, Foo Fighters, Grupo Fantasma, Buddy Guy, Emmylou Harris, Robert Earl Keen, Kris Kristofferson, Lyle Lovett, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, Robert Randolph, Kenny Wayne Shepherd andJimmie Vaughan.

Austin City Limits Celebrates 40 Years was taped at ACL Live at the Moody Theater, and the program's original television studio, Austin PBS station KLRU's Studio 6A.

Austin City Limits (ACL) is the longest-running music series in American television history and remains the only TV series to be awarded the National Medal of Arts. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the pilot episode taped in 1974 with Willie Nelson. Since its inception, the pioneering music series has become an institution that's helped secure Austin's reputation as the Live Music Capital of the World. The historic KLRU Studio 6A, home to 36 years of ACL concerts, has been designated an official Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Landmark. In 2011, ACL moved to the new venue ACL Live at The Moody Theater in downtown Austin. ACL received a rare institutional Peabody Award for excellence and outstanding achievement in 2012.

Austin City Limits Celebrates 40 Years setlist:

Bonnie Raitt, Brittany Howard, Jimmie Vaughan & Gary Clark Jr. | “Wrap It Up”

Bonnie Raitt | “Your Good Thing (Is About to End)”

Kris Kristofferson & Sheryl Crow | “Me and Bobby McGee”

Alabama Shakes | “Gimme All Your Love”

Jeff Bridges | “What A Little Bit of Love Can Do”

Willie Nelson | “Whiskey River”

Willie Nelson & Lyle Lovett | “Funny How Time Slips Away”

Willie Nelson & Emmylou Harris | “Crazy”

Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris & Lyle Lovett | “On the Road Again”

Robert Earl Keen & Joe Ely | “The Road Goes On Forever”

Gary Clark Jr. | “Bright Lights”

Foo Fighters | “Two Headed Dog (Red Temple Prayer)”

Sheryl Crow |“Can't Cry Anymore”

Doyle Bramhall & Sheryl Crow | “I'm Leaving”

Grupo Fantasma | “Mulato”

Jimmie Vaughan & Bonnie Raitt | “The Pleasure's All Mine”

Kenny Wayne Shepherd & Mike Farris | “House Is Rockin'”

Robert Randolph | “Pride and Joy”

Buddy Guy | “Mary Had A Little Lamb”

All-Star Finale | “Texas Flood”

All-Star Finale | “Not Fade Away”

ACL is produced by KLRU-TV and funding is provided in part by Budweiser, the Austin Convention Center Department, Dell and HomeAway. Additional funding is provided by the Friends of Austin City Limits. Learn more about Austin City Limits, programming and history at acltv.com.

Tony-Winning 'Frozen' star Idina Menzel to release Christmas album, 'Holiday Wishes,' on Oct. 14 on Warner Bros. Records 

Burbank, CA -Tony Award-winning singer/actor Idina Menzel will release a Christmas album, entitled Holiday Wishes, on October 14^th on Warner Bros. Records. The album was produced by Grammy Award-winner Walter Afanasieff (Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey) and features such classic favorites as "A Holly Jolly Christmas" and "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," as well as Joni Mitchell's Christmas-themed "River," one of Menzel's favorites. More info aboutHoliday Wishes, including the full track-listing and special guests, will be revealed soon.

Menzel's career has traversed stage, film, television, and music. She was most recently heard as Elsa in Disney's global box office smash Frozen, in which she sings the film's Oscar-winning song "Let It Go." After Menzel's performance of the multi-platinum song at the 86^th annual Academy Awards, she made history as the first person with both a Billboard Top 10 hit and a Tony Award for acting.

Menzel earned her first Tony nomination as Maureen in the Pulitzer Prize- winning musical Rent, and won the award for her performance as Elphaba in Wicked. Other notable roles include Rachel Berry's mother, Shelby Corcoran, on the hit television show Glee as well as starring opposite Susan Sarandon and Amy Adams in Disney'sEnchanted. Menzel starred in her own PBS special, Barefoot at the Symphony, with an accompanying live album of the same name, and her highly successful international concert tour recently included a sold-out performance at Radio City Music Hall. In addition to cast albums, Menzel's prolific recording career includes the solo albums I Stand, Here and Still I Can't Be Still.

Menzel can currently be seen on Broadway as Elizabeth in the original production If/Then, for which she earned critical acclaim and her third Tony nomination, and performed "Always Starting Over" from the musical at this year's Tony Awards.

www.idinamenzel.com

ZIGGY MARLEY TO RELEASE ITUNES EXCLUSIVE EP TITLED LIGHTHOUSE ON SEPTEMBER 30^TH

4-TRACK EP INCLUDES RARE TRACK VERSIONS FROM FIFTH STUDIO ALBUM FLY RASTA

SECOND LEG OF US TOUR DATES BEGINS OCTOBER 11; ON SALE NOW!

Los Angeles, CA (September 3^rd, 2014) – World renowned, six-time Grammy winner and Reggae icon Ziggy Marley will release a special 4-track EP titled LIGHTHOUSE as an iTunes exclusive on September 30^th.   The EP will feature rare versions of tracks from Ziggy’s highly acclaimed fifth studio album FLY RASTA which released earlier this year, including live acoustic versions of “I Get Up,” and “I Don’t Want To Live On Mars” and a live full band concert recording of “Lighthouse.”  The studio version of “Lighthouse,” also included in the 4 track set, is scheduled to impact radio on September 29^th. 

Marley will continue touring through the fall with a string of Canadian dates beginning September 29^th in Calgary and will begin the second leg of his US tour starting October 11^thin Hampton Beach, NH.  Ziggy’s US dates will also include major city stops in Atlanta, GA, Orlando, FL and Dallas, TX.  Tickets for most dates are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.  For further ticket purchase information, please visit ziggymarley.com.

UPCOMING TOUR DATES:

Dates:                   City:                                                       Venue:

9/29/14                Calgary, AB                                        Jack Singer Concert Hall

9/30/14                Edmonton, AB                                   Windspear Centre

10/2/14                Regina, SK                                           Regina Casino

10/3/14                Winnipeg, MB                                   Burton Cummings Theater

10/4/14                Thunder Bay, ON                             Thunder Bay Community Aud

10/6/14                Sault Ste Marie, ON                        Kiwanis Community Theater

10/7/14                North Bay, ON                                   Capitol Centre

10/8/14                Kingston, ON                                     Grand Theater

10/9/14                Kitchner, ON                                      Centre in the Square

10/11/14              Hampton Beach, NH                       Casino Ballroom

10/12/14              Bridgeport, CT                                   Klein Memorial Aud. 

10/13/14              Baltimore, MD                                   Baltimore Sound Stage

10/14/14              Newport News, VA                         Ferguson Center of the Arts

10/16/14              Myrtle Beach, SC                              House of Blues

10/17/14              Atlanta, GA                                         Variety Playhouse

10/18/14              Orlando, FL                                         The Plaza Live

10/19/14              Ponte Verdra Beach, FL Concert Hall (SOLD OUT)

10/21/14              New Orleans, LA                              House of Blues

10/22/14              Baton Rouge, LA                               Manship Theater

10/24/14              Dallas, TX                                             Granada Theater

10/25/14              New Braunfels, TX                           Gruene Hall (SOLD OUT)

10/26/14              Austin, TX                                            The Belmont

10/29/14              Santa Fe, NM                                     Santa Fe Community Center

10/31/14              Chandler, AZ                                      Wild Horse Casino

11/2/14                Anaheim, CA                                      City National Grove of Anaheim

11/6/14                San Francisco, CA                             The Fillmore

11/7/14                Redding, CA                                       Cascade Theater

11/8/14                Arcata, CA                                           John Can Duzer Theater

11/9/14                Napa, CA                                             The Uptown Theater

ABOUT ZIGGY MARLEY

A six-time Grammy winner, Emmy Winner, humanitarian, singer, songwriter and producer, Ziggy Marley has released twelve albums to much critical acclaim. His early immersion in music came at age ten when he sat in on recording sessions with his father, Bob Marley. As front man to Ziggy Marley and The Melody Makers, the group released eight best-selling albums that garnered three Grammys, with such chart-topping hits as "Look Who’s Dancing," "Tomorrow People" and "Tumbling Down." Ziggy's first solo album, Dragonfly (RCA Records), was released in 2003. His second solo release, Love is My Religion (Tuff Gong Worldwide), won a Grammy in 2006 for “Best Reggae Album.” His third solo album, Family Time (Tuff Gong Worldwide), scored him a 5th Grammy award for “Best Children’s Album.”  In 2011, Ziggy released his critically acclaimed 4^th studio album Wild And Free, which earned him a Grammy nomination, as well as his first ever comic book entitled MARIJUANAMAN.  Ziggy Marley Organics, a GMO-free product line including flavored coconut oils and hemp seed snacks, was started in 2012.  The products are distributed throughout the US and are available in over 1000 stores nationwide.  His 2012 live album “Ziggy Marley In Concert,” recently earned him his 6^th Grammy award for “Best Reggae Album.”  Ziggy also recently released his debut children’s book “I Love You Too,” a coproduction of Akashic Books and Tuff Gong Worldwide.  The multicultural picture book is based on one of Ziggy’s most beloved songs of the same title from his Grammy Award-winning album “Family Time,” which explores a child’s relationship with parents, nature and the unstoppable force of love.  Ziggy’s fifth studio album, “Fly Rasta,” also released on April 15^th, 2014 to mass critical acclaim.

For more information, please visit:

ziggymarley.com

facebook.com/ziggymarley

twitter.com/ziggymarley

youtube.com/ziggymarley

instagram.com/ziggymarley

ziggymarleyorganics.com

marijuanamancomic.com

ABOUT TUFF GONG WORLDWIDE

The Tuff Gong label was founded in 1965 by Bob Marley with the vision of producing, distributing and promoting his music free from the constraints of corporate label politics. In a time decades before artist-owned record labels were commonplace, the legendary Bob Marley’s vision was characteristically well ahead of its time. Now, nearly a half-century later, his dream is being realized.  For more information, visit http://www.tuffgongworldwide.com.

2013 Stagecoach Country Music Festival coming to AXS TV

STAGECOACH AND AXS TV PARTNER FOR FIRST LIVE BROADCAST OF THE PREMIER COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL

Dwight Yoakam, Trace Adkins, Jeff Bridges & The Abiders, Rodney Atkins and more will be part of the 3-day live music event coverage

(Los Angeles, CA – March 26, 2013) – AXS TV will broadcast the Stagecoach Country Music Festival LIVE from the Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA throughout the 3-day event.  This exclusive broadcast partnership marks the first time country music fans will be able to watch the premier music festival live across the country. The seventh annual Stagecoach Festival will take place Friday April 26 thru Sunday April 28, 2013.

AXS TV’s exclusive broadcast of Stagecoach, brought to you by StubHub, the Official Broadcast Partner, will encompass 6 hours of live continuous coverage each day, featuring live performances, interviews and behind the scenes moments.

Commander Cody, Dwight Yoakam, Jeff Bridges & The Abiders, Justin Townes Earle, Lonestar, Nick 13, Rodney Atkins, Tanya Tucker and Trace Adkins are confirmed performers appearing as part of AXS TV’s live coverage. Additional participating artists and content details for the 3-day live broadcast will be announced throughout April.

Fans can keep up-to-date with AXS TV’s Stagecoach announcements, news and live coverage by following @AXSTV on Twitter and Instagram and using hashtag #axsStagecoach; and by becoming an AXS TV Concerts friend on Facebook at www.facebook.com/axstvconcerts.

"AXS TV is proud to be the first broadcast home of Stagecoach Country Music Festival. Country music fans have always turned to AXS TV as their choice to bring them their favorite artists live," said Mark Cuban, AXS TV Founder and Chairman.  "For three days of continuous LIVE coverage, AXS TV will not just be music's network; we will be Country Music's Network."

AXS TV, the premier destination for live music events on television, has proven a must see network for country music fans. The live broadcast of Carrie Underwood’s “Blow Away Tour” had fans trending nationally and worldwide on twitter; the upcoming Saturday, April 6^th special broadcast from ACM Weekend of OutNumber Hunger Live featuring The Band Perry, Brantley Gilbert, Florida Georgia Line, and more; plus one-of-a-kind live performances and interviews on the network’s nightly music show AXSLive from country music’s finest including The Mavericks, Ashley Monroe, Martina McBride, Kristian Bush, Dierks Bentley, Hunter Hayes, Jason Aldean and many many more.

STAGECOACH: California's Country Music Festival to return to Indio, April 26-28, 2013

This just came in everybody...Roger McGuinn and Old Crow Medicine Show and Nick 13? Dwight Yoakam and Jerry Lee Lewis? Zac Brown and company? Needless to say, but I can't wait for Stagecoach!

STAGECOACH: California's Country Music Festival Returns For Seventh Year: Friday, April 26, Saturday, April, 27 And Sunday, April 28 At The Empire Polo Club In Indio, CA


TOBY KEITH, LADY ANTEBELLUM AND ZAC BROWN BAND TO HEADLINE

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- STAGECOACH 2013--set for Friday, April 26, Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28, 2013--marks the festival's seventh year at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA. This year, Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum and Zac Brown Band headline the 3-day event with additional performances by Hank Williams Jr., Dierks Bentley, Darius Rucker, Thompson Square, Tanya Tucker, Suzy Bogguss, Trace Adkins, Joe Nichols, Rodney Atkins, Dwight Yoakam, Lonestar, Jerry Lee Lewis and many more. (Full line-up as of October 9th is below).

Tickets for STAGECOACH: CALIFORNIA'S COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL POWERED BY TOYOTA go on sale Saturday, October 20th at 10 a.m. PDT at Stagecoachfestival.com. Three-day GA weekend passes are $239 with layaway available. New for 2013 all taxes, shipping and fees are included in listed ticket prices. What you see is what you pay!


Reserved seating options are also available. Children 10 and under are free.


Organizers are also pleased to introduce the NEW "Stagecoach RV Resort" providing a more private, personal and comfortable camping experience. All interested RV campers MUST submit a formal application available at www.stagecoachfestival.com prior to October 15th at 10:00am PDT. Only approved applications will have the ability to purchase a spot which accommodates up to six (6) people. Dry RV, tent and car camping have been discontinued for 2013.

For complete festival information, to review reserved seating options or to apply for an RV spot in the Stagecoach RV Resort, please visit www.stagecoachfestival.com.



STAGECOACH is produced by Goldenvoice and The Messina Group



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'Weird Al' returns to Orange County to deliver more laughs

My review was originally posted on The Orange County Register site on Monday, Aug. 13. A special "thank you" to Kelly A. Swift for the use of her great photo.

"Weird Al" Yankovic in concert on Aug. 12.

In just over two hours Sunday night (Aug. 12, 2012), “Weird Al” Yankovic showcased his talents as comedian, singer, songwriter, music video pioneer and accordionist before yet another delighted near-capacity crowd at Pacific Amphitheatre, this time on the closing night of the OC Fair.



Yankovic, 52, has been a trailblazing satirist since the dawn of MTV but has been able to successfully evolve with the subsequent arrival of the Internet and growth of social media to remain relevant.


In the ’80s and early ’90s he would merely skewer artists with popular parodies bolstered by accompanying videos. He has extended that approach over the years to include creative clips in which he’s seen interviewing everybody from Robert Pattinson and Jeff Bridges to Uma Thurman in a gleeful bashing of celebrities, along with take-downs of Craigslist and eBay and, in the piece “Another Tattoo,” the body-art trend. All of that played a major part of his show in Costa Mesa, allowing him to make quick costume changes at key points.


Mirroring how technology has quickened the pace of our lives, Yankovic’s show raced along as swiftly as features on a smart phone. The blend of live music, effective lighting, wide-ranging videos and rapid pacing all enhanced a series of great one-liners, with even some of his most effective satirical classics (including “My Bologna,” his send-up of the Knack’s “My Sharona”) folded into medleys. Yet the performance was never overwhelmed by that speediness, with Yankovic knowing when to let the show breathe.


Highlights this night included segments for which he would don colorful outfits and perform solid musical versions of some of his best-known songs, in an ADD rush of genres: a modern dance tune for “Perform This Way,” a parody of Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way”; the urban-styled “White & Nerdy”; a delightful rock attack for “Smells Like Nirvana,” which found Yankovic and members of his backing band in full grunge mode.

Several big moments came toward the end of his set, including a performance of “Eat It” with the star dressed in a fat suit and artfully replicating the moves and vocal gymnastics of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It.” All the while, fans cheered, laughed and waved their hands.

His encore featured his two Star Wars-themed songs, “The Saga Begins” and “Yoda.” The first, set to the tune of Don McLean’s “American Pie,” was delivered in Jedi attire while Yankovic was surrounded by a number of characters, including R2D2 and Darth Vader. “Yoda,” a rip on the Kinks’ iconic melody for “Lola,” provided an upbeat singalong to a show that blended music and comedy in all the right ways.