Pure Imagination Music Festival recap: The Flaming Lips, Michael Front & Spearhead, Tanya Tucker, Sarah Shook & the Disarmers, more

Michael Franti at the Pure Imagination Music Festival.

What: Pure Imagination Music Festival

Who: Michael Franti & Spearhead, Ozomatli, Ponderosa Grove, more (Friday); The Flaming Lips, Sylvan Esso, The Pharcyde, Tanya Tucker, The National Parks, Hopi Tribe, more (Saturday)

Where: Watson Lake in Prescott, AZ

When: Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18, 2024

Review by Robert Kinsler; Photography by Daryl Weisser

Concertgoers at the Pure Imagination Music Festival in Prescott, Arizona.

Since I caught the US Festival featuring David Bowie, U2, The Pretenders and Stevie Nicks in the Southern California desert May 1983, I have been fortunate enough to attend countless music festivals over the years. 

The majority of these marathon-length music events focused primarily on only one or two genres of music — alternative rock, country, blues, Cajun, punk and rap immediately come to mind — and attracted a specific demographic-minded concertgoer. 

A truly wonderful lure of the Pure Imagination Music Festival staged at Watson Lake in Prescott, Arizona over the weekend (May 17-18, 2024) was the strong and diverse field of artists who performed in a truly wonderful setting set on a grassy field with massive otherworldly granite boulders serving as a dramatic backdrop to the musical action. Rock, electronica, country, Americana, rap, Native American, world fusion and more styles were all on tap courtesy of the wide-ranging lineup of celebrated veterans and rising names; a wealth of food and art vendors added to the welcoming environment. Talented acrobats performed in an area near one stage and there was even a fun parade on Saturday afternoon.

Friday's half-day lineup featured four artists, while Saturday's full day offered up another dozen performances that played out on two large stages. 

Slim Gambill at Pure Imagination on May 17, 2024.

Kicking off the action was virtuoso guitarist Slim Gambill and his four-man band; the ensemble delivered 30 minutes of modern jazz-anchored instrumentals. Gambill (who is also lead guitarist of country music hitmakers Lady A) proved to be a truly incredible master of his instrument, showcasing fretwork that was both dramatic and artful at every turn.

From left, Ponderosa Grove's Candace Devine and Drew Hall.

Ponderosa Grove thrilled in their performance at Pure Imagination back in 2023, and it was wonderful to see the band return to Watson Lake this year. The Prescott-based collective offered up a perfect blend of '70s-styled folk rock and modern day Americana with the lead vocals of singer Candace Devine a perfect blend with the stylish musicianship and rich harmony vocals of her band mates propelling the 50-minute performance.

Highlights of the group's set included the melodic folk rocker "Waterline," intoxicating R&B foray "Don't Worry Child" and rousing "Save My Soul," the latter showcasing Devine's powerful soprano and the exciting lead guitar work of Drew Hall.  

Ozomatli performing in Prescott, AZ.

Los Angeles-spawned Ozomatli brought a party-minded approach to their set effortlessly blending rock, funk, salsa, hip hop, reggae and other styles.  The seven-member outfit's energetic performance frequently fueled dancers in the field. Noting that Ozomatli is celebrating their 29th year performing together, the group has performed in an impressive 65 different nations over that span. Among the memorable cuts performed was "Saturday Night" and a marathon-length take on "Cumbia De Los Muertos." The band completed their set with the members marching through the crowd in a celebratory style.

Michael Franti engaging with the crowd on Friday, May 17, 2024.

Closing out the first day of the fest was Michael Franti & Spearhead; the quintet fully captured the spirit of Pure Imagination with a setlist centered on songs that celebrate the idea of a better world free of the war, crime, hate and violent conflict that have increasingly been seen overseas and across America over the past several years. 

Michael Franti brought up children to the stage
during his energetic set on May 17, 2024.

Franti opened with "Meet Me When The Sun Goes Down" and even walked into the field to more fully connect with the crowd; he followed that up with the rousing rocker "I'm Alive" and feel good sortie "Good Life." Shortly after, Franti explained the Prescott performance marked the opening night of his "Togetherness Tour," which will run through late August. 

Franti's winning and authentic personality and strong vocals powered the 130-minute set to be sure, with great sing-along material winning over the crowd. "The Sound of Sunshine," "Happy is the New Sexy," "Life Is Better With You" and "Say Hey (I Love You)" all impressed. Especially poignant was his moving performance on the acoustic aptly-titled original "Hey World (Don't Give Up)."

Saturday offered up an even greater number of performances, with members of Arizona's Hopi Tribe offering a musical blessing to open the day. Several members of the tribe chanted to the bewitching rhythm of a drum while a trio of young dancers in traditional attire danced. 

Znora rocking the Pure Imagination Music Festival.

Next came Znora, an Arizona-based power rock trio headed by singer-guitarist Adrian Negrete whose approach recalled classic acts such as Jimi Hendrix and Cream. Particularly impressive was the band's original 2023 single "Sweet Baby Rae." That driving cut featured Negrete's dazzling electric guitar work.

Galactagogues performing on May 18, 2024.

Galactagogues' fun performance marked another chance to celebrate Arizona's thriving original music scene. The area quartet performed a 30-minute set of alternative folk-meets-Americana material bolstered by great harmony vocals. Originals like "Something in the Plumbing" and the set closer "HeyHeyHey" showcased their unique sound.

Brian Chartrand at the Pure Imagination Music Festival.

Brian Chartrand performed a breezy set of songs blending jazz, rock and R&B stylings. Along with his four-member backing band, he impressed with his soulful vocals and an original reworking of Steely Dan's "Dirty Work" as well as originals including "Miss You Now."

Sarah Shook rocking out at the Pure Imagination Music Festival.

Like talented singer-songwriters Lucinda Williams and Courtney Barnett, Sarah Shook occupies her own marvelous corner of the musical universe. At her showcase on Saturday — first-time ever visit to Prescott — the Chapel Hill, North Carolina-based singer-guitarist and her backing country-punk outfit the Disarmers bravely delivered the same rollicking brew heard on the troupe's recent full-length release Revelations (available via the Thirty Tigers). 

Brady Parks of The National Parks.

The National Parks, from left, Cam Brannelly, Sydney Macfarlene, Brady Parks
and Megan Taylor Parks performing on May 18, 2024.

Sydney Macfarlene enjoying the moment during
The National Parks' set at Pure Imagination.

The National Parks ignited the crowd with a fast moving 35-minute set of original Americana that fired up the audience from the opening notes of the euphoric "Angels," a track showcasing the chemistry and strong talents of Brady Parks (guitar, lead vocals), Sydney Macfarlene (keyboards, vocals), Cam Brannelly (drums) and Megan Taylor Parks (fiddle, vocals).

The Utah-based band's efforts to get the audience to sing and move along on cue were a big part of the set's momentum and original gems such as the dynamic "Time," "Wildflower" and set-ending "As We Ran" were elevated by the energy of the moment. Only a day after its official release, the band's new single "Wild Spirit" was performed; the enticing title track from National Parks' forthcoming album is a glorious celebration about "getting lost" and the rugged setting was the perfect locale for the performance of the track.

Danielle Ponder performing in Prescott on May 18, 2024.

One-time Rochester, NY public defender turned professional singer Danielle Ponder delivered a riveting set of soul music. Among her strong vocal performances was her inspirational original "So Long" and a heartfelt reworking of Radiohead's "Creep."

Tanya Tucker performing in Prescott, Arizona.

One of the most anticipated appearances of the weekend was from legendary country music icon Tanya Tucker. The 65-year-old brought a lifetime of country hits to her 50-minute set and her voice sounded excellent in the delivery of favorites such as the mid tempo "If Your Heart Ain't Busy Tonight," beautiful "Hangin' In," a terrific medley blending Bruce Springsteen's "Fire" and Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire," the winning country rocker "Hard Luck" and set closer "Delta Dawn," the latter a Alex Harvey-penned hit recorded by Tucker in 1972 when she was only 13!

Sylvan Esso performing at the Pure Imagination Music Festival.

Durham, North Carolina duo Sylvan Esso made their first performance of 2024 at Pure Imagination on Saturday night; the 55-minute set also coincided with the 10th anniversary of the release of their eponymous debut album (released May 12, 2014). Singer Amelia Meath and producer Nick Sunburn turned in a terrific set that had many in the audience moving to their electronic dance-minded tracks.

The Flaming Lips headlining on Saturday night, May 18, 2024.

Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips.

Headliners The Flaming Lips brought their groundbreaking Neo psychedelic modern rock to Prescott, kicking off their lengthy set with a performance of the Oklahoma City-launched band's acclaimed 2002 album Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots in its entirety. Headed by singer-founding member Wayne Coyne, the rock quintet came armed with more than great songs; colorful rear-screen projections and inflatable robots and other elements (including the tossing of gigantic balls into the crowd) added to the festive atmosphere.

"You live here," Coyne said early in their set; he noted the band was fascinated with the concert location and the natural beauty of Watson Lake. "You are very lucky."

Other performers who appeared at Pure Imagination included reggae rocking trio Irie, Louisiana-based soul singer Durand Jones and '90s rap outfit The Pharcyde. Between sets, DJ BG NFTY kept the music going strong.

The Pure Imagination Music Festival is quickly becoming an essential part of the area's thriving music and arts scene. 

Below is a gallery of additional photographs taken by Daryl Weisser at the Pure Imagination Music Festival. 

Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips.

DJ BG NFTY keeping the music going.

The team from Lighthouse Coffee Company served up drinks throughout the event.

From left, Ponderosa Grove's Candace Devine and Drew Hall.

An acrobat at Pure Imagination Music Festival.

From left, Emily and Alvaro of "Peace, Love & Halos."

New Music: Taj Mahal & Keb' Mo', John Mellencamp with Carlene Carter, Ozomatli, Coco Montoya, Cait Brennan

Several much-anticipated collaborations are among essential new releases available now.

Artist: Taj Mahal and Keb' Mo'
Title: TajMo (Concord Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Taj Mahal, Keb' Mo'
Tell me more: Blues lovers are more than familiar with multiple Grammy winners Taj Mahal and Keb' Mo'. Now the two beloved artists have joined forces on TajMo, an album that more than delivers on the promise of music's latest dream team. From the album's first track, the uptempo Chicago blues-styled "Don't Leave Me Here," it's clear there is a joyous and infectious spirit across the collaboration. Both artists have terrific voices, and those voices blend together perfectly. "Don't Leave Me Here" is only one of a number of original songs on the disc; the Memphis soul-worthy "All Around the World" is a buoyant delight, and the lush ballad "Om Sweet Om" (featuring Lizz Wright) is an aptly-pegged celebration of home with famed Lee Oskar (of WAR fame) adding some magical harmonica work. There are also surefire surprises; a take on the Pete Townshend-penned Who classic "Squeeze Box" features a playful vocal exchange between the two greats while Joe Walsh adds electric guitar. A disc-ending entry features Mahal and Keb' Mo' joining forces with Bonnie Raitt for an acoustic-flavored interpretation of the timely "Waiting on the World to Change" that outdistances John Mayer's original version released in July 2006. Information: TajMo.com.

Artist: John Mellencamp featuring Carlene Carter
Title: Sad Clowns & Hillbillies (Republic Records)
You might like if you enjoy: John Mellencamp, Carlene Carter, Martina McBride, Woody Guthrie
Tell me more: The 23rd album of John Mellencamp's illustrious career, Sad Clowns & Hillbillies finds the singer-songwriter teaming with songstress Carlene Carter (the daughter of the late June Carter Cash and stepdaughter of Johnny Cash) for a 13-track journey that is one of the richest roots rock-meets-Americana collections in memory. The musical tapestry shimmers and dances with a lush mix of acoustic and electric guitars, bass, drums, harmonica and fiddle, while Mellencamp's increasingly-rustic baritone is the perfect counterpoint to Carter's sweet soprano as well as singer Martina McBride's notable contribution on "Grandview" and a chorus of other backing singers utilized at perfect points along the way (notably at the end of "What Kind of Man Am I?"). The songs themselves work in this time or for anytime with spiritual, social justrice and romantic themes explored in nuanced ways. I'm pretty certain that time will prove that Sad Clowns & Hillbillies one of the truly great albums of 2017. Information: mellencamp.com.

Artist: Cait Brennan
Title: Third (Omnivore Records)
You might like if you enjoy: David Bowie, Big Star, Todd Rundgren
Tell me more: Defying easy categorization, singer-songwriter Cait Brennan's Third is an album that delves into a number of styles and the artist's diverse influences with aplomb. The follow-up to Brennan's 2016 acclaimed full-length debut Debutante, Third was recorded at the legendary Ardent Studios in Memphis and utilized many of the actual instruments used by legendary power pop pioneers Big Star during their legendary '70s sessions. The tuneful melodic rock gem "He Knows Too Much," alluring ballad "At the End of the World" withs its blend of Brennan's high-reaching vocals and great lead guitar from creative partner Fernando Perdomo, the sublime glam rock-fueled "Benedict Cumberbatch" and all-out catchy rocker "The Angels Lie" are all standouts on this compelling release. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Coco Montoya
Title: Hard Truth (Alligator Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Walter Trout, Tommy Castro, John Mayall's Bluesbreakers
Tell me more: Coco Montoya's latest album Hard Truth rates right up there with the best of his long and celebrated career. The disc opens with the fiery blues-rocker "Before the Bullets Fly," featuring the Southern California native's powerful lead guitar work and great vocals. Other songs showcase Montoya's strengths to blend soul, gospel, R&B and even shades of swing into his potent approach, his masterful guitar playing always front and center. The Texas-minded "Lost in the Bottle" features slide guitar virtuoso Lee Roy Parnell swapping dazzling fretwork with Montoya. Because Montoya possesses such a first-rate voice, he kills on ballads too (as evidenced by the stellar "Old Habits Are Hard to Break" and Delta blues-mining "Devil Don't Sleep"). One of Montoya's true gifts is his sound and instinctive strengths will appeal to fans of both electric blues and classic rock; tracks such as "Hard As Hell" and " 'Bout to Make Me Leave Home" recall many of the great blues-rooted rockers of the '70s (Bad Company, Humble Pie, Ten Years After). Montoya will headline at the Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, at 8 p.m. on June 2, 2017. Information: CocoMontoyaBand.com.

Artist: Ozomatli
Title: Non-Stop Mexico – Jamaica (Cleopatra Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Sly & Robbie, Herb Alpert, Juanes
Tell me more: Although groundbreaking Los Angeles group Ozomatli is well known for being a champion for Latino culture and fighting for immigrant workers' rights, the group's Non-Stop Mexico – Jamaica is their first mostly-Spanish language release in their ambitious 21-year history. The album was produced by drum and bass reggae icons Sly & Robbie (Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Peter Tosh, Jimmy Cliff), and the six-member Ozomatli is joined by the far-flung likes of Gaby Moreno, Juanes, G. Love, Slightly Stoopid and Herb Alpert to perform reggae-flavored favorites of their youth. As Ozomatli proves across the rewarding 14-track disc, reggae stylings sound as great in their sonic hands as the Latin rock, hip hop, funk and other genres explored on previous albums. Among this writer's favorites is a smooth version of "Besame Mucho" blending melodic lead vocals from Asdru Sierra and rapping from Justin Poree with Alpert's trumpet. Later, Ozomatli transforms the classic "La Bamba" into a Santana-meets-Third World celebration. Ozomatli will be the musical guest on the "Morning Becomes Eclectic" radio show broadcast on KCRW-FM on May 31. Information: ozomatli.com.

Robert Kinsler

Sights and Sounds: MST3K Reunion Show, Dawes, Garbage, 'Quiero Creedence' CCR tribute

With the arrival of summer comes plenty of entertainment news to share...

From left, Bill Corbett, Kevin Murphy
and Michael J. Nelson.

In less than one week, catch the hysterical live broadcast of RiffTrax’s MST3K Reunion Show - set to be shown live in select U.S. movie theaters on June 28 at 8 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. CT and tape-delayed to 7 p.m. MT/ 8 p.m. PT, followed by a special re-broadcast on Tuesday, July 12 at 7:30 p.m. (local time). Come celebrate 10 years of RiffTrax with the guys who make movies funny (Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett) for an amazing night of riffing and comedy with most of the original Mystery Science Theater 3000 stars.

Joining Mike, Kevin and Bill from the State Theater in Minneapolis will be your favorite MST3K stars: Joel Hodgson, Trace Beaulieu, Frank Conniff, Mary Jo Pehl, Bridget Nelson and the host of the revived MST3K, Jonah Ray. The cast will riff on a cavalcade of goofy, educational short films and comic interludes before concluding the evening with a grand finale “SUPER RIFF-A-PALOOZA!”

Tickets for MST3K Reunion Show can be purchased online at www.FathomEvents.com or at any participating theater box offices.

For a complete list of theater locations visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

Dawes Releases Exclusive Track for Fans who Join Fight against Malaria

Band encourages fans to donate to Nothing But Nets campaign, receive their cover of

The Waterboys' "Fisherman's Blues"

Today, Dawes announced it has released an exclusive track for fans who donate to the United Nations Foundations'

Nothing But Nets campaign, to help save lives from malaria. Fans who donate atNothingButNets.net/Dawes will receive a free download of Dawes covering The Waterboys' "Fisherman's Blues." The promotion will run for 60 days.

Every two minutes, a child dies from malaria.

Nothing But Nets works closely with its UN partners across sub-Saharan Africa to ensure vulnerable populations including children, refugees, and families displaced by conflict are protected from this deadly disease. It only costs $10 to purchase and deliver a life-saving bed net and provide education on its proper use.

In 2013, Dawes traveled with

Nothing But Nets to Gihembe Refugee Camp in Rwanda and saw the devastating impact of malaria firsthand. They visited children in the health clinic, sang and danced with families, delivered bed nets and personally hung them in homes.

"In Rwanda, we met so many families impacted by malaria," said Taylor Goldsmith, lead singer of Dawes. "All it takes to protect a child is a simple bed net. Anyone can help us save a life."

Today, there are tens of thousands of refugees fleeing violence in Burundi and Democratic Republic of the Congo, seeking shelter in Rwanda. They are weak from their journey and more vulnerable to malaria.

Nothing But Nets is working to send life-saving nets and other comprehensive malaria interventions and treatment to the region to help protect these refugees.

"After all refugees have endured and survived, they should not have to fear a mosquito bite," said Margaret Reilly McDonnell, director of

Nothing But Nets. "Dawes has supported our work for many years and we're grateful for their efforts to help us raise awareness and save lives."

Today, there are more than 50 million refugees and families displaced by violence around the world - and 60 percent of them live in areas where malaria is transmitted. Malaria is a major threat to refugees - it is a leading cause of illness and death in many African countries, including those where

Nothing But Nets and its UN partners work. Last year, the campaignlaunched The Million Nets Pledge to protect refugee families from malaria with one million nets by 2016. This ambitious two-year goal aims to raise $10 million to protect vulnerable people fleeing violence, particularly in Central Africa.

Now in its tenth year, the

Nothing But Nets campaign boasts hundreds of thousands of supporters - from students to athletes to entertainers - who all help to protect families on another continent from the threat of malaria. Fans can donate at NothingButNets.net/Dawes to receive their free cover and to learn more about the fight against malaria.

Garbage performs "Empty" on Jimmy Kimmel Live

In case you missed it, earlier this week Garbage stopped by Jimmy Kimmel Live to perform their new single "Empty". Watch the performance HERE. 

Garbage's sixth studio album Strange Little Birds was released earlier this month, via the band's own STUNVOLUME Records. The album is available for purchase both physically HERE and digitally HERE. 

Next month, Garbage will embark on their 'Strange Little Birds' U.S. tour. Check www.Garbage.com for tickets and additional details on VIP experience packages, including: early entry, soundcheck access, Q&As, meet and greets, photo opps with the band, exclusive merch, and more.

'Quiero Creedence' is Latin music tribute to CCR

The legendary Creedence Clearwater Revival was America's ultimate Top 40 band of the late 1960s, many of their singles now placing high on the “greatest rock hits of all time” lists and in the GRAMMY Hall of Fame, with the band itself long enshrined in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

But it wasn’t just the United States of America where CCR topped the charts. As Quiero Creedence now underscores, the band, which was so identified with a sound called “swamp rock,” was big throughout all of Latin America, both then and now. 

Releasing on Concord Picante on July 29, the Latin-inspired, multilingual tribute album to Creedence includes covers of the band’s greatest songs by some of the biggest Latin artists from around the world including Juan Gabriel, Bunbury, Andrés Calamaro, Enjambre, Los Enanitos Verdes, Juanes, Los Lonely Boys, Ozomatli, La Marisoul from La Santa Cecilia, El Tri, Diamante Eléctrico, Los Lobos, as well as Billy Gibbons. As these names indicate, the set (the title of which translates as “I Want Creedence”) spans a variety of genres and decades—and totals a social media reach of over 40 million fans for the participating artists.

The first single from “Quiero Creedence” is Mexican superstar Juan Gabriel’s Spanish version of “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqnfoRXKgLs

“The Spanish version of a Creedence Clearwater song is absolutely stunning… EVERYBODY STOP WHAT YOU’RE DOING! Put on your headphones and listen to Juan Gabriel’s spectacular cover of the Creedence Clearwater classic ‘Have You Ever Seen The Rain?’” – BuzzFeed

“When we get older, we want to be like Juan Gabriel! At 66 years old, the Mexican singer is unstoppable and seems healthier and stronger than ever…To prove that he's here forever, El Divo de Juarez dropped his latest production titled ‘Gracias Al Sol,’ a Spanish-language cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival's classic jam ‘Have You Ever Seen The Rain?’ The song, however, is not only an ode to the classic band of the sixties and seventies, but it's also the first single off of a Latin tribute album for the band titled Quiero Creedence.” – Latin Times

Information: www.concordmusicgroup.com