TOTO releases "Hash Pipe" cover

Have you heard the new version of Toto covering Weezer's rocking "Hash Pipe"? It is super cool...

Toto answers Weezer; covers of "Africa" and "Rosanna" with a smoking rendition of "Hash Pipe"

Steve Lukather of Toto.
Photo: Darek Kawka

NEW YORK, NY (August 07, 2018) – Toto have released their personal interpretation of Weezer’s “Hash Pipe”.  The smoking rendition of the song is a direct response to the run-away success being witnessed globally for Weezer’s covers of the hits “Africa” and “Rosanna.”

Check out the great article on Billboard that has all the details, including a link to hear the official version of Toto's rendition of "Hash Pipe." Click here to see the article.

Toto in concert. Photo: Darek Kawka

Toto’s guitarist Steve Lukather shares, “We were blown away at the response Weezer got doing our old songs.  Tthey did a good job too, but we never saw hit records coming from it.  It was all started by a sweet 15-year-old girl named Mary. Then the ball started rolling it.  They did two of ours and ‘Africa’ took OFF.  It seemed only right that WE - Toto did a version of one of their songs so we started digging around, listening to a bunch of their music, which I have grown to like a lot. My 30 something kids were flipped over Weezer recording two of our songs as they are fans and we picked ‘Hash Pipe’. The irony that we were smoking hash before these guys were alive was not lost on us, and the other is it has a killer melody and a great groove.  We wanted to do something that rocked. We give you our version -- with a little of our thing on it like they did their ' thing' to ours. It is an unlikely collaboration, but some of the best ones are unexpected. Thanks to Weezer, their manager Jonathan, and their fans as they have been really nice to us…and they didn't have to be. Now I guess we have to do some crazy mash up live someday. In the meantime, continued success.  Thanks to all and hope to meet someday.  Gratitude to the fans for embracing this fun little accident. Ours drops Aug 10^th, and I hear KROQ is getting thousands of requests from the teaser we recorded the other day - who knew? Kudos to Steve Porcaro for running with this as the Producer."  

 

Keyboardist Steve Porcaro offers, “Covering Hash Pipe was an absolute blast. When I asked my neighbor, a huge Weezer fan which record we should cover, he rattled off about five of their biggest hits, but then he smiled and said ‘but there’s nothing like driving down the freeway at 80 miles an hour with ‘Hash Pipe’ cranked’.  That stuck with me when it came time to decide.”

 

Singer Joseph Williams cannot be reached at this time as he is too high on hashish, but previously when asked about “Hash Pipe” shared simply, “Yeah.”

 

From the moment of release, Weezer’s version of “Africa” was embraced overwhelmingly by the public and music industry.  At iTunes, the recording peaked at #1 in sales and continues to show strong movement.  At Spotify, the cover hit #1 on the viral chart. And just this week the track has hit #1 in the U.S on the Modern Rock chart.  

 

Los Angeles alternative juggernaut KROQ placed Toto’s recording of “Hash Pipe” on-air to break the story of the new track’s existence.  On Friday, August 10, Toto’s rendition will be up on all streaming services, and delivered to radio for airplay globally.  For more detail keep an eye on www.totoofficial.com.

 

Toto has partnered with Republic on the release of “Hash Pipe.”  The company will be spearing the U.S. release of the recording.  Toto is currently touring North American in support of the band’s recent release 40 Trips Around The Sun.

Toto is currently touring North America in support of the band’s recent release 40 Trips Around The Sun. For more details keep an eye on www.totoofficial.com.

Buddy Guy brings joyful blues celebration to the Coach House

From left, Quinn Sullivan, drummer Tom Hambridge and Buddy Guy. Photo: Bob Steshetz

Buddy Guy at The Coach House.

Less than three months after headlining nearby Doheny Blues Festival in Dana Point, blues great Buddy Guy was back in Orange County, CA on Thursday night, Aug. 9, 2018 playing before a packed but decidedly more intimate audience at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano.

For 90 wonderful minutes the Louisiana native — who celebrated his 82nd birthday on July 30 — delivered on the promise that is the defiant title of his latest album, the newly-issued The Blues is Alive and Well (Read my review of that album RCA Records release here). And since the passing of Guy's friend, B.B. King in May 2015, Guy has been widely acknowledged as the genre's most significant living champion.

Guy strolled on stage just after 9:15 p.m, his lead guitar unleashed as he played a long and fiery solo to kick off the rocking title of his 1991 album "Damn Right I Got the Blues." Backed by his strong four-man band (including drummer Tom Hambridge, who produced Guy's latest LP). The seven-minute reading of the song was bolstered by the energy and enthusiasm of the crowd, cheering on Guy with every note he sang and articulated via his electric guitar.

Guy, who had a profound influence on everyone from Jimi Hendrix and Jeff Beck to Stevie Ray Vaughan, continues to perform with the same fire he exhibited at the beginning of his career. His joyful and playful spirit came through everywhere, whether using body language or bantering with individual members of the crowd. He seemingly fed off the audience's spirit, using sing-alongs to further bridge the divide between band and concertgoers.

After playing a rousing cover of "I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man" (a hit for Muddy Waters written by Willie Dixon), Guy mused that he has a new record but it can't be heard on commercial radio. "I do make albums," he said sarcastically. 

Indeed, the proof was in several masterful cuts from The Blues is Alive and Well he played. The crowd-pleasing "Cognac" (which features Keith Richards and Jeff Beck on the studio version) with some of his most forceful lead guitar work of the night was followed by a cover of his late friend Sonny Boy Williamson's "Nine Below Zero." The latter in particular was a beautiful Chicago blues jaunt, with Guy at times using his guitar to tenderly enhance his vocals with subtle fills while other times ratcheting up the dynamics to an explosive level.

Buddy Guy bringing the blues directly to fans at The Coach House
on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018. Photo: Bob Steshetz

There were plenty of other highlights to come including using a drum stick to tap on the neck of his guitar, and utterly thrilled the house when he took an extended walk through the crowd   during "Someone Else Is Step-in' In (Slippin' Out, Slippin' In)." As if the goodwill he generated during that journey wasn't enough, the call-and-response with the crowd ("While you were slippin' out" he sang, with crowd lustily singing back "Someone else was slippin' in!") was a fun way to cap the track.

Singer-guitarist Quinn Sullivan.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

He was then joined on stage by Quinn Sullivan, a well-known fixture on Guy's tours. Only 19, Sullivan has been playing professionally since 2006 (when he was a mere age of 7!). Having first played on stage with Guy during a performance at the Zeiterion Theater in New Bedford, Massachusetts in 2007, Sullivan is now the primary opening act at Guy's performances. 

On Thursday night, Sullivan performed a 50-minute set to open the night (he was also backed by Guy's touring four-man group), and then joined Guy for the closing of the main set. 

This part of the night was fun to be sure, including a ferocious and freewheeling take on Cream's "Strange Brew," which served as a great bookend to a terrific take on Eric Clapton's "Let It Rain" performed during Sullivan's opening set.

Buddy Guy has a number of upcoming concert dates scheduled, including a concert tonight (Aug. 10) at The Canyon in Agoura Hills, CA; at The Rose in Pasadena, CA on Aug. 11, and at Humphreys Concerts by the Bay in San Diego, CA on Aug. 14.

Visit Buddy Guy's official website here for more details.

Review by Robert Kinsler


Photos by Bob Steshetz

Evanescence 'Synthesis Live' on multiple formats - October 12

Eagle Vision continues to release highly-anticipated music titles featuring great artists in concert...

EVANESCENCE SYNTHESIS LIVE – OUT OCTOBER 12, 2018 “This comes from the core, the heart of the original vision for Evanescence” – Amy Lee VIEW TRAILER HERE PRE-ORDER AVAILABLE HERE

New York, NY (August 8, 2018)—On October 12, 2018, Eagle Vision will release Evanescence, Synthesis Live on DVD+CD, Blu-Ray+CD and Digital Formats. Recorded late last Autumn during the band’s critically-acclaimed Synthesis tour, the concert was captured in state-of-the-art 4K by Director P.R. Brown & produced by Craig Ziogas/CTGS Productions. The songs span Evanescence’s 20 year history to now, reinvented with full orchestra over a deep electronic landscape. Synthesis is a soulful and sweepingly grandiose event to witness live. Seated at the piano, Amy Lee opens the set with a single note that builds into the instrumental "Overture," seamlessly leading into the crushing wave that is "Never Go Back." "Bring Me To Life," the anthem that brought most people to discover Evanescence in the first place, reaches a new level of power and emotion with a pounding, electric heartbeat and soaring orchestral accompaniment, while songs like "My Immortal," "Lithium" and "Lost In Paradise" feel like heartbreaking scenes from a beautiful, timeless film. Amy Lee’s incredible vocal range and the group’s expressive, multi-layered music naturally lends itself to orchestral accompaniment, shining a light on the singular beauty of the arrangements by composer David Campbell and conducted by Susie Seiter -creating a truly dynamic, cinematic sound. Lee has called this, “a passion project”, which undoubtedly shines through. The sense of occasion is not lost on the band or audience alike in this unique and highly emotive show. Evanescence recently brought their Synthesis live tour around the world, delivering highly-acclaimed performances throughout Europe, North America and Australia. This summer, the band teamed with violinist Lindsey Stirling on a tour of North American amphitheatres, one of Live Nation’s Top 10 tours of the summer. “The majesty of Ms. Lee accompanied by Mr. Campbell’s arrangements was undeniable.”  – Wall Street Journal “Amy Lee firmly re-establishes herself as one of rock’s pre-eminent vocalists, exhibiting an impressive range that still packs a wallop, this time cutting through a full orchestra.” - Variety TRACKLISTING 1.Overture 2. Never Go Back 3. Lacrymosa 4. The End of the Dream 5. My Heart is Broken 6. Lithium 7. Bring Me To Life 8. Unravelling (Interlude) 9. Imaginary 10. Secret Door 11. Hi-Lo 12. Lost in Paradise 13. Your Star 14. My Immortal 15. The In-between (Piano Solo) 16. Imperfection 17. Speak to Me 18. Good Enough 19. Swimming Home

MUSIC WORTH BUYING episode: Leon Bridges, Gorillaz

Check out the latest episode of MUSIC WORTH BUYING where TJR champions Leon Bridges' latest album Good Times and Robert Kinsler celebrates the amazing new LP from Gorillaz titled The Now Now:

US Festival: 1982 The Us Generation DVD / Blu-ray coming August 10, 2018

Those wonder where to find the roots of modern-day festivals such as Coachella and Bonnaroo need look no further than the groundbreaking US Festival staged in the Southern California desert in 1982. Exciting news for fans of that legendary event and the myriad of groundbreaking artists who appeared there including The Police, The Cars, Fleetwood Mac and Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers....

The Us Festival: 1982 The Us Generation

The authorized story of the 1982 Us Festival with remastered live performances from  The Police, Tom Petty, Fleetwood Mac, Santana, The Cars, The B-52s, and more Coming to Blu-ray / DVD on Friday, August 10, 2018

The Us Generation: The Making Of the 1982 Us Festival is an in-depth look at one of the most influential music festivals of all time. The Us Generation is from award winning filmmaker and rockumentarian Glenn Aveni, who is also the film's director. Co-Directed by Jay Cederholm and Produced by Bruce Gibb & Rich Schmig, the film blends rare concert footage and insightful interviews with both organizers and performers. The film tells the story of the groundbreaking 1982 Us Festival--an epic three-day event featuring an eclectic and unprecedented lineup boasting some of the biggest names in music, performing live in front of over one million people at Glen Helen Regional Park in San Bernardino, CA. The Us Festival was the brainchild of Apple visionary Steve Wozniak, who wanted to create something that was a true celebration of Americana, cultivating positive vibes and building a deep sense of community through the power of technology and music.  Highlights include performances by chart-topping superstars, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, alt-rock trio The Police, blues rock heroes Fleetwood Mac, guitar virtuoso Carlos Santana, retro-chic favorites The B-52s, and new wave icons The Cars; as well as archived appearances by Johnny & Joey Ramone, Carlos Santana, Sting, Ric Ocasek, Danny Elfman, and Fred Schneider; plus exclusive sit-downs with festival founder Steve Wozniak, Mick Fleetwood, Eddie Money, Marky Ramone, Kate Pierson, Stewart Copeland, and Mickey Hart, among others. The film is produced by Icon Television Music, Inc., Plum Media, and in association with Us Festival original founders Unuson Corporation.

Pre-order: https://mvdshop.com/products/us-generation-1982-the-us-generation-blu-ray-dvd

New releases provide an immersive listen

A marvelous greatest hits set from British legends The Zombies, a glorious debut from Bird Streets, and welcome returns from Peter Holsapple and Roger Len Smith are among this summer's best releases.

Artist: The Zombies
Title: Greatest Hits (Varèse Sarabande Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Beatles, the Hollies
Tell me more: The Zombies were an early member of the British Invasion and the new collection Greatest Hits (available on Aug. 10, 2018) showcases why the English quintet rates as one of that era's most groundbreaking and enduring musical heroes. Completely remastered, the new 16-track Greatest Hits set features many of the band's most beloved songs. Early hits such as "She's Not There" and "Tell Her No" as well as late '60s gems (notably "Time of The Season" and "This Will Be Our Year" from the group's masterwork Odessey and Oracle) are here; of equal interest are the terrific selections that expand the legacy of The Zombies including the soulful "Whenever You're Ready," intoxicating "I Love You" (still a key part of the band's concert sets), the cinematic thriller "Just Out of Reach" and the stirring "The Way I Feel Inside" (the latter a mostly a cappella track featuring lead singer Colin Blunstone). The colorful booklet includes outstanding liner notes penned by Andrew Sandoval that add insight about each of the songs included on the outstanding collection. If you are in Southern California, make sure to catch The Zombies when they open for Arcade Fire at the Greek Theatre on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018. Information: VareseSarabande.com.

Artist: Bird Streets
Title: Bird Streets (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Big Star, Pete Yorn, Neil Finn, Todd Rundgren
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist wonders John Brodeur and Jason Falkner have joined forces as Bird Streets. Just listening to the pair's eponymous 11-track disc is to be awed by the power of song craft, virtuoso musicianship and creative give and take. The shimmering "Betting On The Sun" impresses with a fusion of strong melody, probing lyrics and a soundscape that thrives on vocal layers, immersive guitars and a unifying rhythm. The ambitious "Stop To Breathe" builds to a swirling climax, with multiple guitar lines that thrill even in the fade out. The tuneful Americana-tinged power pop "Same Dream" is a driving nugget, avoiding cliche while soaring to tuneful heights. On the beautiful "Spaceship" Brodeur's affecting vocals explore life's disappointments with artful candor. Bird Street was produced by Falkner, and features 11 tracks written and performed by Brodeur (in conjunction with Falkner); the disc also features guest appearances by Miranda Lee Richards and Luther Russell (The Freewheelers, Those Pretty Wrongs). Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Peter Holsapple

Title: Game Day (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: the dB's, the Minus 5, Radio

Tell me more: Just because Game Day marks singer-songwriter Peter Holsapple's first new solo album in 21 years doesn't mean the artist hasn't been busy. Indeed, in addition to his well-known role as a member of the North Carolina-spawned dB's, Holsapple was also a member of the acclaimed Continental Drifters in the 1990s and '00s. Holsapple's new solo album features more than a dozen original songs bolstered by his straightforward lyrics and talent tackling the majority of musical chores on the disc. Whether celebrating life's little everyday joys ("Game Day") or struggles ("Tuff Day," "The Better Man") or chronicling secret moments (the intimate "Don't Ever Leave" and confessional "Commonplace") there is an honesty and authenticity that bridges all the material. In addition to the 13 new tracks and a bonus track (a cover of "Them Changes/Sing Lady Sing"), there are two so-called "Super Bonus Tracks" ("Don't Mention the War," "Cinderella Style") that were released in 2017. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Roger Len Smith

Title: Anything Goes (CD Baby)

You might like if you enjoy: Tom Petty, Warren Zevon, Traveling Wilburys

Tell me more: There is a joyful quality across Roger Len Smith's newly-released Anything Goes, the artist's first new album release in nearly a decade. Smith's clear baritone vocals paint heartfelt notes across a rich Americana-meets-rock backdrop. There are uptempo sing-alongs ("Can't Wait For Another Day," "Raining On A Sunny Day"), Texas-fried blues rock ("Leaving It All Behind," adorned by slide guitar and blues harp), roots rockers ("Empty," "Down At Juniors") and reflective ballads ("Anything Goes," the bluesy "Aim"). Guests on the LP include Foo Fighters keyboardist Rami Jaffee, banjo player AJ Downing (who co-produced the album with Smith) and multi-instrumentalist Kim Deschamps. Smith's sixth album, Anything Goes serves as the perfect introduction to an independent artist deserving of widespread attention. Information: RogerLenSmith.net.

Robert Kinsler

Jeff Lynne's ELO and Dawes thrill at The Forum

Jeff Lynne's ELO takes a well deserved selfie with the capacity
crowd at The Forum on Saturday, Aug. 4, 2018.

Jeff Lynne enjoying showtime at The Forum. Photo: Rich Fury/Forum Photos

Really. What's not to love about a bill that features Jeff Lynne's ELO knocking it out of the park with nearly two hours of symphonic-adorned hits that feature undeniable choruses, dazzling arrangements and melodic hooks galore. 

Add to that night show opener Dawes, one of the greatest proponents of Laurel Canyon folk rock since the emergence of the Eagles and Neil Young. So it went at The Forum in Inglewood, CA on Saturday night (Aug. 4, 2018), with the stars perfectly aligned for the capacity crowd on hand for the wonderful proceedings.

Leading the dozen members of his troupe through a catalog as strong as any band this side of the Beatles or Rolling Stones, Lynne didn't say much during the concert. But he was armed with enough sonic firepower to let the music do most of the talking this night. There were 19 glorious tracks performed at The Forum, each essential and benefiting from the stellar group of top-tier players and singers gathered on stage. 

Ask a dozen fans and each may well have a different favorite. For me, hearing Lynne and company shimmer their way through the ethereal "All Over the World," "Handle With Care" (a hit for Lynne's other band, Traveling Wilburys), the dance-minded "Shine a Little Love" or soar during the regular set-ending "Mr. Blue Sky" was truly emotional. Being a huge fan of Lynne's 2015 Alone in the Universe, it was wonderful to hear one of that LP's greatest tracks featured this night. The introspective "When I Was a Boy" served as the perfect intro to the buoyant "Livin' Thing." 

Lynne, seemingly ageless at 70, sounded terrific and offered up some great guitar work as well throughout the set. Indeed, he unleashed fretwork aplenty during the encore, when the band delivered an inspired take on Chuck Berry's "Roll Over Beethoven." But truly, equal credit for the expansive and immersive sound heard on Saturday extended to his seven core band mates, three string players and two backup singers who collectively brought all the classics and new material to life.

Dawes performing at The Forum on Aug. 4, 2018.

Dawes is one of this writer's favorite 21st century-spawned outfits. With roots in some of the best strains of Southern California's explosive 1970s scene and a creative knack in tune with modern day heroes such as Radiohead, the Los Angeles-based band really was able to jump start the night.

Led by singer-songwriter-guitarist Taylor Goldsmith, the band performed a potent eight-song set celebrating the band's 2018 album Passwords, as well as high marks from early gems.

I count the band's poignant original "Time Spent in Los Angeles" as one of my favorites, and it sounded great this night with stellar guitar work and Goldsmith's affecting vocals carrying the day.

Other highlights included the new cuts "Feed the Fire" (with its jazzy touches and a guitar duel between Goldsmith and Trevor Menear) and the explosive Neil Young-styled rocker "Living in the Future." 

Dawes closed with "All Your Favorite Bands," a joyful celebration of the deep connection that audiences have with their favorite artists. Count Dawes as one of mine.


Robert Kinsler


Jeff Lynne's ELO setlist on Saturday, August 4, 2018

Standin' in the Rain / Evil Woman / All Over the World / Showdown / Do Ya (a Move cover) / When I Was a Boy / Livin' Thing / Handle With Care (Traveling Wilburys cover) / Rockaria! / Can't Get It Out of My Head / 10538 Overture / Shine a Little Love / Wild West Hero / Sweet Talkin' Woman / Telephone Line / Don't Bring Me Down / Turn to Stone / Mr. Blue Sky
Encore
Roll Over Beethoven (Chuck Berry cover)

Ana Popovic Likes It On Top

A super-talented singer, songwriter and guitarist, here is the latest news focusing on young blues great Ana Popovic... 

Ana Popovic Likes It On Top

Hits The Road with New Concept Album That Focuses on Empowered, Successful, Inspiring Female Role Models Who Want It and Can Do It All

Ana Popovic, the blues and rock guitarist and singer who is one of the world's most respected players, will release Like It On Top, a concept album in which she explores ten different aspects of women's empowerment on ten new songs. Just off a series of major European festivals, Popovic is on the road for a 35-date US tour (see dates below).

Recorded in Nashville, Tenn., and produced by four-time Grammy winner Keb' Mo', the blues influenced album features guest appearances from Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Robben Ford and Keb' Mo,' and will be released worldwide Sept. 14.

"Being on top" is about achieving your own potential. Succeeding in juggling work, family, social life, expectations of the others, of the society, while pushing limits. Renewing yourself and inspiring others."

Like It On Top celebrates those women who take initiative, develop, inspire and motivate. It's about feeling good about yourself and what you do." Its ten songs cover topics that are partly autobiographical and partly broader statements aimed at every women -- desire and fantasy, feeling empowered about your craft, confronting dominant macho male attitudes, escaping an abusive marriage, and how to have a strong man as your partner.

Ana Popovic performing at Doheny Blues
Festival in Dana Point, CA in May 2011.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

But it also credits the men who are motivated and enlightened enough to support women in their quest to be their best versions of themselves. The first single, "Like It On Top," emphasizes that behind every strong, successful woman stands the man that understands the importance of having women be leaders in society. And the final track, the gentle "Honey I'm Home," gives a shout-out to an ever-growing number of families in which men give up their careers to support a woman's career.

"I hope that my music inspires others to motivate ladies all over the world to be successful, energetic, empowered women on a mission, and to motivate men to give them that chance," Popovic says. "The majority of women need to work harder than men to prove themselves or need to cope with a feeling of constant pressure to never make a mistake and be perfect. I believe that women no longer only have the right to earn a living and to take care of themselves and their families."

Ana Popovic has been moving West all her life. She fell in love with American blues as a kid, starting back home in Belgrade, Serbia (ex-Yugoslavia) during the fall of Communism, then moved to the Netherlands to study at the conservatory of jazz and world-music. She lived in Amsterdam for over ten years, and then in a single-minded pursuit of her art and career, she relocated to Memphis, TN to record and work with Southern musicians. Finally, two years ago, she moved her family to Los Angeles, California where she now lives.

"The time has come to step it up," Popovic says. "Becoming the outstanding leaders of tomorrow. Corner-office ladies in business, politics, and the electric guitar!"

Ana has recorded nine studio album and been nominated for six Blues Music Awards, and has appeared on the covers of Vintage Guitar and Guitar Player magazines. Her albums Can You Stand The Heat and Unconditional were USA Today Picks-Of-The-Week and featured on NPR Weekend Edition, who praised her "Fiery technique on the [Stratocaster] . 

Nearly all of Ana's albums reached the top of the Billboard Blues Charts. She and her six-piece band have toured tirelessly, sharing stages with B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Jeff Beck, Joe Bonamassa and many others.

'Like It On Top' Track List:
1. Lasting Kind Of Love (ft. Keb' Mo')
2. Like It On Top (ft. Robben Ford & Keb' Mo')
3. Sexy Tonight (ft. Kenny Wayne Shepherd)
4. Slow Dance (ft. Robben Ford)
5. Funkin' Attitude
6. Last Thing I Do
7. Virtual Ground
8. Brand New Man
9. Matter Of Time
10. Honey I'm Home

Upcoming shows:
Aug. 7 - Jazz Alley - Seattle, WA
Aug. 8 - Jazz Alley - Seattle, WA
Aug. 15 - Dakota Jazz - Minneapolis, MN
Aug. 16 - Dakota Jazz - Minneapolis, MN
Aug. 17 - Fargo Blues Festival - Fargo, ND
Aug. 18 - Ann Arbour Blues Festival - Ann Arbor, MI
Aug. 24 - Dosey Doe - Woodlands, TX
Aug. 25 - Arlington Music Hall - Arlington, TX
Aug. 26 - One Theatre - Austin, TX
Sept. 2 - American Music Festival - Virginia Beach, VA
Sept. 8 - Big Blues Bender - Las Vegas, NV
Sept. 9 - Tin Pan - Richmond, VA
Sept. 11 - Rams Heads On Stage - Annapolis, MD
Sept. 12 - City Winery - Washington, DC
Sept. 13 - Sellersville Theater - Sellersville, PA
Sept. 14 - Infinity Hall - Norfolk, CT
Sept. 15 - Whitaker Theatre - Harrisburg, PA
Sept. 16 - Bull Run - Shirley, MA
Sept. 17 - The Loft @ City Winery - New York, NY
Sept. 18 - The Stanhope House - Stanhope, NJ
Sept. 20 - Stageone at FTC - Fairfield, CT
Sept. 21 - Flying Monkey - Plymouth, NH
Sept. 22 - Funk N' Waffles - Syracuse, NY
Sept. 23 - Tralf Music Hall - Buffalo, NY
Oct. 3 - Yoshi's - Oakland, CA
Oct. 4 - The Siren - Morro Bay, CA
Oct. 5 - Harlow's - Sacramento, CA
Oct. 6 - Blue Note - Napa, CA
Oct. 8 - City Winery - Atlanta, GA
Oct. 9 - City Winery - Nashville, TN
Oct. 10 - Songbirds Guitar Museum - Chattanooga, TN
Oct. 12 - The Blind Tiger - Greensboro, NC
Oct. 13 - Seafood, Blues & Jazz Festival - Kure Beach, NC
Oct. 14 - Neighborhood Theatre - Charlotte, NC

Follow Ana Popovic here:
Official Website: anapopovic.com
Facebook: facebook.com/AnaPopovicMusic
Twitter: twitter.com/anapopovic
YouTube: youtube.com/user/anapopovicband

STYX’s Rock To The Rescue extends a hand to victims of devastating Carr Fire in Northern California

The number of devastating wildfires raging through California and the Western U.S. has been terrible. Here is some good news related to the issue...

STYX’S ROCK TO THE RESCUE

EXTENDS A HAND TO VICTIMS OF DEVASTATING

CARR FIRE IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

WITH DONATION TO THE SHASTA REGIONAL COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

 

 

 

August 6, 2018 - On Sunday, August 19, 2018, STYX’s current headlining tour will bring them to the Redding Civic Auditorium in Redding, CA, near the origin of the massive Carr Fire, which has been called the sixth most destructive fire in state history is still only 45 percent contained after more than a week. In response to the devastation, the band is making a donation of $5,000 to the Shasta Regional Community Foundation via their Rock To The Rescue 501(c)3 organization, which will be matched by the band themselves as well as venue out of net proceeds from the show up to $15,000. There will also be ways for fans to donate at the show, which is not being cancelled, and fans are being encouraged to donate directly to the charity’s website. Tickets for the concert are still available at https://bit.ly/2vcwxZZ.

 

Check out this PSA from the band (singer/guitarist Tommy Shaw, co-founding guitarist/vocalist James “JY” Young, keyboardist/vocalist Lawrence Gowan, original bassist Chuck Panozzo, drummer/percussionist Todd Sucherman and bassist Ricky Phillips): https://youtu.be/nktANLpsLa4.

 

Says STYX bassist Ricky Phillips:

 

“Hey Redding,
This is Ricky Phillips from the rock band STYX and we’re coming to the Civic Auditorium on August 19. Having grown up in Redding, I was quite taken by the fact that my band and management wanted to immediately make a donation to Redding and our neighboring communities of Shasta County who have been affected by the Carr Fire. Partnering with Shasta Regional Community Foundation, we have been searching for ways to assist even further. A portion of our proceeds from the show at the Civic is now a part of this effort, and the Civic Auditorium is making a separate donation as well. There was some heartfelt discussion between STYX management and representatives in Redding. The result, what could have been a canceled show, was eventually deemed necessary as, ‘a needed and welcome distraction...a place for unity...and even celebration.’ Whatever the reason for attendance, I can promise you a kick ass rock show and a great evening of entertainment. We have just come off of a coast-to-coast tour promoting the success of our latest release, THE MISSION, and we’re excited to be playing an evening of STYX classic hits for y’all that will span the decades from the ‘70s to the present. On behalf of my brothers in STYX, we are looking forward to the Redding performance and to be that ‘distraction’ at this sensitive time in our Redding history.”
 

The Carr Fire has burned more than 163,000 acres and has destroyed over 1,000 homes and nearly 500 buildings, including barns and warehouses, since it started July 23. Over 38,000 people were forced from their homes and it has killed seven people, including two firefighters.

 

Rock To The Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, whose mission is to build strong, healthy communities through the support of grassroots organizations across the country. At every STYX tour date, Rock To The Rescue partners with a local group to give back through community outreach, fundraising, and volunteer support. It originally started in 2001 as a result of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and is the brainchild of STYX’s Tommy Shaw and REO SPEEDWAGON’s Kevin Cronin. The two musicians brought together bands and artists such as Bad Company, Journey, Survivor, Kansas, Lynyrd Skynyrd and many others to be part of “Volunteers For America” concert events in Dallas and Atlanta that ultimately raised over $775,000 for victims of 9/11, as well as the Port Authority police department in New York City. In 2013, Rock To The Rescue hosted a sold-out concert with STYX, REO Speedwagon, Ted Nugent, Survivor, Richard Marx and Larry The Cable Guy, in Bloomington, IL at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum that raised $450,000 for victims of the horrible storms in Illinois. Also in 2013, Rock To The Rescue presented the Boston One Fund with a check for $108,000 for victims of the Boston marathon bombings as a result of funds raised during the “The Midwest Rock ‘N Roll Express” tour with STYX, REO Speedwagon and Ted Nugent.  In 2014, Rock To The Rescue raised $10,000 for the Philadelphia Fire Department Local #22 Widows Fund at the “Soundtrack of Summer” show (with Foreigner and former Eagles guitarist Don Felder) in Camden, NJ on July 3, as a thank you to the local fire department for cooling down STYX’s burning crew bus the day before. On November 19, 2015, Rock To The Rescue donated $25,000 to The Sweet Stuff Foundation to help victims of the Paris terrorist attacks. In honor of the musicians and crew who lost their lives in the attack at The Bataclan music venue in Paris where Eagles of Death Metal were performing, from that date through December 31, 2015, Sweet Stuff dedicated all money received directly to the surviving families of those who passed away, including that of the band’s merchandise manager, Nick Alexander. The Sweet Stuff Foundation was founded by Queens of the Stone Age’s Josh Homme, who is also a key recording member of Eagles of Death Metal. 

 

www.shastarcf.org/funds/cdrf

 

www.rocktotherescue.net

www.facebook.com/RockToTheRescue

www.twitter.com/RocktotheRescue

www.instagram.com/RocktotheRescue

 

www.styxworld.com

www.facebook.com/styxtheband

www.twitter.com/styxtheband

www.instagram.com/styxtheband

www.youtube.com/styxtheband

'80s favorites deliver night of musical fun at Pacific Amphitheatre

Rick Springfield headlining a night of fun-filled melodic rock at
Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa, CA on Aug. 2, 2018.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

For lovers of '80s-minded melodic rock, what wasn't to love about the fast-moving concert staged at the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa on Aug. 2, 2018.

Headliner Rick Springfield's inspired set featuring a mix of crunchy power pop-styled '80s hits and arresting new material from his latest album The Snake King (released in January 2018). 

Taking the stage and opening with the aptly-styled good times anthem "Light This Party Up," Springfield proceeded to get the fervent crowd on their feet. The second selection, a powerful take on Sammy Hagar's "I've Done Everything For You," certified that this was a crowd set on having a great time and cheering on the Aussie native and his talented four-man band. 

Another early highlight was "Affair of the Heart," a song whose melodic undercurrent is especially powerful live. Springfield - who turns 69 later this month but looks a decade or two younger - remains a dynamic and energetic performer. Additionally, his voice is fully intact and he is able to sing while running about the stage as if it's all child's play.

"Little Demon" was the first song from The Snake King he performed, a heavy blues rocker that showcased in dramatic fashion how Springfield has a range far beyond the hits he carved out throughout the early '80s. Later in the set, he again visited the new disc, using his nimble skills on the fretboard and with a slide on the Delta blues-flavored "The Voodoo House." 

Rick Springfield going into the crowd during
"Human Touch" on August 2, 2018.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

He then turned quickly back to perform some of his most beloved songs, including the catchy "Don't Talk to Strangers," an extended version of "Human Touch" where he ventured far into the crowd to connect up-close with fans, and a Smithereens-worthy take on "Love Somebody." 

Springfield closed with his best-known song, the 1981 number 1 hit "Jesse's Girl," a song whose infectious allure elevated the vibe inside the venue to even greater heights.

Doug Johnson on keyboards and harmonica.

Canadian rock band Loverboy scored a number of hit singles throughout the 1980s,  so it's not surprising the group's uptempo arena rock went over well on a beautiful summer night. The band's set opened creatively with Doug Johnson crafting a dramatic keyboard solo and then layering harmonica work atop that as a lead-in to the rocking "Notorious." Next up was "Lucky Ones," with the group's signature sound built around Mike Reno's tenor and Paul Dean's muscular guitar work fully on display. 

Loverboy singer Mike Reno.

"You all like '80s music?" Reno asked after that one-two punch. "Check this one out!"

The quintet then launched into "Queen of the Broken Hearts" and proceeded to play a score of high-energy rockers. The band gained momentum with "Lovin' Every Minute of It," "Hot Girls in Love," "Turn Me Loose" (likely the band's most creative anthem) and "Working for the Weekend," all which had many in the audience dancing and cheering on the outfit's big sound. 

Loverboy's encore "The Kid Is Hot Tonight" capped the band's hits-minded hour-long outing.

Tommy Tutone and Greg Kihn each had hits in the '80s, and both those artists were featured in brief 20-minute sets that set the stage for the aforementioned high-profile artists.

Tommy Tutone (featuring singer Tommy Heath) opened the night with a four song set capped by his 1981 hit "867-5309/Jenny," offered via a buoyant power pop sing-along. But the early part of his set also yielded some melodic nuggets including a memorable version of his 1980 single "Angel Say No" and a complete roots-rock reworking of Jim Croce's 1972 hit "Operator (That's Not the Way It Feels").

Greg Kihn at Pacific Amphitheatre
on August 2, 2018.

Equally strong was Kihn's four-song showcase, with the Baltimore, Maryland native getting early-arriving concertgoers to move with potent takes on his 1981 hit "The Breakup Song (They Don't Write 'Em)" and his even bigger cut "Jeopardy." 

This writer was especially taken with his new track, the original "The Life I Got" off Kihn's latest LP, the cleverly-titled Rekihndled (released in 2017).



Review and photography by Robert Kinsler

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