Tunin' with Tad

How many hundreds of musicians are on tour right now?  I don't know either.  I am familiar with the lost feeling of looking at the listings on Pollstar (pollstar.com) wondering exactly what kind of music the "Electric Cucumbers" play.  Who knew vegetables could even play music?  I know that music discovery takes the kind of time and effort that most people don't have.  That being said, it wouldn't be fair for you to be home wasting away in front of some television reality singing competition while others were enjoying a hot musical performance, would it?  I am no music expert, but I am curious.  The intention of this blog is for me to do a little research into some of the upcoming shows, and at least give you an idea of what you can expect.  Some I've seen, most I haven't.  I will give you the tools you need to discover the music, but don't come crying to me if you end up feeling empty and alone inside.

Bernie Worrell Orchestra, FTC, April 1st

There's nothing better than the sound of a giant collection of top-notch musicians crammed onto a stage to create a seamless sound.  But enough about Britney Spears' band. The Bernie Worrell Orchestra is led by the founding member and Musical Director of Parliament Funkadelic.  In addition to his own orchestra, he'll be teaming up with Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth of Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club, and Steve Scales of the Talking Heads.  This is a collection of people you would probably want to see on their own.  The fact that they're all playing together on one night is special.  And for $22 ($3 for members) you can't go wrong!  

Los Lobos, Ridgefield Playhouse, April 4th

Please don't fall into the trap I did.  Don't write off Los Lobos (http://www.loslobos.org/) as "that band that did the 'LaBamba cover" unless, of course you love that song.  I was offered a free ticket to see the Southern California Chicano rock band at Higher Ground in Burlington, VT a few years ago.  Although the ticket was free, I still thought twice about going.  "What?  Nobody has a sock drawer they need help organizing?"  I can't tell you how glad I was to have gone to this show.  These guys have been tantalizing eardrums for well over 30 years, and there's a great reason for their success!  Check out this performance of "Kiko and the Lavender Moon."  If you like it, go buy a pair of tickets and offer one to an unsuspecting friend!  They might be appreciative enough to help you find that elusive yellow and black striped tube sock you last saw in 7th grade.

Pegi Young & The Survivors, FTC, April 6th

After singing backups for her husband for years, Neil Young's wife Pegi now enjoys her own success in the limelight of center stage.

Here's a sample of a few tracks from her latest album "Bracing for Impact": Listen

 

Alison Krauss + Union Station Featuring Jerry Douglas, Toyota Presents the Oakdale Theatre, April 21st

After 15 years of playing country music on the radio, there are few acts I would pay to see.  Not that I have a particular issue with "today's" country music.  But let's call it what it is: pop with fiddles.  One notable exception is Grammy Award winners Alison Krauss and Union Station.  This woman has a unique, soprano voice which was made to sing harmony.  If you see one concert this month, this is the one to see.  I'm a big fan.  AKUS is on tour in support of their latest album "Paper Airplane." 

Here's a sampling: Listen

 

Kevin Costner and Modern West, April 11th, Ridgefield Playhouse

Eddie Murphy and Bruce Willis proved that actors should probably stay away from music.  That being said, Willis' "Respect Yourself" and Murphy's "Party all the Time" both came out in the 80s when most pop music was cheesy at best. Bruce Willis turned out to be a pretty good singer and an even better harmonica player!

So should you buy a ticket to see Kevin Costner perform with his band Modern West? Should you have bought a ticket to see him in "Waterworld" for that matter? I'm going to leave this one up to you.


Tad LemireIf you are into music, or want to tell me about your favorite acts coming to Connecticut, please send me an email!

Tad Lemire hosts the "Tad and Tommy Show" weekday mornings on Star 99.9 and Star999.com. He can be reached via Twitter @TadLemire

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