Show Reviews

Two  living American treasures played one of America’s greatest concert venues on a humid summer night to the sold out house of all ages.  Both Willie Nelson and Levon Helm have lived through over 70+ years of success and tribulations, that they are still performing such passionate shows nightly is a testament to their impact on popular music and their burning desire as artists.

The other performers of Lilith Fair joined Sarah McLachlan for a cover of Patti Smith’s rocking hit, “Because the Night.”  At the closing of this event, it all seemed to come together nicely.  The tour may not be as popular or as dynamic as it once was, but it still carried McLachlan’s vision of celebrating women in music.

It was a beautiful way to end the weekend; The Steve Miller Band, Los Lobos, both on the same stage, at one of Los Angeles’ most beautiful venues. Both bands captivated their audiences with their own takes on pop and roots music.

When I last saw Thrice in 2002, they were touring for The Illusion of Safety, a young band with promise that was, at that point, unfulfilled.  They played with heart and daring, but not all of their ideas worked.  Over the course of the next eight years, perhaps no band has grown so much as Thrice though. 

Finally…a rock band.  It seems one can get lost in 2010 trying to see a first-class, straight-ahead rock show, but if The Gaslight Anthem is coming your way, you have outlet to satisfy your rock cravings.  The New Jersey lineup featuring three guitars and a drummer came to Kansas City, Mo on the night of July 17, to play the majestic Midland Theater.  With its driving sound and yearning lyrics, the band played up the fact that everyone was out on a Saturday night having a good time—and the audience seemed to hold the attitude that a good time was being had on a Saturday night.