Motif Interviews ’s

Photo Credit: Tinnitus Photography

You don’t usually hear Lou Barlow’s name in a list of influential songwriters, which is a shame. Through his work with Sebadoh, Dinosaur Jr., Folk Implosion and even his solo material, Barlow’s melancholy, genuine and heartfelt style has left quite an imprint on a lot of independent bands and musicians, despite the fact that it sometimes goes unnoticed. Sebadoh will perform at The Met on Sat, Jun 6, so Barlow and I had a chat about the differences between writing songs with Jason Loewenstein in Sebadoh and J Mascis in Dinosaur Jr., going back into the studio with Sebadoh after 14 years, being considered a pioneer of the lo-fi genre and what we can expect in the future.

Rob Duguay: When it comes to writing songs and lyrics, what’s the biggest difference between playing with Jason Loewenstein in Sebadoh versus J Mascis in Dinosaur Jr.?

Lou Barlow: I guess when I write for Dinosaur Jr. lately for some reason I always try to write about what’s going on in the band at that moment. When we had our first reunion, I did one song that was pretty much about coming back to the band. I like to write the songs for Dinosaur Jr. about Dinosaur Jr., even if it’s kind of abstract or at least that’s the way I look at it. I don’t know if the casual listener would know that or even care, but that’s the way I do it. When I write for Sebadoh, those are always usually my most earnest songs. They’ve always been the ones where I feel like I’m the most direct. They’re the ones that reflect something that I’ve been through or something that I’m going through. When I do solo stuff I think it’s more abstract and bleak, I guess, but with Sebadoh it’s really straightforward.

RD: Would you rather do solo stuff or do you like being in Sebadoh where you work with Jason and Dinosaur Jr. where you work with J?

LB: I like all of those things, I like them all in doses. I like to do a Sebadoh record, then go on tour with Sebadoh and then I like to do something different. Sebadoh has toured for quite a bit now. I’m chomping at the bit to do some solo stuff and soon enough I’ll be working on another Dinosaur Jr. record. I like cycles; I like going through all of those different things. I’ve always kind of done that, there was Folk Implosion with John Davis and I would cycle through that and go back to Sebadoh. Now I go from Sebadoh to Dinosaur Jr. and then back to solo stuff. They’re all very worthwhile for me; they all tap different parts of my brain.

RD: I can see how it must make it easier to manage everything when going through cycles rather than have it come at you all at once. In December 2013 Sebadoh put out and it was the band’s first full-length album in 14 years. What was it like for the band going back into the studio after such a long time of just touring?

LB: It was really easy. We did it very quickly, we didn’t do it in a studio per se; we did it in my practice space in California when I was living in Los Angeles. Jason and Bob [D’Amico] came out and we spent around a week and a ½ going down to the practice space about 10 in the morning and just playing all day. We had toured quite a bit together already so we already had developed a sound and we had a bunch of new songs so we worked together for a week and a ½ on them and that was it.

RD: Now you’re back living in Massachusetts right?

LB: Yea, I just moved back here.

RD: When you lived in Los Angeles, did you have to adjust to the culture? Do you miss living in L.A. or did you miss living in Massachusetts on the West Coast?

LB: I lived in LA for almost 17 years, but the last place I lived before moving there was and I loved Boston. I didn’t own a car, I was pretty young, I just bought records every day, went to shows and made music. Boston is a good place to be while you’re young and into music, so when I moved to L.A. it took a bit to adjust just because the city has a lot of clichés and a lot of things tagged onto the place. There are a lot of preconceived notions about Los Angeles — what it entails and what the people are like — all of which I pretty much found out was bullshit when I got there. After I lived in L.A. for a few years I loved it, I think the people are really friendly there. A lot of clichés that people attach to L.A. aren’t really true, there’s Hollywood and all those fake things but it’s only a small part of it. It’s an incredible place with so many different cultures colliding and it’s very beautiful and the weather is actually as good as they say it is. All the catastrophes that people associate with the area don’t happen very often; it’s not fake and it’s actually great. Coming back to Massachusetts was a choice that I made based on my family and practicality, I guess, just for living out the rest of my life and coming back to where I grew up and where my family is. It’s different, though, it’s not as culturally diverse, but it’s also familiar to me and I like the East Coast. I can be happy anywhere I’m at, it’s up to you and what you make of it yourself.

RD: Fans know you as one of the first musicians who first started playing the lo-fi style in the late ’80s and early ’90s. Now a lot of new bands coming out have adopted that technique in their recordings. What made you want to start playing lo-fi and what do you think of it having a distinct influence on independent music today?

LB: Lo-fi is just that it sounds good, it’s just a raw capture. You make these raw captures of the music that you are making and I think it sounds better. I liked records that sounded that way and I certainly wasn’t the first person to pick a and record on a cassette, there’s a rich tradition of that because of what was going on during the beginning of recorded music. I don’t consider anything I did to be particularly groundbreaking, but to me it just sounds what it’s naturally supposed to sound like. Through the ’70s and ’80s, recording became very specialized and became a whole world unto itself with production, mastering and everything else. To me, production became something that really obscured the music rather than letting the raw strength of music come through, so when I started recording my own stuff I did it because it was cheap and practical. You didn’t have to go to a studio and have someone ruin the music with expensive microphones and terrible production techniques. You just do it yourself, and that’s the most direct and satisfying way to do it. When I hear it now, I think it’s cool that people have control and the means to record. It’s so much cheaper to record yourself now. A full range recording can be anyone’s practically for almost no money. I like that people have the option to take that and make something that sounds good to them. To me, lo-fi is just people making music that sounds good and I have no problem with people making self-consciously lo-fi music because it’s a choice. I personally like it and it all comes down to the songs anyway, no matter how you record it. If you’re making music that’s not particularly catchy, it’s not going to go over well. I guess that’s it in a nutshell.

RD: The Internet has been a viable resource for bands to get their music heard, and it seems like a must these days for a band to have a Facebook page. With all of that happening and pirating being prevalent, do you think the Internet is a good thing or a bad thing for music as a whole?

LB: I think it’s great; I’ve always been into people sharing music. For me, I’ve always made money the same way, which is touring. I’ve never really made significant money by recording music and selling it to people. I suppose at the peak of Sebadoh we were maybe making money, but I still owe record companies hundreds of dollars for what they’ve spent on promoting music that I recorded for them. I make money by touring, so it’s hard for me to go and say that the Internet is destroying the music industry because I don’t know if it is because people still love music so they steal it and they’ve always stolen it. People have always recorded records on tape and now it’s even easier. Is that a bad thing? I don’t know, maybe? But for me personally, I’ve made money the same way I’ve always made it just by dragging my ass around the country and going to Europe and Asia occasionally. I get royalties, I guess, but that stuff comes in from all these different sources and there are so many more of them now that it seems like my royalties are almost as totally consistent from when it was just terrestrial radio. It’s hard for me to get worked up about the evils of the Internet when I’ve consistently been able to do what I’ve done regardless of whether I sell records or not.

RD: Will we be seeing any new releases from Sebadoh, Dinosaur Jr., or even a solo record from you in the near future?

LB: I just finished a solo record, which will be out in September, and right after that I’ll start recording with Dinosaur Jr. again. The solo release is called Brace The Wave and it’ll be out in a few months.

Tickets to the show at The Met on Jun 6: etix.com/ticket/p/5885463/sebadoh-pawtucket-the-met

Sebadoh’s website: sebadoh.com and Summer Scorchers

It’s beginning to heat up. And after the winter we had, I’m sure all of you are ready to embrace the heat. I know I am! Hell, I may not even complain about the humidity this year.

If there’s one thing I surely won’t be complaining about, it’s the sizzling summer concerts happening in RI and beyond — specifically all the ska and reggae music coming our way! First I should mention the regulars. The Parlour in PVD has a weekly Monday Reggae night that they run year-round. Boasting the Upsetta International Sound System DJs and the phenomenal Natural Element Band, it is the premier Reggae Night in Providence. There’s no cover and the place stays jumpin’ till 1am.

Traveling south, Hope Underground in Newport has a steady rotation of both ska and reggae lined up for the summer. Another no-cover affair, you can listen to hot music while you spend your cash on cold beer. Artists ranging from Destroy Babylon to the Soul Rebel Project and King Django will keep you sweaty long after the summer sun has gone down.

Newport also features The Mintones every Fri night at the Tavern on Broadway, and The Ravers will be tearing up the Dockside every Sun night throughout the summer. No wonder the locals never leave the island!

Summer tours are coming through New England as well. Jun 12 has King Django at the Fatt Squirrel in PVD. Playing a mixed set of ska, rocksteady, reggae and dancehall, Django is a powerhouse with a history stretching back to the ’80s with bands such as Skinnerbox NYC and the Stubborn All Stars. Local Caribbean quartet Panoramic View opens the night with their energetic tropical vibes.

The following night, Firehouse 13 hosts a PVD ska party sure to leave you sweaty and breathless. PVD’s own traditional ska and soul band, The Copacetics, headline the night. They are supported by Attelboro locals Truth in Soul as well as Connecticut’s The Screw Ups. The Pandemics from Long Island start the night off. With each band bringing their own brand of ska and reggae to the table, it’s going to be a cornucopia of dancing grooves!

Another double weekend brings us the rougher side of ska. Jun 26 has New Bedford based punk/ska Sweet Babylon’s CD release party. They are joined in this celebration by Short Handed Goal and The Eradicates. I hope Firehouse 13 has recovered from the previous week, because this is going to be a knock-out punch! On Jun 27, Inspector 7 hits Fete with their ska/hardcore sound of high energy sing-along tunes. Also on the bill is the silver tongued vocal styling of Riki Rocksteady backed by the Thaddeus Merrit Trio, the Ska/Punk of Llama Tsunami and A Minor Revolution.

Fri, Jul 17, Bim Skala Bim starts their biannual string of shows at the Parlor (Newport). Hailing from Boston, Bim has been local favorites for over 30 years and it seems that everyone loves their mix of ska, reggae, world music and rock. This will be one of those shows that can’t be missed!!

If you absolutely have to miss the Bim show on Jul 17, it should only be because you are headed up to Boston for The Slackers annual Booze Cruise. The Slackers, based out of NYC, take you on a three-hour tour of Boston Harbor and it is way more than the waves that keep that boat rocking! On the bill this year is The New Limits, a Boston band that combines all the best bits of the various ska sub genres into a mighty powerhouse of dance! Someone needs to book a show like this out of the Ocean State somewhere. Just sayin’…

The Masters of Third Wave Ska, The Toasters, hit the Ocean State on Jul 29, once again at Manchester 65 in West Warwick. Going on 35, The Toasters put on an amazing show pulling from their extensive back catalog of hits. Sweet Babylon brings the punk/ska and Rival Roots supplies the reggae/rock.

The culmination of the summer for many reggae fans is sure to be the Waterfront Reggae Festival on Aug 8. It’s home for the last five years, the Newport Yachting Center, has closed, so this year it is being held at India Point Park in Providence. Featuring a packed line-up consisting of Steel Pulse, Barrington Levy, Third World, The Mighty Mystic, High Hopes Band and The Copacetics, the Waterfront Reggae Festival promises a full day of music and dancing.

All in all, summer 2015 looks to be a paradise of sweet Jamaican music and I’m sure there will be even more added to this list as the season rolls out. Whether you are on vacation or just looking for something to do after a long week at work, do yourself a favor and hit up one of these events with a drink in one hand and your feet on the dance floor. It’ll be another New England winter before you know it.

The Providence International Arts Festival Shoots for the Stars

In what will likely be the biggest cultural event of the year in Rhode Island, the city of Providence is teaming up with FirstWorks to present the Providence International Arts Festival (PIAF). If you’re a fan of, well, pretty much anything, you’re going to want to check this out.

Providence is known for putting on high-quality festivals; you’ve probably enjoyed things like FooFest, Waterfire, First Night and Sound Session. But PAIF has been in the making for years, and it’s shooting for the stars. The Festival will connect Rhode Island audiences with home-grown talent as well as artists and performers from across the globe. And the game changer? The main events are FREE to the public! If you can’t go for some reason, it’s being called the “first annual,” so you’ll probably have more chances in the coming years.

For those who have never heard of FirstWorks, it’s a non-profit that has been bringing world-class performances and festivals to Little Rhody since its inception in 2004. But FirstWorks is about more than just throwing epic parties and showcasing talented performers. For six years, they brought the arts to children with their KidsWorks Program. Currently, they are working with Jazz at Lincoln Center musicians to make connections between jazz and math.

And something this large-scale has been in the making for a while; in 2011, FirstWorks and the city of Providence were given an Our Town Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for $200,000, part of which allowed the city to throw the FirstWorks Festival on the Plaza in 2012. The ongoing Our Town project “supports creative placemaking projects that help to transform communities into lively, beautiful and resilient places with the arts at their core.”

Interestingly, the connection between Rhode Island and the NEA goes back to the organization’s inception; the bill calling for the NEA’s creation was first introduced into the U.S. Senate by RI Senator Claiborne Pell in 1965.

Support for such a large undertaking also comes from another corner. Lynne McCormick, the director of arts, culture, and tourism for Providence says, “One of Mayor Elorza’s goals from the beginning of his campaign was to develop a destination arts festival, something along the lines of the New Orleans Jazz Fest, which he’s a big fan of. We thought the combination of the mayor’s full support and the opportunities from the NEA meant the perfect opportunity to put on something large-scale like this festival.”

It isn’t just the mayor and the city government behind the event. The PIAF has some of Rhode Island’s most serious creative and financial muscle behind it, including sources like The Rhode Island Foundation, CVSHealth, Amica, RISD, Alex and Ani and a multitude of others.

PAIF will kick off with the Opening Night Party, a night of food, drinks, art and music held at the Biltmore Hotel’s Apogee Lounge as a fundraiser for the festival. Guests will be treated to a sneak peek of the world-famous Earth Harp.

You may have thought to yourself at some point, “I bet I’ll never have a chance to see the world’s largest stringed instrument.” But that’s all about to change. The Earth Harp, the crazy creation of inventor William Close, basically turns whatever huge landscape its part of into an instrument, in this case attached to the Superman building in downtown Providence. Close plays the harp along with a band known as the Earth Harp Collective, and has stretched the strings from storied locations like the Coliseum and the Seattle Space Needle.

The main event will be a spectacle to behold, with art installations, concerts, spoken word ensembles, marketplaces selling wares of all kinds and more, all happening simultaneously. Kathleen Pletcher, FirstWorks’ executive artistic director says about the festival, “Our mission is to show that engaging with the arts can be about more than just an audience watching something happen on a stage. This event will allow spectators to self-curate their experience and engage with the multitude of things around them.”

Washington Street will become an art corridor that will include “Providence Portraits” by local artist Mary Beth Meehan and murals by street artists Etam Cru and Natalia Rak as well as Providence-based Tape Art. It’ll also be a great time to take advantage of the city’s theater offerings. For example, you could check out the multimedia Freedom Project at the Roger Williams National Memorial or take in the world premiere of Melancholy Play at Trinity Rep.

Music will be well represented here, and the sheer variety of talent likely won’t be matched until next year’s festival. The most notable act is Angelique Kidjo, a Grammy-award winning singer and activist and one of the all-time-greats in world music. RI-Sounding Voices is a statewide chorus that will be unveiling a new piece called “One Voice” that highlights the state’s diversity. Guests will also be treated to Malian superstar Oumou Sangaré, with local master drummer Sidy Maiga. Your hometown favorites like The Low Anthem, Ravi Shavi and GymShorts will be repping the area. And you won’t want to miss a performance from Arc Iris (featuring Jocie Adams formerly of The Low Anthem).

Of course, what’s a cultural celebration in Providence without a full Waterfire lighting? The June 13 Waterfire will celebrate the birth of the stars and stripes with The Gaspee Project, which celebrates the famous burning of the HMS Gaspee. The project includes “From Flash Mob to Freedom,” which will use social media to bring to life the key players and retell the thrilling tale. For a double dose of historical insight, the RI Historical Society is giving walking tours throughout the day.

The coolest thing about the festival will be the scope; it won’t be just a few restaurants giving out samples next to a few record sellers. The city is going all in on this event, and from the looks of it hopes to make it like a mini SxSW. You can swing by the Dean Hotel to watch some skater punks rip it up and shop for some clothes, then grab some lunch at any number of food trucks before you head over to Lupo’s to see Matt and Kim, then end the night at the Sweatshop Dance Party at the Salon.

It can’t be said enough that what has been described here merely scratches the surface, and an article twice the length may not even be able to do the job. For those who would like to have a hand in making this event something thousands will remember, check out first-works.org/support-us-2/volunteer to find out how to volunteer.

If you’ve somehow gotten through this article and haven’t already, make sure to mark your calendar for June 13. If it comes together as planned, people will probably talk about it for the rest of the year; you don’t want to be the poor sap who missed out! And if you can’t find something to love at this event … it’s probably too late for you anyway.

The Providence International Arts Festival will be held from June 11-14. The main attractions will be held on June 13 in downtown Providence with Kennedy Plaza as the central hub. The latest information can be found at first-works.org/events/pvdfest/, and additional entertainment may be added up until the event.

EDM: Makin’ It Work: The Fabulous World of Local EDM Event Fashion

A group of friends displayed their solidarity with the photo collaged tee-shirts they wore to Toy Story 2. The shirts they rocked memorialized their friend Jhamar, who recently passed away. Jhamar attended numerous events like Toy Story with his friends. Talk about turning a sad situation into a positive! What a great way to share your friend’s legacy and unity (the third element of PLUR, after all). Photo credit: Ariel Guzman

Looking your best for a night on the town can be challenging. Some people are naturals, while others struggle just to muster the motivation and inspiration to put effort into looking great at an event filled with people they mostly don’t know (I’m guilty of the latter). Fortunately for everyone, there are plenty of local electronic music event-goers who show up to parties and shows (perhaps only) to show how us how it’s done.

Sure, the scantily clad look will always have its place at raves and EDM shows, but, covered up or not, I’ve got to tip my proverbial hat to those who get hella creative with their outfits, inspiring everyone else to step up their game. First up, this lady doesn’t mess around when it comes to complementing themes! Not sure what the theme was that night at Manchester 65 in Warwick, or if there was one, but Juju killed it. The best part of her outfit is its simplicity (it looks to consist of a Spirit Hood-type headpiece, and a one or two piece dress [plus her hot pink hair]). She even matched the lighting!

Photo credit: Ariel Guzman

This brings me to my next point: You don’t have to have a real costume to fit themes. But let’s be honest, guys and girls who play into the theme make for the best photos — sorry not sorry! Check out these ladies, Cupcake and Lin-z, going all out back at Tight Crew’s Toy Story 2 (April 11 at Fete).

Photo credit: Xander Brown

It is easy to get attention for donning skimpy attire at a rave or other event (and just in general); however, fashion risk-takers and show-stoppers come in all forms, and sometimes the cutest outfits are the most conservative. Here, Taylor rocks a Jaws-inspired look at Tight Crew’s Adventure Island 2 (held on May 18 at The Windjammer in Westerly). Her costume was not only an awesome interpretation of the party’s theme, but it also stood out for being so damn cute-and-cuddly! Anyone who’s been to a rave is aware of the sensory euphoria some people experience at these types of events. I can only imagine how many people (complete strangers and friends included) rubbed on her dorsel fin that night!

An honorary mention also goes to Chris, the well-shaved and gauged guy to her left [not pictured: his girlfriend, who wore a matching floral romper that complemented her partner’s laid-back look.]

As these event-goers show, whether you choose to dress up or down to shows and parties, it’s all about having fun!

HxC: Coming Out of Hibernation

With summer finally breaking through, bands have come out of hibernation and between now and August you can catch some of your favorites around PVD. The trending tours of old school punk bands is continuing this month, with the English street punk band GBH taking over The Met on June 17. With 30 years of punk under their belt, they’re a great start to an even better weekend. Only a couple days later, my personal favorite, Anti-Flag, will pass through on tour for their recently released album, American Spring. Check them out at Simon’s 677 on June 19.

That’s only the beginning. Between As220 and Firehouse 13 there will be something going on each night. And on the first Tuesday of each month until July 2, Firehouse 13 and Brass N Ammo teamed up to have a vinyl record exchange night where you can buy and sell your records. It wouldn’t be a Tuesday at Firehouse if there weren’t free tacos, so you can expect those as well! If that doesn’t have you looking forward to the rest of this summer, then I am sure and Providence’s Annual Foo Fest will. All the pop punk fans out there will be glad to know that our good friends Trophy Wives will be exposed to even more people on this year’s Warped Tour. You can catch them, Citizen, Hundredth, H20 and many more big names at this year’s tour, which comes to Mansfield on July 14.

Although there is some time between now and As220’s Foo Fest, which takes place on Aug 8, it’s hard not to look forward to this year’s amazing line-up and headliners. As220 is known for their creative and cultural support in PVD, and this DIY-supportive venue is hosting more than 20 bands for this year’s fest. Ranging from punk to folk, the all-day event has a little something for everyone. Between Fucking Invincible, V-sect and Gymshorts, plus the main headliners, Deerhoof, and the local headliners, The Low Anthem and Death Vessel, it might be hard not to stay all day so you won’t miss any of these amazing musicians.

This is just a sneak peek of all that is going on this summer in PVD. If you’re in town and looking for some punk or hardcore music, just check out these venues. With so much to look forward to, even making it out to just one event will be a treat!

June 6: As220; I Eat Rocks, Bad Motherfucker, The Famines, Mis(s)invader

June 7: Lupos; , , Ballyhoo!

June 8: Firehouse 13; Disrotted, Minimum Wage Assassins, Upheaval, Ratstab, David Carradine

June 14: Firehouse 13; Coliseum, Child Bite, Aneurysm, Cross-Armed Calculator

June 17: The Met; GBH, Total Chaos, The Down & Outs

June 19: Simons 677; Anti-Flag, The Homeless Gospel, After the Fall Alt-Nation: Summer in the City

All killer, no filler, hot times, summer in the city, back of my neck getting dirty and gritty… Hey ho, let’s go!

Sebadoh

Lou Barlow’s other seminal band, Sebadoh, reunited a few years ago and has been off and on touring ever since. Sebadoh put out some classic indie guitar swing with albums like Bubble and Scrape, , and . There is a reason why there is a demand for Sebadoh to keep coming back from the dead and it’s simple – they’re just that good.

Sebadoh, Total Babes, and Twin Foxes will rock The Met Café on June 6.

One Providence Experience

The Columbus Cooperative and The Imaginary Company present One Providence Experience as part of the Providence International Arts Festival inside the ruins of the Providence National Bank on 35 Weybosset St in Providence on June 13. The event features performances by Lee Fields & The Expressions, The Low Anthem, Gymshorts, And The Kids, Medusah Black, Ravi Shavi and more. One Providence is free and open to the public. For more information check out the Facebook event: facebook.com/events/1636545956575553/

Local H

Local H burst upon the scene with the hit “Bound for the Floor” from 2006’s As Good as Dead. As a two- piece, Local H brought a new twist to grunge. Scott Lucas pretty much started the two piece fad that later saw bands like White Stripes and Black Keys emerge. I caught Local H a few years ago; Lucas still shreds and the band kicks as fierce as ever.

Local H, Aeges, and Six Star General will rock The Met Café on June 18.

Bettye Lavette

Bettye Lavette is a powerhouse on the pipes when it comes to belting out soul and R&B-infused rock ‘n’ roll. Lavette is best known for her breakthrough album I’ve Got My Own Hell to Raise, which in addition to being one of the greatest album titles ever, has great tracks like “Down to Zero” and “The High Road.” Lavette is known for her chops live and covering classics and making them her own.

Bettye Lavette will play the Narrows Center For The Arts in Fall River on June 20.

Liberty Fest

Liberty Fest returns to Dusk after a long run as a Smith Hill neighborhood festival. Liberty Fest will have both indoor and outdoor stages with 12 hours of music on both stages. There will be food vendors and more, and the event is open to all ages. The list of acts still is being finalized, but the listing of bands that will be rocking this year’s Liberty Fest includes Atlantic Thrills, Baylies Band, Gymshorts, Happiness, The Viennagram, Beta Motel, The Sweet Release, M.O.T.O., PALS, Blackletter, Hope Anchor and more to be announced.

Liberty Fest will blow up like freedom at Dusk and spread all down Harris Ave on July 4.

Electric Six

Electric Six are in my top three bands of the last 15 years. They burst upon the scene with the album Fire, singing about gay bars and fires in Taco Bells, and haven’t stopped putting out album of heart pumping rock ‘n’ roll. Last year’s Human Zoo (Metropolis Records) continued in that vein with jams like “Karate Lips” and the most catchy song ever written about necrophilia, “Alone with Your Body.” While Electric Six alone is reason to go, the presence of Atlantic Thrills and The Sweet Release on this bill is reason to go early!

Electric Six, Atlantic Thrills and The Sweet Release will throw down at the one of the biggest parties of the summer at Fete on July 7.

Alejandro Escovedo and the Sensitive Boys

Alejandro Escovedo’s career started in the mid-70s with the punk group The Nuns. His career now spans 40 years that in addition to punk has touched on Americana, country, and plenty of straight forward rock ‘n’ roll. Escovedo is also known for busting out some excellent live covers to boot. I caught him the last time he was at the Narrows and it was a great show.

Alejandro Escovedo and the Sensitive Boys will rock the Narrows on July 9.

Amanda Palmer & PWM BTTM

Amanda Palmer rose to fame as one half of the cabaret punk Dresden Dolls, continued performing as a solo artist and collaborated with Grand Theft Orchestra and Neil Gaiman. This show should be a hoot!

Amanda Palmer & PWM BTTM plus special guest Neil Gaiman will perform at the Columbus Theatre on July 11.

WBRU Summer Concert Series

An annual summer tradition is the WBRU Summer Concert Series at Waterplace Park for the perfect way to kick off the weekend. This year WBRU presents these shows to get you rocking on summer nights:

July 17 – Joywave (w/ openers Jetty) July 24 – 2015′s WBRU Rock Hunt Champions – Public Alley (w/ openers S. Walcott) July 31 – St. Motel (w/ openers We Were Astronauts) Aug 7 – In the Valley Below (w/ 2014′s WBRU Rock Hunt Champions – The Rare Occasions) Aug 14 – Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness (w/ openers Forest Fires) Aug 21 – Life in Film (w/ openers Le Roxy Pro) The shows usually start around 6pm, but get there early to stake out a good spot for these FREE shows!

Bloody Diamonds

Bloody Diamonds are a Canadian duo that mix the blues rock of a White Stripes/Black Keys with grunge into a stiff elixir. Blood Diamonds have their fair share of pop hooks, too. I’m looking forward to escaping the city for some heavy rock ‘n’ roll in the backstreets of West Warwick.

Bloody Diamonds will rock Manchester 65 on July 17.

Newport Folk Fest

The lineup for the Newport Folk Fest seems to grow more staggering every year. This year is no exception and they are still announcing acts. I’m looking forward to the genius behind much of Pink Floyd seminal works Roger Waters, First Aid Kid (a highlight of 2012 Folk Fest), Jason Isbell (2013 Festival highlight), The Felice Brothers, Calexico, J Mascis (Dinosaur Jr. front man is always great live), Courtney Barnett, Tommy Stinson, Joe Fletcher & The Wrong Reasons, and Haunt The House. In addition to the Folk Fest at the Fort, there are plenty of post-Folk Fests going on all weekend. Check out newportfolk.org for a full listing of festival performers as well as other events happening at night!

Newport Folk Fest returns to take over Fort Adams State Park July 24 thru 26.

Deer Tick

Deer Tick return to Newport to do their annual post-Festival romps at the Newport Blues Café for those lucky enough to score tickets. Deer Tick do different sets every night and this year it will be the only opportunity to see them as they are not playing the festival. These shows are always electric and chock full of surprise guests from the festival. You never know who is going to jump up on stage.

Deer Tick return to the Newport Blues Café for their annual post-Folk Fest after-parties July 24 thru 26.

Swamp Stomp 8

Swamp Stomp is an outdoor BYO/picnic event that attracts some of the best musicians nationally in the roots and rock ‘n’ roll scene. Swamp Stomp goes down every year near the entrance of The Great Swamp of West Kingston. This year’s lineup is loaded, featuring two prior headliners, The Sadies and Steve Wynn & The Miracle Three. Also on the bill is Vermont native Caroline Rose and hometown rock ‘n’ rollers The Silks. Capacity is limited to 200 and last year sold out, so advance tickets are recommended.

Swamp Stomp 8 returns to The Great Swamp of West Kingston on Aug 1. Grounds open by 2pm, music begins around 3pm. Tickets can be purchased online at brownpapertickets.com/event/1429145. For more info or to pay by check, email [email protected].

AS220 FOO FEST

Once again AS22o will take over Empire St in PVD for 12 hours with all kinds of vendors, activities for kids, and two stages of music rocking all day and night. In what has been hailed in music circles as the best FOO FEST lineup in years, AS220 is rolling out the heavy guns with headliner, the national noise punkers DEERHOOF. The local headliners represent PVD’s Americana scene with standouts like The Low Anthem and Death Vessel. My other picks to check out are Way Out, Gymshorts, Beta Motel, Good Lord, and Bloodpheasant. Check as220.org for the full lineup and more information.

AS220’s FOO FEST takes over Empire St on Aug 8.

Beach House

Dream pop duo Beach House hits Lupo’s in support of their newest album, Depression Cherry. Beach House has been called the perfect soundtrack for a David Lynch film for their sense of subversive melody. The songs are modern alt-pop, but retain a sense of imagination that separates Beach House from the rest of the pack.

Beach House will rock Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel on Aug 25.

Rhythm & Roots Festival

The 18th annual Rhythm & Roots festival returns to Ninigret Park in Charlestown for an action-packed Labor Day weekend. I went for the first time last year and it’s a pretty sweet setup. You can take a break and literally go swimming, chill out and come back. There also is camping space if you want to make a weekend of it. This year’s lineup has some gems like Los Lobos, Keb Mo, The Mavericks, and Lake Street Dive. Check out the full lineup and ticket info at rhythmandroots.com.

Rhythm & Roots Festival returns to Ninigret Park from Sept 4 thru 6.

The J. Geils Band

This show popped up in my Bandsintown and Facebook feed and I thought it was a cruel joke. More than their hits like “Centerfold,” “Love Stinks,” and “Freeze Frame,” it’s their dynamic live shows that make The J. Geils Band legend. Tthey don’t even have J. Geils playing anymore. As long as they have the Wolfa Goofa, Peter Wolf, one of the most electric front men in the history of rock ‘n’ roll, The J. Geils Band will be one of the best party bands in the world. Plus any band with a guy called Magic Dick is bound to be cool.

The J. Geils Band rock India Point Park in Providence on Sept 5.

Email music news to [email protected]

The Roots Report: The Soundtrack of Summer

Okee dokee folks … “Summer breeze, makes me feel fine, blowing through the jasmine in my mind.” That line is from one of the best summer songs ever recorded: “Summer Breeze” by Seals and Crofts. If summer had the feel of this song, I might like it more, but it usually leans more toward Bananarama’s “Cruel Summer,” so I am miserable during the heat of June, July and August. Whatever the weather, a good soundtrack for the season definitely makes it more bearable. There is plenty of music to go around this summer. Check back throughout the summer months to find out the best choices for “Hot Fun in the Summer time” (that’s Sly, baby!). Read on for what I have now …

What better way to celebrate the official start of summer? The Blackstone River Theatre moves their Celtic and world music programming outside on June 20 as they celebrate the 5th Annual Blackstone River Theatre Summer Solstice Festival at Diamond Hill Park in Cumberland. The family-friendly festival features three music stages, a dance stage and a children’s stage, all running continuously. Performing will be Calan from Wales, The Gothard Sisters, Eastern Medicine Singers, The Gnomes, Cassie & Maggie MacDonald, Robbie O’Connell and Dan Milner, Pendragon, RUNA, The Vox Hunters with Torrin Ryan, and Will Woodson and Joey Abarta. There will also be a dedicated stage for Irish stepdance featuring Tir Na Nog Irish Dance. Also returning will be the after-festival music session on June 20 at 8:30, at Blackstone River Theatre, 549 Broad St, Cumberland. This limited ticket event features all the festival performers playing in a casual setting with complimentary food and a cash bar. For more, step over to riverfolk.org/brtssf

The 5th year of the Downtown Sundown Series at Roger Williams National Memorial (NOT Roger Williams Park) in downtown PVD is underway with free performances all summer long. Experience an “outdoor coffeehouse” when the Acoustic Music Series begins on Sat, Jun 20 from 7 – 9:30pm with Cardboard Ox, Emma Joy Galvin, Kristin Baroni, and Ian Fitzgerald. The music continues on Sat, Jul 11: Dan Lilley w/Amy Bedard & Scatman, Allysen Callery, Ryan Lee Crosby; Jul 25: Ed McGuirl & Mike Fischman, Bethel Steele, Pete Vendettuoli; Aug 8: Kristen and J, John Larson, Sara Azriel, Dan Dodd; Aug 22: Jack & Jesse Gauthier, Kala Farnham, and John Faraon. Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the Providence Folk Festival on Aug 30. Admission to all of these events is FREE. For more, discover HearInRhodeIsland.com

Every Thursday this summer, the Towers in Narragansett will pump up the heat even more with dancing and live music by the ocean. Jun 11 is Leftover Cuties, Jun 18 is The Becky Chace Band, Jun 25 is The Hoolios, Jul 9 is Roger Ceresi’s All Starz, Jul 23 is Hank West and the Smokin’ Hots, Jul 30 is Coastline Swing Band, Aug 6 is The Revelers, Aug 13 is Mitch Woods and his Rocket 88’s, Aug 20 is Matuto; and Aug 27 is Musette Explosion. The Towers is located at 35 Ocean Rd in Narragansett, right near the town beach. You literally drive right under it! Where else can you get your groove on with a variety of great music and a beautiful view of the sea? For more, two-step over to thetowersri.com.

On the other side of the Big Ole Braga Bridge the Narrows can keep you cool with their state-of-the-art air conditioning on those hot summer days. Though outdoors is where you may want to be during the coming months, the Narrows has many, many ways of coaxing you indoors. There are way too many reasons to list, but here are a few really good reasons to get there: The Eagles JD Souther on Jun 18, Marcia Ball on Jul 7, Alejandro Escovedo and the Sensitive Boys on July Jul 9, Hal Ketchum on Jul 30, and Ricki Lee Jones on Aug 8. To check out the summer schedule, chill over to narrowscenter.org

What better time is there to learn to play an instrument than during the summer? What better instrument is there to learn during the summer than the ukulele? It is small, portable, cheap, easy to play, festive, and you can sit outside and practice. Fortunately, Wakefield Music is bringing back the “Meet the Uke” workshops by Jim Beloff. The first class on Jun 25 introduces you to the basics of playing the ukulele including holding, tuning, strumming and making chords. The second workshop, “The Next Step,” continues on Jul 23 and is designed for intermediate to advanced players. Bring a soprano-tuned ukulele and if you don’t have a uke they will lend you one. “See Uke There!” I am NOT taking credit for that pun! For more, tiptoe through the tulips to wakefieldmusic.com or call 401.783.5390.

I am taking a deep breath as I prepare the long list of SOME of the stuff happening this summer. Ready? Begin! Chan’s Restaurant in Woonsocket has music all summer long. Here’s a pupu platter of upcoming shows: Forever Young-A Tribute to the Music of Neil Young on Jun 5, Les Dudek on Jun 26 and Aug 2, and Albert Castiglia on Aug 6 (chanseggrollsandjazz.com).

The East Bay Contra Dances happen on the first Friday of the month in Warren. On Jun 5 is caller Elwood Donnelly, Dave Langford on fiddle and Peter Barnes on piano and guitar. Dan Pearl and The Vox Hunters with Torrin Ryan provide the music on Jul 3, and on Aug 7 is caller Tony Parkes, fiddler Paul Lizotte, and pianist Carol Bittenson (eastbaycontradance.com).

Music at Lily Pads welcomes two blues guitar journeymen on Sat, Jun 6: Patrick Sweany with special guest Tyler-James Kelly (musicatlilypads.org). The Providence Mandolin Orchestra is Sat, Jun 6, at Park Place Congregational Church, 71 Park Pl, Pawtucket (providencemandolin.org). The annual Women of RISA Show with Jan Luby, Allison Giuliano, Dawn Kenny and Ruthann Baler is Sat Jun 13 at the Church St. Coffeehouse in Warren (RISongwriters.com). The Courthouse Center for the Arts has Don Campbell playing the music of Dan Fogelberg on Jun 6, Kerri Powers and Dynamite Shack on Jun 13, Livingston Taylor on Jun 27, and Loudon Wainwright III on Jul 18 (courthousearts.org).

Joanne Lurgio has a new Tuesday night acoustic open mic at the Pub on Park (Legion Bowl) joannelurgio.com. Allison Messier and Paul Cienniwa perform a concert of music by Harry Chapin, Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, John Lennon, Joni Mitchell, Cat Stevens and Neil Young at Concerts by the Sea, St. Andrews by-the-Sea, 182 Willow Ave in Little Compton, on Sat, Jun 13 (standrewslc.org/concerts0. The New Bedford Folk Festival happens Jul 4 and 5 with Susan Werner, The Neilds, Catie Curtis, Vance Gilbert, Martin Grosswendt, James Keelaghan, The Kennedys, Patti Larkin, Tom Rush, Vance Gilbert, Jez Lowe and many more (newbedfordfolkfestival.com). The Zeiterion in New Bedford has some summer sizzle for you with David Crosby, solo, acoustic on Jul 6, Smash Mouth and Tonic on Jul 16, Weird Al Yankovich on Aug 4, and Joan Armatrading on Sept 25 (zeiterion.org).

The Mediator Stage will be closed for July, but here’s what’s coming up for June and August: Jun 4 is an open mic with host Don Tassone featuring Patricia Ann Daddona and the band We Were Strangers. On Jun 11 is Marc Calhoun, on Jun 18 is Ilene Springer, on Jun 25 is Rick Quimby and Linda McCarthy, on Aug 6 is G.W. Mercure, on Aug 13 is Meryn Flynn, and on Aug 20 is Mitch Kaplan.

On Wed, Jul 8, the Gnomes bring their global folk fusion to the Weaver Library Summer Concert Series at 41 Grove Ave in East Providence. The Newport Folk Festival is Jul 24 – 26 with Roger Waters, Brandi Carlile, The Decemberists and more (newportfolkfestival.org). The Newport Jazz Festival goes from Jul 31 – Aug 2 (newportjazzfest.org). You can find Guitar Masters with Andy Mckee, Stephen Bennett and Antoine Dufour at Fête Ballroom in Olneyville on Jul 31 (Fetemusic.com).

The fourth-annual Blues Bash with Sherman Lee Dillon and the Mississippi Sound is on Sat, Aug 1 on the South Lawn of the Wamsutta Club in New Bedford (wepecket.com). Aug 7 brings an NPR favorite to Providence. A Prairie Home Companion will make a stop at PPAC with Garrison Keillor, Sarah Jarosz, Piano Master Richard Dworsky and Fred Newman World’s Greatest SFX Man, The Radio Rhubarb Band with Fiddling Richard Kriehn, Chris Siebold Boy Guitarist, Guy Noir, Private Eye, News from Lake Wobegon, Audience Chorale, Poetry Declamation, and other classics (ppacri.com). The Blackstone River Party/Taste of the Valley happens on Fri, Aug 28 featuring Nathan & the Zydeco Cha-chas and Shiny Lapel Trio (pawtucketartsfestival.org). The Providence Wholebellies will be performing at The Parlour on North Main Street on Jul 31 and Sun, Aug 30. Newport Waterfront events is still kicking after the sale of the Newport Yachting Center at the end of last year. They are still scheduling events to be announced, but as of now they have slated The Waterfront Reggae Festival on Aug 8, J Geils Band on Sept 5, and the International Oktoberfest on Sat, Oct 17 and Sun, Oct 18 all at India Point Park in PVD (newportwaterfrontevents.com). The annual Rhythm and Roots Fest will take place on Labor Day weekend with acts such as the Mavericks, Los Lobos and more (rhythmandroots.com).

That’s it for now. Thanks for reading. Get your event info to me at www.JohnFuzek.com

Album Of The Week: Banditos

With a down and dirty honky tonk rock ‘n’ roll sound, Banditos from Birmingham, Ala., are going to be the next big act coming out of the Americana movement with their self-titled debut featuring a groovy tone with a flurry of and drums. Soulful, raw and genuine in every way, Banditos cause a ruckus with their debut and it’s bound to leave an impression on you and keep you glued to your record player. Get down with the southern comfort.

If you’re a fan of country, blues, soul, folk, punk and just good old fashioned rock ‘n’ roll, Banditos hit on all those cylinders and more, creating a multi-dimensional feel in their music. It’s not every day when you hear a band exude sounds rooted in genres that have existed for generations, yet they bring something different to the table. Banditos aren’t bland and generic at all; they have a lot of energy resonating from their songs. This debut is one to blast with the windows open.

Are you havin’ a summah? I sure am — a lot of fun stuff is going to be happening in New England since the sun is out and about. Before you head to the beach to get a tan, go to the park to throw a Frisbee or prepare for your favorite music festival, check out my top tracks off of my Album Of The Week. Think of it as a guide of fun for your ears.

Lookin’ to cut a rug? Then turn up “Cry Baby Cry” and do the boogie woogie all over the dance floor. It’s a vintage-style rocker that’ll make you shake your hips until the sun comes up. Another one that’ll get you movin’ and grooving’ is “The Breeze,” which has these fuzzy guitars melding with the banjo to make for a jumpin’ track that’ll get you bouncin’ in your room from front to back. A ballad that shoots straight from the heart, “Old Ways” shows the incredible voice of Mary Beth Richardson that is striking similar to the legendary Janis Joplin.

Banditos will celebrate the release of their self-titled debut at The Basement East in Nashville with Bobby Bare, Jr. on May 29. It’s sure to be a show that anyone in the Music City shouldn’t miss. Let’s hope for the sake of all of us in the Northeast that this talented group makes their way to New York City, Boston and Providence in the near future. Until they take the stage at your friendly neighborhood music venue, grab a copy of the self-titled debut from Banditos. Give a listen and hear the greatness that you’ve been missin’.

Stream “Cry Baby Cry” here: soundcloud.com/bshq/cry-baby-cry-by-banditos?in=bshq/sets/banditos- banditos-1

Where to see 2015 Music award winners

Consuelo’s Revenge – May 30, 8pm; The Parlour, PVD. Kris Hansen – Jun 18, 8pm; Simon’s 677, PVD. Amanda Salemi – May 26, 8pm; Ladies Showcase at Dusk, PVD. Elwood Donnelly (Atwater-Donnelly) – June 6, 7pm; Local Brew Coffeehouse, Barrington. The Rank Strangers – Jun 14, Wood River Inn, 1130 Main St. Richmond/Wyoming, RI. The Quahogs – May 23, 8pm; Firehouse 13, PVD. Cannibal Ramblers – May 30, 9:30pm; Perro Salado, Newport. Brass Attack – May 23, 9pm; The Villa, West Warwick. The Parlour – Open mic night every Tues, 7:30pm; PVD Haunt the House – July 24; Newport Folk Fest, Newport. The Silks – May 22, 9pm; Knickerbocker Cafe, Westerly. The Viennagram – May 30, 9pm; AS220, PVD. The Copacetics – Aug 8, Reggae festival starts at noon; India Point Park, PVD. Fungus Amungus – May 22, 3:30pm; Camp Kee-wanee, Greenfield, Mass. Trophy Wives – June 13, 5:30pm; Simon’s 677, PVD. Ruth Marie (SEXCoffee) – May 30, 8pm; Firehouse 13, PVD. Mark Cutler (Mark Cutler and Men of Great Courage) – May 22, 7pm; Stone Soup, Pawtucket. Beta Motel – May 22, 8pm; PVD Public Library, PVD. Gymshorts – June 13, 7pm; 35 Weybosset St (a bombed-out lot), PVD. Dirty Deeds (AC/DC) – May 29, JR’s Bourbon St Rockhouse, Cranston. DJ DubLN – Jun 20, The Salon, PVD. Ty Jesso – May 23, 11pm; Soulelujah – Middle East-Zuzu, Cambridge, Mass.

Lightning Bolt Rips Aurora Apart

PHOTO CREDIT: Aaron Bressler

What better way to kick off your week than getting your ears blown to bits with a bunch of emphatic noise? Lightning Bolt brought that and more to Aurora in Downcity on Mon, May 18 along with electro pop act Unicorn Hard- On, metal punks Extinction Machine and noisegaze act Cottaging. The roof was about to blow off the place, people shuffled in like a bunch of addicts looking for a fix and it was absolutely electrifying. Rhythmic ground zero was at Aurora and musical destruction was taking place.

A crazy infectious band with a witty name (look at the definition), Cottaging kicked things off with the walls shaking. Loud and intense, this quartet brings the fury like few can with a hyper sense of distortion and sheer power. Imagine if Drive Like Jehu & My Bloody Valentine had a baby, then Cottaging would be its name. Fantastic riffs and screaming vocals gave the night an authoritative start; I’m very much looking forward to Cottaging’s next show and I’m sure everyone else that was at Aurora on Monday will as well.

With Olneyville Sound System’s Dan St. Jacques being a mad man on the mic, Dropdead’s Bob Otis unleashing fury on guitar, Revival Brewing’s Sean Larkin and Lolita Black’s Kaleigh Crass forming a flawless rhythm section on bass and drums, Extinction Machine annihilated everything in sight. They fused sludge metal and hardcore punk together to form an arsenal that conquered the crowd. The walls continued shaking and the music got louder and louder. By the end of the show there was a huge mosh pit right near the stage. Extinction Machine next will open for Royal Thunder at The Parlour on June 27; go get your face blown off and feel the noise.

This is when things took a unique turn and Aurora became a dance party. With one of the best names I’ve heard in years, Unicorn Hard-On brought the beats and synths to make a spectacular techno sound that had me hooked. You had people bobbin’ and weavin’, jukin’ and jivin’ and getting down with the grooves. I was astounded by Unicorn Hard-On, another local act in Providence I’m going to want to see again and again.

After a while of drinking and schmoozing, Lightning Bolt came on stage and things got instantly wild. It was a night full of crowd surfing, a gigantic mosh pit and a performance so intense that drummer Brian Chippendale had to replace his snare drum within the first 10 minutes. Whenever Brian Gibson’s bass hit a heavy note people started jumping higher and higher as if they were trying to levitate to the ceiling. It was weird seeing them on stage, but the feeling was the same as when they would play in the middle of the floor, the pandemonium was contagious. Lightning Bolt was amazing and for something more, grab their brand new album Fantasy Empire and listen to one of the best albums of 2015.

Stream Fantasy Empire here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFhe8xpYNfo

While you’re at it, check out what Aurora has happening next and stop by the place: http://www.auroraprovidence.com