Hopefully this edition will signal the return to regular blog-casting. I couldn’t pass up this week which includes one of the great, over-packed night of shows (see June 20).
Tues. June 17
Top Show: Amy LaVere brings her bass, her Memphis attitude and a trunkload of rootsy tunes to the Mint with veteran Florida troubadour Jim Wurster also on the bill.
The Mountain Goats (John Darnielle and Peter Hughes) will play the Mayan Theater. Largo welcomes the always entrancing Cowboy Junkies while Emily Wells’ orchestral music will reverberate at the Echo.
Wed. June 18
Top Show: While it’s actually a screening – the Talking Heads’ landmark documentary Stop Making Sense will play the New Beverly today through Friday. Go see the film but try not think that it is the doc’s 30th anniversary.
Jenny O delivers her raw rock ‘n’ roll to the Bootleg with Brazilian singer/songwriter Rodrigo Amarante sharing the bill. The Greek offers a pair of smooth crooners: Gavin DeGraw and Matt Nathanson.
Thurs. June 19
Top Show: Dean Wareham, whose impressive resume includes Luna, Galaxie 500 and Dean & Britta, is at the Roxy for a show that promises to offer old and not so old tunes.
Ace tunesmith Dan Wilson does a “song and stories” show at Largo. In the spring, he released Love Without Fear.
Fri. June 20
Top Show(s): Okay, it’s one of those night. Which show would you pick? Robyn Hitchcock will be serving up his always delightful, sometimes daft, frequently deep songs at McCabe’s (the perfect spot to see him). Or you can see Americana starlet Jessica Lea Mayfield light up the Roxy with Israel Nash as her opener (if you like Neil Young‘s psychedelic rural route excursions, then check out Nash’s music). Or see Jimbo Malthus turn the Echo into a Mississippi jukejoint. Want another option – there’s Rodney Crowell – one of best living songwriters of any genre – at the Troubadour with two terrific Americana players in their own right, Will Kimbrough and Jedd Hughes, also on the bill.
There’s also the Soulshine Music Festival, featuring Michael Franti & Spearhead, Brett Dennen and SOJA, at the Greek. Yann Tiersen’s finely-crafted pop will fill the Fonda. WOMAD faves the Malawi Mouse Boys perform at McCabe’s. The eclectic roots outfit Marley’s Ghost has a free show at the Levitt Pavilion Pasadena.
Sat. June 21
Top Show: It would go to Josh Rouse, but his McCabe’s gig (with Doug Paisley opening) has long been sold out – so I will go with Joe Henry then. He’ll be appearing at Largo to celebrate his latest gem Invisible Hour.
The fine folk duo Milk Carton Kids surface at the Japan America Theater. Southern Culture on the Skids will continue the Dixie mood at the Echo. Grant Langston plays T. Boyles Tavern on its California Roots Union Night.
Sun. June 22
Top Show: Austin-based singer-songwriter Ray Bonneville has a record release concert at McCabe’s. His new one Easy Gone showcases his gift for penning gritty story-songs that reflect his rough-hewn life.
The Hollywood Bowl presents one of the eclectic, possibly magical, bills of Janelle Monae, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 and the Uruguayan musician RomanGianArthur. The LA County Arboretum’s Family Music Festival features the legendary Beach Boys (although I don’t know which “boys” will be in this band lineup).
