Briefs

The Ghosts Project, Tatsuya Nakatani & Stephen McClurg

Date: Saturday, Feb. 23, 9 pm

Venue: Satori Coffee and Sound (5460 Old Shell Road) 343-6677

Tickets: $5 at the door

WeMo will echo with ethereal sounds during an evening of truly unique eclectic music. The evening begins with a set from percussionist Tatsuya Nakatani with special guest, bassist Stephen McClurg.

By 2006, Osaka native Nakatani had already gained critical acclaim in seven countries and collaborated with 163 artists. This percussionist will bring an endless ensemble of drums, bells, bowls and cymbals to create his sounds and due to the improvisational nature of his performance, every night features a totally different set.

Following Nakatani and McClurg, The Ghosts Project will take the stage. Those in attendance at the Vampire Lestat Masquerade in New Orleans were pleasantly surprised with the mysterious nature of their music. This group takes various instruments ranging from violins to zithers and entrances the audience with their electronically enhanced sounds.

Keb’ Mo’

Date: Friday, Feb. 22, 8 pm

Venue: Saenger Theater (6 S. Joachim St.) www.saengermobile.com

Tickets: $42.50/$35.00 available at the Saenger Box Office and through Ticketmaster

Even though Keb’ Mo’ (born Kevin Moore) calls South Los Angeles his home, his music reflects the Southern roots of his family with its heavy Delta Blues influence.

In 1994, Mo’ came into the public eye with a self-titled debut and three years later, won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album with “Just Like You” then received a Grammy in 1998 for “Slow Down.” Filmmaker Martin Scorsese featured him in his music series “Martin Scorsese Presents the Blues.”

Mo’s latest release was 2006’s “Suitcase” where it was obvious Mo’ lost himself in the Mississippi Delta as songs like the title track have the region’s trademark Dobro twang and wavy rhythms.

On Nov. 8, 2007, Mo’ participated in the “Playing for a Change” benefit concert where proceeds from the show encouraged music in various communities worldwide. He (along with Eagle Park Slim) also contributed “Baby Don’t Let Me Go Homeless” to the “Give US Your Poor” CD with proceeds going towards ending homelessness.

Paul Killough

Date: Saturday, Feb. 16, 6 pm

Venue: The Blue Gill (3775 Battleship Pkwy) 625-1998

Tickets: TBA

For seven years, Paul Killough has made his rounds up and down the Gulf Coast entertaining audiences with his heartfelt music. Killough began his love for music in the ‘70s when he picked up the guitar and the harmonica then began dabbling in the songwriting process as well. The result was his first all-original release in the form of “Listen to My Heart” in 2002.

Killough continues his passion for songwriting with a healthy repertoire of original music that definitely echo influence from folk, blues and Southern rock. With each number, the listener experiences the pure emotion of lyrics as plaintive as his wailing harmonica.

His performance at the Blue Gill should make for a pleasant evening for both fans and newcomers.

John Kline and his BiPolar Express will be making a stop at Satori on Feb. 16. As some may remember, Kline has earned tons of critical acclaim for his riff-filled instrumental release appropriately titled “Instrumental Conditioning.” Kline recently received the “Golden Viking” award from Viking Radio in California for “Best Instrumental Artist,” the second time he has received this honor. He is also hard at work laying down tracks for an upcoming release due out in November.

Kline takes a philanthropic attitude with his music with a portion of proceeds from both his CDs and shows going to benefit homeless animals and the Friends of the Mobile Animal Shelter.

Army on the march

Several months ago, many fans of New Model Army were excited that they were going to get a chance to experience this band live, especially since they do not make it across the pond often.

Sadly, their credentials to enter the United States fell into a pit of bureaucracy, and they had to cancel many U.S. dates, including the performance at Soul Kitchen. Fans will be excited to know that New Model Army will be making its way to the States and will be performing at Soul Kitchen, March 26.

Seekin’ Destroyers

The Hard Rock Casino in Biloxi will be rockin’ a little harder March 15. George Thorogood and the Destroyers will slide into Biloxi for a night of hard-hitting rock and roll. Thorogood began his career with intense covers of such songs as “Move It On Over” and “Who Do You Love.” Of course, no rock fan could ignore his “Bad to the Bone,” which has been featured on various movies, television shows and commercials.

Tickets are on sale now for $20 through Ticketmaster.

Local underground at Mule

The electronic music of Thruoutin has become quite popular with the local underground crowd. Now, fans of Thruoutin have a chance to grab a copy of his EP “I Know You’re My Voice Mails” for free by following the link on his MySpace (www.myspace.com/thruoutin).

Fans can expect a collection of eclectic, electronic sounds that have made him a favorite with psychedelic samples and mellow overtones.

Catch Thruoutin at the Blind Mule with Adam Daedelus, C.J. Reed and Trey Lane on Feb. 16.

Stephen Centanni is Lagniappe music editor. Contact him at scentanni@lagniappemobile.com.

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