Briefs

Wilco with special guest John Doe

Date: Monday, March 3 with doors at 6:30 p.m.

Venue: Mobile Civic Center (401 Civic Center Dr.) www.mobilecivicctr.com

Tickets: $28 available at the Civic Center Box Office and through Ticketmaster

Last year turned out to be a great year for Wilco. Their fans were ecstatic to get their hands on their most recent release “Sky Blue Sky,” and it shot up the U.S. charts to number five within a matter of days. This album allowed Wilco to head back to the Grammys with a nomination for “Best Rock Album.” In addition, guitarist Nels Cline was named by “Rolling Stone” as one of the “New Guitar Gods.”

Joining Wilco will be Yep Roc Records artist John Doe. Doe (John Duchac) is most known for establishing L.A. punk band X and has also performed with The Knitters as well as The Flesh Eaters. In case he may look familiar to some, Doe has appeared on both the small and big screen in movies such as “Boogie Nights” and “Great Balls of Fire” and television shows such as “Roswell.” Doe is currently touring in support of his 2007 release on Yep Roc “A Year in the Wilderness.” Doe’s electric Americana sound should make him the perfect opener for Wilco.

Southern Culture on the Skids, Baak Gwai, Demolition String Band

Date: Friday, Feb. 29 at 9 pm

Venue: The Blind Mule (57 N. Claiborne St.) 694-6853

Tickets: TBD

Southern Culture on the Skids is sliding back into the Port City with their rip-roarin’ sounds and white trash vibes, paying road dues in support of their latest album “Countrypolitan.” On this one, they pay homage to the music that inspired their own. SCOTS admirably masters this collection of country covers with every note. While they maintain the classic sound of songs such as “Wolverton Mountain” and “Tobacco Road,” their touch definitely rings out in each song and fans can’t get enough of this one, including huge fan/writer Stephen King who ranked it in his top 7 albums of 2007.

Alabama’s own Baak Gwai will be joining them and adding to this already impressive line-up. Baak Gwai wrapped up 2007 by signing with Decimal Records. They just finished up their debut on Decimal, and the process was documented by Decimal’s in-house videographer.

Citizen Cope

Date: Friday, March 4 at 8 p.m.

Venue: Soul Kitchen, 219 Dauphin St., www.soulkitchenmobile.com

Tickets: $22 adv/$24 day-of available at Soul Kitchen, Mellow Mushroom and 1-800-594-TIXX

With his hybrid sound consisting of reggae, blues, rock and hip-hop, Citizen Cope has captured the hearts of many music lovers of all walks.

After spending time as an opener for Nelly Furtado and performing at Coachella 2002, Citizen Cope (aka Clarence Greenwood) found a home at RCA Records and released “The Clarence Greenwood Recordings” and established quite a fan-base touring with Robert Randolph and the Family band. Cope’s music has found the most attention through television and film. His songs have been used on the soundtracks for such shows as “CSI: Miami,” “Scrubs” and “Cold Case” and movies like “Prime,” “Coach Carter” and “Alpha Dog.”

Cope is currently touring in support of what has been said to be “his most personal album,” “Every Waking Moment.” This artist is going worldwide shortly after his performance at Soul Kitchen with dates on his tour roster in London and France.

The Rundown

In his recent interview with Lagniappe, Widespread Panic keyboardist JoJo Hermann expressed how much he would love returning to The Wharf in Orange Beach for a performance. It looks as if he is going to get his wish as Widespread is scheduled to return to The Wharf for three consecutive performances on April 18, 19 and 20.

The scheduling of these performances must have many Spreadheads reeling as the last date of the performance falls on that legendary high-holiday for stoners: 4/20. Known for not playing the same show twice, Widespread will be playing fan favorites as well as cuts off of their latest release “Free Somehow.” Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster and at The Wharf box office.

Melon sprouts

Blind Melon added kindling to the fire of the ‘90s alternative movement with their neo-flower child music and attitude. When their video for “No Rain” hit MTV, it brought them into the public eye and earned Blind Melon spots opening for everyone from the Rolling Stones to Soundgarden, and their self-titled album shot up the charts. While on tour in support of their second release “Soup,” tragedy struck the band when vocalist Shannon Hoon was found dead of a cocaine overdose and his fellow band-mates called it quits.

In 2002, Capitol Records released a “Classic Masters” release featuring Blind Melon. With its surprising success, it was followed with a best-of release in 2005, which also found great and surprising success.

Shortly afterwards, the surviving members of Blind Melon announces that they would be reuniting with Travis Warren (Rain Fur Rent) taking over vocals. This new incarnation is gearing up for their upcoming release tentatively titled “For My Friends.” When they hit the road, Blind Melon plans on making a stop at Soul Kitchen on April 23 with tickets for this event currently on sale.

Country duo

Country music fans will get a local fix on Saturday, March 1 at the Just a Little Bit Country Restaurant (6871 Moffett Road) with a performance from The D.T.’s. This duo consists of Cowboy Tom Rouse and Darren Hurst. These local acoustic country gurus will be rocking the crowd with a slough of down-home covers and originals that should get every foot in the place stomping. The charm and stage presence of these two should be just as appeasing as their sounds.

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

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