Briefs

*Perpetual Groove

Date: Friday, March 28 with doors at 9 pm

Venue: Soul Kitchen (19 Dauphin St.) www.soulkitchenmobile.com

Tickets: 12 in adv. available at Soul Kitchen, Mellow Mushroom and 1-800-594-TIXX*

After years of falling under the label of “jam band,” Perpetual Groove decided to get back to their rock roots with the release of 2007’s “Livelovedie” with Grammy-award winning producer Robert Hannon (the mind behind OutKast’s “Speakerboxxx”/”The Love Below”) working his magic behind the scenes. This album definitely marks an impressive evolution of the band’s sound.

However, PGroove still maintains their reputation as the kings of “trance arena rock” with an unforgettable live mix of jazz, prog rock, Southern rock and electronica. They are still hard-hitters on the festival circuit and recently rocked the crowd at the Langerado Music Festival.

PGroove also has big plans for Memorial Day with their annual celebration Amberland in Lafayette, Ga. This weekend-long celebration has been touted as a “giant ice cream social, an excuse to all get together under the stars.”

Tickets for Amberland are currently on sale through the band’s Web site.

*Jason Ricci and New Blood

Date: Thursday, March 27, 8 pm

Venue: The Blues Tavern (2818 Government Blvd.) 479-7621

Tickets: TBA*

Prepare for a truly unique take on blues and jazz with Jason Ricci and New Blood’s eclectic sound.

Ricci and New Blood are on tour in support of their 2007 release “Rocket Number 9.” “The Rocker” (aptly named) kicks off this album with grungy riffs and Ricci’s wailing harmonica before he explodes onto the track with abrasive vocals worn by the blues.

The band’s traditional blues side definitely comes out in “Deliver Us” with a sound straight out of the French Quarter.

“Rocket Number 9” is simply one of the best tracks on this album. With its dark bouncing vibe and insane vocals, it travels across the musical spectrum with breakdowns filled with Southern rock riffs and measures of driving jazz reminiscent of the Squirrel Nut Zippers.

*Heart

Date: Friday, March 28, 8 pm

Venue: Hard Rock Casino Biloxi (777 Beach Blvd) www.hardrockbiloxi.com

Tickets: Start at $50 available through Ticketmaster*

Heart is considered one of the great super bands of the ‘70s. At the foundation of this legendary band are founding members and siblings Ann and Nancy Wilson. As their debut “Dreamboat Annie” went platinum, they churned out hits like “Crazy on You” and “Magic Man.” Their follow-up “Little Queen” achieved triple-platinum status and gave birth to one of their most heavily rotated songs, “Barracuda.” When the ‘80s came along, Heart was still beating with their self-titled release that contained hits like “What About Love” and “These Dreams.”

When not touring, Ann and Nancy Wilson still keep themselves busy. In 2007, Ann released her solo album “Hope & Glory.” This collection of cover songs features cameos from a number of artists ranging from Elton John to Rufus Wainwright.

Ann and Nancy are also scheduled to performApril 9 on Fox for the “Idol Gives Back” special.

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

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