Briefs

As the end of the year rushes toward us like a moon pie at Mardi Gras, we seem to become obsessed with change. “Resolution” becomes the hot word, and we strive to mix up our lives with the instability of the unfamiliar. Sometimes these changes are for the best, and sometimes we should have left well-enough alone.

One of Mobile’s favorite bands will be making a change pretty soon. Neo-grass masters Rollin’ in the Hay are currently on their “Taking a Break” tour, and plan on playing one of their last shows together Dec. 15 at the Soul Kitchen in LoDa.

Now, I’m getting mixed signals on this show. Soul Kitchen’s Web site declares that this will be their last show before they “break up.” According to the Rollin’ in the Hay Web site, they’ll be “taking a break” to pursue other musical projects with the hope Rollin’ in the Hay will continue. I hope it’s the latter.

Rollin’ in the Hay will always remind me of my younger days at Auburn. Their popularity paved the way for other modern bluegrass bands such as Nickel Creek. I’ve watched these guys go from playing living rooms to playing music festivals and still find the time to travel to little ol’ Newton, Ala. to the Village Inn to play. So, here’s to you, boys! If I was with you guys right now, we’d tip a cup of shinny. Hurry back!

After 3 Doors

As you read in the last issue, radio darlings 3 Doors Down and Alter Bridge will be making a pit stop in the Port City for some Christmas cheer Dec. 10. After the show is when the real party starts at Cell Block with an all-star performance from Mobile’s Top of the Orange and Illbreak.

Top of the Orange has been picking up dates with 3 Doors Down every chance they get. This has allowed them to spread their Port City sounds across the U.S. Recently, they kicked off the Snowball Derby in Pensacola at the WEAR Green Flag Party. The last time I spoke with guitarist Brandyn Ulmer, he told me they were itching to get back on the road.

Illbreak is one of the newest editions to Imprint Records, which is the product of 3 Doors Down Bassist Todd Harrell. Harrell christened this project with the signing of Illbreak, and they are already on the fast track to success. Their radio-friendly sound has charmed the ears Clear Channel gods, who have found a place for them in the Almighty Rotation. The song “How It Feels” is pretty impressive with its syncopated off beats descending into chorus.

Recently, Illbreak has been playing a number of dates with Saliva, Breaking Benjamin and 3 Doors Down. If you’re a fan of the Clear Channel frequencies, then this is a show you won’t want to miss.

July at Christmas

It’s hit or miss with winter in the Port City. People like me enjoy the little bit of winter we’re rationed every year.

Some embrace the hot, sticky blanket of humidity that comes with summer.

If you are one of those who is already missing summer even though it never fully leaves, then I have a show for you. Head on down to LuLu’s in Gulf Shores for a performance from musical beach bum, Brent Burns. Brent is carrying on the laid-back, tropical philosophy made famous by Mobile’s favorite son (whether he accepts it or not) Jimmy Buffett.

Burns got his start in the ‘60s with the Phoenix-based Grapes of Wrath, then volunteered for service in the Vietnam conflict.

After touring as a college lecturer, Burns found himself getting back into music and notoriety with the release of his song on the 1980s oil shortages, called “Cheaper Food or No More Crude.”

Brent really came out of his shell with the release of “Perpetual Vacation.” It was then that he perfected his island sound and went on to release other CDs like “Tropical Nuts.” Burns has been an avid supporter of Habitat for Humanity over the years and wrote the song “Build Them a House” dedicated to the organization. I’m pretty sure he will be belting out some of his seasonal songs, such as “Cashin’ in on Christmas” and “I Got Drunk at the Office Christmas Party.” So, head over to Lulu’s, order some of that food she’s so famous for and enjoy the sounds of Brent Burns.

Gettin’ Ziggy with it

If there is one band that has maintained its local crowd, as well as kept their rocking sound, it has to be Zig and the Zigtones. In fact, I think the Zigtones were one of the first bands I ever saw in a LoDa bar so long ago.

Over the years, they have become a staple in the Mobile music scene and have played just about everywhere in LoDa with a stage. This time around, they will be jamming out at Monsoons on Dec. 16.

The Zigtones are made up of three very accomplished, very impressive musicians. Ziggy Luis has had an extremely rich musical career. Born in Havana, Cuba, he has opened for the likes of Bob Marley and the Wailers, Molly Hatchett and Stevie Ray Vaughn. Dothan native Joe Morgan has performed in Flat Stanley and The Thieves, and is now officially a Zigtone. Coming in on drums is Ben Morgan, who is also a DJ on 96.1 The Rocket. If you haven’t experienced the Zigtones, here’s your chance to see one of Mobile’s musical institutions.

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

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