Briefs

You know, it’s getting harder and harder to make the “Music Briefs,” well brief, as there has been an overabundance of musical talent coming to our area of late. Hey, I’m not complaining, but in the spirit of brevity, let’s just get down to it.

Late Breaking News

At deadline, the Saenger had just confirmed nine-time Grammy Award-winning artist Bonnie Raitt along with Grammy-winning contemporary bluesman, Keb’Mo’, for Wednesday, Sept. 27. Tickets are expected to go on sale some time in July. We’ll pass along more info as it becomes available to us.

REHAB isn’t just for quitters

Soul Kitchen plans on keeping the melodic goodness coming this summer. On June 2, the crowd at Soul Kitchen will experience REHAB.

REHAB is an Atlanta-based quintet that has the gift of packing out any venue they play. With an electro-groovalistic/hip-hop/rock sound, REHAB’s adrenaline-filled stage show is second to none. Their unique sound earned them enough street cred to feature musical giants Cee-Lo, Goodie Mob and Cody Chesnutt on their first album “Southern Discomfort.” Now, they are currently touring in support of their latest offering “Graffiti.”

Nuts and Blues

This is only the beginning of Soul Kitchen’s summer music extravaganza.

Last year, many of you made it out to the Mitchell Center or over to the boats to check out Sister Hazel. All you Hazelnuts out there will be pleased to know that Soul Kitchen and SoundStage Live have joined forces to bring Sister Hazel to Soul Kitchen for an intimate performance June 22.

Not enough for you? Well, how about a performance from Blues Traveler on June 14? That’s right! The fathers of the H.O.R.D.E. tour are coming to the Port City. Tickets are on sale now at Soul Kitchen and Mellow Mushroom, and I feel confident that both of these shows will be sell-outs.

Memorializin’ on the ESho

The ESho has plenty to offer Memorial Day Weekend. This is no surprise; it has become almost a natural instinct in the Port City (as well as many other places) to head to the waterfront for this holiday.

Make plans to be at The Blue Gill May 27 for the Renegades of Southern Rock. A couple of weeks ago, I introduced you to their all-star line-up featuring some of the big dogs of Southern rock. These guys plan on getting the crowd on their feet with the music that made Southern rock as legendary as the members of this band. Enjoy Southern rock standards such as “Fire on the Mountain” and “Can’t You See” from the people who wrote it.

If you aren’t worn out from that party, then head down to the American Legion Post 199 in Fairhope for their Memorial Day Cookout and Concert on the Beach May 28. This will have something for the entire family to enjoy. Attendees will be able to lounge around the Tiki Bar while the music plays on from 1-7 p.m., with a special performance from the Bay Runners featuring Roger Fleshman. Just drop the kids off in the spacewalk and let the good times roll! The best part of this party is that there is no cover. So, start resting up because it looks like you’re going to have a full schedule for Memorial Day Weekend.

Lumber Truck makes ESho pit stop

Speaking of the ESho, Pennsylvania-based Lumber Truck will make a pit stop at Ravenite Pizzeria May 25. This four-piece will be making their way through the Southeast spreading their jam hither and yon in support of their latest release “The Lunatic is at the Wheel” before heading back to Quaker Country. This is yet another jam band that is forcing the genre into a music evolution, and I like it. Expect something different from this band. Songs such as “Sausage” are chaotic conga peppered with poetry. Others like “Falling Down” take the listeners to the islands with its reggae beats and harmonious vocals. These guys are quite impressive and unique for their genre, and I would highly suggest making it out for this one.

Will Hoge returns to Monsoon’s

Monsoon’s continues to bring out some of the best regional and national bands that they can find with the crowds to match. On June 3, Monsoon’s will feature the musical stylings of Will Hoge. Hoge’s sound has made him a music god in the Port City with a mass of dedicated disciples who leave his show craving his return.

He and his band have spent a good portion of 2006 touring in support of his latest release “The Man Who Killed Love.” When you get to Monsoon’s, make sure you show Hoge and the boys some love and buy some of the quality “merch” they have to offer. This is definitely going to be a packed house, which is OK because Hoge’s sound is guaranteed to keep you on your feet.

High on Hiatt

With a cool, raspy voice and unique rock sound, it’s no surprise that John Hiatt has made it to superstar status. With the radio play he receives on the ZEW, Hiatt has become a musical staple in Mobile as well as many other places. And the absolutely incredible Saenger show last November, with Lyle Lovett, Guy Clark and Joe Ely didn’t hurt his fan base here either.

As many of you already know, Hiatt will be making his way back to the Saenger Theater on June 17 to give the denizens of the Port City another helping.

After recording his latest album “Master of Disaster” with Jim Dickinson (father of Cody and Luther Dickinson of the North Ms. All-Stars), Hiatt hit the road with the All-Stars looking to them not only for support but also as his backing band. His show at the Saenger will be no exception as the NMAS plan on taking the stage both before and with John Hiatt. Tickets are on sale now, but not many remain, so go ahead and grab them while you can.

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

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