Briefs

Cross Canadian Ragweed continues to gather a massive cult following with their alternative country (I still think it sounds like Southern Rock) sound. A prime example of this phenomenon was seen at their show at the Blue Gill a few months back. Packed to capacity, CCR rocked the waterfront amphitheater with a huge crowd hanging on every lyric. CCR is making their way back to Mobile Nov. 10, but this time they plan on bringing their party to LoDa at the Soul Kitchen. The guys in CCR are touring in support of their latest release “Tulsa: Live and Loud at Cain’s Ballroom.” Now, fans of these alt-country rockers can take the show home with them.

Joining Cross Canadian Ragweed will be up-and-coming country superstar Stoney LaRue. At the young age of 28, this “Red Dirt Music Star” already has a full plate with 300 shows a year playing with such notable musicians such as Dierks Bentley, Lee Ann Womack and Gary Allan. This singer/songwriter is touring in support of his latest album “The Red Dirt Album.” LaRue tends to have a more classic country sound with his instrumentation, lyrics and vocals. This organic sound is a breath of fresh air in a genre that has somewhat submitted more to manufacturing rather than innovating. Tickets are on sale now at Soul Kitchen (at the venue or www.soulkitchenmobile.com), Club Sun Tanning Salons and Mellow Mushroom.

Puttin some ‘Phunk in The Temple

One of the highlights of ZEWtopia had to be the performance from Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk. This band took the crowd in its hands and forced them into a frantic groove. Dumpstaphunk also stole the show at Bonnaroo when they shared the stage with Dr. John for a late night jam that lasted into the wee hours of the morning. If you didn’t get a chance to catch Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk at ZEWtopia, then SoundStageLive is giving you a second chance Nov. 10 at The Temple. It’s safe to say this will be one big party with Ivan Neville and his crew acting as the masters of ceremonies.

When I spoke with Neville during the summer, he expressed his desire to get into the studio and lay down tracks for Dumpstaphunk’s first album.

He seems to be making good on this promise with an album ready to drop any day now. I don’t know how he’s going to be able to fit all that soulful jam into one CD, but I’m looking forward to picking it up. Dumpstaphunk has also been added to Jam Cruise 5 that will feature such artists as Galactic, Disco Biscuits, Umphrey’s McGee, Luther Dickinson and many more. Tickets for Dumpstaphunk at The Temple are on sale now through Ticketmaster or on www.templemobile.com.

The return of Capps

All you Callaghan’s regulars will be happy to know that Grayson Capps and the Stumpknockers will be making their faithful Port City pit stop Sunday, Nov. 12 before making the Southeast circuit. I’ve spoken a lot about Capps in the past, so this time I’m concentrating on one of his Stumpknockers that many of you already know – John Milham. Believe me, this is way overdue.

This percussionist extraordinaire and ESho native may seem quite familiar to many of you. This accomplished musician spent several years as a member of Haere Marue before studying at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Is he still not ringing a bell?

I remember Milham from his stint with Kung Fu Mama when they used to perform in Auburn. Lately, he’s been playing with Corky Hughes and Vibration Configuration as well as with Grayson Capps. After meeting Capps in 2000 and playing a couple of gigs, they hooked up again in 2003, and Milham has become an official Stumpknocker. Catch Capps, Milham and the rest of the Stumpknockers at Callaghan’s.

Leon on the Causeway

The Master of Space and Time is coming back to the Port City! Leon Russell is heading into a more fitting organic environment for his music with a performance at the Blue Gill’s Waterfront Amphitheater Nov. 12. In early October, Russell proved himself to be one of the kings of the Tulsa music scene with his induction into Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame.

Those who attended his last show at The Temple will testify that his live performances are one of kind and quite memorable. His talented attention to the keys rocked the audience and left them begging for more. This white-bearded rocker is proving time is not slowing him down with a full roster of tour dates before and after the Blue Gill show. If word of his last show has gotten around the area like I think it has, then the Blue will be packed to the Gills.

A little hip-hop with your Mexican

Since its opening, Margarita’s Bar continues to become a focal point for local and national musical acts of all types. One night you may find the swinging, nostalgic beats of the American Aces, and the next night you might be rocking out to the sounds of The Grey or Zardous Argo. Mobile’s turntablist scene has also found a home at Margarita’s Bar. On Nov. 11, turntablists from SoMo and Gulf Shores will take over and Margarita’s Bar will become the “House of Fly DJs.”

First up on the turntable will be DJ Spoon. This Bayou La Batre native will spend his time dealing out his own brand of breakbeat and trip-hop. Also scheduled to appear on the wax is Gulf Shores’ DJ Carter. Carter plans on getting the audience moving with endless amounts of hip-hop rhythms and breakbeat madness. Joining these two will be tons of special guest DJs as well as a pounding system and a light system that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

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

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