ZEWtopia was the perfect warm-up for the summer music festival season. The weather was perfect, and the music kept the crowd going all night. One thing that I noticed was the festival-goers weren’t the only ones having a good time, as the bands also seemed to enjoy the April 15th party at the Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds. GOAT (whose mellow lounge sound was the perfect kick-off to the festival) decided to stick around for a good part of the day instead of heading to NOLA because he was having too good a time to leave. One thing that kept coming to mind was that I didn’t have to drive two to three hours for a concert like this, which was cool. Props definitely go out to Frank Giglio, SoundStage Live and 92 ZEW for this excellent event. Queens-ryche for a day Queensryche is coming to Mobile to the Saenger Aug. 30. I had to give you a heads-up on this, because there is a very good chance this will sell out. They will be touring in support of their sequel to "Operation Mindcrime" called (of course) "Operation Mindcrime II." "Mindcrime I" was a concept album/rock opera, which told the story of Nikki, Sister Mary and Dr. X, and "Mindcrime II" picks up where it left off. So, what’s so special about this? Queensryche will play both albums back-to-back, with actors and a full stage set with props. To further heighten the experience, speakers will be placed around the audience for a surround-sound performance. Tickets are on sale now at the Saenger Box Office or through al Ticketmaster locations. Not just Run of the Mill-s With the multitude of trendy, manufactured country bands making their way onto the radio and CMT, it’s nice to know there is still a country act in circulation that holds tight to its roots. The Wayne Mills Band has been covering the Southeast with their original sound for quite some time now, providing nights of excellent music to packed houses. They have opened for Charlie Daniels Band, The Allman Brothers and Waylon Jennings, and on May 12, they will mosey on in to Monsoon’s. Things seem to be on the upswing for the Wayne Mills Band. The beginning of 2006 found their song "Crossin’ Dixie" on the TLC reality show "Tuckerville." The tune gained steady popularity, so much so they have started work on a video to be shown nationally. Wayne Mills and the Red Dirt Romeos also plan on releasing a DVD soon. Currently, they are on the Redneck Hippie Tour 2006, which will take them all over the Southeast and beyond. If you’re looking for the future sounds on country music, then I highly suggest heading down to Monsoon’s for this high-energy performance. Grand music at Grand Central Many LoDa venues have been trying to bring bands that provide original music (and sometimes covers) to their patrons. One in particular is Grand Central. Looking over their calendar, I found nights that feature II Far Gone, A Year and a Day and even a Phar Fletcher acoustic act on Thursdays. On May 12 and 13, Mobile’s own Hamelin will take the stage for a night of rockin’ and rollin’. According to their Web site, Hamelin plans on releasing a follow-up to their debut CD "Paintings on the Wall." This is no surprise when you take a look at the musical talent behind Hamelin. "Paintings on the Wall" offers a radio-friendly while definitively Southern sound. The track,"Ladders," features a driving rhythm guitar highlighted by a laid back lead guitar and syncopated bass. It is reminiscent of some of the newer Skynyrd, but "Ladders" takes an admirable turn with the addition of Ross Newell’s clean vocals. If you want to pick up "Paintings on the Wall," then head out to All Music Pro or Warehouse Music. Lindell gets rave reviews at Ravenite Ravenite Pizza on the E Sho keeps the entertainment coming with a CD release party scheduled April 27 and 28 for Eric Lindell. This Alligator Records disciple plans on charming the crowd with his latest release "Change in the Weather." This Cali-born/NOLA-raised musician has been gathering fans with a sound that dabbles in many genres from swamp pop to reggae. "Change in the Weather" exposes the extremely soulful side of Lindell with mellow, funky grooves. If you don’t catch Lindell at Ravenite, then you’ll have a chance to catch him at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival on May 5. Lindell’s performance will definitely be worth the drive to the E Sho. Rebel yells at the ‘Gill If you’re already making plans for Memorial Day weekend, then I would suggest spending it on the water at the Blue Gill. The Blue Gill has a great line-up planned for May 27 with a performance from the Renegades of Southern Rock and Michael Warren. The Renegades can call some of the finest, old school Southern rockers members. On guitar is George McCorkle who made a name for himself in the Marshall Tucker Band with his warm guitar sound. On the keys and vocals will be Alabama’s own Johnny Townsend. Dangerous Dan Toler of the Allman Brothers will be rocking on the guitar. Wet Willie co-founder Jack Hall will be bringing his talent on bass. Taylor Caldwell of the Southern Cross Band will also be spending time on keys and vocals, and John McKnight will be pounding out the rhythm on drums.