ZZ TOP Live at The Casino Ballroom

Article and Photographic images created by Conall O'Brien

ZZ Top rocked the Seacoast of New Hampshire at the Famous Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, in front of a sellout crowd of 2,200 enthusiastic fans comprised of one of the world's best fan bases.
After seeing the holy trinity of Texas outdoors numerous times at festivals, it was a treat to witness a rare club appearance that had folks rockin' out for almost 90 nonstop minutes.

Johnny Winter Live at Tupelo Music Hall

Article and Photographic images created by Conall O'Brien

Johnny Winter performs at Tupelo Music Hall in Londonderry NH, which was recently
voted “Best Small Music Venue” by New Hampshire Magazine for the 8th year in a row.

Straight away, the song selection for this superb evening was different from other Winter shows in that , in perhaps as a nod to their 50th Anniversary tour, Johnny  covered three blues numbers  by the Rolling Stones, “Jumpin' Jack Flash”, "It’s All over now”, and “Gimme Shelter” !

Interlocken Festival Not to be Missed

Furthur

New festivals come and go these days, but the new Interlocken Festival taking place in central Virginia this September looks like it will have the magnitude to make an impact on the live music scene of today.  Taking place September 5-8 in Arrington, VA, the Interlocken Festival will feature alternating continuous performances on two main stages.  Unlike most other festivals, there will be fewer bands playing full two hour sets.  Many of the headlining bands’ performances will feature unique collaborations and many featured acts will each be playing on multiple nights throughout the four days of music heaven.  May 21^st saw the first announcement of confirmed artists, and one would have to think that this might be the new Rothbury.  Coming right out of the gate they announce multiple sets from four of the biggest and best jambands around today.  We will see three nights of Furthur, two nights of Widespread Panic, two nights of The String Cheese Incident, and two nights of The Black Crowes.  Interlocken adds a unique flare to the spectacle by featuring an exclusive special performance of Workingman’s Dead for one of the Furthur sets.  Widespread Panic will feature John Fogerty one night, and String Cheese will feature Zac Brown one night.  Top it all off with Neil Young and Crazy Horse and you have the workings of what could become a yearly event that is not to be missed.  

X103's Mayday 2013 Bush, Awolnation, Buckcherry, New Politics, and The Virginmays

Despite the periodical rain and the annoying drunks that come with every concert, May Day rocked pretty hard.  Seeing as Indiana weather is bipolar, it couldn't decide whether to rain or let the sunshine, but that didn't stop the droves of fans piling into Klipsch Music Center in Noblesville, IN. This year there was a surprisingly diverse group of concert goers ranging from children to middle aged adults. This, combined with the killer line-up, made for an awesome and entertaining concert experience.

An Acoustic Evening with Martin Sexton

Martin Sexton opened his national tour at the 20th Century Theater on May 9th, 2013. He played two acoustic sets of old and new music to a sitting and attentive crowd. He is traveling by himself with his daughter helping him out along the way. I got to beatbox with him for a quick minute. Martin Sexton is a musician's musician and should not be missed if he comes to a venue near you. Check out his new album releases Live at the Fillmore and Fall Like Rain on his website at MartinSexton.com.

Images by Doug Siegel

Bob Dylan and His Band Wrap Tour

Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan and His Band recently just completed their spring 2013 tour that took them all over the east coast and some of the mid-west.  2013 marks the 25th anniversary of Dylan’s popularly named “Never Ending Tour,” duly named for their never ending touring schedule.  This segment of the tour started out on April 5 in Buffalo, New York and wrapped up in St. Augustine, Florida a month later on May 5.  Dylan sounded raspy but chipper at his golden age of 71.  He spent most of his time behind the piano during these shows and sang his tunes in the familiar Dylan style.  Aside from Dylan on keys, vocals, and harmonica, his band included some extremely talented musicians.  Dylan was joined by Stu Kimball and Duke Robillard on guitar, Tony Garnier on bass, George Receli on drums, and Donnie Herron on percussion, mandolin, and banjo.  

Midwest Rock N' Roll Express Tour

The Midwest Rock N' Roll Express Tour, which began last year, has been called one of the "Ten Hottest Summer Package Tours of 2012" by Rolling Stone. The tour features Ted Nugent, Reo Speedwagon, and Styx.  The Express tour made a stop at the Roanoke Civic Center on April 28th.