Reggae on the Beach

Toots and the Maytals

Toots and The Maytals, arguably one of the best reggae bands of all time, performed this past Friday, May 17th on The Chevrolet Stage at the Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama from 2:30-3:45. Being right on the crisp palm tree-covered beach in the afternoon sun, the Jamaican roots reggae band was easily one of the most fitting performances of the weekend. The Maytals have been around since the 1960’s, and even after all these years they are still radiating good vibes on their audience. It is hard to believe that front man Frederick “Toots” Hibbert is 70 years old.

Update:  Future tour dates are currently on hold while Toots (70) is recovering from injury from being hit in the head while performing last month.  He has also file a lawsuit against alleged bottle thrower William Connor Lewis who has been charge with felony assault.

Galactic Takes Over Gulf Shores

Words by: Jeremy Carson

Photos by: David Oppenheimer

Galactic at Hangout Music Festival

Kicking off the summer festival season with a blast was The Hangout Festival taking place in Gulf Shores, Alabama.  With the main stages right on the beach, The Hangout stands out as one of the most epic spring musical vacations.  On a beautiful Sunday afternoon on May 19, from 2:15-3:15, New Orleans funky jazz powerhouse Galactic dominated the Chevrolet Stage.  Nothing is better than dancing to the sextet with the Gulf of Mexico on your right and the white Alabama sand underneath your bare feet.  Galactic’s live shows really demonstrate their wide variety of musical styles and influences.  Vocalist Corey Glover’s unique hip hop twang, drummer Stanton Moore’s layered rhythms, and guitarist Jeff Raines’ melodies all blend into a robust harmony.  Throw in Robert Mercurio’s funky bass and Richard Vogel’s booming keys and you have a substantially flawless performance that is not to be missed.  This show also featured Corey Henry on Trombone.  It is no question why Galactic has become festival favorites after more than 15 years of playing shows.  

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