When I saw Black Star on the lineup for Bonnaroo I couldn’t believe it. We’re talking Mos Def and Talib Kweli, reunited and ready to drop some of the best beats of the festival. I’d had the chance to see Kweli once before but this is going to be something special. Having released only one album, it was like a flash in the pan and now the duo are slated to finally come out with a new record together. I can remember in high school cranking Mos Def & Talib Kweli are Black Star and having “Definition” on repeat; “1,2,3, Mos Def and Talib Kweli, we came to rock it on to the tip top, best alliance in hip hop, why oh.” Indeed that should reign supreme next month. I mean we are talking like this is one of the top 10 shows not to miss at the festival this year.
Countdown to Bonnaroo: 29 Days – Artist of the Day: White Denim
8 MaySo last June I came across this band and was totally blown away at their sound, style and how much it reminded me of a throwback to when real rock music ruled the airwaves. I was so excited and contemplated making a trip to Austin with the main goal to see these guys live. Somewhat lucky for me, they beat me to the trip and made it out to Las Vegas and played at Book & Stage at The Cosmopolitan as part of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Beauty & Beats Music Festival. And I’m saying it now, DO NOT MISS THIS BAND AT BONNAROO. I promise, you will fall in love with their jamming and be able to say you saw White Denim before they were huge (well they are a big deal in Austin) and have a mighty fine story to go with it.
Revisited: My Last Week in Live Music – Santana, Kelley James, Ozomatli (Video)
7 MayLast week was a whirlwind of a music one for me. It started last Wednesday with the opportunity to see Carlos Santana’s new residency at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay. Not only is Santana a living legend that I encourage everyone to see, his band is truly amazing. The show was about two hours and spanned his whole career of hits. With a brand new sound system in place, HoB was rocking and the perfect venue to capture the iconic guitar work of Santana.
On Friday it was off to a semi-private show with the mighty talented, Kelley James. If you are not familiar with Kelley’s sound/style, you’re sorely missing out. In addition to a bunch of his own songs, he busted out some Sublime and Neil Diamond. Plus he is one of the most gifted freestyle artists which added to the fun and entertaining evening.
For Cinco de Mayo it was time for Ozomatli. I can’t even remember how many times I’ve seen these guys live and the shows are always a blast. This time the venue was Body English inside the Hard Rock Hotel and not only do I love and miss the former nightclub but it served as practically a private concert venue. Intimate and in close quarters with the fiesta faithful, it was one wild dance party that I wish everyone could have experienced. Check the video below of a little Latin cover of Depeche Mode’s “Just Can’t Get Enough.”
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- Kelley James
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- Kelley James
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- Ozomatli 5 5 12 – Las Vegas
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- Ozomatli 5 5 12 – Las Vegas
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- Ozomatli 5 5 12 – Las Vegas
Santana images courtesy of Erik Kabik.
Do You Hear The Music? 