Bad Religion and Social Distortion, MGM Fenway, 5.7.24
5.7.24 MGM Fenway
Punk never dies. Punk lives on inside of all of us to disrupt the norms of society, to challenge our thoughts and actions and to make you believe you can do anything if you set your mind to it. Life is hardcore, and punk music is a way to escape it and to feel something else for a while. Forty years of history lives in each of these bands, each with separate stories, life experiences and music. Social Distortion and Bad Religion out on the road together, co-headlining in Boston and beyond. Each band will take off on their own tours at the end of this month, for now - catch them if you can!
Lizz Wright, Jimmy's Jazz and Blues Club, 4.11.24
April 11, 2024, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, a typically cool and drizzly evening for the small town and yet, Lizz Wright was able to draw in a packed house of fans excited to listen to her warm up their night. On the eve of her new album release, "Shadow", Lizz Wright delivered an intimate and soulful one and a half hour of stories and music to Jimmy's Jazz and Blues Club audience. Acclaimed vocalist and songwriter, Lizz Wright, known for her sultry, smoky sounding voice, proved yet again why she remains a staple in the hearts of music lovers.
As the first notes of "Walk with me, Lord" filled the room, the audience was visibly moved, their expressions softening as Wright's deep, resonant voice washed over them, setting the tone for a night of introspective melody and warmth. A wonderful start to the evening as we were swept away on the musical journey that captured the essence of the night to come. "Old Man", the second song of the evening and always a crowd pleaser for Lizz, resonates deeper each time as her performance unleashes layers of nostalgia and personal reflection that are profoundly universal. No matter who the audience is, the familiarity of the tune combined with Lizz's soulful delivery is a song that delivers and has her audience longing for more. The strategic choice to blend classic hits with new tracks from her album, "Shadow", offered both familiarity and fresh excitement.
Lizz is an amazing and thoughtful story telling singer who shares stories of her life's journey with humor and gratitude. About thirty minutes into the set, the club's audience was captivated by the drums intro for Sparrow, and built the anticipation for Lizz's performance that brought people to their feet. An obvious appreciation for the artist and for sharing her songs and stories with all. Halfway through her set, "Dreaming Wide Awake" was the song that seemed like everyone was waiting for. The keys on this song are so melodic and emotional, the audience was on the edge of their seats, imagining what it might be like to dream while wide awake.
Lizz jumped on the keys and her band closed the set with "Salt", "Who Knows Where the Time Goes" and "Root of Mercy", once again bringing the audience to their feet and cheering for her nothing held back performance. As we stepped back into the cool, rainy night, it was clear that Lizz didn't just perform, she transformed Jimmy's Jazz and Blues Club into a sanctuary of soul and warmth, leaving us all a little richer in spirit.
Lizz is currently touring a few dates in the United States and will leave for dates in Europe this summer. Find out more https://www.lizzwright.net/
Lizz's set list, 4.11.24
- Walk with me, Lord
- Old Man (cover)
- Lost in the Valley
- Stop
- Sparrow
- Chasing Strange
- I'm Confessin'
- Dreaming Wide Awake
- Sweet Feeling
- Imagination
- Freedom
- Your Love
- Salt
- Who Knows Where the Time Goes
- Root of Mercy
Colin Hay, Colonial Theatre, Laconia, New Hampshire, 4.7.24
The best is yet to come with Colin Hay.
On a gentle spring evening, Colin Hay rolled into the small New Hampshire town of Laconia, opening his set to a nearly full house at the famous Colonial Theatre on Main Street. Colin joked during the show there "was nothing going on here" and the crowd was caught laughing in agreement. Colin shared stories of past bandmates, meeting Paul McCartney, and many more as the crowd cheered his performance on. For the Colonial, this was more than just a concert; it was an intimate gathering that celebrated the past while looking forward to more stories, more laughter and more music.
As a solo acoustic artist with a career spanning four decades, Colin brings his stories to life through his music. Colin kicked off his performance joking this must be the "senior show". With a career of more than 40 years, and fans following his musical journey, it was not a surprise that the audience was made up of all genders and ages to represent his last 40 years of fans. Colin kicked off his set with 'Going Somewhere", warming up the crowd for what was to come. Between Colin's storytelling and musical talent, his show provides an opportunity for his audience to gain insight into not only his creative mind, but how the songs came to be. Mid-set he hit the crowd with 'Overkill' and "Who Can it be Now' where everyone joined in on the choruses of songs that brought back memories for all. His final three songs seemed to be really what his fans were waiting for. 'I Just Don’t Think I’ll Ever Get Over You', a deeply emotional and real story of moving on, but also not forgetting where you once were. 'Waiting for my Real Life' and "Down Under' were hits that everybody enjoyed, evident amongst the laughter, stories and genuine love for his music.
Colin joked that he is often asked if songwriting is 'worth it' and he shared this is definitely a vocation that you should look into seeing as his hit "Down Under' was able to sustain his career for the last 40 years. Hay's engagement with the audience through jokes, personal stories and hits speaks to his ability to transcend mere performance, creating an atmosphere where everyone felt part of something special. Thank you Colin for sharing your art and music with New Hampshire. Colin Hay is off to Maine and can be found on tour in and around New England for a few more dates. www.colinhay.com
Avenged Sevenfold, Manchester, NH 3.23.24
A snowstorm dropped almost 2 feet of snow in some parts of New Hampshire Saturday night, that did not stop fans of Avenged Sevenfold! Fans from all over New England showed up in full force and ready to rock! You can bet A7X didn’t disappoint!
Avenged Sevenfold, also known as A7X, is known for their powerful live performances, combining heavy metal music with a theatrical stage presence that captivates audiences. Their dedication to ensuring that fans have an unforgettable experience is evident, from the choice of opening song that immediately grabs everyone's attention to the care they show for their fans' safety, as demonstrated when they stopped the music during "Bat Country."
The energy at an A7X show is palpable, with dancing, moshing, and crowd surfing being integral parts of the experience. It’s clear that the band's hits like "Blinded in Chains" and "Afterlife" are perfect anthems for such an environment, energizing the crowd and setting the perfect scene for fans to fully immerse themselves in the music.
Avenged Sevenfold’s ability to create a strong connection with their audience, ensuring that the fans get more than their money’s worth, is a testament to their status as a top live act in the rock and metal scene. The band's attention to their fans, whether it's through their performance or moments of care, like ensuring a fan's safety, makes their shows not just a concert but an event to remember.
Brandy Clark - Music Hall, Portsmouth, NH, 3/16/24
The Mixtape interview with Brandy Clark - click here.
Brandy Clark's recent performance at the music hall in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, exemplifies the unique, intimate nature of live music. By inviting her friend Hayes Carll to join her on stage, Clark not only diversified the show but also enriched the overall experience for her audience. This collaboration allowed for a more dynamic interaction, as both artists shared personal anecdotes and laughed with the crowd, fostering a sense of connection and community.
Clark's storytelling stood out as a highlight of the evening. Her narrative about the creation of "Dear Insecurity" and its solo performance resonated deeply, earning her a partial standing ovation. This song, along with "Hold My Hand," showcases Clark's ability to convey emotion and connect with her audience on a personal level. The latter, a favorite of Clark's for its heartfelt delivery, exemplifies the power of music to touch hearts and bring people together.
The music hall in Portsmouth provided the perfect setting for such an intimate show. Known for its ability to foster a close connection between artists and their audience, the venue amplified the impact of Clark and Carl's stories and songs. The shared experiences of family and past love, combined with their musical talent, made for an unforgettable evening.
Clark's approach to touring, with its emphasis on storytelling and personal connection, highlights the evolving nature of live performances. By sharing the stage with a friend and engaging directly with the audience, she creates a unique concert experience that transcends traditional musical performances. As "Dear Insecurity" grows into a new favorite for Clark, it's clear that her ability to connect with her audience through storytelling and song remains unmatched.
