Brian Setzer Blows the Roof off the Belly Up
Posted by Life on the Scene in Concert, Music, Photography on April 4, 2011
Brian Setzer
Brian Setzer, the three-time GRAMMY Award winning sometime Stray Cat, and leader of the Brian Setzer Orchestra brought his eighteen piece orchestra to the Belly Up Tavern in the Cedros Design District of Solana Beach, CA for a sold-out show on April 3, 2011.
The Brian Setzer Orchestra played a rescheduled show at Agua Caliente Resort in Palm Springs, CA on April 2nd, to make up for a cancelled New Year’s Eve performance from last year when Setzer became ill and added the Solana Beach show as Setzer prepares to launch his next musical venture, Setzer Goes Instru-Mental, out on April 19th via Surfdog Records with MP3 pre-order available now via Amazon with special edition vinyl and CD versions available from the Surfdog shop.
Setzer will hit the road crisscrossing Europe during June and July with Brian Setzer’s Rockabilly Riot featuring Stray Cat Slim Jim Phantom on drums, as well as Noah Levy on drums; Chris D’Rozario on bass; Brian Setzer on guitar and vocals; Kevin McKendree on Piano; and Johnny “Spazz” Hatton on bass. Double the stand up bass and the double the drums looks to be a rockabilly good time for Setzer’s fans in Europe this summer!
Back to the task at hand – Setzer, his Orchestra and his Vixens (back up singers Julie Setzer and Leslie Spencer) blowing the roof off the Belly Up Tavern last night. Wow, what a treat to see this guitar legend play such an intimate venue that only holds 600 people! Many of their shows of late have been to really big audiences such as the Doheny Blues Festival with an audience of about 20,000 blues loving fans and the Montreal Jazz Festival with well over 100, 000 swaying to the smooth jazz sounds music loving fans.
Setzer recognized a lot of faces in the crowd and told the audience it felt like he was playing in his living room at home as he called out hello’s to a few friends in the crowd. He was the consummate professional as a liquor loving lush with long blonde hair did her best Willow Smith Whip My Hair impersonations in the front row and tried to grab, many times, not Setzer, but his guitar. Yes, attempting to grab the Gretsch as Setzer’s fingers worked their magic! However, being a 30-year music veteran the guitar legend knew how to swiftly retreat from her many drunken advances.
Brian Setzer
There was also the muffin top baring, 49-year-old woman who nearly pulled him off the stage in her drunken super power strength to declare to him that she would be turning 50 the next day. Gracious as ever, Setzer wished her happy birthday over the microphone while reminding the audience he’s been 50 three times now.
I do digress on the drunken lot of women in attendance though, but seriously, do they even remember the awesome show they attended last night?
Back to the music. Setzer, and his fantastic band were in fine form last night. Really, really on fire figuratively, and almost literally as the Belly Up turned into a sauna for the searing one-hour and forty-five minute set that dealt nary a sour note the entire evening. The Brian Setzer Orchestra revved things up and got the audience boogie-ing to their energetic rockabilly sounds before they departed the stage and let the Brian Setzer Trio take over which includes Johnny “Spazz” Hatton on stand-up bass and fill in drummer, Danny Glass from Royal Crown Revue and Setzer rockin’ the roof off the joint!
The two versions of Setzer’s band covered songs across his illustrious 30 year, award-winning career including the Stray Cats hit Sexy & 17, The Dirty Boogie and Sleepwalk along with Red Hot and Gene & Eddie. The Brian Setzer Trio seamlessly brought the Orchestra back on stage to crowd pleasing roar as the band gave us a medley of the Stray Cat Strut with the Pink Panther theme.
The full band then brought the house down as they launched in early hits like Rumble in Brighton and Rock This Town along with the 90’s hit Jump Jive An’ Wail from the Dirty Boogie album. Setzer is the kind of musician that oozes love for his craft while playing on stage. You can see the smile spread across his face when he knows he’s hitting it out of the ballpark. He doesn’t look like just another musician getting through the live show. It was a stellar show of fine musicianship, one for the books as they say.
The always busy Setzer will also do his annual Christmas shows this year and has already confirmed a December 17th date at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Los Angeles.
He’s also got a new track from his forthcoming album Setzer Goes Instru-Mental, called Go-Go Godzilla on the soundtrack for the upcoming movie Soul Surfer starring AnnaSophia Robb, Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid. Soul Surfer opens in theaters April 8th.
For a complete list of European tour dates and Christmas dates as they become available, check out Brian’s site.
Duran Duran Launch World Tour at SXSW Festival
Posted by Life on the Scene in Concert, Music, Music Review on March 17, 2011
John Taylor
When Duran Duran gets it right, they really get it right. The band kicked off their world tour at Stubb’s BBQ in Austin, TX last night to a crowd that left singing the band’s praises as part of the SXSW Music Festival.
The 80’s megastars have just begun to saturate the music market with their 13th album, All You Need Is Now, which is available now as a 9 track EP via iTunes with the deluxe CD package coming to a store near you on March 22nd. You can also pre-order the deluxe version from Amazon now, with delivery expected the day of release.
Produced by Mark Ronson, their latest album takes the listener on a synthesizer infused journey down memory lane with Nick Rhodes to the height of 80’s pop music while the grooves of drummer Roger Taylor and bassist John Taylor keep us dancing in modern times. Singer Simon Le Bon, who has often been criticized in the media for his quirky voice, sounds smooth & melodic, demonstrating his vocal skills and a voice that has stood the test of time.
As a producer Ronson carefully guarded the bands existing, unique sound while moving them forward into new territory at the same time. He doesn’t try to make a band sound like his own records.
Duran Duran will hit Los Angeles next week for a round of appearances on American TV shows the Ellen DeGeneres Show, Late Night with Jay Leno and Jimmy Kimmel Live!
The band will also play a one-off concert in Los Angeles to kick off the 2nd season of the American Express Unstaged Concert Series which will be directed by critically acclaimed director David Lynch and broadcast live online courtesy of YouTube and Vevo.
All You Need Is Now
Duran Duran have proved their staying power with tickets to a handful of North American warm-up concerts selling out in mere minutes as the band criss-crosses the USA in preparation for their slot at the upcoming always sold out Coachella Music & Arts Festival in Indio, CA April 15-17, 2011. The massive music festival which annually draws approximately 90, 000 visitors to the California desert will also offer a live webcast of music acts throughout the weekend.
They will then head home to the UK & Europe for concerts in May and June, and a tour of Australia in December with more worldwide dates to be announced as they become available via Duran Duran’s website. You can also check in with Duran Duran’s Roger Taylor, John Taylor and Simon Le Bon on Facebook and Twitter as they check in from their daily lives, from rehearsals and on the road.
Singer Joe Jonas and Twilight’s Ashley Greene split
Posted by Life on the Scene in Life on March 17, 2011
Joe Jonas
Reps for the Jonas Brothers singer and the Twilight star confirm that Joe Jonas and Ashley Greene have broken up after nearly a year of dating.
News of the affectionate, globetrotting couples split comes as a surprise to most especially after Joe spoke affectionately of Ashley in a recent interview for Details magazine.
Jonas has previously been linked to hot young stars like Demi Lovato and Taylor Swift.
He is currently in the studio in New York City working on his first solo album with a tour expected later this year.
Ashley Greene is currently filming the 4th installment of the Twilight series, Breaking Dawn, in Vancouver, B.C.
Greene has reportedly been seen out in New York City with Kings of Leon bassist Jared Followill.
My Chemical Romance to Auction Tickets for Japan Earthquake Relief
Posted by Life on the Scene in Concert, Life, Music on March 17, 2011
My Chemical Romance
by Cindy Robinson
New Jersey’s Starland Ballroom has teamed up with the American Red Cross and a host of rock’s most popular bands currently on tour to auction off concert tickets and meet & greets with artists like Coheed & Cambria, All Time Low, Three Days Grace and New Jersey’s own My Chemical Romance.
Most of these shows sold out months ago so it’s a great opportunity for fans to grab a pair of tickets to see their favorite band with 100% of the auction proceeds going to the Red Cross effort to support the people in Japan after the dual disasters of the massive earthquake and tsunami have brought the country to its knees.
The auctions went live today, St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th (hey, don’t forget to pinch your co-workers who didn’t wear green!) and they run for a week until March 24th, 2011. Auction details from the Starland Ballroom state, “Each auction will run from 3pm EST Thursday, March 17th until 3pm EST Thursday, March 24th. Each auction will start at $100, with increments of $10. Please forward any questions to info@starlandballroom.com.”
American Red Cross
Go to Starland Ballroom Auction for Japan and click on the red “bid” button below the picture of your favorite band. Killjoys, make some noise for Japan! Let’s see some great numbers on these auctions for New Jersey’s hometown boys. This will be their first concert performance in their home state in support of the bands latest release Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys.
Fairfax Vying for Coveted Summerfest Slot
Posted by Life on the Scene in Concert, Contests, Coupons/Freebies, Enter to Win, Music on March 9, 2011
image courtesy of Fairfax
Los Angeles based Indie/Alt Rock duo Fairfax, consisting of California native Heavynn Gates (vocals) and Georgia born Blake English (guitar) blend strong, soulful vocals and riveting guitar riffs, on their latest single Battle. The band met while writing songs for R&B artist Brandy, and shared a common background in dance music and hip-hop.
Fairfax are among the top five finalists in Taylor Guitars Test Drive Electric contest for emerging artists (also sponsored by Elixir Strings and SonicBids.com). Nearly 1,000 acts entered, and after a preliminary round of voting, a panel of artist relations professionals narrowed it down to five finalists: singer-songwriter Tyler Shea, and bands Crash Coordinates, Evaline, Fairfax, and Shot Heard Around the World.
The final round of the contest is under way with voting open through March 31, 2011. Fairfax’s entry into the contest, the video for their latest single, Battle, is up for viewing & voting now on the Test Drive Electric contest site. Don’t forget to vote daily for your favorite artist.
The winner of the contest wins a slot in the World’s Largest Music Festival Summerfest taking place June 29 – July 3 and July 5 – 10, 2011 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin featuring everyone from Toby Keith, arena rockers Def Leppard, the Black Keys, Florence + the Machine to Cage the Elephant, everyone’s darling Katy Perry and Sugarland.
The band will release their yet-to-be titled sophomore EP in 2011. The single, Battle, is available now as a FREE download. Don’t forget to visit Fairfax on Facebook to enter their drawing to win a FREE iPod shuffle!
George Michael covers New Order for Comic Relief
Posted by Life on the Scene in Concert, Music on March 7, 2011
courtesy of http://www.georgemichael.com/
Singer George Michael has covered New Order’s True Faith for Comic Relief. The singer will donate all proceeds from the sale of the single to Comic Relief which supports local communities in the UK and across the globe assisting young people who are battling mental health & substance abuse issues, sexual exploitation, and domestic violence. They also help our elders, support refugees from war-torn countries and support sports for change.
George Michael is offering a preview of the single, now available for listening on his website . The haunting rendition of this classic dance song will be available for purchase via iTunes on March 13th with a physical CD package available March 14th.
A new album tentatively titled, Fatherhood is expected this year and the singer will announce a world tour soon.
Please connect with George via his website http://www.georgemichael.com/ on his Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/georgemichael or via Twitter http://twitter.com/georgemichael to watch for more information on his new album and world tour.
Win a Trip to see Duran Duran in Austin, TX at SXSW
Posted by Life on the Scene in Concert, Contests, Enter to Win, Music, TV Shows on February 24, 2011
by Cindy Robinson
Southwest Airlines, Urban Outfitters and Thrillist have teamed up to offer a lucky winner and their guest a VIP trip to Austin, TX and two badges to South by Southwest (SXSW) 2011 Music & Film Festival to see the best new bands out there along with guest appearances and concerts by Ozomatli, the Strokes, possibly Snow Patrol and Duran Duran.
Duran Duran's Nick Rhodes
Duran Duran are currently doing promotional appearances around the globe to promote their latest album, All You Need Is Now, which is currently available in a 9 song EP on iTunes with a physical CD Deluxe Edition due out in the USA on March 22nd. The band will embark on a world tour in March including a stop at SXSW on March 16 to headline the Time Out showcase at Stubb’s and give a Featured Interview at the Austin Convention Center on March 17.
The band has also scheduled a stop in Los Angeles to visit the Tonight Show with Jay Leno on March 22nd. Limited tickets are available now for the TV show taping via the Tonight Show’s site.
Go to Thrillist’s contest page to sign up now! The winner will receive a VIP Trip to Austin during the SXSW Festival , March 14th-19th, featuring:
- $500 Urban Outfitters Shopping Spree
- (2) Roundtrip Tickets to Austin on Southwest Airlines
- (2) Music Festival Badges
- (5) Nights Deluxe Hotel Accommodations
- VIP Access to Thrillist Austin’s Party @ Antone’s
- Guaranteed Access to UO’s “Live in Austin 2011” Performances
- Dinners at Thrillist-curated Restaurants
- Lifetime Subscription to Grooveshark Anywhere
NBC and Chipotle Team Up for FREE Food
Posted by Life on the Scene in Coupons/Freebies, Food, TV Shows on February 24, 2011
Image via Wikipedia
Television network NBC, their new show America’s Next Great Restaurant and burrito giant, Chipotle, have teamed up to offer viewers a great coupon for a buy one, get one free item at a Chipotle Mexican Grill location near you. Please go to America’s Next Great Restaurant Facebook page, ‘like’ them and then go to the Chipotle tab and watch the video.
Once the video completes, you will be able to print out your Chipotle coupon so be sure to have your printer connected and loaded with paper. The offer is limited to one per person and creates a unique code on the coupon so you can only use it once.
Bruno Mars and Janelle Monáe announce American tour dates
Posted by Life on the Scene in Concert, Music, Press Releases on February 15, 2011
Image courtesy of Bruno Mars
Fresh off his GRAMMY win for Best Male Pop Vocal for his song Just the Way You Are, singer Bruno Mars and Janelle Monáe announce a co-headlining tour of North America this summer, Hooligans in Wondaland. Complete tour dates for the May & June trek across America are listed below. Fan club presale via Bruno Mars website begins on Thursday 2/17 and public on-sale starts Saturday 2/26. Which show will we see you at?
Mars’ is currently filming the video for his next single, the Lazy Song in Los Angeles this week.
Tour dates:
Weds 5-4 @ Roseland Ballroom New York, NY
Sat 5-7 @ Agganis Arena Boston, MA
Sun 5-8 @ Susquehanna Bank Ctr. Camden, NJ
Tue 5-10 @ Fox Theatre Atlanta, GA
Weds 5-11 @ Fillmore Miami Beach Miami Beach, FL
Tues 5-17 @ Verizon Theatre at Grand Prarie Grand Prarie, TX
Weds 5-18 @ Reliant Arena Houston, TX
Fri 5-20 @ Jubliee CityFest Montgomery, AL
Sun 5-22 @ Caesars Windsor Windsor, ON
Tues 5-24 @ Eagles Ballroom Milwaukee, WI
Weds 5-25 @ Roy Wilkins Auditorium St. Paul, MN
Fri 5-27 @ Aragon Ballroom Chicago, IL
Sat 5-28 @ Uptown Theatre Kansas City, MO
Sun 5-29 @ 1st Bank Center Broomfield, CO
Mon 5-30 @ McKay Events Center Oren, UT
Thurs 6-2 @ WAMU Theater @ Qwest Field Seattle, WA
Fri 6-3 @ Rogers Arena Vancouver, BC
Sat 6-4 @ Roseland Theatre Portland, OR
Tues 6-7 @ Grand Sierra Resort & Casino Reno, NV
Weds 6-8 @ Bill Graham Civic Auditiorium San Francisco, CA
Fri 6-10 @ Spotlight 29 Casino Coachella, CA
Sat 6-11 @ San Diego County Fair Del Mar, CA
Sun 6-12 @ Gibson Amphitheatre Universal City, CA
Weds 6-15 @ Comerica Theatre Phoenix, AZ
NESCAFÉ® Taster’s Choice® & Aquafresh samples & coupons
Posted by Life on the Scene in Coupons/Freebies, Food, Life, Samples on February 15, 2011
Image courtesy of Taster's Choice
Here are a couple of great deals to get your week started dear readers. NESCAFÉ® Taster’s Choice ® will send you a FREE sample of coffee while supplies last when you like them on Facebook and click on the NESCAFÉ® sample tab. Allow them to access your information and input your mailing address. (You can always remove this later from your application settings).
Aquafresh toothpaste also has a list of new printable coupons available on their site now. Hurry over and print yours before they are gone! They include $1.00 off coupons for a variety of toothpaste products in any size and a $7.00 off coupon for Aquafresh White Trays!
Happy saving everyone! Do you have some freebies or coupon deals to share? Leave a comment and share with Life On The Scene readers.
Cindy Robinson
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