Where is LIVE music???

[Rockin Robin]

So, at HLN's recent  concert in Vegas, the couple to my left were from B.C., Canada.  They said they'd never seen Huey Lewis and the News. They claimed to be dyed-in-the-wool Creedence Clearwater fans. It was interesting to hear what they had to say, and fun to observe their happy reactions to the HLN concert. Cool folks!

The couple from B.C were enthralled with HLN....They even got up on their feet and boogied right along with the rest of us looney-tunes HLN fans. (And there were several of us back there in the far reaches of the venue.)  When Stef found the space to fly on his guitar during the show, we were able to watch him on the big screen, (no... not as good as being at the stage, but better than not being able to see him from far away.)  The B.C. guy was very impressed..., (so much so that he asked where he could find Stef's solo records, and I was happy to be able to give him the information.) Proven again.... Huey and the News are way more than just pretty faces... and I can't wait 'til I'm able to see them again, and to hear their new album in its entirety.


That being said... what other music... live shows... do you listen to/ go to?
Which shows have been some of your favorites?


The premise:  Live music, by great musicians, is the best and most fun way to hear music.  That being said... some of us won't be around forever... so let's get to their shows while we are able... and while they are playing!!!

Here are some of my suggestions. (Check out these guys when they are in your area:)

Furthur... (from The Grateful Dead...)  and they've just sold out their third show at Red Rocks in CO..... How could that be??? Someone just celebrated his 70th birthday!      http://furthur.net/

The Sons of Champlin... http://www.sonsofchamplin.com/     Need I say that I'm one of their oldest fans, ever?  (So take it for what it's worth.....  It's tough to be objective when it comes to The Sons. Even my 90-something year old mother sends me newspaper articles about The Sons.... because she remembers Bill Champlin in his youth.   )
In my opinion, The Sons are sounding as good as ever, and even better than ever in some ways. I needn't say anymore.    See The Sons when they're in your vicinity!!!


Al Jarreau and George Duke:  Wow... old pals... and incredible artists... touring together for a few shows next month:
http://www.georgeduke.com/schedule.html
http://www.aljarreau.com/tour.php

The Doobie Brothers.... Their new album, "World Gone Crazy" coming out, (finally), two band members on the mend, (thankfully), and they put on an awesome show...! Gotta love the Doobie Brothers!!! http://www.doobiebros.com

Chicago: I was a young 'en when I first heard 'em via underground radio, even before my most favorite friend/musician/artist joined up with them. They're still touring, and now, again, with The Doobies, Always a good show, with some awesome music and some awesome peeps in the band.:  http://chicagotheband.com/

Creedence Clearwater Revisited:  What more can I say??? Catch 'em when you can!  Some of the most memorable music around... and Tal Morris is mighty fine!!!   http://www.creedence-revisited.com/dates.html

Joe Bonamassa: a baby when compared, agewise, to the others listed here... and wow.., so far beyond his years musically.  If he's in your area.... lucky you!  Unforgettable show!!!!
http://jbonamassa.com/tour-dates/

Steve Lukather, nasty, nasty, nasty  (and I really hope Luke... and Toto... will tour the US someday soon!)
 http://www.stevelukather.net/ConcertGuide.aspx

East Bay Soul: (And when does Johnny Bamonte have time???)  Awesome groove, these guys.....   
http://www.eastbaysoul.com/

Santana:  No words for how great his shows are.... http://www.santana.com/

The Dukes of September... Michael McDonald, Boz Scaggs, and  Donald Fagen.... Do you really want to miss this??? 
http://www.michaelmcdonald.com/
http://donaldfagen.com/news.php
http://www.bozscaggs.com/

Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns... still a favorite, because they are who they are. At The Palms in Vegas on Monday nights:  http://www.santafeandthefatcityhorns.com/


So, what other shows, (besides Huey and the News,) do you plan to see this year?
What do you recommend for us to add to our calendars, (and budgets)?

[Hawkeye]

Steve Lukather, nasty, nasty, nasty   (and I really hope Luke... and Toto... will tour the US someday soon!)
 http://www.stevelukather.net/ConcertGuide.aspx
 
I believe Toto broke up for good a couple of years ago.  I know they've got a brief reunion going on right now in Europe as a benefit for a sick bandmember but Bobby Kimball is not playing with them.  Once this little gig is over Toto is on permanent hiatus.  They never played much in the U.S. due to cost and poor attendance but they are superstars overseas.

[Rockin Robin]

Thanks, Hawkeye.
I'd heard, (read,) they'd broken up, and are together in Europe now for a special fundraising/honor tour....  It's sad to hear they won't be touring here in the States, and the reasons why.  I'd sure love to see them. At least there will be a DVD from this tour.

They've got so much great music in their catalogue.... So often, I hear music in stores, in restaurants, on the radio, (though I don't listen to the radio much anymore,) and don't know who the band/artist is. I wonder if that's commonplace with those of us who aren't musicians.
 
Steve Lukather's new album will be released in the fall, (a good thing,) and again, he has no plans to tour here in the U.S.     When I saw him with Jethro Tull a couple of years ago, I thought the crowd really dug him. I hoped he'd be back.  Wishful thinking, I guess.

[Hawkeye]

Thanks, Hawkeye.
I'd heard, (read,) they'd broken up, and are together in Europe now for a special fundraising/honor tour....  It's sad to hear they won't be touring here in the States, and the reasons why.  I'd sure love to see them. At least there will be a DVD from this tour.

They have a couple of live DVD's out from their last two tours.  There's Live in Amsterdam & Falling in Between.  For me, the live in Amsterdam is the better of the two in terms of the personnel.  All the main players are on this DVD but on the "Falling In Between" both Mike Porcaro & David Paich are not with the group.  I think Bobby Kimball has better vocals on the "Amsterdam" show versus "Falling In Between".  Regardless of that, I'm still amazed at his vocal ability at his age as I believe he's in his early 60's.  They have other great session/touring musicians taking their place on "Falling In Between" but it's not the same.  The sound & picture quality on both DVD's are superb, some of the best I've seen, especially on the Amsterdam DVD.  The setlists on both are pretty much the same so there's no big advantage of one over the other.  Both make for good listening in the CD format though and come through with great clarity for a live show.  I think this current tour (minus alot of the key members) is only through July and not having Bobby Kimball included really keeps me uninterested. 

[Hawkeye]

Also, getting either of these two live shows on blu-Ray really enhances the picture & sound.  I have both the regular and blu-ray and while the regular one is great, especially since my DVD player converts it to HD, the blu-ray just takes it to the next level.  It really captures the lights even better and sharpens the already great sound quality.  If you're going to invest in either of these DVD's I'd recommend going for the blu-ray.  You can find them used in good condition fairly cheap on Amazon.  I've seen prices anywhere from $7 up to $18 for either in "like new" condition.  I buy everything used and mostly from Amazon.

[Hawkeye]

I believe this mini reunion show that Toto is doing right now (minus key members) is also being filmed for a DVD release down the road.  The reviews from the shows have been very positive but for me it's just not the same without Bobby Kimball on co-lead vocals.  Still an incredibly talented band they've got.