Who New Spring Rocked So Hard?
Spring is here! Shut off your tv! Get off your couch and go listen to some live music! Shout brings you highlights of your spring musical schedule.
Let’s face it. Musicians, like many people, do not have an affinity
for cold weather. About the time that winter rolls around each year, live
music schedules around the High Country seem to taper off both in the frequency
and quality of bands. Weeks can go by without a must-see show.
It begins innocently at first. You start to skip out on going to the bar.
You accidentally catch an episode of Lost/Grey’s Anatomy/Gilmore Girls/Passions
and then you’re hooked worse than a crackhead. Your friends stop calling.
The empty pizza boxes begin to stack up in the corner. You haven’t
opened the curtains in weeks. And just when you think it can’t get
any worse…
WHAAAMMMOOO!
Spring rolls around and all of a sudden, a dump truck full of good bands
start appearing on local schedules. So forget about your impending allergy
hell. Forget about how much school sucks leading up to exams if you’re
a student. April 15 will be here before you know it, but don’t sweat
about your stupid taxes (the government is just going to blow all your money
on the war anyway). And for the love of God, turn the TV off. Instead, make
plans to catch some tunes. Live tunes are waaaaaay better than allergies,
exams (both mental and physical), TV or taxes.
Let’s rock!
Attention Deficit Destruction(ADD)
Thursday, March 29 to Saturday, March 31
Black Cat Burrito
The second annual Attention Deficit Destruction festival will roll into
Black Cat Burrito during the last weekend in March with all the subtlety
of a Boeing 747. ADD doesn’t exactly have a theme, other than to rock
your face off. Even though the line-up had not been announced at the writing
of the article, there are sure to be all manner of loud and rowdy rock,
punk, psychedelic and experimental bands to help damage your ear drums.
Click to www.myspace.com/blackcatburrito
for lineup info.
Government Mule
Thursday, April 19
Legends
Led by the other hardest working man in show business, Warren Haynes, veteran
rock quartet Government Mule will kick off a ridiculous weekend of music
with their first Legends appearance on Thursday, April 19. Getting their
start as a Cream-esque power trio, the Mule has morphed into a hard-driving
quartet with increased elements of funk, reggae, soul and progressive rock
to compliment their classic rock leanings. For all you drummer junkies out
there, Gov’t Mule’s Matt Abts is something to behold behind
the kit. The heavily tattooed timekeeper looks effortless while forcefully
stoking Haynes and company’s fire. Click to www.apps.appstate.edu
for more info.
Victor
Wooten
Friday, April 20
Legends
What else can be said about Victor Wooten? Arguably the best electric bass
player in the world, the man’s genius has been chronicled by every
music writer in the free world (or at least any decent one). That being
said, Victor and his band are one bad-ass funk rock machine that knows how
to throw down. If you want to see some guys with musical chops beyond comprehension
but use them to play cool songs, check out Victor at Legends on 4/20.
Wooten will also be giving a bass clinic on the afternoon of the show. Click
to www.apps.appstate.edu
for more info.
Appalachian Roots Revival
Saturday, April 21
High Country Fair Grounds
Uh oh, looks like Boone has itself a brand spankin’ new festival!
Brought to you by the organizers of Smilefest, the Appalachian Roots Revival
is a one-day Americana extravaganza featuring a slew of great bands. Headlining
the festivities will be the one and only Avett Brothers, the everybodyfields
and an all-star bluegrass band featuring Larry and Jenny Keel, Steve “Big
Daddy” McMurray and Leftover Salmon’s Vince Herman.
Also on the bill are the Wrinkle Neck Mules and Black Cash & The Bad
Trips (Johnny Cash tribute act), as well as local standouts Possum Jenkins
and the Lost Ridge Band (who will be having their CD release party on 4/20
at Boone Saloon). Click to www.myspace.com/appalachianrootsrevival
for more info.
Related Links
www.myspace.com/blackcatburrito
www.myspace.com/appalachianrootsrevival