Music Midtown Menu -4-3-2003
CL’s opinionated festival guide
THE LES CLAYPOOL FROG BRIGADE — With Primus on extended hiatus, Claypool’s wigged-out, post-funk Zappa-isms continue on his new Purple Onion solo project. Fun, frisky and often infuriating, he’s an inventive, exciting bass player whose eccentricities veer from charming to aggravating. Fans will love it, others might find this an occasionally fascinating if tiresome hour. 7-8 p.m. (Horowitz)
STEVE WINWOOD — Talk about a varied career. Winwood started with the Spencer Davis Group as an accomplished 16-year-old soul shouter, did the supergroup thing with Blind Faith, spent much of the late ’60s and ’70s in Traffic and staged an improbable comeback as a smooth, adult contemporary crooner in the ’80s. But unlike many of his contemporaries, his raw talent and voice remain intact. 8:30-10 p.m. (Robertson)
THE B-52’S — Now in their 26th year, the B’s are still in fine form, offering up a greatest hits show and a major dance party marathon. 10:30 p.m.-midnight (Smith)
Dodge/96 Rock/UPN Atlanta Stage
CRACKER — Cracker’s latest, Oh Cracker, Where Art Thou?, is a rustic re-imagining of the band’s more familiar tunes backed by bluegrass/kitchen-sink fusionists Leftover Salmon. Amusing? Yes. Necessary? Hardly. But Cracker’s David Lowery will do just about anything to keep busy — and that includes reuniting his old outfit, post-punk eccentrics Camper Van Beethoven, for a full-fledged reunion tour that continues this month. So which will it be, Camper or Cracker? And where the hell is Bill? 6:30-7:30 p.m. (Rowland)
SHERYL CROW — Speculations (have you seen that bikini? did she have a facelift?) aside, and associations with Amex, Michael Jackson and Kid Rock notwithstanding, Sheryl Crow occasionally rocks in a good way, keeping it real with her own piano and guitar playing. Be on the lookout for Atlantan and former Jellyfish-er Tim Smith on bass. 8-9:30 p.m. (York)
BOB DYLAN — Thirty-nine years after the release of his first album, Bob Dylan proved that his enduring legacy isn’t all past-tense on the moody Love and Theft, a shaded and haunting effort released Sept. 11, 2001. His oft-derided vocal cords are almost completely shot, reduced to a wistfully angry rasp, but Dylan’s pop-cultural voice has seldom been louder or more assured. 10-11:30 p.m. (Moreau)
Ford/Fox 5/WABE Stage
VHS OR BETA — This Louisville, Ky., house/disco hybrid outfit jettisoned the city’s trademark metallic angularities for the compelling choreography of stomping synth beats, kaleidoscopic locked grooves and French-fried fretwork. The resulting Daft Punk-inspired Le Funk is more deserving of the title Le Punk considering the five-piece’s brazen willingness to go it live. 6-6:50 p.m. (Ware)
GENE CARBONELL — A local master of dark, driving, slowly unfolding progressive house, DJ Gene Carbonell will have to lean toward bumping over building in this small slot. But we have complete faith in Carbonell’s ability to bring his brand of Seks-tual excitement into the light — so to speak. 6:50-7:20 p.m. (Ware)
PARTICLE — These West Coast jammers label their instrumental music “space-porn-funk,” which is an apt description of their retro, synth-enhanced noodling. Like much of this stuff, a little goes a long way, and since the songs all sound similar, the group provides appropriately trippy visuals to enhance the mood. Far out. 7:20-8:20 p.m. (Horowitz)
MING + FS — Pioneers of the “junkyard” sound — throwing in everything but the Hell’s Kitchen sink — Madhattan duo Ming + FS offer a mashing, gnashing, gritty beat collage equally informed by hip-hop, electro, drum ‘n’ bass, dub, tribal and disco. Live, they incorporate four turntables, various effects and live instrumentation for an inspired trade-off. 8:20-8:50 p.m. (Ware)
DISCO BISCUITS — It’s not every outfit that can draw on oft-mocked musical touchstones from decades past (disco and classic rock) and weave them into credible — even admirable — free-range jazz-funk excursions. The Biscuits’ extended jams don’t always work — guitar noodling and strobe-lit dance-floor anthems aren’t chocolate and peanut butter, after all. But when they do work, they rise above the level of gimmicky novelty into the realm of serious groovin’. 8:50-10 p.m. (Moreau)
MING + FS — See above. 10-10:30 p.m. (Ware)
SOUND TRIBE SECTOR NINE — This Georgia-bred combo has enjoyed some crossover success with the jam-band demographic, even if its layered, repetitive groove sandwiches suggest closer kinship with the less-populist techno-electro crowd. Whatever. This outfit’s soundscapes are a satisfying hybrid of urgent dance-jazz and ethereal, New Agey diffusion. 10:30-midnight (Moreau)
Miller Lite/99X Stage
AMERICAN HI-FI — Featuring a veteran of Letters to Cleo and Veruca Salt, American Hi-Fi wraps alt-rock earnestness in arena rock ambition. A jagged, metallic buzz passed down from the Pixies and Husker Du is joined with a love of Cheap Trick for more a digestible sound a la Weezer, Sum 41, etc. 7:30-8:15 p.m. (Ware)
UNWRITTEN LAW — Southern California pop-punks-turned-power-poppers Unwritten Law build harmonies atop rugged riffs that cascade into soaring choruses recalling the melodic muscle of mid-’90s alt-rock. And with its recent turn toward (acoustic) balladry, Unwritten Law bridges the Warped Tour/TRL gap. 8:45-9:45 p.m. (Ware)
LIVE — Remember when this self-righteous Pennsylvania outfit was being heralded as America’s U2? Seems like a long time ago, eh? The very embodiment of its moniker, Live is all brass and bluster on stage, which helps mask the numbing redundancy of their heavy-hitting plod-rock. But will bandleader Ed Kowalczyk ever stow the self-important pulpit-speak? If the title of Live’s upcoming release, Birds of Pray, is any indication, don’t bet on it. 10:15-11:45 p.m. (Rowland)
Sanyo/Sprint/Access Atlanta/95.5 the Beat DJ Stage
TRIP ALVOID, DANIEL GRESHAM — Alvoid and Gresham exude a mid-tempo Mark Farina Mushroom Jazz-like ambience, mixing hip-hop with unobtrusive house. More for lounging than dancing. 6-8 p.m. (Ware)
SHARAAB — Sharaab houses you, keeping the vibe rising as the sun goes down by dropping the needle on plentiful platters of tightly pressed thump and pump. 8:30-10 p.m. (Ware)
NAV — Nav facilitates beats rolling, backs arching, eyes wandering and hands roaming with deep house, drum ‘n’ bass, jungle, U.K. garage and more. 10-11:30 p.m. (Ware)
Saturn/99X Locals Only Stage
Y.O.U. — Originally from Indiana, this quintet has been livening up the Atlanta scene with its refreshing brand of quirk-rock. Serious enough for a sing-along, yet light years away from pretentious, Y.O.U. should be making their way to a store near you. For now, check out their solid live chops. 7-7:30 p.m. (York)
OUTSHINE -- Yet another band influenced by Live and those overwrought, pulsing neck-vein “I, Alone” soul searchers. Impassioned and tortured about something or other. 8:15-8:45 p.m. (Smith)
SICK SPEED — The rap-rock roots of Stuck Mojo are papered over with anthemic melodies in this one-time side project of local metal stalwart Rich Ward. Sick Speed’s knack for ballsy hooks and powerful live performances have made them a buzz band in the never-dead world of 4/4 rock. 9:45-10:15 p.m. (Davidson)
V-103/WB36! Stage
DONNIE — Often compared with highest regard to Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway, Atlanta’s own Donnie marries soaring stride to aching soul, mixing ’70s spirit(uality) with new-millennial refinement. His Colored Section carries a message in its impeccable sense of melody, offering something new that feels instantly classic. 7-7:45 p.m. (Ware)
FRANCINE REED — Francine is the Atlanta blues’ reigning diva, having worked closely with Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett and many others. She brings a sense of class and command to her work that is unique, and her mellifluous vocals cover a tune like hot butter on movie popcorn. Yum. 8:30-9:30 p.m. (Powell)
LL COOL J — Like Will Smith, LL Cool J long ago used his rap career as a launching pad into success in television and film. And as is also the case with the former Fresh Prince, his music has suffered. The recent 10 glimmers with promise but remains largely disappointing. Still, Cool J should fare much better live, thanks to his bristling charisma. 10:15-11:15 p.m. (Moreau)
Artist Market Cultural Stage
GOOD FRIDAY BAND — Ease into Friday with the gently melodic groove of this aptly named band. 6:30-7:30 p.m. (Smith)
WARDELL JONES — Jones brings his soothing version of contemporary jazz to the breezy stage as the sun sets. 7:30-8:30 p.m. (Smith)
CHILTON MUSIC — As more people stream in through the gates, the energetic funk and R&B of Chilton Jordan should be a welcome invitation to fun. 9:30-10:30 p.m. (Smith)
BellSouth/Z93 Stage
SPOOKIE DALY PRIDE — This Boston collective brews up slightly jazzy, reggae-fied funk and carnival pop with the gruff, Tom Waits-styled vocals of singer Spookie leading the parade. It’s hooky, upbeat, sing-along music that’s tough to pin down but should leave you with a goofy grin — even after a too-short half-hour set. 12:30-1 p.m. (Horowitz)
JORMA KAUKONEN & BLUE COUNTRY — Kaukonen was a founding member of ’60s psychedelic troupe Jefferson Airplane, but his love of acoustic music was evident since even before he and Jack Casady formed Hot Tuna in 1970. With Blue Country, you’ll hear an organic blend of blues, folk, hillbilly and bluegrass. 1:30-2:15 p.m. (Powell)
EDGAR WINTER — Unfairly pigeonholed because of his heavy ’70s monster hit “Frankenstein,” Winter is a rocking blues/R&B man who’s stayed active — albeit under the radar — throughout the ’90s. Though not as influential as his guitar-playing older brother, Edgar is a talented multi-instrumentalist. 2:45-3:45 p.m. (Horowitz)
DAVE MASON — With no new material in well over a decade, the ex-Traffic founder can easily fill a set with his classic rock hits, which are preferable to his later adult-pop schlock. And hearing the oft-covered “Feelin’ Alright” from its original source is worth sticking it out through the slick spots. 4:15-5:15 p.m. (Horowitz)
LEFTOVER SALMON — This warmed-over hippie jam band makes Phish sound downright innovative. Their name, meanwhile, gives you an idea of their freshness. 5:45-6:30 p.m. (Robertson)
MEDESKI, MARTIN & WOOD — Shifting from organic keyboard-oriented funk to a more edgy but no less improvisational experimentalism, MMW have managed to retain a substantial audience while growing as musicians on their own terms. A turntablist adds contemporary flava, but these progressive jazzbos eschew individual solos to gel as a band. 7-8 p.m. (Horowitz)
JOE COCKER — Cocker has an amazing voice — there’s no denying that. And he has a way of making other people’s material uniquely his own (most famously Randy Newman and the Beatles). 8:30-9:45 p.m. (Robertson)
CROSBY, STILLS & NASH — This year’s requisite graying hippie act ought to attract the middle-aged minions. But without Neil Young to goose them, this rates as sappy nostalgia meant to distract tie-dyed accountants while their kids flock to Collective Soul. 10:30-midnight (Horowitz)
Dodge/96 Rock/UPN Atlanta Stage
DOUBLEDRIVE — Much time has elapsed between doubleDrive’s 1999 debut, 1000 Yard Stare, and the new Blue in the Face. While it remains to be seen whether that break will hurt the Atlanta band’s national chances, this brief set should leave a favorable “Imprint” (the album’s first single) on locals who remember the alt-metal quintet’s former incarnation as MK Ultra. 1:15-1:45 p.m. (Moreau)
STEREOMUD — The sonic Berlin Wall that Stereomud erects on its recent sophomore effort, Every Given Moment, is a colossal monument to alt-metal’s reliance on shuddering slabs of sound (as opposed to, for instance, songwriting). Layered to within an inch of its life, Moment is a triumph of mechanical rage. But in its hollow center, one can hear the faint death knell of the over-extended nu-metal movement. 2:15-3 p.m. (Moreau)
ALANA DAVIS — Dropped from the majors after neither of her two albums found an audience, Davis and her pulsating folk/soul/pop/jazz are probably better off in the indie world. Somewhat like a combination of India.Arie, Ani DiFranco and Alicia Keyes, she writes provocative songs that transcend the inherent Lilith tag. 3:30-4:15 p.m. (Horowitz)
KING’S X — After nearly 20 years, this veteran bi-racial trio oughta be headlining a stage instead of dashing off a 45-minute set. Their wired concoction of hard rock, funk, prog, metal and bubbling-under religious themes is never bombastic. 4:45-5:30 p.m. (Horowitz)
DEREK ST. HOLMES BAND — After serving as the vocalist for Ted Nugent’s band on hits such as “Cat Scratch Fever,” hard-rock survivor Derek St. Holmes also collaborated with Aerosmith’s Brad Whitford. Blasting out powerful samples of the Detroit sound in every variation from metal to Motown, he’s bound to get your head banging. 6-6:45 p.m. (Nicoll)
G. LOVE & SPECIAL SAUCE — It’s undoubtedly a compliment that nobody has copied this Philly-based trio’s turntable-free blend of hip-hop, funk, jazz and blues. The rubbery standup bass injects additional organic flavor, and even though his words/rhymes are nearly unintelligible live, Love’s sound is tough, elastic and crowd pleasing. 7:15-8:15 p.m. (Horowitz)
TONIC — Two Grammy nominations for 2002’s Head on Straight should definitely help raise the profile of this modern-rock trio, best known for the mildly stirring, ocularly obsessed alt-rock hits “Open Up Your Eyes” and “If You Could Only See.” Perfect for fans of Semisonic, Better Than Ezra, matchbox twenty and other modern-lite rockers. 8:45-9:45 p.m. (Moreau)
COLLECTIVE SOUL — The pride of Stockbridge, Ga., Collective Soul has weathered a fickle generation of phony alt-rock and managed to not go the way of Candlebox, et al., based on the group’s knack for hooks, wholly ‘burban ‘tude and guileless approach to mainstream rock. They’re nice guys, too. 10:15-11:45 p.m. (Sarig)
Ford/Fox5/WABE Stage
MATT NATHANSON — A sensitive-and-funny-but-can-also-play-guitar kind of singer/songwriter, Matt Nathanson is a recent major-label signing hoping to follow in the footsteps of our own John Mayer. 1-1:30 p.m. (Sarig)
SIXPENCE NONE THE RICHER — Leigh Nash has the voice of an angel, which mostly excuses the fact that every damn song her band does is a cover (the La’s “There She Goes,” Crowded House’s “Don’t Dream It’s Over”). Beyond its AC/Christian facade, the band’s original material’s not half-bad, and Nash can really cut a rug onstage. 2-2:45 p.m. (York)
TIM EASTON — Nettlesome comparisons to Bob Dylan and John Prine have nipped at Tim Easton’s heels over the course of three rootsy albums, including the recent Break Your Mother’s Heart. But the ragged glory in Easton’s rasp, his rootsy storytelling and his knack for goosing the folk-singer/songwriter idiom with overdubs and fittingly eclectic instrumentation, mark him as an original. 3:15-4 p.m. (Moreau)
MRNORTH — Previously known as the Gain, Dublin’s O’Malley brothers and pals come across as an angry U2 mixed with a bit of INXS and bloated American nu-rock. Tight, professional and calculated. 4:30-5:15 p.m. (Smith)
MARC BROUSSARD — Broussard hails from Lafayette, La., the undisputed world headquarters of Cajun and zydeco music. Which perhaps explains the offhand, rootsy flavorings of his soulful, R&B-inflected pop-rock. His debut album, Momentary Setback, imagines the sugary John Mayer as a swamp-pop spiritualist with a yen for buttery new-jack crooning. 5:45-6:30 p.m. (Moreau)
BUDDY GUY — Alongside B.B. King and perhaps one or two others, Louisiana native Buddy Guy is sittin’ on top of the blues world. He bears a genuine blues pedigree, and can go totally downhome or vintage Chicago. But he’s also quite comfortable meeting an audience on its own (rock guitar) terms. 7-8:15 p.m. (Powell)
MAVERICKS — Once among the hottest bands in country music, the Mavericks brought a rebellious attitude from their home in Miami to the generally conservative Music City, offering a mix of classic country and middle-of-the-road grooves. Having been inactive for a couple years now, they’re getting back in the saddle. 8:45-10 p.m. (Kelly)
TONY BENNETT — One of the most unique bookings of the festival — and one of the shrewdest. Bennett’s popularity goes across the board; his gentle jazz stylings appeal to kids and grandparents. How his smooth crooning will work in a chaotic, rock-oriented festival setting is anyone’s guess. 10:30-11:45 p.m. (Smith)
Miller Lite/99X Stage
REVIS — Sony rockers Revis were on tour with fellow 99X Stage fillers Evanescence and Die Trying. Methinks Cooley and Conlon got a bargain-basement group deal on these eighth-generation grunge doofuses. 1-1:45 p.m. (Sarig)
DIE TRYING — Hard-edged major-label modern rock — and every bit as tiresome as that sounds. 2:15-3 p.m. (Sarig)
ANGIE APARO — When he drops the overblown Bowie act and picks up an acoustic guitar, Aparo is an amazing force of nature. With a voice like a heavenly angel and a mass of songwriting credits under his belt (he penned Faith Hill’s mega-selling “Cry”), the gifted singer/songwriter should be around for a while. 3:30-4:15 p.m. (Smith)
TRAPT — “Headstrong” hard-rockers with hearts of gold, these West Coasters churn out ballads that are as convincing as the post-grunge that dominates their sound. Nothing else clicks like their single, but it’s all dynamic, melodic and undeniably committed. 4:45-5:30 p.m. (Horowitz)
COWBOY MOUTH — This hard-touring roots rock outfit’s tribulations feel ripped straight from the playbook of rock cliches: incessant label-hopping, intermittent radio play, and the requisite personnel shuffles (including brand-new bassist Mary Lasseigne). But even if this New Orleans outfit seems like an eternal bridesmaid, its barnstorming live shows are still sweat-drenched, hyper-kinetic bachelor parties. 6-7 p.m. (Moreau)
EVANESCENCE — Sultry cherub-like singer Amy Lee and aptly-named sonic architect Ben Moody recently caused a stir in the Christian music community, loudly proclaiming their secular ways after the Bic-lighter-friendly “Bring Me to Life” landed on the Christian charts. Yeah, hello? The divine — or lack thereof — lies in the details, which are readily apparent in the ethereal metal grooves of the duo’s debut, Fallen. 7:30-8:30 p.m. (Moreau)
SALIVA — This Memphis quintet churns out competent slabs of alt-metal blissfully free (mostly) of contrived rap-rock trappings. But despite a penchant for straight-ahead rock riffs and a sorta-catchy hit single (“Your Disease”), separating the band from its black-clad brethren ultimately requires more mental energy than it’s worth for anyone above legal drinking age. 9-10 p.m. (Moreau)
GODSMACK — It’s too easy to make the obvious joke about the title of this nu-metal outfit’s third album, Faceless. Especially given that Godsmack’s brand of surly metallic crunch is much more durable and distinctive than that of, say, Nickelback or Staind. And who can’t spare at least a little respect for a hard-rock band fronted by an actual practicing Wiccan? 10:30-midnight (Moreau)
Sanyo/Sprint/Access Atlanta/95.5 the Beat DJ Stage
KIDD — Hip-hop and funk combine for some seriously uplifting Kidd-ing around. 12-1 p.m. (Ware)
THE PUSHBOYS — Mixing Brit-pop and indie rock, the Pushboys bring together the worlds of mod and fashion mullets — though at Music Midtown, few mullets can be called fashionable. 1-2:30 p.m. (Ware)
DEGROOT — Longtime Crescent Avenue standard-bearer DeGroot brings his deep down-tempo grooves to the visiting suburban hordes. 2:30-4 p.m. (Ware)
CALEB — This Crescent Avenue original plays San Francisco-style deep, drunk house, mixing intoxicating grooves with plenty of thrust — but with the edges smoothed off to facilitate a leisurely late-afternoon dry-hump session in the grass. 4-5:30 p.m. (Ware)
CHRIS KIND — Chris Kind’s space-age bachelor pad pump, ethnic easy-listening bossa and breakbeats make the sun go down as smooth as a well-blended martini. 5:30-7 p.m. (Ware)
NATHAN BRYCE — Greeting dusk head-on, Nathan Bryce spins a selection of swelling, stabbing, high-energy trance and trembling tribal prog-house. 7-8:30 p.m. (Ware)
JASON GERRY — DangerCrew.net Productions’ Jason Gerry plays the kind of dusky soul-drenched funk-house flavor that no amount of humidity can hold down. 8:30-10 p.m. (Ware)
STARBOY, THE STIMULATOR — One-time Karma icon Starboy brings banging house and bulbous breaks to copulate with the Stimulator’s visual chaos. 10-11:30 p.m. (Ware)
Saturn/99X Locals Only Stage
ORION CRISIS — Vaguely spiritual in an earnestly secular way, Orion Crisis tries hard to sound like all the faceless stuff on 99X — and generally succeed. 12:30-1 p.m. (Smith)
HOMEROOM — Keeping the geek-rock dream alive, Homeroom blends jerky melodies and an arena-rock sensibility with a down-to-earth presence. Less concerned with striking a pose than it is with crafting catchy pop songs, this Atlanta four-piece treads dangerously close to indie hipsterdom but never succumbs to slacker-fashion faux pas. 1:45-2:15 p.m. (Radford)
BACHELOR RED — Rebecca Gauthier is the focal point of this melodic pop outfit, but be sure to check out former Pleasantdales guitarist Mike Schmeelk’s tasty leads. Slick, radio-friendly, mid-’80s-inspired fare. 3-3:30 p.m. (Smith)
GONZALEZ — Ripping blazing leads over limber lumber, Gonzalez’s blistering ’70s-boogie-meets-’80s-metal is as intoxicating as the finest sinsemilla, but without falling into the predictability of most so-called “stoner rock.” 4:15-4:45 p.m. (Ware)
FAVORITE — Serviceable rock unit with all the standard fittings: loud, fuzzy guitars and occasionally catchy hooks. Perfect background music for your wait in line at the nearby port-a-johns. If you get in queue when they start, chances are good you’ll be nearing your destination by their last tune. 5:30-6 p.m. (Smith)
MINAMINA GOODSONG — Straight outta Smyrna, these Muppet-minded hip-hoppers learned as much from street skating as they did from watching “Sesame Street.” MCs Adahma A.D. and Pgnut rhyme with childlike wonder over DJ T’Challa’s stylish beats and inner-city soundscapes. Keeping the thug vibe at bay, Minamina rocks a PG vibe. 2:45-3:15 p.m. (Radford)
BLUE EPIC — Stretching the “locals only” boundaries to laughable limits — and well past the Georgia state line — this Birmingham quartet cites Neil Young and U2 as influences. How exciting. Did the powers-that-be at Music Midtown run out of bad local bands for this stage? There’s plenty of ‘em out there, filling out Atlantis forms. 8:30-9 p.m. (Smith)
SUPAFUZZ — These hard-rocking locals moved here from Kentucky because we need as much generic-sounding post-grunge as possible. Thank you sir, may I have another? 10-10:30pm (Sarig)
V-103/WB36! Stage
VIVIAN GREEN — Jill Scott’s former backup singer goes for the gold with more neo-soul/pop/R&B. Classy yet over-polished and processed, Green’s album never shifts into high gear even though her voice is impressive. Live, she may shake the shackles of the slick production and homogenized songs that drown her debut. 1-1:45 p.m. (Horowitz)
3LW — After an unpleasant stint as 2LW, three little women once again populate the ranks of 3LW. Which, in the tradition of similarly styled (but better) female R&B groups TLC and Destiny’s Child, is just the way it was meant to be. 2:15-3 p.m. (Sarig)
AMERIE — On her 2002 debut, All I Have, comely Korean-African-American R&B vocalist Amerie thanks Mom, Dad, God, dozens of her cousins, aunts, uncles and friends, plus her manager before she gets to Rich Harrison, the producer/songwriter who wrote, produced and played all the instruments on the record. Talk about gratitude. 3:30-4 p.m. (Sarig)
SHAGGY — Likely the biggest reggae star the U.S. has ever produced, Shaggy’s secret is the ample mixing of pop and hip-hop into his dancehall styles. And no matter how sick you may be of hearing “It Wasn’t Me,” you just know it’s going to be fun hearing it booming from the stage, particularly if the sun’s shining. 4:30-5:30 p.m. (Sarig)
CAM’RON — On Cam’ron’s big 2003 hit, “Hey Ma,” the vibe is more pimpin’ than pumpin’, but Cam’ron — his melodic muscle championed by Jay-Z and Just Blaze — is, as older material shows, capable of more aggressive tracks. 6-6:45 p.m. (Ware)
K-CI & JOJO — The Hailey brothers made up one-half of R&B new jacks Jodeci before embarking on a promising duo career. That is, until K-Ci got accused of displaying his erect penis while on stage at a “family-friendly” radio fest in L.A. Let’s hope he keeps it hidden in Atlanta. 7:15-8 p.m. (Sarig)
MORRIS DAY & THE TIME — Why not spend an hour and do “The Bird” with one of the most entertaining, if not quite influential, funk acts of the ’80s. Day’s still a charismatic frontman — and his shamelessly egocentric shtick remains delightful no matter how many times you’ve seen Purple Rain. 8:45-9:45 p.m. (Horowitz)
ISLEY BROTHERS For some 40 years now, the Brothers (in one form or another) have put their indelible stamp on R&B. From the frantic soul of their early days (“Twist and Shout” was theirs before the Beatles), to the rock-funk burners of the ’70s, to the smooth seduction numbers of now, the Isley Brothers have covered all the bases. An institution. 10:30-midnight (Robertson)
Gospel Stage at Atlanta Civic CenterDEEPER SHADE OF SOUL — Formerly the Atlanta Church of Christ’s Atlanta Choir, this gospel chorus later renamed itself Deeper Shade of Soul to reflect “a relationship with God that goes beyond skin color and penetrates deep within the soul.” 2-2:45 p.m. (Sarig)
TONEX — This R&B-styled contemporary gospel singer/songwriter — whose ever-helpful debut was called Pronounced Toe-Nay — has a second album out now called O2. 3:15-4:30 p.m. (Sarig)
RICHARD SMALLWOOD AND VISION — A wildly successful gospel singer, songwriter and choir leader, Smallwood offers a rousing and enjoyable testimony to his faith without being overly preachy. 5-6:30 p.m. (Smith)
Artist Market Cultural Stage
THE ACCUSATIONS — Fun pop-rock band featuring Music Midtown veteran Jeff Hall, formerly of Radiant City. 1:30-2:30 p.m. (Smith)
JACK SLEEVE BAND — Funky rock-based racket, perfect for midday shopping, snacking and people-watching. 2:30-3:30 p.m. (Smith)
10 DEGREES OFF — Blues excursions with a rock beat and jazzy jamming. 5:30-6:30 p.m. (Smith)
HALFTONE — Atmospheric, moody jam band with world beat influences and lengthy solos. 6:30-7:30 p.m. (Smith)
KAMAAL — World funk and jazz, with propulsive, sensual instrumentation. 7:30-8:30 p.m. (Smith)
JIMMY CYPHER — Rock meets electronica when this heady combo takes the stage. 8:30-9:30 p.m. (Smith)
A FEW DEGREES — Intelligent pop-rock featuring sultry cocktail siren Jen Graham. 9:30-10:30 p.m. (Smith)
NOMADIX — Live electronic music for dancing or drinking inspiration. 10:30-11:30 p.m. (Smith)
BellSouth/Z93 Stage
THE SOUNDMEN — Z93’s Next Level competition winners the Soundmen are a local quintet in the jam/jazz arena — mixing some John Zorn in with the more typical Dead/Meters fare. 1:15-1:45 p.m. (Sarig)
GOMEZ — Ripping a page from the Stones and Eric Burdon, this British outfit blends Beale Street blues and New Orleans jazz, adds a hint of Jamaican dub, and heaps it over the usual lush ambience of stock Brit-pop. Juggling so many influences is a difficult task, so errors do occur — like when they recycle the horn line from the Beastie Boys’ “Brass Monkey.” 2:15-3 p.m. (Swaminathan)
MOFRO — These Floridians have latched onto jam audiences with their swampy blues/funk — even though their moody, oozing, often-dark soundscapes don’t exactly incite twirl dancing. Earthy slide guitars, wailing harmonica and ghostly keyboards create a sonic haze that might lose its intensity in the glaring afternoon sunlight. 3:30-4:15 p.m. (Horowitz)
SOUTHSIDE JOHNNY & THE ASBURY JUKES — Raised in the same Jersey scene that produced Bruce Springsteen, astounding showman Southside Johnny and his horn-honking Asbury Jukes perform with the fiery pop intensity of the E-Street Band, yet with a richer streak of R&B to their sound. Wherever they play, they’re always “Havin’ a Party.” So will you. 4:45-6 p.m. (Nicoll)
RATDOG — Considering how Weir’s whole life has been repetition with constant variation, he’ll probably tackle Ratdog’s bassist change with his requisite aplomb. With old chestnuts being added to the set lists, the incentive to see Ratdog is, as always, high. Weir rarely falters; it’s the limitations of the festival scene that may interfere. 6:30-8 p.m. (Prusin)
GOV’T MULE — Since the August 2000 death of bassist Allen Woody, Warren Haynes (guitar), Matt Abts (drums) and Danny Louis (keys) have honored him on audio (The Deep End) and video (Rising Low) releases. And they’ve kept the band alive on tour with a rotating roster of bassists. 8:30-10 p.m. (Powell)
Dodge/96 Rock/UPN Atlanta Stage
VIN CORREJO — 96 Rock Stage Next Level competition winner Vin Correjo takes its name from an obscure line in the film Zoolander. How this bodes for the prospects of a long career is anyone’s guess. 1:45-2:15 p.m. (Sarig)
FRANKY PEREZ — A spicy mix of John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews and John Mayer served in an attractive and marketable package. Blue-collar, jam-approved rock for mass consumption. 2:45-3:30 p.m.(Smith)
DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS — With their special blend of classic Southern rock mixed with generous shots of honky-tonk heartbreak, the Drive-By Truckers promise to perform songs from their forthcoming CD, Decoration Day, along with old faves and more obscure ditties. 4-5 p.m. (Nicoll)
DRIVIN N CRYIN — After a recent gig in Athens as the Drivin n Cryin Cover Band, Kevn Kinney and Tim Nielsen, with the powerhouse backline of Mac Carter (KTO) on guitar and Dave Johnson (Umajets) on drums, should be in fine form. 5:30-6:30 p.m. (Smith)
EVERCLEAR — Everclear frontman Art Alexakis is an unlikely rock star for the modern-rock set. At 41, he’s old enough to have sired many of today’s acts, and his distinctive singing style tends to make most Everclear songs sound interchangeable. But on the new Slow Motion Daydream, Alexakis proves that his 99X cred is well deserved — if wearing a bit thin. 7-8 p.m. (Moreau)
DEF LEPPARD — Anyone who doubts the staying power of Def Leppard’s impeccably crafty pop-metal nougat might want to conduct the following exercise in late-’80s nostalgia: Boot up your mp3 software and download the following power ballads (legally, of course): Leppard’s Mutt Lang- massaged “Hysteria” and Poison’s “Every Rose Has Its Thorn.” Then listen to both back to back. ‘Nuff said. 8:30-10 p.m. (Rowland)
Ford/Fox 5/WABE Stage
CAITLIN CARY — Musically, the former Whiskeytown fiddler is beginning to skew more toward the Natalie Merchant school of smoothly inconsequential folk pop on her latest, I’m Staying Out. Yet her literate, laid-back excursions into self are never less than memorable. And she’s always been aligned with the sort of players that can give her gentle tunes a certain latent ferocity live. 1-1:45 p.m. (Rowland)
ANTIBALAS AFROBEAT ORCHESTRA — A New York band signed to a U.K. label, Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra filters the Dark Continent’s brightest influences through its literal world music. Taking a spirited cue from Fela Kuti, Antibalas’ synchronized, frenetic funk-jazz-meets-Latin-big-band also mixes reggae, rhumba and rock with its polyrhythmic politics. 2:15-3:15 p.m. (Ware)
AIMEE MANN — Lost in Space, the title of singer/songwriter Mann’s fourth solo album, is an all-too-apt descriptor of her commercial prospects. Although her soundtrack to the 2000 film Magnolia briefly introduced her to a wider audience, Mann’s sharp, ethereal ruminations on loss and resolve remain largely (and undeservedly) ignored by the mainstream public. See for yourself what everyone else is missing. 3:45-5 p.m. (Moreau)
SUSAN TEDESCHI — Tedeschi set the blues world on its ear (at least) with her 1998 debut, Just Won’t Burn, establishing herself as a songwriter and performer of the style and caliber of Bonnie Raitt. Her new follow-up, Wait for Me, is more of the same — very good with few surprises. 5:30-6:45 p.m. (Powell)
GIPSY KINGS — World music for those who think a flamenco version of “Hotel California” qualifies as such, the Gipsy Kings have jockeyed their debonaire French/Spanish borderland strumming and pop instincts into an enduring international career. 7:30-9 p.m. (Sarig)
Miller Lite/99X Stage
SKERV — Though they won it, local modern- rockers Skerv don’t need the Next Level competition at all. On the group’s website, they’re already selling two styles of T-shirts, a hoodie and a Skerv shotglass. 1-1:30 p.m. (Sarig)
SOMETHING CORPORATE — Something Corporate’s competent, polished power-pop is leavened with Elton John influences, making the band the Ben Folds Five for the Jimmy Eat World set. If the group ever achieves Coldplay-level success, seeing its name on arena bills might be the closest modern rock has ever come to truth in advertising. 2-2:45 p.m. (Moreau)
SEETHER — Disclaimer, the 2002 debut from this South African trio, intermittently recalls the flannel-clad heyday of the early-’90s “grunge” sound. But despite the occasional flash of Kurt Cobain/Mark Lanegan muscle (and a band name that wrongly evokes Veruca Salt), Seether’s burly mood-rock, while capably executed, offers fewer memorable moments than an episode of American Idol. 3:15-4 p.m. (Moreau)
JACK JOHNSON — A surfer, filmmaker and musician, this native Hawaiian definitely has a lot of interests. Musically speaking, he’s unspectacular though hardly unctuous — collegiate, acoustic folk-blues with just a dash of adult-alternative panache that should make him appeal to earnest Dave Matthews and Ben Harper fans. 4:30-5:30 p.m. (Robertson)
BEN HARPER — Harper’s heavy-lidded delivery stands at odds with the often cathartic energy of his live shows, where his buttery soul grooves and will-o’-the-wisp folk crooning are given room to roam. But on record (including the 2003 release Diamonds on the Inside), his droopy presence and paint-by-numbers genre pastiches offer scant incentive to dig deeper. 6-7:30 p.m. (Moreau)
ZWAN — Zwan is the new Prozac — five musicians known for their work in somber or, at the very least, edgy acts (Smashing Pumpkins, A Perfect Circle, Slint and Chavez) making insouciant sounds free of grit and high on smile. Visual confirmation: Billy Corgan’s metamorphosis from black vinyl prophet of doom to colorful clip-art harmonizer. 8-9:30 p.m. (Swaminathan)
Sanyo/Sprint/Access Atlanta/95.5 the Beat DJ Stage
KIDD — See listing for Sat., May 3. 12-1:30 p.m. (Ware)
J. STROKE — Having held it down longtime at MJQ, J. Stroke keeps it strictly underground without keeping it snobbishly exclusive, presenting an appealing mix of creatively skewed downtempo. 1:30-3:30 p.m. (Ware)
MENELIK — Mixing old-school with the nu_skool, Menelik plays it traditional while addressing hip-hop’s many permutations — from East Coast electro to drrrty-South-dusted drum ‘n’ bass. 3:30-5:30 p.m. (Ware)
RHYTHM — Closing out a day of boogie down breakbeats, Rhythm lays down tracks of jumpin’ jeep beats and lyrics of fury. 5:30-7:30 p.m. (Ware)
ECHOLALIA — Laying down layers of computer-generated grooves, Kids With Codenames’ live PA project Echolalia taps out a sizzling sound bridging twitchy IDM and the pecking pump of tech-house. 7:30-9:30 p.m. (Ware)
Saturn/99X Locals Only Stage
MARY’S EYES — Take equal parts Train, Collective Soul and Creed. Mix in “soul bearing” confessional lyrics with a moody and energetic stage presence and ... Oh hell, you’ll still probably be asleep after last night anyway. 12:30-1 p.m. (Smith)
13 STORIES — They call it “FunkyPopSexyHouse Rap,” and its magic formula includes two guys, two girls and a bouncing bandwagon full of jaunty, dancefloor-filling rhythms that glisten with sweet, sharp, pinpoint-perfect harmonies. 1:30-2 p.m. (Nicoll)
PSYCHE ORIGAMI — Psyche Origami’s MC Wyzsztyk rhymes with such ferocity the group needs two DJs just to keep things moving along. Flanked by DJ Synthesis and DJ Dainja, this Home Park three-piece churns out brain-bending beats and an impenetrable lyrical flow that unleashes a torrent of ultra-stylish science and soul. 2:45-3:15 p.m. (Radford)
SPY — Local rock band Spy used to be called Jet. But they were shocked to learn that someone else had the name (one in particular is signed to Elektra). Better check on Spy, guys, before you print the stickers. Jet/Spy has impressed locals over the past year with its rock prowess — drum mania, riffage and all the right poses. 4-4:30 p.m. (Sarig)
DIAL 8 — Twenty-three-year-old guitarist Gary Pfaff has been on the scene since his teens, when he earned the nickname YG, or Young Gary. He’s not all that young anymore, and he now fronts Dial 8, a relatively young modern-rock band with a sound that’s pretty darn old. 5:30-6 p.m. (Sarig)
UNCROWNED — Tight and taunt in the Filter tradition, Uncrowned offers an angry, fist-pumping aural assault. A buzz-fest of sneering modern rock without frills, catchy hooks or humor. 7:30-8 p.m. (Smith)
V-103/WB36! Stage
NEXT LEVEL WINNER — By the time you read this, some lucky band has won the opportunity to open up a major stage at Music Midtown and remain unnamed in the city’s major alternative weekly. 1:30-2 p.m. (Sarig)
NIVEA — Atlanta-born singer/actress, best known for her cameo in Mystikal’s “Danger.” Remember her hook line, “been so long since the heat’s been on”? Part Maria Carey, part Aaliyah, the sassy 20-year-old is another of Jive Records’ Lolita brigade. 2:30-3 p.m. (Smith)
FAT JOE — With his recording career now spanning a full decade, Fat Joe is easily the longest-lasting plus-size rapper (RIP Big Pun; whatever happened to the Fat Boys). That takes more than girth, folks. Joe’s got skills, and business acumen as well. 3:45-4:30 p.m. (Sarig)
BONE CRUSHER — Formerly of local crunkmeisters the Lyrical Giants, a solo Bone Crusher is now the premiere product of the So So Def/Arista alliance. The abrasive hip-hop of his just-released debut, AttenCHUN!, takes a certain mindset and environment to fully appreciate. But if you like your party music rough and rowdy, he’s got what you need. 5:15-5:45 p.m. (Sarig)
ASHANTI — Once the go-to gal for male rappers who wanted to have catchy songs (i.e. hits) but didn’t want to do any of that sissy singing, Ashanti is now a major R&B star in her own right — probably one of the biggest contemporary stars to perform this weekend. With Fat Joe also on the bill, except to hear “What’s Luv” at some point. 6:30-7:30 p.m. (Sarig)
INDIA.ARIE — Hometown girl makes very good with rootsy acoustic soul, a supple voice and optimistic lyrics. Her sophomore album finally nabbed that elusive Grammy, proving she’s here to stay. With friends and family sure to be on hand, this should be a rousing weekend-closing set from one of Atlanta’s undisputed stars. 8:15-9:45 p.m. (Horowitz)
Artist Market Cultural Stage
POWERPLAY — Yet another band influenced by Collective Soul. Pop-rock with a conscience. 2-3 p.m. (Smith)
MATT TURK — Introspective singer/songwriter with a keen observational touch. 3-4 p.m. (Smith)
PLAYBOI AND BIG LEE — Local rappers who utilize audience participation and witty improvs. 5-6 p.m. (Smith)
CHRISTINE HORN — Soulful diva and Apache Cafe regular Horn is known as host of the Sunday Stories review, and for her theatrical and emotional delivery. 6-7 p.m. (Smith)
ENVIE — Multi-instrumentalists Renee Nelson and Deisha Oliver anchor this moody and emotive chamber ensemble. 7-8 p.m. (Smith)
THE BANYON TRIO — Good ol’ WW II-era torch and smoky standards. 8-9 p.m. (Smith)
SHAMGOD — Eighties-inspired pop-rock in the tradition of the Pretenders. Smart, witty and fun. 9-10 p.m. (Smith)
Additional Slideshows
53 slides Music A3C Through the Years
This year, A3C celebrates its 10th anniversary as an independent, hip-hop festival Oct. 8-12, with performances by more than 500 October 1, 2014
66 slides Music CounterPoint Music Festival 7
September 28-29, 2012 - The first CounterPoint Music Festival took place last weekend at the 350-acre Bouckaert Park outside of By Eric Cash and Dustin Chambers
10 slides Music Awkward Odd Future Loiter Squad Interview 6
Pictures from Chad Radford’s awkward interview with Odd Future at Adult Swim’s headquarters. They barely responded to Chad’s questions but By Joeff Davis
9 slides Music