News
Fill out this form to email this article to a friend
Concert picks
By Julie Garisto
Published December 21, 2007
Seth Walker
FRIDAY 9 p.m. New World Brewery 1313 E Eighth Ave., Ybor City. $8. (813) 248-4969.
When writing a concert picks column, patterns pop up. This week, we have two such prevailing themes: (A) talented white guys singing the blues and (B) musicians leaving Florida to find success elsewhere. Walker, originally from North Carolina, spent some time in living in Jacksonville before heading off to Austin. It's there that the affable, mid-30s performer perfected his laid-back style, incorporating old-time boogie and new-time folk pop. Those who don't go for contemporary blues rock may still like Walker's updated take on the genre. He's no Blues Hammer - neither overly macho nor derivative. His tunes are like cool, fresh air on your back while doing a swamp romp. Double the sensation at this show: He plays two 75-minute sets.
Joran Slane
With Knowing Stu and Dean Johanesen
FRIDAY 9 p.m. Dunedin Brewery, 937 Douglas Ave., Dunedin. Free. (727) 736-0606.
Auditorium frontman Joran Slane performs his formidable pop ballads with Clearwater's power-rocking, female-fronted Knowing Stu. Johanesen, from both Knowing Stu and Bradenton's Human Condition, plays some solo soul-churning personal ditties, too.
Christmas Soul Jam
Featuring DJ Jesse P of Business Casual
FRIDAY 10 p.m. Kelly's Pub, 206 Morgan St., Tampa. Free. (813) 228-0870.
DJ Jesse pulls out funk and R&B one-hit wonders and rarities from the past few decades that you most likely have never heard before, but you'll be too busy moving and singing along to notice.
Kenny Howes
With John McNicholas and Robert Anthony
SATURDAY 7 p.m. Tre Amici at the Bunker, 1907 N 19th St., Ybor City. (813) 247-6964.
A stupendous showcase of singer-songwriter talent: Howes has somehow lain hidden from the spotlight, though he's a sparkling gem among power-pop troubadours. The well-traveled, gritty-sweet Howes recalls Robin Zander of Cheap Trick, Matthew Sweet and Badfinger all at once - poignant, rocking and catchy. Originally from Mulberry, he has acquired a cult following among power-pop fans. Come hear why. St. Pete defector and Atlanta resident McNicholas is a pleasant, well-liked guy who belonged to Spiller, Misfortune 500, Lie and Sparky's Nightmare back in the day. His silky vocals, passionate melodies and mellifluous acoustic strums provide uplifting relaxation. Largo guy Anthony left a while back but is here to stay. He, like the others, delivers melody and guitar talent, but with eccentric edge and extra fingerwork fanciness.
Guiltmaker
With Giddy-up, Helicopter! and Snails in Folklore
SATURDAY 9 p.m. New World Brewery, Ybor City. $5. (813) 248-4969.
Guiltmaker hasn't played out in a while. The aggressive-cerebral-rocking guys have been mixing new songs since May, when they began laying down tracks for a new CD at Atlanta's Glow in the Dark Studios. Plus, they've been breaking in a new bassist since October. Funny enough, they trade one strawberry blonde for another: Dan Meyer for Dave Teten of Red Room Cinema. Is there a link between recessive genes and rhythm skills? Hmm. This will be Teten's first official show with the Guiltmaker boys. He'll contribute an uncanny balance of punk aggression and proggy precision. Giddy-up, Helicopter! performs moody and luscious rock, thick with guitars and keyboard layers. Be sure to pick up a copy of their CD, I Am Secretary. Snails in Folklore won over a huge crowd at the Skatepark of Tampa this year and returns with positive word of mouth about the band's off-kilter post-punk, prettified by a violin.
Blind Buddy Moody
With Mojo Gurus and Stand Back
FRIDAY 9 p.m. Ringside Cafe, 2742 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg. $5. (727) 894-8465.
In Woody Allen's Crimes and Misdemeanors, Sam Waterston plays a blind rabbi who's all-seeing. Blind Buddy Moody has the same soulful vision in his down-to-earth songs. Blind since birth, Moody received formal training on violin and taught himself guitar, dobro and harmonica. A native Floridian and a veteran of the southern juke joint circuit, he has shared billing with George Jones, Tammy Wynette and Waylon Jennings. Mojo Gurus/Roxx Gang singer Kevin Steele rediscovered him playing for tips at a flea market, and he signed a management contract with Steele Management. The deal spawned a live CD, See No Evil. (Get it?). Stand Back will be in the middle of the room and will hear from you. (Okay, no more Stevie Nicks jokes - sorry!) The Tampa band has been a stand-out this year, performing its own signature blend of blues, rock and soul.
New Granada Annual Christmas Night Show
Featuring Aleister Z. Desmond & The Blackwoods Orchestra, My Own America, Will Quinlan, Alex Spoto and Red Hands
TUESDAY 9 p.m. New World Brewery, Ybor City. $5. (813) 248-4969.
Yes, this is a New World-heavy week, but it's the best game in town for the holidaze. Aleister Z. Desmond & The Blackwoods Orchestra hides a disturbing dark secret but will rock your faces off with a Danzig-meets-Spinal Tap show. My Own America is power-pop act from the '90s reuniting for this show. It features Jimmy Reese and John Gatto from the Sophomore Effort, plus the band's Brian Roberts filling in on bass. Rootsy-Americana troubadour Will Quinlan sings some duets with the sweet and pitch-perfect Susie Ulrey, former front-gal of Tampa's Maccabees. She doesn't play out often due to challenges with MS, so please come out and support. Red Hands is a new act led by Reese.
Also Playing
Grex Fri. with Asinine, Down With Paul Reiser and the Renegade Thugs, and the Unemployed. Transitions Art Gallery at the Skatepark of Tampa, 4215 E Columbus Drive, Tampa. $6. (813) 382-3477.
Lil Boosie & Webbie Sat. 7 p.m. Jannus Landing, 200 First Ave N, St Petersburg. $29.99-$34.99.
Vagina Sore Jr. Sat. with Tribal Style. 10 p.m. Free for 21 and older; $5 for 18-20. Crowbar, 1812 N 17th St.,Ybor City. (813) 241-8600.
That '80s Night Mon. 10 p.m. Orpheum, 1902 Avenida Republica de Cuba, Ybor City. Cover not available. (813) 248-9500.
DJ Roctakon and DJ Jimi-O Sat. 10 p.m. Push Ultra Lounge 128 Third St. S, St. Petersburg. $10.
Say It Twice Sat. 7 p.m. With In Passing and Select Start. Orpheum, Ybor City. (813) 248-9500.
[Last modified December 20, 2007, 13:21:55]
Share your thoughts on this story
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
News
Fifty years ago, they were screwed-up kids sent to the Florida School for Boys to be straightened out. But now they are screwed-up men, scarred by the whippings they endured. Read the story and see a video and portrait gallery.
Print
Email story
Comment
Letter to the editor