My darlin’ daughters and I are leaving for The Big Gig.
This is a huge night for me: Bob Dylan & Willie Nelson!
See y’all tomorrow.
Davy Knowles & Back Door Slam Explode at Summerfest!
Submitted by Rock and Roll Guru Blog
Davy Knowles and Back Door Slam exploded at the Harley Roadhouse yesterday evening with one of the best shows of this year’s Big Gig.
As I’ve shared with many people, Davy represents the future of classic rock guitar. This young superstar-in-the-making is blowing up! He’s already a road warrior, and I’ve seen him open for Warren Haynes & Gov’t Mule, Jeff Beck and now Buddy Guy over the last seven months. And in early August he’ll begin touring with the latest supergroup, Chickenfoot.
Davy is a 21-year-old British kid who sings like a 60-year-old Chicago bluesman and is already being called a guitar virtuoso. I watched most of his set with former Rolling Stone publisher Terry Hummel, and he was absolutely blown away.
Not only that, but he’s one of the nicest, most humble and unassuming rock stars you’ll ever encounter. I had an opportunity to hang out and do an interview with Davy, which I’ll share as soon as the good folks at Summerfest post the video.
The set was laced with original tunes from his new album, Coming Up for Air, which is quickly becoming one of my Desert Island Discs. There were also some fantabulous covers, including a smokin’ version of David Crosby’s “Almost Cut My Hair.”
Keep your eyes on Davy Knowles folks, because he is destined for greatness.
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The Wailers Lovefest at Summerfest!
Submitted by Rock and Roll Guru Blog
It was a difficult decision to make regarding last night’s headliners at Summerfest, but in the end I trusted my instincts and headed over to catch The Wailers…and I am delighted I did.
The spirit of Bob Marley was most definitely in the house during this lovefest at the Miller Lite Oasis, as the adoring throng spent a blissful evening dancing with reckless abandon!
It was undoubtedly one of the best sets I’ve seen The Wailers play in several years. Bob Marley’s timeless songs are full of lovely reminders about the spiritual nature of our existence, as well as the responsibility we have to take care of each other while living a life filled with positive vibrations.
The wisdom of “Three Little Birds” gently nudged us with one of my favorite lyrics, “Don’t worry ‘bout a thing, cause every little thing’s gonna be all right.”
“Is This Love” made me think of my wonderful wife with the words “I wanna love you every day and every night.”
“One Love” touched my soul while prompting me to “…give thanks and praise to the Lord…”
The closing song, “Stir it Up,” served as a valuable lesson about how to avoid living on autopilot.
There were smiles all around as a grateful crowd made our way to the exits.
Another groovy night at The Big Gig!
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Career: Rock & Roll Dictionary
Submitted by Rock and Roll Guru Blog
Career: a job that has gone on for way too long.
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Rock and Roll Twitteroo for 2009-07-01
Submitted by Rock and Roll Guru Blog
- What a nite at Summerfest! Heart + Robert Randolph & the Family Band! Rock and Roll! #
- Life is groovy when I set my intentions, take inspired action and let the universe handle the details. #
- Reality: a concept for people who have forgotten how to dream. #
- Remember what Blondie said, “Dreaming, dreaming is free.” Dream big & bold if u wanna have the fantabulous life you deserve. #
- Heart ROCKED the house at Summerfest last night! http://is.gd/1jdVp #
- Hung out with my dear friend and fellow rock & roll blogger Layla at Summerfest last night. http://laylasclassicrock.blogspot.com/ #
- All we can do is put our joy & love & juice into each day and let the universe sort out the details. It’s a groovy way to live! #
- Robert Randolph & The Family Band absolutely tore it up at Summerfest last night. http://is.gd/1jga5 #
- Summerfest 2nite: Chicago w/Earth, Wind & Fire, Buddy Guy, The Wailers, Joan Jett, Davey Knowles, Billy Squier, Willy Porter, Phil Vassar… #
- When I focus my attention on having fun, fun always seems to find me. Go figure!
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Davy Knowles
Submitted by Layla’s Classic Rock Blog
Back in May I wrote that I had my fingers crossed about the possibility of seeing Davy Knowles this summer and guess what - I did! Now to try to find the words to describe one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. I think if my favorite guitarist of all time heard him play, Stevie Ray would agree with me that
Davy Knowles is a legend in the making
If you check out my sidebar you’ll see that I first heard his prodigious talent back in August ‘08 and was immediately aware that I was listening to a superb musician. Tonight I experienced it firsthand and it blew me away. Listening to a CD is one thing but seeing it, hearing it and feeling it live in person brings it to a different dimension. You must make it a priority to check him out for yourself.
Tonight Davy’s talent and passion radiated from him along with his evident joy in performing for an appreciative audience. You could tell he was genjuinely pleased, maybe even a bit taken aback, by our powerful reaction. After the show he took the time to sign autograph’s and meet people and he had quite a line of fans.
Joe (Rock and Roll Guru) had interviewed Davy earlier in the day and confirmed that he is the authentically nice person he seems to be. I serioulsy doubt that fame will rob him of that as it does to some musicians.
Joe and Drew
To top off a great night, Joe introduced Drew and I to Davy so I got to shake his hand and say hello. I admit, it was a thrill. The kid is adorable and sweet in addition to being a kick ass guitarist. I also had the pleasure of meeting his manager and hopefully will stay connected with him to keep all of you up to date on when and where to catch Davy and Back Door Slam.
Get this - he is going on tour with and opening for CHICKENFOOT this Fall. I know there are some serious Chickenfoot fans that read here. Let me know what you think of Davy and BDS, I’ll be shocked if you don’t walk away impressed.
I will never forget this show. I will never forget the woman who sat next to me who enjoyed the show as much as I did (hello! I didn’t get your name! the pics I took didn’t turn out too great). Lastly, I will never forget how meeting Davy was a reminder of meeting SVR - both guitar greats.
On a personal note…I fly home to California tomorrow, but next year, I am headed back to Milwaukee for Summerfest. If you’ve never been you’re missing out!
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How does a Rock & Roll Guru Decide on Tonight’s Summerfest Headliners?
Submitted by Rock and Roll Guru Blog
Today I face the most difficult decision of the entire 11-day run, which also illustrates why Summerfest is the world’s greatest music festival.
We have an abundance of riches in tonight’s headliners. Check out this incredible lineup:
The Amphitheater features Chicago with Earth, Wind & Fire.
Buddy Guy plus Davey Knowles & Back Door Slam at the Harley Roadhouse.
The Wailers at Miller Lite Oasis.
What will I choose????? Stay tuned to see…
In addition, there’s Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Billy Squier, Phil Vassar, Willy Porter…
Nowhere else in the world will you see such an incredible list of performers on the same day!
It just doesn’t get any better than this, folks.
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Robert Randolph Tears Up Summerfest!
Submitted by Rock and Roll Guru Blog
As soon as the Heart concert ended last night, we hustled across the Summerfest grounds to see Robert Randolph & The Family Band absolutely tear it up on the Rock Stage.
Robert’s pedal steel guitar drives this funk & soul band and they once again knocked us out with their energetic groove.
These cats are a total freakin’ party and a huge favorite of my beloved jam band community, who came out in droves to witness the magic. Robert is unquestionably the reigning master of the steel guitar, and this time around he injected a few Michael Jackson tunes into his set, including an intensely satisfying “Billie Jean.”
The Bo Diddley riff plays a prominent role in Robert’s repertoire, as evidenced in his rabid version of “Who Do You Love?,” which included the hilarious refrain of “Gilligan get off the island.”
Robert brought down the house as he always does, and we boogied all the way home!
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Layla at Summerfest
Submitted by Rock and Roll Guru Blog
Last night I had the distinct pleasure of hanging out at the Heart concert with my dear friend and delightful rock & roll blogger, Layla (and her new beau, Drew).
It was totally groovy, since it was the first time we’ve actually met in person. To say we had a ton of fun would be a gross understatement.
Also got to meet Dan, another cool rocker who faithfully reads both of our blogs.
Another spectacular night at The Big Gig.
But wait, the night didn’t end with Heart…
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Heart ROCKS Summerfest!
Submitted by Rock and Roll Guru Blog
WOW!
Heart absolutely delighted us with another in a long line of tremendous shows last night on the Classic Rock Stage.
Kick-it-out rock & roll was the order of the day, as the Wilson sisters opened with “Barracuda” and took us on a ride that kept a jam-packed crowd on our feet for the duration.
Ann Wilson’s voice still sounds magnificent as she belted out one classic Heart tune after another. As always, they paid tribute to their roots, delivering stellar versions of Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song” and “Goin’ to California,” as well as a rambunctious “Love Reign O’er Me” from The Who.
Watching them play “Kick it Out,” “Keep Your Love Alive” and the wickedly powerful “Mistral Wind” took me back thirty years as I was engrossed in their extraordinary energy.
It wouldn’t be a Heart concert if they didn’t go back to their debut album, Dreamboat Annie, for the songs that put them on the musical map. My all-time favorite, a boisterous “Crazy on You,” closed the set and a final encore of “Magic Man” had us singing along as if our lives depended on it.
As I said earlier, “WOW!”
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Tallan Latz is AMAZING!
Submitted by Rock and Roll Guru Blog
I caught the Tallan Noble Latz Band yesterday afternoon at Summerfest and his is one amazing kid. Yes, I said kid.
“The T-Man” is all of nine years old and already he’s an incredible blues guitarist. Remember his name because you will be hearing about him for years to come.
According to his dad, Tallan began taking lessons at age five and within a year he was performing publicly. He’s already shared the stage with Les Paul, Buddy Guy, Jonny Lang and Joe Bonamassa. Are you kidding me?!?!?
He played an entire 2-hour set that included blues classics “Crossroads,” “Sweet Home Chicago” and “Goin’ Down.” Not only does Tallan play like a grizzled veteran, he also works the crowd like a pro.
Tallan Lantz is the real deal and he is destined for greatness!
Check out his website to learn more.
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Reality: Rock & Roll Dictionary
Submitted by Rock and Roll Guru Blog
Reality: 1. a concept for people who have forgotten how to dream. 2. the one thing more important to question than authority.
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Rock and Roll Twitteroo for 2009-06-30
Submitted by Rock and Roll Guru Blog
- There is no such thing as tomorrow, There is only the groovy today, where all our power resides. #
- Stevie Wonder concert last nite at Summerfest was a lovely tribute to Michael Jackson. #
- 40 yrs ago 2day, The Jimi Hendrix Experience played its last concert together on the final day of the three-day Denver Pop Festival. #
- Whenever I ask my spiritual guides for help, they ALWAYS answer. It’s not always the answer I’m hoping for, but always the answer I need. #
- But: the word that always follows the phrase, “It’s none of my business…” #
- Stevie Wonder rocked Summerfest with a stirring tribute to Michael Jackson. http://rockandrollguru.com/?p=2393 #
- The universe always answers my requests. My job is to be open to the answers. #
- The cereal box is prophetic…some settling occurs. #
- Heading down to Summerfest with my darlin’ daughters to see Heart. #musicmonday #
- Summerfest headliners 2nite: Heart, Robert Randolph, Greg Koch, The Gufs, George Strait, Lupe Fiasco, Matt Kearney #musicmonday #
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My first time at SUMMERFEST!
Submitted by Layla’s Classic Rock Blog
Summerfest is incredible. Its the BIGGEST rock and roll show ANYWHERE and I can imagine spending an entire week there. Too tired to describe it but check out their website to get a feel for it….
Have I mentioned lately how much I LOVE these two women! Just got back from another great performance by two of the queens of rock and roll (imo there are very few women that can claim that title, it belongs to Janis, Chrissie and the Wilson sisters).
Not only was it a great show, but I got to sit between two guys who are passionate about music, Drew (my honey and the reason that I am here in Wisconsin) and Joe, the fantabulously groovy rock and roll writer and blogger extraordinaire.
It was great to meet Joe (aka Rock and Roll Guru). He is exactly the same in person as he is on his blog - full of life, fun, interesting and a down to earth great guy.
Ann and Nancy kicked ass as usual. Those two only get better with age. I love them! Ann’s voice is exceptional. She’s managed to keep her voice strong all these years. Not a single note was less than perfect. And Nancy is so fun to watch….she plays with her own style and sense of fun. I hope they keep rockin for years to come.
They did one of their new songs during the encore. It hasn’t been released yet and I can’t remember the name of it, but they dedicated it to “Michael” and I assumed they were referring to Michael Jackson. To read a very moving story about Stevie Wonder’s performance and tribute to Michael last night at Summerfest, see Joe’s post here.
Tomorrow night its back for more great music, we will be seeing Davy Knowles and Back Door Slam. In fact, I may even get to meet Davy, should I tell him I chose his band as the number one new band of 2008? Can not wait to hear him play/sing.
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Feelin’ Alright
Submitted by Rock and Roll Guru Blog
On my way to Stevie Wonder’s show last night I sauntered past the Briggs & Stratton’s Big Backyard Stage as The Jimmys were playing Dave Mason’s classic, “Feelin’ Alright.”
It stopped me in my tracks as I was, indeed, feelin’ alright. A beautiful night on a great lake in my hometown, on my way to see another legend in concert.
What could be better?
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Stevie Wonder at Summerfest
Submitted by Rock and Roll Guru Blog
It was another glorious night at the Marcus Amphitheater, as Stevie Wonder returned to The Big Gig for the second straight year and delivered a stirring tribute to Michael Jackson for an appreciative crowd.
It was clearly an emotional evening for Stevie, and probably the most poignant display I’ve ever witnessed at a concert. Not only is he a consummate entertainer, but he also wears his heart on his sleeve. And on this night, he struggled at times with the loss of his friend. At one point early on, Stevie wept uncontrollably while a Michael Jackson song played over the sound system. It wasn’t until his daughter comforted him a few moments later that he regained his composure and was able to continue.
For the predominantly boomer audience, Stevie was a significant figure in the soundtrack of our lives. And the second half of the show was packed with the hits we love so dearly. “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing,” “My Cheri Amour” and “Isn’t She Lovely” all sent chills up and down my spine.
A fabulous medley of “Uptight (Everything’s Alright),” “For Once in My Life,” “Signed, Sealed Delivered,” “Living for the City” and “Overjoyed” left the adoring throng in a state of bliss.
Stevie closed by rocking the house with one of my favorites, “Superstition,” which led into a moving “We Are the World.” Crooner John Legend also joined Stevie onstage a few times, and his beautiful vocals were a welcome addition.
The evening ended with Stevie and the band huddled together and dancing to a recorded medley of Michael Jackson’s hits, which I thought was an appropriate way to send us home.
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But: Rock & Roll Dictionary
Submitted by Rock and Roll Guru Blog
But: the word that always follows the phrase, “It’s none of my business…”
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Rock and Roll Twitteroo for 2009-06-29
Submitted by Rock and Roll Guru Blog
http://bit.ly/7kYXn #[?]
Rolling Stone Magazine at Summerfest
Submitted by Rock and Roll Guru Blog
I just had a very cool visit with former Rolling Stone publisher Terry Hummel here at Summerfest. He’s a walking encyclopedia of Rock & Roll and I found myself spellbound just listening to him.
Stay tuned as I’ll do an interview with Terry in the next couple days.
You never know who you’ll run in to at The Big Gig so come on down and join the party.
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Paul Cebar’s Show is Always a Party at Summerfest
Submitted by Rock and Roll Guru Blog
We just kept rockin’ last night after the Daryl Stuermer show as we headed over to the Mid-Gate Stage to catch Paul Cebar & The Sounds of Tomorrow.
I’ve seen Cebar umpteen times over the past 20+ years, and he remains a delightful Summerfest staple. Going back to his days with the R & B Cadets, Paul always puts a smile on our faces.
Someone recently asked me to describe Cebar’s sound, and what I came up with is original blues-influenced feel-good music that compels you to get on your feet and sway to the groove.
Paul is the kind of guy you would love to have play at your back yard cookout, because he has an incredible knack for making it fun and getting people moving. In other words, he’s a party just waiting to happen.
And last night was another in a long line of outstanding parties from this local favorite.
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Daryl Stuermer at Summerfest Classic Rock Stage
Submitted by Rock and Roll Guru Blog
Following Felix Cavaliere’s dynamite show, it was off to the Classic Rock Stage for Milwaukee’s very own treasure, Daryl Stuermer.
I’ve been a fan of Daryl’s for more than 30 years and followed his career through Sweetbottom, Genesis and Phil Collins’ band. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, he is a monster guitar player.
After opening with a couple songs from his latest album, Daryl surprised us by bringing out Martin Levac, the lead singer of a Genesis tribute band who sounds remarkably like Phil Collins. If you closed your eyes, you would swear it was Phil Collins himself on vocals for “Follow You, Follow Me” and “Misunderstanding.”
I’m thrilled that Daryl continues to be a Summerfest staple, and I hope to see him another 25 times
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Felix Cavaliere After the Show
Submitted by Rock and Roll Guru Blog
After Felix Cavaliere’s spectacular set, I got a chance to spend a few minutes with this legend to get his impressions of The Big Gig.
Here are his thoughts:
“We have a ball when we come to Milwaukee, I must say. The people here are great and I love coming back.”
Regarding their set list of Rascals hits along with the medleys of other classic rock tunes:
“We’re all kind of from the same musical family and really loving these songs, and it’s genuine not only from the fans’ point of view but also from the musicians. Everybody I know loves to play them and loves to hear them, and it’s still really fun playing them.”
And it’s really fun watching you play them, Felix!!
As WAMI president Lance Shellman said to me immediately after I finished speaking with Felix, “You are one happy guru.”
Indeed.
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Felix Cavaliere: Phenomenal Summerfest Show!
Submitted by Rock and Roll Guru Blog
The highlight of The Big Gig thus far has been Felix Cavaliere’s show at the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard.
Felix was a founding member of the Young Rascals, one of the coolest American bands of the 60’s. I’ve loved the Rascals since I was a young rascal, so this was a huge treat for me.
Felix wasted no time delivering a string of Rascals hits, opening with “Lonely Too Long,” Wilson Pickett’s “Midnight Hour” and “It’s a Beautiful Morning.”
At 67, Felix’s voice still sounds phenomenal! Listening to the Rascals’ Time Peace album on the drive home, we were amazed at how his voice sounds practically the same as when these incredible songs were recorded more than forty years ago.
It was 75 minutes of classic Rascals, along with a dose of medleys that included “Do You Wanna Dance,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” “Paint it Black” and “Black Magic Woman.”
I was absolutely bursting with joy as Felix delivered wonderful versions of “Love is a Beautiful Thing,” “Groovin’” (with some Temptations thrown in), “I Ain’t Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore” and “Mustang Sally.”
The set drew to a close with a gorgeous “How Can I Be Sure,” my daughter Alex’s favorite Rascals tune, and “People Got to Be Free.” The finale was a romp through “Good Lovin’,” with a wild mid-song medley of “La Bamba,” Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love,” Jimi’s “Purple Haze” and Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On,” leading back into a “Good Lovin’” sing-a-long.
I’ve seen the Grateful Dead do “Good Lovin’” a whole bunch of times, and to see Felix do it on this beautiful afternoon was truly special.
I gotta say this was one of the grooviest sets I’ve witnessed in all my years at Summerfest.
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Steroids: Rock & Roll Dictionary
Submitted by Rock and Roll Guru Blog
Steroids: what you’ll get from sitting on your stereo.
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