Other recent columns

Last week's Steppin' Out column looked at the irrepressible Fee Waybill, lead singer of The Tubes. They'll be at the Bull Run in Shirley tonight. I'll be there checking out what promises from all accounts to be a memorable show. (Both Waybill and Bull Run management tell me that the show must be seen to believed.)

From what I understand, as of a couple of weeks ago, the show was nearly sold out. You may want to call the Bull Run before you head out to the show tonight. (They also play tomorrow night at Showcase Live at Patriot Place in Foxborough and tickets are available for that show.)

Hope to see you there!

Two weeks ago, I profiled Jimmy Tingle's show at The Bull Run (yes, we were bullish on the Bull Run for a few weeks but I promise to cover shows at other venues, including the Lowell Summer Music Series, Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, and more, in coming weeks). I also checked out the performance and he's unbelievable. A true professional in every sense of the word. He works a clean show, yet his humor is topical and top-notch. He's definitely worth checking out and he'll be at Tupelo Music Hall on Saturday night, June 20. Definitely worth it.

And, about a month ago, I advanced this past Wednesday night's Cake concert at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium. I was lucky enough to speak with Vince DiFiore for the article. Neither of us could believe the band has been around since 1991. And I can't believe "The Distance" came out in 1996. I took in the show on Wednesday night and was absolutely blown away. They are so much more than a one-hit wonder. You can see where bands like My Morning Jacket came from in watching and listening to Cake. I was also surprised to see the Auditorium nearly full, considering the band hasn't charted in more than a decade. Unfortunately, they don't tour very often, but when they hit the area again, you might want to pick up a ticket. Until then, just hit iTunes and download the catalog. You won't be disappointed.

Ed

This week's column

I spoke with Berklee College of Music senior-to-be Liz Longley last weekend for this article that ran in yesterday's Lowell Sun. Liz really has her stuff together and with Livingston Taylor as a mentor, her future really looks bright. She'll be at Tupelo Music Hall in Londonderry next week. Check her out!

Welcome to New England Music Blog

I've reviewed concerts for nearly a decade for The Lowell Sun, covering artists from David Bowie to Tony Orlando, and from Donny Osmond to Slipknot. I also write a weekly column for the Steppin' Out section of the Lowell Sun, advancing upcoming shows in the Greater Lowell area.

I see this blog as a landing spot for articles that appear in The Sun as well as longer-form pieces that are too long for The Sun. I may also list upcoming concerts I'll be attending here.

What I'd like to know from you is which shows you are attending, what venues are the best places not only in Greater Lowell, but around New England, to see a show, and what artists you think are worth profiling in The Sun and here on this blog.

Keep on rocking!
Ed