Music Tuesday Big Honkin' May 7 Edition

After an inexplicable (even to me!) absence, Music Tuesday is back this week. (By the way, does anyone get the joke that Music Tuesday never actually runs on Tuesday? Or is this funny only to me?) This is a great week for a comeback — some great shows are coming up. Let’s get to it, shall we?

Friday, May 7
Levon Helm Band with the New Familiars at Knight Theater
Because, according to the publicity, "in 1954, Levon was fourteen years old when he saw Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins do a show at Helena." That’s pretty cool. And this year, Levon Helm won a Grammy for Best Americana album. That is also pretty cool. And so is seeing concerts at the new Knight Theater. Three cools=a notice on my blog. But wait! It gets better! This is an actual comment on the YouTube video below: "Levon belongs on the nickel … an American icon of the highest order." Tickets and more info.
Levon Helm at the Ryman Auditorium. BONUS: John Hiatt joins him on this song. See below for more on Hiatt.

Sunday, May 9
John Hiatt & the Combo with Matthew Ryan at Knight Theater
Super stoked about this show. John Hiatt is a songwriting legend and part of the Texas pantheon. Saw him in Belk Theater a couple years ago, and he was outstanding. His new record just came out in March, and it’s another winner. Ryan (who’s playing a short opening set) has a sort of tortured Springsteen sound. Was blown away by an Evening Muse show he played a year or so ago (he’s coming back later this month). Here’s Hiatt doing the title song from his album "The Open Road" on Letterman:

 

Special Preview!
Next Wednesday (May 12) is a great night of live music in Charlotte. Three tremendous shows. You’re going to have to make a choice, but you better get out there and see something!
Josh Ritter and the Royal City Band at McGlohon Theater. I cannot recommend this show highly enough. It is almost sold out.
OK, Go at Visulite. Yes, the band on the treadmills. But they make damn fine music, too.
Norah Jones at Ovens Auditorium