blog

It has been almost a month since my inaugural post on our blog and I get the feeling you all are in need of some music news. Ready or not, here it comes.

First up (and time-sensitive) we have the Jazz & Ribs Fest starting tonight right here in Columbus. It will run all weekend. Find out more here.. and if you’re in the Columbus area, I recommend following ‘ExpCols‘ on twitter so you won’t miss things like this in the future!

Next, I will be attending New American Music Union Festival in my hometown of Pittsburgh, August 8-9. Although heavily branded and sponsored by American Eagle (kind of lame, but whatever), the weekend is shaping up to be one to remember. Headlining artists include Bob Dylan, The Raconteurs, The Black Keys, Gnarls Barkley, The Roots, and Spoon (one of my favorite rock bands touring today). They have managed to assemble quite and eclectic and well-rounded lineup partly thanks to curator Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Kiedis said this about planning the festival:

“My experience tells me that concerts can be life changing. That is how I approached putting this lineup together. The thrill of seeing Bob Dylan next to The Raconteurs next to Gnarls Barkley next to The Roots is reason for us all to celebrate. Music is still the most inspiring creative force that I know of and this seemed like a prime opportunity to let it shine. Add to this the fact of a generously low ticket price and that it all takes place in the streets of Pittsburgh and we have the most rocking block party of the summer.”

There are also a number of college bands from across the country which will have the opportunity of playing at the same festival as many of the artists that have inspired them. Each one will be judged and the winning band will receive a full-day recording session in LA as well as lots of promotion from AE.

As of right now, all the tickets are sold out (!), but something tells me all of the South Side of Pittsburgh will be rocking regardless of admission. Feel like making a road trip? This might be just the time to do it.

In other music news, Pirate, a band featuring friend of dynamIt Nat Hagey (bass guitar), will be performing at The Basement on August 3. They are opening for We Are Scientists, a very good indie band hailing from England. I know I will be there, and I’m sure the guys of Pirate would like it if you stopped by too. Tickets are $12 and you can get them here.

_

Album I’m currently digging: Evil Urges by My Morning Jacket