Jonah Parzen-Johnson, the experimental instrumentalist who favors baritone sax and analog synthesizer, is visiting Madison for a second time this year. Johnson is touring behind a paperback Travelogue “Three Reasons To Live Here” that chronicles his road travels this past summer through the U.S. and Canada in support of his album Remember When Things Were Better Tomorrow. We caught up with him, via phone, somewhere in the vicinity of Cleveland, Ohio.
SHOPPING, a London-based trio, hit U.S. shores for a six week tour starting with a high profile showcase at the CMJ Music Marathon in New York before a trek through independent clubs across the country including a stop at the Frequency in Madison. Tonight SHOPPING is opening for Shannon and the Clams.
Could you write a song about weed and money? Brett Dennen and his band did winning a contest to boot. No, not some American Idol shenanigans. This was a legit road competition with a real jam band.
Lee Bains III and the Glory Fires are not your stereotypical southern rock band. The Alabama foursome have roots from Birmingham steeped in blistering guitars and piercing lead solos, but you won't find them defending the Confederate Flag. You will find introspective lyrics dealing with social and political issues packaged into one hell of a live show.
L to R, Jonny Fritz, Matt Vasquez, Robert Ellis & Ian O'Neil
What does any smart touring indie ensemble do on their night off in Wisconsin? You park your tour bus on East Doty Street in downtown Madison and take in the vibe of the Capitol Square. To keep your chops fresh, maybe put together a free impromptu acoustic show at Ancora Coffee Roasters? That's exactly what Delta Spirit and a few close friends did on a quiet Tuesday evening.
