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Date |
Artist |
Venue |
Location |
Rating |
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01-18-14 |
The Musical Box |
Grand Opera House |
Wilmington, DE |
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| While I rarely listen to Progressive Rock these days, I was a big fan of Genesis in the '70s, and Selling England By The Pound was one of my favorite LP's. Since I never saw them live, this recreation of an actual Genesis show will have to suffice. I generally find tribute bands lame, but these guys nailed it, and reminded me of the strangeness of Peter Gabriel. Attended with my daughter and sisters who were not previous fans and understandably didn't get it. |
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02-11-14 |
Arlo Guthrie |
Grand Opera House |
Wilmington, DE |
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| Lost count of the number of times I've seen Arlo, but the act never gets old. Same sense of humor and storytelling, mixed with classic folk tunes. "Here Come The Kids" Tour was a bit of a misnomer. Last time we saw him he brought the whole family, this time only son Abe. Also billed as a celebration of his dad's centennial, and it did include quite a few Woody songs. Seems it has morphed into a tribute to his 30 year collaborator, Pete Seeger, as well. Add a few Arlo standards making it a fine night of entertainment. Got a preview of next years tour as well. January will mark the 50th Anniversary of Alice Restaurant, so he needs to relearn the song he got tired of quite some time ago. To help him and the audience, there will be a bouncing ball projected for a sing along. |
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04-04-14 |
Nora Jane Struthers & The Party Line |
Grand Opera House |
Wilmington, DE |
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| A gamble that paid off. Correctly advertised as "a traveling Carnival of acoustic Americana". First impression was deceiving since one would not guess that this blonde haired, New Jersey born, former Brooklyn school teacher would be a proponent of traditional American music. A great combination of original tunes with modern takes on classic songs. |
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04-05-14 |
Carolina Chocolate Drops |
Grand Opera House |
Wilmington, DE |
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| The following night we were treated to an even better performance of Americana. Once again, appearances can be deceiving. One does not normally associate dreadlocks with a banjo, but as explained in the show, the banjo was invented by American slaves and only brought to national attention by white minstrels. Led by phenomenally gifted singer and fiddler Rhiannon Giddens and previously noted banjo player Hubby Jenkins, they presented a musical history of primarily Carolina mountain tunes from Rhiannon's heritage, plus a smattering of folk, blues and even a minstrel tune from 1855. Must see act. |
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04-18-14 |
iMusic 7 Decoding Music |
Mitchell Hall |
Newark, DE |
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| We continue our streak of attending all in this series by Xiang Gao, and he thankfully rebounded after a lackluster iMusic 6. This year's theme focused on future technology and include a number of clever gimmicks. Highlight was a tour de force original piece for violin, piano, cello and Yue Yang on ehru and concluding another original sweet song sung by UD's children's choir. (article) |
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07-19-14 |
Grand Ole Opry |
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Nashville, TN |
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| While not much of a country fan, but this is a must do for any music lover. Experiencing a live radio show broadcast is enough of a resaon to go. The only act I had heard of was Little Jimmy Dickens, who was a hoot, and I liked The Willis Clan, so overall it was an enjoyable experience. (photos) |
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07-27-14 |
Run River North |
Grand Opera House |
Wilmington, DE |
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| An unexpected delight. 99 cent tickets brought us in, and I bought their album as soon as we got home. A little hard to characterize, but probably belong on the same playlist as Mumford and Sons and Lumineers. Apparently all Korean-Americans, though leader Alex Hwang never introduced the band. Annie and Barbara both enjoyed them as well. Check them out. (Opening act The Lighthouse and The Whaler was also good). |
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09-27-14 |
Celtic Classic |
Downtown |
Bethlehem, PA |
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| A return to Bethlehem for the largest free Celtic festival in North America. Caught repeat performances from Seamus Kennedy and Jim Malcolm as well as being introduced to a few new soon be favorites like Blackwater, Comas, Poor Angus, Kilmaine Saints, Glengarry Boys, The Gothard Sisters, John Wheland Band and Burning Bridget Cleary. Saw for the first time, though have been a big fan for decades, Tannehill Weavers. (photos) |
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11-09-14 |
Red Molly |
Grand Opera House |
Wilmington, DE |
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| Female Americana trio with opening act and accompanied by Mark Erelli. Another unknown gamble that paid off handsomely. Each took turns with their own songs, but shined brightest when all three harmonized. |
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11-18-14 |
Mary Chapin Carpenter |
Grand Opera House |
Wilmington, DE |
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| Third time seeing her show, but the first as a more intimate acoustic performance. As we both age, it seemed much more fitting. Even the up tempo songs songs were subdued, and she spent a good deal of time talking with the audience. Opening act Tift Merritt is cut from the same mold and heading for a bright future. (encore) |
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12-04-14 |
Mark O'Connor & Friends |
Grand Opera House |
Wilmington, DE |
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| First holiday show of the season, "An Appalachian Christmas" was a pleasant evening, though not very exciting. Christmas tunes stripped down to bluegrass basics. |
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