Category Archives: Music

COACHELLA 2014: Lineup logic with Arcade Fire and The Naked and Famous

Will Arcade Fire be at the 2014 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in upport of new album "Reflecktor"? (Guy Aroch/Contributed Image)

Will Arcade Fire be at the 2014 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in support of new album “Reflektor”? (Guy Aroch/Contributed Image)

Can we all just agree that it would be more shocking to NOT see Arcade Fire top the 2014 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival lineup?

As soon as the Coachella 2014 pre-sale information came out mere weeks after Coachella 2013 wrapped, I called Arcade Fire’s return as a headliner.

Now, as the band’s fourth album, “Reflektor,” is about to be released on Oct. 29 on Merge, I think there’s even stronger evidence to see the band light up the Indio night at the Empire Polo Club.

-The band has done Coachella after the release of each album in their catalog. After “The Suburbs” came out in 2010, the band made its headliner debut in 2011. New material is always a good sign for Coachella. Speaking of the new album, the band was cool enough to give a teaser for the album that is the full album.

-Arcade Fire is made for the Coachella masses. They came up through the ranks to earn that headlining spot in 2011 and “Reflektor” could be one of the biggest albums of the year.

-The band hasn’t announced any U.S. tour dates just yet, but they have announced that they will be on Australia’s Big Day Out touring festival in early 2014. Big Day Out gives a good indication of who we might see at Coachella. For example, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Yeah Yeah Yeahs played both fests in 2013, but most years the undercard bands have more overlap.

The Naked and Famous could be one of the breakout bands headed to Coachella 2014. (Contributed Image)

Speaking of Australia, I think one of the Pacific Rim bands we’ll see at Coachella 2014 is New Zealand combo The Naked and Famous.

The buzzworthy band is getting a lot of attention and has a big show at the Fox Theater in Pomona on Saturday, Oct. 26. The Pomona Fox is booked by Goldenvoice, the same promoter that puts on Coachella. The Pomona Fox lineup and the Glass House lineup are both places that are proving grounds for future Coachella bands.

Plus, the band has tour dates for 2014 and the Coachella dates (April 11-13, 2014 and April 18-20, 2014) are open. The group is playing Los Angeles in February with Imagine Dragons, right around the cutoff time for Coachella. (Unless it’s part of a special show, bands won’t play in/around LA for a couple months before and after Coachella.)

The Naked and Famous also have a new record, “In Rolling Waves,” out.

Think I’m on the right track or totally off in my predictions? Sound off in the comments below. Flip through the interactive timeline or click the links below to read my other predictions.

I’ve covered the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and the Stagecoach Country Music Festival since 2007. All of the Coachella prediction posts here are tagged with Coachellaology.

For more Coachella news, photos, interviews and information, visit the iGuide Coachella page. If you want to follow me on social media, I’m at @vanessafranko on Twitter, the Audio File on Facebook and on Google+.

Oct. 7, 2013: The Pixies
Oct. 2, 2013: Paul McCartney, Luscious Jackson
Aug. 2, 2013: Neutral Milk Hotel
June 16, 2013: The Replacements

WINCHESTER: Sandbox Bullies, Kon Tiki perform Oct. 26

Sandbox Bullies (Contributed Image)

Inland rockabilly group the Sandbox Bullies have a show at The Bum Steer in Winchester this weekend.

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Kon Tiki is also on the bill.

Sandbox Bullies is headed back into the studio next month and has been working on the follow-up to “Rock ‘N’ Roll Woman.”

8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, The Bum Steer, 33040 Simpson Road, Winchester, 951-926-6055

Visit www.facebook.com/SANDBOXBULLIESsince1998 for more information.

SAN MANUEL: Jane’s Addiction performance hits the band’s highlights

Perry Farrell of Jane’s Addiction performs at San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013. (David Bauman/Staff Photographer)

It was a trip down memory lane on Thursday, Oct. 24 when Jane’s Addiction played San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino in Highland and not only because the band played its deep catalog of alternative rock tracks going back to the 1980s.

Leader Perry Farrell stopped in the middle of the song “Just Because” early in the group’s set to reminisce about the band’s early days.

He talked about driving out to the casino Highland from the beach on Thursday and seeing a sign for Mount Baldy on the way.

“We played there about 25 years ago,” he told the crowd.

He talked about a pool party and the video for “Stop.”

“Can you believe I remember that?” he said, smiling. “It was … wild.”

Jane’s Addiction celebrated the sex and drugs parts of the rock ‘n’ roll equation to excess in its early days, but even with its members firmly planted in middle age, Jane’s brought an edge to the show.

Lingerie-clad go-go dancers on stage at times did suggestive dances and choreography during songs such as “Three Days” and “Nothing’s Shocking,” culminating in two of the dancers swinging from the ceiling during encore opener “Chip Away.”

As Farrell jabbed and punched and dance and bounced around the stage, he still commanded the crowd, who thundered back with their response.

“I live for you to smile,” Farrell told the fans.

The only out of place moment of the night was near the end of the main set, when Farrell started talking about genetically modified food and how he and his wife were happy that California would be the first state to ban it.

As for the music, the band played its hits and deep cuts, including songs from every record.

Guitarist Dave Navarro spent the first part of the show looking like he wasn’t connecting before getting more charismatic as the concert continued.

However the highlight of the show musically was drummer Stephen Perkins’ percussion prowess, particularly on “Three Days” and “Nothing’s Shocking.”

And it was the final song of the encore, “Jane Says,” that showcased the band at its finest.

Navarro and Chaney sat on the stage while Perkins played bongos and a steel drum and Farrell led the crowd in a loud, perfect sing-along of the band’s signature tune.

“I hope you’re lucky in love and just plain lucky,” Farrell told the audience as the band finished the set.

Set list (I think I hit everything in this one. If not, let me know in the comments.)

“Underground”
“Mountain Song”
“Just Because”
“The Price I Pay”
“Been Caught Stealing”
“Another Soulmate”
“Ain’t No Right”
“Three Days”
“Ocean Size”
“Nothing’s Shocking”
“Stop”
Encore
“Chip Away”
“Jane Says”

CANYON LAKE: Tori Kelly releases EP, will appear on ‘Ellen’

Tori Kelly just released her new EP, “Foreword.” (Contributed Image)

Tori Kelly has been writing music since she was 14 and now the 20-year-old, who hails from Canyon Lake, has released a new EP, “Foreword,” is about to embark on a national tour and will appear on TV this week.

Kelly, who was also a contestant on “American Idol” back in 2010, will appear on “Ellen” on Friday, Oct. 25.

Her tour kicks off Monday, Oct. 28 at The Fonda in Los Angeles and her other Southland dates include the House of Blues in Anaheim on Tuesday, Oct. 29 and the House of Blues in San Diego on Wednesday, Oct. 30.

Here’s “Dear No One,” one of her originals off her new EP. What do you think of it?

What’s your favorite Tori Kelly song?

MUSIC: Quitapenas gets national recognition, premieres video

Quitapenas performs at Hangar 24 for a recent filming of PE Live. (Matthew Schoenmann/Freelance Photographer)

It’s not every day that you see an Inland-based band get some love from The Wall Street Journal.

However, the Inland Empire’s own tropical/Latin combo Quitapenas has landed on the lauded media outlet’s Speakeasy blog with the video premiere for “Mas Tropical.”

Check out the video below.

We actually had Quitapenas as our featured guest on PE Live a couple of weeks ago.

Watch an interview and live performances with the band below and be sure to sign up for the PE Live newsletter so you can get exclusive videos before anyone else.

Quitapenas, The PE Live Interview

Quitapenas, “Pa’ Palenque”

Quitapenas, “Vamos a Mi Casa”

Quitapenas, “Justicia”

SAN BERNARDINO: Parmalee visits the Brandin’ Iron

Parmalee will perform at the Brandin’ Iron in San Bernardino on Sunday, Oct. 27. (Contributed Image)

If you’re looking for a place that will have the next big thing in country music, check out the Brandin’ Iron in San Bernardino.

The dance hall has a track record for bringing in emerging talent from the genre with Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean and Kenny Chesney among the artists the spot has attracted on their rise to stardom.

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On Sunday, Oct. 27, up-and-coming recording artist Parmalee will be in town.

The band from Greenville, N.C. has been getting some airplay with the single “Carolina.”

The show is open to guests 18 and older and tickets are only $12. The doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 8:30 p.m.

The Brandin’ Iron is located at 320 South E St. in San Bernardino and online at www.brandinironsaloon.com.

RIVERSIDE: Melissa Manchester to perform at fundraiser at The Box

Melissa Manchester will perform at The Box in Riverside on Nov. 16. (Contributed Image)

The Box at the Fox Entertainment Plaza in Riverside has booked a big name to raise funds for the Fox Riverside Theater Foundation–Melissa Manchester.

The singer, who not only had hits with songs such as “Don’t Cry Out Loud” and “You Should Hear How She Talks About You,” but also played Mayim Bialik’s mother on “Blossom,” will perform at the Fox Box on Saturday, Nov. 16.

The 200-seat black box theater opened earlier this year with a number of tribute acts and is also where the Riverside Youth Theatre is staging productions.

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Since it’s a fundraiser, tickets are $125 per person. To purchase tickets, send a check payable to the Fox Riverside Theater Foundation or credit card information to 3801 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501, or call the Fox Foundation at 951-826-5769.

For more information about the event, visit the Fox Theater Foundation’s Facebook page.

The Box is located at 3635 Market St. in Riverside.

Now, let’s all enjoy Manchester’s ’80s classic “You Should Hear How She Talks About You” on “Solid Gold.”

SAN MANUEL: Jane’s Addiction plays casino on Oct. 24

Jane’s Addiction will perform at San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino in Highland on Thursday, Oct. 24. (Chapman Baehler/Contributed Image)

Jane’s Addiction heads east of L.A. on Thursday, Oct. 24 for a show at San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino in Highland.

I interviewed Jane’s Addiction bassist Chris Chaney for last week’s Guide cover about the San Manuel show, but he was so much fun to talk to, I wasn’t able to fit everything in the paper, including the link between Alanis Morissette and the band.

Chaney, who has recorded and performed live with countless big-name artists, first joined Jane’s back in 2002 when the band was recording “Strays.”

However, Chaney started playing Jane’s Addiction songs long before he was in the group.

For a time, he was the bassist for Morissette’s touring band and his friend, Taylor Hawkins, played drums before he went off and joined Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters.

“Taylor was the biggest Stephen Perkins-slash-Jane’s Addiction fan that I know,” Chaney said.

Chaney said Hawkins went every night when Jane’s played a string of dates in Los Angeles.

“For sound checks with Alanis we would jam ‘Mountain Song’; we’d play the riffs for ‘Three Days’; we’d play ‘Up the Beach,’ ” he added.

Chaney had met Perkins, Jane’s Addiction’s drummer, when he was working with Tommy Lee.

Years later, Chaney gets the call to come into the studio with Jane’s Addiction, who was recording with famed producer Bob Ezrin.

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“The guys were so accepting and open minded when I came in,” he said.

In fact, Chaney co-wrote some of the songs off “Strays,” including “Just Because,” one of the band’s biggest hits.

Thursday night’s show also includes Portugal. The Man as the opening act. You must be 21 or older to go to the show.

6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino, 777 San Manuel Blvd., Highland, 800-359-2464, $25 and $39 before fees, guests 21 and older only.

Visit www.sanmanuel.com for more information.

CORONA: Dio Disciples head to M15

Dio's Disciples are playing M15 in Corona on Saturday, Oct. 26 (Contributed Image)

Dio Disciples are playing M15 in Corona on Saturday, Oct. 26 (Contributed Image)

The late, great Ronnie James Dio was not only one of heavy metal’s greatest vocalists, he also played with a ton of talented people.

Some of those folks are honoring his memory and playing as Dio Disciples. The group comes to M15 in Corona on Saturday, Oct. 26.

The lineup includes singers Mark Boals and Oni Logan, guitarist Craig Goldy, bassist Bjorn Englen, keyboardist Scott Warren and drummer Simon Wright.

Rowan Robinson will be filling in for Goldy at the Corona show, though.

The group is managed by Dio’s widow, Wendy.

7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, M15, 9022 Pulsar Court, Suite H, Corona, 951-200-4465, $20, plus fees, available via Ticketmaster, all ages.

Visit www.m15concerts.com for more on the show and www.facebook.com/DioDisciples for more on the band.

SAN BERNARDINO: Noa James digs in to ‘Fat Boy Love Letter’

Noa James performs during The D.I.Y. Music and Fashion Fest at The Glass House in Pomona on Saturday, August 31, 2013. (David Bauman/Staff Photographer)

Over the last few years, Noa James has not only been one of the most talented people in the Inland Empire’s hip-hop scene, he’s been one of the key people helping it thrive. (See: It’s the Common Ground/Brick to Ya Face/D.I.Y. Music and Fashion Fest, etc.)

Incredibly prolific, James’ new EP, “Fat Boy Love Letter,” which he did with Gypsy Mamba, is his second release of the year (“The Adventures of Young Orca” came out in the spring) and it’s got a much darker feel than his previous work. You can listen to it yourself below.

On Sunday, Oct. 27, James and Gypsy Mamba will perform at It’s the Common Ground at The Vibe in Riverside with Joey Fatts and A$ton Matthew.

James took the time to answer a few questions via email about the new release.

Noa James just released his new EP, “Fat Boy Love Letter,” a collaboration with Gypsy Mamba. (Contributed Image)

Q: “Fat Boy Love Letter” is a much darker release than your previous work. What inspired it?

A: I visit my early projects like “Sound Of A Monster” & Beautiful Darkness” and I love the mood I was in while creating. I don’t miss the depression and bitterness. So I took what I like about the projects and applied with love pretty much.

Q: Did the grimy beats come first or did the darker lyrics?

A: I got the beats first; the first song I wrote for the EP was “Poultry Poetry” a.k.a. the chicken song. Then everything started to fall in place of concepts and titles.

Q: How did the collaboration of you and Gypsy Mamba come about?

A: Gypsy hit me up about getting on this project called “Fat Boy Love Letter” that was going to feature other artists. He sent me the “Poultry Poetry” instrumental I sent it back like two weeks later, I know he was waiting for other artists to send their tracks. They didn’t so he sent me all the beats now it’s our collab project. And the instrumental fit perfect with my style.

Q: What show would the EP cover most likely be a scene from–”Dexter,” “Breaking Bad” or “The Walking Dead” and why?

A: I would say “The Walking Dead” but my character is someone who decided that he wanted to be a zombie, he’s preparing himself so when he turn he’s ready. But he will always eat at a table like a gentleman and a scholar.

9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, It’s the Common Ground, The Vibe, 1801 University Ave., Riverside, $10, 18 and older only.

Take a listen to “Fat Boy Love Letter” below. Warning: It has explicit language.