Friday April 27, 2007 SGN.org |
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Volume 35 Issue 17 |
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Tuesday, Jul 08, 2008
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the Music Lounge by Albert Rodriguez - SGN A & E Writer |
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| Josh Groban announces Seattle date; Angelique Kidjo interview on deck; Test Your Reflex do lunch at Chop Suey; Pussycat Dolls gain new kitten | |
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by Albert Rodriquez -
SGN A&E Writer Groban at Key Arena in August, tickets on sale April 28 Josh Groban's live shows aren't just concerts. They're a gathering of believers who adorn themselves with tee shirts, buttons and others objects of affection that show loyalty to their vocally astounding leader. Grobanites, as they're called, are never to be mistaken for groupies - their devotion extends beyond backstage passes, dibs on front row seats, or email alerts on new album releases. For them, being a Grobanite is a year-round commitment to love the man with big puppy dog eyes, curly locks, gleaming smile, and a voice that can shatter the thickest glass in your china cabinet. This assembly of pop star worshippers will take over Key Arena on August 18 when Josh Groban brings his current tour to Seattle, his first in-city appearance since 2004. He previously performed at Auburn's White River Amphitheatre. Tickets for Groban's August show, priced at $46, $56 and $96, go on sale April 28 (11am) at all Ticketmaster locations. I personally look forward to bringing you coverage of Josh Groban's highly anticipated performance in Seattle. I too am a Grobanite - as are many, many, many Gay men. Grammy-nominated Kidjo interview next week, at Jazz Alley May 4-6 Angelique Kidjo was cheerful, inspiring, and full of energy when I called her a few weeks ago at her Brooklyn home. The African-born diva, a Grammy nominee two years ago for her Latin-tinged effort Oyala! (SGN's Top 25 Albums/CDs, 2004), had bold words to say about the HIV crisis worldwide, a topic she's been vocal about throughout her illustrious career. Aside from her outspokenness on AIDS, Kidjo is a top notch entertainer who should never be missed in concert. So take my advice and make reservations to see her at Dimitriou's Jazz Alley next weekend, May 4-6. She's only doing one show each night, and she'll likely fill the place during her three-evening stay. Kidjo brings a joyful ambience to her live appearances, dancing amidst the crowd and getting everyone to clap along. It's a true celebration. If you haven't been to a live show in a while, consider a spectacular evening with Angelique Kidjo. Call the Jazz Alley at (206) 441-9729 or visit www.jazzalley.com for reservations. And, pick up a copy of next week's SGN to hear what Ms. Kidjo had to say about Josh Groban, who she toured with earlier this year. Pizza, cupcakes, and Test Your Reflex How do rock stars lunch? Pizza, cupcakes, tortilla chips, and draft soda. And, play a few songs from their new album. This is what was on the menu when rising band Test Your Reflex came to town this week, performing a five-song acoustic set to a small gathering of music media at Chop Suey. "I'm Not Sorry", "Pieces of the Sun" and "I Won't Follow" were among the cuts played by Test Your Reflex on Tuesday afternoon, which doubled as the release date for their debut The Burning Hour. After the brief performance, I met each band member individually, and each was cute and polite. I told lead singer Ryan Levine that he smelled good, which he did. Ordinarily, rock bands smell of sweat and smoke. But Levine had a pleasant, flowery scent. He hinted at breaking in some new cologne. Test Your Reflex opened for Electric Six at Neumos later that evening. The California-based quintet has a sound reminiscent of 80s Brit rockers, like The Smiths and The Cure - though they have a ways to go before they can rightly be compared to those two legendary groups. Interestingly, I bumped into Ryan Levine that same afternoon on Capitol Hill and walked him to a CD store on Broadway. We had a nice chat. He's a sweetie. Check out music from this band at www.testyourreflex.net. Asia wins catfight, spot on Pussycat Dolls lineup She was fierce. She was impressive. She was not to be messed with. She was the one they wanted. Asia, a teenage mom from Mt. Vernon, New York, strutted sexily and raised the roof with a solo performance of "I Don't Need a Man" on the finale of the TV reality series "The Search for the Next Pussycat Doll". But before she even took the stage for the show's climaxing episode, Asia out-clawed fellow contestant Melissa R in a catfight, a shouting match that started around 3am and lasted for nearly two hours. In the end, Asia proved to be the fiercest competitor on the televised contest that insured one aspiring sex kitten a place on the all-female, Grammy-nominated group the Pussycat Dolls. Even though I was cheering for Chelsea, it was evident that Asia displayed more growth throughout the competition than her rivals and had that purr-fect star quality the judges were looking for. A search for yet another Doll has already begun. Gay men need not apply. Although I'm sure some actually will. |
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