We’re still reeling from the greatness on the Waterfront this weekend and might have to take some time off to rest the next few days. But as soon as we're all recovered, there’s a lot more happening this week! Things you should definitely check out: Grace Potter, Psych Fest and Kentucky Music Weekend. For location, time and cost, click on the links for each event. Be sure to check back at livemusiclou.com after for our full reviews!
Monday (7/20) -
The Weather Station, Andy Shauf, Joan Shelley
This show is perfect if you’re looking for a chill way to kick off the week. The Weather Station’s new album Loyalty has received a lot of attention from folk fans - very ethereal and soothing. Fellow Canadian Andy Shauf and Louisvillian Joan Shelley will get the night started.
Tuesday (7/21) -
The New Vintage is going to be busy tonight - two shows in one evening! First up is Dale Watson. He’s bringing with him a hardcore honky-tonk sound that may have mellowed slightly since he first started in the music business twenty years ago, but it will still keep you tapping your toes.
It will be a very different sound at The New Vintage following Dale Watson - folky and soulful Louisville local Brooks Ritter will be opening for Radio Birds. They describe their sound as plain old rock ‘n’ roll, but with a distinctly hairy touch. If you’re looking to hear a variety of music, head on down to Preston for these two shows.
Wednesday (7/22) -
In Light is full of upbeat, melodic tunes that will bring Zanzabar to life mid-week when GIVERS takes the stage. Its single “Up Up Up,” which is frequently aired on WFPK, is a perfect indication for what you’ll hear on the rest of the album. Aero Flynn’s back story includes friendships and working relationships with Field Report and Bon Iver. We’re excited to see what Josh Scott is bringing to the table for this show.
Thursday (7/23) -
Grace Potter, Jessica Lea Mayfield
Iroquois has had some butt-kicking shows this year, and there’s still more to come. Grace Potter is about to have everyone in the amphitheater bowing down to her. Her newest album, Midnight, a solo release, will be available in just a few weeks, so expect to hear some of those new songs during this show. Jessica Lea Mayfield caught the attention of Dan Auerbach, as well as Seth Avett (whose Elliot Smith cover album was pretty remarkable). That in and of itself should be a hint that you’ll want to show up early.
Wild Child, River Whyless, Bombadil
If you didn’t score tickets for Grace Potter, you’re still in for a evening of good music if you head over to Zbar. The indie-pop tunes that Wild Child will sweetly sing to you are lovely. The band has a new album due out in October that already sounds like it’s going to be a hit. River Whyless has the middle spot, and they’ll be showcasing the harmonies that make them stand out. Don’t even think about missing Bombadil, either.
Friday (7/24) -
Death From Above 1979 with special guest The Bots
It’s going to be a night of duo action at Mercury. First up, west coast band The Bots. Earlier this year, they were voted “L.A.’s Most Celebrated Rock Duo” and are gaining more nation-wide recognition. Canada’s Death From Above 1979 released its second album last year after a band hiatus from 2006-2011. We caught a glimpse of their show at Shaky Knees this spring, which was extremely well recieved by lovers of loud rock 'n' roll. Head downtown if that’s what you’re feeling.
Lydia Burrell, Modern State, Mode Roulette
It will be a hometown celebration night at New Vintage, with all three bands hailing from Louisville. Alex Smith’s other half, Lydia Burrell, will be headlining the evening. This guy is crazy talented, and his live performances are always engaging.
The 8-piece Nashville band has its debut EP coming out next year and has been touring to show off what it's got. The horns-drums-keys-guitar-bass-vocals combination sounds super cool from computer speakers, and I imagine the live performance will be pretty epic.
This week’s Bicentennial Park show across the river features Louisville bands Kaleidico and Plastic Bubble. Both bands recently took the Poorcastle stage in front of a fan base that just keeps on growing.
Saturday (7/25) -
Whispering Beard Folk Festival Pre-Show
Founded in 2008, The Whispering Beard Folk Festival in Friendship, Indiana has grown in popularity, drawing performances by artists such as Willie Watson and Mandolin Orange. This New Vintage pre-show will feature bands from our area, including Louisville’s Whiskey Bent Valley Boys and Cincinnati’s Arlo McKinley and Mamadrones.
Friday-Saturday (7/24-25) -
The slogan: “2 Nights, 10 Bands, One Helluva Trip.” With local favorites on this list, it will for sure be two loud, high-energy nights down the road at Headliners. For only $10, a weekend pass is worth it.
It’s the 40th and final year of this folk festival, so if you’re into this scene, don’t miss your chance to see the fest in action. There will be a handful of Louisville locals performing over the two days, but probably the most well-known will be Mickey Clark and Blue Norther. They took WFPK’s studio stage last fall for their Live Lunch segment. Mickey has also been personally invited on stage by John Prine to sing with him - that’s pretty badass.
Photo courtesy of Live Music Louisville
