Simply put, this week is huge. Many bands are making stops on their way down to The Farm (aka Bonnaroo), so quality acts will be in town. There are multiple options for pretty much every night of the week, so there’s really no excuse for struggling to find something that fits your needs. For location, time and cost, click on the link for each event. Check back at livemusiclou.com after the events for our full reviews.
Sunday (6/7) -
New Kids on the Block, Nelly, TLC
If you’re feeling a little late ‘90s slash early ‘00s throwback, grab your tickets for this Sunday night show at the Yum! Center. Personally, we’d be the most excited about TLC, but NKOTB and Nelly appeal to our inner teenagers and we could probably sing/rap along to many of their songs.
Tuesday (6/9) -
The last 6 months have been huge for Taylor Goldsmith and Dawes: Goldsmith’s collaboration on The New Basement Tapes (Lost on the River) and Dawes’ newest album All Your Favorite Bands both having been released during this span. Now, these guys are hitting the road to play their new stuff and are stopping by Headliners for what is sure to be a good one. Dawes is no stranger to the legendary local club, so I expect the place to be packed.
Wednesday (6/10) -
Communion Residency: Parlour Tricks, Frederick the Younger and Small Time Napoleon
The June Communion residency brings in Frederick the Younger, Small Time Napoleon and Parlour Tricks to Zanzabar. The headliner, Parlour Tricks, is a band out of New York that has garnered accolades up and down the East Coast for their indie pop, decade-spanning sound. There are two Louisville bands on the bill this go-around (FTY and STN), so it is important for the hometown fans to come out and show them some love.
Wire with Julian Lunch and The Wrists
Wire is a band that formed in London in the 70s that has been continually influential in the punk genre. The new self-titled album is the first with the band’s newest band member and reflects a group who is not resting on their laurels but instead continually working to create new material.
Thursday (6/11) -
PHOX, Jared & The Mill, Dolores
Wisconsin band PHOX will be in town for a Zanzabar show. Monica Martin’s pipes and songwriting have taken this band to big places in the last few years, including recently working with Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon for their full length album released last year.
You've probably heard his songs, but you may not know who he is. New Yorker Tor Miller is on the rise. His soulful voice and expertise on the keys allow the 21-year-old to shine. WFPK has been talking about this Haymarket show for weeks - the close quarters of the venue should provide an intimate, goosebump-inducing show.
Friday (6/12) -
Foxhollow Farm Summer Concert Series present Junkyard Dogs
It will be another beautiful evening at the farm with the soulful Junkyard Dogs. If you missed last month’s installment, make your way out of town for a little relaxation on the farm.
Ishmael Butler and Tendai Maraire make up this Seattle-based experimental hip-hop duo. This Haymarket show has been lined up for a long time and a lot of people are looking forward to what they bring to the backroom.
New Albany’s Bicentennial Park Summer Concert Series: Thirty Spokes and Small Time Napoleon
Both of these Louisville bands have been working hard of late, with lots of local gigs to get their stuff out there. Head across the river and show your support for Louisville artists and our neighbors to the north.
Saturday (6/13) -
Spirit Animal, 1200, Stereo Empire
ATTENTION: THIS IS GOING TO BE ONE FUN SHOW! Each band is known for their infectious sound and stellar personalities and are pros at getting a party going. Stereo Empire will start the night off with some positive, lively energy. 1200 has been on a bit of a break graduating from higher ed and all, but they’re always creating and adapting, so I expect this Zanzabar gig to highlight some things they’ve been working on. Spirit Animal is visiting from Brooklyn for another stop in one of their favorite cities. These guys are crazy fun (just watch their Snapchat stories for an idea) and will shut the place down.
Photo courtesy of Live Music Lou
