September is gearing up to be a great month for live music lovers in Louisville. A handful of big names are rolling through town this week, as well as plenty of local folks. Get out at least once or twice - don’t miss the great music! 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 (9/14) -
Weekly staple. Need something to do on a Monday? This is always an option.
Tuesday (9/15) -
Confusingly enough, The London Souls are not from their name’s town, although they are opening up for legendary London rocker Billy Idol. For a Tuesday night, Iroquois Amphitheater should be pretty charged and rolling. We saw Billy Idol this weekend in St. Louis and seriously, the man most definitely still has it.
Wednesday (9/16) -
Best Coast with Lovely Bad Things
This LA rock duo and crew have had a lot of buzz surrounding their raw, aptly named new album, California Nights.
UofL Homecoming Block Party with Matt & Kim, Twin Limb, GlitterTitz
Since we aren’t UofL students, this show kind of flew under the radar and we only just noticed press for it this week. I believe this is the first time since Forecastle 2013 that Matt & Kim have been in town - the duo know how to get a crowd riled up, especially when it consists of mostly college students. Hometown favorites Twin Limb will take the stage on Cardinal Blvd, as well as a special set from Zbar’s favorite DJ, GlitterTitz.
Thursday (9/17) -
Choosing between Thursday's four shows is like some sick joke. For real, this is a toughy to choose between, but there is no excuse to not hit at least one!
Traditional and contemporary folk fans agree that The Milk Carton Kids are doing something right. The grammy-nominated pair have only been a band for about 5 years but their impact on the folk movement has most definitely been felt. Monterey, their latest release, appropriately reflects the subtleties of their live show, but actually seeing Kenneth Pattengale and Joey Ryan on stage will be something else.
Rhiannon Giddens has headed out on the road by herself. The insanely talented multi- instrumentalist and singer-songwriter (let's be honest, just flat out fierce musician) has a new album, Tomorrow Is My Turn. This lady has contributed much to the Carolina Chocolate Drops and The New Basement Tapes over the years but has been shining out on her own for this tour. Her energy and talent exudes in live shows, so be prepared to be wowed. And to top it off? The Louisville Orchestra will be performing with her for a few songs. Hopefully Mercury Ballroom is ready for this.
Communion Season Kick off Party
Louisville's Communion Residency is back y'all!! This fused show combined Josh Rouse and a slew of Communion backed artists taking the Headliners stage. We love this series because it gives us the opportunity to catch some rising artists early. And Josh Rouse is on the bill? We've always loved the folksy man. This kick off should get the monthly series started off right.
We love the passion that comes with his whole band, Quiet Hollers, but it’s incredibly interesting to see this man perform solo. We had the opportunity of seeing an acoustic set of his about a month ago - so many goosebumps.
Friday (9/18) -
The storied bluegrass group have been instrumental in the growth of the genre over the past 30 plus years. Hot Rize will be in town, taking the Clifton Center stage in support of their latest release, When I'm Free. This tour marks the first non-reunion tour of the past twenty years, so this is a special night that should definitely be taking advantage of.
Louisville freaking rockers White Reaper have had quite the summer. New album, wild shows, moshing at festivals - they're definitely getting their name out there. These young dudes are playing an all ages show (a rarity at Zanzabar) that is sure to be memorable - last time they were there, people ended up in the rafters, literally.
A Lion Named Roar, Stereo Empire, Colin Elmore
Fourth Street Live will host these local, buzz-worthy bands for a FREE Friday night romp. A Lion Named Roar and Stereo Empire have grown into some of our favorite Lou-based bands so having them paired up is ideal.
You Bred Raptors?, Black Birds of Paradise, Davina & The Vagabonds
This underground subway band has a lot to compete with this Friday night, but it might be worth it to catch this novel instrumental band. The name comes from Jurassic Park and each of their albums are named from the movie as well. The licensed subway musicians play for tens of thousands of New Yorkers on a daily basis - we think Louisivillians should check them out, too.
Saturday (9/19) -
We are so lucky to have the incredible Orchestra that we do, as Teddy Abrams and his talented musicians have worked really hard to really mature the music of our city.
This annual single day free event celebrates everything jug band and the historical art form. Jug bands from around the nation come to town to show off their stuff.
Butchertown Get Down: Pulp Fiction with Dwight Johnson
Get ready to dance alongside John Travolta, Uma Thurman and Samuel L. Jackson. This one should be good.
Photo Courtesy of Live Music Lou
