FRIDAY 3/22
Where: The Grove (Anaheim, CA)
Today popular music has seen a huge revival of folk rock influences. Bands like The Lumineers have ushered in a new era for the genre, bringing back the knee-slapping twang it was famous for. But before this resurgence, there was Gordon Lightfoot, a man who had a heavy hand in defining what exactly folk-pop was. The Canadian-born legend cranked out a slew of #1 hits in the 1970’s like “Rainy Day People” and “If You Could Read My Mind.” With a discography a mile long, Lightfoot is back on the road, touring and performing for fans. This weekend you can catch him at The Grove in Anaheim.
Where: Morongo Casino (Cabazon, CA)
Rocketing to stardom at the tender age of 13 can be extremely difficult. But, Leann Rimes, who took over the country/pop world in her first year as a teenager, has been doing just fine. Gathering up Grammys, CMAs and AMAs, while steadily putting out new material for over two decades, Rimes has rightfully solidified her position as a true music star. Selling over 37 million records throughout her career, fans love Rimes just as much now as when she first started. Friday night you can watch the crossover artist sing her hits at the Morongo Casino.
SATURDAY 3/23
Where: The Lyric Theatre
Indie rock band, The Rapture, is known for melding together genres groups usually never think of fusing. Creating their own sound, pulling influences from post-punk, electronica and even disco, this radical trio has forged their own special spot in the music scene. Though they’re not exactly a name you’re bound to see on Billboard’s Hot 100, they do have a faithful following that truly appreciates their unique style. If you’re into cool and slightly weird music you’ll want to check them out when they hit the Lyric Theatre this Saturday.
Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards
Where: USC Galen Center / Your T.V.
The Grammys are great, but at the Grammy’s you never get to see your favorite artists covered in disgusting green slime. Thankfully, we have Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards to fill that void. Now in its 26th run, the KCA’s might just be the most fun award show of the season. Trading out the red carpet for a bright orange one, this show features performances and acceptances from extremely popular musicians such as Christina Aguilera and Ke$ha. Josh Duhamel hosts this night of adolescent debachary, and if his promotional videos are any indication, this program is going to be filled with all the things that make an award show truly interesting. Forget long drawn out speeches thanking industry people and look forward to explosions of glitter, slime and fart noises. Make sure you tune into Nick at 8pm to witness this display of awesomeness.
And in case you missed it, here are some rockin’ music sound bites for this weekend:
David Bowie has just gotten his first #1 album in the UK charts in over 20 years. Make sure you check out his strangely interesting video here.
Some noteworthy artists have announced that they will be heading back out on tour. Billy Idol is hitting the road, and for the first time in three years, John Mayer will be traveling to support his record “Born and Raised.”
Unfortunately for Skrillex fans, his anticipated headlining tour is now cancelled. He is offering refunds and a 2014 tour to look forward to.
After all that hype, controversy and frustrated, sleep-deprived rants from reporters, Rihanna’s “777” documentary chronicling her whirlwind tour will air this May on Fox.
By: D.D.
