Musicology

Desert Daze is set to be an unreal experience this year. Featuring an eccentric yet focused lineup comprised of both fresh faces in the music world and rock n’ roll legends, the energy at The Institute of Mentalphysics in Joshua Tree should be palpable, and I suspect it will lead to some thrilling music in the California desert.

Well, it’s that time of year again, friends. We’re less than a month away from Shoe Fest. After the heat of the summer, we all need an escape and some time to recharge. If you’ve never been, let me tell you why Shoe Fest is the best place to do so, and why once you’ve been, you’ll never want to leave.

In my five years covering concerts and festivals, I’ve seen large and small, decadent and restrained, eclectic and focused. There is something for everyone in the music world, and as far as the festivals go, concertgoers really have their pick these days. There are festivals for specific genres and those that present a wide range of acts spanning all genres.

Every once in a while, there comes a musical tour de force that is so outside what we’ve come to know and so sure in its vision that it demands you stop what you’re doing and tune in. They can last for decades or be a flash in the pan, but their music lives forever.

Jay Goldberg Events & Entertainment presents
PEORIA BLUES & HERITAGE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Daily Schedule Released! VIP Upgrades & 1-Day GA Tickets On Sale Now!
September 1 & 2, 2017 • Peoria Riverfront • Peoria, Illinois
Featuring
Dr. John • John Butler Trio • John Mayall

Keller Williams • Rebirth Brass Band • George Porter Jr.

Matthew Curry • Southern Avenue • Sun Stereo • Steady Flow

Coming in out of L.A., three-piece dream-pop trio LANY’s debut album is making waves all over the world. Comprised of Paul Klein, Les Priest, and Jake Goss, LANY has been working hard and playing harder, performing 117 shows in 12 countries last year alone.

Coming in hot out of New Orleans is Naughty Professor, a horn-driven funktastic six-piece. They’re making waves all over the scene, having just played Summer Camp and Taste of Randolph.

Music is one of the most effective communication tools in humanity’s arsenal; it removes the tension and adverse circumstantial aspects of other forms of messaging, and people can get lost in a song and be inspired by the message. Bassel and the Supernaturals, a Chicago-based seven-piece soul-funk outfit, are on the scene with their piercing, radiant songwriting and a point to make.

Organ Freeman, a jazztastic, high-octane funk fusion trio from L.A., is one of the most riveting acts in a while. Slinky guitar and organ melodies splash over dynamite drums; it threatens to spiral out of control at times and when it’s over, you can’t help but listen again.