Alt-Nation: Stay Cool with Ice Balloons, Hockey, and Outdoor Beer

Ice Balloons

Ice Balloons is a collaboration between Sean Kennerly of Samiam and Kyp Malone of TV On The Radio born in Brooklyn. The band will make their Providence debut tonight at Dusk and doesn’t appear to have anything out that I could find. Listening to them online, it’s not that far of a reach from TV On The Radio, albeit a little less mainstream. Should be a fun Tuesday with strong local support acts on the bill like post-punk/indie rockers in Hope Anchor and the fun-loving garage rocking Atlantic Thrills on the bill.

Ice Balloons, Hope Anchor, Atlantic Thrills, and Moniker rock Dusk on July 9. 

Hockey

Hockey mesh indie rock with electronic to create funky groove that is perfect to shake your rump to on hump day.  Hockey remind me a little bit of MGMT in terms of being infectious modern radio dance music.  For those looking for a dance party to beat the heat, check out Hockey this Wednesday at Fete’s Lounge.

Hockey, Saint Motel, and Swimm will play The Lounge at Fete on July 10.  

Burnside Park Thursday Music Series and Beer Garden

Summer’s here and that means time for the annual Burnside Park Thursday Music Series, which runs from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm most Thursdays. The music series is being curated by Jess Powers of Chanteuse fame and showcases a diverse spectrum of the local music scene. This week’s concert is a doozey with Mark Cutler and The Men of Great Courage set to rock across from the bus terminal. Throughout his long career, Cutler and his various bands have touched on everything from post-punk, garage, folk, straight up rock ‘n’ roll, Americana, and then some. The Men of Great Courage tend to have a roots-driven feel that is perfect for kicking back after work on a Thursday and grooving. For a full schedule of the Burnside Park Thursday Music Series, go to www.facebook.com/events/335816393214559.

Mark Cutler and The Men of Great Courage will rock the Thursday Burnside Park Music Series on July 11.  

We Own The Land’s 3^rd Annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Booze Cruise

We Own The Land once again will take to seas to bring their thunderous rock to off-shore waters of Newport.  As for a description of We Own The Land, think heavy rock meets punk wrecking machine.   White Dynomite from Boston is one of my favorite newer bands that I’ve caught in the past year, and is a welcome addition to this bill. For tickets and more information, check out the event page here: http://www.newportmajestic.com/?page_id=2540.

We Own The Land and White Dynomite will take to the seas via Newport Majestic Cruises on July 12.  The boat cruise will run from 9 pm to 12 am. 

Northern Lands

Northern Lands keeps rolling on the momentum of their recently released debut, He Took a Dive (75orLess Records).  Check out the biscuit if you haven’t already – especially if straight up rock & roll in the vein of someone like a Tom Petty is your jam. Northern Lands are also trendsetters right now as far as being the only local band to have their own beer named after them with Revival Brewing’s Northern Lands Lager at last check available at places like Met Café and Nolan’s Corner Pub.  As a person who has had two beers named after him at Union Station, I encourage Northern Lands to keep up the good work!

Northern Lands, The Attending, and Nick Carr will rock The Parlour on July 13. 

Scaling New Heights: A Benefit for RHD-RI

There are some benefit shows where the lineup is so weak and discombobulated that I’m left wondering if the organizers even care for the cause. That is not the case with the Scaling New Heights, a Benefit for the Resource for Human Development as this show is loaded with bands like Boo City, Lolita Black, Viennagram, and more that I’d go to just see that one band. As far as the Resource for Human Development, it is an inspiring place that is an arts-based day program for adults with disabilities. With the ongoing cuts in social services, benefit shows like this are vital for RHD’s survival. Come down for a great show for an even greater cause!

Viennagram, Lolita Black, In Heat, Boo City, and Mrs. Six Eyes will rock to support the cause at Dusk on July 13.  The show starts at 9 pm sharp! 

Ants in The Cellar

Celebrate Bastille Day and close out your weekend in style with Ants in The Cellar this Sunday at The Parlour.  Ants in The Cellar actually trace their lineage back to the early to mid 90s, but after a few hiatuses, they’re back and ready to rage. Think straight-up guitar fueled indie rock.

Ants in The Cellar and Space Face will play an early show celebrating Bastille Day at The Parlour on July 14. The show is slated to start around 7 pm.

Email music news to mclarkin33@gmail.com.