Subterranean Jungle: Providence Music Scene’s Deep Karma Canyon

It’s sad news that Wes’ Rib House and The Boiler Room will be closing after only seven months of operations. I’ve heard some say, as they always do when a venue closes, the Providence music scene is dead. This seems a tad melodramatic. Certainly, it’s sad to lose another venue but what was iconic about The Boiler Room was never the building – it was the people. Like Aaron Jaehnig, Danielle Tellier, and all the staff who created something beautiful out of nothing. The Boiler Room hosted every type of music and art imaginable. They’re the treasures, not the venue, and they’ll keep doing amazing things. 

The restaurant/venue should be open for a couple of days after this issue comes out and I encourage you to check one of the remaining shows and tip a little extra, if it is affordable. 

Coming Attractions:

Phil Madeira & Friends Funky Covers Record Release Party

Grammy award-winner and Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame inductee Phill Madeira is a staple of the Providence music scene and is coming back home to play the Rhythm & Roots festival as part of Emmylou Harris’s band. The  Barrington native is doing a special one to celebrate the release of his new record, Funky Covers, which features covers of Jackson Browne, John Prine, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Beatles, and more! An accomplished songwriter, Madeira has had his songs covered by Allison Krause, Toby Keith, and Garth Brooks among others. Madeira will have a host of friends joining him including Mark Cutler, Emerson Torrey, and Heidi Nirk among others.

Phil Madeira & Friends celebrate the release of Funky Covers with Stefan Couture & Moondog, and Roswell Strings at The Met Cafe on August 29th. 

Teazer 2000 & Hope Anchor

The revival of Teazer 2000 continues as they bring greasy hair rock across the Washington Bridge to show the East Bay how to party. Hope Anchor will be joining the fun, bringing the goth post-punk vibes to counterbalance the ‘80s anthems. It’s a cool juxtaposition sonically of two groups who would have never have been caught dead together. 

Teazer 2000 and Hope Anchor will rock Myrtle in East Providence on August 30th.

Descendents & Circle Jerks

I’ve been giddy about this show since it was announced. It’s like someone found one of my old high school mix-tapes, got drunk, and decided to book a tour based on it. Circle Jerks’ Group Sex album is one of my all time favorite records. Descendents have plenty of bangers, notably on the albums Milo Goes to College and ALL. 

Descendents and Circle Jerks come to The Strand on September 5th. 

Madball

Hardcore legends Madball were spawned out of Agnostic Front in the ‘90s, and are still fueling circle pits all these years later. This is a get-your-aggression-out type of show.

Madball, Combust, and Hold My Own bring the hardcore to Alchemy on September 7th.

Bob Mould 

In concert, Bob Mould is a category four hurricane. His sets span his 45 year career, including his bands, Husker Du and Sugar, as well as an illustrious solo career. This time Mould is playing solo electric, which tends to be where he cuts deeply. This is what Mould geeks like myself live for. I’m putting it out into the ether that he plays either “Moving Trucks,” “Paralyzed,” or “Explode & Make Up” along with some new songs at the Narrows. 

Bob Mold will rock the Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River all by himself on September 10th. 

Belly & Buffalo Tom

I bought tickets to this show the day it went on sale because it reminded me of the Portlandia skit, “The Dream of the ‘90s.” Belly of course became huge back then and to this day, is the last (and possibly only?) Rhode Island band to be featured on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. I caught Belly last year at Fort Adams. Both the new tunes and the classics like “Feed the Tree” have sounds that are electric. Buffalo Tom are samurais when it comes to indie guitar swing. My song request into the ether is that Buffalo Tom play “Tangerine.”    

Belly and Buffalo Tom will rock Fete on September 14th. 

Gogol Bordello 

Gogol Bordello’s most recent record, Solidaritine, was my favorite record of the past five years. That said, nothing compares to the energy that Eugune Hutz and company bring to their live shows. It’s like a gypsy fiesta fueled by old school hardcore adrenaline. I haven’t seen Puzzled Panther but loved what I heard. Crazy and the Brains are fantastic live, reminiscent of the energy of The Cramps and others of that ilk.

Gogol Bordello, Puzzled Panther, and Crazy and the Brains come to The Strand on September 14th. 

The Nervous Eaters

Legendary Boston garage rockers make a rare stop in Providence for what is sure to be a great night of reeling and rocking. I just wish these last three shows weren’t the same day.

The Nervous Eaters, Robin Lane, and Tiger Bomb will rock Askew on September 14th.

Make sure to follow the Subterranean Jungle column for more news about the Providence music scene and live events.

Email music news to mclarkin33@gmail.com