Subterranean Jungle

Dusk is one of the best breeding grounds for creativity in Providence. I’ve seen so many incredible shows there over the years. Rick and Danielle have provided an incredible stage for all types of music, DJs, burlesque, and more. It is so disheartening to hear that Dusk has been broken into three times over the past few months. The costs of repairs are mounting with damages to the structure, registers, and equipment, not to mention the cash that was also stolen. There will be a fundraiser titled Dusk-Aid featuring a performance by the ’80s tribute band Total Eclipse of the ’80s, with surprise guests on November 26. The doors will be at 5:30pm with the show kicking off at 6pm. 100% of the proceeds will go to Dusk to assist in their continued support of local music. There is also a GoFundMe page to assist.

THE QUAHOGS – “TASTELESS”

It’s been 8 long years since the last album, Sunny Waste, from The Quahogs but Tasteless is here! There were many reasons for the delays, as recording began back in 2019, we all know 2020, and most jarring was the tragic passing of drummer/force of light Nick Iddon from cancer last year. Tasteless was recorded before Nick passed and is another way he lives on. It’s tough not to picture him with his hair flying and a big smile pounding out the heartbeat of the record. Singer/guitarist Steve DelMonico told me the album title refers to the tunes being so stylistically different from each other. “Miriam” is a rocking banger in the vein of Nirvana. “Premium” has a funky groove to get the dance floor rumbling. “Sally” kind of reminds me of late ’60s Dylan with the spirit of Wild West saloon shootout. The reflective “I Lost Myself” features some nasty lead guitar from Steve Donovan. “Where I’m Standing” is a stab at writing a ballad in the vein of “Dirty Old Town.” Tasteless isn’t just the best Quahogs album, it’s one of the best rock ‘n’ roll albums of the year!

MARK CUTLER – “THE ISLAND”

Mark Cutler has a new digital 7-inch out that is a reworking of his version of “The Island” by his friend Neil Cabana. The original of “The Island” was sparse, with just Cutler on vocals, acoustic, and harp. The metamorphosis is striking, adding Cabana on electric guitars, bass by Roger Len Smith, and drums by Edoardo Tancredi. The song has a Tom Petty vibe with lyrics about finding peace by not needing to be king while roving through card games, nosey neighbors, and thoughts of being reincarnated as a dog. “The Island” is available on all streaming services.

You can catch Mark Cutler with The Schemers rocking The Met Café in Pawtucket on Nov 25.

COMING ATTRACTIONS:

BOB DYLAN

Bob Dylan’s never ending tour comes back to PVD supporting Rough and Rowdy Ways, one of his best albums in years. After his performance last year at the PPAC, multiple Dylan-philes told me it was the best show they had ever been to.

Bob Dylan brings his Rough and Rowdy Ways tours to the Providence Performing Arts Center on Nov 10.

GREG HAWKES WITH EDDIE JAPAN PERFORM THE MUSIC OF THE CARS

The Cars were the perfect new wave pop band with hit after hit and singer Ric Ocasek just seemed like this tall mysterious figure. Sadly many of The Cars, including Ocasek, have passed on which makes it extra special when you can see an original member in keyboardist Greg Hawkes perform the hits.

Greg Hawkes with Eddie Japan perform the Music of The Cars at The Met Café in Pawtucket on Nov 17.

BUSH

I never knew what Bush singer/ guitarist Gavin Rossdale meant when he sang “Everything Zen” back in the day. Maybe it doesn’t matter because he didn’t think it was so, or maybe it is the biggest mystery in rock ‘n’ roll. Bush are coming back to PVD for the first time since 2012 to play both the hits and more! Bush have steadily released albums every few years for the past 30 years including last year’s scorcher, The Art of Survival. Expect a hell of a show!

Bush bring their Nowhere to Go But Everywhere Tour to the Providence Performing Arts Center on Nov 21.

DEER TICK

Deer Tick return home after a triumphant year that saw the release of Emotional Contracts and multiple coast-to-coast tours. As an added bonus Tommy Stinson (formerly of The Replacements, now of Cowboys in the Campfire) will open both shows. Tickets are low so act fast! •

Deer Tick and Tommy Stinson play the Columbus Theatre in PVD on Nov 24 and 25.