Consuelo’s Revenge – Bread & Circuses
A lot has gone down in the 10 years since the last Consuelo’s Revenge album, Mercy, to say the least. The world didn’t end although there were a couple of dicey moments. While Mercy was inspired by local folklore, Bread & Circuses is more universal. Consuelo’s Revenge’s calling card has always been a blend of gypsy folk, rock, and blues, which is certainly a staple of Bread & Circuses. Bread & Circuses expands on that palette with the country ballad tinge of “Won’t Miss You Baby” and shaky prayer of “Not Even Hope.” I dig the combo of gospel-esque vocals over swinging jazz on “Dr. Ordinaire.” “When We Run,” “Bon Voyage,” and “By & By” pack a wallop of Eastern European flavored folk. “High is the Mountain” cascades like an Ukrainian Fleetwood Mac floating across the cliffs. My favorite tune on the biscuit is “Silent Prayer.” Check out Bread & Circuses on your favorite streaming service and keep an eye out for upcoming Consuelo’s Revenge shows!
Coming Attractions:
Soapbox Saints
Soapbox Saints are one of the best pure rock & roll bands in town. Singer/guitarist Billy Moretti leads the crack band with a repertoire deep enough to rock away for marathon sets at Nic-A-Nees. Check out their debut full-length, Play It Cool, and catch them headline another stacked bill at Myrtle.
Soapbox Saints, Jake Hunsinger and the Rock Bottom Band, and Man Made Hills rock Myrtle in East Providence on November 14.
Steve Conte
NYC singer/guitarist Steve Conte bleeds rock & roll. This a rare chance to catch Conte, as I’m guessing his last appearance in town was mid-2000s playing with the New York Dolls on the Little Steven’s Underground Garage tour. Conte was filling Johnny Thunder’s boots which ain’t easy. An accomplished songwriter in his own right, check out Conte’s most recent record, The Concrete Jungle, on the medium of your choice.
Steve Conte, Muck and The Mires, The BickerSins, and Sourpunch will rock Buttonwoods Brewery in PVD on November 15.
Finding Lucinda: An Evening of Lucinda Williams songs and a screening of Finding Lucinda
As those that caught her a year ago at The Vets know, Lucinda Williams is a natural treasure. This night promises to be a special night at the coolest place in RI, filled with the tunes of Lucinda Williams and a screening of the new documentary about her. The performers are all aces.
Finding Lucinda featuring performances by Allysen Callery, Vanessa Carlton, Ismay, John McCauley, Ian O’Neil, and more at POP in PVD on November 15.
The Amazing Royal Crowns Return with Providence Payback!
The mid ’90s thru the early 2000s were a great time in local rock & roll music here with great bands like Boss Fuel, Kilgore, Mother Jefferson, and the Double Nuthin’s. At the forefront was a rockabilly/psychobilly revival led by The Amazing Royal Crowns. The Crowns pretty much did it all! They won the WBCN Rock ‘n’ Roll Rumble, had a radio hit with “Fireball Stomp,” released two great studio and one live album, toured the world playing festivals all over, and even got sued and had to change their name. After a semi-secret performance this past spring at Nic-A-Nees, The Crowns are doing their first local headlining show in over 24 years, at the Met Cafe. I was at the Nic-A-Nees show, and after burning off some rust, The Crowns sounded as energetic as ever, serving up the platters that matter as the crowd danced along.
As an added bonus, this upcoming show marks the return of the Providence Payback festival that the Crowns used to curate annually to spotlight local talent. I’m particularly excited to see The L-U-V’s who ruled the glamrock scene of the late ’90s. The L-U-V’s released one great album, won the WBRU Rock Hunt, and this will be their first show in over 15 years.
The Amazing Royal Crowns, Neutral Nation, The L-U-V’s, One Fall, and Diablogato will rock The Met Cafe in Pawtucket on November 22.
Tyna’s Birthday — Bands, Drag, and DJ Party
Local photographer/musician Tyna Calderone is throwing a birthday party with some of the finest upstart, middle-age punk acts in her bands Big Hair Sluts and the riot grrl-influenced Muffin. In addition to the rock & roll there will be a drag show followed by a dance party with DJ Handsome Pete playing all the hits!
Tyna’s Birthday Party featuring performances by Big Hair Sluts and Muffin, a drag show, and post-show dance party with Handsome Pete Lima goes down at The Parlour in PVD on November 22. Admission is only $5.
The Schemers
Local rock & roll royalty, The Schemers, return for their annual Thanksgiving weekend celebration. The Schemers will play all night mixing their classics, singer/guitarist Mark Cutler’s solo rock, and classic covers from the likes of the Stones, Modern Lovers, and many more. This is one of my favorite shows of the year!
The Schemers play it all night long at The Met Cafe in Pawtucket on November 28.
Bonus Cuts:
- Dangerous Toys and PINK play The Met Cafe on November 15. Dangerous Toys will be celebrating the release of their new album, All Sinners.
- John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band will rock The United Theatre in Westerly on November 22.
- The Agents will skank it up playing two long sets at Alchemy on November 29. This is an early show with a 5pm set.
Email music news to mclarkin33@gmail.com