Six Star General
It’s good to have local indie guitar swingers Six Star General back, rocking out after a bit of a hiatus. Both of the bands at this show bring noisy, pre-grunge rock & roll. This is for fans of the ’80s SST Records catalog, which inspires both of these great bands.
Six Star General and Patsy Decline rock the Galactic Theatre in Warren on November 28.
The McGunks
On the 8th day, God created… The McGunks! The McGunks march from town to town like shock troopers in stupors blasting out no-frills pub-punk to the faithful.
The McGunks, Taken By Vultures, Follow Thru will rock the News Cafe in Pawtucket on November 29. This show is free!
Reckoners
Reckoners are a supergroup composed of some of the top players on the Boston music scene. Assembled by Johnny Trama (The Silks, Bettye LaVette, Dub Apocalypse, The B3 Kings), Reckoners pay homage to the roots of early soul and rock & roll.
Reckoners will play The Parlour in PVD on November 29. If you miss them, catch them at The Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River on December 11. You’ll probably want to see them twice anyways.
The Agents
The ska band from “the small town with a big sound” return for a special two-set holiday show. The Agents mix in reggae, soul, swing, and surf with ska that’s perfect to heat up cold December nights. Bring your dancing shoes!
The Agents will skank it up at Alchemy in PVD on November 29. This is an early show with 5:30pm doors.
The Beths
This is the odd New Zealand-based band indie pop-club tour. On their latest album, Straight Line Was A Lie, The Beths bring a power-pop edge. Singer Elizabeth Stokes wrote much of the lyrics on a Remington typewriter which boggles my mind. Be sure to get there early for Phoebe Rings, who are going to melt faces with disco infused dream-pop. .
The Beths and Phoebe Rings play Fete in PVD on December 3.
Hey Nineteen
I’ve never felt the need to see Steely Dan because Hey Nineteen just seems to scratch that itch. They breathe new life into all those Steely Dan classics like “My Old School,” “Do It Again,” and “Reelin’ in the Years.” They play two long sets.
Hey Nineteen will rock The Met Cafe in Pawtucket on December 5.
The Aimee Mann & Ted Leo Christmas Show
Aimee Mann and Ted Leo have been teaming up for these Christmas shows for a few years and have released a couple of Christmas singles under their project together, The Both. I love Mann’s indie pop from her solo work, as well as Ted Leo’s punk with Ted Leo & The Pharmacists. The show will feature special guests Paul F. Tompkins, Nellie McKay, and Josh Gondelman.
The Aimee Mann & Ted Leo Christmas Show will go down at the Greenwich Odeum in East Greenwich on December 5.
Mister Frizzle
Mister Frizzle will be playing two sets of indie folk gold. I recommend checking out their latest album, Tres Leches, on the streaming platform of your preference.
Mister Frizzle will play the Galactic Theatre in Warren on December 6.
Chris Monti Band
Chris Monti and his band, featuring Jack Hanlon and Grant Smith will play the gauntlet of all things rock & roll all night long. Wish Chris a happy birthday and dance all night to the smokin’ tunes from him and the boys.
Chris Monti will be playing Nick-A-Nees in PVD on December 6.
Hell’s Belles
The all-female AC/DC tribute band Hell’s Belles have been rocking all around the world for over two decades. Their devotion to the gospel of AC/DC has electrified across continents so much so, they even got endorsed by Angus Young (AC/DC).
Hell’s Belles will rock the Greenwich Odeum on December 6.
Gladys Knight
It’s kind of a big deal when a Motown legend like Gladys Knight comes to town. Her stuff fronting The Pips is legendary and that is probably all I’d want to hear. Of course she has a damn Christmas album but this show will still be worth it!
Gladys Knight will play the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in PVD on December 7.
Earth, Wind & Fire
It’s going to be a “Boogie Wonderland” when Earth, Wind & Fire invade Brett Smiley’s kingdom. Expect all the hits plus their new single, “Let’s Go Dumb Crasy,” which sounds like a plan!
Earth, Wind & Fire will make the Providence Performing Arts Center move under their feet on December 9.
The Supersuckers
The self-proclaimed, “World’s greatest rock & roll band,” The Supersuckers are back with a great new album, Liquor, Women, Drugs & Killing. I love this record as it’s a throwback to the raucous anthems of their youth. All killer, no filler, so don’t be stupid and miss one of the greatest rock & roll bands of the last 30 years.
The Supersuckers, All Hail, and Dirt Nap will rock Reject’s Beer in Middletown on December 10.
3rd Annual Beer & Carols
This event has been steadily growing in popularity over the last two years. The third year promises to be even bigger and will be a fundraiser for the Refugee Dream Center. There will be caroling, live music, and festive hearts.
The 3rd Annual Beer and Carols Benefit will take place at Narragansett Brewery in PVD on December 11.
Fantastic Cat
This NYC-based songwriter supergroup is one of my favorite bands of the post-pandemic era. I recommend their latest album, Now That’s What I Call Fantastic Cat, which is full of funny, infectious ditties. They describe themselves as “folk-rock for pussies,” and I’ve got to say that is pretty accurate. Fantastic Cat have announced their candidacy for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame when they become eligible… in 2047.
Fantastic Cat will (gently) rock the Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River on December 12.
Blackbeard’s Krampus Market & Dark XMas Party
Blackbeard’s Krampus Market will feature over 40 vendors pedaling oddities, taxidermy, horror art, ritual jewelry, witchy curios, and more by day. At night there will be burlesque and live music to thrill all of yee dark souls.
Blackbeard’s Krampus Market will take place at The Met Cafe in Pawtucket on December 13 from noon to 7pm and admission is free. Blackbeard’s Dark Xmas Party follows at 8pm at The Met and is $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
Joan Osborne Sings the Songs of Bob Dylan
Joan Osborne has powerful pipes that you wouldn’t necessarily know from her biggest hit, “One of Us.” Osborne has released plenty of music over the years but her latest album sees her covering someone who wasn’t really known as a great singer – Bob Dylan. Of course Dylan could arguably be considered the greatest songwriter of the last 100 years so there is plenty to work with. Osborne makes it work with her new album, Dylanology, which features collaborations with Robert Randolph, Amy Helm, and Jackie Greene.
Joan Osborne sings Dylan tunes at the Greenwich Odeum on December 14.
Darlene Love — Love for the Holidays Tour
The former lead singer of The Crystals, Darlene Love tends to make the rounds around Christmas because she has a TON of Christmas songs. Hopefully she’ll throw in “He’s a Rebel” and some of the other classics she sang on.
Darlene Love will be at the Uptown Theatre in PVD on December 16.
Tragedy: All Metal Tribute Band to The Bee Gees & Beyond
I feel like if Black Sabbath didn’t invent heavy metal The Bee Gees would have. I’ve seen Tragedy before, but not since my new appreciation of The Bee Gees from watching their recent documentary.
Tragedy: All-Metal Tribute Band to The Bee Gees & Beyond will rock Alchemy on December 19.
Teazer 2000 and ‘92 Winona
I can tell the Earth’s tectonic plates have shifted because the hair metal beast that is Teazer 2000 has risen again for another crime spree of rock & roll. ’92 Winona will be joining them as accomplices on this mission to save Festivus. Check out ’92 Winona’s hot debut album, Hello, Hello – to melt away those winter blues.
Teazer 2000 and ‘92 Winona will rock Myrtle in East Providence on December 19.
Quinn Sullivan
New Bedford’s blues prodigy, Quinn Sullivan, is all grown up! I saw Sullivan first when Buddy Guy brought him onstage at The Strand when he was still in his teens. Since then, he has played all over the world, done the late night TV circuit, and released some amazing music.
Quinn Sullivan will be belting out the blues at the Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River on December 19 & 20.
Deer Tick and Raindogs
Deer Tick wrapped up another busy year touring and I’ve heard rumours that there is a new album all wrapped up with a bow for us next year. They even have a new Christmas tune out now called “Light Up Reindeer.”
The reunion of Raindogs is a big deal. I’ve only heard of the legend of the band and was able to track down their records online. They definitely have an Americana meets rock & roll vibe, thanks to Johnny Cunningham on fiddle that was ahead of their time. In addition to Cunningham, Raindogs were composed of legends Mark Cutler (The Schemers), Darren Hill (Red Rockers), Emerson Torrey (The Schemers), and James Reilly (Stiff Little Fingers) that really made an imprint on music locally and beyond. Raindogs will be celebrating the 35th anniversary of their debut, Lost Souls.
Deer Tick and Raindogs will ring in the New Year at the Uptown Theatre in PVD on December 31.
Lilith Fair: Providence – A Benefit for Sojourner House
This benefit show will celebrate all the amazing music of the artist that played Lilith Fair, which had a glorious three-year run from 1997-1999. Local musicians performing include The Dust Ruffles, Heather Rose in Clover, Allison Rose, Alerisa Rose & Chase Cavacco from Dred Buffalo, Jenn Lombari, Natalie Blue, Ali Mctavish & Friends, Julie Rhodes, Molly O’Leary, Mary McAvoy, Polly Bessette, Grace Cooper-Hall, and more.
Lilith Fair: Providence – A Benefit for Sojourner House will take place at The Parlour PVD on January 10.
Ghostface Killah
Legendary Wu-Tang Clan member Ghostface Killah returns as part of his Supreme Clientele 2 tour. I’m sure this is the rare case where the sequel blows the original out of the water.
Ghostface Killah will haunt The Strand in PVD on January 24.
Handsome Dick Manitoba
Handsome Dick Manitoba was the singer of one of my favorite bands, The Dictators. The Dictators had so many bangers like “(I Live For) Cars and Girls,” “Baby Let’s Twist,” and “Avenue A” that really helped define 1970’s New York City punk rock. Handsome Dick and the band had a falling out but I’m sure we’ll get some of those classics as well as material from his solo album, Born in The Bronx.
Handsome Dick Manitoba Birthday Bash tour comes to Alchemy on January 29.
Email music news to mclarkin33@gmail.com