An Evening with The Tubes

The Tubes formed in 1972 in San Francisco from two bands that moved there from Phoenix, The Beans along with the Red, White and Blues Band. While musically influenced by groups like Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart, who actually recorded a song with the group on their third album, their theatrical satire was evident from the very beginning. All these years later, The Tubes still consists of, original members, the irrepressible front man Fee Waybill, world-class drummer Prairie Prince, and virtuoso guitarist Roger Steen. They continue to delight fans across the country and around the world with their iconic live shows.   Led by singer Fee Waybill – known for his classic characters, including the glam-rocking, stackheeled Quay Lewd, the dangerous Mr. Hate or the gnarly punk parody Johnny Bugger – The Tubes released five albums on A&M Records, starting with the Al Kooper-produced self- titled debut in 1975, which included “White Punks on Dope”, dubbed an absurd anthem of wretched excess, later covered by Motley Crue, German chanteuse Nina Hagen as well as set staple, “Mondo Bondage”. “What Do You Want from Life?” was yet another signature song for the band, a prescient satire of consumerism and celebrity culture that calls out Bob Dylan and Randy Mantooth along with “a herd of Winnebagos, we’re givin’ em away”. With the help of Kenny Ortega, they mounted the stage show for which they’re still known, using videos as part of the presentation long before MTV was born.   After Young & Rich (1976), produced by Ken Scott (of Beatles fame) highlighted by the salacious “Don’t Touch Me There”, The Tubes released Now (1977), the live What Do You Want From Live (1978) and the concept album Remote Control (1979) their final album for A&M before leaving for Capitol Records.   Their new label teamed them up with producer David Foster for the group’s most commercially successful (and radio-friendly) release to that point, with two hit singles in the power ballad, “Don’t Want to Wait Anymore” (their first to land in the Top 40 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart) and the now classic Top 10 Rock radio anthem, “Talk to Ya Later,” a collaboration between Fee, Foster and Toto guitarist Steve Lukather that was #1 in 17 countries.   “David had just produced Earth, Wind & Fire’s Boogie Wonderland, and we loved that album,” said Fee about the approach on the very funk-flavored The Completion Backward Principle (1981), which also includes the beach party set piece, “Sushi Girl”, and the Steely Dan-ish “Attack of the Fifty Foot Woman”. Foster then produced the next album, Outside Inside (1983), with the chart topping “She’s a Beauty”.   The Tubes’ current tour set list includes such classics as “White Punks on Dope”, “Mondo Bondage”, “What Do You Want from Life”, “Out of the Business”, “I Want It All Now” and “She’s a Beauty”. Fee enthuses, “It’s so great that people still love our music and sing along at shows. The best part is, we’re a way better band today than we ever were.” VIP PACKAGEincludesExclusive sound checkMeet & Greet Photo with the bandT-shirt or CDCONCERT TICKET REQUIRED

Paul Thorn & Steve Poltz – In The Ring Together Tour

Similar backgrounds yet different paths. Paul Thorn and Steve Poltz have a 20+ year friendship and are taking it on the road and in the ring together this Spring for a multi-city tour, surely to bring love, laughter and mischief along with them. Equal parts humor, poignant stories, and expert musicianship, these two storytellers with contagious smiles will put on a show that will make you laugh one minute and cry the next. About Paul Thorn: Paul Thorn has created an innovative and impressive career, pleasing crowds with his muscular brand of roots music – bluesy, rocking and thoroughly Southern American, yet also speaking universal truths. Among those who value originality, inspiration, eccentricity, and character – as well as talent that hovers somewhere on the outskirts of genius, the story of Paul Thorn is already familiar. Born in Tupelo, Mississippi, raised among the same spirits (and some of the actual people) who nurtured the young Elvis generations before, Paul Thorn has rambled down back roads and jumped out of airplanes, worked for years in a furniture factory, battled four-time world champion boxer Roberto Duran on national television, performed on stages with Bonnie Raitt, Mark Knopfler, Sting, and John Prine among many others, and made some of the most emotionally restless yet fully accessible music of our time. He’s also appeared on major television shows, received numerous National Public Radio features, and charted multiple times on the Billboard Top 100 and Americana Radio Charts. Paul’s latest release, “Never Too Late To Call,” is seven years in the making and features all original material. The CD was recorded at Sam Phillips Studio in Memphis and produced and engineered by Grammy winning wunderkind Matt Ross-Spang.  About Steve Poltz: With a cult following that includes fellow musicians, regular folks and festival goers who stumble onto his performances, there’s no common denominator to Steve’s fans. Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia and raised in San Diego, CA, Steve initially toured and recorded with San Diego cult favorites The Rugburns. But it was through his creative partnership with Jewel that he vaulted into the national spotlight; co-writing her multiplatinum Billboard Hot 100-busting smash, “You Were Meant For Me,” and continues to work with her to this day. Over the years, the Nashville-based troubadour has built a fascinating solo catalog, earmarked by his debut, One Left Shoe, Dreamhouse, Folk Singer, and 2019’s Shine On. No Depression crowned him, “A sardonic provocateur with a lighthearted acoustic-driven wit, suggesting at times a sunnier, less psychedelic Todd Snider, or maybe a less wan, washed Jackson Brown,” while the Associated Press dubbed him “part busker, part Iggy Pop and part Robin Williams, a freewheeling folkie with a quick wit and big heart.” Among other collaborations, GRAMMY-winning bluegrass phenom Billy Strings tapped him to co-write “Leaders” on 2021’s Renewal and he’s co-written with Molly Tuttle, Sierra Hull, Nicki Bluhm, Oliver Wood and even Mojo Nixon. Steve’s latest record, 2022’s Stardust & Satellites (Red House / Compass Records), was produced by Oliver Wood and Jano Rix of The Wood Brothers.

Colin Hay

COLIN HAYNow And The Evermore  “I’m deeply grateful for the life I have,” says Colin Hay, “and I think my natural tendency has always been towards optimism and humor. Lately, though, I’ve had to be more intentional about it. I’ve had to actively seek out the positive, to let new rays of hope shine on some seemingly dark situations.”  That’s precisely what Hay does with his extraordinary new solo album, Now And The Evermore, facing down struggle, loss, and even his own mortality with grit and wit at every turn. Written and recorded in Hay’s adopted hometown of Los Angeles, the collection is a defiantly joyful celebration of life and love, one that insists on finding silver linings and reasons to smile. That’s not to say the record deludes itself about the realities of our modern world, but rather that it consistently chooses to respond to pain with beauty and doubt with wonder.  The music on  Now And The Evermore (Lazy Eye/Compass Records) is vibrant and animated, brimming with fanciful melodies, lush orchestration, and even a guest appearance from Ringo Starr, who kicks the whole thing off with a signature drum fill. Hay’s performances are likewise buoyant and full of life, drawing on vintage pop charm, pub rock muscle, and folk sincerity to forge a sound that’s at once playful and profound, clever and compassionate, whimsical and earnest. At its most basic level, Now And The Evermore offers a deeply personal acknowledgement of the relentless march of time, but zoom out and you’ll see that Hay’s contemplations of identity and eternity are in fact broader reflections on our shared humanity, on letting go of dead weight and reaching for the light no matter how dark things may get.  “It’s a troubling and confounding and ever-inspiring world that we live in,” he muses. “I’m lucky to be able to wander downstairs and try to make some sense of it, at least to myself.”  Born in Scotland, Hay moved with his family as a teenager to Australia, where he first came to international fame with seminal ’80s hitmakers Men At Work. While the band would reach the heights of stardom—they took home a GRAMMY Award for Best New Artist and sold more than 30 million records worldwide on the strength of #1 singles like “Who Can It Be Now?” and “Down Under”—by 1985, they’d called it quits and gone their separate ways. Hay released his solo debut the following year and, over the course of the next three-and-a-half decades, went on to record twelve more critically acclaimed studio albums that would help establish him as one of his generation’s most hardworking and reliable craftsmen. Rolling Stone praised his “witty, hooky pop” tunes, while NPR’s World Café lauded his “distinctive voice,” and late night hosts from David Letterman and Craig Ferguson to Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel have all welcomed him for performances. 

JD Simo

JD SIMO JD Simo’s talent has no boundaries. His love of music is just that – a love of ALL music – and he has mastered every genre he’s explored. His remarkable talent and versatility has led to recording sessions with artists including Beyoncé, Dolly Parton, Tommy Emmanuel, Jack White, Joe Bonamassa, The War and Treaty, Chris Isaak and Stevie Nicks. He’s also been blessed to share the stage with folks like the Grateful Dead’s Phil Lesh and collaborate with BlackBerry Smoke, Luther Dickinson and Anson Funderburgh. As a further testament to the depth of his talent, the world of film came calling when JD was chosen to flesh out and perform every single guitar note on the soundtrack to Baz Lurhman’s film “Elvis”.   Like many artists and creators during the COVID shutdown, JD found a liberating outlet through social media, releasing a relentless treasure of exploratory jams from “The House of Grease” . With each installment he reached a growing audience of roots music fans as well as guitar gearheads wanting the latest on that JD Simo rig rundown. While this tour will feature songs from his recently released album, Songs From the House of Grease, fans will also be rewarded as Simo digs deep into the inspiration he has found in everything from Afrobeat to Maxwell Street era Chicago  Blues, from soulful funk jams to psyched out jazz-rock. Come early, stay late…the show will show will be presented in two sets.

RED WANTING BLUE – End of the Year Bash 2023!

The music industry is a destructive animal where even the fittest isn’t guaranteed unscathed survival. That means indie rock band Red Wanting Blue is rare indeed. A quarter-century of steady artistic growth is virtually unheard of in the volatile world of rock music, whether it’s an underground band struggling to find the key to success or a multi-million-selling supergroup buckling from the excesses of fame.Red Wanting Blue, formed in 1996 in Athens, Ohio, is comprised of Scott Terry on lead vocals, tenor guitar, and ukulele; Mark McCullough on bass, chapman stick, and vocals; Greg Rahm on guitar, keyboards, and vocals; Eric Hall on guitar, lap steel, and vocals; and Dean Anshutz on drums and percussion. Together the five musicians have forged a creative path that grows and expands with each successive recording.  By gradually morphing from self-sufficient, independent outfit to skirting the mainstream without losing underground cred, Red Wanting Blue earned the right to enjoy the benefits of longevity. The band’s music followed suit. Take melodic heartland rock ‘n’ roll sprinkled with dashes of down-home Americana and dip it in the modern, metropolitan rock world. Then add muscle, from a robust rhythm section to the full-throttle vocals of frontman Scott Terry. The results are truly a music industry story worth telling.Special end of the year event – Must also have a ticket to the concert.  “VIP Soundcheck Sit-In Upgrade Package” – Early entry into the venue – Access to Sit In to watch Red Wanting Blue’s Soundcheck at 5PM – One Signed Concert Poster – Early Access to Red Wanting Blue Merch – Very limited availability    

RED WANTING BLUE – VIP Soundcheck Sit-In Upgrade Package

VIP Soundcheck Sit-In Upgrade PackageYOU MUST HAVE A TICKET TO THE CONCERT! Early entry into the venue Access to Sit In to watch Red Wanting Blue’s Soundcheck * 4:45 pm: VIP Arrival* 5:00 pm – 5:30 pm: Red Wanting Blue VIP Soundcheck One Signed Concert Poster Early Access to Red Wanting Blue Merch Very limited availability

Firefall & Atlanta Rhythm Section

Firefall & Atlanta Rhythm Section Sunday, November 5th at 7:30 P.M.FirefallFor founder Jock Bartley, Firefall is a 40 year labor of love. Their layered harmonies backed by driving rhythms transcends many genres from rock to country to AC and brought the band platinum and gold success with such hits as “You Are The Woman,” “Strange Way” and “Just Remember I Love You.” Other major Firefall radio hits include “Cinderella,” “Goodbye I Love You,” “Livin’ Ain’t Livin” and “Mexico.” Extensive touring with Fleetwood Mac, The Doobie Brothers, Chicago, America and many others.Atlanta Rhythm SectionFor Atlanta Rhythm Section have entertained audiences all over the world with their many Top 10 hits. Along with contemporaries Lynyrd Skynyrd, they carry the mantle of “Southern Rock,” but by performing more musically diverse hits with a softer, pop flavor, they have a sound all their own. With multiple gold and platinum albums to their credit, the band had top hits like “So Into You,” “Imaginary Lover,” “Champagne Jam,” “Doraville,” “I’m Not Gonna Let It Bother Me Tonight,” “Do It Or Die” and “Spooky”.

Brian Henke’s Woodchoppers Ball

Brian Henke’s Woodchopper’s Ball   22nd Edition The Annual Woodchopper’s Ball gathers for one amazing night, once again at The Kent Stage on Saturday, November 11th at 7 P.M.! 2023 marks the 22nd annual offering of Brian Henke’s annual event honoring of finger-style guitar playing!   Enjoy performances by… Michael Kelsey (Winner Guitarmageddon 2004) Gareth Pearson Tim Thompson (2 Time International Fingerstyle Guitar Champion) Helen Avakian and Dave Irwin (Red Door) Jesse Smith (International Fingerstyle Guitar Champion) The Night Travelers (National Banjo Champion and upright bassist Niki Portman, Both members are inducted in Country Music Hall of Fame) Patrick Woods (International Fingerstyle Guitar Finalist and 2nd Place Guitar Hero) Kelly Zullo and Brian Henke Himself! (National Fingerstyle Guitar Finalist)

The Clarks – Kent Stage Debut

The Clarks – Kent Stage debut Early on, The Clarks were once described as a bunch of out of tune country hicks. The band took irreverent offense to the comments, saying they were never country hicks.  Eleven studio albums and a couple of guitar tuners later, The Clarks have struck again with Madly In Love At The End Of The World, a lively ride down a rural lane, laced with love, mourning, and questions about where it all goes from here.    The band recorded the eleven song album in a converted A-frame church, which helped highlight a series of warm, rock and Alt-Country tunes.  The four original members, Scott Blasey (vocals, acoustic guitar), Rob James (6 and 12-string electric guitars, vocals), Greg Joseph (bass, vocals) and David Minarik (drums, vocals) are joined by fellow touring mates Gary Jacob, Skip Sanders and Noah Minarik, tossing out some spanking pedal steel, Hammond organ and tasty guitar.  “We’ve never had more fun composing and recording songs,” says bass player Greg Joseph.  “With our storied recording history, it’s really heartening to know that music can still captivate the band as much as it has on this album.”   With a highlight reel that includes the Late Show with David Letterman, The Simpsons, and others, The Clarks are enjoying their stage time together now more than ever.  “It’s one big extended family,” says guitarist Rob James.  “Dave’s son Noah plays on this album, and with us live, so saying that isn’t just a metaphor, it’s fact!”  Singing and playing the songs of Madly In Love At The End Of The World has rekindled a fire in The Clarks’ sometimes broken, sometimes mended hearts.

Preservation Hall Jazz Band – Creole Christmas

Preservation Hall Jazz Band – Creole Christmas Celebrate the season as the Preservation Hall Jazz Band returns with A Creole Christmas concert, Join us as the band performs New Orleans classics as well as some of our best-loved holiday selections – with at twist! At a moment when musical streams are crossing with unprecedented frequency, it’s crucial to remember that throughout its history, New Orleans has been the point at which sounds and cultures from around the world converge, mingle, and resurface, transformed by the Crescent City’s inimitable spirit and joie de vivre. Nowhere is that idea more vividly embodied than in the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, which has held the torch of New Orleans music aloft for more than 50 years, all the while carrying it enthusiastically forward as a reminder that the history they were founded to preserve is a vibrantly living history.       Preservation Hall Jazz Band   BEN JAFFE – Bass (upright), Tuba, Percussion   CHARLIE GABRIEL – Saxophone (tenor), Clarinet   CLINT MAEDGEN – Saxophone (tenor), Percussion   RONELL JOHNSON – Trombone   WALTER HARRIS – Drums, Percussion   KYLE ROUSSEL – Piano, Wurlitzer, Organ   BRANDEN LEWIS – Trumpet