Kenny making plenty of hoops.

 KennyHoopla at The Rave Milwaukee - 11-26-2021

From rags to riches it seems as KennyHoopla has gone from an online artist to a new rock star. Although KennyHoopla can delivered songs with hooks and passion it was, in my mind Travis Barker that has helped to push KennyHoopla to were he is today by delivering him to the world stage. Rightly so as tonight’s show proves.

The doors of the venue are flung open early to welcome in charity donors, simple bring a new toy to donate and you get a meet and greet with the Rolling Stones, ones to watch artist. A slightly introvert man who is very friendly with all that come by him. After this short stent the warm up band graces the stage, ‘Shoobie’ are just like Kenny, being local to the area and it shows as fans are joining in with their punk rock chants. Great energy and showmanship from this younger group.

Then it is a casual transition to the main act KennyHoopla, welcomed in by his own friend and DJ hit the ground running delivering older and newer songs. There was a lot of technical difficulties with sound and mics leading to a less than streamlined show. However, when the songs hit they hit hard, with the crowd going crazy for his songs and antics. As he paused to talk to the crowd he looked vulnerable and shy, surprisingly considering his recent rise and wild shows seen online. I am sure that playing to a local crowd once again has him on the back foot, this will be something that will develop over time and as he becomes more experienced will become more of the stage manager not just the artist.

KennyHoopla can once again add another accolade to his belt tonight with a sold-out hometown (kind of) show. Although it was short it was certainly sweet.

The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones at US Bank Stadium, Minneapolis – 10-24-21

A band that needs no introductions but here it goes anyway, after 50 years these aged rockers are still filling stadiums. However, on this tour they are without one of the pivotal members, drummer, Charlie Watt who passed away just a few months prior to it kicking off. Up until the age of 80 Charlie still helped to shape the sound of rock music and The Rolling Stones and will be sadly missed by many. The band decided to carry on the rescheduled tour with blessings from Charlie before passing, echoing ‘the show must go on’.

The show certainly did go on tour after being delayed almost 18 months it was kicked into gear by the support act, Black Pumas. Enigmatic and powerful they powered through a set of ambient blues/rock style of music. The sound did not exactly connect with me, but you could feel the passion and energy from the band as they effortlessly played with instruments.

As for many tonight it was a show all about the headliners, who all aged in their 70’s played a two-hour blistering set of songs on this ‘No Filter’ tour, they hit as many hits as they could. The lighting effects with videos and screens was key to energizing all the stadium members. They played on stop and certainly make some younger bands look weak in comparison to the set length. At one point they had a random music generator to pick an older song for them to remember. Tonight’s song was ‘Money Man’ on the selection and after a minute or two they hashed out their old song without playing it for years. Many highlights from the show can be found online but for me, my favorite still has to be ‘Paint It Black’. From first track to last The Rolling Stones were a tight unit, putting all their energy and years of practice into every ounce of the show. They were more than happy to still be doing what they do on stage tonight like any other. It was an exciting and remarkable show that will be forever looked back on. 

Frank Turner Hard Core Forever

 

Frank Turner at Majestic Theatre, Madison – 10-20-21

“From the east, from the east”, Frank Turner is back again for another round of shows in the USA. Frank is no stranger to playing Madison and for good reason, his punk rock ethics matches well with the free minded views of locals. The love of Frank showed in Madison as not only did it sell out in advance, but every song was a wall to wall singing along.

However, the show had a very different vibe to a normal Frank Turner (Hard Core)/punk rock show. Both the Frank and the opener, Nathan Gray played entirely acoustic shows due to maybe a shortage of drummers and travel restrictions. This made for an interesting and refreshing view on songs new and old, as it made you focus more on the lyrical content behind the songs. Nathan won the crowd over from the first note, his raw and poetic songs were written and performed with a deep passion for what he does. To paraphrase him, music is not a product for sale but a way of connection to other human beings. This is what they did for so many at the show tonight as he gains a broader fan base.

Acoustic shows also have a different advantage, shorter set changes between acts. This meant that it was not long before the crowd was in hysterics for the English punk star to hit the stage. Frank rolled through many of hits from his nine-album catalog, ‘Rivers’ and ‘Recovery’ were sensational along with new songs like ‘Having Been doing So Well’. His new album maybe a few months away but he flexed a lot of the content tonight from highs to lows.  Practically everyone was “stroking his ego”, as he liked to call it tonight by making sure to sing every chorus and lyrical back to him. The emotion and connection with the audience was strong tonight, not just because of the return of live music but for the personal appreciation Frank takes to everyone in life.

Be you an old fan, a newbie or a hater, Frank Turner pulls no punches at speaking from his heart about most matters, with the emphasis on being more kind. Most people left the show tonight feeling not only pleased for the experience but rejuvenated to see the world in a different light. This was my third time seeing Frank tonight and hopefully will not be the last.

One of the best from 2019

'Febria' is a band full of life again after a hiatus since 2015, they have came back strong with their debut album, after only a few EP's released they have decide to put out a full length full of heart and promise. Think 'Bon Iver' on a deep voyage into the woods of the Welsh Valleys, the band have elegantly drew together their collective orchestra to deliver note for note a journey of musical discovery. The songs as a collective whole cannot or should not be categorized individually or placed into a particular genre rather they should be considered one collective piece of art that should be enjoyed from start to finish.

From the get go this is not just a record from a Welsh band but a powerful message from the hearts of unique musicians and will make you long for more.

New Found Glory Hitting The Big Screen

Just like their name suggests, 'New Found Glory' are still envisioning new glorious ways to delight their fans, after 20 years in the music industry things can get stale but not for 'NFG' as they put a new spin on a nationwide tour. From the screen to the stage is the title of the tour and brings together hits from their back catalog as well as hits from movies we all know and love.

A big blockbuster line up supports the heavy hitters on this tour, 'Jettybones' opens the show with their fresh sound and worthy of feature act as they develop a back catalogue. Next up was personal favorites, 'Free Throw' delivering a rowdy set from their new album which dropped this month, Nov 2019. The passion shines through the record and their live show as they punch out songs from the heart. On this record they brought things back home, "we have struggled personally with mental health issues and have laid a lot out on the line in this revealing record", says lead vocal and guitarist, Cory. They connect with the audience on a sonic level screaming their sorrows aloud, think 'The Swellers' meets 'State Champs'.


Main support is a band who know Madison well, 'Hawthorn Heights'  having record their first album in this city they have grew a grand following from across the world. They play a solid set worthy of any sold out crowd, full of hope and sing alongs, a perfect warm up for pop-punk champions, 'New Found Glory'.




Bursting out on to the stage with movie theme music gets the party started. The 20th century Fox fan fair plays before they bust out into a hit filled set. Cover songs come in the form of, 'Let It Go' from 'Frozen' to 'Accidentally In Love' from 'Shrek' plus many more including costume changes from lead man Chad, even with a broken wrist he projected himself across the stage like a lima at a banana buffet. Another surprise came from a touring guitarist on stage, it just happened to be Ryan lead man of classic band 'Yellowcard', while the band have gone their separate ways, Ryan has not rested being a touring 'NFG' member and producer for new acts. 'NFG' delivered a blockbuster night at this sold out extravaganza, full of highs and more bigger highs. The whole sold out tour shows why this band are still going strong at over 20 years old they still feel fresh as tomorrow.

The Menzingers say goodbye to exile

Although 'The Menzingers' new album is called "Hello Exile" they couldn't be more loved right now as they release another powerful yet personal album. Luckily for us they headed to Madison, Wi to play an intimate show at 'The Majestic'.

Another to great opening acts fill the tour bill, first up is 'Culture Abuse' that strive to be wild, with their awesome cords and unique vocals, if you closed your eyes you could almost feel a 'PIL' or 'Sex pistols' vibe from the sound they delivered. Next was, 'Tigers Jaw' who took a big bite of the action tonight, also delivering their unique sound and aura they blew away the audience. Big things are planned for these guys in the future I sense it.

One band tonight that does not require intuition is, 'The Menzingers' as we all know what their capable of. After six albums they deliver a hit filled set, focusing on the new record did not bother most as they new word for word or danced to the hypnotic rhythms.

Big strides from Tiny Moving Parts

It has been a long time coming but 'Tiny Moving Parts' are making bigger leaps than ever, transitioning from a support act to a headline act on their mammoth nationwide tour.

Speaking of support acts this tour has two great supports both in terms of music and personality, making this tour and show one big community. First up was math rockers, 'Standards' who captivated the audience with their wild and infectious rhythms. Demonstrating that anyone can get lost in the music even if it is without a vocal layer. Ironic to their name, 'Standards' were beyond  your standard two piece as they excelled at their craft.

Likewise, second on the bill, 'Fredo Disco' were perfect at getting the crowd moving and singing along. Surprising considering this is their second only tour and first time in Madison, Wi. As we chatted to Fredo pre show for my podcast he still gets a little nervous heading to the stage but is excited to be able to do what he loves with people he loves. No one can fail to see and hear the appeal of this new band both on record and live as they shine.



'Tiny Moving Parts' deliver a huge chunk of craziness here in mad town as they have everyone on the floor moving and getting involved in this intimate pop punk explosion of hits and dips. Their sound was tight and set list long as they rattled through more tracks than a Foo Fighters discography. Overall, it was an exciting collaboration of people that love playing music for people who love being surround with music and the energy it creates.

Priceless perfection from COIN

It does not happen often that bands play the same place twice over a weekend but here in Madison we were lucky enough to have that happen with rising stars 'COIN'. Even though the band have been playing since 2012 they are just starting to get the recognition and ever growing fan base they deserve.

Welcome to Madison, Wi, 'COIN' although they are not strangers to the city this weekend was bound to be special. Saturday (19th Oct) seen the band play a session for radio station (Resistance 106.7) at a local brewery (Delta Lab). Although the band were not down for sampling the local concoctions they did marvel in the location of this new setting for a session. The band did a small interview and a four song set to a sold out audience and killed it in this intimate location, stopping to talk with fans.

The next day the band were hitting up the Majestic Theatre in Madison to an almost sold out crowd. The opening act 'WLDLFE' brought their own unique style to the stage, imagine a pop heavy 'Bon Iver' mixed with 'Sir Sly'. They were certainly an exciting band to see and hear live delivering an energetic performance, they even included a sing along moment from current fans from the audience.

Then it was 'COIN's time to shine and shine they did. The production was one of the biggest I have seen at the Majestic theatre, a huge lighting rig and sound system bathed the classic theatre into 'Coin's musical playground. The whole crowd was rolling in the golden atmosphere and energy from the band as they delivered a staple hit after hit. As the band flew through three albums worth of material they were greeted with not only applause but sheer admiration from a local and travelled audience, as more than a handful of people travelled from Chicago for this event tonight. The set was pure mintage especially when they fired out their 7 Million viewed video, 'Talk Too Much'. With the release of their new album they certain to reach the next step of their musical career and possibly into households world wide. Checkout the new chart hitting album out in January 2020.

Around the world and back

The Slyvee in Madison continues to put on huge shows this week from the vocal range of 'Lizzo' to the technical wizard of 'Zedd', we were lucky enough to be invited to the sold out show for 'Zedd' and what an experience it was.

To warm up the crowd for the international DJ was a young Swedish duo, 'NOTD'. For a young duo they have grown from strength to strength, supporting world rounded acts to remixing some of the biggest songs in the world. Their latest track, 'Keep you Mine' was a hit from the first note, charging up the audience for 'Zedd'. It will be exciting to see them wrangle a crowd of this size on their own one day.

With the crowd pumped and stage set it was time to go 365 into 'Zedd's' immersive world. From impressive visuals and effects to the basic rhythm you could feel the electric atmosphere on the back of your neck tingle. This was one of the shows to remember from a global act growing in super star status.

Bowling For Soup & Less Than Jake strike it out!

Two staple punk bands go bowling for victory on this intimate headline tour. Tonight’s show at the smaller Majestic Theater in Madison comes with not one but two headlining bands, ‘Bowling For Soup’ & ‘Less Than Jake’, both equally enough to sell this venue out on their own. Luckily for the fans on this tour they get to embrace two pop/punk legends face to face in this intimate venue.

Before the two legends hit the stage there was a newly re branded act which aimed to warm up the audience and that they did plus some. ‘Authority Zero’ hit the ground running full of energy and break downs to lift the crowd up. Although the vocals were hard to hear at times, the music was delivered with high octane energy.

Next up was, ‘Less Than Jake’ the pop punk veterans that have influenced a generation of new punk/scar bands. Since 1994 they have entertained audiences around the world and this show was no different, involving the crowd at every given stage from sing-along’s to on stage dance offs.  The show was beyond a standard Sunday night show, it felt like a real home town show with the band having a real passion for wanting to live every night. Then we were treated to a band who didn’t want to play, ‘Bowling For Soup’. 

‘BFS’ opted to play one song at a time before breaking for a joke or interesting conversation about the new member’s poor bladder functions. However, as you might be able to tell it was a great time by all, playing their hits and even other bands #staciesmom. From ‘Punk Rock 101’ to ‘1985’ and ‘High School Never Ends’ there was so much awesomeness it was hard to contain ourselves. 

It was a shame to not see the original line up for ‘BFS’ again but it still rocked! We wish the old member Erik all the best on his future endeavors. This was about my 4^th time seeing the band ‘Bowling For Soup’ and as ever they hit a strike. Always got time for the pop punk legends!

Success for Sigrid

On this cooler autumn night at Madison Majestic Theatre things are about to heat up with the introduction of international star, “Sigrid”.

For any act it is key to make a name for yourself in your country before perusing further afield.  However, Norwegian native, “Sigrid” is one of them few rare acts that has exploded up around the world after her debut album, “Sucker Punch” went viral on the market receiving a warm reception from fans and critics across the board as a well produced feel good record. Although it might feel rushed it was only natural to tour the record to as many countries as possible, for example tonight’s show in the Midwest of America was sold out a week in advance.

The support for the tour and tonight’s show is a New York based musician called, “Raffaella”. An impressive and enjoyable but short set from the new comer seen her win over the entire crowd, from the first track “Bruce Willis” to last track, “Sororicide”.  It will be really exciting to see her develop as an artist beyond her current debut EP.

As the venue was full and backing band in place it was time for the hits to fly as “Sigrid” came out fighting into song one, “Sucker Punch”. From that moment the crowd were hooked and even singing along to most songs, some were even word for word. The power that this artist has had on the local crowd at this show alone is impressive and resonates a lot to the future career. The show included most of her debut album performed perfectly with a cheeky smile never leaving her face. This was a show to remember from a legend that has begun. Next stop in Madison will be The Slyvee, guaranteed.

Weathering Well

The electronic atmospheric music wizard ‘Tycho’, aka Scott Hanson has launched himself into unknown territory with his fifth album, “Weather”. The new album is a dramatic step forward as it features vocals from ‘Saint Sinner’; this is uncharted waters for Scott as he has only previously released instrumental bodies of work. However, it seems that the change of direction has proven a big step forward for the artist; both fans and critics have fully supported the artist as the sound has grown along with the venue sizes.  I believe this could be the tipping point for Scott to become the next global phenomenon DJ if he would so choose to continue this trajectory. 

Naturally, the show must travel just like the “Weather”. Luckily for me one of the shows of the world tour landed in my city, Madison, Wi. The support act ‘Poolside’ excited the crowd enough before ‘Tycho’ and his live band step forward from the shadows. Starting off with a classic song of “Awake” energized the crowd into ‘Tycho’s’ mantra. Although there was little communication from the artist to fans they were rolling through the ‘Tycho’ discography with ease. It truly was an visual and audio pleasures to witness the music come alive in this perfect atmosphere.

 

Felicidades Los Dells

 Congratulations Los Dells for another fantastic and ever expanding festival.

Now into its third year this ever expanding festival features music from across the Latin music spectrum and beyond. This year’s headline acts, playing across Saturday and Sunday were global touring musicians, ‘Logic’ and ‘Ozuna’.  Both acts delivered on their headlining position, closing out the festival with a bang.

Elsewhere across the festival the fiesta continued across four stages with giveaways, art displays and food all promoting Latino and South American culture. Hidden away in an idyllic little town of Mauston did not stop guests travelling from across the Midwest and beyond to taken in ‘Los Dells’. Many of the other artists played to their hearts delight receiving with all artists receiving a warm welcome on stage. Highlights for me came from ‘Fuego’ who rapped his way through a great set and ‘Ximena Sarinana’ who lead the party with her hits. It was also a pleasure to be invited to two bonus sets on Friday night pre festival to see a neat warm up show.

Overall, the festival is very much still in its infancy with a light attendance record and few art/food places to actually check out it left some people feeling empty, especially when the charge for a two day ticket is roughly $159. With that being said it is a relaxed and holistic festival that showcases the best Latino acts worldwide, festivals are very costly to set up these days so the cost reflects that. Personally I would absolutely recommend this festival as one to experience; hopefully as it grows it will be the staple to end the summer time fun in the Wisconsin Dells. 

Now enjoy a short picture gallery of the weekend...