News 2004

December 1, 2003

December is hear already. Do you believe it? Perhaps you're having trouble because it's been kind of mild. Well, I think it has been mild. As we gear up for the holidays, let me remind you that James Blood Ulmer is due to drop in on the 'Circus, Friday December 12 (don't miss him on Dec. 11 at Johnny Ds!).

December 19th, will the be the annual 3RC Christmas Special. Until then, I'll be slipping in some holiday tunes to get you in the spirit.

Again, many thanks to you WMBR listeners who pledged your support to WMBR during our fund drive last month!

November 20, 2003:

Thanks to everyone who pledge on this year's fund drive. If you missed it, you can still pledge online until this Saturday November 22.

Tune in tomorrow, Friday November 21st for an interview with Warren Haynes. A cool dude in a loose mood, with a packed schedule. We'll chat about the Allman Brothers, Phil Lesh, new Gov't Mule bassist Andy Hess and Warren's solo career. And we'll mix a lot of music in there too. So tune in tomorrow between 4-6pm. And again, thanks for supporting WMBR for another year!

November 12

Today kicks of WMBR's annual fund drive. It will continue until next Tuesday, November 18th. Please support WMBR and all the wonderful programming you hear all year long. This Friday, November 14 between 4:00 -6:00 p.m. will be a special edition of Three Ring Circus. You can securely pledge online anytime during the week at the WMBR web site. We hope to HEAR FROM YOU this week.

November 10, 2003

WMBR's annual fundraiser is approaching. It starts this Wednesday, November 12 and runs through to Tuesday, November 18th. Three Ring Circus will be doing a special fundraising edition this Friday between 4-6 p.m. We'll be rebroadcasting some very special live performances to remind you why WMBR is so special and why we need your support. Please tune in.

Two killer shows over the weekend. The Dirtbombs and The Sights at the Middle East Downstairs. Highlight of the evening? The Dirtbombs' cover of the Eurythmics' "Missionary Man" - WOW! Then there was my dance with Mick on stage. Who has the picture? I'll pay for you to destroy them! The Bottle Rockets tore up Harper's Ferry. The consummate roots rock band. Many roots and lots of rock! Their latest release "Blue Sky" (Sanctuary) was produced by Warren Haynes and Michael Barbiero.

Speaking of Warren Haynes, tune in on Friday November 21st for an interview with Warren Haynes. I spoke with him at the beginning of the "Rebirth of the Mule" tour at the Orpheum theater last month. We'll talk about his *many* "irons on the fire" including his upcoming solo release, Gov't Mule, The Allman Brothers and Phil. Whew... and I thought I was busy.

October 18, 2003

The fall season is a busy one with shows, shows, shows! Last week's visit by David Lowery and Johnny Hickman was truly special. So much to talk about, so little time, but we managed to learn that David has no problem knocking a few back and letting the tape roll (or is that roll the tape and knock a few back?). Either way, he has captured a party on a shiny disc they call "Countrysides." Let me hear a yee haw for the winged lizard.

I did speak with Warren Haynes last night and will air that interview and some new tracks from "The Deepest End" and "The Lone EP" sometime in November. He's another one in the so-much-to-talk-about-so-little-time category, but I'm grateful for the few minutes he took to chat. Keep your fingers crossed for his solo tour next year and possible stop on 3RC. I know why the guys is so busy. He loooooves what he does.

September 26, 2003

October is shaping up to be quite busy. First, David Lowery & Johnny Hickman of Cracker will swing by the 3RC on October 10. We'll chat about their latest release "Countrysides" and git them to play a couple tunes too.

Warren Haynes (Gov't Mule, Allman Brothers) is working on a full-length solo album due out in early 2004. We'll talk with this very busy man as he brings "The Rebirth of the Mule" tour to the Orpheum Theater later in October.

September 6, 2003

The Black Keys officially released 3 songs (Suicide Squeeze) from their set on Three Ring Circus earlier in the year. It sounds great thanks to the efforts of our resident sound engineer Ramsey Tantawi, and of course, the great playing of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney. They return to Boston on October 7, playing the Paradise.

August 29, 2003

Tune in next Friday when the Corb Lund Band will play a live set on the show (sometime around 5pm). The band hails from Alberta, Canada and plays some great roots rock music. In fact, this year they have been nominated "Best Roots Act" by the Canadian Country Music Association. Tune in next Friday and listen for yourself.

I've added the latest Detroit Cobras show at TT the bears to the photo gallery. Check it out. Also remember they come back to Boston to support Cheap Trick, Cake at the Orpheum Sept. 7. Good to see our gals coming up in the world.

August 18, 2003

Susan Gibson's visit on the Three Ring Circus was one to remember, read about why here. I did go to Berkfest for a quick visit I was a bit under the weather, still struggling with this summer cold ack! The Flaming Lips were fun and sang Happy Birthday, but not to me:-( Galactic put on a really good set earlier in the day. After the Lips there was a groovy scene at the Upper Lodge with Joe Russo & Marco Benevento an organ and drum combo. respectively. They had some serious grooves going on. They are actually coming to Harpers Ferry on Sept. 11. I'm bummed because I'll be out of town and this will be a good one. Since we were making the 2 hour drive back to Boston, we had to split early. Sorry no pictures, although I had a photo pass they didn't allow flash and I didn't learn of that until I got to the venue. Oh Well.

Speaking of pictures, check out some new updates to the photo gallery. North Mississippi Allstars at the Beachcomber in Wellfleet (The Cape for you out of towners) and Tim Easton when he opened for Steve Wynn at TTs earlier this month. Enjoy - Joan

August 9, 2003

Next Friday, August 15, Susan Gibson stops by the 3RC for a performance and chat around 5 p.m.

New pictures in the photo gallery include The Dirtbombs, Downbeat 5, Jittery Jack, Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys, The Speed Devils (last show!!), Thad Cockrell and Steve Wynn & the Miracle 3. whew... still more to come, like North Mississippi Allstars, Tim Easton, The Gathering of the Vibes (Gov't Mule, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, Jorma) and then there is the upcoming Berkfest show, which I'll be getting a bunch of photos from there too. So do check back.

July 25

Next Friday, Aug 1 at 5:00 p.m.Steve Wynn stops by to chat and play an acoustic set. Please tune in.

Recently, WMBR updated their audio streams to MP3. Woo hoo! You can listen on line at WMBR's web site.

June 10

Roy Rogers and Norton Buffalo stopped by the WMBR studios, played a couple tunes and chatted about their latest release "Roots of Our Nature." And later in the evening played a great set at the House of Blues, their first time playing together in Boston. Check out pictures here.

Luckily, the timing worked out last Friday night that I could ping pong between the House of Blues and the Lizard Lounge to check out Amy Rigby and Robbie Fulks.

And new to the photo gallery Big Sandy & His Fly Rite Boys.

May 29

Tune in next Friday, June 6 for a special in-studio performance by slide guitarist Roy Rogers and his harp playing cohort Norton Buffalo. They are in town for a very special (and rare) east coast engagement at the House of Blues later that night.

My trip to the Motor City was great. I didn't see any live music however, too busy visiting my husband's relatives. However, we did catch up with Mari and Rachel of the Detroit Cobras. Things are going well for the band, they are working on a new single for Rough Trade and are being featured in an upcoming edition of Rolling Stone magazine. So look for it on news stands next week.

I'm still catching up with SXSW pictures, for you viewing pleasure I've uploaded Ian Moore Action Company, Lucero, The Bigger Lovers, and Chris Whitley. More to come.

May 21

Don't forget to tune in this Friday for a live set by The Black Keys, ok, it's not exactly live, but it was recorded straight to CD. No overdubs - not necessary. The set will air between 5-5:30 p.m. Also, note Patrick Bryant will be hosting the 'Circus this week. I'll be in Detroit visiting friends and family and who knows, go see a show or two.

I've added the following pictures to the photo gallery; Peter Wolf, Th' Legendary Shack*Shakers and The Black Keys, enjoy.

May 17

Yesterday was quite the Circus. First we recorded a set by The Black Keys, which we'll broadcast next Friday at 5pm. Then Th' Legendary Shack*Shakers came in and "shaked our shack." Man, what a set. And both bands put on a great performance at TTs later in the evening. I'll post pictures soon of these groups, plus pictures of Peter Wolf's performance at the Middle East last week. Ok, back to my nap.

May 14

Don't forget to tune in this Friday afternoon, May 16th for a live performance by Th' Legendary Shack*Shakers!! T'will be a 3RC to remember. Shaker time 5pm! You can see them live later in the evening at TTs with The Konks and The Black Keys. And speaking of The Black Keys...

Friday May 23rd, we have The Black Keys playing a live set on 3RC... a great way to kick off the holiday weekend!

May 5

Dave Alvin and Chris Gaffney stopped by the 3RC as scheduled and what a treat! Great music and great conversation. He's currently doing a mini-acoustic tour working on some songs for his upcoming release, scheduled for release in September/October of this year. We'll keep you posted on progress as it unfolds. In the meantime, check out some pictures of Dave and Chris on the 'Circus and later at Passim's.

April 24

Dave Alvin is confirmed for live performance of 3RC next Friday, May 2. He may also bring along Chris Gaffney - double bonus!

New to the photo gallery, Deke Dickerson and more photos from SXSW: Beaver Nelson, Loose Diamonds, Dayna Kurtz and Schel Reaux.

April 21

New to the photo gallery - the Iguanas.

Dave Alvin is a strong maybe for May 2. I should know in the next day or so. Keep those fingers and toes crossed.

April 15

I'm sure glad I got my taxes done early this year. It allowed me to add some pictures to the photo gallery. The Detroit Cobras from last Friday night and Last Hombres (featuring Levon Helm) from last Saturday. Enjoy.

April 11

Well the Detroit Cobras couldn't make the show. They just didn't have the time as they are coming in from Philadelphia. Probably just as well since the weather is so cruddy. When will spring come?

I've added Dave Alvin & the Guilty Men to the photo gallery. Dave is coming to club Passim on Friday May 2 and I'm trying to get him to come by the studio. I'll keep you posted.

April 7th

I've added a few acts to the photo gallery, Calexico at the Paradise and Joey Burns' visit on 3RC, Project Object (ex-Mothers) at the Middle East downstairs, The Gourds (Austin, TX) and Boston's own Tarbox Ramblers at Harper's Ferry, Big Ray & the Futuras, Robbie Fulks and Seks Bomba.

I still have the Detroit Cobras tentatively scheduled for a live set on 3RC this Friday. Keep those fingers crossed.

March 28th

I hope you got a chance to hear the SXSW special. If not, you can check out the playlist here, or view tons of pictures here. Next week, I'm going to take it easy and listen to all the new releases that have come in the last month. Should keep me busy for a while. I do have the Detroit Cobras (tentatively) scheduled for a live performance on April 11. We'll see, if we can make it happen.

March 19th

I'm back! I just returned from Texas with a pile of new music from artists you know and some you don't. Not only was there lots to do at SXSW, but there were plenty of cool things to do that had nothing to do with SXSW. I personally saw over 50 bands, took over 1,000 pictures and recorded over 12 hours of tape. Whew... So, this Friday I'll highlight shows that weren't official SXSW events starting at 4pm. Then at 5 p.m. Joey Burns and John Convertino of Calexico will stop by the Circus to play a live acoustic set. Can't ask for more than that.

Next Friday, March 28th, I'll air a special SXSW edition of 3RC. I would have done it on the 21st, but there is just way too much material to rush through. Next week's special will feature artists who attended the show, why people go to the show, who they wanted to see and the poster show Flatstock II and, of course, tons of music. Also I've started a companion web site that I'll be updating in the coming days and weeks. Remember I said 50 bands a thousand pictures....

March 6

Went to two great shows last night, Chandler Travis Philharmonic and the Corb Lund Band. They're from Canada ya know. Don't forget to tune in tomorrow to hear Terry Adams. Sometime around 5pm

March 4

Uploaded more pictures in the photo gallery: Rhett Miller and Frank Morey.

March 3

Job Cain played a killer set on 3RC last Friday afternoon and at Johnny D's later that evening. This Friday, March 7th, we'll be talking with Terry Adams of NRBQ. The following Friday, March 14th I'll be in Austin at SXSW checking out the scene. I'll be putting together a special SXSW edition of 3RC when I return. Also note, that Joey & Paul from Calexico will be performing a live acoustic set on 3RC March 21st. They will be at the Paradise later that evening.

February 24

I'm still digesting the recent tragedies in Chicago and at The Station night club in W. Warrick, RI. I did not know any of the victims, but as a frequent concert-goer, the events gave me pause. Although the shows we list on the Events Calendar don't use pyrotechnics or are associated with dance clubs per say, that doesn't mean similar circumstances could not happen at any of these events. We cannot control everything that happens around us, but we can become more informed on what to do should an emergency arise. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has tips for club goers that I encourage all to review.

February 21

Whew, what a week. Sub zero temperatures, 2 feet of snow and today it's suppose to be 50 degrees. Typical New England behavior. But being a native New Englander, I didn't let the weather slow me down. Mostly because I needed to get out of the house! This past week I saw great shows by NRBQ, Steve Earle, Tim Easton and Jay Bennett & Edward Burch. And as the spring approaches (please hurry) we have some great guests booked on the Circus.

First, next week we have a live electric performance by Job Cain on 3RC. Who is Job Cain you ask? Well it's Alvin Youngblood Hart (guitars/vocals), Audley Freed (guitars/formerly of Black Crowes), Robert Kearns (Bass/Vocal/has played with Audley in Cry of Love) and Ed Michaels (Drums/Commander Cody, Roy Rogers and Norton Buffalo). Expect to enjoy some loud explosive blues! Yee ha!

Next up, I got a chance to interview Terry Adams of NRBQ this past week and we'll air that interview on March 7th. Also note the "Q" will be playing the Regent Theater in Arlington on Saturday March 8th.

One more note: I will be going to South by Southwest (SXSW) this year. Our music director and host of Subject to Change, Patrick Bryant, will be filling in on the Circus Friday March 14. You guys are in for a treat. When I return I'll be doing a SXSW special, either on the 21st or 28th of the month. I have a feeling I'll have a lot to report from the week. If you're an artist who will be there, drop me a line and let me know where and when.

February 14

Happy Valentine's Day! Today on the 'Circus, we'll play songs about being in love, broken hearts and obession. Because Valentine's day is for everybody - happy and sad.

February 10

Terry Adams of NRBQ will be on 3RC Friday, March 7th. Woo hoo! Don't forget they play the Regent Theater in Arlington on March 9th. Arlington just keeps getting cooler!

Also, I'll be going to the South by Southwest Music Festival this year in Austin, TX. I'll be recording a lot of the activity there and will bring it back for a special SXSW edition of the 3RC later in March.

February 7

Well the snow is coming down pretty hard and our boys from Western, MA, the Lonesome Brothers have to cancel their live set today. We're bummed, but whatcha going to do? Reschedule of course! We'll do that in the coming weeks, when the chance of snow storms diminish.

February 1

Don't forget this Friday, the Lonesome Brothers will be playing a live set on 3RC, sometime between 4-5pm, so tune in.

Hookah Brown rocked loudly Friday night! The band was tight and the new songs felt like instant classics. Even though I was wearing earplugs, my ears were buzzing for the next 24 hours. I should have expected it standing in front of Rich's amp all night snapping these swell pictures.

Thursday night I went to TTs and checked out the Waco Brothers, The Sadies and Jon Langford and the Sadies. I sure got my fill of cow-poke-post-punk-rock-n-roots fun.And that Jon is a hoot.

January 27th

As promised, I got some great shots of L.P. at the Kendall Cafe this weekend (as well as Jason Ringenberg). I also added some pictures of Boston's own Spurs. Check them out or others on the photos page.

January 25, 2003

L.P played a killer set yesterday on the show, I'm looking forward to the gig tonight at the Kendall Cafe. I didn't get pictures of the in-studio performance (my camera is broken), but I did borrow one later in the evening to catch these shots of Jason Ringenberg (Jason of Jason & the Scorchers) at the Kendall Cafe. I will get some L.P. shots tonight.

Rich Robinson proved to be a pretty down to earth guy. He's happy to be out playing live, admitted it's strange to be playing without his brother Chris (this is the first time he's toured without Chris), but it's all good and he's especially enjoying the time benefit of the Black Crowes' hiatus to spend time with his kids. He says that a Hookah Brown show is similiar to the Black Crowes (he writes songs for both bands), but it has more space in the music as the band is a four piece. More space for Rich's guitar licks? Definitely a good thing.

Seeing that it was "wicked cold" this week, I hunkered down and made a dent in uploading more pictures to the site. Added are; The Dirtbombs, Thad Cockrell, Four Piece Suit, Kelly Hogan, Buddy & Julie Miller, and Amy Rigby.

January 22, 2003

This Friday, January 24 will be a busy one. I'll be talking with Rich Robinson (Black Crowes) who is coming to the HOB next Friday Jan. 31st with his new band, Hookah Brown. If you have a burning question for Rich, email it to me before noon on the 24th. I'll be talking to him sometime during the show, probably in the first hour 4-5pm.

Also, LP will be playing a live set sometime in the second hour. LP has sung with Cracker as well as with her own band. She'll be at the Kendall Cafe this Saturday night January 25th. You can learn more about LP at her web site. We're psyched to get her and Rich on the Circus at this late date.

Coming up, The Lonesome Brothers will play live on the 3RC Friday February 7th. They'll go on in the first hour sometime around 4pm. Tune in!

January 14, 2003

Well a belated Happy New Year to you all. I hope you all survived the holidays. I for one was happy to drop-kick 2002 into history. It was a crappy year for me personally. Thank god for all the great music, it really saved my ass.

Now, It's the dawn of a new year and it's time to get organized. I've been busy trying to catch up with posting photos in the photo gallery. As you can see by the gallery listing, I have a lot of photos to go before I catch up. This week I've uploaded a The Detroit Cobras and Ian Moore. But all this hunkering down and organizing was giving me cabin fever, so I stepped out this past weekend to see Camper van Beethoven - good call! But that means catching up is going to be tough if I keep on going out:-)

Look for more live acts in February. I'll post details here as I get them.

News 2002