December 23

I hope you are all enjoying the holidays season so far. I had fun doing the annual 3RC Holiday Spectacular plus. Filling in for Eion's Brigade after 3RC allowed me to squeeze in more holiday spirit. You can view the playlist here, and listen to part 1 and part 2 until January 5.

Next week on 3RC I'll play some of my favorites of 2006 and let you know where all the New Year's Eve happenings are. If you can't wait, check out the events calendar. If you have an addition, zip me an email.

Have a nice holidays. I'll write next year!

December 9

I'm still basking in the glow of the magical performance by Alejandro Escovedo and his sublime band at the MFA the other night. If you weren't able to get into this sold out show, don't fret. Alejandro returns to the area with 2 dates in February. Feb. 2 at the Stone Church in New Market, NH. and Feb. 3 at Narrow's Center for the Arts. Fingers crossed he'll have time to swing by the 'circus.

December 7

I went to the El Vez show the other night... the guy sure knows how to get one in the holiday spirit. Take a look and perhaps you'll feel a little merrier.

November 26

Just added. New York Dolls and Supersucker photos from Axis earlier in the week. Sweet.

November 24

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. I'd like to thank everyone who pledge on WMBR during our fund drive. You guys make it happen so we can make it happen. Thanks!!

Today on 3RC I'd like to pay tribute to an artist that 3RC has grown up on. Chris Whitley. His Columbia debut, Living With the Law came out in 1991, the same year 3RC debuted and we've been following Chris's career ever since. We were saddened to hear of his passing last November and wanted to do something special to remember his musical contribution. So we've put together a special tribute program in his honor so we can remember the man, his music and his etherial vibe. The special was to air at 5pm, but I had so much I wanted to include, we're going to start it at 4:40p. The special will include excerpts from Whitley's visit to 3RC back in 2002 as well as studio recordings and live performances. You can listen to the archive until December 7.

November 13

Only one more day until our annual fund drive ends, but we'll be leaving the online pledging up for an extra week for you procrastinators. And if you pledge $25 or more on 3 Ring Circus, you'll get a compilation of live performances from the last year on 3RC. That includes Camper Van Beethoven, The Reigning Sound, Sarah Borges & Jimmy Ryan, Patrick Sweany Band, Jabe Beyer, James Hand and more. Thanks to those that have pledged so far, it really makes a difference and keeps us going!!!!

November 1

Did you miss the set by the Deadstring Brothers on last week's show? Man it kicked. You can listen to it here until Nov. 10, don't delay, do it today!

Time to drop a hint, WMBR's annual fund drive is coming up. Hope you've set some pennies aside to help us out. More on that later.

October 23

A couple photo additions... Supersuckers at Avalon, Jon Dee Graham and Peter Case at Johnny D's and The Paybacks at the Middle East.

October 19

Next week, Oct. 27 at 5pm. I'll air a performance and interview by the Deadstring Brothers. You do not want to miss it. These guys are great. Their Boston debut will be opening for Shooter Jennings on Nov. 2.

Still jammed with work, home and going to shows... and great ones too. The Supersuckers and Social Distortion the other night at Avalon. Lots of crowd surfing and update staff, but hey it's Avalon. The Romantics at Axis on Monday was pretty good, the staff isn't as intense, but they may change when the New York Dolls, Supersuckers, Chesterfield Kings play next month. RUN don't WALK to get those tickets while you still can.

The big treat of the week has been going to the recording party by the Downbeat 5. About 50 people showed up at Q-Division for a private performance/party and the tape was rolling. WOW! What a great time. If the record sounds half as good as what they played... man, is it going to be sweet.

October 6, 2006

Between going to shows, doing house projects before Winter sets in and enjoying the Fall weather, I haven't been posting as much.

Shows of note: The Woggles, Fleshtones, Zombie's tour at Axis. - What great fun. I was one of the younger folks in the crowd. Always makes me happy. The Drive-by Truckers at Avalon, the band is still in fine form and their fans are the coolest. Another great scene. Tony Joe White bringing his hypnotic swamp blues to the Paradise Lounge. The PARADISE LOUNGE!!! And Sarah Borges & the Broken Singles tearing it up at Johnny D's as part of the NEMO fest. Lots of dancing and drinking... or drinking and dancing... in any event, a real good time was had by all.

I suspect when the weather gets colder, I'll have some more photos to post, until then, I hope you'all are enjoying the Fall and seeing at least one show a week. Music is food for the soul... if you can't gorge on it, at least have a snack.

I do want to mention I'll be broadcasting a set by Detroit's Deadstring Brothers on Friday Oct. 27th. I had the pleasure of persuading them to swing by the WMBR studios last March when they were in the area to record some songs. It was groovy scene and I'm thrilled to be able to play it for you. The band is performing in Boston, touring with Shooter Jennings. The play the Paradise Nov. 2 and other than, their stop at our studios, this is their first official Boston gig. Run, don't walk to check these guys (and gal) out.

September 2

Well James Hand made it in. What a treat. It's his first time in the Boston area and it has been a good one for him (and for us). You can hear the interview here until Sept. 15 and check out what he played on the playlist page.

August 31

Thanks to Joanie Lindstrom for filling in on 3RC last week. The show rocked and her interview with Flipper was a howl, especially the faux pas. You can listen here until September 8.

Last minute activity may get us a visit from Texas troubadour James Hand! James is in the New England area this weekend touring his fabulous release "The Truth Will Set You Free " (Rounder). I had the opportunity to see James in Austin a couple years and he's the real deal, but don't take my word for it, even Willie Nelson says he's the real deal. He's playing tonight at Johnny Ds and Friday at the Iron Horse... and if we're lucky, he'll stop by 3RC tomorrow and play a couple tunes.

August 21

X was fantastic the other night at Avalon. The crowd was great and it looked like everyone on stage was having fun too. The Rollins Band was extremely heavy, but in a good way. And Henry is still looking pretty good.

August 15

I've been enjoying the summer and hope you'all are having a good one, now that the temps have leveled off and the rain is only ocassional... like my updates to the site. Here's a new load of updates to the photo gallery. Drive-by Truckers and Robert Randolph & the Family Band from the Tweeter Center, Cracker at the Middle East downstairs and Boston's own Beatings at the Middle East upstairs.

August 4

Don't forget to tune in today for a special in-studio performance by Sarah Borges & Jimmy Ryan.

July 22

Brett Rosenberg debuted tracks from his new release "Drop Dead Air" and played a few acoustic versions for us to book. I especially liked "When I Die" the last tune he played. A song he wrote for his grandmother. It is also included on the latest release. You can listen to the archive here for the next couple weeks.

Next up on the 'Circus, more local talent swings by. Sarah Borges and Jimmy Ryan drop on August 4th to chat and play a few tunes. It will be a rare pairing of the two, who also play with their respective bands later that night at TTs. They will perform a song or two together specially for 3RC listeners. You don't want to miss this.

July 18

Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys tore up the place last Friday on 3RC and at TTs. If you missed their set on 3RC, you have until July 28th to listen here. Their new one "Turntable Matinee" (Yep Roc) is their best yet, dipping into the Bakersfield sound and some R&B. With Big Sandy's voice, the band can do just about anything.

This Friday, Brett Rosenberg will be stopping down to the WMBR studios to chat about his latest "Drop Dead Air" and on August 4th Sarah Borges pops by with guitar in hand for a visit.

June 23

I'll be filling in on Lost & Found today noon-2pm. Lost & Found plays music of the 60s and early 70's. I'll be highlighting artists associated with Armadillo World Headquarters in Austin, TX. at 1 pm. Then at 4pm I return to my ring-meister duties on the circus.

Next Friday, June 30th, Patrick Sweany will be my guest on 3RC (5pm). Patrick's new release "C'mon, C'here" was produced by Jimbo Mathus and Dan Auerbach (Black Keys). Expect some fuzz and groove.

June 14
Generoso Fiero of the world famous Bovine Ska & Rocksteady program (Tuesdays at midnight) will be filling in for me on June 16th. A rare chance to listen to his mellifluous tones while the sun is still shining.

June 3

Jabe Beyer (Jabe) was my guest yesterday on 3RC. Man, that was fun. He has a great new CD out "Where Are We Going & When Do We Get There" (Hi-N-Dry) which he performed a couple songs from (see set list). He's celebrating a CD release next Saturday, June 10 at the Lizard Lounge and if you missed the 'circus yesterday, you have until June 16 to listen to it here.

Also, last week's performance by Robert Skoro was a special one. He treated us to a new song he's working on, plus a ditty from his debut "Proof" and his latest release "That These Things Could Be Ours" (see set list). If you missed it, I encourage you to check it out here. But hurry, it disappears on June 9.

I'm always amazed at how many talented musicians we have in Boston and a tad embarrassed when I don't know them. But that's what's so great about Boston, there's plenty to see and a seemingly endless well of talent and Jabe . Jabe performed tunes from his new release and has a CD release at the Lizard on June 10. If you missed the show live, you can listenuntil June 17.

May 25, 2006

Robert Skoro will be joining the circus next Friday (5pm) to play a couple tunes and chat before his gig at the MFA w/ Mark Kozelek (sold out).

Updates to the photo gallery... killer shows the past 2 Friday's at the Abbey Lounge. First the Cinco de Mayo celebration with The Uppercrust and Muck & the Mires. Then the following weekend with The Woggles from Atlanta and Mondo Topless from Philly. And whilest I was updating the photo page, I noticed I didn't have a link to the Uncle Remis gig. Who is (was) Uncle Remis? It was a midnight ramble at Levon Helms' house/barn (yes, Levon "the Band" Helm). The band included Helm, his daughter Amy (Ollabelle) and the late great Johnny Johnson. The pictures aren't the greatest, but worth a little reminiscing.

May 15

A rainy weekend means some catch up in the photo gallery (and my house is pretty clean too). The Woggles from SXSW! Don't miss them this Friday at the Abbey with Boston's Muck & the Mires. Even if it's pouring rain, get your tail out there. You'll be glad you did.

April 20, 2006

More additions to the photo gallery. Th' Legendary Shack Shakers and Scott H. Biram from TTs on the 5th, Australia's Wolfmother and New Zealand's Die! Die! Die! at Great Scott on the 9th. Lucero, Langhorne Slim and Trampled by Turtles at the Middle east on the 17th.

April 17, 2006

So if you are like me, you breathed a sigh of relief that you had 3 extra days to get your taxest done. Go Patriots! (not team, those other Patriots). I finished yesterday, so I had a little time to update the photo gallery with some pics from Austin. Dale Watson at the Broken Spoke, The Sadies at the Continental Club, Doyle Bramhall2 and Funksway at the Austin Music Hall. Funksway features Erykah Badu, Bramhall 2, Wendy & Lisa, Questlove, DJ Jazzy Jeff and more.

April 1

Still culling through new releases... recent faves Kaiser George & the Hi-Risers' "Transatlantic Dynomite." Also really diggin the new Drive-By-Truckers' "Blessing & A Curse" and Chris Whitley & the Bastard Club's "Reiter In."

If you missed the SXSW special, you have until April 7th to listen here.

March 22, 2006

I'm back from Austin and culling through piles of CDs and audio tape. Whew, it's always so overwhelming, but worth it when there are such one of a kind moments. I'll be recapping those moments - and more - this Friday at 4 pm., when I'll present the 4th annual SXSW report. This year's program will include interviews with filmmakers Kirby Dick (This Film Is Not Yet Rated), Mary Harron (The Notorious Bettie Page, American Psycho), Gregg Gibbs (The Treasures of Long Gone John) and musician Doyle Bramhall 2 (Clapton, Arc Angels). I'll post a companion web section this Friday with pictures, audio and more info as I find time to compile it. In the meantime, please tune in, these folks were all really interesting and I'm excited to bring their stories to the fine folks of Boston.

March 6, 2006

I fly headed out to Texas soon for SXSW film and music conference. In my absence, you have two of WMBR's finest deejays. This week, Christopher Vyce (alternate Fridays on Lost and Found) on March 10 and on St. Patrick's Day, self-loathing Irishman, Tim Kelly takes the reins of the Circus. Glad I can listen to the archives at wmbr.org when I get back.

And when I return on March 24, I'll present the annual SXSW special report starting at 4 pm. tentatively featuring interviews with filmmakers Kirby Dick (This Film Is Not Yet Rated), Mary Harron (The Notorious Bettie Page, American Psycho) and Gregg Gibbs (The Treasures of Long Gone John) as well as music highlights from this years' conference and festival in Austin, TX. Check back here for updates as the program comes together. And if you want to learn more about these films, view trailers etc. Go the SXSW website. You have to do a little digging, but they have a handy search tool and there are a lot of great trailers.

P.S. I'll bring back Spring with me (but no guarantees)

March 1, 2006

Spring is right around the corner and Winter is finally here. I'm cleaning up my hard drive, backing up some photos and thought I'd post some from last weekend's show at the Abbey with The Prime Movers, Barrence Whitfield & the Savages and the Andrea Gillis Band. Another night of fine Boston rock and soul. I'm listening to Jon Langford's new release 'Gold Brick' and it's gorgeous. More melodic than his past outings, but he still has a crisp bite. Definitely spinning it this week.

February 18, 2006

Well it's this cold snap forced me inside, so I had time to update the photo gallery. It's been a busy month and we'll start with the the first day of February with Dennis Brennan and his full band... and as usual Peter Wolf grabbed a little stage time. A week later, James Hunter 'buzzed' into town from the UK and packed the Lizard with his R&B/skiffle sounds. He has a new one on Rounder coming out on March 7 and it sounds pretty darn sweet. Listen for it on 3RC in the coming weeks. The Bags and the Dents rocked the Middle East on the 11th and Dr. John brought some voodoo to the Regent Theater and his complaints about airport security. Hey Mack, if you're going to travel with a human skull, expect a search. A Wednesday night treat at the Midway earlier this week was a flashback to the Cavern club. Scotland's Kaiser George and Eddie Angel (Los Straightjackets) brought bright and fuzzy guitars with mercy beat harmonies with Rochester, NY's Hi-Risers. And Boston's own Spurs OPENED. All I can say is wow.... I'm glad I got off my ass and made the trip. I didn't need the sleep anyways.

In the digging deep in the archives, here are some pictures of Allen Hill greeting folks to Austin at last year's SXSW conference.

January 30, 2006

Even though we've had unseasonable warm temperatures, I still got them Winter blues. What's gotten me in a good mood is seeing a good show (or two... or three). The most recent were Alvin Youngblood Hart's Muscle Theory tearing it up at the dinner theater that is the Regattabar. Jake Brennan & the Confidence Men throw down at the Lizard Lounge... the last of a successful (read very full rooms) month long residency with their rocking friends the Mighty Clouds (serious rawk people). And on the kinder gentler side, Andrew T. Hunt played acoustic at Johnny D's. Although acoustic, his lyrical turn of phase was reminiscent of Steve Earle (Jerusalem Earle, not Guitar Town Earle).

We still have a couple months of Winter, so do yourself a favor... go see at lease one show a week... check the events calendar for ideas or listen to 3RC for samples of many of the artists coming to Boston and go see a show. Most of the shows listed are under $10 and many are free!! Support Boston's music scene, it's one of the best in the country, but it can't exist without you. And this time of year, the clubs are generally quiet and there are treats to see... especially during the week. So get on out there and have a good time. You know you deserve it.

Oh and here are some pictures from Camper's gig at the Middle East and at WMBR a couple weeks back.

January 14, 2006

If you missed it, you MUST check out the live session by Camper Van Beethoven from yesterday's 3RC. You can listen here until Jan. 27, 2006. The session was nice warm up to their gig last night at the Middle East and their subsequent tour. The whole band came in, sans computers (except to check email), and played a great set dipping into songs from their debut to their latest release (check out the playlist here). The sound was great, thanks to Bryan Cord (BoC Mondays 8a-10a) and Nick McCarthy.

January 12, 2006

January 6, 2006

Back from my Caribbean jaunt... drank lots of pina coladas in the Cayman sun, swam, read, snorkeled, napped, repeat. Back in Boston and catching up waiting for the sun to make an appearance. Until then, I'll just keep booking cool acts for the circus. Today we have Jeremy Lyons (Deltabilly Boys) on the show. And next week David Lowery returns, this time with Camper Van Beethoven. Nothing like starting the new year off with a bang!

And thanks to Will for the fantastic cowboy show last week on 3RC, and if you missed it, I encourage you to check out the archive here. Can I get a yee ha!

December 23

I hope you are all enjoying the holidays season so far. I had fun doing the annual 3RC Holiday Spectacular plus. Filling in for Eion's Brigade after 3RC allowed me to squeeze in more holiday spirit. You can view the playlist here, and listen to part 1 and part 2 until January 5.

Next week on 3RC I'll play some of my favorites of 2006 and let you know where all the New Year's Eve happenings are. If you can't wait, check out the events calendar. If you have an addition, zip me an email.

Have a nice holidays. I'll write next year!

December 9

I'm still basking in the glow of the magical performance by Alejandro Escovedo and his sublime band at the MFA the other night. If you weren't able to get into this sold out show, don't fret. Alejandro returns to the area with 2 dates in February. Feb. 2 at the Stone Church in New Market, NH. and Feb. 3 at Narrow's Center for the Arts. Fingers crossed he'll have time to swing by the 'circus.

December 7

I went to the El Vez show the other night... the guy sure knows how to get one in the holiday spirit. Take a look and perhaps you'll feel a little merrier.

November 26

Just added. New York Dolls and Supersucker photos from Axis earlier in the week. Sweet.

November 24

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. I'd like to thank everyone who pledge on WMBR during our fund drive. You guys make it happen so we can make it happen. Thanks!!

Today on 3RC I'd like to pay tribute to an artist that 3RC has grown up on. Chris Whitley. His Columbia debut, Living With the Law came out in 1991, the same year 3RC debuted and we've been following Chris's career ever since. We were saddened to hear of his passing last November and wanted to do something special to remember his musical contribution. So we've put together a special tribute program in his honor so we can remember the man, his music and his etherial vibe. The special was to air at 5pm, but I had so much I wanted to include, we're going to start it at 4:40p. The special will include excerpts from Whitley's visit to 3RC back in 2002 as well as studio recordings and live performances. You can listen to the archive until December 7.

November 13

Only one more day until our annual fund drive ends, but we'll be leaving the online pledging up for an extra week for you procrastinators. And if you pledge $25 or more on 3 Ring Circus, you'll get a compilation of live performances from the last year on 3RC. That includes Camper Van Beethoven, The Reigning Sound, Sarah Borges & Jimmy Ryan, Patrick Sweany Band, Jabe Beyer, James Hand and more. Thanks to those that have pledged so far, it really makes a difference and keeps us going!!!!

November 1

Did you miss the set by the Deadstring Brothers on last week's show? Man it kicked. You can listen to it here until Nov. 10, don't delay, do it today!

Time to drop a hint, WMBR's annual fund drive is coming up. Hope you've set some pennies aside to help us out. More on that later.

October 23

A couple photo additions... Supersuckers at Avalon, Jon Dee Graham and Peter Case at Johnny D's and The Paybacks at the Middle East.

October 19

Next week, Oct. 27 at 5pm. I'll air a performance and interview by the Deadstring Brothers. You do not want to miss it. These guys are great. Their Boston debut will be opening for Shooter Jennings on Nov. 2.

Still jammed with work, home and going to shows... and great ones too. The Supersuckers and Social Distortion the other night at Avalon. Lots of crowd surfing and update staff, but hey it's Avalon. The Romantics at Axis on Monday was pretty good, the staff isn't as intense, but they may change when the New York Dolls, Supersuckers, Chesterfield Kings play next month. RUN don't WALK to get those tickets while you still can.

The big treat of the week has been going to the recording party by the Downbeat 5. About 50 people showed up at Q-Division for a private performance/party and the tape was rolling. WOW! What a great time. If the record sounds half as good as what they played... man, is it going to be sweet.

October 6, 2006

Between going to shows, doing house projects before Winter sets in and enjoying the Fall weather, I haven't been posting as much.

Shows of note: The Woggles, Fleshtones, Zombie's tour at Axis. - What great fun. I was one of the younger folks in the crowd. Always makes me happy. The Drive-by Truckers at Avalon, the band is still in fine form and their fans are the coolest. Another great scene. Tony Joe White bringing his hypnotic swamp blues to the Paradise Lounge. The PARADISE LOUNGE!!! And Sarah Borges & the Broken Singles tearing it up at Johnny D's as part of the NEMO fest. Lots of dancing and drinking... or drinking and dancing... in any event, a real good time was had by all.

I suspect when the weather gets colder, I'll have some more photos to post, until then, I hope you'all are enjoying the Fall and seeing at least one show a week. Music is food for the soul... if you can't gorge on it, at least have a snack.

I do want to mention I'll be broadcasting a set by Detroit's Deadstring Brothers on Friday Oct. 27th. I had the pleasure of persuading them to swing by the WMBR studios last March when they were in the area to record some songs. It was groovy scene and I'm thrilled to be able to play it for you. The band is performing in Boston, touring with Shooter Jennings. The play the Paradise Nov. 2 and other than, their stop at our studios, this is their first official Boston gig. Run, don't walk to check these guys (and gal) out.

September 2

Well James Hand made it in. What a treat. It's his first time in the Boston area and it has been a good one for him (and for us). You can hear the interview here until Sept. 15 and check out what he played on the playlist page.

August 31

Thanks to Joanie Lindstrom for filling in on 3RC last week. The show rocked and her interview with Flipper was a howl, especially the faux pas. You can listen here until September 8.

Last minute activity may get us a visit from Texas troubadour James Hand! James is in the New England area this weekend touring his fabulous release "The Truth Will Set You Free " (Rounder). I had the opportunity to see James in Austin a couple years and he's the real deal, but don't take my word for it, even Willie Nelson says he's the real deal. He's playing tonight at Johnny Ds and Friday at the Iron Horse... and if we're lucky, he'll stop by 3RC tomorrow and play a couple tunes.

August 21

X was fantastic the other night at Avalon. The crowd was great and it looked like everyone on stage was having fun too. The Rollins Band was extremely heavy, but in a good way. And Henry is still looking pretty good.

August 15

I've been enjoying the summer and hope you'all are having a good one, now that the temps have leveled off and the rain is only ocassional... like my updates to the site. Here's a new load of updates to the photo gallery. Drive-by Truckers and Robert Randolph & the Family Band from the Tweeter Center, Cracker at the Middle East downstairs and Boston's own Beatings at the Middle East upstairs.

August 4

Don't forget to tune in today for a special in-studio performance by Sarah Borges & Jimmy Ryan.

July 22

Brett Rosenberg debuted tracks from his new release "Drop Dead Air" and played a few acoustic versions for us to book. I especially liked "When I Die" the last tune he played. A song he wrote for his grandmother. It is also included on the latest release. You can listen to the archive here for the next couple weeks.

Next up on the 'Circus, more local talent swings by. Sarah Borges and Jimmy Ryan drop on August 4th to chat and play a few tunes. It will be a rare pairing of the two, who also play with their respective bands later that night at TTs. They will perform a song or two together specially for 3RC listeners. You don't want to miss this.

July 18

Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys tore up the place last Friday on 3RC and at TTs. If you missed their set on 3RC, you have until July 28th to listen here. Their new one "Turntable Matinee" (Yep Roc) is their best yet, dipping into the Bakersfield sound and some R&B. With Big Sandy's voice, the band can do just about anything.

This Friday, Brett Rosenberg will be stopping down to the WMBR studios to chat about his latest "Drop Dead Air" and on August 4th Sarah Borges pops by with guitar in hand for a visit.

June 23

I'll be filling in on Lost & Found today noon-2pm. Lost & Found plays music of the 60s and early 70's. I'll be highlighting artists associated with Armadillo World Headquarters in Austin, TX. at 1 pm. Then at 4pm I return to my ring-meister duties on the circus.

Next Friday, June 30th, Patrick Sweany will be my guest on 3RC (5pm). Patrick's new release "C'mon, C'here" was produced by Jimbo Mathus and Dan Auerbach (Black Keys). Expect some fuzz and groove.

June 14
Generoso Fiero of the world famous Bovine Ska & Rocksteady program (Tuesdays at midnight) will be filling in for me on June 16th. A rare chance to listen to his mellifluous tones while the sun is still shining.

June 3

Jabe Beyer (Jabe) was my guest yesterday on 3RC. Man, that was fun. He has a great new CD out "Where Are We Going & When Do We Get There" (Hi-N-Dry) which he performed a couple songs from (see set list). He's celebrating a CD release next Saturday, June 10 at the Lizard Lounge and if you missed the 'circus yesterday, you have until June 16 to listen to it here.

Also, last week's performance by Robert Skoro was a special one. He treated us to a new song he's working on, plus a ditty from his debut "Proof" and his latest release "That These Things Could Be Ours" (see set list). If you missed it, I encourage you to check it out here. But hurry, it disappears on June 9.

I'm always amazed at how many talented musicians we have in Boston and a tad embarrassed when I don't know them. But that's what's so great about Boston, there's plenty to see and a seemingly endless well of talent and Jabe . Jabe performed tunes from his new release and has a CD release at the Lizard on June 10. If you missed the show live, you can listenuntil June 17.

May 25, 2006

Robert Skoro will be joining the circus next Friday (5pm) to play a couple tunes and chat before his gig at the MFA w/ Mark Kozelek (sold out).

Updates to the photo gallery... killer shows the past 2 Friday's at the Abbey Lounge. First the Cinco de Mayo celebration with The Uppercrust and Muck & the Mires. Then the following weekend with The Woggles from Atlanta and Mondo Topless from Philly. And whilest I was updating the photo page, I noticed I didn't have a link to the Uncle Remis gig. Who is (was) Uncle Remis? It was a midnight ramble at Levon Helms' house/barn (yes, Levon "the Band" Helm). The band included Helm, his daughter Amy (Ollabelle) and the late great Johnny Johnson. The pictures aren't the greatest, but worth a little reminiscing.

May 15

A rainy weekend means some catch up in the photo gallery (and my house is pretty clean too). The Woggles from SXSW! Don't miss them this Friday at the Abbey with Boston's Muck & the Mires. Even if it's pouring rain, get your tail out there. You'll be glad you did.

April 20, 2006

More additions to the photo gallery. Th' Legendary Shack Shakers and Scott H. Biram from TTs on the 5th, Australia's Wolfmother and New Zealand's Die! Die! Die! at Great Scott on the 9th. Lucero, Langhorne Slim and Trampled by Turtles at the Middle east on the 17th.

April 17, 2006

So if you are like me, you breathed a sigh of relief that you had 3 extra days to get your taxest done. Go Patriots! (not team, those other Patriots). I finished yesterday, so I had a little time to update the photo gallery with some pics from Austin. Dale Watson at the Broken Spoke, The Sadies at the Continental Club, Doyle Bramhall2 and Funksway at the Austin Music Hall. Funksway features Erykah Badu, Bramhall 2, Wendy & Lisa, Questlove, DJ Jazzy Jeff and more.

April 1

Still culling through new releases... recent faves Kaiser George & the Hi-Risers' "Transatlantic Dynomite." Also really diggin the new Drive-By-Truckers' "Blessing & A Curse" and Chris Whitley & the Bastard Club's "Reiter In."

If you missed the SXSW special, you have until April 7th to listen here.

March 22, 2006

I'm back from Austin and culling through piles of CDs and audio tape. Whew, it's always so overwhelming, but worth it when there are such one of a kind moments. I'll be recapping those moments - and more - this Friday at 4 pm., when I'll present the 4th annual SXSW report. This year's program will include interviews with filmmakers Kirby Dick (This Film Is Not Yet Rated), Mary Harron (The Notorious Bettie Page, American Psycho), Gregg Gibbs (The Treasures of Long Gone John) and musician Doyle Bramhall 2 (Clapton, Arc Angels). I'll post a companion web section this Friday with pictures, audio and more info as I find time to compile it. In the meantime, please tune in, these folks were all really interesting and I'm excited to bring their stories to the fine folks of Boston.

March 6, 2006

I fly headed out to Texas soon for SXSW film and music conference. In my absence, you have two of WMBR's finest deejays. This week, Christopher Vyce (alternate Fridays on Lost and Found) on March 10 and on St. Patrick's Day, self-loathing Irishman, Tim Kelly takes the reins of the Circus. Glad I can listen to the archives at wmbr.org when I get back.

And when I return on March 24, I'll present the annual SXSW special report starting at 4 pm. tentatively featuring interviews with filmmakers Kirby Dick (This Film Is Not Yet Rated), Mary Harron (The Notorious Bettie Page, American Psycho) and Gregg Gibbs (The Treasures of Long Gone John) as well as music highlights from this years' conference and festival in Austin, TX. Check back here for updates as the program comes together. And if you want to learn more about these films, view trailers etc. Go the SXSW website. You have to do a little digging, but they have a handy search tool and there are a lot of great trailers.

P.S. I'll bring back Spring with me (but no guarantees)

March 1, 2006

Spring is right around the corner and Winter is finally here. I'm cleaning up my hard drive, backing up some photos and thought I'd post some from last weekend's show at the Abbey with The Prime Movers, Barrence Whitfield & the Savages and the Andrea Gillis Band. Another night of fine Boston rock and soul. I'm listening to Jon Langford's new release 'Gold Brick' and it's gorgeous. More melodic than his past outings, but he still has a crisp bite. Definitely spinning it this week.

February 18, 2006

Well it's this cold snap forced me inside, so I had time to update the photo gallery. It's been a busy month and we'll start with the the first day of February with Dennis Brennan and his full band... and as usual Peter Wolf grabbed a little stage time. A week later, James Hunter 'buzzed' into town from the UK and packed the Lizard with his R&B/skiffle sounds. He has a new one on Rounder coming out on March 7 and it sounds pretty darn sweet. Listen for it on 3RC in the coming weeks. The Bags and the Dents rocked the Middle East on the 11th and Dr. John brought some voodoo to the Regent Theater and his complaints about airport security. Hey Mack, if you're going to travel with a human skull, expect a search. A Wednesday night treat at the Midway earlier this week was a flashback to the Cavern club. Scotland's Kaiser George and Eddie Angel (Los Straightjackets) brought bright and fuzzy guitars with mercy beat harmonies with Rochester, NY's Hi-Risers. And Boston's own Spurs OPENED. All I can say is wow.... I'm glad I got off my ass and made the trip. I didn't need the sleep anyways.

In the digging deep in the archives, here are some pictures of Allen Hill greeting folks to Austin at last year's SXSW conference.

January 30, 2006

Even though we've had unseasonable warm temperatures, I still got them Winter blues. What's gotten me in a good mood is seeing a good show (or two... or three). The most recent were Alvin Youngblood Hart's Muscle Theory tearing it up at the dinner theater that is the Regattabar. Jake Brennan & the Confidence Men throw down at the Lizard Lounge... the last of a successful (read very full rooms) month long residency with their rocking friends the Mighty Clouds (serious rawk people). And on the kinder gentler side, Andrew T. Hunt played acoustic at Johnny D's. Although acoustic, his lyrical turn of phase was reminiscent of Steve Earle (Jerusalem Earle, not Guitar Town Earle).

We still have a couple months of Winter, so do yourself a favor... go see at lease one show a week... check the events calendar for ideas or listen to 3RC for samples of many of the artists coming to Boston and go see a show. Most of the shows listed are under $10 and many are free!! Support Boston's music scene, it's one of the best in the country, but it can't exist without you. And this time of year, the clubs are generally quiet and there are treats to see... especially during the week. So get on out there and have a good time. You know you deserve it.

Oh and here are some pictures from Camper's gig at the Middle East and at WMBR a couple weeks back.

January 14, 2006

If you missed it, you MUST check out the live session by Camper Van Beethoven from yesterday's 3RC. You can listen here until Jan. 27, 2006. The session was nice warm up to their gig last night at the Middle East and their subsequent tour. The whole band came in, sans computers (except to check email), and played a great set dipping into songs from their debut to their latest release (check out the playlist here). The sound was great, thanks to Bryan Cord (BoC Mondays 8a-10a) and Nick McCarthy.

January 12, 2006

January 6, 2006

Back from my Caribbean jaunt... drank lots of pina coladas in the Cayman sun, swam, read, snorkeled, napped, repeat. Back in Boston and catching up waiting for the sun to make an appearance. Until then, I'll just keep booking cool acts for the circus. Today we have Jeremy Lyons (Deltabilly Boys) on the show. And next week David Lowery returns, this time with Camper Van Beethoven. Nothing like starting the new year off with a bang!

And thanks to Will for the fantastic cowboy show last week on 3RC, and if you missed it, I encourage you to check out the archive here. Can I get a yee ha!