Lakeside To Riverside
Music shows to see this month
By Staff Music WritersBig Sam’s Funky Nation & The Afromotive
Friday, September 5
Blue Nile, 532 Frenchmen St., 948-BLUE
Big Sam’s Funky Nation is known for being a local funk powerhouse that knows how to get the party started at every show. The Afromotive is a 10-piece ensemble from Asheville, NC, escorting Afrobeat music into the modern age. Driven by bandleader Kevin Meyame, singing in French, English, and his native language of Baoule, as well as providing polyrhythms on djembe, he adds an authentically African flavor to their nu-Afrobeat sound. The Afromotive has created a unique synthesized sound that crosses musical and ethnic boundaries. Be sure to wear your comfy shoes as you’ll definitely be moved by the rhythmic groves of this party combo. –Sheri McKee
Topaz & Mudphonic CD Release Party
Saturday, September 6
The Maple Leaf, 8324 Oak St, 861-0886
The Austin-based Topaz & Mudphonic are out on the road in support of their forthcoming debut album Music for Dorothy. Their musical genre falls somewhere in between gritty funk and danceable blues. Topaz McGarrigle, John Branch, Bobby Perkins, and Alex Marrero create a unique sound reminiscent to the early smoky 70’s, celebrating wailing harmonicas of bluesy peace and love. They definitely remind me of a band that you would’ve seen in the early years of Saturday Night Live, jammin’ out onstage.
–Kevin McKee
DJ Soul Sister’s Funky Birthday Jam featuring
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
Friday, September 12
Tipitina’s, 501 Napoleon Avenue, 895-TIPS
It’s time once again to celebrate DJ Soul Sister’s Birthday and get funky with it. This year’s festivities include the awesome musical stylings of Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, which means there will be a party goin’ down in the house. Of course the good sister herself will be spinnin’ some vinyl and taking requests. This funky soul-powered hip-hop party will be the place to be seen to get your grove on this Friday night. Tickets are only $15. –Sheri McKee
Street Dogs, Time Again, The Zydepunks
Sunday, September 14
The Parish at HOB, 225 Decatur St. 529-BLUE
After taking the main stage at this summer’s Vans Warped Tour, Boston’s seasoned punk rockers, the Street Dogs, will tour nationally in support of their fourth studio release, State of Grace. The band features 90’s punk pundits Mike McColgan, formerly the front man of the Dropkick Murphys, and Johnny Rioux, formerly the bassist of the Bruisers, two indelible fixtures of the Boston’s 90’s punk scene. Former openers for bands such as Flogging Molly, the Pogues, Rancid, Bad Religion, and The Bouncing Souls, the Street Dogs have come into their own light with their high speed, energetic, and highly participatory live shows. More than the grit and bite of their pit packing instrumentals, the Street Dogs focus on the rawness of their socially and politically charged lyrics. Using punk rock as their medium for promoting freedom and rebellion for a new generation, this group’s anthems speak to their working class roots, fostering ideas of justice and equality for anyone willing to fight for change in today’s unstable political climate. –Carolyn Heneghan
The Tomatoes’ CD Release Party
Thursday, September 18 -8PM
Southport Hall, 200 Monticello, 835-2903
The Tomatoes’ CD Release Party for their third CD, Divisionism, will break group at Southport Hall mixing their unique blend of rock, punk, and alternative music styles together making the crowd chant “La da da da!” I often find that The Tomatoes’ style is reminiscent of really cool early 80’s rock music like The Clash, The Ramones, and the Violent Femmes. Their MySpace site, www.myspace.com/thetomatos has some great videos in that 80’s retro style with matching outfits and all for their tune “I Gotta Dance.” A personal favorite will always be “Teenage Roosevelt” because I adore the tribal beats of the bass line, and this show is bound for a cult-like presence. –Sheri McKee
Back to School with Galactic & Walter “Wolfman” Washington and the Roadmasters
Friday, September 19
Tipitina’s, 501 Napoleon Avenue, 895-TIPS
Galactic is back in town from their summer tour and celebrating the fall season with a funkified “Back to School” concert that will have you up into the wee morning hours cramming the street beats of New Orleans. The one and only Walter “Wolfman” Washington joins them on this dynamic musical journey, bringing his flair for soulful funk to the stage. For those that may not have experienced the authentic sounds of New Orleans music just yet, this concert is a must to attend, experience, and discover the many properties of what makes our musical heritage so great down here. Tickets are only $25, so get yours early since it will definitely sell out by that evening. -Sheri McKee
Fredy Omar con su Banda Hosts “Red Room
Wednesdays”
Wednesday, September 24
The Cricket Club, 2040 St. Charles Ave.,
304-9650
If you are looking for a way to spice up an otherwise ordinary Wednesday night, shimmy into the Cricket Club for an evening of salsa music, and possibly some dancing. Starting at 9 PM, Fredy Omar con su Banda hosts “Red Room Wednesdays,” a mid-week fiesta for Latin music-loving locals. Known for his charming voice, backed by the fiery rhythms of his band, Omar is easily one of the hottest acts in New Orleans. Their sound, which is a feisty fusion of meringue, salsa, and rumba, has impressed fans throughout the Big Easy since they first took the stage. Although most hard workers typically long for the weekend, salsa-craving nine to fivers will soon begin to wonder, “Is it almost Wednesday?” –Suzanne Pfefferle
Chicago
Sunday, September 21
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Harrah’s New Orleans Casino & Hotel and The New Orleans Theater at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center present a public concert featuring the Grammy award-winning rock band Chicago at the New Orleans Theater at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Chicago had 21 top 10 singles including such hits as such as “Saturday in the Park,” “Hard to Say I’m Sorry,” and “You’re the Inspiration.” Tickets are available at Harrah’s New Orleans’ Box Office and online at ticketmaster.com and all Ticketmaster outlets. –Kevin McKee