Tour Archives - KRVM.org

Lord Huron gives fans a night to remember

May 23, 2022 by Cynthia Orlando

Indie rock band Lord Huron gave fans a packed, impeccable night of music at their sold-out Hult Center show Saturday night.

Playing songs from across their discography, the band enthralled concert goers with a top-notch, well-paced setlist, a polished presentation and lovely, atmospheric lighting.

About Lord Huron

At the center of the L.A. based-band’s unique sound is the creative force of musician Ben Schneider. Initially an art school major and artist, the gifted Schneider learned about music playing his father’s guitar, after which he recruited some of his friends to form a band.

Among his musical influences are Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, and Kate Bush. Schneider was raised in Michigan, and the band gets its name from Lake Huron.

For those new to Lord Huron their music has been described as “Mythic Americana,” an apt label.

From Cosmic Pizza to The Hult

It’s a fun thing to watch a band rise to fame from their inception.

Ten years have passed since their below-the-radar “Lonesome Dreams” release brought us touching, timeless tales that tugged our heartstrings. And though their songs have been used by many Netflix shows, last year’s “Not Dead Yet” was their very first number one on the alternative charts.

Admirably, with each album release Lord Huron has grown their fan base. And the posh Hult Center with a seating capacity of close to 4,000 is a long ways from the time they played Eugene’s funky “Cosmic Pizza” – a point Schneider jokingly shared with the crowd.

Show highlights

Lord Huron captivated fans at the Hult Center Saturday night.

Saturday night’s highlights?

They include cinematic “Mine Forever” from newest album “Long Lost,” and tender “Meet Me In The Woods” from their second “Strange Tails” release.

Fast-paced, edgy performances of “Secret of Life” and “Ancient Names (Part I)” from their 2018 “Vide Noir” were electrifying.

Romantic ballad “Wait by the River” – sung with showmanship and finesse by Schneider – was another standout.

Lord Huron’s Ben Schneider performed “Wait By The River” with winning finesse.

At times, fans seemed almost mesmerized. Schneider is an excellent songwriter, after all, penning lyrics like “When the ocean drinks the sky / And the city winks its eye.”

The band was polished, and touring keyboardist and vocalist Misty Boyce was exceptional.

Adding excitement to the night, Schneider donned a skeleton mask with a movable jaw for extra drama during the show’s latter half.

Saturday night’s show was capped off with rich and evocative “Ends of the Earth” from their 2012 “Lord Huron” debut.

To close out, a long and well-earned standing ovation brought band members back for a fan-favorite; nostalgic, triple-platinum “The Night We Met.”

Throughout the night, The Hult Center’s exemplary sound system was icing on the cake.

Nashville-based Erin Rae opened for Lord Huron.

Erin Rae

Opening for Lord Huron was Nashville-based Erin Rae.

She wooed the crowd with her sweet, pure vocals, and with songs from her new album “Lighten Up.”

Her lead guitar player is someone we’d love to hear more from.

Lord Huron’s tour moves next to show dates in California, Washington, Utah and Colorado. Happy Trails!

That’s a wrap.

Thanks for listening to KRVM and supporting listener-powered radio!

Rebelution plays Eugene’s Cuthbert this month

June 3, 2019 by Cynthia Orlando

In need of some good vibes? You’re in luck.

As part of their “Good Vibes Summer Tour,” Reggae-rock band Rebelution plays Eugene’s Cuthbert Amphitheater this month.

With seven albums to their credit, the ever popular four-member band from Isla Vista, California, are adored by fans for their positive lyrics, smooth Jamaican sound and artful arrangements.

“Falling into Place” – their fifth release – was a beautifully produced Reggae-rock album that helped some fans recover from their 2016 election blues.

“Free Rein” – released last year – “really came from the heart,” according to Eric Rachmany, the band’s lead singer. Rebelution’s popularity is largely credited to Rachmany’s vocals and musical finesse. According to the band’s website, songs from “Falling into Place” were partly influenced by Rachmany’s “inspirational trip to Jamaica,” where he did some of the writing.

From that album, standout tracks included the colossal “Know It All” and the gently powerful “Breakdown.”

Here’s the band performing live at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles:

Know It All

More about Rebelution

The band’s “Courage to Grow” debut was named iTunes Editors Choice for Best Reggae album and is one of the most downloaded reggae albums on iTunes.

Rebelution received a Grammy nomination in the “Best Reggae Album” category for “Falling Into Place.” And they’ve headlined and sold out both Red Rocks and the Santa Barbara Bowl.

Their new “Free Rein ” album features Jamaican producers Phillip “Winta” James and Don Corleon, and first-rate tracks like roots-reggae “Celebrate.”

Celebrate

They’ll be performing at the Cuthbert on Friday, June 28th.

A band loved ’round-the-world, you won’t want to miss them!

Above: Rebelution playing the Cuthbert to an enthusiastic crowd in 2015.

Elton John – A Wonderful Crazy Night

January 23, 2017 by Cynthia Orlando

Mega-superstar Elton John returned to Eugene’s Matthew Knight Arena in March 2017 for a stop during his Wonderful Crazy Night Tour.

The show was a night to remember…we know all who were there will never forget it.

Fun Elton Facts

Elton John’s received five Grammies and five Brit Awards – two for Outstanding Contribution to Music and a “Brits Icon” in 2013 for his “lasting impact on British culture.”

What else can you say about a rock icon who’s been around as long as Sir Elton?

Elton John playing piano, age 6.

* He began playing piano at age 3. Within a year, his mother heard him picking out notes to “Skater’s Waltz” by ear.

* He was a weekend pub pianist by age 15.

* First American concert? As featured in his new “Rocketman” film, that would be the Los Angeles Troubadour, 1970.

* The megastar has more than fifty Top 40 hits

* Elton John received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1975.

* He received knighthood from HM Queen Elizabeth II in 1998.

* He’s sold more than 250 million records worldwide including 31 platinum albums.

* Six of his albums made Rolling Stone’s “The 500 Greatest Albums of all Time” list.

More career mileposts

In 1970 the young rising star released “Tumbleweed Connection.” It reached number two in the UK and number five in the U.S.

“Honky Chateau” began a streak of seven consecutive U.S. number one albums. Similarly, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” (1973) topped charts on both sides of the Atlantic.

Elton John, 1973.

More highlights:

Elton John performed with Eminem at the 2001 Grammies.

He also performed with Lady Gaga at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards and with Ed Shearan at the 55th. The Rocketman even performed at Madison Square Garden for a record-breaking 60th time for his 60th birthday.

International hit songs he’s penned with Bernie Taupin and others includes “Your Song,” “Rocket Man,” “Daniel,” “Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word,” “Blue Eyes” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.”

Still a powerhouse

Although he says he wants to retire, for a musician at the ripe old age of nearly 70, the man is still a powerhouse.

His recent “Wonderful Crazy Night” shows he still has what it takes to engage the listener. It boasts 14 fresh, high-energy tracks, and reached number 6 and 8 in the UK and US, respectively.

Here’s “Looking Up” from the new album – we think you’ll love it.

Looking Up

Last year he performed an astonishing 131 concerts in 24 countries; he also made a guest appearance on the Red Hot Chili Peppers new album.

In 2017 the Pinball Wizard celebrates his 70th birthday – as well as the 50th anniversary of his amazing songwriting partnership with Bernie Taupin.

About the band

Elton John’s band members are: Davey Johnstone, guitars, mandolin, banjo, vocals; Matt Bissonette, bass guitar, vocals; Kim Bullard, keyboards; John Mahon, percussion, drums, vocals; and Nigel Olsson, drums and vocals.

Johnstone has played well over 2,000 concerts, and has been playing with Elton John since since “Madman Across the Water.” From Detroit, Bissonette is a published songwriter who used to perform regularly with the Disneyland Band in Anaheim; he’s been playing bass guitar since age 12.

Keyboardist Kim Bullard has toured with Crosby Stills and Nash and played with Nine Inch Nails; he’s been an active working musician in Los Angeles for more than 30 years.

John Mahon has been playing with Elton John since 1997 and played on a Grammy Award-winning album (“BB King & Friends”) with BB King; he was voted #3 Percussionist by Modern Drummer Magazine in 2010. Having played with Elton John for many years, drummer Olsson is considered a mainstay of Elton John’s touring and recording band; he has an extremely loyal following.

Another “Wonderful Crazy Night” album highlight has been the contemplative “The Open Chord” – we’re hoping to hear it in his setlist.

The Open Chord

Aside from his Eugene show, other 2017 tour whistle stops included Spokane, Bozeman, Missoula, Tucson, Las Vegas, Victoria B.C., Denmark, Germany, Luxembourg, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Amos Lee in Concert – Always a Good Thing

November 13, 2016 by Cynthia Orlando

Singer songwriter musician Amos Lee brought his unique soul-folk-blues sound to town with a concert at Eugene’s McDonald theater and he delivered another stunning performance.

The 42-year-old ace musician is currently touring to promote his new album “Spirit.”

Lee has recorded 6 albums on Blue Note Records and toured with a bevy of famous musicians: Elvis Costello, Paul Simon, Adele, Bob Dylan, Jack Johnson and Norah Jones, among them.

His 2011 “Mission Bell” release debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, and included his much beloved hit single “Windows are Rolled Down.”

His sophisticated, R&B-flavored new “Spirit” album has been out only 2 months. Have a listen to the title track:

Spirit

Lee sparkled at last Eugene show

Lee last performed in Eugene early in 2014 when he gave fans a stunning performance.

Playing for more than two hours alongside his stellar 5-member band, the night’s engaging performance encompassed more than 25 instruments (squeezebox, banjo and mandolin among them). At that show, Lee’s demeanor, set-list and showmanship were impeccable.

Ty Curtis brings blues bliss to fans in Oregon

August 26, 2016 by Cynthia Orlando

Long-time KRVM listeners know how much the station loves the blues. For blues aficionados, there was excitement in the air as guitar phenomenon Ty Curtis performed in Albany at the Northwest Art & Air Festival.

Here’s the lowdown from an interview prior to the Festival:

KRVM: “We hear fans can catch you live Sunday at Albany’s Balloon Festival (August 26-28). Is this an event you’ve played before?”

T.C.: “No…have never played this before, but looking forward to it!”

KRVM: How long will you be performing that day?

T.C. “We have a 90-minute set.”

KRVM: “How has the Austin scene been for you this year?”

T.C. “Pretty good!! We are playing much more there…looking forward to getting back home with the new album in-hand.”

KRVM: “Any other Portland or Eugene appearances coming up?”

T.C.: “I have Billy Blues (in Vancouver) coming up September 2nd before I leave back home. We will be back in the middle of October for a short run!!”

Key to My Heart

You can find Ty Curtis’s music on his website or on iTunes. Find additional tour dates here.

Enjoy the show Sunday!

Praiseworthy Kaleo debuts album “A/B”

August 8, 2016 by Cynthia Orlando

Praiseworthy Kaleo recently performed at Eugene’s HiFi Music Hall to a sold out crowd.

Kaleo boasts a sumptuous, sometimes thunderous blend of rock, blues and folk you won’t want to miss. Originally from Iceland, the band continues to grow their U.S. following via their new home base of Austin.

The 4-member band first gained notoriety when their beautiful and haunting “Vor í Vaglaskógi” earned heavy rotation on an Icelandic radio station. Band members moved to Austin in 2015 and also played SXSW that year.

Their recently released debut album “A/B” was aptly named for their ability to write and perform both rock n’ roll and more contemplative sonnets. You’ll love the sweet sincerity of “All the Pretty Girls,” their raucous blues stomper “No Good” and the earthy blues feel of hit single “Way Down We Go.”

Both official videos for “Way Down We Go” and “Vor I Vaglaskogi” have racked up more than 1 million views.

Way Down We Go

“Vor I Vaglaskogi” – one of “A/B’s” “B” tracks – is the only selection sung in their native language, and it’s a beauty.

“Vor I Vaglaskogi”

About Kaleo

Kaleo is: Jökull Júlíusson, vocals and guitar; Davíð Antonsson, percussion and vocals; Daníel Ægir Kristjánsson, bass guitar; and Rubin Pollock, guitar and vocals. Three of the band members have been best friends since elementary school and the band now share a home together in Austin.

Kaleo is touring nearly nonstop to promote the new album, which was produced and recorded with Jacquire King (Kings of Leon, Dawes, Of Monsters and Men, James Bay). The band’s upcoming appearances include California, Philadelphia New York, Georgia and Colorado; they’ll tour the U.K. in the fall.

You can find music by Kaleo on their website and on iTunes, and follow them on Twitter.

Lord Huron gives fans a night to remember

About Lord Huron

From Cosmic Pizza to The Hult