Unless indicated, I took all the pics posted on this blog. Feel free to repost – just remember to give credit. Cheers!

Buskerfest

This Saturday is Long Beach’s very own Buskerfest, an event inspired by the musicians we see busking on the streets. I first went in 2013, when I was first getting into my music festival groove. There are four stages, some of which are on the flatbeds of trucks, where music fans get to basically vote on their favorite act. At the end, while more known musicians close out the evening, the votes are tallied. My understanding is that the winner receives free studio time, which is pretty awesome. Here are some highlights from previous years of Buskerfest:

• In 2015, rock band (and Long Beach natives) Rival Sons, did an acoustic set. This was the first time I’d seen them. and I remember being blown away by the lead singer’s (Jay Buchanan) voice. They would go on to open for larger rock acts like Sammy Hagar, Black Sabbath and The Rolling Stones. They’re co-headlining a tour this fall with Stone Temple Pilots. You like Led Zeppelin or Bad Company? Give them a listen.
• Two of the acts I’ve seen (He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister and Eastern Conference Champions, in 2013 and 2014 respectively), would have members go on to form KOLARS and Mondo Cozmo. Both groups have done well in recent years, with Mondo Cozmo performing at major festivals like Bonnaroo, Bottlerock, and Outside Lands.
• Joachim Cooder played a couple years back (2017), and he was supported by none other than his famous father, Ry Cooder. I didn’t realize who he was until after I’d left.
• Joseph Arthur also did a memorable set (2016), adapting to sound problems, and performing a rather close up and intimate set.
• Last year saw two legends in Mike Watts and The Blasters, and both brought it, delivering excellent sets. I’d seen the Alvin brothers five years back do an energetic acoustic set, so it was nice to finally see them with their full band.

Here’s the list of artists performing this Saturday, September 7. I’ll be there taking pics, having a few beers, and enjoying some music. See you there?

Pics from past Buskerfests (2013-2017)

Clockwise from upper left: Ry Cooder, Joachim Cooder, Joseph Arthur, Eastern Conference Champions, He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister, and Rival Sons

Pics from Buskerfest, 2018

Clockwise, from left to right: Clementine Creevy (from Cherry Glazerr), Mike Watt, and The Blasters

Albums/Playlists Currently Spinning

This is Parliament-Funkadelic – Parliament/Funkadelic // I’ve been feeling some G-Funk hip hop lately, and I thought I’d revisit the source. This made my commute on Wednesday way more enjoyable.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DX6ZXLFyYlwP7?si=S0pBpJMoR1u18Oj7RKPIGw

Highwomen – The Highwomen // It’s out! I’ve been highlighting tracks from this long anticipated album. Also, I’m watching Maren Morris next weekend at KAABOO!

Rubberband – Miles Davis // Pieced together from bits Miles recorded in the 80’s, this collection is uneven. But it has its moments, and being a huge Miles Davis fan, I’ll be consuming this over the coming week.

Nothing Like The Sun – Sting // Consider this the throwback album for the week. I found a used vinyl copy at LB local record store Third Eye Records for $5. While I am more of a Police guy (found a copy of Synchronicity a few weeks back there), this album has its moments. What stands out more to me this time around? Branford Marsalis‘ saxophone throughout. At its worst, some tracks don’t age well (I’m looking at you, “History Will Teach Us Nothing”). At it’s best, you have the tracks “Englishman in New York” and “Fragile.” Give it a (re)listen.

Tracks Currently Spinning

Lonesome Town – Primrose Forever Sanctuary // This duo of Korey Dane and Alyssa Miller, is performing at Buskerfest on Saturday. Here’s their cover of the Ricky Nelson classic.

Violence – Grimes and i_o // I’m digging this new cut from Grimes, and this gives me some hope for the upcoming album. Really dug her back in 2016.

February 2017 – Charli XCX (feat. Clairo and Yaeji) // Anything with Yaeji is going to catch my attention this year. She was one of my favorite electronic sets this year. Also, this is a very short cut.

Other Music Stuff…

– The third season of Hip-Hop Evolution is out today on Netflix, highlighting everything from 90’s West Coast hip hop, to Mos Def, to Eminem, and the Atlanta scene. I enjoyed the first couple seasons, and am looking forward to watching the third this weekend (especially since the series is now focusing on the era that spanned my high school and college years).

– KAABOO in Del Mar is next weekend, and I’ll be posting about past KAABOO fests next Friday. In the meantime, here’s a playlist of some of the acts playing. Who am I most excited to see? I mentioned Dave Matthews Band last time, but what’s more intriguing is the Snoop Dogg – Wu Tang Clan combo. Definitely not missing that. Also, with a new album out, I’m going to be sure to catch Sheryl Crow, as she is apparently done recording music. Also, I’ve never seen her live. More to follow next week.

Here’s my ongoing playlist, updated weekly with both new and old tracks I’m listening to.