Lots happening on this Sat., Oct. 17. Take a look at the breakdown below.
Noah Gundersen with Field Report Seattle’s Noah Gundersen bares his soul in gorgeously restrained indie folk songs flavored with hints of twang and soul, his serenades breathy washes of sweet and sometimes forlorn tenderness, from the resigned yet hopeful yearning of “Jealous Love,” with its gentle pianos and acoustic guitar strums, to the exquisite melodies, stripped-back rhythms and existential lyrical waxings of “The Difference,” both off 2015 sophomore album Carry The Ghost. Field Report is the heartland rock evocative project of singer-songwriter Chris Porterfield and he, too, is backing a second full-length, 2014’s Marigolden; live, he’s joined by Shane Leonard (drums, fiddle, banjo) and guitarist Thomas Wincek. (Crowbar, Ybor City)
Viva La Records Mixtape Release Party with Jensen Serf Company, Alexander & The Grapes, Ninehorn, The Other Ryan Willis Viva La Records is a boutique label established in 2011, run by local musician/producer Alexander Charos (Alexander and the Grapes) with help from brother/bandmate/co-producer Philip out of their home-cum-Yoko Phono Studio in St. Pete. A sonic diversity of sounds are laid down here, from the hazy psychedelic surf-garage of Jensen Serf Co. to the Grapes’ own driving folk pop, and Viva helps these artists issue limited DIY releases once they’re complete. It’s like, a one stop shop, man. This party is thrown in honor of Viva La Records Mixtape, Vol. 1, which showcases the talents of 15 quality area acts, four that perform on this night. Show starts at 10 p.m.; admission is free (ages 21 and up only). (The Bends, St. Petersburg)
Mark Kroos A guitar force whose instrument of choice is a double-neck acoustic model that he plays with finger-style prowess as he uses both left and right hands to jump back and forth between both necks, all within a single song; you might remember him from that viral “Dueling Banjos” video, where he delivers it all by himself using speed, harmonics and a foot-stomp for the beat, and managing to achieve impressive full-bodied string texture. Other instrumentals combine elements of folk, Celtic music and a little punk, too. (Largo Cultural Center, Largo)
Tab Benoit The soulfully howling, Creole-soaked roots rocking bluesman from the Louisiana bayou just can’t get enough of Tampa Bay, if his frequent stops here are any indication. But considering he’s playing the Skipperdome on two consecutive weekend nights, he must have the proper fanbase in place for it. Props. Ari and the Alibis open on Saturday night, The Congress warms the stage on Sunday evening, and a two-night ticket will run ya $35; single night admission is available as well. (Skipper's Smokehouse, Tampa)
Cannibal Ox with Liam Tracy, Ol’ Madness CL freelancer David Z. Morris included Cannibal Ox’s 2001 album The Cold Vein in a column he wrote last year titled, “Six confrontational classics to read for Black History Month.” While he admitted it wasn’t a book, he lauded its marriage of street slang and veiled intellect as undeniable literature that “turns ‘90s New York into a Joycean dystopia.” In sum, Harlem-bred rappers Vast Aire and Vordul Mega made a deep impact on underground hip hop despite having only that one album to their credit up until this year’s smoldering creeper Blade of the Ronin, which features guest spots by Quantum and MF Doom among others. (Local 662, St. Petersburg)
Zedd with Dillon Francis, Madeon, Alex Metric Russian-German EDM producer/DJ Zedd is only 26 years old and already has a Grammy and two platinum certified singles to his credit. This giant “True Colors Tour” behind his sophomore electro-progressive house album of the same name – which produced No. 1 Dance hit “I Want You To Know” with Selena Gomez – features a few other big name artists of the genre: L.A.’s Dillon Francis, who resides in heavier moombahton and trap realms, and Alex Metric, a UK musician/DJ with nu-disco and electro-pop tendencies. (USF Sun Dome, Tampa)
Chillin' Music Fest with O.A.R., Ballyhoo!, Hor!zen, UNRB, The Supervillains, Stick Figure, Headshine Let’s not dwell on the island vanilla essence of the Chillin’ Music Fest bill, and instead focus on its preferred genres – alt rock, reggae and surf – and the band headlining the festivities, O.A.R., pop rock perpetrators of charters like “Shattered,” “Heaven” and “Peace.” At least the fest features multi Best of the Bay-winning ska-punk fusion favorites UNRB, and proceeds help out Florida’s nonprofit wish-granting organization, Chillin’ For Kids. (Curtis Hixon Park, Tampa)
ALSO TONIGHT
Black Knights Rising w/Geri X/Sunshine & Bullets Brass Mug, Tampa
Mosquito Teeth/Generichrist/Abortion Twins/Slade & The Wasters Fubar, St. Petersburg
The Amity Affliction w/The Plot In You/Cruel Hand/Chelsea Grin/Secrets Orpheum, Ybor City
Rocktoberfest w/Alter Eagles/DA Smith Seminole City Park, Seminole
Sarasota Slim w/Ramblegrass Ale and the Witch, St. Petersburg
Aland Quartet The Underground at Moscato’s, St. Petersburg
Flat Land Dunedin Brewery, Dunedin
Badi Assad Fogertyville Community Media and Arts Center, Sarasota
Concerts for a Cause & Fall Festival w/Bluestone Circle The Landing at Waterset, Riverview
The Return of Lovecraft Kymatic Studios, St. Petersburg
Gareth Asher Hideaway Café & Recording Studio, St. Petersburg
Direwood Presents SCORPIO: An Expression of Love for the Venture Compound w/Mirkwood/Shifted Grim/DEA + Saint/M0rt0s The Venture Compound, St. Petersburg
Cassette Store Day Daddy Kool Records, St. Petersburg
