If you’ve been following Collage, you probably noticed that I’ve recently been posting about my summer music plans. This one’s gonna be big.
I use the summer of 2004 as a benchmark by which to judge a summer’s quality. During that year I was hanging out with a few key people who were (are) really, really into music. After Bumstock finished in April, we set out to hit a bunch of concerts (most notably, Dave Matthews Band, Guster/Ben Folds, and Linkin Park/Korn/The Used). I miss that summer. Fortunately, an announcement, a festival, and a bunch of good music this spring allowed me to create a better lineup over the next couple of months. I will be busy.
Here’s a short summary of where I’ll be heading to hear people play instruments. I’ve never heard any of them in concert before.
July 12: Carbon Leaf (Portland)
I believe I first found out about Carbon Leaf way back in the days of the good MP3.com. After downloading a few of their tracks from the site, I found that they also allowed concerts to be recorded and archived in the Live Music Archive. They’ll be playing in Monument Square as part of the Alive at Five series. Besides loving their folk-ish rock sound, they also encourage photography at concerts; you know I’ll be there.
July 22: The White Stripes (Portland)
In 2004 it was Dave Matthews (and Linkin Park) that held the distinction of being the most popular artist I saw. This year I might be rocking out to “The Hardest Button to Button”, “Icky Thump”, “My Doorbell”, “Seven Nation Army”, and more. To be honest I like smaller bands the vast majority of the time; they just seem less mainstream. The White Stripes are coming to Portland, though, and I want to go see what Jack and Meg are up to.
July 27: Rustic Overtones (Portland)
My history with Rustic can be summed up as “too late”. I first heard them through a trial with eMusic.com and proceeded to buy just about every album they had ever made. I also downloaded a bunch of their shows from the LMA. I never had a chance to see them in concert, though; I learned about them after they disbanded in May 2002. From the minute I heard the announcement that the Overtones were reuniting for two shows in Portland, I wanted tickets. Unfortunately, I found out too late; they were sold out. Fortunately, the eclectic rockers will be doing a free WCYY Patio Show on the 27th. Yup, I’ll be swinging back down to Portland for that one… and I don’t plan on being late.
August 2: Enter the Haggis (Rockland)
My friend Chad sent me a link to Enter the Haggis‘s Web site and told me to check out the tunes. I did, and now I’ll be going to their concert. They have a wonderful Celtic rock (or, should I say Celtic ROCK) sound that should be really interesting to watch in concert. They’re playing the Maine Lobster Festival for a set right before the…
August 2: Rustic Overtones (Rockland)
Hey, if I’m there already, why not?
August 4: Arlo Guthrie (Freeport)
I love all kinds of music. Good American folk music is one of my favorite genres. I grew up listening to “Alice’s Restaurant” and “City of New Orleans”. I even know how to play a few of Arlo Guthrie‘s songs on the keyboard. He’ll be at the L.L. Bean flagship store for a free outdoor concert on August 4th as part of Bean’s Summer Concert Series. I’m really excited that I get to see him.
August 11: Great Big Sea (Freeport)
Great Big Sea is also a part of the L.L. Bean Summer Concert Series. To be honest I can’t remember where I first heard them, but my friend Kelly really loves them and pretty much convinced me that I should go. It’s free, too.
August 24 – 26: American Folk Festival (Bangor)
In my mind, the American Folk Festival is hands-down Maine’s best event. This free three-day party on the Bangor Waterfront costs $1 million to produce each year and brings in tens of thousands of people from everywhere. I took some of my very favorite photos during the AFF in 2006, and while I’m not volunteering there I’ll be listening to every band and taking photos of them all. Last year’s highlights for me were No Speed Limit and Beòlach.
It’s going to be a full summer. If you have Facebook, check out my profile; you can hear song samples from a lot of these artists using the wonderful iLike application.