Vibes blog

OK, I love the acting chops displayed by rapper-turned-thespian Mos Def, but I am ecstatic that he recently made the choice to step away from the movie screen for a second to focus more on music.

A few months ago, the underground-hip-hop-flavored MC released his new CD, The Ectstatic, to rave reviews and now he’s taken his show on the road. Catch him at Amos’ Southend Wednesday, Aug. 12, performing cuts from his new album along with classic joints.

Of course, if you miss seeing him in the flesh, you can always watch him on the small screen in The Italian Job or something … but that’s just not as fun, now is it?! $30-$35. 8 p.m. Amos’ Southend, 1423 S. Tryon. 704377-6874. www.amossouthend.com.

To whet your appetite, here’s some footage of the man in action:

Oh and Jay Electronica is the opening act. For those who’ve never heard of him, here’s a little bit about the cat:

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Social Distortion is coming to Amos’ Southend on Oct. 21 with TAT and The Strangers. No word on when tickets go on sale.

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The Rock the Bells show at Amos’ Southend on July 23 has been canceled. Ticket sales are not to blame however, as headliner Reflection Eternal — Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek — have decided to do a tour on their own this fall. After the headliner dropped off, the wheels did too, so to speak.

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Hank III Not sure whether spending our nation’s birthday with somebody other than Hank Williams’ grandson might be contrary to the Patriot Act, but I’ll look into it. Hank III’s live shows come in two flavors, of course: the country one that links him to his grandpappy like there never was a Williams Jr., and Assjack, Hank III’s brutal hard-core alter-ego. There’s nothing too original in either, but it’s all done like Hank III’s life depends on it. Given his partying proclivities, it just might. With Lucky Tubb. Amos’ Southend

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The Redman, Methodman and Ghostface show at Amos’ Southend on Aug. 4 has been canceled. The promoter is working to reschedule the show.

In the meantime, etix will be issuing refunds in the next two days.

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So, Friday night was the opening of the new Fillmore here in Charlotte which means that both of the new venues are now open. I thought I’d share a few thoughts on both:

The Uptown Amphitheatre
I haven’t been to the new amphitheatre yet, but have heard mixed reaction. Some people said it’s awesome, some said it’s too packed when the show is sold out. However, the biggest complaint was about beer prices. To these people I ask, “Have you been to Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre? The prices are the same there.” A smaller venue doesn’t mean smaller prices. Instead of people complaining about the prices, and then continuing to pay for beer at $8 and $11, why not stop buying it? If people stopped paying for it, they’d have to lower costs to sell it. You may complain, but if you keep buying it, you have nothing to complain about…

The Fillmore
I went to see Corey Smith on Friday night and was immediately impressed by the vibe of the location and the fact there isn’t really a bad “seat” in the house. With four levels, you can see the stage from practically anywhere inside the venue. A 16-ounce beer costs $6, which is closer to the average price at any bar around town. The lighting and sound systems are fantastic and the air conditioning works beyond well. In fact, it was nearly freezing in there and the complaint I heard the most was that it was too cold. (more…)

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TV on the Radio w/ Dirty Projectors
Amos’ Southend
June 11, 2009

The Deal: TV on the Radio played Amos’ Southend with openers Dirty Projectors.

The Good: Any sincere music lover will admit to one truth – never say never. In order for musical tastes to evolve, as they always do, one must be willing to maintain an open mind, to give sounds that once aggravated the ear drums a chance to insert themselves in the psyche. Anyone who’s ever hated the first listen of a particular album only to love it a few weeks later knows what I’m talking about. The same holds true for bands in general. Such is the case with my relationship with TV on the Radio. In 2006, I saw them live after hearing bits and pieces from their earlier albums. The live show, as is often the case, was the deciding factor for this listener. They bored me immensely; I merely waited for my beloved cape-wearing Goths, Bauhaus and their kin, the headlining Nine Inch Nails to take the stage. (more…)

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New York Dolls Dawning the age of glam punk with their quintessential debut 35 years ago, the New York Dolls can still rock the socks off most alterna rockers bouncing around on stages today. Vocalist David Johansen and guitarist Sylvain Sylvain are the only remaining original members and their new recording Cause I Sez So is a blistering statement on the Dolls’ staying power. Their influence on countless bands that have birthed since their debut is untouchable. Gig of the week. With Black Joe Lewis. Amos’ Southend

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According to pollstar.com, The Cult will perform at Amos’ Southend on Sept. 7.

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Pollstar.com has listed Sugar Ray as playing at Amos’ Southend on Aug. 11.

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