The bearded blues rock trio that provided so many memorable guitar riffs will stop in at Nampa's Idaho Center Amphitheater on Aug. 5. Yep, that's another outdoor show. Hooray!

Tickets for ZZ Top cost $29, $39 and $49 and will go on sale Friday, May 30, through IC Tickets and TicketWeb outlets. 

 

 

 

...read more

— Entertainer of the year: Kenny Chesney
— Top male vocalist: Brad Paisley
— Top female vocalist: Carrie Underwood
— Top vocal group: Rascal Flatts
— Top vocal duo: Brooks & Dunn
— Top new male vocalist: Jack Ingram
— Top new female vocalist: Taylor Swift
— Top new duo or vocal group: Lady Antebellum
— Album of the year: “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend...read more

In Friday's Ramblings column in PLAY, the date was incorrectly listed as this Thursday, May 21. On June 21, a sign will go up that reads Knitting Factory Concert House.

  

...read more

Well, I'd heard that Canyon County was an option to host the Chicago-based American rock band this summer, but the Eagle/Star area isn't far off. Wilco, a Grammy winning band and critical darling, will stop in at the Winery at Eagle Knoll on April 20.

The show is part of the Vintage '08 Summer Concert Series, presented by the Record Exchange and brought to you by Idaho Concerts, which also includes...read more

Two stellar shows from the alt-country scene have been added to the Treasure Valley's outdoor concert schedule: Steve Earle, the "hardcore trabadour," with guest Allison Moorer on July 11 and Neko Case, also of the New Pornographers, on Aug. 29.

Both shows will be held at the Winery at Eagle Knoll, a gem of a venue for outdoor concerts so long as the weather cooperates.

Tickets for both...read more

Visit the bizarro world!

For the first time, Rambo fans can see their beloved hero get waxed during a never-before-seen alternate ending that will be shown as "First Blood" hits theaters Thursday night for a one time showing. Locally, all three Edwards Theaters in the Treasure Valley will carry the movie, including Nampa's Edwards 14 which has a showing slated for 7:30 p.m. 

Honestly...read more

It's not so strange when a band has to cancel a show, but we're looking at three artists bowing out of Boise in less than a week:

1) Sunday's OTEP show (also Creature Feature, Eyes Set to Kill and New Revolution) has been postponed due to illness. A rescheduled date is expected to be announced shortly.  

2) Critical Bill will still perform at Boise's Big Easy on May 22, but Primer 55 will not...read more

I can't begin to tell you how tired the Coldplay-esque piano-rock sound has become. So I'm rather excited to hear Chris Martin and crew have decided to blow things up a bit for their new album 'Viva La Vida Or Death and All His Friends," due out June 17. Will  Coldplay followers embrace the band's thirst for creativity? Who knows. After two listens, "Violet Hill," a single off the...read more

Nampa grad, The Very Most to release ‘Congratulations Forever’

Maybe it’s the water. Or the plumes of smoke and steam rising from the local sugar plant. Or backlash from generations of ridiculous over-exposure to all things country music.

The fact is Nampa has produced some of the Treasure Valley’s most talented musicians devoted to creating...read more

Nampa musician learns how ‘to Stop Worrying and Love the Madness’
 
Terrific madness exudes from the first full-length release from The Invasion, a promising indie outfit that isn’t afraid to call Canyon County home.

A frenetic mash-up of mad melodies, rollicking piano, trumpet and guitar fuzz, “How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the...read more

Nampa man releases 2nd rock opera

Big. Epic. Inspiring. While these words could prove suitable adjectives for Matthew C. Vander Boegh’s second rock opera, “Blood Red,” set for release at Boise’s Record Exchange today, they most certainly describe his vision.

When most local musicians are stoked to post a few tunes on a MySpace page, Vander Boegh, who currently lives in Nampa while working in sales and as a teacher at BSU, poured “thousands” of hours into his second musical opus.

The scope of “Blood Red” is impressive. Vander Boegh recruited 15 musicians, chose to tackle a complicated issue and enlisted star-talent like East Coast vocalist Robin Andre, whom Vander Boegh says was an original member of the R&B group The Fugees. It all comes together three years after he released his first rock opera, “The Erinys,” his master’s thesis at BSU which explored the justification of revenge and violence.

On “Blood Red,” Vander Boegh poses the questions, “Where do ideas of racism come from, and what does it lead to?” He jokes he’s “probably red-flagged by the government” after visiting white supremacist Web sites doing research.

“The rhetoric that they use and the language is just so completely insane and just so way out of left field,” Vander Boegh says. “It’s hard to believe that people actually believe in it. But they do, and they’ll do crazy things because of it.”

Vander Boegh wrote the songs, played bass, some trumpet, programmed the album’s electronic effects and guided the smallest details. He also recruited a talented group of musicians to work with, including vocalists Anthony Fagiano (Midline) and Joel Kilmes (Cocoa Pele).

But the real prize was convincing Andre to fly in for three days to lend his R&B vocal stylings to the heavy rock backdrops.

“I was looking for someone who had a real soulful, black voice,” Vander Boegh says, “and that’s just something we don’t have around here.”

The album was recorded and mixed at the Audio Lab in Boise, then sent it off to be mastered by Mike Bozzi, who has worked with Nine Inch Nails, Janet Jackson and 50 Cent.

Vander Boegh felt his ambitious product needed to be done right in order to properly carry the weighty message he hopes “Blood Red” will convey. And while the album would be difficult to perform live, he hopes to pursue turning it into a film.

- Ben Fletcher, PLAY editor 

(For more info visit www.myspace.com/vanderboegh) 

(Appeared in March 14, 2008 issue of PLAY Magazine)

 

...read more

“These Dreams of Mine,” Bill Coffey & Ned Evett (Beehouse Records)

Live albums aren’t for everyone, though everyone lately seems to be releasing one. But on “These Dreams of Mine,” super locals Bill Coffey and Ned Evett, with a seamless combination of sweat and sheen, make it look easy.

The disc is certainly a songwriter’s affair.

The troubadour Coffey uses words and simple melodies to tell his stories, often discerning meaning from everyday minutiae such as boxes and U-turns, although love’s tangles never linger far. Meanwhile, fretless guitar whiz Ned Evett, who as a solo artist writes and performs his own songs, effortlessly communes with Coffey’s earnest twang via his electric and reasonator guitars.

The union is a blessed one, and that’s no bloated praise saved for local efforts, not that Coffey and Evett are your typical “local” musicians, having played and toured with various projects extensively for years.

“These Dreams of Mine” was recorded live, meaning no overdubs, in front of an audience at The Tonic Room in Boise over two nights last March. The result shines over 13 tracks of blue-collar Americana, with no discernible let-downs to be found during the live takes. Unscripted moments — such as a female member of the audience copping to a solo sneeze during the performance of “The Beginning of the End” — only add to the album’s charm.

“Did you do it on the beat?” Coffey asks the sneezer.

“These Dreams of Mine” is a fine effort, piloted by two seasoned musicians who care enough to bless each song with a songwriter’s touch.

...read more

"Due to transportation issues" the Tantric show at Boise's Big Easy tonight has been cancelled, according to Knitting Factory Entertainment. Guest bands for the show included Framing Hanley and Foster Child.

Tickets purchased online or via phone will be automatically refunded.

Get refund for tickets purchased at TicketWeb outlet by sending them back to : Ticketweb Refunds, P.O. Box 77250...read more

Let's face it, supergroups Velvet Revolver and Army of Anyone did little to make us forget about the stellar '90s rock riffage of Stone Temple Pilots. I think Scott Weiland and the DeLeo brothers sensed this, too, and realized their best days were behind them, intertwined. Well, the grunge-posing four-piece is back after eight years, with the band announcing this week they're kicking off a 65 date...read more

"Never Apologize: A Personal Visit With Lindsay Anderson," a film by Caldwell's Mike Kaplan and starring legendary actor Malcolm McDowell, will finally be screened in the director's backyard. The movie is set to play at Boise's The Flicks for a week-long stint starting April 25, Kaplan said Monday. A previous screening slated for Jan. 12 was scrapped after McDowell, who was slated to attend and...read more

I stumbled upon ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" last night, only to witness one of the most horrific displays I've had to digest in the 32 years I've been alive — and I'm not talking about Adam Carolla dancing. Nope. The Jonas Brothers, a three-piece "rock" band that basically serves as the male equivelent to Hannah Montana, butchered a-ha's classic '80s hit "Take On Me"...read more

Folks, if you're headed to the Saliva show at the Big Easy tonight, don't expect to see Saliva. The band has cancelled their appearance due to "transportation difficulties." Drowning Pool is still slated to play. For refunds follow these directions from Bravo officials ... Ticketweb tickets purchased at a Ticketweb outlet (ex: Record Exchange, Newt & Harolds, etc.) should be sent back to Ticketweb...read more

Just when you thought we were safe from George Michael, wham! He's back

NEW YORK (AP) — Ladies and gentlemen, George Michael is giving North America one more try. The pop star is gearing up for his first tour of the United States and Canada in 17 years, opening a multi-city tour in San Diego on June 17, Michael announced Monday. The tour is scheduled to wrap in Sunrise, Fla., on Aug. 3...read more

Heather Millions will be villified forever for her divorce with Paul McCartney — no matter how many hours, years or decades Mills devotes to charity. Right or wrong, you just don't mess with a Beatle and get way with it without facing repercussions in the court of public opinion. What you do get, though, is almost $50 million. That's about $12 million per year. Randy Moss is jealous....read more

It's not often a local band lands on the cover of PLAY (actually "More," the predecessor to PLAY), but Nampa indie wonders The Invasion are certainly worthy of such distinction. That's why it's exciting to find out the band is set to release their first full-length debut "How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Madness" in April. Judging from a few song samples posted on the band's web site...read more

I didn't even know Brad Garrett, the big, lovable brother and son on the TV show "Raymond," was a comedian. But his March 22 show has been cancelled according to this post on www.idahotickets.com: BRAD GARRETT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO SCHEDULING CONFLICT WITH TAPING OF HIS TELEVISION SHOW. CREDIT CARD PURCHASES WILL BE ELECTRONICALLY REFUNDED BACK TO THE CARD. ...read more

These guys know we're suckers for all things Harry Potter. Why not drag it out and take more of our money? Read below:

'Deathly Hallows' book to be split into 2 movies

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Harry Potter was the center of seven novels, but he'll star in eight films. The final book in the wildly successful series will be made into two films, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday.

Producers...read more

There was a noticable difference in the crowd at Sunday's Helio Sequence show versus the last time the Sub Pop indie band played Boise's Neurolux — this time there was a crowd. The electronica indie act from Portland, Ore., comprised of guitarist/singer Brandon Summers, drummer Benjamin Weikel and a laptop, were greeted by a large and boisterous crowd as they debuted songs from their new release...read more

Prog-jammers The Mars Volta are set to join this year's Sasquatch! Music Festival, set for Memorial Day weekend at the Gorge Amphitheater. If you're worried this summer's outdoor concert scene could wind up as meager as the last, making this trip should be a no-brainer. The specific dates are May 24-26. This year's line-up already includes R.E.M., The Cure, The Flaming Lips, Modest Mouse, Death...read more

The AP reported today that the movie trailer for "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" has been gaining some great buzz for a May 22 release. I personally dig the Indiana Jones series and am anxious to see if Harrison Ford can still crack that whip! Shia LeBouf ("Holes," "Transformers") is pretty dang funny, too. See for yourself. Check out the trailer at: http://www.indianajones.com/site/index.html...read more

... or you might miss out completely. Legendary crooner Tony Bennett is set to perform in Boise in May as part of the centennial celebration for the Children's Home Society of Idaho.

On Tuesday, the organization announced that Bennett, a 15-time Grammy winner and world-renowned entertainer, will perform at the Morrison Center on May 10. Tickets went on sale today at 10 a.m. and cost $75, $150 and...read more

If you read PLAY, it's probably no surprise that we here worship rock. Here's some standout albums I found from the 2007 year in music:

"In Rainbows," Radiohead — It turns out everyone — except me — stiffed Thom Yorke and friends when the band offered their latest album for download at a pay-as-much-as-you-like price. But “In Rainbows" finds Radiohead sounding...read more

It was too good to be true. On Tuesday, The White Stripes — Jack and Meg White — canceled their upcoming tour dates due to health issues. That means the highly anticipated Idaho Center show slated for Sept. 28 is off, too.

"Meg White is suffering from acute anxiety and is unable to travel at this time," the duo said Tuesday in a posting on their Web site. "We hate to...read more

Super R&B diva Beyonce may be celebrating "B-Day," her most recent solo album, but Treasure Valley music fans will be the ones getting a gift come September.

The Grammy winning artist has been booked to play Boise's Taco Bell Arena on Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. Tickets prices start at $22.75, with a limited number of Gold Circle Tickets going for $127.75, and go on sale Wednesday at 10 a.m...read more

- SIMPSONS: The critics were right. "The Simpsons Movie" was entertaining, but not nearly as I expected or hoped. The creators of the animated Comedy Central series "South Park" brought a bigger and better product to the big screen with the brilliant 'Bigger, Better and Uncut." Simpsons mastermind Matt Groening didn't. I've seen better Simpsons episodes. I wish I was wrong. - HARRY POTTER 5: Perhaps...read more

Purchase tickets to both X-Fest and the VANS Warped Tour and receive free tickets to two additional heavy-hitting concerts: Powerman 5000 on July 24 and Shadows Fall and Chimaira on July 31. Both shows are scheduled for Boise’s Big Easy. X-Fest 2007, a festival at Nampa’s Idaho Center Amphitheater and sponsored by 100.3 The X, brings to town Social Distortion, Godsmack, Evans Blue and...read more

‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ finishes weekend with $404 million in worldwide box-office booty LOS ANGELES (AP) — “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End� ruled the seven seas with a record $139.8 million domestically over the long Memorial Day weekend, lifting its worldwide total to $404 million. The third “Pirates� film starring Johnny Depp as boozy...read more

Winners at Sunday’s 49th Annual Grammy Awards at Staples Center in Los Angeles: Album of the Year: “Taking the Long Way,� Dixie Chicks. Record of the Year: “Not Ready to Make Nice,� Dixie Chicks. Song of the Year: “Not Ready to Make Nice,� Martie Maguire, Natalie Maines, Emily Robison and Dan Wilson (Dixie Chicks). New Artist: Carrie Underwood. Female R&B...read more

The following albums were hyped by many but were actually pretty lame. No matter what some people tell you: - TV on the Radio, “Return to Cookie Mountain� — It’s amazing what a famous fan will do for you. Hyped by many — including David Bowie — but apparently not by anyone who actually listened to the disc. A surprisingly boring record. - The Decemberists...read more

This year I heard a lot of good music and a lot of crap. The following are albums I gave repeated slots in my sweet Subaru stock stereo: - “Pearl Jam,� Pearl Jam — This Seattle band won’t die. After more than 15 years, Pearl Jam continues to find ways to stay relevant in today’s music world, led by captain Ed Vedder and a crew that has finally accepted they’re...read more

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The animated penguin tale “Happy Feet� and the James Bond adventure “Casino Royale� were a one-two punch at the box office for the third-straight weekend. “Happy Feet� was No. 1 again with $17.5 million, while “Casino Royale� finished second with $15.1 million. The top 20 movies at U.S. and Canadian theaters Friday through Sunday...read more

put on quite a show at the Egyptian Theatre last night (Sunday). About 600 fans, young and old and older, enjoyed two hours of spirited big band tunes compliments of Ray Benson a cast of seriously talented musicians. This was no surprise. This is a band that has won nine Grammy's. Here's a couple things I enjoyed: -  The 6-foot, 7-inch Ray Benson looked like a giant on stage and proved as charismatic...read more

Hey guys, just dropping in to post about a few recent notables: JAMES BOND - First, people are saying the new 007 — Daniel Craig — is perhaps the best they've seen. After catching the movie over the weekend, I'd have to say he's certainly in the running. My girlfriend definitely thinks so. She made me cut my hair so I look more like him. Sweet. Despite murmers and an online petition...read more

Hey guys, it's been a little bit since I've written anything. My excuses are I've been sick, deer hunting, up in Moscow for a BSU/Idaho match-up or just plain busy putting PLAY out each week. Take your pick. However, I will be back more frequently from here on out. Lucky you. I'm scheduled to talk with Ben Lee, who plays The Venue on Nov. 11 (my mom's B-day), later today. Lee is an Aussie singer/songwriter...read more

Who knew Adam was so graceful? Check it out by clicking on the link below. It's only about 20 seconds long. View slideshow...read more

When Johnny Depp starred as the lovable character, who was born with scissors for hands, ridiculous off-shoots imminent. Ever play "Edward Forty-hands"? Me neither. But apparently it's a drinking game where 40 ounce bottles of beer are duct taped to your hands. You basically can't use your hands until you finish both beers. I have to admit I got a laugh out of just listening to the concept...read more

No surprise here. I, like everyone else, became a huge fan of Dave Chappelle's Comedy Central masterpiece when it was on the air and was disappointed when he decided to jump ship. But Carlos Mencia, who took over Chappelle's time slot with "Mind of Mencia" and recently graced the cover of PLAY when he performed at the Morrison Center in September, is doing a heck of a job making me laugh in Chappelle's...read more

Who are we kidding here? If you haven't already been impressed -- or horrified -- by the  "Ramblings" column I write every week for PLAY Magazine, you may be out of luck. I envision this blog will be more of the same -- but better. And certainly more entertaining. It's the first attempt I've made at a blog. So the nice thing is I probably won't be restricted by what I can't or am not supposed...read more

Purchase tickets to both X-Fest and the VANS Warped Tour and receive free tickets to two additional heavy-hitting concerts: Powerman 5000 on July 24 and Shadows Fall and Chimaira on July 31. Both shows are scheduled for Boise’s Big Easy. X-Fest 2007, a festival at Nampa’s Idaho Center Amphitheater and sponsored by 100.3 The X, brings to town Social Distortion, Godsmack, Evans Blue and...read more

...read more