There is nothing like watching and listening to a guitar being played by someone who handles it like it was a part of their being. And we were recently treated to two such men–Pete Yorn (above) and Ben Kweller–doing just that at the Wiltern in Los Angeles.

Ben Kweller, who has turned a bit country these days, took to the stage without a band, but not alone. He had his guitar. The young songwriter also had a piano, but that guitar was his true bandmate. Kweller charmed the crowd and made it easy for us to transition right into the man of the evening.

All words and photos by Debi Del Grande

Continue reading and check out more photos of Pete Yorn and Ben Kweller after the jump
continue reading "Pete Yorn, Ben Kweller Play The Wiltern, LA"

Words by David Williams, photos by Charles Poladian

Why so many critics and fans believe J Mascis’ acoustic solo efforts are so surprising, I will never understand. Sure, he’s the frontman for Dinosaur Jr., whose powerful volume in the studio goes to eleven (and beyond when played live); but with his world-weary, almost Neal Young-esque approach to singing, a mellow acoustic album, like Several Shades of Why, is a perfect fit for Mascis. And even in a venue like the Music Hall of Williamsburg, a room big enough for his typically ear-crushing guitar playing, the audience was instead treated to soul-crushing guitar mastery.

continue reading "J Mascis Goes Acoustic at Music Hall of Williamsburg"

Pete Yorn is on an extensive North American headlining tour (dates below) in support of his new, self-titled album, which was produced by Frank Black. Special guest Ben Kweller will open on all dates.

For a sample of what to expect, check out Yorn’s performance on The Live Buzz and his interview and performance for Rolling Stone.

Spin had this to say about Yorn’s performance at the Roxy in 2010: “Fronting a tight four-piece band on the eve of the release of his sixth album, Yorn delivered a crackling set … that underlined his latest manifestation: as an indie rocker who will roar, rather than mope, in the face of his chronically restless romanticism.”

Last year’s self-titled release follows Yorn’s two 2009 releases. Back & Fourth, hailed as “haunting” by Entertainment Weekly, debuted at number 32 on The Billboard 200 last June. Break Up, a collaboration with Scarlett Johansson was released last September.

PETE YORN – 2011 TOUR DATES
continue reading "Peter Yorn Kicks Off Spring Tour"

Iron & Wine played Conan on Monday, January 24. Enjoy the performance of “Tree By the River” above. Iron & Wine’s latest, Kiss Each Other Clean, was just released on Tuesday, January 25. The man behind the moniker, Sam Beam, always had a wonderfully evocative voice (and beard) and Kiss Each Other Clean being their most polished album yet.

Iron and Wine are set for the big stage and you can experience that when the band hits Radio City Music Hall on January 29. The band will be completing its sold-out run in Los Angeles on Wednesday, January 26. Luckily for fans in New York, tickets are still on sale. Grab them here.

Talk about a lineup! Granted the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival has two separate weekends, beginning on April 29-May 1 and May 5-8, dedicated to music. Every genre is covered, with numerous bands that will please any palate. The headliners include Arcade Fire, The Strokes, Wilco, Jimmy Buffett, Kid Rock, Robert Plant and the Band of Joy, Jeff Beck, Wyclef Jean, John Mellencamp, Tom Jones, John Legend and the Roots, The Decemberists, Cyndi Lauper, Lauryn Hill, Trombone Shorty, Sonny Rollins, and many more.

Each night is well crafted and reflects the overall tone of the headliners. Don’t expect a lot of indie acts at the nights Kid Rock (May 8) or Bon Jovi (April 30) headlines but there will be plenty of diversity. I’m forgetting acts like Mumford & Sons, Lupe Fiasco, Michael Franti & Spearhead, The Avett Brothers, and throw in Kenny G and you have every musical base covered. There will be plenty of additional entertainment outside of the acts, including daily parades and of course great New Orleans cuisine.

View the full lineup here and a daily breakdown here. You can get your tickets in a variety of ways here.