- May 5 (Mon)
Who: Victor Wooten & The Wooten Brothers
Where: The Commonwealth Room
When: 8 p.m.
What: As one of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones’ superpowers, Wooten is a force to witness live. He’s a showman all on his own; he does things with the bass that are beyond comprehension and with a lot of joy. With his brothers in tow, it makes tonight even more special. Plus, it’s the first time the brothers have released new music and toured together since their brother, Rudy, passed. FUN FACT: In 1972, the Wooten Brothers were hired as the opener for Curtis Mayfield‘s hugely successful Superfly Tour. Eldest Wooten Brother, Regi, was 14 years old, and Victor was five.
Tickets
- May 10 (Sat)
Who: Amos Lee w/ Utah Symphony
Where: Abravanel Hall
When: 7:30 p.m.
What: He’s released five albums on the famed Blue Note label. He was handpicked to open for Norah Jones on her tour. He wrote that song “Sweet Pea” that you probably haven’t been able to quite shake since 2006. And now he’s set to tackle what it’s like to have up to 85 full-time, classically trained musicians learn and play his songs along with him. As far as accolades go, that’s got to be about as beautiful as it can possibly get.
Tickets
- May 12 (Mon)
Who: Deep Sea DiverZ
Where: Urban Lounge
When: 7 p.m.
What: For my money, this is the hidden gem of the month, the diamond halfway buried in the rough and awaiting discovery. The short story: I discovered Deep Sea Diver when they played on an island outside of Seattle more than a decade ago (and ferry rides are the best way to arrive). The experience was akin to being struck by lightning: as shocking as it was surprising. Following their journey ever since has been a treat, as the band’s only gotten progressively better. Shows are selling out this tour, and you’d be wise to grab a ticket while some are still available. No time like the present.Tickets
- May 13 (Tues)
Who: Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory
Where: Metro Music Hall
When: 7 p.m.
What: We spoke with Ms. Sharon Van Etten recently, and she shared this about her creating her latest album: “I didn’t know what I was writing. I was trying to write about my experience and what everybody else had been going through. Mortality is a big subject as we age. I’m the only parent in the group. Still, being a parent and having aging parents under the umbrella of what’s happening in the world, I feel that now, more than ever, we have to embrace each other and redefine what we think our community is. Focus on community and love, even as the times can feel dark. Being a good neighbor and person will help us get through.” Watch for our full feature when it’s published in the coming days.
Tickets
- May 14 (Wed)
Who: Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Bobby Rush
Where: The Capitol Theatre
When: 7:30 p.m.
What: Shepherd is a busy guy, and he’s remained that way since he landed on the blues scene many years ago. He was So Damn Good at the guitar from such a young age; still, it feels like he’s had to prove himself over and over, regardless of how incredible he really is. That aside, having a 91-years-young legend accompany him (Bobby Rush) this time around doubles the thrill of attending: two masters for the price of one.
- May 15-18 (Thurs-Sun)
Who: Kilby Block Party
Where: Utah State Fairpark
When: 4:15 p.m. (Thurs)
What: Kilby, you’ve come a very long way, baby. This festival has grown so much (and so quickly) that it’s hard not to be weirdly proud of all it’s become. It’s also hard to underestimate how much talent will be crammed into four days and nights, but here are 10 of the best names attached: New Order. Rilo Kiley. Gang of Four. The Black Angels. Justice. Built to Spill. Future Islands. The Lemon Twigs. St. Vincent. TV On The Radio. There are so many more to sink your teeth into, I promise. Hit the link for the already-published schedule and start your planning now. And please don’t forget to wear your sunscreen.
Tickets
- May 19 (Mon)
Who: White Denim
Where: Urban Lounge
When: 7 p.m.
What: Storytime: Back when the alt-country movement was making its waves across the music blogosphere, I connected with a guy in Denton, Texas. Once he learned I liked bands like Slobberbone and Drive-By Truckers and Uncle Tupelo, he made it his mission to fill in the gaps for me, sometimes mailing me 50+ dubbed compact discs at a time to help. As far as drinking from a firehose went, it was the best way. White Denim was a band he made sure I became familiar with at that same time, too, because, well, Austin pride and all that. It sure warms the ticker that they’re a) still playing rock shows and b) visiting our City of Salt so often.
Tickets
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