Heart & Soul: Rod Stewart at the Joe

Rod Stewart and Stevie Nicks are currently performing (as in right now) at Detroit’s Joe Louis Arena for tonight’s stop on their Heart & Soul tour.

If, like me, you were unable to attend, just watch this video. It’s probably better than what you’d have seen tonight, anyways.

I must not be the only kid who likes Rod Stewart, because one of his songs has made it into the Glee songbook, as sung by Blaine (Darren Criss):

Oh, wait. Gleeks don’t like Rod Stewart. They like Darren Criss. And think he’s sexy.

Interpol in Chicago

Here are those five blurry pictures I promised a few days ago. With an extra special added bonus.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Coming soon: Interpol pics

This past weekend, I had the luxury of seeing Interpol in Chicago with my love (my three favorite things!)

I’ve been wanting to post some pictures, but unfortunately I left my camera cord at home, so I haven’t been able to. It’s driving me crazy.

I didn’t get many pics from the show anyways, because about three pictures and a video in, my camera flashed “MEMORY CARD FULL” in my face.

Did I sit there and delete old pictures or enjoy the show? I’m sure you can guess. The few ones that I do have will be coming soon, though! 😀

Holy Justin Vernon!

Get ready to do a happy dance, Bon Iver fans.

Justin Vernon hit the stage with Brian Moen the other day to play a show with The Shouting Matches in Wisconsin. The result? A bluesy, effin’ fantastic departure from his usual painfully gorgeous falsetto. Emphasis on the effin’ fantastic part.

Please don’t take my word for it, as you must see this magic for yourself.

With that, I give you The Shouting Matches performance of Son House’s “Death Letter.”

My Night With Conan O’Brien

I had the privilege of attending Conan O’Brien’s “Legally Prohibited From Being Funny on Television” tour on May 21st in East Lansing, MI.

O’Brien’s visit to MSU’s sold out Breslin Center was definitely a night to remember. He brought along old and new friends and plenty of laughs.

After the success of this tour, the head honchos at NBC are going to be kicking themselves.

Click here to read my top 10 moments of the night!

Bonnaroo Scoop (Literally)

Ben & Jerry’s is clearly playing favorites in terms of summer music festivals this year, as the company just unveiled a signature Bonnaroo flavor.

Apparently they also think that if it were edible, this arts and music fest would taste like “light coffee and malt ice cream with whiskey caramel swirls and english toffee pieces.”

Now, I’ve never been so I can’t judge, but the above description isn’t exactly what first jumps to mind when I think of a days long music festival. Although the aptly named “Bonnaroo Buzz” does seem somewhat appropriate…

About to Pop: A Summer 2010 Entertainment Guide, Vol. 1

Ahh, the joys of summer.

Sunshine, ice cream and air conditioning to combat the heat from said sunshine.  What more could you ask for?  Some summer entertainment, of course.  Whether you’re working this summer, taking classes or just lounging around being a bum, you’re going to need some movies, music and/or outdoor music festivals to make your days a little better and brighter.

I present to you the first in a series of posts that will serve as your guide to everything pop culture for the steamy summer months of 2010.

First up?

Music festivals.

Movement 2010

Location: Hart Plaza, Detroit, MI

Dates: May 29-31

Scene: The Detroit Electronic Musical Festival is a three day long techno fest chock full of beats and after parties

Featuring: Plastikman, Inner City, Model 500

Tickets: Click here for weekend three-day passes, VIP tickets and single day passes

Sasquatch! Music Festival 2010

Location: Gorge Amphitheater, George, WA

Dates: May 29-31

Scene: Emphasis on singer-songwriters, indie bands

Featuring: Vampire Weekend, Laura Marling, Kid Cudi, She & Him

Tickets: Single day, three day passes and camping passes can be purchased here

Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival

Location: Great Stage Park, Manchester, TN

Dates: June 11-14

Scene: Everything from indie to hip hop to electronica and bluegrass

Featuring: The Dead Weather, Norah Jones, Mayer Hawthorne, The Temper Trap

Tickets: General admission, VIP tickets and total access exclusives here

Summerfest 2010

Location: Marcus Amphitheater, Milwaukee, WI

Dates: June 24-July 4

Scene: The most family friendly of them all, Summerfest includes music, fireworks and shopping

Featuring: Sheryl Crow, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Carrie Underwood

Tickets: Get gate admission tickets here

Pitchfork Music Festival

Location: Union Park, Chicago, IL

Dates: July 16-18

Scene: Indie, hip hop, jazz, experimental

Featuring: Modest Mouse, LCD Soundsystem, Beach House, Neon Indian, Surfer Blood

Tickets: Single day passes available here

Lollapalooza 2010

Location: Grant Park, Chicago, IL

Dates: August 6-8

Scene: Alternative, hip hop, punk

Featuring: Lady Gaga, Phoenix, Spoon, Grizzly Bear, Mumford & Sons, The Black Keys

Tickets: General admission three day pass, VIP pass and travel packages on sale here

Check back in the next few weeks for a rundown of summer films and album releases!

Sixteen Years After Kurt

Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain committed suicide 16 years ago today, at the age of 27.

In his honor, I wanted to share a video with you.

It’s from the bands’ “MTV Unplugged in New York” special from back in the day when there was actually music on MTV (shocker!).

It also just so happens to be my favorite Nirvana song, “Lake of Fire.”

Enjoy!

Lollapalooza 2010 Announcement

The lineup for Chicago’s Lollapalooza was revealed this morning and includes headliners like Lady Gaga, Green Day, Phoenix and The Strokes.

The festival lasts for three days from August 6 to 8 in Grant Park.

Tickets are going fast… the Early Bird 3-Day Pass ($175) and Advance 3-Day Pass ($195) are already sold out.  A Regular 3-Day pass will cost you $215 and is still available.

There are also ridiculously expensive VIP and travel packages, in case you’ve got a spare $850 to $2499 burning a hole in your pocket.

Tickets are on sale at the Lollapalooza website.

I’m kind of seriously considering taking the train over for this… I mean, how many times can you see The Black Keys, Mumford & Sons, Rogue Wave and Hockey in one place?

That’s what I thought.

If you’re interested in the complete lineup, click here.

Want to see The Swell Season live?

If you’ve never seen the movie “Once,” I feel sorry for you.  Partly because it’s an amazing film, but also because it’s two stars are fantastic musicians.  I suggest you sprint to your local Blockbuster and remedy this problem before reading any further.

However, if you have seen the film and are familiar with the music of Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, I’ve got exciting news for you!

The duo, also known as The Swell Season, have just announced several U.S. tour dates.

Personally, I’m already planning a road trip to Kalamazoo on May 15.

“Falling Slowly” is arguably the pair’s most widely recognized song and received an Oscar for Best Original Song in 2008.

Check it out here, and I hope you get a chance to see them live in May.