Just when you thought the Sweetwater Performance Pavilion had a full concert calendar, they slide in a couple more.
On Friday, August 2, the Pavilion presents the Arizona legends of the college rock circuit that revived the anthemic and jangly power pop ballads, the Gin Blossoms. The Grammy-nominated band’s fusion of melodic rock, pop, folk, and country elements has helped pave the way for modern rock of today. It’s hard to fathom that they’ve been around for 30 years and still maintain more than 120 tour dates a year.
I have to admit, I forgot about all the great songs the Gin Blossoms have until I caught their performance at last year’s Three Rivers Festival. It was an evening of radio hits and new numbers, which you can expect this August. Definitely add this to your calendar.
Famous Jazz Guitarist at the Pavilion
On the same day the Sweetwater Pavilion announced the Gin Blossoms show, they also made public that one of the most original and instantly recognizable guitarists from the ’80s onward, Pat Metheny, will be live in concert on Saturday, August 31.
The American jazz guitarist and composer has been going four decades strong and has become one of contemporary jazz’s most popular instrumentalists. His resume includes three gold albums and 20 Grammy Awards. He is the only person to win Grammys in 10 categories. If anything, you have to come out and watch Metheny play his Pikasso, a 42-string guitar.
Tickets for both the Gin Blossoms and Pat Metheny go on sale 10 a.m. Friday, April 5, at the Sweetwater campus, Neat Neat Neat Records, all Wooden Nickel locations, and at eventbrite.com and sweetwaterpavilion.com.
Middle waves waves see you later
Things are going to feel a little different this festival season with the recent announcement that Middle Waves is taking the year off. It’s a bummer, right? After all, the two-day festival has become an asset to the city since its start in 2016 and has provided experiences to bring families, friends, and communities together. The festival also used the grounds of Headwaters Park like nothing we’ve ever seen before with three stages of music that brought to town headlining acts such as The Flaming Lips, MGMT, and Dr. Dog. Also, Middle Waves has been a great platform for locals to perform.
Anyhow, MW organizers say the festival will return in 2020 bigger and better. There will be some exciting announcements coming later this year, so stay tuned. See you next year!
Poster Master Sauer releases Book
Although you might not know the name Jake Sauer, chances are you have seen his work while out watching one of our local acts perform. That’s because Sauer has been making gig posters for our music scene for 15-plus years.
If you’re familiar with his craftsmanship, Sauer’s posters and other music-related stuff have been put together in a book that he will release from 4-8 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at the Brass Rail. This collection is a must-have for local scene supporters.
If for some reason you cannot make it to the Rail, direct message Sauer through Facebook for a copy. Good job, Jake!
Out and About covers Northeast Indiana’s most interesting music and arts events. Send your announcements to info@whatzup.com.
