Back to Rockville

On the way: Robert Randolph

He and the Family Band will perform at Liberty Hall in Lawrence on Jan. 21, a Friday. Tickets on sale at 10 a.m. Friday. On-line pre-sale is on now.

Review: Buzz Stole Xmas

When applied to music, the word alternative has lost most of its power and context. Back in the days of MTV's "120 Minutes," it meant rock music that had little chance of getting any play time on Top 40 or mainstream radio. Since then, "alternative" formats have popped up in corporate rosters, including the station here in town nicknamed the Buzz (96.5 FM). 

On the way (in May): the Moody Blues

They will drop by the Midland theater on May 5, a Thursday. Tickets on on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday.

Review: Shinedown

Sports fans know that mediocre teams are capable of occasionally surprising their opponents with unexpected bursts of excellence. In a similar fashion, Shinedown, a journeyman hard rock band from Florida, played well above their heads Friday at the Midland Theater.

Review: Jingle Jam

Photo by Chuck France/Special to The Star

Enrique Iglesias had his fans dancing, but not all night long, during his 30-minute set.

Radio festivals are usually a fast=paced showcase for four or more bands or performers with new music to promote.  Typically, each delivers a short set and a promise for a longer show when the formal tour comes to town. Friday night's Jingle Jam, sponsored by 93.3 FM -- the Mix -- was one of those. Four performers were on the bill: Latin pop star Enrique Iglesias; pop-rapper Travie McCoy, lead singer of the band Gym Class Heroes; Emily Osment, who plays Lily in the TV show "Hannah Montana"; and 13-year-old Aussie Cody Simpson, who is about to release his debut EP.

Your live holiday music guide

MCR headlines the Buzz Stole XXmas show on Wednesday.

News: Cage the Elephant has replaced Sleigh Bells at the Buzz Stole Xmas show on Monday.

If you missed the first holiday show of the month –- Manheim Steamroller at the Independence Events Center on Wednesday -– don’t fret. The month is loaded with opportunities to celebrate the season in some embodiment of a musical spirit. The radio stations are throwing their holiday festivals –- four in all –- plus there is the annual Trans-Siberian Orchestra performance. And the prince of smooth jazz is coming to town. Here’s a look at some of your options.

Kenny Chesney: On Arrowhead, football

TIckets for his show at Arrowhead in July go on sale Saturday. We talked to him this week.

He has recorded dozens of songs written by other people, but none has touched Kenny Chesney like “The Boys of Fall,” his most recent No. 1 single. The song, co-written by Casey Beathard and Dave Turnbull, is an ode to football, especially high school football teams, the men who coach them and the small towns that embrace them.

Should Dylan retire?

That's what the Wall Street Journal wonders today in a story titled: "When to Leave the Stage: A generation of music icons is hitting retirement age, along with their baby-boomer fans. Is it time for Bob Dylan to hang up his hat and harmonica?"

Your December agenda

The Sword comes to the RecordBar on Dec. 15.

Here is a list of most of the many shows coming to town this month. Please fill in our blanks. (Thanks to Concert Chris and other friends at Facebook).