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Alicia Keys will be launching a 23-date North American summer concert tour which starts on June 28th. The “Keys to the Summer Tour” ensues the ongoing sold-out, critically acclaimed “The Alicia + Keys World Tour”, which has spanned Europe, North America and will soon head to Latin America.
The general on sale for the tour will begin Friday, April 21st at 9am local time. Pre-sales will run from Tuesday, April 18th – Thursday, April 20th. Alicia Keys Fan Club and Keys Soulcare Pre-Sales will launch Tuesday, April 18th at 1pm ET. Spotify, Live Nation, Ticketmaster and Venue Pre-sales will launch Thursday, April 20th at 10am local time. For more ticketing information visit LiveNation.com.
This tour will bring the GRAMMY Award-winning global superstar to arenas across North America with an all new, completely reimagined and redesigned concert experience and setlist. A first for Keys, it will feature her in an “in the round” production setup, allowing fans to experience her live performance in an entirely new and exhilarating 360-degree form. Keys is known for incorporating innovative and engaging production design into her live performances, and she worked together with director Diane Martel (director of the powerful “If I Ain’t Got You” and “Like You’ll Never See Me Again” music videos) and designer Chiara Stephenson to conceptualize and design the staging of the “Keys to Summer Tour”.
Keys has said, “The ‘Keys to the Summer Tour’ is going to be completely unforgettable and unmissable! I describe it as a celebration of freedom and self-liberation! It’s going to be colorful, magical and will light up your body, soul and all of your senses! This is my first time creating a 360 experience and we’ve made sure it’s like nothing you’ve ever seen! I’m so excited to see y’all this summer!”
Lauded by critics for her stunning shows, Keys’ last tour earned rave reviews from press. The Tampa Bay Times called it an “outstanding live performance that cemented her as one of the greatest musicians and singers of all time.”
The tour will be offering a variety of VIP packages and next-level experiences for fans. Various packages will range from inclusion of premium tickets to the chance to join Keys in an exclusive, intimate and inspirational “Soulcare Session” before the show. For more info, visit the tour’s page on VIPNation.com.
Alicia Keys Tour Dates
June 28 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – FLA Live Arena
June 30 – Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena
July 2 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center
July 3 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
July 5 – Memphis, TN – FedExForum
July 7 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena
July 9 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
July 10 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
July 12 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
July 14 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
July 15 – Cleveland, OH – Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse
Tickets for Hobo Johnson‘s performance at the Crescent Ballroom in Phoenix have gone on sale! If you are a fan of his unique blend of spoken word poetry and hip hop, you don’t want to miss out on this opportunity. Hobo Johnson is touring all across North America with two tour legs: the “Loves the West Coast” and “Really Likes the Midwest…and East Coast” tours. All tour dates below.
For those who may not be familiar with Hobo Johnson, his real name is Frank Lopes Jr., and he gained popularity with his hit single “Peach Scone” in 2017.
Since then, he has released five studio albums and has been praised for his raw and honest approach to music. His live shows are known for their energy and unpredictability, and he has been known to engage crowds with his infectious personality, colorful stage presence, and undeniable talent as a performer.
Hobo Johnson
The Crescent Ballroom is an intimate venue, which will allow for an even more immersive experience for concertgoers.
The performance is set to take place on Thursday, June 24th. Doors will open at 7:00 PM, and the show will start at 8:00 PM. Tickets are reasonably priced, and they are expected to sell out quickly. So, don’t wait too long to purchase your tickets.
If you are looking for a memorable night of passionate and relatable music, mark your calendars for Hobo Johnson’s performance at the Crescent Ballroom on June 24th. Get your tickets now before it’s too late!
PHOENIX — M83, an electronic group from France named after the galaxy Messier 83, performed at The Van Buren with experimental artist Rachika Nayar opening the show in a line-up consisting of only the two acts. The night of focus here is April 10, which was the original tour launch date scheduled in Phoenix and became the second night after it sold out, resulting in an add-on of April 9.
Opener Rachika Nayar, a composer and producer from Brooklyn, New York, set an ambiance that helped prime the audience for the vibes of M83. With the stillness of the crowd that portrayed an uncertainty of how to behave during this sensory electronic set, and a respectful patience, the performance came across almost like a pre-show DJ set.
Nayar has a muted stage presence, and she remained stationed at her equipment throughout the set, not speaking until the end when she expressed gratitude in an unassuming tone and wished a friend in the audience a happy birthday.
Touring in support of Fantasy,which was released last month, M83 opened with the deeply relaxing and ethereal “Water Deep,” continuing with the chill vibes emanated by Nayar, unlike many other acts that will typically burst onto a performance as they start their set.
Fronted by 43-year-old Anthony Gonzalez, M83 has existed for about 24 years. Gonzalez is not a glamorous showman, yet his prowess shines for him. More than just a singer, he is a renaissance man responsible for lead vox, guitar, synths, keys, bass, percussion, mixing, arranging, and producing.
M83 transitioned to a danceable energy with the upbeat title-track from Fantasy, which was the 8th song in a setlist of 20 (including the encore). “Fantasy” hearkens back to the primary energy of the Junk album — a personal favorite that I have kept on heavy rotation after being lucky enough to experience it live on their April 13, 2016 tour stop at Comerica Theatre (which, while I knew of M83 before that point, was what impacted me so much as to cement me as a fan).
It was during “Fantasy” that Joe Berry stepped away from the synthesizers and pleased the crowd with the EWI. The stage lights brightened and bathed the band in many more colors, and it was especially in that moment that the slow-roll of the night proved worth the wait. Though I may be biased as a sax player myself, I am confident in my opinion that anyone would be in agreement that the show really gets ripping once Berry starts wailing on the saxophone.
Kaela Sinclair commands attention as the siren of a soprano vocal that is a signature and integral part of M83’s sound. You can also catch her sultry, haunting, and powerful vocals outside of M83 as a solo artist.
The band’s show ebbs and flows from there, following “Fantasy” with “Laura”, which channels the 80s prom night air that much of M83’s music exudes. Afterward, they brought some of their highest energy with “Don’t Save Us From the Flames.” “Noise” from 2003 release Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts served as a segue to “Wait” from Hurry Up We’re Dreaming (2011). Delightfully, “Solitude” from Junk was next, and the bopping “Sunny Boy” from Fantasy after that.
The tracks that go heavier on the guitars for a dramatic electronic-meets-rock sound are absolutely soul igniting. The live band is rounded out with Julien Aoufi on drums, the skills of guitarist Théophile Antolinos, and bass rhythms from Clément Libes. These 3 musicians were shrouded in smoke and lights in the background as the front of the stage was filled with the synths and keyboards, along with Gozales, Sinclair, and Berry.
It comes as no surprise that the crowd’s energy climaxed during the encore as the group launched into the highly recognizable “Midnight City”, which has received heavy radio play since its release in 2011. If you are a regular listener of ALT AZ 93.3, you’ve heard it a lifetime’s worth. One can only long for more of M83’s superior tracks to hit the mainstream to give respite from the overabundance of formulaic, forgettable, and overplayed tracks of other artists that pervade popular music today.
This night of music was nourishing to the spirit with a perfect blend of chill time and outright fun, which was quite apparent by the invigorated energy that was effortlessly perceptible from the crowd leaving the venue following “Outro.”
Burning Hot Events highly recommends catching this tour. There is ample opportunity to do so, as it has just started, and the band has dates scheduled all across North America up through May 16th. Check out the tour dates here:
If you’re a fan of The Postal Service’s iconic hit “Such Great Heights,” you’ve probably heard countless covers of the song over the years. But have you ever heard a cover of a song that completely transforms it into something new and exciting? That’s exactly the case with Joy Kills Sorrow’s bluegrass version of this hit. This rendition, which was released on their EP Wide Awake in 2013, deserves your attention if you haven’t heard it yet.
What is particularly impressive about this cover is how effortlessly the band took an electronic indie-pop hit and made it their own, infusing it with their signature Americana sound that is a refreshing departure from the original. Fueled by Jacob Jolliff’s intricate mandolin playing and lead singer Emma Beaton’s soaring vocals, the song was transformed into a foot-stomping bluegrass number that’s impossible not to dance along to.
Right from the beginning, the mandolin and banjo (played by Wes Corbett) take over, providing a lively and instantly engaging introduction. While staying true to the melody and lyrics, the band injects their signature style, adding instrumental breakdowns and harmonies that showcase their musical prowess. Beaton’s vocals add a touch of sweetness and vulnerability to the already poignant lyrics. As the song progresses, each instrument takes its turn to shine, from the rhythm of Matthew Arcara flatpicking the guitar, to the harmonies of Zoe Guigueno and her upright bass. You can feel the energy building up, culminating in a triumphant ending that will leave you with chills. The result is a cover that’s just as catchy and memorable as the original, but with a new energy and vibrancy that’s impossible to resist.
What makes this cover so successful is that it doesn’t try to imitate the original, but rather reinvents it completely. It manages to capture the essence and emotion of the song while putting a new spin on it. Overall, Joy Kills Sorrow’s bluegrass cover of “Such Great Heights” is a testament to the power of musical creativity and innovation. It proves that good music can transcend genres and styles, and that sometimes the most unexpected artist can surprise you. So, if you haven’t given it a listen yet, it’s high time that changes.
Even die-hard The Postal Service fans will find themselves tapping their feet along to this bluegrass rendition. If you haven’t heard Joy Kills Sorrow’s cover of “Such Great Heights” yet, do yourself a favor and give it a listen. Although Joy Kills Sorrow disbanded after performing their last show in 2014, their legacy includes a stunning example of how a great cover can take a beloved song and elevate it to new heights.
Ben Gibbard Returns with a “Double Feature” Performance
Speaking of The Postal Service… lead vocalist Ben Gibbard is making a comeback to Arizona and other cities (listed below) with a “double feature” show that is sure to delight. As part of the “Give Up & Transatlanticism 20th Anniversary Tour,” The Postal Service and Death Cab for Cutie will be co-headlining, and Gibbard will be at the forefront of it all.
The tour runs in September and October of this year. Arizona Financial Theatre, one of the iconic spots to host this show, is set to witness an unforgettable night of music that showcases the evolution of the creative genius of Gibbard and his bandmates. (Fun fact: Jenny Lewis of The Postal Service is also a solo artist, actress, and was the lead singer, rhythm guitarist, and keyboardist for the indie rock band Rilo Kiley.) It goes without saying that Death Cab for Cutie and The Postal Service carry energies that leave fans yearning for more. But, to have both bands share the stage on a joint tour is something else entirely.
Back in 2003, The Postal Service and Death Cab for Cutie became musical sensations that rocked the world with Gibbard at the helm. The Postal Service’s debut album, Give Up, and Death Cab for Cutie’s fourth studio album, Transatlanticism, showcased the range of Gibbard’s vocal and songwriting abilities. It’s been twenty years since those albums’ releases, and that is all the more reason to celebrate. The “Give Up & Transatlanticism 20th Anniversary Tour” is, therefore, more than just a tour. As each band performs their respective albums in their entirety, it’s a trip down memory lane accompanied by heart-thumping instrumentals and performances that leave concertgoers reveling in nostalgia.
With Gibbard headlining, The Postal Service & Death Cab For Cutie: Give Up & Transatlanticism promises to be a night to remember. Get your tickets now!
The Postal Service & Death Cab for Cutie 2023 Tour Dates
September 8 – Portland, ME – Cross Insurance Arena
September 9 – Kingston, RI – The Ryan Center
September 10 – New Haven, CT – Westville Music Bowl
September 12 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall
September 13 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall
September 14 – Washington, DC – Merriweather Post Pavilion
September 17 – Detroit, MI – Meadow Brook Amphitheater
September 20 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
September 21 – Philadelphia, PA – The Mann Center
September 24 – Minneapolis, MN – Armory
September 26 – Denver, CO – Mission Ballroom
September 27 – Denver, CO – Mission Ballroom
October 3 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
October 4 – Las Vegas, NV – The Chelsea Ballroom at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
October 7 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
October 10 – Berkeley, CA – Greek Theatre – UC Berkeley
CHTHONIC will play Megaport Festival‘s main stage today, April 1, and metalheads all over the world can watch the livestream online at 21:00(GMT+8) = 09:00(EST). (Invitation link below.)
Click the link above on April 1, 2023, and the livestream link will be on the page you are directed to.
About CHTHONIC’s Newest Music Video
After a five year wait for new music from CHTHONIC, the band premiered the music video for their new single “Pattonkan” March 1 at Knotfest. “Pattonkan“ was then released on all digital platforms on March 2.
Although the song “Pattonkan” is completely in Taiwanese, English subtitles are available on YouTube:
CHTHONIC’s lead vocalist and sitting member of Taiwan’s Parliament, Freddy Lim,hasinvested most of his time in parliamentary works, yet inspirations for music have still popped up from time to time when he felt depressed. However, he didn’t have time to sit down quietly and write them down. “I feel anxious sometimes, there are so many things I want to do, but I feel I don’t have sufficient time in my life to do everything,” he said. “How would those who came before us think of us in Heaven if we don’t move forward?”
With such emotions in mind,Lim once met Mr. Kao Ying-chieh（高英傑, son of an indigenous victim of Taiwan’s White Terror authoritarian period Kao Yi-sheng（高一生, and his family. Lim listened to him telling the story of how his father advocated for democracy and was eventually executed, and read the over 60 letters that Kao Yi-sheng sent to his family before he was executed.
“The very strong emotional bonds between Kao Yi-sheng and his wife, as well as with his children were an inspiration to me,” Lim said. “As long as we don’t give up, defend the people and land we love, and move as hard as we can, we’re on the right track.”
Guitarist and backup vocalist Jesse Liu, who co-composed the music, said that they first wrote a lot of complicated stuff, but later simplified it as the emotions flew. “We found that the simplified version actually really hit the spot!” So the new song was born.
The title “Pattonkan“ is the indigenous Tsou name for “Yushan（玉山）” or “Jade Mountain”. Jade Mountain is the highest peak in northeast Asia, and considered as a sacred mountain to the Taiwanese. The name “Pattonkan” is meant to be a reminder of the inspiration for the song. The line 風起田地 過溪山野 吾魂四時看顧守護 actually echoes a line in Kao Yi-sheng’s final letter “田地和山野都有我的魂守著”, meaning that his soul will safeguard the fields and mountains of Taiwan.
CHTHONIC worked with film director Hung Po-te once again for the music video for “Pattonkan”. The actors in the video are the same ones that acted in the videos for “Kaoru“, “Defenders of Bú-Tik Palace“, and “Millennia’s Faith Undone“. Hung Shih-hsun acted as the male lead Tsing-guan, and Wang Ting-chu acted as his wife Kaoru. The actress who played the daughter in the music video of “Millennia’s Faith Undone (the Aeon’s Wraith Version)” appeared as an adult. Lee Hsueh, who played a role in the movie Untold Herstory also appeared in the video.
The painting that appeared in the “Pattonkan” video is Looking at Jade Mountain from Alishan by Chen Cheng-po （陳澄波）. Chen Cheng-po and Kao Yi-sheng were both key players during the 228 Massacre. Chen was executed openly in the street, while Kao was arrested and executed years later. The production team decided to make it more powerful artistically through the connection of the painting and music.
The director, Hung Po-te, pointed out that previous videos in the same series gradually turned from the husband Tsing-guan’s perspective to his wife Kaoru’s. This time, he wished to show the kid Kiku’s perspective. The child’s story was inspired by that of Kao Yi-sheng’s daughter Nana. After Kao was executed, his family was still under long-time surveillance and repression by the authoritarian regime. Nana, who dreamed of becoming a singer, became a controlled “toy” for high-ranking officials.
Band lead and bassist Doris Yeh is very supportive of the director’s interpretation of the storyline.
“The song is not about praising a hero, but to see a family through a person, and see a generation of people through a family,” Yeh said. “This is a song that’s full of brevity, yet also sorrowful.”
About CHTHONIC
While Taiwan is considered home of Austronesian peoples and a mystic island nation in the Orient, the image of Taiwan also encompasses advanced technologies, modern cities, and upholding human rights and progressive values. The metal band CHTHONIC has given the best interpretation of the contrasting images of the country.
CHTHONIC’s lyrics are inspired by Taiwanese mythology, folk stories, and history, and their music incorporates elements of traditional Taiwanese folk music, enka, and sorrowful melodies from Taiwanese opera, accompanied by traditional Taiwanese musical instruments, such as hena, zheng – also known as “box zither” – and pgaku flute. Elements from contemporary symphonic black metal, melodic death metal, blood-boiling riffs and solos are also integral parts ofCHTHONIC’s music . Critics have tried to label CHTHONIC’s music as black metal, death metal or folk metal, but CHTHONIC has opted for simply “metal” for its simplicity and authenticity.
From the festivals Fuji Rock and Summer Sonic in Japan, to Ozzfest in the US, to Download festival in the UK, and Wacken Open Air (WOA) in Germany, CHTHONIC has been to major music festivals around the world, and has had toured hundreds of shows in Europe, North America, and Asia. They have also worked with many internationally renowned artists. Lamb of God’s Randy Blythe, Trivium’s Matt Heafy, guitarist Marty Friedman, Japanese folk singer Hajime Chitose, and Hong Kong diva Dennise Ho have all appeared in CHTHONIC’s works.
In Taiwan, several of CHTHONIC’s albums have been on the pop-music charts, and the band has been awarded the “Golden Melody Award” – the Taiwanese version of the Grammy Award. Besides being CHTHONIC, band members are also active in different fields: Doris Yen, the bassist and the band leader, has been advocating for women’s rights, acted in movies, and has curated major rock music festivals. Drummer Dani Wang is working in music education to bring up younger generation musicians, Guitarist Jesse Liu and the keyboard player CJ Kao are involved in the production of many albums from Taiwanese bands. Lead vocalist Freddy Lim is active in public affairs relating to human rights and social justice issues, and now he is a member of the Taiwanese parliament, elected in 2016, and re-elected in 2020.
With exception of its earlier works, CHTHONIC’s albums – including Seediq Bale (2007), Mirror of Retribution (2009), Takasago Army (2011), and Bú-Tik (2013) – were all released worldwide, with positive feedback from music critiques.
Since the Lim was elected, CHTHONIC continues to operate, but in a low-profile manner, without tense performance, and they still released the album Battlefields of Asura and won another Golden Melody Award. In 2019, CHTHONIC worked with an orchestra to perform in the “Taiwan Victory Live” concert on Ketagalan Boulevard in front of the Presidential Office in Taipei, which attracted an audience of over 50,000 and from which a live album was released.
