(Jim #23) — One of the first things I noticed about the recently announced Cascade Theatre/Jefferson Public Radio 2008-09 Performance Series: Less music. More dance and theatrical events.
Not that that’s a bad thing. Ultimately, the theater needs to settle into programming that reflects (to a large degree) what people in the north state want to see.
Among the concerts at the Cascade, the ones that interest me the most are the Neville Brothers on Sept. 3; Leo Kottke on Jan. 30; Guitar Blues with Robben Ford, Jorma Kaukonen and Ruthie Foster on Feb. 28; and ukelele phenom Jake Shimabukuro on April 1.
Not on the official performance series, but interesting shows at the Cascade nonetheless, are Leon Russell on July 17 and David Allen Coe on Sept. 14.
As for the Britt Festival in Jacksonville, Ore., (just a two-and-a-half hour drive away), I believe it’s the strongest music lineup I’ve seen in years from that venue. I’ve already purchased tickets for the Lucinda Williams/The Avett Brothers/The Waif show on Aug. 28.
A wealthier version of me that was committed to seeing a lot of concerts would travel to see the following at Britt — Chick Corea and Stanley Clarke on June 7; the Nevilles and Dr. John on June 12; Michael Franti on June 21; Lyle Lovett on July 23; Mark Knopfler on June 29; Bob Weir and Ratdog on July 6; Willie Nelson on Aug. 30; Bonnie Raitt and Curtis Salgado on Sept. 1; the Black Crowes on Sept. 7.
I have to admit, I’m a also bit intrigued by Billy Bob Thornton and his band on July 12 and George Thorogood and Buddy Guy on July 26.
We’ll see you there at the Lucinda Williams show. The Buecker clan is also going. My brother saw the Avett Brothers in Seattle recently and said it was the best show he’s ever seen.
Jim…
I, too, what intrigued by Billy Bob Thornton, but after procuring one of his CDs, I was not so impressed. I bet his live show is probably better than just listening to his off-beat songs on the commute to work.
A counting-the-hours-til-Strawberry,
Susanne