The headliner for “Don’t Mess With Texas” night at the Central Park Sessions was Grupo Fantasma from Austin. They’re in the Austin TX Music Hall of Fame, they’ve won a Grammy and their music has been featured on the TV shows Weeds and Breaking Bad. This was the second time I’ve seen Grupo Fantasma. They bring great energy to their shows and their music never fails to get women dancing which is always a good thing!
As I mentioned, I spent 2 days last week at Summerfest in Milwaukee WI. You have to be nimble at Summerfest! There are 6 stages – outside the Marcus Amphitheater – where the main acts you want to see play. However, they stagger the start times from 9:30 to 10:00 and it is of course, rock and roll, so you have to take that into account as well! I timed it right to catch the final half hour of Rusted Root. “Ecstasy” is their usual encore and it gives a taste of the energy of Rusted Root’s live show.
Johnny Clegg performing “Cruel, Crazy, Beautiful World.” Johnny Clegg played the Barrymore Theatre in Madison WI last Saturday night. Also known as “The White Zulu,” he is an important figure in South African popular music history, with songs that mix Zulu with English lyrics and African with various Western music styles. I got to meet Johnny after the show and had a Jamison with him. He’s a very cool guy and one of the most interesting people you’ll ever talk with! This video gives a taste of the positive vibe of Johnny Clegg’s music and the energy he brings to his shows.
Madison Area Blues & More 