Wichita Eagle: Music

‘Asleep at the Wheel’ still spinning after 40 years

Ed Condran — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:30 CST

Asleep at the Wheel keeps rolling along since leader and lone original member Ray Benson won’t take his foot off the gas pedal.

The towering singer-songwriter — who checks in at 6 feet 7 inches — has kept the band together for more than 40 years.

The group, which has earned nine Grammy Awards and a lone top-10 single — the clever “The Letter (That Johnny Walker Read),” which hit the charts 37 years ago — keeps on going even though 24 musicians have left the act since it formed in 1970.

“Il Trovatore” powerfully opens Wichita Grand Opera’s season

David Baxter — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:08 CST

The Century II Concert Hall was awash in glorious sound on Saturday night as the Wichita Grand Opera began its 10th season with a powerful performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s epic opera “Il Trovatore.”

The plot of “Il Trovatore” — “The Troubadour” — presents an implausible chain of action in a tale of jealousy and revenge. Without great performances by a strong cast, an audience would surely stare at the stage in disbelief of this story, no matter how beautiful the music.

Fortunately we were swept into the spell of drama and pathos that mark this 19th-century classic by four capable leads and many fine supporting performers. The set for this production was simplicity at its best, supporting the drama with strong elements of architecture and landscape with no distraction from the plot.

All-ages venue to host All-American Rejects

Joe Stumpe — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:29 CST

Young music fans have a new place to hear bands in Wichita, thanks to a woman old enough to be their mother.

In fact, Laurie Sloyan-Croney is the mother of two music-loving sons, who either rubbed off on her or the other way around.

“I still listen to everything they have on the radio,” Sloyan-Croney, 45, said. “My mom says, ‘How can you listen to that music? I don’t understand what they’re saying.’ I’m like, ‘It’s absolutely wonderful.’ ”

Time for Three joyous guests at Wichita Symphony’s Blue Jeans Concert

David Baxter — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 09:11 CST

The Century II Concert Hall was filled to capacity Friday evening as the Wichita Symphony, joined by guest artists Time for Three, presented their annual Blue Jeans Concert. This concert, where the audience is invited to come in relaxed attire and the performers don their most comfortable jeans instead of tails and gowns, has become a popular tradition.

The program opened with Leonard Bernstein’s Overture to “West Side Story,” a very fitting prelude to Time for Three’s appearance. Noted as a composer, performer and conductor, Bernstein had many great achievements during his luminary career, yet some of his greatest work was as an educator. Bernstein was not an educator in the most traditional sense, but he did much to foster understanding and appreciation of music in a generation of concertgoers by the way he reached out to listeners, showing them the excitement in classical music and encouraging them to find the relevance for it in their lives.

Time for Three carries on the spirit of Bernstein. Trained in the highest traditions of classical music, the group explores every musical medium and brings it alive. The players are engaging, personable and funny, but their execution is all business. Their first piece of the evening was “Travels in Time for Three” written by Chris Brubeck, son of the famed jazz musician Dave Brubeck. The four-movement piece explores many styles and textures but is no mere pastiche. The soloists’ parts are beautifully integrated with the orchestra. The orchestra executed very well, sharing the spirit that Time for Three brings to the stage.

Country singer Jason Aldean to perform at Intrust Bank Arena in March

DENISE NEIL — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:41 CST

Country star Jason Aldean will bring his “My Kinda Party” tour to Intrust Bank Arena on March 16, the arena announced Monday. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday.

Aldean is a CMA Entertainer of the Year nominee known for hits such as “Tattoos On This Town.” His opening acts will be singers Luke Bryan and Lauren Alaina.

Tickets will be $52.25 and $27.50 and will be available at the Intrust Bank Arena box office, at selectaseat.com, at 316-755-SEAT and at all Select-A-Seat outlets.

Trombonist comes home with Axiom Brass Quintet

Joe Stumpe — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:08 CST

Russ Widener remembers precisely when Brett Johnson became more than just a better-than-average trombone player.

“It was kind of funny,” said Widener, who gave Johnson private lessons and now heads Wichita State University’s school of music. “He was a good player until about the middle of his junior year of high school. All of a sudden, he came in and had just a great lesson. I said, ‘Gee whiz, what happened?’ He said, ‘I’ve really been thinking about this, and this is what I want to do.’ Ever since then, he’s been playing pretty well.”

Well enough, in fact, to land a job with the Axiom Brass Quintet during his senior year at Northwestern University in Chicago. The Chicago-based quintet, which has won acclaim for its performances and its educational program for children, appears in concert Friday at WSU’s Wiedemann Hall as part of the university’s Connoisseur Series.

Drake Bell comes to Scene-Ary; Regina Spektor to open for Tom Petty

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:46 CST

Drake Bell at The Scene-Ary

Singer and actor Drake Bell, who rose to fame as one half of the “Drake & Josh” television series on Nickelodeon, will bring his solo act to the Scene-Ary, a music venue at 600 S. Tyler. He’ll perform at 7 p.m. Friday. Tickets are $20 at the door.

Dwight Yoakam at the Stiefel

Paisley: Hard work and a little luck

Ed Condran — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:59 CST

Brad Paisley didn’t have to name his latest album “This Is Country Music.” That’s evident upon the first spin. The country superstar balances traditional country with the contemporary sound emanating out of Nashville.

That’s not an easy trick to pull off, but the gifted Paisley, who will perform Friday at Intrust Bank Arena, does it with his characteristic aplomb.

The 39-year-old’s latest disc, which dropped in May, is a departure from 2009’s terrific “American Saturday Night.” That disc is a dreamy, eclectic, moving project.

Upcoming concerts (Jan. 12)

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:39 CST

Brad Paisley, Jan. 20, Intrust Bank Arena ($59.75, $39.75, $25, selectaseat.com)

Craig Ferguson, Jan. 27, The Orpheum ($45, $55 www.selectaseat.com)

Disney Live: Three Classic Fairy Tales, Jan. 27, Intrust Bank Arena ($52, $32, $20 and $14, www.selectaseat.com)

Award-winning family band to headline Blues Ball

Olivia Burress — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:23 CST

Each year, the Wichita Blues Society sponsors a group or groups to attend the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tenn. The annual Blues Ball at the Cotillion, 11120 W. Kellogg, is their send-off.

Craig Twister Steward and the Rachelle Coba Band are the local groups headed to this year’s challenge in Tennessee, Jan. 31 through Feb. 4.

First, though, they’ll be treated Saturday night to congratulations, refreshments, dancing and music from a former International Blues Challenge winner.

Comedian Rodney Carrington to perform at Intrust Bank Arena

Denise Neil — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:45 CST

Comedian Rodney Carrington will bring his “Laughter’s Good Tour” to Intrust Bank Arena on March 31.

Tickets for the show go on sale at 10 a.m. Monday. They’ll be $43.75 and available at the Intrust Bank Arena box office, at www.selectaseat.com/ or by calling 316-155-SEAT.

Carrington is a Texas native who blends country music with standup comedy. He’s known for his 2009 comedy sketch music video, “If I’m the Only One.” The March 31 show will blend his standup and music.

Casey Donahew: Genuine country

Joe Stumpe — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:06 CST

To Casey Donahew, there’s a simple explanation for the steady appeal of country music produced outside of Nashville.

“I use the word ‘believability,’ ” the Fort Worth-based singer said. “People just think there’s something genuine about it. We’re just normal guys up there trying to make music and have fun.”

The fun part of the equation is key for Donahew, who returns to the Cotillion on Thursday for at least his fourth show in Wichita.

Do you hear what I hear?: The Eagle reviews this year's holiday CDs

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 08:27 CST

Our holiday gift to you, dear readers, is this, our annual roundup of Christmas CD reviews. We’ve checked out some of this season’s most promising holiday albums for you, whether you’re looking for a last-minute Christmas gift or simply an update to your holiday playlist.

You’ll have to read on to see if the CDs lived up to their hype – or if we think recipients would definitely be using their gift receipts. We’ve rated each album on a scale of one to four bells, with the four-bell designation being our favorites. We’ve also highlighted the best and worst aspects of each CD.

Have yourselves a musical little Christmas!

Fans discover The Fray through many means

Ed Condran — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:41 CST

A generation ago, it wasn’t cool for rockers to cross-market their material on television. Self-respecting recording artists didn’t let their songs be used for commercials or television shows.

“That all changed,” Pretenders leader Chrissie Hynde said. “Back then, there were radio stations, which played new songs. That’s not the way it is anymore. We have to do different things.”

Hynde was defending a Pretenders tune used for a car commercial. If someone as cool as Hynde is down with television and music, it’s fair game for every artist.

Tom Petty to play Intrust Bank Arena in April

Denise Neil — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:01 CST

Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers will perform at Intrust Bank Arena on April 26, according to the band’s website.

The group, known for hits such as “American Girl” and “Learning to Fly,” announced its 2012 North American tour dates earlier today.

There’s no information yet about ticket prices or an on-sale date.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra promises fans an extravagant concert experience

Alan Sculley — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:18 CST

With Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Paul O’Neill already has achieved several notable firsts for a touring musical act.

To O’Neill’s knowledge, Trans-Siberian Orchestra is the first rock act to never have an opening act or open a show for any other act. It’s the first band to have more than 80 members and the first act to go straight to arenas for its first tour.

He’s also set new standards for visual spectacle in a live show, launching more fireworks, fire, lasers and other special effects for each performance than any other rock band in history.

More big names coming to the Stiefel Theatre

Denise Neil — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 10:16 CST

Salina’s Stiefel Theatre, known for its ability to draw big-name acts, recently announced a new winter/spring schedule that includes radio star Garrison Keillor and country singer Dwight Yoakam.

Tickets for the season, which will include 11 new shows, go on sale at 9 a.m. Monday. They’re available at the Stiefel offices in Salina from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, by calling 785-827-1998 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information on each show, visit www.stiefeltheatre.org.

Setzer found his thing in swing

Ed Condran — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:11 CST

There’s never an off-season for Brian Setzer. The prolific veteran recording artist rarely takes time off.

But there is an off-season for Setzer’s favorite sport, baseball.

The national pastime is significant since Setzer’s retro swing is inspired by what else but … a swing. The latter swing is of the baseball-playing variety, which has a huge effect on the charismatic singer-songwriter’s sonic swing.

John Barleycorn comes back to Old Town

JOE STUMPE — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:50 CST

John Barleycorn must die. Or so goes the English folk song celebrating Barleycorn as the grain that must be “killed” to create alcohol.

But in Wichita, it turns out you can’t keep a good Barleycorn down.

Curt Melzer is changing the name of his Blue Lounge at 608 E. Douglas back to John Barleycorn’s. That’s the name the bar went by from 1999 to 2006, when Melzer moved Barleycorn’s to the former River’s Edge space in Delano.

MercyMe: Music with a message

Ed Condran — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 08:03 CST

“The Generous Mr. Lovewell” is more than an album of accessible Christian pop-rock. The project transcends music.

The concept album by MercyMe is about a fictional character who tries to make the world a better place through acts of kindness.

The disc, made up of poignant and passionate songs, has inspired MercyMe fans to make like Lovewell.