From Waiting Tables to Opening for Robert Plant in Half A Year

Steve Kligne's piece for the Philadelphia Inquirer from last Friday tells Sharon's amazing tale: In January, Sharon Little was waiting on tables in Ardmore and West Chester and singing in coffee shops like Ardmore's MilkBoy, with a self-released CD and an EP to her name. On Saturday night, she will be opening for Robert Plant and Alison Krauss at the Mann Center for Performing Arts, one of her 34 dates on their stellar "Raising Sand" tour. - Read that full article

Find Out Who Killed Harry Houdini in October

PR reports: I'm From Barcelona release "Who Killed Harry Houdini?" on Mute October 14, 2008. The sunny first single, "Paper Planes" will be released August 19, 2008.

Their follow up to 2007's debut album "Let Me Introduce My Friends," "Houdini" once again showcase the 20+ member band's ability to write pop that is as complex as it is colorful.

Inspired by escape mastermind Harry Houdini and his own experiences as a failed amateur magician, frontman Emanuel Lundgren and band locked themselves in the studio and escaped into songwriting. The result is a return to form as well as an exploration of new subject matters and musical territory. - more on this story

Coming Up on Kimmel

JKL reports: "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" continues their outdoor stage performances with controversial hip hop artist NAS on July 16th and continues with MARIAH CAREY performing at the Summer Krush series across from the "Jimmy Kimmel Live" studio at Hollywood and Highland.

Minus the Bear and Alanis Morissette are also scheduled to perform on the outdoor stage. Minus the Bear on July 18th and Alanis on the 22nd.

"Jimmy Kimmel Live!" has hosted outdoor performances from a variety of acclaimed musical acts including Arctic Monkeys, Incubus, Destiny's Child, Ozzy Osbourne, Keith Urban, Gwen Stefani, Coldplay, 50 Cent, Kelly Clarkson, Kanye West, Justin Timberlake, Tenacious D, Audioslave and many more. - schedule of upcoming acts

Aretha Franklin To Headline Newport Jazz Festival

PR reports: Aretha Franklin will headline this year's [Newport Jazz Festival] on Saturday, August 9 at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, RI. Franklin joins an all-star line-up of jazz artists and other musicians including Sonny Rollins, Chris Botti, Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter.

In addition to Franklin's performance, Melody Gardot, a newly signed Verve artist, has been added to the Saturday line-up. Though the individual performances make this year's event one of the most highly anticipated jazz festivals in years, it's the incredible on-stage collaborations that will make it truly memorable. Some planned collaborations include three jazz greats – Charlie Haden, Bill Frisell and Ethan Iverson – who are joining forces for the first time on Saturday, August 9. Also on Saturday, there will be a special encore of the all-star quartet Dave Holland, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Chris Potter and Eric Harland, who made their legendary debut last year at the Monterey Jazz Festival. - more on this story

Trey Anastasio, Richie Havens and Son Volt Join Newport Folk Festival

PR reports: Trey Anastasio, Richie Havens and Son Volt have been added to the line-up of the 2008 Newport Folk Festival. Modern alt-country 11-piece Red Rooster also has been added to the roster. The 36th festival will take place August 1 – August 3 at historic Fort Adams State Park in Newport, RI.

The Newport Folk Festival will bring Trey Anastasio to the stage for a solo acoustic set and his first full performance in 17 months. This will be Anastasio's first-time playing Newport and his first-ever full solo acoustic show. Additionally, folk-funk pioneer Richie Havens will make a historic return to the festival after seventeen years, while alt-country rockers Son Volt and Red Rooster will make their debut. These artists join the already stellar 2008 line-up which pairs rising stars like Cat Power and Jim James of My Morning Jacket with venerated stalwarts such as Jimmy Buffett, The Black Crowes and Levon Helm. - more on this story

Jackson Hole Music Festival Nabs Some More Big Names

PR reports: Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals have been added to the Sunday, August 17 line-up at this year's Jackson Hole Music Festival. In addition, music legend Brian Wilson and
pedal steel master Robert Randolph & The Family Band have confirmed to play the inaugural music festival, which is set to take place on August 16 & 17 in Jackson Hole, WY.

Following is the line-up for the inaugural Jackson Hole Music Festival: Wilco- The Black Crowes- Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals- Brian Wilson- Son Volt- Robert Randolph & The Family Band- Medeski Martin and Wood- The Avett Brothers- Backdoor Slam- Kaki King - more on this story

Amoral Singer Needed

Blabbermouth reports: AMORAL have issued the following update: We are sad to inform you that Niko [Kalliojärvi, vocals] is leaving AMORAL. A while ago he sat us down and told us that he's having serious motivation problems and feels like it's time to do other things. We were in shock, as none of us saw this coming.

"We were sure Niko was enjoying the ride just as much as we were. We tried reasoning with him, even offering him a year-long break to do whatever else he feels like he needs to do, but quickly realized he had already made his mind. Of course, we were devastated at first.

"Niko was just as crucial part of the band as the rest of us, and also our frontman, the voice of the band. Was this the end of AMORAL? The rest of us discussed this and were happy to see that we all felt that there's no way we're stopping now. We've worked too hard to get where we are, and we enjoy playing together, so why would we give it all up? We decided to look at the bright side of the situation: this would be our chance to pursue in a more melodic direction, something we've wanted for a long time but weren't able to do with Niko.
- read the rest of their statement plus find out how you can become their singer (if you have those melodic chops)

David Banner Books Free MySpace Show

Myspace reports: MySpace Music is proud to announce that David Banner will be performing a free show for his MySpace friends in New York City on July 17 at 8:30 p.m. at Knitting Factory NYC

With his new album "The Greatest Story Ever Told" slated for release on July 15, Mississippi's favorite son David Banner is eager to showcase his fresh body of work with opening act Maino in tow. Early wristband pick-up for the performance will begin at 7 p.m. on July 17 on a first come, first served basis.

Featuring guest shots from the likes of Lil Wayne, Akon, Chris Brown, Snoop Dogg and Chamillionaire, "The Greatest Story Ever Told" is a piece of social commentary expressing Banner's passionate viewpoints, his recent experiences, and the type of heartache he's endured over the past few years. - http://www.myspace.com/davidbanner

Notes From The Road TV

PR reports: Ovation TV will launch a weekly original music series featuring some of the hottest bands and artists touring the U.S. this summer.

The one-hour "Bonefish Grill's Notes From The Road" will premiere Thursday, August 7 (8-9 p.m. ET/PT) with a show featuring live performances and candid conversations with one of today's most popular bands, The Bravery ("Believe").

Other scheduled artists in upcoming episodes include: 3 Doors Down, Josh Kelley, Gavin DeGraw, Vanessa Carlton, Ben Folds, Jason Mraz and Matisyahu. - more on this story

My Bloody Gemma Hayes

PR reports: Irish chanteuse Gemma Hayes is gearing up to release her third album, The Hollow of Morning on September 30 via Second Motion Records.

Kevin Shields of My Bloody Valentine contributes guitar on two tracks and Paul Noonan of Bell X1 plays drums throughout the album. My Bloody Valentine have invited Hayes to perform on their curated stage at this year's All Tomorrow's Parties first east coast festival on September 21 at Kutshers Country Club in Monticello, NY. Hayes joins Dinosaur Jr., Mogwai, Mercury Rev and the Lilys. Hayes is also set to headline at the Mercury Lounge on September 22 in New York City. - more on this story

US Passenger

PR reports: In celebration of their debut CD out on August 5th, Wicked Man's Rest, /PASSENGER. will return to the U.S. on July 31st for a two week tour, giving American audiences another dose of their poignant tales spun as gorgeously melodic and well-crafted pop songs.

Following on the heels of a successful UK busking tour, /PASSENGER. are thrilled to continue the practice at select stops on their upcoming tour.

When the five-member band first tried busking on a recent tour, they were delighted to discover the ability to connect with a whole new audience. Front-man Mike Rosenberg explains, "it's brilliant because people that don't usually go to our gigs and are exposed to our music." - more on this story

Johnny Foreigner US Debut

PR reports: Johnny Foreigner announce the US release of their debut album Waited Up 'Til It Was Light, in stores this October on Nettwerk Records. It will be available through iTunes and other digital retailers July 22, 2008.

Recorded with Machine (Fall Out Boy, Armor For Sleep) in December 2007, the Birmingham three piece have created a whirlwind of excitement with their frantic, melodic, indie-rock exuberance in their native UK. Now, they are crossing the pond and have already gained the praise from the Mecca of indie music know-how that is Pitchfork Media, who called them "Â…a breath of fresh air."

Waited Up 'Til It Was Light features 13 tracks which combine melodic indie punk guy/girl vocals with feverish guitar lines that showcase the group's energy and talent. - more on this story

Cold War Kids Go Soph

PR reports: Cold War Kids announce details of their sophomore album. The follow-up to their robbers & cowards (2006), Loyalty To Loyalty will be released on Downtown Records in September '08.

Track List: 1. Against Privacy 2. Mexican Dogs 3. Every Valley Is Not A Lake 4. Something Is Not Right With Me 5. Welcome To The Occupation 6. Golden Gate Jumpers 7. Avalanche in B 8. I've Seen Enough 9. Every Man I Fall For 10. Dreams Old Men Dream 11. On The Night My Love Broke Through 12. Relief 13. Cryptomnesia

Cold War Kids will soon embark on North American tour, bringing audiences songs from both robbers & cowards and Loyalty To Loyalty: - dates

Night In Gales Reissues

MMP reports: Three Night In Gales albums are getting the reissue treatment. All three are digitally remastered using 24-Bit process on golden disc and limited to numerated 2000 copies. The release date is scheduled for 18th August 2008 in Europe and 30th September 2008 in USA (via MVD).

Back in the mid 90's, the Gothenburg school of metal clearly dominated the scene, spawning dozens of bands influenced by the Swedish style. Night In Gales emerged right in the middle of the movement and it soon became clear that this young group was a breath of fresh air among other In Flames-wannabes.

The German five-piece quickly proved that melodic death metal could be played outside Sweden with the very same power and intensity. Now, with the exclusive re-releases of their most memorable works – "Towards the Twilight", "Thunderbeast" and "Nailwork" – Night In Gales return in all their glory to once again prove their worth on the melodic death metal scene. - more on this story

. Bon Jovi: Whole Lot of Leavin'

We look to artists to help us shape our worlds. When life throws them lemons, we want to see how they make lemonade, hoping we can draw some life lessons from it. Through music, we see reflections of ourselves and that is why music is so near and dear to so many. - Read the full Bon Jovi: Whole Lot of Leavin' review

. Taint - Secrets and Lies

This is an album as heated as the sun and as all-encompassing in scope. No lies here, I am a devout Taint addict after this, and if anyone grants Secrets and Lies a sporting chance, my guess is they will be too. - Read the full Taint - Secrets and Lies review

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