The Do LaB has put its signature imaginative experience design stamp on festivals all over the world, including Coachella. This year’s festival will include:

Two Stages of Music featuring: Bassnectar, N.A.S.A., Stanton Warriors, Yard Dogs Road Show, Beats Antique, Ana Sia, Lazer Sword, Lynx & Janover and Patricio

Live performances by Lucent Dossier Experience, The Yard Dogs Roadshow, Suddenly Dapper, as well as numerous fire dancers, circus acts, and general mayhem instigators

We have pairs tickets to giveaway for this sure-to-be fun night.

*Please note the event is 18 and over.

Full appearing artist listing, as well as ticket and general info below.

Art Installations throughout the festival: A large scale live painting by The Mac and Retna and live digital painting by Andrew Jones of conceptart.org

Art Gallery curated by Mike Russek, and Deborah Vogt featuring Ekundayo, L Crosky, Liz Brizzi, Luis Sanchez, John Park, Hans Haveron, Kofie One, Shrine, Julio Sanchez, Man One, Walt Hall, Chris Berg, Gareth Stehr, Jocelyn Marsh, Danni Shinya Luo, Izumi Yokoyama, Stefano Novelli, David Haskell, Spectr, Glenn Campbell, Ryan Wegner, Chris Leavens, Michael Pukac, Shira Loa, Brion Topolski, Ando Pndlian, Myong Kurily, Adam Mostow and Motion One

Lightning in a Paintcan Project: Local artists will transform large mural panels set up throughout the event grounds, using 100% used and recycled paint, into art pieces to be auctioned off through a silent auction with the proceeds going to benefit Sonic Muze, a non-profit that provides underfunded schools with music instruments and art supplies.

Lucent L’Amour | Tickets & Info
Saturday, February 13, 2009
7 pm – 4 am / 18+ only

Watching The Who yesterday, with the other 106 million of you, it just wasn’t doing it for me. Not sure why. Went in for another look and listen and turns out it’s a perfectly acceptable performance. About as good they could do with the two of them. Just not quite popping. I still can’t really put my finger on exactly why. Is the lack of dynamics? The energy? The stage setup? The song set list and/or order of the medley? (Pinball Wizard, Baba O’ Riley, Who Are You, See Me Feel Me, Won’t Get Fooled Again) All of the above?

With them scraping the bottom of the barrel for a possible–God help us–Eagles appearance next year, the time has clearly come to find some younger bands to fill this spot. Maybe ease into it with a contemporary classic act–I nominate Pearl Jam for 2010.

Spirit Animal w/ Des Roar, Imagine Dragons and All Wrong and The Plans Change @ The Roxy Mon 2/8
($10 “bottomless beers”–?–if you go to the Roxy, please report back on this)

Apparently it’s Free Music Monday around here. We’re passing this one along more out of curiosity than full fledged endorsement. This unfortunate titled–and equally unfortunate artwork–Brazen Brand is a free remix and covers record download. There is clearly some good taste in cover songs selection. But as far as the actual execution of the covers… er, we’ll leave that up to you to judge. The Ginuwine cover sounds a bit like a Flight of the Conchords pastiche, but we don’t know enough about Spirit Animal (from L.A.–”post-synth” anyone?) to know if they are in on the joke or not.

Full tracklist and download link below.

“My Heart Is Cryin’ – Jackie Wilson (remix)
“Breakin’ The Chains of Love” – Fitz and the Tantrums (remix)
“Forever Young” – Alphaville (cover)
“Postcards From Italy”- Beirut (cover)
“Ambling Alp” – Yeasayer (cover)
“Walilamdzi” – Devendra Banhart (remix)
“Love Zombies” – Chris Garneau (remix)
“Always On” – Casper Bangs (remix)
“Pony” – Ginuwine (cover)
“The Mountain” – Heartless Bastards (cover)

Hugh Cornwell w/ Kristeen Young @ Alex’s Bar, Long Beach Sat 3/27
Hugh Cornwell w/ Kristeen Young @ Spaceland Tue 3/30

The original front man of the brilliant Stranglers, author of the lyric to the timeless “Golden Brown,” among many other classic singles, Hugh Cornwell, comes to town with solo stops down at Alex’s Bar and Spaceland, March 27 and 30, respectively.

A compelling draw in her own right, Kristeen Young (photos by Sung of her opening for Morrissey here) opens both shows.

And, just in time for the tour, stand-up man that he is, Hugh is offering a free download his full new LP, Hoover Dam, on his website.

Hugh Cornwell | hooverdamdownload.com

Peter Gabriel @ Hollywood Bowl Fri 5/7

The ticket pre-sale for us special American Express cardholders and fan club members is live now.

Am I the only one a bit dubious Peter Gabriel can headline the Hollywood Bowl these days? I tend to think of him of having about the same waning popularity these days as, say, a Tears for Fears. And to further push it, he’s proudly advertised this show as “orchestra, no drums, no guitars.” Integrity for sure, but maybe not hardly strong selling points for casual fans. More power to him if he can fill it up. God knows I’d rather see him do well there instead of another damn Eagles show.

St. Vincent
w/ Wildbirds & Peacedrums
Tues February 9
El Rey Theater
Info
[ENTER TO WIN]
 
 
 
 

Christian Death
w/ Mad Life
Friday February 12
El Rey Theater
Show canceled!
[ENTER TO WIN]

The Album Leaf
w/ Sea Wolf
Saturday, February 13
El Rey Theater
Info
[ENTER TO WIN]
 

Adolescents w/ Youth Brigade Fri 3/12
Metric @ The Palladium Fri 3/26
Slumberland Records 20th Anniversary Party w/ Henry’s Dress, Boyracer, Go Sailor, Pants Yell! & Devon Williams @ The Echo Sun 3/28
Shearwater @ Spaceland Sat 4/24
Jeff Beck w/ Zappa Plays Zappa @ Nokia Theater Sat 4/17
Ponys w/ Disappears @ Spaceland Sat 5/1
Broken Social Scene @ Henry Fonda Mon 5/3
Drive By Truckers w/ Henry Clay People @ Avalon Fri 5/7
Why? w/ The Donkeys & Josiah Wolf @ Glass House Thu 6/3
 

TUESDAY
Louden Wainwright III @ Largo
Mia Doi Todd featuring Ariana Delawari , Correatown & Special Guest @ Spaceland
Mumford & Sons @ Troubadour
Nouvelle Vague @ Henry Fonda
St Vincent w/ Wildbirds & Peacedrums @ El Rey

WEDNESDAY
Lucha Vavoom Valentines Day From Lucha with Love featuring Live Masked @ Mayan Theatre
Milk & Honey @ Bar Lubitsch
Wild Beasts @ Troubadour

THURSDAY
Eddie Santiago @ Conga Room
Editors @ The Wiltern
Justin Townes Earle @ The Echo
Lucha Vavoom Valentines Day From Lucha with Love featuring Live Masked @ Mayan Theatre
Richard Thompson @ Largo
The Thermals @ Troubadour

FRIDAY
Chicago Underground Duo; Pit er Pat @ Bootleg Theater
Christian Death @ El Rey
It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia & Family Guy live @ Gibson Amphitheatre (Partners In Health’s Stand With Haiti benefit)
Meshell Ndegeocello @ Largo
STS9 @ The Wiltern

SATURDAY
Alice In Chains @ The Palladium
Daniel Lanois’ Black Dub @ Spaceland
Dirty Dozen Brass Band @ The Mint
James Lavelle @ Echoplex
The Album Leaf @ El Rey

SUNDAY
Dengue Fever w/ Buddy @ The Echo (1pm Kidrockers show)
Poncho Sanchez @ Conga Room
Van Dyke Parks w/ Clare and the Reasons @ McCabe’s Guitar Shop

No Age, Vivian Girls, Nodzzz, Abe Vigoda, Darker My Love & many more @ The Strange, 4316 Melrose Ave (No Cancer Benefit ) Sun 2/7

“LINE UP: VIVIAN GIRLS, NO AGE, DARKER MY LOVE, BEST COAST, NODZZZ, ABE VIGODA, WOUNDED LION, GRAHAM FOREST, ANIMAL STYLE + MORE. DJS, FOOD, FUN TIMES AND ALL FOR A GOOD CAUSE. ALL AGES. STARTS AT 12:00pm SHARP and ENDS at 10:00pm. DOORS 11:00am. WE WILL HAVE A BIG SCREEN WITH THE GAME BEING PLAYED. QUESTIONS EMAIL: matzah@ihaterocknroll.com”

IT’S BIKING! IT’S MUSIC! IT’S NEW AND OLD FRIENDS! IT’S A GOOD FREE TIME!
ALL BIKES ARE WELCOME (anything on wheels that is self sustaining, really. Skateboards will be pulled by bikes.) Rollerbladers please come. REMEMBER: THERE IS NO LEADER, YOU ARE THE LEADER.

MEET AT 7:30 RIDE AT 8:30

The Bands: Funderstorm, Professor Calculus, Foot Village, Heroes + Heroines, Meho Plaza, White Fang, Rob Walmart

Word from FMLY’s Cameron on the event’s Facebook page as of last night is that the ride will go on, rain or shine. But let’s hope for little to no rain for safety’s sake.

Synchronicity | syncspacela.com
4306 Melrose Ave, 90029
 

He may no longer have a wood-fired chicken joint near Hollywood and Highland (or anywhere else in the United States at this point save perhaps Ontario Mills), but he’s still the Gambler – albeit with a vaguely western Santa Claus semblance – still the Gambler just the same, and though his signature wood-fired chicken franchise focus of recent decades has shifted to the Far East, full throttle, Kenny’s back on stage in April here in the US of A, performing with guests at some giant casino up in Connecticut and touting his first 50 years in music (don’t be confused, guy’s actually a septuagenarian underneath all that hair and botox). Yesterday’s press release, sent from Nashville, begins with what is probably my favorite subject line of the calendar year to date (as Victor noted, is there any other type of Kenny Rogers announcement?):

Subject: Major Kenny Rogers Announcement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A CELEBRATION OF A LIVING LEGEND
KENNY ROGERS: THE FIRST 50 YEARS TELEVISION SPECIAL

Taping To Take Place At Foxwoods Resort Casino’s MGM Grand Theater
On April 10th, 2010

Kenny Rogers To Share The Stage With Many Of His Favorite Friends Including: Dolly Parton, Lionel Richie, Alison Krauss, Wynonna, The Oak Ridge Boys And Countless Others

February 4, 2009 – Nashville – A beloved, universally known icon of American entertainment will be performing at the event of his lifetime this spring.

It is without question that Kenny Rogers is a living legend and this evening in Nashville, TN at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in front of the assembled media, the first details were announced for an upcoming television special worthy of his musical legacy – Kenny Rogers: The First 50 Years.

However, this upcoming event is far more than just a music special, Kenny Rogers: The First 50 Years, will be as star studded as any award show. It will be a rollicking celebration, filled with music and comedy from some of the biggest stars in the entertainment world performing, appearing and sharing stories about Kenny Rogers and his music.

Dolly Parton, Lionel Richie, Alison Krauss, Wynonna and The Oak Ridge Boys are just some of the early names already slated to appear on the show. The array of artists will be part of the performance, and a few will host different segments of the show travelling through Kenny’s six decades of hits.

Kenny Rogers: The First 50 Years will tape on April 10th, 2010 at the MGM Grand At Foxwoods and will be produced by Dreamcatcher Artist Management and Locomotive Entertainment Group. Filmed in pristine hi-definition, digital 3D, this multi-camera, up-close-and-personal special will find the viewer “visually surrounded and fully immersed” in the concert. Mark Lucas, who recently directed the 3D concert films for Dave Matthews and Kings of Leon, will direct, and Monty Powell, 2009 SESAC Songwriter of the Year and producer, will serve as Musical Director.

Tickets may be purchased starting February 11, 2010 at 9 a.m. online at www.mgmatfoxwoods.com, by calling the MGM Grand at Foxwoods Box Office at 1-866-646-0609, by calling Ticketmaster, or in person at the MGM Grand Box Office.

“When this was first proposed to me as a 50-year celebration, something about that sounded final, and I didn’t want that, so I suggested we call it ‘The First 50 Years,’” Rogers said. “I will tell you this, the first 50 years TV show is gonna be awesome – the next 50 years TV show is gonna be a bitch.”

The red carpet for this event will certainly have to roll for a long way, as there are so many superstars from music, movies, and sports that Kenny has touched over the course of his 50 years in entertainment. It will certainly be an unforgettable night for everyone involved.

Kenny is one of a handful of artists to sell over 125 million albums. He also holds the very rare distinction of having a hit single in each of the last six decades. His television movie “The Gambler” is one of the highest rated TV movies of all time. His duet with Dolly Parton, “Islands In The Stream,” is the #1-selling duet of all time. His extensive history of success also includes 20 platinum, 27 gold records and a Diamond-certified Greatest Hits album that has sold more than 24 million copies worldwide. He has won three Grammy Awards, five Country Music Association Awards, 18 American Music Awards, eight Academy of Country Music Awards and 11 People’s Choice Awards. He has recorded 65 albums and is ranked #8 on the R.I.A.A.’s list of Top Selling Male Artists of all time.

With his unique storytelling ability and soulful voice, Kenny has continued his amazing run into the 21st century with a critically acclaimed album (Water and Bridges) and a recent gold certification (21 Number Ones). Whether it’s his classic or current hits, or his recent appearance on “American Idol,” his relevance in the world of music and pop culture has never been stronger.

“The First 50 Years will reflect the diverse talent Kenny has crossed paths with and enjoyed friendships with throughout the years,” said Dreamcatcher Artist Management President/CEO Jim Mazza. “That is what will make this once-in-a-lifetime celebration so special.”

“MGM at Foxwoods has provided us with an incredible venue in which to celebrate the career of a true icon, Kenny Rogers,” said Locomotive Entertainment Group President Gabriel Gornell. “We are planning on shooting a television event that will allow viewers to share in what is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime music experience.”

“We are thrilled to have this opportunity to partner with Dreamcatcher Artist Management’s music industry leadership and the creative production expertise of Locomotive Group,” states Joseph Jimenez, Senior Vice President for Foxwoods Marketing. “Foxwoods is a destination recognized and unmatched in service standards and signature world class entertainment; attracting over 16 million visitors a year. We are truly honored to host this amazing event celebrating our dear friend, Kenny Rogers’ 50 years of success in the Entertainment Industry.”

Kenny Rogers is the singer, the photographer, the producer, the actor, the songwriter, and of course… the Gambler.

Details on the network airing the special, more guest stars and other surprises will be announced shortly.

For all of the latest news, please visit Kenny Rogers’ official website: www.kennyrogers.com.

» http://www.menwholooklikekennyrogers.com (still fun, a decade later)
» http://www.kennyrogers.com (official)
» http://www.kennyrogers.cc/ (chicken)

Pitchfork Music Festival @ Union Park, Chicago (3-day pass)
Fri 7/16 – Sun 7/18

Pitchfork Music Festival @ Union Park, Chicago Fri 7/16 (Modest Mouse & more)

Pitchfork Music Festival @ Union Park, Chicago Sat 7/17 (LCD Soundsystem & more)

Pitchfork Music Festival @ Union Park, Chicago Sun 7/18 (Pavement & more)

Anyone up for Chicago in the dead of summer?

Lineup announced so far, with much more to come:

Friday
Modest Mouse

Saturday
LCD Soundsystem
Raekwon

Sunday
Pavement
St. Vincent
Lightning Bolt
Cass McCombs
Here We Go Magic
Sleigh Bells

Pitchfork Music Festival | pitchforkmusicfestival.com

Broken Social Scene @ Henry Fonda Mon 5/3

Ticket pre-sale today, Friday, Feb. 5. Password: BROKEN.

Regular ticket on-sale, Sat., Feb. 6, 10 am.

Broken Social Scene | www.brokensocialscene.ca

Walking north on the east side of Las Vegas Blvd, it was a bit surreal to happen upon the newish Las Vegas outpost of Pink’s Hot Dogs. Something like a funhouse mirror of our own local institution, Pink’s LV is basically a door on the front facade of Planet Hollywood. However, there is a nice sized self-seating area, right on the boulevard, welcome on this stretch of busy street.

There is a line to place your order, but it is short, moves fast and–crucially–does not run parallel to the food preparation itself, as it does here on La Brea, denying you that anticipatory glimpse for personal reckoning prior to ordering. How many of our orders have been altered at the last minute (for the better or for the worse) as we peer through the glass as the workers slap that together an order for those ahead of us on that final stretch to the cashier.

Needless to say, there is no “come on in” after you place the order; you’re already in, “in” being mostly a small corridor with a counter where your order appears (promptly) and a self-service Pepsi fountain.

The menu is the familiar artery-squeezing mix, burrito dogs, Guadelajara dogs, the burgers no one orders. It seems to have all the core of O.G. Pink’s though our local celeb-named variations have been dropped. No “Huell Howser” or “Lord of the Rings” dogs here. And of course, being Vegas, there are beer, margarita and hard lemonade options (the later of which can be served in a ridiculous array of over-sized, over-priced novelty cups). I opted for a basic chili cheese and Pepsi. As you see, foot-long is the default. What to say about the dog? The chili mostly was mostly the same as it does here, if a bit more smooth and gelatinous from being served a bit cold, as was the frank itself. Satisfying, but in all honesty, not a remarkable snack. But then many trips to Pink’s here have been just as unremarkable, even when satisfying.

Their “Wall of Fame” is just getting started. I didn’t write down the names of those few already hanging and can’t really make out the autographs, but you can tell just in looking at the photos, even at this shitty resolution, these are some E-list pseudo-celebs. I think Miss America was one of them.

All in all, Pink’s LV doesn’t do any damage to the brand and reputation. I don’t know that it is going to send any first-timers from, say, the Midwest, home raving but it is a more than serviceable outpost.

Video below.

This should be cool–then again everything “Q.T.” reeks of cool–back-to-back screenings of Pulp Fiction and Inglourious Basterds –with an appearance by Quentin, this Monday, Feb. 8 at the Egyptian Theater.

For better or worse, the Egyptian uses Fandango to sell tickets. We can’t tell if tickets are sold out or haven’t been on sale yet. There was nothing up yesterday, now there’s a page here with a show time, but no option to buy.