Colbie Caillat

I saw Colbie Caillat not too long ago and sadly I was a little disappointed.

Colbie Caillat is a singer-songwriter from California who first hit the music scene in 2007. She has two albums 'Coco' and 'Breakthrough' and is due to release her third on the 12th July. Her hit singles include "Bubbly," "The Little Things," and "I Never Told You."

One of my friends is a HUGE Colbie Caillat fan and so they persuaded me to go with the them to see her live in NYC. Although she is a great singer and has a number of great tracks, I felt her gig was missing something. 

Despite their being packed crowd, I felt the gig lacked any real atmosphere and excitement. She didn't do  much in terms of work the crowd - rather she just sang her songs and smiled a lot. Compared to gigs that I have been to, like Mumford & Sons and Imogen Heap, I would have to say Colbie Caillat would not be on my list of artists/ bands to see again.

Overall I would give this gig  low rating- your not missing out on anything by not going...sorry!

Tour dates:
30th May. Paramont Theater - NY
2nd June. Rumsey Playfield - NYC

For more information regarding tickets and her North & South America tour dates check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/258548-colbie-caillat/calendar?page=1

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Ben Howard

 

If you like artists benjamin francis leftwich or Ed Sheeran than Ben Howard is someone you should definitely check out.

Ben Howard is a folk singer from Devon, UK who recently released his debut album "Every Kingdom." This album has many great tracks on it including The Wolves, The Fear, and Keep Your Head Up.  

Being from Devon and a keen surfer himself, Ben Howard has certainly built himself a large and devoted fan base (especially within the circle of UK surfers). His gigs have received many great reviews, and as someone labeled as "one to watch next year," it would definitely be worthwhile to check him out. Ben Howard has great stage presence which combined with his ability to sing acoustically on his guitar, makes it the perfect choice for a chilled out evening listening to live music. 

 

To hear my review check out: http://musicgigsnfestivals.blogspot.com/2012/04/ben-howard-review_04.html

Tour dates: 

15th June. Gold Coast Ocean Festival - Croyde, UK
23rd June. Radio 1's Hackney Weekend - London

2nd April. The Bowery Ballroom - NYC 

6th July. Kinross, UK

18th August.  V Festival - Blymhill, UK

19th  September. Webster Hall 9- NYC

2nd Nov. Brighton Dome - Brighton, UK

3rd Nov. Plymouth Pavilions - Plymouth, UK

4th Nov. Cardiff University Students' Union - Cardiff, UK

5th Nov. Colston Hall - Bristol, UK 

9th Nov. Mandella Hall - Belfast, UK

10th Nov. 02 Academy - Glasgow, UK 

12th Nov. Manchester Apollo - Manchester, UK

14th Nov. 02 Academy Leeds - Leeds, UK

16th Nov. 02 Academy Newcastle - Newcastle UK

17th Nov. Music Hall - Aberdeen, UK

19th Nov. Corn Exhange Cambridge, UK 

20th Nov. Engine Shed - Lincoln, UK

21st Nov. O2 Academy Leicester - Leicester, UK

22nd Nov. Rock City - Nottingham, UK

24th Nov. 02 Academy - Birmingham, UK 

For information regarding tickets check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/1212276-ben-howard/calendar?page=1

Emeli Sande

Emeli Sande is a Scottish Soul and R&B recording artist and songwriter.

Already Emeli Sande has achieved great things since hitting the music scene. She has two number one singles (Read All  About It, and Next to Me), a number one debut album "Our Version of Events," and has written a number of songs for the likes of Cheryl Cole, Tinie Tempah and Leona Lewis.

Sande has received great reviews for her gigs. Usually to a sell out crowd, Emeli leaves her crowds mesmerized by her tremendous vocals and great onstage presence.

Emeli has grown from a relatively unknown artist to someone that has accumulated quite the large fan base. This is a gig you should certainly check out.

Tour dates:
13th June. The Town House - Hamilton, UK
16th June. Victoria Park - UK
23rd  June. BBC Radio 1s Hackney Weekend - London, UK
6th July. Lounge On The Farm - Merton Farm, Canterbury, UK
7th July. T in The Park - Canterbury, UK
17th Aug. V Festival - Hylands Park, UK
5th Sept. Roundhouse - London, UK
6th Sept. Bestival - Newport, UK

For more information about tickets and tour dates check out: http://www.ents24.com/web/artist/138061/Emeli_Sande.html

Civil Twilight

Civil Twilight are an indie rock band from Cape Town, South  Africa.

To date this trio have released two albums "Civil Twilight" and "Holy Weather." I first came across their music when their single "Quiet In My Town" featured in an episode of One Tree Hill.

If Paper Route,  Vacationer, and Neon Trees are you calling, than Civil Twilight is a band for you. Their music is a "perfect blend of atmospheric sound and hazy storytelling that transports you to another place" - which makes them the perfect choice for a chill night of live music.

Although this band has yet to break into the mainstream music scene, do not be deterred. They have done a lot of touring and supported a number of great acts such as Florence and the Machine  and Smashing Pumpkins.  I would definitely urge you to check this band out.

Tour Dates:
10th June. Maxwell's - Hoboken, NJ
13th June. Knitting Factory - Brooklyn, NY
16th June. Jillian's of Albany - NY
31st July. Songs At Mirror Lake Music Series - Lake Placid, NY

For ticket information or for the rest of their N. American tour dates check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/1991033-civil-twilight/calendar?page=1

I love this guy. 

Joe Purdy is an American folk singer from Arkansas who to has released ten albums: "Stompingrounds," "Julie Blue," "Only Four Seasons," "Paris in the Morning," "You Can Tell Georgia," "Canyon Joe," "Take My Blanket and Go," "Last Clock On the Wall," "4th of July," "This American," and "Joe Purdy."

Although I have yet to see Joe Purdy live, I am a huge fan who hopes to be able to one day. For me Purdy's music is immensely heart wrenching and emotional. I can always rely on a Joe Purdy album when I'm seeking that perfect downtown and chill sound.

Even if you have not heard of this artist before, it is likely you have heard some of his music. Purdy's songs are frequently played on many popular American television shows such as Greys Anatomy and Lost. Songs that I particularly like by Purdy include "I Love The Rain The Most," "Ode To Sad Clown" and "Wash Away."

Joe Purdy is certainly one of those truly underrated artist. Despite not receiving the same level of credit and attention as similar artists of this genre, like Ray LaMontagne, Purdy continues to tour and give exceptionally great performances.

With his guitar and signature long beard, Purdy doesnt rely on any gismos or impressive sets. Instead Purdy captures his audience by singing simple but intimate folk songs that tell a story. I would definitely urge you to see this guy live if folk music is your calling.

Tour Dates:
June 18th. Bowery Ballroom - NYC

For more information regarding tickets and tour dates for his N. American tour check out: http://joepurdy.com/live

Switchfoot

Switchfoot are an American Rock Band from San Diego, California.

Although predictable, I will admit I only became aware of Switchfoot when I watched "A walk to Remember." Just like everyone else my favorite song from the movie was "Dare You To Move" which ranked #73 on the Rhapsody list of the Top 100 Tracks of the Decade.

Swtichfoot to date have released six albums "The Legend of Chin," "New Way to Be Human," Learning To  Breathe," "The Beautiful Letdown," "Nothing is Sound," "Oh! Gravity," "Hello Hurricane" and the recently releaed "Vice Versa."

In addition to their huge selection of great songs, Switchfoot are known to be pretty great performers who can rock any venue. Although I have yet to see them live myself, Switchfoot have been around since the 1990s and are by no means strangers to touring - these boys know how to put on a great show. 

Expect front man, Jon Foreman, to crowd surf. Expect a sell out crowd. Expect a crowd of rockers of all ages, and finally expect a great night of live music.

Tour Dates:
21st June. Isle of Wight Festival 2012 - Isle Of Wight, UK

6th August. Darien Lake Performing Arts Center - Darien Center, NYC

For more information regarding tickets and their US and European tour dates check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/442995-switchfoot/calendar?page=1

Marina and the Diamonds

This Welsh indie pop singer/ songwriter is certainly one to watch out for! Marina and the Diamonds was first noticed after coming second in the BBC Sound poll list in 2010. Her stage name, Marina and the Diamonds, comes from the lead singers full name, Marina Diamandis, and the Greek translation of her last name. When asked, Marina replies, "I'm Marina. You are the diamonds."

In 2010, Marina and the Diamonds released her debut album "The Family Jewels" which went to number five in the UK album charts. Marina and the Diamonds is due to release her second album "Electra Heart" in spring 2012 and will include the songs "Radioactive" and "Jealousy."

Despite Marina's deep vocals, it seems her unique fashion sense gets her more noticed. When asked, Marina describes her style to be a mix of "vintage, cheerleader and cartoon."

Since hitting the music scene, Marina has been touring around and promoting her album. She has had many successful performances including the Isle of Wight Festival, Glastonbury Festival and Leeds Festival. After the success of their "Family Jewels Tour," Marina and the Diamonds are certainly a band you should check out.

Tour Dates
1st June. Supporting Coldplay - Emirates Stadium, UK
18th June. Waterfront - Norwich, UK
20th June. O2 ABC - Glasgow, UK
21st June. The Queen's Hall - Edinburgh, UK
22nd June. Manchester Cathedral - Manchester, UK
24th June. Leamington Spa Assembly - Leamington Spa, UK
25th June. The Tabernacle - London, UK
27th June. Coal Exchange - Cardiff, UK
29th June. HMV Institute - Digbeth, UK
30th June. The Leadmill - Sheffield, UK
3rd August. Supporting Coldplay - IZOD Center, NJ
4th August. Supporting Coldplay - IZOD Center, NJ
16th August. Webster Hall - NYC

For more information regarding tickets and European & N.American tour dates check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/709564-marina-and-the-diamonds/calendar?page=1