Singer/songwriter Ward showcases his local ties
M. Ward loves Tucson.
The smoky-voiced singer/songwriter said so in a recent interview, and he proved it Monday at a Rialto show where he showcased his local ties.
Toward the end of the evening, Ward and his four-piece band invited drummer Tommy Larkin, guitarist Nick Luca and singer Neko Case on stage for a couple of songs each. For the encore, Howe Gelb, who released Ward's debut album on his own label in 2000, played piano.
The local guests were a fun feature, but the concert would have been incredible even without them. Ward's band was tight and rocked much harder than any of his timeless folk albums suggest.
We can only hope this rising star loves Tucson enough to keep coming back.
ā Sarah Mauet
Phoenix's the Format in Yahoo! competition
Yahoo! Music's "Who's Next?: User's Choice" competition includes some familiar faces. Phoenix's the Format, which plays regularly in Tucson, is one of the featured bands.
It's a big deal to win the contest. Previous "Who's Next?: User's Choice" winners include big-name bands such as My Chemical Romance, Hawthorne Heights and Relient K.
The Format released its sophomore album, "Dog Problems," in July under its own Vanity Label imprint. The emftional power pop, which often swirls with orchestral arrangements, has received positive reviews.
That bodes well for the band, which faces competition from Saosin, Under the Influence of Giants and Jim Noir, but it's up to fans to pick the October winner.
You can listen to the bands' music, read bios, watch videos and vote at music.yahoo.com/ promotions/whosnext.
The Format will be back in town with the All-American Rejects Nov. 27 at the Tucson Arena. The $26 tickets go on sale noon Saturday at the Tucson Convention Center Ticket Office or at ticketmaster.com.
ā Sarah Mauet
'No-interviews' legend to headline fundraiser
We'd like to tell you what the legendary Leon Russell thinks about headlining a fundraiser for the Tucson Downtown Sertoma Club on Wednesday, but Russell isn't talking.
His publicist informed us that Russell, 64, has a longstanding no-interviews policy. We respect that.
So all we can tell you is that the Oklahoma native who started as a session player for Phil Spector and went on to write songs that were covered by everyone from B.B. King to Joe Cocker and who sat in with the Rolling Stones before embarking on a solo career, is coming to Tucson.
He has top billing for the Sertoma concert at the Fox Theatre, 17 W. Congress St., Downtown. Local singer/songwriter Kevin Pakulis will open the Wednesday night show at 7:30.
Tickets are $27-$52 through Ticketmaster, 321-1000.
ā Cathalena E. Burch
Chesney's 'Live' album includes several staples
The first time I saw Kenny Chesney in concert was at Old Tucson Studios. It was a pleasant May night in 1999 and 3,000 of us choked on the dust we kicked up, fueled by this little-known singer with a few hits under his belt.
I had a feeling then that Chesney, who made several Tucson appearances in the years before that night, was destined for big things. It would be the last time we saw him around here.
I have seen Chesney in concert several times since and continue to marvel at his growth as an entertainer.
Just three years after that Old Tucson show, Chesney started headlining his own shows.
Now one of Nashville's biggest stars, Chesney takes you to those shows with his newly released album, "Live: Live Those Songs Again," which includes staples like "Don't Happen Twice," "How Forever Feels," "Beer in Mexico," "What I Need to Do" and "She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy."
They are perfect contemporary country songs, spiced with just enough rock to roll, just enough country to get you two-steppin'. And in the live recordings, with the echo of an audience singing along, applauding and screaming, those songs take on a bigger and brighter life.
So, until you get the chance to see Chesney in concert, let "Live" live in your CD player for a spell. You'll be glad you did.
ā Cathalena E. Burch
Rialto gig is Monday for reluctant traveler
Teren Delvon Jones, aka Del tha Funkee Homosapien, plays the Rialto Theatre Monday night.
But don't expect him to be happy about how he got here. The man's touring schedule has made him sound like Del the Testy Homosapien in recent interviews.
"I like performing for people and I like talking to different people, but I hate traveling," Jones told the Web site SFstation.com.
Chances are the seasoned artist won't let the trip sour his show in Tucson.
Jones is a professional and has been throwing down lyrics since joining up with his cousin Ice Cube's crew, The Lench Mob, at age 18.
Doors open at 9 p.m., and tickets are $21 in advance and $26 the day of the show through the Rialto, 740-1000.
ā Gerald M. Gay
