Welcome to “Seven in Seven,” where each Friday we take a look at shows coming to the region over the next week. Whether your musical tastes are rock and roll, jazz, heavy metal, singer-songwriter or indie, there’ll always be something to check out in the coming days.
Here are seven of the best for the week beginning July 16:
Idina Menzel – July 16 at BB&T Pavilion
Lauded for her strong yet emotional performances, Idina Menzel was heard as Elsa in Disney’s box office smash “Frozen,” in which she sang the film’s multi-platinum song “Let It Go.” She performed the song at the 86th Annual Academy Awards and the song went on to win the Oscar that night. She’s also made history as the first person with both a Billboard Top 10 hit and a Tony Award for acting. Last year she released her fifth, self-titled album to glowing reviews.
The Moody Blues – July 18 at Sands Bethlehem Event Center
The Moody Blues have been musical mainstays on concert stages, recordings and the airwaves for decades. Their remarkable consistency has generated the sale of over 55 million albums and created a standard for classic rock music which has brought them numerous awards and 18 platinum records. This year sees the 50th anniversary of one of their most beloved albums, Days of Future Passed. Featuring the hits “Tuesday Afternoon” and “Nights in White Satin,” the band will be performing the concept piece in its entirety at the Sands Bethlehem Event Center.
The Nightowls – July 18 at World Cafe Live – Upstairs
The Nightowls kicked off their career with the release their debut album, Good As Gold, in 2014. But it was more recently, on last year’s Royal Sessions EP where the Austin, Texas based act came into their own with an energetic blend of classic soul and modern pop. They’ve transcended the retro tag that described their early releases in favor of a more unique sound reflective of the ten personalities making up the group, with influences running the gamut from James Brown to Michael Jackson. Horns dance and leap over a funky rhythm section, while frontman Ryan Harkrider’s soulful voice shimmers out alongside gorgeous female harmonies.
The Crane Wives – July 19 at World Cafe Live – Upstairs
The Crane Wives are a homegrown indie-folk-rock band from Grand Rapids, Michigan with a focus on the evocative, poetic songs of lead-singers and multi-instrumentalists Kate Pillsbury and Emilee Petersmark. With the help of bassist Ben Zito and percussionist/vocalist Dan Rickabus, the pair utilizes three-part harmonies, warm acoustic instruments, bounding rhythms and a deep love of literature. The result is the a unique, dynamic sound that is equal parts haunting and uplifting. Their music crosses into innovative territory, ranging from whisper-quiet ballads to big, danceable grooves, perfect for a live setting.
Ghost – July 20 at The Fillmore
Just over a month since thrilling a packed house at the Wells Fargo Center while opening up for metal legends Iron Maiden, Ghost returns to the region for a headlining show of their own. The Swedish metal outfit comprised of frontman Papa Emeritus – who wears skull-themed corpse paint – and a group of nameless ghouls clad in demonic masks as his backing band, Ghost has been one of the more exciting bands to come along in quite some time. It’s not all a gimmick though; along with the theatrics, the music isn’t too shabby either.
Ride – July 22 at The Theatre of Living Arts
Ride was at the forefront of the shoegaze movement during the early 90s, but like so many other bands of the time, they fell apart, leaving a shimmering catalog in their wake. They reunited in 2014, and last month released Weather Diaries, their first album of new music since 1996. The Brit act hardly ever makes it to the States, and when they have it’s been for a gig or two in New York. Who knows when they’ll be back again, so be sure to catch them while you can.
The Upper Crust – July 22 at Kung Fu Necktie
Here’s a band that rocks like AC/DC, but dress as 18th century aristocratic noblemen, replete with pantaloons, powdered wigs and flowing, garish white shirts. Based out of Boston, the Crust has been going strong since the mid-90s. Led by song titles such as “Little Lord Fauntleroy,” “I’m Finished with Finishing School” and “Rabble Rouser,” the humor is intact, as is the talent. Earlier this year saw the release of their latest album, Delusions of Grandeur. It’s quite a debauched affair, one that begs to be witnessed live.
