Tagged: michaeldownes

Among the world's diverse religious beliefs is the notion ERIC CLAPTON IS GOD. It's hardly the wackiest idea, and it has more evidence behind it than most. Unlike Zeus and Wilt Chamberlain, Eric Clapton is as real as you or me, only considerably more awesome.

We'll run art on Ted Leo when he busts out a floater.If Jack Johnson has taught us anything, it's to never, ever underestimate the sheer marketability of surfing. Obama's entire general election strat... Continue reading "Tonight! Beach Bums and Goatwhore" >

Popular musicians from Africa (see: K'Naan, Baaba Maal) often compare themselves to griots, the hereditary retainers of histories, art, and song. Instead renown Kora player Foday Musa Suso, who was ... Continue reading "Tonight! Kora/Banjo Music, Dubstep" >

As a 16-year-old coal miner's son, Tom Jones dropped out of school to support the Catholic schoolgirl he'd knocked up. But when exactly did Mrs. Linda Jones realize she'd hit the jackpot? The Welsh si... Continue reading "Tonight! Get Ready to Throw Some Underwear!" >

As a DJ and producer, Theo Parrish is a staple of Detroit's house scene. His jazzy, downtempo "sound sculptures" are ideal for a Monday night: deep, vibey, and sexy as hell. He mixes techno with clas... Continue reading "Tonight! Theo Parrish, Mark Eitzel, and "Pussified Arena Rock"" >

You're going to the Siren Music Festival, and here's 10 reasons why: 1. Admission is free, unlike some other name-brand festivals this weekend... 2. It's your last chance to catch Frightened Rabbit ... Continue reading "This Weekend! Ten Reasons Why You're Going to Siren Festival" >

The Kronos Quartet's latest effort, the Middle Eastern-themed Floodplain, was "inspired by the idea that areas prone to devastating flooding will experience creative rebirth after a catastrophe," wh... Continue reading "Tonight! Kronos, Man Man, Lovvers" >

div#main{overflow:visible;} MIchael's editor would like to know if this clip makes any more sense in context. He doubts it. The Jonas Brothers have siphoned any trace of youthful rock 'n' roll energ... Continue reading "Tonight! Chuck Mangione, William Elliott Whitmore, Bastille Day Punk" >

The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30cExclusive Wilco Songwww.colbertnation.com Jeff Tweedy and the boys are back in the city (at Coney Island!) for the first time since dropping Wilco (The A... Continue reading "Tonight! Wilco (The Tour), Aimee Mann, and Free Opera" >

The 10 for $10 Tour, a matinee hardcore showcase, comes to town on Friday, as does Venezuelan rock 'n disco troupe Los Amigos Invisibles. Afrobeat heads: Antibalas frontman Amayo is bringing his kung ... Continue reading " This Weekend! Los Amigos Invisibles, Amayo, Derrick Carter, Mission of Burma, Love as Laughter" >

Tonight we give props to the infant, hopelessly unsustainable civilization young Brooklynites have built for themselves. The music these kids concoct is so innocent, so unworldly: catch it now befor... Continue reading "Tonight! New York Eye and Ear Festival, Brendon Small, Tim Hagans, LAMC" >

Andrew W.K.'s ventures in record production, crackpot philosophy, and bazooka-packed children's television are all a front for the simple, resoundingly true greeting on his voicemail: "The point of ... Continue reading "Tonight! Andrew WK, Richard Cheese, Scanner, Kuhn and Lovano" >

How the fuck did Ryan Cabrera fall all the way to Sullivan Hall? Five years ago, the MTV star was sitting happily in the Billboard top 10, hooking up with Elvis' granddaughter, ripping Ashlee Simpson'... Continue reading "Tonight! Reality-TV Rejects, '80s Cheese, and Worthy Jazz" >

In the event you're hoping for a love connection at Harlem megastar Cam'ron's show tonight, know that the guy's idea of foreplay is "Get in the car, and don't touch nothin'/Either we lovin' or I'll ... Continue reading "Tonight! Cam'ron, Marc Ribot, and Explosions in the Sky" >

This weekend's celebration of the Stonewall Riots' 40th anniversary culminates with the Gay Pride Parade, which features Governor Paterson as a Grand Marshal. The Nokia Theatre is hosting a Commemorat... Continue reading "This Weekend! Gays Take to the Streets" >

Adult Swim's team of terrorists and aliens have organized a summer-long series of free shows at Santos' Party House. Tonight, New Pornographers frontman A.C. Newman joins Cheeseburger, the Woggles, ... Continue reading "Tonight! Who's the Better Scion? Ziggy Marley or Dinosaur Jr.?" >

Besides jerking around with Iggy Pop on Letterman, newly sober dance-music goof Fatboy Slim is working on a concept album with David Byrne about Filipino sovereign Imelda Marcos, based on the pair's... Continue reading "Tonight! Chat With Iggy Pop or Weep With Camera Obscura" >

The child prodigy Michael Penniman, a/k/a Mika, began his singing career at the Royal Opera House in London, which may explain how the Lebanese-born soprano, who officially transformed himself into ... Continue reading "Tonight! Disco Cheese, Alt.Country, and Jazz Both Callous and Easily Digestible" >

Every year, 327 cities around the world arrange to simultaneously celebrate the first day of summer. So on Sunday, Make Music New York sponsors 800+ free performances spanning all five boroughs. The m... Continue reading "This Weekend! Trombones at the Guggenheim, Black Metal, and Classical With and Without Class" >

The prophecies of a teenage Jonathan Richman, drawn in 1967. Jonathan Richman's first group, the Modern Lovers, distilled the early hipster scene at CBGB down to punk. But throughout his subsequent... Continue reading "Tonight! Jonathan Richman Dances in the Lesbian Bar Once More" >