Warm Evenings

Fort Smith’s Second Street Live! is kicking off their 2011-2012 season with a decidedly Texan one-two punch: Jimmie Vaughn & Brave Combo.  Check out the full story here.

More than anything, I seek certainty of mind, assured and unwavering  purpose.  Most days that contentment is easily found, for routine is both comforting and conducive to a complacency of spirit.  Yet, restlessness always crops up within our days.  Flights of fancy take hold, daydreams percolate.  It’s in these moments that a sense of loss takes hold, causing one to wonder at the naivety of one’s expectations for adulthood.  With age, the world seems to tell us, certainty in all matters–heart and head alike–follows.

In moments of disillusion, it’s easy to wonder if the most lasting and memorable thing about childhood can be found in these moments of disillusioned emptiness.  It is in the absence of solace that one’s existential problems looms largest and uncertainty reigns supreme.   In those moments, more than ever, one craves the guidance of that all-knowing adult.  The answers one received as a child weren’t always what one wanted, nor were they always right, but they brought untold comfort for nothing else than the certainty with which the answers were given.

All La Glory – The Band

And it is now, as a supposed adult, that I often find myself wishing for a knowledge above myself.  Not in the way a devout person might pray for insight or answers, but a voice of reason that has trod the path once before.  Without that sage comfort, I flail.  I twist. I turn.  Round and round, I chase this idea that hadn’t previously seemed too illusive or perplexing; it was eternal in its absoluteness.

They say life is so damned frustrating because there are no second chances.  Yet we roll the dice time and again, trying to make sense of our existence and always losing something along the way.  It’s figuring out how to regain those escaped moments that proves so disarming.

(This post originally appeared on The City Wire.  To see previous Wakarusa coverage, visit here.)

Programming note: In creating these daily lists, special attention was paid to performance times, not only to facilitate an attendee’s ability to see full sets, but to erase any worry about getting between stages afterward.

72C on SUNDAY (June 5)
• Drum Circle (Satellite Stage – 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)
Purely for the sake of doing something out of the ordinary, start your day over at the Satellite Stage with some communal music. As the day is young and full of hope, you can channel your inner hippie out here for a portion of the “set” before grabbing some lunch and heading over to the Outpost.

• Quiet Corral (Outpost Stage – 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.)
This Lawrence, Kan.-based band features a very affable pop-influenced folk sound. The well-produced music is a bit cleaner cut than some of the other roots based Americana outfits, but the vocals are effecting and earnest. Quiet Corral is certainly a harmoniously pleasant way to spend an hour of your last Waka afternoon.

• Jay Nash Band (Outpost Stage – 2 to 3 p.m.)
Of the singer-songwriters featured at Wakarusa this year, Jay Nash seems to be one of the best. His voice is warm and evocative, reminiscent of someone like Ray Lamontagne but with a more defined masculinity. He released an album titled “Diamonds and Blood” this past March.

• The Stone Foxes (Outpost Stage – 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.)
From the hilly expanses of San Francisco, The Stone Foxes will put forth some circa 1960s American rock on the Outpost Stage. The sound is mainly blues structured, but features elements of classic country that gives the group a sound that is reminiscent of a group like Buffalo Springfield.

• The Beautiful Girls (Revival Tent – 6 to 7:30 p.m.)
Don’t head to the Revival Tent expecting to see anything close to beautiful women on the stage. You’ll be disappointed. These are a bunch of dudes. But they’re from Australia and have accents, so there might be beautiful girls in the audience. At any rate, the tunes — like much of the Waka output — will be some of the easy grooving jams you might hear from someone like Jack Johnson, melding elements of rock and reggae into a smooth pop sound.

• Toots & the Maytals (Revival Tent – 8 to 9:30 p.m.)
Even at age 65, Frederick “Toots” Hibbert can still bring it. As the (anecdotal) progenitor of the word “reggae,” Toots has had his hand in the genre since its nascence in 1960s Jamaica. And to this day, the man hasn’t lost a step. Though it may not seem so to the festival organizers, Toots & the Maytals will be the best band you see all weekend. Yes, this is very bold, but having worshipped at the altar of Toots on a few occasions, my confidence is well placed. Don’t miss it.

• Ozomatli (Revival Tent – 10 p.m. to midnite)
If anything can hope to match — or at least continue — the party Toots kicked off on the main stage, it’s Ozomatli.  This Latin group distills the cacophonous elements of So-Cal society into a unique blend. From hip-hop and cumbia to reggae and rock, Ozomatli creates a riotous live environment perfect for a great time.

(This post originally appeared on The City Wire.  To see my previous Wakarusa coverage, visit here.)

Programming note: In creating these daily lists, special attention was paid to performance times, not only to facilitate an attendee’s ability to see full sets, but to erase any worry about getting between stages afterward.

72C on SATURDAY (June 4)
• Rebelution (Main Stage — 12:30 to 1:45 p.m.)
It’s always imperative to get your mind right. And there’s no better way to ease into Saturday than with some California suffused reggae via Rebelution. The worry free vibes will flow throughout this Santa Barbara based quartet’s set. Like many of the acts featured at Wakarusa, Rebelution has cultivated a fan base by way of consistent touring and do-it-yourself styled promotion. So, get your shimmy shoes ready and slink along to the infectious reggae.

• Galactic (Main Stage – 2:15 to 3:30 p.m.)
Once Rebelution wraps up, there’s no reason to leave. Stay put for the Galactic. The sound is groove-oriented, but Galactic aspires to weave the disparate elements of New Orleans into their broader sound. The result is an accessible, funky melting-pot that is sure to put a groove in your shoes and a smile on your face.

• MarchFourth Marching Band (Revival Tent – 4 to 6 p.m.)
Next, head over to the MarchFourth Marching Band show in the Revival Tent. As a friend is fond of saying, “horns make everything better.” And this raucous big band brings that adage to life with their epic musical events, tailoring a mass of influences and synthesizes them into one uniquely danceable show.

• Mumford & Sons (Main Stage – 6 to 7:30 p.m.)
From brass to string, it’s time for Mumford & Sons on the Main Stage. With lyrics drawing from a diverse array of literary influences and propulsive, energetic life shows, these English lads have taken America by storm over the past year. In the process, they’ve garnered Grammy nominations and had their February 2010 release “Sigh No More” break onto the Billboard charts. The sound is undeniably rooted in folk, but the group has successfully transformed from an indie-folk darling to mainstream phenomenon. Expect a warm, down-to-earth style that belies the massive success.

• The Budos Band (Revival Tent – 8:30 to 10 p.m.)
And back to horns! The Budos Band are an instrumental band out of Staten Island. As one might expect from a group that lives on a label (Daptone Records) dedicated to the revivalist soul sound, there is a heavy dose of classic 60s R&B sprinkled throughout the group’s songs. Drawing on a variety of (international) influences, The Budos Band creates some of the best instrumental jams this side of Booker T.

• Thievery Corporation (Main Stage – 10:30 p.m. to 12:15 a.m.)
More international influences can be heard with the Thievery Corporation’s appearance on the Main Stage. This Washington, D.C.-based duo has been making music together since the mid-90s, incorporating elements of dub, bossa nova, acid jazz, hip-hop and more. And despite their amalgamating internationalism, Thievery Corporation has maintained a very organic sound. Their most next album, “The Culture of Fear,” is set to drop in June of this year.

• STS9 (Revival Tent – 12:30 to 2 a.m.)
Head over to the Revival Tent to get one last dance party in for your Saturday. Sound Tribe Sector 9 (STS9) has been making waves throughout the music industry since their formation in the late 90s. The sound features live instrumental rock mixed with electronics. The emphasis is always on the rhythm, meaning you’ll have plenty to dance to during their set.

(This post originally appeared on The City Wire)

Programming note: In creating these daily lists, special attention was paid to performance times, not only to facilitate an attendee’s ability to see full sets, but to erase any worry about getting between stages afterward.  To see the previous posts about Wakarusa, visit here and here.

72C on FRIDAY (June 3)
• Lucero (Main Stage – Noon to 12:45 p.m.)
Friday at Wakarusa is littered with some of the best live performers around. And it all starts off with Lucero at noon on the Main Stage. Led by Little Rock-native Ben Nichols, Lucero has set itself apart with punk tinged country music and relentless touring. Their high-energy, emotive songs have won them dedicated fans the world over. Noon is a tough slot, but Lucero will give you your money’s worth for sure.

• Carrie Rodriguez (Backwoods Stage – 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.)
From Lucero, head down to the Backwoods Stage to take in the soothing sounds of songstress, Carrie Rodriguez. This rootsy violinist has carved out a successful niche within the Americana songscape, most recently with her duet EP with Ben Kyle (of Romantica) titled “We Still Love Our Country.” Rodriguez is one of the better chanteuses today, so do yourself a favor and check out her early afternoon set.

• Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue (Main Stage – 2:45 to 4 p.m.)
The musical pendulum swings back to infectious grooves of the Crescent City with Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. Shorty and Co. will perform on the Main Stage at 2:45. While the musical maestro is certainly better suited for a night showcase, this is one of the can’t miss events of Wakarusa — the funky, relentless pace will have you a happy camper.  And you’ll walk away not only with tired legs, but with a better appreciation of the musical legacy of New Orleans. And as long as people like Shorty are making music, that legacy is in damn fine hands.

• Langhorne Slim (Revival Tent – 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.)
Catch your breath, maybe grab a bite to eat and then head over to the Revival Tent for Langhorne Slim. Another Waka veteran, Langhorne Slim has set himself apart in the crowded indie singer-songwriter genre as a musician of evocative depth and unyielding energy on stage. His catchy songs will be a perfect counter-balance to the funk of Trombone Shorty and the professional r&b to follow (Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings).

• Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings (Main Stage – 6:15 to 7:45 p.m.)
Following Langhorne Slim, it’s time to mosey back toward the Main Stage for the ruling queen of the revivalist r&b movement, Sharon Jones. The sound harkens back to the glory days of Stax and Motown, bringing to mind performers like Candi Staton or Shirley Brown. With her ace backing band the Dap-Kings, Jones has been creating some of the most exciting live music of the past few years. Don’t miss this show.

• Ryan Bingham & the Dead Horses (Revival Tent – 8 to 9:30 p.m.)
Another gear shift as we go from the funky soul songstress Sharon Jones to the country-rock stylings of Ryan Bingham & the Dead Horses. Bingham most recently came to the attention of the masses with his song “The Weary Kind,” the Academy Award winner for Best Original Song (Crazy Heart). His gravelly voice and whiskey soaked lyrics have sparked a chord with fans. Bingham & the Dead Horses are a refreshing reminder of what country can be, carrying on the eclectic torch of folks like Waylon Jennings.

• My Morning Jacket (Main Stage – 10:30 to 12:15 p.m.)
From the Revival Tent, it’s time to stake out a place at the Main Stage for headliners My Morning Jacket. This Louisville, Ken., act has seemingly made a habit out of decking the expectations of listeners. From their expansive, fuzzy ambient rock to hair whipping rock and on to their more groove-oriented 2008 release “Evil Urges,” Jim James and crew have continually expanded their musical palette, each release seeming to bring more and more fans into the fold. They are the best kind of major act — unwilling to rest on their laurels and frequently testing the limits of their sound. And none of this even considers their legendary live performances. As much as anything else, it has been these mythic live performances that have pushed the rock outfit into the public consciousness. With the release of their album “Circuital “coming May 31, expect a lot of newer songs. But also expect to be blown away.