Music Forecast 8.20-8.26: Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear, Chicago, Earth Wind and Fire, Foo Fighters, Danielle Nicole, the Bridge Spirit of KC Fest
Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear
It seems so long ago since we first discovered Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear singing acoustic folk songs in a tiny Independence coffee shop. Fast-forward, and the mother-and-son duo that was largely unknown even to locals is the metro’s breakout story of the year. It’s no surprise that Ward’s earth-shattering voice and Ruth’s fine guitar playing have garnered them international acclaim (and a contract with New York label Glassnote Records). Fresh off a European tour and a set at Bonnaroo in support of their debut Skeleton Key, the two perform their first major local headlining concert Thursday night at the Midland. Don’t miss it.
Thursday, August 20, the Midland (1228 Main, 816-283-9921)
Chicago with Earth, Wind and Fire
Chicago returns Friday to Starlight, a year removed from its concert there with REO Speedwagon. This time, the legendary 1960s rock band brings along ’70s funk outfit Earth, Wind and Fire. Each band boasts a mighty live ensemble, complete with a three-member horn section — making it easier to swallow that neither act has all its original members. Plus, at 64, Earth, Wind and Fire lead singer Philip Bailey still commands a pristine set of pipes. Chicago lead singer and bassist Jason Scheff can give him a run for his money. Sometimes a little nostalgia is perfectly fine.
Friday, August 21, Starlight Theatre (4600 Starlight Road, Swope Park, 816-363-7827)
Foo Fighters
Dave Grohl’s mission seems to be keeping rock and roll alive. The Foo Fighters frontman has claimed that rock is in danger, and his work to keep on rockin’ continues Friday when the band stops at the Sprint Center. Not even a broken leg, which Grohl suffered in June after falling from a stage in Sweden, can deter this tireless rock star from his tour commitments, promoting 2014’s Sonic Highways, the album that followed HBO’s documentary series of the same name about the band. (Grohl has been performing in a purple cast, perched on a Game of Thrones-style throne.) While the record doesn’t hold any instant-classic material — much of Grohl’s songwriting on it is mired in cliché — no one should mind when a stadium-shaking live show arrives because of it.
Friday, August 21, Sprint Center (1407 Grand, 816-949-7000)
The Bridge 90.9’s Spirit of KC Fest
The only thing better than a Saturday night of locally sourced live music is a robust five-band lineup featuring some of Kansas City’s most talented acts. Saturday at Crossroads KC, the Bridge presents a one-night festival called Spirit of KC, with the heavy blues of Samantha Fish and the sweet country harmonies of the Grisly Hand. The Latenight Callers bring their sultry pop to the stage, and She’s a Keeper gets you ready to dance. Local blues-rock troubadour Brody Buster is also on deck. Get in the spirit and show some KC pride.
Saturday, August 22, Crossroads KC at Grinders (417 East 18th Street, 785-749-3434)
Danielle Nicole
We’ve been anticipating the debut album from blues babe Danielle Schnebelen — formerly of the sibling-run band Trampled Under Foot — for months. Schnebelen, who performs as Danielle Nicole, was on course to release her self-titled solo work this month, but we’re told that the release date is pushed back until at least the late fall. But if you miss this local woman’s generous voice, or if you’re dying to hear the funky, time-bending bass lines for which Schnebelen is known, fret not. Saturday at Knuckleheads, Schebelen keeps her scheduled album-release date and bills it instead as an exclusive preview party. You’ll hear all the new songs — you’ll just have to wait a little bit longer to buy the CD.
Saturday, August 22, Knuckleheads Saloon (2715 Rochester, 816-483-1456)
