Week in Rock: Phishy Edition
3 photos
<strong>Phish Announce Tour</strong><p>After months of speculation and rumors (and being spotted <a href="http://gothamist.com/2008/11/21/phish_practicing_in_brooklyn.php">rehearsing in Manhattan</a>) Phish has <em>finally</em> announced their first tour since taking a bow in 2004âsomething fans have been eagerly awaiting for the entire stretch of their hiatus. Few were completely sold that the quartet, who has a 20-year touring history, would never share the stage again. Late last year they announced their first run of reunion shows in Virginia Beach, and a first glance at the touring schedule all but confirms they'll play a night or two headlining Bonnaroo. Despite Trey now living in New York, however, they won't make it within the city limits this time through (look for a more local show during a fall or winter tour), opting for two nights out at Jones Beach instead in early June. For the full run of dates, gas up the van and <a href="http://www.phish.com/tourdates/">check here</a>.</p>
<strong>SXSW Bands Announced</strong><p>This week, <a href="http://sxsw.com/music/shows/bands">SXSW officially released</a> the first big wave of bands that will perform in Austin later this year for the annual music conference. This list compliments the smaller collection of bigger up-and-coming names that came out late last year that featured St. Vincent, Black Lips and others. While the conference so far lacks a major name on board, like R.E.M. or Morrissey in years past, there appear to be a solid mix of emerging groups to keep the parties stocked. The fest is set to kick off March 18th, with notable local acts including Asobi Seksu, Charles Hamilton, Crystal Stilts and Dead Prez making the trek down South (so far). <a href="http://austinist.com">Austinist</a> has done an admirable job compiling an unofficial and unconfirmed list of the rest of the bands that appear to be heading down as well, so be sure to <a href="http://austinist.com/2009/01/08/sxsw_update_harlem_golden_bear_tia.php">head over there</a> to continue with the speculation.</p>
<strong>Invite-Only Sweeps Over Smaller Venues</strong><p>Mere mortals were probably left in the cold this week for some private invite-only shows featuring bold face name performers. First up, Cat Power played a short celebratory set for the launch of her good friend William Van Meterâs book: âBluegrass: A True Story of Murder in Kentucky.â The venue was much more intimate than her usual shows, taking place at Union Pool in Brooklyn which holds around 150 people. <a href="http://www.spin.com/articles/cat-power-plays-private-show">Spin</a> reports back saying "During her five-song set, Marshall -- in jeans, a cardigan, and a dress shirt with a tie -- played her own material and a series of covers." To learn more about the book, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P29ONAFqr_c">here's a clip</a> of the author describing it in his own words.</p><p><a href="http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2009/01/stephen_sprouse.html">Another invite-only event</a> went down Thursday night following the <a href="http://www.deitch.com/projects/sub.php?projId=259&orient=v">Stephen Sprouse</a> "Rock on Mars" exhibit opening <a href="http://gothamist.com/2009/01/09/pencil_this_in_651.php">at Deitch</a>. Seems Louis Vuitton honored the late artist with three events, one of which was held at Bowery Ballroom with Marc Jacobs. Blondie herself, <a href="http://gothamist.com/2007/11/08/deborah_harry_r.php">Debbie Harry</a>, played a set and the venue was "expected to have a Sprouse feel, with a special graffiti-and-neon decor." <em>- Jen Carlson</em></p>