From Good Homes has announced their third annual Wellmont show, which is exciting news indeed! This year, however, they will only be playing one night instead of two. I am not sure of exactly why there was a change in format, but I can tell you this---buy your tickets now. If you have not seen this band in concert, you need to. They are one of the greatest live acts I have ever witnessed. Check out my review of last year’s show if you don't believe me.
Full information is below via the press release. Treat yourself this holiday season and see From Good Homes in concert. You will be all the merrier.
Press Release:
The members of From Good Homes have announced their annual Reunion show at the Wellmont Theatre in Montclair, NJ on Saturday, December 17th, 2011. The Wellmont Theatre was the site of From Good Homes’s reunion in 2009 over 2 sold out shows after a 10 year hiatus, of which Relix Magazine said the band’s “playing still feels as fresh and invigorating as it ever was”.
“There’s no better feeling than playing for our fans and friends in New Jersey” says Patrick Fitzsimmons, drummer. “The energy at The Wellmont is always so incredible and we feed off of that. This show should be a rocker!”
Since getting back together in 2009, the band has performed as part of the Dave Matthews Band Caravan in Atlantic City and this past weekend at Randall’s Island in New York as well as The Mighty High Festival in Tuxedo, NY, SteelJam Festival in Bethlehem, PA and headline shows at The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, The Historic Blairstown Theatre in Blairstown, NJ as well as annual shows at the Wellmont Theatre in 2009 and 2010.
Tickets for the shows are $30 in advance and $33 on the day of show. They are available now at www.tickets.com. More information is available at www.wellmonttheatre.com and www.fromgoodhomes.com.
The genesis of From Good Homes dates back to a high school band, when childhood friends Todd Sheaffer, Brady Rymer, and Patrick Fitzsimmons came together in rural, Northwestern New Jersey. Originally called “Old Crow”, and later evolving into “The Dogs”, the core line-up remained. With the addition of Dan Myers in 1988, and Jamie Coan in 1990, the band From Good Homes was fully formed.
Named after a judge’s explanation for leniency after the young band broke in to a club to finish their set, the band “from good homes” released 5 albums during their career- 3 of which were released by RCA Records. Their upbeat approach, solid songwriting, and unique sound allowed them to quickly develop a dedicated following on the touring circuit. The band performed over 1,500 shows across North America, including tours with Dave Matthews Band, Ratdog featuring Bob Weir and shows with Bob Dylan, Guster, Widespread Panic, Hootie & The Blowfish, Blues Traveler and many more.
Bringing together rock, jazz, folk, celtic and jam-band influences under one umbrella, rooted in Todd Sheaffer’s inspired songwriting, From Good Homes forged their own, instantly lovable music. Their unique style prompted one critic to affectionately label the band’s blend of influences as “Hick-Pop”.
After disbanding in 1999, band members went on to embark on individual projects. Todd Sheaffer formed the bluegrass-influenced Railroad Earth, which has released 5 records, with a 6th coming out this fall, and continues to sell-out shows throughout North America. After starting a family of his own, Brady Rymer began a career making music for children and families; his most recent release “Here Comes Brady Rymer and the Little Band that Could” was nominated for a 2009 Grammy Award in the Best Musical Album for Children category. Drummer Patrick Fitzsimmons has had a very successful run as a singer/songwriter, releasing 5 records independently and touring regularly in the Northeast. Saxophonist Dan Myers runs a production company, Dirt Floor Studio, and has worked on records with Adam Green, Sam Champion, as well as with Rymer and Fitzsimmons. He also appeared as a guest soloist on “Live Trax Vol. 16” the latest live release from Dave Matthews Band. Multi-instrumentalist Jamie Coan continues to write, perform and record and currently plays with the bands Fat Alice, Blue Spartina, Red Top Ramblers and Sweetgrass in the Charleston, SC area and also performs as half of the Folly Beach Rhythm Section which backs up Samuel David Owens.
From Good Homes is:
Todd Sheaffer – lead vocals, acoustic guitar, harmonica
Brady Rymer – bass, vocals
Patrick Fitzsimmons – drums, vocals
Dan Myers – saxophones, melodica, vocals
Jamie Coan – acoustic guitar, violin, mandolin, vocals
The rants, raves, reviews, and express written opinion of a writer celebrating his life long love affair with music that rocks!!!
Showing posts with label 2011 concerts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2011 concerts. Show all posts
Monday, September 26, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Rock Fest 2011

It’s Festival Week once again at The Rock And Roll Guru. This week I will be discussing five select festivals including the highs, the lows, the bands on the bill, the places to go, and why you should attend.
Rock Fest
http://www.rock-fest.com
July 14 – 17, 2011
Cadott, Wisconsin
Overview
Rock Fest has been around since 1994, and with the lineup they have put together for 2011, this looks to be one of the best hard rock festivals of the summer. With some of the hardest rocking bands on tour this year, campgrounds onsite, and beer tents galore, this festival located in Wisconsin looks to be barrels of fun! The bands performing range from Slaughter and Cinderella to Hinder and Avenged Sevenfold. It is a hard rock enthusiasts’ dream!
Ticketing
Tickets are available for purchase on the rock fest website (www.rock-fest.com). There are several ticket options for this fest. A one day ticket can be purchased for $77.50. A 4-day pass will cost $155. For $250 you can purchase the reserve lawn chair seating, which gives you seats directly behind the VIP seating. No other benefits come with this option other than you get to keep the chair. For $500, the VIP upgrade package is all yours. The VIP package includes: reserved seating up front for the shows, premium parking, lunch and dinner at the Rock Fest CafĂ©, unlimited beverages (water, soft drinks, beer, and wine). The website claims the food is great, but I’ve a feeling it’s nothing more than burgers and dogs. Call me skeptical.
Lineup
The lineup for this year’s rock fest is simply spectacular. Over the course of four days, fans will see Slaughter, Cinderella, Three Days Grace, Rob Zombie, Saliva, Skillet, Hinder, Kid Rock, Chevelle, Seether, Avenged Sevenfold, Jackyl, Tesla, Heart, and Def Leppard. That is quite a lot of high quality, top acts performing. It’s one of the best festival lineups of the summer.
History
Rock Fest has been rocking Cadott, Wisconsin, for 18 years. It’s one of the longest running annual rock festivals. 2011 is the sixth year that the festival is a four day event. Prior to that, the festival was a one or two day event. Having held this festival for many years, the organizers of the event know what they are doing and constantly strive to make sure that the fans needs are met. Taking place at an amphitheater, there is plenty to eat and drink while enjoying your favorite bands. The variety of different types of rock bands that are performing has always been the biggest draw for rock fest’s rich history.
Places To Stay
Camping is available right onsite. The campgrounds open three days before the event kicks off and remain open until the final day of the event (Sunday, July 17th). For $105 ticket holders can purchase a campsite. However, every other person in the party will still need to purchase an all access pass (at $30 a pop). So if you are attending the concert with three friends, the campsite will cost you $195. That’s a little high to cousin Ryo.
For those not willing to shell out that type of money, there are nearby hotels/motels that you can stay at. While these aren’t listed on the festival website, there are a few options for the rock traveler. In Cadott there is Cadott Countryside Motel. It is the only motel located in Cadott.
Just outside of Cadott there is a Super 8 located in Stanley and Country Inn Suites located in Chippewa Falls. Both are close enough to the venue, but still require a drive which means needing to park the car on site. As hotel/motel options are pretty scarce in the area, I recommend making your reservations as soon as you purchase your tickets.
Overall
The Rock Fest has one of the greatest lineups of the summer. If you are looking for a chance to see some amazing rock and roll acts, but can’t justify the cost of seeing each band individually, then this is the best way to see them all in one sitting. You can cram your entire summer concert series into this four day event and not need to take in another show until next year.
Ryo’s Final Word
While the lineup looks incredible for this concert, ticket prices are a little on the high side compared with other festivals. $155 for a four day pass isn’t bad, but the seating for that price is. And $250 to sit on the lawn (if you purchase the reserve lawn chair seating) is way too much. The price of camping is just flat out ridiculous. It looks like Rock Fest is trying to make a quick buck on the backs of metal fans. What a shame.
Rock Fest
http://www.rock-fest.com
July 14 – 17, 2011
Cadott, Wisconsin
Overview
Rock Fest has been around since 1994, and with the lineup they have put together for 2011, this looks to be one of the best hard rock festivals of the summer. With some of the hardest rocking bands on tour this year, campgrounds onsite, and beer tents galore, this festival located in Wisconsin looks to be barrels of fun! The bands performing range from Slaughter and Cinderella to Hinder and Avenged Sevenfold. It is a hard rock enthusiasts’ dream!
Ticketing
Tickets are available for purchase on the rock fest website (www.rock-fest.com). There are several ticket options for this fest. A one day ticket can be purchased for $77.50. A 4-day pass will cost $155. For $250 you can purchase the reserve lawn chair seating, which gives you seats directly behind the VIP seating. No other benefits come with this option other than you get to keep the chair. For $500, the VIP upgrade package is all yours. The VIP package includes: reserved seating up front for the shows, premium parking, lunch and dinner at the Rock Fest CafĂ©, unlimited beverages (water, soft drinks, beer, and wine). The website claims the food is great, but I’ve a feeling it’s nothing more than burgers and dogs. Call me skeptical.
Lineup
The lineup for this year’s rock fest is simply spectacular. Over the course of four days, fans will see Slaughter, Cinderella, Three Days Grace, Rob Zombie, Saliva, Skillet, Hinder, Kid Rock, Chevelle, Seether, Avenged Sevenfold, Jackyl, Tesla, Heart, and Def Leppard. That is quite a lot of high quality, top acts performing. It’s one of the best festival lineups of the summer.
History
Rock Fest has been rocking Cadott, Wisconsin, for 18 years. It’s one of the longest running annual rock festivals. 2011 is the sixth year that the festival is a four day event. Prior to that, the festival was a one or two day event. Having held this festival for many years, the organizers of the event know what they are doing and constantly strive to make sure that the fans needs are met. Taking place at an amphitheater, there is plenty to eat and drink while enjoying your favorite bands. The variety of different types of rock bands that are performing has always been the biggest draw for rock fest’s rich history.
Places To Stay
Camping is available right onsite. The campgrounds open three days before the event kicks off and remain open until the final day of the event (Sunday, July 17th). For $105 ticket holders can purchase a campsite. However, every other person in the party will still need to purchase an all access pass (at $30 a pop). So if you are attending the concert with three friends, the campsite will cost you $195. That’s a little high to cousin Ryo.
For those not willing to shell out that type of money, there are nearby hotels/motels that you can stay at. While these aren’t listed on the festival website, there are a few options for the rock traveler. In Cadott there is Cadott Countryside Motel. It is the only motel located in Cadott.
Just outside of Cadott there is a Super 8 located in Stanley and Country Inn Suites located in Chippewa Falls. Both are close enough to the venue, but still require a drive which means needing to park the car on site. As hotel/motel options are pretty scarce in the area, I recommend making your reservations as soon as you purchase your tickets.
Overall
The Rock Fest has one of the greatest lineups of the summer. If you are looking for a chance to see some amazing rock and roll acts, but can’t justify the cost of seeing each band individually, then this is the best way to see them all in one sitting. You can cram your entire summer concert series into this four day event and not need to take in another show until next year.
Ryo’s Final Word
While the lineup looks incredible for this concert, ticket prices are a little on the high side compared with other festivals. $155 for a four day pass isn’t bad, but the seating for that price is. And $250 to sit on the lawn (if you purchase the reserve lawn chair seating) is way too much. The price of camping is just flat out ridiculous. It looks like Rock Fest is trying to make a quick buck on the backs of metal fans. What a shame.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Upcoming 2011 Spring/Summer Concert Tours
Looking to take in a concert (or concerts) this spring or summer but don’t know where to start? Are you unsure of who’s performing, or when they will be coming to your town? Well, fear not, friends. Cousin Ryo has your major (and minor) tour coverage covered. Below is a list of the anticipated spring/summer tours for 2011. Links to the tour page, price of tickets, and all the other necessary information is included. I hope to see you out at the shows this concert season.
Motley Crue/Poison/New York Dolls
http://www.motley.com/tickets
Ticket Prices: $50 - $95
In what is considered to be one of the most highly anticipated tours for Glam fans, Motley Crue and Poison are hitting the road together with the New York Dolls. While no one ever though this tour would happen it’s now official. Motley Crue and Poison are teaming up for the summer. This is being hailed as a double bill, but most likely, Motley Crue will end the evening every night. And while Poison will put on a great show, I predict that they are going to play the same set list they’ve performed for the last 10 years. It would be nice to see them mix it up and perform some deep cuts, but I won’t hold my breath waiting for that to happen. The Crue is likely to perform a similar set from the last three years with one or two songs from Saints Of Los Angeles thrown in. While this looks like a fun concert for a warm summer night, the ticket price will most likely keep me away.
Bob Seger
http://www.bobseger.com/tour
Ticket Prices: $75
Michigan’s favorite son will be on tour this spring. This will be Seger’s first road jaunt in a couple of years, and while there is no new music to promote, his last album (released in 2009) was a collection of early Seger favorites and unreleased tracks. This could mean a show of greatest hits and pre-fame classics being performed live. I’ve never seen Bob Seger in concert, and if I want to catch him this spring, I am going to need to travel, as there are currently no stops near my house. However, I don’t see how Seger would not perform at least one night at Madison Square Garden, so I am holding onto the hope that more dates will be added soon.
Phish
http://phish.com/#/tours/summer-2011-tour
Ticket Prices: $45 - $60
On the road again in 2011, the reunited Phish have lined up a summer concert tour that is bound to please fans of the jam band genre. With Dave Matthews Band on hiatus from touring this summer, Phish will be the best jam going. While I’ve never witnessed this band live, reviews from friends that have (in some cases several times) were all positive. Phish is a great live act that constantly changes their set so each concert is a unique experience. If you’re not sure which band to take in this summer, then this is a great one to consider.
Papa Roach/Finger Eleven/Pop Evil
http://www.paparoach.com/events
Ticket Prices: $27
In what can only be described as the greatest rock tour of 2011, Papa Roach is hitting the road with two equally exceptional hard rock bands---Finger Eleven and Pop Evil. Fans of The Rock And Roll Guru know my love for Pop Evil, but may not know how much I enjoy Finger Eleven’s music as well. Tour dates and venues were still being finalized at press time, but I can guarantee that most of these shows will sell out. Papa Roach is a great live band, Finger Eleven is solid entertainment, and Pop Evil is a band set to explode. For $27, this is a can’t miss show.
U2
http://www.u2.com/tour/index
Ticket Prices: $30 - $275
After cancelling their summer tour last year, due to Bono’s emergency surgery, U2 is once again globetrotting on their 360 tour. The US portion of this tour arrives in late May and extends through July. I have not seen U2 since 2005 when they were out in support of How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb. Every time I’ve seen the band live, they were incredible. There is nothing to lead me to believe that this tour would be any different. I may even get tickets to see the band when they come to New Jersey in July. It will all depend on how much money is in the bank account, since the affordable tickets to this show are long gone.
Three Days Grace
http://www.threedaysgrace.com/us/events
Ticket Prices: $30
Selling out most of their dates already, Three Days Grace is gracing the club circuit this spring. Still travelling in support of their latest release, Life Starts Now, Three Days Grace is performing at several clubs. Tickets are going fast! Three Days Grace is an exceptional modern rock band and their live act is awesome. For $30, you can’t go wrong. This is a great band to see live and guaranteed fun for the hard rock lover.
Whitesnake
http://www.whitesnake.com/index-cover.asp
Ticket Prices: $45
Headliners of this year’s M3 Festival, Whitesnake will be out on the road for most of the spring and the summer. They are touring in support of their solid new record, Forevermore. David Coverdale still sounds great and Reb Beach is an incredible guitarist, so seeing Whitesnake live is a smart decision. Obviously the band will perform some of their new songs, but the classic cuts of hits like "Slide It In," "Still Of The Night," and "Is This Love" are almost certain to be played and to hear the roar of the crowd in response.
Hinder
http://www.hindermusic.com/home/index.shtml
Ticket Prices: $25
Hinder is touring in support of their latest masterpiece, All American Nightmare. If you’ve never seen the band live, now is the time to check them out. Hinder’s live show is nothing but a rock and roll party, and their latest album is one of the best rock albums released in years. Hearing the new tracks in concert is going to be a grand experience and this is a show I highly recommend. With tickets selling for only $25, you really can’t go wrong.
Saliva With Rev Theory
http://www.saliva.com/tour.aspx
Ticket Prices: $15 - $20
With a brand new album to support, Saliva is hitting the road this spring with up and coming hard rockers, Rev Theory. Saliva is a great band that never gets enough credit. They’ve been rocking their asses off since the early 2000s and while I haven’t heard the new record yet, their body of work speaks for itself. Saliva puts on a great concert and they are a fun act to witness live. If you get the chance, spend the $15 for a night of great entertainment.
Def Leppard With Heart
http://www.defleppard.com
Ticket Prices: $25 - $125
With news of a new live album coming out this summer, Def Leppard is going on the road with another classic band, Heart. This is bound to be an excellent show for the classic rock lovers. While seats in the amphitheater are a little pricey, the lawn seats are affordable. I’ve never seen either of these bands live, but I hear that Def Leppard puts on a solid performance, and I’ve heard that Heart is still great live. This show could be worth checking out.
Cinderella
Tour Dates still being confirmed
Ticket Prices: TBD
Cinderella is expected to tour in support of their 25th anniversary. Rumors abound that they will hit the road this summer with Warrant for a double bill of their own. Nothing has been confirmed except for one show in September, but Warrant does have a new album due out later this year. While they probably wouldn’t sell well on their own, a double bill of Cinderella and Warrant could be just the right combination of great hair metal bands to sell tickets. I’m curious to see what the prices for this tour will be. If the price is right, I’ll probably be there. Both bands put on an incredible concert and hearing Cinderella perform live is always a treat.
And there it is, some of the great shows coming around this spring and summer. Do you know of a concert that I failed to add to this list? Drop me a line or post a comment and let me know.
Motley Crue/Poison/New York Dolls
http://www.motley.com/tickets
Ticket Prices: $50 - $95
In what is considered to be one of the most highly anticipated tours for Glam fans, Motley Crue and Poison are hitting the road together with the New York Dolls. While no one ever though this tour would happen it’s now official. Motley Crue and Poison are teaming up for the summer. This is being hailed as a double bill, but most likely, Motley Crue will end the evening every night. And while Poison will put on a great show, I predict that they are going to play the same set list they’ve performed for the last 10 years. It would be nice to see them mix it up and perform some deep cuts, but I won’t hold my breath waiting for that to happen. The Crue is likely to perform a similar set from the last three years with one or two songs from Saints Of Los Angeles thrown in. While this looks like a fun concert for a warm summer night, the ticket price will most likely keep me away.
Bob Seger
http://www.bobseger.com/tour
Ticket Prices: $75
Michigan’s favorite son will be on tour this spring. This will be Seger’s first road jaunt in a couple of years, and while there is no new music to promote, his last album (released in 2009) was a collection of early Seger favorites and unreleased tracks. This could mean a show of greatest hits and pre-fame classics being performed live. I’ve never seen Bob Seger in concert, and if I want to catch him this spring, I am going to need to travel, as there are currently no stops near my house. However, I don’t see how Seger would not perform at least one night at Madison Square Garden, so I am holding onto the hope that more dates will be added soon.
Phish
http://phish.com/#/tours/summer-2011-tour
Ticket Prices: $45 - $60
On the road again in 2011, the reunited Phish have lined up a summer concert tour that is bound to please fans of the jam band genre. With Dave Matthews Band on hiatus from touring this summer, Phish will be the best jam going. While I’ve never witnessed this band live, reviews from friends that have (in some cases several times) were all positive. Phish is a great live act that constantly changes their set so each concert is a unique experience. If you’re not sure which band to take in this summer, then this is a great one to consider.
Papa Roach/Finger Eleven/Pop Evil
http://www.paparoach.com/events
Ticket Prices: $27
In what can only be described as the greatest rock tour of 2011, Papa Roach is hitting the road with two equally exceptional hard rock bands---Finger Eleven and Pop Evil. Fans of The Rock And Roll Guru know my love for Pop Evil, but may not know how much I enjoy Finger Eleven’s music as well. Tour dates and venues were still being finalized at press time, but I can guarantee that most of these shows will sell out. Papa Roach is a great live band, Finger Eleven is solid entertainment, and Pop Evil is a band set to explode. For $27, this is a can’t miss show.
U2
http://www.u2.com/tour/index
Ticket Prices: $30 - $275
After cancelling their summer tour last year, due to Bono’s emergency surgery, U2 is once again globetrotting on their 360 tour. The US portion of this tour arrives in late May and extends through July. I have not seen U2 since 2005 when they were out in support of How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb. Every time I’ve seen the band live, they were incredible. There is nothing to lead me to believe that this tour would be any different. I may even get tickets to see the band when they come to New Jersey in July. It will all depend on how much money is in the bank account, since the affordable tickets to this show are long gone.
Three Days Grace
http://www.threedaysgrace.com/us/events
Ticket Prices: $30
Selling out most of their dates already, Three Days Grace is gracing the club circuit this spring. Still travelling in support of their latest release, Life Starts Now, Three Days Grace is performing at several clubs. Tickets are going fast! Three Days Grace is an exceptional modern rock band and their live act is awesome. For $30, you can’t go wrong. This is a great band to see live and guaranteed fun for the hard rock lover.
Whitesnake
http://www.whitesnake.com/index-cover.asp
Ticket Prices: $45
Headliners of this year’s M3 Festival, Whitesnake will be out on the road for most of the spring and the summer. They are touring in support of their solid new record, Forevermore. David Coverdale still sounds great and Reb Beach is an incredible guitarist, so seeing Whitesnake live is a smart decision. Obviously the band will perform some of their new songs, but the classic cuts of hits like "Slide It In," "Still Of The Night," and "Is This Love" are almost certain to be played and to hear the roar of the crowd in response.
Hinder
http://www.hindermusic.com/home/index.shtml
Ticket Prices: $25
Hinder is touring in support of their latest masterpiece, All American Nightmare. If you’ve never seen the band live, now is the time to check them out. Hinder’s live show is nothing but a rock and roll party, and their latest album is one of the best rock albums released in years. Hearing the new tracks in concert is going to be a grand experience and this is a show I highly recommend. With tickets selling for only $25, you really can’t go wrong.
Saliva With Rev Theory
http://www.saliva.com/tour.aspx
Ticket Prices: $15 - $20
With a brand new album to support, Saliva is hitting the road this spring with up and coming hard rockers, Rev Theory. Saliva is a great band that never gets enough credit. They’ve been rocking their asses off since the early 2000s and while I haven’t heard the new record yet, their body of work speaks for itself. Saliva puts on a great concert and they are a fun act to witness live. If you get the chance, spend the $15 for a night of great entertainment.
Def Leppard With Heart
http://www.defleppard.com
Ticket Prices: $25 - $125
With news of a new live album coming out this summer, Def Leppard is going on the road with another classic band, Heart. This is bound to be an excellent show for the classic rock lovers. While seats in the amphitheater are a little pricey, the lawn seats are affordable. I’ve never seen either of these bands live, but I hear that Def Leppard puts on a solid performance, and I’ve heard that Heart is still great live. This show could be worth checking out.
Cinderella
Tour Dates still being confirmed
Ticket Prices: TBD
Cinderella is expected to tour in support of their 25th anniversary. Rumors abound that they will hit the road this summer with Warrant for a double bill of their own. Nothing has been confirmed except for one show in September, but Warrant does have a new album due out later this year. While they probably wouldn’t sell well on their own, a double bill of Cinderella and Warrant could be just the right combination of great hair metal bands to sell tickets. I’m curious to see what the prices for this tour will be. If the price is right, I’ll probably be there. Both bands put on an incredible concert and hearing Cinderella perform live is always a treat.
And there it is, some of the great shows coming around this spring and summer. Do you know of a concert that I failed to add to this list? Drop me a line or post a comment and let me know.
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