From Arcade Fire to Conor Oberst, we will be graced with some great tunes over the next few weeks.
By Patrick Jude
Despite being a major inconvenience in regards to logistics for touring bands, Florida remains one of the best states to catch a wide variety of concerts. With Miami, Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville all corresponding in what is essentially one thin strip, even those who don’t live in the cities are still only an hour or so away from major performance artists. Florida has also been expanding its roster with massive festivals such as Suwannee’s Hulaween and Okeechobee Music Festival. There’s still a bit of time left in a year, and the best is yet to come.
The Arcade Fire
September 22nd
Sun Dome – Tampa
No group exemplified and defined the wave of Indie music in the 2000’s quite like The Arcade Fire. Though they went largely under the radar for their first few albums, those albums have become what The Velvet Underground & Nico was for budding musicians in the 60’s. It wasn’t until their fourth release, The Suburbs, that the band became recognized worldwide after winning the Album Of The Year award at the 2014 Grammys. Currently a septet, the band famous for short tours will be playing in Florida for what is only the second time in their 15-year career. Catch them while you can!
Favorite Track – Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)
The Growlers
October 12th
The Plaza Live – Orlando
Much like The Arcade Fire, this group has also been flying under the radar for years. Their latest album City Club, produced by Julian Casablancas of The Strokes, has landed them spots on talk shows such as Ellen. Though I’m not included in these collective sentiments, most longtime fans were disappointed in the massive genre change The Growlers recently underwent. A band that once sounded like a Psychedelic / Surf group has polished their sound with drum machines and archetypal synthesizers. Despite the dismay of fans, the band is continuing grow while reaching new audiences.
Favorite Track – One Million Lovers
The Fest (Multiple Artists)
October 27th – 29th
Multiple Venues – Gainesville
The Fest may well be Florida’s longest running multiple venue music festival. Downtown Gainesville annually features bands throughout the city in what has become the mecca of Punk fests. Stages may be a venue, a record shop, or even someone’s house. Hometown Florida heroes Against Me! will headline The Fest this year. Also on the lineup is Florida folk legends Hot Water Music, as well as Beach Slang and City Of Caterpillar.
Favorite Track – Pints Of Guinness Make You Strong (by Against Me!)
Conor Oberst
October 19th
The Beacham – Orlando
Once the front man and creative mind behind Bright Eyes, Conor Oberst has fashioned an equally respected solo repertoire over the years. Typically, Oberst will include a few songs from his previous band throughout his sets for the sake of blissful nostalgia. The Beacham, with its crisp acoustics, is the perfect spot to fully envelope yourself with the sounds of our nation’s greatest songwriter since Bob Dylan.
Favorite Track – Desert Island Questionnaire
Born and raised in Orlando, and Socialist to the core, Patrick Jude graduated from The University Of Central Florida in 2015. He currently holds a B.A. in English Literature, as well as an A.A. in Jazz Performance from Valencia College. Jude is heavily tattooed, abstains from alcohol and is an avid Packers fan.
Currently Listening To – Random Access Memories by Daft Punk.
