Looking Forward to Summer

Ahhh... Home, sweet home. I'm back, pale, unrested and nevertheless ready to rock. There's nothing like a trip to Austin to refresh your rock and roll soul and help you look forward to what we've got growing in Green Country. You'll have to wait until next week, though, to get the lowdown on Austin and hear what I and guest reporter Carbrone Brewer experienced on our trip.

As much as the trip makes me look forward to hearing details on what Dfest has up its sleeve for this year, we've still got a few more weeks before any official announcements will be made. Nevertheless, the summer is already starting to take shape, and, as much as I may hate to admit it and expose my guilty pleasures, this year's recently announced Rocklahoma lineup has actually piqued my interest.

Yes, the formal press conference and announcement was made a couple of weeks ago at The Whisky, on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, and I've already heard it being talked up on XM radio (another guilty indulgence). The funny thing is, although some people may not think the bill is as strong as last year's, I'd have to disagree. In fact, there's actually a lot more to intrigue me this year.

If you haven't heard yet, here's what they've got lined up already:

Thursday, July 10, pre-party: Bret Michaels, LA Guns (the Traci Guns version), House of Lords, Vain, Jetboy and Enuff Z Nuff. (Don't worry--it does get better.)

Friday, July 11: XYZ, Armored Saint, Kingdome Come, Night Ranger, Extreme and Triumph.

Saturday, July 12: Pretty Boy Floyd, Every Mother' Nightmare, Black N Blue, Trixter, Kix (with Jani Lane) and Cinderella

Sunday, July 13: Axe, Beautiful Creatures, Zebra, Lynch Mob and Tesla.

A few more headliners are yet to be announced, more specifically, one for Friday night and two for Sunday. And although speculation on the message boards is running high, I'll stand by my statements form last year: don't count on Kiss or Aerosmith, folks.

Instead, I expect the boys in Pryor to pull something else out of their sleeves. Maybe someone who has a new record coming out this summer, such as Def Leppard or Whitesnake, for instance. And for the record, that is not an announcement--merely speculation.

Perhaps what really intrigues me is the fact that they've managed to put together a very solid lineup this year without changing from the melodic rock and hair metal theme of last year's festival and without repeating most of last year's acts. In many ways, I actually think this is a stronger bill-at least for old farts like me who grew up with this stuff.

I find Friday night to be particularly promising, with reunited acts Extreme and Triumph gracing the bill as well as the heavier, but oft-overlooked Armored Saint with vocalist John Bush. And yes, there's a TBA in there, so with the right add, it could be the home run night of the festival.

Who knows, I might grow cynical again by the time the show rolls around, but as for now, I'm impressed with the fact that they found a whole new bunch of bands(for the most part, at least), and 14 of them aren't sharing the same members, as far as I'm aware.

I'll also tip my hat to the fact that they didn't switch gears and give us a lineup full of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and the like. Granted, adding one of them to this bill would be cool, but for anyone who remembers the '80s, the metal crowds and hair metal crowds were NOT the same.

If you're thinking about indulging yourself with a guilty pleasure, you'll probably want to get your tickets early, before the prices go up or you change your mind. Single day, general admission tickets are $55, while a three-day pass is $120 (plus tax and handling), or you can still get reserved seating, VIP tickets for $350 by calling 866-310-2288 or purchasing online at www.feverfest.com.

Country music fans get their festival even sooner, as Country Fever rolls into Pryor June 12-15, with featured headliners Sugarland, Joe Nichols, Dierks Bentley, Gretchen Wilson, Trace Atkins, Keith Anderson and Willie Nelson among others. That's a whole different beast, however, so I'll leave it for another discussion. Nevertheless, you can get those tickets online at www.feverfest.com as well.

Soundproofing the Press Club

It's the third week of March, and that means Urban Tulsa Weekly will be hanging out at the Press Club again for Soundproof this Thursday evening, March 20. As always, you're invited to join us as the Press Club opens its doors to the public for drinks, apps and an evening to unwind to happy hour.

This month, Soundproof switches gears a little bit and pays homage to Tulsa's musical history with The Roundup Boys. Yes, it's a step or two away for some of our most recent shows, but don't go shaking your heads--the Boys are part of the fabric of Tulsa's musical legacy, whether you realize it or not, and what better month to have them in than that of Bob Wills' birthday.

As the longstanding gentlemen of Tulsa's homegrown country music, The Roundup Boys spent countless years as the "house band" at Nelson's Buffeteria, another Tulsa institution that we have unfortunately lost in the past few years. An evening with these guys can give you a newfound respect for the roots of Tulsa's music legacy, so plan on hanging out and sharing a few drinks and stories with the happy hour crowd. We'll plan on seeing your there, starting at 5pm. Music starts around 6pm.

Weekly Roundup

After returning from Austin, I didn't think the weekly listings would look so big, but there's still a lot going on in Tulsa every week. In fact, there are too many shows for me to try and list all of them this week, so I'll just start you off with a few highlights to get you out the door and you can follow your muse form there.

Thursday nights always jump start the weekend and just in case you haven't overdosed on your inner Irishman over St. Patrick's Day, you can recharge with Cairde na Gael at Arnie's after leaving the Soundproof gig. Also on March 20, Kevin Fowler returns to town for a show at Bob's with Brandon Clark Band opening the show. Tickets are $18 at the door.

Thursday night also sees Exit 6C continue its SXSW concert series as bands are still migrating home, with New York City band The Fireflies making an appearance.

The series continues on Friday night, March 21, with Cheyenne (from NYC) stopping by for a show wit local boys Jessie Aycock and Callupsie while Sam and the Stylees play down the street at The Continental and Soundpony plays host to Flame Shark and Cornbelt Chorus.

Friday's other cool shows include Back Porch Mary and Josh Davis Band at Mercury Lounge and the mixed bill of Hiphopotamus, Here Is There and The Listener at Crush Lounge. You can expect about a $5 cover for both shows.

The biggest show of the weekend is actually KHITS' "Spring Break Out" at the Expo Square Pavilion with Bow Wow and Omarion, as well as openers Cherish, Enur and Naughty by Nature. And just in case you don't get enough at the concert, you can continue your night at the post-show after party at The Otherside.

Looking around town for something different, Salsa Rhythm Project plays The Continental on Saturday, while Randy Crouch and Flying Horse take over Exit 6C and Dogs Way plays Capellas. Meanwhile, Mercury Lounge keeps the corner of 18th and Boston alive with Jeremy Johnson and the Lonesome Few.

The rest of the week is packed as well, but your best bets include The Lifers at Exit 6C on Sunday night, March 23, Dead Kenny G's (featuring Brian Haas) at 6C on Monday and Les Claypool with Tim Fite at the Cain's Ballroom on Tuesday the 25th.

Early reader tip: if you happen to pick up your UTW or read us online before our actual street date, I just got word that My Solstice's appearance on Wife Swap will be airing on Wednesday night, March 19, so be sure and check it out. The band will actually be holding a watch party at Crush Lounge as the show airs at 7pm, so stop in and check it out with the and friends if you get a chance.