Gaelic Storm’s Celtic Delights Coming to Culture Room

Cast as the band providing entertainment for the common-class passengers in the film Titanic, Gaelic Storm made its public bow well before a formal recording. The exposure served the band well and established its credentials — a good thing, since Gaelic Storm hails from Santa Monica and not the old…

Remembering Gerry Rafferty (1947-2011)

It’s not unexpected but still somewhat ironic that Gerry Rafferty, who died of liver failure this past Tuesday, should be remembered mainly for one song — “Baker Street” — rather than a long and consistent career that stretches back nearly 45 years. Granted, that particular song was a massive hit…

Backstage: The Hard Rock Cafe Deals Hard Knocks

Music vet and New Times scribe Lee Zimmerman shares stories of memorable rock ‘n’ roll encounters that took place in our local environs. This week: The curse of Key West. Key West is a throwback to simpler times, its unique attitude and free-spirited populace offering a modest equivalent of New…

Backstage: Seven Inspired Interviews From 2010

Music vet and New Times scribe Lee Zimmerman shares stories of memorable rock ‘n’ roll encounters that took place in our local environs. This week: Lee looks back on his most memorable musical conversations. One of the best perks about being a music journalist — aside from all the free music…

Backstage: Seven Classic Shows From the University of Miami’s Past

Music vet and New Times scribe Lee Zimmerman shares stories of memorable rock ‘n’ roll encounters that took place in our local environs. This week: UM’s glorious past In past columns, I’ve touched on my musical encounters while attending the University of Miami from 1969 to 1973. And in fact, much…

Why Yanni Reminds Me of Pissing in a Cup

So who is Yanni, really? Is he merely a pin-up and a poser, some sort of schlock jock, a kitschy crusader like those who are unmoved by his grandiose symphonic hyperbole tend to suspect he is? Or is there something more to his New Age manipulation, something so compelling, it’s…

Backstage: Record Store Recollections

Music vet and New Times scribe Lee Zimmerman shares stories of memorable rock ‘n’ roll encounters that took place in our local environs. This week, trolling for tunes in the days when the record stores reigned. I’m the first to admit it. I’m decidedly old school. I like my music as…

The Avett Brothers Headline the 15th Annual Suwannee Springfest

Face it, aside from the denizens of Davie and Florida’s northern most extremes, Americana, folk and bluegrass aren’t exactly in great demand, at least not in our part of the state. While a handful of homegrown heroes — Rod MacDonald, Matthew Sabatella, Jennings & Keller, the 18 Wheelers, and others…

Backstage: The Death of John Lennon

Music vet and New Times scribe Lee Zimmerman shares stories of memorable rock ‘n’ roll encounters that took place in our local environs. This week, The day(s) the music died… For those of us who remember it first-hand, this week’s 30th anniversary of John Lennon’s murder resonates both endlessly and intimately…

Joe Satriani to Bring Guitar Heroics to Pompano

Joe Satriani is a stunning guitar virtuoso. He’s played with rock royalty including Mick Jagger, Deep Purple, and Alice Cooper while also forging his own distinctive style with a fusionesque frenzy. Boldly venturing into more progressive realms, his fiery pyrotechnics have earned him a reputation as one of the most…

Backstage: Radio Promotion Days

Music vet and New Times scribe Lee Zimmerman shares stories of memorable rock ‘n’ roll encounters that took place in our local environs. This week, working radio through fear and frustration. Since starting this column earlier this year, I’ve frequently referred to the fact that most of my backstage encounters had…

Eight Essential Rock DVDs for Post-Thanksgiving Couch Viewing

One of Thanksgiving’s most cherished traditions involves diners retiring to the couch after a hearty holiday meal, loosening their trousers, reclining on the sofa, and watching a football game. And then five minutes later, finding them all dozing off in a collective heap, snoring loudly enough to wake the neighbors…

Black Friday Gift Gobbler: Box Sets, Recent Releases, and Books

Thanksgiving is a time for family, reflection, a hearty meal… and gobblers. No, we’re not talking turkey. We’re referring to the temptations that gobble up our money on Black Friday. This year, as always, there are plenty of audible inducements to separate us from our hard-earned cash. As a public…

Backstage: Classic Venues, and the Sportatorium

Music vet and New Times scribe Lee Zimmerman shares stories of memorable rock ‘n’ roll encounters that took place in our local environs. This week: Catching concerts in all kinds of places In 2010, South Florida boasts an abundance of clubs and venues that host live music. However, that wasn’t…

Backstage: Walter & the Silos and the Mavericks

Music vet and New Times scribe Lee Zimmerman shares stories of memorable rock ‘n’ roll encounters that took place in our local environs. This week: Walter Salas-Humara and Raul Malo stand tall among our hometown heroes.Although I’ve mostly used this column to describe my encounters with national and, on occasion,…

Roger Waters’ The Wall at BankAtlantic Center, November 13

View a slideshow from the concert here.Roger Waters Bank Atlantic Center, Sunrise Saturday, November 13, 2010 After a blinding flash of light, fireworks exploded from center stage. Sirens wailed and a solemn troupe of flag bearers stood ready on a riser. Roger Waters strutted triumphantly to center stage, flanked by…

Book: The Making of Pink Floyd the Wall

The Making of Pink Floyd the Wall By Gerald Scarfe (Da Capo Press) While most would agree that Dark Side of the Moon is the quintessential Pink Floyd album (largely due to the fact that it was the record that propelled the group from darlings of the underground to the…

Roger Waters to Perform “The Wall” at BankAtlantic

Roger Waters has always seemed irascible. His steely scowl crossing his chiseled features conveys deep distrust, and his contentious pronouncements about Middle East politics and his relationship with ex-bandmate David Gilmour reinforce that intimidating reputation. Pink Floyd’s epic The Wall underscored his unsettling observations on the human condition with themes…

Backstage: From South Florida to New York to Hell and Back

Music vet and New Times scribe Lee Zimmerman shares stories of memorable rock ‘n’ roll encounters that took place in our local environs. This week: visiting the Village and second-guessing Satan…Unexpected encounters are often as entertaining as those that are planned. During a trip with my wife to New York…

Scott H. Biram’s Rowdy Roots Rock Hits Monterey Club

Scott H. Biram and Charlie Pickett might make for an odd couple, but they’re a riveting double bill. For his part, Biram is a rowdy roots rocker, a guy who packs an insurgent attitude and a venomous sneer. His latest album on Bloodshot Records, Something’s Wrong/Lost Forever, offers ample evidence…

Backstage: In a Bunker With Dr. Hook

Music vet and New Times scribe Lee Zimmerman shares stories of memorable rock ‘n’ roll encounters that took place in our local environs. This week, backstage haunts and Disney digs.As the title of this column implies, I’ve prowled quite a few backstage haunts in my time, from the dingiest clubs…