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Reviews and Features For April 2023
The Joe Perry Project Rocks Arcada Theatre

Caught In The Act: The Joe Perry Project Rocks Arcada Theatre

Rob Grabowski caught The Joe Perry Project In The Act during show at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, Ill. on Friday, April 21, 2023. Check out Robs photos and Rom Antonsons review!

Fatoumata Diawara Live In Phoenix

Live: Fatoumata Diawara Live In Phoenix

Malian singer Fatoumata Diawara and her four-piece band put on an exciting show April 21 in the Music Theater at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix

The Lake of the Ozarks is Ready to Rock!

Sites and Sounds: The Lake of the Ozarks is Ready to Rock!

Located in the heart of Missouri, the Lake of the Ozarks is renowned as the Midwests premier lake resort destination, and its no wonder!

Alpine Helen Songwriters Festival

Sites and Sounds: Alpine Helen Songwriters Festival

Alpine Helen has been making a name for itself as the place to be to hear good music every spring when the Alpine Helen Songwriters Festival takes place

Puddle of Mudd Live 2023

Caught In The Act: Puddle of Mudd Live 2023

Rob Grabowski caught Puddle of Mudd In The Act during show on Friday, April 7, 2023, at the Piazza in Aurora, Ill. Check out Robs great photos!

Record Store Day Is on the Way!

Record Store Day Is on the Way!

Record Store Day takes place on Saturday April 22 and record stores will once again have tons of new collectible vinyl titles that will only be available in store

George Jones Tribute Concert

Sites and Sounds: George Jones Tribute Concert

George Jones legacy will be honored by more than 20 country luminaries at the cleverly-named one-night-only event Still Playin Possum

The Kinks - The Journey - Part 1

The Kinks - The Journey - Part 1

This anthology from the Kinks includes material thats drawn from their early work in 1964 on through to 1975

Just the Hits Edition - The Police, Bryan Adams, Roxy Music and Little River Band

On The Record: Just the Hits Edition - The Police, Bryan Adams, Roxy Music and Little River Band

There are hits galore in this edition of our spotlight on new vinyl releases. Checking in with their biggest hits are the Police, Roxy Music, Bryan Adams and the Little River Band.

Peter Case - Doctor Moan

Peter Case - Doctor Moan

Case was a founding member of fabled punk rock band The Nerves and his power pop band The Plimsouls had a memorable hit with A Million Miles Away.

John Mayer Unplugged In Chicago

Caught In The Act: John Mayer Unplugged In Chicago

John Mayer took the stage with only an acoustic guitar, harmonica, and piano at the United Center in Chicago for a special solo performance as part of his Solo Tour

Dave Mason Rocks Chicago

Caught In The Act: Dave Mason Rocks Chicago

Rob Grabowski caught Dave Mason In The Act during show at the City Winery In Chicago on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. Check out Robs great photos!

Spring 2023

Travel News, Trips and Tips: Spring 2023

We like everything for travelers that we review here but were including something that we absolutely love! Forgive us if we rave a little bit!

Carly Simon - Live at Grand Central

Quick Flicks: Carly Simon - Live at Grand Central

Live at Grand Central is a great snapshot in time and will be cherished by Carly Simon fans.

MorleyView: Deb Morrison

MorleyView: Deb Morrison

Morley caught up with Deb Morrison to talk about her debut solo album, "The North Fork", which scored a 5 star review rating from Morley!

Cold Stares, Eyelids, Dust Bowl Faeries and Juniper

RockPile: Cold Stares, Eyelids, Dust Bowl Faeries and Juniper

RockPile unearths new releases from the Cold Stares, Eyelids, Dust Bowl Faeries and Juniper.

Takulandirani - Malawi International Tourism Expo Coming to Lilongwe in April

Travel News, Trips and Tips: Takulandirani - Malawi International Tourism Expo Coming to Lilongwe in April

The Malawi International Tourism Expo (MITE), also known as Takulandirani, will celebrate Malawis emergence as Africas newest tourism hot spot and showcase the real African experience.

Keturah

Passport: Keturah

In this edition of Passport we preview the debut release from Keturah, Malawis rising singing star.

Taylor Dayne and Sheena Easton

Caught In The Act: Taylor Dayne and Sheena Easton

Rob Grabowski caught Taylor Dayne and Sheena Easton In The Act during show at the Des Plaines Theatre in Des Plaines, Ill. on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023. Check out Robs great photos!

Reviews and Features For March 2023
Larkin Poe Rock Chicago

Caught In The Act: Larkin Poe Rock Chicago

Rob Grabowski caught Larkin Poe In The Act during show at Thalia Hall in Chicago on Thursday, Mar. 16, 2023. Check out Robs great photos!

More Arizona Spring Concerts

Hot In The City: More Arizona Spring Concerts

Theyre popping up like desert wildflowers! There are tons of good shows coming to Phoenix and Arizona this spring and here are some of our picks.

Beale Street Music Festival

Sites and Sounds: Beale Street Music Festival

A stellar lineup will be on hand to wow fans at the 2023 Beale Street Music Festival, set to take place on three stages in the Beale Street riverfront area of Memphis

Atomic: The Winery Dogs Reaching a Studio and Performance Peak

Atomic: The Winery Dogs Reaching a Studio and Performance Peak

The Winery Dogs are one of the most exciting bands currently making music. A power trio of virtuosos, the lineup features Richie Kotzen on lead guitar and vocals, Mike Portnoy on drums, and the incomparable Billy Sheehan on bass.

Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Vanessa Collier, Kirk Fletcher

The Blues: Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Vanessa Collier, Kirk Fletcher

Our focus on blues music this time out features new releases from Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Vanessa Collier and Kirk Fletcher. And they have something special in common.

Iggy Pop Rocks Chicago

Caught In The Act: Iggy Pop Rocks Chicago

Rob Grabowski caught Iggy Pop In The Act during show at the Salt Shed in Chicago on Friday, March 10, 2023. Check out Robs great photos!

Arizona Upcoming Concerts Roundup Spring 2023

Hot In The City: Arizona Upcoming Concerts Roundup Spring 2023

Our spotlight on the Phoenix and Arizona music scene features info on some of the exciting concerts coming to the Phoenix metropolitan area and produced by Danny Zelisko Presents

Party Favors For St Patrick's Day

Party Favors For St Patrick's Day

Have you got your Kiss Me Im Irish button located? Ready to drink a few mugs of green beer? Here we offer some new music for your St. Patricks Day celebration as well as a recipe for a new cocktail thats perfect for the day

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band Live 2023

Caught In The Act: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band Live 2023

Rob Grabowski caught Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band In The Act during show at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. Check out Robs great photos!

Buddy Guy Live 2023

Caught In The Act: Buddy Guy Live 2023

Rob Grabowski caught Buddy Guy In The Act during show at the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, Ill. on Sunday, February 19, 2023. Check out Robs great photos!

With Priceless Memories Made, Cayamo Sails to 2024 Sellout

With Priceless Memories Made, Cayamo Sails to 2024 Sellout

If you were aboard the Norwegian Cruise Line ship Pearl for this years Cayamo you would not be surprised to find out that the 2024 edition of the cruise sold out barely a week after cabins went on sale.

Cayamo 2023 Hits the Islands: Fun Ashore in Tortola and St. Maarten

Cayamo 2023 Hits the Islands: Fun Ashore in Tortola and St. Maarten

Dozens and dozens of concerts make sure that theres non-stop fun during the Cayamo cruise, a floating music festival and celebration of Americana music that this year took place Feb. 10-17

Bush Rock Chicago

Caught In The Act: Bush Rock Chicago

Rob Grabowski caught Bush In The Act during show at the Salt Shed in Chicago on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023. Check out Robs review and photos!

Cayamo 2023: First-Timers Make a Big Splash

Cayamo 2023: First-Timers Make a Big Splash

Stars keep lining up to participate in the Journey Through Song and while many are veterans of multiple sailings there are also plenty of first-timers aboard each cruise.

FireHouse Live 2023

Caught In The Act: FireHouse Live 2023

Rob Grabowski caught FireHouse In The Act during show at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, Ill. on Friday, Feb. 17, 2023. Check out Robs great photos!

Reviews and Features For February 2023
Dokken - The Elektra Albums 1983-1987

Box Sets: Dokken - The Elektra Albums 1983-1987

Heres a chance for vinyl fans to really do some serious rockin with Dokken. This new box set collects the first four albums from the band, all released in the mid-1980s.

Suzi Moon - Dumb & In Luv

On The Record: Suzi Moon - Dumb & In Luv

You may not be dumb but you will definitely be in love with this awesome party platter after just one listen; that is, if you like great punk pop with female lead vocals

Cayamo Cruise Begins with Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Sail Away Show

Cayamo Cruise Begins with Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Sail Away Show

The 15th edition of the Cayamo cruise got off to an auspicious start on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023 as the long-running Americana group Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (NGDB) had the honor of playing Cayamos sail-away show

Orianthi and John Corabi Live 2023

Caught In The Act: Orianthi and John Corabi Live 2023

Rob Grabowski caught Orianthi and John Corabi In The Act during show at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, Ill on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023. Check out Robs great photos!

Vinyl Moon

On The Record: Vinyl Moon

This time out our spotlight on vinyl features the Vinyl Moon label. The imprint is already a vinyl lovers delight, now theyre releasing titles with Augmented Reality!

Top 12 Rock Songs For Valentine's Day!

Caught In The Act: Top 12 Rock Songs For Valentine's Day!

Rob shares this special edition of Caught in The Act with his picks for the Top 12 Rock Songs for Valentines Day (actually, Top 15!).

The Big Easy Cruise will Celebrate New Orleans

Sites and Sounds: The Big Easy Cruise will Celebrate New Orleans

Fans of cruising, great music and the city of New Orleans will be in for a real treat with The Big Easy Cruise, a new themed cruise produced by music cruise specialists StarVista LIVE

Adam Masterson - Time Bomb

Adam Masterson - Time Bomb

Kevin takes a listen to Adam Mastersons new album Time Bomb

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

Here are some cool ideas for gifts for your Valentine, and yes we have chocolate!

Creature From Black Lake

Quick Flicks: Creature From Black Lake

We screen a campy, vintage creature feature about a hairy humanoid!

Bloodsucking Zombies from Outer Space - 2 Decades of Decay

Bloodsucking Zombies from Outer Space - 2 Decades of Decay

Not yet hip to this delightfully-named Austrian shock rock outfit? Heres your chance to catch up as this set compiles the best of the bands English language material from the past 20-years.

GETSOME! - Nothing Personal of Course

GETSOME! - Nothing Personal of Course

This Hollywood-based band begins their new album with the sublime groove of One Too Many

Heroes & Monsters - Heroes and Monsters

Heroes & Monsters - Heroes and Monsters

Many fans will be familiar with members of the trios lineup of singer and bass man Todd Kerns (Slash and the Conspirators), guitarist Stef Burns (Y&T, Alice Cooper) and drummer Will Hunt (Evanescence.)

Jared James Nichols - Jared James Nichols

Jared James Nichols - Jared James Nichols

Nichols has a stated goal here of playing in different styles to reflect his influences and it works nicely, theres a very cohesive feel to the album.

Reviews and Features For January
Sicard Hollow - Brightest of Days

Root 66: Sicard Hollow - Brightest of Days

But like the music of the Grateful Dead that its inspired by, just dig it and dont hurt your head trying to figure it out

Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros. - Live in Colorado, Vol. 2

Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros. - Live in Colorado, Vol. 2

Founding member of the Grateful Dead Bob Weir continues to bring music to Deadheads by working with various entities

Amazing Grace: Country Stars Sing Songs of Faith and Hope

Box Sets: Amazing Grace: Country Stars Sing Songs of Faith and Hope

We listen to a fabulous collection of inspirational songs by country music stars both current and past.

David Crosby & the Lighthouse Band - Live at the Capitol Theatre

David Crosby & the Lighthouse Band - Live at the Capitol Theatre

Longtime Crosby fans will be absolutely delighted that the singer has released his first ever live recording

Linda Ronstadt- The Flying Burrito Brothers- Danceland

Root 66: Linda Ronstadt- The Flying Burrito Brothers- Danceland

For this installment of Root 66, Kevin takes a listen to new releases from Linda Ronstadt, The Flying Burrito Brothers, and Danceland

Brigitte Eve

MorleyView: Brigitte Eve

When Gene Simmons announced that Rock was dead a few years ago, apparently he had not yet heard Brigitte Eve.

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria Comes to Tempe

Travel News, Trips and Tips: Lou Malnati's Pizzeria Comes to Tempe

Our travel news this time out is hot and tasty! Its deep dish! Lou Malnatis Pizzeria has opened in Tempe, Arizona.

Reviews and Features For December
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Live at the Fillmore (1997)

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Live at the Fillmore (1997)

Heres a nice treat for fans of the late rocker as the 2-CD set Live at the Fillmore (1997) presents many hits along with a host of cover versions of famous songs that influenced Petty.

Robin Lane

MorleyView: Robin Lane

Morley had the opportunity to connect with Robin Lane recently to talk about her new record, Dirt Road to Heaven.

Root 66: Brother Brothers, 3 Pairs of Boots, John McCutcheon and Ethan Daniel Davidson

Root 66: Brother Brothers, 3 Pairs of Boots, John McCutcheon and Ethan Daniel Davidson

Our spotlight on roots music listens to new releases from the Brother Brothers, 3 Pairs of Boots, John McCutcheon and Ethan Daniel Davidson

Santa's Jukebox

Santa's Jukebox

Ho ho ho its almost time to go! Ive got my sleigh loaded, my reindeer well fed, and my playlist all set! Heres a peek at some of the tunes Ill be listening to as I make my rounds.

Rock Reads Edition Part 2

Holiday Gift Guide: Rock Reads Edition Part 2

We suggest giving the gift of a music-related book this holiday season- here are six that are hits with us, including Elton John, Rob Halford, John Lennon, Sun Records, Frank Zappa and more.

More Stocking Stuffers

Holiday Gift Guide: More Stocking Stuffers

Still need a gift or two for your holiday celebrations? Here are a few ideas for you, including something that everyone can use --- an incredible device to help ease aches and pains.

More Great Gifts For 2022

Holiday Gift Guide: More Great Gifts For 2022

Were pretty sure that someone on your list would love to have one or more of these goodies, and we begin our list with something just for folks who are always mixing things up!

Q101 Pop Up with The Struts

Caught In The Act: Q101 Pop Up with The Struts

Rob Grabowski caught The Struts In The Act during a Pop-Up concert for Q101fm Chicago at the Cubby Bear on Monday, Dec. 5, 2022, in Chicago, Ill.

Passport: DOGO du Togo

Passport: DOGO du Togo

DOGO du Togo is the stage name of Massama Dogo, a native of Togo who has lived in the United States for some time where he fronted the Afropop outfit Elikeh.

World Cup Have You Craving Qatar? Here Are Doha Highlights In Photos

World Cup Have You Craving Qatar? Here Are Doha Highlights In Photos

Whether youve wanted to visit Qatar for a long time or have more recent yearnings stirred by watching the 2022 FIFA World Cup on television, Qatar and its capital city Doha are home to treasures both ancient and very modern

Rock Reads Edition Part 1 - Bowie- Beatles- Allman- More

Holiday Gift Guide: Rock Reads Edition Part 1 - Bowie- Beatles- Allman- More

If you have someone on your holiday gift list who loves music and loves reading about the folks who make it, here are some new books that theyll absolutely love!

Reviews and Features For November
Spoiler NYC - Banned in 38 States

Spoiler NYC - Banned in 38 States

Spoiler NYC is led by Alan Robert, who is also the co-founder of Life of Agony, and its fast and noisy album (Banned in 38 States) is one wonderful burst of aggressive punk rock

Holiday Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers

Holiday Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers

Our stocking stuffer suggestions for this holiday season includes something that'll be a big hit with fans of the Beatles!

Live from Celebrity Theatre: Dave Mason

Live from Celebrity Theatre: Dave Mason

Rock journeyman and founding member of Traffic Dave Mason brought his World in Changes Tour to Phoenix on November 19 for a show at the historic Celebrity Theatre

On The Record: Night Crickets- Drowning Pool- Slinky Vagabond

On The Record: Night Crickets- Drowning Pool- Slinky Vagabond

Our spotlight on vinyl spins new releases from Night Crickets, Drowning Pool and Slinky Vagabond.

Root 66: New Riders of the Purple Sage- John Fusco- Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal

Root 66: New Riders of the Purple Sage- John Fusco- Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal

For this installment of Root 66, Kevin takes a listen to releases from New Riders of the Purple Sage, John Fusco, Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal

On The Record: Tobias Berblinger - The Luckiest Hippie Alive

On The Record: Tobias Berblinger - The Luckiest Hippie Alive

The Luckiest Hippie Alive is a fine album from a talent that hopefully will not be overlooked again now that fans have a second chance with this reissue. Pressed on 180-gram vinyl.

Caught In The Act: Taylor Dayne

Caught In The Act: Taylor Dayne

Rob Grabowski caught Taylor Dayne In The Act during show at the Piazza on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022, in Aurora, Ill. Check out Rob's great photos!

RockPile: Spotlight on Deko Entertainment

RockPile: Spotlight on Deko Entertainment

One of our favorite labels here at RockPile is Deko Entertainment who've recently released awesome records by Dianthus, Little Caesar, separate releases from former Blue Oyster Cult stars Joe and Albert Bouchard, pop star Tiffany and more

Live: Dropkick Murphys Rock Phoenix

Live: Dropkick Murphys Rock Phoenix

Boom! The sound of a simulated cannon shot rang out in the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Phoenix as a light show dazzled and Dropkick Murphys launched into the first song of their set, "Ten Times More."

Pat Travers - The Art of Time Travel

Pat Travers - The Art of Time Travel

The Art of Time Travel thoroughly demonstrates that Travers is still adept at the art of guitar and fans will love it.

Live: The Who Hits Back In Phoenix

Live: The Who Hits Back In Phoenix

One of the most-revered rock bands of all time thrilled a capacity crowd Oct. 30 as The Who brought their "The Who Hits Back!" show to the Ak-Chin Pavilion in Phoenix.

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