James Taylor, Julieta Venegas top this week’s concert picks
This week’s concert picks offer a representative snapshot of the area’s music scene. It includes an intimate engagement from a longtime local act and a full arena show from a songwriting legend. There is also a sold-out Latin pop show from a Grammy winning singer and a musical dance benefit with more than a dozen local performers. Herre’s a run-down, starting with this weekend:
The Blue times two
The event: The Bixler brothers (Bill and Jim) return to Fresno for a two-night stand with their band, The Blue.
The draw: Longtime fans of Fresno’s music scene – those who can remember back to the 1970s when nightclubs on Olive Avenue were few and far between – will remember the Bixlers and their band, The Blue. Back then, they were known as Wild Blue Yonder. In February, The Blue released “Under the Weather,” its first album in 35 years. Here, the band plays two nights at the intimate Tower Theatre lounge with Leslie Bixler’s Blues Project.
Details: 7 p.m. Friday, July 8, and Saturday, July 9, at Tower Theater Lounge, 815 E. Olive Ave. $12. 559-485-9050, www.towertheaterfresno.com
Something happens
The event: Latin alternative pop singer Julieta Venegas brings her Algo Sucede tour the Rainbow Ballroom.
The draw: During th 1990s, Venegas established herself as a cutting-edge Latin artist. She saw mainstream success (and a Grammy award) in the U.S. in the 2000s as her music took on more Latin pop influences. She is touring in support of her latest album “Algo Sucede,” or ”Something Happens”.
Details: 8 p.m. Saturday, July 9, at the Rainbow Ballroom, 1725 Broadway St. This show is sold out. 800-668-8080, juarezinzunza.com
Sweet baby James
The event: James Taylor comes to town for an evening with his 11-piece All Star Band. Taylor plays the Save Mart Center.
The draw: Taylor is the quintessential singer/songwriter. His introspective acoustic guitar songs (“Fire and Rain,” “Sweet Baby James” for example) set the model for folk-driven pop music in the 1970s. His sound was even parodied by Weird Al Yankovic on the song “Good Old Days.”
But Taylor has also remain relevant. His 2010 “Troubadour” reunion tour with Carol King was one of the top 10 North American tours of the year (right behind Lady Gaga) and his 2014 solo tour ranked in the top 20. His last last album, “Before This World,” was No. 1 on the Billboard’s Top 200 and was nominated a Grammy for best pop vocal album.
Details: 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 12, at Save Mart Center. $68-$88. 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com
Pulse: A benefit concert
The event: Fresno pop performance artist M the Myth stages a benefit for the victims and families of the Pulse nightclub tragedy in Orlando.
The draw: This will be no quiet vigil. It will be a singing, dancing show of support for all those affected by the nightclub shooting, whether gay or straight. As such, it is open to “all members of the human society,” M says. Close to a dozen artists, musicians, dancers and performers will join M on stage, including Revive and D&J dance companies, Amoret, Style Like Revelators, HapyHart and Pizza Halo.
Proceeds will be donated to Equality Action Florida.
Details: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 14, at Fulton 55, 875 Divisadero St. $10. 559-412-7400, www.fulton55.com
This story was originally published July 6, 2016 at 11:38 AM with the headline "James Taylor, Julieta Venegas top this week’s concert picks."