REVIEW: From Los Lobos to Radiohead, some of the best 2016 concerts so far

So far, 2016 has seen an eclectic mixture of concert tours across the United States. From the South African vibes of Johnny Clegg to the hard-rocking wails of Bruce Dickinson in Iron Maiden, the touring acts have put on a show for adoring fans and interested passersby. Here’s a summary of some of the best concerts.

The Dirty Dozen Brass Band and The Blind Boys of Alabama, January, Tarrytown Music Hall in Tarrytown, New York — New Orleans is known for its brass, and one of the oldest and most respected outlets keeping the music thumping is The Dirty Dozen Brass Band. Recently they joined a double bill with the equally respected Blind Boys of Alabama at the Tarrytown Music Hall in New York’s Hudson Valley. Both groups, singing different styles of music, kept the crowd jumping and swaying. The Blind Boys, in particular, know how to simultaneously throw a party and tug at the heart strings. Their unique blend of gospel and blues is addicting, and their overall positivity proves memorable beyond the final encore. Bandleader Jimmy Carter, a founder of the group, refuses to let the audience sit in their seats at a ho-hum concert. He wants everyone to get up, enjoy themselves and dance, dance, dance.

The Dirty Dozen Brass Band had a tough act to follow, but the New Orleans group found their groove and rocked it smoothly and exuberantly. It’s rare to get a brass band in a larger performing-arts venue, but Dirty Dozen filled the space with their Crescent City wailing, reminding folks that New Orleans is the best town to get down.

Flow Tribe, February, Mexicali Live in Teaneck, New Jersey — Readers of Hollywood Soapbox should know by now that New Orleans music is a personal favorite, and Flow Tribe, purveyors of funk, are one of the top acts in the field right now. Their energetic and dance-heavy performances start and never seem to stop. They couple awesomely catchy original tunes with equally driving covers for a powerhouse performance. Mexicali is a great, intimate venue in northern New Jersey, and one hopes that the New Orleans bands add it to their itinerary. Read our interview with Flow Tribe’s lead singer K.C. O’Rorke (2015 and 2016).

Anders Osborne, February, The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York — Whatever Anders Osborne is selling, I’m buying. This New Orleans singer and guitarist is a multi-hyphenate who is at ease on slower songs and knows how to rock out with the best of them. He finally earned a top-billing night at The Capitol Theatre, and he wholly took advantage of the opportunity. Playing songs off his new album, Spacedust & Ocean Views, the singer catapulted himself into a memorable set that showcased his soulful voice and wonderfully dizzying guitar work. This year is proving to be a banner one for the singer. After Spacedust & Ocean Views, he has already released another album, Flower Box. Now he has to return to the Capitol to test it out on the road.

Los Lobos with special guests Ballet Folklorico Mexicano, March, Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown, New Jersey — Los Lobos are the best touring band out there right now. Period. They hail from East Los Angeles, but their musical sensibilities are varied and brilliantly complex. I’ve seen them in intimate surroundings at the City Winery in New York City and playing to a larger crowd at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, New Jersey. For this Morristown gig, they coupled their back catalog with the rhythmic and culturally significant dance moves of Ballet Folklorico Mexicano. The resulting show was a combination of rock, blues and traditional Mexican songs. There was probably no better thrill than when Los Lobos offered their songs while the dancers simultaneously offered their finely focused choreography downstage. It was a memorable marriage of song and movement. Read our interview with Los Lobos’ Louie Perez and Steve Berlin.

Joan Baez, March, Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, New Jersey — The folk-music legend offered so many touching and thoughtful songs at this northern New Jersey gig that it was difficult not to sing along. She is an iconoclast who continues to protest war, promote peace and find commonality among the peoples of the world. Her songs — both originals and covers — are the intersection of public awareness and private revelation. Her voice is still perfectly suited for the tunes; however, over the years, it has gained a sense of urgency and profoundness. Baez will tour again in fall 2016.

Iron Maiden, March, Madison Square Garden in New York City — There are many bands that claim to be the best heavy metal outfit in the world. Black Sabbath, who are retiring soon, are certainly at the top of the list, and most people would hold a spot for these British rockers. Their influence and grandiosity are largely the result of lead singer Bruce Dickinson’s crazed and pulsating stage presence. He sprints across the stage and holds his microphone like someone wants to steal it, all the while ensuring that the sold-out crowd is having a good time. The Book of Souls tour proved to be fun, fierce and unforgettable.

Johnny Clegg, April, B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in New York City — Johnny Clegg brought his unique blend of South African sounds for a two-night stand at this midtown Manhattan club. From the first note to the last, Clegg sang, danced, educated and played a variety of instruments. For music lovers who have not discovered Clegg’s positive and powerful music, consider yourself informed. He is the real deal, someone who honors past musical traditions and makes them enjoyable for a modern-day crowd. Lyrically he’s like a Joan Baez, but musically he’s one of a kind. Read our interview with Johnny Clegg.

Alice Cooper, May, The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York, and Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown, New Jersey — Click here for review.

Sixx A.M., May, Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey — The Starland Ballroom is an excellent venue to catch a band as lively as Sixx A.M. These hard-working musicians, including Motley Crue’s Nikki Sixx, gave the fans a show and a half. They played tunes off their new albums and some recent classics as well. Most of all, the audience walked away with ringing eardrums and memories of the palpable energy in the room.

Dr. John & The Nite Trippers, June, Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, New Jersey — Click here for review.

Michael Arnone’s Crawfish Fest, June, Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta, New Jersey — Featuring Amanda Shaw, Papa Mali, Brass-a-Holics, Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes, Jon Clear and the Absolute Monster Gentlemen, Marcia Ball, King James & The Special Men, Cowboy Mouth, Samantha Fish and the funky Meters. Click here for review.

The Stone Roses, June, Madison Square Garden in New York City — This a rare treat, indeed. The Stone Roses are the wildly famous and highly influential band from the United Kingdom, and they rarely play Stateside. New Yorkers (and those who traveled far) must have been delighted by their nonstop set of classic tunes, many of them coming from the band’s self-titled debut album. To put it simply, The Stone Roses album is one of the best albums of all time, and that’s not an overstatement. Songs like “I Wanna Be Adored” and “Bye Bye Badman” seem to have influenced a generation of musicians who try to capture a similar sound of smooth vibes and simple lyrics. Most bands cannot even come close.

Garth Brooks, July, Yankee Stadium in New York City — Although rain showers and thunderstorms delayed Garth Brooks’ second performance at Yankee Stadium by several hours, there was much to enjoy in classics-heavy set. From “The Thunder Rolls” to “Callin’ Baton Rouge,” the songs were solid and electrically performed by Brooks. The mid-set visit from his wife, Trisha Yearwood, was a welcome treat. Truth be told, this concert stretched to the wee hours of the morning, so not every song could be enjoyed. But, for the most part, Brooks made up for the unpleasant weather.

Guns N’ Roses, July, MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey — The “tour of the summer” did not disappoint. These hard rockers, including Axl Rose on vocals and Slash on lead guitar, put on a gargantuan show at the packed stadium. The setlist heavily favored 1987’s Appetite for Destruction, and that was a good thing, indeed. From “Welcome to the Jungle” to “Sweet Child o’ Mine” to “Mr. Brownstone,” the songs were the answer to so many prayers in the audience.

Radiohead, July, Madison Square Garden in New York City — There probably was no tougher ticket to snag than Radiohead at MSG this summer. The British band doesn’t tour like most other acts. They will announce a few dates, play them with brilliance and then go away for a few years. It’s important for music lovers to see them when they can. This MSG concert was a doozy, featuring a strong set list of new songs and beloved classics. Thom Yorke sang beautifully all night, and his dance steps got the standing, sold-out crowd to bounce along to the beats. Radiohead, in some ways, defies explanation. They don’t get too much radio-play in the United States, and yet there’s no other band so epically precise and fail-proof. This was a night to remember.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com