Much to celebrate on this June day. Juneteenth for one, made a federal holiday only last year. But it’s also the 80th birthday of Brian Wilson who brought so much more artistry, harmony and joy than one would expect from a band named The Beach Boys.
There were also a whole lot of great shows coming ‘round this way last week from Belle & Sebastian and Japanese Breakfast to Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit, John Doe and Sheryl Crow, with opening acts to as notable as Waxahatchee. It was one of those amphitheater openers who inspired the first hour: Los Bitchos, an all -instrumental combo from London, led to a bunch of notable songs over the years that didn’t rely on lyrics at all. A strangely uplifting show, with no major known technological gaffes.
Here’s a link to the whole show. The playlist follows.