Backstage at the Tent

Darius Rucker thrilled a sold out crowd on Saturday with a mix of his new country hits, some Hootie & the Blowfish classics and a few well-chosen covers. Read more about the show in this review by The Boston Globe!

And if you want to relive the fun, take a look at this video and the other clips on our Music Circus TV page!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsAvi9UKlLo

There’s also a clip of opener Mallory Hope, who was great! Keep an eye on her, she might just be the next big thing in country music!

- JS

The original Four Tops formed in 1954 and the starting line up for The Temptations hit the scene in 1961. Since then both groups have had 40 Top 100 hits, careers that have spanned decades, and enough original recording members to still use the famous band names (it’s actually a state law in Massachusetts).

Being on the music scene at mostly the same time, The Temptations and The Four Tops were naturally competing for record sales, radio play, and concert-goers – but now they regularly tour together. This partnership came about in the 1980s when both groups appeared in a televised Battle of the Bands … and I just found footage of that event!

The event also featured other popular doo-wop groups, but The Temtpations and The Four Tops are clearly the stars (and quite funny). They show up about 4 minutes in. (Also, I’m pretty sure that’s Bill Cosby MCing.)

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkXi-hIdYME&feature=related

- JS

Bowzer (of Sha Na Na) will be bringing his amazing doo-wop show back to the Music Circus this summer, but before that he’ll be co-hosting a series of Doo-Wop shows on PBS this month!

The series is called “MY MUSIC: ROCK, POP, AND DOO-WOP” and will highlight music made famous in the 1960s. Bowzer will be co-hosting the series (which premieres this Saturday, March 5!) with Ronnie Spector of The Ronettes. The show will feature live performances from Doo-Wop legends as well as “lost footage from archives around the world that hasn’t been seen since originally aired,” according to the show’s executive producer. At lease 20 artists are slatted to be included.

Read more about “MY MUSIC: ROCK, POP, AND DOO-WOP” in this Huffington Post piece (it’s all the way at the bottom) and check your local PBS listings and make sure you don’t miss it!

Until then, here’s a little taste of Bowzer’s 2010 show to get you excited!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHi92JZoOds

- JS

It’s no secret that Darius Rucker is pretty popular. He was popular as Hootie from Hootie and the Blowfish and he’s made a huge splash in the past few years as Darius Rucker, the country singer. (I still remember seeing him for the first time in a cowboy hat while watching the CMAs, it was a bit surreal!)

He performed on Letterman just a few weeks ago, his latest album is still #12 on Billboard’s Country Album chart, and he is the center piece artist in today’s CMT’s “You Heard It” newsletter! You Heard It was specfically highlighting the video to Darius’ single “This.” Check it out, they have quite a few vidoes on Darius’ page!

-JS

I hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday season! Are you excited for the Music Circus’ 60th anniversary season in 2011?

We’ll be announcing the first round of shows later THIS MONTH! So keep an eye on our website and join our Facebook page so you don’t miss out.

Until then, here’s a clip from last season’s Beach Boys concert to hold you over until the warm weather comes again!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AquttDWQxgs

- JS

If you are an Apple fan or pay attention to music news you’ve undoubtly heard about Apple’s “Tomorrow is just another day. That you’ll never forget.” teaser leading up to this morning’s announcement that The Beatles catalogue is now available on iTunes. Beatles fans have been waiting a long time for this!

In the spirit of good music and Beatles love we wanted to share a bit of their music, Music Circus style! Here’s a video clip from RAIN- A Tribute to The Beatles from the 2010 season. The RAIN guys are great, offering spot on music and frequent costume changes to keep the show lively as the group takes audiences through the full Beatles arch – from the Ed Sullivan Show to Sgt. Pepper. Keep an eye on our website to see if RAIN will be back in 2011. In the meantime, relive a little bit of the summer of 2010 as the weather gets colder outside!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFHUKyXn8P4

Jeff Dunham was great at his two shows here last Friday. The crowds even got to meet Jeff’s newest cast member, Diane.

Decked out in a stunning red evening gown, and a little jaded after a tough life, Diane first appeared with Jeff in the movie “Dinner for Schmucks” and might be touring with the rest of the gang soon!

Boston Music Spotlight sent a reviewer down the to the Aretha Franklin show on August 1, and she liked what she saw!

Check out Dayna Brown’s review for a recap of the show, a newcomer’s perspective on the Music Circus in general, and a great description of the night’s sounds, sights and feelings!

To watch Aretha Franklin sing is a gift. … Both captivating and enchanting, Franklin proved she is one of the most legendary performers of all time and rightfully titled the one and only Queen of Soul.