Dream Concerts

Classic Rock

This is the toughest genre of music to make a dream line-up for. There were so many good bands/talented musicians that I found myself at a loss for what bands to include. After racking my brain and going through my itunes library, I finally came up with this lineup:

Opener: Bob Dylan

Mid: Pink Floyd

Closer: Jimi Hendrix

I am a huge fan of Bob Dylan- He is a great storyteller and one of the best poets of his time. I could listen to him for hours on end and, lucky for me, he has enough songs that would allow me to do so. I know he's more of a folk singer but I couldn't keep him out of the concert.

I included Pink Floyd in this list, not only because of their mind-numbing, psychedelic music, but because of the laser light show that would accompany the concert. It would be so captivating to be there in person and take it all in.

To close the show I chose Hendrix because he is a guitar God. He plays so effortlessly and practically speaks through the guitar. Also, his showmanship is unparalleled. His on-stage antics, playing behind his back and with his teeth, would really be something to see. It is a terrible tragedy that he died so young; he had an immense amount of talent and was one of the most influential guitar players of all time.

If I was able to attend this concert, my life would be complete.

Hip-Hop

I know these artists may not technically be considered hip-hop artists, but I have to include them in my ideal line-up.

Opener: Atmosphere

Mid: Nas

Closer: Biggie

Although I already saw Atmosphere in Madison on Halloween (which was amazing), I love their music and would see them whenever the opportunity arises. Slug is a great lyricist and his lyrics have deep and intellectual meanings that really hit home with me.

I also saw Nas in Milwaukee already but the show was awesome and I would love to see him again. He has a great style and doesn’t give a damn about what anyone thinks of him.

Biggie is a pretty obvious and cliché choice, but that’s just a testament to his ability. He has the best flow and his rhyming style is very unique. It has a naturalistic element that makes it seem like he is talking to you rather than rapping.

Jazz

This is a rather difficult genre for me to pick a line-up for because I don’t listen to a whole lot of jazz, but I do appreciate genre.

Opener: John Coltrane

Mid: Louis Armstrong

Closer: Miles Davis

It would be blasphemous not to include Coltrane in this line-up. He has influenced so many musicians and genres with his sound and really paved the way for jazz saxophonists.

Armstrong had a great stage personality that really complemented his style. His trumpet solos and improvisations made him a great entertainer that I would love to see.

There isn’t anything I can say about Miles Davis that hasn’t already been said. His mellow grooves and rhythm make him a great closer that you can just sit back and enjoy.

Alternative Rock

I’m using a relatively loose definition of this genre so I can include some great bands that I would thoroughly enjoy seeing.

Opener: Indigenous

Mid: The Black Keys

Closer: Red Hot Chili Peppers

A lot of you probably haven’t heard of Indigenous but they are a tremendously talented band. It is comprised of a group of Native American siblings from South Dakota. The lead guitarist is really good and his style is reminiscent of Stevie Ray Vaughn’s mixed with a little Hendrix. I highly recommend you check them out if you haven’t already.

The Black Keys have recently become one of my favorite bands. They have a crunchy, blues sound that really makes me want to shred some air guitar. I’ve also heard that they are great live.

Who doesn’t love the chili peppers? They have so much stage energy and each member of the band is very skilled with their respective instruments. They really rock out on stage and I think that John Frusciante is one of the best guitar players of the current era.

Well that was fun but I’m out, I got a midterm to start studying for that I’ve been putting off for hours.