Several times in the last month or so, I’ve searched some online databases to try to figure out who SCAD has booked for this year’s New Alumni Concert, traditionally held on the Friday before graduation. Sometimes I locate the news ahead of time or get a tip from someone in the know before the official release. But no dice. I found out today — via a friend’s post on Facebook, not surprisingly — that Cold War Kids will play Forsyth Park on the evening of Friday, June 3rd. [UPDATE 5/27: The Dirty Guv’nahs will open the show.]
It’s a fitting choice, especially given the focus on indie rock that we’ve seen so far in 2011, led by the Savannah Stopover and augmented by the Savannah Music Festival, a few other bigger names, and some solid booking by local music venues.
Cold War Kids might not have the same name recognition — especially among us older folks — as some of SCAD’s other spring bookings, like James Brown and Michael Franti, but CWK seems certain to be a big draw among SCAD students.
There will surely be another band or two or three sharing the bill; if anyone hears names bandied about, let me know.
I hope SCAD’s production team will consider the same setup in Forsyth employed for Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band: a temporary thrust stage, preferably a raised one, covering the fountain and extending into the grass. Bonus points if there are jumbo screens flanking the stage so that even those seated far away can see what’s happening on stage.
Go here for Cold War Kids live (three tracks and an interview) in the studio on NPR’s World Cafe.
According to the World Cafe:
Embracing old-school blues and backwoods country rock, Cold War Kids formed in 2004. Nathan Willett (lead vocals, piano, guitar), Matt Maust (bass), Jonnie Russell (guitar, vocals, percussion) and Matt Aveiro (drums) recorded some demos in the Los Angeles area and rode a series of EPs to Internet fame.
This past January, Cold War Kids reclaimed the spotlight with the release of Mine is Yours, an 11-track collection that’s poppier than anything in the group’s discography.
Here’s “Louder Than Ever” from the latest album:
“Finally Begin”:
“We Used to Vacation”:
“Audience”: