Tune In, Turn On
It’s a big weekend for live music in Atlantic City, with three major concerts taking place Friday, July 31. The Chicks will perform at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena, blues guitar legend Buddy Guy takes the stage at Ocean Casino Resort’s Ovation Hall, and veteran Australian rock band Men at Work headlines Borgata Event Center.
The music continues Saturday, Aug. 1, when Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms and Spin Doctors return to Ocean Casino Resort. The same lineup delivered an energetic show there last summer.
The Chicks | Hard Rock Live
While this writer has never claimed to be the world’s biggest country music fan, I’ve been a fan of The Chicks since first hearing “Goodbye Earl,” the darkly humorous hit about two lifelong friends who plot to kill an abusive husband. The song combines an upbeat melody with a serious message about domestic abuse and female friendship, making it one of the group’s signature hits.
The group, made up of Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire and Emily Strayer, changed its name from the Dixie Chicks to The Chicks in 2020 because of the word “Dixie” and its association with slavery and the Confederacy. The original name was inspired by the Little Feat song “Dixie Chicken.”
Personally, I understood the decision and applauded the group’s desire to distance itself from that history. At the same time, I always thought the original name had a certain ring to it. Still, as the saying goes, it is what it is.
The Chicks released their most recent album, “Gaslighter,” in 2020.
Buddy Guy | Ocean Casino Resort
At 90, Buddy Guy continues to tour and deliver memorable live performances. The Chicago blues legend is a nine time Grammy Award winner, a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and owner of Buddy Guy’s Legends, the famous Chicago nightclub where he still hosts annual performances each January.
Born into a family of sharecroppers in Louisiana, Guy built a homemade two string guitar before getting his first real instrument. After moving to Chicago in 1957, he was discovered by blues legend Muddy Waters and became a house guitarist for the legendary Chess Records.
Guy’s influence on modern blues and rock guitar cannot be overstated. Among the many musicians he inspired are Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Men at Work | Borgata Event Center
Australian rock band Men at Work remains best known for its hits “Who Can It Be Now?” and “Down Under,” songs that still resonate more than four decades after the band’s formation in 1978.
Also on the bill is Toad the Wet Sprocket, whose best known hit is the 1994 single “Fall Down.” Another act worth arriving early for is Shonen Knife. Formed in Osaka, Japan, in 1981, the trio has built a loyal following with its infectious blend of pop, rock and punk.
Tune Ups
Tony Mart Presents launches its new Lundi Gras Monday night concert series at Kennedy Plaza on Monday, Aug. 3.
The six concert series opens with rock and rhythm and blues legend Gary U.S. Bonds and the Roadhouse Rockers, joined by guitarist Anthony Krizan, formerly of Spin Doctors.
The remaining lineup includes Tommy Castro and the Painkillers on Aug. 10, Dana Fuchs on Aug. 17, Celebration of the Allman Brothers “Live at Fillmore East” on Aug. 24, and Flow Tribe on Aug. 31.
All concerts begin at 7 p.m., are free and open to all ages.
Doug is the owner/operator of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, which since 1995 has been servicing nationally touring acts, and working record release campaigns for clients. Doug can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@gmail.com
