music Matters
Concert picks of the week: Mannheim Steamroller and Metric
- Metric at Warehouse Live
- Mannheim Steamroller brings its unique sound to Verizon Wireless
It’s a holiday week, which means the live music schedule is a little lighter than usual. Hey, even rock stars have families they want to go home to for a long weekend of turkey, football and… turkey sandwiches.
That said, there are a couple of shows that shouldn’t be missed. One of the shows has a holiday theme. The other… simply rocks.
Sunday
Mannheim Steamroller at Verizon Wireless Theater
Question: When does the Christmas season officially begin?
A) When the malls start putting up Christmas trees and tinsel before kids even finish their Halloween candy.
B) When big box retailers start airing Christmas ads before parents have finished the Halloween candy that the kids didn’t finish.
C) When tickets for Mannhein Steamroller go on sale.
D) All of the above.
The answer, of course, is C. (Halloween candy doesn't last no matter how early the holiday decorations or commercials are unleashed.)
For a quarter of a century Mannheim Steamroller co-founders Chip Davis and Jackson Berkley have toured the country during the holidays delighting audiences with “New age” serenades that combine traditional orchestral sounds with a synthesized adornment.
This year the group celebrates their longevity with the release of the “Christmas 25th Anniversary Collection” that draws from their entire catalogue of holiday works. There is no doubt the concert will draw from the same, making this a career-spanning landmark performance.
Tickets $40-$85.
Monday
Metric at Warehouse Live
It took four albums for Toronto-based adult pop dance band Metric to become something more than just a critical darling. Finally, earlier this year, the release of their new album, “Fantasies,” caught the public’s attention.
At least it caught the attention of folks in Canada, where it shot to No. 6 on their album charts. In the U.S. the rise was more modest (it peaked at No. 76 on the Billboard 200 charts).
That means this is the opportunity to hear one of the greatest bands few have ever heard of before they finally hit it big and make the move from club shows to big arenas.
On songs like “Sick Muse” and “Gimme Sympathy,” lead singer Emily Haines displays an ability to move from tough chick growler to falsetto angel in the time it takes to switch from verse to chorus.
Tickets $20.