American Idol Recap: The Winners, Losers and Who Really Is Going Home

Just over 24 million people tuned in to watch American Idol's conclusion of season nine, the smallest audience for an "American Idol" season finale since season one in 2002, according to a ratings report in "Variety". It was the first season to feature Ellen DeGeneres as a judge, the first without Paula Abdul and the second with Kara DioGuardi.

For much of season nine, many panels of experts felt pretty confident predicting that Crystal Bowersox could (and should) win the competition. Even going into Tuesday night's finale, and especially after it,  prognosticators felt like the former busker from Northern Ohio would be the next Idol. But Lee Dewyze pulled a victory by an unrevealed margin of votes — the response was pretty universal: Yeah, we thought Crystal should win but figured that Lee would. Lee DeWyze took the crown, though his victory was largely overshadowed by Simon Cowell's farewell.

The night marked not only the finale of a lacklustre season of American Idol, but the exit of judge Simon Cowell. Many AI fans have greeted this prospect with glee, seeing it as the departure of TV's number one antagonist. In truth, Cowell is merely moving over to The X Factor (on the same network, Fox). But don't dare to think that American Idol will survive without him.

When the singing competition debuted in 2002, with the British music producer at the helm of its judging panel, TV audiences were taken aback by his tart-tongued candour. Cowell's scathing honesty was unusual for prime-time American audiences, who were used to seeing reality-show hosts mollycoddle contestants. He became not only an American TV star but an archetype: the cranky a-hole. Seeing Simon take down pop-music poseurs every week was one of the main reasons people tuned into American Idol and turned it into a ratings juggernaut.

At times, Cowell has seemed to relish his partypooper status a bit too much -- he knows his role all too well, and actually seems buoyed when the audience greets him with boos. But to simply see him as American Idol's designated naysayer is too easy. For one thing, Cowell has had a well-documented career producing pop music, so his opinion actually carries weight. Secondly, he's been the sole person on the American Idol panel who has been consistently articulate and constructive.  

Now back to the show's performances - also taking center stage was a string of high-profile performances, including ones from Janet Jackson, who sang a new ballad "Nothing" and got her groove on for "Nasty"; Christina Aguilera, who transitioned from "Fighter" to Bionic single "You Lost Me"; and Bret Michaels, visibly worn down from his health issues. He told MTV News backstage that he hadn't cleared his "Idol" duet with third-place finisher Casey James on " Every Rose Has Its Thorns" with his doctors. There were also sights of all the past Idol winners...minus David Cook?? Along with other season's contestants in a tribute song to Simon.

By the time the winner was announced, there was no more emotion to give...certainly not that of absolute elation. Except maybe for Lee and a few close friends and relatives.

Summer Season Concert Series - Philly Style: May 27th

Kung Fu Necktie:        

  Headliner: Gorguts
  Opening Act:  Krallice / Portal
  Doors: 5:30pm / Show: 6pm     
  Tix:$10 to $12

  This Quebec, Canada-based death metal band promised great things on their 1991 debut, Considered Dead, but failed to make an impact in the midst of the black metal explosion of 1993 and band and their label parted ways. Gorguts then fell silent for five years, and many fans assumed that they had parted ways permanently, but singer Lemay returned in 1998 with a new line-up which lived up to its title by exploring progressive, almost avant garde areas to an uncertain response. Gorguts' fans will enjoy hearing their songs once again. 

The Khyber:        

  Headliner: UGH, God
  Opening Act:  Space Sluts / Mega Fauna
  Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm     
  Tix:$8

  
  Notorious for having a double neck guitar, Two drummers and a light bulb in the bassist's mouth, it's clear these guys aren't taking things too seriously. Yet there's something admirably studied and intense about the noisy squall they kick up, tail-spinning from mellow and meandering to foreboding and explosive at the drop of a hat.

Trocadero:        

  Headliner: The Movement  
  Opening Act:  FlightSkool / Glen Landing
  Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm     
  Tix:$8

  
  Rock, Reggae and Hip Hop - never before have these three forms of musical expression been blended into a sound that is as indefinable as it is recognizable and familiar. This Philadelphia quartet grew up with one another in Columbia, South Carolina spending time jamming in various high school bands together and drawing from musical influences that ranged from Sublime to Tupac to Pink Floyd.

The Tower Theater:        

  Headliner: Imogen Heap
  Opening Act:  None Listed
  Doors: 6pm / Show: 7pm     
  Tix:$30

  
  Writer/producer/singer/genius Imogen Heap is in town fresh from her most recent Grammy glory. Playing a selection of songs from her ever-amassing back catalogue, she is ready to give Philly a musical and visual experience, with the audience witnessing first-hand the astonishing production which harmonises all manner of blips, bleeps and tweets (the sound-chip of a toy blue tit) into sweet, audible gold. It may truly be an immersive experience, and she'll be as humble, chatty and anecdotal as ever – when she's not concentrating on her art.

Summer Season Concert Series - Philly Style: May 26th

The Khyber:         
  Headliner: Thinking Machines
  Opening Act:  Stegasaur / Circle City / Patterns
  Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm      
  Tix:$8

  
  An indie rock band based out of Philly whose members include Cody Brown, Marcus Epler, Nate King and Sean Wolfe. They've released three full-length albums and are promoting their newest album, Work Tapes.

North Star Bar:         
  Headliner: Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes
  Opening Act:  Jay D Clark Band / Hippocampus 
  Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm      
  Tix:$10

  
  These guys are a funky rock band from New Orleans who are classically trained and schooled in making the house ROCK! From a calm, funky groove to a full blown frenzy at the drop of a hat. JSDN rocks the house, every time, all the time... GET IN!!

Trocadero:         
  Headliner: Keith Destefano & Puzzlebox 
  Opening Act:  The Living Sample / Out da Basement / Joe Jordan
  Doors: 8pm / Show: 8:30pm      
  Tix:$8

  
  Originally founded as a jazz sextet by bassist/composer Keith DeStefano in 2005. They’ve performed extensively throughout the northeast region. One year ago the band expanded into an octet, and is now promoting  their second CD, “A Place To Be.”

Summer Season Concert Series - Philly Style: May 25th

North Star Bar:        
  Headliner: Violent Soho
  Opening Act:  Alright, Junior / Station & The Monster / Vice Royal
  Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm    
  Tix:$10

   
  Their riffs are raging, their melodies engaging and the sentiment so pure that it is near impossible to resist the raw and reliable sentiments of this guitar rock four piece. So full of battering-ram guitars, vocals obscured by haze and distortion, and a rhythm section so powerful it threatens to flatten buildings. There are heavy, and indeed very welcome - doses of abandon rock that is oft long forgotten in this electro nu-age of music. 

Kungfu Necktie:        
  Headliner: Holly Miranda    
  Opening Act:  Grooms   
  Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm    
  Tix:$10 to $12

  
  Singer/guitarist born in Detroit and raised somewhere between Michigan and Tennessee, Holly Miranda was never the kind of girl to do one thing at a time. Singer and guitarist for "experimental/indie/rock" band, The Jealous Girlfriends, she also performs as a solo act. Her solo debut is produced by Dave Sitek (TV On The Radio) and Katrina Ford (Celebration), "The Magicians Private Library" combines an eclectic array of influences from Jeff Buckley to Tool via Edith Piaf and Nina Simone.

The Khyber:        
  Headliner: Sonic Boom Six   
  Opening Act:  Knockout / On Display 
  Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm    
  Tix:$8

  
  Hailing from Manchester UK's dynamic musical landscape comes Sonic Boom Six, the most compelling soundclash to rise from the underground for years. Known to be a hefty shot of ska-punk, hip-hop, reggae and jungle, not to mention big, sinuous rock dynamics and hooks SB6 play firmly for the dance-floor while retaining enough power and aggression to be an active fixture of the UK's punk scene.

Summer Season Concert Series - Philly Style: May 24th

Theatre of the Living Arts:        
  Headliner: Flobots   
  Opening Act:  K-OS / Trouble Andrew / Champagne Champagne   
  Doors: 7pm / Show: 7:30pm   
  Tix:$18

   
  These hip-hop heroes always play to a packed house and this show should not be any different as they are in town to push their recent album. Their set features a healthy dose of the band’s contagious enthusiasm for both music and message as they inspire their fans. 

Kung Fu Necktie:        
  Headliner: Turin Brakes   

  Opening Act:  None Listed  

  Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm   
  Tix:$15

  
  Often compared to Coldplay and Travis, Turin Brakes are an English, folk-inspired duo that hail from Balham, London. Turin Brakes return to their indie folk roots on 2010's Outbursts. They experiment with a more edgy, rock-oriented sound that worked well for the British duo. Now, singer/songwriters Olly Knights and Gale Paridjanian are obviously most at home with their comfortable brand of melodic folk-inflected pop, and that is the sound that makes up most of the tracks on their current album. Superbly climatic, cinematic rock.

Summer Season Concert Series - Philly Style: May 23rd

Theatre of the Living Arts:      
  Headliner: Sure Juror  
  Opening Act:  The Danvilles / No Lover / Nikki and the Weeps / Officer Roseland 
  Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm  
  Tix:$8

  Sure Juror is working in long proud tradition of music that other musicians love but the general public doesn’t always get. They play every show to surprise everyone by being really, really awesome. Think big, brash, rambunctious pop songs with oom-pah beats, lots of woohs and woahs and a general sort of Fratellis vibe—plus lots and lots of WORDS, tongued expertly—and complimentary vocal melodies, laid over each other. They are energy filled and are definitely a new local fave!

Johnny Brendas:      
  Headliner: Big Horn Orchestra    
  Opening Act:  None Listed 
  Doors: 5:30pm / Show: 6pm  
  Tix:$10

  
  Get a sure treat tonight with a 15-piece jazz band fronted by bandleader Dennis Sigovich, The Big Horn Orchestra plays tribute to the Silver Fox, Maynard Ferguson. Performing the intricate arrangements of jazz standards created by Ferguson, this band manages to simultaneously make you swing, groove, and jazz!


  

New Music : May 18, 2010 - May 24, 2010

Minus any of the Mega Stars' releases, this week may have just been a great week for new music.

Soundtrack " Glee: Showstoppers"
Fresh off their chart-topping "Power of Madonna" EP, the harmonious  young cast of "Glee" returns with another anthology of highlights from the hit TV comedy. Yes, some selections aren't quite as exciting out of their original context, but there are also several winners, particularly Olivia Newton-John's and Sue Sylvester's tricked out version of "Physical" and Kristin Chenoweth's gut-wrenching medley of the Bacharach and David classics "One Less Bell to Answer/A House Is Not a Home." (Alas, if you want to hear Kurt's audacious attack on "Rose's Turn" from "Gypsy," you'll have to buy the expanded deluxe edition.) No Signs of offbeat raps from Mr. Schuester this time around!!

LCD Soundsytem "This Is Happening"
Frontman James Murphy has been making noises about  this new album possibly being their final album. As painful a thought that is, if it's true, they're going out with a bang. The dance-rock combo's third full-length not only includes the fist-pumping party starter "Drunk Girls," but also several of the extended, slow building jams at which this crew excels: The self-reflective "You Wanted a Hit" doesn't even settle into a groove until past the two minute mark, and it's another sixty seconds or more before Murphy's vocals enter, yet the cumulative effect is as mesmerizing as staring into a fire. And dancers will have no trouble keeping up with the undulating "One Touch" for its almost eight-minute duration.

Janelle Monae "The ArchAndroid"
Arguably the only contemporary pop artist who can make Lady Gaga seem dull in comparison. After what seems like eons, the R&B visionary finally unleashes her full-length debut. The disc continues to outline the story of heroine Cindi Mayweather, but you don't need to know every detail of the saga so far to appreciate this genre-defying disc, which includes cinematic orchestral splendor, propulsive dance rhythms, even a hint of Brazilian batucada - and that's just in the first three songs! In addition to Big Boi of Outkast popping up on her current hit "Tightrope," Monáe is also joined by poet Saul Williams and, in one of the album's bizarre highlights ("Make the Bus"), Atlanta's sprawling psychedelic pop combo Of Montreal.

The Black Keys "Brothers"
After solo releases and side projects, the blues-rock duo come back together stronger than ever. The twosome's sixth full-length often recalls their 2003 breakthrough "Thickfreakness" in both sound and songwriting quality. The keyboards on "The Only One" sound like they were lifted off a vintage African psychedelic disc or perhaps an obscure Bollywood soundtrack, while "Howlin' for You" stomps around like the bastard offspring of Gary Glitter and the Cramps. Oh, and don't be thrown by one of the song titles. Although it's listed as "Never Gonna Give You Up," the tune the Keys cover toward the album's end is really Jerry Butler's 1968 hit "Never Give You Up," not the other classic Rick Astley 80's hit.

Band of Horses "Infinite Arms"
Eighteen months in the making, this third full-length was well worth the wait. Produced by the North Carolina quintet, with some assistance from Phil Ek,  the group continue to refine and expand their atmospheric, Americana-influenced sound. "Older" should connect with fans who love it when the guys lapse into the Byrds-style harmonies, while the title tune is a hazy dreamscape that could pass for a Flaming Lips demo. Not bad with some of the other songs that seem to rock with the southwestern sound.

Tracey Thorn "Love and Its Opposite"
Another 3rd full length from an artist. In this case, growing old gracefully is tough, but singing about it is even tougher. Her 3rd try features a well described picture of a household in which everyone's going through life changes called "Hormones." The self-proclaimed "singer, gardener, bedsit disco queen" reunites with producer Ewan Pearson (who also worked on 2007's "Out of the Woods") for this stellar disc, which features eight originals and two covers.

Other New Releases Worth Checking Out:
(Have not listened to, but please feel free to post a review)

• Mary Gauthier: "The Foundling"
• Pete Francis: "The Movie We Are In"
• Chely Wright: "Lifted Off The Ground" 

Summer Season Concert Series - Philly Style: May 22nd

Theatre of the Living Arts:    
  Headliner: Alexisonfire  
  Opening Act:  Trash Talk / Therefore I Am / La Dispute
  Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
  Tix:SOLD OUT!!

  
  Alexisonfire takes audiences within its grip and gives them a power chord trip. These punk powderkegs are very much combustible. With three frontmen (singers Dallas Green and Wade MacNeil and screamer George Pettit) the band's energy level is spectacular to watch. All those yesterdays ago and Alexisonfire still has no shame in its game.

North Star Bar:   
  Headliner: Viza 
  Opening Act: T.S.U. (The Subtle Urge) /  Grindcity / Surgeon
  Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm
  Tix:$10

  
  Viza is a brigade of 9 international musicians from Los Angeles. They integrate duduk music, percussion and oud with the hard edge of rock. K'noup, the fearless leader and voice of Viza, commands the stage with charisma and stamina. If you're into a great mix of international sound. Get IN!!

Trocadero:   
  Headliner: PhillyBloco
  Opening Act: None Listed      
  Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm
  Tix:$14

  
  Experience the joy and excitement of the PhillyBloco Dance Party! This 12-person Brazilian Drumming Troupe as it's core, PhillyBloco's 20 members perform a raucous mash-up of Samba, Funk, Reggae, New Orleans 2nd Line and more. With it's irresistible rhythms and infectious energy, they'll keep the house rockin' all night long!

Top Summer Concerts We Know You'll Be Going To

Summer is around the corner and that means the busiest concert time of the year is upon us!! We have a few hot shows that we wanted you to get to know because...well, we know we'll probably see you at one of them. As always, summer brings together that eclectic flavor and music is the bowl that holds the flavors together and gets them stirred up. Whether you're black, white, spanish or asian. Whether you like hip-hop, soul, rock, country or fusion - dance, sing and most importantly come together to enjoy a show as ONE!!

50 CENT

The rap star is sticking to medium-size venues for his latest tour, dubbed the Invitation. A recent press release promises ''a more intimate, unique experience'' in cities from Cleveland (May 28) and making the last stop of his US tour at the House of Blues in Atlantic City (June 25).

ADAM LAMBERT

Expect a spectacle during the Idol alum's Glam Nation tour, which will thrill crowds from Wilkes-Barre, Pa. (June 4), to Rockford, Ill. (September 4). Show up early if you want to catch opening sets from Glambert's Idol classmate Allison Iraheta and Australian guitar whiz Orianthi. Coming to Borgata in Atlantic City June 26th.

AMERICAN IDOL LIVE!

Whether your favorite Idol contestant wins it all or gets screwed in the finals this year, chances are he or she is coming to your town. Season 9's top 10 contenders — that's Didi Benami, Crystal Bowersox, Lee DeWyze, Andrew Garcia, Casey James, Aaron Kelly, Michael Lynche, Siobhan Magnus, Katie Stevens, and Tim Urban — kick off their road trip in Auburn Hills, Mich. (July 1), and keep moving all the way through September. They'll hit Atlantic City July 10th and follow up with Philadelphia on July 11th. 

DAVE MATTHEWS BAND

Can't make it to Tennessee to see Dave at Bonnaroo? No worries! Groove to your heart's content at one of the many dates on DMB's latest tour, which begins in Hartford, Conn. (May 28), and jams on through September 15 (Saint Paul, MN). Openers include the Felice Brothers, Gov't Mule, the Zac Brown Band, and Raphael Saadiq.
Dave has always given Philly multiple dates and this year is no different. See him twice at the Susquehanna Bank Center in Camden New Jersey on June 30th and July 1st.

ERYKAH BADU

Fresh off the release of her acclaimed album New Amerykah Part Two, Badu is launching a concert series May 28 in Washington D.C. Her Out My Mind, Just in Time tour runs for a month before taking her to NYC, where she'll perform alongside Maxwell and Jill Scott (Jun. 26); the next day, she joins the traveling Lilith Fair, where she'll stay through August 14. She'll make an intimate pit stop in Philly with a show on June 8th at the Tower Theater.

HOLE

Courtney Love's current band shares exactly zero non-Love members with the previous iterations of Hole, however, her live act of late has been getting good reviews. Next up is a spin from San Diego (June 3) to Minneapolis (July 16). You can catch her new look, same name band at The Electric Factory on June 22nd.

JONAS BROTHERS and DEMI LOVATO

This is the place to be for Disney Channel types: The JoBros are hitting the road with Demi as an opening act, and their costars from the Camp Rock movies are slated to make special appearances. The tween screams will begin in Dallas (July 27) and reverberate until October 17 (Raleigh). You can mark their invasion of Philly with your crayons on your calendar as they are due to hit up the Susquehanna Bank Center in Camden New Jersey on August 27th.

KINGS OF LEON

The Followill family will rock in Atlantic City June 5 before traveling around the country through September 23 (Dallas), with a handful of U.K. dates thrown in here and there for maximum frequent-flier miles. The Black Keys, Built to Spill, the Whigs, and others open. They'll rock the Philly area on August 5th at the Borgata Center in Atlantic City.

LILITH FAIR

For three summers in the late '90s, Lilith Fair brought together an unprecedented number of female stars and raised millions for charity. Now it's back (finally!) and better than ever. A rotating group of artists — including founder Sarah McLachlan, Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson, Rihanna, Emmylou Harris, Heart, Gossip, Sugarland, Cat Power, and many more — will start with a couple of Canadian dates before playing in the U.S. from Portland, Ore. (July 2), to Dallas (Aug. 16). Girl Power hits up the Philly Tri-state area on July 28th at Susquehanna Bank Center in Camden New Jersey.

MAXWELL and JILL SCOTT

Two of the brightest stars in today's soul scene will soon be shining together. Their trek takes them from coast to coast May 21 through July 15. They'll be steaming up Philly on June 19th at the Wachovia Center

RIHANNA and KE$HA

The Last Girl on Earth tour was originally supposed to include rising rap phenom Nicki Minaj before a last-minute lineup shuffle. Oh, well. Even without Nicki's help, Rihanna and Ke$ha will surely bring the pop party in full force to cities from Seattle (July 2) to Chicago (Aug. 25). The girls are gonna sex up the Philly area on August 18th at the Susquehanna Bank Center in Camden New Jersey.

SHERYL CROW

Crow recently announced she's working on a soul-influenced album called 100 Miles From Memphis. Appropriately enough, Memphis is not one of the places she'll be visiting during her tour, which begins in Chattanooga, Tenn. (June 11), and continues through October 1 (Nashville). Get a date with Sheryl on August 14th at Ceasar's in Atlantic City.

TOM PETTY & THE HEARTBREAKERS

Last year, a box set documented just how tight Tom Petty & Co. have remained over four decades on the road. Witness it firsthand at any of their headlining dates, which start in Denver, CO, June 1 and extend through October 2 (Irvine, CA). Check in twice for the band's dual date at the Wachovia Center on July 31st and August 1st.

VANS WARPED TOUR

The headbanging institution will kick up a racket from Carson, Calif. (June 25), to Hillsboro, Ore. (Aug. 15). This year's noisemakers include the All-American Rejects, Motion City Soundtrack, the Dillinger Escape Plan, Reel Big Fish, and tons more. For years, Vans Warped Tour has been rocking out Philly at the Susquehanna Bank Center in Camden New Jersey. This year, they'll be doing it on July 16th.

ZAC BROWN BAND

The ''Chicken Fried'' guys have already begun playing their easygoing country tunes on a tour that continues with a Carnival cruise line run through September, and includes a July run opening for Dave Matthews Band. Catch the slick  Grammy winning sounds of this country jam band at the Susquehanna Bank Center in Camden New Jersey on August 13th

Summer Season Concert Series - Philly Style: May 21th

Johnny Brendas:      Headliner: Chang Chang / Ruinit Record Release Party
  Opening Act: Doctor Scientist Record Release Party - The Homophones, Teamwerk DJs between sets
  Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm  
  Tix:$8

  
  Release party night for premiere local dj's and indie labels

North Star Bar:   
  Headliner: Marco Benevento 
  Opening Act: Xylos / Ryat  
  Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm  
  Tix:$15 

  
  This keyboardist/"sound sculptor" has built a nationwide following for some jaw-dropping improvisational skills, a no-genres-barred approach and a globe-trotting touring schedule. Built around Benevento’s shape-shifting acoustic piano and backed by an adventurous rhythm section of Matt Chamberlain and Reed Mathis, the trio offers deconstructed reinterpretations of indie favorites such as My Morning Jacket, Beck and Deerhoof while flirting with straight-ahead jazz on his own compositions, like the lovely "Mephisto." Seemingly incapable of resisting an unexplored musical direction, Benevento can, essentially, do just about anything, which makes him exactly the kind of force that deserves notice in today’s contemporary jazz world.

The Electric Factory:   
  Headliner: Coheed & Cambria
  Opening Act: Circa Survive / Torche
  Doors: 7:30pm / Show: 8:30pm  
  Tix: SOLD OUT!!

  
  After much anticipation and what was sure to have been a long wait, the concept-driven geeky progressive rockers Coheed & Cambria, are in town with a show to push their latest album, Year of the Black Rainbow. Frontman Claudio Sanchez has an uncanny way of vocally conveying emotions – from the get-go, his singing is passion-drenched and downright theatrical making his stage presence huge.


Theatre of the Living Arts:   
  Headliner: Animal Liberation Orchestra
  Opening Act: Ben Arnold / Chris Velan
  Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm  
  Tix:$22

  
  The may arguably be a perfect show to meet the one you’re destined to be with as everyone tends to be forthcoming, social and responsive. An accidental elbow in your back turns into a hand resting on your shoulder and a grinning apology. A sip of beer and a smile becomes an intriguing conversation and, before you know it, a new connection. Thank the band for this. Members Zach Gill (keyboards, ukulele, accordion, vocals), Dan “Lebo” Lebowitz (guitars, percussion, vocals), Steve Adams (bass, vocals) and Dave Brogan (drums, vocals) execute in a way that ensures communal, familial experiences. Their songwriting is playful and positive, their performances jovial, and their stage presence leads you to believe there’s an ongoing bet as to who can smile the longest. To the unfamiliar, ALO’s moniker, Animal Liberation Orchestra, speaks to the group’s goal of helping fans release their inner groove monster – that “animal” who’s laid dormant far too long and needs to step out for a serious, two hour dance session

Trocadero:   
  Headliner: Platinum Mustache 
  Opening Act: Ms. Pain / InCahoots / Pm / Dj Brickhouse    
  Doors: 8pm / Show: 8:30pm  
  Tix:$10

  
  These guys "keep it below the nose and above the lips." A distinctive technique for making the world’s best sound that is vastly pure, unaltered, perverted soul. It’s this unique structure that gives them their epic story, easy listening, like - no - other sound betwixt your left and right ear. In essence, great music is great flavor especially when nothing less than the ultimate in soul and sound will do.



The Khyber:   
  Headliner: Cheers Elephant 

  Opening Act: Paper Cat / The New Connection
  Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm  
  Tix:$8

The First Elephant to set foot in America came off the Derby owned ship America in 1796. Whether playing on stage or recording...out of every chord and note comes a passion for uninhibitied creativity and diversity. These guys sound more British than most young Philly bands. They set out for prime Kinks real estate, and nearly close the deal with their rambunctious shows. But as smoothly as songs like “Here We Are” and “Wide Eyed” channel ’60s psych and folk, the band reveals spidery digressions and fat Primus-style basslines amid their noisy rave-ups live. They may not have their sound set in stone yet, but most everything they’re doing is pleasing to the ears.