Covering the Limelight in ATX

Grammy award winning and multi-platinum selling artist John Legend brought his smooth R&B vocals to the Cedar Park Center on July 22. Legend is touring North America this summer in support of his critically acclaimed fourth studio album "Love In The Future."  The All Of Me Tour is named after Legend's #1 hit single "All Of Me." Backed by a string quartet, muted drums and a subdued electric guitar, Legend delivered an intimate, stripped-down set of R&B love songs while accompanying himself on a baby grand piano. Songs included during Legends show included "Made To Love," "Get Lifted," "Ordinary People," "Cloud Nine," and "All Of Me" as well as covers of The Beatles' Something" and Simon and Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water." Opening for John Legend was English singer, songwriter Marsha Ambrosius.

The Cedar Park Center, in the Austin suburb of Cedar Park, Texas, played host to some good old-time Rock and Roll on July 20 when Boston and tour mates, Night Ranger, performed for an enthusiastic crowd of fans. Long-time fans of both bands had high hopes for an entertaining evening of music and they weren't disappointed by these veteran acts. Boston performs at the Cedar Park Center Night Ranger Night Ranger was first on the stage. They quickly claimed the audience’s attention as guitarists Joel Hoekstra and Brad Gillis showcased their phenomenal guitar skills and front man, bassist Jack Blades lead vocals on “Touch of Madness.” Night Ranger opens for Boston at the Cedar Park Center After that, drummer Kelly Keagy took over the lead on “Swing Me Away.” From then on, the audience was as much a part of the band as the actual members, singing along for 50 minutes to many of Night Ranger’s mega hits. The audience’s participation fit well with the band’s high-energy...

The month of July has brought a diversity of musical acts to the Austin area. We have seen well-established acts as well as the up-and-coming stop by our venues and thrill the Austin audiences. Here are a couple acts who performed at our popular small-capacity venues. DEVO Veteran artists, Devo stopped by Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater on Thursday, July 2.  Devo was formed in 1972 by two sets of brothers, Mark and Bob Mothersbaughs and Gerald and Bob Casales, with Alan Myers. Devo's musical style has varied from punk to alt rock and new wave. With their kitsch music and theatrical stage show including haz-mat jumpsuits and red cone hats, the band developed a cult following that is sill loyal to them today. After Bob Casales' unexpected death earlier this year, the band decided to go on a 10 city tour and dedicate it to Bob2. Austin was the last stop on the tour. Instead of replacing Bob2, the band chose to perform songs from 1974- 1977, before Bob had joined...

After 30 plus years together and over 80 million albums sold, the iconic rock and roll band Mötley Crüe announced their retirement. With drummer Tommy Lee explaining “Everything must come to an end” the band has begun their “All Bad Things Must Come To An End” Tour. The tour, which started on July 2 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, made its 10 th stop on the 70-date farewell tour at the Cedar Park Center, in Cedar Park, Texas, a suburb of Austin. The Raskins Opening the evening were the high-energy duo, The Raskins. Twin brothers, Logan and Roger Raskin, produce an interesting sound, a blend of rock, metal, and punk. Although most of the audience did not know there would be a third act performing until 15 minutes before show time, the band was well received by the audience and they probably earned some new fans. Alice Cooper Touring with Mötley Crüe, and possibly the reason many fans chose to attend this show, was the legendary “Godfather of Shock Rock,” Alice Cooper. ...