It’s My favourite month!  Rocktober, with every Tuesday being a red letter day for music lovers worldwide!  The month that sees the most releases from established and new Artists from all styles, and October 2012 promises to be a watershed:

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“The Darkness” have finally released their third effort; and, how do I say, it is an interesting release.  “Hot Cakes” does not hold the strengths of their first two, however this record is the re-beginning of The Darkness.  Re-united the group has elected to not rest on their laurels, but forge forward in, for them, somewhat uncharted waters.  First listen was laboured, but by the second and third, the album grew on me; a strong indication that there is some depth and variety in this one.  Worthwhile, yes, but be warned, a slightly different Darkness prevails!

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Kiss is releasing their long awaited new studio opus!  “Monster” sees the light of day in early October.  Rocktober 9^th to be exact.  On the other end of the Rock spectrum, we have Jeff Lynn of ‘Electric Light Orchestra’ fame releasing a new solo effort: “Long Wave”.  Very interesting and beautifully produced, ‘Long Wave’ is truly a solo effort, as Jeff performs and sings everything, plays all the instruments and has done the production by himself as well!

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Long time guitar virtuoso Richie Blackmore is getting in to the Rocktober excitement with the release of his “Knight In York”, a DVD/CD package of a 2011 concert done in that English city.  ‘Blackmore’s Night’ is Ricthie and his wife Candice playing authentic Medieval music, with some of the most heavenly musical experiences to be found!

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Another fantastic guitarist is answering the call, Neal Schon of Journey, releasing “The Calling”, another interesting Rocktober release! 

    Of course, the above are just the tip of the iceberg…so each Friday in October I will be highlighting several of the new releases in this column.  Hopefully October will become your favourite month of the year, as it is mine!

Upcoming Club/Concert Highlights:

The Blue Gator:   Zamboni Brothers:  Oct. 5^th/6^th   Studebaker John:   October 12^th/13^th    JW Jones:  Oct. 19^th & 20^th    Fighting Orange:  Oct. 24^th       Zamboni Brothers:  Oct. 25^th    Random Act:  Oct. 26^th & 27^th

Doc Willoughby’s:  A Name Unheard with Scissorkick:   October 5^th    Grimskunk with Dearly Beloved: October 18^th                                   

Gateway 21:     Truly Tina: (Tina Turner Tribute)   Oct. 19^th & 20^th    Reflections In Black; (Tribute To Johnny Cash)   Oct. 26^th & 27^th

Minstrel Café:   Maria  Muldaur:   October 4^th     David Gogo Acoustic Trio:  Oct. 11^th   Calum Hughes Collective:   Oct. 12^th   Papa Dawg Blues Band:   Oct. 13^th  The Strawbs:   Oct. 23^rd

The Streaming Café:   The Sumner Brothers:   Oct. 6^th Rococode:  October 6^th  The Crackling: Oct. 13^th

Notable Concerts:  

 Minstrel Café:   The Strawbs:   October 23^rd

Kelowna Community Theatre:   Andre-Philippe Gagnon:  November 9^th    Colin James:  November 12^th     

Prospera Place:   Journey/Loverboy/Night Ranger:  December 1^st

‘Notes & News’:

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“When I’m President”: The new album from Ian Hunter, is leaving the critics breathless!  Best known for his singing with ‘Mott The Hoople’ Ian continued releasing critically acclaimed albums in the latter part of the 20^th century and well into this first decade of the 21^st!  Well in to his seventies, Mr. Hunter continues to amaze!  A full review next week, right here in ‘Under The Lights’!    

……if you have a musical story or news and would like me to write something… drop me a line at:  fbainternational@telus.net  and let’s celebrate Kelowna’s rich and varied music community together!!.....