Check 'em out

Louis XIV, a rip-roarin' band from somewhere in California, I can't recall exactly - San Diego? Anyway, I caught them in Indianapolis during the Midwest Music Summit, and they were great. If you put a gun to my head, I'd have to say they're a cross between Ziggy Stardust and AC/DC, and a good bit of Zeppelin in there too. Not a clone, they're a love child. And a thumpin', energetic live show.

While I'm thinking about great discoveries in live music, last year I caught Lyrics Born in Portland, OR., during Music Fest Northwest. Smart, poetic, compelling hip-hop. Glad to see them making a name for themselves.