WEVL FM 89.9 Presents Alejandro Escovedo & His Band October 27, 2008

WEVL FM 89.9 presents the acclaimed Austin, Texas artist Alejandro Escovedo and his band at 9 PM Monday October 27, at the Hi-Tone Cafe, 1913 Poplar Avenue, Memphis.

Few contemporary artists inspire the degree of rapturous critical praise as Alejandro Escovedo--one of the consummate songwriters and live performers of our time.

Escovedo has been there and done that for 30 years. He was in the pioneering San Francisco punk band the Nuns when they opened the Sex Pistols’ final show on the band’s 1978 American tour. He was a resident at the notorious Chelsea Hotel in New York when Sid Vicious’ girlfriend was wheeled out after being stabbed to death. He rubbed shoulders with Andy Warhol and George Clinton and hung out with Johnny Thunders of the Heartbreakers as the punk scene swept the Lower East Side.

Born into a large Mexican immigrant family in San Antonio, Escovedo was heavily influenced by his father, who often played in local mariachi bands. Two half brothers were early members of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band Santana, and his niece is percussionist Sheila E.

"Musically, he is in his own genre," said David Fricke in Rolling Stone. His music sums up all that he has heard, from Mexican boleros to punk, and it embraces both the primal and the orchestral, weaving meticulous arrangements around songs that may well use only two chords.

Escovedo's music has been widely lauded by the media, appearing in numerous publications including Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair, The New York Times, USA Today, Paste, Harp, and Entertainment Weekly. He recently released his ninth solo album, "Real Animal," to widespread critical acclaim.

He has performed at the 2008 Democratic National Convention, Carnegie Hall, Barns of Wolf Trap, and numerous other venues and music festivals. His TV appearances include many episodes of Austin City Limits, and most recently, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, and the Today Show.

Island Records (UK) recording artists The Satin Peaches from Detroit open the show: "Think Sixties Brit-pop with bluesy piano strut and raggedy garage-rock thrown in for good measure." --Rolling Stone
“Forget the greased-up garage rock and proto-punk of the Stooges and the White Stripes, the Satin Peaches are Motor City’s new favourite sons." --New Music Express

Showtime is 9:00 PM sharp! Age 18+. Visit WEVL for advance ticket info.

The Hi-Tone Cafe is a smoke-free venue.

Official Website: http://wevl.org