by Mercy Moosemuzzle - SGN A&E Writer

ZIGGY MARLEY
Mercy and Cuteness enjoyed five-time Grammy-winning Ziggy Marley at ZooTunes, July 19. The weather was fabulous for the outdoor concert, an evening of danceable reggae music. He has a powerful voice.

Marley opened with 'Brothers and Sisters.' 'Be Free' followed nicely, as did 'Changes,' 'I Need a Revolution,' 'Conscious Party,' 'Reggae in My Head,' 'Tomorrow People,' 'True to Myself,' and 'Love Is My Religion,' all originals. He also sang 'Is This Love' and 'Could You Be Loved,' songs by his father, Bob Marley. He received a standing ovation.

His encore was 'Three Little Birds,' also one of his songs. Cuteness pointed out that one encore seemed pretty stingy compared to the six k.d. lang did earlier this year. 'That is what you do, when the audience is digging on you,' Cuteness said.

JAMES COTTON BLUES BAND
Mercy and Cuteness also enjoyed James Cotton and his Blues Band at Jazz Alley, July 20. Cotton's harmonica was phenomenal. Darrell Nulisch's voice was strong. Guitar by Tom Holland was hot. Noel Neal's bass was funky. Drums by Jerry Porter were rhythmic. Cuteness said, 'He was great.'

Cotton played his most famous song, 'Got My Mojo Working' as a sing-along. Other high points were 'Hard Times,' 'Buried Alive in the Blues,' 'Can't Be Satisfied,' 'Down at Your Buryin',' 'Boogie Thing,' 'Here I Am (Knocking at Your Door).'

Cotton and his band got a standing ovation.

RAVI COLTRANE
Mercy and Cuteness are looking forward to seeing Ravi Coltrane at Jazz Alley, July 31 and August 1. Band members include Coltrane (saxophone), David Virelles (piano), Hans Glawichnig (bass), and E.J. Strickland (drums). They are touring in support of their new CD, Spirit Fiction.

Coltrane, a post-bop jazz saxophonist, is the son of famous tenor saxophonist John Coltrane and pianist Alice Coltrane. He co-owns the RKM Music label and has produced such artists as trumpeter Ralph Alessi, guitarist David Gilmore, and pianist Luis Perdomo.

You can get tickets for Ravi Coltrane at www.jazzalley.com.

MACEO PARKER
Mercy and Cuteness are also very much looking forward to seeing Maceo Parker at the Triple Door, August 1 and 2. He is touring in support of his new CD, Roots and Grooves.

Parker is a soul and funk saxophonist best known for his work with James Brown in the 1960s and with Parliament-Funkadelic in the 1970s. He plays tenor, alto, and baritone saxophones and is now just as well-known for his own shows, as he has toured continuously under his own name since the early 1990s.

KINSEY SICKS
Mercy and Cuteness are also looking forward to seeing the Kinsey Sicks at the Triple Door August 3 and 4, in Electile Dysfunction: the Kinsey Sicks for President.

The Kinsey Sicks bill themselves as 'America's Favorite Dragapella Beautyshop Quartet.' (Dragapella is a registered trademark.) Their work is very funny and highly politically charged.

You can get your tickets for the Kinsey Sicks at www.thetripledoor.net.

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