With the release of Trespassing, Adam Lambert became the first to have an album hold the top spot on the Billboard charts and be openly gay. Sir Elton John reached the summit six times in the '70s before coming out.
Trespassing is very upbeat—just in time for summer. On the title cut, Lambert sings, "Wait til you get a load of me." "Never Close Our Eyes" is a pop hit in the making. On the lead single, "Better Than I Know Myself," the American Idol alumnus soars to his higher register, rivaling fellow gay singer Darren Hayes. "Cuckoo" and "Shady" are electro stompers with an irresistible double-clap beat. Lambert is preparing to do five concerts with the surviving members of Queen.
She is cute, plucky, stands less than five feet tall and has some free time now that GCB has been canceled on ABC. Kristin Chenoweth is making a rare appearance at Cadillac Palace, 151 W. Randolph St., on Saturday, June 16. The Tony Award-winner has two songs—"Jesus Take the Wheel" and "Blessed Be the Tie That Binds"—that were intended for a GCB soundtrack. Once the series was not renewed, it became unclear whether the collection would see the light of day. Chenoweth's contributions are currently available as singles digitally though.
Out singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile returns with the brilliant Bear Creek. On the piano-driven "What Did I Ever Come Here For," she shows off that passionate voice that made "The Story" a smash. She ventures into Lucinda Williams' turf with the Southern gospel-blues vibe on "That Wasn't Me." The standout "Rise Again" is a bar-shaking rock jam. The album closes with the celestial "Just Kids," which marks an absolutely beautiful turn for Carlile.
Known for her stage presence, Carlile's last effort was Live at Benaroya Hall with the Seattle Symphony. The "Dreams" singer will open for Dave Matthews Band on Friday, July 6, and Saturday, July 7, at Alpine Valley Music Theatre in Elkhorn, Wis.
Heart recounts a gold mine of material spanning decades in the liner notes to the box set Strange Euphoria. The three CDs contain rarities like demos of "Magic Man," the timeless "Crazy on You" and an energetic live version of "Barracuda." Strange Euphoria serves as a history lesson, with multiple photos of the Wilson sisters and tracing how Heart's sound evolved, ranging from folk ("Through Eyes and Glass") to rock ("City's Burning") to pop ("Hey You") to blues ("Skin to Skin"). Even solo material from both Nancy and Ann Wilson finds its way onto Strange Euphoria alongside work by The Lovemongers. The string of chart success the Seattle-based sisters had is captured here with inclusions of "Alone" and the Bernie Taupin-penned "These Dreams." This reissue also has a 1976 concert on DVD with material from the debut album Dreamboat Annie.
Heart is touring once again this summer with a stop at The Venue at Horseshoe Casino, 777 Casino Center Dr., Hammond, Ind., on Friday, July 6. An album of new material is due out later this year.
Chicago's very own Meghan Murphy is saluting the great gay icons with her pride edition of Big Red's Cabaret at Mary's Attic, 5400 N. Clark St., on Thursday, June 14. Here, the fiery siren will belt out favorites by the divas, most of whom can get away with just one name like Judy, Bette, Dolly, Adele and, of course, Barbra. Murphy brings the house down with her powerful voice and vivacious sense of humor. Just wait until her crowd-pleasing number "Yo Titties Look Funny in That Dress." Murphy's wildly entertaining cabaret show features Brian Sanderson on guitar and her accompanist Jimmy Morehead.
Traveling in South America and Europe gave acclaimed contemporary jazz singer Melody Gardot the inspiration for her latest, The Absence. "Mira" has a warm sense to it with its laid-back rhythms. There is a familiar piano chord throughout "Lisboa." The outstanding, sweeping "So Long" would benefit a film soundtrack perfectly. "Goodbye" reveals grit and depth in Gardot's voice as she growls, "You know you never got it right / I don't know why you say goodnight / You only mean to say goodbye." She flawlessly nails the role of the heavy-hearted chanteuse softly purring breathlessly, as heard on "My Heart Won't Have It Any Other Way." But having seen her live, the gorgeous blonde should capitalize on her natural sex appeal that left the audience spellbound. Gardot wrote all of the material on The Absence, unlike her counterparts, who rely on covering standards.
It looks like Lollapalooza is dipping its foot into the pool of dance music. Do not let that overshadow the two-day electronic-music extravaganza the Spring Awakening Music Festival, on Saturday-Sunday, June 16-17, at Soldier Field, 1410 S. Museum Campus Dr. The all-ages festival will feature dance-music luminaries such as Skrillex, Moby, Benny Benassi and Gabriel & Dresden. There will be multiple after-parties with high-profile names like Carl Cox, Afrojack, Ferry Corsten and Morgan Page spinning at different venues throughout the city. For tickets and more information, visit www.springawakeningfestival.com .
On Saturday, June 16, Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave., hosts One Queer Roof. This 18 and over party will be hosted by Trannika Rex and is set to launch Pride week. Proceeds from One Queer Roof will go to Young Women's Empowerment Project. For more information, One Queer Roof is on Facebook.
