Oberst adds pals for symphonic date :: Music News :: Articles

Ever since rock ‘n’ roll showed up on the scene, driving its custom Cadillac and wearing designer shades, classical music lovers have been convinced that the end was nigh for quality music. Likewise, many rockers have always been too impatient to sit through a concerto at the local symphony hall. However, with Interpol bassist Carlos D leading the way, the relationship between the indie and classical worlds is seeing a fresh thaw.

Also on the frontlines of this latest surge of inter-genre diplomacy – Conor Oberst, the man known to his disciples as Bright Eyes. On September 29, Oberst will take to the Hollywood Bowl stage backed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic. As his fans could tell you, Oberst’s acoustic tales of love and loss should only assume a greater weight and majesty with a full symphonic backing.

But the L.A.P. isn’t the only musical entity that’s got Oberst’s back. Add longtime Bright Eyes pal M. Ward and indie elders Yo La Tengo to the mix. Both acts will play opening sets for Saddle Creek’s favorite son at the Hollywood Bowl show, making for a ridiculous quadruple bill that should continue to bridge the gap between Beethoven and Broken Social Scene. Here’s to diplomatic solutions!

Bright Eyed and painless dates:

September
13 - Denver, Colo. @ Ogden Theatre
14 - Boise, Idaho @ Big Easy Concert House
15 - Spokane, Wash. @ Big Easy Concert House
16 - Olympia, Wash. @ Capital Theatre
18 - Fairbanks, Alaska @ University of Alaska - Fairbanks
19 - Anchorage, Alaska @ University of Alaska - Anchorage
20 - Anchorage, Alaska @ University of Alaska - Anchorage
22 - Seattle, Wash. @ Quest Field (End Fest)
23 - Eugene, Ore. @ McDonald Theatre
24 - Chico, Calif. @ Senator Theatre
29 - Los Angeles, Calif. @ Hollywood Bowl

October
3 - Mexico City, Mexico @ Vive Cuervo Salon
19 - Chicago, Ill. @ Chicago Theatre
20 - Kalamazoo, Mich. @ State Theatre
21 - Champaign, Ill. @ Foellinger Auditorium
22 - Milwaukee, Wis. @ Riverside Theater
23 - Lawrence, Kan. @ Lied Center
24 - Omaha, Neb. @ Waiting Room
25 - Sioux Falls, S.D. @ Ramkota Exhibit Hall
27 - Billings, Mont. @ Shrine Auditorium
28 - Missoula, Mont. @ University Theatre
30 - Edmonton, Alberta @ Events Center
31 - Calgary, Alberta @ MacEwan Hall

November
2 - Winnipeg, Manitoba @ Burton Cummings Theatre
3 - Fargo, N.D. @ The Venue at Playmakers
4 - Iowa City, Iowa @ Main Lounge
6 - Memphis, Tenn. @ Orpheum Theatre
7 - Birmingham, Ala. @ Alabama Theatre
8 - Charleston, S.C. @ The Plex
9 - Winston Salem, N.C. @ Millennium Center
10 - Norfolk, Va. @ The NorVa
11 - Washington D.C. @ DAR Constitution Hall
12 - Wilmington, Del. @ Grand Opera House
14 - Binghamton, N.Y. @ Magic City Music Hall
15 - Rochester, N.Y. @ Main Street Armory
16 - Portsmouth, N.H. @ The Music Hall
17 - Providence, R.I. @ Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel
18 - Worcester, Mass. @ Palladium
19 - New York, N.Y. @ Radio City Music Hall