Busy Weekend in Music Ahead

For what seems like the first time all semester, the music scene in State College will not be the normal, mundane continuous cycle of velveeta-esque bar bands.  That<92>s right, there<92>s going to be more than one big-market music event as well as some nice low-key acts around town.  In an exciting weekend in live music, State College will play host to three note-worthy events.  



It seems only right to begin with the biggest show of the weekend.  Tonight, Boston<92>s own Godsmack will make a triumphant return to The Bryce Jordan Center promoting their fourth studio album, Godsmack IV which was released in April.  Originally, Breaking Benjamin was billed as the opening act, but they<92>ve since been replaced by the two bands Shinedown and SOiL who also bring that alternative heavy metal, post-grunge sound that Godsmack has perfected to the stage.  Godsmack seems to be rejuvenated this tour, and has quite the onstage freak show to accompany their sound.  Pyrotechnics, stage screens, and a big stage with moving platforms seem to be of the order, and if you<92>re into the full-throttle arena-rock experience, this sounds like something not to be missed.  Tickets are $29.50 for students, and $35 full-price, and remember, it<92>s 7pm tonight at the BJC. 



Now it<92>s time to move to the opposite side of the music spectrum for another on-campus event that also occurs tonight at 8pm.  Eisenhower Auditorium is playing host to jazz violinist Regina Carter and vocalist Carla Cook who will be performing music off of Carter<92>s latest album, I<92>ll Be Seeing You: A Sentimental Journey which was released this past June.  The album, a dedication to Carter<92>s late mother, showcases the works of early jazz greats Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Rogers and Hart, and more.  The concert will be billed under the same name as the album, and serves as a tribute in the form of popular American music from the 20s to the 40s that Carter<92>s mother loved.  Carter, a Detroit native, will be backed by a full band for the special concert.  Tickets are $34 for adults, $18 for students, and $27 for children 18 and under and begins at 8pm sharp, tonight at Eisenhower. 



Finally, if you still have anything left in you by Saturday night, an all-ages Roustabout! is set occur at Tall Shiva Hookah Lounge down on College Ave.  In a special <93>Psychedelic/Zaireeka Roustabout!<94> two bands, four CDs, and a whole bunch of candy will provide hours of entertainment<85> not to mention hookah if you<92>re interested.  Two Philadelphia-based, self-proclaimed psychedelic acts, Golden Ball and Woodwose will appear followed by the artful Flaming Lips four-disc experimental wonder, Zaireeka.  Golden Ball brings a beat-pop progressive rock sound with songs that are apparently <93>pretty freaky but really quite catchy<94> as a result of dense, collaged arrangements. Woodwose, a female duo and also members of Golden Ball, hope to tone things down by providing the audience a dark-folk acoustic music that is oddly enough based on the music of heavy-metal greats Black Sabbath and T. Rex.  The special event of the night, however, is the Flaming Lips<92> experimental four-disc album Zaireeka.  The odd thing about the album is that all four discs were designed to be played at once, something that will occur on three different PAs and one surround-sound system.  If you<92>re going to do something, do it right, and Roustabout! is standing to give Zaireeka a proper listen.  The event is set to begin Saturday at 9pm, and tickets are $5 and all ages, so whether you<92>re a fan or just plain curious, come check out this sure to be entertaining music spectacle.