We here at Blue Bear hope that you all in our community are hanging in there during these odd and challenging times. With that, we’d like to offer a new daily affirmation of sorts. Introducing THE BLUE BEAR VIRTUAL CONCERT SERIES! In these daily posts, we’re offering up examples of great live performances from some of our favorite artists with the purpose of keeping us sane, entertained, and most of all, connected by the unifying Power of Music.

Khruangbin / People Everywhere (live)

HEY BUDS! Good times a-comin’! The Virtual Concert Series continues with Khruangbin, Houston Texas’ one-of-a-kind purveyors of stylish, sexy sounds, that are a perfect soundtrack for a sunrise party on a remote Thai beach. Here’s “People Everywhere (Still Alive)”, crisp and tight like everything they do….

Khruangbin / People Everywhere (live)

Gnarls Barkley Live From The Astoria 2 / Part 10 / Transformers

Another great VCS moment here with a special version of “Transformer”. I was looking for the one that was recorded on Abbey Road Sessions, which was the first time I heard this lovely, aching slowed down version, so I had to settle for this one. No matter…. It still “kills you… with kindness”.  Enjoy!

Gnarls Barkley Live From The Astoria 2 / Part 10 / Transformers

Newen Afrobeat feat. Seun Kuti + Cheick Tidiane Seck / Opposite People (Fela Kuti)

WOW! Let’s kick up your Saturday into a good-time overdrive! With this entry in the Virtual Concert Series, we have a stunningly energetic cover of Fela Kuti’s “Opposite People” via Newen Afrobeat. Props go to the audio engineer for keeping the whole train on the tracks… It’s a beast to record a band of this size and still hear all of this! Pop up and dance, my friends!

Newen Afrobeat ft. Seun Kuti + Cheick Tidiane Seck / Opposite People (Fela Kuti)

Fat Freddy's Drop 'Wandering Eyes' at the VNZMA's 2005

Happy Friday everyone! For this entry in our Virtual Concert Series, Fat Freddy’s Drop brings the funk with the capital coooool. Legendary status in their home of New Zealand, the Drop pulls vibes from funk, rock, dub, reggae, and electronica to create a truly unique sound. Plus, their vocalist, Joe Dukie, has one of the sexiest voices in the history of music… Like if Sade had a brother… Enjoy this till the end… Trust. It’s good. 

Fat Freddy’s Drop ‘Wandering Eyes’ at the VNZMA’s 2005

The Roots / Live in Montreux 1994 - Proceed / Distortion to Static / Mellow Man

Sadly, we lost a champion yesterday… Malik B, original member and founder of The Roots crew. An incredible MC, lyricist and song-writer, Malik’s powers are all on display here in this performance from 1994 at the Montreux Jazz Festival, where he and the band (yes, a live hip hop band) rip through 3 of their classic tracks for our Virtual Concert Series. RIP Malik!

The Roots / Live in Montreux 1994 – Proceed / Distortion to Static / Mellow Man

Dan Dubuque covers TOOL "Descending" from FEAR INOCULUM on Weissenborn Slide Guitar

For today’s Virtual Concert Series we travel to Montana for an exquisite performance of “Descending” from Tool’s recent album. Relative unknown, Dan Dubuque attacks the prog-psyche opus with nothing but his Weissenborn slide guitar and the result is pretty incredible.

Dan Dubuque covers TOOL “Descending” from FEAR INOCULUM on Weissenborn Slide Guitar

Sesame Street / Feist Sings 1, 2, 3, 4

YAY! This entry in the VCS is for the children! In it, Leslie Feist (aka Feist) sings her song “1, 2, 3, 4” with a cast of cool. Try not to smile along…. We love you Feist!!!!

Sesame Street / Feist Sings 1, 2, 3, 4

A Perfect Circle / Judith Live

Let’s rock out a bit, shall we? This clip in the VCS features Maynard James Kennan’s “other” band, A Perfect Circle, as they rip through “Judith”. Notice that this super group features members of Tool, Queens of the Stone Age, Devo, and The Pixies. No wonder it rocks!

A Perfect Circle / Judith Live

Chaka Khan + Rufus / Tell Me Something Good (REMASTERED) Official Video HD

Well howdy weekend! Nice to see you again… This entry in the Virtual Concert Series rips the funk! Rufus and Chaka Khan delve into their classic hit, “Tell Me Something Good”, and it’s a fun one!

Chaka Khan + Rufus / Tell Me Something Good (REMASTERED) Official Video HD

The War on Drugs / Under the Pressure / Live

Philly’s The War on Drugs rocks us into this Virtual Concert Series clip with “Under the Pressure”. Like a blend of Rod Stewart, Dire Straits, and Beck, these guys rip.

The War on Drugs / Under the Pressure / Live

tUnE-yArDs / Powa

For our mid week edition of the Virtual Concert Series, we have a bit of a looping masterclass, as well as a performance. In this AMAZING version of “Powa”, Merril Garbus, from Oakland’s tUnE-yArDs shows us how she builds the tune using her looping pedal. It’s a cool, warts-and-all version where she demonstrates that perfection is in the eye of the beholder, and by the hair-raising climax, you don’t even recognize that the drum loop is slightly off. It’s totally awesome.

tUnE-yArDs / Powa

Primus / "Electric Grapevine" / Bonnaroo 2011 (Official Video)

In today’s Virtual Concert Series entry, we have local heroes Primus doing their darn-dest to make us move (literally- my 5-year-old couldn’t sit still while listening to this as we played a game!) with this killer version of “Over the Electric Grapevine”. Musicianship at its finest!

Primus / “Electric Grapevine” / Bonnaroo 2011 (Official Video)

Heritage Orchestra Performs Vangelis Blade Runner 'End Titles'

Let’s try something different… For this entry in the Virtual Concert Series, we have the the Heritage Orchestra doing the Vangelis classic, End Titles theme from Blade Runner. It’s also a bit of a tribute to my dad, who used to listen to this soundtrack every night as he slept. Sending the birthday love through the cosmos, dad… 

Heritage Orchestra Performs Vangelis Blade Runner ‘End Titles’

Jill Scott / Rock Steady (Live 2014)

Awwww yeah! We did that weekend thing, with a smile, considering! People talk about the power of music, and the constant is that it conjures feelings. In this Virtual Concert Series clip, Miss Philly, Jill Scott performs with the FEELING, and you know it’s real because of the joy in her face. As part of the White House’s celebration of great music, Jill starts her performance off by telling a story about her idol, Aretha Franklin, and then proceeds to rip the roof off with her cover of “Rock Steady”. GETTIT!

Jill Scott / Rock Steady (Live 2014)

 

JUDAS PRIEST / Victim of Changes ! "..just Wowww!!" [HDadv] [1080p] 1983

Happy Saturday! Going a bit harder for this entry in the Virtual Concert Series. In this older classic, Judas Priest show us wy they’re the gods of metal. When you get past the KK Downing/Glenn Tipton guitar god badassery, you have a solid soul punch in the form of Rob Halford’s pipes of gold. Dig in for the awesome that is, “Victim of Changes”!!!!

JUDAS PRIEST / Victim of Changes ! “..just Wowww!!” [HDadv] [1080p] 1983

Bruce Springsteen / Dream Baby Dream / Sydney 2014/02/19 multicam, soundboard audio

For today’s Virtual Concert Series, we bring in THE BOSS, but in this clip, it’s not the uptempo, thunder roads you’re used to driving, but rather a beautiful, haunting ode to “keeping the fire burning”… Here Bruce sits at the organ and gives us a cover by NYC experimental punk/dance band Suicide. It’s gorgeous and exactly what we needed right now…

Bruce Springsteen / Dream Baby Dream / Sydney 2014/02/19 multicam, soundboard audio

Live From Daryl's House / "Taxman"

It’s that time folks… Did you file today? For this Virtual Concert entry, I wanted to remind you so that during all this weirdness, you don’t forget to pay the piper… In this cool clip, Cheap Trick rocks out at Daryl’s House (yup, Darryl Hall, of Hall & Oates), in their ode to the “Taxman”.

Live From Daryl’s House / “Taxman”

BB King Called This His Best Live Performance

For this Virtual Concert Series entry, BB King visits Sing Sing prison on Thanksgiving and delivers an uplifting and playful moment. You can see the joy on his face.

BB King Called This His Best Live Performance

Stevie Ray Vaughan / Lenny ( from Live at the El Mocambo)

Now for some pretty… In this gorgeous ode to his “lovely wife”, Stevie Ray Vaughan offers us “Lenny”, an elegant blues piece that moves and sways like a dancer in the foggy bars he played in… Stevie’s there…. just sweatin’ and playin’… Eyes closed, but seeing it all.

Stevie Ray Vaughan / Lenny ( from Live at the El Mocambo)

Machine Gun Band of Gypsys Music Video

Virtual Concert Series continues with one of the greatest performers and performances of all time. Here, with Band of Gypsys (Billy Cox on bass and Buddy Miles on drums), Jimi Hendrix offers the ultimate protest song in “Machine Gun”. The “Ratatatatat!” of Buddy snare rolls punctuates the crying moan of Jimi’s guitar wail…. A powerhouse.

Machine Gun Band of Gypsys Music Video

Dire Straits / Sultans of Swing

GOOD LORD! Fingers or FIRE!!! The Virtual Concert Series goes absolutely BONKERS with this rendition of Dire Straights classic, “Sultans of Swing”. With a band this hot, there’s something for everyone, especially the drummer, Terry Williams, who absolutely destroys this heart pounding monster of a song…. Take a look and then be inspired to take some lessons at Blue Bear!

Dire Straits / Sultans of Swing

The Charlie Daniels Band / The Devil Went Down to Georgia

Well dang. Yesterday we lost Charlie Daniels, legend of the fiddle. I loved this song when I was a kid… It was one of those story kinda songs like “Buenos Tardes, Amigo” by Ween, or even “Escape (The Pina Colada Song)”.  As a kid, I thought it was fun to listen along and follow the story. Plus, there was some wicked musicianship! When the “Band of Demons” joined in i rocked out!!! RIP Charlie…

The Charlie Daniels Band / The Devil Went Down to Georgia

Joni Mitchell / Woodstock (Live in Studio 1970)

A gorgeous classic from a gorgeous classic! For this entry in the Virtual Concert Series, Joni Mitchell plays a solo piano version of her generation-defining fave, “Woodstock”. Soothe your Sunday with this gorgeous rendition…

Joni Mitchell / Woodstock (Live in Studio 1970)

Whitney Houston / Star Spangled Banner

Well fam, it’s Independence Day, and the nation is still on the ropes, but in order to keep our spirits up, I thought I’d roll this one out for our Virtual Concert Series. In 1991, Whitney Houston shook the stadium and the world with this legendary performance. Just her spirit and THAT VOICE. Get your goosebumps ready… 

Whitney Houston / Star Spangled Banner

CHAKA KHAN 1985 Ain't Nobody / LIVE Ohne Filter Extra / Germany

WHooo! This is TUFF! Chaka Khan and her band rock and roll through her classic (from the classic “Breakin'” Soundtrack)… Feel the vibes in the room (even with the crowd that can’t seem to find the tempo in their claps!) and groove along with one of the best… 

CHAKA KHAN 1985 Ain’t Nobody / LIVE Ohne Filter Extra / Germany

Adriano Celentano / Prisencolinensinainciusol

It’s almost the weekend so LET’S DANCE! In today’s Virtual Concert Series, we travel to Italy and go back in time for miiiight be the first “rap” song??? I mean, one might consider some of the early scat stuff or even Dylan’s “Subterranean Homesick Blues” in this place, but for 1972, this is pretty amazing. Adriano Celentano is breaking ground in this disco/rap/rock hybrid, which is essentially him reciting gibberish- as he puts it, it’s what English sounds like to Italians! This is truly one of my favorite songs, EVER! Dig the cool weird that is… “Prisencolinensinainciusol”

Adriano Celentano / Prisencolinensinainciusol

Don't Be Denied / Norah Jones with Neil Young / Bridge School Benefit

The Virtual Concert Series continues with a bit of local goodness from the sadly now defunct Bridge School Benefit, where Neil Young joins Norah Jones and her band for a lovely version of “Don’t Be Denied”. Oh how I miss the BSB…

Don’t Be Denied / Norah Jones with Neil Young / Bridge School Benefit

SIOUXSIE AND THE BANSHEES Cities In Dust

Virtual Concert Series embraces the night with this goth classic by the queen of the night, Siouxsie Sioux and the Banshees! This live version of “Cities in Dust” shows the 80s weren’t just cool hairdos and synths… Definitely a lot of hair and synths, though….

SIOUXSIE + THE BANSHEES Cities In Dust

Jeff Mills Exhibitionist 2 Mix 3

Happy Pride, SF! For this entry in our Virtual Concert Series, we’re gonna go slightly different and offer something from the electronic side. Techno or electronic music in general is not often thought of when people envision concerts or live performances, but there certainly are a few that do it right. After all, the instruments (tools) we use may differ, but they all essentially do the same thing- manipulate sound waves. Here, techno legend Jeff Mills takes a TR-909 drum machine and exploits it for all its worth.

Jeff Mills Exhibitionist 2 Mix 3

Nikka Costa "Like a Feather" (2001)

DAAAAMMMMMNNNNN!!!! Sing it Nikka Costa! For this clip in our Virtual Concert Series (where we pick some great clips to inspire and move ya!), the inimitable Nikka and her amazing band, rock one of their bigger hits, “Like a Feather”. Fun fact! As a DJ, I opened up for her band at The Usual in San Jose…. I wound up having an after party at my house across the street and Nikka’s band came by and eventually did a funk set in my living room. There’s lots more to that story but needless to say it was a wild night! 

Nikka Costa “Like a Feather” (2001)

Weezer Drummer Frisbee Catch Two Angles

HAHA! Wanna laugh? Check this entry in our Virtual Concert Series… It’s less about the music, and more about the moment. Good job, Patrick!!!

Weezer Drummer Frisbee Catch Two Angles

 

VULFPECK /// Dean Town (Live in Dublin)

And now for some light-hearted fun! For this Wednesday’s entry, we have Vulfpeck. While arguably some of the best musicians to ever take a stage, they’ve also got quite the fun-loving playful spirit. Take their “Sleepify” album or example. If you weren’t aware, this is an “album” they made that was complete silence. An album that they released on Spotify with an ask/challenge to their fans- please play this on repeat every night while you sleep, and the region with the highest play count on Spotify would get a free concert. Not only did it net them an unheard of $20,000 in streaming royalties, but it’s cleverness got them tons of press as the band that trolled Spotify and made them change their policies. In this tune, they offer up the weirdest sing-a-long ever… oh, and then there’s bassist Joe Dart’s fingers…. LIGHTNING!!!

VULFPECK /// Dean Town (Live in Dublin)

Danny Carey / "Pneuma" by Tool (LIVE IN CONCERT)

Well, in a perfect world, I’d be gearing up to see my favorite band, as well as my favorite drummer tonight, as I had tickets to see the one and only Tool, featuring the one and only Danny Carey (Tool) on drums. For this Virtual Concert Series entry, enjoy a special moment “behind the curtain” with Danny Carey, as drum stick maker Vic Firth has compiled a video of him behind the kit, performing their track “Pneuma” from their new album, “Fear Innoculum”.

Is he man, or octopus?!?

Danny Carey / “Pneuma” by Tool (LIVE IN CONCERT)

Cascada de Flores' "Claveles"

As we do on Mondays, for this entry in our Local Band Spotlight/Virtual Concert Series, we have a great local flamenco jazz band- Cascada de Flores, performing their song, “Claveles”! Please check out this beautiful piece of music, and support local musicians!

Cascada de Flores’ “Claveles”

Rhiannon Fleetwood Mac Live 1976

Fleetwood Mac’s classic tale of “an old Welsh witch”, “Rhiannon” is in full force here in this clip from the legendary TV show, The Midnight Special. For this Virtual Concert Series clip, get into the mystic groove… Stevie practically levitates off the coolly designed stage at the song’s climax!

Rhiannon Fleetwood Mac Live 1976

Rage Against The Machine / Wake Up (live 1993/04/03 Chicago, IL) PRO SHOT

Our Virtual Concert Series offers the heavy today. A ferocious performance from the one and only RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE.

Rage Against The Machine / Wake Up (live 1993/04/03 Chicago, IL) PRO SHOT

 

Marvin Gaye / "What's Going On" / Motown 25 / 1983

On this Juneteenth, we’re offering this song of hope and change. Here, at this the 25th anniversary of Motown, Marvin gives a sermon as his intro to one of the most powerful songs of all time. “War is not the answer, only love can conquer hate”… 

Marvin Gaye / “What’s Going On” / Motown 25 / 1983

Warpaint / Disco/Very (Live on KEXP)

Warpaint is an all-female psyche rock group and for this clip in our Virtual Concert Series, they’re sliding a low tempo groover our way courtesy of KEXP. Dig…..

Warpaint / Disco/Very (Live on KEXP)

Bad Brains / Live at the CBGB's 1982 (Full Concert)

ENERGY! For today’s Virtual Concert Series, we have DC punk legends Bad Brains performing a live show in the early 80s… It’s a quick one, which I guess happens when your songs are less than 2 minutes on average!

Bad Brains / Live at the CBGB’s 1982 (Full Concert)

Matt Jaffe performs one of his songs

Matt Jaffe / "Chore" / Onstage with Jim + Tom / 3/5/19

It’s a Monday, so we’re adding to the Virtual Concert Series with a local band! This week, it’s friend of the Bear (and former student) Matt Jaffe! Here, Matt and the band take us through “Chore”, which was performed at the lovely Phoenix Theater in Petaluma. Please support local artists!

Matt Jaffe / “Chore” / Onstage with Jim + Tom / 3/5/19

 

The Eagles / Lyin' Eyes (Live 1977)

Here’s something pretty for your Sunday morning… The Eagles doing “Lyin’ Eyes” back in their heyday. The guitar touches, the vocal harmonies, the pure groove…. An amazing addition to the Virtual Concert Series.

The Eagles / Lyin’ Eyes (Live 1977)

Robin S., Crystal Waters + CeCe Peniston Perform Their Classics At Black Girls Rock 2019!

For this Saturday’s entry in the Virtual Concert Series, we have a special performance for the Black Girls Rock! benefit event on BET from 2019. Here we have DJ Cocoa Chanelle cutting and scratching to set up a trio of legendary house music vocalists in Crystal Waters, Robin S, and CeCe Peniston, for a medley of their house classics. Dance party in your living room- GO!

Robin S., Crystal Waters & CeCe Peniston Perform Their Classics At Black Girls Rock 2019!

The Flaming Lips "Race for the Prize" / Late Show #PlayAtHome

WOW… Have The Flaming Lips shown us the way to concerts in the Covid era, or just made a funny and touching Virtual Concert Series entry for the ages? Take care out there… 

The Flaming Lips “Race for the Prize” / Late Show #PlayAtHome

Perfume Genius / Full Performance (live on KEXP)

The Virtual Concert Series moves on with Perfume Genius! Mike Hadreas’ fearless lyrics go right along with the intensity of his music. The first song, “Queen” affirms his confidence- “No family is safe…. When I sashay!” Another truly unique musical voice from the LGBTQ community.

Perfume Genius / Full Performance (live on KEXP)

Courtney Barnett / Avant Gardener

For this entry in our Virtual Concert Series, we have a powerhouse of song-writing ability, Courtney Barnett. Her songs have an absolutely unique “voice” to them… Simple, relatable, whimsical and gorgeous. This is my favorite. Quite simply, the best song ever written, about having an asthma attack while gardening. Take a listen and have a fun time picking out your favorite lines… My current fave is…

“I get adrenaline, straight to the heart…. I feel like Uma Thurman, post overdose and kick start”

Courtney Barnett / Avant Gardener

Harry Belafonte + The Muppets / Day-O

For this Tuesday entry in our Virtual Concert Series, we have a special performance from Harry Belefonte and The Muppets! In this classic clip, they do the classic banana-themed calypso jam. Watch out for the deadly, black tarantula! 

Harry Belafonte + The Muppets / Day-O

Broun Fellinis at the Ivy ROom

Hi friends. This Monday’s clip is a complete show from Albany that falls into both our Local Band Spotlight, and our Virtual Concert Series. For this one, we’re showcasing local psyche-jazz-funk trio Broun Fellinis- one of the Bay Area’s most unique sounds. All three are masters at their instruments, and for one of my favorite examples of their abilities, check in at the 25-minute mark for the incredible “Sleight of Hand”.

Broun Fellinis at The Ivy Room Early Show

Jennifer Hudson / A Change is Gonna Come

POWER. Jennifer Hudson, and her amazing voice takes on Sam Cooke’s classic tune in this entry in our Virtual Concert Series. Listen and hope. 

Jennifer Hudson / A Change is Gonna Come

Nina Simone / Ain't Got No, I Got Life

For this Virtual Concert Series entry, I’ll let Nina Simone tell it. Take care friends.

Nina Simone / Ain’t Got No, I Got Life

Curtis Mayfield / If There's a Hell Below

Curtis Mayfield, and his killer band, absolutely rock this moment in our Virtual Concert Series with his classic, “If There’s a Hell Below…”. Sing it Curtis!!!

Curtis Mayfield / If There’s a Hell Below

Public Enemy Live 1988

For this Virtual Concert Series entry, we have Public Enemy. ‘Nuff said. You know what time it is….

Public Enemy Live 1988

 

Fear / Beef Baloney + New Yorks Alright

YES! For this Virtual Concert Series clip, we’re getting dirty. This legendary performance was quite controversial. John Belushi, a huge punk rock fan, convinced Lorne Michaels to have masters of chaos, FEAR on SNL as the musical guest. Needless to say, it did not go well, and FEAR was banned from the studios forever. It’s mostly because they brought in a motley crew of punks to attend the taping which resulted in some destruction of property. This is easily one of the greatest performances in TV history…notice the cameo from Minor Threat/Fugazi’s Ian Mackaye doing a stage dive after yelling, “NEW YORK SUCKS!” Oh boy…

“1, 2, 3, 4… 1, 2, 3, 4!!!!” 

Fear / Beef Baloney + New Yorks Alright

Sonamo / Versace On the Floor Covid Jam

Hi friends! As we enter another week in our Virtual Concert Series, we wanted to offer up a new idea- supporting local bands! So for Mondays, we’re going to start introducing you to local artists, and to kick it off we have Sonamo’! Featuring friend of The Bear, Trent Berry on guitar, in this clip, they “rock out from home” on this Bruno Mars tune…. Please check them out and support local music!

Sonamo / Versace On the Floor Covid Jam

Ween / Springtheme

Awwwwwlllllriiiight… Let’s take it down to the brown… With WEEN! In this Virtual Concert Series clip, the lovable weirdos from New Hope, Pennsylvania offer up “Springtheme”- a dubby, psychedelic slow groover that’s just right for your morning pork-roll, egg and cheese. 

Ween / Springtheme

Billy Joel / Travelin Prayer

Let’s get the blood pumping this morning, shall we? For this Virtual Concert Series entry, a little known Billy Joel tune called “Travellin’ Prayer” bursts to life in all it’s bluegrass, pop glory! Another clip from the amazing show, Midnight Special is your Saturday morning kickstart!

Billy Joel / Travelin Prayer

Soulwax / Is it Always Binary

Happy Friday! Well we have a beast for you today… Soulwax and their triple drum kit mayhem in “Is it Always Binary?” is a FORCE…. The lights, the synths, THE DRUMS! Take a look… This is special.

Soulwax / Is it Always Binary

Mamas & Papas / California Dreaming

Feelin’ California? This oughta do it… The Mama’s and The Papa’s classic still moves. The harmonies and lush feeling of this Cali tune are keeping the vibes alive.

Mamas & Papas / California Dreaming

 

Smashing Pumpkins / Geek USA

For this entry in our Virtual Concert Series, The Smashing Pumpkins destroy Munich! In 1993, when “alternative” was the term, and we were well into that new version of heavy music, Smashing Pumpkins was cutting their own path away from the flannel-themed scene of the Pacific Northwest. Decidedly more psychedelic, but just as ferocious, Billy, Jimmy, James and D’Arcy show their teeth with this live version of “Geek USA”.

Smashing Pumpkins / Geek USA

Prince, Tom Petty, Steve Winwood, Jeff Lynne / While My Guitar Gently Weeps

I hope you had a nice, socially distanced holiday weekend… We’re jumping back into the Virtual Concert Series with a whupper… Taken from the tribute to George Harrison, this all-star jam on his classic Beatles tune, “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” is one of the internet’s best, mostly due to the wailing wonder of Prince’s closing guitar solo. Bonus points for the bombastic, no-look guitar throw to end it with confidence. Dang Prince…. Just,… dang.

Prince, Tom Petty, Steve Winwood, Jeff Lynne / While My Guitar Gently Weeps

 

Lorde / Team

It’s Monday! And for our Virtual Concert Series, we have the Letterman debut of LORDE. Here’s she performs “Team”, one of the many classic greats that filled up her debut album, which brought her weirdo pop badassery into the world (and made her David Bowie’s favorite new artist). She’s just reported to have a new album about to drop, and if it’s any where near as awesome as her last two, we’re in for a treat. Dig it!

Lorde / Team

Fugees / Fu-Gee-La

Today we hip hop with the Fugees in our Virtual Concert Series. Lauren Hill, Pras, and Wyclef rock the mics with the band on Jools Holland’s cool program of live performances. “OOOhh-LAAaaa-LAAAAAaaaaa!”

Fugees / Fu-Gee-La

 

Ladysmith Black Mambazo / Iningi Liyabon Ububende

For this clip in our Virtual Concert Series, we take a musical trip to Africa with Ladysmith Black Mombazo. Dig the variety of voices and sounds… So cool!

Ladysmith Black Mambazo / Iningi Liyabon Ububende

Jools Holland + Muse / Feeling Good

Happy Friday! For this entry in our Virtual Concert Series, we have MUSE, offering a killer take on Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good”. Joined on piano by Jools Holland himself (so Matt Bellamy can wail through the megaphone), this is a blistering cover.

Jools Holland + Muse / Feeling Good

Sia + Beck / You're the One that I Want (from Grease)

Ok, so while this performance in our Virtual Concert Series, doesn’t actually have video, it’s truly too great to not include. I really wish you could see this as not only is it Beck and a very young Sia performing a country-ballad version of the Olivia Newton John & John Travolta classic from Grease, but Beck’s backing band for this tour was none other than The Flaming Lips!!! Truly one of my favorite covers… Ugh…. It ACHES…. 

Sia + Beck / You’re the One that I Want (from Grease)

U2 / Bad

U2 makes an appearance in our Virtual Concert Series with this stunning version of “Bad”. Taken from Rattle and Hum, this is my favorite version of this great tune…. The cinematography is pretty cool too.

U2 / Bad

Primus / Tommy the Cat + Sgt. Baker

We’re backing the Bay for this entry in the Blue Bear Virtual Concert Series, with a wild performance filmed at KZSU in Stanford, with none other than Primus! Way back in the early days…. three absolute KILLER musicians. Let’s get weird with “Tommy the Cat”!

Primus / Tommy the Cat + Sgt. Baker

Caribou / Twins + Bees

And now for something that straddles the live band and electronic music worlds… Caribou! If you’re not familiar, and love gorgeous melodious, groovy bass lines, and a double drummer assault to close a song, then you’re in luck!  Take a trip for this special Friday post in our Virtual Concert Series!

Caribou / Twins + Bees

Cocteau Twins / Pearly Dewdrops' Drops

Here’s a gorgeous live performance for you rainy-day. For this entry in our Virtual Concert Series, Cocteau Twins bring their unique ethereal sounds in “Pearly Dewdrops’ Drops”. Who needs the sun when Elizabeth Frazier’s voice IS the rainy mist…

Cocteau Twins / Pearly Dewdrops’ Drops

Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert

The Blue Bear Virtual Concert Series keeps crushing with this newly released, legendary show, the all-star tribute to Freddie Mercury! There are many great performances here, but if I had to recommend a favorite, it would easily be something most wouldn’t expect from me- George Michael. His absolute destruction of “Somebody to Love” is only made better when he doesn’t sing and instead lets the enraptured crowd sing that special break right back to him… Even Brian May cracked a smile… And if you want a bonus round, a little digging with find the rehearsal of it, where you can see David Bowie and Annie Lennox side stage, smiling, and clapping, and dancing along. It’s a damn cute moment.  Enjoy!

Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert

Stevie Wonder 1974 concert on German TV

It was Stevie Wonder’s birthday yesterday! So this entry in the Virtual Concert series is a 30 minute set of classic 70s Stevie! It’s all glorious, but for my fave, pop in at the 20 minute mark for the 3-peat closer of “He’s Misstra Know-it-all”, “Living for the City”, and “Superstition”. Still my hero… A once in a lifetime spirit! 

Stevie Wonder 1974 concert on German TV

Mark Ronson + More / I Sat by the Ocean by Queens of the Stone Age

Ok, gonna keep this Triple J, live cover session thing going… For this Virtual Concert Series entry, we have a super group of Mark Ronson, Kevin Parker of Tame Impala, Andrew Wyatt from Miike Snow, and Kirin J. Callinan doing “I Sat By the Ocean” by Queens of the Stone Age. It’s a BEAST… A great cover is like the son you never knew you had, bringing you the keys to your neighbors caddy…

Mark Ronson + More / I Sat by the Ocean by Queens of the Stone Age

Tame Impala / Prototype by Outkast

Tame Impala is one of rock’s “new” shining stars, but in this clip for our Virtual Concert Series, they offer a diversion… For “Like a Version” (Triple J radio- one of Australian radio’s best), they pull out a simplistic take on Outkast’s classic “Prototype”, complete with the drummer plinking out the beat while the rest of the band plays the vibe and Pond’s lead singer, Nick Allbrook (formerly of Tame Impala) add his quirky rap… Seriously… This is “Ice Cold!” 

Tame Impala / Prototype by Outkast

David Bowie + Klaus Nomi / Man Who Sold the World

Another week begins and to go along with the surreal nature of our world at this point, this entry in the Virtual Concert Series focuses on beings from another world- David Bowie and Klaus Nomi. This live audio performance from Saturday Night Live is spliced with other footage as well, I suppose to throw off the hounds, since the original full video (which is AMAZING) is no longer found on the web. That said, it’s still a bizarro ride, so please enjoy, “The Man Who Sold the World”.

David Bowie + Klaus Nomi / Man Who Sold the World

PJ Harvey / I Think I'm A Mother + Is This Desire

We’ve got a special one today for the Virtual Concert Series, and with that we say “Happy Mother’s Day”! and offer up a mutha of a tune by the one and only Polly Jean Harvey. In her sultry blues groover, “I Think I’m a Mother”, she flips the script with a song about a different kind of baby she’s tasked to take care of… Salute to the mom’s and the women in our lives who mother us unconditionally… 

PJ Harvey / I Think I’m A Mother + Is This Desire

James Brown / Brother Rapp

“THE BROTHER’S GOT THA RAPP!” Indeed he does! In this clip for our Virtual Concert Series, the Godfather of Funk AND Soul, James Brown, kicks off his gig at L’Olympia in Paris, with two drummers, and Bootsy Collins, and a whole mess of horns, for a storming version of “Brother Rapp”! Waaaaaay better than the studio version, this one kicks and punches with speed right out the gate and the audience responds in kind (plus, the band is wearing Karate gi’s!)… HAAAIIII!!!!! James, “Take me to the pot… ’cause my body’s gettin’ HOT!” 

James Brown / Brother Rapp

 

Thom Yorke & Johnny Greenwood / Follow Me Around

Well, we made it through another week, and Blue Bear’s Virtual Concert Series continues with a truly special entry. Here we have Johnny and Thom of the one and only Radiohead, performing my favorite Radiohead song, “Follow Me Around”. The song, long heralded by fans as one of their best songs, which sadly has never come out in a studio version. Prior to this, it’s been played only a handful of times, and usually just by Thom solo on acoustic guitar. For this special benefit performance in Italy in 2017, Johnny and Thom played a bunch of songs from their catalog but all in a stripped down format, which featured a Roland CR-78 drum machine as the only accompaniment. So please enjoy a rare version of a rare song… Happy Friday! 

Thom Yorke & Johnny Greenwood / Follow Me Around

Life Leone / Drag Car Sessions

For this entry in Blue Bear’s Virtual Concert Series, I’m offering an relative unknown band for your ears. Life Leone was a band from the California lo desert area, which spawned groups like Kyuss and Queens of the Stone Age, and in this clip, they take a ride in the Drag Cab and play stripped down versions of their tunes with a bit of an interview. My absolute favorite tune of theirs, “Is This Love?”, is the first one (coming in just before the 6 minute mark).. It reminds me of Queens and The Strokes. A great tune. Enjoy!

Life Leone / Drag Car Sessions

Lianne La Havas / Weird Fishes

In today’s mid-week, hump day entry in our Virtual Concert Series, we have British chanteuse Lianne La Havas offering a lovely version of Radiohead’s classic “Weird Fishes” at Glastonbury. Interestingly, she half-times the groove, giving it a jazzy vibe… but it still finds a way to rock us. 

Slow jam the grooves with us!

Lianne La Havas / Weird Fishes

CAN / Spoon

CAN was an influential, experimental band from Germany, that in many ways, set the tone for what was to become electronic music (the hypnotic rhythms in this are reminiscent of what we would eventually hear in Techno and Drum ‘n Bass music). In this Virtual Concert Series, we depart from the mainstream, but want to show that sometimes the oddities and hidden gems in music lead to the greater good…. CAN is a known influence for bands like Radiohead, The Verve, LCD SoundSystem and countless electronic acts and jam bands.

CAN / Spoon

Beastie Boys / Sabotage

Another week, another bunch of great performances in our Virtual Concert Series! For this one, we have the Beastie Boys, absolutely smashing it on David Letterman with their classic, “Sabotage”! Get ready tooooo….. KIIIICK IIIIT!!!!

Beastie Boys / Sabotage

Todrick Hall, Troye SIvan, Cyndi Lauper + More! / Stonewall Gives Back

For this entry into Blue Bear’s Virtual Concert Series, we celebrate the LGBTQ community with a benefit show that spans a variety of artists and presenters… My personal fave is Cyndi Lauper’s stripped down performance of her rainbow classic, “True Colors”, which closes out the show. It’s a beautiful song and this version is even more special. 

Todrick Hall, Troye SIvan, Cyndi Lauper + More! / Stonewall Gives Back

IDLES / Danny Nedelko

OI! We’re cracking into this weekend with a Virtual Concert Series entry from one of the best “punk” bands of the right NOW, IDLES! Here the english band destroys Glastonbury with a song about the positives of immigration. It’s an emotional one as Joe (their singer) weeps at the beauty of the moment, and is comforted by a kiss from his wife, who’s carrying their newborn child. The lyrics are beautiful, too…. 

“My blood brother is an immigrant
A beautiful immigrant
My blood brother’s Freddie Mercury
A Nigerian mother of three
He’s made of bones, he’s made of blood
He’s made of flesh, he’s made of love
He’s made of you, he’s made of me
Unity!”

IDLES / Danny Nedelko

Sinead O'Connor / Last Day of Our Acquaintance

The Virtual Concert Series continues on with a powerhouse of a voice, Sinead O’Connor, who offers us a gorgeous take on one of her best songs, “The Last Day of Our Acquaintance”. The words are blistering and ferocious, and her and the band take it up a notch… You think it’s over and then…. BOOM! Not so fun fact, the drummer is John Reynolds, father of Sinead’s son Jake, and her ex husband. Yup, this song is about him… Ouch!

 

Sinead O’Connor / Last Day of Our Acquaintance

INXS / Don't Change

This Virtual Concert Series entry bring us back to the festival, the US Festival in fact, with a great performance by INXS. Booming synths and melodies bring us back to the 80s…. So good!

INXS / Don’t Change

Alicia Keyes / Fallin'

WOW! Hump day sounds GORGEOUS thanks to Alicia Keys and her AMAZING backing singers… This addition to the Blue Bear Virtual Concert Series will give lovers of swooning, R&B vocals the glassy eyes… 

Alicia Keyes / Fallin’

Thom Yorke / After Gold Rush

For today’s installment of our Virtual Concert Series, we have Thom Yorke of Radiohead performing at what I believe to be the Bay Area’s greatest musical event, Neil and Peggie Young’s Bridge School Benefit. Of course, seeing as we’re a music school, we’re drawn to music as healing and concerts for kids, but this particular performance was really special…. Thom covers Neil Young’s “After the Goldrush” on Neil Young’s piano, and the result is a truly beautiful experience. The delicacy of Thom’s voice and playing on such a great song, and in front of the kids, was one of the most legendary moments in the history of a legendary benefit concert.

Thom Yorke / After Gold Rush

Pink Floyd / Echoes

We’re kicking this week in the Virtual Concert Series off PROPER! With this clip, we have the one and only PINK FLOYD, as they perform the epic “Echoes”… All 10 minutes worth. At the historic amphitheater in Pompeii. This one is a BEAST of BADASSERY…. (bonus points if you can spot Nick Mason’s stick toss and catch with a crash on the downbeat)…

Pink Floyd / Echoes

Grace Jones / Slave to the Rhythm

Happy Sunday! The one and only GRACE JONES is the subject of the last of the weekend’s festival theme in Blue Bear’s Virtual Concert Series… Marvel at the spectacle… this woman is 64 years old…. with the voice… the energy… the HULA HOOP! As they say on the internet, “YAAAS QUEEEEEN”!!!

Grace Jones / Slave to the Rhythm

Jeff Buckly / What Will You Say

Since sadly, we’re missing out on our festival circuit this summer, we’re keeping on with the festival clips in our Virtual Concert Series over this sunny weekend. Here’s one of my absolute favorite performances… EVER! It’s from 1995, when the late, great Jeff Buckley took the stage at Glastonbury, arguably the mother of all festivals. He performs a rare, “unreleased” tune called “What Will You Say”, a message to his estranged father Tim Buckley (who also passed away suddenly). If you want an arm-hair-raising, bring-a-tear-to-your-eye moment of rock and roll grandeur, follow along until the 6 minute, 45 second mark and hear the culmination of emotion, by one of the greatest singing voices the world has ever known.

Ugh… EEEET KEEEELS MEEEEE…… 

Jeff Buckley / What Will You Say 

Prince / Creep by Radiohead

Since this week marked the 4 year anniversary of Prince’s death, we’re gonna close out the week of the Virtual Concert Series with what I believe to easily be one of the greatest performances EVER… When Prince died, it rocked the music world in the worst of ways. I was at this show (this is Cole), and it was easily the greatest 8 minutes in the history of Coachella up to that point (I used to go religiously, from the first year up until they decided to fight scalping by adding another weekend for scalpers to scalp on). A legendary cover… so good, that LCD Soundsystem had it played in its entirety on the main stage system and screen as their first song of their headlining set, in tribute, as it was just a few days after he died. And yes, apparently Radiohead loved it as well. REST IN PURPLE, PRINCE… 

Prince / Creep by Radiohead

Mac Miller / NPR Tiny Desk Concert

Blue Bear’s Virtual Concert Series rolls into newer territory with a true talent from the world of hip hop. Sadly, Mac Miller left us a couple years ago, but just prior, he joined the Tiny Desk crew for this intimate, 3 song showcase of his oddball cool… Jazz, funk, psychedelia, and rap come together like a slo-mo collision (fair warning though, he uses a few “bad” words here and there). He’s joined by bass virtuoso Thundercat for the 2nd song, “What’s the Use?”, but first we get the weird drawwwwwwlll of “Small World”. Check the lyrics… Dude was the real deal. RIP Mac. You were one of a kind. 

Mac Miller / NPR Tiny Desk Concert

 

Father John Misty / The Suburbs by Arcade Fire

For today’s entry, we showcase the brilliance of two of the best artists to come round since the turn of the century. Josh Tillman, aka Father John Misty lends his voice to cover Arcade Fire’s tale of the Suburbs, and he makes it even more poignant, and showcases the heartbreakingly beautiful words that make this such a great song. A sample…

“So can you understand?
Why I want a daughter while I’m still young.
I want to hold her hand…
And show her some beauty before all this damage is done.
But if it’s too much to ask, if it’s too much to ask…
Then send me a son”

Father John Misty / The Suburbs by Arcade Fire

Jim Croce / You Don't Mess Around with Jim

For this entry into Blue Bear’s Virtual Concert Series we give you Jim Croce! One of America’s great song writers jams this cool tune that brings funk and blues to the country. It’s about being careful who ya mess with… so if ya didn’t know….

“You don’t tug on Superman’s cape
You don’t spit into the wind
You don’t pull the mask off the old Lone Ranger,
and you don’t mess around with Jim”… (or Slim)

Jim Croce / You Don’t Mess Around with Jim

Happy Mondays / Wrote For Luck

Happy Monday(s)! The Blue Bear Virtual Concert Series kicks off this week from the 90s in MAD-CHESTER! Happy Mondays and the scene surrounding them has been credited with the beginnings of the rave scene in the UK… By the looks of the party onstage, we can see why.

Happy Mondays / Wrote For Luck

Arcade Fire / Neon Bible

For this Sunday’s entry in our Virtual Concert Series, we have something truly special. La Blogothèque, a french video series that captures bands in unique environments, got Arcade Fire to cram into a freight elevator and perform a truly one-of-a-kind intro song on the way up to the stage for their gig. Never has ripping the pages of a magazine sounded so good… Enjoy “Neon Bible” by the great Arcade Fire.

Arcade Fire / Neon Bible

Queens of the Stone Age / Misfit Love

AWWWWWWLLLLLLLL-RIIIGHT! It’s FRIDAY, and for the entry into the weekend, we’re turning it up to eleven! For this example of the Blue Bear Virtual Concert Series, Josh Homme and the Queens of the Stone Age bring the boogie and the woogie, with the fuzz boxes ON! Get up and dance for their appearance on Henry Rollins’ short-lived, but great show as they bounce through one of my favorite QOTSA tracks, “Misfit Love”!

QotSA / Misfit Love

Depeche Mode / Personal Jesus

Blue Bear’s Virtual Concert Series returns with a jam from the 1990. Depeche Mode stop by David Letterman to perform their smashingly cool dance-rock-twang hit, “Personal Jesus”. BOOOOM!

Depeche Mode / Personal Jesus

Alabama Shakes / Hold On

Ok guys… We’re almost there… Hump Day is upon us and to help us “Hold On” till the weekend, this installment of Blue Bear’s Virtual Concert Series is brought to you by Alabama Shakes. Brittany Howard’s amazing vocal performance here shows the power of restraint… until it doesn’t. A powerhouse of hope, for a time when we need it… 

Alabama Shakes / Hold On

Grimes / Genesis / Live on KEXP

For today’s installment of Blue Bear’s Virtual Concert Series we visit KEXP in Seattle, whose “Live @ KEXP” series has captured some incredible performances. In this one, underground, electro-pop princess shows us that she doesn’t need a table or stands, and cozies up on the floor with a synth, a drum machine, 2 mics, a looper, various effects, and her inimitable cool. Enjoy “Genesis” by GRIMES.

Grimes / Genesis

Keith Moon's Drum Set Explosion! / My Generation

Another week begins, and Blue Bear’s Virtual Concert Series continues with a BANG! For this one we revisit The Who’s classic, ear-and-drum shattering performance on the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. The intro is a bit tense as Keith clearly didn’t think Tom’s comments about his drumming were funny. He got the last laugh though….

Keith Moon’s Drum Set Explosion!

Linda Ronstadt / Blue Bayou

Howdy and happy Easter! For this installment of Blue Bear’s Virtual Concert Series, we offer a lovely performance for the kids. Make your morning a little bit sweeter, by checking out Linda Ronstadt’s legendary appearance on the Muppet Show. After watching this, I can say that more bands need an all-frog chorus of backing “ribbit”-ers… 

Linda Ronstadt / Blue Bayou

Sasquatch Music Festival 2009 / Guy Starts Dance Party

As you may have noticed, yesterday we started a new thingy- Blue Bear’s Virtual Concert Series! where every day, we showcase the artistry of live music and performance. Well, for this one, we wanted to show the other side of the coin- THE FANS! In a one-of-a-kind moment, an enthusiastic, shirtless concert goer inspires those around him to let loose, and lower their “cool guard”. The result is a testament to the spirit and feeling you can get from a live concert… On top of that, it’s set to the sounds of Santigold’s electro-funk anthem, “Unstoppable”… UNSTOPPABLE INDEED! 

Sasquatch Music Festival 2009

Bill Withers / Lean On Me / Live 1972

For our first entry, we have not one, but two talents that have recently left us physically, but not without providing us with some great examples of what music can do for the heart and soul. In this clip, Bill Withers performs his classic song of support, “Lean On Me”, which is introduced by Kenny Rogers (who joins him to close out the song’s chorus). A sentiment for the times….

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