Game on! A lively preliminary round put the Rock And Roll Rumble back on the local music map after a pandemic-induced hiatus, and so now the “World Series of Boston Rock” semifinals rage on tonight and tomorrow (April 21 and 22) in Cambridge. The party shifts from The Middle East to sister venue Sonia, the former site of beloved rock club T.T. The Bear’s Place, and four emerging bands will duke it out, in a friendly way, on the elevated stage.
But first, a check of history! Tonight’s lineup features two bands that feature vocalist/keyboardist Jeff “Chip” Nicolai, and we have to check in with curator Anngelle Wood about the last time one person played two sets on any given Rumble night. And Nicolai will be doing it back to back to start the show, as tonight’s lineup features ambient pop-rock quintet and wild card entry Bird Language (9 p.m.); rock n’ brass brigade Ruin The Nite (9:45 p.m.); mod-pop trio The Chelsea Curve (10:30 p.m.); and eclectic rock uplifters Wildcat Slim (11:15 p.m., pictured).
Friday night lights just got brighter. Preview the bands below.
[Disclaimer: The author of this post has worked with some of the aforementioned bands and artists, as well as a wide spectrum of this year’s Rumble performers, and offers no additional editorial commentary other than our usual Vanyaland endorsement that everyone in this city should support Boston music in all its forms and features.]
Read More: Rock and Roll Rumble announces its Class of 2023
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Read More: Rock And Roll Rumble, Preliminary Night 1 in Cambridge
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ROCK AND ROLL RUMBLE, SEMIFINALS NIGHT 1 :: Friday, April 21 at Sonia, 10 Brookline St. in Cambridge, MA :: 8 p.m., 18-plus, $17 :: Event info :: Advance tickets
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