September Featured Artists

The Acoustic Storm kicks off September with a tribute to the heroes and victims of 9/11, featuring extended music theme sets in the second half of each hour. We'll hear Springsteen & the E Street Band from "The Rising," Bruce's musical response to the tragic events of that day, along with John Lennon's original demo for "Imagine," and "Blowin' in the Wind" from Bob Dylan.

Plus, the Police go into the Eye of The Storm with acoustic versions from Sting, including a live performance of "Don't Stand So Close to Me," recorded the evening of 9/11/01.

Here's the entire September schedule for the Eye of The Acoustic Storm:

Acoustic Storm #515: POLICE/STING (9/6-7)
Show #516: DOORS (9/13-14)
Show #517: BILLY JOEL (9/20-21)
Show #518: WHO (9/27-28)

Summer Storm

August has arrived, bringing with it the dog days of summer, but also the latest list of artists in the Eye of The Acoustic Storm...stay cool!

#510 (8/2-8/3) Simon & Garfunkel
#511 (8/9-8/10) Double Feature: Jimi Hendrix / Janis Joplin (Woodstock theme)
#512 (8/16-8/17) Lindsey Buckingham & Fleetwood Mac
#513 (8/23-8/24) Allman Brothers
#514 (8/30-8/31) Moody Blues (Labor Day weekend)

All-American Acoustic Storm

With the 4th of July this week, The Acoustic Storm will celebrate the holiday weekend with All-American acoustic rock. You'll hear U.S. artists like the Eagles, Tom Petty, Doors, Dylan, Stevie Nicks, John Mellencamp, the Allman Brothers and many more.

The American theme will kick off with Bruce Springsteen's acoustic demo for "Born in the USA," and continues with Don McLean's "American Pie" and "America" from Simon & Garfunkel. Plus, we'll spotlight one of Michigan's favorite sons, as Bob Seger goes into the Eye of The Storm.

Have a safe and happy holiday weekend, and celebrate with us on the All-American Acoustic Storm!

Upcoming Artists in the Eye of The Storm

The Beatles will kick off the Summer of '08 on The Acoustic Storm, as we'll take a closer listen to two of their most brilliant albums, "Rubber Soul" and "Revolver" June 21-22.

Within the span of just eight months, The Fab Four expanded their creative vision with the release of two records that incorporated everything from folk-rock to orchestral arrangements, to Indian music. We'll hear acoustic demos for "Norwegian Wood" and "Got to Get You into My Life," as well as the studio versions of "Eleanor Rigby" and "In My Life."

A couple of weeks later, we'll celebrate the Fourth of July Weekend with our annual All-American Acoustic Storm, featuring Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band in the Eye of The Storm.

Here's the schedule of featured artists on The Acoustic Storm through July...

#504 (6/21-22): Beatles "Rubber Soul" & "Revolver"
#505 (6/28-29): Jethro Tull
#506 (7/5-7/6): Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band
#507 (7/12-13): Donovan
#508 (7/19-20): Rolling Stones
#509 (7/26-27): Traveling Wilburys

The Acoustic Storm 500

May is here and that means the 500th Acoustic Storm is right around the corner. Not that it was a race to get there, but the landmark program just happens to arrive on the same date as the Indianapolis 500, on May 25.

On the 500th show, Bruce Springsteen goes into the Eye of The Storm, and we'll remember E Street Band keyboardist Danny Federici with an acoustic version of "Thunder Road" from the legendary 1975 Hammersmith Odeon concert in London. You'll also hear an acoustic demo of "Born in the U.S.A." from Springsteen's home-recording sessions for the "Nebraska" album, a live take on "Born to Run" and something from the latest album, "Magic."

Since The A.S. 500 falls on Memorial Day weekend, we'll play some songs for the occasion, including David Bowie's unplugged performance of "Heroes" and a beautiful rendition of "My County 'Tis of Thee" from David Crosby and Graham Nash, featuring guitar from the late Michael Hedges.

The annual Mother's Day Acoustic Storm is coming up this weekend (5/10-5/11). Jefferson Airplane-Starship's extended music family will go into the Eye of The Storm, with a taste of Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Cassidy's Hot Tuna. Plus, we've got music from moms like Joni Mitchell, Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders, and Nancy Wilson of Heart. The theme of maternal acoustic-rock will continue with a trio of tunes from The Beatles, along with Pink Floyd's "Mother," and Randy Newman's original recording of "Mama Told Me Not to Come."

On a personal note, the 5/11 Acoustic Storm is dedicated to Lynne T. Parets. My mother passed away last year and May 11th is her birthday. A lot of my musical inspiration comes from Mom as well as my maternal grandparents. Nana was an accomplished concert pianist and violinist, while Papa was a gifted opera singer.

By the way, if you have any suggestions for the Mother's Day Acoustic Storm or the Father's Day show coming up 6/14-6/15, feel free to drop me a line at jp@acousticstorm.com .

Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers get the Storm profile treatment 5/17-5/18, as they're scheduled to return to the road May 30 (Steve Winwood is the opening act for several dates). Petty has also been busy reviving his old band Mudcrutch with an album and tour.

Here's the upcoming line-up for The Acoustic Storm:

5/10-5/11: Jefferson Airplane/Starship music family (Mother's Day show)
5/17-5/18: Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
5/24-5/25: Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band (Acoustic Storm 500th show)
5/31-6/1: Steely Dan
6/7-6/8: Neil Young
6/14-6/15: Eric Clapton - including bands he helped father (Father's Day show)

Thanks for your support in making 500 Acoustic Storms possible!

You can view archived listener posts at The Acoutic Storm Forum .

Earth Day Acoustic Storm

This weekend, the Storm will revolve around the Earth with an environment of acoustic-rock, including "eco-tracks" from Paul McCartney ("Mother Nature's Son), Neil Young ("After the Goldrush"), Joni Mitchell ("Big Yellow Taxi") and even Marvin Gaye ("Mercy Mercy Me, The Ecology"). Of course, there will also be some sub-themes, like songs about the rain and songs about the wind. So help us think about Ma Nature this weekend on the Earth Day edition of The Acoustic Storm.

The Storm Springs Forward

The vernal equinox has arrived...basically spring has sprung. So we'll celebrate with some springtime acoustic rock on the 3/29-3/30 Acoustic Storm, including a song to start baseball season and some cameo (audio) appearances from MLB'ers past and present. Since it's almost April Fool's Day, "The Joker" goes into the Eye of The Acoustic Storm with Steve Miller in words and music.

As long as we're looking ahead, here are some other upcoming artists in the Eye of The Storm:

4/5-4/6: John Fogerty & CCR
4/12-4/13: Billy Joel
4/19-4/20: Bob Dylan (Earth Day theme)
4/26-4/27: Stephen Stills & CSN