By JESSICA A. BOTELHO

Former Styx member and songwriter Dennis DeYoung looked into his “Crystal Ball” and said he predicts his Nov. 18 show at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center in New Bedford will not disappoint even the band’s biggest fans. He plans on playing classics like “Come Sail Away,” “Babe,” and “Lady” as well as “Renegade” and “Too Much Time on My Hands,” two songs he didn’t sing on with Styx.

“We’re going to be doing all the songs the fans want to hear and give them something that’s just short of a reunion, which they’ve been clamoring for the last 10 years,” he said. “In the years that I was on the road, I was only doing the songs that I sang so we’re weeding out some of those. If you miss this show you’re missing out.”

With Styx, which had five top-ten albums in the 1970s and early 1980s, DeYoung wrote songs that serve as the soundtrack for a generation of people. Today, many of his hits continue to be played on the radio.

“I had no idea it was going to happen,” said DeYoung. “During the time, you don’t think your records will still be enjoyed 30 or 40 years later. When you’re doing it, you’re just trying to get to the next record or the next tour.”

Nevertheless, DeYoung is grateful. He feels humbled that he has been able to perform for the last four decades.

“When I started out there weren’t any rock stars in the world that were 64-years-old,” he said. “Audiences my age love nostalgia and they want to remember being 18. They’re the ones that allow us the privilege of playing these shows and it has been the greatest joy.”

While many bands are playing some of their classic albums in their entirety from start to finish, DeYoung doesn’t think it’s the best idea. He said he hasn’t considered it because he doesn’t believe his fans would enjoy it.

“If I were to do that, a lot of songs would be left out that people really want to hear,” said DeYoung. “I have to be pragmatic and perform the songs people love.”

With the addition of bassist Craig Carter and guitarist August Zadra to his band in 2010, DeYoung said he is able to recreate the sound of Styx, as both musicians are also vocalists. This, he said, was intentional.

“I purposely put this together to make that sound,” said DeYoung. “Together, we form a harmony that is unmistakably like the harmonies you heard on those records. You could put three great singers in a room and they still won’t sound like that.”

After a friend suggested Carter to DeYoung, Carter sent DeYoung a demo, which impressed him. It wasn’t long before the bassist was enlisted.

DeYoung then recruited Zadra after his son Matthew woke him up at 12:30 a.m. one morning and told him to check out a YouTube video he discovered online of Zadra singing “Blue Collar Man” in a Styx tribute band called Mother of Pearl. He said he knew he found the missing ingredient.

“The video was six years old and I didn’t know that but when I saw it I said, ‘Wow,’” DeYoung said. “The rest, as they say, is history.”

But it can’t be forgotten that DeYoung not only brings his vocals to the mix, he also contributes his keyboard skills. His main influences are John Lord of Deep Purple, Keith Emerson of Emerson, Lake and Palmer, plus Jimmy Smith, who DeYoung described as the Jimi Hendrix of organ playing.

“I took accordion lessons for eight years before switching to organ so the way I play is like accordion playing,” he said. “I think that’s what makes it unique.”

Another aspect that puts him in a distinctive category is the fact that he’s a successful musician who has been married for 41 years. His wife Suzanne joins him on tour.

However, she doesn’t hang out in the audience or backstage. Instead, she gets up there with him and sings.

“A lot of people wonder why Paul McCartney had Linda on the stage. Do you want to know the answer to that?” said DeYoung. “He needed her there because being on the road is like being in the Twilight Zone. You’re here, there and everyone.”

DeYoung said they’ve been able to sustain their relationship by staying committed to one another. He referenced a quote made by George Harrison’s wife Olivia in Martin Scorsese’s “Living in the Material World,” an HBO documentary about the former Beatle, to illustrate his point.

“When she was asked what kept them together she said, ‘We didn’t get divorced,’” DeYoung said. “When she said that I thought, ‘there has never been a better answer to that question.’ I don’t think there’s any magic. There’s no potion. It’s easy to give up and I guess there are plenty of good reasons to get divorced but there are also many stupid reasons.”

Prior to becoming a professional musician, DeYoung was a music teacher at an elementary school in Chicago. At the time, he and Suzanne had one child. Now, the couple have two children, Carrie Ann, 40, and Matthew, 31, who joined them on the road in their youth. Like Suzanne, Matthew still takes part in the fun, as he operates the lighting for his father’s shows.

“I’m happy that he chose a position that allows him to be creative and make sure the lights are on his old man,” he said.

At the moment, DeYoung plans to put out a DVD/CD of the acoustic show he performs with his band. He also continues to write music.

“I just wrote a couple songs that I think are pretty good,” he said. “I wrote them with a couple artists in mind and I think it’d be great if there was someone who could give them to the right audience.”

By JESSICA A. BOTELHO

FALL RIVER – Using classical music as his main vehicle, Carl Palmer, former drummer of progressive rock band Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP), is performing instrumental rearrangements of classic ELP songs as part of a power trio for his most recent solo tour called “Pictures at an Exhibition.” On Oct. 22, he will be playing the 22-minute song of the same name, plus unique adaptations by classical composers, at the Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River.

“We have quite a comprehensive set list and will play for an hour and fifty minutes,” said Palmer. “We are doing a classic piece called, ‘Welcome Back, My Friends, to the Show That Never Ends,’ and ‘Tarkus.’”

They will also perform “Fanfare for the Common Man,” by American composer Aaron Copland, as well as “Nut Rocker,” a song by the instrumental ensemble B. Bumble and the Stingers, which was inspired by “March of the Wooden Soldiers,” from Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet, The Nutcracker, and covered by ELP.

By exchanging the synthesizer for guitar, Palmer said he thinks the music “stands on its own,” making it difficult to compare to ELP. He also believes guitar is a much better fit for him and holds guitarists in high regards.

“I didn’t really want to work with keyboards again and I wanted it to be as original as I could make it,” he said. “At the end of the day, I think it works incredibly well. It’s all about getting the right players because techniques of the guitar have really advanced compared to keyboards. The technology of keyboards has advanced, but the players are the same as they’ve always been. Guitar players have just improved immensely. They are really the leaders in musical expression. You can have two guitar players, give them the same guitar and they will both sound completely different. If you do that with two keyboard players, they’ll sound the same. That’s just the way it is.”

Palmer said finding the right musicians to tour with is important. Guitarist Paul Bielatowicz and bassist Simon Fitzpatrick join him.

“Paul has been with me for seven years now and Simon has been around since June 2010,” he said. “In England, we have lots of academies and institutes, so if you’re looking for a particular style of player there are many places to find them. I’ve got quite a few friends at various colleges in England, and I called them up and asked them who they had for students that were graduating that would like to come out with me and my band. The standards are so high at the schools that I can usually narrow it down to find the musicians I need.”

Because he respects music as an art form, he agreed to be featured in “The Solo,” a 35-minute film that portrays the drum solo as a work of physical art. Acclaimed U.K. filmmaker Andrew Cross asked him to be part of the project last year.

During its run in U.K. art museums, it received rave reviews from art and film critics. It just made its U.S. premiere on Oct. 8 at Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum as part of their Legends Series programming.

“Cross is a fan of mine and approached me saying, ‘Would you like to make an art film of you playing the drums, doing things you wouldn’t normally do in a concert environment?’ and I said, ‘Yes, I’d like to look at that,’” Palmer said. “I have various solos that could be filmed and mean much more on film than at an actual concert just because of the content of the solo, so we got together and made the film. It went very well.”

Additionally, he recently launched a new iTunes mobile application, Play Carl Palmer’s Drums, which was developed by Dynamic Websites. Designed for iPods, iPads and iPhones, the application allows users to download Palmer’s drum kit so they can use their fingers to play along to music through their iTunes program. It includes rare Palmer archives and instant updates from his site.

The application was originally featured on his website nearly five years ago. After it was removed, fans let him know they wanted it back.

“We had people request it so this time we released it as something you can put right on your phone, rather than having to go to my site like you did years ago to play the drums,” he said.

To further please his fans, he holds a meet-and-greet session after each show to give them a chance to introduce themselves to him. He takes pleasure in meeting them for a handshake or autograph.

“Not only do I enjoy playing concerts, I like going out and saying hi to the people,” he said. “I think it’s a good thing to do. It’s a big movement because over the years VIP tickets, golden circle tickets and general meet-and-greets have gotten more and more popular. Of course, there’s a financial aspect to it because I usually sign autographs near the merchandise but people have an opportunity to get the added bonus of me being there to sign it for them. It’s a way for me to say thank you to them. If they don’t buy anything I still sign their stuff and take pictures with everyone.”

While he believes the demand for meet-and-greets are at a high, he doesn’t feel that the progressive rock movement that ELP was a huge part of in the ’70s will ever be as popular as it once was. He enjoys the English band Porcupine Tree and the first album by Mars Volta, but thinks the genre won’t make a comeback.

“The music will always be there, but I don’t think the popularity it had in the ’70s will return now,” he said. “But, there will always be the odd breakthrough band that will exist and carry on, that’s for sure.”

After he wraps up the tour at the end of the month, Palmer will head to England to start a 10-day tour. In early 2012, he hopes to make a new album with the band Asia that also features John Wetton, Geoff Downes and Steve Howe, and tour later in the year for the bands’ 30th anniversary.

“I’ve played in Asia for the last six years and we did roughly six or seven tours of North America in that time,” said Palmer. “I try to make sure I’m fit and healthy as an individual to make it as professional as we can. I prepare myself mentally and from a health point of view, as well. The art of playing encourages me because I want to go out and see if I can do it better. It’s a continuous circle and I have fun doing it. I love what I do. If you enjoy doing something, you’ll do it, but the fact that I enjoy it allows me to carry on doing it and have fun with it.”

The Narrows Center for the Arts is located at 16 Anawan Street in Fall River. Tickets are $48 advance and $53 day of show. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ncfta.org.

By JESSICA A. BOTELHO

When drummer Mike Portnoy made his departure from Dream Theater more than a year ago, many diehard fans of the progressive metal band thought it was a nightmare. But, with the addition of Mike Mangini on drums in April, plus last month’s release of their 11th studio recording, “A Dramatic Turn of Events,” fans seem to be resting well, as the album opened at No. 8 on the U.S. Billboard 200 charts.

After gigging throughout Europe this summer, the new lineup just began a North American tour. On Oct. 10, they will take the stage at the Orpheum Theater in Boston, Mangini’s hometown. Keyboardist Jordan Rudess, who joined the band in 1999, predicts an energetic performance.

“There will be a lot of people out there to see Mangini play so I think it’s going to be a really fun show,” Rudess said.  “It’s always great to play in Boston, especially since some of the guys went to the Berklee College of Music. We have a beautiful stage set up and new music so we’re really excited.”

Rudess said their rehearsal process was “intense,” but believes the band is as solid as always. He is pleased that fans have taken a liking to Mangini.

“They are responding to him in such a great way,” said Rudess. “He’s an awesome drummer and he’s really funny. We’re unified and working together so it’s been a good thing. What’s interesting is that at this point it feels good to know that we’ve survived that change really well. We’re feeling really strong.”

In fact, Rudess said the alteration allowed them to figure out what “makes them tick” musically. It gave them the opportunity to think about “who they are as a band” and motivated them to compose new material.

“There’s a lot of positivity and good music coming from it,” said Rudess. “We wanted to create a very melodic, harmonic, progressive album and withdraw from the angry-style metal that we did in some of the last albums. We had a vision of what we were aiming for and the reaction from fans has been awesome. We care what the fans think and we want them to be happy.”

Not only are the fans ecstatic, Rudess is thrilled the album is getting so much favorable attention. He feels “lucky” it’s a big hit.

“It’s awesome,” said Rudess. “You look at the numbers on the charts all around the world and it’s number one in many countries. We’re nothing like what’s happening in the pop music world and it’s really amazing to be able to get that kind of response from across the globe. The world generally doesn’t support musicians that aren’t doing the commercial thing. It’s an encouragement to keep on doing what we’re doing.”

In addition to their latest album earning top slots on the charts, their video for “On The Backs of Angels” is the number one most-streamed video on Yahoo! Music for the week of Oct. 1. Rudess said he doesn’t have a favorite of the nine tracks, rather, his preference changes depending upon his mood. Yet, he mentioned “Outcry,” and “Breaking All Illusions” as gems. The songs are the album’s lengthiest recordings with “Outcry” at 11-and-a-half minutes and “Breaking All Illusions” lasting a minute more.

But this should come to no surprise to fans, as the band is widely known for longer pieces of music, not to mention intricate time signatures.

“If the music is building and progressing and the ideas are flowing, the music turns into what some people would describe as epic songs,” said Rudess. “There are no time limits on our songs when we are writing. We have a lot of respect for compositional space, especially with this last album where we didn’t have a drummer in the room. We would work on something and then go from there.”

They began writing for “A Dramatic Turn of Events” in January at Cove City Sound Studios in New York. Despite rumors that Mangini’s drum parts were written for him, Rudess said that wasn’t the case. He was still able to incorporate a few ideas.

“We created something to fill in the space to be like a guide for us, but Mangini knew where the accents were and what we were thinking,” said Rudess. “He looked at what we came up with and added his own parts to make it work.”

Rudess, along with John Petrucci, Dream Theater’s guitarist, crafted a majority of the arrangements. They bounced ideas off one another, as vocalist James LaBrie and bassist John Myung collaborated.

“We were totally comfortable composing this album,” said Rudess. “We usually write our music together in the studio and it comes out of a few different methods. We’ll come up with something and all start playing it and say, ‘Wow. That sounds cool.’ Then, we’ll talk about the direction we are looking for with the song and just bang it out. A lot of it was John and I doing that type of process. We were going back and forth where he would play something and inspire me and then I would inspire him. A lot of times he’d say, ‘I have this cool, chunky riff. What kind of theme can you put with it? Do your Jordan thing.’ That’s how it happens.”

The album was produced by Petrucci and mixed and mastered by acclaimed studio engineer, Andy Wallace, who has worked with Paul McCartney, Prince, and Bruce Springsteen, to name just a few.

On October 18, Eagle Rock Entertainment will release “Live at Budokan,” the band’s first Blu-Ray release. Filmed at Tokyo’s Budokan Hall in April 2004 in support of their 2003 album, “Train Of Thought,” the 18-song concert is more than four hours of music, plus bonus features that include a documentary and solos from each member.

After they wrap up their North American tour at the end of the month, the band will visit South America, Oceania, Asia, and again head to Europe in 2012. Rudess said the band is optimistic about the future.

“We’re looking forward to continuing Dream Theater.”

By JESSICA A. BOTELHO

While the Boston-based rock band Extreme is in-between touring and recording, lead vocalist Gary Cherone has been busy with his latest venture Hurtsmile. The singer, who also fronted Van Halen for three years during the late 1990s, said he is pleased he finally has the opportunity to collaborate with his brother, Mark Cherone, the guitarist for his new band.

“The project actually started in 2007, just before Extreme reunited,” Gary said. “It was a long time coming. Mark and I always talked about it over the years but never wrote together. I’ve always been a fan of his guitar playing and when we found ourselves in the same area, we wrote some music. We didn’t know it would turn into a full band, so we made some of the music available on the Internet.”

The following year, Extreme released Saudades de Rock, their fifth studio album. They went on tour in 2009, so Hurtsmile was put on hold. But, after Extreme guitarist Nuno Bettencourt joined R&B recoding artist Rihanna on tour last year, Gary thought it was the perfect chance to pursue the project.

He and Mark recruited bassist Joe Pessia, an alumnus of Bettencourt’s band, DramaGods, as well as the guitarist for the Boston-based band, Tantric. Dana Spellman, who was once a student of Extreme’s former drummer and current Dream Theater drummer, Mike Mangini, handles drum duties.

“The time was right so Mark and I decided to pitch a record,” Gary said. “It was such an easy process. Mark and I came up with initial ideas for songs with lyrics and music and presented it to the band. Then, everyone threw in their two cents. I’m really inspired by the people I play and write with.”

The band’s self-titled debut album was recorded at Gary’s Massachusetts home and released shortly after in the United States on February 15th via the Italian-based Frontiers Record label. Pessia co-produced the album with Gary.

“He also engineered the whole thing,” Gary said of Pessia. “He has an objective opinion of the songs outside of what Mark and I think. And Spellman has an incredible memory. We can throw him three or four ideas and he remembers all the arrangements that we forget. He plays like a Manic and he’s always up for anything. You could say that about a lot of drummers but he brings a lot of passion to it. Recording with these guys was a lot of fun.”

Of the 12-tracks, Gary said “Stillborn,” “Just War Theory,” and “Love Thy Neighbor,” are among his favorites to sing at shows. He feels other songs are tougher to do live.

“I like the trilogy at the end of the album, ‘Slave’ and ‘Beyond The Garden/Kicking The Goads,’ but those are harder to perform,” he said. “It really depends on the environment you’re in.”

He said their brief tour of Japan earlier this summer helped them develop and fine-tune their music, as they performed eight shows in ten days for the tsunami and earthquake fund, Rock n’ Relief.

Additionally, Hurtsmile played a few gigs in the East Coast this summer and made a stop at Showcase Live in Foxboro, which is not too far from Gary’s hometown of Malden.

“It’s always good to play home,” Gary said. “They are always special shows.”

He said Boston gigs also tend to feel a bit nerve-wracking for him, as he lost his voice during a Van Halen show at what is now the Comcast Center in Mansfield in 1998. He sometimes feels unsettled prior to performing as a result.

“That show comes up in my mind every time I play in Boston,” he said. “The reason I lost my voice was because I didn’t have my game face on. I wasn’t prepared that night. The tour was successful and the fans were great but there were a few groups of loyal Sammy fans and Dave fans that sometimes got in my head when I was up there on stage.”

Nevertheless, he enjoyed his time with Van Halen and is proud of 3, the album he wrote and recorded with them. “Josephina” and “A Year to the Day” are two songs he enjoys most.

“Those three years with Van Halen were awesome,” Gary said. “They were great to work with. A lot of people think he has a crazy persona but Eddie Van Halen is very sweet and generous. He’s one of those guys who puts a guitar on and you can’t keep up with him because he’s a genius. The ideas just keep flowing out of him. Michael Anthony and Alex Van Halen were great to me, too. We had a lot of fun doing that record and being on the road.”

When asked what he thought about Mangini taking over on drums for Mike Portnoy in the progressive rock band    Dream Theater, Gary said Mangini is certainly capable. In fact, he described Mangini and Portnoy as two of the “best drummers on the planet.”

He also said Mangini is in a position he can parallel to his experience with Van Halen.

“I know what he’s getting into,” said Gary. “There are a lot of loyal fans that are going to hate him just for replacing Portnoy. But, it’s the perfect band for him because they are progressive and Mangini can bring some craziness to it. He’s one of a kind.”

Currently, Hurtsmile is working on new material. In 2012, Gary plans on picking up with the members of Extreme, including Bettencourt, bassist Pat Badger, and drummer Kevin Figueiredo. The band last performed in 2009 at the House of Blues in Boston.

“Right now, Nuno and I are writing material separately but we’ll get together when he finishes up with Rihanna and we’ll write for the next record,” he said. “We’re hoping to get music out before we tour but you’ll probably see us before you hear new material.”

Before the interview ended, Gary cleared up a humorous misunderstanding that was documented about his athletic aspirations. During a question and answer segment he had with a reporter when Extreme debuted, a reporter asked him what he wanted to do for a living when he was a child and he said he hoped to be a professional basketball player but a knee injury derailed his dreams. He didn’t think the reporter took him seriously.

“It was a joke but it’s been following me my whole career,” he said. “When you’re a kid, you want to be a sports hero but we both laughed during the interview because I’m not very tall.”

By JESSICA A. BOTELHO

Twelve-year-old Quinn Sullivan knows how to handle a guitar. That’s why blues legend Buddy Guy has appointed him to be the opening act for his current tour.

As a New Bedford native, Sullivan said he thinks their upcoming performance at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, August 24, will be special because he’ll be back in his hometown with his loved ones.

“My whole family is going to come out for the show and it will be a big celebration,” he said. “It’s going to be awesome.”

In fact, the two guitarists met at the historic theater five years ago when Sullivan was eight. He went to see Guy perform and they were introduced after the gig.

“It was so cool because I didn’t know I was going to meet him,” said Sullivan. “It was a wonderful experience. I had a guitar with me for him to sign and from there he said, ‘Be ready when I call you.’”

Shortly after, Guy contacted Sullivan and requested that he join him for a few shows. By the third performance, Guy asked him to appear on his Grammy-nominated album, “Skin Deep,” which was released in 2008.

“I played the solo played on, ‘Who’s Gonna’ Fill Those Shoes,’” Sullivan said.

To repay the favor, Guy performed on one of Sullivan’s songs, “Buddy’s Blues,” which is featured on his 12-track debut blues-rock album, “Cyclone.” It was released in early spring of this year and produced by Tom Hambridge in Nashville, Tennessee.

“The album is number seven on the blues tracks right now,” said Sullivan. “I’ve written songs with Hambridge and have been learning a lot from him. Recording was a really cool experience because he’s a great producer. He’s written for so many artists and is really a cool guy. Being in the studio was awesome.”

Another thing that Sullivan thinks is “awesome” is the fact that he finished sixth grade just a few months ago and is now on tour with Guy. This summer, he said he is enjoying the opportunity to travel the United States and visit venues he’s never been before.

In particular, Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado and Hollywood Bowl in California were the biggest highlights of his journey so far. He also liked a few clubs in Chicago.

“The best part is definitely playing at cool places with him,” Sullivan said. “I’ve been all over the country. It has been awesome to travel with a legend.”

During the last four years, Sullivan and Guy have played together more than 30 times. On this tour, he’ll open for Guy at about 20 concerts and will also play a handful of solo shows.

But, Guy isn’t the only well-known blues guitarist Sullivan has rubbed shoulders with. In February of 2009, he performed with B.B. King at the Beacon Theatre in New York City.

“It was incredible,” said Sullivan. “I’m going to be doing another show with B.B. King and Buddy in upstate New York soon.”

Someday, he hopes to expand his already incredible resume. He hopes to play a show with Eric Clapton.

“I’ve loved him since I was five or six,” said Sullivan. “I’ve always looked up to him as a guitar player, an artist, and a person, so that’s why I want to meet him. He’s just a cool musician.”

In addition to Guy, King, and Clapton, Sullivan has been heavily inspired by other blues and rock musicians such as the Allman Brothers Band, Derek Trucks, and Pink Floyd. The Beatles are among his favorites, too.

“They would have to be the band that I would say influenced me the most over the years,” he said. “I’ve listened to them since I was three. I was a Beatle fanatic and that’s all I listened to for five years. My mom and dad always had their music in the house and I loved them right from the start.”

Immersing himself in his parents’ music collection is what sparked his interest in guitar. He said the instrument, “just kind of stuck out over everything else.”

“My parents bought me one when I was three and I started playing around with it,” Sullivan said. “I began taking lessons when I was five. From then on, I kept at it.”

He can also play the drums, some keyboard, and a little bass. But, when he’s not busy being a young celebrity, as he has been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show; The Ellen DeGeneres Show; and Jimmy Kimmel Live, Sullivan said he likes hanging out with friends and playing tennis and basketball.

“And I love scary movies,” he said. “I like ‘The Exorcist,’ ‘Paranormal Activity,’ and ‘Halloween.’ But, I don’t think of myself as this big star. I just think of myself as a regular kid.”

Sullivan will continue to tour with Guy for the remainder of the summer, through the spring. In that time, he plans to finish up his second album.

“We already have some tracks written,” he said. “We’ll probably start that in December or January.”

Tickets for the show are on-sale now by phone (508-994-2900), online, or in person at the box office. The Zeiterion’s box office is located at 684 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA 02740. Box Office Hours: M-F 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and one hour before each performance. For more information, visit http://www.zeiterion.org.

By JESSICA A. BOTELHO

Sully Erna, lead singer of the Boston-based rock band Godsmack, is set to kick off a tour for his solo debut album, “Avalon,” with an eclectic ensemble of seven musicians who will help him share his new blend of seductive voodoo with fans. The show will hit the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center in New Bedford, Mass., on Saturday, May 21.

Erna said he is “super-stoked” for the tour, which will feature a massive drum explosion.

“Wait until you see this,” he said. “There’s this piece called ‘Cast Out,’ with a long chord that just rings out about halfway through it and everybody puts down their instruments and eight people go at it drumming at the same time. It’s sick. Some people are on hand drums, shakers, one guy is on a drum set. It’s like a ritual.”

He also said the performance will include “amazing” cinematic visuals and scenery. In that aspect, Erna hopes to emulate some of the bands he favored when growing up.

“Pink Floyd and Fleetwood Mac just took you into this zone and through this real musical journey through visuals,” he said. “We really want to pull people into the music here.”

The set list includes updated versions of Godsmack songs and will highlight Erna’s new material, as well, which consists of mystical world music with an alternative spin. He wrote a few tracks within the last few years but knew the style wasn’t quite right for Godsmack because it was too mellow and peaceful.

“It’s got a different vibe to it,” said Erna. “It’s very emotional. I love that I’m a part of this project that moves people on a musical level and isn’t so much about all the pyro and that kind of stuff. I put my heart and soul into it and it’s really meaningful to me. So far, people are embracing it the way I hoped they would and I hope they spread the word. I can’t wait to get out there and just enjoy playing and traveling again.”

Erna began the project with longtime friend Lisa Guyer, a blues singer with a four-octave range. She has opened for artists such as Pat Benatar and Ted Nugent, and recorded with guitarist Barry Goudreau of Ernie and the Automatics.

“I talked to (Guyer) first and said, ‘I think the dynamics of our voices work well together,’ and that was the nucleus of it,” said Erna. “From there, we met Niall Gregory, a percussionist from Ireland, and then it was us three.”

Shortly after, Guyer invited a few people to join the mix and Erna asked classically trained cellist Irina Chirkova of Bulgeria to become a member. It wasn’t long before the band completed their line-up, adding guitarist and vocalist Tim Theriault; keyboardist, vocalist and midi player Chris Decato; bassist and acoustic guitarist Chris Lester; and David Stefanelli on drums and percussion.

“Everything just kind of fell into place and little by little this thing became what it is,” Erna said. “I’m very grateful to have everybody. They are just phenomenal musicians from all over the world.”

All of them are multi-instrumentalists and are featured on his new album. He said they each bring their unique abilities to the group, ultimately creating a powerhouse of performers.

“They’ve all brought in their own influences and that’s why I think this whole thing became so special,” said Erna. “If we didn’t have a show prepared, which we do, it’s neat to see multiple people up on the stage play all these different instruments and jamming. It’s pretty cool to see everybody shifting around doing different things. I’m excited and everyone involved is excited because as a musician you want to play everything.”

In addition to being a vocalist, Erna is a guitarist, pianist, and drummer. He was three and half when he took his first drum lesson and started singing and playing guitar over the years. However, he recently developed a fond relationship with the piano. He believes is has a soothing, meditative affect.

“There’s just something calming about playing the piano,” Erna said. “Sometimes, it’s the first thing I do when I wake up in the morning. It grounds me and I feel very centered. I’ve definitely connected with the piano the last few years more than ever.”

He feels the piano is often under-appreciated at times and thinks of it as one of the most important instruments ever created.

“It has every note,” he said. “You don’t need a full band and you can really make it sound full with all the bass notes, lead notes, and harmonies. You can play by yourself and it can move you to tears at times if you play the right kind of melodies.”

Erna said those types of deep experiences also occur during live performances at small venues. Because stages and audiences are closer together, he is able to see just how much his music impacts his fans.

“I was doing an acoustic story tellers type of evening and I looked out at the crowd and see people in tears,” he said. “It made me think, ‘wow.’ When you’re writing a song, you’re not always thinking about how it’s going to affect someone. But when you bring it live and you see the emotion when you touch people through your own experiences, it’s the most rewarding part of playing in front of a live audience.”

But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t still love performing for arenas full of fans. Right after his brief solo tour, he will hit the road with Godsmack, Megadeth, and Disturbed for the Rockstar Mayhem Festival this summer.

“It’s great timing,” Erna said. “I think it will be a fun summer tour because we’ll be playing an hour of hits and then cooking on the grill by 9:30 and enjoying some drinks. I think it’s going to be more of a vacation than work. Godsmack are like my brothers and I need that side of me for balance, just like I need the more seductive side.”

By JESSICA A. BOTELHO

As a member of the progressive rock band YES for nearly 40 years, drummer Alan White said while he doesn’t think they have ever performed in New Bedford, they are eager to play at the Zeiterion Theatre on Tuesday, March 29, as part of their “Rite of Spring” tour. For the brief tour, they will be performing in smaller venues, as they want to share hits like, “Owner of a Lonely Heart,” and “Roundabout,” with audiences in intimate settings.

“I’m looking forward to playing there and seeing all the fans,” he said. “I don’t think we’re going to do any of the new music because the album isn’t finished, but we’ll be playing a mixture of songs that the band really loves to play and the fans love to hear, so hopefully everybody enjoys it.”

While the album is yet to be mixed and mastered, they wrapped up the recording process a few weeks ago. White said the sessions were “very good,” and anticipates it will hit stores by July. They were originally going to title it, “Weekend Fly,” but went with, “Fly From Here.”

“We always banter around with names,” White laughed. “It’s usually the last thing we decide on and it’s funny because one of the first things people ask you is, ‘what’s the name of the album?’”

In addition to being their first album in ten years, it’s also their debut recording with Oliver Wakeman on keys, as well as Benoit David, on vocals, who both joined in 2008 and have been performing with White, along with longtime members, bassist Chris Squire and guitarist Steve Howe, ever since.

White said the chemistry of the band is solid, as is the new music. Their friend, former band mate, YES collaborator, and celebrated rock producer, Trevor Horn, produced “Fly From Here,” and influenced a lot of their latest material.

“He is a great songwriter,” said White. “The writing process was pretty much driven by him, (Squire) and (Howe), with the other guys making contributions. We’ve been playing with each other for so many years and it’s really professional. We work together to achieve our goal.”

One of the main reasons White said he has stayed in the band so long is because he believes they know how to keep their sound fresh and exciting. After become a member in 1972, he enjoys being part of a band that “wants to create new music all the time.”

“It’s one of those groups that’s always looking for something new on the horizon,” he said. “With pretty much every album we make, there’s a movement forward from what the band sounds like. We’re always looking for different opportunities.”

Before he became a musician, White planned to study architecture at a technical college in England. However, playing in bands at gigs since he was 13 took up most of his time, as he was focused on improving his musical skills and building a reputation as a qualified drummer.

In 1969, when White was just 20, former Beatle John Lennon asked him to perform with the Plastic Ono Band. White agreed and the concert was recorded, becoming the successful album, “Live Peace in Toronto.” He also played on the “Imagine” album, and was featured on the single, “Instant Karma.”

“John actually took me under his wing,” White said. “He liked being around me and he liked the way I played. He used to tell me. ‘Alan, whatever you’re playing, just keep playing it because it sounds good.’”

Lennon introduced him to George Harrison, and White performed on Harrison’s “All Things Must Pass” album. He said working on the album was quite the experience.

“When I was recording with (Harrison), about 15 people came into the studio everyday and picked up instruments, and it was like a regular group with him as the leader,” he said. “It was a lot of fun. Playing with them was a stepping stone in my career.”

White said he is grateful he has gotten the chance to work with acclaimed musicians, including the members of YES. He’s pleased to be on the road with them again.

“I especially love playing with a group of talented musicians like this,” he said. “They make it interesting. I’ve been doing it for so long it’s part of my life. I wouldn’t know what to do if I wasn’t playing music on stage.”

The Zeiterion’s box office is located at 684 Purchase St., New Bedford. Tickets are priced at $65 and $49. Box Office Hours: Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and one hour before each performance. For more information, visit http://www.zeiterion.org.

By JESSICA A. BOTELHO

When Louis St. August, lead singer of the Boston-based hard rock band, MASS, found out they will be receiving the Legend Award at the 2011 Limelight Magazine Award ceremony at Club Hell in Providence, R.I., on March 12, he was, “blown away.”

“It’s such an honor and we’re really proud,” he said. “We’ve stayed true to ourselves and our style. We never strayed away from our type of music and people appreciate that. The e-mails, letters, and orders for our CDs and autographed pictures keep coming everyday.”

One of his most memorable moments in his music career was performing a sold out show at the L.A. Amphitheater, a 15,000-seat venue, the night after The Who played there. Growing up a huge Roger Daltrey fan, the evening was very special for St. August.

“The thing that really made me feel great was that the night before, Roger Daltrey was singing on the same stage I was on the night after,” he said. “We played with Hurricane and Stryper and we were the second act. I felt like I had the crowd in my hand. They were all singing along.”

While he’s been in the music business for 30 years, St. August said he still feels like he’s 18 years old, the age he was when MASS formed. As he was graduating high school and most of his friends were going off to college, he was busy signing a record contract.

In fact, there was a bidding war for MASS, as labels like Atlantic, RCA, and A&M, showed deep interest, and the band ended up chose to make a deal with A&M Records.

“I feel like I had already achieved my accomplishment,” he said. “It was something I wanted to do since I was 10 and I was so excited. I was always daydreaming about it and I always loved music. It was always in my blood.”

In order to work on what was to be their first album, they flew down to Florida and laid down tracks at Criteria Studios in Miami. While there, they got the chance to rub shoulders with several celebrity musicians.

“There were all these great artists walking around and they were so friendly and cool to us,” St. August said. “Julio Eglesis was recording an album with Diana Ross at Criteria Studios. They were in Studio A and we were in Studio B. Aerosmith were down there so were The Bus Boys and Stephen Stills. We got to learn so much.”

But, after they finished recording, friction began.  The management company they originally signed with wasn’t getting along with the record label and the band suffered the consequences.

“We were naïve and we signed our lives away,” said St. August. “The album was finished but the record label wasn’t going to put it out and it got shelved. After working on it for two and a half months, that was a big disappointment. We returned to Boston and hired a lawyer and it took us over two years to be free from the contract and the album just sat in limbo. We recorded a four-track, self-titled EP under our own label, MASS Records.”

But, in 2010, a year St. August said has been one of their most productive, MASS got the last laugh. Titling the album, “Fighter,” they released it through Retroactive Records.

“Now, I’m getting royalties for recordings I did almost 30 years ago,” St. August said.

Also in 2010, they re-issued their EP with a bonus track, this time calling it, “84 Unchained,” put out their hit album, “Sea of Black,” as well as recorded a few Christmas songs to benefit Toys For Tots to wrap up the year.

“2010 was great,” said St. August. “‘Sea of Black,” got the approval of longtime fans and new fans, and I’m really proud we released ‘A Very Merry X-MASS.’ A good friend of mine, Scottie Dunbar of Dunbar Entertainment, came to me with the idea to do it for Toys for Tots. We had another song, ‘Jingle Bell Rock,’ and I also did a ballad.”

In less than two weeks, “A Very Merry X-MASS,” sold 600 copies. They ran out and had to print more.

“Kim Sholtz, wife of Tom Sholtz, the guitarist from (the band) BOSTON, ordered 40 CDs,” he said. “She sent me an email saying she’s always been a fan.”

In addition to raising over $3,000 for Toys For Tots, the band bought, “tons of toys.”  Ironically, in the same week, someone had broken into the Toys For Tots in Burlington, Mass.

“It was all over the news and I was like, ‘is this a sign from somebody?” St. August said.  “We drove down there and handed them all the toys. It was a great feeling to do that. We were happy to give to the kids.”

Through the course of their career, MASS released their first major label debut in 1985 with RCA, “New Birth”, produced by Tony Platt, which spawned the 45 single, “Do You Love Me.” The song reached the Billboard’s charts and the video was in rotation on MTV.

“That was our breakthrough album,” he said. “That record sold really well, selling more than 100,000 when it was initially released.”

While they were recording “New Birth” in New York, they were involved in a food fight with another band at an upscale Chinese restaurant. Although they were all asked to leave, St. August said it was worth it.

“We just laughed it off,” he said. “Joe Turner, the singer from Rainbow, was there with Thomas Baker, a producer. Someone from their table threw a piece of bread at us and we ended up throwing a piece back and a food fight ensued. You can just picture the faces of the people in this beautiful restaurant and as food was flying over their heads.”

Shortly after “New Birth,” came out, they left RCA and signed with California label, Enigma. Though Enigma, they released, “Take You Home,” in 1988 and then, “Voices of the Night,” in 1989.

As the nineties grunge scene took over the radio, MASS took a break from recording and used the time to write songs and perform. They released a “Best Ones” CD in 2000 with For Reel Records. As the years went on, labels overseas became interested in hearing some of the songs they had been working on.

“I sent some demos to various companies overseas and three or four were interested in releasing new MASS material,” St. August said. “We signed with the second biggest European record company, Escape, and in 2007, we came out with, ‘Crack of Dawn.’”

As to the future, MASS is currently looking to record a new album that they hope to release in 2012. In the meantime, they will be opening for Stryper at Showcase Live in Foxboro, Mass., on Saturday, March 26.

By JESSICA A. BOTELHO

NEW BEDFORD – Aaron Lewis, lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the alternative rock band Staind, will be performing a live solo acoustic set this Sunday, Oct. 10, at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center in New Bedford. Born in Vermont, Lewis said he grew up in Massachusetts and is looking forward to coming to New Bedford for a show.

“I love the fact that I can come to New Bedford and fans can see me play,” he said. “It’s always nice to come home. I lived in Vermont until I was eight, in New Hampshire until I was 12, and then from there on, I lived in Massachusetts, so it’s always great to play in New England.”

In addition to being raised in New England, Lewis, who has been nominated for three Grammy’s in the past, said he grew up around music and was heavily inspired by his father.

“First and foremost, my dad is my biggest influence,” he said. “When I was growing up, he played out a couple nights a week as a solo artist in Vermont and had band practice at our house all the time.”

Lewis also cited James Taylor, Eddie Vedder (of Pearl Jam), The Doors, and Simon and Garfunkel as some of his favorite artists.

“I’ve always been influenced by people who say something in their songs instead of things that are nonsensical,” he said.

Like his father, Lewis began his music career as a one-man band. He said he was elated when the opportunity again presented itself to him about eight years ago.

“I was asked to play a few solo shows in casinos and I did,” Lewis said. “Since then, it has snowballed into three or four months worth of acoustic shows. It’s kind of coming around full-circle now.”

At upcoming gigs, he said his fans should expect to hear acoustic versions of Staind favorites, as well as some new material Lewis composed on his own.

“I’ll play a mix of songs I’ve written over the years that never got brought to the table,” he said. “I’ll also be playing some new songs I’ve written that will be part of what I will be releasing within the next few months as a solo project.”

Although Lewis said the album he is working on is yet to be titled, it is mostly recorded. He hopes to release it within the next few months.

“It’s been an ever-changing process in trying to get it out,” said Lewis. “It went from two songs, to four songs, and now I’m at six.”

He said one of the best things about writing and performing his own material is the change of pace they offer him.

“The cool thing about it is they are both a breath of fresh air from each other,” he said. “It’s nice to go out and play solo shows when I’m at the end of a tour with Staind because it’s completely opposite. It works out good.”

When he’s not busy being a rock star, Lewis is a very busy father of three daughters. In fact, he and his wife started, “It Takes A Community Foundation” to keep RH Conwell Elementary School in Worthington, Mass., the school their children attend, open.

“The school was closed on June 23^rd and we had to open it on September 1^st,” Lewis said. “All summer long, we refurnished the school, restocked it, re-staffed it, and re-wrote the curriculum. We did everything we needed to do to re-open the school. With the help of the entire community we live in, we did it.”

They also planned a benefit show to raise funds for the school in which Staind and members of 3 Doors Down and Seether performed.

“I try to do it as much as I can because I’ve been so lucky to do this in my lifetime,” Lewis said. “I’m going to the Middle East very shortly and I’m going to play a week’s worth of shows for the USO’s.”

He said he wants to go overseas and perform for soldiers who are stationed in the Persian Gulf because he respects them immensely for risking their lives for others every single day.

“What motivates them to do something like that for us?,” Lewis said. “I think my desire to go over there and play comes from the same place. I want to go over there and do for them what they do for me. It’s the only way I can show them undoubtedly how I feel.”

Lewis said he loves and values the United States of America and he truly appreciates the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration on Independence. As he has gotten married and has children, he has become increasingly interested in the government.

“I’ve never really been political, but I’m 38 years old with a wife and kids and all the bills that go along with it,” he said. “There are some really broken things in this country. I can’t keep my mouth shut anymore. My wife will be the first to say it, I know how to clear a room. It just bothers me so much.”

In order to relax, he said he relies on music and hobbies.

“I need this outlet in my life in order to be able to function as a human being,” he said. “I love old, vintage Gibson guitars. I could go on for days if we’re talking about guitars. I’m also big into hunting and fishing and I play golf.”

But, more than anything, having children makes him happy.

“The best thing about being a dad is everything,” Lewis said. “It gives me a reason to get up in the morning.”

As far as Staind is concerned, Lewis said being in a successful band also gives him a reason to smile.

“We’re just very blessed and lucky to have a very solid fan-base that has been on board with what we’ve had to offer,” Lewis said. “We’re going to start working on a new album in December.”

The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center’s box office is located at 684 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA 02740. Tickets are priced at $48.50, $45.50, $42, and $35. Box Office Hours: M-F 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and one hour before each performance. For more information, visit http://www.zeiterion.org.

By JESSICA A. BOTELHO

NEW BEDFORD – After performing to a sold out crowd at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center last year, singing sensation Cyndi Lauper is returning to New Bedford, Mass., on July 27th and will be playing songs from her new covers album, “Memphis Blues.” With over 25 years as a pop artist under her belt, Lauper said she yearned to branch out a bit and made a blues album.

 “I had wanted to do a blues record for eight years,” Lauper said. “I’m glad I waited. It would have been a good record years ago, but it would have been different. I’m grateful to be able to do it now.”

Lauper said she was fortunate to share vocals with blues legend B.B. King on “Early in the Morning,” while guitarist Johnny Lang appears on “How Blue Can You Get” and “Crossroads.” Soul singer and songwriter Ann Peebles also made a cameo on the track “Rollin’ and Tumblin.’”

 “Oh, my God, I sang on the same microphone as Ann Peebles,” Lauper laughed. “Do you know how awesome that was? I can’t even believe it.”

Another artist Lauper said made a big impact on “Memphis Blues” was the multi-talented musician Allen Toussaint.

 “When Allen Toussaint sat down and played, ‘Shattered Dreams,’ it was like Voo-Doo,” Lauper said. “When we were doing it, I really felt like I fell into a dream. It was a great experience. They are all incredible players and I was blessed. Charlie Musselwhite was great on the album and he actually plays with me live. He’s awesome.”

As eager as she was to do a blues recording, Lauper said she still had some reservations about how her fans would receive the music.

 “It was hard at first, but I decided to do it and it’s actually going over pretty good,” she said. “I kept going and I kept trying and I felt that I needed to experience this and this was the right time. I wanted to sing the blues to the people, but with humor.”

She said she believes the songs she selected to cover on the album all have just the right attitude she was searching for.

 “I wanted to sing music that was uplifting because the best parts of the blues are uplifting,” said Lauper. “That was really the motivation in choosing the material. These are all wonderful, old songs that really spoke to what is going on today. They relate to what’s going on now. That’s the timeless thing about the blues. These songs have courage and spit and vinegar because that’s how we get through.”

In addition to performing songs from her new album, Lauper said she plans on playing some of her old songs, too.

 “I wouldn’t not play ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’,” she laughed. “It would be rotten if I didn’t.”

Most recently, Lauper has joined forces with another female artist that just wants to “have fun.” Lauper and Lady Gaga have been appointed as spokespeople for the 2010 MAC Viva Glam Campaign in order to raise money for AIDS research and treatment. The campaign also seeks to educate woman about HIV/AIDS around the world.

 “I wanted to be a Viva Glam Girl since the first time it came out,” Lauper said. “They told me I’d be doing it with Lady Gaga. I met her once and I thought, ‘well, she’s great. I love her work.’ I think she’s a great performance artist.”

Lauper said one of the main reasons she and Gaga were chosen for the campaign is because AIDS is an epidemic in women of their age brackets. The highest new rates of infection are in women between the ages of 17 and 24, and between 39 and 60.

 “When I did the Viva Glam Campaign, I learned a lot about AIDS,” Lauper said. “AIDS has no discrimination. AIDS is the leading killer of African American women in our country. 100 percent of the proceeds (of the campaign) goes to fight AIDS. Spend $14 and give a tube of lipstick to your kid sister and tell her to protect herself.”

Another organization Lauper is affiliated with is the “Give a Damn Campaign,” a movement she designed in order to support the gay community.

 “I did, ‘Celebrity Apprentice,’ to raise awareness on the civil rights problem in our country in the LGBT community,” she said. “The money I raised from there I used to start, ‘giveadamn.org.’ It’s been extraordinary to be a part of.”

Lauper originally began her unofficial work as an advocate for civil rights in 1986, when she wrote and recorded the song, “True Colors,” in honor of her homosexual sister. Lauper also said her family has encouraged her music through the years, especially her husband and her son.

“I think getting married and having a child made my music deeper and better,” she said. “I was proud to join the ranks of the many women who came before me who were mothers and artists.”

As a female musician, she said the release of her hit song, “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” was a milestone and a huge success for both her career and for women everywhere.

“I only hoped it would do what it does now and it did,” she said. “It’s better to spend your life energy working on projects that are bigger than yourself.”

One project Lauper recently worked on was with Mattel. The toy company made a line of Barbie Dolls called “Ladies from the 80s” and they released a Cyndi Laiper doll.

“Who do you think they worked with on the outfits?” Lauper laughed. “I wanted the outfits to look like the cover of the single sleeve. I couldn’t get the earrings, though.”

As flattering as having a doll made after her is, Lauper said the most memorable moments for her life over the years have been hearing other performers cover her music.

“I really loved it when Miles Davis covered ‘Time After Time’ or when Patti La Belle sang it right in my face,” Lauper joked. “I thought to myself, ‘it don’t get any better than that.’ But, it does. Everyday, I pinch myself.”