Local News Roundup: August 19

The Sheila Divine are back!! That’s right, one of Boston’s best bands of the late 90′s/early 2000′s, are back together with plans to record a new album. The group, who have reunited for one-off shows on several occasions over the past few years, will hit the studio later this fall to get started on the new material. The original 3-piece line up of Aaron Perrino, Jim Gilbert and Shawn Sears will team up again with producer Brian Charles, who previously worked with the band on their 1999 album New Parade. Through the website KickStarter, The Sheila Divine have turned to their fans to help finance the project. To date, more than 120 fans have answered the call and raised over $5,000. Each level of donation comes with special goodies, from free downloads of the new album, signed memorabilia, clothing, concert tickets, and studio visits. For $500, the band will record a cover of your choosing and give you the exclusive rights and ownership to it. A donation of $1,000 or more and the and the band will record an original song for you and give you exclusive ownership. For more information, go here.

Speaking of great Boston artists returning the spotlight, former Letters to Cleo frontwoman Kay Hanley was in town earlier this week to debut her new project, Palmdale. The Dorchester-born rocker has spent the past few years on the West Coast writing material for others (she also toured as Miley Cyrus’ back up singer). Palmdale, which is comprised of Hanley and Linus of Hollywood (best know for his work as a producer). Earlier this year, the duo released the five-song, download-only EP, Get Wasted. From what we hear, their show at TT’s on Monday was great and we have no doubts based on they have released thus far. Check out the brand new video for “Happiness Has A Half-Life” here.

Ryan Walsh of Hallelujah The Hills is asking for bands and musicians to send him recordings of songs without any vocals for an experiment in songwriting/overdubs. He’ll make up a melody, lyrics, and record vocals on top of the track. Submitters need to either own the copyright or have not copyrighted the song at all. A free downloadable album is the planned endgame. If you are interest, email MP3s to band@hallelujahthehills.com. You can also check out some of Walsh’s artwork for sale via Etsy.com.

All local bands should stop by the Middle East Downstairs on Monday, August 23 for the Rock Shop #6 “Less Rock More Talk” with special guests Dave Duncan (Boston Accents / WFNX), Anngelle Wood (Boston Emissions / WZLX), Carmelita (Bay State Rock / WAAF) and Tim Kelly (The Hidden Capital / WMBR). The free all-ages networking event starts at 7 p.m. and will focus on how bands can get their music on the city’s top local music radio programs.

The New England Americana Festival’s Summer Series will return to the Hard Rock Cafe on Thursday, August 26. Headlining the third and final installment will be the Dennis Brennan Band. Joining the veteran roots rockers will be a can’t miss lineup of Kingsley Flood, Trippy Lilly, Brown Bird, Highway Ghosts, The Rationales and John Colver. Eric Hoyer will host the show. Tickets are just $10.

Ryan Montbleau has been tapped to open for Rodrigo y Gabriela at the Opera House next Thursday, August 26. Tickets, which range in price from $37 to $42, are now on sale through Ticketmaster. Montbleau’s opening performance will be a solo acoustic set but the full band is eagerly gearing up for the release of their new album, Heavy on the Vine, due out September 21. It’s been a good year already for the group, who spent much of it both as opening act and backing band for Martin Sexton, including a round of dates with the Dave Matthews Band. Sexton, a Massachusetts resident, in turn produced Heavy on the Vine.

The Dead Kennedys have turned to a pair of Boston punk rock outfits to open their show at the Paradise Rock Club on October 14. The Welch Boys and Lenny Lashley’s “Gang of One” will represent Boston on the bill, which also includes Philly’s Dirty Tactics. Tickets are $16.50 though Live Nation. Meanwhile, you catch the Welch Boys over at Harpers Ferry tonight with Old Crow & The 45′s, 100th Monkey Effect and Matalon.

Boston-based ska veterans Big D & The Kids Table have revealed plans for a Halloween homecoming show. The band will play the Paradise Rock Club on Sunday, October 31. No support acts have been named but you can grab your tickets for $15 through Live Nation, beginning today at noon. the band, who are currently touring Europe, will release their next album, The Damned, The Dumb and the Delirious, later this fall.

And finally, if you’re looking to get the weekend started early then head over to Toad in Cambridge (Porter Square) and check out Three Day Threshold and Liz Morrison. As always, there is no cover at Toad but arrive early!