Ryan Adams
Dec. 2 at the Academy of Music
Back in the ’90s, Ryan Adams fronted Whiskeytown, an influential roots-rock band whose drunken on-stage volatility occasionally left trashed instruments in its wake. These days, Adams is happily married to former teen pop sensation Mandy Moore and performing solo at respectable venues like the Academy of Music. One of the finest singer/songwriters of his generation, the 37-year-old Grammy nominee is nothing if not prolific, and his latest release—the quietly majestic, fitfully reflective Ashes & Fire—may be his best work yet.
Visit kimmelcenter.org. —Hobart Rowland
Continued on page 2 …
Breffo Spiderpodium and SpiderpodiumTablet
Wrapping the flexible fingers of this “multipurpose gadget grip” around your iPhone might remind you of playing with one of those bendable Gumby figures as a kid. Once your device is in its clutches, you can easily attach it to a bike or your car’s dashboard. The tablet version works great as a stand for viewing movies on your iPad—or hang it from the back of a car seat for the kids to enjoy on long trips. $19.99 (Spiderpodium) and $34.99 (SpiderpodiumTablet). Available at breffo.com. —H.R.
Continued on page 3 …
All About Bullies … Big and Small
Various Artists (Cool Beans Music and East Coast Recording Company)
Led by Grammy nominee Steve Pullara, this kids’ CD packs a positive punch through poetry and song. Little listeners learn about diversity, courage, teamwork and bullies of all types from the Hooters’ Eric Bazilian, WMGK’s Debbi Calton, Steven Van Zandt of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, and more. Profits go to the PACER Center’s Kids Against Bullying program. Visit allaboutbulliesbigandsmall.com. —Shannon Hallamyer
