No, it's not an exhibit at a dinosaur museum, it's Nazareth live!
Used to be in the Baltics about the only Western musical acts they could get over were total has-beens from the 1970s and 80s.
Well, after going all out last weekend with a ton of top-notch musical options, this weekend is much more low-key with the biggest name being ancient Scottish hard rockers Nazareth. Their album Hair of the Dog released in 1975 was far and away their biggest success with the cheesy ballad “Love Hurts” and the title track, commonly misnamed due to the chorus lyrics. If it’s one of your favorite albums, you’ll have a good time — otherwise don’t bother.
Besides that there’s a couple acts that already played in the Baltic blues festivals this summer and some sacred, jazz and chamber music. Like I said, low-key. I recommend enjoying the fleeting summer weather, which will soon disappear for eight months of clouds and cold. You’ve been warned.
LITHUANIA
Aug. 20, 8 p.m.
Big Daddy Wilson
Ramybė, Palanga
North Carolina bluesman Big Daddy Wilson returns to Lithuania this Friday. Wilson was raised in a dirt-poor rural village but now lives in northern Germany and has found success with his authentic Southern blues sound. Tickets: 43-73 litai (€12-€21)
Aug. 24, 7 p.m.
Nazareth
Memelio City, Klaipeda
The band with that “now you’re messing with a son of a bitch” song is in Klaipėda at the new Memelio City club. Local stars Rebel Heart will open, with their anthemic hard rock complimenting Nazareth nicely. Tickets: 53 litai (€15)
Aug. 25, 7 p.m.
Lance Lopez
History Museum Courtyard, Kaunas
Texas bluesman Lance Lopez, a talented axeslinger, is back in Lithuania after playing some blues festivals in the Baltics earlier this year. Tickets: 33-83 litai (€10-€24)
LATVIA
Aug. 19-Sept. 4
Sacred Music Festival
Various locations
The Latvian State Choir perform the world-famous Sofia Gubaidulina’s “St. John’s Passion” and with Liepāja Symphonic Orchestra do Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Requiem” at shows around Latvia. Check the website for more information.
http://www.bilesuparadize.lv/events/custompage/27
Aug. 24-25
EMO Ensemble
Various locations
Far-out Finnish chamber music ensemble will do two shows in Latvia, one in Riga’s epic St. Peter’s Church on Tuesday at 7 p.m. and the other in Jūrmala’s Dubulti Lutheran Church on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Free admission.
Aug. 25, 8 p.m.
Percussion Stars
Spīķeri Concert Hall, Riga
Local percussionists bang on not just drums but also marimba and other percussion instruments while attempting to make the white man dance. Going down at Spīķeri Concert Hall in Riga’s hippest area, the Warehouse District. Tickets: 5-7 lats (€7-€10)
http://spikeri.lv/pasaakums/sitaminstrumentu-zvaigznes
ESTONIA
Aug. 20, 6 p.m.
Saare Jazz Festival
Pidula Forelli Puhkeküla, Saaremaa
Top local jazz and vocal acts like Dave Benson and Hedvig Hanson do another set this summer on the island of Saaremaa on Friday. Tickets: 100-250 krooni (€6.5-€16)
www.saarepuhkus.ee/pidula-forelli-urituste-kalender/valgus-pimeduses/
Aug. 20-21
Francis Goya
Various locations, Toila
After playing in Riga last week, the Belgian classical guitar prodigy is playing four shows in Toila, providing the perfect music (che passion!) for a hot date. Tickets vary by show.
www.piletilevi.ee/eng/tickets/muusika/muu/?show=17083
Until Aug. 28
Chamber Music Festival
Various locations, Tallinn
Tallinn’s Chamber Music Festival kicks off on Tuesday and goes until the end of the month featuring several regional pianists and choirs. Tickets vary by show.
