Musical promises declared
Considering the astonishing number of cancellations, and to a lesser extent, postponements, for scheduled appearances here by visiting touring acts over the past year, looking ahead to any forthcoming show has turned into an ambitious and hopeful expectation. But if local promoters, and the acts themselves, stand by publicly announced commitments, several worthwhile contemporary acts will be passing through in coming weeks and, dare we say, months. There were rumors in the past about possible shows here by the intriguing neo-folk artist Beth Orton, but local organizers say the gifted English performer, who has just released a new album «Daybreaker,» her third, will play at the Gagarin Club in Athens on March 21. If so, Orton, who has, so far, forged a passionate and delightful blend of acoustic folk tradition with mild electronic beats, is worth noting, when, or if, her show takes place. The American experimental pop band Flaming Lips has been booked for the same venue a night later. Another tempting US act, the Bellrays, a soul-rock band widely regarded as a seminal prospect, has been booked for the Rodon Club in Athens on February 15.
