Columnist Spencer Patterson: Firstman takes his second shot at Vegas

Spencer Patterson

Friday, Dec. 5, 2003 | 8:24 a.m.

If anyone out there caught Jewel's show two weeks ago and plans to check out Willie Nelson tonight, you might note it's the same opening act both nights.

But don't worry, the Joe Firstman you'll hear this evening at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay will bear little resemblance to the Joe Firstman you heard on Nov. 22 at the Aladdin.

Oh, it's the same guy, a 23-year-old singer/songwriter from Charlotte, N.C., who followed his musical dreams to Los Angeles and released his debut album, "The War of Women," over the summer.

But tonight's set will be a rollicking, full-band affair, in stark contrast to the quiet, solo performance Firstman delivered in support of Jewel's own solo set. And those are just two faces of the man who has quickly learned how to adapt to his surroundings.

"It's good to offer the music from different perspectives," Firstman said in a phone interview while driving to his final show opening for Jewel in Long Beach, Calif., on Tuesday.

"With Willie, it's a lot more Americana style. We bust out the banjos and mandolins and brushes. With Jewel, I can do anything. I can stop in the middle of a song and tell a joke. And last summer with Sheryl Crow, it was full rock."

After his Aladdin stint, Firstman connected with new fans -- many of the female variety -- at a merchandise table in the foyer. He said he doesn't expect the same reaction from Nelson's supporters tonight.

"The Jewel kids really come out and mob me at the autograph table, which has been great," Firstman said. "With Willie, it's kind of an older crowd, but they're also great. They're still really digging the music and buying the records."

Firstman's association with tonight's headliner began when Nelson expressed interest in recording one of Firstman's songs -- titled "Tin Cans and Teardrops" -- for an upcoming project.

That song's co-writer just happened to be longtime Elton John collaborator Bernie Taupin, who took notice of Firstman's talent while attending his show.

"He's a fan of mine, and he's pretty much my hero," Firstman said of Taupin.

Willie Nelson, Bernie Taupin, Sheryl Crow and Jewel. Not bad musical company for someone just getting started in the industry.

"It's going all right," Firstman said modestly. "We've stayed on the road since about June, so that's good. We've got a little momentum going."

Quick hits

A look at a few of the shows scheduled to hit Southern Nevada in the next week:

Alterna-rockers the Foo Fighters hit House of Blues at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Tickets priced at $32.50 sold out weeks ago.

Fronted by former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl, the popular Seattle band has been a mainstay on the modern rock scene since 1995, releasing such hits as "Big Me," "Learn to Fly" and "All My Life." The Fighters released their first DVD, "Everywhere But Home," last month.

Southern boogie band Little Feat returns to town for two 10 p.m. shows Wednesday and Thursday at Harrah's Carnaval Court. Admission costs $5.

Twenty-four years after the death of leader Lowell George, Little Feat remains a well-traveled touring unit. The band has also been at work in the studio of late, releasing a new album ("Kickin' It at the Barn") and a new live disc ("Down Upon the Suwannee River").

Thursday night at 7:30, Orleans Arena hosts "Holiday Havoc '03," a four-band bill promoted by X-treme Radio (KXTE 107.5-FM). Along with headliner Jane's Addiction, the show will feature Static X, Smile Empty Soul and Yellowcard. Tickets are $25 to $35.

After a 13-year recording hiatus break, the Perry Farrell-fronted Jane's Addiction reconvened in the studio last year. The result was July's "Strays," the band's first disc of entirely new material since 1990's classic "Ritual de lo Habitual."

On sale

John Mayer lands at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on Feb. 20 with Maroon 5. Tickets are $35.50 and $45.50 and go on sale Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Mandalay Bay box office, at TicketMaster outlets, by phone at 474-4000 or at www.ticketmaster.com.

Erykah Badu plays the House of Blues on Feb. 14 with Floetry. Tickets are $37, $47 and $60 and go on sale Saturday at 10 a.m. at the House of Blues box office, by phone at 632-7600 or at www.hob.com.

Jonny Lang stops at the House of Blues on Jan. 22. Tickets are $35, $40 and $45 and go on sale Saturday at 10 a.m. through the House of Blues box office and TicketMaster.

The Bangles perform at the House of Blues on Jan. 2. Tickets are $25, $30 and $35 and are on sale now.