WIN TICKETS: Third Eye Blind

Congrats to our final ticket winners, Pamela H. and Orlando G.!

Alternative rockers from the ‘90s, Third Eye Blind, will be performing an acoustic set as part of Hot KISS 106.3’s Listener Lounge series on Sunday at Metropolis in McAllen. Opening for the band are local act Ram Danesse and Austin indie-rock darling Whitman.

Third Eye Blind won fans the world over with its infectious alternative rock-pop song, “Semi-Charmed Life.” The casual listener probably didn’t realize that the lyrics were blatantly describing the ups and downs of methamphetamine use. But the profanity-laced upbeat hit avoided scrutiny and peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. That was 12 years ago.

Now the rock trio are touring in support of the release of Ursa Major, the band’s fourth full-length album, which debuted at number three on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart.

It’s been six years since Third Eye Blind has been on anyone’s radar for new music, but the band has actually been working on new material since 2006, said Brad Hargreaves, the band’s drummer, in an e-mail interview with Festiva.

“The basic outlines of (Third Eye Blind) songs happen very fast, it’s the minutia that takes a while,” Hargreaves said.

Fans of Third Eye Blind can expect each band member to give it their all when on stage.

“Musically, we’re doing the same thing we have always tried to do; throw down the gauntlet and try to create that two hours of true community with the audience where we can all escape the private lives we lead, if only for a little while,” Hargreaves said.

When the tour ends, they’ll be heading back into the studio this winter to record the follow-up, Ursa Minor, which should be ready for a spring release, said Hargreaves.

Third Eye Blind
WITH: Whitman, Ram Danesse
WHEN: 7 p.m., Sunday
WHERE: Metropolis, 2021 Orchid Ave., McAllen
TICKETS: Win them exclusively from Festiva (see top) or listen to Hot KISS 106.3FM

THE OPENING ACTS

Whitman
Austin-based rock group Whitman is one of two bands set to warm up the crowd. Here are Whitman’s top five reasons you need to go see them while they’re here.

5. Once upon a time in the mid-nineties, Third Eye Blind was the opening band.

4. Whitman’s energetic 45-minute set is a lot better than Sunday night mass.

3. We car-pooled 300 miles in 3 separate vehicles to open for Third Eye Blind. If somebody in attendance would be so kind to bring us some pan dulce for the long trip back, we’d really appreciate it.

2. Whitman loves the Rio Grande Valley. Come early and you’ll find out why.

1. Third Eye Blind? We thought we were opening for Matchbox 20. :)

Ram Danesse
Rio Grande Valley acoustic blues/rock artist Ram Danesse and his band are back with a new look and a more refined sound. Here’s why he says you should get to the Third Eye Blind show early to watch him.

5. MY NEW LOOK Got rid of the beanie and shaved my head. I actually pass for 21 now.

4. MY NEW MUSIC Locked myself and my band in a room for two months straight and wrote 11 new songs. The result: way too many bromance experiences and a new album.

3. MY NEW TOUR We are scheduled to go on a Texas/Louisiana Best Buy tour mid-January 2010 to promote our new album.

2. MY REPUTATION We’ve performed with many national acts including Dolores O’ Riordan of the Cranberries, Alter Bridge, Saving Abel, and Augustana. Our music has also been on rotation on the Valley’s own Hot Kiss 106.3.

1. MY NEW ALBUM Our new album Learning to Love will be available on Dec. 1 through Best Buy, local record stores, and online. An official CD release show is to be announced.