With TV series’ starting back up, May boasting a series of solid album releases, and the sun staying out a bit later, this week’s late night TV guests are a hopeful sign of some good things to come next month.
Top Music Picks
Tuesday, April 29 – David Byrne on Fallon
It’s hard to find any musician who shares a similar artistic vision with David Byrne. The former Talking Heads frontman has taken on a number of projects in recent years, including the continuation of his collaboration with Brian Eno, writing a book, releasing an album with the electrifying St. Vincent, and more. He’s one of the greatest performers ever, and shouldn’t be missed.
Wednesday, April 30 – Benjamin Booker on Letterman
New Orleans newcomer could be the next artist to incite a classic Letterman freakout. The young blues guitarist brings fresh energy to a bunch of old boy genres, tying in almost a garage rock aesthetic. Booker will perform at this year’s Newport Folk Festival and will come through Boston with Courtney Barnett in June.
Wednesday, April 30 – Parquet Courts on Seth Meyers
New York punks Parquet Courts nailed it on their 2012 label debut “Light Up Gold,” and have since released a rather tasty EP as well. I’m not sure if Seth Meyers permits stage diving, but if he did, this would be a good opportunity for it.
Thursday, May 1 – Kelis on Conan
It’s been a while since “Milkshake” dominated the radio waves and led to some rather suspect parody videos. A decade later, Kelis is no longer married to Nas, but is still putting out new music, and will appear on Conan to perform something from her latest album, “Food.”
Friday, May 2 – The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger on Letterman
They may have a somewhat unrecognizable, pretty weird name, but The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger is the project of Sean Lennon and girlfriend Charlotte Kemp Muhl. The two have a new album, “Midnight Sun” out on April 29.
Top Guest Picks
Monday, April 28 – Daniel Radcliffe on Seth Meyers
Harry Potter, that is all.
Monday, April 28 – Chelsea Handler on Conan
Chelsea Handler has had her own late night show on E! for about seven years anow, becoming one of the most successful women in late night TV history. Now she has announced that she hopes to leave E! when her contract is up at the end of the year and hopes to maybe do a project with Netflix. Handler will stop by for a chat with fellow cable late nighter Conan.
Wednesday, April 30 – Audra McDonald on “The Colbert Report”
Stage acting isn’t exactly on everyone’s radars these days, but one actress, Audra McDonald could be the first performer to take home a TONY Award in all four female acting categories. That is, if she takes home the trophy for best lead actress in a play, which she is nominated for her role as Billie Holliday in “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill.”
Thursday, May 1 – Louis CK and Amy Sedaris on Letterman
Two of the funniest people on the planet stop by Letterman on the same night. Louis CK’s show starts back up again on May 5, and Sedaris will be in Boston at The Wilbur Theatre next Friday, May 9 as part of the Women in Comedy Festival.
Thursday, May 1 – Saul Williams on “The Colbert Report”
Just as poetry month comes to an end, slam poet Saul Williams stops by The Colbert Report to show that, perhaps poetry is still significant enough to stay strong after its one designated month.
