September 4 welcomes Weird Al Yankovic followed Ben Harper & Innocent Criminals on September 6.

American singer, songwriter, parodist, record producer, satirist, actor, music video director, film producer and author Weird Al Yankovic is known for his humorous songs that make light of popular culture and often parody specific songs by contemporary musical acts, original songs that are style pastiches of the work of other acts and polka medleys of several popular songs featuring his favored instrument, the accordion.

Since his first-aired comedy song in 1976, he has sold more than 12 million albums (as of 2007), recorded more than 150 parody and original songs and performed more than 1,000 live shows. His works have earned him four Grammy Awards and a further 11 nominations, four gold records, and six platinum records in the United States.

Hi most current album, Mandatory Fun, won a Grammy in the category of Best Comedy Album.  The album features parodies of some of the biggest hits of the past year, including Pharrell Williams’ Happy (Tacky), Robin Thicke’s Blurred Lines (Word Crimes), Lorde’s Royals (Foil), Iggy Azalea’s Fancy (Handy) and Imagine Dragons’ Radioactive (Inactive).

Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals are reuniting for their first tour in seven years. “The Innocent Criminals are a family,” Harper said of the band’s return to touring. We’ve remained very close over the years and it seemed like we couldn’t wait another minute. We’ve all come full circle in our own ways and it is time we pick up where we left off. It’s creatively time for us to do this.”

The Innocent Criminals consists of percussionist Leon Mobley, bassist Juan Nelson, drummer Oliver Charles, keyboardist Jason Yates and guitarist Michael Ward. Founding members Mobley, Nelson and Charles have been integral parts of Harper’s sound for more than 20 years, first playing gigs at the tiny Mint nightclub in Los Angeles and supporting Harper’s 1994 debut, Welcome to the Cruel World. Yates and Ward became ICs a decade later and helped expand and refine the band’s sound.

“The new music we’re writing honors the old IC sound, but is light ages ahead of where we were back then,” explained Harper. “I can’t wait for fans to hear it and give us that stamp of approval that only Innocent Criminal fans can give.”

The Les Schwab Line-Up:
September 4 Weird Al Yankovic
September 6 Ben Harper & Innocent Criminals
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