Good golly! UMass has cancelled two more electronic dance shows due to concerns about “Molly”—a high-powered, powdered form of Ecstasy.

And not surprisingly, the man behind the music—UMass grad/NV Concepts founder Tim Bonito—is none too pleased by the premature plug-pulling.

“The decision’s impact goes far beyond substantial financial loss to the great disappointment of UMass students and fans throughout the region of both of these artists,” Bonito declared in a press release issued after the Sept. 30 decision to cancel his upcoming Above & Beyond and Pretty Lights shows in much the same fashion as his Return To Fantazia was nixed last month. “While this was not a decision made by NV Concepts, we do extend to the students and electronic dance music fans our sincerest apologies for yet another lost opportunity to enjoy the music that you love.”

The release went on to affirm the company’s commitment to safety, citing a “zero tolerance policy” that is supported by sober volunteers at all events, key partnerships with organizations that promote drug education awareness, and more.

“Although UMass has chosen not to collaborate with us on providing a positive experience for its students and other fans in the region,” Bonito wrote, “we look forward to working with venues that share our mission and those professionals who understand that electronic dance music, its fans and artists are not to blame for tragedies brought on by individual choices.”

To monitor Bonito’s efforts to procure alternate venues, check out his website at nvconceptsonline.com.

 

In other news… One is a Mississippi Delta blues queen with a penchant for early rock ’n’ roll; the other is the daughter of “The King” himself, Elvis Presley.

Lisa Marie Ellingson, best known for her work with her trio The Ellingtones, is slated to perform an intimate, free solo show at The Rendezvous (http://thevoo.net) in Turners Falls Oct. 11.

A little more than a month later, Lisa Marie Presley comes to Noho’s Calvin in support of her latest release, Storm & Grace.

“Lisa Marie [Ellingson] is a big-time lover of the rockabilly/blues school of finesse and energy,” says Jim Armenti, known for his work with Valley mainstays The Lonesome Brothers. “She knows how it sounds and plays like it feels… good songs, great solos. Just fine all-around guitar fun.”

Tix for Presley can be found at iheg.com at $25 in advance, with a limited number of $125 V.I.P. “meet and greet” opportunities available as well.

 

Speaking of upgrades available for various celeb offspring, Springfield’s MassMutual Center (massmutualcenter.com) is offering a music and meal combo for its Oct. 11 Hank Williams, Jr. show.

For $85, the Center will provide both a concert ticket and a catered buffet dinner beforehand. Reservations for this package deal must be made by Wed., Oct. 9; call (413) 271-3223 or email cszczebak@massconvention.com.

Tix for the show range from $37 to $77 and can be found at ticketmaster.com.

“We are thrilled to have country music legend Hank Williams, Jr. play the MassMutual Center,” says venue general manager Matt Hollander. “Hank is a strong crossover artist who ties traditional country and rock together, and that is perfect for Springfield. [The city] has a strong rock and country following in the market, so being able to bring in an artist of his caliber to Western Mass. is great.”

 

Last but not least, how are Irish rock faves The Saw Doctors spending their down time after more than two decades of solid touring? Well, at least two docs—namely Leo Moran and Anthony Thistlewaite—have chosen to keep rocking, heading out on the road to perform pared-down versions of their hits and chestnuts alike. The stops the duo has lined up on the 22-city trek include an Oct. 10 engagement at The Narrows Center for the Arts in Turners Falls. Tix are $20 in advance, $23 at the door, and available at narrowscenter.org.•

 

Send correspondence to Nightcrawler, P.O. Box 427, Somers, CT 06071; fax to (860) 394-4262 or email garycarra@aol.com.