Allen Stone and Lenka at The Hotel Cafe

Taking a wee break from grading exams, I ventured to The Hotel Cafe to check out Allen Stone. This guy has quite the impressive voice, teeming with a lot more soul than expected from a guy from Seattle.  It was the perfect hand clapping, head bobbing, feeting tapping time and I will definately keep Allen on my list of artists to go see…I’d suggest you do the same!

For a taste, check out some songs on his myspace (including a terrific cover of “Bare Necessities”)

Here’s an amusing video of the song he ended his set with

Also playing at The Hotel Cafe was Lenka. If you don’t know the name, I’m sure you’d recognize a song or two. The Austrialian artist has an array of catchy tunes that become even cuter as she performs them on a stage with her band in front of colorful cardboard shapes. I really like some of her new tunes and am looking forward to her forthcoming album…but the hightlight of her set for me was when she brought out a trumpet and, along with another member of the band, engaged in some lovely harmonizing trumpet action.

Can’t find any videos of new tunes, but here’s an old one you may recognize…

~ Kristen

The Kin return to LA!

I recieved the following via facebook event invite. Needless to say, I am incredibly excited about the return of The Kin to Los Angeles. These Austrialian-born, NYC-based brothers are one of my favorite live acts. I am especially excited about Monday night’s soungwriters in the round at Room 5 which also features another fave duo, Joey Ryan and Kenneth Pattengale.  As I write this, I am giddy in anticipation of the greatness that will surely unfold that night.
If you get the chance, I’d highly recommend you come to at least one of the events deatiled in the message below:
LA Cohorts,

Were heading west for a week of music in LA. We will be driving in from San Francisco where we have a week of making videos for the new album of groovy cover songs we have made with the Rondo Brothers, called ‘The Kin: Rondo Sessions’.

We then get to spend a week in LA with you before we head to a summer music festival in France. Please come and be with us on Sunday August 1st for our main show of the week at the venu…e ZANZIBAR…details for all shows below.

Cheers!

Isaac and Thorald
The Kin

Friday July 30th – Sunset Marquis – Special showcase – RSVP only

Sunday August 1st – ZANZIBAR – w/Bri Anne Michelle and Amber Rubarth. 1301 5th St Santa Monica, CA 90401, Doors at 7pm, $10

Monday August 2nd – Room 5 – Songwriters Circle with Friends in the round. 143 N La Brea Ave West Hollywood, CA 90036, 8pm

Wednesday August 4th – The Standard Hotel – Poolside performance
8300 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069, free

 
 
And what song should pop up on my ITunes as I read this message: The Kin- New Day (LIVE) Enjoy!
~ Kristen