Author: Kristen

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 6/27-7/3

Posted on by Kristen

It’s a big week! Work-wise, I’m going to be finishing up and turning in something I’ve been working on for months. In my personal life, I’m moving this week…and my mother is flying across the country to assist. Musically, it’s the last Empire (Semi Precious Weapons’ weekly party at On The Rox). All of this is making me a little overwhelmed  and emotional…fingers crossed it all goes well.

This week also marks my welcome back to the world of the living (hopefully). I tested my newly regained health out yesterday at the vegan beerfest which took place at The Roxy. It was a tad exhausting, but I didn’t keel over or develop some new form of illness so we’ll chalk it up as a success! Also, The Silent Comedy played a set that got the entire festival dancing (double success!!). If you still haven’t seen this band, I shake my fist at you. Mark your calendars for July 7th when they’ll be playing LACMA with Saint Motel. Tim Burton’s exhibit is in town, so come for some art and some music…you won’t regret it!

 

In the meantime:

 

Monday: Armada at The Viper Room (11:15)
ALSO: Le Butcherettes at The Troubadour (10:15)
ALSO: The Californian FREE at The Satellite (10pm)
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)

 

Tuesday: The Postelles at The Echo (10pm)
ALSO: Indians at The Satellite (10pm)
ALSO: The Canyons at Molly Malone’s (8pm)
ALSO: J Scott Bergman at The Bootleg (8:30)
ALSO: Beachwood Night at Piano Bar (8pm)…great night of FREE music

 

Weds: Sondre Lerche and Nightlands at The El Rey (8pm)
ALSO: Empire On the Rox with Semi Precious Weapons (10pm)…FREE with RSVP to rsvp@semipreciousweapons.com (this is the LAST Empire…don’t miss it!)
ALSO: Jackie Tohn at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)
ALSO: Brooke Fraser at The Music Box (8pm)
ALSO: Big Black Delta at The Satellite (10pm)

 

Thursday: Shawn Hlookoff at The Viper Room (10pm)
ALSO: The Shakers FREE at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: Eli James at On the Rise at The Hard Rock Cafe (9:45)
ALSO: Maxim Ludwig and the Santa Fe Seven (10pm)
ALSO: Maren Parusel at Silverlake Lounge (9pm)
ALSO: Chasing Kings at The Roxy (8pm)

 

Friday: Warped Tour Pomona (11am)

 

Saturday: Ragsy, Andy Clockwise, George Stanford at The Hotel Cafe (10,11,12)
ALSO: Sabrosa Purr at Bootleg (10pm)

 

Sunday: Warped Tour Ventura (11am)

 

To Keep in Mind:
July 4th: Truth & Salvage Co. at The Hotel Cafe
July 7th: The Silent Comedy and Saint Motel at LACMA
July 7th: Dead Sara at The Viper Room
July 14th: Parade of Lights at The Viper Room
July 15th: Curtis Peoples at The Hotel Cafe
July 19th and 21st: Alkaline Trio at The Troubadour
July 22nd: Langhorne Slim at The Echo
July 26th: The Indigo Girls at The Troubadour
July 28th: Ben Sollee at Bootleg Theater
July 28th: A Perfect Circle at Gibson Auditorium
August 11th: Toy and Lifehouse at Ventura County Fair
August 12-14th: Outside Lands in San Francisco
August 18th: The Veronicas at The Viper Room
August 18th: TDIF at The Hotel Cafe
August 19th: Buckcherry at The Roxy
August 18-20th: SSMF
August 27-28th: Sunset Junction
September 3rd: FYF
September 22-24: Hotel Carolina (South Carolina)

~ Kristen

 

http://twitter.com/#!/_localmusicnat

 

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 6/20-6/26

Posted on by Kristen

This weekend was supposed to be SO much fun, but I ended up spending most of it sleeping. I guess I can only run away from sickness for so long. Fortunately, before the fever descended, I was able to spend an amazing night Weds at Empire, the weekly party Semi Precious Weapons throws at On the Rox (bar above The Roxy). So many of my friends were out, celebrating a few birthdays. SPW put on a stripped down miniset, including a slower version of their new tune “Free Booze” that I might just enjoy more than the original. Finally, we all danced the night away to tunes provided by my favorite DJ (DJ High Voltage). Such a memorable night! There are only two more Empires left (this Weds and next) so if you haven’t been, be sure to get on the list and go!

As for the rest of the week, here’s my wish list. At the moment, I can’t really fathom going out, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to. So many good shows this week. You’ll have to enjoy them for me until I’m back on my feet.

 

Monday: Armada at The Viper Room (11:15)
ALSO: Anna Nalick at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)
ALSO: Jenny O FREE at Bootleg (9pm)
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 featuring Shane Alexander, John Elliot, Joel Eckels, and Jon Green (9pm)

 

Tuesday: Blue n Green: To Jopin With Love benefit concert at The Hotel Cafe featuring Tony Lucca, Keaton Simons, Raining Jane, Stop Motion Poetry, and SO many more (9pm)…door proceeds to benefit The Joplin Schools Tornado Relief Fund
ALSO: Lovers Drugs at Lot 1 Cafe (9pm)
ALSO: Two Gallants at The Echo (9pm)
ALSO: Paris Carney at Room 5 (9pm)

 

Weds: High Voltage Night at The Mint featuring Eli James, Hell & Lula, and Toy Bombs (9pm)
ALSO: The Watkins Family hour at Largo at The Coronet (8:30, 10)
ALSO: Meiko at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)
ALSO: Jarrod Gorbel and Bell X1 at The Troubadour (8:30, 9:30)
ALSO: My Morning Jacket at Pantages Theater (8pm)
ALSO: Empire Presents Semi Precious Weapons On the Rox (10pm)…free with RSVP to rsvp@semipreciousweapons.com

 

Thursday: War Tapes and Dead Sara at Bootleg Theater (9:45, 10:45)
ALSO: Austin Hartley Leonard, Chris Pierce, and The Canyons at The Hotel Cafe (9,10,11)
ALSO: Allen Stone and Nikka Costa at The Roxy (8pm)
ALSO: Lovers Drugs at The Prospector in Long Beach (9pm)
ALSO: The Kooks at The Troubadour (9:45)
ALSO: Okkervil River at The Wiltern (7pm)
ALSO: The Mountain Goats at The El Rey (8pm)

 

Friday: Lakes at The Hotel Cafe (11pm)
ALSO: Rooney and Maniac at The El Rey (8pm)
ALSO: Viza at The Troubadour (11:15)
ALSO: Alex Dezen at Bootleg (9:30)

 

Saturday: The Silent Comedy at The Roxy (1pm)
ALSO: Terra Naomi, Lelia Broussard, Andy Clockwise, and Brother Sal at The Hotel Cafe (9,10,11,12)
ALSO: Jamestown Revival at Room 5 (10pm)
ALSO: Allen Stone and Nikka Costa at Saint Rocke (9pm)

Sunday: Jonah Montraga at The Hotel Cafe (7:30)

 

To Keep in Mind:
June 29th: Brooke Fraser at The Music Box
July 4th: Hotel Café Presents Ford on the 4th of July featuring Truth & Salvage Co., Cary Brothers, The Rescues, Anya Marina, etc.
July 14th: Parade of Lights at The Viper Room
July 15th: Curtis Peoples at The Hotel Cafe
July 19th and 21st: Alkaline Trio at The Troubadour
July 22nd: Langhorne Slim at The Echo
July 26th: The Indigo Girls at The Troubadour
July 28th: A Perfect Circle at Gibson Auditorium
August 12-14th: Outside Lands in San Francisco
August 18th: The Veronicas at The Viper Room
August 19th: Buckcherry at The Roxy
August 18-20th: SSMF
September 22-24: Hotel Carolina (South Carolina)

~ Kristen

 

http://twitter.com/#!/_localmusicnat

 

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 6/15-6/19

Posted on by Kristen

Just because I’m sleep deprived and drowning in my to do list, doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten about what is most important…bringing to you my picks for the rest of this week’s musical offerings.

Here’s what I’ll be up to if I can get over my Bonnaroo-lag:

Weds: Keaton Simons at The Hotel Cafe (10pm)
ALSO: Augustana at the House of Blues Sunset (6:30)
ALSO: The Civil Wars at The El Rey (9pm)
ALSO: Squealer at The Viper Room (10:30)
ALSO: Semi Precious Weapons at On the Rox (10pm)…free with RSVP at rsvp@semipreciousweapons.com

 

Thursday: Dom Liberati CD release at Good Hurt (10pm)

 

Friday: Lovers Drugs at Mr. T’s Bowl (10pm)
ALSO: Nico Vega at House of Blues Anaheim (9pm)
ALSO: The 88 at The Hotel Cafe (10:30)

 

Saturday: Pasadena Make Music Festival http://www.makemusicpasadena.org/program.html FREE featuring Ra Ra Riot, The Morning Benders, Saint Motel, Jenny O, and many more downtown Pasadena (11am)

ALSO: Bro Am in SD. FREE daytime show at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas featuring The Silent Comedy and The Howls (11am), evening show at The BellyUp featuring Johnny Rzeznick, Fiction Family, Little Hurricane, hosted by Switchfoot (9pm) http://www.switchfoot.com/c/bro-am
ALSO: Brett Dennen at The Orpheum Theater (7pm)

 

Sunday: Emery and Kemble Walters and The Blank Faces at The Roxy (8pm)
ALSO: Of Verona at The Viper Room (9pm)
ALSO: Nico Vega at The Canyon (9pm)

 

 

To Keep in Mind:
June 24th: Rooney at The El Rey
June 25th: The Silent Comedy at The Roxy
June 29th: Brooke Fraser at The Music Box
July 4th: Hotel Café Presents Ford on the 4th of July featuring Truth & Salvage Co., Cary Brothers, The Rescues, Anya Marina, etc.
July 14th: Parade of Lights at The Viper Room
July 15th: Curtis Peoples at The Hotel Cafe
July 19th and 21st: Alkaline Trio at The Troubadour
July 22nd: Langhorne Slim at The Echo
July 26th: The Indigo Girls at The Troubadour
July 28th: A Perfect Circle at Gibson Auditorium
August 12-14th: Outside Lands in San Francisco
August 18th: The Veronicas at The Viper Room
August 19th: Buckcherry at The Roxy
August 18-20th: SSMF
September 22-24: Hotel Carolina (South Carolina)

~ Kristen

 

SSMF Lineup Announced!

Posted on by Kristen

I know we just got back to Bonnaroo and trust me, more on that soon. But today’s big news is the announcement of the lineup for the Sunset Strip Music Festival (SSMF). Once a year, the Sunset Strip puts on a gigantic block party featuring major artists from around the world as well as more local bands that might call the strip their home. It’s a three day party starting on Thursday August 18th with a tribute to this year’s honorees, Motley Crue at the House of Blues. Both Thursday and Friday, clubs around the strip (The Roxy, The Viper Room, Whiskey a Go-Go, Key Club, House of Blues) will host a variety of bands. Saturday the 20th is the daytime festival where headliners Motley Crue as well as Bush, Public Enemy, Matt & Kim, etc will play on an outdoor stage while other bands continue to fill the surrounding clubs.

For more information about the lineups, tickets, etc., check out official SSMF website: http://www.sunsetstripmusicfestival.com/

I’m excited about so many of these artists…especially seeing so many of my favorites on the bill. Based on my initial reaction, here’s what I’ll most likely be up to that weekend.

 

Thursday August 18th: The Veronicas, The Tender Box, and Run Run Run at The Viper Room

Friday August 19th: Amazing lineup at The Viper Room featuring Eli James, Taylor Locke and The Roughs, Lady Sinatra, and Purple Melon
ALSO: Buckcherry at The Roxy

Saturday August 20th:
Outdoor Stage: Motley Crue, Bush
The Key Club:  Deluka, Youngblood Hawke, Indians
The Roxy: Queen Caveat, Sabrosa Purr, Jordan Cook, Imagine Dragons, Semi Precious Weapons

 

More to come about this festival I’m sure…get your tickets now.

This festival is going to rock!!

 

~ Kristen

Kristen’s 5 “Must See” Acts of Bonnaroo ’11

Posted on by Kristen

Tonight, we’re leaving for Bonnaroo!  I’ve done the usual; listen to all the artists, create my schedule, figure out how to pack a tent and a sleeping bag to take on a plane…  I don’t know what was more difficult, narrowing down the number of books I want to bring or narrowing down the number of bands to put on my top 5 “must see” acts of Bonnaroo ’11 list. But both tasks needed to be done.  There are so many acts that I’m excited to see, but here are my top:

 

  1. Deas Vail http://www.deasvail.com/

This band captured my attention at Warped Tour and I’ve been craving another helping of this Arkansas-based group ever since. Their uplifting melodies and calming vocals always manage to lift the spirit. Deas Vail is the kind of band that can take you to another, much better place. And that’s what Bonnaroo is all about (for me at least). It’s the physical representation of that mental place I go every time I see my favorite bands perform. And there is absolutely nothing better than seeing one of my favorite bands in this place…and that’s why Deas Vail is the group I’m most looking forward to seeing this year.

Where to see them:  Friday 2:30 at Cafe Where

 

2. Eminem http://www.eminem.com/

One of my favorite things about Bonnaroo (and music festivals in general) is being able to see so many big acts that I would never pay to see individually (I go to way too many shows to pay big bucks for any one artist). There are quite a few big names I’m looking forward to this year, but none more than Eminem. I was never a huge fan of Eminem, but then I saw him perform at another festival (Epicenter). This man has a gift. I’ve been hesitant of big name rappers at Bonnaroo ever since that whole Kanye debacle of ’08, but I know Eminem will be more embracing of the Bonnaroo spirit and put on a show worthy of the event. Now that I’ve had a taste of this live performance, I cannot wait to get more!

Where to see him: Saturday 11pm at the What Stage

 

 

3. Lelia Broussard vs. The Sheepdogs
http://leliabroussard.com/ http://www.thesheepdogs.com/

I’ve been keeping tabs on the whole Rolling Stone unsigned artist cover competition. Although my faves, Chicago rockers Empire, are sadly no longer in the running, there are still two fantastic acts left. I’ve been going to Lelia Broussard shows for years now and have always enjoyed her songs and charming delivery. The Sheepdogs were introduced to me through this competition, but I pegged them early as one to watch (I have a weakness for southern rock). I’m excited to see them both perform and bring about a conclusion to this competition.

Where to see them: Saturday 2pm at This Tent

 

 

4. Mumford and Sons http://www.mumfordandsons.com/

As amazing as their album, Sigh No More, can be, the live Mumford and Sons performance is even better! As these English folk rockers continue to grow in popularity around the world, their performances become increasingly coveted. I don’t know if I could ever beat the front row at The Belly Up, but Mumford and Sons + Bonnaroo is an ideal combination and I am really looking forward to seeing them again.

Where to see them: Saturday 6:15 at Which Stage

 

 

5. Cory Chisel and The Wandering Sons http://www.corychisel.com/

What would be the point of a big music festival, if I didn’t walk away discovering a great new band. I mean Bonnaroo is the event in where I first heard one of my LA faves, Carney. Listening to all the acts unbeknownst to me, I heard a lot of promise in Cory Chisel and The Wandering Sons. Will they live up to my expectations? Will another unknown act steal my heart? I guess we’ll all have to wait and see.

Where to see them:
Thursday 7:15 at The Solar Stage
Friday 9:20 at The On Tap Lounge

 

 

 

 

Other Highly Anticipated Acts for Bonnaroo ‘11

 

Hope to see you at the ‘Roo!

~ Kristen

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 6/6-6/14

Posted on by Kristen

The list may look a little long this week and that’s because I’m going to be internet-less next weekend and well…I don’t want that to leave everyone concertless. Of course, the reason I’ll be without connection to the world is because we’re going to that magical place called Bonnaroo and I refuse to spend my energies on finding power and WiFi…I’m not even bringing my computer (*gasp*). I’m sure we’ll be updating everyone on our journey via twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/_localmusicnat). At least until I have to choose between charging my phone and running to the next set (you can guess what will win).

 

I’ll working on a “most anticipated acts of Bonnaroo” post, so keep your eyes out. In the meantime, for those of you not venturing to Tennessee, LA still has a lot to offer this week in terms of live music. Enjoy!

 

 

Monday: Band of Skulls at Bootleg Theater (11pm)
ALSO: The Californian at The Satellite (9pm)
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)

 

Tuesday: Death Cab for Cutie and The Lonely Forest at The El Rey (8pm)
ALSO: Band of Skulls at Bootleg Theater (11pm)
ALSO: Fat City Reprise at Rhino Records Pop Up Store in Santa Monica (8pm)  http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=201749359870269
ALSO: Indians at La Cita (10pm)

 

Weds: Endoxi at The Roxy (8pm)

 

Thursday: ??

 

Friday: Lakes at The Hotel Cafe (11:30)
ALSO: Belle Brigade at The Satellite (10pm)
ALSO: Filthy Souls, Jordan Cook, and Boy Hits Car at The Viper Room (8,9,11)
ALSO: Maxim Ludwig at The Echo (8:30)

 

Saturday: I’m sure something will come up!

 

Sunday: So & So presents Artists Who Give featuring Keaton Simons, Amie Miriello, etc. (9pm)…artist performing songs from Neil Young’s Harvest Album
ALSO: Sunday Lane at The Mint (9:50)
ALSO: Justin Hopkins Songwriter Round (7pm)
ALSO: The Ataris acoustic at The Airliner (8pm)
ALSO: Tony Lucca at Cabana Club for the 3rd Annual Music Night

 

Monday (6/13): Armada at The Viper Room (11:15)…as part of their June Viper residency
ALSO: Florence and The Machine at The Greek Theater
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)

 

Tuesday (6/14): Haim at The Troubadour (8:30)
ALSO: Mother Mother and Andy Clockwise at The Satellite (9pm)
ALSO: The Civil Wars at Amoeba (7pm)
ALSO: Marc Broussard and Matt Hires at The El Rey (8pm)

 

 

 

To Keep in Mind:

June 15th: Augustana at The House of Blues Sunset
June 17th: Nico Vega at The House of Blues Anaheim
June 24th: Rooney at The El Rey
June 25th: The Silent Comedy at The Roxy
June 29th: Brooke Fraser at The Music Box
July 14th: Parade of Lights at The Viper Room
July 19th and 21st: Alkaline Trio at The Troubadour
July 22nd: Langhorne Slim at The Echo
July 26th: The Indigo Girls at The Troubadour
July 28th: A Perfect Circle at Gibson Auditorium
August 12-14th: Outside Lands in San Francisco
August 18th: The Veronicas at The Viper Room
August 18-20th: SSMF
September 22-24: Hotel Carolina (South Carolina)

~ Kristen

 

Kristen’s SXSW ’11 Mix: BONUS Tracks!

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Because it’s so hard to narrow it down to the number of songs that will fit on a CD, I’ve squeezed a few more tracks in my online list.

 

Bonus 1: “Push Me to The Floor” – The Parlotones

I know The Parlotones are far from what you might call a new band, but hey, I’d never heard of the South African rockers until this year at SXSW. They did this song acoustically for Hanson’s SXSW4Japan benefit. Then I looked up their video…hilarious! Enjoy!

 

Bonus 2: “George Square” – David Berkeley

I was immediately struck by the beauty of this song. I needed to add it to this list. Really looking forward to David coming to LA. I can just feel an amazing Hotel Cafe show.

 

Bonus 3: “New Morning” – Alpha Rev

Another song I discovered from Hanson’s SXSW4Japan event. This Texas-based band has been recognized by VH1 as an artist you oughta know and I agree. Check out their CD, New Morning and enjoy the title track song.

 

Enjoy!!

 

Now…onto Bonaroo!!

 

~ Kristen