Author: Kristen

First Aid Kit at Bootleg Theater

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All I can say is FINALLY! First Aid Kit was the only group on my best of ’09 mix that I had not seen live. And to make my list as a band I’ve never seen…well that right there is saying something. But this duo from Sweden has what it takes to melt my heart; crystal clear voices ringing out in delicate harmonies. Their live set certainly did not disappoint, adding charming personalities to the list of things I love about these ladies, sisters Klara and Johanna Soderberg. They did perform “Tiger Mountain Peasant Song,” their Fleet Foxes cover which lead to my discovery of them over a year ago. They also did a couple songs out in the audience sans microphones. Fortunately the acoustics of the room (an old bra factory) were more than adequate.

Their debut album, The Big Black and Blue, is certainly worth looking into. Also, they are not in the US that often, so if you can, check them out on their current tour (dates below) before they hop back over to the other side of the pond. Opening for them is the wonderful Samantha Crain, another artist who I’ve been meaning to see live since she made my best of SXSW ’09 mix.

Check out First Aid Kit:

Samantha Crain:

US (and some Canada) tour dates:

2 Jun 2010 8:00 P
Bottom of the Hill San Francisco, California, US  
4 Jun 2010 8:00 P
Mississippi Studios Portland, Oregon, US  
5 Jun 2010 8:00 P
The Vera Project Seattle, Washington, US  
6 Jun 2010 8:00 P
Media Club Vancouver, British Co, CA  
9 Jun 2010 8:00 P
Cedar Cultural Center Minneapolis, Minnesota , US  
10 Jun 2010 8:00 P
Schubas Tavern Chicago, Illinois , US  
11 Jun 2010 8:00 P
Grog Shop Cleveland, Ohio, US  
12 Jun 2010 8:00 P
Rivoli Cabaret Toronto, Ontario , CA  
13 Jun 2010 8:00 P
Le Belmont – NEW VENUE Montreal, Quebec, CANADA  
14 Jun 2010 8:00 P
Middle East Upstairs Cambridge, Massachuse, US  
15 Jun 2010 8:00 P
The Bell House Brooklyn, New York , US  
16 Jun 2010 8:00 P
Mercury Lounge New York, New York, US  

~ Kristen

New Band Love: Queen Caveat

Posted on by Kristen

Well, I’ve seen Queen Caveat several times over the last year, and every time they just get better and better. After last night’s show at The Hotel Cafe, I realized I simply must inform the masses. Unfortunately, I don’t have much to share with you as far as music or upcoming shows. With a recent name change (they used to be StolenPlayer), only 30 or so myspace friends, and their first EP still in the works, Queen Caveat is what one may term a baby band.  They are, however, poised to take over the world. There really is nothing to not like about this band. Amazing energy, fantastic vocals, mesmerizing tunes, stellar guitar riffs, bassist with a killer smile, etc. etc. etc.

If you want a sound alike, I’d probably have to go with one of my very favorite bands, Nico Vega….female singer, similar sound. The comparison is especially obvious when the drummer for Nico Vega plays with them (if you look closely at the respective line-ups, you’ll notice how they are related).

At any rate, I’m sure I’ll be talking more about them in the future. Look out for their shows on my calendar…they are not to be missed!

Beware the Queen!

~ Kristen

p.s. The other two bands I saw at The Hotel Cafe last night were also fabulous. Armada and Travis Warren (formally of Blind Melon)…two acts that are really worth checking out and are definately going on my list!

Kristen’s Concert Calendar: 5/31-6/6

Posted on by Kristen

Honestly I still feel like it should be March. The last two months were so incredibly busy, they just flew right by. And now, all of a sudden, I’m facing end of quarter deadlines and am freaking out juuuust a tad. And looking at my June calendar it seems that this month won’t be any less busy. We’ve actually got some very exciting things coming up for the website, so stay tuned for that. But in the meantime, let’s get this month started off right with a great line-up of music.

Here are my suggestions:

 Monday: War Tapes at Silverlake Lounge (11pm)
ALSO: The Like FREE at The Echo (10pm)
ALSO: School Night at Bardot in Hollywood featuring Sonos, Madi Diaz, and Miike Snow DJ Set…FREE but rsvp only (http://www.itsaschoolnight.com/rsvp1.html)

 Tuesday: Samantha Crain and First Aid Kit at Bootleg (9:30)
ALSO: Honeyhoney at Spaceland (9pm) 
ALSO: Matthew Jordan at Ivan Kane’s Cafe Was (two sets starting at 7pm and 8:30)

Weds: Ashes Divide at The Viper Room (11pm)…the beginning of an exciting month-long residency
ALSO: Hot Hot Heat at Bootleg (10:30)…another residency…seems likes Weds is the busy day this month… 

Thursday: Hear NoHo (8pm)… http://www.hearnoho.com/
ALSO: Mumford & Sons at The Music Box (8pm)
ALSO: Curtis Peoples at The Hotel Cafe (10pm)
ALSO: Watkins Family Hour at Largo at the Coronet (8:30)
ALSO: Lex Land at Bootleg (10pm)
ALSO: Fitz and the Tantrums at Spaceland (10pm) 

Friday: Mumford & Sons at The Music Box (8pm)
ALSO: Don McCloskey at The Hotel Cafe (11pm) 

Saturday: Keaton Simons at The Hotel Cafe (10pm)
ALSO: Balloon and Wine Festival in Temecula featuring music by Keaton Simons, The Gin Blossoms and Vertical Horizon (3:30, 5, 7) 

Sunday: Mumford & Sons and The Silent Comedy at Belly Up (SD)

To Keep in Mind:

June 10-13th: BONNAROO (in Tennessee)
June 13th: Beth Hart and Garrison Starr at The Echoplex
June 25th: Warped Tour in LA
June 25th: The Rescues CD Release at The Troubadour
June 21st: Carney at The Troubadour
June 21st: Gaslight Anthem at El Rey
July 7th: Carbon Leaf at The Troubadour
July 8th: Michelle Branch at Greek Theater
July 10th: Lilith Fair
July 18th: The Swell Season and Bird and the Bee at Hollywood Bowl
July 30-31st: Morceeba at Hollywood Bowl
August 12th: Semi Precious Weapons at Staples Center (with Lady GaGa)
September 25th: Band of Horses at Greek Theater
September 25th: Muse at Staples Center

~ Kristen

Truth & Salvage Co. full length CD out TODAY!

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It’s Tuesday. You music lovers know what that means. This Tuesday is particularly important as one of my fave LA bands has their first full length CD available. Truth & Salvage Co. has been on my must see list for awhile now. They put on one of the most enjoyable live shows and now, their music can be brought to you, wherever you are.  Their self-titled album is available on ITunes and in select stores. Their official CD release party is in Ashville, North Carolina tonight at The Grey Eagle. If you’re lucky enough to live close by, go celebrate with the band for me! I, for one, am participating in the Storming the Amoeba event and will be dropping by the Hollywood location later this evening to pick up my copy.  

Check it out before you buy it on AOL’s listening party.

And please, please, please, do yourself a favor and go see their live show. They are touring all over the country. Check to see if they’re coming to a town near you:

May 25, 2010 – Asheville, NC @ Grey Eagle (CD RELEASE SHOW)
May 26, 2010 – Charleston, SC @ The Pour House
May 27, 2010 – Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
May 28, 2010 – Athens, GA @ 40 Watt Club
May 29, 2010 – Birmingham, AL @ Workplay Theatre
May 30, 2010 – Little Rock, AR @ Little Rock Riverfest
June 3, 2010 – Nashville, TN @ 3rd & Lindsley 
June 5, 2010 – Ozark, AR @ Wakarusa
June 6, 2010 – Dallas, TX @ Cambridge Room at HOB
June 7, 2010 – Austin, TX @ Stubb’s BBQ
June 8, 2010 – Houston, TX @ Bronze Peacock @ HOB
June 9, 2010 – Baton Rouge, LA @ Chelsea’s Café
June 11, 2010 – Oxford, MS @ Proud Larry’s
June 12, 2010 – Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo
June 15, 2010 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Thunderbird Cafe
June 16, 2010 – Washington, DC @ DC9
June 17, 2010 – Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar
June 18, 2010 – Philadelphia, PA @ North Star Bar 
June 19, 2010 – New York, NY @ Piano’s
June 20, 2010 – Northampton, MA  @ Iron Horse Music Hall
June 22, 2010 – Syracuse, NY  @ Westcott Theatre
June 23, 2010 – Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom
June 24, 2010 – Pontiac, MI @ Pike Room
June 24, 2010 – Pontiac, MI @ Pike Room
June 30, 2010 – Saratoga, CA @ Mountain Winery
July 1, 2010 – San Francisco, CA @ Cafe Du Nord
July 2, 2010 – Jacksonville, OR @ Britt Pavilion
July 3, 2010 – Quincy, CA @ High Sierra Music Festival
July 4, 2010 – Reno, NV @ Aces Ballpark
July 5, 2010 – Crystal Bay, NV @ Crystal Bay Club
September 4, 2010 – Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks
December 10, 2010 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Joint
December 11, 2010 – Hollywood, CA @ Hollywood Palladium

Enjoy the new music!

~ Kristen

In Philadelphia tonight?

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I am! If you are too, you’d best be purchasing your tickets to the WCL tonight (Saturday). Jealousy Curve is putting on their last show. Last chance to get your faces melted right off…seriously the combination of sweat and tears will surely make it look like I’m melting. If you see a puddle on the floor, kindly step around.

Also playing: IKE, The Shakers, and Camille Beruto. Starts at 7pm. World Cafe Live. Philadelphia. The place to be tonight! Hope you can join me…

~ Kristen