Pepper’s Ghost Countdown: 3 Weeks!

Happy New Years!! We are now only three weeks away from what will surely be one of the highlights of my 2011, the reunion show for my favorite local Philly band, Pepper’s Ghost. The show takes place January 22nd at The Grape Room in Manayunk. I hope to see you all there! It’s a bit sad really having what could very well be one of the best days of my year so early on. Really, it could all be a let down from here.
Or maybe this event is just indicative of what kind of year this will be. I think I’ll look at it that way!

So let’s really start this year off right…with some Pepper’s Ghost tunes! Enjoy!

~ Kristen

A Nico Vega Halloween!

What are your plans for the holiday? Might I suggest:

Can you imagine a better line-up? Nico Vega, Saint Motel, Imagine Dragons, and Queen Caveat!! October 29th at The Roxy…I’ll see you there!

To put you in the mood, Nico Vega recently released a video for one of my favorite songs, Million Years.

For the rest of Nico Vega’s headlining fall tour, go here.

~ Kristen

Hanson’s 12 hour SXSW4Japan Benefit: Album now Available!

So many things were going on in Austin the week of SXSW that it’s impossible to do/see/even know about it all. One thing I was tangentially aware of was Hanson’s efforts to raise money for those in Japan suffering from the tsunami fallout. Apparently the brothers put together a fundraiser in less than 24 hours that brought in over $100,000 worth of donations for the Red Cross.  The fundraiser was in the form of a telethon that took place on the last Saturday of SXSW and featured so many wonderful artists coming in and giving exclusive performances that were then streamed live.
Sxsw4japan.org is re-streaming the performances RIGHT NOW!: http://sxsw4japan.org/

Even more exciting, ITunes and Amazon.com are now selling a digital album called SXSW4Japan featuring nearly 50 tracks from the artists that participated. All proceeds are going to the Red Cross.

So, what are you waiting for? GO and get it!

http://www.amazon.com/Sxsw4japan/dp/B004UY1TSY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1302031272&sr=8-1

Some of my favorite artists featured include: Hanson, The Lonely Forest, Cary Brothers, The Boxer Rebellion, Laura Jansen, Alpha Rev, Jenny O, Keaton Simons, Anna Nalick, The Parlotones, Kina Grannis, Michelle Branch, and Rooney…but there are SOOOOOO many more!

Charlie Mars at the SXSW4Japan benefit:

Hanson covers “Lean on Me”

~ Kristen

Watch live streaming video from sxsw4japan at livestream.com

Pepper’s Ghost Countdown: 5 Weeks!

Every year, Pepper’s Ghost wouldput on a Halloween show. These were some of the best, most memorable shows. They even performed a Halloween song entitled “I Am A Ghost”.
Here’s a video from the Halloween show they did at Milkboy Coffee. Let’s relive this memory and prepare ourselves for some new Pepper’s Ghost memories created January 22nd in Philadelphia at The Grape Room…!!

SO EXCITED!!

~ Kristen

Countdown to Epicenter Twenty Ten: 6 days!

As I mentioned yesterday, next weekend is Epicenter Twenty Ten. I was thrilled looking at the line-up to see one of my favorite LA bands, Crash Kings. These guys have been blowing up since their days of playing The Viper Room and anyone who has seen them or heard their music could probably tell you why.
For a taste, here’s their most recent music video:

~ Kristen

p.s. Some pics I took from their show at The Roxy

SXSW ’13-Day 4

I apologize if my last post seemed a little lackluster. I think tiredness and soreness had set in. Today was a different story however. I’m still really jazzed from the events of the day despite how much my feet are screaming at me.
We started off with lunch at the ASOS lounge where we munched on free tacos and indulged in some free music thanks to RedTouch Media. From there we went to see Third Eye Blind at Hangar Lounge however, they were half an hour late and the sound was so loud that even with ear plugs, my ears hurt. We decided to leave right then and there but not before scoring some free Sony headphones. A quick dash to Filter on Cedar Street for our wristbands and some stuff, including a slap band with a usb drive! We got back to the ASOS lounge in time to catch some K. Flay and another taco but our bags of swag were weighing us down and we needed to drop our stuff at the hotel.

I was determined to catch some Airborne Toxic Event since I had never seen them and with Fitz and The Tantrums playing after, I knew I found a place to hang. After catching a bit of Airborne Toxic Event, I went to meet with my other half at Empire Automotive but they were running so far behind that I went back to make sure I made it in for Fitz and the Tantrums. This was an epic show at Old School Bar and Grill presented by StubHub and I was so glad to be there. I even got a set list!

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From there was a quick dash across the street to catch the tail end of Free Energy at Peckerheads. We hiked over to Rachel Ray’s Feedback House for dinner but dinner never seemed to come. The gang split up and I took the chance to get a quick rest at the hotel before coming out to dance with Semi Precious Weapons at The Main. All of the SXSW High Voltage crew was there dancing and singing along with the band at the top of our lungs. We all had smiles by the time Semi Precious Weapons ended, which was far too soon.

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I decided to make a go for The Roxy Showcase at Empire Automotive to see Dead Sara. However, Capital Cities went way late and despite the line outside, I managed to make it in and up front. Dead Sara blew the house down, as is their usual style. However, by the time my feet were screaming at me and I had to call it a night. But it ended on such a great note, I, couldn’t be happier!

Check out more photos below.

 

~ Amanda

addendum: I just wanted to mention the amazing time I had at The Blackberry House. It was the best sound I’ve heard all week plus I got to see two of my favorites, Keaton Simons and Leogun back to back. Add in the comfy chairs, accessible outlets, and ice pops and we have the makings of a highly enjoyable afternoon.

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~ Kristen