Events

Local upcoming events

Pepper’s Ghost Countdown: 7 Weeks!

Posted on by Kristen

I’m more than a little excited to tell you that my first favorite band (you know, the one that got me into…well every other band I’ve ever fallen in love with) is playing a reunion show January 22nd at The Grape Room in Philadelphia.

Pepper’s Ghost is a rocky/poppy/Beatles-esque band from Philadelphia, PA. The group centers around two brothers, Anthony and Michael Montesano, who share in the singing, specializing in catchy choruses and hypnotic harmonizing. Joining Anthony and Michael is Zil (Pawnshop Roses) on drums, Dave Hartley (War on Drugs, Nightlands) on bass, and Rob Bennett (Automatic Fire) on everything else (keys, guitar, mandolin, saw).

They released their first album, Opening Night, back in 2001. This recording was taken from a live show at The Trocadero and features a horn section and back up choir.  This was followed by an EP in 2002 (Bang) which offers one of my favorite, but rarely performed Pepper’s Ghost songs “Addiction.” In 2005, the band released their record label debut, Shake the Hand that Shook the World. This CD is full of fun poppy sing-along friendly tunes, including my college anthem, “Friday Night in Philadelphia.”

Shake the Hand that Shook the World got Pepper’s Ghost their first big national tour. It also got the band a number one hit on the singles chart in Canada with “You’re In My Heart (Little Pretty).” In the aftermath of this release, the band seemed to take a turn to an edgier, more rockin’ sound exemplified in their 2006 The Vet EP with songs like “Dirty Bomb” and “4 Letter Friend”. The following year they released their most recent CD, Let The Players Have the Ball. This CD was also a live recording featuring some old favorites, a few new tunes, and even a Bowie cover (“Cracked Actor”).

And now you know a tiny bit more about my favorite band. Only 7 weeks until I get to see them again. Let’s get excited!

~ Kristen

for last week’s countdown post

Scarlet Grey “The Sky & I” Video

Posted on by Kristen

It’s done! The video Amanda and I had the pleasure of working on with Scarlet Grey was released today! I am so proud to have been involved in this project. I think the final product looks amazing! Major props to it’s director (and editor), Baley Wynn, and everyone else involved.

Come celebrate with us Thursday night at The Troubadour. Music provided by Your Arsenal, Assemble the Skyline, Killola, and, of course, Scarlet Grey!  

Watch, enjoy, and especially appreciate the shot a little over a minute and a half in of the slowly sinking sugar cube…not easy folks, not.easy.

~ Kristen

Pepper’s Ghost Countdown: 8 weeks!

Posted on by Kristen

go here and scroll down to January 22nd. Two words have never made me happier.

It’s been nearly 4 years since I’ve seen my favorite band take the stage. This little reunion show may not be exactly like the old days (Pawnshop Roses’ bassist Mike Walsh is rumored to be subbing in for David Hartley), but just the idea of hearing old favorites like “All I Know” be performed once again, makes me giddy with anticipation. Of course I will be there. In Philadelphia.  It won’t just be a reunion for the band. I’m hoping all the old Pepper’s Ghost family shows up to celebrate. If you are one of them (or even if you’re not), mark  your calendar now! Janurary 22nd. The Grape Room. ‘Cause you know, “it’s better when you’re here.”

~ Kristen

p.s. This video brings back SO many memories…FYI it was shot at my favorite venue (RIP The Point)

p.p.s. look forward to weekly reminders of this, one of the most anticipated events of my year.

Scarlet Grey!

Posted on by Amanda

With Scarlet Grey’s Sky and I video release show less than a week away I wanted to share a story with you about one special experience with the band…

It was sometime in mid October and K and I were spending our Saturday helping at the shoot of Scarlet Grey’s newest video “The Sky and I.” Now how did we manage to score such a sweet gig you ask…

Scarlet Grey.

They posted on their Twitter and Facebook about the shoot and said they needed some assistants and would anyone want to help? First off, how many bands do you know who openly invite all their friends/fans to come help out on a video shoot? So, naturally K and I jumped at the opportunity to help our new band love and chance get to know the guys better (we had just met them a week or so before!).

Everyone on the set was so nice that it made the whole day fly by so fast! It was such an honor for me (well both of us), to share this time with them because we all were part of the process of something really special. The shoot was a blast and while I’m not at liberty to divulge any details about it, I can tell you that it will be a fantastic video. If you want a sneak peak, here is a photo Ben took from the set that day.

If you haven’t already, check out Scarlet Grey on Myspace and you can follow Ben and the band on Twitter. You will love them.

And be sure to get your tickets to the Scarlet Grey Sky and I release show on December 2nd at The Troubadour with The Young Modern, City (Comma) State, and Killola.

<3<3<3

What I am Thankful For…

Posted on by Kristen

Why MUSIC of course. Music of all shapes and sizes…but mostly music that moves me in its live format. I am also thankful for all those people in my life that have a similar appreciation for music…or that simply indulge me in my obsession by accompanying me to shows.

I am thankful to be living in Los Angeles, a city that has so much to offer music-wise. I can’t imagine going back to living a life in which there weren’t opportunities for fantastic live music every night of the week.

Although, I am spending the holiday in LA…working, Thanksgiving is a time to be thinking about home. I do really wish I could be in Philadelphia this weekend. Last night was WMMR’s Gobblaroo featuring a couple fantastic LA-based bands with Philly roots (The Shakers, Fat City Reprise) as well as Stonethrown, and the debut of Philly’s hottest new band, SINAI. I wish I could have been there…if you were, I’d appreciate reviews. Also, tomorrow night at The Grape Room marks the return of The Awesome Brothers, a collaboration of some of my favorite musicians gathering together to play some of their favorite songs. Musical bliss for sure. If you’re in town, don’t’ miss it!

Happy Thanksgiving to my music-loving family (both near and far)!

~ Kristen

And on that note, I leave you with the song that’s been playing on repeat in my head all day. Jonathan Singleton’s “Airplanes.” I would like to take this moment to point out that I DO like some country music…and that I wish that Jonathan would venture back to LA…and bring The Grove with him this time.  

SXSW Submissions Wanted!!

Posted on by Amanda

So our lovely friend Jennifer over at ATN Management is in the process of selecting bands for her showcase at SXSW. Rumor has it she will feature 60 bands on her stage. Past acts include Anberlin, Iglu & Hartly, Lady Danville, Crash Kings, The Rescues, Val Emmich, and (LMN fav) After Midnight Project!! Crazy awesome right?! The best part though is that ATN is partnered with Invisible Children and MTV too!

Click the image below to submit yourself for her showcase!! See you at SXSW 😉

Listen to This! Inspired Flight

Posted on by Kristen

With descriptors such as “hip hop”, “electronica”, and “indie rock” I wasn’t overly excited about checking out SD based Inspired Flight…not my usual vein of music. However, a friend of mine suggested I “like” this group on facebook and I finally got around to checking them out (I’m not one to overlook enthusiastic band suggestions). Turns out Inspired Flight is one of the most original, yet compelling groups I’ve heard in awhile!

 I was drawn in by their free download of “Wonderwall.”  It all spiraled from there. I listened to their songs online, downloaded their recently released CD, We All Want to Fly, looked into their show calendar (they are coming to The Music Box next Friday, Nov. 26th), and now, I share my new interest with you! 

I’m finding it difficult to describe this band, so I’ll let the first paragraph of their bio do it for me:

“Rooted in hip-hop with branches of indie rock, electronica, downtempo, dub, and dance, Inspired Flight gives life to a hypnotizing and influential new musical experience that listeners are finding refreshing and authentic.  iF’s use of turntablism and sampling along with live instrumentation and vocals, all centered around innovative songwriting, has given birth to an independently-released debut album featuring high-profile MC’s and sparking global attention, and a live show that has compelled audience members to scream, “Where have you been all my life!?””

Sounds good, no?

Let’s check it out!

~ Kristen 

p.s. how cute is that iF robot? 🙂