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Alright, Junior at North Star Bar

Posted on by Kristen

It wouldn’t be a trip to Philadelphia without getting to see one of my favorite local Philly bands. I was so thrilled that I could arrange my trip to include a stop at North Star Bar to see Alright, Junior. One thing I prize in my live acts is good energy and these guys will rock the windows out every time…even if it’s a tiny bar playing to a handful of people. Their debut CD, Eudaemonic, still gets frequent play in my car…especially when I want my music loud and my head banging.

Alright, Junior recently did a couple of songs live on Philly’s Radio 104.5. Go here to check them out. I’m really loving the acoustic take on their new song, “Burn”! Also, please listen to their cover of REM’s “The One I Love”…it kinda took my breath away…

If you’re too lazy to click on the links, someone filmed “Burn” and put it on youtube!

For more info on the band, including tour dates, head to their website…

Some pictures:

~ Kristen

Amanda’s Show Calendar 8/31-9/5

Posted on by Amanda

And as promised, here is the full listing (sans Monday) of shows this week in San Diego.

Tuesday: Tape Deck Mountain @ Tin Can Alehouse @9:30 $5
AND: Jamuel Saxon @ The Casbah @9:30 $10
AND: Brothers Young @ Bar Pink @9 $ Free!

Wednesday: Stealing Love Jones @ The Office @9:30 $?

Thursday: Delorean @ The Casbah @9:30 $12 adv/$14 day of
AND: AFI @ Cricket Wireless @7 $-prices vary. check Ticketmaster

Friday: Loomis and Lust @ Lestats @9 $?
AND: Fever Sleeves @ The Casbah @ 9:30 $15

Saturday: Cash’d Out @ The Belly Up @9 $15 adv/$17 day of
AND: Mimes of Wine @ Lestats @9 $?

Sunday: Modern English @ Anthology @7:30 $25
AND: Free Energy @ The Belly Up @8 $8

Keep in Mind:

September 18th- Hanson @ House of Blues San Diego
September 21st- Phoenix @ SDSU Open Air Theater
September 22nd- Muse @ Viejas Arena
September 25th- The Black Keys @ Soma
September 25/26- Epicenter @ Fontana
October 1st- O.A.R. @ SDSU Open Air Theater
October 1st- Spoon @ Soma @7 $28
October 14th- Frightened Rabbit @ House of Blues San Diego
October 14th- Motion City Soundtrack @ Soma @6 $20
October 16th- One Republic @ Viejas
October 21st- Interpol @Soma @7 $25
October 22nd- Flyleaf @ House of Blues San Diego
October 29th- Portugal. The Man @ House of Blues San Diego
November 14th-Blonde Redhead- House of Blues San Diego
November 16th- Mayday Parade @ House of Blues SD
December 2nd-The Dead Kennedys- House of Blues San Diego

Truth & Salvage Co. on Kimmel

Posted on by Kristen

Last night, one of my favorite LA bands, Truth & Salvage Co. performed a couple of songs on Jimmy Kimmel Live. I’m only slightly bitter about the fact that I was supposed to be there, but the seminar I was speaking at went long…Anyway, the boys did a smashing job regardless. I have really enjoyed watching this band rise over the last couple of years. This is just another step in their ascent. Enjoy!

For a special treat, an early incarnation of Truth & Salvage Co., The Denim Family Band, will be doing a special reunion show at The Hotel Cafe August 27th. Don’t miss it!

~ Kristen

MORE Nico Vega Acoustic!

Posted on by Kristen

Because they are just so brilliant…and there was a request, here is more of Nico Vega playing acoustic versions of their songs

This one is a cover, but it brings shivers down my spine and is probably one of my most viewed youtube videos.

And, as mentioned by boatdoll, Nico Vega live and plugged-in is a must have experience. Here is a taste:

beast

If you’re in Los Angeles, they will be a part of the Sunset Strip Music Festival playing The Key Club August 27th.

Enjoy!

~ Kristen

A Taste of Sinai

Posted on by Kristen

I mentioned them as a band to keep your eyes on. Sinai have released their first video, an acoustic take on a song called “Stockholm”. Check it out!

I am sufficiently impressed. I also think it’s an inspired choice to release this song acoustically…although, I have a weakness for rockers going acoustic. Playing acoustic also covers for the fact that the band is without a bass guitar, something that has brought forth some skepticism. Seeing that Nico Vega is one of my very favorite bands, the bass-less lineup didn’t give me pause, but it will be interesting to see how that influences the general sound of the band.

Definately looking forward to more!

~ Kristen

Warped Tour Pomona-pictures!

Posted on by Kristen

As promised, a few pics from our second Warped experience in Pomona.

The always amazing After Midnight Project (remember, the band that you’re going to go see at The Key Club on September 4th):

After Midnight Project also did an acoustic set! LOVE this.

Just a couple shots of Mayday Parade…playing on the tiniest stage, it was difficult to get up close for good pictures. Thankfully, this band emits so much energy, you don’t need to be up front to feel the music.

A few more enjoyable moments from the day:

~ Kristen

Warped Tour Pomona

Posted on by Kristen

About a week ago, Amanda and I ventured to Pomona for Warped Tour #2. I’m so glad I went, mostly because it was another excuse to rock out with After Midnight Project, who, by the way, are coming home to LA to play the Key Club September 4th (get your tickets now!).

One of the best parts of Warped Tour Pomona, was the fact that After Midnight Project was able to do an acoustic set. The following video isn’t from Pomona, but AMP have been doing several acoustic sets, including one at the KIA tent that was captured and showcased here. I love it when rock bands break it down acoustically, but I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a band do it as well as After Midnight Project…

Other highlights for me included actually being able to see Mayday Parade, hearing some of You Me At Six’s  new songs, and being able to sample several new bands. Amanda was a big fan of Dicso Curtis who gave me a new appreciation for Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance” and certainly put forth the happiest performance of the day (seriously, try to watch the band play and not smile).

Personally, I was enraptured by the Arkansas-based Deas Vail, whose soaring vocals, subtle harmonies, and piano base drew me in like a moth to a flame. I was literally walking past their stage to go elsewhere when I heard the music and HAD to stop. I kept trying to leave, but I just couldn’t…it was too beautiful to look away.

I recognized the name of the band, not because they were openers for the Owl City/Lights tour that I really wanted to see, but because I had at one point told myself NOT to like the band as they won a competition to get their video on MTVU, beating my beloved Carney. Funny how these things work sometimes…

Here’s that video:

And here’s the song that hooked me: Birds

~ Kristen

p.s. pictures to come…