Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 1/30-2/5

Posted on by Kristen

It’s been a crazy busy weekend. Friday night went from hanging out at Bedrock studios and running into some great bands like The Chevin and Vanaprasta to hanging out at Room 5 and being introduced to a fantastic San Francisco musician, Chi McClean, and finally ending up at The Viper Room to rock out with Queen Caveat. Saturday I actually saw the ocean *gasp*. Something I rarely do, even living so close. Sunday’s evening adventures include a bday party and a stop at The Hotel Cafe to catch up with Lovers Drugs.

Also, the new issue of High Voltage Magazine is out! I have a feature in it on one of my favorite bands, Imagine Dragons. You should check it out (subscribe here: http://www.iamhighvoltage.com/subscribe.html

Well, I’ve got to get going, so we’ll get to the point. Another week of excellent shows. Here are my picks:

Monday: Chasing Kings, Shadow Shadow Shade, Francisco the Man, and Eyes Lips Eyes FREE at The Satellite (9pm)
ALSO: NO and Princeton FREE at Bootleg Bar (9:30, 10:30)
ALSO: YoYa FREE at The Silverlake Lounge (11pm)
ALSO: Terraplane Sun at The Viper Room (10pm)
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)

 

Tuesday: The Kin at The Museum of Musical Instruments in Venice (10:30)
ALSO: Atomic Tom at Bootleg Bar (11pm)

ALSO: Jessie Baylin at The Troubadour (10pm)
ALSO: NO at The Echo (9pm)

 

Weds: Jamestown Revival at The Hotel Cafe (10pm)

 

Thursday: Ed Sheeran and Antonio Beliveau at The Hotel Cafe (7, 10)
ALSO: Mutemath at Club Nokia (9pm)
ALSO: The Features at Bootleg Bar (11pm)
ALSO: Gotye at The El Rey (10pm)

 

Friday: Forrest Day at Molly Malone’s (10pm)
ALSO: Javier Dunn, Goodnight Texas, Rocco Deluca, David and Devine at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: Madi Diaz and Jarrod Gorbel at Bootleg Bar (9pm)

 

Saturday: Haim at Bootleg Bar (11pm)
ALSO: Alice Smith, Tyler Hilton, Chris Pierce at The Hotel Cafe (9, 10:30, 11:30)

 

Sunday: Where’s The Band at The Troubadour (7pm)

 

 

To Keep in Mind:
Feb. 8th: Marketa Irglova at The Hotel Café
Feb. 9th: Joss Stone at The Troubadour
Feb. 9th: Harper Blynn at The Hotel Cafe
Feb. 14th: Twin Atlantic and You Me at Six at The Troubadour
Feb. 17th: Ryan Adams at The Hollywood Bowl
Feb. 19th: The Darkness at House of Blues Sunset
Feb. 20th: Milo Greene at The Satellite
Feb. 22nd: Will Dailey and Mariah McManus at The Hotel Café
Feb. 22nd: Imagine Dragons at The Viper Room
March 5th: Scars on 45 at The Troubadour
March 9th: William Fitzsimmons at The Troubadour
March 13th-18th: SXSW (Austin, TX)
March 18th: Dia Frampton at The Troubadour
March 20th: Needtobreathe and Ben Rector at Club Nokia
March 24th: Ani DiFranco at The Orpheum Theater
March 24th and 25th: Allen Stone at The Troubadour
March 31st: Tyrone Wells at The Roxy
April 1st: Charlotte Martin at The Bootleg Bar
April 13th-15th AND 20th– 22nd: Coachella
April 25th: Ben Kweller at The El Rey
April 27th: Ingrid Michaelson at The Troubadour
May 8th: Snow Patrol at The Hollywood Palladium
June 13th: Phantom Planet at The Troubadour

 

~ Kristen

 

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New Music Tuesday 1/24 Featuring Ingrid Michaelson, Foxy Shazam, Graffiti6, etc.

Posted on by Kristen

I know it’s been awhile since I was able to do one of these, but there are so many wonderful CDs coming out today and I felt it necessary to invest some time into pointing them out. I hope you, in turn, will invest some time into listening! Click on the artist’s name for more info on them and how to get their new CD.

Human Again – Ingrid Michaelson

I first heard this CD about a month ago and I have been counting down the days for its release. I’m a huge fan of Ingrid Michaelson and she takes this record to darker places both musically and lyrically and I love it! My full review of the album will be printed in the winter issue of High Voltage Magazine, but suffice it to say, fan or not, I think you should check out this record.

 

The Church of Rock and Roll – Foxy Shazam

When I first heard this group (sight unseen) I thought they were being led by a powerful black woman. Imagine my surprise when I found out their lead singer was a diminutive white guy. The surprises are never ending with Foxy Shazam and their newest record, The Church of Rock and Roll, definitely pushes the boundaries of what is expected from a rock band from Ohio. Check them out if you want something refreshing for your ears. And when they come to your town, do NOT miss the opportunity to see them live.

 

Colours– Graffiti6

I had the pleasure of discovering these Brits at The El Rey last week when they opened for Augustana. They play the kind of music that makes it easy to smile and sway along. I got the CD that night and have been listening to it on repeat. My favorite song is “Free”. I hope it can make you smile as well…

 

Others I hope to look into:

 

Listen, Learn, Love!

~ Kristen

Amanda’s SD Concert Calendar 1/23-1/29

Posted on by Amanda

What a drizzly Monday this has turned out to be! We had some rain Saturday as well and it’s definitely wet outside. I don’t mind this kind of weather every once in awhile but I think if I lived some place like Seattle all I would ever want to do is sleep. I’m poised for a nap right now!

Anyways, despite the wet weather today, the week promises to clear up in time for some excellent shows! It all starts Thursday for Nico Vega and continues Friday with The Howls CD Release show and finishes Saturday with Endoxi and Kevin Martin. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg…

 

Monday: April Ventura and The Magnolias @ Casbah @9 $5
AND: Wendy Bailey @ Ruby Room @8 $4

Tuesday: Alabama Shakes and Terraplane Sun @ Belly Up @9 $12/$14

Wednesday: Grand Tarantula @ U-31 @9
AND: Olin and The Moon, Maxim Ludwig and the Santa Fe Seven, and Vanaprasta

Thursday: Nico Vega and The Filthy Violets @ Casbah @9 $8/$10
AND: One I Red @ Ruby Room @9 $5

Friday: The Howls, Jesse LaMonaca and The Dime Novels, and Family Wagon @ Casbah @9 $8/$10
AND: Wendy Bailey @ Griffin @9 $7
AND: A Scribe Amidst The Lions @ Soda Bar @830 $7

Saturday: Endoxi and Kevin Martin @ Griffin @830 $8
AND: New Mexico @ Soda Bar @830 $7
AND: Joel Eckles @ Lestats @8
AND: Nada Surf, The Soft Pack, Cuckoo Chaos, and Republic of Letters @ 4th & B $20/$30

Sunday: Rest!

 

Keep in Mind:

February 2nd- The Burning of Rome @ Soda Bar
February 2nd- The New Kinetics @ Tin Can Alehouse
February 3rd- Mute Math @ 4th & B
February 4th- Where’s the Band Tour @ House of Blues
February 4th- Marton Sexton @ Belly Up
February 7th- Dr. Dog w/Purling Hiss @Belly Up @9 $18/$20
February 7th- Mattson 2 @ El Dorado
February 7th- The Henry Clay People @ Casbah @9
February 8th- Saint Motel and The Heavy Guilt @ Casbah @9
February 10th- Young the Giant @ Soma
February 11th- You Me At Six @ Soma @6 $12
February 17th- CAKE @ Belly Up
February 19th- Craig Finn @ Casbah @9 $12
February 20th- Get Back Loretta and Wendy Bailey and True Stories @ Casbah
February 22nd- Anya Marina @ Casbah
February 23rd- Ra Ra Riot @ Belly Up @8 $18
February 23rd- Hot Chelle Rae w/Electric Touch @ House of Blues
February 23rd- Scars on 45 @ Anthology @730
February 24th- The Soft Pack @ Casbah @9
February 25h- Mat Kearney @ House of Blues
February 26th- Cursive @ Casbah @9
February 29th- Red Hot Chili Peppers @ Valley View Casino Center
March 3rd- Jackie Greene @ Belly Up @9
March 6th- Flogging Molly @ House of Blues
March 8th- William Fitzsimmons @ Anthology @7
March 8th- The Silent Comedy and Dead Feather Moon @ Belly Up
March 9th- The Stone Foxes @ Casbah @9
March 11th- Crocodiles @ Casbah @9 $12
March 11th- Fierce Creatures @ Tin Can Alehouse
March 21st- Cults @ Belly Up @9
March 23rd- The Ting Tings @ House of Blues
April 13th- Coachella Weekend 1
April 15th- Rise Against @ Viejas Arena
April 20th- Coachella Weekend 2

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 1/23-1/29

Posted on by Kristen

Last week was a phenomenal week of shows. I believe I was out every night save the weekend (I much prefer staying in on the weekends anyway). My weekend was also fairly “epic” but in another sense. I made my third batch of 2011 mix CDs while watching the third Lord of the Rings movie (Return of The King) and I started re-reading the third book in the Inheritance cycle. I rather enjoy retreating into worlds full of elves and dragons where epic battles are won and heroes come from the unlikeliest of sources. And as I listen to Annie Lennox sing “Into the West” I am disheartened at the thought of returning to my somewhat less glorious real life.

Life does have a few treats in store for me this week, however. Bonnaroo highlight (and ’11 mix artist) Cory Chisel will be in town Tuesday night at The Echo, San Diego faves, Endoxi, will be rockin’ The Roxy Thursday, and LA love Queen Caveat is back in action with their first show of the new year Friday night at The Viper Room. But that is only the tip of the show iceberg this week. Here’s a full list of my recommendations:

 

Monday: Chasing Kings, Chevin, The Californian, Nightmare the Cat FREE at The Satellite (9pm)
ALSO: It’s a School Night at Bardot featuring The Good Natured…FREE with RSVP http://www.itsaschoolnight.com/losangeles/ (9pm)
ALSO: Kusewera Benefit Show at The Hotel Café featuring Lindsey Ray, Javier Dunn, Cary Brothers, etc. (7pm)
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)

 

Tuesday: Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons, Olin & The Moon, and Maxim Ludwig FREE at The Echo (9pm)
ALSO: The Belle Brigade at The Central in Santa Monica (11:30)
ALSO: Rumer at The Hotel Cafe (7pm)
ALSO: Dana Williams at Genghis Cohen (8pm)
ALSO: Tuesday’s Beachwood Carousal FREE at The Piano Bar (8pm)

 

Weds: The Watkins Family Hour at Largo (8:30)
ALSO: Alice Smith, Raining Jane, and Jamestown Revival at The Hotel Cafe  (7, 9, 10)
ALSO: Josh Damigo, Ruby Summer, and George Stanford at WitZend (8,9,10)

 

Thursday: Endoxi at The Roxy (10pm)
ALSO: George Stanford at The Foundry on Melrose (8pm)
ALSO: Vicci Matinez at The Viper Room (10pm)
ALSO: The Wood Brothers at The Largo (8pm)

 

Friday: Queen Caveat at The Viper Room (11pm)
ALSO: Jack & White, Neon Hymns, Rocco Deluca at The Hotel Cafe (9,10,11)
ALSO: SO & SO at Molly Malone’s (9pm)
ALSO: Taylor Locke and The Roughs, Bleu, and Mike Viola at Bootleg Bar (9pm)
ALSO: Vicky Cryer at The Troubadour (10pm)

 

Saturday: Anna Nalick and Nina Storey at The Hotel Cafe (9,10)
ALSO: The Shakers, Ice Cream Fire, The Young Rapscallions at The Roxy (7:30)
ALSO: Matt Skiba at The Troubadour (9pm)
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 featuring Adrienne Pierce, Liz Foster, Meagan Walsh, and MaryEllen Owens (7:30)

 

Sunday: Tyrone Wells, Mariah McManus, and Jack and White at Saint Rocke (6:30)
ALSO: Lovers Drugs at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)

 

 

 

To Keep in Mind:
January 31st: Atomic Tom at Bootleg Bar
Feb. 2nd: Mutemath at Club Nokia
Feb. 2nd: Dead Sara at Bootleg Bar
Feb. 8th: Marketa Irglova at The Hotel Café
Feb. 9th: Joss Stone at The Troubadour
Feb. 9th: Harper Blynn at The Hotel Cafe
Feb. 14th: Twin Atlantic and You Me at Six at The Troubadour
Feb. 17th: Ryan Adams at The Hollywood Bowl
Feb. 19th: The Darkness at House of Blues Sunset
Feb. 20th: Milo Greene at The Satellite
Feb. 21st: Scars on 45 at The Troubadour
Feb. 22nd: Will Dailey and Mariah McManus at The Hotel Cafe
March 9th: William Fitzsimmons at The Troubadour
March 13th-18th: SXSW (Austin, TX)
March 18th: Dia Frampton at The Troubadour
March 20th: Needtobreathe and Ben Rector at Club Nokia
March 24th: Ani DiFranco at The Orpheum Theater
March 24th and 25th: Allen Stone at The Troubadour
March 31st: Tyrone Wells at The Roxy
April 13th-15th AND 20th– 22nd: Coachella
April 25th: Ben Kweller at The El Rey
May 8th: Snow Patrol at The Hollywood Palladium

 

~ Kristen

 

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Amanda’s Top Ten Musical Experiences (The Finale!)

Posted on by Amanda

It’s long overdue but at last I’m bringing this thing to a close. Without further ado, my top 2.

 

2. The Silent Comedy/Saint Motel/Tranfer

I realize this is like cheating by having 3 bands listed without a discernable event that brings the three together. Well, the fact of the matter is, The Silent Comedy is at the center of this love triangle and if it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t include the others. This past summer The Silent Comedy embarked on their Summer Sweat Tour with Saint Motel which had numerous highlights from a show at the Casbah to playing LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) which culminated in a residency at The Cosmopolitan Hotel in Vegas. Vegas with the boys was a highlight for me because it was like a mini sin filled vacation surrounded by (almost) everyone you know and love. It was lovely. On the flip side, Transfer and The Silent Comedy are like two peas who have outgrown their pod. I first knew of Transfer because of The Silent Comedy and I know people who are vice versa. Transfer and The Silent Comedy have put on some epic shows this year but perhaps the mist epic of all was New Years Eve at the Lafayette Hotel here in San Diego. It was almost like Vegas but had way more bands and more friendly faces. It was definitely the best New Years Eve experience I’ve ever had! As a side note, I’ve had some wonderful video experiences with The Silent Comedy this year from shooting video of them to being in a video with them. Many cherished memories.

 

1. William Beckett

I’m not really sure to begin my story of my love for William Beckett. It’s a love I’m not entirely proud of, mostly because his fans are either teenagers/early twenty somethings or those crazy moms that like bands who go to rock shows and embarrass their kids. Nevertheless, my love for this particular artist came from a random chance discovery of his (now broken up) band The Academy Is… I’m not sure if it was a music or the lyrics that caught me first but the thing I have loved and always admired about William was his writing. I was hoping to go see The Academy Is… a few times on their tour this year when news broke that they had parted ways. I was devastated. My first band love had broken up and though I had been to many of their shows, I felt I could have done more. After all, Kristen and I galavanted around the east coast last year to see them, surely there was more I could have done. But then, magic happened. William announced he was coming to LA to open for the sold out Dear Jack benefit on 11/11/11. I immediately got on Craigslist and found a ticket. What a magical show it was! Between Mr. Beckett playing acoustic (which I had never seen) he played rare TAI songs, covers, and even a few of his new solo tunes. I was in heaven! What made the night even better was getting my favorite lyrics from The Phrase that Pays written down by his hand on a piece of paper. My life was complete!! Only, not quite. William announced he was playing a holiday show in Chicago and I knew I couldn’t miss it. I flew out to Chicago and was there for 3 days and 2 nights to catch this acoustic holiday show which featured, Jennifer Hall, Bonaventure, Into It. Over It., and William Beckett. It was a wonderful adventure where I got to meet other fans, chat with William about a mutual love for Nashville, and just enjoy life. It was whimsical and it’s why he is my number 1 for 2011.

 

Amanda’s Top Ten Musical Experiences (cont.)

Posted on by Amanda

I bet you thought I forgot all about this! Well, the truth of the matter is… I haven’t been home to write and when I am home, I’m sleeping. I’ve been out making new musical experiences for 2012! As such I’m giving you three more of my top musical experiences and I promise the top 2 won’t be far behind.

 

5.SXSW- I don’t really know how to describe SXSW to anyone other than calling it a musical orgy of sorts. There is so much to see and do whilst in Austin, Texas that it’s hard to keep your head on straight. Last year was my first year and I hope to be going every year after. The cool thing about SXSW is you really only need money for a place to stay and some food. We never went to any official shows (which is what badges are required for) and we had a hard time keeping up with all the musical options out there. During our time at SXSW we saw; Fierce Creatures, Viva City, Purple Melon, AWOLNATION, Neon Trees, The Head and The Heart, The Kin, Dead Sara, Fitz and The Tantrums, Tailor Made Fable, Keaton Simons, Liam Finn, Atomic Tom, Ivan and Alyosha, Queen Caveat, The Gallery, Sabrosa Purr,  The Greenhornes, The Silent Comedy, Mother Mother, Agnes Obel, Brian Wright, Brooke Fraser, Cary Brothers, Holly Conlan, Jim Bianco, Joey Ryan, Kenneth Pattengale, Laura Jansen, Little Red Radio, OK, The Milk Carton Kids, Deluka, Hugo, Meriwether, My Cousin The Emperor, Sinai, Taylor Locke & The Roughs, The Good Natured, Augustana, Doll and The Kicks, Empires, Lenka, Twin Atlantic, and The Stone Foxes. Well, you get the idea…

 

4. Blink-182- I was never a huge fan of Blink. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t change the radio station when their music came on or anything but nothing about them made me have a burning desire to see them live. In 2011, I saw them not once but twice and they will always have a warm spot in my heart. The first time I saw them was for the Honda Civic Tour. I was working with Kevin and Rebecca Joelson and doing some shooting of the event which means I was in the pit for the first few songs and was able to be side stage for the rest of their set. I was surprised at just how many Blink-182 songs I knew and Rebecca and I sang along from the sidelines. What really blew my brain was when they ‘finished’ their set and this giant rig comes down from the batons where all the lights are. I had been staring at it all night trying to figure out what it was. Well, it was a giant arm with a drum set attached! Travis got on this rig and was taken out over the audience while he played a solo for a few minutes. The rig would tilt down, back up and move around. It was mind blowing!!!! Needless to say, I was a fan after that.

 

3. Bonnaroo- In 2011, Bonnaroo was what Coachella should have been lineup wise. If you’ve ever been to or know about Coachella, think of Bonnaroo as the cooler sister who is both hippie and hip. Bonnarro is also held in a giant field and while it lacks the artistic attractions like the wandering robot and the giant hand that can kill a car, it has yoga and it’s own post office. Bonnaroo also has this giant fountain which I’ve been told gets painted different colors every year but it’s a great way to stay cool in the heat. Coachella doesn’t have that. Granted Coachella is easier to get to, but flying out gave us the chance to hang out in Tennessee and check out Nashville for a day or two. Our highlights from Bonnaroo were already posted on this site but we had a blast watching Eminem, The Head and The Heart, Portugal. The Man, Neon Trees, Kopeckey Family Band, Mumford and Sons, Cory Chisel and The Wandering Sons, Alberta Cross, The Black Angels, and The Decemberists. Bonnaroo is a new tradition in my book and I can’t wait to see the lineup for 2012!

 

See you soon for my top 2!

Friday the 13th’s Creepshow at The Hotel Cafe

Posted on by Kristen

One of my favorite musical events is the semi-annual Creepshow. Pianist extraordinaire, Ely Rise or Ely the Creep as he is affectionately known, gathers together his very talented musician friends for a night of drinking and music at The Hotel Cafe. Ely knows good music and The Creepshow is always an opportunity to discover amazing talent. Over the last couple of years, I have been introduced to artists like Alisan Porter, Elle King, Sarah Hudson, and Esthero and gotten to see favorite acts like Hoobastank, Daniel Bedingfield, and Ferras.  What I love most about the event is that it is a celebration of music. Everyone there is so happy to be on the stage sharing what the love with an audience eager to hear what they have to offer.

The 10th Creepshow took place last Friday (the 13th) and living up to the standard, was an evening full of discovering new artists, seeing a couple of favorites, and generally being blown away by the talent that took the stage. Highlights for me included hearing some new songs from Ferras (especially his duet with Sarah Hudson) and sampling promising new voices like Dana Williams, Nikki Leonti (of Nikki & Rich), and southern sounding rocker Josh Bartholomew. Plus, it wouldn’t be a Creepshow without at least one surprise guest and having Josh Hoge take the stage might have been the most pleasant surprise of them all!

Below are some pictures. Scroll over the pics to get more stories from the fantastic evening of music.

~ Kristen