Kristen’s 5 “Must See” Acts of Bonnaroo ’11

Posted on by Kristen

Tonight, we’re leaving for Bonnaroo!  I’ve done the usual; listen to all the artists, create my schedule, figure out how to pack a tent and a sleeping bag to take on a plane…  I don’t know what was more difficult, narrowing down the number of books I want to bring or narrowing down the number of bands to put on my top 5 “must see” acts of Bonnaroo ’11 list. But both tasks needed to be done.  There are so many acts that I’m excited to see, but here are my top:

 

  1. Deas Vail http://www.deasvail.com/

This band captured my attention at Warped Tour and I’ve been craving another helping of this Arkansas-based group ever since. Their uplifting melodies and calming vocals always manage to lift the spirit. Deas Vail is the kind of band that can take you to another, much better place. And that’s what Bonnaroo is all about (for me at least). It’s the physical representation of that mental place I go every time I see my favorite bands perform. And there is absolutely nothing better than seeing one of my favorite bands in this place…and that’s why Deas Vail is the group I’m most looking forward to seeing this year.

Where to see them:  Friday 2:30 at Cafe Where

[youtube Q4P3tD1Mc1U]

 

2. Eminem http://www.eminem.com/

One of my favorite things about Bonnaroo (and music festivals in general) is being able to see so many big acts that I would never pay to see individually (I go to way too many shows to pay big bucks for any one artist). There are quite a few big names I’m looking forward to this year, but none more than Eminem. I was never a huge fan of Eminem, but then I saw him perform at another festival (Epicenter). This man has a gift. I’ve been hesitant of big name rappers at Bonnaroo ever since that whole Kanye debacle of ’08, but I know Eminem will be more embracing of the Bonnaroo spirit and put on a show worthy of the event. Now that I’ve had a taste of this live performance, I cannot wait to get more!

Where to see him: Saturday 11pm at the What Stage

[youtube uelHwf8o7_U]

 

 

3. Lelia Broussard vs. The Sheepdogs
http://leliabroussard.com/ http://www.thesheepdogs.com/

I’ve been keeping tabs on the whole Rolling Stone unsigned artist cover competition. Although my faves, Chicago rockers Empire, are sadly no longer in the running, there are still two fantastic acts left. I’ve been going to Lelia Broussard shows for years now and have always enjoyed her songs and charming delivery. The Sheepdogs were introduced to me through this competition, but I pegged them early as one to watch (I have a weakness for southern rock). I’m excited to see them both perform and bring about a conclusion to this competition.

Where to see them: Saturday 2pm at This Tent

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4. Mumford and Sons http://www.mumfordandsons.com/

As amazing as their album, Sigh No More, can be, the live Mumford and Sons performance is even better! As these English folk rockers continue to grow in popularity around the world, their performances become increasingly coveted. I don’t know if I could ever beat the front row at The Belly Up, but Mumford and Sons + Bonnaroo is an ideal combination and I am really looking forward to seeing them again.

Where to see them: Saturday 6:15 at Which Stage

[youtube 3KkUeRPjc-Y]

 

 

5. Cory Chisel and The Wandering Sons http://www.corychisel.com/

What would be the point of a big music festival, if I didn’t walk away discovering a great new band. I mean Bonnaroo is the event in where I first heard one of my LA faves, Carney. Listening to all the acts unbeknownst to me, I heard a lot of promise in Cory Chisel and The Wandering Sons. Will they live up to my expectations? Will another unknown act steal my heart? I guess we’ll all have to wait and see.

Where to see them:
Thursday 7:15 at The Solar Stage
Friday 9:20 at The On Tap Lounge

 

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Other Highly Anticipated Acts for Bonnaroo ‘11

 

Hope to see you at the ‘Roo!

~ Kristen

Amanda’s SD Show Calendar 6/7-6/13

Posted on by Amanda

My sincerest apologies about the calendar yesterday. I’ve been running around like a chicken with my head cut off to get ready for Bonnaroo and this completely slipped my mind until it was too late. We take the red eye out tomorrow night and I’m not nearly ready. It snuck up on my awfully fast! I’m excited for it and boy do I need a vacation but why can’t things buy and pack themselves eh?

It seems to be a quiet week for music so far as I can see. Maybe I’m missing something? Ah well.

 

Tuesday: Forever the Sickest Kids, Anarbor, and more @ Soma @ 7 $15

Wednesday: Low Volts @ Casbah @9 $12

Thursday: Mother Mother @ Soda Bar

Friday: X @ 4th and B
AND: The Heavy Guilt @ Soda Bar @10 $5
AND: Yellowcard and Good Charlotte @7 $30 adv/$35 day of

Saturday: Airborne Toxic Event @ House of Blues
AND: Bruno Mars and Janelle Monae @ Del Mar Fair
AND: Josh Damigo Night @ Lestats @9

Sunday: Rest

Monday: The Blackout Party @ Casbah @9 $7

 

Keep In Mind:

June 17th- Switchfoot @ Del Mar Fair
June 19th- Panic! at the Disco @ House of Blues
June 19th- Hellogoodbye @ Soma @7 $15 adv
June 22nd- Neon Trees @ Del Mar Fair
July 5th- Eddie Vedder @ Copley Symphony Hall
July 6th- Foster the People @ House of Blues $17.50
July 26th- Cold Cave and Austra @ Casbah $12 adv/$14 day of
July 26th- A Perfect Circle @ SDSU Open Air Theater
July 27th- Indigo Girls @ Humphrey’s
July 29th- Yuck @ Casbah
August 9th- Vans Warped Tour
August 16th- Death Cab for Cutie @ RIMAC Arena
September 4th- Kings of Leon with Band of Horses @ Cricket Wireless
October 15th- Honda Civic Tour w/ Blink 182, My Chemical Romance, and Matt and Kim @ Cricket Wireless

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 6/6-6/14

Posted on by Kristen

The list may look a little long this week and that’s because I’m going to be internet-less next weekend and well…I don’t want that to leave everyone concertless. Of course, the reason I’ll be without connection to the world is because we’re going to that magical place called Bonnaroo and I refuse to spend my energies on finding power and WiFi…I’m not even bringing my computer (*gasp*). I’m sure we’ll be updating everyone on our journey via twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/_localmusicnat). At least until I have to choose between charging my phone and running to the next set (you can guess what will win).

 

I’ll working on a “most anticipated acts of Bonnaroo” post, so keep your eyes out. In the meantime, for those of you not venturing to Tennessee, LA still has a lot to offer this week in terms of live music. Enjoy!

 

 

Monday: Band of Skulls at Bootleg Theater (11pm)
ALSO: The Californian at The Satellite (9pm)
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)

 

Tuesday: Death Cab for Cutie and The Lonely Forest at The El Rey (8pm)
ALSO: Band of Skulls at Bootleg Theater (11pm)
ALSO: Fat City Reprise at Rhino Records Pop Up Store in Santa Monica (8pm)  http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=201749359870269
ALSO: Indians at La Cita (10pm)

 

Weds: Endoxi at The Roxy (8pm)

 

Thursday: ??

 

Friday: Lakes at The Hotel Cafe (11:30)
ALSO: Belle Brigade at The Satellite (10pm)
ALSO: Filthy Souls, Jordan Cook, and Boy Hits Car at The Viper Room (8,9,11)
ALSO: Maxim Ludwig at The Echo (8:30)

 

Saturday: I’m sure something will come up!

 

Sunday: So & So presents Artists Who Give featuring Keaton Simons, Amie Miriello, etc. (9pm)…artist performing songs from Neil Young’s Harvest Album
ALSO: Sunday Lane at The Mint (9:50)
ALSO: Justin Hopkins Songwriter Round (7pm)
ALSO: The Ataris acoustic at The Airliner (8pm)
ALSO: Tony Lucca at Cabana Club for the 3rd Annual Music Night

 

Monday (6/13): Armada at The Viper Room (11:15)…as part of their June Viper residency
ALSO: Florence and The Machine at The Greek Theater
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)

 

Tuesday (6/14): Haim at The Troubadour (8:30)
ALSO: Mother Mother and Andy Clockwise at The Satellite (9pm)
ALSO: The Civil Wars at Amoeba (7pm)
ALSO: Marc Broussard and Matt Hires at The El Rey (8pm)

 

 

 

To Keep in Mind:

June 15th: Augustana at The House of Blues Sunset
June 17th: Nico Vega at The House of Blues Anaheim
June 24th: Rooney at The El Rey
June 25th: The Silent Comedy at The Roxy
June 29th: Brooke Fraser at The Music Box
July 14th: Parade of Lights at The Viper Room
July 19th and 21st: Alkaline Trio at The Troubadour
July 22nd: Langhorne Slim at The Echo
July 26th: The Indigo Girls at The Troubadour
July 28th: A Perfect Circle at Gibson Auditorium
August 12-14th: Outside Lands in San Francisco
August 18th: The Veronicas at The Viper Room
August 18-20th: SSMF
September 22-24: Hotel Carolina (South Carolina)

~ Kristen

 

Kristen’s SXSW ’11 Mix: BONUS Tracks!

Posted on by Kristen

Because it’s so hard to narrow it down to the number of songs that will fit on a CD, I’ve squeezed a few more tracks in my online list.

 

Bonus 1: “Push Me to The Floor” – The Parlotones

I know The Parlotones are far from what you might call a new band, but hey, I’d never heard of the South African rockers until this year at SXSW. They did this song acoustically for Hanson’s SXSW4Japan benefit. Then I looked up their video…hilarious! Enjoy!

[youtube OPo3KLZ4SpM]

 

Bonus 2: “George Square” – David Berkeley

I was immediately struck by the beauty of this song. I needed to add it to this list. Really looking forward to David coming to LA. I can just feel an amazing Hotel Cafe show.

[youtube MGysEspXN2k]

 

Bonus 3: “New Morning” – Alpha Rev

Another song I discovered from Hanson’s SXSW4Japan event. This Texas-based band has been recognized by VH1 as an artist you oughta know and I agree. Check out their CD, New Morning and enjoy the title track song.

[youtube O75LJUc7nBY]

 

Enjoy!!

 

Now…onto Bonaroo!!

 

~ Kristen

Kristen’s SXSW ’11 Mix: Part 5

Posted on by Kristen

This year’s SXSW experience was a little different than in years past (ie I actually got to GO instead of my usual just listening to all of the artists). Still, I wanted to maintain the spirit of my annual SXSW Mix being a list of artists that are mostly new to me that I somehow discovered or was inspired to write about due to my SXSW experience.  I am so excited about every one of these artists/groups. I can’t wait for them to come through LA and play!

Here’s the final part of the official mix:

 

17. “Dominos” – Electric Touch

For a hot minute, Electric Touch was in LA and I discovered their music here. Then they moved to Austin, so I had to wait ’til SXSW to see them again. Now, they’ve played Coachella and seem to be doing a bit of Warped Tour this year. Keep your eyes open for this band, ’cause your ears will be happy if you do! Here are some tunes including my favorite, “Dominos”.

 


 

18. “Amalgam” – Halos

Ok, I saw this band at The Viper Room well before SXSW…but they were there and this is the perfect excuse I’d been looking for to mention how much I enjoy them. Check out their album, Living Like Kings in Confined Spaces.

[youtube 2BqXO7U3OC0]

 

19. “American Dream” – Sinai

Phildelphia’s golden boys, SINAI, gave one of their rare performances at SXSW this year. It was one of my most anticipated performances of the week as I’d been waiting to see this band, comprised of some of my favorite musicians, play since they announced their formation. They certainly didn’t disappoint. I love this video for “American Dream” because quite a bit of it was taken at their Austin performance.

[youtube 9KGM7TdHVr0]

 

20. “Remove Money Maker” – Viva City

These Brits were a big part of my SXSW experience. The more I see them, the more I love them. Check out their CD, Phobia, which features this song as well as other dance-able hits.

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~ Kristen

 

and you think we’re done but wait…

Amanda’s SD Show Calendar 5/30-6/5

Posted on by Amanda

Happy Memorial Day! I hope you all are outside enjoying the beautiful sunshine outside! I heard it was a chilly weekend but it’s nice and sunny today! I bet the beaches are packed too!

Buuuuut, we have some fun shows for this week(end)!

 

Monday: Ryan Blue @ Tin Can Alehouse  @9 $4

Tuesday: One I Red @ Tin Can Alehouse @9 $5
AND: Transfer, The Parlotones and The Daylights @ The Troubadour @8 $12 (I know this is LA but it should be fun!)

Wednesday: Cage the Elephant and Manchester Orchestra @ Soma @ 630 $20
AND: Parade of Lights @ Silverlake Lounge @ 9 (Yes it’s LA again but we love them so!)

Thursday: The Parlotones and The Daylights @ Belly Up @9 $12 adv/$14 day of
AND: Ghost Town Deputies @ Eleven @9 $6
AND: Jamie Drake @ Lestats @9

Friday: Fierce Creatures @ Eleven @ 9 $6
AND: Inspired Flight and Illuminauts @ Casbah $12 adv/$14 day of
AND: Tapedeck Mountain @ Soda Bar @9 $5

Saturday: Fiesta Del Sol w/Dead Feather Moon, The Heavy Guilt, Common Sense and More @ 9am-9pm @ Solana Beach
AND: The Howls, Get Back Loretta, and Skyline Union @ Soda Bar
AND: Echo Revolution and The New Assembly @ Eleven @9 $6
AND: Diego Garcia @ Anthology @930 $10-$17
AND: The New Kinetics @ Tin Can Alehouse @9 $5

Sunday: 94/9 Independence Jam w/Cold War Kids, Peter Bjorn and John, Lykki Li, The Soft Pack, The Silent Comedy, Crocodiles, Band of Skulls, Everest, Low Volts, Surfer Blood, and Heavy Hawaii
AND: Fiesta Del Sol w/Bushwalla, Wild Child, Bedouin Soundclash, and more @ 9am-9pm @ Solana Beach  

 

Keep in Mind:

June 8th- Adele @ Humphrey’s
June 9th- Mother Mother @ Soda Bar
June 10th- X @ 4th and B
June 11th- Airborne Toxic Event @ House of Blues
June 11th- Bruno Mars and Janelle Monae @ Del Mar Fair
June 17th- Switchfoot @ Del Mar Fair
June 19th- Panic! at the Disco @ House of Blues
June 19th- Hellogoodbye @ Soma @7 $15 adv
June 22nd- Neon Trees @ Del Mar Fair
July 5th- Eddie Vedder @ Copley Symphony Hall
July 6th- Foster the People @ House of Blues $17.50
July 26th- Cold Cave and Austra @ Casbah $12 adv/$14 day of
July 26th- A Perfect Circle @ SDSU Open Air Theater
July 27th- Indigo Girls @ Humphrey’s
July 29th- Yuck @ Casbah
August 9th- Vans Warped Tour
August 16th- Death Cab for Cutie @ RIMAC Arena
September 4th- Kings of Leon with Band of Horses @ Cricket Wireless
October 15th- Honda Civic Tour w/ Blink 182, My Chemical Romance, and Matt and Kim @ Cricket Wireless

 

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 5/30-6/5

Posted on by Kristen

Running out the door to go get my mind blown away by Dead Sara at Hemingways in Hollywood. I’m really enjoying the holiday weekend and the fact that I just woke up from a lovely nap.

As usual, lots of great shows this week. I’m most looking forward to New Band Love’s Parade of Lights return to LA on Weds. They are playing The Silverlake Lounge. Afterwards, I’ll be running to On the Rox to catch the deadly combo of Indians and Semi Precious Weapons. Talk about a crazy night!

As for the rest:

 

Monday: Maniac FREE at Bootleg Theater (10pm)
ALSO: Lovers Drugs at The Airliner (9pm)
ALSO: Taylor Locke and The Roughs FREE at Silverlake Lounge (11pm)

 

Tuesday: Transfer, The Daylights, and The Parlotones at The Troubadour (8:30, 9:15, 10:15)
ALSO: The Filthy Souls FREE at Piano Bar (11pm)
ALSO: Amie Miriello at The Hotel Cafe (10pm)

 

Weds: Parade of Lights at Silverlake Lounge (9pm)
ALSO: Indians and Semi Precious Weapons at On the Rox (10pm)…FREE with RSVP

 

Thursday: Chasing Avalanche and Youngblood Hawke at The Viper Room (9, 12)
ALSO: Manchester Orchestra at The Music Box (8pm)

 

Friday: The Shakers at The Roxy (8pm)
ALSO: Barcelona and The 88 at The Hotel Cafe (9:30, 10:30)
ALSO: The Lookout Kids at Molly Malone’s (10pm)
ALSO: Love and a .38 and Boy Hits Car at The Viper Room (11pm)
ALSO: Arctic Monkeys at Hollywood Palladium (8pm)

 

Saturday: Christopher Dallman, George Stanford, and Brother Sal at The Hotel Cafe (7,11,12)
ALSO: The Bird and The Bee at Bootleg Theater (8pm)

 

Sunday: Independence Jam in Oceanside featuring Cold War Kids, The Silent Comedy, Band of Skulls, Everest, etc. at the Oceanside Pier Amphitheatre (4:30)

 

To Keep in Mind:
June 6th and 7th: Band of Skulls at Bootleg Theater
June 7th: Death Cab for Cutie and The Lonely Forest at The El Rey
June 9th: Adele at Hollywood Palladium
June 9-12: Bonnaroo (TN)
June 13th: Florence and The Machine at The Greek Theater
June 15th: Augustana at The House of Blues Sunset
June 17th: Nico Vega at The House of Blues Anaheim
June 29th: Brooke Fraser at The Music Box
July 19th and 21st: Alkaline Trio at The Troubadour
July 26th: The Indigo Girls at The Troubadour
July 28th: A Perfect Circle at Gibson Auditorium
August 12-14th: Outside Lands in San Francisco
August 18-20th: SSMF
September 22-24: Hotel Carolina (South Carolina)

~ Kristen