Local Music Nation

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 4/1-4/7

Posted on March 31, 2013 by Kristen

Happy Easter! After a long and tiring week, it is really nice to relax and celebrate. When I moved to Los Angeles 5 years ago, one of the things I knew I would miss would be sharing these big holidays with my family, but I’m pretty sure that first year celebrating Easter in LA was when I realized what a great new family I had made here. And in the subsequent years this gathering has become my yearly reminder of how many wonderful and inspiring people I have since met and claimed as my own. I’m pretty sure this year is our largest gathering yet. I mean, the leg of lamb my roommate brought home yesterday…well, I wasn’t even sure it would fit in the oven!

I hope to extend my celebratory mood into the week with the help of some excellent shows. I think the two I’m most looking forward to are the amazing string of acts at The Hotel Cafe Wednesday and Sunday nights. People often ask me what my favorite venue in LA is and I have to say The Hotel Cafe because there is no other venue that can so consistently put together solid lineups from front to back. As much as I venue hop, sometimes it’s nice to see a bunch of your favorites all in one place…

Monday: Western Scene FREE at Bootleg Bar (9:30)
ALSO: 8MM FREE at The Viper Room (11pm)…performance after a video screening of Tapeheads at 8pm
ALSO: Stonefeather FREE at The Satellite (10pm)
ALSO: Monday Monday FREE at Room 5 featuring Garrison Star, AG, Broken Anchor, Whispertown, etc. (8pm)

Tuesday: Basement Sessions FREE at Hemmingway’s featuring The Gallery and Great White Buffalo (9:30)
ALSO: Matt Hires at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)
ALSO: Low at The Troubadour (9:30)
ALSO: Beachwood Night FREE at The Piano Bar (8pm)

Weds: William Beckett w/ Jillette Johnson, Tyler Hilton, David & Devine at The Hotel Cafe (7, 9:30, 10:30)
ALSO: Glen Hansard at The Grammy Museum (8pm)
ALSO: Bronze Radio Return at Bootleg Bar (10pm)
ALSO: Armada and Red Circle Underground at Silverlake Lounge (9, 10)
ALSO: Fortress Social Club at Harvard and Stone (11:30)
ALSO: Air Dubai and For The Foxes at The Roxy (8pm)
ALSO: Goo Goo Dolls at The Troubadour (8pm)

Thursday: NO at The Troubadour (10:15)
ALSO: Justin Furstenfeld (Blue October) and Joe Firstman at The Hotel Cafe (7:30, 10:30)
ALSO: Kopecky Family Band at The Satellite (10pm)
ALSO: Zero 1 at The Viper Room (10pm)
ALSO: Colin Hay at Largo (8:30)

Friday: The Rescues at The Hotel Cafe (9:30)
ALSO: George Stanfrod at Harvelle’s (8:30)
ALSO: Blackberry Smoke at House of Blues Sunset (8pm)
ALSO: Soul Asylum with The Bolts, A Mayfield Affair, Still The Sky’s Limit at The Roxy (8pm)

Saturday: The Rescues at The Hotel Cafe (9:30)
ALSO: Keaton Simons and Lee Dewyze FREE at Universal City Walk (8pm)
ALSO: Meiko at The Hapa Festival at the Japanese American National Museum (7:30)
ALSO: Solwave FREE at TRiP (8pm)
ALSO: Taddy Porter at The Viper Room (10pm)
ALSO: Jill Sobule at McCabes (8pm)

Sunday: Scott Mellis, Zane Carney, Ernie Halter and Friends w/ Keaton Simons, Curtis Peoples, etc. at The Hotel Cafe (7, 8, 9)
ALSO: Zookeeper’s Palace at The Viper Room (9pm)

To Keep in Mind:
April 9^th: Andrew Ripp at The Hotel Cafe
April 10^th: Curtis Peoples at The Roxy
April 13^th: Langhorne Slim at The Echoplex
April 16^th: The Neighbourhood at The El Rey
April 17^th: Lelia Broussard at The Hotel Cafe
April 18^th: Little Green Cars at The Troubadour
April 20^th: Tyrone Wells and Wakey!Wakey! at The Troubadour
April 23^rd: The Revival Tour at The El Rey
April 25^th: Dear Boy at Bootleg Bar
April 26^th: Chappo at The Satellite
April 27^th: The Virginmarys at The Viper Room
May 2^nd: Lights at The El Rey
May 2^nd: Crash Kings at Saint Rocke
May 2^nd: Meiko at Los Globos
May 4^th: The Brobecks at Amplyfi
May 4^th: Alice Russell at First Unitarian Church
May 7^th: Tom Odell at The Troubadour
May 7^th: Dinner and a Suit at The Roxy
May 8^th/9^th: Milk Carton Kids at Largo
May 9^th: Dead Sara at The El Rey
May 9^th: Sara Watkins, Fiction Family, Kris Orlowski at Bootleg Theater
May 12^th: Stephen Kellogg at The Hotel Café
May 14^th: Sara Bareilles at The El Rey
May 15^th: Andrew McMahon at The Troubadour
May 18-19^th: Overture Con at The Mint
May 21^st: Kate Nash at The Echo
May 22^nd: Youngblood Hawke at Avalon
May 24^th: Sir Sly at The Troubadour
May 29^th/30^th: Imagine Dragons at Hollywood Palladium
June 1^st: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club at The Wiltern
June 1^st: CHVRCHES at The Troubadour
June 5^th: Jewel at Saban Theatre
June 6^th: Capital Cities at The El Rey
June 7^th: The Boxer Rebellion at Avalon
August 19^th/20^th: Ed Sheeran at The Staples Center

~ Kristen

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 3/25-3/31

Posted on March 24, 2013 by Kristen

I’m still riding that post-SXSW high. I’ve been stealing minutes here and there to process all the pictures and songs, bring faces back to the pile of business cards, and write and reflect on everything that happened so that I won’t soon forget. I’ve also taken some time this week to catch up with friends and share my stories. I was only gone a week, but it seems like it was much longer based on all that happened while I was gone. Hopefully (or maybe not) this week will feel a bit more routine. There certainly are a number of shows inhabiting my week’s schedule. Monday Night, Nico Vega plays a free show at Universal City Walk, Tuesday is Sad Robot’s last residency date at Hemmingway’s, Wednesday is The Milk Carton Kids at Largo, etc. etc.

Here are the rest of my selections:

Monday: Nico Vega FREE at Universal City Walk (9pm)
ALSO: Dinner and a Suit at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)
ALOS: The Young Romans at Molly Malone’s (10pm)
ALSO: The Rebel Light and Family Wagon FREE at Harvard and Stone (8pm)
ALSO: It’s A School Night FREE at Bardot featuring Kiven (9pm)
ALSO: Monday Monday FREE at Room 5 (8pm)

Tuesday: Robert Francis and Jesse Thomas at The Hotel Cafe (9, 10)
ALSO: Sad Robot FREE at Hemmingway’s (10pm)
ALSO: The Diamond Light at Central SAPC (11pm)
ALSO: Beachwood Tuesday’s FREE at The Piano Bar (8pm)

Weds: The Milk Carton Kids at Largo (8pm)
ALSO: Joe Firstman at WitZend (8:15)
ALSO: David & Devine at The Hotel Cafe (10pm)
ALSO: Badass Bands Blog Show at Silverlake Lounge featuring Cinderella MOTEL, Tic Tic Boom! (8pm)
ALSO: Mika at The El Rey (8pm)

Thursday: Sonia Rao and Elliot Yamin at WitZend (9, 10)
ALSO: Other Side of Morning at On the Rox (8:30)
ALSO: Morgan Karr at Room 5 (8pm)
ALSO: Rumours: The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute (10pm)
ALSO: Picture Atlantic and Franky Perez and The Truth at The Viper Room (8, 11)
ALSO: Vans Warped Tour Kick-Off Party at Club Nokia featuring Dia Frampton and Beware of Darkness (7pm)

Friday: Denny White at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)…CD Release
ALSO: Sabrosa Purr at The Viper Room (11pm)
ALSO: Fine at Molly Malone’s (9:40)
ALSO: Icarus Landing FREE at The Slidebar (8pm)

Saturday: Yellow Red Sparks, Kris Orlowski, The Last Bison at The Mint (8pm)
ALSO: Inara George at McCabe’s (8pm AND 10pm)
ALSO: Trapt at The Troubadour (11pm)
ALSO: Sound City screening with performances by Josh Boyd and Raw Geromino FREE at Bootleg Gallery (8pm)

Sunday: Happy Easter!

To Keep in Mind:
April 3^rd: William Beckett at The Hotel Cafe
April 4^th: NO at The Troubadour
April 9^th: Andrew Ripp at The Hotel Cafe
April 10^th: Curtis Peoples at The Roxy
April 16^th: The Neighbourhood at The El Rey
April 17^th: Lelia Broussard at The Hotel Cafe
April 18^th: Little Green Cars at The Troubadour
April 20^th: Tyrone Wells and Wakey!Wakey! at The Troubadour
April 23^rd: The Revival Tour at The El Rey
April 25^th: Dear Boy at Bootleg Bar
April 26^th: Chappo at The Satellite
May 2^nd: Lights at The El Rey
May 2^nd: Crash Kings at Saint Rocke
May 2^nd: Meiko at Los Globos
May 4^th: The Brobecks at Amplyfi
May 7^th: Tom Odell at The Troubadour
May 7^th: Dinner and a Suit at The Roxy
May 8^th/9^th: Milk Carton Kids at Largo
May 12^th: Stephen Kellogg at The Hotel Cafe
May 15^th: Andrew McMahon at The Troubadour
May 18-19^th: Overture Con at The Mint
May 22^nd: Youngblood Hawke at Avalon
May 24^th: Sir Sly at The Troubadour
May 29^th/30^th: Imagine Dragons at Hollywood Palladium
June 1^st: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club at The Wiltern
June 5^th: Jewel at Saban Theatre
June 6^th: Capital Cities at The El Rey
August 19^th/20^th: Ed Sheeran at The Staples Center

~ Kristen

http://frank-turner.com/blog/2013/03/south-by-south-madness/

SXSW ’13 – Day 5

Posted on March 16, 2013 by Kristen

You know SXSW is nearly over when your evenings go from hitting up 2-3 venues/hour to getting to one show/hour to finding one venue and staying there all evening. Well, tonight, my feet decided they were done with the crazy walking so I went to Blackheart and there I stayed for three sets in a row. Wow. Even though all the music was good, my mind regrets all that could have been had I had the capacity to venue hop all night.

But I shouldn’t complain. I did get to see a few bands today. After a brief stop for Irish Breakfast at BD Riley’s, I started my day at The Quantum Party at Whole Foods where I got to catch one of my new favorites, The Wild Feathers. I also briefly popped across the street for one of my old favorites, Frightened Rabbits (I really am loving their new album). Afterwards, I ventured back to Filter’s party at Cedar Street Courtyard where I was able to dance with Brodka and Haerts. Then I simply crossed the street to a cool bar called Oil Tin Harry’s where I caught a bit of Philly’s Zelazowa. It’s a shame that not many people joined me as the brothers of Zelazowa had some great new tunes…

The absolute highlight of my day happened when I was leaving Oil Tin Harry’s to meet Amanda at J. Black’s for The Dunwells. For some backstory, the biggest disappointment of my yesterday was the fact that The Hype Hotel was running over an hour late and I was only able to catch a couple songs of Irish band Kodaline. This wouldn’t be a huge issue except all it took was about 20 seconds of one song for me to fall in love with the band. Leaving was difficult. Then today, a SXSW miracle occurred when I walked past Kodaline playing in a small bar. I still wasn’t able to catch more than a couple of songs, but now at least in total, I’ve almost seen half a set!

The rest of my afternoon included a lovely set by the always charming The Dunwells, singing every word along with Andrew McMahon for Something Corporate’s “I Woke Up In a Car”, and an invigorating walk back to the East side to catch some of the Swinghouse event at Rusty’s and a little Reignwolf at Peckerheads. Somehow, at The Swinghouse event I ended up back-up singer for The Stone Foxes (as long as there is no video evidence, I say that was kinda awesome). So, I guess this marks my SXSW singing debut…

The Stone Foxes

After a happy hour at Moonshine, I decided the best course of action was to sit for a bit in some comfy chairs on the 18^th floor of the Hilton Garden inn and listen to Irishman, Declan O’Rourke. Then I took a deep breath and began my night. We caught Sir Sly at Empire Automotive and a second round of Young Guns at Dirty Dog Bar (which, I must say, it not one of my favorite venues) before I headed to Blackheart for the one, two, three punch of Glossary, Jim Lockery & The Solemn Sun, and Frank Turner who, as expected, was an amazing performer. It was the perfect way to close the day and I can’t wait to do it again tomorrow.

Speaking of the last official day of SXSW, here are some of my recommendations for Saturday the 16^th:

11am- The Never Clock Out Party featuring Ivan & Alyosha (12:30), BOY (1:30), Bernhoft (2:30), The Wild Feathers (3pm), and Civil Twilight (3:30)

4pm- Super Water Sympathy at Firehouse Lounge

5:15- Kassidy at Doc Motoworks

8:15- The Neighbourhood at The Belmont

9:20- Free Energy at The Iron Bear

10pm- Bronze Radio Return at Rebels Honkey Tonk

10:45- Leogun at VEVO TV Control Room

12:50- Frank Turner at Cedar Street Courtyard

Did I just plan your day for you? I think I did…

Whatever you end up doing, make the most of your last day at SXSW!

~ Kristen

Kristen’s Top 10 Acts to See at SXSW ’13

Posted on March 11, 2013 by Kristen

I’ve listened to over 1600 bands, RSVPed to countless parties, and have a schedule that is twenty some pages long. It’s impossible to see everything you want during SXSW, so in order to help keep me sane, I’ve selected a few bands that I hope to prioritize in the coming week.

1. twenty one pilots

This band is my current obsession after seeing them play in LA at The Troubadour. Their unexpected yet compelling songs and insane live energy make them a can’t miss and I intend to see them upon every opportunity.

Where to catch twenty one pilots:

Wednesday at 4pm at Waterloo Records Outdoor Stage (600 N Lamar)…playing with the also buzz-worthy Tegan & Sara and Macklemore & Ryan so be sure to get there early

Wednesday at 5:30 at The Warner Sound Party at The Belmont (305 W 6^th St)

At some point in the week at The Spotify House click here for more information and to RSVP for this pop up show: http://spotifyhouse.splashthat.com/

2. BOY

Boy’s album “Mutual Friends” is my favorite album to come out this year so far. After seeing them live at The Troubadour last week, they have firmly cemented themselves as one of my top picks for SXSW.

Where to catch BOY:

Wednesday 3pm at The Radio Day Stage at The Austin Convention Center

Wednesday 12:30am at The Central Presbyterian Church (200 E 8^th St)

Friday 12am at Hickory Street (800 Congress Ave)

Saturday 1:30 at Never Clock Out Day Party at Peckerheads (402 E 6^th St)

3. Leogun

If you’ve been reading any LMN lately, you know I’m in love with this band from the UK. And one day I will see them play “Drunk Enough” live…

Where to catch Leogun:

Thursday 10pm at StubHub Live Showcase at Old School (401 E 6^th St)

Saturday 10:45 at VEVO TV Control Room (304 W 4^th ST)

4. Frank Turner

I had to miss Frank Turner at The Roxy last week due to illness…sigh. I will not make that mistake again at SXSW. Frank is an amazing performer and has a new album coming out in April which means new songs!!

Here’s the video for the first single off the forthcoming album, Tape Deck Heart:

Where to catch Frank Turner:

5. Bastille

Bastille’s “Flaws” made one of my end of year mixes two years ago and the guy has yet to play a city that I can get to. Sure, he’s from the UK, but still…I’ve been waiting far too long to miss out on a Bastille show.

What to catch Bastille:

Tuesday 1am at The British Embassy/Latitude 30 (512 San Jacinto)

Wednesday 10pm at Club DeVille (900 Red River Rd)

Thursday 1pm at The Filter at Cedar Street Courtyard Party (208 W 4^th)

6. Young Guns – of all the bands I listened to, Young Guns was probably my favorite of those I’d never heard before
See them Thursday 3:30 at The Wind Up Records Party at Empire Control Room (606 E 7th St)

7. Sir Sly – after finally getting a sense of who these guys are last month at their Echo residency, I’m just craving more
See them Thursday 1pm at The Hype Hotel (301 Brazos St)

8. The Milk Carton Kids – hands down one of my favorite live performances come from this acoustic duo
See them Saturday 10pm at The Central Presbyterian Church (200 E 8th St)

9. Andrew McMahon – because Something Corporate will always hold a very special place in my heart
See him Friday 3:05 at Quantum Collective’s Whole Foods Rooftop Showcase (525 N Lamar)

10. Lions In The Street – I’ve been wanting to see this Vancouver band for more years than I care to admit…SXSW’13 will mark the first time we’ve been in the same city at the same time!
See them Saturday 1am at BD Riley’s (204 E 6th St)

I could go on…but follow LMN on twitter (@_localmusicnat) to see what we’re up to all week and stay tuned here for nightly recaps of our adventures!

~ Kristen

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 1/7-1/13

Posted on January 6, 2013 by Kristen

Well, life did not that that long to get super overwhelming again. Just about a week into the new year and I’m back in the thick of it all…both the good and the bad. On the good end, there is an abundance of show options this week! It’s hard to say what my top pick/s would be. I’m looking forward to seeing Jonathan Tyler (of Jonathan Tyler and The Northern Lights) on Tuesday at The Hotel Cafe. Actually any day this month at The Hotel Cafe would be a top pick of mine. I’m also excited about the new Monday night at Room 5. It seems like it’s going to be a sampler of singer-songwriters…the perfect place to find a new favorite artist!

Here are my picks this week:

Monday: Nightmare and the Cat FREE at The Satellite (9:30)
ALSO: Omniflux and Death of a Star at The Viper Room (10, 12)
ALSO: It’s a School night at Bardot featuring The Record Company, Yuna, and Austin Brown…FREE with RSVP http://www.itsaschoolnight.com/losangeles/
ALSO: Monday Monday FREE at Room 5 (8pm)…a new night featuring 10-12 singer-songwriters doing three songs each

Tuesday: Patrick Droney, Jonathan Tyler and Nina Storey at The Hotel Cafe (7, 8, 9)
ALSO: Armada and The Burning of Rome FREE at The Central SAPC (10pm)
ALSO: The Ten Thousand at Los Globos (11pm)
ALSO: Beachwood Tuesdays FREE at The Piano Bar featuring La La La Birdtime (9pm)

Weds: Parade of Lights FREE at The Satellite (10pm)
ALSO: Rival Sons at The Echo (11pm)
ALSO: Jasmine Ash at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)
ALSO: The New Limb, The Steelwells, The Union Line at Los Globos (8pm)
ALSO: Andrew McMahon at The Viper Room (9:15)

Thursday: Rumors: The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show at The Roxy (8pm)
ALSO: Nicole Atkins and Miner at The Hotel Cafe (8, 9)
ALSO: Andrew McMahon at The Viper Room (9:15)
ALSO: Justin Hopkins at Saint Rocke (10pm)

Friday: The Young Romans, Red Wanting Blue, Pebaluna, All Spots to Black at The Hotel Cafe (7, 8, 9:30, 10:30)
ALSO: The Watkins Family Hour at Largo (8:30)
ALSO: Ernie Halter at Genghis Cohen (8:30)
ALSO: Aeges at The Roxy (10pm)
ALSO: Sum 41 at The House of Blues Sunset

Saturday: Looking For Sugarman and The Brendan Hines at The Hotel Cafe (8, 10)
ALSO: Youngblood Hawke and Keane at Pantages Theater (8pm)

Sunday: ?

To Keep in Mind:
January 16^th, 17^th, 18^th: Andrew Bird at Largo
January 19^th: Tyler Hilton and Teddy Geiger at The Roxy
January 23^rd: The Airborne Toxic Event at The Mayan Theatre
January 23^rd, 24^th, 26^th: Muse at The Staples Center
January 24^th: Words and Music by Dan Wilson at Room 5
January 26^th: The Nervous Wreckords at The Satellite
January 27^th: Joshua Radin at The Hotel Cafe
Feb. 1^st: Tegan and Sara at Club Nokia
Feb. 2^nd: Augustana at The Troubadour
Feb. 9^th: Ed Sheeran at Hollywood Palladium
Feb. 12^th: Ellie Goulding at Hollywood Palladium
Feb. 13^th: Papa Roach at Club Nokia
Feb. 13^th: Dear Boy at The Troubadour
Feb. 17^th: Ed Sheeran at Nokia Theatre LA Live
Feb. 21^st: twenty one pilots at The Troubadour
Feb. 26^th: Anberlin at The House of Blues Sunset
Feb. 28^th: Matthew Perryman Jones at Bootleg Bar
Feb. 28^th: Jukebox the Ghost at The Echo
March 5^th: Marcus Foster at The Troubadour
March 8^th: Boy at The Troubadour
March 13^th: Frightened Rabbit at The Music Box
March 15^th: Anais Mitchell at McCabe’s
March 20^th: Nico Vega, Atlas Genius, and Imagine Dragons at The Wiltern
April 20^th: Tyrone Wells and Wakey!Wakey! at The Troubadour
August 19^th/20^th: Ed Sheeran at The Staples Center

~ Kristen

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 12/31-1/6

Posted on December 30, 2012 by Kristen

Happy New Year!! Whatever you end up doing to celebrate the transition into 2013, I hope you stay safe and have a blast. Once again I am foregoing my former tradition of staying in and watching Star Wars in favor of some live music. My concert of choice this year is Dirty Sweet at The Griffin in San Diego! A one-off reunion show from a band I love that hasn’t played in a couple of years. How can I refuse? I think more bands “on hiatus” should do this kind of thing.

Anyway, I’m really looking forward to so many shows coming in the New Year, starting with next week! I’m particularly excited about Thursday night at The Roxy with Lakes, The Active Set and Royal Teeth. I hope to see you all out at a show soon!

Here are my other top picks:

Monday: Vintage Trouble at The Roxy (8pm)
ALSO: Puddle of Mudd at Whiskey a Go Go (7pm)
ALSO: Petty Cash at Smoke (10pm)

Tuesday: Beachwood New Year’s Day FREE at The Piano Bar featuring Tripp Rezac and Foster Timms (9pm)

Weds: ?

Thursday: Lakes, The Active Set, and Royal Teeth at The Roxy (7:30)
ALSO: Belmont Lights, Oedipus, Back Pocket Memory, etc at The House of Blues (8pm)

Friday: Scott Mellis at Room 5 (7pm)
ALSO: Wildcat! Wildcat! at The Natural History Museum as part of First Fridays (5:30)

Saturday: Keaton Simons, Steve Carlson, and The Borrower’s Debt at The Hotel Cafe (9,10:30, 11:30)
ALSO: Terra Naomi and Sonia Rao at WitZend (8, 10)

Sunday: Stonefeather at The Central SAPC (8pm)

To Keep in Mind:
January 9^th and 10^th: Andrew McMahon at The Viper Room
January 10^th: The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show at The Roxy
January 16^th: Andrew Bird at Largo
January 19^th: Tyler Hilton and Teddy Geiger at The Roxy
January 23^rd: The Airborne Toxic Event at The Mayan Theatre
January 23^rd, 24^th, 26^th: Muse at The Staples Center
January 26^th: The Nervous Wreckords at The Satellite
January 27^th: Joshua Radin at The Hotel Cafe
Feb. 1^st: Tegan and Sara at Club Nokia
Feb. 2^nd: Augustana at The Troubadour
Feb. 9^th: Ed Sheeran at Hollywood Palladium
Feb. 12^th: Ellie Goulding at Hollywood Palladium
Feb. 13^th: Papa Roach at Club Nokia
Feb. 13^th: Dear Boy at The Troubadour
Feb. 17^th: Ed Sheeran at Nokia Theatre LA Live
Feb. 21^st: twenty one pilots at The Troubadour
Feb. 26^th: Anberlin at The House of Blues Sunset
Feb. 28^th: Matthew Perryman Jones at Bootleg Bar
Feb. 28^th: Jukebox the Ghost at The Echo
March 5^th: Marcus Foster at The Troubadour
March 13^th: Frightened Rabbit at The Music Box
March 20^th: Nico Vega, Atlas Genius, and Imagine Dragons at The Wiltern
April 20^th: Wakey!Wakey! at The Troubadour
August 19^th/20^th: Ed Sheeran at The Staples Center

~ Kristen