Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 6/10-6/16

I have a powerful playlist of tunes going right now as I put
this calendar together. The new Irontom Nitro
EP
has been the hit of my weekend after seeing them incite a mosh pit
Friday night. Pairing quite well with Irontom is some Meg Myers who new song “Heart
Heart Head” was a heart stopping hit last week at The Troubadour. Looking
forward to next week, I’ve added some rockin’ Queen Caveat tunes to celebrate
70’s night of their Monday Satellite residency and the Leogun EP in honor of my show pick of the week: Leogun at The Roxy
Tuesday night. I could not be more excited to have these British rockers back
in town and I would high recommend you get to that show.

Here’s what else I’ve selected for the week:

Monday: Queen
Caveat with The Moth & The Flame, Hotel Cinema FREE at The Satellite (11pm)
ALSO: Paul McDonald & The Grand Magnolias at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)
ALSO: The Dead Ships FREE at The Echo (9pm)
ALSO: Angels Fall FREE at The Viper Room (10:30)
ALSO: Frankie & Friends FREE at The Viper Room Acoustic Lounge (8pm)
ALSO: Monday Monday FREE at Room 5 featuring Chi McClean, David and Devine,
Casey Abrams, Jackie Does Joel, Scott Mellis, etc. (8pm)

Tuesday: Leogun
at The Roxy (7pm)
ALSO: Scott Mellis Band at The Hotel Cafe (11pm)
ALSO: Jukebox the Ghost at LA Times Rock/Style at Sound Nightclub (8pm)
ALSO: Morgan Karr at Room 5 (9pm)
ALSO: Bayside and Alkaline Trio at House of Blues (8pm)
ALSO: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers at Fonda Theatre (9pm)
ALSO: Bjork at Hollywood Bowl (8pm)
ALSO: Beachwood Tuesday FREE at The Piano Bar featuring Lady Katherine (8pm)

Weds: Alexz
Johnson and Bleu at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)…Bleu
record release show #1

ALSO: The 88 at The Troubadour (10pm)
ALSO: Black Hi-Lighter at Silverlake Lounge (10pm)

Thursday: High
Voltage Presents at the House of Blues Voodoo Lounge featuring Standing
Shadows, The Vacant Shapes, NoahEngh & The Kansas City Bankroll (9pm)…get on the $5 list here https://www.facebook.com/events/170778039762248/
ALSO: Melissa Ferrick at The Hotel Cafe (7pm)
ALSO: Said the Whale at Bootleg Bar (9pm)
ALSO: Josh Ritter at The Grammy Museum (8pm)
ALSO: Emily Wells at The Echo (9pm)
ALSO: The Almost at The Roxy (9pm)
ALSO: Beth Orton at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: Cyndi Lauper at The Greek Theatre (8pm)
ALSO: New Politics and Fall Out Boy at The Wiltern (7pm)

Friday: My Name
is You and The Honey Trees at The Hotel Cafe (8,9)
ALSO: Sad Robot at The Viper Room (8pm)
ALSO: The Dandy Warhols at The Wiltern (8pm)

Saturday: The
Young Romans at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: Robert DeLong FREE at The Getty Center (6pm)

Sunday: Patrick
Sweany FREE at The Echo for Grand Ole Echo (5pm)

To Keep in Mind:
June 22nd: The Staves at Bootleg Bar
June 23rd: Guster, Barenaked Ladies, and Ben Folds Five at The Greek Theatre
June 24th: Zane Carney at The Hotel Cafe 
June 25th: Rachael Yamagata at The Troubadour
June 27th: Bernhoft at The Troubadour
July 1st: Anberlin at The Roxy
July 3rd: Adam Arcuargi at The Hotel Cafe 
July 15th: The Neighbourhood at The Fonda Theater 
July 19th: Passenger at El Rey Theatre
July 23rd: Bastille at The Troubadour 
July 23rd: Savages at The El Rey
July 23rd/24th: The Postal Service at The Greek Theatre
July 26th: Saint Motel at The El Rey
July 27th: Fitz and The Tantrums at The Wiltern
August 1st-3rd: Sunset Strip Music Festival
August 8th: The Silent Comedy at Fonda Theatre
August 16th: Michael Bernard Fitzgerald at The Troubadour 
August 19th/20th: Ed Sheeran at The Staples Center
August 22nd: Andrew Belle at Bootleg Bar
August 24th: NEEDTOBREATHE at Harvest Social in Anaheim
September 4th: Tegan and Sara at The Greek Theatre
September 11th: Churchill at Greek Theatre
September 19th: Cold War Kids at The Wiltern
September 20th: twenty one pilots at House of Blues Anaheim (w/ Fall Out Boy
and Panic at The Disco)
September 26th: Hanson at House of Blues Sunset
September 27th: The Naked & Famous at The Wiltern
September 27th/28th: The Lumineers at The Greek Theatre
October 1st: Jake Bugg at Fonda Theatre
October 12th: 30 Seconds to Mars at The Hollywood Bowl

~ Kristen

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Amanda’s SD Concert Calendar 6/3-6/9

I hope all of you have been able to get out and enjoy some music. I’ve been so busy running around doing other important things that it’s hard to get myself out at night. I guess that’s what happens when you have to be a responsible adult and can’t behind the guise of schoolwork. Hopefully once I get this stuff taken care of or I can find some kind of rhythm or schedule to make it work. I think I’m going to have to start implementing mid-day naps. 

Monday: Mumford and Sons @ Sleep Train Amphitheater at 8pm-SOLD OUT
AND: The Steelwells, Family Wagon, Midnight Pine, The Heartbeat Trail @ Casbah at 9pm
AND: Jewel, Atz Lee, Steve Poltz @ Humphreys by the Bay  
AND: Miss Erika Davies “Part the Sea” Album and Music Video release @ Old Town Theater at 7pm

Tuesday: Scott Weiland @ House of Blues at 8pm
AND: One I Red @ Casbah at 9pm 

Wednesday: The Unlikely Candidates @ Soda Bar at 8:30pm
AND: Generationals, Young Empires @ Casbah at 9pm

Thursday: Sunset Sessions Rock feat: Cameron Rafati, The Unlikely Candidates, Faulkner, Semi Precious Weapons, Monster Truck, Feral Vinca, Big B @ Belly Up at 7:30pm
AND: Grace Potter and the Nocturnals @ Humphreys by the Bay
AND: Cayucas, JBM @ Casbah at 9pm

Friday: Sunset Sessions Rock feat: Leogun, Dale Earnhart Jr Jr, 7Lions, Redlight King, Heaven’s Basement, Ed Hale And Transcendence, Michelle Delamor @ Belly Up at 7:35pm
AND: Newfound Glory @ House of Blues at 7:30pm- SOLD OUT
AND: Mrs. Henry @ Tin Can Alehouse at 9pm
AND: Chi McClean, Nena Anderson @ Lestats at 8pm

Saturday: Neon Trees @ Vista Murrieta High School at 7pm
AND: SPF 94/9 – Matt & Kim, Younblood Hawke, Capital Cities, Family of the Year, The Mowgli’s, The Palace Ballroom @ Oceanside Pier at 3pm
AND: Sunset Sessions Rock feat: 
The Boxer Rebellion, Eve To Adam, Acidic, Dig The Kid, Burn Halo, Strange Native, D-Strutters @ Belly Up at 7:30pm
AND: The Beach Boys @ Del Mar Fair at 7pm
AND: Big Black Delta, Okapi Sun @ Casbah at 9pm
AND: The Donkeys @ Soda Bar at 9pm

Sunday: The Fixtures @ Soda Bar at 8:30pm
AND: Shake Before Us, Bart Mendoza and True Stories @ Casbah at 9pm

Keep in Mind:

June 12th- Cyndi Lauper @ Humphreys by the Bay
June 13th- Belly Up Music Festival feat: The Tilt, Dead Feather Moon @ Del Mar Rock on stage 
June 14th- Switchfoot @ Del Mar Fair 
June 16th- They Might Be Giants @ Belly Up 
June 16th- Free Energy @ Casbah 
June 19th- Warped Tour @ Sleep Train Amphitheater 
June 20th- Sea Wolf and Savior Adore @ Belly Up 
June 20th- Martina Mc Bride @ Del Mar Fair 
June 21st- She and Him @ SDSU Open Air Theater 
June 27th- Belly Up Music Festival feat: The Stone Foxes @ Del Mar Rock on stage
July 2nd- Summerland Tour feat: Everclear, Live, Filter, Sponge 
July 2nd- Adam Lambert @ Del Mar Fair
July 3rd- Joan Jett and The Blackhearts @ Del Mar Fair 
July 7th- Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth, Gin Blossoms @ Humphreys by the Bay 
July 10th- Portugal. The Man @ House of Blues 
July 11th- Say Anything, Eisley, I the Mighty @ House of Blues 
July 19th- B52’s @ Del Mar Racetrack
July 21st- The Postal Service @ SDSU Open Air Theater 
July 24th- Matchbox Twenty and The Goo Goo Dolls @ Valley View Casino Center 
July 25th- The Cult @ House of Blues 
July 25th- Saint Motel @ Soda Bar
July 26th- The 1975 @ Casbah
July 26th- Fitz and the Tantrums @ Del Mar Racetrack  
July 28th- Peter Murphy @ Belly Up 
August 5th- The Heavy, The Silent Comedy @ Belly Up 
August 8th- Foals @ House of Blues
August 9th- Pinback @ Del Mar Racetrack
August 15th- Cold War Kids @ House of Blues
August 17th- Weezer @ Del Mar Race Track 
September 6th- Dave Matthews Band @ Cricket Wireless 
September 20th- X-Fest feat: Blink 182, 30 Seconds to Mars, The Offspring Silversun Pickups, Fitz and the Tantrums, Atlas Genius, Capital Cities, New Politics 
September 20th- Young Dubliners @ Belly Up 
September 22nd- Depeche Mode @ Sleep Train Amiptheatre 
September 22nd- Fall Out Boy @ Valley View Casino Center 
October 2nd- Jake Bugg @ House of Blues 
October 4th- Phillip Phillips @ Sleep Train Amiptheatre
October 8th- Pet Shop Boys @ Copley Symphony Hall 
October 8th- Conor Oberst @ Belly Up
October 31st- Two Door Cinema Club @ Humphrey’s

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 5/27-6/2

Monday: Robert
Schwartzman and Damndogs FREE at The Satellite (10pm)

Tuesday: Cary
Brothers and friends at The Hotel Cafe (7pm)…celebrating Cary Brothers EP release
ALSO: Harper Blynn at The Echo (8pm)…only
$3 at the door if you get there before 10pm

ALSO: Queen Caveat at Peavy Electronics Showroom (8pm)
ALSO: Badass Bands Blog presents at The Silverlake Lounge featuring Tic Tic
Boom and We Are/She Is (9pm)
ALSO: X Ambassadors at The Viper Room (9pm)
ALSO: Crystal Bowersox at The Troubadour (9:30)
ALSO: Lissie at Hollywood Forever Cemetery Masonic Lodge (9pm)
ALSO: Beachwood Tuesday FREE at The Piano Bar (9pm)

Weds: Tyler Hilton
and Curtis Peoples at Saint Rocke (8:30)
ALSO: The Gallery at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: The Echo and The Sound at Lot 1
ALSO: Christopher Dallman at Room 5 (9pm)
ALSO: Imagine Dragons with Nico Vega at Hollywood Palladium (6:30)

Thursday: Joe
Firstman and Golden State at The Viper Room (10,11)
ALSO: Caught a Ghost with Raheem Cohen, Mind The Gap, Kiven, and New Cassettes
at The Roxy (7:30)
ALSO: Toy Bombs at The Satellite (11pm)
ALSO: Dana Williams at Room 5 (10pm)
ALSO: Darren Criss at The House of Blues (7:30)
ALSO: Imagine Dragons at Hollywood Palladium (6:30)

Friday: High
Voltage Presents 2 Buck Friday at Molly Malone’s featuring Deluka, Act as If,
The Knitts, and Radiorelics (9pm)
ALSO: Rocco Deluca and Trixie Whitley at The Troubadour (8:30, 9:30)
ALSO: Sleeping at Last at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: The Cerny Brothers at The Mint (9:30)
ALSO: CHVRCHES at Fonda Theater (9pm)

Saturday:
CHVRCHES at The Troubadour (10pm)
ALSO: George Stanford at WitZend (10pm)
ALSO: Wires in the Walls at El Cid (12am)
ALSO: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club at The Wiltern (8pm)
ALSO: Make Music Pasadena featuring  We
Are Scientists, A House for Lions, The Record Company, Youngblood Hawke, The New
Limb, Sleeping at Last etc. (11am)  http://www.makemusicpasadena.org/program.php

Sunday: Elle King
at Bootleg Bar (9pm)
ALSO: Morgan Manifacier at Amplyfi (9pm)

To Keep in Mind:
June 4th: Willy Moon at The Troubadour
June 5th: Jewel at Saban Theatre
June 5th: Atomic Tom at The Hotel Cafe
June 6th: Meg Myers and Dear Boy at The Troubadour
June 6th: Capital Cities at The El Rey
June 7th: The Boxer Rebellion at Avalon
June 7th/8th: Jubilee Music Festival
June 8th: Bjork at Hollywood Palladium
June 11th: Leogun at The Roxy
June 13th: Fall Out Boy at The Wiltern
June 22nd: The Staves at Bootleg Bar
June 23rd: Guster, Barenaked Ladies, and Ben Folds Five at The Greek Theatre
June 25th: Rachael Yamagata at The Troubadour
June 27th: Bernhoft at The Troubadour
July 1st: Anberlin at The Roxy
July 3rd: Adam Arcuargi at The Hotel Cafe
July 15th: The Neighbourhood at The Fonda Theater
July 19th: Passenger at El Rey Theatre
July 23rd: Bastille at The Troubadour
July 23rd: Savages at The El Rey
July 23rd/24th: The Postal Service at The Greek Theatre
August 8th: The Silent Comedy at Fonda Theatre
August 19th/20th: Ed Sheeran at The Staples Center
September 4th: Tegan and Sara at The Greek Theatre
September 20th: twenty one pilots at House of Blues Anaheim (w/ Fall
Out Boy and Panic at The Disco)
September 26th: Hanson at House of Blues Sunset
October 1st: Jake Bugg at Fonda Theatre

~ Kristen

http://www.localmusicnation.net/

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Top 10 Sets of SXSW 2013

It’s been a couple weeks, but people are still asking about our SXSW highlights. We did our best to boil it all down to our top sets of the week.

Amanda’s picks: 

1. Semi Precious Weapons at The Main

I know I haven’t regaled you with the story of how I inadvertently got kicked out of the last Semi Precious Weapons show at Sayer’s Club after only two and a half songs. The gist is that I got jilted on my last Semi Precious Weapons experience and I was anxious for a full and proper show. Despite being tired, sore, and taking some time to rest before going out again the excitement of seeing Semi Precious Weapons lead to some pre-show room dancing as well as putting on some eyeliner for the occasion. Can you tell I was excited? Of course they delivered an amazing show full favorites such as “Drink” and “Free Booze” as well some new tunes like “Aviation High” we can expect to hear off their new forthcoming album. Even though they have a new sense of style, Semi Precious Weapons are as fantastic as ever. Like fellow show goer and friend Trina said, “it’s like falling in love all over again.”

2. Sir Sly at Empire Automotive

Not much is known about Sir Sly but they have to be one of the most buzzed about bands I’ve heard about lately. According to a source of mine, they are composed of session players who decided to start a band. How novel! They had a residency here in San Diego in February and my friend Lauren fell in love with them. I knew they were something I had to check out and I finally got to see them at Empire Automotive. Admittedly, I wasn’t really sure how I would feel after seeing multiple keyboards being set up on stage because really, who needs two keyboards? They were nothing like I had expected and everything I had hoped for all at once. It’s obvious all the good buzz was fully justified for this band. I can’t wait to see where they go from here.

3. Moon Taxi at Sennheiser + Paste Interactive Studio and Lounge at The Blackheart

With a name like Moon Taxi, one conjures up images of a psychedelic synth oriented band full of ooooohs and aaaaahhhh. Or maybe it’s just me. However, Moon Taxi was the first band I saw of SXSW and they were a great way to kick off the week of music. With vocals reminiscent of early Kings of Leon combined with a pop rock edge, they were a fun and groovy band to dance with.  While admittedly I adore the singer’s smiling eyes and gorgeous hair, I was really enamored with their lyrics. My favorite song of their was “Mercury” but their whole set was fun. I enjoyed them so much that I made sure to catch another set.

4. Willy Moon at the Skype Party at The Belmont

The name Willy Moon didn’t register at all in my brain. I was sitting at the Belmont waiting for The Neighbourhood and was enjoying his set while sitting inside. It wasn’t until I heard his song from the iPod commercial that I jumped up and realized I knew who this was! I was even more surprised to see him in a fashionable suit dancing and jumping around while he was singing. It was his last show of SXSW but I never would have guessed it with his crazy live energy. I was really impressed with his show and love his genre bending tunes. I can’t wait for him to get back here so I can see a full set and enjoy the show properly and without walking induced foot pain.

5. Butch Walker at Rachel Ray’s Feedback at Banger’s

I knew of Butch Walker only in passing as an artist’s artist and as the guy who had produced and written for other bands and artists I loved. Earlier that day I caught the screening of his documentary so I had some knowledge of the man behind the music but this was my first time seeing him play. I adored his story telling between songs and of various songs. That’s always a characteristic I enjoy in an artist. I recognized some of his songs from the documentary I saw earlier which made it all the more enjoyable. After seeing him play, I’m making it a point to acquire his music. Such a great artist!

HM: Blackout Party

San Diego’s own Blackout Party made the trek to SXSW to tear up the place. I only managed to catch their last show at Wahoo’s Fish Taco’s (random right?) but they brought their A game! The set ended with a broken guitar after using it to play on a cymbal. No big deal.

Kristen’s Picks:

1. Leogun at VEVO TV Control Room

This show was so good I found myself doing the eyes closed sway. It was perhaps my 5th time seeing British rockers Leogun since I declared them an LMN band love back in October and it was the best (and longest) set I’ve seen them do. The venue was ideal and the audience was in a jovial mood, the last official night of SXSW. My feet had numbed to the walking-induced pain and were ready and willing to dance…and dance I did with a couple of my friends experiencing the band for the first time. Afterwards, I didn’t feel pressure to run off to another show so I hung out for a bit with friends both new and old. It was an idyllic SXSW experience.

2. twenty one pilots at The Nikon/Warner Sound Party at The Belmont

twenty one pilots was my number one band going into the SXSW experience and my number one coming out. I saw them three times and each show was a heart-stopping, fist pounding experience better than the last. The genre-defying duo may have a bit of a shtick, but to me it never gets old. Instead, it becomes the challenge to memorize and capture…I’m pretty sure I took more pictures of this band than everyone else combined.  I’d have to say the set at the Nikon/Warner Sound Party at The Belmont was my favorite.  At one point twp singer, Tyler Joseph, suddenly appeared on ledge of the balcony I was standing on, shocking me into propelling my arms forward into the guy perilously traversing an 8 inch ledge…thankfully he was too “in the zone” to even notice. Also, this venue seemed to have more “fans” and the energy and enthusiasm in the room was a proper fit for a twenty one pilots show.

3. Kodaline at place unknown

I only caught the last two songs of the set from this Dublin-based group, but those two songs (one being the heart-lifting “All I Want”) made my week. I had planned on seeing a proper Kodaline set a day or two before at The Hype Hotel. I got terribly lost and was running late, but I was relieved when I got to the venue to find the band hadn’t started yet. The relief turned to frustration which turned to panic as about an hour after the band was supposed to begin, they had yet to play a note. I had other places I had to be! I stuck it out for the first song and it only took about 20 seconds for me to fall in love with the band whose music can best be described as “soul-warming”. It was very hard to leave and I would have been haunted by that decision had it not been for the happiest of accidents when I wandered past a venue (still unknown) with Kodaline unexpectedly playing on the patio. This moment best exemplifies what I love most about SXSW.

4. Bastille at The British Music Embassy

I feel like I’ve been waiting a very very long time to see Bastille. SXSW 2013 marked the first time the band has played in the US and the entire room was a-buzz with anticipation. I think it was mostly Brits who knew what an amazing deal it was to see this band in such a small space, but regardless, the mood was electric and incredibly energizing. Then the band came on and exceeded my already lofty expectations. I heard all the songs I wanted to hear. I saw the most amazing shirt of the week. Actually, upon reflection, the whole set was a bit like a dream. I’m not entirely sure it happened as it was too good to be true. In my memory, the experience is just a bright glowing orb of happiness.

5. Kassidy at The British Music Embassy

Kassidy was one of the many bands I listened to in preparation for SXSW that went on my “to check out” list. The plan was to squeeze in a few songs from their set at The British Embassy in between Atlas Genius and CHVRCHES….I mean, the venue was en route. I’d been doing a pretty good job sampling bands, a couple songs here and a couple there, but half a song into Kassidy’s set I was completely hooked and knew I wasn’t going anywhere. I mean, I tried. I even walked to the back of the room at one point, but I couldn’t seem to leave the building and slowly drifted back up front. It was like a gravitational pull. There was something about the four gentlemen on stage with their acoustic guitars and harmonies…they didn’t even need drums! I’m not sure how much of the set I caught, but it was one of my favorites. Bonus points for the guy in the band wearing my watch, also on the wrong hand…

HM: The Stone Foxes at Rusty’s

The Stone Foxes put on one of the most engaging and energetic live shows, it’s impossible not to have a good time. This particular set, I ended up providing background vocals for a song. It was quite a memorable moment.

Other Notable Sets:

SXSW ’13 – Day 6

I know I tweeted this earlier, but I must reiterate that SXSW is a magical place. And not just because of the amazing assortment of musical options. Things just happen here that don’t happen anywhere else. Today was a prime example, full of surprise after joyous surprise. A day when everything I wanted just sort of came to be…
This morning after checking out some music from The Sheepdogs and Pujol at The Rachael Ray party at Stubb’s, we opted not to wait in the line for food. We caught a cab to Cedar Street where we saw a couple Norwegian bands and sipped on cranberry ginger ale mixed drinks. My first “must see” of the day was BOY at Peckerhead’s (on the other side of town) and I found myself in want of two things, a ride and some food.  As soon as I put that out in the universe, the magic of SXSW responded. First, the ride. I happened across a bar on wheels. I stopped to take a picture and ended up getting a lift up the street…on a bar… Walking down sixth, I passed a sign at Maggie Mae’s that indicated a band called The Falls was about to play. I had some extra time (due to the lift) and the band was on my “to see” list, so I decided to walk in. Inside the venue, people were walking around with plates of food. Turned out, there was free BBQ upstairs! And there I had it, a ride and some food! SXSW wishes granted!

The second thing I really wanted to do today was discover some new music. I did manage to catch some of my favorites like the aforementioned BOY and The Neighbourhood as well as the always entertaining Willy Moon and an encore set by my first SXSW discovery of the year, Moon Taxi (for this, there was dancing), but it seemed like most every other act I saw for the first time was a fantastic new musical discovery. The original plan was to see Bernhoft after BOY, but I was informed he was sick so I went back to Maggie Mae’s where I saw my favorite discovery of the day, Aussie singer Jack Carty, as well as a few songs from another promising band called Georgia Fair. I only left Maggie’s to go check out a band recommendation, Super Water Sympathy who were also impressive (and had bubbles!).

For dinner, I ate the rest of my Australian pie from the BBQ (yes, I carried that one in my bag all day) and some spring rolls from the Thai place Amanda wanted to try. Post dinner sampling included Cave Paintings, Bronze Radio Return (who foresquare informed me I had seen before?) and Dessa who played a set at The Blind Pig right after the surprise guest of the Mackelmore (seriously that guy is everywhere).

The evening was centered around the third thing I really wanted to do today which was my most anticipated, can’t miss big show. While others were waiting in ginormous lines to try to see Prince, Justin Timberlake, or The Smashing Pumpkins (all playing tonight), I was all abuzz at The VEVO TV Control Room anxiously awaiting the final set of my British rockers, Leogun. And let me tell you, it was exactly what I wished for. It was the longest set I’ve seen the band do and included a couple songs I had not heard live (including the elusive “Drunk Enough”). I was able to get two of my friends to experience the band for the first time and the audience, including kilt-wearing men dressed in green for St. Patty’s day, all seemed to be having a blast. I snatched the set list, got it authenticated, and briefly chatted with the LG crew before taking off to start the long journey home.

One final stop at Cedar Street for a couple Frank Turner tunes at The Revival Tour and we walked back to the hotel contemplating the beauty that is SXSW. I am already counting down the days until next year.

~ Kristen

SXSW ’13 – Day 6

I know I tweeted this earlier, but I must reiterate that SXSW is a magical place. And not just because of the amazing assortment of musical options. Things just happen here that don’t happen anywhere else. Today was a prime example, full of surprise after joyous surprise. A day when everything I wanted just sort of came to be…

This morning after checking out some music from The Sheepdogs and Pujol at The Rachael Ray party at Stubb’s, we opted not to wait in the line for food. We caught a cab to Cedar Street where we saw a couple Norwegian bands and sipped on cranberry ginger ale mixed drinks. My first “must see” of the day was BOY at Peckerhead’s (on the other side of town) and I found myself in want of two things, a ride and some food.  As soon as I put that out in the universe, the magic of SXSW responded. First, the ride. I happened across a bar on wheels. I stopped to take a picture and ended up getting a lift up the street…on a bar… Walking down sixth, I passed a sign at Maggie Mae’s that indicated a band called The Falls was about to play. I had some extra time (due to the lift) and the band was on my “to see” list, so I decided to walk in. Inside the venue, people were walking around with plates of food. Turned out, there was free BBQ upstairs! And there I had it, a ride and some food! SXSW wishes granted!

P1420385

The second thing I really wanted to do today was discover some new music. I did manage to catch some of my favorites like the aforementioned BOY and The Neighbourhood as well as the always entertaining Willy Moon and an encore set by my first SXSW discovery of the year, Moon Taxi (for this, there was dancing), but it seemed like most every other act I saw for the first time was a fantastic new musical discovery. The original plan was to see Bernhoft after BOY, but I was informed he was sick so I went back to Maggie Mae’s where I saw my favorite discovery of the day, Aussie singer Jack Carty, as well as a few songs from another promising band called Georgia Fair. I only left Maggie’s to go check out a band recommendation, Super Water Sympathy who were also impressive (and had bubbles!).

Jack CartyGeorgia FairSweet Water Sympathy

For dinner, I ate the rest of my Australian pie from the BBQ (yes, I carried that one in my bag all day) and some spring rolls from the Thai place Amanda wanted to try. Post dinner sampling included Cave Paintings, Bronze Radio Return (who foresquare informed me I had seen before?) and Dessa who played a set at The Blind Pig right after the surprise guest of the Mackelmore (seriously that guy is everywhere).

Cave PaintingsBronze Radio ReturnDessa

The evening was centered around the third thing I really wanted to do today which was my most anticipated, can’t miss big show. While others were waiting in ginormous lines to try to see Prince, Justin Timberlake, or The Smashing Pumpkins (all playing tonight), I was all abuzz at The VEVO TV Control Room anxiously awaiting the final set of my British rockers, Leogun. And let me tell you, it was exactly what I wished for. It was the longest set I’ve seen the band do and included a couple songs I had not heard live (including the elusive “Drunk Enough”). I was able to get two of my friends to experience the band for the first time and the audience, including kilt-wearing men dressed in green for St. Patty’s day, all seemed to be having a blast. I snatched the set list, got it authenticated, and briefly chatted with the LG crew before taking off to start the long journey home.

LeogunLeogun setlist

One final stop at Cedar Street for a couple Frank Turner tunes at The Revival Tour and we walked back to the hotel contemplating the beauty that is SXSW. I am already counting down the days until next year.

Frank Turner

~ Kristen

SXSW ’13-Day 4

I apologize if my last post seemed a little lackluster. I think tiredness and soreness had set in. Today was a different story however. I’m still really jazzed from the events of the day despite how much my feet are screaming at me.

We started off with lunch at the ASOS lounge where we munched on free tacos and indulged in some free music thanks to RedTouch Media. From there we went to see Third Eye Blind at Hangar Lounge however, they were half an hour late and the sound was so loud that even with ear plugs, my ears hurt. We decided to leave right then and there but not before scoring some free Sony headphones. A quick dash to Filter on Cedar Street for our wristbands and some stuff, including a slap band with a usb drive! We got back to the ASOS lounge in time to catch some K. Flay and another taco but our bags of swag were weighing us down and we needed to drop our stuff at the hotel.

I was determined to catch some Airborne Toxic Event since I had never seen them and with Fitz and The Tantrums playing after, I knew I found a place to hang. After catching a bit of Airborne Toxic Event, I went to meet with my other half at Empire Automotive but they were running so far behind that I went back to make sure I made it in for Fitz and the Tantrums. This was an epic show at Old School Bar and Grill presented by StubHub and I was so glad to be there. I even got a set list!

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From there was a quick dash across the street to catch the tail end of Free Energy at Peckerheads. We hiked over to Rachel Ray’s Feedback House for dinner but dinner never seemed to come. The gang split up and I took the chance to get a quick rest at the hotel before coming out to dance with Semi Precious Weapons at The Main. All of the SXSW High Voltage crew was there dancing and singing along with the band at the top of our lungs. We all had smiles by the time Semi Precious Weapons ended, which was far too soon.

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I decided to make a go for The Roxy Showcase at Empire Automotive to see Dead Sara. However, Capital Cities went way late and despite the line outside, I managed to make it in and up front. Dead Sara blew the house down, as is their usual style. However, by the time my feet were screaming at me and I had to call it a night. But it ended on such a great note, I, couldn’t be happier!

Check out more photos below.

 

~ Amanda

addendum: I just wanted to mention the amazing time I had at The Blackberry House. It was the best sound I’ve heard all week plus I got to see two of my favorites, Keaton Simons and Leogun back to back. Add in the comfy chairs, accessible outlets, and ice pops and we have the makings of a highly enjoyable afternoon.

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~ Kristen