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Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 8/23-8/30

Posted on August 22, 2010 by Kristen

I write to you now from a bench outside one of my favorite dining establishments down the street from where I went to college in Bryn Mawr, PA. I’m waiting for my college roommate and her sister to come pick me up and carry me through the next leg of my east coast journey. I flew in yesterday to Philadelphia in time to see one of my favorite local Philly bands, Alright Junior, at The North Star Bar. It had been a year since I’d seen them and words are hard to conjure to appropriately explain how incredibly happy I was to be in their presence again . It’s one thing to listen to a CD over and over again, but nothing can really replace the live experience and last night was just a validation as to why Alright Junior is one of my favorite bands.

A week from now I will be writing to you a tad on the late side…I will be a beach house in South Carolina enjoying the singer songwriter extravaganza, Hotel Carolina. I will unfortunately not have internet access so I apologize in advance for next week’s delayed concert list.

For me this week is going to be somewhat dry as far as concerts are concerned. I’ll be in the Washington DC area if anyone knows of a good band playing in those parts please let me know. I’ll definitely be envious of all of you back in LA enjoying all the amazing shows, such as:

Monday: Hellen Stellar at Silverlake Lounge (10pm)
ALSO: Andy Clockwise at The Hotel Café (6pm)
ALSO: The Outline and Heavy Young Heathens FREE at Spaceland (8:30)
ALSO: Paris Carney and Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (8,9pm)

Tuesday: Monster Eats the Pilot , Diamond Light FREE at The Viper Room (11,12)
ALSO: Thriving Ivory at The Troubadour (10pm)
ALSO: Jake Newton at Molly Malone’s (9pm)
ALSO: The Maine at House of Blues (7:30)
ALSO: Fitz and the Tantrums FREE at Amoeba Records (7pm)

Weds: The White Buffalo at The Mint (10:30)

Thursday: Filter at The Roxy (8pm)
ALSO: The Shakers and Purple Melon at The Viper Room (9:30,10:30)
ALSO: Rick Cornette at The Cat Club (8pm)
ALSO: Flight from Above at The Troubadour (9pm)
ALSO: The Beth Hart Band at Whiskey A Go-Go (7pm)

Friday: Sunset Strip Music Festival featuring:
               * The Silent Comedy (9pm) and Run Devil Run (10pm) at The Viper Room
               * Nico Vega (10pm) and Unwritten Law (11pm) at The Roxy
               * The Other Side of Morning at The Cat Club (9pm)
ALSO: Denim Family Band Reunion Concert at The Hotel Café (11pm)
ALSO: John Williams at The Hollywood Bowl (8:30)

Saturday: Sunset Strip Music Festival featuring:
             * Queen Caveat at The Viper Room (9:30)
             * Transfer at The Key Club
             * Street stage with Semi Precious Weapons, Neon Trees, The Smashing Pumpkins, etc.
ALSO: Something Corporate at Club Nokia (7:30)

Sunday: Tyrone Wells at Saint Rocke (9pm)
ALSO: Travis Warren at The Hotel Café (10pm)
ALSO: Green River Ordinance, Switchfoot, and Goo Goo Dolls at The Greek Theater (7pm)

…and because I might be late and don’t want you to miss out…

Monday (August 30^th): Haim and Whispertown 2000 FREE at Spaceland (8:30)
ALSO: Venus Infers and 8mm at Saint Rocke (8pm)
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)

To Keep in Mind:
September 4^th: After Midnight Project at The Key Club
September 18^th: Heart at Gibson Amphitheater
September 25^th: Band of Horses at Greek Theater
September 25^th: Muse at Staples Center
September 30^th: BIFFY CLYRO at The Bootleg Theater
October 1^st: Brandi Carlile and The Avett Brothers at Nokia Theater LA Live
October 13^th: Frightened Rabbit at The Mayan Theater
December 11^th: The Black Crowes and Truth & Salvage Co. at Hollywood Palladium

~ Kristen

MORE Nico Vega Acoustic!

Posted on August 20, 2010 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 August 19, 2010 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

More Rock Goes Acoustic: Nico Vega

Posted on August 19, 2010 by Kristen

And speaking of Nico Vega and rock going acoustic, looks like my fave rockers recently did an acoustic session. What’s even more exciting is they are showcasing one of their newer tunes “Human/Animal”. Is it just me, or does this format bring out the beauty of Aja’s voice even more?

Also, I’m really loving this take on “Gravity”:

For comparison’s sake, Nico Vega’s “Gravity” music video (can you spot me or Amanda?)

~ Kristen

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar 8/16-8/22

Posted on August 15, 2010 by Kristen

I’m still flying high over all the glorious weekend I had in San Diego at The North Park Music Thing…either that or this feeling is caused by the combination of acute sleep deprivation and abnormally high levels of caffeine necessary to accomplish everything that needs to be done for Monday.

Anyway, North Park Music Thing (NPMT) is like a mini SXSW that takes place in San Diego every year. During the day it’s a conference with booths, demo listening sessions, and panels on topics ranging from music licensing and touring on a budget to the current state of radio and music and technology. At night it’s a veritable smorgasbord of music with all the local clubs and bars playing host to a variety of showcases featuring mostly local music acts. I love conferences as places for learning and inspiration and I love concert festivals for the discovery and enjoyment factors. The combination of the two was quite heavenly.

Briefly, some highlights of my weekend included a highly entertaining keynote speech by Kim Fowley, seeing Endoxi again, the near mosh-pit that took place at The Silent Comedy set, and meeting and talking to some new music-loving friends. Also, the absolute MAGIC that occurred Saturday night as we venue hopped, listening to and discovering band after amazing band. This included several LA-based bands; faves like Lady Danville and The Rescues as well as some new fantastic groups like The Makepeace Brothers and Shaimus. Seriously, I was floating…

And in my attempt to remain up in the air, there is plenty of good stuff I’m looking forward to this week. And the list goes as follows:

Monday: Truth & Salvage Co. at Jimmy Kimmel (6pm)…it’s sold out but if you keep checking at 1iota.com, you could probably score a discarded ticket
ALSO: Dead Sara at The Viper Room (10pm)
ALSO: Alice Russell at Bootleg Theater(10:30)
ALSO: Amos Lee at Largo at the Coronet (7:30, 9:30)
ALSO: The Diamond Light at Saint Rocke (10pm)
ALSO: Crocodiles at The Echo (9pm)…just because I’m curious as to what the hype is all about
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 featuring John Elliot (9pm)

Tuesday: Rachel Yamagata at The Hotel Café (10pm)
ALSO: Brandon Flowers at The Troubadour (9pm)
ALSO: Matthew Jordan at Café Was (8pm)
ALSO: Jake Newton at Molly Malone’s (9:30)
ALSO: Adam Haworth Stephens (of Two Gallants) at Spaceland (9pm)

Weds: The White Buffalo at The Mint (10:30)

Thursday: Jonah Matranga at The Hotel Café (7pm)
ALSO: Mat Kearney at Saint Rocke (10pm)

Friday: Graydon at The Hotel Café (11pm)
ALSO: Rufus Wainwright at The Greek Theater (7:30)

Saturday: Sunset Junction featuring Andy Clockwise, Everest, White Apple Tree, Saint Motel, Chris Pierce, Dawes, etc.
ALSO: Cary Brothers at The Troubadour (10pm)
ALSO: Killola at The Roxy

Sunday: Sunset Junction featuring The Janks, Gringo Star, Fitz & The Tantrums, etc.
ALSO: Haim at The Troubadour
ALSO: Agent Ribbons at Bootleg Theater (11pm)
ALSO: Austin Hartley Leonard at The Foundry on Melrose

To Keep in Mind:
August 26^th-28^th Sunset Strip Music Festival featuring The Silent Comedy, Nico Vega, Queen Caveat, Semi Precious Weapons, Neon trees, etc.
August 28^th: Something Corporate at Club Nokia
September 4^th: After Midnight Project at The Key Club
September 18^th: Heart at Gibson Amphitheater
September 25^th: Band of Horses at Greek Theater
September 25^th: Muse at Staples Center
September 30^th: BIFFY CLYRO at The Bootleg Theater
October 1^st: Brandi Carlile and The Avett Brothers at Nokia Theater LA Live
October 13^th: Frightened Rabbit at The Mayan Theater
October 18th: Mumford & Sons at Hollywood Palladium
December 11^th: The Black Crowes and Truth & Salvage Co. at Hollywood Palladium

~ Kristen

Kristen’s Concert Calendar: 7/12-7/18

Posted on July 11, 2010 by Kristen

Well, Amanda and I certainly had quite the busy weekend getting sneak previews of some very exciting projects coming out soon. Slash-approved British rockers, Gods and Men, are in the process of recording their first album for Pacific Records. Remember the name…it will come up again soon, I’m sure. Also, San Diego’s own Endoxi just finished their first full-length CD, Earthbound. The record is coming out August 3^rd and the release party will be August 6^th at Epicentre in SD. I’m very excited about Endoxi, and feel that they are poised to become the next big band out of San Diego.

But if you need a good show before August 6^th, this week will definitely satisfy. Two of my very favorite bands are playing the Troubadour, The Silent Comedy on Tuesday (opening for Andy Clockwise) and Nico Vega on Weds (opening for Sweethead). You know you’ve been meaning to check out these bands I’m always blathering on about…well, here’s your chance so don’t miss it!

As for everything else (it’s quite a fantastic week for music):

Monday: Matt Morris at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)
ALSO: Mississippi Man FREE at The Echo (10pm)
ALSO: The Shakers at Les Deux (10pm)
ALSO: Abbot Kinney at Molly Malone’s (8pm)
ALSO: Kings of Leon at Hollywood Bowl (7:30)
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)

Tuesday: The Silent Comedy and Andy Clockwise at The Troubadour (8:30)
ALSO: Imagine Dragons FREE at The Viper Room (10pm)
ALSO: Matthew Jordan at Cafe Was (7pm)
ALSO: Austin Hartley-Leonard at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)

Weds: Nico Vega at The Troubadour (9:15)…what else do you need?

Thursday: KT Tunstall, Garrison Starr, Jay Nash, Joe Firstman at The Hotel Cafe (7-11)
ALSO: Killola at The Viper Room (11pm)
ALSO: Wakey Wakey at Bootleg (10pm)
ALSO: Alex Band at The Roxy (8:30)
ALSO: Fitz & the Tantrums at the Hammer museum (7pm)
ALSO: Alternate Routes at Levitt Pavilion in Pasadena (8pm)
ALSO: Nico Vega at Velvet Jones in Santa Barbara (7pm)

Friday: Tyrone Wells at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)
ALSO: Victoria Clemmons, Kris Karlsson, Alex Rhodes at Genghis Cohen (8,9,10)
ALSO: Lovers Drugs at Rusty’s Surf Ranch in Santa Monica (9pm)
ALSO: Juke Kartel at The Viper Room (11:15)
ALSO: MGMT at The Greek Theater (7:30)

Saturday: Thrice at Fox Theater in Pomona (6:30)
ALSO: Leerone and Laura Jensen at The Hotel Cafe (8, 10)
ALSO: The Silent Comedy at The Casbah (SD)

Sunday: The Swell Season and Bird and the Bee at Hollywood Bowl (7:30)
ALSO: Joe Firstman and Jay Nash at Saint Rocke (7pm)

To Keep in Mind:
July 21^st: Gaslight Anthem at The Wiltern
July 23^rd: Tony Lucca album release at The Mint
July 28^th: Bang the Gong Tour featuring Civil Twilight, Paper Tongues, and Neon Trees at The Glass House
July 29^th: Queen Caveat EP Release at The Viper Room
July 29^th: Civil Twlight at The Hotel Cafe
July 30^th: Dirty Sweet at The Viper Room
July 30-31^st: Morcheeba at Hollywood Bowl
August 6^th: Endoxi CD release at Epicentre (SD)
August 12^th: Semi Precious Weapons at Staples Center
August 21^st and 22^nd: Sunset Junction
September 4^th: After Midnight Project at The Key Club
September 25^th: Band of Horses at Greek Theater
September 25^th: Muse at Staples Center

~ Kristen

Nico Vega West Coast Tour

Posted on July 6, 2010 by Kristen

Now THIS makes me want to do a west coast road trip. Nico Vega is finally playing another hometown date Weds July 14^th at The Troubadour opening for Sweethead. This show is the first on the band’s journey up the west coast. Dates listed below…don’t miss out!

14 Jul 2010

8:00 P

The Troubadour w/ Sweethead

West Hollywood, CA, CA

15 Jul 2010

7:00 P

Velvet Jones w/ Sweethead

Santa Barbara, CA

17 Jul 2010

7:00 P

Fat Cat w/ Sweethead

Modesto, CA