Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 11/12-11/18

I got out last week for some music *celebration* and I’m feeling much better about life as a result. I saw a couple artists that I have a long history of seeing and it got me thinking a lot about my past and how many amazing musical moments I have had in my life. After seeing The Kin Thursday night, I went back to my picture and video archives to re-visit some of my fondest memories associated with that band (the first time I saw them, the impromptu performance in an alleyway, the hospital incident, the first night I lived in LA, that SXSW adventure, etc). It all made me feel very lucky and it made me realize that I/we will get through all of these more recent tribulations and the memories most indelible will be the good ones, full of love and friends and music.

I’m going to try to stay focused this week, but still hope to get out a time or two. I am very anxious to see the long awaited return of Parade of Lights who are playing Bootleg Bar on Monday night. My other top pick would be the entire line-up at Room 5 on Weds featuring my favorite lyricist, Dan Wilson. I look at you week and say “let’s do this!”

 

Monday: The Kin at WitZend (8pm)
ALSO: Parade of Lights FREE at Bootleg Bar (8:30)
ALSO: The Nervous Wreckords, The Record Company, The Dustbowl Revivals FREE at The Satellite (10pm)
ALSO: Drive He Said FREE at Silverlake Lounge (10pm)
ALSO: It’s a School Night at Bardot featuring The Rebel Lights (formally Suddyn) FREE with RSVP (9pm) http://www.itsaschoolnight.com/losangeles/
ALSO: Haley Reinhart at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: Jack’s Mannequin at The El Rey (6pm)
ALSO: Mumford & Sons at The Hollywood Bowl (7pm)
ALSO: Monday in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)

 

Tuesday: Holly Conlan, Harper Blynn, Satellite at The Hotel Cafe (8,9,10)
ALSO: Clairy Browne & The Bangin’ Rackettes at The Mint (8:30)
ALSO: The Dahls at Room 5 (8pm)
ALSO: Paul and The Kir at Molly Malone’s (9pm)
ALSO: Halestorm at The House of Blues (7:30)
ALSO: Harriet and AC Newman at The Echoplex (9pm)
ALSO: Gary Clark Jr. at The Troubadour (9pm)

 

Weds: Wise Cub, Dan Wilson, and Aaron Zimmer at Room 5 (8,9,10)
ALSO: Sad Robot and Family Wagon at The Viper Room (10,12)
ALSO: Susanna Hoffs at Largo (8pm)
ALSO: Gary Clark Jr. at The Troubadour (9pm)
ALSO: Ben Gibbard at Wilshire Ebell Theatre (8pm)
ALSO: Petty Fest West featuring Cory Chisel, Butch Walker, Nicole Atkins, and more at The El Rey (8pm)

 

Thursday: Gary Clark Jr. at The Troubadour (9pm)
ALSO: Saint Motel at Dim Mak Studios
ALSO: Korey Dane and Gaby Moreno & Adam Levy at Room 5 (8,10)
ALSO: Blue October with Barcelona and A Silent Film at House of Blues (8:30)
ALSO: Petty Fest West featuring Cory Chisel, Butch Walker, Nicole Atkins, and more at The El Rey (8pm)

 

Friday: Run Run Run at The Viper Room (10pm)
ALSO: Amber Rubarth at The Hotel Cafe (11pm)
ALSO: Tame Impala at The El Rey (8pm)
ALSO: Joshua Radin and A Fine Frenzy at The Wiltern (7:15)
ALSO: Walk The Moon at The Fonda Theatre (9pm)

 

Saturday: Lee Dewyze, The Beatles by AG & Friends, Nina Storey at The Hotel Cafe (8,9,10)
ALSO: Milo Greene at The El Rey (8pm)
ALSO: Adam Bones FREE at Redwood Bar (3pm)
ALSO: FINE at Westwood Brewing Company (10:30)
ALSO: Tame Impala at The Fonda Theatre (9pm)

 

Sunday: Eve 6 at The El Rey (8pm)
ALSO: Sondre Lerche at Largo (8:30)
ALSO: PK at The Viper Room (7:45)

 

 

To Keep in Mind:
November 20th: The Postelles and Mayday Parade at House of Blues
November 20th: Rachel Yamagata at The El Rey
November 21st: Josh Kelley at The Hotel Cafe
November 24th: Nico Vega at The Gibson Amphitheatre (w/ No Doubt)
November 26th: The Neighbourhood at The Viper Room
November 27th: Soundgarden at Fonda Theatre
November 28th: Youngblood Hawke at The Roxy
December 1st: Milk Carton Kids at Luckman Fine Arts Complex
December 1st: Ellie Goulding at Nokia Theater LA Live
December 6th: Biffy Clyro at The Satellite
December 6th: Imagine Dragons and Garbage at San Manuel Casino
December 8th: Boyce Avenue at Club Nokia
December 11th: Atlas Genius at The Troubadour
December 11th: High Voltage Holiday Party at Silverlake Lounge
December 12th: Alt J and Wildcat Wildcat at The Fonda
December 13th: The Mountain Goats at The Troubadour
December 20th-22nd: Camp Freddy at The Roxy
January 19th: Tyler Hilton and Teddy Geiger at The Roxy
January 23rd and 24th: Muse at The Staples Center
Feb. 9th: Ed Sheeran at Hollywood Palladium
Feb. 12th: Ellie Goulding at Hollywood Palladium
Feb. 17th: Ed Sheeran at Nokia Theatre LA Live

~ Kristen

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Valentine’s Day Playlist: The Cycles of Love: Puppy Love

Puppy love always evokes that naive sense of new young love that’s really no deeper than be heavily infatuated with someone.  The second thing it evokes a sort of do wop, pop, smiley dreams and rainbows while we hold hands and skip down the street.
Puppy Love

Local Music: Starstruck- Parade of Lights

I realize this song has been posted on LMN before but it’s a favorite of mine and frankly, being ‘starstruck’ by someone makes me think of puppy love. It’s the beginning of something new, it’s cute, and all your friends hate hearing you talk about it.

Top 40: Wouldn’t it Be Nice – The Beach Boys

Everything about The Beach Boys seems to be a little viewed through rose tinted  glasses, this song, even though it’s one of their more well known tracks actually has a bit of depth to it.  There is actually obstacles that prevent our heroes from living out this perfect love, it may be even a little realistic in a sense, but all the while remains so optimistic.

Alternative Radio: Follow You Down- Gin Blossoms

I miss the 90’s. I miss the computer games, the carefree life, the less complicated times, and the music. I don’t miss the fashion though. Anyways, Follow You Down from the Gin Blossoms was one of those happy songs from happy times. What says puppy love more than, “anywhere you go, I’ll follow you down.”

Soundtrack: Then He Kissed Me – The Crystals

Like most people I first encountered this song while watching Goodfellas and fell in love with it.  It depicts that somewhat nervous feeling you get when you first go out with someone new.  The lyrics tell a boy meets girl, is nice to girl, boy and girl get married, oh and there is some kissing.  Just pure cotton candy goodness.

Misc.: We Owned The Night- Lady Antebellum 

This song evokes images of the beginnings of a new romance with someone you are so enamoured with. Everything this person does is enchanting and amazing and you’re happy just to be a part of their world. You both own the night after all.

Having a hard time keeping it in your pants? We know you got sprung!

Kristen’s ’11 Mix – Track 11 – Parade of Lights

11. “Other Voices” – Parade of Lights

One of the most traumatic experiences I had this year was the loss of my car for two weeks….bussing back and forth to campus wasn’t the worst experience, but not having a car seriously hindered my evening activities. The worst was the night my friends, Vegas-based Parade of Lights, were playing at The Viper Room and my hope for a ride fell through. Fortunately I have some awesome people in my life who understand what it means to miss one of your favorite bands. I don’t recall when I’ve ever been quite so grateful to be at a show. I may have hugged everyone a bit too hard that night…I was just so happy to be there. Anytime Parade of Lights plays in the LA area, I am there. They are one of my favorite bands to dance to.

~ Kristen

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 7/11-7/17

This past week has been incredibly rough. From all the problems resulting from the new apartment to my car breaking down and work stuff just not…working, I haven’t been in the best of spirits. I am very grateful to have friends who made the effort to drive me to/from a couple shows, without which I would descend into madness. I at least made it to two of the four The Silent Comedy shows. Those boys never fail to deliver a good time. Their show at the LACMA with Saint Motel was particularly enjoyable as it included a tour of the Tim Burton exhibit AND it got done early enough for us to catch a little “Weatherman” from Dead Sara at The Viper Room.

My favorite show last week, however, was Truth & Salvage Co. with Brian Wright Monday night at The Hotel Cafe. I discovered Truth & Salvage Co. at this venue over two years ago and seeing them play my favorite stage once again was like a homecoming. This band has the ability to transform the energy of an entire room making it impossible to not feel a strong sense of communal love, happiness, and an overwhelming desire to dance. And let’s not forget about the Brian Wright icing on the Truth & Salvage cake! That man is a marvel…and is incidentally playing a last minute gig tonight (Sunday) at Piano Bar at 10:30 (told you something would come up)

This week I start an intensive two week training course so my evening adventures will again be diminished. Nothing will stop me, however, from Parade of Lights Thursday night at The Viper Room. I’ve mentioned these boys before and am incredibly excited to have them back in Los Angeles. If you can make it, I’d love to see you there.

Here’s what else is going on (it’s quite a healthy week for music):

 

Monday: Andy Clockwise and Lemon Sun FREE at The Satellite (10pm)…the first of a month long residence from Mr. Clockwise
ALSO: Races FREE at Bootleg Theater (10:30)…another start of a must-see residency
ALSO: Thao and Mirah at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)

 

Tuesday: Eli James FREE at Hemingway’s Lounge (10pm)
ALSO: Matthew Mayfield and Johnny Marnell at The Hotel Cafe (9, 10)
ALSO: Stop Motion Poetry at The Roxy (7:30)
ALSO: Beachwood Night at Piano Bar featuring Dave Green and Jesse Cole (8pm)

 

Weds: Jay Nash and Anna Nalick at The Hotel Cafe (9, 10)
ALSO: The Lookout Kids at The Viper Room (10:30)

 

Thursday: Parade of Lights at The Viper Room (11pm)
ALSO: The Bangles FREE at The Santa Monica Pier (7pm)
ALSO: The Soft Pack and Hanni El Khatib FREE at The Hammer Museum (7pm)
ALSO: The Californian FREE at Pershing Square (7:30)…part of the Spaceland under the stars summer concert series

 

Friday: Curtis Peoples at The Hotel Cafe (10:30)
ALSO: Nikki Monninger (silversun pickups), Brian Aubert, The Janks, Sabrosa Purr, and Vicky Cryer at The Satellite (9pm)
ALSO: Beatnik Jr. at The Good Hurt (10:30)
ALSO: Sarah McLaughlin at The Hollywood Bowl (8:30
ALSO: Music in the Zoo featuring Mini Mansions, Hands, Honeyhoney, Kitten, and more (6pm)…an excuse to get into the zoo after-hours!! http://lazoo.org/mitz/index.html

 

Saturday: Maniac at The Bootleg Theater (10:30)
ALSO: Sarah McLaughlin at The Hollywood Bowl (8:30)
ALSO: Trapt at The Roxy (10pm)
ALSO: OSLO at The Satellite (11pm)

 

Sunday: Black Baptista at The Viper Room (11pm)

 

NOTE: Saturday and Sunday is LA’s Carmageddon, so I’d only venture out if you don’t have to go too far…or anywhere near the 405.

 

To Keep in Mind:
July 19th and 21st: Alkaline Trio at The Troubadour
July 21st: Missy Higgins at The Santa Monica Pier
July 22nd: Langhorne Slim at The Echo
July 22nd: Indians CD release at The Viper Room
July 26th: The Indigo Girls at The Troubadour
July 28th: Ben Sollee at Bootleg Theater
July 28th: A Perfect Circle at Gibson Auditorium
August 11th: Toy and Lifehouse at Ventura County Fair
August 12-14th: Outside Lands in San Francisco
August 16th: Mutemath at The Troubadour
August 18th and 25th: The Veronicas at The Viper Room
August 18th: TDIF at The Hotel Cafe
August 19th: Buckcherry at The Roxy
August 18-20th: SSMF
August 27-28th: Sunset Junction
September 3rd: FYF
September 22-24: Hotel Carolina (South Carolina)
September 22nd: Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights at The Viper Room

~ Kristen

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Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar 7/4-7/10

This week has been kinda painful. Let’s just say I hate moving. My mom was in town from Pennsylvania to help with the move. She accompanied me Weds night to the El Rey to see Nightlands and Sondre Lerche THEN she came with me to On the Rox to rock out to Semi Precious Weapons’ last Empire gig…completely with late night dining at The Rainbow Room. We didn’t get home ‘til the wee hours. I just have to say that my mom totally rocks and I am quite lucky to have her.

Because of the move, my last week was a bit light on shows. Hopefully this week I’ll be able to turn it all around. This may be slightly problematic as my car currently doesn’t function properly…but The Silent Comedy is starting a West Coast tour with Saint Motel, hitting up The Casbah (San Diego) on Tuesday, Detroit Bar (Costa Mesa) Weds, LACMA (LA) Thursday, and Velvet Jones (Santa Barbara) on Saturday so…we shall just have to make something work, now won’t we!

Also happening this week:

 

Monday: Truth & Salvage Co. with Brian Wright and Erin McLaughlin at The Hotel Cafe (7:30)

 

Tuesday: Anya Marina and Meiko at The Hotel Cafe (8,9:30)
ALSO: Alice Wallace at The Mint (9pm)
ALSO: Beachwood Night at Piano Bar (8pm)…this event is always free!

 

Weds: Lovers Drugs at Silverlake Lounge (10pm)
ALSO: Anna Nalick at The Hotel Cafe (10pm)

 

Thursday: The Silent Comedy and Saint Motel at LACMA
ALSO: Golden State and Dead Sara at The Viper Room (9,10)
ALSO: Fat City Reprise at Silverlake Lounge (10pm)
ALSO: The Northstar Session at The Hotel Cafe (11pm)
ALSO: Chasing Kings and Infantree at Bootleg Bar (10:30, 11:30)

 

Friday: Queen Caveat at On the Rox (8pm)
ALSO: Graham Colton at The Hotel Cafe (7pm)
ALSO: Singer-Songwriter Night FREE at Pi on Sunset (9pm)…a songwriters in the round format featuring Alina Smith and friends

 

Saturday: Moderne Man at The Viper Room (9pm)

 

Sunday: I’m sure something will present itself before Sunday

 

To Keep in Mind:
July 14th: Parade of Lights at The Viper Room
July 15th: Curtis Peoples at The Hotel Cafe
July 19th and 21st: Alkaline Trio at The Troubadour
July 21st: Missy Higgins at The Santa Monica Pier
July 22nd: Langhorne Slim at The Echo
July 22nd: Indians CD release at The Viper Room
July 26th: The Indigo Girls at The Troubadour
July 28th: Ben Sollee at Bootleg Theater
July 28th: A Perfect Circle at Gibson Auditorium
August 11th: Toy and Lifehouse at Ventura County Fair
August 12-14th: Outside Lands in San Francisco
August 18th and 25th: The Veronicas at The Viper Room
August 18th: TDIF at The Hotel Cafe
August 19th: Buckcherry at The Roxy
August 18-20th: SSMF
August 27-28th: Sunset Junction
September 3rd: FYF
September 22-24: Hotel Carolina (South Carolina)
September 22nd: Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights at The Viper Room

~ Kristen

 

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Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 6/27-7/3

It’s a big week! Work-wise, I’m going to be finishing up and turning in something I’ve been working on for months. In my personal life, I’m moving this week…and my mother is flying across the country to assist. Musically, it’s the last Empire (Semi Precious Weapons’ weekly party at On The Rox). All of this is making me a little overwhelmed  and emotional…fingers crossed it all goes well.

This week also marks my welcome back to the world of the living (hopefully). I tested my newly regained health out yesterday at the vegan beerfest which took place at The Roxy. It was a tad exhausting, but I didn’t keel over or develop some new form of illness so we’ll chalk it up as a success! Also, The Silent Comedy played a set that got the entire festival dancing (double success!!). If you still haven’t seen this band, I shake my fist at you. Mark your calendars for July 7th when they’ll be playing LACMA with Saint Motel. Tim Burton’s exhibit is in town, so come for some art and some music…you won’t regret it!

 

In the meantime:

 

Monday: Armada at The Viper Room (11:15)
ALSO: Le Butcherettes at The Troubadour (10:15)
ALSO: The Californian FREE at The Satellite (10pm)
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)

 

Tuesday: The Postelles at The Echo (10pm)
ALSO: Indians at The Satellite (10pm)
ALSO: The Canyons at Molly Malone’s (8pm)
ALSO: J Scott Bergman at The Bootleg (8:30)
ALSO: Beachwood Night at Piano Bar (8pm)…great night of FREE music

 

Weds: Sondre Lerche and Nightlands at The El Rey (8pm)
ALSO: Empire On the Rox with Semi Precious Weapons (10pm)…FREE with RSVP to rsvp@semipreciousweapons.com (this is the LAST Empire…don’t miss it!)
ALSO: Jackie Tohn at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)
ALSO: Brooke Fraser at The Music Box (8pm)
ALSO: Big Black Delta at The Satellite (10pm)

 

Thursday: Shawn Hlookoff at The Viper Room (10pm)
ALSO: The Shakers FREE at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: Eli James at On the Rise at The Hard Rock Cafe (9:45)
ALSO: Maxim Ludwig and the Santa Fe Seven (10pm)
ALSO: Maren Parusel at Silverlake Lounge (9pm)
ALSO: Chasing Kings at The Roxy (8pm)

 

Friday: Warped Tour Pomona (11am)

 

Saturday: Ragsy, Andy Clockwise, George Stanford at The Hotel Cafe (10,11,12)
ALSO: Sabrosa Purr at Bootleg (10pm)

 

Sunday: Warped Tour Ventura (11am)

 

To Keep in Mind:
July 4th: Truth & Salvage Co. at The Hotel Cafe
July 7th: The Silent Comedy and Saint Motel at LACMA
July 7th: Dead Sara at The Viper Room
July 14th: Parade of Lights at The Viper Room
July 15th: Curtis Peoples at The Hotel Cafe
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: Ben Sollee at Bootleg Theater
July 28th: A Perfect Circle at Gibson Auditorium
August 11th: Toy and Lifehouse at Ventura County Fair
August 12-14th: Outside Lands in San Francisco
August 18th: The Veronicas at The Viper Room
August 18th: TDIF at The Hotel Cafe
August 19th: Buckcherry at The Roxy
August 18-20th: SSMF
August 27-28th: Sunset Junction
September 3rd: FYF
September 22-24: Hotel Carolina (South Carolina)

~ Kristen

 

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Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 6/20-6/26

This weekend was supposed to be SO much fun, but I ended up spending most of it sleeping. I guess I can only run away from sickness for so long. Fortunately, before the fever descended, I was able to spend an amazing night Weds at Empire, the weekly party Semi Precious Weapons throws at On the Rox (bar above The Roxy). So many of my friends were out, celebrating a few birthdays. SPW put on a stripped down miniset, including a slower version of their new tune “Free Booze” that I might just enjoy more than the original. Finally, we all danced the night away to tunes provided by my favorite DJ (DJ High Voltage). Such a memorable night! There are only two more Empires left (this Weds and next) so if you haven’t been, be sure to get on the list and go!

As for the rest of the week, here’s my wish list. At the moment, I can’t really fathom going out, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to. So many good shows this week. You’ll have to enjoy them for me until I’m back on my feet.

 

Monday: Armada at The Viper Room (11:15)
ALSO: Anna Nalick at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)
ALSO: Jenny O FREE at Bootleg (9pm)
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 featuring Shane Alexander, John Elliot, Joel Eckels, and Jon Green (9pm)

 

Tuesday: Blue n Green: To Jopin With Love benefit concert at The Hotel Cafe featuring Tony Lucca, Keaton Simons, Raining Jane, Stop Motion Poetry, and SO many more (9pm)…door proceeds to benefit The Joplin Schools Tornado Relief Fund
ALSO: Lovers Drugs at Lot 1 Cafe (9pm)
ALSO: Two Gallants at The Echo (9pm)
ALSO: Paris Carney at Room 5 (9pm)

 

Weds: High Voltage Night at The Mint featuring Eli James, Hell & Lula, and Toy Bombs (9pm)
ALSO: The Watkins Family hour at Largo at The Coronet (8:30, 10)
ALSO: Meiko at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)
ALSO: Jarrod Gorbel and Bell X1 at The Troubadour (8:30, 9:30)
ALSO: My Morning Jacket at Pantages Theater (8pm)
ALSO: Empire Presents Semi Precious Weapons On the Rox (10pm)…free with RSVP to rsvp@semipreciousweapons.com

 

Thursday: War Tapes and Dead Sara at Bootleg Theater (9:45, 10:45)
ALSO: Austin Hartley Leonard, Chris Pierce, and The Canyons at The Hotel Cafe (9,10,11)
ALSO: Allen Stone and Nikka Costa at The Roxy (8pm)
ALSO: Lovers Drugs at The Prospector in Long Beach (9pm)
ALSO: The Kooks at The Troubadour (9:45)
ALSO: Okkervil River at The Wiltern (7pm)
ALSO: The Mountain Goats at The El Rey (8pm)

 

Friday: Lakes at The Hotel Cafe (11pm)
ALSO: Rooney and Maniac at The El Rey (8pm)
ALSO: Viza at The Troubadour (11:15)
ALSO: Alex Dezen at Bootleg (9:30)

 

Saturday: The Silent Comedy at The Roxy (1pm)
ALSO: Terra Naomi, Lelia Broussard, Andy Clockwise, and Brother Sal at The Hotel Cafe (9,10,11,12)
ALSO: Jamestown Revival at Room 5 (10pm)
ALSO: Allen Stone and Nikka Costa at Saint Rocke (9pm)

Sunday: Jonah Montraga at The Hotel Cafe (7:30)

 

To Keep in Mind:
June 29th: Brooke Fraser at The Music Box
July 4th: Hotel Café Presents Ford on the 4th of July featuring Truth & Salvage Co., Cary Brothers, The Rescues, Anya Marina, etc.
July 14th: Parade of Lights at The Viper Room
July 15th: Curtis Peoples at The Hotel Cafe
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 19th: Buckcherry at The Roxy
August 18-20th: SSMF
September 22-24: Hotel Carolina (South Carolina)

~ Kristen

 

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