The Hotel Cafe

Fall in love with Ferras

Posted on by Kristen

I don’t tend to download via ITunes (or any similar site) because honestly, I like having the actual CD complete with CD booklet. But yesterday, I finally redeemed this ITunes gift certificate someone gave me for my birthday several months ago. I had been eyeing the other Biffy Clyro CDs for some time now so I got their second “most popular” CD, Puzzle. I had $5 left over so I was going to surf the ITunes universe to find something completely new to try…but then, as I was cruising my traditional websites I stumbled upon the realization that one of my favorite artists, Ferras, had realized some new material in the form of an EP titled Interim.

So much for discovering some new music…I put the remainder of my gift certificate to use and downloaded the EP. I’ve been listening to Ferras nonstop all day. The new EP, the old CD, Aliens & Rainbows, YouTube videos of nonrecorded Ferras originals and covers….I just can’t get enough!  

The emotion that Ferras can elicit between his gorgeous voice and the delicate touch of the piano is reason enough to check him out, but he’s also an incredibly captivating person. The few times a year he decides to come out and play at The Hotel Cafe are not to be missed…especially since most of my favorite of his songs have not been recorded and you never know what cover he’ll pull out of his hat. This is the man that actually got me to listen to Lady Gaga after he did a cover of her song, “Paparazzi”.

Anyway, since I seem to be in obsession mode here, I thought I’d share some videos…

Listen! Learn! LOVE!

~ Kristen

A song he finally recorded on Interim:

A song he wrote and performed with Katy Perry:

Pure awesomeness (from the last time I saw him play):

Kristen’s Concert Calendar: 7/5-7/11

Posted on by Kristen

Happy 4th of July everyone! I hope you all enjoyed the BBQs and fireworks. I caught a few fireworks on the drive from San Diego back to Los Angeles. I was down south (again) doing more exciting things that will appear on the website shortly.

But in the meantime, so much music to discover and shows to enjoy. Here’s what I’d love to do this week, if you’re looking for some great options:

Monday: Mississippi Man FREE at The Echo (10pm)
ALSO: Red Arrow Messenger and The Outline FREE at Bootleg (9, 10)
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm) 

Tuesday: Steel Train at El Rey (8pm)
ALSO: Juke Kartel and Charlie Mars at The Hotel Cafe (7,8) 

Weds: Carbon Leaf at The Troubadour (9:30) 

Thursday: Curtis Peoples and Ernie Halter at The Roxy (9pm)
ALSO: Garrison Starr, Amber Rubarth, Brian Wright, Brother Sal at The Hotel Cafe (8-12)
ALSO: Roman Holiday at The Viper Room (8pm)
ALSO: Will Hoge, Michelle Branch, and Sugarland at The Greek Theater (7:30) 

Friday: Tyrone Wells, So & So, Honeyhoney at The Hotel Cafe (9,10,11)
ALSO: The Shakers at The Kibitz Room (10pm)
ALSO: Bobby Long at The Troubadour (10pm) 

Saturday: Lilith Fair at Verizon Wireless featuring Brandi Carlile, The Weepies, Sarah McLachlan, etc. (3pm)
ALSO: Run Devil Run at The Viper Room (10pm) 

Sunday: The Mulhollands at The Viper Room (11pm)
ALSO: Ernie Halter and Tony Lucca at Saint Rocke 

To Keep in Mind:
July 13th: The Silent Comedy and Andy Clockwise at The Troubadour
July 14th: Nico Vega at The Troubadour
July 18th: The Swell Season and Bird and the Bee at Hollywood Bowl
July 30-31st: Morcheeba at Hollywood Bowl
August 12th: Semi Precious Weapons at Staples Center
August 21st and 22nd: Sunset Junction
September 25th: Band of Horses at Greek Theater
September 25th: Muse at Staples Center

~ Kristen

Kristen’s Concert Calendar: 6/28-7/4

Posted on by Kristen

Just got back from Warped Tour in Ventura with Amanda. Will hopefully get around to writing something about it and posting some of my pictures. It was by far the most pleasant (weather-wise) Warped  I’ve ever been to…but I still managed to get a lovely burn on the shoulders. Fortunately this week’s planned activities are largely indoors.

And if you want to go out at all this week, might I suggest Thursday heading to one of the places participating in The Gulf Coast Benefit. (http://gulfcoastbenefit.com/#about) On this day, select venues around the country will be donating money from ticket sales to organizations aiding those impacted by the oil spill. Several LA establishments (including my picks at The Roxy and The Mint) are participating. If you’re not in LA, check the website to see if a venue near you is involved. Enjoy some great live music AND play a part in helping our country deal with its current economic and ecological crisis. You’ve seen the pictures…you know you want to do something…this sounds like a perfect opportunity to me!

As for everything else:

Monday: Paris Carney and Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (8,9)
ALSO: Victoria Clemmons and Abbot Kinney at Molly Malone’s (9,10) 

Tuesday: Vienne at Saint Rocke (9:30)
ALSO: The Daylights at The Roxy (8pm) 

Weds: The Smashing Pumpkins at The Viper Room (?)…no, that is not a misprint.
ALSO: The Shakers at Kibitz Room (11:30)…last night of their Kibitz residency!
ALSO: Hot Hot Heat at Bootleg (10pm)
ALSO: Joel Eckels and The Paper Sun at The Foundry on Melrose (?) 

Thursday: Danielia Cotton at Levitt Pavilion in Pasadena (7pm)…is she worth driving to Pasadena for? Why yes, yes she is!
ALSO: Saint Motel at the Hammer Museum (7pm)
ALSO: The Gulf Coast Benefit at The Mint featuring Kaki King  and Ben Lee (8pm)
ALSO: The Gulf Coast Benefit at The Viper Room featuring Wicker (9pm)
ALSO: Garrison Starr at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: Year Long Disaster at Spaceland (8:30) 

Friday: Army of Me at The Hotel Cafe (7pm)…from Washington DC!!
ALSO: The Other Side of Morning at The Park Bar in Burbank (10pm)
ALSO: CocoRosie at Orphium (9pm)
ALSO: Cinder Cone at Vacation Vinyl (7pm)…record release at a record store
ALSO: The Shakers at Gallagher’s Pub in Huntington Beach (11pm)
ALSO: Paris Carney at Molly Malone’s (8:30)
ALSO: Automatique at The Viper Room (10) 

Saturday: The Janks at The Hotel Cafe (11pm)

Sunday: Happy 4th of July! I’m sure there are some lovely parties with some great music…I just haven’t found one yet…

To Keep in Mind:
July 7th: Carbon Leaf at The Troubadour
July 8th: Michelle Branch at Greek Theater
July 10th: Lilith Fair
July 13th: The Silent Comedy and Andy Clockwise at The Troubadour
July 14th: Nico Vega at The Troubadour
July 18th: The Swell Season and Bird and the Bee at Hollywood Bowl
July 30-31st: Morcheeba at Hollywood Bowl
August 12th: Semi Precious Weapons at Staples Center (with Lady GaGa)
August 21st and 22nd: Sunset Junction
September 25th: Band of Horses at Greek Theater
September 25th: Muse at Staples Center

~ Kristen

The Rescues: Let Loose the Horses

Posted on by Kristen

New Music from The Rescues out today! Their new CD Let Loose the Horses was just released. In celebration ITunes is giving away their first single “Break Me Out”. This is not the first version I’ve heard of this song. I’ve actually been following The Rescues for about as long as I’ve been living in Los Angeles. This song is included in two different forms on their first CD, Crazy Ever After, but that was before the trio of Gabriel Mann, Kyler England, and Adrianne Gonzalez added Rob Giles and became a quartet.

I first saw the original trio play at The Hotel Cafe…the same night as Meiko and The Kin (it was a great evening of music). I was instantly attracted to their amazing harmonies. The more I saw the band play, the more I enjoyed them. I had also seen Rob Giles open for Carney a couple of times at Molly Malone’s and when I heard he was joining the band, I couldn’t have been more excited. What I love most about this quartet is not just their harmonies, but how they can meld four very different styles of music into a singular group. Going to see The Rescues live, there is definitely something in it for everyone.

I was disappointed for awhile when going to see them as they stopped playing many of my old favorite tunes (especially “Matter of Time” and “California Rain”). However, I eventually became equally addicted to their newer material with songs like “Can’t Stand the Rain” and “Let Loose the Horses” as particular stand outs in the live performance.  I am very excited to finally have these and their other new tunes to listen to.

If you want to give The Rescues a test spin before going out to buy the album, their CD Release party is this Friday at The Troubadour. If you live too far away, check out their free single “Break Me Out” on Itunes and watch the video below of The Rescues singing “Let Loose the Horses” at the Kelly Buchanan Benefit (you can even see me in a few shots..ha!).

Also, go check out their first CD, Crazy Ever After…it’s one of my faves…

~ Kristen

Kristen’s Concert Calendar: 6/21-6/27

Posted on by Kristen

So, I finally get to the point when I can actually take more nights off and have my weekends back and I was so excited about the prospect of being able to catch more of the shows I long to see every week and then…I go and get myself sick. Bleck! But just because I’ll probably have to take it easy this week doesn’t mean that you can’t benefit from all the great shows going on.

Here’s my dream list:

Monday: Carney at the Troubadour opening for Athlete (9pm)
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)
ALSO: Abbot Kinney at Molly Malone’s (8pm) 

Tuesday: Adam Arcuragi at Silverlake Lounge (10pm)…PHILLY artist alert!!
ALSO: Automatique and The Shakers at Whiskey a Go Go (9pm)
ALSO: The Open Sea featuring Ari Hest at Room 5 (7pm) 

Weds: Abandoned Pools and Ashes Divide at The Viper Room (10,11)
ALSO: Lucy Woodward at The Hotel Cafe (10:30)…record release
ALSO: Josh Ritter at The Music Box (8pm)
ALSO: Hot Hot Heat and Links at Bootleg (8:30) 

Thursday: Kate Miller-Heidke at The Hotel Cafe (9:30)  
ALSO: Jonathan Clark at House of Blues acoustic lounge (9:30)
ALSO: Rick Cornette at Cafe Was (??)…plays keys for The Other Side of Morning…also has a solo project. Curious? So am I!
ALSO: Fitz and the Tantrums at Spaceland (10pm) 

Friday: The Rescues at The Troubadour (9pm)…Record Release show
ALSO: Andy Clockwise at The Hotel Cafe (10:30) 

Saturday: The Silent Comedy and Jonathan Foreman (of Switchfoot) at the BellyUp in Solano Beach

Sunday: The Webb Sisters at The Hotel Cafe (8:30)
ALSO: The Shakers at O’Brien’s (10pm)
ALSO: Austin Hartley Leonard at The Foundry on Melrose
ALSO: Warped Tour in Ventura 

To Keep in Mind:
July 7th: Carbon Leaf at The Troubadour
July 8th: Michelle Branch at Greek Theater
July 10th: Lilith Fair
July 13th: The Silent Comedy and Andy Clockwise at The Troubadour
July 14th: Nico Vega at The Troubadour
July 18th: The Swell Season and Bird and the Bee at Hollywood Bowl
July 30-31st: Morcheeba at Hollywood Bowl
August 12th: Semi Precious Weapons at Staples Center (with Lady GaGa)
August 21st and 22nd: Sunset Junction
September 25th: Band of Horses at Greek Theater
September 25th: Muse at Staples Center

~ Kristen

Kristen’s Concert Calendar: 6/14-6/20

Posted on by Kristen

This week will mark the debut of LMN’s first video interview series!! Amanda came up to LA and we interviewed one of my picks for best of SXSW ’10, The Other Side of Morning! It’s been a blast getting back into the video shooting/editing/etc. game. The band has a big show coming up this Thursday at The House of Blues. They hit the stage at 9pm and I’d highly recommend being there. If you’re not yet convinced keep coming back to the site this week to check out our promos as well as interview and behind the scenes footage…I am seriously excited about this so I hope you can check it out!

IMPORTANT: if you’d like to get tickets to this show, you can get them for $10 directly from the band. Just email theothersideofmorningband@yahoo.com and ask about House of Blues tickets.

But that’s not the only show happening this week. Here’s what else I’d love to see:

Monday: Paris Carney, Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 featuring Joey Ryan and Kenneth Pattengale (8, 9)
ALSO: Haim at The Troubadour (9:15)
ALSO: Abott Kinney at Molly Malone’s (8pm) 

Tuesday: Purple Melon FREE at The Viper Room (10:45)
ALSO: Abandoned Pools at Spaceland (8:30)
ALSO: Terra Naomi and David and Devine at The Roxy (8:30) 

Weds: The Janks and Hot Hot Heat at Bootleg (8:30, 10:30)
ALSO: Ashes Divide at The Viper Room (11pm) 

Thursday: The Other Side of Morning at The House of Blues main stage (9pm)
ALSO: Queen Caveat and The Silent Comedy at Speakeasy (8:30,11)
ALSO: Run, Run, Run at Silverlake Lounge (11pm)
ALSO: William Tell and Jenny Owens Young at The Hotel Café (7,9)
ALSO: Fitz & The Tantrums at Spaceland (10pm) 

Friday: Of Verona and Soul Puppet at Molly Malone’s (9:30, 10:30)
ALSO: The Whigs at The Troubadour (10pm)
ALSO: Rocco Deluca at Bootleg (10:30)
ALSO: Juke Kartel at The Viper Room (8pm) 

Saturday: Until June at The Viper Room (11?)
ALSO: Lelia Broussard at The Hotel Café (10pm)
ALSO: The Like at The Troubadour (10pm)
ALSO: Rooney at The Music Box (8pm)
ALSO: Imogen Heap at The Greek Theater (7:30)

Sunday: day of rest

To Keep in Mind:
June 24th: Kate Miller-Heidke at The Hotel Cafe
June 25th: Warped Tour in LA
June 25th: The Rescues CD Release at The Troubadour
June 21st: Carney at The Troubadour
June 21st: Gaslight Anthem at El Rey
July 7th: Carbon Leaf at The Troubadour
July 8th: Michelle Branch at Greek Theater
July 10th: Lilith Fair
July 13th: The Silent Comedy and Andy Clockwise at The Troubadour
July 18th: The Swell Season and Bird and the Bee at Hollywood Bowl
July 30-31st: Morceeba at Hollywood Bowl
August 12th: Semi Precious Weapons at Staples Center (with Lady GaGa)
September 25th: Band of Horses at Greek Theater
September 25th: Muse at Staples Center

~ Kristen

Kristen’s Concert Calendar: 6/7-6/13

Posted on by Kristen

This week I write to you from San Diego. Tonight I have a ticket to go see The Silent Comedy open for Mumford & Sons. Needless to say, there is a great deal of excitement involved. Friday night The Silent Comedy played at The Royal Dive in Oceanside so I decided to make a weekend of it in San Diego. Not that it’s been all fun and games…actually it’s mostly been paper-writing, but the change of location was good I suppose. And I get to see one of my favorite bands twice!  And speaking of the marvelous The Silent Comedy, they are coming back up to LA June 17th. Playing a NEW VENUE called Speakeasy over in the Silverlake area. Also playing that night: Queen Caveat! It’s gonna be a good one, so mark your calendar!

But if you want to know what to put on your calendar this week, here’s what I’ve got on mine:

Monday: Paris Carney, Songwriters in the Round (featuring Kathryn Ostenberg, Joel Eckels, Buddy, and Brother Sal), Jay Nash at Room 5 (8, 9, 10:30)…are you seeing this line-up!?! A good night to check out my favorite place to hang Monday nights
ALSO:  it’s a school night at Bardot featuring Super Secret Act (10pm)…I semi-recall them saying something about Hot Hot Heat, but no matter who it is, it will be a fun night, but don’t forget to RSVP (http://itsaschoolnight.com/)
ALSO: Thao and Mirah with The Most of All at Bootleg (10pm)
ALSO: The Delta Spirit FREE at Amobea (7pm)
ALSO: Abbot Kinney at Molly Malone’s (9pm)…Jared from Abbot Kinney starts his month long residency at Molly Malone’s…AKA Abbot Kinney’s Summer of Exploding Hearts

 Tuesday: The Shakers EP Release FREE at The Viper Room also featuring Automatique and New Liberty (Philly band alert!) (11, 12,8)
ALSO: Alice Wallace at The Mint (8pm)
ALSO: Greg Holden at Room 5 (9pm) 

Weds: Allen Stone and Dave Barnes at The Roxy (9pm)
ALSO: Alex Lambert (yes, the one from American Idol) at The Mint (7pm)
ALSO: Ashes Divide at The Viper Room (11pm)
ALSO: Crash Test Dummies at The Hotel Café (7pm)…yes you read that right…I recommend getting advanced tickets
ALSO: Hot Hot Heat at Bootleg (11:15) 

Thursday:  BONNAROO BEGINS! Let’s take this moment to lament the fact that I am not there…silly classes having everything due this week
ALSO: Ian Axel, Amber Rubarth, Holly Conlan, TD Lind, and No Country at The Hotel Cafe (7pm)…just go for Ian and stay til the end…seriously good night of music
ALSO: Chantal Kreviazuk at The Mint (9pm)
ALSO: Fitz and the Tantrums at Spaceland (10pm)
ALSO: Amber Pacific at Whiskey a Go-Go (7pm) 

Friday: Iglu and Hartly at The Roxy (9pm)
ALSO: Helen Stellar at Spaceland (10pm) 

Saturday: Greg Laswell, Brian Wright, and SO & So at The Hotel Cafe (8, 9, 10)…The Greg Laswell/Brian Wright portion of the evening seems to be Sold out, but go see So & So…
ALSO: Mayer Hawthorne at The Ghetty (6pm) 

Sunday: Greg Laswell, Brian Wright, and Austin Hartley Leonard  at The Hotel Cafe (7, 8, 9)…this one, not sold out last I checked
ALSO: Beth Hart and Garrison Starr at The Echoplex (8pm)
ALSO: Taproot at Whiskey a Go Go (8pm) 

To Keep in Mind:
June 17th: The Other Side of Morning at The House of Blues
June 17th: Queen Caveat and The Silent Comedy at Speakeasy 
June 25th: Warped Tour in LA
June 25th: The Rescues CD Release at The Troubadour
June 21st: Carney at The Troubadour
June 21st: Gaslight Anthem at El Rey
July 7th: Carbon Leaf at The Troubadour
July 8th: Michelle Branch at Greek Theater
July 10th: Lilith Fair
July 18th: The Swell Season and Bird and the Bee at Hollywood Bowl
July 30-31st: Morceeba at Hollywood Bowl
August 12th: Semi Precious Weapons at Staples Center (with Lady GaGa)
September 25th: Band of Horses at Greek Theater
September 25th: Muse at Staples Center

~ Kristen