The Milk Carton Kids

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 4/2-4/8

Posted on by Kristen

I’ve mostly been avoiding the internet today. I am not a fan of this whole April Fool’s business. I do not need to hear about another band breaking up even if it is a joke… There are, however, some good deals going around in celebration of the day. High Voltage Magazine is offering an April 1st deal of 50% off a yearly subscription (http://www.iamhighvoltage.com/subscribe.html). Please check it out. I’m conducting an exciting interview tomorrow for my On the Rise piece for the Spring issue. The only place you can read it will be in the magazine, so here’s your chance to get it for ½ price!

In other news, some great shows this week. I’m particularly looking forward to seeing the lead singer of Augustana, Dan Layus, perform at The Hotel Cafe. His band’s last show at The El Rey will probably go down as one of my favorite shows of the year. Last I checked, there were still tickets available for the Hotel Cafe shows on both Weds and Thursday.

Here’s what else I’ve got for you:

Monday: Lemon Sun FREE at The Satellite (10pm)
ALSO: It’s A School Night at Bardot featuring Lelia Broussard and U.S. Royalty (10pm)…FREE with RSVP http://itsaschoolnight.com/
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)

 

Tuesday: The Makepeace Brothers at The Mint (9:30)
ALSO: Queen Caveat at the 98.7FM Penthouse (5pm)…limited space so RSVP here: http://www.facebook.com/events/426085190739950/

 

Weds: The Barr Brothers and Dan Layus (of Augustana) at The Hotel Cafe (8,9:30)
ALSO: Jane Carrey Band at The Mint (8pm)

 

Thursday: Dan Layus (of Augustana) at The Hotel Cafe (9:30)
ALSO: He’s My Brother She’s My Sister and The Pierces at The Troubadour (9:15, 10)
ALSO: Terra Naomi at WitZend (8pm)
ALSO: Brett Detar at The Silverlake Lounge (9pm)
ALSO: Prom for Hope at Club Nokia featuring Semi Precious Weapons (8pm)

 

Friday: Keaton Simons at The Hotel Cafe (10pm)
ALSO: The Nervous Wreckords and Transfer at The Viper Room (10, 11)
ALSO: The Gallery at On the Rox (10pm)

 

Saturday: Anais Mitchell and John Elliot at The Broad Stage (Edye Theater) (8pm)
ALSO: Roman Candle Wars at The Redwood Bar (9:30)
ALSO: Jesse Thomas at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)
ALSO: Rodrigo y Gabriela at Hollywood Palladium (8pm)

 

Sunday: HAPPY EASTER!

 

 

To Keep in Mind:
April 10th: Neon Trees at The Troubadour
April 11th: Mike Doughty at Bootleg Theater
April 12th: Joseph Arthur at The Largo
April 12th: Curtis Peoples at The Hotel Café
April 13th: Kill the Alarm at Room 5
April 16th: Band of Skulls, We Are Augustines, The Sheepdogs at The El Rey
April 18th: Dar Williams at The Largo
April 19th: Foxy Shazam at The Roxy
April 13th-15th AND 20th– 22nd: Coachella
April 24th: The Milk Carton Kids at The Largo
April 25th: Ben Kweller at The El Rey
April 25th: Dead Sara at Club Nokia
April 26th: Jasmine Ash at The Roxy
April 26th: Zoe Keating at The Largo
April 27th: Ingrid Michaelson at The Troubadour
May 2nd: Cage the Elephant at The Mayan
May 3rd: James Morrison at The Avalon
May 6th: Middle Class Rut at The Troubadour
May 8th: Snow Patrol at The Hollywood Palladium
May 10th: Jay Nash at The Hotel Cafe
May 11th: Imagine Dragons at The Troubadour
May 12th: Augustana at The El Rey
May 19th: Eric Hutchinson and Graffiti6 at The Troubadour
May 30th: Eve 6 at The Troubadour
May 31st: Greg Laswell at The El Rey
June 3rd: Deas Vail at The Troubadour
June 5th and 6th: Ben Howard at The Troubadour
June 7-10th: Bonnaroo in Manchester, TN
June 13th and 14th: Phantom Planet at The Troubadour
June 16th: Thrice at Club Nokia

 

~ Kristen

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http://twitter.com/#%21/_localmusicnat

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Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 3/26-4/1

Posted on by Kristen

Last week my body finally retaliated for all the stress I’ve been putting it through. I completely lost my voice and have a nasty head cold. I’m bummed because it forced me to missed some stellar shows. Tonight I’m heading out to The Avalon for Belle Brigade/The Good Old War. Hopefully I won’t regret it tomorrow. Here’s what else I hope to be well enough to do this week:

Monday: Infantree, Vanaprasta, and Voxhaul Broadcast FREE at The Satellite (9pm)
ALSO: NO FREE at The Echo (10pm)
ALSO: Patrick Park at Bootleg Theater (7:30)
ALSO: The Janks FREE at Bootleg Bar (10:30)
ALSO: Ari Shine, Adam Bones, and Jack Littman at Redwood Bar (9pm)
ALSO: Laura Stevenson & The Cans at The Troubadour (8:45)
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)

 

Tuesday: The Stone Foxes at The Roxy (8pm)
ALSO: The Used FREE at The Troubadour (8pm)…playing songs from their new album, no lineups before 4

 

Weds: Ernie Halter at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)

 

Thursday: Shane Alexander, Chris Pierce, Brother Sal at WitZend (8,9,10)

 

Friday: Lady Sinatra and Indians at The Viper Room (10:30, 11:30)
ALSO: Nightmare & The Cat and Lovers Drugs FREE at Dim Mak Studios (AKA Cinespace) (11:15, 1)
ALSO: Mind the Gap at The Hotel Cafe (11:30)
ALSO: Justin Levinson at Room 5 (8pm)
ALSO: Justin Hopkins at WitZend (10pm)
ALSO: All American Rejects at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: The Silent Comedy at House of Blues Anaheim

 

Saturday: Tyrone Wells at The Roxy (8pm)
ALSO: George Stanford at Witzend (11pm)

 

Sunday: Mariah McManus and Charlotte Martin at Bootleg Bar (9,10)
ALSO: The Elizabeth Kill FREE at The Other Door (9pm)

 

 

To Keep in Mind:
April 4th/5th: Dan Layus (of Augustana) at The Hotel Cafe
April 10th: Neon Trees at The Troubadour
April 11th: Mike Doughty at Bootleg Theater
April 12th: Joseph Arthur at The Largo
April 12th: Curtis Peoples at The Hotel Café
April 13th: Kill the Alarm at Room 5
April 16th: Band of Skulls, We Are Augustines, The Sheepdogs at The El Rey
April 18th: Dar Williams at The Largo
April 19th: Foxy Shazam at The Roxy
April 13th-15th AND 20th– 22nd: Coachella
April 24th: The Milk Carton Kids at The Largo
April 25th: Ben Kweller at The El Rey
April 25th: Dead Sara at Club Nokia
April 26th: Jasmine Ash at The Roxy
April 26th: Zoe Keating at The Largo
April 27th: Ingrid Michaelson at The Troubadour
May 2nd: Cage the Elephant at The Mayan
May 3rd: James Morrison at The Avalon
May 6th: Middle Class Rut at The Troubadour
May 8th: Snow Patrol at The Hollywood Palladium
May 10th: Jay Nash at The Hotel Cafe
May 11th: Imagine Dragons at The Troubadour
May 12th: Augustana at The El Rey
May 19th: Eric Hutchinson and Graffiti6 at The Troubadour
May 30th: Eve 6 at The Troubadour
May 31st: Greg Laswell at The El Rey
June 3rd: Deas Vail at The Troubadour
June 5th and 6th: Ben Howard at The Troubadour
June 13th and 14th: Phantom Planet at The Troubadour
June 16th: Thrice at Club Nokia

 

~ Kristen

http://www.localmusicnation.net/

http://twitter.com/#%21/_localmusicnat

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 3/20-3/25

Posted on by Kristen

Just got back from the long drive from Austin, TX where we spent a glorious week immersed in the musical insanity that is SXSW. Check out our site for some recaps of our experience (http://www.localmusicnation.net/). Also, I did some coverage for High Voltage Magazine, so check that out as well (http://www.iamhighvoltage.com/festivals/). Due to overwhelming exhaustion, I have little sense of space and time but I made a to do list and at the top is “put out this week’s calendar” so here we go! (p.s. I am writing this wearing a bunny ears and a tiara…leftovers from some birthday shenanigans).

Some people may be all showed out after a week of non-stop concerts, but honestly, I’m already feeling some withdrawal. Fortunately this week is full of amazing musical opportunities, including some new SXSW finds like fiN, Morning Parade, and Marcus Foster. Here are my picks:

Tuesday: Ben Rector and NEEDTOBREATHE at Club Nokia (8pm)
ALSO: Harper Blynn at The Hotel Cafe (10pm)
ALSO: Of Monsters and Men at The Troubadour (10pm)
ALSO: The War on Drugs and Sharon Van Etten at The Avalon (8pm)
ALSO: The Driftwood Singers at The Satellite (9pm)

 

Weds: Tournament of Hearts, Satellite, Boyce Avenue at The Avalon (7pm)
ALSO: Paul McDonald at The Hotel Cafe (10pm)
ALSO: Of Monsters and Men at The Troubadour (10pm)
ALSO: Wicker at The Roxy (8pm)
ALSO: The Watkins Family Hour at The Largo (8:30)
ALSO: The Naked and Famous at The Wiltern (8pm)
ALSO: The Ting Tings at The El Rey (9pm)

 

Thursday: The Lumineers at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)
ALSO: Morning Parade, The Other Side of Morning, Zero1, Oedipus at The Roxy (7pm)
ALSO: Eddie Cohn at Genghis Cohen (9pm)
ALSO: The Ting Tings at The El Rey (9pm)

Friday: Brian Wright and Truth & Salvage Co. at The Troubadour (9, 10)…this is last Truth & Salvage show in LA before the band moves to Nashville
ALSO: Marcus Foster, The Lumineers and Whispertown Record Release Show with Buddy, Haim, Jonathan Rice, etc. (7, 9, 11)
ALSO: Juke Kartel and fIN at The Viper Room (11, 12)
ALSO: The Nervous Wreckords and Robert Schwartzman at The Satellite (9pm)

 

Saturday: Marcus Foster and Jesse Thomas at The Hotel Cafe (7, 9)
ALSO: Run Run Run at The Viper Room (9pm)
ALSO: Allen Stone at The Troubadour (10:15)

 

Sunday: Allen Stone at The Troubadour (10:15)

 

 

To Keep in Mind:
March 30th: All American Rejects at The Troubadour
March 31st: Tyrone Wells at The Roxy
April 1st: Charlotte Martin at The Bootleg Bar
April 4th/5th: Dan Layus (of Augustana) at The Hotel Cafe
April 10th: Neon Trees at The Troubadour
April 11th: Mike Doughty at Bootleg Theater
April 12th: Joseph Arthur at The Largo
April 18th: Dar Williams at The Largo
April 19th: Foxy Shazam at The Roxy
April 13th-15th AND 20th– 22nd: Coachella
April 24th: The Milk Carton Kids at The Largo
April 25th: Ben Kweller at The El Rey
April 26th: Jasmine Ash at The Roxy
April 26th: Zoe Keating at The Largo
April 27th: Ingrid Michaelson at The Troubadour
May 2nd: Cage the Elephant at The Mayan
May 3rd: James Morrison at The Avalon
May 8th: Snow Patrol at The Hollywood Palladium
May 10th: Jay Nash at The Hotel Cafe
May 11th: Imagine Dragons at The Troubadour
May 19th: Eric Hutchinson and Graffiti6 at The Troubadour
May 30th: Eve 6 at The Troubadour
June 3rd: Deas Vail at The Troubadour
June 5th: Ben Howard at The Troubadour
June 13th and 14th: Phantom Planet at The Troubadour
June 16th: Thrice at Club Nokia

 

~ Kristen

http://www.localmusicnation.net/

http://twitter.com/#%21/_localmusicnat

Kristen’s Top 10 Bands to See SXSW 2012

Posted on by Kristen

We started the morning in Wilcox, Arizona. Drove 12 hours to get to Austin and immediately went to the Pure Volume House for its Late Night show featuring LMN faves Dead Sara and Foxy Shazam. What a fantastic way to begin SXSW 2012! Tomorrow officially begins the madness, so I thought I’d share with you my top 10 picks for the week:

  1. Twin Atlantic- if there is one band I try to see every time they play in Austin it will be Scottish rockers, Twin Atlantic. No matter that I’ve seen them three times in the past month. Their CD, Free, has a problem leaving my car stereo. Catch them at The British Embassy (512 San Jacinto) Friday night at 11pm.

2. Queen Caveat– This dynamic rock quartet from LA just released a new EP, Slap on the Wrist, and I cannot wait to see them turn heads and make even more new fans with their energetic live performance. Check them out at The ATN Showcase at The Bayou Lounge (500 E 6th St) Friday night at 10pm

3. The Silent Comedy– There is no greater joy than dancing with friends at a The Silent Comedy show. Some of my best memories from SXSW 2011 surround this folk-rocking band from San Diego. Only makes sense that 2012 will be a repeat. See them play the rooftop at Whole Foods Friday at 5:15.

4. The Milk Carton Kids- missing a Milk Carton Kids show is simply not acceptable in my book. This duo sing songs so beautiful my heart melts every time. They are only playing one show, The Hotel Café showcase at St. David’s (301 E 8th St.) Friday night. The line-up at this show also boasts other LMN faves such as Meiko, The Lumineers, LP, and Rachel Yamagata. The Milk Carton Kids play at 9pm.

 

5. We Are Augustines- I’ve been meaning to see this NYC-based band for some time now. I am MOST excited to finally get the opportunity in Austin. Their first show is 10pm Tuesday night at Antone’s (213 W 5th St). Seems like a great way to start the week to me…

6. Tournament of Hearts– Tournament of Hearts is my pick for best unknown band to check out. That’s what SXSW is all about, right? These rockers from LA are in Austin to show the industry that they are a band to watch. Watch them at The Bayou Lounge Thursday at noon (500 E 6th St)

7. Glen Hansard- The Swell Season puts on one of the best shows I have ever seen. It’s something about the way Glen can convey such emotion in his songs. I’m looking forward to seeing him solo Thursday 3:30 at Antone’s (213 W 5th St.)

8. Maverick Sabre- Two years ago Maverick Sabre captivated me with his song “I Need”. This past year this Englishman finally released his full length album which I looove.  I saw he was playing sxsw this year an instantly blocked out my schedule. Catch him at The British Embassy Saturday night at 11pm.

9. Marcus Foster– Marcus Foster has already sold out two shows at The Hotel Café later this month. I failed to get a ticket so I must catch him at SXSW. I’m aiming for 9pm Weds night at Maggie Mae’s Rooftop (323 E 6th St).

 

10. Dead Sara- Dead Sara has been one of my favorites for some time now. Their debut album comes out in April and they are already getting so much buzz they can no longer play smaller venues in LA. SXSW may be the last time I get to see them up close in awhile. Can’t miss that! Catch them play alongside some other fantastic LA bands at the Buzzbands showcase at Freehouse (700 W 6th St.) 1:30 Weds afternoon.

 

 

As for tomorrow, some anticipated highlights include We Are Augustines (10pm) and Band of Skulls (11pm) at Antone’s (213 W 5th St) and fiN at The British Music Emassy (Latitude 30- 512 San Jacinto)

 

Ok, now time for my 3 hour “nap”

 

~ Kristen

Amanda’s Top Ten Musical Experiences (cont.)

Posted on by Amanda

I bet you thought I forgot all about this! Well, the truth of the matter is… I haven’t been home to write and when I am home, I’m sleeping. I’ve been out making new musical experiences for 2012! As such I’m giving you three more of my top musical experiences and I promise the top 2 won’t be far behind.

 

5.SXSW- I don’t really know how to describe SXSW to anyone other than calling it a musical orgy of sorts. There is so much to see and do whilst in Austin, Texas that it’s hard to keep your head on straight. Last year was my first year and I hope to be going every year after. The cool thing about SXSW is you really only need money for a place to stay and some food. We never went to any official shows (which is what badges are required for) and we had a hard time keeping up with all the musical options out there. During our time at SXSW we saw; Fierce Creatures, Viva City, Purple Melon, AWOLNATION, Neon Trees, The Head and The Heart, The Kin, Dead Sara, Fitz and The Tantrums, Tailor Made Fable, Keaton Simons, Liam Finn, Atomic Tom, Ivan and Alyosha, Queen Caveat, The Gallery, Sabrosa Purr,  The Greenhornes, The Silent Comedy, Mother Mother, Agnes Obel, Brian Wright, Brooke Fraser, Cary Brothers, Holly Conlan, Jim Bianco, Joey Ryan, Kenneth Pattengale, Laura Jansen, Little Red Radio, OK, The Milk Carton Kids, Deluka, Hugo, Meriwether, My Cousin The Emperor, Sinai, Taylor Locke & The Roughs, The Good Natured, Augustana, Doll and The Kicks, Empires, Lenka, Twin Atlantic, and The Stone Foxes. Well, you get the idea…

 

4. Blink-182- I was never a huge fan of Blink. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t change the radio station when their music came on or anything but nothing about them made me have a burning desire to see them live. In 2011, I saw them not once but twice and they will always have a warm spot in my heart. The first time I saw them was for the Honda Civic Tour. I was working with Kevin and Rebecca Joelson and doing some shooting of the event which means I was in the pit for the first few songs and was able to be side stage for the rest of their set. I was surprised at just how many Blink-182 songs I knew and Rebecca and I sang along from the sidelines. What really blew my brain was when they ‘finished’ their set and this giant rig comes down from the batons where all the lights are. I had been staring at it all night trying to figure out what it was. Well, it was a giant arm with a drum set attached! Travis got on this rig and was taken out over the audience while he played a solo for a few minutes. The rig would tilt down, back up and move around. It was mind blowing!!!! Needless to say, I was a fan after that.

 

3. Bonnaroo- In 2011, Bonnaroo was what Coachella should have been lineup wise. If you’ve ever been to or know about Coachella, think of Bonnaroo as the cooler sister who is both hippie and hip. Bonnarro is also held in a giant field and while it lacks the artistic attractions like the wandering robot and the giant hand that can kill a car, it has yoga and it’s own post office. Bonnaroo also has this giant fountain which I’ve been told gets painted different colors every year but it’s a great way to stay cool in the heat. Coachella doesn’t have that. Granted Coachella is easier to get to, but flying out gave us the chance to hang out in Tennessee and check out Nashville for a day or two. Our highlights from Bonnaroo were already posted on this site but we had a blast watching Eminem, The Head and The Heart, Portugal. The Man, Neon Trees, Kopeckey Family Band, Mumford and Sons, Cory Chisel and The Wandering Sons, Alberta Cross, The Black Angels, and The Decemberists. Bonnaroo is a new tradition in my book and I can’t wait to see the lineup for 2012!

 

See you soon for my top 2!

Amanda’s Top 10 Musical Experiences (continued)

Posted on by Amanda

The musical journey continues as I continue to reminisce about endeavors of good old 2011. There was so much good music packed into one year but choices must be made (or so I’ve been informed).

 

8. Cage the Elephant– I remember when this band caught some buzz in 2010 and for one reason or another, I was never able to attend a show to see if they lived up to the hype. Thankfully for me, Cage the Elephant played Wrex the Halls this year in San Diego and I happened to be lucky enough to work the show. I was shooting video from the mixer in the middle of the floor and despite my distance, I could feel their energy. The highlight of their set was singer Matthew Shultz’s crowd surfing. He came off the stage into the crowd not once, not twice, but three times! The last time was after the band finished playing and had walked off stage. He looked out into the crowed, shrugged his shoulders as if to say ‘why not?’ and crowd surfed his way off stage.

 

7. Milk Carton Kids and Joe Purdy– At barely a year old, The Milk Carton kids have really started to make a name for themselves. I first saw one half of The Milk Carton Kids when Joey Ryan opened for Carney a few years ago. I was enchanted with him then and soon he was making music with his musical soul mate (or so it seems), Kenneth Pattengale. In 2011, they came through San Diego a few times, one of which was supporting Joe Purdy at The Belly Up. I remember this show specifically because a few friends joined me for the show and one of them was so taken with The Milk Carton Kids and the childhood memories they brought back to her, she started to cry. Joe Purdy was new to me and he did not disappoint! It was a lovely night all around and I’ll hold it fondly in my mind for quite some time.

 

6. North Park Music Thing– Now known as the San Diego Music Thing. I think. It might change it’s name again. All you really need to know is that it is 2 days full of speakers and music. In the morning/afternoon you can find workshops with top dog speakers about anything from touring to selling your music for tv. There is a whole other slew of workshops from basic music industry 101 to the state of radio. The evening is chock full of local acts at local venues. To give you an idea, this year included music from; Nico Vega, Kevin Martin, The Silent Comedy, Andy Clockwise, Endoxi, Youngblood Hawke, White Apple Tree, Grand Tarantula, The New Kinetics, Queen Caveat, Republic of Letters, Saint Motel, Purple Melon, Little Hurricane, Mattson 2, Miss Erika Davies, Jesse LaMonaca and the Dime Novels, The Heavy Guilt, Cuckoo Chaos, The Nervous Wreckords, Writer, Gregory Page, Steve Poltz, Maren Parusel, and Dynamite Walls. And that was in two days!

While Nico Vega isn’t a San Diego band, they were just a few of the guests we had in from LA!

 

Love for The Milk Carton Kids

Posted on by Amanda

I was in a mood this afternoon. It was the kind of mood not easily shook by a nap or kind words from a friend. This was a full on “the world sucks” kind of mood. And now, it’s gone. “Why is that,” you ask? Great question.

I was thrilled last month to discover my favorite duo The Milk Carton Kids would be back in San Diego and I was not going to miss out. However, the aforementioned mood damn near ruined my day and I almost didn’t make it out of the house. If it wasn’t for the fact that I was meeting a friend at the show, I probably would have stayed home. But I’m really glad I didn’t.

At the very first chords of the very first song, my mood was instantly lifted. As Joey and Kenneth continued to play songs new and old my spirits rose even more. Between their tunes, humor, and commentary, I was smiling and laughing with all traces of my previous mood and the irritants that caused it forgotten. It was exactly the kind of musical soul food I needed.

The thing about The Milk Carton Kids is they remind you of the depth and beauty that two guys with guitars can create. They are awkward, honest, and charming and it shows through in their songs. Tonight was a wonderful reminder how much music like that can touch you at your core. I remember watching the two of them play together before they created The Milk Carton Kids and I have to say, they have only gotten better with time. To sit in a large room and watch an entire floor rapt with attention at their presence and performance was… special. It was unexpected and well deserved. To see their audience and fan base grow has truly been a treat. I wish nothing but continued success for the adorably awkward pair.

You can download both their cds for free from their website! If you want the flavor of their individual songs such as Permanent, Charlie, Girls, Gather ‘Round and Queen Jane, go for Retrospect. If you want to hear what Joey and Kenneth created together, go for Prologue. Actually, you should just get both since they are free!