Tournament of Hearts

SXSW Recap: Saturday 3/17

Posted on by Amanda

Honestly, I’m not sure where to start this post. It might be due to exhaustion, lack of mental focus, or the blur that has been the last 5 days Honestly, I’m not sure where to start this post. It might be due to exhaustion, lack of mental focus, or the blur that has been the last 5 days catching up to me. All I can say for certain is that I had an enjoyable time.

Since I’m a little bit groggy, an in depth chat of the day will not be had. It started with Rachel Ray’s party with Bob Schneider and Imagine Dragons. It ended with an impromptu Daniel Beddingfield show (although I think Semi Precious Weapons was the proper ending). What happened in between was a blur of dancing and laughing with friends featuring bands such as; The Silent Comedy, Gary Clark Jr., K Flay, War on Drugs, Hey Marseilles, Jukebox the Ghost, Semi Precious Weapons, Husky, Ramona Falls, Graffiti 6, Nico Vega, Viva City, Tournament of Hearts, and Semi Precious Weapons again. All aforementioned bands are worthy of your attention. Let the pictures do the talking.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some sleeping to do before driving straight back to LA in the morning.

Oh and Happy Saint Patrick’s Day.

SXSW Recap: Thursday 3/15

Posted on by Amanda

I think the mantra for SXSW this year is “I Will Survive.” At least, that was my mantra today. I am now 5 badges and 10 wristbands into SXSW and made it to 13 shows today. While I’m certain I could have accomplished more, my body was unable to handle the pressure. Well, it wasn’t my body so much as my feet. You spend the majority of your (entire) day walking or standing and that’s a lot for some feet to take if they aren’t used to it.

Thankfully the adrenaline from the music was able to abate the pain and I was able to enjoy the day (when I didn’t want to take my feet off). My day started and ended with The Silent Comedy. They proceeded to tear down (or maybe melt) the Velveeta Room and finished the set with myself, Trina, and Lauren onstage dancing and singing with tambourines in our hands and Josh on the floor in the crowd. It happens.

The day also included a full band set from Tournament of Hearts, a sampling of Morning Parade and another helping of Twin Atlantic at the swanky Hard Rock Hotel show. By this point, my feet are none too happy with me from all the walking I’d done the day before. However, the draw of Neon Trees was too much to resist. I walked to Antones and made it in just in time. At one point, I contemplated not attending but I’m very glad I made it out. New music and old music along with overall shenanigans that singer Tyler brings. Made m way to the Filter party and proceeded to win $10 from Amazon, which was not the highlight. The highlight was seeing Kaiser Chiefs from the VIP balcony rocking out to a packed house! Talk about awesome!

Despite the desire to take my feet off, I managed to make it through Penguin Prison and Semi Precious Weapons. It was time to rest for a bit before going back out for the evening to finish the night with Eve 6, Standing Shadows, Vanaprasta, and Nico Vega, and The Silent Comedy. Somehow, despite all the idle pain, there is nothing but happiness during those moments of music and i think that’s part of what makes SXSW special. But now, it’s time to stretch out, hydrate, and rest up because we are going to do it all over again tomorrow!

SXSW Recap: Weds 3/14

Posted on by Kristen

Today was all about seeing music. I saw a lot of bands today. Last I counted it was 14 (two I saw twice). Too many band highlights to include them all. Free BBQ for breakfast, The double dose of both Tournament of Hearts and Queen Caveat, a shot of Free Energy, the Buzzband showcase with Dead Sara, Vanaprasta, and NO, seeing Marcus Foster for the first time, that casual run in with Eve 6…

Instead of detailing all the greatness, I’m just going to share a couple very important lessons I took from today.

Lesson 1: Always plan to change the plan

I would be completely useless without a plan. I have an 11 page detailed list of bands to see with times, places, and access levels. I live by my SXSW schedule. However, part of that plan is knowing that what you end up doing will probably vary from your first option.  Plan A this evening was to head to 1100 Warehouse to see fun. and my top pick Scottish rockers, Twin Atlantic. After getting in to the crowded sauna and waiting around for over 40min. we realized that this was just not going to happen. In addition, a couple of my favorite bands booked last minute shows at Rusty’s so we left and went there. I ended up having an amazing evening filled with many friends and a couple of my favorite bands. If I were set on sticking to the original agenda, my night might not have gone so well.

 

Lesson 2: It’s good to stick with your friends/high fives make everything feel better

I realized at the end of the day today that of the many bands I caught, only a small handful were ones I didn’t know or hadn’t seen before. I also spent most of the day in a group of people which is unusual for me when it comes to music-festival situations. However, I ended up having a blast! I love all the bands I got to see and the people I saw them with. We started high-fiving each other every time something worked out and I realized that high fives really do make you feel better. So many friendly faces up on stage or dancing with you in the audience just makes me happy and happy seems a very good thing. Side note: I cannot believe just how many people I know here in Austin. Seriously, every time I turn around, there’s another familiar face! I love it!!

I know all that isn’t very band or music specific, but hey, it’s nearly 5am and my free breakfast with Ben Kweller starts in just a few hours.

Speaking of tomorrow, there are several events I’m really looking forward to. Here are few of my musical suggestions:

  • 12pm: Tournament of Hearts at the ATN Showcase (Bayou Lounge 500 E 6th St)- yes, I just saw them twice today, but honestly, that makes me want to see them even more tomorrow
  • 1:15: The Chevin at Maggie Mae’s (323 E 6th St)- loved this Brits when I saw them in LA. Don’t want to miss any opportunity to see a great band that isn’t based in the US. They also play at 8pm at The British Embassy (512 San Jacinto)
  • 2pm: Twin Atlantic at The Cedar Door (201 Brazos St)- I missed them today. I hope this doesn’t happen again tomorrow. They are also playing 11pm at The British Embassy (512 San Jacinto)
  • 2:45: We Are Augustines (612 W 4th St at Rio Grande)
  • 3:30: Glen Hansard at Antone’s (213 W 5th St)- another must see SXSW artist
  • 4:45: Ben Howard at 715 Red River
  • 5:15: Semi Precious Weapons at The Cedar Door (201 Brazos St)- SPW invades Austin…YES!
  • 6pm: Adam Arcuragi at Second Stage Showcase/Hotel Piano (3401 S I-25). – Adam also plays at 1am at The Whiskey Room (503 E 6th St)
  • 8pm: The Roxy Showcase at Empire Automotive (604 E 7th St)- featuring Filligar, Nico Vega, and Imagine Dragons…of course I’m there!
  • 1am: The Silent Comedy at Velveeta Room (521 E 6th St) – I will end the day with a TSC dance party!

Happy SXSW!!

 

~ Kristen

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

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 3/12-3/19

Posted on by Kristen

Yesterday was all about intense SXSW preparation. I spend the entire day diligently going through all the party lists and band schedules to put together my best approximation of a game plan. Then I went out to see some amazing bands and got no sleep (I guess another form of preparation?). I hope to get together a list of my top picks posted soon. Also, Amanda and I will of course be updating you all on our adventures all week long via twitter/facebook/etc. so if you want a taste of SXSW, we’ve got you covered!

For those of you still in LA next week, there are a few choice shows for you too:

Monday: NO FREE at The Echo (10pm)
ALSO: The Janks FREE at Bootleg Bar (10:30)
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)
ALSO: Chris Dallman at The Hotel Café (9pm)

 

Tuesday: Ari Shine and Chi McClean at Room 5 (7,8)
ALSO: Maniac FREE at The Central (9pm)

 

Weds: Lovers Drugs at The Down & Out (10:30)
ALSO: The Pretty Reckless at House of Blues Sunset (8:30)
ALOS: Jane Carrey, Chris Pierce, Infantree at The Hotel Cafe (7, 8, 10)

 

Thursday: Wire in the Walls at Bootleg Bar (10pm)
ALSO: Drive-By Truckers at House of Blues Sunset (8:30)

 

Friday: The Honey Trees and Ry Cuming at The Hotel Cafe (9, 11)
ALSO: Guster at Largo (two shows: 7:30, 10)
ALSO: Umphrey’s McGee at House of Blues Sunset (two shows: 5pm and 8pm)
ALSO: Justin Hopkins at WitZend (10pm)

 

Saturday: Sara Bareilles at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: Berklee Mixer at The Hotel Cafe featuring Rob Giles, Adrianne, Charley Turner, and more (7:30)

 

Sunday: Dia Frampton at The Troubadour (9:30)
ALSO: Charlene Soraia at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)

 

Monday (March 19th): The Janks FREE at Bootleg Bar (10:30)
ALSO: NO FREE at The Echo (10pm)
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)

 

 

To Keep in Mind:
March 20th: Needtobreathe and Ben Rector at Club Nokia
March 20th: War on Drugs at Avalon
March 21st: Boyce Avenue and Tournament of Hearts at Avalon
March 22nd: The Lumineers at The Hotel Café
March 23rd: Truth & Salvage Co. at The Troubadour
March 24th: Ani DiFranco at The Orpheum Theater
March 24th and 25th: Allen Stone at The Troubadour
March 30th: All American Rejects at The Troubadour
March 31st: Tyrone Wells at The Roxy
April 1st: Charlotte Martin at The Bootleg Bar
April 10th: Neon Trees at The Troubadour
April 11th: Mike Doughty at Bootleg Theater
April 12th: Joseph Arthur at The Largo
April 19th: Foxy Shazam at The Roxy
April 13th-15th AND 20th– 22nd: Coachella
April 25th: Ben Kweller at The El Rey
April 27th: Ingrid Michaelson at The Troubadour
May 2nd: Cage the Elephant at The Mayan
May 8th: Snow Patrol at The Hollywood Palladium
May 10th: Jay Nash at The Hotel Cafe
May 11th: Imagine Dragons 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 LA Concert Calendar: 3/5-3/11

Posted on by Kristen

Last week, my evenings were largely devoted to SXSW prep. I’d like to say the same for this week, but there are just too many good shows. Dan Wilson (my fave songwriter) is playing three shows at The Hotel Cafe along with Rachel Yamagata, Queen Caveat has their EP release show Thursday, and Friday night The Strip delivers the powerful one, two punch of Twin Atlantic at The Viper Room and Nico Vega with Street Drum Corps at The Roxy. And honestly, that’s just the beginning of the great shows this week in LA. Here are the rest of my suggestions:

Monday: Dan Wilson and Rachel Yamagata at The Hotel Cafe (two shows 7 & 10:30)
ALSO: Ivan and Alyosha and NO FREE at The Echo (9pm)…start of a March residency for NO
ALSO: It’s a School Night at Bardot featuring Madi Diaz, Robert Francis, Peach Kings (9pm)…FREE with RSVP http://www.itsaschoolnight.com/losangeles/
ALSO: Scars on 45 at The Troubadour (10pm)
ALSO: Maniac FREE at Harvard & Stone (10:30)
ALSO: The Janks FREE at Bootleg Bar (10pm)
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)

 

Tuesday: The Silent Comedy and Daniel Bedingfield at The Hard Rock Cafe (8:30)…SXSW kickoff party
ALSO: Dan Wilson and Rachel Yamagata at The Hotel Cafe (7pm)

 

Weds: Leah Siegel of Firehorse, Adrianne (record release show), and Infantree at The Hotel Cafe (8,9,10)

 

Thursday: The Dollyrots and Queen Caveat (EP release) at The Viper Room (9, 11)
ALSO: The Active Set, Bethpage Black, Crash Kings at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: Harper Blynn, Rocco Deluca (record release), and The Gallery at The Hotel Cafe (9, 10, 11)
ALSO: Chris Wilson and Filligar at The Roxy (8pm)
ALSO: So & So at WitZend (9pm)

 

Friday: William Fitzsimmons at The Troubaour (10pm)
ALSO: Vanaprasta at The Bootleg Bar (11pm)
ALSO: Harris Grade at Amplyfi
ALSO: Javier Dunn at Room 5 (10pm)
ALSO: Justin Hopkins at WitZend (10pm)

 

Saturday: Twin Atlantic at The Viper Room (9:30)
ALSO: Nico Vega and Street Drum Corps at The Roxy (10:30)
ALSO: The Material at Amplyfi (10:30)
ALSO: Rosie and Me at The Hotel Cafe (7pm)
ALSO: Punch Brothers at The El Rey (8pm)

 

Sunday: The Aussie BBQ at The Echo featuring Austrailian music and free BBQ (12:30pm)… http://www.attheecho.com/2012/02/02/sunday-03-11-12-aussie-bbq-echo/

 

 

To Keep in Mind:
March 13th-18th: SXSW (Austin, TX)
March 14th: The Pretty Reckless at The HOB Sunset
March 16th: Guster at Largo
March 18th: Dia Frampton at The Troubadour
March 20th: Needtobreathe and Ben Rector at Club Nokia
March 20th: War on Drugs at Avalon
March 21st: Boyce Avenue and Tournament of Hearts at Avalon
March 22nd: The Lumineers at The Hotel Café
March 23rd: Truth & Salvage Co. at The Troubadour
March 24th: Ani DiFranco at The Orpheum Theater
March 24th and 25th: Allen Stone at The Troubadour
March 30th: All American Rejects at The Troubadour
March 31st: Tyrone Wells at The Roxy
April 1st: Charlotte Martin at The Bootleg Bar
April 10th: Neon Trees at The Troubadour
April 11th: Mike Doughty at Bootleg Theater
April 12th: Joseph Arthur at The Largo
April 19th: Foxy Shazam at The Roxy
April 13th-15th AND 20th– 22nd: Coachella
April 25th: Ben Kweller at The El Rey
April 27th: Ingrid Michaelson at The Troubadour
May 2nd: Cage the Elephant at The Mayan
May 8th: Snow Patrol at The Hollywood Palladium
May 10th: Jay Nash at The Hotel Cafe
May 11th: Imagine Dragons 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