Image of the Day-"Sold Out"

 Good Night, States

Colonizing The Cosmos

The Space Upstairs

 Friday, October 7, 2011

East End

Two of my favorite local bands coming out of 'hiding' to play a double bill in a place I've never been? Nothing was stopping me from seeing this gig. Unfortunately, the fire code occupancy limit did stop several from attending and they were turned away at the door, even though there was PLENTY of 'space upstairs' available. The problem was that there is only one stairwell in the joint and I am guessing getting caught packing the place was just too much of a risk to all involved. Besides new music, both bands are working on changing things up in the 2012 and you can bet I will be covering it all.

Image of the Day-"Little Something"

Big Hurry

Union Project

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

East Liberty

When the band invited me to shoot their last rehearsal with Andy before he leaves Pittsburgh to pursue new adventures in Texas, it took me about two seconds to say yes. I have grown extremely fond of these people and it was bittersweet to say the least to hear the band run through their set that they will perform tonight for a probable sold out "sink or swim EP" release show at Brillobox, the last time Andy will be playing with Big Hurry.

Photo courtesy Dani Buncher

Before I get too melancholy here, I would like to point out the space where the rehearsal took place. As well as being the band's kick-ass singer, Kelly works at the Union Project which is a restored church that was abandoned and is now a non-profit space dedicated to the arts in the community, something near and dear to my heart as well as all involved there. Check out more information here.

First/Last-Joshua Christopher of I Am ❤

Image courtesy ReverbNation

I Am ❤
Shadow Lounge
Saturday, August 6, 2011
East Liberty

Hailing from West Chester, PA I Am ❤ is a band that celebrates life with a 'carnivalesque-folk' vibe. They will be bringing their party to Pittsburgh tomorrow and the show is a benefit for bandleader Joshua Christopher's non-profit FEDAP charity, which aims to raise the quality of life in Haiti. Joshua was nice enough to take some time to participate in this edition of First/Last Friday.

The first album you ever bought?
“Head on the Door” by The Cure.


Your last album bought?
The latest from The Builders and the Butchers.


Favorite album of all time?
It tends to vary. Honestly, that could change at any given moment. Probably “Velvet Underground and Nico”.


Least favorite/most disappointing album?
“Interpol” by Interpol. Never lived up to “Turn on Your Bright Lights”.


First concert attended?
A Tribe Called Quest in 1992.

Last concert?
M. Ward.

Favorite concert ever?
Devotchka this year.


Least favorite concert?
From Kaitlyn Burhman-John Mayer


Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
All I know about Pittsburgh is that it's got a bit of film scene on the rise. I had a friend spend 6 months there making a film that the executive producer went and spent all the money up on cocaine and hookers. Film never got made obviously, it was called Big Highway.

Thanks so much Joshua. I really admire your efforts. Have a good show but beware there might be traffic detours on the way to the gig due to the filming of Batman. I am sure Christopher Nolan won't be spending too much money on hookers and blow!

Image of the Day-"Cans of Champagne"

12th Annual WYEP Alternative Souper Bowl
Sunday February 6th, 2010
Borders Books And Music
East End

I am losing count on how many of these annual events I have been to. This year featured Nik & The Central Plains, The Wreckids, and J.D. Eicher & The Goodnights. Three hours of free local music is always a good thing. More pics here.

Image of the Day-"The Entire Scene"

Dean Cercone
Garfield Artworks
Sunday October 17, 2010
Garfield

Dean is a local musician who also happens to be an artist. I cannot stress enough how much I admire his DIY ways of producing his art. I caught up with him at a cool event at AIR on the Northside. He just happened to be there printing his own merch. The occasion was a silkscreen demo by one of the city's most unique visual artists, Budai. He specializes in graphic arts and produces some of the most incredible concert posters I have ever seen. His unconditional willingness to share his knowledge has always amazed me. This city is full of unique treasures in the forms of our artists and I for one would like to explore the scene more in the future.

Budai Silkscreen Workshop
AIR
Tuesday November 9, 2010
Northside

Image of the Day-"You Were Alone"

Casiotone For The Painfully Alone
Garfield Artworks
Sunday October 17, 2010
Garfield

When this show was announced months ago, it was touted as being his last show ever under the CFTPA moniker. He would eventually announce more dates in Europe and a few across the country. Then this show was officially the last show of his last formal tour under the CFTPA moniker. Got it? Regardless, he isn't retiring from music just the band name.

Image Of The Day-"Man In The Photograph"

Boulevard Of The Allies
Borders Books & Music
Sunday May 30, 2010
East Liberty

First time seeing these guys play. Since it was a bookstore, I half expected an acoustic set. Not to be, thankfully. They rocked out the joint, that's if you can call somewhat sensitive, acoustic songwriting rockin'. Unfortunately, I had to bail halfway through the show to catch bands in two other locations that afternoon. No worries, I'll see them again soon enough.

First/Last-JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound

JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound

Shadow Lounge
Sunday May 9, 2010
East Liberty

This soul/pop punk band from Chicago is ending a quick East Coast swing in Pittsburgh before heading home to play summer dates. JC was kind enough to participate in this latest installment of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Blind Melon's self-titled album in 7th grade

Your last album bought?
Janelle Monae - Metropolis: The Chase Suite

Favorite album(s) of all time?
Skunk Anansie - Paranoid & Sunburnt
Mos Def & Talib Kweli are BlackStar
Parliament - The Motor Booty Affair
Steely Dan – Gaucho and Aja

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
I kinda’ just forget about albums I don't like--sorry.

First concert attended?
period: Janet Jackson (during the Rhythm Nation tour) @ The Spectrum in Philadelphia, PA
alone: The Offspring/Quicksand/No Use For A Name @ The Expo Center, Pennsauken, NJ

Last concert?
Janelle Monae @ Schuba’s, Chicago

Favorite concert ever?
-Red Hot Chili Peppers/Silverchair/The Rentals in Philly, '96
-Spearhead @ Berkshire Mountain Music Fest (early 2000s)

Least favorite concert?
Mos Def/MF Doom @ The Congress Theater, Chicago 2010 (too may openers and headlined by a 'Doomposter').

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Too many to list -I lived there for 6 years during and after college.

Thanks JC. Hope to see you May 9th.

Image Of The Day-"Oh, Magdalene!"

Boca Chica
11th Annual WYEP Alternative Souper Bowl
Sunday February 7, 2010
Borders Books And Music
East End

Continuing the tradition of performing with an ever-evolving line-up, the band's set consisted of the two mainstays in the group. Hallie and Susanna sounded just perfect as a duo. Spare, low-key, beautiful renditions of the tunes. I tried to find an archived podcast of the broadcast on YEP's site with no luck. For some reason I don't think they have any of the Souper Bowls available to listen. More photos here.

Image Of The Day-"Singin' The Blues"

Ernie Hawkins

11th Annual WYEP Alternative Souper Bowl
Sunday February 7, 2010
Borders Books And Music
East End

I never saw Ernie play before and I have to say there is nothing like live fingerpickin' blues on a snowy Sunday morning.

Image Of The Day-"Single Girl, Married Girl"

Meeting Of Important People

11th Annual WYEP Alternative Souper Bowl
Sunday February 7, 2010
Borders Books And Music
East End

This was my fourth 'Souper Bowl' in a row. It was looking rather grim if I would make it at all, being the day after Pittsburgh gets dumped on with 21" of snow. Crazy! My trusty Subaru AWD and new tires took care of that. I am so glad I was able to get there because I FINALLY saw MOIP play an acoustic set, which was just incredible. Among new songs and 'hits', we were treated to an amazing cover of Lohio's 'We'll Hide Ourselves Underneath' which is a front runner to be my favorite live moment of the year. That is until I see Greg play it. Seriously, just beautiful. The boys are working on releasing an EP this summer and I should have some shots of the upcoming recording session, that's if the guys can get it together and get those tuxedos! Boca Chica and Ernie Hawkins photos will be posted soon.

My girl Ruth was also in attendance and gave me a few pics of yours truly in action. She is a wonderful local photographer and I encourage you to visit her site.

Image of the Day-"Sometimes I See You on The Lawn"

WYEP 10th Annual Alternative Souper Bowl

Good Night, States

Sunday February 1, 2009

Borders Eastside

East Liberty

I love the fact that this band was on the bill this year and they included (albeit short and toned down a tad) a signature 'feedback' segue in their set...in a BOOKSTORE! More tomorrow.

Image of the Day-"We Could Be Dancing"

WYEP 10th Annual Alternative Souper Bowl

Nicole Reynolds

Sunday February 1, 2009

Borders Eastside

East Liberty

As Nicloe started singing, Moe Tucker immediately came to mind. Her delivery reminded me of The Velvet Underground's song 'After Hours'. I also was amazed at how small her hands were. Usually guitar players have skinny hands with loooong fingers, but she has little paws. Sure knows how to use them, though!

Image of the Day-"Silence Like Crystal"

WYEP 10th Annual Alternative Souper Bowl

Brewer's Row

Sunday February 1, 2009

Borders Eastside

East Liberty


This band was BOSS! By' boss' I mean surprisingly good. A virtual family affair (Dad and Son on ax, daughter on keys and cousin on skins with a family friend on bass) who play incredibly accessible rock and roll music. Love it!

Image of the Day-"Alternative Souper Bowl"

WYEP 10th Annual Alternative Souper Bowl

Brewer's Row

Nicole Reynolds

Good Night, States

Sunday February 1, 2009

Borders Eastside

East Liberty

This is always a nice diversion to the big game later in the evening. I have been going for three years now and what a way to spotlight and discover local music. I'll have much more in the days to come.