Image of the Day-Deutschtown Music Festival Benefit

The Deutschtown Music Festival Fundraiser with Working Breed, André Costello and the Cool Minors, Chet Vincent & The Big Bend and Big Gypsy at the Andy Warhol Museum on Saturday, April 11, 2015 in Pittsburgh, PA.

The Deutschown Music Festival returns this year to take over the North Side of Pittsburgh on Saturday, July 11, 2015. The organizers of the event are hoping to be able to pay the bands this third year and they have launched an ambitious Indiegogo campaign to do just that. Let's SUPPORT PITTSBURGH MUSIC and help spread the word. They also put on shows leading up to the fest and this one featured some of my favorite local bands. The revelation this particular night was my first time seeing the powerhouse quartet Big Gypsy. They are a smoking soul stirring blues-rock band that is quickly and deservedly gaining popularity. Do yourself a favor and check them out.

Working Breed

 

Ben Harrison of the Warhol Museum

 André Costello and the Cool Minor

 

 Chet Vincent & The Big Bend

 

Big Gypsy

 

Image of the Day-"Cool Light"

 Bear in Heaven

Andy Warhol Museum

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Northshore

Shooting for WYEP, I wasn't all that familiar with the band. Playing the first night of their tour, the band's droning, psychedelic rock is definitely right up my alley so all is good. Hanging in the back, I noticed more than a few fans blissfully rocking their head to the slow churn of the jams. Do people still drop acid at shows? Kind of makes me think so.

My itinerary was to go check out Cursive at Smalls the same night but opener Doldrums screwed those plans up as he was late getting to Pittsburgh from Montreal. The guy seemed extremely flustered and by what he said, I'll give him a break as his trip seemed like pure hell. Playing electronic loops and various sounds, I actually enjoyed his set as it didn't go on too long to irritate me. Check out more photos here.

Image of the Day-"The Beer"

Kimya Dawson

Your Heart Breaks

The Andy Warhol Museum

 Thursday, March 22, 2012

Northshore

Shooting for WYEP introduces me to many artists I would have never gone to on my own. This show was sold out and I was kind of taken back at the number of kids, little kids, mainly girls who were at or a little older than my daughter's age. Kind of strange in that both Kimya's and opener YHB's songs had very adult themes and language and not considering myself a prude at all, it totally turned me off. Maybe I could appreciate the music on it's own merit, but frankly, I didn't even get that aspect of it as she 'strummed' a guitar and squeaked her way through her tunes. Lo-fi? How 'bout 'no-fi'. Here's a taste of what I mean. O.K., I really hated this show. Whatever, different strokes.

Image of the Day-"Occupants"

Henry Rollins

The Andy Warhol Museum

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Northshore

Punk icon Henry Rollins was signing his newest book of photo essays at the museum. There was a constant stream of people but the long line moved briskly. I was impressed at how friendly and engaging he was with each fan and it seemed that he was just as happy to be there as anyone who came to meet him. You can by your own signed copy of the book here.

Image of the Day-"I Have Been Floated"

The Olivia Tremor Control
The New Hazlett Theater
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Northside

I pretty much love everything Elephant 6. What I love about these guys, apart from their fantastically surreal and psychedelic vibe is how down to earth and totally approachable they all are. Just the nicest bunch of musicians around. Listen to an NPR archived show from a couple days later here.

Image of the Day-"Eid Ma Clack Shaw"

Bill Callahan
Carnegie Museum of Art Sculpture Garden
Friday, July 8, 2011
Oakland

This show got some rave reviews in the local music press. Read the love here (thanks for the kind words Brendan!) and here. I cannot help but think that what made this show such a success was the actual venue. It just goes to show that where a band plays is key. On another note, the photo restrictions from Callahan's tour manager was kind of odd. Instead of the usual first three songs, I was asked to shoot songs 4-6. Being the pro that I am, I was cool with that, even though I could have been a jerk and easily ignored the request. Those days are way behind me.

Image of the Day-"A Corner In The Shade"

Hidden Ritual
Carnegie Museum of Art Sculpture Garden
Friday, July 8, 2011
Oakland

A rock trio haling from Austin, these guys came on stage, played a perfunctory set and quickly packed up and left. I don't recall them saying anything the whole time. Not to say that weren't good, which they were.

Image of the Day-"Thrasher"

Karl Hendricks

Andy Warhol Museum
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Northside

Just Karl and his guitar. The man is a Pittsburgh treasure.

Image of the Day-"Where Have All The Rude Boys Gone?"

Ted Leo
Andy Warhol Museum
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Northside

I feel like I am at the Warhol so much, I should be getting my mail there! The concert line-up has been really sweet this year and it's certainly not over yet. This sold out show was a rescheduled date from back in January. Ted certainly brought it solo, almost making me not miss the Pharmacists. Very low key set that, as per usual, had the audience in the theater sitting on their hands making it a somewhat unnerving performance.

Image of the Day-"Monkey"

Low
The Andy Warhol Museum
Saturday April, 23, 2011
Northside

Of the dozens of bands I have seen at the Warhol theater, I cannot think of a more suitable group to play that room (selling out two shows no less). The band's 'chill' vibe is perfect for the "respectful, stay in your seat and pay attention to the music" audiences that usually attend. Imagine seeing them play Gooski's? Ha!

Image of the Day-"Jesus Fever"

Kurt Vile
The Andy Warhol Museum
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Northside

The Warhol is quickly becoming one of my favorite places not only to shoot a show but to actually hear one. The acoustics in the place are fantastic and the quality of bands are top notch. Kurt and his band were no exception. His album is in steep contention for a spot in the top 10 of the year and he was no less great live. Draw Us Lines reviewed the show here. My man Scott Mervis has his review here. Bunch of video from the set here.

Image of the Day-"Bawlin"

Raw Blow
The Andy Warhol Museum
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Northside

This local band opened for Kurt Vile and when I saw their name, my expectations weren't through the roof, or through the floor for that matter. The old saying goes, never judge a book by it's cover. How true this night when I was immediately hooked by the first song. I loved this band! Their 'shtick' is sampling old '60's psych tunes with a heavy beat whilst 'rapping' the lyrics. Think a throwback Bumblebeez 81. Granted the austerity of the Warhol theater wasn't the ideal place for a band more suited to a sweaty basement party but the sound was loud and clear and I'm definitely keeping my eye out for them. They are WPTS' Band of the Month.
On a related note, the next day at lunch I told my colleague that I saw a band last night called Raw Blow. With deadpanned earnest he said, "Oh, my wife would probably like them." After literally choking on my food laughing and conjuring up the best comebacks I could think of, he stopped me short by continuing, "She loves his movies." Oh, that Rob Lowe. Awesome!

Image of the Day-"Reminder"

Neighbours
PGH Garage Pop Revue
The Andy Warhol Museum
Friday, March 18, 2011
Northside

My last post of coverage from the night featuring the retro band Neighbours. I was talking to MOIP's Aaron and asked what tunes these guys were planning for the night and he plainly stated that he can't ever tell if the band is playing old covers or their own tunes! Now that is retro.

Image of the Day-"Boys"

Meeting Of Important People
PGH Garage Pop Revue
The Andy Warhol Museum
Friday, March 18, 2011
Northside

There is a 'sort of' running joke in my home. As I leave the house, my wife always asks me what band I am shooting that night. Everytime I reply MOIP, she naturally and quizzically shoots back, "AGAIN!?!" Yes dear, again.

Image of the Day-"Answers On A Postcard"

New Shouts
PGH Garage Pop Revue
The Andy Warhol Museum
Friday, March 18, 2011
Northside

Over the next few days I will focus on this show that was just pure fun. I love it when bands mix things up for a concert and this was no exception. Three bands playing three song rotating sets for the night. It kept things fresh and moving along briskly. I have said it before and I'll say it again, support Pittsburgh music people!

Image of the Day-"Man-Sized Wreath"