Image Of The Day-"Snow Angels"

Boca Chica
Friday January 15, 2010
Thunderbird Cafe
Larryville

Every time I see this band there is a vastly different lineup from before. The core members of songwriter Hallie Pritts and bassist Susanna Meyer have been the only constants I have seen in the group. This night the band she assembled sounded incredible. You really can't go wrong with electric guitar, pedal steel and banjo to add flavor. Some of my favorite musicians were on hand to back her songs up and thankfully they survived a dicey sound check to deliver a great set. I should be seeing them/her a couple more times in the coming months for Souper Bowls and supporting a CD release show.

Image Of The Day-"Daniel Lee"

Sarah Borges & The Broken Singles
Wednesday January 13, 2010
Thunderbird Cafe
Larryville

I have always really liked this band. They were extremely tight and played with a skill I haven't seen from them before. Considering that this was the first night of their tour and that they were having gear problems all afternoon, they impressed the hell out of me. They just completed recording a live CD and are accepting preorders and donations at their site to help raise funds for a live DVD they are producing. By the way they sounded in Pittsburgh, it should be good.

Image Of The Day-"Dirty Mary"

Lovebettie
Wednesday January 13, 2010
Thunderbird Cafe
Larryville

This band has the unique distinction of being the first band I saw in the new decade. I never did see them perform before and was very impressed with Alexandra's pipes. This girl can sing. They play a more alternative style of rock than I am accustomed to but I enjoyed the set nonetheless. They are premiering their new music video at the Hard Rock on Saturday January 30, which seems like a good time. They are also playing an upcoming show with my buds in Donora and Gene The Werewolf at the Altar Bar in April, so I will definitely be seeing them again.

Image Of The Day-"Paperman Soldiers"

Nik Westman & The Central Plains
Friday October 30, 2009
Howler's Coyote Cafe
Bloomfield

Unfortunately, I was uncharacteristically late to this show and only caught the last couple songs of Nik's opening set. What I heard I dug and it's so endearing for me as a concertgoer to see a father and son rocking out as I did with Nik and his dad this night. I couldn't help but hear a 'Ray Davies' quality to Nik's voice and was surprised that I was the first person to point that out to him afterwards, even though he's been known to play a Kinks cover when inclined. I am anxiously awaiting his debut and will definitely be at his CD release show on Friday March 5 at The Thunderbird Cafe. Trust me, you should be there as well.

Image Of The Day-"...5.4.3.2.1"

Good Night, States
Thursday December 31, 2009
First Night Pittsburgh
Downtown

Good Night, States were one of the first bands I saw in 2009. How nice that they were the last. They have become friends of mine and I cannot wait to hear some new music soon. I have to extend regards to my man Joe, who will no longer be in the band, and acknowledge that from a fan's perspective, he will be sorely missed. Good luck, buddy. More pics here.

Image Of The Day-"10.9.8.7.6..."

Meeting Of Important People
Thursday December 31, 2009
First Night Pittsburgh
Downtown

I couldn't think of a more appropriate way to close the year than seeing these guys play. They put out my favorite music in the last twelve and I can't remember how many times I actually got to see them play. My year (even decade!) was really capped off by having them play (with a dedication no less) my favorite song of theirs and what a way to supposedly retire the tune. Thanks, fellas. The band is working on new tunes in the coming months and I will have exclusive photos from the rehearsal/recording sessions right here! In the meantime, dig this smokin' session they did for WYEP to hold you over.

List-Shows!!! Favorite Photos of 2009

For no real rhyme or reason, I dig these photos. More of my favs of the year here.