Summer Sunday Ticket Giveaway # 9 - Maroon 5

Maroon 5
Trib Total Media Amphitheatre
Sunday August 29, 2010
Station Square

For a music lover here in Pittsburgh, it's been one awesome summer. I have been thrilled to host these giveaways every week and the response was just phenomenal. I want to sincerely thank each and every person who entered, it really means so much to me that you visit this blog.
I also need to thank Drusky Entertainment for making it happen. They have always been so incredibly supportive of me and I could never adequately express my gratitude.
We close out the season with a chance to see Maroon 5 next Sunday. As always, entering is too easy. Just email me at hughshows@comcast.net with the subject line 'Maroon 5'. In the message, supply the full name you want for the folks at will call the night of the show which will be good for two tickets. One entry per person. Sorry, parking not included. This contest will run until Thursday August 26th, when the winner will be randomly chosen and contacted. Good luck.
I also have to mention that for those of who can't live without their giveaway fix, fear not, there definitely will be more. They will not be weekly but this fall I will be holding contests on more of a monthly basis. Stay tuned!

Image Of The Day-"Arctic Dance"

Nik Westman & The Central Plains
Thunderbird Cafe
Friday August 13, 2010
Larryville

It's hard not to listen to Nik's debut and not have it stick in your head for days. I always jump at the chance to see him play. He announced at the start of his set that tonight was going to be a trio due to the fact that a member of the band got sick on the way over. As with most things, Nik seemed to take it in stride and delivered a great set regardless.

First/Last-Matt Booth

City Dwelling Nature Seekers

Thunderbird Cafe

Friday August 20, 2010
Larryville
So the band is releasing it's terrific new album tonight. When you pick up the CD, check out the photos used in the inner collage. Done by none other than yours truly! Thanks, fellas. De facto publicist/bassist Matt Booth was cool enough to take a few minutes to participate in this week's edition of First/Last Fridays.

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The first album you ever bought?

I know that around 3rd grade I was super into “Nevermind” (Nirvana), “Dookie” (Green Day), and “Smash” (Offspring), don’t really know what I bought first.

Your last album bought?

I just picked up “Live at the Fillmore 1969” by the Byrds, but haven’t listened to it yet. I know all of us in CDNS have been digging heavily into country-era Byrds; Clarence White’s electric guitar playing is knocking our collective socks off.

Favorite album of all time?

Way to hard to pick just one, but here’s a rough list of the albums that have had the most profound impact on my life: “The Band” by the Band, “Live at Leeds” by the Who, “Fun House” by the Stooges, “Radio City” by Big Star, “On the Corner” by Miles Davis, “Double Nickels on the Dime” by the Minutemen.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?

Nothing really sticks out as being very significant, but I recently heard and had a poor reaction to “Rising Down” by the Roots.

First concert attended?

I know my dad took me to see Dizzy Gillespie when I was 4-ish, but the first one I really remember seeing was REM in ’97.

Last concert?

I guess the last concert I saw was Yo La Tengo at Hartwood Acres earlier this month.

Favorite concert ever?

Again, hard to nail down just one, but here are some shows that really stick out- Wilco at 9:30 Club, Tortoise at the Black Cat, Bill Frisell at Lisner Auditorium, Drive By Truckers at Mr Smalls, Nickel Creek at a bluegrass festival.

Least favorite concert?

I can’t think of anything that left me really offended, but Spoon played at CMU 3 or 4 years, and I got pretty bored after 3 songs.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?

I’ve met plenty of wonderful people and done plenty of wonderful while living here over the past 5 years. As for being in a band, there are some really cool places to play, and plenty of great bands, songwriters, and musicians to commingle with.

Thanks Matt. It amazes me how many musicians reference Nevermind. Also, I absolutely love Clarence White's playing. Talk about underrated.

Image Of The Day-"Somebody's Heart"

The Wreckids
Thunderbird Cafe
Friday August 13, 2010
Larryville

I love this band. They are the nicest couple of people around and deliver such a fantastic set every time I see them. Seriously, who else can write a song about feces and make it so damned endearing? Do yourself a favor and try to catch them out.

Image Of The Day-"Margaritaville"

Jimmy Buffett
First Niagara Pavilion
Thursday August 12, 2010
Burgettstown

I never understood the appeal of Jimmy Buffett. I went to a show fifteen years ago and came away with images of drunken slobs wallowing in their own vomit. His music is O.K. but nothing spectacular. It wasn't until last week covering the show that I finally had an epiphany as to why this guy is so popular. Everybody was just having fun. He could have come out and played goth metal for two hours and the crowd would have still loved it. Setting aside the trials and tribulations of daily life for one night is evidently priceless. For those wanting to cut loose a little bit, he definitely offers the opportunity. Not a bad gig at all.

Summer Sunday Ticket Giveaway # 8 - My Morning Jacket

My Morning Jacket
Trib Total Media Amphitheatre
Friday August 27, 2010
Station Square

This is a not miss show. Thanks to the great people at Drusky Entertainment, you might not have to miss it. Just like every week this summer, they are giving away two tickets to the show to one lucky reader of this blog.
All you need to do to enter is email me at hughshows@comcast.net with the subject line 'My Morning Jacket'. In the message, supply the full name you want for the folks at will call the night of the show which will be good for two tickets. One entry per person.
This contest will run until Saturday August 21st, when the winner will be randomly chosen and contacted.
Also remember, next Sunday starts the final contest for the summer. Good luck!

Image Of The Day-"Caio, Bear Cub"

Bear Cub
Thunderbird Cafe
Friday August 13, 2010
Larryville

This was my first time seeing the band. I was so late to the party that this was their hometown farewell show and as they are moving to Nashville, it might very well be my last. I hung back and enjoyed the set due to exhaustion from a long night that I will detail later. In the meantime, enjoy some soundcheck shots and join me in wishing the band well on their new adventures!