Image of the Day-Nevada Color Rooftop Shindig

Nevada Color at Theater Square Rooftop Shindig on Wednesday, July 1, 2015 in Pittsburgh, PA

First/Last-Lazyeyes

"Lazyeyes plays hazy, psych-tinged dreampop made up of swirling guitar melodies and reverb-drenched vocals. The band has previously shared stages with acts like Gringo Starr and Crocodiles, and their dynamic live set is a mix of upbeat, dance-worthy jams and pulsating slower songs."

Lazyeyes is a Brooklyn shoegaze trio who are touring behind their latest release "New Year" and stop in Pittsburgh Saturday night (7/18) at Spirit in Lawrenceville with The Teen Age. I want to thank Jason Abrishami (Guitar/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Sum 41 “Does This Look Infected?”

Your last album bought?
The War On Drugs “Lost in the Dream”.

Favorite album of all time?
My Bloody Valentine “Loveless”.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Metallica & Lou Reed “Lulu”.

First concert attended?
I saw Social Distortion perform at Tony Hawk's Boom Boom Huck Jam when I was 12.

Last concert?
Ride at Terminal 5.

Favorite concert ever?
My Bloody Valentine.

Least favorite concert?
I once saw Bloc Party play and both the Guitar amps blew out during ‘Banquet’ and it was just Bass, Drums, and Vocals. It was a very confusing experience.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I've personally never been to Pittsburgh, but I hear nothing but great things! Hopefully we will have enough time to embrace the scenic view from Mount Washington.

Thanks, Jason. I have lived here my entire life and that view from Mount Washington never does get old.

First/Last-Bridgette Perdue

"Told her “music has sunlight in it," Bridgette Perdue blends soulful vocals with a vibrant piano to create a fun, innovative twist on pop/R&B music, reminiscent of Sara Bareilles or Alicia Keys. Her upbeat style and independent voice has enamored audiences from Los Angeles to New York City, and in her hometown of Pittsburgh, PA (August Wilson Center, Kelly Strayhorn Theatre), she has headlined her own shows and opened for national recording acts. Perdue's newly released album "Enjoy This Moment has garnered national attention, with the song "Real Thing" being featured in the film “Sweetest Goodbye.” Bridgette Perdue teaches piano, voice, dance, and theatre through both public and private instruction. She is active within her church and community and is passionate about encouraging others to relentlessly pursue their dream."

Bridgette Perdue is a an indie Pop/R&B recording artist who's debut album "Enjoy This Moment" is available here. Bridgette performs Thursday night (7/16) at Hemlock Grove at Hartwood Acres. I want to thank her for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
“Brandy” (self-titled) 1994.

Your last album bought?
”Beyonce” (self-titled).

Favorite album of all time?
Natasha Bedingfield "Pocketful of Sunshine".

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Jason DeRulo.

First concert attended?
Boyz II Men at the (then) Post-Gazette Pavilion, when Destiny's Child (when they had 4 members) and Next opened for them.

Last concert?
Sara Bareilles at the Carnegie Music Hall in Homestead.

Favorite concert ever?
Same as above. She's awesome.

Least favorite concert?
As much as I love Sade, I was a bit disappointed. She has great music, but she's not a performer, and that was evident in concert. Still I really enjoyed myself, and especially John Legend who opened up for her.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I love this city! I know it's not a NYC, or Chicago, but it's my hometown and I'm proud to live here. Favorite things include: seeing the 4th of July fireworks. I've done almost every year since I can remember. Best spot is on the lawn outside of Heinz Field - they look like they are coming straight at you. Kennywood is always a good time, and Pirates games are great summer fun. Pittsburgh is home to me, so I appreciate the small or overlooked stuff.

Thanks, Bridgette. I actually hit the July 4th fireworks down where you mentioned and you are so right. They are RIGHT THERE! If there is a Pirate game? Then you don't even know where to look!

First/Last-Bloody Diamonds

"When a wild long-haired punk meets a quiet songstress with an acoustic guitar, they usually turn the other way. Bloody Diamonds are the exception. With heavy riffs and wailing, powerful vocals, Toronto's goth-tinged dark rock band Bloody Diamonds are a four-piece rock n' roll monster. Fronted by vocalist Sara Elizabeth and guitarist Jake Seaward the two bring together the gloom of early Black Sabbath and the modern feel of Band of Skulls, delivering a hard-hitting rock show with intensely dynamic vocals. One minute Elizabeth is soft and sweet, the next she's foaming at the mouth, unleashing a menacing, gritty howl. Her soulful, haunting voice and unhinged stage presence has been compared to singers such as Janis Joplin, Patti Smith, and Alison Mosshart."

Bloody Diamonds is a bluesy goth rock band from Toronto who begin their summer tour in Pittsburgh on Friday (7/10) at the Smiling Moose for the late show with locals Daily Grind opening. Check out the band's latest single "Skin and Bones" as I thank lead singer Sara Elizabeth (Keys) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
“Big Shiny Tunes”. Not sure which volume. It had all the jams, ha-ha.

Your last album bought?
“Lo” by Crosss. Super dope Canadian band we're very into right now.

Favorite album of all time?
Tough question, too many options. Of all time is so finite. Something involving Jack White?

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Don't want to speak ill about anyone but I was pretty disappointed in the new Nico Vega record.

First concert attended?
That is kind of a blurry area... first major concert was The Rolling Stones though.

Last concert?
We're going to see a band called Public Animal tonight. They are the dopest rock band in Toronto right now.

Favorite concert ever?
We saw Jack White for the first time last year and it was mind blowing. We've looked up to him for so many years and his performance was flawless. His backing band was insane, and his voice and guitar sounded exactly like his records. It was perfect. Very surreal when he started playing ‘Seven Nation Army’, very cool experience.

Least favorite concert?
Bob Dylan, no question about it. Don't go see Bob Dylan.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
We toured through Pittsburgh last summer for the first time and had a really great time. We have some good friends there we're looking forward to seeing again and of course looking forward to the show.

Thanks, Sarah. As great as Dylan is, I agree that I gave up on him live many, many years ago.

First/Last-Dan Bubien

"Music was always a part of Dan’s life growing up even before his passion was realized. His father was a lifelong working musician. As a kid, Dan and his brother spent their time goofing off and running around at their dad’s shows and used to tease him for singing off-key. It wasn’t until a teenage injury sidelined his athletics that Dan picked up one of his Dad’s guitars and taught himself to play. With that, came a new appreciation for music and a realization of what his Dad did. What was once thought to be off-key was actually in perfect harmony."

Dan Bubien is a blues-soul-funk-country songwriter from Pittsburgh who is will be a featured performer for this year's Dream On Festival playing the main stage in Market Square on Saturday July 4th. I want to thank Dan for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Either Pearl Jam "Ten" or Jimi Hendrix "Are You Experienced". Oh it might have been Stevie Ray Vaughn "In Step"... it was one of those three?

Your last album bought?
The Bros. Landreth. Great roots/rock band from Canada.

Favorite album of all time?
Tough one for sure but probably would have to go with Sublime "40 oz. to Freedom".

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Uhhhhh… probably the last one from The Black Keys, "Turn Blue".

First concert attended?
The Doobie Brothers.

Last concert? 
Anders Osborne/North Mississippi All-Stars.

Favorite concert ever?
My Morning Jacket - two or three summers ago.  A close second was the 30 year anniversary to Bob Marley's last show -  it was in 2010 at the Benedum Center - his wife and sons were all there they did the same exact set list Bob did thirty years ago.

Least favorite concert? 
Ray Lamontagne same summer as My Morning Jacket.  Not that he was bad more the crowd was obnoxious, you could barely hear him and he eventually told the crowd to shut the fu** or get out. It was just the wrong venue for him and his vibe.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
The people are generally good-hearted and real which comes from a strong culture that is like the people which seems to come from a pure and honest place. There are lots of places to play which is great! Would love for live music to be more infused into the peoples upbringing and culture.

Thanks, Dan. I heard so many bad things about that Ray Lamontagne show, I kinda wished I was there to witness that train wreck.