Image of the Day-"Impress You"

Sonji

Thursday June 12, 2008

The Andy Warhol Museum

There was a band called Forever Flowers that was scheduled to open for Lightspeed Champion. They bailed without notice and local songwriter Sonji filled in at the last minute. I am very glad she did. I've been hearing about her for some time now, and her set was was a pleasant surprise. Her and her drummer Daru were super nice as well. Needless to say, this room is soooo dark to try to photograph in.

Image of the Day-"Go-Go-GODZILLA!!"

Blue Oyster Cult

Allegheny Summer Concert Series
Friday July 18, 2008

South Park Amphitheater

Since Dr. Dog cancelled their show for tonight, why not hit BOC for a free show in the park? I guess that's what SEVERAL thousand other people were thinking as well. I never saw the place this crowded before. It was pretty crazy. Every other show there before, Mr. Policeman would shoo away anyone trying to hug the stage until way into the set. When we arrived about ten minutes before the band came on, there were several rows deep of fist pumping headbangers that Joe Fuzz didn't dare bother with. As for the show, I did enjoy it. Believe it or not the weakest songs in the set were the ones I actually recognized ('Godzilla', '...Reaper'). I also thought they would play a bit longer as other acts have in the past but that was a blessing since it took forever to get outta Dodge.

Here's Scott Mervis' take on the night.

Image of the Day-"Listen"

Amos Lee

Friday July 18, 2008

WYEP Studios

Southside

Listen/Street Corner Preacher/Keep It Loose, Keep It Tight/Better Days

This mini in-studio set from Amos was pretty cool. He seemed like a really gentle and humble dude. It was interesting to find out he had some heavy hitters in Doyle Bramhall, Spooner Oldham and Don Was, among others, playing on his latest album.

Image of the Day-"Sea And The Sun"

Lohio

Sunday July 12, 2008

Rootz: The Green City Music Festival

Mellon Park

Any chance I get to see these guys I try to take it. They have a new album coming out later in the summer called "History, The Destroyer". If their last song in the set is any indication, Lohio is gonna rock out!

Image of the Day-"The Women of Arsenal"

Emily Rodgers & Erik Cirelli

The Pittsburgh Songwriters Project

Rootz: The Green City Music Festival

Mellon Park

Highly enjoyable day in the park. We brought out the kids and listened to some 'wooden' music. This set featured a bunch of local musicians taking turns on new songs written about Pittsburgh. Emily and Erik's song was a standout for me.

Image of the Day-"Avalanche"

Ben Hardt & His Symphony

WYEP Alternative Souper Bowl

Sunday February 3, 2008

Border's Eastside

Local musician Ben Hardt has a unique band going. He often performs with a string section that adds a very cool element to his music. Check him out if you can.

Image of the Day-"I Dig A Pony"

St. Vincent

Thursday February 21, 2008

Andy Warhol Museum

Another purty pic of Annie. Did I mention how difficult it is to take a decent shot at the Warhol? It's like taking a photo in a cave. I gotta say this one rocks!

Image of the Day-"Teenage Kicks"

The Waco Brothers

Friday June 6, 2008

Andy Warhol Museum

As my brother reminded this would be the second time seeing The Waco Brothers. We saw them several years ago and considering the literally hundreds of concerts I've been to over the years I just don't remember the show. Unfortunately, I was so blitzed at this one I hardly remember it as well. I do remember jumping onstage and dancing at one point... don't mix liquor and beer kids, take it from me. No harm done though.

Image of the Day-"Midnight Surprise"

Lightspeed Champion

Thursday June 12, 2008

Andy Warhol Museum

This show was kick-ass. Devonte Hynes used to be in a hardcore thrash band called Test Icicles. He goes solo and releases a lush folky album called "Falling Off The Lavendar Bridge". It's a good album but the live show added a harder edge to the music which was sorta expected coming from his previous band and all. I went to this show stone sober and loved every minute of it. He was very funny and engaging with his in between song banter. He was super cool and down to Earth post show as well. All around nice night.

Image of the Day-"The New Kid"

Rhett & Murray from Old 97's

Friday June 27

WYEP Summer Music Festival

Schenley Plaza

This was my favorite concert of the year so far. I took a ton of pictures and will trickle them out in the coming weeks. They have soooooo many great songs to choose from for a show. What a band. Murray mentioned it was THE one and only time he wasn't wearing his glasses for a show because he was wearing his sunglasses all day and forgot his regular specs back at the hotel. Reminds me of a couple Dead shows back in the day where I did the same thing...twice!

Image of the Day-"Just Like Heaven"

The Watson Twins

Friday June 27th, 2008

WYEP Summer Music Festival

Schenley Plaza

I absolutely LOVED Jenny Lewis' 2006 release Rabbit Fur Coat. Getting a co-billing on that album as well as significantly contributing to the overall sound of it were then unknown sisters Chandra and Leigh Watson on background vocals. Their new debut solo album Fire Songs is just O.K. It is a tad mellow and lacks a certain something that I was hoping for (maybe Ms. Lewis?). Their live show however is nothing liked I was suspecting/dreading. Sure they aren't AC/DC, but they were way more upbeat in concert. As my boy Brian, noted their in between song banter was a bit painful but the beautiful music more than made up for it. My brother even compared them to Lucinda Williams, which isn't a bad thing at all. They mentioned that they took a red-eye from L.A. to play the gig mainly because their Mom and Dad are living in the area and they had a sorta mini-family reunion. They were very, very sweet and nice when asked for autographs.