Image Of The Day-"Atlas And A Girl"

Lohio
Shadyside Arts Festival
Saturday September 15, 2007
Shadyside

Rediscovering old photos is always fun. I stumbled upon this and wondered why I never posted it? It's a a tad rough for sure (as was most of my stuff then) but not bad at all. This was the first time I saw Lohio play and I believe the first time I met these guys. Nice.

Image Of The Day-"Scumbag"

Senator John Edwards
Labor Day Parade
Monday September 3, 2007
Uptown

Realizing the readers of this blog expect to see musicians and bands covered here, I felt compelled to veer off track for a bit to espouse my utter disdain for politicians. In light of this dirtbag's revelations this week concerning his disgusting personal behaviors, I decided to post these pictures I took a few years ago. Politics to me is a joke. Public service is meant as a vehicle to help people, not stroke egos and as a means for personal gains which seems to be the case everywhere you look. There are very few members of government I do dig, and I do try to follow what's happening on Grant Street, especially when it directly affects my life. A friend explained to me that terms limits were set up in government so as when one person's term ends, someone else can serve which gives more people the opportunity to 'work' for the population. True or not, it sounds like an ideal way for government to function.

Image Of The Day-"Sleep When I Die"

The Chad Sipes Stereo
Sunday January 17, 2010
Less Than Or Equal To
Studio Session
Larryville

TCSS are Chad Sipes (bass), Erik Cirelli (guitar), Paul Smith (drums), and Jon Miller (keys). They are recording a new album with producer Josh Antonuccio in Lawrenceville. The band has been around Pittsburgh for awhile now and surprisingly it was my first time meeting most of them. They couldn't have been more welcoming to me the day I was there and I cannot wait to hear the entire album. I am also looking forward to finally seeing them live soon. I really have to say that I feel incredibly lucky and grateful to live in a town with so much musical talent and that these people are kind enough to let me be a 'fly on the wall' of sorts while they work is just so awesome to me. I sincerely appreciate it. A bunch more photos here.

Image Of The Day-"Maniac"

For the past year or so, I have been working for Maniac Magazine as a photographer in a freelance capacity. I get the various assignments from the editor for the bi-monthly issues. It's a Pittsburgh based pop culture magazine geared for the young professional. My favorite assignments are the restaurant guides where most of the time I get to 'sample' the goods. You can pick up the mag in most Giant Eagles and booksellers in the area.

Image Of The Day-"Rolling Sea"

Vetiver
Friday January 15, 2010
Thunderbird Cafe
Larryville

I cannot recall a more satisfying show. Boca Chica absolutely killed as an opener and Vetiver played for two hours plus. I was listening to Andy's music beforehand to kind of appreciate some of the songs while I'm there and was struck by the fact that I love his stuff. Where have I been? Am I the only one who does this to 'prepare' for a concert?

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.