First/Last-Catherine Feeny-Ticket Giveaway

Photo courtesy catherinefeeny.com

Catherine Feeny
Thunderbird Cafe
Thursday September 2, 2010
Larryville

Let's get the business out of the way first. I have a pair of passes to the show this Thursday courtesy of Make It Bigger Mama Publicity. To enter, just email me at hughshows@comcast.net with the subject line 'Catherine Feeny'. Please supply the name you wish to be admitted with a guest to the show. The winner will be randomly chosen and contacted tomorrow night (Wed. 9/1).
Catherine is a Portland songwriter who has been compared to the likes of Beth Orton, Lucinda Williams, and Emmylou Harris. Not a bad bunch at all. She was cool enough to participate in this latest edition of a week long First/Last celebration.

The first album you ever bought?

WHAM, MAKE IT BIG!

Your last album bought?

DISCOUNT BIN MA RAINEY COMPILATION.

Favorite album of all time?

I am an Aquarius. That is not possible.

First concert attended?

FREE BILLY OCEAN CONCERT IN THE PARK IN PHILADELPHIA.

Last concert?

WENT TO SEE MY FRIEND BEN BALLINGER play IN PORTLAND, OR.

Favorite concert ever?

BLIND MELON/SOUNDGARDEN/NEIL YOUNG AT AND OUTDOOR VENUE IN NEW JERSEY. Soundgarden was amazing and then Neil stood up and blew them off the stage -- what certainty, what soul.

Least favorite concert?

I DON'T KNOW IF IT'S MY LEAST FAVE, BUT I WAS A BIT DISAPPOINTED WHEN I WENT TO SEE THE AVETT BROTHERS. IT SEEMED LIKE IT WAS ALL ABOUT THE WOW FACTOR, AND NOT ABOUT CONNECTING WITH THE AUDIENCE...THERE WEREN'T MANY QUIET OR SPACIOUS MOMENTS. IT WASN'T WHAT I EXPECTED OR WHAT I LOOK FOR IN A LIVE SHOW.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?

I HAVE BEEN TO PITTSBURGH ONCE BEFORE, SUPPORTING AN ARTIST NAMED CHRIS PUREKA... I AM INTRIGUED BY THE PLACE THAT CITIES LIKE PITTSBURGH HOLD IN AMERICAN HISTORY AND REALLY INTERESTED TO SEE HOW IT IS TRANSFORMING ITSELF IN THE POST-INDUSTRIAL AGE. PLUS I LIKE THE DOWN TO EARTH PEOPLE.

Thanks so much Catherine. I think you really nailed it on the head in realizing that we are down to Earth here. I've heard that many times from out-of-towners over the years.

First/Last-Liam Cooney

Horse or Cycle
Smiling Moose
Wednesday September 1, 2010
Southside

The band is playing a gig this week with Noah's Ark Was A Spaceship from Nebraska and locals Thee Shopkeepers. Liam was cool enough to participate in this, the first day of a week long edition of the ever popular First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?

Siamese Dream by Smashing Pumpkins or was it If I Should Fall From Grace With God by The Pogues?

Your last album bought?

Superwolf by Matt Sweeny and Bonnie Prince Billy.

Favorite album of all time?

Nighthawks at the Diner by Tom Waits, or Truth by Jeff Beck. Two of the only things I ever want to listen to after they have finished.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Anything that was played in the dorm rooms of Hobart College circa 2000-2004.

First concert attended?
Mighty Mighty Bosstones/Pietasters.

Last concert?
Last real concert, as in paid more then 10 buck to get in? Hmm… to be honest I cant remember. In my defense I have a 2 year old.

Favorite concert ever?

Tom Petty when I was maybe 15 or 16. My dad took the whole family, and during the outro of "Dont Come ‘Round Here No More" with the strobes and the Mad Hatter antics I looked over at my sister who was maybe 7 and standing on her chair screaming at me "THIS IS THE COOLEST THING EVER!"

Least favorite concert?

Yo La Tengo at Town Hall in NYC. They played for 35 min and then had to catch a flight. I puked on the Metro North ride home. Not a successful evening.

Thanks, Liam. That's a drag about the YLT show. They were great at Hartwood. I have to say though, any show that involves vomit qualifies to be on the bottom of the list.

Kickstarter-Ben Hardt

If you scroll down to the bottom of this page, you will see a widget about Ben Hardt's campaign to produce his new album. He would like to release 3 albums in 9 months and is asking the public for donations to do so. As of now, there are only 6 days to go with a little over $2000 to reach the goal. I watched the video update from Ben and realized that if he doesn't reach that number, no money is collected. I would hate to see that happen. Ben is probably the biggest supporter of local music we have in the city. I cannot tell you how many times I have been at shows by local bands and Ben has been in the audience. Seriously, countless. He is a solid dude to boot and his debut album is so unique and great that I cannot wait to hear the new stuff. If you are a regular reader of this blog, you would realize that the main reason I put my time and energy into doing this is to promote music, mainly local, with any exposure I can. Without sounding too much like Sally Struthers (which might be too late), I am confident it can be done. Pledge here.

Update: Ben has reached his goal! You can still donate up to Friday if you wish.

First/Last-Jeff Perigo

Photo courtesy Jeff Perigo/Myspace

So my buddy and one of the original old school Pittsburgh music bloggers Ben is throwing a party this weekend. He's calling it Bait & Bullets and info can be found here. He hopes to make this an annual affair and weather-wise, it's going to be a perfect weekend to participate. Entertainment will be provided by Jeff Perigo and he was cool enough to participate in this week's First/Last Friday.

The first album you ever bought?

Not really sure, but the type of music I liked then is extremely dissimilar to what I like now, but something like early 80's Judas Priest or late 70's Deep Purple.

Your last album bought?

Derek Trucks-Roadsongs, a double live album released in June 2010, excellent musicianship , energy and jamming!!!

Favorite album of all time?

Grateful Dead's Workingman's Dead, that's an easy one for me!

Least favorite/most disappointing album?

Allman Bros.-Live at Ludlow Garage, I LOVE the Allman's and being that this album is the same general time period as the famous Live at The Fillmore East, I had high expectations, I thought the sound was bad and the show was worse....

First concert attended?

Yes, the 90125 tour, awesome, awesome first concert!! at the Civic arena with a laser show.

Last concert?

Cake at The Palace Theater in Greensburg (great, great show), this doesn't include the Flood City Music Festival in which Anders Osborne, Los Strait Jackets, Galactic and Eilen Jewell were good to great!!! I didn't see Billy Price, Robert Cray or Los Lobos, I wanted to see all these.....fail.....

Favorite concert ever?

This is my favorite, but not best. Grateful Dead at Three Rivers Stadium 1995, the parking lot scene and it rained at the set break and they open the second set with 4 rain titled songs....moving!!

Least favorite concert?

Phish at the Starlake Amphitheater in ??? Can't remember, not being a fan at all, but having seen them twice before and it being awesome, I left and they played 5 more songs.....lawn seats suck, I like to be in the energy mix up front or a balcony or lounge seat in a theater.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?

The view of the city at night when you come through the Fort Pitt Tunnels or rounding the curve coming into town from Monroeville, the view on Grandview Blvd., The south side and Pittsburgh Guitars, The Steelers...duh, Shady Side, Blues Fest, rib fest, Pitt U.....I could go on and on about what I like about Pittsburgh except the politics (and I'm pretty Liberal).

Thanks Jeff. Hey, I was at that Grateful Dead show. It was actually my 30th Dead show in 10 years to the week. Yeah, I guess I was a Deadhead in my former life.

Image Of The Day-"Backseat"

Boca Chica
Belvederes
Friday May 14, 2010
Larryville

I love revisiting older photos. Again, why I wait to post them is sometimes beyond me. This was the most 'rocking' I have ever heard the band. Boca Chica ROCKS! Sounds good to me.
UPDATE: I wanted to mention that there is a Kickstarter campaign to help out the band in recording it's new album. Info here.

Image Of The Day-"Diamonds Out Your Eyes"

Summer Lungs
Home Studio
Friday August 20, 2010
Mount Washington

As much as I love live music, one of my favorite things to do is hang out with a musician on their turf and just shoot the breeze. I get to know them on a personal level and can appreciate what they do more so than just watching them perform. Brendan Renne is Summer Lungs. A self-described 'singer-songwriter' who happens to perform electronic music. As it turns out, we have been wanting to get together for awhile now and was finally able to last week. Him and his girlfriend/backup singer Lara were cool enough to let me into his home to discuss a wide array of subjects including the photogenic aspects of our embarrassingly dismal Pirates. He is working on new material to be hopefully released this fall. He has a gig coming up opening for RYAT at Club Cafe on Friday September 10. A bunch more 'atmospheric' photos here.

Image Of The Day-"Sugarfoot"

Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears
WYEP Studios
Thursday August 19, 2010
Southside

I really wanted to see the band's set later that night at the Rex but was at the McCartney show. My buddy went and said it was stellar. Definitely next time. This studio session was a little tease of the energy this band brings to a full show. Listen to the set here. More photos here.

Image Of The Day-"Rock Show!"

Paul McCartney

Consol Energy Center

Thursday August 19, 2010
Uptown

There is a bit of a misconception around town that the few of us who blog about music are in some sort of competition against each other. That idea could not be further from the truth. In fact, most of us know each other quite well and support each other as best as we can. Case in point is my man at the Pgh Music Report. He scores a photo pass to the Paul McCartney show and asks me if I want it. It takes a second for me to say yes and before you know it, I am up on the sound board platform at the new arena, shooting arguably the biggest show I have ever done. Not much to say that hasn't already been said except that someone recognized me up there right before the show and was kind of surprised to see me there, happy for me but surprised, nonetheless. It was cool that she gave me a look of, "Right on, Hugh!" There are a lot of supportive people in this town and last Thursday was evident of that. More photos here.


Another cool moment came on Wednesday morning. Being a member of the 'media', I occasional receive alerts about things happening around town. One that I thought was unique and worth checking out was that the Hard Rock Cafe was bringing in it's biggest and most rare piece of memorabilia in it's vast collection in honor of McCartney's shows. The original Magical Mystery Tour bus. Since I had the chance, I went down to see it arrive.

And finally, there was a wild scene after the show at the 'private' airport terminal as McCartney flew home. Now, I am a casual autograph seeker. I enjoy it as a hobby and never have or will think about selling signed items for monetary gains. Seriously, how much do you think I can get for an autographed copy of my Deliberate Strangers CD? It's not about that for me. Apparently, it is for some people. They take this notion of signed memorabilia seriously, like a career! There were at least 100+ people waiting for the slim chance to get Sir Paul to scribble on their beat up album cover. There were actual rules to follow. Show your ticket stub to prove you were at the show. One item apiece. No cutting in a single file line. Apparently, someone hired 30 people from a temp agency to increase their chances. Nuts!

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!

First/Last-Scott Peterson

Scott is the male half of the husband and wife duo known as The Wreckids. Along with Sarah (6-18 in da house!) they released a fantastic EP several months ago and if I am not mistaken, have plans for yet another release soon! They are playing the Thunderbird tonight along with Nik Westman & The Central Plains and Boom Chick, which is a sort of de facto sending off party for Bear Cub, who are relocating to Nashville. Scott was cool enough to participate in this week's edition of First/Last Friday.

The first album you ever bought?

The La's -Because of the song "There She Goes" but I still love the
whole album. Most people think that song is by Sixpence None the
Richer!

Your last album bought?

Midlake -"The Courage of Others"

Favorite album of all time?

"Boston" by Boston

Least favorite/most disappointing album?

"Yael Naim" by Yael Naim although ‘New Soul’ is great, rest of record
is horrible.

First concert attended?

Eddie Money

Last concert?

Meeting of Important People @ Brillo

Favorite concert ever?

Soundtrack of Our Lives @ Irving Plaza NYC 2004

Least favorite concert?

Pete Yorn @Irving Plaza NYC 2004

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?

Most of my favorite bands are local or touring artists that I've heard
for the first time at Brillobox or Thunderbird. Pittsburgh has a
wonderful music scene!

Thanks, Scott. Nice call on the Boston record. I can remember being ten years old and listening to that album over and over when it first came out. Hopefully I'll see you tonight, buddy.

Image Of The Day-"The Way I Am"

Ingrid Michaelson
Three Rivers Arts Festival
Thursday June 10, 2010
Point State Park
Downtown

What was interesting to me about this show was the crowd. I rarely go see bands that are welcomed to the stage with a high-pitched wall of sound. The audience was young and energetic and actually endearing in their enthusiasm. A somewhat nice change of pace and nice reminder of why I love live music so much. Setlist here.

Image Of The Day-"Me & Bobby McGee"

Kris Kristofferson
Three Rivers Arts Festival
Friday June 11, 2010
Point State Park
Downtown

I bashed this performance immediately after and as I think about it, I was sort of in the wrong. I only saw the first few songs because I had to run somewhere else that night, and from what I am told, he recovered from a very shaky start to put on a solid show. Dude's a living legend so yeah, he gets a pass. Still would have sounded better with a band though. Crappy youtube video(with footage of yours truly in action) here.

R.I.P.-Glenn Pavone

Glenn goes over the setlist before taking the stage at the Allegheny County Hometown Music Festival on Sunday June 20, 2010 at Hartwood Acres. You will be missed.

Image Of The Day-"Green Islands"

A Generous Act
The Mattress Factory
Saturday July 17, 2010
Northside

I am always looking for unique performances and this definitely was one of them. It was a collaboration between several diverse musicians for a one off performance curated by Mark Garry. It was a sort of 'round robin' style set with different styles and genres blending throughout. Very cool. More info can be found here. More photos here.

Image Of The Day-"All Days Are Nights"

Rufus Wainwright
Martha Wainwright
Carnegie Music Hall
Sunday August 8, 2010
Homestead

On 'assignment' for the good folks at WYEP, I really wasn't familiar with his work at all. I kind of wish I was, in that I would have definitely appreciated it more. The show was broken up into two parts, the first consisting of his devastatingly personal new album, Songs For Lulu, in it's entirety. The second was more of a regular set. The whole show was sans band with just Rufus and a grand piano. He sounded great and I can't help to think the ornate surroundings added to the show. His sister Martha opened the night with a just as spare performance. A more detailed review here. More photos here.

Summer Sunday Ticket Giveaway # 7 - Ribs On The River

Ribs On The River
Night Ranger
Donnie Iris & The Cruisers
Eddie Money
Trib Total Media Amphitheatre
Friday-Sunday August 20-22, 2010
Station Square

Seriously, who doesn't love ribs? The best vendors around will congregate in Pittsburgh to showcase their delicious goods. There will be a slew of bands each day to keep the crowd entertained.
Thanks to the awesome people at Drusky Entertainment, I have a pair of passes to a show of your choice for one lucky viewer of the blog. All you need to do to enter is email me at hughshows@comcast.net with the subject line 'Ribs'. In the message, indicate the night/concert you want to attend (Friday-Night Ranger, Saturday-Donnie Iris, or Sunday-Eddie Money). Also 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 and ribs not included.
This contest will run until Saturday August 14th when the winner will be randomly chosen and contacted.
Also remember, next Sunday starts a new contest for a different show. Good luck!

Image Of The Day-"Dog & Butterfly"

Heart
Trib Total Media Amphitheatre
Friday August 6, 2010
Station Square

To all you '80's haters, you can run and tell that... this was a great show. They sounded incredible and were genuinely happy to play to a more than ecstatic audience. Every song I wanted to hear, they did. Sweet. More photos here.

Image Of The Day-"Country Wife"

Meeting Of Important People
The Andy Warhol Museum
Friday July 30, 2010
Northshore

I have lost count how many times I have had the pleasure to watch this band play since I first saw them. They never disappoint and the sold out crowd was way into them. These guys are always a guarantee for good times.

Image Of The Day-"Good Times, So Wearily Desired"

Good Night, States
The Andy Warhol Museum
Friday July 30, 2010
Northshore

It's no secret to anyone who's visited this blog that I love this band. After a half year hiatus, they return for a one-off show to support another group I can't get enough of for their CD release show, MOIP. They sounded great and I am hoping they play again sooner rather than later. Some more detailed fanboy love here and here.