First/Last-1, 2, 3

1, 2, 3
The Shop
Friday, July 1, 2011
Bloomfield

If you read and believe the hype surrounding these guys, they are the new band to put Pittsburgh music on the map. Whether or not that is the case is to be determined but they do have some cool pedigree to back up that claim. They have been picked up by Frenchkiss, have toured to support some name-worthy acts recently and let's not forget the whole The Takeover UK history. Their debut CD release gig is tonight and I am told if you want to shine, get there early as this will be a crazy sell out. With all that is seemingly blowing up around them, it was really nice of Nic and Josh to participate in this 'Awesome Shop Debut CD Release Edition' of First/Last Fridays.

The first album you ever bought?
Josh Sickels : It was probably "Please Hammer Don’t Hurt 'Em" by MC Hammer.
Nic: Kriss Kross, I think it was self-titled or maybe it was called jump.

Your last album bought?
Josh: People buy albums? Actually, it was probably the new My Morning Jacket.
Nic: Yeah right, you didn't buy that. You haven't bought an album since 2006. The last one I bought was a Van Morrison B-sides comp called “The Philosophers Stone”. It's a double disc but only has like four good songs.

Favorite album of all time?
Josh: “36 Chambers” by Wu-Tang Clan.
Nic: “Astral Weeks” by the aforementioned Van the man.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Josh: Least favorite is pretty wide open right? I mean, I could just pick a Nickelback record... but if we're going by what I’m SUPPOSED to like, and didn’t, then I’d probably say the last two Radiohead albums. I get grief for that, especially “In Rainbows”, but I feel like they've seriously lost their touch in the last 5 years.
Nic: Dude, "All I Need" is like their best song ever. Probably that Scarlett Johansson album of Tom Waits covers. Why do all pretty girls think they can sing? And why would anyone ever attempt to cover a Tom Waits song?

First concert attended?
Josh: Bad Religion in 1993.
Nic: The Ramones in 1996. Josh was there. Though we weren't really friends at the time because he tried to steal my skateboard a few weeks earlier.

Last concert?
Josh: It's been awhile since I’ve been to a "concert" so to speak, but I’ve been to a bunch of smaller shows. I went to check out this band Givers who we are about to tour with when they stopped through Pittsburgh. Incredible live band.
Nic: Social D at Stage AE. I thought it'd be cool, but I lost interest half way through.

Favorite concert ever?
Josh: at the drive-in on the in/casino/out tour. Just unbelievable energy and explosiveness. I’ve never seen a band match the raw intensity of those guys back in the day. I don’t really care for Mars Volta, but atdi will always have a place in my heart.
Nic: Either Elvis Costello featuring Emmy Lou Harris, or the Black Lips and Little Dragon at SXSW this year. The best of both worlds on both accounts.

Least favorite concert?
Josh: Probably when I went to see The Misfits without Glenn Danzig and they played 30 songs, and 26 of them were new ones. My 13 year old self was seriously pissed off.
Nic: I hear Danzig without the Misfits is almost as bad. Umm, I don't know, I paid 7$ to see Ice Age at the Shop last night and they were pretty horrible.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Josh: My favorite pittsburgh experience is when the Steelers won the Superbowl back in 2005. The whole city went berserk, and even though some dubious activities took place, it just showed the all around sense of passion and pride that we as Pittsburghers feel for our city and sports teams… I had nothing to do with the riots though...sort of.
Nic: I did, or tried to after the last Cowher championship. I went to jump on a car but it was covered in snow so I slipped off and fell right on my back. And my rear view mirror got ripped off that night, as well. So I got some instant karma.

Thanks guys. The thing is, your music is great. All the hype is in that pudding.

Artist of the Month June 2011

Nik and the Central Plains-Walk on Beaches

Nik and the band released this in April and I only picked it up at his show last May. I was blown away how good this was. Maybe it was because I probably heard all the songs live many times or that it is a more cohesive 'band' sounding album than his debut but whatever the reason, I love this record. If you live in Pittsburgh and haven't heard it, pick it up at any of his shows or online here.


Other artists of note:

Woods-Sun and Shade
I vaguely heard of this group through all the constant buzz-bandiness love from the hipster music sites and never thought I had the time or effort to really invest in them. My bad. Lo-fi, psychedelic, fuzz-rock, whatever...this is such a good release. I like the semi-eclectic styles scattered throughout it.

BOBBY-BOBBY
I caught this band opening for The Low Anthem earlier in the year and kind of remember them being good but this debut is strangely enjoyable. It's not an easy listen but once you succumb to the uniqueness of it, it's really well worth it.

Centro-matic-Candidate Waltz
After having discovered Centro several years ago, they have become an essential band for me. No matter what they release I expect great things from them and their latest is no exception. Now if they would just come to Pittsburgh!!!

Calhoun-Heavy Sugar
Another Texas band making waves in their hometown of Fort Worth. This is the fourth release of sugary AM pop tunes from the quintet.

The Dodos-No Color
Check these guys out at Smalls in the fall. Get there early for openers The Luyas.

Dream Diary-You Are The Beat
Lush dream pop from this NYC trio. I am beginning to really dig this 'dream pop' stuff.

Frank Turner-England Keep My Bones
Frank is beginning to make some well deserved noise here. He's graduated to the bigger room of Smalls come September having just played Brillobox a few months ago.

Ha Ha Tonka-Death of a Decade
Ha Ha Tonka are the little band that could. Like many of the artists I try to spotlight in these posts, they put out great music and yet seem to be so under the radar that no one ever seems to hear of them.

Pete and the Pirates-One Thousand Pictures
Second album from this English band full of power pop/rock with a touch of synth goodness.

Vetiver-The Errant Charm
I really like Vetiver. This new release proves that he got the goods and now people should start paying some attention.

Image of the Day-"Life Less Ordinary"

Carbon Leaf
Carnegie Music Hall
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Homestead

I was able to catch the tail end of their set and what struck me was the vast differences in style between each tune. Some were rockin', some authentically Celtic, and some very folky stuff happening. They have been a band for almost 20 years and they were super nice dudes to me, which I believe goes such a long way. I would catch them again in a minute.

First/Last-Clyde

Photo courtesy Misty Boyce

Misty Boyce / Nick Africano
Thunderbird Cafe
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Larryville

Misty and Nick are singer-songwriters who have shared the stage many times. They are collaborating on a project they are calling 'Clyde' named for a "deep, quiet shadow of Central Texas between Eula and Abeline on Highway 20" and bringing their show to Pittsburgh this weekend. Also on the bill will be The Wandering Bears from Iowa and local stalwarts Brewer's Row. Misty and Nick were cool enough to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Misty Boyce: The first album I ever bought was a cassette tape...Mariah Carey's debut. I sang every song in the mirror.
Nick Africano: Jimi Hendrix, The Ultimate Experience.

Your last album bought?
Misty: Laura Nyro, "Eli and the Thirteenth Confession".
Nick: Emmylou Harris, Roses in the Snow.

Favorite album of all time?
Misty: Oof... My favorite album of all time TODAY is a tie between Emily Haines and the Soft Skeleton "Knives Don't Have Your Back" and Bon Iver's "For Emma, Forever Ago".
Nick: Sam Cooke and the Soul Stirrers.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Misty: Tori Amos "The Beekeeper".
Nick: John Lee Hooker Jr.'s album,
Blues with a Vengeance was pretty disappointing.

First concert attended?
Misty: That I remember...ZZ Top.
Nick: Bob Dylan when I was 16 in Normal, IL!

Last concert?
Misty: Metric in Philly.
Nick: Haley Bonar at The Mercury Lounge, NYC.

Favorite concert ever?
Misty: Erykah Badu in Cincinnati.
Nick: My first concert ever, the Bob Dylan show in Normal, IL.

Least favorite concert?
Misty: Tori Amos at South by Southwest. Not because of her entirely, but because of all the jerks around me.
Nick: The same concert because it had to end!

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Misty: The little I have experienced of Pittsburgh has all been amazing...welcoming, hip, friendly. I love the band I've shared the stage with there twice now, Brewer's Row. If there are more bands like them in Pittsburgh, I may move there. I love the Waffle House that's run by college students from 11PM to 4AM with the live talk show. I've never seen anything like it.
Nick: Brewer's Row and The Hohman family made Pittsburgh feel like home for us (Misty and me), and I will forever associate the city with their kindness and their passionate, heartfelt tunes!

Thanks so much Misty and Nick. I am with you both 100% in regards to the Hohman family. Awesome people in an awesome band.

Image of the Day-"Lock The Door Christina"

Joe Pug
Club Cafe
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Southside

Second time seeing Joe and the compliment of a couple other musicians was a welcome addition to his folk tunes. It's not that I don't dig solo acoustic, it's just my preference is having a little variety in the set which Joe pulled off perfectly on this night. His solo songs in the near the end of the show contrasted with the other songs to have an even greater impact. I have also never seen a more earnest guy performing than Joe. Really nice to see him getting a following as evidence with the packed house.

Image of the Day-"Heart of the City"

Elvis Costello and the Imposters
Trib Total Media Amphitheatre
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Station Square

I was very much surprised how good this show was. I am embarrassingly not at all familiar with his enormous catalogue but the songs were great and the vaudevillian format was unique and fun. Another review/setlist here. More photos here and here.

Image of the Day-"Hip Shake Heartbreak"

Satin Gum
WYEP Studios
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Southside

I love this band. The quote of the night came from Cindy to Brian, "You trying to look like Chet Vincent?" Brian's deadpan response, "No, Mark Knopfler." Classic. Listen to the set here. More photos here.

Image of the Day-"The Maker"

Black Dub
Diesel
Friday, June 17, 2011
Southside

While it seemed everyone in town was gooned to go see Devo play, I had no intention of missing this band. Why, you might ask? It so happens that Daniel Lanois' debut solo release was the very first CD I ever bought. It's still one of my favorite underrated discs of all time and I wasn't passing up the chance to hear his new group. Turns out they combine his trademark atmospheric arrangements with a little bit of blues rock. I, along with the other old heads in the audience, were definitely digging it.

Image of the Day-"So Far Away"

Social Distortion
Stage AE
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Northshore

The last time I saw Social D was back in 1991 opening for Neil Young. Twenty years later, the band sounded fantastic and way more melodic than I anticipated. Christening the outdoor component of Stage AE, the crowd ate up everything the band delivered, which was solid rock and roll. Another review here.

Summer Saturday Ticket Giveaway # 5 - Cut Copy

Cut Copy
Club Zoo
Monday, July 11, 2011
Strip District

We're going all 'indie' this week with the giveaway. Cut Copy are a synthpop band hailing from Australia. They are supporting their new album 'Zonoscope' and headed to Pittsburgh next month. Opening the show will be none other than local upstarts 1,2,3 Band (who will be featured in this Friday's First/Last segment).
As always, my cool friends at Drusky Entertainment are offering up a pair of passes to the show. This is an all-ages event with doors at 6 p.m. and the music starting at 7. To enter, be the first person to email me at hughshows@comcast.net with the subject line 'Cut Copy' and the name of the person who will bring I.D. to will call the night of the show good for two passes in the message. Being that I am accepting the first entry, I'll say that this contest will run about and hour or so, if that. I will contact that person immediately and announce the winner in the comments of this post and on twitter. Next week starts a new contest and as always, good luck!

First/Last-WYEP Summer Music Festival 2011

14th Annual WYEP Summer Music Festival
Schenley Plaza
Friday, June 24, 2011
Oakland


Tonight's concert features local faves Big Hurry, Jukebox The Ghost, Fitz and the Tantrums and Eli "Paperboy" Reed. The kid's and craft areas have been expanded from previous years and it all starts at 4p.m. with music at 6. Two of the musicians, Tommy from JTG and Eli were cool enough to participate in this special SMF edition of First/Last Friday.

The first album you ever bought?

Tommy Siegel: Beck - "Odelay", on cassette.

Eli “Paperboy” Reed: Travis Tritt - It's All About to Change.

Your last album bought?

Tommy: Ahleuchatistas - "Location Location". They're an instrumental math-rock band that went totally off the deep end on their newest album. Really angular and abrasive and wonderful.

Eli: New Album: Dr. Dog - Shame, Shame. Reissue: Bishop Manning and the Manning Family.

Favorite album of all time?

Tommy: Nearly impossible to say, too many tied for the top. I find it difficult to rank music that I love for very different reasons. Today, I'll say "Emergency & I" by the Dismemberment Plan.

Eli: Changes all the time but probably Sam Cooke - Live at the Harlem Square.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?

Tommy: Hmm....I remember hearing the soundtrack to the 'Alvin and the Chipmunks' remake at my younger cousin's house recently. It had a chipmunk-ified version of the pop hit "Bad Day" and I definitely puked in my mouth a little bit. I've never had a physical reaction to music quite like that, so I'll have to give them the award.

Eli: I wouldn't buy anything that disappointed me.

First concert attended?

Tommy: The Violent Femmes. Best decision I ever made with allowance money as a 12-year-old.

Eli: Pam Tillis.

Last concert?

Tommy: Hop Along, some friends of ours from Philly who played a show in Brooklyn at a DIY space over the weekend. Amazing band. Picture a female-fronted Neutral Milk Hotel.

Eli: Lily & The Parlour Tricks.

Favorite concert ever?

Tommy: Might be stereotypical to say, but seeing Phish at Hampton Coliseum in 1999 totally warped my 13-year-old mind. Things haven't been the same for me ever since.

Eli: Dixie Hummingbirds at a store front church in Roxbury, MA.

Least favorite concert?

Tommy: I have a vague memory of seeing LFO (remember "Summer Girls"?) at a summer festival at some point. Disturbing, to say the least.

Eli: As much as I love him, Ray Charles was a disappointment.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?

Tommy: One of best friends is from Pittsburgh (Trawler), and his family has been kind enough to let us crash at their house every time we've come through. Feels like a home away from home on tour! Also, we have nothing but love for the awesome folks at WYEP.

Eli: First time we played there we were so broke we slept in the van. It was hot and disgusting but the show was good!

Thanks guys. From past experience, I know you'll have a good time tonight.

Image of the Day-"The Persimmon Tree"

The David Wax Museum

Hartwood Acres

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Hampton Township

Opening for Josh Ritter, I heard some SXSW buzz about these guys and was surprised that they had a Mexicali tinge to their roots folk. Not that I'm complaining at all, mind you. Listen for yourself here. They will be back in town for a free show at Schenley Plaza on August 26 to close the summer concert season. Appropriate since they kind of opened it.

Image of the Day-"I'm Losing You"

Neighbours
Carnegie Library Main Branch
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Oakland

I really love these library sets. There's nothing like seeing a band play in unorthodox settings. Really looking forward to their upcoming debut release.

Image of the Day-"You Know What I Mean"

Cults
Brillobox
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Larryville

Another buzz band that's blowing up right in front of our eyes. This show was (surprising for a late Wednesday night) sold out. Now there is a strange phenomena that occurs at shows that I will never be able to wrap my head around. I arrived just as openers Guards where wrapping up and there was a good two foot space between the stage and the audience. As Guards begin to tear down their gear for Cults, the entire audience walk two steps to the lip of the stage. It's the weirdest thing to see and I see it a lot. As for the band, they were good. I think they need some road experience to become a bona fide live band but that will come in time for sure.

Image of the Day-"Sail It Slow"

Guards
Brillobox
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Larryville

Due to a photo shoot earlier in the night, I survived the hell that is Route 28 traffic to arrive at Brillobox to be able to hear exactly 1.5 songs from the band. Not nearly enough to form an honest opinion. I do know one thing, this Brillobox lighting scheme has to go. Now, not only am I complaining as a photographer but as an audience member I couldn't see anything. Seriously, the best photo of the set is of a stuffed bird! What I do know is that my peeps over at Pgh Music Report are fans of this band and their bloggy crush can be found here.

Image of the Day-"(Don't Go Back To) Rockville"

The Baseball Project
Three Rivers Arts Festival
Point State Park
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Downtown

So far this year, I have seen (amazingly to me) around 100 bands play. This show is in hardcore contention to be my favorite of all of them. With a killer opening act to boot, I wasn't expecting too much from a band that almost exclusively plays songs about baseball. I have zero interest in the sport but the band's love for the game is infectious and the tunes are fun, catchy and great, regardless of the subject. I had a shit-eating grin the whole set. R.E.M. bassist Mike Mills was pinch-hitting for an absent Peter Buck and I have to say, the band may have been better for it. He actually can sing where Buck cannot and to have them play the Mills' penned 'Rockville' sealed the deal. Just an awesome time. Another review here. More photos  here.

Image of the Day-"Don't Break The Needle"

J Roddy Walston & The Business
Three Rivers Arts Festival
Point State Park
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Downtown

My man Scott has been pimping these guys large for a few months now, and I finally decided to check out what all his gushing was about. Man, am I so glad I did. These guys came out of the gate smoking and never let up. They sounded really good in the open expanse of the park but I am sure a club setting would be unbelievable for their sound. I won't the mistake again of missing them anytime they roll through town. More photos here.

Image of the Day-"Again Today"

Brandi Carlile
Three Rivers Arts Festival
Point State Park
Friday, June 10, 2011
Downtown

Not an uber fan of hers but I do like that song 'The Story' a lot. My first exposure to here was outside Club Cafe in 2006. I was waiting in line for the sold out matt pond PA/dios malos late show doors when Brandi came out of the club after finishing the early show. She seemed very quiet but nice, I guess. I had no clue who she was till I found out later. Yeah, thrilling tale....More photos here.

Image of the Day-"Take Me To The River"

Tom Tom Club
Three Rivers Arts Festival
Point State Park
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Downtown

Not at all familiar with their stuff but one a the few chances to shoot the festival's concerts this year and I took it. I was surprised at the low turn out for all the shows I saw this year. Regardless, for an offshoot band that's celebrating 30! years, I was highly impressed at the joyous energy coming from that stage. A review here. More photos here and here.

Image of the Day-"You Come To Me"

Nicole Atkins

Stage AE

Friday, May 27, 2011

Northshore

Third time seeing her. I really like her new songs and she and her band are great live. It always amazes me that I seem to be only photog in the PIT during most opening acts? Openers seem to get no love when they definitely should.

Image of the Day-"Bright Lights (Losing Control)"

Rocco DeLuca
Diesel
Friday, June 17, 2011
Southside

I thought I was on time for the show as Rocco was wailing away mid song. I started shooting and he walked off stage. I never seem to get my timing right with Diesel shows. Luckily for me, he was the opener. Unluckily for a woman outside after the show, she missed the whole Black Dub set. Bummer.

Image of the Day-"Landlocked Blues"

Bright Eyes

Stage AE

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Northshore

I like Bright Eyes. I really like the "I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning" release. I like his solo and Mystic Valley Band stuff more than his other albums. O.K. got it? I have found that people who do like Bright Eyes, LOVE Bright Eyes. Case in point, talking to some fans in the front row, I found a girl who waited twelve hours in line to be close to the stage. She was from Australia and flew over for this tour. She was on her 24th show so far! Nice. Another fun fact: Playing keys in this configuration of the band was none other than Laura Burhenn from The Mynabirds, a friend of this blog. More photos  here.

Summer Saturday Ticket Giveaway # 4 - Sloan

Sloan

Rex Theater

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Southside

Sloan are a Canadian indie rock band formed in 1991. They have just released their tenth full length album, The Double Cross, and are stopping by in Pittsburgh this week to promote it. As always, courtesy of my friends at Drusky Entertainment, I have two passes to give away to this all ages show.

To enter, email me at hughshows@comcast.net with the subject line 'Sloan' and the name of the person in the message body who will bring I.D. to the show which will be good for two passes. This week's contest runs until Wednesday, June 22 when the winner will be randomly chosen and contacted. Next Saturday a new contest will be announced. Good luck!

First/Last-Haley Bonar and Daniel Martin Moore

Haley Bonar / Daniel Martin Moore

Club Cafe

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Southside

On Father's Day, two folksy singer songwriters stop in Pittsburgh to perform a co-headlining gig at the intimate Club Cafe. Haley is supporting her new album 'Golder'. Daniel's latest is 'In the Cool of the Day'. They were both cool enough to take some time to participate in this edition of First/Last Fridays.

The first album you ever bought?

Haley Bonar: The Beatles "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band".

Daniel Martin Moore: "Brand New Man" by Brooks & Dunn.

Your last album bought?

Haley: Buffy St. Marie "Sweet America".

Daniel: "Lydia Burrell" by Lydia Burrell.

Favorite album of all time?

Haley: Impossible to answer!

Daniel: Almost certainly a tie between Willie Nelson's, "Redheaded Stranger" and Luiz Bonfa's, "Solo in Rio, 1959" and about 268 other albums that I love with all my heart.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Haley: Not sure- I usually listen to stuff before I buy it!

First concert attended?

Haley: Steve Miller Band in 1995.

Daniel: The Gospel Lads in Elizabethtown, KY – 1988.

Last concert?

Haley: The Cars at First Ave. a few weeks ago.

Daniel: My Morning Jacket at the Palace Theatre in Louisville, KY - May 31, 2011.

Favorite concert ever?

Haley: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

Daniel: Ray Charles at the Kentucky Center in Louisville, KY – 2003.

Least favorite concert?

Haley: Animal Collective.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?

Haley: My grandfather Dunc McCallum used to play for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the late 1960's. My mom and her sisters lived there for a while and loved it very much. I think Pittsburgh is the most unique smaller city on the east coast- love those mountains and the architecture.

Daniel: I love your town, been there 3 times at this point, and each visit has been fun & educational at the same time.  Y’all have great museums & friendly crowds.  And some seriously good coffee (Beehive Coffee House - yes please!).  We can't wait to get back to Pittsburgh.

Thanks to both of you. Club Cafe might be THE best venue in Pittsburgh for your show.

Image of the Day-"How Far We've Come"

 Dawes

Stage AE

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Northshore

 I really like this band. They were great last year at Hartwood and sounded just as good playing new material supporting Bright Eyes on this night. This is the kind of band that has legs for a long career. The guys are cool as hell in person so it will be nice to see them 'blow-up'. Earlier in the afternoon they played a studio session at WYEP which you can listen to here.

First/Last-Nick 13

Nick 13

Mr. Smalls's Funhouse

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Millvale

Nick 13 is the the guitarist/vocalist/songwriter for the band Tiger Army. His music has been described as "punk americana". Last week he dropped his debut solo album. He is touring to support it and stops in Pittsburgh on Sunday. He was nice enough to participate in this latest edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?

It was either Seven and the Ragged Tiger by Duran Duran or Shout At The Devil by Mötley Crüe, they were very close together. Probably says something about my eclectic tastes.

Your last album bought?
Sigh No More by Mumford & Sons, I haven't heard it yet.

Favorite album of all time?

Tough one, especially since a lot of my favorite music is pre-60s when the album became the standard format for music. I don't consider later collections of music from those decades to be "real" albums. Anyway, I don't think I could pick just one, I probably couldn't even pick one per genre.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
I've probably blocked it from my mind. It's such a drag when you wait for an album and it just doesn't have any songs. I tend to take a long time between making records, but I want to make sure there's something there.

First concert attended?
The Replacements on the "Don't Tell a Soul" tour.

Last concert?
Merle Haggard at The Grove of Anaheim in Anaheim, CA.

Favorite concert ever?
Probably my first punk show, The Ramones. It was right before Dee Dee left the band.

Least favorite concert?
Any concert where the artist isn't giving 100% for reasons other than medical, vocal, or not being able to hear themselves onstage.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?

I always remember the shows Tiger Army played at Club Laga, first with Dropkick Murphys, then later with The Damned. Both times the crowd was incredibly good. We had a fun show at Mr. Small's on the "Dark Romance" tour in '05, I'm looking to returning there solo!

Thanks Nick. R.I.P. Club Laga. Many Pittsburgh music fans share your fondness for that place.

Image of the Day-"I Used To Be A King"

Crosby & Nash

Carnegie Music Hall

Friday, April 29, 2011

Munhall

Anyone who gets weened on classic rock, usually gets to CSNY at some point. I wasn't any exception and have seen these guys in one configure or another many times over the years. Maybe my tastes have changed too drastically but even though they sounded really good, I was kind of put off by the whole, "We are hippies who fought the good fight and are still around to tell about it" stance they are imprisoned by. I was done early on when Graham introduced the second song by saying, "I wrote this for Joni". Ugh...people payed $75 for this shtick? I guess since the place was sold out. Another perspective here.

Image of the Day-"The Curse"

  

Josh Ritter

Hartwood Acres

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Hampton Township

 This was my third Ritter gig and probably my favorite. Not only do you get a beautiful night to kick off the outdoor free concert season but he and his band sounded great. Things weren't looking so good early on. The PA wasn't working to start the set and Josh came out and performed a delicate acoustic tune solo to soundcheck which sounded good from the lip of the stage but was inaudible to the thousands on the lawn. After about a twenty minute delay the technical hiccup was resolved and the concert was saved. I am sure he made many a new fan at Hartwood.

First/Last-Joseph Stocker of Son of the Sun

Son of the Sun

The Smiling Moose

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Southside

This band from Buffalo are playing the Moose this week previewing material from their July 26th EP release, Almost Not There. Guitarist/Keyboardist Joseph Stocker was cool enough to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
When I was 9 years old the first Album I ever sought out ( I actually stole it from my dads car stereo) was The Black Crowes "Shake Your Money Maker" but as far as walking in to a record store with my own money...when I was about 12 I bought Snoop Dogg "Doggy Style" on cassette tape.

Your last album bought?
Roxy Music "Country Life"...their whole catalog has been in heavy rotation for me lately.

Favorite album of all time?
Bob Dylan "Highway 61 ", "The Velvet Underground & Nico", King Krimson "In The Court of The Crimson King...I could keep going. I could never pick just one.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Spinal Tap " Shark Sandwich".

First concert attended?
I saw Bush w/ Veruca Salt in 1996!

Last concert?
The Kills about a month ago...AMAZING SHOW!

Favorite concert ever?
King Khan and The Shrines,  Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Flaming Lips...All for different reasons.

Least favorite concert?
Can’t really think of one...I’ve tried to keep all the positives in my memory bank.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I’ve always had a great time partying in Pittsburgh. Great food and bars as well....It’s very similar to Buffalo in a lot of ways. Were excited to come down and play in the city proper.

Thanks Joseph. I haven't been to Buffalo in ages. Have to get back there to check out the Albright-Knox.

Summer Saturday Ticket Giveaway # 3- Ribs on the River 2011

Ribs on the River 3

Ace Frehley-Friday June 17

Kenny Wayne Shepherd-Saturday June 18

Leon Russell-Sunday June 19

Trib Total Media Amphitheatre

 Station Square

This week's contest is a hat trick of sorts. The third annual Ribs on the River festival at Station Square features three nights of music and food that has quickly become a popular fan favorite in Pittsburgh. Along with the above mentioned headliners, there are scores of Pittsburgh bands playing as well. 

 Here's a partial schedule:

Friday-Doors 4:30/Show 5:30

Support: TEN (Pearl Jam Tribute), Bishop Clay, Mercury, Skell, Sacred Dominion, Flyght

Saturday-Doors 2:00/Show 3:00

Support: Good Brother Earl, Jill West and Blues Attack, The Hawkeyes, Jimbo and the Soupbones. Mahajibee Blues, Nancy McKeen Bluz Machine, Slingshot Genius, Music From Another Room, Crossing Boundaries, Harmon Creek, These Three Words

Sunday-Doors 12:00/Show 1:00

Support: 28 North, East Coast Turnaround, Voodoo Babies, Johnnie Greco Band, Pete Bush & the Hoi Polloi, Nik Westman & The Central Plains, Stone Broke Band, Chet Vincent and the Big Bend, The Beagle Brothers, Bailey Park, Gypsy and his Band of Ghosts, Jamie Bruno Band

 

Courtesy of Drusky Entertainment, I have a pair of passes for each night. To enter, just email me at hughshows@comcast.net. In the subject line, specify which artist and night you want to attend. Can't decide? No problem. Enter for one, two, or all three nights. In the message, please include the name of the person who will bring I.D. to will call the night of the show which will be good for two passes. Unfortunately, parking and ribs are not included. This contest runs until Thursday, June 16 when the winners will be randomly chosen and contacted. Next Saturday a new ticket giveaway begins. As always, thanks for reading the blog and entering. Good luck!