Pittsburgh Music Friday, July 29, 2011

Summer Saturday Ticket Giveaway # 10 - Stone Temple Pilots

Stone Temple Pilots
Trib Total Media Amphitheatre
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Station Square

STP wrote on of my favorite songs of the '90's in 'Interstate Love Song'. I am fairly certain they will be playing it in Pittsburgh and you could see it too. Courtesy of Drusky Entertainment I have a pair of tickets to the show to give away this week. To enter, email me at hughshows@comcast.net with the subject line 'Stone Temple Pilots'. In the message, supply the name of the person who will bring I.D. to will call the night of the all ages show which will be good for two passes. Unfortunately, parking is not included. This contest will run until Friday, August 5th when the winner will be randomly chosen and contacted.

Next Saturday, August 6th starts a new giveaway and to give you a heads up, it will be a first entry wins contest. The last one was over in under twenty minutes and I usually post around noon so there's a little edge for you. As always, good luck!

First/Last-The Chad Sipes Stereo

The Chad Sipes Stereo
Less Than or Equal To CD Release Show
Thunderbird Cafe
Friday, July 29, 2011
Larryville

Tonight is the big release show for Chad and the boys at the T'Bird. I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy last week and have been jamming it ever since. This is going to be a blast especially with Triggers supporting. There are articles here and here about the gig (with cool photos to boot!) The band was nice enough to participate in this 'CD Release' edition of First/Last Friday.

The first album you ever bought?
Chad Sipes: Peter Gabriel's SO. On cassette.
Erik Cirelli: The first album that anyone bought for me was Kiss Alive II. The first record that I actually bought on my own was probably “Blizzard of Ozz” or “Back in Black”, although there is a slight chance that it was the "Another One Rides The Bus/Gotta Boogie" 45 by Weird Al Yankovic.
Jon Miller: Don Henley's "The End of the Innocence". My aunt turned me on to The Eagles when I was a young kid and my mom wouldn't let me buy Gun's and Roses.
Paul Smith: "Eat 'em and Smile" by David Lee Roth. This was definitely because of the cover of the album.

Your last album bought?
Chad: “The Suburbs” by Arcade Fire. I was a little late on this one. I liked the first two records but this is their strongest release. A lot of people are obsessed with them. I am not, but I am obsessed with Springsteen and I hear a lot of Bruce in Win Butler's songwriting.
Erik: Nathan Hall + David Bernabo.
Jon: Bright Eyes' "The People's Key". I really enjoy the atmosphere created by the spoken word interludes of Denny Brewer.
Paul: "Remain in Light" by Talking Heads.

Favorite album of all time?
Chad: “Fables of the Reconstruction” by R.E.M.. Or is it “Document”?
Erik: It would be a tie between “Mercury” and “Everclear” by American Music Club. ”London Calling” would be a close second. “Astral Weeks”, “Tim” by The Replacements, “Rock and Roll” by The Cynics, “Gentleman” by Afghan Whigs, all would be right up there. “In a Silent Way” or “Kind of Blue” by Miles. Maybe “Reckoning” by R.E.M because I have to pick one from them. “I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight” by Richard and Linda Thompson. “Bone Machine” by Tom Waits. “If I Should Fall From Grace With God” by The Pogues is a great album except for the songs that Shane doesn't sing.
Jon: “OK Computer”.
Paul: Probably "Kind of Blue" by Miles Davis. Maybe it's cliche to say, but it really is a perfect record.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Chad: “Autumn of the Seraphs” by Pinback.
Erik: Bon Iver's debut record. I hate it. I don't get the appeal at all. Also I am not a big Neil Young fan. I like his guitar playing alright but most of his songs do nothing for me. I get so sick of hearing about him. I'm sure he is really concerned about what I think, too.
Jon: I really tried to get into Ben Kweller's latest album “Changing Horses”, I'm a big fan of B.K. I guess I was just let down by this one.
Paul: "Beginning and end, interwoven" by Keiji Haino. It was an impulse buy while shopping at Paul's CD's with Chad. I wish I had that impulse back.

First concert attended?
Chad: The Cure at Starlake. 'Friday I'm in Love' tour. 7th grade.
Erik: Ozzy Osbourne and Motley Crue at the Civic Arena.
Jon: There was this bagel shop that use to host music, the bands were Focal Point, Pensive, and Seasons in the Field.
Paul: King's X at Metropol. I think it was 1991.

Last concert?
Chad: Clutch at I.C. Light Amphitheater (or whatever it's called this week). Clutch is one of my favorite bands. They are bluesy and sludgy like Black Sabbath. They also jam a little bit which I usually hate but these guys are good. It's a shame they had to open for Black Label Society, because those guys are lame. The crowd was a bunch of muscle dudes and deer hunters and then me and my sister.
Erik: Young Antiques and John Bechtol at Club Cafe.
Jon: I had the pleasure of seeing The StereoFidelics for the second time last Thursday. They are this blues/rock duo from Asheville, North Carolina. They are nothing short of incredible.
Paul: ATS at Murphy's Pub on July 9.

Favorite concert ever?
Chad: Drive by Truckers CD Release party for "Dirty South" Album. 40 Watt Club, Athens, Ga. Saw Modest Mouse the very next night at the same club.
Erik: American Music Club at the Warhol with Lohio opening the show. For me, that was like opening for The Beatles. A show that really blew my mind in the past year was Friction Brothers at Garfield Artworks.
Jon: At the Drive-in and The Rhythm of Black Lines - Club Laga August 2000.
Paul: Radiohead at Blossom Music Center during the "Amnesiac" tour.

Least favorite concert?
Chad: Meat Puppets opening for Primus at the Beaver Dome.
Erik: Twisted Sister. I know it is hard to imagine, but they were terrible. Dio, who they opened for, just killed it.
Jon: The Hymns at The Red and The Black.
Paul: Tool at Mellon Arena. I was scared and left halfway through. I can't explain it, but I just had this really weird feeling when they started playing, and it just intensified...

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Chad: Born here, bought my house here, gonna die here.
Erik: Meeting my wife Emily in Pittsburgh.
Jon: Pizza Sola is the saving grace of the city.
Paul: I've lived in Pittsburgh my whole life, and when you're from here, there's a tendency to think that the town is so small, and you recognize everyone, and nothing new happens. However, I've definitely noticed in the last few years that Pittsburgh seems bigger. There's more stuff to do, more people. It's really cool to see it happen, and to be a part of the music scene here.

Chad adds:

Favorite local releases of all-time:

Chad: 5. SodaJerk-“Can't put You Down” (before I joined the band).
4. Ritual Space Travel Agency – “Volume 1”.
3. Karl Hendricks Trio- “Songs about Misery and Women”.
2. The Cynics- “Rock n' Roll”.
1. Vale and Year- “Create a Perfect History”

Honorable Mention: The brand new Horse or Cycle Record. Wow, you gotta hear this.

Thanks so much fellas. I love the new songs and I am really looking forward to hearing them live tonight.

Image of the Day-"Bad"

U2
Heinz Field
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Northshore

As a cynic of impersonal, huge, stadium rock shows, I have to admit that this concert was great. With the whole 360° concept, there were very few bad seats in the house. The few that were where the sound was iffy (nestled under the upper decks) allowed you to meander to a better place to enjoy the concert. Heck, even outside it sounded amazing where I saw many people chilling during the show. I wasn't able to catch Interpol due to getting checked in and all but that wasn't a big deal to me since I probably couldn't name one song of theirs. I have seen U2 many times over the years and they do put on a good show. The whole we're from Ireland schtick gets thin after the seemingly umpteenth time Bono mentions it throughout the gig but dude got pipes. And to me that's what it all about. Oh, and the truly incredible stage setup they used. Almost as impressive as the Roger Waters Wall show...almost. I really couldn't think of them putting on a better show. Well, they could have played One Tree Hill...and All I Want Is You...or Surrender...ooh, and Wire would have been boss. More photos here.

Image of the Day-"Don't Blame The Stars"

Jerry DeCicca
Misra Living Room Tour
Thursday July, 21, 2011
Garfield

Misra Records just might be my favorite label. With bands like Centromatic, Hallelujah The Hills, Great Lake Swimmers, Slow Dazzle and Shearwater amongst it's roster of current and former musicians, it's hard to argue the statement. My friend Timothy Bracy could be the best songwriter in America. Formerly of The Mendoza Line, his new band Collection Agency is also on Misra and this cool little tour was hitting Washington D.C. the night after this show with his band on the bill. No one will ever realize how hard it was for me not to be there. Fortunately, I was able to be introduced to Jerry and his music. His band The Black Swans tours regularly and would love a future visit to Pittsburgh.

Image of the Day-"This Town"

Adam Remnant
Misra Living Room Tour
Thursday July, 21, 2011
Garfield

I have been a fan of Southeast Engine for several years now. Adam's tunes translate perfectly to the solo format. There is a heartbreak in his voice that is tailor made for acoustic. He is returning to Pittsburgh with the band in tow on Wednesday, September 14 to Club Cafe with the up and coming These United States. A couple more photos here.

Image of the Day-"This Town"

Emily Rodgers
Misra Living Room Tour
Thursday July, 21, 2011
Garfield

This was my first house show. With a totally chill vibe (read-pin drop quiet) I had to be sensitive with taking photos. Nobody wants some dude killing the intimate atmosphere with shutter clicks all night. A big thanks and shout out to Raymond from Pairdown for hosting the gig. Also, Emily has a full band gig on Thursday July 28 at the T'bird, which is tomorrow. Nothing against her awesome band but her tunes sounded amazing solo.

Image of the Day-"Do You Ever Think Of Me?"

The Paperhead
The Shop
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Bloomfield

I recently gushed about these guys and was thrilled to discover they were coming to town. Their live sound wasn't as polished as their recorded stuff but just as great nonetheless. It's a shame that only a handful of people were there to see them. Throw in the sweet Budai poster for the gig and this is a definite contender for show of the year.

Image of the Day-"Summer Nights"

D.Watusi
The Shop
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Bloomfield

A bunch of snot nosed punks from Nashville that probably aren't old enough to buy beer but are touring the East Coast this summer tearing up rooms as they go. It's amazing to me where you can find great music these days.

Image of the Day-"Dark Black"

The Modulated Tones
The Shop
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Bloomfield

These two are raw, young and have an exciting vibe going on. I love seeing confident bands not paying attention to anything else and seemingly taking on the world. Check out more of them here.

Image of the Day-"DIY"

Holy Daze
The Shop
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Bloomfield

It's hard to imagine that as I write this, I will be shooting U2 at Heinz Field later on in the evening. Declared THE highest grossing concert tour in music history, I can't think of a more different show than this one I saw last week. Three of the bands on the bill I had never heard of and this particular group seems to have almost no internet presence whatsoever. That's not taking anything away from this band at all. Nothing thrills me more than to see a bunch of musicians pouring their heart out in a room with a few people there to witness it. In other words, U2 who?

Image of the Day-U2 360°

U2
360° Tour Preview
Heinz Field
Monday, July 25, 2011
Northshore

I was lucky enough to be able to get a sneak preview of the concert tomorrow. This show is going to be huge. The shear scale of the production is mind boggling. I will be covering it so stay tuned. It's amazing that the first time the band played Pittsburgh they were at the old Decade in Oakland.

Between the Lines-Led Zeppelin

Whole Lotta Led Zeppelin:The Illustrated History of the Heaviest Band of All Time
Jon Bream
Voyageur Press
2010

As described in the title, this is the illustrated history of the band. Knowing that going in I was expecting lots of photos but was surprised at the massive literary content to go along with the visuals. Not only are there vintage commentary from the band members themselves but current recollections from rock music royalty including Joe Perry, Ray Davies, Ian Hunter, Steve Earle and Ann & Nancy Wilson. Also included are album synopsis', tour dates, and band history. Extensively covering the band's inception in the sixties all the way to the London reunion show of 2007 this edition is beautifully presented with tons of memorabilia such as posters, handbills, obscure bootleg covers, backstage passes and live photos. Bottom line, this is an essential addition to any fan's collection. I was really overwhelmed how great this book turned out to be.

Summer Saturday Ticket Giveaway # 9 - Kid Cudi

Kid Cudi
Trib Total Media Amphitheatre
Monday, August 1, 2011
Station Square

Kid Cudi is stopping in Pittsburgh and courtesy of Drusky Entertainment I have a pair of tickets to the show to give away this week. To enter, email me at hughshows@comcast.net with the subject line 'Kid Cudi'. In the message, supply the name of the person who will bring I.D. to will call the night of the all ages show which will be good for two passes. Unfortunately, parking is not included. This contest will run until Friday, July 29 when the winner will be randomly chosen and contacted. Next Saturday, July 30th starts a new contest and as always, good luck!

First/Last-Jean-Paul Gaster of Clutch

Clutch
Stage AE
Friday, July 22, 2011
Northshore

Clutch are a rock band from Maryland that have been making and releasing music since 1990. Described as 'the ultimate jam band' due to their widely varying styles from album to album, they are playing Pittsburgh tonight and their drummer Jean-Paul was cool enough to participate in today's edition of First/Last Friday.

The first album you ever bought?
Probably The Police Synchronicity.

Your last album bought?
I just re-bought Miles Davis Live Evil and Pink Floyd's Animals. The versions I had on my iPod were all crackly from having taken the original CDs on tour.

Favorite album of all time?
John Coltrane’s Love Supreme or Black Sabbath’s Sabbath Bloody Sabbath.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
The albums I do not enjoy are the first ones I forget. Not Applicable.

First concert attended?
First concert was at the Capital Center in Largo Maryland. I saw ZZ Top on the Afterburner tour in 1986.

Last concert?
The last concert I attended was Gregg Allman in Victoria Spain.

Favorite concert ever?
Bad Brains at the original 9:30 club in 1989. That was church. I also just saw Kyuss Lives! last week. They were damn good too.

Least favorite concert?
Maybe seeing Scream and Nation of Ulysses at the 9:30 club. The show was great but I had to leave early because of some kind of food poisoning. That will ruin any gig.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh has great sandwiches and people like to Rock n Roll. That’s a great town.

Thanks Jean-Paul. It's funny how many people saw that the worst concert they ever remember was due to being sick at it. Never happened to me yet...yet.

Image of the Day-"Can't Let Go"

Lucinda Williams
Stage AE
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Northshore

Weird photo restrictions for this show. I wasn't allowed to be in the PIT for whatever reason. I am thinking that Lucinda's peeps didn't want us blocking the view of the fans in the front rows for the first three songs. Well, if you look at the photos, there is no way the two of us that showed up would even begin to obstruct anyone's view close to the stage. Instead we had to shoot from the side, which had us standing in front of the fans in the peripheral sections!?!? Yeah, that makes sense. No worries, it's all good. Another review here. More photos here and here.

Image of the Day-"Eid Ma Clack Shaw"

Bill Callahan
Carnegie Museum of Art Sculpture Garden
Friday, July 8, 2011
Oakland

This show got some rave reviews in the local music press. Read the love here (thanks for the kind words Brendan!) and here. I cannot help but think that what made this show such a success was the actual venue. It just goes to show that where a band plays is key. On another note, the photo restrictions from Callahan's tour manager was kind of odd. Instead of the usual first three songs, I was asked to shoot songs 4-6. Being the pro that I am, I was cool with that, even though I could have been a jerk and easily ignored the request. Those days are way behind me.

Image of the Day-"A Corner In The Shade"

Hidden Ritual
Carnegie Museum of Art Sculpture Garden
Friday, July 8, 2011
Oakland

A rock trio haling from Austin, these guys came on stage, played a perfunctory set and quickly packed up and left. I don't recall them saying anything the whole time. Not to say that weren't good, which they were.

Image of the Day-"Clutching Stems"

The Ladybug Transistor
Carnegie Museum of Art Sculpture Garden
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Oakland

I really loved this set. It was incredibly laid back and they sounded so good. The band seemed to be having so much fun which is nice to see once in awhile. A bonus was having former band members and Pittsburgh residents Jennifer and Jeff Baron join them for a few tunes. More photos here.

Image of the Day-"Touchez Moi"

Joy Tojours and the Toys Du Jour
Carnegie Museum of Art Sculpture Garden
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Oakland

This show began an exciting collaboration between two of the Carnegie Museums in Pittsburgh. The Warhol and Museum of Art teamed up to bring 'indie' music to a new performance space that turned out to be just exactly perfect. I couldn't find one negative aspect about seeing a show in the Sculpture Garden. It was roomy, relaxed, and most importantly, sounded great. Plans are to continue these shows next summer which I am definitely all for. Joy and the gals had the unique distinction to kick things off. More photos here.

First/Last-Casey Shea

Photo courtesy Nicole Polec

Casey Shea
Garfield Artworks
Sunday, July 15, 2011
Larryville

Mr. Smalls Funhouse
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Millvalle

UPDATE: His show at Garfield Artworks has unfortunately been cancelled. He is also not going to be playing the Tally Hall gig either. Hopefully, a fall date in Pittsburgh will be announced.

Hailing from New York, Casey Shea has the unique distinction to be the only musician that has ever been streamed from my MySpace page. Back in 2006, before the sites demise(?), I stumbled upon this little song that has rocked my world ever since. Lartigue, the lead track off his debut Take The Bite, is one of those tunes that for some reason or another, has embedded itself into my musical DNA. He has since released another album, 2010's Love Is Here To Stay and is working on releasing new music by the end of the year. I never had the chance to see Casey play before and I am gassed that he is coming to Pittsburgh this weekend for a show. As a bonus, he is scheduled to open the Tally Hall/April Smith gig at Smalls next month on the 20th. Casey was nice enough to take a few minutes and participate in this edition of First/Last Fridays.

The first album you ever bought?
I got most of my albums when I was young from my older sister, so I never really went out shopping for much. I just sifted through her collection for most everything.
I'm not sure which came first, "Please Hammer Don't Hurt ‘Em," or the Vanilla Ice album, but I recall going out with my mom and buying those. I think they were probably the first that were ever purchased that was not part of my sister's existing collection.


Your last album bought?
So many albums I've acquired in the past 5-10 years have been given to me or downloaded illegally. I think the last thing I actually purchased online was the last The Killers album "Day and Age." It was on sale for $3.99 which I think is a fair price for an album of mp3s. I think it's a good album too!
On a side note, I buy a lot of old albums on vinyl. There's a great store a few blocks away that sells stuff for $1-3. And then just stuff off the street for around the same price. I think the last trip I picked up U2's "The Joshua Tree," The Who's "Quadrophenia," and "Fear" by John Cale all for under $10. Now that's a deal.


Favorite album of all time?
This is a tough one. It has to be a toss up between Dark Side Of The Moon, Abbey Road, or Revolver all for different reasons. There's really no way for me to pick one of these over the others. I think as a cohesive piece of art, Dark Side will never be outdone. Revolver is just a collection of some of the greatest songwriting EVER. And Abbey Road is sort of a mix of those two.


Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Hmmm, there are really so many. I mean some of my favorite bands/songwriters in the world have some really horrendous albums. But generally that is listening to albums that came out before I was born. As for albums that came out while I was alive and while I was really into a particular artist. Dave Matthews' "Everyday" comes to mind. And I know everyone thinks it's a masterpiece, but I think Kid A sucks.


First concert attended?
When I was about 8 years old, Jimmy Buffet was playing at some sort of dinner event my parents were attending. After the first song or two, I crawled under the table and went to sleep for the rest of it. I think the first concert I went to where I stayed awake the whole time was New Kids On The Block. Oh well.....


Last concert?
Aside from seeing local bands here in New York, the last concert I went to was Prince at The Meadowlands. Words can not describe how amazing he is.


Favorite concert ever?
The concert that really changed my life was Paul McCartney at The Superdome in New Orleans. I was 12 and didn't know too much about The Beatles. After that, it was sort of like the point in The Wizard Of Oz when everything turns to color. I literally listened to nothing else for about 5 years.
As an adult, two stick out in my mind. First is Phish at Big Cypress....the big millennium show. It was a big festival that lasted three days on an Indian Reservation in South Florida...something like 85,000 people there. The final set, they played from midnight to sunrise. It was an incredible way to bring in the year 2000.
On a more intimate note is Ryan Adams at Bowery Ballroom. It was some sort of last minute show, and I got up in about the 2nd row. It was just really cool to get up close to one of my favorite modern day songwriters at my favorite venue in NYC.


Least favorite concert?
Aside from every concert I play....I guess I'd have to say The Sleepy Jackson at Bowery Ballroom. Kills me to say it, cause they are one of my favorite bands ever. But I think it was an off night, and it just wasn't as good as I'd hoped it would be.


Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I played in Pittsburgh filling in with Tally Hall last Spring at Mr. Smalls. Definitely one of my favorite venues I've ever had the pleasure of playing. Just a beautiful place, and the people were really nice and accommodating! Other than that...GO STEELERS!!

Thanks a lot Casey. Seriously looking forward to finally meeting you buddy!

Summer Saturday Ticket Giveaway # 8 - Meat Loaf/Hinder/Fastball/Martina McBride

Meatloaf-Trib Total Media Ampitheatre
Hinder-Carnegie Library Music Hall of Homestead
Fastball-Hard Rock Cafe
Thursday, July 28, 2011

Martina McBride-Trib Total Media Ampitheatre
Friday July 29, 2011

We are changing it up for this week's contest. Whether your musical tastes are classic rock, pop, hard rock or country, there is a choice for you in this giveaway. One lucky winner will win a pair of passes to one of the concerts listed above courtesy of Drusky Entertainment. In the subject line enter the name of the concert you would like to see. These shows are all-ages events except for the Fastball concert which is over 21. In the message, supply the name of the person who will bring I.D. to will call the night of the show good for two passes. Unfortunately, parking is not included for the three Station Square shows (on street parking for Hinder). This contest will run until Friday, July 22 when the winner will be randomly chosen and contacted. Next Saturday starts a new contest. Good luck!

Summer Saturday Ticket Giveaway # 7 - Wiz Khalifa

Wiz Khalifa
Trib Total Media Amphitheater
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Station Square

Easily the biggest breakout star to out of Pittsburgh within the last few years, Wiz is returning home to wrap up his immensely successful 'Rolling Papers' national tour. No matter how you look at it, this will be a fun concert.
As always, thanks to Drusky Entertainment, I have two tickets for the all-ages event to give away. To enter, email me at hughshows@comcast.net with the subject line 'Wiz Khalifa'. In the message, supply 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 'loud') is not included. This contest will run until Friday, July 22. That's a two week window to enter, when the winner will be randomly chosen and contacted. Next Saturday, July 16 starts a new contest and as always, good luck!

First/Last-Jason Baldinger (House of Assassins)

Band photo courtesy Cathy

House of Assassins
Carnegie Library Main Branch
Sunday, July10, 2011
Oakland

These guys are a "psychedelic-country" band who wear there Pittsburgh pride proudly on their sleeve. They say they sound like 'Yinzer Bukowski' so what else needs to be said, right? They are playing the quiet room of the main library this Sunday at 2p.m. and I encourage you to stop by as I love these intimate gigs. This will be their only public appearance this summer and the band is working on releasing some music in the fall. Guitarist/vocalist Jason was nice enough to participate in this 'acidtwang' edition of First/Last Fridays.

The first album you ever bought?
Bon Jovi ‘New Jersey’, I was twelve, it was a cassette and I bought it at a mall.

Your last album bought?
Albert Ayler ‘Spirits’ and ‘Swing Low Sweet Spiritual’ LP reissues. There is nothing that sounds like Ayler, I can't even begin to tell you what his records mean to me.

Favorite album of all time?
Van Morrison ‘Astral Weeks’. I can listen to this record anytime any place and even multiple times in a day and never get tired of it.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
This is tough one. There are so many bad albums over the course of the years I don't think I could pick just one.

First concert attended?
Lollapolooza,1994. The Flaming Lips were great. I got kicked in the head by Yamakata Eye, and I still don't know why Nick Cave played at 5 in the afternoon.

Last concert?
I think it was the Weird Paul Rock Band's 99 cent Variety Show a couple weeks ago at Howler's. A comical drunk evening is had by all.

Favorite concert ever?
ICP Orchestra at Pitt Public Health Auditorium. German free jazz show that happened sometime in the 90's, it stands out because their drummer was smoking a joint and pretending he was a bird running along 5th Avenue.

Least favorite concert?
After Snowpocalypse, my other band The Skirt Tasters was supposed to play at Garfield Artworks with Pj Bond. No one showed, even if you did show there was no place to park, so we stood around for two hours before canceling the show. I have others but it might be indiscreet to pass them along.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I co-produce WRCT: A Live Show, which airs local live bands Thursday nights on WRCT (not during the summer). I've been doing that show for 8 years now so I've had the opportunity to see and hear a lot of bands over that course of time. It's always a little odd to me how tied together this music scene is, but at the same time there is, for the most part, such a camaraderie within it. That camaraderie and cheap it is to live in this city, really brings about a robust arts culture. Its what I love most about Pittsburgh.



Thanks Jason. I am totally into the sound you guys have. Speaking of 'Astral Weeks', I love this story from Peter Wolf.

Image of the Day-"Loud Mouths"

Wise Blood

Liquid Sundays

J. Verno Studios

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Southside

This is the infamous gig were WB gets the plug pulled on him. Exactly why is still kinda hazy. Drinking on stage, cussing and throwing furniture? I can verify the drinking/swearing part. I did see him gingerly upturn a chair. My view is that they had free beer there and bad words are in his music. I am not taking sides at all because I dig the people who run the event, it just seems weird that's all. I am sure there was another reason, I dunno. Of all people, he seemed the most shocked to be getting the yank. He was genuinely happy to be playing there. I was actually enjoying his set. Super nice guy as well. Oh well. Some video love here. More photos here.

Image of the Day-"The Trench"

Chuck Ragan
Stage AE
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Northshore

Anyone who is at all familiar with my work or who has seen me shooting a show knows that I am a 'stage hugger'. I feel I have to get up in the musicians grill to get the shot. Sometimes restrictions won't allow me to get close but usually I am there as inconspicuously as possible. So it was weird not opting to go up during Chuck's set even though I could have. Maybe it was soaking up the inaugural night of the outdoor venue? I don't know. To me there is a flatness to shooting from the crowd and well, you the viewer be the judge. As for the performance, he had this raw, 'Poguesh' vibe going that, while good, went on about 15 minutes too long.