HughShows: August 2016

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

First/Last - Come Holy Spirit

"The project of Gina Favano with Sam Pace (Gangwish) and Aaron Lindberg (Lungs Face Feet) backing her up. Polyrhythms and semitones bring a non-Western feel to much of this release; Favano's singing often rests between incantation and spiritual. The first several tracks are moody and unresolved, but they give way in the end to the more free-and-easy "Too Many Damn Sticks" and the exuberant "Grand Island." Shades of David Byrne, only less reserved, or maybe art-pop minus most of the pop." - Andy Mulkerin / Pittsburgh City Paper

Come Holy Spirit is a bombastic psyche folk trio from Pittsburgh who will leave you breathless and wanting much more after you see them kill any stage they perform on. I was lucky enough to catch them for the first time at Ladyfest Pittsburgh, and wow, did they bowl me over. Their sophomore full-length release Grand Island came out last Spring and do yourself a favor and try your best to see them live. I want to thank Gina Favano (Bass/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Michael Jackson's Thriller LP.

Your last album bought?
Well, technically the new Come Holy Spirit, since we funded it ourselves, ha!

Favorite album of all time?
Too, too many to mention. The first one that leaps to mind is 1980's Roky Erickson and the Aliens. It's kick ass start to finish and it does an incredible job of transforming Roky's experience in the mental hospital into timeless rock and roll. That transmogrification, that's one of my favorite aspects about music and one of the hardest to pull off.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Anything by Steely Dan. I'll never understand the torch Pittsburgh carries.

First concert attended?
Bowser-era Sha Na Na at the Golden Nugget in Atlantic City. I went with my grandfather and drank virgin strawberry daiquiris all night.

Last concert?
We just got back from tour so I heard live music every night for the past two weeks. I'm going to say G.W. Sok and Action Beat - we were one of the opening bands, but I for sure would have been there anyway. Big fan.

Favorite concert ever?
I've gotten to see some amazing shows - one of the best lineups had to have been the Sun Ra Arkestra and Sonic Youth in Central Park - 1992, I think?

Least favorite concert?
Maybe that same year someone gave me a free ticket to go see Bob Dylan - it was pretty terrible, tons of people on stage and everyone just wanking off.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Stairs that have street names, the confluence, turkeys in my yard. It’s a nice place to live.

Thanks, Gina. Really, I so loved your set at Ladyfest. It was a special surprise to me and when that happens, it totally reaffirms my desire to go out and continue to see live music.

Monday, August 29, 2016

First/Last - Dori Cameron

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"Dori Cameron is a singer-songwriter who is native to Pittsburgh, PA and now lives in Boston, MA. For years, her instrument was a pen, but she has finally fused her love for writing and singing into songwriting. Her carefully-crafted lyrics and strong voice often capture difficult, yet universal themes that any audience can relate to. Her expression of emotions such as guilt, longing, and hope are not just accepted, but embraced. She uses vivid imagery to tell stories and ask questions that we’ve all asked ourselves. Her songs create a space for conversation to those who are willing to express themselves as well."

Dori Cameron is an Pittsburgh based (via Boston) singer-songwriter who is an emerging force in the scene using her talents and enthusiasm to foster an already strong and growing musical community. You can frequently catch her play out all over town and there are two chances within the next couple weeks. First on Wednesday November 2, she joins the bill at The Funhouse at Mr. Smalls for a prerelease show from Apres Pompeii. Two days later on Friday, November 4, she will be part of the Songwriters Circle CD Release at Pittsburgh Center for the Arts. I want to thank her for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Probably Guns and Roses Appetite for Destruction. I has a serious crush on Axl Rose back when I was growing up... that voice! That hair!

Your last album bought?
Sleater Kinney's The Woods on vinyl. I love singing along, such powerful vocals... I also have NOFX's First Ditch Effort on preorder.

Favorite album of all time?
This is a tough one, but if I could only pick one... it has to be Float by Flogging Molly. They are my all-time favorite band, and this album simply does it for me, musically and lyrically. Close runner up is The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me by Brand New.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
I'd have to say my Saves the Day Through Being Cool album... it was "digitally remastered" and the songs are a few seconds too fast on the vinyl, and it drives me crazy. Otherwise, it would be one of my favorites.

First concert attended?
Boyz II Men at the Star Lake Amphitheater, back in the day (to say the least)!

Last concert?
Last concert was The Lopez! They really went all out in their performance too...rocked it out!

Favorite concert ever?
Hands-down, without a doubt, FLOGGING MOLLY! I've seen them over 60 times since 2000. They transport me into another world when they play. So much energy and spirit - their signatures are the ones on my guitar! They have their own Salty Dog Cruise every year, and I've met dozens of new friends from it. An authentic band who brings some of the best people I've ever met together at their shows.

Least favorite concert?
A few months back I went to see Chris Conley from Saves the Day perform an acoustic set. I was crushed that he dropped off the tour that night. Thankfully, Dan Andriano from Alkaline Trio performed an amazing set. I was super upset at first since Chris didn't show, but Dan's song "From This Oil Can" resonated with me so clearly... he saved the day for me (see what I did there?!) But I was still super bummed... I was planning on studying how Chris played his songs on the acoustic, and was totally let down.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh is everything to me, and my best memories involve music. Club Laga, seeing Lagwagon, Catch 22, Jonah Matranga, Boy Sets Fire... I even saw Flogging Molly play there before. Warped Tour when it was still at IC Light Amphitheater, then moved to Post-Gazette Pavilion... but more importantly, the independent music scene that has been such a remarkable haven for me. Here I am, a new singer-songwriter, and I have not had one bad encounter from anyone during an open mic or show in Pittsburgh in the past year I've been playing. Nothing but positive reinforcement from even the most experienced local musicians. The new Funhouse at Mr. Smalls hosts AcoustiCafe, which is my favorite place and time to play in the city. Tons of impromptu collaboration and memorable performances. I am super proud of the female talent too - this community of encouragement and strength in numbers was palpable when performing at Ladyfest Pittsburgh. If you couldn't already tell, I'll come out and say it - I am honored and humbled to share my music in the Steel City.

Thanks, Dori. I too am constantly amazed at the incredible kinship that musicians in this city have. It is such a special thing for me to be able to experience.

Friday, August 26, 2016

HughShows Weekend Independent Music Guide August 26-28, 2016

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There are always shows happening in Pittsburgh over the weekend that are worthy of your attention and may not be widely advertised in our traditional media outlets with full page color ads. Please go out to #SupportPGHMusic!

Friday August 26, 2016