Tag Archives: show

May 7, 2013 · 2:00 pm

CHAPPO Show at 6119

6119

Last night I went to see Chappo playing at a venue that I’d never been to, 6119. The name is also the address. My friend and I finally found it by the small logo on the door. “It doesn’t look open,” she said. “This is the loading door only, it says,” I explained. So, we took a stroll around the block to the other side of the building and alas, there was the entrance (though still quite hidden).

We went up some steps and there were two guys sitting there taking money and checking ID’s. I saw there was no credit card machine, so I asked, “Is this place cash only?” They said yeah, but there was an ATM upstairs. Perfect. “Is there alcohol up there?” “Yeah,” the guy laughed. Perfect. Okay, so we had enough cash to get us upstairs and then we could get more out of the ATM.

When we went upstairs, it was pretty cool. It was a long hallway with the stage at the end. We went to the bar and tried to figure out what to get to drink. The bartender described the place as a “glorified house party,” which I liked. After our first or second drinks, I noticed the ATM had no shine to it. It wasn’t plugged in. I asked our bartender friend if it was available. “It’s broken,” she said. Well, that ended our alcohol intake. Despite that, we had a really good time. One of the people working there told us that the place hasn’t been open for quite a year yet, but it’s set to shut down shop next month. Good thing we made it just in time! Someone bought the buildings on the block and so the venue will be looking for a new home.

Chappo was better than I expected. When I listened to their album, not many of the songs stuck with me, but hearing them live made me LOVE it. I also know the drummer from about 5 years ago when he played with a different band. He said that this show was a little bit different because it wasn’t really a “rock club” and there weren’t as many people as they’d had on other legs of the tour. Regardless, he assured me they’d play with the same amount of gusto. And gusto they had. Alex Chappo passed around a huge ass dreamcatcher and encouraged us to put our dreams in it, which was really cool. He also talked about stuff like ghosts and shapeshifters, which I thought was also really cool. Surprisingly, they played their hit “Come Home” three songs in. It may have surprised me, but I like the unpredictableness of it. Towards the end of the show, he asked us to stand around in a semi-circle where we all danced and clapped along.

I heard they’re working on a new album at the moment, too.

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July 28, 2011 · 3:42 pm

LIVE: Cut Copy

Months ago when I saw in an email that Cut Copy was coming, I immediately made my arrangements to attend. Finally, they were coming! I couldn’t believe it and I had to be there. Thank goodness I was, too, because they put on a helluva show. I got a prime spot towards the front where I could see and still be relatively comfortable. The venue was filled. Everyone was excited and sweaty with anticipation.

Then the quartet of dudes entered the stage. The crowd was on point; ready and in dance mode. “Where I’m Going” from the latest album, Zonoscope, was played at the beginning of the set. I like that it was thrown into the beginning for some measure against some of the lesser known songs. They all led up to the second half of the show, which was more pleasing than pink starburst.

Dan Whitford stood there belting out songs while a fan (a literal, electric fan; not a person…haha, although I would have done it. I love you, Dan!) blew air through his luscious hair, evoking images of a cheesy 80s heart throb movie. In fact, I read an interview online from Seattle Gay News where the writer asked what the secret is to Dan’s hair. Guitarist, Tim Hoey answered saying Whitford’s actually working on his own hair line. Jokingly, Hoey added, “he basically modeled it on the bad kid from Karate Kid.”

“Lights and Music” broke out, and when it did, everyone went completely ape shit! I get chills just thinking about the seconds leading up to the first chorus. Just picture everyone in a movie theater sitting on the edge of their seat, waiting for that crucial moment you know will happen. I nodded my head along with the beat of the 5 second interval before all broke loose. The lights start blinking different neon colors, everyone is fiercely dancing and screaming while Dan Whitford is loudly singing “Lights and Music, are on my mind.” It’s definitely one of my FAVORITE concert moments.

Whitford keeps going, “Fading with the color you see in my face, cold and crystal you can’t hide ‘cuz your tears race. I’ll be waiting by in time, put your dreams away. You’re holding hope open for the one making you wait.” At this point, everyone is clapping with the beat, ready for the next chorus again. The cheering, screaming and clapping all gets louder and faster. I remember dancing fluidly as one with the crowd while smiling and laughing like a little girl the whole time. Wondrous.

After that serving of hotness, the band moved on with “Take Me Over,” another crowd pleaser. They just kept coming after that. “Out There on the Ice” and “Hearts on Fire” blew me away and left me dazed and dumbfounded. Cut Copy had us all in the palms of their hands. It was a big, sweaty dance party. All of my favorites were played. Plus, they came back out TWICE to play ONE more song. And they totally jammed out, too. If you have a chance to catch one of their shows, you better go. I mean, I would go even if they only played “Lights and Music,” it’s that awesome. I couldn’t have asked for a better set list. I came, I saw and I danced (my ass off).

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December 13, 2010 · 4:50 pm

Girl Talk at Stage AE

Pittsburgh native Greg Gillis (better known as Girl Talk) was the first to give a show at brand new Stage AE next to Heinz Field. I love everything about Girl Talk and with this being my third show, I was excited to see how all would fare in the new venue.

Click here to read the rest at Pop Damage.

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May 12, 2009 · 10:48 am

Wished for a Better Lineup

I have come up with a theory. When you (or me, her, him, whoever) go to a concert to see a band that you know and love…it’s never as great as you hoped.

But, when you go see a band that you hardly know about, they’re usually better than what you expected.

I have realized this since I started writing show reviews and such. Like when I had the opportunity to go see the band Mahjonng, I checked out their stuff on last.fm, thought it was cool, and said I’d go. And it was a fun, good show. But, if I’d been a huge fan of theirs and went to their show, it probably wouldn’t have been as impressive.

I recognized all of this after last night. For months, I looked forward to TV on the Radio’s show. MONTHS. Do you know that 1 day before the show, I realized I hadn’t gotten my tickets in the mail. Hmmm, okay, I’ll check my emails for the confirmation. Nada. I’ll check my credit card statement. NO. Nothing. My transaction on TicketWeb that I without a doubt thought went through, did not. I freaked.

I went to TicketWeb. Of course, the show is sold out. I went to StubHub.com. Nothing. I went on Craigslist. Everyone that I emailed had already sold their tickets. How could this happen?

So, yesterday when I got in the office, I emailed my friend who was supposed to be going with me. There were to be four of us total. But, there were only TWO tickets. I told her the terrible news. “That’s okay,” she wrote back. “You can have my other ticket and we’ll both just go.”

Ahh! My savior! I still felt bad all day that only the 2 of us instead of 4 were going, all of which was my fault. But, I’d been SO excited, so I tried not to think about it. At the end of the work day, my friend called. “Another friend called me and has box seats at the hockey game tonight and wants me to go! You can have both of my tickets…is that okay? Do you mind?”

Nope. Didn’t really mind much. I called the boyfriend, who by this point had to be ready to poke his eyeballs out, and asked if he wanted to go (again). He said “sure” as long as he got to see some of the hockey game before the concert.

Phew. Ok. So…after all of that…I get to the show. And I’m disappointed in TV on the Radio’s lineup. I got very excited when “Wolf Like Me” came on…that was my favorite part. “Golden Age” and most of the others were very good, too. But, I’d wanted to hear “Love Dog”. I also wanted to hear “Staring at the Sun”, which they did play, but it was their very last song. I’m glad they played it, very glad, but I was halfway out the door to beat the crowd, and I was EXHAUSTED. Therefore, I didn’t get to enjoy it as fully as I would have liked.

All in all, I am glad I got to go. I would have been kicking myself if I hadn’t, especially after all of that built up anticipation. But, there were many elements to it all that kept me from having the BEST. TIME. EVER.

Hope Coldplay’s better at the end of the month!

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April 29, 2009 · 3:38 pm

TV on the Radio

TVontheRadio

Silly me never posted about it, but I’ve been looking forward to TV on the Radio’s arrival for months!!! They’ll be here May 11th for a show at Mr. Smalls. If you haven’t gotten your tix yet, what are you waiting for?!

The show falls on a Monday, but who cares? I will gladly go out on a “school” night to see them!

Click here to get to TicketWeb and order yours…hopefully they’re not sold out!

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April 9, 2009 · 9:24 am

Ya Know, Jupiter is My Fave Planet

I just found out today, (WHY am I finding out things late?) that one of my favorite bands, Jupiter One, are coming to town on Saturday!

I am trying to remember how I discovered New York based Jupiter One a couple years ago. It’s quite hard to say, BUT I do know that once I heard a couple of their songs, I was a HUGE fan.

Two years ago, I wrote up a blog post review of some sort about them. Then I sent it to them, etc. I talked through messages via MySpace with them and when they came here for a show on my BIRTHDAY weekend, I couldn’t have been more ecstatic. Plus, I thought I was super cool since I’d been in touch with them before they even came here. I was a few steps ahead of everyone else, like Jupiter One were my treasures that not too many people knew about yet. They are very, very cool people. I felt like I was hanging out with friends I’ve known forever.

ANYWAYS, whoa…getting a little bit off track…
I am very sad to say that I’m not sure if I am going to be able to make their show Saturday at the Hard Rock, with Easter and everything. Plus, I didn’t even know about it until 20 minutes ago, and I’ve got my itinerary for the weekend pretty set. *sigh* We shall see.

Even the flyer is cool! Mr. Rogers LOVES Jup One

Even the flyer is cool! Mr. Rogers LOVES Jup One

BUT, if YOU have the chance to go…DO IT!!! It’ll be a blast, I promise!

Preview their stuff on Myspace by clicking here.

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February 11, 2009 · 11:13 am

Coming Soon: The Atomica Project

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Wade Alin and Lauren Cheatham formed The Atomica Project back in 2004, and released their debut Metropolitan in 2005. Their down-tempo beats and never before heard version of electronic music caught them some attention. Actually, it was considered to be one of the best independent albums of the year.

Last May, almost 3 years later, they returned with their follow-up, Grayscale. But, NOW they are going on a tour along the East Coast to support their newest album, First in a Series of Dramatic Events. The duo has added two additions to their lineup: keyboardist/turntablist Dean Dunakin and drummer Corey McCafferty.

You can go check ’em out next month at Your Inner Vagabond. They’ll be there on March 7th, at 7:00 pm. If you’re into Bjork and/or Portishead, you might enjoy The AP. But, if you aren’t sure, you can take a listen before-hand either on MySpace or Last.fm.

The Atomica Project Schedule:

02/26/09 Chicago, IL – Subterranean
02/27/09 Cleveland, OH – Wilburt’s Food & Music
02/28/09 New York, NY – Arlene’s Grocery
03/01/09 Buffalo, NY – Broadway Joe’s
03/02/09 Brooklyn, NY – TBA
03/03/09 Danbury, CT – Cousin Larry’s
03/04/09 Baltimore, MD – Metro Gallery
03/06/09 Boston, MA – PA’s Lounge
03/07/09 Pittsburgh, PA – Your Inner Vagabond

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February 5, 2009 · 3:46 pm

Speaking of folk music…

Somehow I forgot to mention another great act that’s coming to town…on Monday, actually!

Matt Jones, from Michigan, has a new debut solo album that’s going to be released on the 7th. But I will tell you, I’ve heard it, and it’s good stuff. The Black Path is a good cd to have on while you’re cozied up on the couch reading a book. My favorite tracks are “Threadlines” and “Holy Light”, though all 11 songs are beautiful; melancholic, but captivating.

On Monday, the 9th, he’ll be performing right here in the Burgh. Guess where? Morning Glory Coffeehouse!!! So, check out Matt on last.fm (where, again, I’ve posted the show under his profile)…and then go see him in person. THEN, in another week and a half, you can go again to see The Accident That Led Me To The World!!!

Oh yeah, you can go check him out on MySpace, as well. (Of course!)

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February 3, 2009 · 8:07 pm

It Wasn’t an Accident

Cover from self-titled debut album
Cover from self-titled debut album

“Will disappear into the horizon in the blink of an eye, leaving your panoramic ocean view fathomless and without object.” That is the last sentence in the description on last.fm for The Accident That Led Me To The World. That one sentence sums up their entire persona.

Sometimes we need to be reminded that being a musician takes more than being able to pick out cool beats and mix ’em all up. Mark Mandeville, Raianne Richards, and Zack Ciras can show you all about being musicians. Just listening to their melodies forces you (in a good way) to remember and appreciate the skills necessary in making music.

It’s impossible to get bored by their sounds because of how many instruments they play. They’ve got guitars, bass, a banjo, and clarinet. Not to mention their voices themselves.

They’re a folk music trio from Massachutsetts, and they’re coming this way! They’ll be here in Pittsburgh on Wednesday, February 18th, playing at the Morning Glory Coffeehouse. (I’ve added the event onto their page on last.fm that you can find here.)

If you love listening to music in a relaxed, intellectual setting with like-minded people, you should definitely come to the show. Even if you don’t go to relaxed settings to listen to ‘quieter’ music often, you should still come to this show. It’s a Wednesday people, save your fist-pumping drum-blaring jams for the weekend! (ha!) Show these guys how awesome Pittsburgh is!

Cover from newest album "The Island Gospel"
Cover from newest album “The Island Gospel”

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December 2, 2008 · 4:44 pm

That’s What I’m Talkin’ About

dsc008391A few weeks ago, I went (finally!) to see Greg Gillis aka Girl Talk. It was at a venue called Gravity that I’d never been to, but when I walked in you could feel the electric charge throughout the place.

There were opening acts, of course, and I admit to getting the chills when one of them yelled out, “Next we have yet another act that isn’t mother-fucking Girl Talk, but he’ll be on soon!” The whole crowd went crazy!

When Gillis did take the stage there was a huge line formed of people waiting to jump onto the stage with him. My friend, just hopped on over the “cord line” that was separating the stage area from the fans and ran onto the stage with some others. Me, on the other hand, weren’t quite as quick and ready as she. By the time I was going to do it, I was of course being watched.

So, after security let so many people on the stage, they held us back and said after 2 songs they’d let more through. In this process, I tried to weasel my way up there by being honest and nice (note: It doesn’t work). I told them my friend was up there by herself, could they just let me through?! Nope. Nada. Not even a touch of sympathy.

Instead, I had some young teenage girl all up in my grill. She was completely rude for no reason and I explained that I was just trying to move up closer so I could get to my friend soon. “Um…no…you’re not,” she huffs. “Excuse me?” “No, these are ALL of my friends right here.”

Ooooooooooookay. I left it alone knowing that she didn’t know what the hell she was talking about. And this was definitely not a time or place for attitude. So, while waiting I befriended another girl that noticed the bitchy too young to know girl and said, “Ugh, some people just don’t understand that it’s all about the music…not them.”

HALLELUJAH!!!!! Damn right!!! I was happy to finally be next to someone like-minded. While we stood there, another person suggested we break through the “corded line” of security and just all rush through onto the stage. Almost happened…but none of us took that extra step to make it happen.

Soon, I saw my friend (who by this time must have been bored of dancing by herself) start to climb off the stage. So, I made my way back through the mob of people waiting. By the way, they definitely didn’t let more people on after 2 songs. BUT, anyways, I met back up with my friend and we went to get a much needed beer…where no snotty teenaged girls would be, either.

The show was awesome. I had a BLAST!!! The whole scene was just nuts.

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